CORNELC UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell University Library F 472.R15W19 History of Randolph County, "'f so"''' ' 3 1924 009 546 767 .i»....i Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924009546767 M^ (X^iy^^ ^ Ux HISTORY OF Randolph County MISSOURI ALEXANDER H. WALLER ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, TOPBKA CLEVELAND A 1920' ( :,-:'r , , "^ ^ ^'//, .nv^^- • .: PREFACE History is a record of human events, the personal element ever being present. Men perform their allotted work upon this earth and then depart. Others follow to take up the work left unfinished by those who have pre- ceded them. It was ordained by an omnipotent and omniscient Providence that it should be the task of His creatures here below to go forth into, subdue, and people the waste places of the earth, the forests, and the plains; to change the wide spaces of land into fertile areas so as to pro- vide sustenance for mankind. The vanguard were the pioneers, men and women, accustomed to simple methods of living, inured to hardships, bred to a life which required that they wrest a livelihood from the soil, and imbued with the spirit of generations of pioneers. They accomplished their self-imposed task and subdued the lands of what is now known as Randolph county. They paved the pathway for others who followed to resume the task of making a happy and prosperous community. Their work was well and faithfully done and this volume of Randglph county history might fittingly be dedicated to the memory of those brave men and women. Lest we forget, lest the children of today and of the tomorrows know not the deeds of their progenitors, this history has been written and pub- lished — affording an authentic and readable record for all time to come, the story of the settlement and upbuilding of Randolph county. History has been and is now being made. The great task of founding and creating an important sub-division of the great commonwealth pf Missouri has been accomplished. The future will bring forth still greater development. That this is possible is due to the bravery and hardihood of that noble race who have preceded the present generation and who lie sleeping peacefully beneath the sod they loved so well. The following pages present a history of Randolph co'unty, based upon personal narratives, research, compilation, and official records. Inasmuch as history in the aggregate is a record of the composite achievements of all the people in a community during a course of many years, it is neces- sary to present much personal history in a work of this kind. True history is based upon personal achievement. True history, then, in its wider sense is but biography. The biographical department of this history of Randolph county, therefore, is important, as presenting a record of the leading families of Randolph county and recording the personal achievements of the men and women who have made Randolph county what it is today. In the publishing of this important department which is destined for the enlightenment of the present and future generations as to the best information available, concerning their forbears, and no effort has been spared to insure accuracy without exaggeration. In the preparation of this work it has been the aim of the writer to present the salient facts and the important events bearing upon the story of the settlement and early development of the county. Many events, of a seemingly remote character, had an influence in shaping the destiny and moulding the future of Randolph county, and it is hoped that the present and future generations may derive some benefit from the effort that has been put forth here in the way of a modest contribution to the annals of this splendid county. ALEXANDER H. WALLER. Moberly, Mo., August 1, 192(?. INDEX ^dams, Carson L. 755 Adams, Samuel B. 751 Adams, Simon F. 525 Agee, W. E. 444 Alexander, John D. 689 Alexander, John W. 487 Allen, John P. 678 Allen, R. M. 283 Arllne, A. A. 797 Asbell, Alguin S. 600 Ash, I>avid P. 652 Ash, Ottis O. 225 Ashcom, Benjamin H. 581 Bagby, James H. 514 Bagby, Thomas J. 699 Bailey, Harry P. 530 Baird, Edward T. 310 Baird, William H. 778 Baker, David F., Jr 825 Balzar, J. W. 410 Bank of Moberly 255 Barclay, Christopher C. 826 Barlow, Alfred 780 Barr, Warren L. 704 Bassett, Church A. 771 Bassett, Homer 509 Bassett, Robert H. 507 Baugh, Willis 324 Bazan, L. A. 305 Bazan, Theodore B. 306 Bell Brothers 342 Bennett, Charles B. 396 Bennett, _George 690 Bennett, James 690 Benton, David S. 566 Benton, John H. 810 Bierman, Morris 321 Blake, Charles D. 765 Bledsoe, John A. 464 Blood, E. O. 389 Blood, G. N. 389 Bobbitt, William A 692 Boland, John M. 833 Boney, A. T. 377 Boney, James T. 375 Boucher, Orion V. 769 Bowers, Jacob S. 322 Bowers, William S'. 323 Braddick, G. F. 631 Bradley, Dudley T. 576 Bradley, Joseph W. 834 Bragg, General Grant 586 ■Brawley, William R. 842 Brooks, James R. 666 Brooks, Obediah 812 Brown, Charles C. 597 Brown, S. B. 669 Buchanan, Walter C. 337 Bundridge, J. W. 234 Bundridge, V. E. 235 Burckhartt, G. Dorsey 743 Burckhartt, George H. 744 Burke, Edmund 568 Burke, M. W. 750 Burkhalter, Charles F. 483 Burkley, Andrew J. 531 Burklund, Leslie G. 302 Burton, Ambrose C. ?>09 Burton, Asa T. 789 Burton, Henry t)84 Burton, Henry M. 659 Burton, Medley 498 Busch, Theodore Fred 312 Butler, W. R. 327 Bye, George E. 667 Byrd, William F. 767 Cairo, Bank of -_J 378 Campbell, John R. 715 Campbell, Richard R. j__ 687 Campbell, Winfleld S. 624 Camplin.Robert T. 548 Caplinger, Thomas A. 338 Capp, A. A. 307 Carney, P. J. 376 Carr'ell, Richmond R. 811 Carter, Joseph C. ^i>5 Carter, Joseph F. 580 Carter, M. A. 653 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. Cuter, Richard I.., Jr 823 Carter, Richard L., Sr 638 Caulkins, JI. E. 668 Cavanaugh, Henry B. 620 Cave, Willard P. 226 Cliamier, Arthur B. 453 Chapman, William T. 672 Chilton, Z. T. I 501 Christ, Charles P. 722 Christian, William Paul 757 Clapp, Chambers B. 275 Cleveland, Charles B. 648 Clifford, William C. 384 Clifton Hill Banliing Company 590 Clifton, William D. 599 Coates, John H. 319 Cogley, Edward G. ^ 636 Cottingham, James H. 533 Cottingham, Guy 509 Cottingham, Lane 736 Cowan, Mercer B. , 758 Cox, William G. 398 Creson, S. W. 281 crews, John B. 802 Crews, Joseph S. 804 Crisler, Charles E. 406 Cromwell, William O. 680 Crose, Homer 358 Grose, L. M. J___ 617 ('rose, 11. K. 356 Crose. S. P, 356 Cross, .James Tliomas ^ 200 Crumrine, Amos L. 806 Cubbage, Henry B. 741 Cuppaidj-'e, (lodfrc^v O. 474 Dameron, S. M. 42.". Dameron, William L. .5.5!) Dameron, William T. 5.5.'! Daniels, Charles H.' ,S4.-| Darby, John L. , 649 Darby. William F. 528 Davis, (ieor.w :\1. 848 l>avis, WilHam It. 505 Dawkins Biotliers 442 Dawkins, William C. 731 Dawson, Samuel P. 827 Day, Winfred E, 750 Denny, David 11. "_ 774 Deskin, E. G. 633 Dpskin. George C. 646 Dessert, William P. 492 Dixon, Charles H. 462 Dixon, IJobert R. 647 .Dodson, Charles L. 290 Dodson, Thomas B. 679 Doyle, Joseph A. 571 Duffy, William E. 411 Dulany, James G. 557 Dumont, John N. 760 Dunn, Julius tii} Dunivent, Wade H. 421 Dutton, Charles K. 473 Eckard, William H. 805 Eddings, George P. 316 Edwards, Cyrus L. 579 Edwards, Roy W. 239 Edwards, William D. 499 Egly, William 494 Elliott, Alonzo H. 655 Elliott, Asher W. 655 Elsea, Felix G. 713 Embree, C. B. 400 Emerson, William Henry 328 Engle, Henry T. B73 Enslen, James C. 320 Epperly, Joshua T. 793 Epperson, William D. 766 Eppiug, Frank J. 415 I'lsry. William A. 592 Eslill, Frank Hartley 265 lOubauk, .Tames R. 429 Eubank, P. B. 430 Eubanks, Harvey C. 736 Evans, William Ai. 573 Kaessler, .John W. 4.54 I'"aessler, Louis E. 46S Farmers and Jleclianic's Bank 2.34 Fennel, William, Sr. 280 Fergu.son, Audrew J. .582 Fifer, Harry M. 535 Pifer, Walter D. 684 Finn, John W, 783 1^'iorita, T. li. 291 I<^eming, Jacob ('. 2S0 Fleming, Thomas S. 247 Fonioy. Prank B. 287 Foi'ney, I. B. 245 Forster, Ed M. 549 Port, Otto H. 313 Fountain. Otis , 540 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. Fowler, James A. 332 Fowler, Otto S. jsOS Frampton, David A. 711 Fray, Oswald S. u46 Freeman, John 839 Freeman, Timothy 813 Freysleben, Gustave 308 Fullington, Charles P. i 630 Galbreath, Lee 309 Galbreath, Ray 326 GilfiUin, Harry B. 1 ■±63 Gipson, George E. 625 Gladney, AH)ert C. 650 Goddai-d, John M. 830 Goodding, William W. 379 Gould, Robin 840 Gowan, George 839 Graves, J. Will 595 Greasa, Charles E. 643 Grimes, H. A. 299 Gross, George W. ol5 Grotjan, J. A. 661 Gutekunst, Emil 273 Hackley, J. S. 706 Haden, Tucker G. 378 Haines, Evan 564 Haley, S. L. 433 Hall, J. Ereckson 651 Halliburton, Callie 575 Halliburton, George D. 504 Halliburton, Orley 692 Halloran, Patrick 458 Halterman, Cyrus 520 Halterman, J. A W. '__- 686 Hamilton, John N. 232 Hamilton, Ira S. 513 Hamilton, Stephen G. 537 Hammett, Aubrey R. 331 Hammett, Clarence J. 621 Hammett, Francis JM. 613 Hammett, Jim L. 742 Hammett, John H. 613 Harbaugh, James E. 761 Hardin, John H. 510 Hare, David S. !" 489 Harlan, Ira F. 314 Harlan, Lee Smith ^ 588 Harmon, Henry 849 Harris, C. J. Lumber Company 368 Harvey, Frank B. 333 Hatton, O. F. 623 Haworth, Harry H. 734 Haworth, Nathaniel F. 732 Haynes, Carl 781 Haynes, Finis Ewing 790 Haynes, Sidney H. 749 Haynes, William J. 846 Heddinghaus Frank B. 445 Hedges, James S'., Jr 654 Heifner, Joseph F. 601 Heifner, John Pressley 822 Heifner, V. 536 • Hellensmith, • William 330 Henderson, William F. 661 Hepple, George 705 Hestler, August 658 Hickerson, E. R. 277 Hines, Abraham S. 392 Hines, Hollie P. 524 Hinton, Newton E. ^^_ 782 Holbrook, B. C. 456 Holbrook, Solomon M. 329 Holloway, John H. 363 Holman, H. Prank 264 Holmau, Jim W. i92 Holman, Neal 817 Holman, William 561 Holtsinger, F. M. 417 Hon, Charles C. 316 Honey, James H. 831 Horner, James S. 386 Hubbard, Frank T. 560 Hubbard, James B. 526 Hulen, C. M. j___ 271 Hulen, George L. 529 Hulen, Sterling Price 532 Hunker, Albert J. 693 Hunter, Silas Oak 459 Huntsman, Josiah 683 Hurt, Eugene H. 700 Hurt, Everett E. 598 Hutsell, James D. 359 Hutsell, Jerry C. 370 Hutsell, John W. 850 Hutsell, W. W. 346 Irons, Thomas 408 Irons, Williiim A. 632 Jackson, George H. 565 Jackson, I. B. 585 Jackson, John A. 682 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. Jaeger, Gustav H. 360 Jahnel, Peter 670 Jefferies, Jerry M. 235 Jennings, J. B. 228 Jolinson, George L. 443 Johnston, Norman C. 569 Johnston, Mrs. R. M. 403 Jones, A. W. 301 Jones, W. B. 341 Jones, William F. 515 Jones, Winfleld S. 424 'jordan, William S. 656 Keeley, R. F. 847 Kehoe, James L. 460 Kehoe, Martin J. 457 Keiter, Ed Y. 467 Kelliher, Daniel T. 339 Kellock, Thomas 413 Kelly, Leonai-d W. 539 Kelly, William S. 660, Kiernan, Robert B. 550 Kingsbury Robert 364 Klein, Ivouis 803 Kynaston, John F. 344 Ijamb, Hugh 702 Land, Hiram 497 Landram, W. L. 393 Larson, Charles L. 756 Lawrence, Marvin R. 772 Lay, George William 611 T.ea, A. G. 435 Lea, Elbert D. 591 Leonard, Edward B. 383 Levy, Ben 796 Levy, Henry 796 Lilly, Major J. 231 Littrell, James H. 506 Ldttrell, Watts ^__ 521 Lockridge, William D. 694 Lotter, Herman J. 447 Lowry, John A. 821 Lynch, Bernard B. 843 Lynch, John E. 253 JlcAdam, C. A. 372 McAfee, Prank C. 286 McCandless, Alexander - 401 JlcCormick, Frank Leslie 361 McCoy, Alexander B. 348 McCoy, Hartley A. 208 McCune, John W. 815 McDonald, Patrick 47& McDonald, Swan T. 77& McGinnis, Thomas 441 MIeKinney, J. Logan 677 McKinney, H. (Coon) 675 McKinney, H. S. "Harry" 472 McKinney, Herbert J. 677 McKinney, J. F. 391 McKinney, Madison 480 McKinney, May B. 674 McLean, W. H. 725 Magruder, Samuel A. 307 Mah;in, Albert K. 252 Mahan, E. Bell 251 Malone, Homau H. 437 Maloue, Lute A. 664 Maugus, William F. 324 Manning, Charles A. 512 Marshall, ByM ulO Marshall, Claude D. 794 Marshall, James W. 479 Marshall, Melvin-N. 283 .Marshall, Milton M. 350 Marshall, Wiley D. i>ll Malrtin, Forrest 243 Martin, Joseph Davis 261 Martin, John R. 259 Martin, Omar 260 Martin, Samuel 355 -Maslen, William F. 756 Mason, William Y. 746 Mast, Phillip 710 Mathews, Huston 311 Mathias, Nicholas 639 Mayo, James P. 608 Mayo, Porter 593 Meals, Marvin 325 Meals, Orville 488 Meals, William J. 334 Mechanic Savings Bank 227 Melton, John A. 476 Menke, Perry D. 385 Merck, August 295 Merrill, Rufus E. 835 Meyers, F. H. stl Michaels, S. A. 635- Mikel, Charles W. 663 Milam, Ed L. 425 Milam, John C. 427 Miles, William N. 753 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. Miller, Clyde 272 Miller, Thomas W. 428 Miller, William J. 493 Mitchell, Ralph 507 Mitchell, Koss A. 487 Mize, John V. 718 Moberly Wholesale Uroi-cry Com- pany 282 Moeller, Otto L. 828 Moore, William F. 792 Morris, (Jeorge W. 662 Morris. John .J. 695 Morri.ssy. Calvin T. 4.34 Morrison, Eldridse >S. 380 Motley, .J. E. 730 Momice, A. .M. 230 Mounee, Alexander M., .Tr 229 Murphy, Mark 484 Murphy. Patrick .1. 416 Muruiu, John J. 762 Murry, Marion 773 Musick, William E. 627 Xeal, Matthew H. .522 Nebergali, Charles C. 477 Xebergall, .John H. 240 Nelson, Clement H. 640 Nice, Hamp M. 351 Nice, O. R. 344 Nichols. George M. 500 Nichols, Roy 716 Noell, .John R. 671 Noland, Moss R. 735 Nugent, Robert A. 844 O'Brian, James R. 297 O'Bryan, Owen Redick 256 O'Conner, James T. 798 O'Keefe, Arthur 703 O'Keefe, John C. z88 O'Keefe, Joseph F. 290 O'Keefe, William P. 289 0'Lear.y, John 726 Ornburn, Benjamin P. 527 Ornburn, OUie 837 Ostman, George J. 841 Owen, James H. 851 Owen, Henry W. 723 Owen, Willard 490 Owings, Willard A. 538 Packwood, Price 764 Palmer, Elliott 799 Palmer, Shackel 728 Payton, Oscar W. 422 Peebles, James A. 414 Perry, George O. ^ 461 Phillips, DufC G. 719 Phipps, Samuel B. 578 Pigott, R. F. 347 Pitts, John A. 545 Powell, Charles J. 518 Powell, Ishami . 552 Itagau, Stephen T. 291 Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company 405 Ragsdale, Earl 406 liagsdale, Edward W. (77 Randolph County Trust Company 315 Ratliff, George N. ■ 448 Ratliff, Irven 629 Rector, Joel L. 739 Reed, John H. «04 Reeil, AY. T. 436 Rennolds, George R. 481 Rentchler, Chester L. 724 l£ice, John D. 838 Richardson, Charles H. 366 Richeson, Joseph G. 791 Richmond, Aubert B. 626 Rief-'el, Jerome A. 410 Riegel, Val 409 Robb, .John Price 696 Robb, Leslie 698 Roberts, James G. . 376 Roberts, John Henry 374 Robertson, William 820 Robertson, Waller W. 523 Robinson, John F. 816 Rohloff, William F. 276 Romans, Merritt A. 263 Rother, Anthony J. 388 Rowland, Marvin 832 Rubey, A. B. 284 Rucker Brotliers 450 Rucker, Robert M. 269 Rupp, E. G. 294 Rutherford, Hayden L. 555 Ryan, H. Edwin 340 Sandisou, Charles D. 572 Sandison, Jack M. 249 Sandison, James 248 Sandison, W. H. 551 Sandison, William 249 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. Sanfoi-d, J. E. 270 Scampton, William D. 285 Sehmldt, I. J. 70S Sears, James T. 606 Sears, Madison L. 747 Shearer, Bert 319 Shiflett, Walter J. 642 Sliipp, Charous M. 665 Short, Edward C. 317 Short, Patrick J. 317 Short, William J. 318 Shumate, Clay A. 491 Sibbitt, A. C. 397 Sibbitt, Glenn A. 597 Sipple Brothers 439 Skinner, John C. 712 Skinner, Gather A. 775 Smith, Garfield A. 304 Smith, George A. 768 Smith, William C. 587 Snow, O. B. b29 Sours, Pousie L. 738 Sours, George H. 465 Sours, John S. 493 Spragg, Robert W. 644 Spurting, Walter E. 517 Staebler, George 71T Stamm, W. J. 1 352 Stamper, F. M. 779 Stark, John B. 637 S'tautermann, Peter 432 Stephens, Temple 354 Sternitzke, John Albert 407 Stevenson, S. 0. 278 Stinnett, J. P. 390 Stockton, Joseph G. 541 Street, Frank 542 Sutliff, Enoch P. 558 Sutliff and Jennings 369 Summers, James H. 610 Summers, Lewis A. 607 Swetnam, J. H. 543 Swetnam, Jim W. 622 Taylor, John N. 720 Tedford, May J. 293 Terrill, Henry E. 262 Terrill, E. G. 382 Terry, Alfred ^- 618 Thackston, John W. 419 Thiemann, A. 786 Thornburg, George ^ 544 Towles, William K., Jr. 395 Towles, William K., Sr 304 Towles, Stokley P. 469 Truesdell, James 814 Truesdell, John C. ^ 400 Tuggle, Irvin U 707 Turner, David 602 Tui-ner, Virgil 365 Vandergrift, William P. 807 Vasse, Percy L. 570 Walker, Nathan E. 819 Waller, Alexander H. 450 Walton, Thomas H. 478 Webb, John M. ._, d91 Weber, Anthony J. 616 Weis, Phares IC 245 Wegs, Fi-ank B. 274 Westfall, Allen C. 657 Wheeler, Andy H. 740 Wheeler, Joseph H. 496 White, Allen C. 303 White, Benjamin E. 336 Whittaker, Thomas B. 801 Wiggington, William F. 733 Wight, James F. R. 241 Wight, James William 237 Wight, James Winter 236 Wiley, John W. 519 Wilhite, Chester S. 353 Williams, James S. 727 Willott, August M. 362 Willott, Ed A. 787 Winans, Francis E. 788 Winn, James W. '. 485 Wirt, J. E. 534 Witten, Paul S. 300 Wright, George P. 619 Wright, Sam W. 612 Yoder and Yoder 268 History of Randolph County CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY. EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES — THE NORTHMEN — CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS — SPANISH, FRENCH AND ENGLISH EXPLORERS— ST. AUGUSTINE. THE OLDEST TOWN IN THE UNITED STATES?— SANTA FB— RESULT OF EARLY EXPLORATIONS 65-69 CHAPTER II INDIANS. SOLITUDE OF THE WILDERNESS — CHARACTERISTICS — MODE OF LIVING — FORM OF GOVERNMENT — RELIGION — ENDURANCE TESTS — TORTURE OF CAPTIVES — A CRUEL ENEMY, BUT STEADFAST FRIEND — WHAT HE TAUGHT THE WHITE MAN — ALLIANCES WITH EUROPEAN NATIONS — INDIAN WARS— _i 70-73 CHAPTER III EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. FIRST ENGLISH COLONY — SETTLEMENT OF MANHATTAN — THE MAYFLOWER — PLYMOUTH COLONY^LORD BALTIMORE — RELIGION — PENN — LAWS — CHAM- PLAIN THE JESUITS — FRENCH AND ENGLISH ENMITY— FRENCH AND INDIAJvT WARS— FALL OF QUEBEC — TREATY OF PARIS — LOUISIANA TERRITORY — DANIEL BOONE 74-84 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV LOUISIANA PURCHASE. SCOPE OF LOUISIANA TERRITORY— NECESSITY OF AN OCEAN PORT— JEFFERSON'S NEGOTIATIONS — LIVINGSTON AND MONROE TO PARIS — PURCHASED FROM NAPOLEON — TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES DOUBLED — ORGANIZATION OF TERRITORY^ — COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS — POPULATION— TERRITORIAL LEG- ISLATURE 85-92 CHAPTER V ADMISSION AND ORGANIZATION OF STATE. TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE CONVENED — "MISSOURI QUESTION" — STATE AD- MITTED UNDER CONDITIONS — COUNTIES— STATE CONSTITUTION — FIRST GOV- ERNOR—GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTED- GOVERNORS OF MISSOURI — ^UNITBI> STATES SENATORS FROM MISSOURI — REPRESENTATIVES PROM RANDOLPH COUNTY 93-101 CHAPTER VI EARLY CONDITIONS. BOONSLICK COUNTY WITHIN RBSER-\^ATION OF SAC AND FOX INDIANS— INDIAN CLAIMS EXTINGUISHED— COMING OF SETTLERS— FIRST SETTLEMENTS— IM- MIGRATION— PIONEER FARMING — THE "RAZORBACK"— INDIAN MENACE- BLACK HAWK WAR— SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS 102-106 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN THE BOONSLICK COUNTRY. DANIEL BOONE'S FIRST EXPEDITION HERE— HE DISCOVERS A SALT SPRING BENJAMIN COOPER AND FAMILY SETTLE HERE — AN ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY — FIRST PERMANENT SETTLEMENT — A COLONY OF KBNTUCKIANS COMB — ROADS— FIRST SETTLERS IN BOONSLICK COUNTRY 107-109 CHAPTER VIII CHARACTERISTICS AND CUSTOMS OF PIONEERS. SELF-RELIANT AND BRAVE — FREE FROM PRIDE AND VANITY — GOOD WILL BE- TWEEN NEIGHBORS — MANY WELL-TO-DO — SLAVE OWNERS — PRODUCTS — FIRST HOMES- COOKING — GAME IN ABUNDANCE— THE PIONEER FAMILY- SUPPLIED THEIR OWN WANTS 110-114 CHAPTER IX PIONEER SETTLERS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP SETTLED FIRST— WILLIAM HOLMAN FIRST SETTLER— SETTLERS MOSTLY FROM THE SOUTH — DR. FORT FIRST PHYSICIAN — EARLY SETTLERS— ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS— PIONEERS WERE OF HIGH TYPE— OTHER EARLY SETTLERS 11.5-120 CONTENTS. CHAPTER X ORGANIZATION OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ORGANIZED IN 1829— NAMED IN HONOR OP JOHN RANDOLPH OF ROANOKE— FIRST COUNTY COURT— COUNTY DIVIDED INTO FOUR TOWNSHIPS— OFFICERS AP- POINTED-SECOND SPECIAL TERM— COUNTY FINANCES— FIRST BRIDGES — COUNTY RECORDS— FIRST CIRCUIT COURT — FIRST GRAND JURY — ATTOR- NEYS-SECOND GRAND JURY 121-127 CHAPTER XI EARLY WARS. BEFORE WAR OF 1812 — INDIANS IN WAR OF 1812 — FORTS CONSTRUCTED IN BOONS- LICK COUNTRY — INDIAN WARFARE — SETTLERS KILLED BY INDIANS — CAP- TAIN COOPER ASSASSINATED — CAPTAIN SARSHALL COOPER'S COMPANY — MEXICAN W^AR— COMPANY ORGANIZED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY — CIVIL WAR 128-134 CHAPTER XII PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL RESOURCES. LOCATION— AREA — GRAND DIVIDE — Rn'ERS, CREEKS AND STREAMS — TIMBER — COAL — TOPOGRAPHY— SOILS 135-1S7 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. FOUR ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS — LATER TOWNSHIPS— ORIGIN OF COUNTY SYSTEM — BEGINNING OF TOWNSHIP SYSTEM — EARLY METHODS OF TAKING UP GOV- ERNMENT LAND — PRESENT SYSTEM OP LAND SURVEYS— CONGRESSIONAL TOWNSHIP — MARKINGS 138-145 I CHAPTER XIV TOWNSHIPS. CAIRO TOWNSHIP— CAIRO VILLAGE — CLIFTON TOWNSHIP — CLIFTON HILL — CHAR- 'JTON TOWNSHIP — DARKSVILLE 146-154 CHAPTER XV TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. JACKSON TOWNSHIP — JACKSONVILLE — MONITEAU TOWNSHIP— HIGBBE— PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP— RENICK— SALT RIVER TOWNSHIP— UNION TOWNSHIP— MILTON- SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP^MT. AIRY— -SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP 155-168 CONTEKTS. CHAPTER XVI TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. MOBERLY. ■"CHARTER GRANTED TO RAILROAD— PLAN TO INDUCE SETTLERS TO COME HERE- PATRICK LYNCH FIRST SETTLER — REVIVED AFTER CIVIL WAR — RAILROAD ACTIVITY — TOWN PLATTED — SALE OF LOTS — HOTEL BUILT — OTHER BUILD- INGS— EA.RLY MERCHANTS— PANIC— FIRST TRUSTEES— NEGOTIATIONS WITH RAILROAD COMPANY TO LOCATE SHOPS HERE — LAND DONATED — BONDS A^OTED— TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST ELECTION— CITY OFFICERS— PUBLIC SCHOOLS — PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS — LIBRARY — CONTRACT WITH RAILROAD COMPANY — BOND— FROM MOBERLY'S FIRST NEWSPAPER 169-191 CHAPTER XVII TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. HUNTSVILLE AND SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. :SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. HUNTSVILLE: LOCATION OF COUNTY SEAT- NAMED AFTER DANIEL ITQNT, ONE OF THE DONORS — OTHER DONORS— FIRST SALE OF LOTS — PIONEER BUSINESSMEN — EXTRACT FROM MISSOURI GAZETTE — FIRST LODGES — FIRST CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL— OPERA HOUSE — TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST MAYOR— PUBLIC SCHOOL — CITY AND SCHOOL OFFI- CBRS— TEACHERS— MT. PLEASANT COLLEGE — OFFICERS — FIRST FAIR — LIBRARY— FIRST COURT HOUSE— SECOND COURT HOUSE 193-203 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVIII MEDICAL PROFESSION. DR. WILLIAM FORT, FIRST DOCTOR — EARLY CONDITIONS— EARLY DOCTORS — PHYSICIANS FROM 1865 TO 1890 — DOCTOR XBRRILL — DOCTOR VASSE — EARLY DOCTORS AT HIGBEE, RENICK, CLIFTON HILL, CAIRO AND OTHER LOCALI- TIES — EARLY DOCTORS AT MOBERLY — PRESENT PHYSICIANS OF THE COUNTY 204-206 CHAPTER XIX BENCH AND BAR OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT ESTABLISHED — JUDGE TODD PRESIDED OVER FIRST CIRCUIT COURT— FIRST LAWYERS IN ATTENDANCE— JUDGES THOMAS REY- NOLDS, JOHN D. LBLAND, WILLIAM A. HALL, GEORGE H. BURCKHARTT, JOHN A. HOCKADAY, ALEXANDER H. WALLER AND ALLAN W. WALKER— EARLY- LAWYERS — LATER MEMBERS OF THE BAR— PRESENT-DAY LAWYERS- 207-212 CHAPTER XX EARLY CHURCHES. FIRST CHURCH ORGANIZED IN 1819 — OTHER EARLY ORGANIZATIONS — PRIMITIVE AND MISSIONARY BAPTISTS — MT. PLEASANT COLLEGE BUILT — PROVIDENCE METHODIST CHURCH — ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH — SALEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH— SUGAR CREEK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — MT. HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 213-214 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI TRANSPORTATION. STEAMBOAT TO HANNIBAL AND GLASGOW — SUPPLIES HAULED OVERLAND — NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD IN 1858— RAILROAD BUILDING SUSPENDED DURING CIVIL WAR— CHICAGO & ALTON BUILT IN 1871 — "WABASH RAILROAD AND ITS BRANCHES — THE MISSOURI. KANSAS & TEXAS — RAILROAD PROSPECTS IN CONTEMPLATION 215-217 CHAPTER XXII MISCELLANEOUS. THE "RAZORBACK" — FROM THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LIBERTY NOBLE — INDIAN SCARE OF lS2fl 218-224 CHAPTER XXIII BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS Ash, Ottis (). 225 lUeClsoe, Jolin A. ami fiimily 4U4 Bledsoe's Residence, John A 405 Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley T 570 Burke, Edmund 568 Burton, Henry 584 Busch, Theodore F. 312 Carney, P. J. 376 Clifford. William C. 384 Coal Mine, Higbee 160 Court House, Pluntsville 65 Cross, j; T. ^ 296 Darby, William F., and family 528 Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. Julius 440 Early Day Transportation 90 Emerson, William H. 328 Esry, William August 592 Fennel, William, S'r. 280 Halliburton, George D. 504 Haltei'man, Jlr. and Mrs. Cyrus 520 Hamilton, John X. 232 Harris, C. J. Lumber Company o6S Heifner, V. 536 High School, Moberly 128 Hines, Abraham S., and family 392 Holbrook, B. C. 456 Holman, H. Frank 264 Hubbard, John W. 560 Irons, Thomas 408 Irons, William A. 632 Jaeger, G. H. 360 Jones, Winfield Scott 424 Kynaston, John F. 344 JIcKinney, II, S. "Harry" and family 472 McKinuey, "Jlat" 480 Mayo, James P. 008 Manning, John W. 512 Manning, Mrs. Martha I. 512 Meals, Itesidence of (.)rville 488 Miller, Clyde 272 Murphy, P. J. ^lO Xeber.eall, John X. 240 O'Bryan, Owen Redick 256 O'Keefe, John C. 288 Pioneer Home 65 Pioneer Motor Power 80 Postoffiee, Moberly 65 Powell, Isham and grandson 552 Public Library, Huntsville 192 Public School, Higbee 160 Public School, Huntsville 192 Katliff, George X. 448 Sanitarium, Randolph County 80 Sandison, James 248 •Smith, G. A. 304 Stamm, William, Jr. 352 Stamm, Jlr. and Mrs, William J 352 'Street Scene, Moberly 176 Stautermann, Peter 432 Thornburg, George 544 Truesdell, John C. 400 Waller, Alex. H Frontispiece AVeber, A. J. ■ ei6 AVheeler, Residence of Joseph H. 496 White, B. R. 336 W(X)dland Hospital 128 RANDOLPH COUNTY COURTHOUSE, HUNTSVILLE. MO. UNITED STATES POSTOFFICE, MOBERLY, MO. History of Randolph County CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY. EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES — THE NORTHMEN — CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS — SPANISH, FRENCH AND ENGLISH EXPLORERS — ST. AUGUSTINE, THE OLDEST TOWN IN THE UNITED STATES— SANTA FE— RESULT OF EARLY EXPLORATIONS. This work will be essentially a history of Randolph County. But the history of no state, nor part of a state, of this Union would be com- plete if all earlier historic events are omitted. The first European visitors to North America were Northmen about Ihe year 1000 A. D., under the leadership of Leif Ericsson, son of Eric the Red, an adventurous navigator and explorer. The place where he and his companions landed, and later spent one or more winters cannot be determined. They called the region Vineland be- cause of the abundance of wild grapes. This point may have been somewhere along the North Atlantic coast from A pioNBBR~HOMB Labrador to Massachusetts or Rhode Island. But, however interesting it may be to us to know that the North- men (Danes and Norwegians), visited our shores at this earlier date, still their discovery led to nothing. No attempt was made by the Northmen 66 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY to colonize the country, and in course of time their descendants, less adventurous, had lost all remembrance of any tradition or record of that far off shore. If any legend survived, it had become a mere fable, im- potent to inspire action and obtain results. Nearly five hundred years later Christopher Columbus, an Italian, born at Genoa about the year 1436, through the generous encouragemeni of Queen Isabella of Spain, received from the Spanish government the necessary help, together with the rank of admiral, to enable him to sail in search of the East Indies by sailing west. No thought of a new world, a Western Continent, had entered the mind of Columbus or any one else. On Friday, August 3, 1492, half an hour before sunrise, he set sail from Palos, Spain, with three small vessels, and one hundred and twenty men. No one understood navigation better than Columbus; he had a chart of the globe made by himself and based on the highest authorities. Next, he had the compass for his guide. Finally, he carried with him an im- proved astrolabe, or instrument for determining his position by observa- tion of the sun. But these were not all. He had the conviction that he was engaged in a providential work, and that he was certain to ac- complish it. There are occasions in life when such a faith is worth every- thing; this was one. Nine weeks after his embarkation, and not too soon, because the crews of his ships had become discouraged, almost mutinous, an event occurred, which led to results. On October 2nd, a flock of land birds was seen flying to the southwest. At the instance of Alonzo Pinzon, one of his captains, Columbus, who had been sailing due west, turned the prow of his ship and followed these winged guides. Five days later on Friday, October 12th, a small island, one of the Bahamas was sighted, and the flag of Spain hoisted thereon. Columbus believed the island to be a part of the East Indies, hence he called the native inhabitants, Indians, a name they still bear in this country. Columbus made three more voyages to the Western continents, but never found out his mistake, but died in 1506, firmly convinced that America was part of Asia, and that he had discovered a short and direct all sea westward route from Europe to the East Indies. On this, his first voyage, Columbus discovered Cuba, and San Domingo; on his second voyage, Porto Rico, Jamaica and the islands of the Caribbean Sea in 1493 ; on his third voyage, 1498, the island of IVin- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 67 idad off the coast of Venezuela, and the mainland of South America at the mouth of the Orinoco river. On his fourth and last voyage he ex- plored Central America and the Isthmus of Panama. Columbus raised the Spanish flag and claimed the country for Spain wherever he went. In the spring of 1497, John Cabot of Venetia, an Italian then resid- ing in Bristol, England, encouraged by Henry VII, King of England, set sail westward and discovered the continent of North America. On a map drawn by his son Sebastian is found the following inscrip- tion: In the year of our Lord 1497, John Cabot and his son Sebastian, discovered that country which no one before his time had ventured to approach, on the 24th of June about five o'clock in the morning. Cabot planted the English flag on the coast, and took formal pos- session of the country for the English King. The next year Sebastian Cabot made a voyage and explored the coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, perhaps even farther south. He likewise asserted the title of Henry VII to the land. Upon the discoveries of the Cabots the English based their claim to this country. The fact that the western hemisphere, the two Americas, north and south, was no part of Asia, was made known by Magellan in 1517- 1519, sailing under the flag of Spain, who sailed around the south end of South America, through the straits that bear his name, thence north along the west coast for some distance, thence west across the Pacific Ocean. One of his ships sailed entirely around the world. Then the eyes of Europeans were opened and the truth made known. America was an immense continent, to them a new world. In 1509, Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus was appointed governor of San Domingo, where a colony had been already established, who speedily thereafter conquered the Island of Cuba. In the spring of 1513, Ponce De Leon, an elderly Spaniard, went upon an exploring expedition, under the auspices of the Spanish govern- ment and on Easter Sunday discovered the mainland of North America. De Leon landed near the mouth of the St. John river, planted the cross and raised the Spanish flag, and named the country Florida. It was upon this discovery that Spain laid claim to Florida and afterward made this claim good. In 1565, a fort was built at St. Augustine by the Spaniards and a settlement effected. St. Augustine is the oldest town 68 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in the United States. Santa Fe, in the state of New Mexico, the second oldest town, was settled about 1582 by Spaniards. During the year 1534, Cartier, a Frenchman, discovered and named the St. Lawrence river and ascended the same to Mount Royal, so named by him, the site of the city of Montreal, raised the French flag and claimed this territory for France. In the spring of 1539 Hernando De Soto with a force of six hundred picked men, two hundred horses, three hundred hogs for meat, sailed from Cuba, landed at Tampa Bay, and began his march of exploration and violence toward the natives. For two years this march went on. During that time De Soto and his men traveled upward of fifteen hun- dred miles through the now states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Their quest was for gold and they found little. In the spring of 1541, they came to the Mississippi river at a point in the north- west corner of the state of Mississippi and there they crossed over into the then wilderness, now the state of Arkansas, and resumed their march. How far, and whence they journeyed, is of little consequence now. In May, 1542, they came back to the great river, at the mouth of Red River. This was the end of De Soto's career. There he died and was secretely buried at midnight in the muddy waters of the Mississippi. Only about half of those who had landed in Florida were alive, a miserable remnant of a once proud array, half naked, half starved, the survivors at length reached the Spanish settlements in Mexico. De Soto and his followers were the first white men to stand on the banks of the Mississippi river. As late as the year 1600, there seemed small promise that this coun- try would ever be settled and governed by the English-speaking race. Look at the situation. More than a hundred years had passed since Columbus landed; yet the only white inhabitants of the territory now embraced in the United States were a few hundred Spaniards in St. Augus- tine, Florida, and perhaps a few hundred more in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the second oldest town. Over the rest of the country, embracing more than three millions of square miles, the Indians ruled supreme. France had tried to get a foothold on the Atlantic coast and had failed ; England had tried and failed, likewise. Spain alone succeeded. In 1600, it cer- tainly looked as though her flag was destined to wave over the whole land from sea to sea. Confining ourselves to the territory now included in the United States, let uc see what the explorers of that, and also of a later age, found HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 69 America to be. In great measure it seemed to them Europe repeated. It had practically the same climate and the same soil, it produced, or was capable of producing, the same trees, the same fruits, the same crops, with the valuable addition of cotton, sugar, and rice. In all ways it was equally favorable to human health and life. But this is not all. In two important respects America is superior to Europe. That continent commands the Atlantic only; this commands two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific. Ships can be sent direct to Europe and Africa from our eastern coast, and direct to Asia and Australia from our western. That is the first f.dvantage. The second is that though America lepeats the natural features of Europe in its lakes, moun- tains, plains, rivers, and foiests, yet it repeats them on a far grander scale. Europe has nothing to compare with the Sierras and the Rockies, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi, Niagara, the Canyon of the Colorado, Yellowstone Park, or the v ostern prairies. "America," s^ys a distin- guished English statesman "has a natural base for the greatest continu- ous empire ever established by man." Such was the land spread out before the explorers. It seemed to offer to all who were disappointed with the Old World an opportunity to try what they could make of life under new and broader conditions. CHAPTER II INDIANS. SOLITUDE OP THE WILDERNESS— CHARACTERISTICS— MODE OF LIVING — FORM OF GOVERNMENT — RELIGION — ENDURANCE TESTS— TORTURE OF CAPTIVES — A CRUEL ENEMY, BUT STEADFAST FRIEND — WHAT HE TAUGHT THE WHITE MAN — ALLIANCES WITH EUROPEAN NATIONS — INDIAN WARS. One strange fact about the country was, that east of the Mississippi the whole vast area was well nigh a solitude. Where today fifty millions of white men live, there were then only two or three hundred thousand Indians. In going through the forests, the explorers would sometimes travel for days without meeting a human being. The truth is, th/at the Indians cannot be said to have occupied the land; they simply possessed it. To them it was mainly a hunting-ground to roam over or a battle- field to fight on. Columbus called the natives Indians, but they called themselves eimply "Men," or "Real Men"; "Real Men" they certainly often proved them- selves to be. The most numerous body of Indians in the east was the Algonquins; the ablest and most ferocious was the Iroquois. They were a tall, well-made race, with a color usually resembling that of old copper. Their hair was like a horse's mane, coarse, black and straight. Their eyes were small, black and deep set. They had high cheek bones and a prominent nose. The women let their hair grow long. The men cut theirs off close to the head with the exception of a ridge or lock in the middle. That was left as a point of honor. It was called the "scalp-lock." Its object was to give an adversary — if he could get it — a fair grip in fight, and also to enable him to pull his enemy's scalp off as a trophy of the battle. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 71 That lock was the Indian's flag of defiance. It waved above his head as the colors do over a fort, as if to say, "Take me if you can !" The Indians were savages, but seldom degraded savages. They lived by hunting, fishing and agriculture. Their farming, however, was of the rudest kind. For weapons they had bows and arrows, hatchets made of flint and heavy clubs. The Indian believed in a strict division of duties. He did the hunt- ing, the fighting, and the scalping; his wife did the work. She built the wigwam or hut of bark. She planted and hoed the corn and tobacco. She made deerskin clothes for the family. When they moved, she car- ried the furniture on her back. Her housekeeping was simple. She kindled a fire on the ground by rubbing two dry sticks rapidly together; then she roasted the meat on the coals, or boiled it in an earthen pot. There was always plenty of smoke and dirt; but no one complained. House-cleaning was unknown. The most ingenious work of the Indians was seen in the moccasin, the snow-shoe, and the birch-bark canoe. The moccasin was a shoe made of buckskin, durable, soft, plain and noiseless. It was the best covering for a hunter's foot that human skill ever contrived. The snow-shoe was a light frame of wood, covered with a net work of strings of hide, and having such a broad surface that the wearer could walk on top of the snow in pursuit of game Without it the Indian might have starved in a severe winter, since only by its use could he run down the deer at that season. The birch-bark canoe was light, strong, and easily propelled. It made the Indian master of every lake, river and stream. Wherever there were waterways he could travel quickly, silently and with little efl'ort. If he liked he could go in his own private conveyance from the source of the Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico or from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the Falls of Niagara. Politically the Indian was free. Each tribe had a chief, but the chief had little real power. All important matters were settled by coun- cils. Socially, the Indian had less liberty than the white man. He was bound by customs handed down from his forefathers. He could not marry outside his tjribe. He could not sit in whatever seat he chose at a council. He could not even paint his face any color he fancied; for a young man who had won no honors in battle would" no more have dared to decorate himself like a veteran warrior, than a private soldier in the United States 72 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY army would venture to appear at parade in the uniform of a major-general. The Indian usually believed in a Great Spirit-all-powerful wise and good ; but he also believed in many inferior spirits, some good, and some evil. Often he worshipped the evil spirits most. He reasoned in this way : The Great Spirit will not hurt me, even if I do not pray to him, for he is good ; but if I neglect the evil spirits, they may do me mischief. Beyond this life the Indian looked for another. There the brave war- rior who had taken many scalps would enter the happy hunting-grounds ; there demons would flog the coward to never-ending task. It has sometimes been said that "the only good Indian is a dead Indian," but judged by his own standard of right and wrong, the red man was conscientious. He would not steal from his tribe, he would not lie to his friends, he did not become a drunkard till the white man taught him. The Indian rarely expressed his feeling in words, but he frequently painted them on his face. You could tell by his color whether he meant peace or war, whether he had heard good news or bad. He sometimes laughed and shouted, he seldom if ever wept. From childhood he was taught to despise pain. A row of little Indian boys would sometimes put live coals under their naked arms, and then press them close to their bodies. The game was to see which one would first raise his arms and drop the coal. The one that held out longest became the leader. If an Indian lad had met with an accident and was mortally wounded, he scorned to complain; he sang his "death-song" and died like a veteran warrior. Generally speaking, the Indians tortured their captives. They wanted to see how much agony they could bear without crying out. The surest way for a prisoner to save his life was to show that he was not afraid to lose it. The redman never failed to show his respect for courage. An instance is found in the case of General Stark of New Hanipshire. He was taken prisoner by the Indians in 1752, and condemned to run the gauntlet. Two long rows of stalwart young warriors were formed. Each man had a club or stick to strike Stark as he passed. But Stark was equal to the occasion. Just as he started on the terrible race for life he snatched a club out of the hands of the nearest Indian, and knocking down the astonished savages right and left, he escaped almost unhurt. The old men of the tribe, who stood near, roared with laughter to see the spruce young warriors sprawling in the dust. Instead of torturing Stark, they treated him as a hero. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 73 The Indian was a treacherous and cruel enemy, but a steadfast friend. He thought at first that the white man was a celestial being who had come from heaven to visit him. IJe soon found out his mistake, and acted accordingly. The Indian could return good for good, but he knew nothing of returning good for evil ; on the contrary, he always paid bad treatment by bad treatment, and never forgot to add some interest. If he made a treaty, he kept it sacredly; it is said that in no instance can it be proved that he was first to break such an agrtement. Those of the early white settlers who made friends with the redman had no cause to regret it. The Indian's school was the woods. Whatever the woods can teach that is useful — and they can teach much — that he learned. He knew the properties of every plant, and the habits of every animal. The natives taught the white man many of these' things, but the most useful of all the lessons the American barbarians gave the civilized Europeans was how to raise corn in the forest without first clearing the land. They showed them how to kill the trees by burning or girding them. Then, when the leaves no longer grew, the sun would shine on the soil and ripen the com. There were times in the history of the early settle- ments of white men when that knowledge saved them from starvation, for often they had neither time nor strength to clear the soil for planting. But the results of contact between the two races did not end here. The alliances formed between the Indians and the English on the one hand, or the Indians and French,' who were rivals and enemies of the English, on the other, had important historical results. The hostility of the Iro- quois Nation, five tribes, of New York to the French in Canada, prevented the French from getting possession of the Hudson river, and so separating the English colonies of New England from those of Virginia and Pennsyl- vania. This was a decided advantage to the English settlers, who thus got a firm foothold on the Atlantic coast. Finally, the Indian wars prevented the English from scattering over the country. These contests forced them to stand by each other, and thus trained them for union and for independence. CHAPTER III EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. FIRST- ENGLISH COLONY — SETTLEMENT ■ OF MANHATTAN — THE MAYFLOWER — PLYMOUTH COLONY — LORD BALTIMORE — RELIGION — PBNN — LAWS — CHAM- PLAIN— THE JESUITS— FRENCH AND ENGLISH ENMITY— FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS— FALL OF QUEBEC — TREATY OF PARIS — LOUISIANA TERRITORY- DANIEL BOONE. The first English colony that endured was sent out by the London Company on New Year's Day, 1607. It consisted of 105 persons, all men. They sailed up a river of Virginia which they named the James river about the middle of May and settled at Jamestown. Fgi^tunately there was a young man of decided ability among these colonists. This was Captain John Smith. His energy and courage saved the settlers from starvation and in the end perpetuated the settlement. The start was discouraging, but the colony lived to lay the foundation of a prosperous, powerful and independent state. In 1609, Captain Henry Hudson, an Englishman then in the employ of Holland, crossed the ocean and entered what is now New York Bay and was the first Englishman who sailed up the river that today bears his name. In 1626, the Dutch West India Company sent out a colony and landed on Manhattan Island. The governor bought from the Indians the entire island and established a settlement thereon. Later the English King, Charles II, claimed the whole country on the ground that the Cabots had discovered the coast and planted the English flag on it in 1497. Suddenly one day in 1664 a British fleet appeared off New Amsterdam, as the set- tlement was called, and demanded its surrender, promising at the same time HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 75 full protection of life and liberty, freedom of trade, religious liberty and a representative government. In consequence the Dutch flag was hauled down, the English colors were run up, and the name changed to New York. Thus was the first colony planted in the state of New York, and the city of New York founded. On a morning late in November, 1620, the Mayflower, bearing the Pil- grim fathers, 102 in number, all told, sighted Cape Cod, and cast anchor m what is now Province Harbor. While the Mayflower was at anchor Captain Myles Standish, who was with them, but not of them, with a boat load of men went out to explore. A few days, later the Mayflower sailed into Plymouth Rock Harbor, and the pilgrims went ashore on the mainland of the now state of Massachusetts. They immediately erected cabins and went into winter quarters, but such was the hardships they had to bear that by spring just one-half of the colony were in their graves. But when the Mayflower went back, not one of the Pilgrims returned ; they had come to stay. The colony increased but slowly. Even at the end of ten years there were only 300 people in Plymouth. Massachusetts Colony, founded in 1630, overshadowed and finally absorbed it. In 1628, John Endicott assisted in planting a colony at Salem, Massa- chusetts. Endicott was a Puritan and his purpose was to establish a place of refuge for the oppressed people of his own faith, and of his own faith only. But great immigration to New England began in 1630 when John Winthrop, a wealthy English Puritan decided to emigrate. He came with a fleet of eleven vessels, bringing a colony of over seven hundred persons, with horses, cattle, and all things necessary for establishing a thriving settlement. John Winthrop was appointed Gov- ernor, and thus became the first sole and resident Governor. From the outset all public matters were settled in town meetings. When the colony grew too large, the towns sent representatives. Church members only were allowed to vote. In 1635 provision was made for the establishment of a public school in Boston. In the course of a few years free instruction was provided for every white child in Massachusetts. This was the beginning of the com- mon school system of the United States. In 1636, money was voted by the General Court to found a college. Two years later the Rev. John Harvard left his library and half of his estate of about 750 pounds to the college. Such was the origin of Harvard University, the first English college in America. 76 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY During the years 1634-1635 the rich lands of the valley of the Connec- ticut attracted settlers from Massachusetts, and several towns were founded. In 1639 the people of these several towns met at Hartford and drew up the first constitution, or form of government "known in history." This compact made no mention either of the King of England or of the English company which held a royal grant of the Connecticut lands. It was in reality the constitution of a republic. One reason why the Connecticut emigrants had left Massachusetts was that they did not believe in the principle of limiting the right of voting to church members. The Hartford constitution imposed no such restriction. Every citizen was politically equal with every other, and was at liberty to take part in making the laws. Today the United States and every state of the Union has a written constitution, and the right of suffrage is general as to every citizen. In the year 1634 a company of Catholic pilgrims came to America that they, too, might build up a state where they could worship God without molestation. This colony consisted of about 300 persons led by Governor Leonard Calvert, a younger brother of the second Lord Baltimore, landed on the northern bank of the Potomac near its mouth and founded the town of St. Marys. Prior to this time Charles I had granted to Lord Baltimore that part of northern Virginia, north of the Potomac river, and named it Maryland in honor of his queen, who was herself a Catholic. A part of these colonists were gentlemen of wealth and standing and probably Catholics. The rest of the emigrants were laborers and seem to have been chiefly Protestants. Father White, a priest who accompanied the expedition, had no sooner landed than he got permission from an Indian chief to convert his wigwam into a chapel. This hut was the first English Catholic church in America. Virginia would not have permitted that church to stand. New England would not. It was only in the wilderness of Maryland, in that mixed population of Catholics and Protestants that it was safe. From the beginning all the colonists took part in making the laws, and in a few years Lord Baltimore granted them the power of originat- ing those laws. In religion, absolute freedom of worship was given to all Christians, but to Christians only. No other colony in this country the nenjoyed such liberty, and it was wholly unknown in Europe. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 77 In 1636 Roger Williams, an exiled minister, from Massachusetts with others established a colony at Providence, Rhode Island. Other colonists soon followed and founded Portsmouth and Newport. From the beginn- ing entire freedom of conscience was given to every settler, "soul liberty" Williams called it. Maryland had granted such liberty to all Chris- tians, but the colony of Providence did not limit it, not Protestants and Catholics only, but Jews and unbelievers were protected. Roger Wil- liams laid down and put into actual practice what we may call the "American principle," that is, that government has nothing to do with the control of religious belief. This idea so new, strange and startling at the time, steadily grew and spread until in time it became a part of the constitution of the United States, where it now appears in the language following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of reli- gion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." And again, "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualifica- tion to any office or public trust under the United States." The first permanent settlement in New -Hampshire was about 1627, four years later,- in 1631, Portsmouth was settled. The first permanent settlement on the mainland of Maine was effected in 1625. Saco and Biddeford were founded in 1630, and Portland in 1632. In 1668 Charles II of England granted an immense tract of land south of Virginia to a company composed of Lord Clarendon and seven associates. This territory was called CaroHna. On the coast it embraced the entire region now included in the states of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and a part of Florida; westward it extended to the Pacific. At the time this grant was made there were a few farmers in the northern part who had moved in from Virginia. These settlers were formed into a colony in 1663 called Albemarle. North and South Caro- lina was settled by emigrants from Virginia, by English and also by Huguenots, or French Protestants who came to escape persecution to which they were subject in their native land. General Marion, a descen- dent from a Huguenot family, a revolutionary patriot, won renown in the American cause. Charleston, founded in 1690, at the time of the revolution, was one of the chief cities of America. In 1861 Charles II gave to William Penn a territory of forty-eight ihousand square miles, fronting on the Delaware river. 78 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The first emigrants sent over by Penn arrived in 1681. The next year (1682) Penn himself came over, together with a hundred English Quakers, and took formal possession of his vast estate. The same year he founded Philadelphia. Less than two months thereafter Penn called an assembly, and he with the people enacted the "Great Law." "That constitution had a two-fold foundation, liberty of the people to make their own laws, and obedience to the laws they had made;" for, said Penn, "Liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedience without liberty is slavery." By the great law it was provided, first: That all Colonists should be protected in their worship of God, but that no one should be com- pelled to support or attend any form of worship against his will. Second: That all resident taxpayers should have the right to vote and that every member of any Christian church might hold office, and become a member of the legislative assembly. Third: That every child after reaching the age of twelve should be brought up to some trade or useful occupation. Fourth: That the death penalty should be inflicted for two crimes only, murder and treason, and for the first time in the history of the world, it was further provided, that every prison should be made a workshop and a place of reformation. Penn's next act was a treaty with the Indians. Penn met the Indians under the branches of a wide spreading elm in the outskirts of Philadelphia. There solemn promises of mutual friendship were made, but no oaths were taken. Each trusted the other's word. That treaty was never broken, and for sixty years, as long as the Quakers held control, the people of Pennsylvania lived in peace with the Indians. Voltaire, the French historian, said that it was "the only treaty which was never sworn to and never broken." In 1732 General James Oglethorp, a member of the English Parlia- ment, obtained a charter for settling the country between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers. Oglethorp was a man of high character and ability. His prime object in establishing t^is colony was benevolent. Imprisonment for debt obtained in England and thousands of honest hard working men, who through sickness or misfortune had contracted some debt, however trifling, that he was unable to pay, had been cast into prison, where many of them remained for years. These men were HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 79 in prison, yet they had committed no crime. Oklethorp's scheme was to select the most deserving, discharge their debts, to furnish them and their famihes transportation to America and thus give them a chance to begin life anew. The English government and private individuals contributed money and the first emigrants were sent out. This first settlement was made on the Savannah river and the town named Savannah. Later, German Protestants, persecuted in their own country, and sturdy Scots for the Highlands made settlements in Georgia. With the settlement in Geor- gia effected, the entire Atlantic coast from New Brunsv/ick to Florida was held by the EngHsh colonist. In the summer of 1608, Champlain, a French explorer, sailed up the St. Lawrence to Quebec and there established the first French colony planted in North America. Other settlements followed. In New Bruns- wick at Louisberg on the island of Cape Breton, at Montreal, Kingston and other places. The French, not the English, were the explorers of the West. The Jesuit Missionaries set out to convert the Indians, and in their zeal for this work, they braved all danger, and every hardship. They made friends of the Indians and sought to do them good. The fur traders, seeking gain, followed on the heels of the missionaries, oftimes they came with him. Next came the fort builders, and after the friendship of the Indians had been secured all came together. The Jesuits reached the western shore of Lake Michigan in 1669 at Green Bay. There they established a mission. Prior thereto mis- sions had been established at Sault St. Marie and Mackinaw. In 1673, Joliet, a French explorer and fur trader, and Father Marquette set out from Mackinaw to find a great river which the Indians told them was west of Lake Michigan. Making their way to Green Bay, in birch bark canoes they paddled up Fox river to Portage. They carried their canoes across, less than two miles, and started down the Wisconsin river, and on a June day they floated out of the mouth of the Wisconsin onto the waters of the Mississippi. Down this stream they descended past the mouths of the Missouri and the Ohio rivers and south to the Arkansas. Here they turned back and laboriously paddled their way back to, and up the Illinois river, and thence across Lake Michigan. Six years later, in 1679, La Salle, the greatest of these French ex- plorers, set out from Montreal to complete the work of Joliet and Mar- 80 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY quette. He sailed to Mackinaw, and from thence he and his companions went in canoes to the St. Joseph river, near the southeastern corner of Lake Michigan. From thence they crossed over to the headwaters of the Kankakee river, and down this stream to the Illinois river. Con- tinuing their descent to a point where Peoria now stands. They built a fort. Leaving a small garrison, La Salle, although it was winter, returned to Canada on foot for supplies. While he was gone. Father Hennepin, a priest in his expedition, set out from this fort to explore. After many adventures he finally reached the rapids of the Mississippi, where Minneapolis now stands, which he named the Falls of St. Anthony. The next year La Salle returned to Illinois, landing where Chicago now stands, he crossed over to the Illinois and going down the river, entered the Mississippi in February, 1782. The weather was bitter cold and the river full of floating ice; La Salle did not hesitate, but started with his company on his voyage. Nine weeks later he reached the Gulf of Mexico. There he set up a wooden cross on which he fastened a metal plate bearing the arms of France, and took possession of the entire territory watered by the Mississippi and its tributaries as French territory. He gave the name of Louisiana to this vast territory, which included all the valley of the Mississippi and extended from the Alle- ghenys in the East to the Rockies in the West. In 1718 a French colony was established at Mobile, on the Gulf of Mexico, and in 1718 New Orleans was founded by the French. We have seen that by reason of the exploration of the Cabots that England claimed all of the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Floriaa and the territory westward to the Pacific ocean Several of the early grants made by the English sovereigns granted all this terrtiory westward to the Pacific. We have also seen that French explorers. La Salle and others, laid claim not only to Canada, but to the Valley of the Mississippi as well, and France stood ready to make good these claims by force of arms. In Europe the French and English had been long at enmity, and their rival claims to territory in America did not make them better friends, and eventually led to conflicts, four in number, known in the histories of the colonists as the "French and Indian Wars." The Iroquois Nation of Indians in northern New York were, through- out, the steadfast allies of the English during all of their wars. RANDOLPH COUNTY SANITARIUM PIONEER MOTOR POWER HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 81 The Algonquins, comprised of kindred tribes in southern Canada, Michigan and extending west as far as eastern Minnesota, together with other tribes west of the Alleghanies, were fast friends and allies of the French. The first war began in 1689 and lasted eight years. Frontenac, the French governor, sent a force of French and Indians to attack the English colonies along the Hudson. They secretly marched from Montreal in mid-winter, and at midnight fell upon the village of Schenectady, New York, burned it and massacred most of the inhabitants. Thus was the war begun, and thus was it, and the next two wars, in the main, prosecuted. The second war began in 1702 and lasted until 1713. After an interval of thirty years, the third one of these wars began in 1744, and ended in 1748. Like the preceding wars it led to a series of forays, destruction of outlying towns, pillage and massacre, and one, or more, pretentious military attempts by the English colonists, that in the end obtained no lasting results. By this time the French had got possession of the two chief rivers of the country, the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. To clinch their hold, they had built fort after fort until they had a line of sixty, extend- ing from Quebec to Lake Michigan, and thence down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to the gulf. The French and the English both claimed the-valley of the Ohio river. Before 1749, no English settlements had been made west of the Alleghanies. In the year 1749 the kind of England granted to the Ohio Company, 600,000 acres of land in the Ohio Valley, situated in south- west Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The French determined to stop this movement and began to erect a new line of forts extending from Erie on Lake Erie southward to the juncture of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, where the Ohio river is formed. These movements speedily brought about results, namely the fourth and last French and Indian war. The struggle began in 1754 and was finally terminated, in fact, by a bloody battle fought under the walls of Quebec in the autumn of 1758, Montcalm, noble and chivalorous com- manded the French. General Wolf, gifted and gallant, led the English. The English won and Quebec surrendered. Both Montcalm, aged 40, and Wolf, age 34, fell in this battle; thus two loyal and intrepid spirits, foes in life, together passed into the land of perpetual peace. 82 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The fall of Quebec was a turning point in the history of North America. On the night that Wolf and his army climbed the rocky heights behind Quebec, to the plains of Abraham, the whole of the country west to the Mississippi, and the valley of that river to New Orleans and the gulf belonged to France. When the sun went down the next day, the sun of France had already set in the new world. Her hold on America was lost, gone forever. But this seven year war did not come to an end until Spain had taken up arms in aid of France. Then, in 1762, England conquered Cuba and the Philippine Islands. When peace was made at Paris, in 1763, England gave all these islands back to Spain and took Florida in exchange. France to indemnify Spain for the loss of Florida, ceded to Spain the city of New Orleans and the territory of Louisiana. By the treaty of Paris, 1763, all of the territory, including Florida, New Orleans and westward to the Mississippi, all of Canada west to the Pacific and north to the frozen ocean, except Alaska became English territory. The territory of Louisiana was ceded to Spain in 1762. Less than seventeen years after the capture of Quebec, the Ameri- can revolution began and seven years later the thirteen colonies had gained their independence. Shortly thereafter the constitution was framed and adopted, the thirteen colonies became states of the Union, and the United States of America appeared upon the map, and took their place among the nations of the earth. In 1800, Louisiana territory was retroceded to France, but Spain was in actual possession until November, 1803. The first permanent settlements made by the French were situated along the eastern bank of Mississippi, five in number, in the state of Illinois, extending from near the mouth of the Illinois to the Kaskaskia river. They were Kaskaskia, settled in 1682, View Rocher, Fort Charters, Phillippi and Kahoki. The white population of these five posts did not exceed eight hundred. From these points exploring parties were sent forth, and one such party from Kaskakia having crossed the Mississippi in search of the pre- cious metals, found lead instead. This discovery led to t?ie establish- ment of the first white settlement on the west bank of said river, in 1684, at St. Geniveve, in the state of Missouri. St. Louis was founded by Pierre Laclede Siguest, in the year of 1764 ; he was a native of France, and a member of a trading company to which HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 83 a royal charter had granted an exclusive trade with Indians as far north as the St. Peters river. This colony grew rapidly by accessions from Kaskakia and other towns on the east side of the river and its trade correspondingly increased. The next settlement was made at Potosi, in Washington county, by Francis Breton, who discovered the mine nearby. Five years after St. Louis was founded, Blanchette, a Frenchman, established a settlement and built a fort at St. Charles, the first in north Missouri. Soon thereafter the old French village of Portage dis Sioux was located on the Mississippi, near the south of the Illinois river. In 1781, New Madrid was settled by French Canadians, and there- after, in 1801 Cote San Dessein, on the Missouri river in Callaway county was settled by the French. This village at that time was considered the outpost. Prior to the acquisition of Louisiana territory, a number of adven- turous spirits from the older states of the Union, attracted by the liberal proffers of land grants made by the Spanish authorities, or by the call of the wild, or by both, had come to Missouri. Among these was Moses Austin of Virginia who in 1795 received a grant of a league of land from the Spanish government, on condition that he would establish a lead mine at Potosi and work it. At this place the first shot^tower and sheet- lead manufactory was erected. Big River Mills, St. Francois County, was settled in 1796, by Andrew Baker, John Alley, Ftancis Stamator and John Andrews, each locating claims. The next year a settlement was effected near Farmington by Rev. Williams Murphy from East Tennessee. In 1796 settlements were made in Perry County by emigrants from Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Birds Point, opposite Cairo in Mississippi County, was settled in 1800 by John Johnson, who received a land grant from the Spanish authorities. Norfolk and Charleston were settled in 1800 and 1801. Warren County was settled in 1801. Daniel Boone, a pioneer in Kentucky, secured a grant of land in St. Charles County and located thereon about 1797. He was then an old man, but strong and vigorous, and so remained for many years there- after, and hunted and trapped up and down the Mississippi river, depend- ing upon his traps and rifle solely for his wants. When Hunt, in his expedition across the continent, early in the year of 1811, touched with his boats at Charlotte, one of the old villages founded by the French, he met with Daniel Boone, who was still leading a hunter's life at the 84 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY age of 82 years. He had but recently returned from a hunting and trapping expedition and had brought with him about sixty beaver skins, trophies of his skill. He was still erect and strong of limb and his cour- age unabated. Prior to 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of Daniel Boone, had joined their father and they were living together, about 25 miles west of St. Charles. Daniel Boone died in 1820 in his ninety- second year. CHAPTER IV LOUISIANA PURCHASE. SCOPE OP LOUISIANA TERRITORY — NECESSITY OP AN OCEAN PORT— JEFFERSON'S NEGOTIATIONS— LIVINGSTON AND MONROE TO PARIS — PURCHASED PROM NAPOLEON — TERRITORY OP THE UNITED STATES DOUBLED — ORGANIZATION OP TERRITORY— COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS— POPULATION— TERRITORIAL LEG- ISLATURE. Prior to 1803 the territory, entire, of the United States included Maine and extended thence south to Florida and thence westward to the Mississippi, thence up the Mississippi to its source, thence north to Canada. Immediately after the revolution immigration westward be- gan and settlements were effected along the Mississippi and to a greater extent along the Ohio and its tributaries. There were no railroads then, nor steamboats. The way to the ocean, and the only way that surplus products could find a market, was by way of New Orleans and the mouth of the Mississippi; hence the fact that New Orleans and the way to the sea were controlled by a foreign country, caused discontent and loud clamor from Pittsburg, down the Ohio and Mississippi, to the last set- tlement on its eastern bank. So insistent and importunate were these settlers, citizens all, so unnecessary did it seem, that the present and future interest of these settlers be conserved, and so imperative, if the peace of the nation be maintained, that in the early part of the year 1803 President Jefferson, assisted by Madison, framed careful instructions, and appointed James Monroe, envoy extraordinary, to treat with France for the purchase of New Orleans. Shortly before, Robert R. Livingston had been appointed minister to France and was sent January 11, 1803. Jefferson fully realized the importance of the acquisition of the mouth of 86 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the Mississippi, and his master mind conceived the plan to acquire, for the west, this outlet to the sea by purchase. In a letter to Monroe he wrote, "If we cannot by a purchase of the country, insure to ourselves a course of perpetual friendship with all nations, then as war cannot be far distant, it behooves us immediately to prepare for that course without, however, hastening it." When Monroe later arrived with more extensive powers, Livingston had already begun negotiations and was waiting to conclude terms for the purchase of not only New Orleans, but both ujpper and lower Louis- iana, at a price within the reach of the United States treasury. Napoleon was at the time on the verge of a war with England and he needed money, besides by reason of the supremacy of the English upon the sea and war inevitable, he deemed the colony of Louisiana lost already. The time was auspicious and the terms were speedily agreed upon and as speedily concluded. Napoleon urged that the business be closed at once lest, he said, "I shall only transmit an empty title to those republicans whose friendship I seek." At Paris, France, the treaty and the two covenants were signed in French on April 30, 1803. Four days later, after these documents had been translated into English, they were again signed. This was the final act and the pur- chase was completed. After thus completing their task an exalted senti- ment seemed to animate and inspire the three ministers who had nego- tiated this compact. As soon as they had signed they rose to their feet and shook hands. Livingston, in expressing the general satisfac- tion said: "'We have lived long, but this is the noblest act of our whole lives. The treaty which we have just signed has not been obtained by art, or dictated by force; equally advantageous to the two contracting parties, it will change vast solitudes into flourishing districts. From this day the United States take their place among the powers of the first rank. The instruments which we have just signed will cause no tears to be shed. They prepare ages of happiness for innumerable generations of human creatures. The Mississippi and Missouri will see them succeed one another and multiply, truly worthy of the regard and care of Provi- dence, in the bosom of equality, under just laws, freed from the error of superstition and the scourage of bad government." When Napoleon heard that the treaty had been made final he said: ■"This accession of this outlet strengthens forever the power of the United HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 87 States; and I have just given to England a maritime rival that will sooner or later humble her pride." This stupendous land transaction was concluded within two months after Monroe had sailed from New York. This treaty so manifestly ad- vantageous, was not so speedily ratified. Grave doubts arose as to whether new territory, and up to that time foreign territory, could be legally annexed. The constitution, it was contended, was formed for the government of a certain known and defined territory and could not be extended to other territory without the consent of each of the states. President Jefferson himself was of the opinion that the acquisition of anj'' addi- tional territory whatever, under the obligation to admit such territory as a state to the Union, was not warranted by the constitution. He con- fessed that in lending his approval he had "stretched his power till it cracked." These old time statesmen had the utmost respect for the constitution, and no doubt construed it strictly, and sought to shun the least infraction of this sacred covenant. But the people were for it, and in the end, the treaty was ratified by the senate on October 21, 1803, by a vote of yeas 24, and nays 7. The formal transfer of the possession of Lower Louisiana was made by the representatives of the French government, and accepted by those of the United States on December 20, 1803, at New Orleans, and the French flag was hauled down and the flag of the United States hoisted instead. Twenty-five days later, on January 12, 1804, the formal possession of North Louisiana was likewise transferred to this country in the city of St. Louis, and the stars and stripes hoisted in place of the colors of France. The acquisition of this vast territory thus obtained doubled the area of the United States and more than doubled its natural resources. The Mississippi had now become ours and its every tributary, and the right of way down its broad bosom to the open sea was likewise ours, beyond dispute. The magnitude of the two Louisianas can be realized only by tracing their boundaries. On the south it included the gulf short of Louisiana, west to Texas. Thence northwest with the undefined eastern boundary of Texas to the Red river ; thence up the Red river to the 100th meridian, at the southwest comer of the present state of Oklahoma; thence along 88 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY said meridian, north to the Arkansas river; thence up this river to its source, and on to the main crest or divide of the Rocky Mountains; thence northwesterly, along said divide to the Canadian line, at about the 113th meridian, west; thence east, along said Canadian boundary about 900 miles to a point on the south shore of the Lake of the Woods, directly north of the source of the Mississippi ; thence south to said source, thence down said river to the state of Louisiana, the place of beginning. Included within these limits there are over nine hundred thousand square miles of land, or six million acres; all of which was obtained by this purchase for sixteen million dollars, or two and two-thirds dollars per acre — a good buy certainly, when we take into consideration the fact that Randolph County was included in this purchase. Ten days after the ratification of the treaty, October 21, 1803, tem- porary measures were taken for the government of the Louisianans, and Amos Stoddard was appointed Commandant of Upper Louisiana. This temporary provision came to an end by act of congress which went into effect October 1, 1804, This act provided that- Louisiana be divided into two territories, all south of the thirty-third parallel being designated as the Territory of Orleans, and all north of that line as the District of Louisiana. The Terri- tory of Orleans was given its own territorial government, but the Dis- trict of Louisiana, for governmental purposes, was placed under the gov- ernment of the territory of Indiana which then embraced all the then Northwest Territory. The Territory of Louisiana was of the lower grade, and all of the officers were appointed ; the people had no voice therein. This governmental arrangement, however, created universal dissatis- faction in the district of Upper Louisiana, so much so that five days before it was to go into effect, the representatives of the five administra- tive divisions of the district, all in Missouri (St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Geneveve, Cape Girardeau and New Madred) joined in a petition protest- ing against the* act, and so cogent and convincing was this petition and protest that on March 3, 1805, congress by an act of that date, provided for a separate territorial organization for Upper Louisiana, thereby creat- ing the Territory of Louisiana, instead of the District of Louisiana. No material change was made in this arrangement until 1812. By this time the population had doubled ; 10,000 in 1804 had grown to 20,800 in 181'2, in consequence of an influx of settlers from the states east of the Missis- sippi. These hardy pioneers bought with them not only their dogs, their HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 89 rifles and their families, but very positive convictions as to the right of local self-government, at the earliest date possible. In consequence they submitted to congress, between 1810 and 1812, fifteen petitions praying for a higher and better form of territorial government. Congress, on July 4, 1812, changed the name of Louisiana Territory to Missouri Territory and organized the same with a governor and gen- eral assembly. The governor, legislative council and the house of rep- resentatives exercised the legislative power of the territory, the governor's vetoing power being absolute. The legislative council was composed of nine members, whose tenure of office lasted five years. Eighteen citizens were nominated by the house of representatives to the President of the United States, from whom he selected, with approval of the senate, nine councillors to compose the legislative council. The house of representatives consisted of members chosen every two years by the people, the basis of representation being one member for every five hundred white males. The first house of representatives con- sisted of thirteen members, and, by act of congress, the whole number of representatives could not exceed twenty-five. The judicial power of the territory was vested in the superior and inferior courts and in the justices of the peace; the superior court hav- ing three judges, whose term of office continued four years, having original and appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. The territory could send one delegate to congress. Governor Clark issued a proclamation October 1, 1812, required by congress, reorganiz- ing the districts of St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau and New Madrid, into five counties and fixed the second Monday in November following for the election of a delegate to congress and the members of the territorial house of representatives. Captain William Clark, of the expedition of Lewis and Clark, was the first territorial governor of Missouri Territory, appointed by the president, and began his duties in 1813. Edward Hempstead, Rufus Easton, Samuel Hammond and Matthew Lyon were candidates in November for delegates to congress. Edward Hempstead was elected, being the first territorial delegate to congress from Missouri. He served one term, declining a second term, and was instrumental in having congress pass the act of June 13, 1812, which he introduced, confirming the title to lands which were 90 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY claimed by the people by virtue of Spanish grants. The same act con- firmed to the people "for the support of schools," the title to village lots, out-lots or common field lots, which were held and enjoyed by them, at the time of the cession in 1803. Under the act of June 4, 1812, the first general assembly held its session in the house of Joseph Robidoux, in St. Louis, on the 7th of December, 1812. The names of the members of the house were: St. Charles: John Pitman and Robert Spencer. St. Louis: David Music, Bernard G. Farrar, William C. Carr and Richard Clark. Ste. Genevieve: George Bullet, Richard S. Thomas and Isaac Mc- Gready. Gape Girardeau: George F. Bollinger and Spencer Byrd. New Madrid: John Shrader and Samuel Phillips. John B. Lucas, one of the territorial judges, administered the oath of oflSce. William C. Carr was elected speaker and Andrew Seott, clerk. The house of representatives proceeded to nominate eighteen per- sons from whom the president of the United States, with the senate, was to select nine for the council. From this number the president chose the following: St. Charles: James Flaugherty and Benjamin Emmons. St. Louis: Auguste Chouteau, Sr., and Samuel Hammond. Ste. Genevieve: John Scott and James Maxwell. Cape Girardeau: William Neeley and Joseph Cavenor. New Madrid: Joseph Hunter. The legislative council, thus chosen by the president and senate, was announced by Frederick Bates, secretary and acting governor of the territory, by proclamation, June 3, 1913, and fixing the first Monday in July following, as the time for the meeting of the legislature. In the meantime the duties of the executive office were assumed by William Clark. The legislature accordingly met, as required by the acting governor's proclamation, in July, but its proceedings were never officially published. Consequently but little is known in reference to the workings of the first territorial legislature in Missouri. From the imperfect account published in the Missouri Gazette of that day, a paper which had been in existence since 1808, it is found that laws were passed regulating and establishing weights and measures ; creating the office of sheriff, providing the manner for taking the cen- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 91 sus, permanently fixing the seats of justices and an act to compensate its own members. At this sesion laws were also passed defining crimes and penalties, law in reference to forcible entry and detainer, establish- ing courts of common pleas, incorporating the Bank of St. Louis, and organizing a part of Ste. Genevieve County into the County of Wash- ington. The next session of the Legislature convened in St. LohIs, Decem- ber 6, 1813. George Bullet of Ste. Genevieve County, was speaker elect, and Andrew Scott, clerk, and William Sullivan, doorkeeper. Since the adjournment of the former Legislature, several vacancies had occurred, and new members had been elected to fill their places. Among these was Isreal McCready, from the county of Washington. The president of the Legislative Council was Samuel Hammond. No journal of the council was officially published, but the proceedings of the house are found in the Gazette. At this session of the Legislature many wise and useful laws were passed, having reference to the temporal as well as the moral and spiritual welfare of the people. Laws were enacted for the suppression of vice and immorality on the Sabbath day; for the improvement of public roads and highways; creating the ofl!ices of auditor, treasurer and county sur- veyor; regulating the fiscal affairs of the territory and fixing the bound- ary lines of New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Washington and St. Charles counties. The Legislature adjourned on the 19th of January, 1914, sine die. The population of the territory as shown by the United States census in 1810, was 20,845. The census taken by the Legislature in 1814 gave the territory a population of 25,000. This enumeration shows the county of St. Louis contained the greatest number of inhabitants, and the new county of Arkansas the least, the latter having 827, and the former, 3,149. The candidates for delegate to Congress were Rufus Easton, Samuel Hammond, Alexander McNair and Thomas F. Riddick. Rufus Easton and Samuel Hammond had been candidates at the preceding election. In all the counties, excepting Arkansas, the votes aggregated 2,599, of which number Mr. Easton received 965, Mr, Hammond, Mr. McNair 853 and Mr. Riddick (who had withdrawn previously to the election) 35. Mr. Easton was elected. The census of 1814 showing a large increase in the population of the territory, an appointment was made increasing the number of the repre- 92 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY sentatives in the Territorial Legislature to twenty-two. The General Assembly began its session in St. Louis, December 5, 1814. There were present on the first day twenty representatives. James Caldwell of Ste. Genevieve County was elected speaker, and Andrew Scott who had been clerk of the preceding assembly, was chosen clerk. The president of the council was William Neelwy, of Cape Girardeau County. It appeared that James Maxwell, the absent member of the Council, and Seth Emmons, member elect of the House of Representatives, were dead. The county of Lawrence was organized at this session, from the western part of New Madrid County, and the corporate powers of St. Louis were enlarged. In 1815 the Territorial Legislature again began its session. Only a partial report of its proceedings are given in the Gazette. The County of Howard was then organized by bill approved January 13, 1916, from St. Louis and St. Charles Counties, and included practically all that part of the state lying north of the Osage and south of the dividing ridge between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The next session of the Territorial Legislature commenced its session in December, 1916. During the sitting of this Legislature many im- portant acts were passed. It was then the "Bank of Missouri" was chart- ered and went into operation. In the fall of 1817 the "Bank of St. Louis" and the "Bank of Missouri" were issuing bills. An act was passed chart- ering lottery companies, chartering the academy at Postosi, and incor- porating a board of trustees for superintending the schools in the town cf St. Louis. Laws were also passed to encourage the "killing of wolves, panthers and wild-cats." The Territorial Legislature met again in December, 1818 and among other things, organized the counties of Pike, Cooper, Jefferson, Franklin, Wayne, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and three counties in the southern part of Arkansas. In 1819 the Territory of Arkansas was formed into a separate government of its own. CHAPTER V ADMISSION AND ORGANIZATION OF STATE. TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE CONVENED — "MISSOURI QUESTION" — STATE AD- MITTED UNDER CONDITIONS— COUNTIES— STATE CONSTITUTION — FIRST GOV- ERNOR — GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTED— GOVERNORS OP MISSOURI — UNITED STATES SENATORS FROM MISSOURI — REPRESENTATIVES FROM RANDOLPH COUNTY. The Territorial Legislature convened in December, 1818 and at this session which continued into 1819, application was made by this legis- lature that Missouri Territory be admitted into the Union as a state. Slavery existed generally in the territory at that time and the presenta- tion of this application for admission, fanned into flame the slavery ques- tion, not only in Congress, but throughout the states of the Union and for the next three years the "Missouri Question" was the bone of con- tention, the absorbing political theme. Finally by an act of Congress, concurred in by both House and Senate on February 28, 1821, Missouri was admitted on conditions. At a special session of the Legislature held at St. Charles in June following, assent was given to the conditions of admission and thereafter, on August 10, 1821, President Monroe by proclamation announced the admission of Missouri into the Union as a State. At the time Missouri was so admitted, its territory was divided into twenty-seven counties, and by subdividing later, we now have one hundred counties within the state as admitted, and six others organized within the Platte purchase, and added to the State in 1833, and the city of St. Louis which is a county, making a total of one hundred and fifteen counties. Any reader, curious to know, may trace the trend of the set- 94 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY tlement of the state by the dates of the organization of the count in the table following: County. Organized. Adir, January 29, 1841 Andrew, January 29, 1841 Atchison, January 14, 1845 Audrain, December 17, 1836 Barry, January 5, 1835 Barton, December 12, 1835 Bates, January 29, 1841 Benton, January 3, 1835 Bollinger, March 1, 1851 Boone, November 16, 1820 Buchannan, February 10, 1839 Butler, February 27, 1849 Caldwell, December 26, 1836 Calloway, November 25, 1820 Camden, January 29, 1841 Cape Girardeau, October 1, 1812 Carroll, January 3, 1833 Carter, March 10, 1859 Cass, September 14, 1835 Cedar, February 14, 1845 Chariton, November 16, 1820 Christian, March 8, 1860 Clark, December 15, 1818 Clay, January 2, 1822 Clinton, January 15, 1833 Cole, November 16, 1820 Cooper, December 17, 1880 Crawford, January 23, 1829 Dade, January 29, 1841 Dallas, December 10, 1844 Daviess, December 29, 1836 De Kalb, February 25, 1845 Dent, February 10, 1851 Douglass, October 19, 1857 Dunklin, February 14, 1845 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 95 Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Howell, Iron, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, McDonald, Macon, Madison, Maries, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, December 11 1818 November 25 1820 February 12 1841 January 2 1833 January 2 1843 February 14 1845 December 13 1834 February 14 1845 February 15 1841 January 23 1816 March 2 1857 February 17 1857 December 15, 1826 January 29, 1841 December 8 1818 December 13, 1834 February 14, 1845 February 24, 1849 November 16, 1820 February 25, 1845 January 2, 1833 December 14, 1818 January 7, 1837 January 6, 1837 March 3, 1849 January 6, 1837 December 14, 1818 March 2, 1845 December 23, 1826 February 14, 1845 February 6, 1837 February 14, 1845 February 14, 1845 January 6, 1831 December 14, 1818 January 5, 1833 October 1, 1812 December 31, 1838 96 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Peniscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Saline, Schuyler, Scottland, Scott, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, February 14, 1845 February 14, 1845 January 29 1841 January 29, 1841 February 19, 1861 November 16, 1820 January 26 1833 November 13, 1857 December 14, 1918 December 31, 1838 March 13, 1835 Decembe r 15, February 28, 1845 November 16, 1820 January 22, 1829 November 16, 1820 February 25, 1845 January 29, 1841 October 1 1812 January 29 1841 December 19 1821 October 1 1812 October 1 1812 November 25 1820 February 14 1845 January 29 1841 December 28 1821 January 29 1841 January 2 1835 January 2 1835 February 10 1851 February 16 1845 January 16 1837 February 14 1835 February 17 1851 January 5 1833 August 21 1813 December 11 1818 \ HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 97 Webster, March 3, 1855 Worth, February 8, 1861 Wright, January 29, 1841 Prior to the admission of Missouri as a state, a convention to frame a constitution was assembled on July 19, 1820; a constitution was framed and adopted in anticipation of admission as a state. One provision of this organic law proved to be distasteful to Congress, and by the terms of the Missouri Compromise, Missouri was to be admitted upon condition that this objectionable feature of its constitution be eliminated, which was accordingly done, as we have seen in a preceding paragraph. This constitution provided that an election be held on August 28, 1820 to elect a governor, and other state officers, members of the Gen- eral Assembly, county officers. United States Senators and a member of Congress. Alexander McNair was elected governor, a total of 9,132 votes being cast. John Scott was elected to Congress and other state and county officers were voted for and elected throughout the territory. The General Assembly so elected in August, met on Sept. 19, 1820 and after organizing by their votes elected David Barton and Thomas H. Benton to the United States Senate. Mathias McGirk, John D. Cook, and John R. Jones were appointed judges of the Supreme Court, each to hold office until he reached the age of 60 years. When the territory a year later finally became the State of Missouri, these state and county officers had already been installed in office and when Congress convened in De- cember, 1821, these senators and the representatives were sworn in and became members. Thus it came about that Alexander McNair became the first governor of Missouri, and Mathias McGirk, John D. Cook and John R. Jones the first judges of the Supreme Court and David Barton and Thomas H. Benton the first United States Senators from the State of Missouri. Both of these senators were men of ability, and served their State, and the nation as well with fidelity. David Barton served for ten years, and was succeeded by Alexander Buckner. Senator Benton served there- after continuously for thirty years, until 1850. Both Barton and Benton were men of ability, Benton, especially so, and during this long service ranked in the Senate as one of its ablest members. He was not possesed of the peronal charm nor persuasive oratory of Henry Clay, nor the overpowering eloquence of Daniel Web- ster, but in practical statesmanship, he was probably the superior of either of them. 98 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY GOVERNORS OF MISSOURI. Name. Alexander McNair, Frederick Bates, Abraham J. Williams, John Miller, John Miller, Daniel Dunklin, Lilburn W. Boggs, Thomas Reynolds, M. M. Marmaduke, John C. Edwards, Austin A. King, Sterling Price, Trusten Polk, Hancock Jackson, Robert M. Stewart, Claiborne F. Jackson, Hamilton R. Gamble, Willard P. Hall, Thomas C. Fletcher, Joseph W. McGlurg, B. Gratz Brown, Silas Woodson, Charles H. Hardin, John S. Phelps, Thos. T. Crittenden, John S. Marmaduke, Albert P. Moorehouse, David R. Francis, Wm. J. Stone, Lon V. Stephens, Alexander M. Dockery, Joseph W. Folk, Herbert S. Hadley, Governor Majors was County. St. Louis, St. Louis, Boone, Cooper, Cooper, Washington, Jackson, Howard, Saline, Cole, Ray, Chariton, St. Louis, Randolph, Buchanan, Saline, St. Louis, Buchanan, St. Louis, Camden, St. Louis, Buchanan, Audrain, Greene, Johnson, St. Louis City, Nodaway, St. Louis City, Vernon, Cooper, Daviess, St. Louis, Jackson, elected in 1912 and Governor Elected. August, 1820 August, 1824 Pres. Senate Dec. 8, 1825 August, 1828 August, 1832 August, 1836 August, 1840 Lieut.-Gov. August, 1844 August, 1848 August, 1852 August, 1856 Lieut.-Gov. August, 1857 August, 1860 Appointed Lieut.-Gov. November, 1864 November, 1868 November, 1870 November, 1872 November, 1874 November, 1876 November, 1880 November, 1884 Lieut.-Gov. November, 1888 November, 1892 November, 1896 November, 1900 November, 1904 November, 1908 Gardner in 1916. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 99 UNITED STATES SENATORS FROM MISSOURI. When Elected. Name. Politics. 1820. David Barton, Whig, 1820. Thomas H. Benton, Democrat, 1824. David Barton, Whig, 1826. Thomas PI. Benton, Democrat, 1880. Alexander Buckner, Democrat, 1832. Thomas H. Benton, Democrat, 1834. Lewis F. Linn, Democrat, 1836. Lewis F. Linn, Democrat, 1838. Thomas H. Benton, Democrat, 1842. Lewis F. Linn, Democrat, 1843. David R. Atchison, Democrat, 1844. David R. Atchison, Democrat, 1844. Thomas H. Benton, Democrat, 1849. David R. Atchison, Democrat, 1851. Henry S. Geyer, Whig, 1857. James S. Green, Democrat, 1857. Trusten Polk, Democrat, 1861. Waldo P. Johnson, Democrat, 1862. Robert Wilson, Conservative, 1862. John B. Henderson, Republican, 1863. B. Gratz Brown, Republican, 1867. Charles D. Drake, Republican, 1869. Carl Schurz, Republican, 1870. Daniel F. Jewett, Republican, 1871. Francis P. Blair, Democrat, 1873. Lewis V. Bogy, Democrat, 1875. Francis M. Cockrell, Democrat, 1877. David H. Armstrong, Democrat, 1879. James Shields, Democrat, 1879. Geo. G. Vest, Democrat, 1881. Francis M. Cockrell, Democrat, 1885. Geo. G. Vest, Democrat, 1887. Francis M. Cockrell, Democrat, 1891. Geo. G. Vest, Democrat, Residence. Howard St. Louis Howard St. Louis 0- Girai-deau St. Louis St. Genevieve St. Genevieve St. Louis C. Girardeau Platte Platte St. Louis Platte St. Louis Lewis St. Louis St. Clair Andrew Pike St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis Johnson St. Louis Carroll Pettis Jchniion Jackson Johnson Jackson 100 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 1893. Francis M. Cockrell, Democrat, Johnson 1897. Geo. G. Vest, Democrat, Jackson 1899. Francis M. Cockrell, Democrat, Johnson 1903. William Joel Stone, Democrat, Jefferson City 1905. William Warner, Republican, Kansas City 1909. William Joel Stone, Democrat, Jefferson City 1911. James A. Reed, Democrat, Kansas City As we have seen Randolph County was a part of Howard County auring the territorial dayis ^roxn 1816 uirtil 1820. Chariton County was organized in 1820 and therefore until 1829 Randolph County was a part of Chariton County. After Missouri was admitted as a state the first representative to the General Assembly from Chariton County was Hon. George Burckhartt, who resided about six miles and a half from'Hunts- ville in the now county of Randolph. Mr. Burckhartt was reelected in 1824 and again in 1826, and was afterward twice elected to the General Assembly from Randolph County. The following is a list of members of House of Representatives from Randolph County: Charles McLean, 1830 Dr. William Fort, 1832 Dr. William Fort, 1834 Dr. Waller Head, 1836 George Burckhartt, 1838 George Burckhartt, 1840 James B. Dameron, 1842 Robert Wilson, 1844 Thomas P. Ruby, 1846 P. T. Oliver, 1848 Dabney C. Garth, 18.50 James F. Wight, 1852 Dabney C. Garth, 1854 May M. Burton, 1856 Henderson D. Wilcox, 1858 J. F. Cunningham, I860 George M. Quinn, 1862 Joseph L. Minor, 18(54 Thomas P. White, 1866 John G. Burton, 1869 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 101 John G. Burton, 1871 Henry A. Newman, 1873 William Quayle, 1875 James F. Wight, 1877 Franklin P. Wiley, 1879 Franklin P. Wiley, 1881 Walker Wright, 1883 W. J. HoUis, 1885 Henry A. Newman, 1887 Willard C. Hall, 1889 William B. McCrary, 1891 George 0. Powell, 1893 William A. Rothwell, 1895 William A. Wight, 1897 William A. Wight, 1899 Stephen W. Creson, 1901 Stephen W. Creson, 1903 William T. Heathman, ' 1905 William T. Heathman, 1907 John E. Lynch, 1909 John E. Lynch, 1911 Rich R. Correll, 1913 Rich R. Cojrell, 1915 CHAPTER VI EARLY CONDITIONS. BOONSLICK COUNTY WITHIN RESERVATION OP SAC AND FOX INDIANS — INDIAN CLAIMS EXTINGUISHED — COMING OF SETTLERS — FIRST SETTLEMENTS — IM- MIGRATION — PIONEER FARMING — THE "RAZORBACK" — INDIAN MENACE — BLACK HAWK WAR— SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS. Prior to 1808, the Boonslick country, north of the Missouri River was within the reservation of the Sac and Fox Indians. By the terms of the treaty of Paris, the French government ceded Louisiana Territory to the United States subject to the claims of the Indians to the land. These claims, our government recognized, consequently the United States could convey no clear title to any part of these lands until the claims of the Indians had been extinguished by purchase. It appears that prior to this time the claim of the Indians had been so extinguished in the lands north of the river and east of a line drawn from a point opposite the mouth of the Gasconade River, northerly to said river and thence down said stream to the Mississippi. The question of the ownership of the lands in the Boonlick country, was finally set at rest in the fall of 1818 when government land officers at St. Louis and Franklin opened their doors and began to sell these lanas, after the Indian claims had been so extinguished. With the end of the War of 1812, the tide of immigration which had been stayed by this war, again flowed westward in an ever increasing volume. These new settlers came as best they could. The greater number in covered wagons, a few horseback, and possibly some single men afoot. The better to do families came in two or more wagons, and sometimes several families in company. Those coming in wagons, frequently HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 103 brought with them live stock, and more generally necessary tools and equipment such as axes, saws, hoes and other edged tools and probably spinning wheels and looms for weaving cloth or equipment for a loom. Every man or boy able to shoulder a gun brought with him a rifle or gun of some description. The earlier settlers who had gone before had blazed the way and marked the trail. Those who followed gradually converted these trails, into roads. There were no bridges, nor legally established highways m the Boonslick country and probably none west of St. Charles, and conse- quently these roads, in bad weather or when the streams were swollen, were not always passable. But the early settler was indomitable, and in the end reached his destination, even if he had to hew his way through with his axe. Thus the fii'st highways of Missouri were established by river. As we have seen, the first settlements were made along the Missis- sippi from St. Louis down the river to New Madrid, and above, at St. Charles on the Missouri, prior to the Louisiana purchase. Thereafter and prior to the War of 1812, settlements had been established up the Mississippi in the counties of Lincoln and Pike further north. Likewise immigration had crept westward from St. Charles along both banks of the Missouri, and settlements had been effected on both sides of said stream as far west as Coopers Bottom in the Boonslick country. I i This renewed tide of immigration which set in during the year 1815, and thereafter continued to grow steadily, came first to these earlier settlements there to acquire knowledge of the country and look around for themselves, and from thence this tide moved up the Missouri to the mouth of the Kaw River, where Kansas City now stands; and up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Des Moines River. In consequence of these early settlements along these streams, the country bordering on the river was the first organized into counties in north Missouri. Prior to the admission of Missouri as a state, seventeen counties had been organized in North Missouri, all of them being river counties. St. Charles County situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and bordering on both, was as we have seen organized as a county in 1812. Northward, along the west bank of the Mississippi, the counties of Lincoln, Pike and Clark were organized in 1818 and Ralls 104 HISTORY OP EANDOLPH COUNTY County in 1820; westward of St. Charles County and north of the Mis- souri; Howard County was organized in 1816; Montgomery in 1818 and Callaway, Boone, Chariton, and Ray in 1820. South of the Missouri, Cooper and Franklin counties were organized in 1818 and Gasconade, Cole, Saline and Lafayette in 1820. These early settlements in the river counties, by reason of this in- flux of home seekers, grew by accretion and stretched out farther and farther into the country away from the rivers. Other initial settlements further west and north were established and likewise grew away from the rivers. The timbered counties were the first settled. Chariton County to the east, and Ray and Clay counties west, were peopled, before Carroll County which is largely a prairie county.. ^ In these days the question is often asked why it was that these early settlers neglected the rich prairie lands, and reared their cabins in the forest, upon inferior lands in many instances, where they must fell the timber and burn the brush before they could plant, when the prairie stood ready for the plow. This question can be answered only by putting our feet in the shoes of these pioneers. It must be borne in mind that the greater number who came to north Missouri prior to 1821 were from central Kentucky, Tennessee and states further east, and over roads much of the way that would today be regarded unfit to travel. They came in wagons and they could bring with them only such of their belongings as were indispensable. Agri- cultural implements were out of the question. They could not be brought, hence the settler must equip himself with such implement he could get or construct at his journey's end. Good water and an abundance of fuel to warm up their open cabins in winter were essentials, and fence rails to inclose field and garden with a substantial fence, sufficiently high and strong enough to keep out Ihe deer and elk and his neighbors stock were indispensable. The timbered lands extending back from the river abounded in springs of cool pure water, and a cabin in the woods near a spring brought both of these essentials to its door. found adjacent to the prairie, if not too remote from a settlement, was a lucky find and the land thereabout was quickly taken up by some home- seeker. Such locations were desirable, as the settlers stock whether much or little had ample room to graze on the prairie and the timber as a rule was nearby. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 105 But the breaking of the tough prairie sod and subjecting this land to cultivation was a task to be accomplished at a later date than we now have in view- The wooden plow or the plow with an iron shear and wooden mold- board, the only kind to be had at these times, were wholly inadequate to break and turn the tough prairie sod. As late as the middle of the last century, the prairie plow with its heavy iron shear, moldboard, coulter and massive beam and rods to strengthen and small wooden wheels of unequal sizes, set under and at right angle with the beam, one wheel to track in the furrow last made, and the other on the sod to steady the plow and prevent it from tipping, was a clumsy and cumbersome imple- ment. Such plow when in operation was usually drawn slowly along by three yoke of oxen, but it served to do the work as it had been doing before for a quarter of a century, or more. After the sod was thus turned it had to lie and rot for a season before it could be again plowed. The man with a hoe could plant corn on this newly turned sod and grow sod corn if the spring and summer rainfall was ample. If a dry year the corn "burned" and yielded no grain. The prairie was therefore impossible to these early settlers. In the timber the settler could with axe, mall and iron wedge and wooden glut fall the timber, split his rails, and erect his fences and complete his in- closure. The laps of the trees thus felled would furnish him his next winter's wood. Then with axe he could belt, or deaden the remaining timber, scratch the virgin soil, by ploughing around the stumps, with his wooden or combination plow, and by the industrious use of hoe, and plow grow corn for his stock. His hogs, if any, great and small could provide for themselves in the woods when spring came and unless they strayed away and went wild, the settler was assured of hog and hominy when fall came. The hog of that period, known as "raisorback" was a rustler and could take care of himself in the forest without human aid, and is given further notice in these pages. Another reason why these new comers settled in the timbered country was the fear of the Indians. The first of these settlers came within a year after the end of the Indian War in the Boonslick country, and the last of them within less than six years thereafter, while Missouri was yet a territory. During all of this period the Indian was regarded as a menace. The settler, however courageous and fearless he might be, for the peace and 106 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY safety of his family and live stock, preferred to settle within or near the outskirts of an established settlement, where aid could be had in case of danger. Indeed, it was not until the Sac and Fox Indians had been finally defeated, the Black Hawk War ended, in 1833, and these Indians were removed entirely out of this state, and that part of Illinois to the east, that all fear of danger from that source was finally removed from the minds of our people. During the first years that we are now dealing with the Indians outnumbered the whites in the Boonslick Country, and westward. They had no love for any white person that spoke English, and the settler disliked and distrusted the Indian as much or more. There was no further warfare in the Boonslick Country, no more scalping, but an armed truce instead, in time of peace that might not last. No surveys of the public lands of the Territory of Missouri was begun until December, 1816. The only lands legally surveyed prior to that time were the French and Spanish claims. This survey began the last of the year 1816, progressed slowly and it was not until August 3, 1818, that the first land sale by the United States government was held in St. Louis and on November 2, 1818, the first in the Boonslick Country at Franklin, Howard County. These first sales were made at public vendue to the highest bidder. The settlers had an understanding that they would not bid, the one against the other. A large number of people attended the land upon which he had "squatted," and to a decree mproved, we competition and spirited bidding for choice tracts among these visitors. Whether or not any settler was by this sale deprived of his cabin, and the land upon which he had "squatted,', and to a decree improved, we are not advised. The settlers in the Franklin land district at this time had given notice to the officers of the land office, claiming the land upon which eacl'-. resided by right of preemption or that they had given notice to the land oflSce that they claimed and intended to purchase some certain tract. In March, 1818, Congress passed an act whereby the right to pre- empt land was granted the settler and made legal. CHAPTER VII EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN THE BOONSLICK COUNTRY. DANIEL BOONE'S FIRST EXPEDITION HERE— HE DISCOVERS A SALT SPRING — BENJAMIN COOPER AND FAMILY SETTLE HERE — AN ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY — FIRST PERMAJSTENT SETTLEMENT — A COLONY OF KENTUCKIANS COME — ROADS — FIRST SETTLERS IN BOONSLICK COUNTRY. Daniel Boone in some one of his hunting and trapping expeditions discovered a salt spring about eight miles northwest of the old town of Franklin in Howard County. Afterward, in 1807, Boone's sons Nathan and Daniel M. made salt at this spring, and it is probable that the elder Boone had made salt there prior to this time. This salt spring was given the name of Boonslick, and all the country thereabouts without limit was known as the Boonslick Country. In the spring of 1808, Benjamin Cooper and family, consisting of his wife and five sons, moved into the Boonslick Country, built a cabin and cleared some ground about two miles southwest of Boonslick. He had thus far progressed toward making a permanent home, when Gov- ernor Lews issued an order, directing him to return below the mouth of the Gasconade River. This order was given because trouble with the Indians, which soon occurred, was anticipated, and the location he had chosen was so far away, that the government could extend him no pro- tection; another reason was that Cooper was trespassing upon lands that belonged to the Indians. In obedience to this order he returned to Loutre Island, and remained there until 1810. This section of the Boonslick Country was not destined to be left long to the reign of the wild beasts and the savage Indian. It was at- tractive and presented advantages which those seeking homes where they 108 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY could find the richest of lands and the most healthful of climates, could not, and did not fail to receive attention. Its fertile soil promised, with little labor, the most abundant of harvests. Its forests were filled with every variety of game, and its streams with all kinds of fish. It is no wonder that those seeking homes looked upon this section as a "promised land," where provisions could be found, and that they should select and settle the rich lands here, accommodating themselves to the scanty fare of the wilderness, and risking all the dangers from the wild beasts and the Indians who lived in great numbers nearby. Two years after the first settlement of Benjamin Cooper and after his removal to Loutre Island, the first permanent and abiding settlement was made in this section; this was but a forerunner of the stream of emigration which soon followed. On Feb. 20, 1810, Benjamin Cooper with several others returned to what is now Howard County. They came upon the north side of the Mis- souri from Loutre Island, and all of them, except Hannah Cole, the widow of William Temple Cole, and her family and Stephen Cole and his family, settled in Howard County, north of the Missouri River. Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole, together with their families, settled in what is now Cooper County. Benjamin Cooper settled in Howard County, at the same place and in the cabin which he had built two years before. This cabin had not been disturbed by the Indians, although they had occupied all the adjacent country and doubtless had passed it many times. In the year 1810 a colony of Kentuckians, consisting of from fifty to a hundred, families came to and settled in that part of the Boonslick Country, now Howard and Cooper counties. These settlers located on both sides of the Missouri River, the greater number on the north side, between Rocheport and the west end of Coopers Bottom. Many of them became the neighbors of Benjamin Cooper, the first settler. When the Coopers and the Coles came to this section, there was neither road nor path for them to pass through the wilderness, save here and there the trail of the savage or the path of the wild beast. They had to take care as to the course in which to travel; any opening which they could find in the thickets, or through the forest, that would permit the passage of their wagons and animals, and frequently were compelled to chop their way through with the axe, an essential accouterment of the early pioneer. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 109 Names of first settlers in Boonslick Country and whence they came: Those who settled in the central Boonslick Country in 1810 are as follow: ■ From Madison County, Ky., Lieut. Col. Benjamin Cooper, Francis Cooper, William Cooper, Daniel Cooper, John Cooper, Capt. Sarshall Cooper, Braxton Cooper, Sr., Joseph Cooper, Stephen Cooper, Braxton Cooper, Ji-., Robert Cooper, James Hancock, Albert Hancock, William Berry, John Berry, Robert Irvin, Robert Brown, Joseph Wolfscale, William Thorpe, John Thorpe, Josiah Thorpe, James Thorpe, Gilead Rupe, James Jones, John Peak, William Wolfscale, Adam Woods. From Estill County, Ky., Amos Ashcraft, Otho Ashcraft, Jesse Ashcraft, James Alexander. From Tennessee, John Ferrell, Henry Ferrell, Robert Hancock. Fi'om Virginia, James Kile. From South Carolina, Peter Popineau. Previous residence unknown, John Busby, James Anderson, Middleton Anderson, William Anderson. From Wayne County, Ky., Hannah Jennie, Mattie, Dickie, Nellie, James, Holbert, Stephen, William, Samuel, Stephen, Phoebe (Stephen's wife), James, Rhoda, Mark, Nellie, and Polly Cole. Those from Wayne County, Kentucky, settled south of the river. The women belonging to some of these families on the north side of the river did not arrive until the following July or August. There may have been others but the above list is all that we are able to trace. CHAPTER VIII CHARACTERISTICS AND CUSTOMS OF PIONEERS. SELF-RELIANT AND BRAVJ:— FREE FROM PRIDE AND VANITY — GOOD WILD BE- TWEEN NEIGHBORS — MANY WELL-TO-DO — SLAVE OWNERS— PRODUCTS — FIRST HOMES — COOKING — GAME IN ABUNDANCE— THE PIONEER FAMILY — SUPPLIED THEIR OWN WANTS. During the years preceding the organization of the county, for the settlers it was a time of self reliance and brave, persevering toil; of privations cheerfully endured in hope of a better time to come. The experience of one settler was just about the same as that of others. Most of the settlers were poor; they faced the same hardships and stood generally on an equal footing. They kept no record of events nor of the privations they were called upon to endure, nor of incidents in their lives nor happenings in the community that would be of interest at this time. They were too busily engaged in making history to preserve;) historical events. This is a matter of regret now, for it was then the corner stones of all the county's history and future prosperity were laid. If these early settlers were poor they were free from pride and vanity, and the anxiety that attends the position of wealth. There were no fashion plates in those days and they were not concerned in dress nor display of that kind. Other people's eyes cost them nothing. They had few near neighbors but they were on the best of terms with those they had. There was no room for jealousy or strife to creep in. A com- mon interest and a common sympathy bound them together. They were a little world to themselves, far removed from the east of the Mississippi, bound together by the consciousness of common hardships, attended with some peril and they must necessarily depend the one upon the other and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 111 make common cause in case of need. If disaster came to any one settler, if his cabin burned or was blown down, the neighbors assembled at once to assist the unfortunate to rebuild his home, as if they were members of the same family bound together by ties of blood. What is said here with reference to Randolph County would hold good throughout the other settlements of that period within the state. The very nature of their surroundings made it necessary for them to dwell together in this spirit. They were thus living before there was an officer of the law in the county. The only protection each had was in the good will and friendship of his neighbors. The ill will of his neighbors justly merited would ostracize him and in the end drive him out of the com- munity. The indignation of a pioneer community was more potent even than the law. What we have said above is specially applicable to the first comers who settled in Randolph County prior to the admission of the state and shortly thereafter. Every settler who came in the early days, however, was not penni- less. In 1820 a census was taken in the state of Missouri and the popu- lation all told was 70,000. Of this total population, 12,000 in round num- bers were negro slaves. The influx of population after the admission of the state brought many comparatively well-to-do men together with their families and oft times as many slaves as there were members in his family, into these river and contigious counties from Boone County to the then state line. This class, as a rule, bought farms improved or partially improved and oft times the pioneer seller would go farther back into the country and begin his pioneer life anew. The growing of hemp and tobacco with slave labor soon became a lucrative business and within a decade after Randolph County was organized and prior thereto in these river counties, comfortable houses were erected here and there, and wealth began to accumulate, not great fortunes such as we have today but competent ones that enabled the sons and daughters of the wealthier class to attend seminaries and colleges. The first cabins erected in the county were temporary and less stable than the log houses that shortly took their places. To erect a log house required help, hence the preliminary cabin that must be raised by the unaided efforts of the settler was necessarily a make shift and of course endured for a few seasons only, until a more stable structure could be erected. No accurate description can be given at this late date of these temporary structures. 112 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY As the tide of emigration was strong after 1818, the community was speedily formed and log houses of one or more rooms were then erected. These were oft times rude enough. Some of the cabins were constructed of rough logs, notched and laid up one on top of the other, while others were constructed of hewn logs likewise notched and laid up and were gen- erally a story and a half high, and all cabins alike were covered with clap- boards, rived usually out of oak trees somewhat thicker than more than double the length of an ordinary . shingle. Many of the chimneys were made of sticks covered with clay, the fireplace being lined with stones. Cracks between the logs were chincked and daubed with mud so as to keep out both wind and rain. The doors of these cabins were usually hung on wooden hinges and secured when closed by a wooden inside latch lifted by a string through a hole in the door so that the door could be opened from the outside, and all that was required to lock the door was to pull in the string. There were no mills in Randolph County when the first settlers eame, neither sawmills nor gristmills, and when planks were needed or when they were indispensable, they were sawed by hand, two men performing the work. Cooking was done in vessels over the fire in the fire place and in sum- mer frequently under the shade of a nearby tree. The cabin erected and the shelter thus secured for the family, the next work for the pioneer was to start his clearing so that bread could be had the following season. The trees were felled, or many of them, and the bodies converted into rails and the laps into fire wood for winter use. Enclosures were erected wherein to confine what livestock the set- tler possessed. Trees unfit for rails were deadened by cutting through the bark of the tree all the way around thereby girdling it, and all the brush on the clearing was burned. Of course the tree put out no leaves the following year and cutting down and converting the same into fire wood was the work of a later day. After the land to be cultivated was cleared and fenced, the amount of work to be done and the time required depended upon the size of the clearing. The settler was then ready to plow and plant. It goes without saying that the farmer and his sons had worked incessantly until the planting season came. The family of the pioneer was seldom in want of food. The woods and prairies abounded in game. Elk, deer, bear, rabbits and squirrels innumerable could be obtained by the hunter. The pioneer was an ex- HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 113 pert rifle shot as a rule, and fresh meat could be obtained in an hour's hunt. Game birds also abounded. Wild geese, ducks, wild turkey and prairie chickens could easily be found. Fur bearing animals, the beaver, otter, mink, raccoon and others were abundant and many a pioneer pet traps in winter and secured furs which were readily sold for cash. The pioneer family like the neighborhood was necessarily based on the community plan. The pioneer must furnish the food and the ma- terial for clothing and shoes, while the pioneer's wife equally the head of the family in her department carded, spun, wove and made the clothing with the help of her daughters and servants, and also prepared and served the meals. There were times, no doubt, when the wives of the very early pioneers were compelled to card the wool as well as to spin and weave. Such carding was done by hand and just how this now seemingly im- possible achievement was accomplished this writer will not attempt to describe. Mills to grind com and saw timber were indispensable and were early established. These mills were operated by water or horse power. The carding mill was equally indispensable and these were estab- lished here and there as promptly as were the sawmills. Thereafter the wool was taken to the carding machine, converted into rolls and the wives, daughters and women servants spun, wove, fashioned and made all the winter wear and likewise much if not all of the summer wear of flax or hemp. The summer wear of the family, especially the working clothes, was home spun, made of flax or hemp milled and was called "tow linen". A suit of homemade flax, skilfully milled, spun and woven and properly bleached, such as the farmers and their negro slaves wore in the antibellum days, would bring more on the market today fashion- ably cut, and would be much superior to the present palm beach suits both in durability and comfort. The wearing of homespun clothing did not end with the pioneer days, but continued until the Civil War and ended only when the slaves were freed. There may have been differences of opinion and some bickering be- tween man and wife in those days, but these old pioneers were usually prudent and sensible men, and having much to do themselves did what they were told to do, when in and about the house, by the other head ot the family. In any event, the early chronicles of Randolph County make no mention of a pioneer wife such as we have described deserting her pioneer husband and her family. The wife had too much responsibility to indulge in such pranks, besides, like Miss Betsy Trotwood's niece, she had no place to go. J' 114 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The winter wear of the pioneer and his sons and servants was home- spun jeans, cotton warp and all wool woof woven three or four ply. The only difference between the coat of the colored servant and the master was in the shape and color. The master's coat was usually dyed with indigo and was called blue jeans, while the suit of the servant and oftimes the working clothes of the other members of the family was dyed with walnut bark or made of wool from the backs of black sheep and was therefore brown. CHAPTER IX PIONEER SETTLERS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP SETTLED FIRST — WILLIAM HOLMAN FIRST SETTLER- SETTLERS MOSTLY FROM THE SOUTH — DR. FORT FIRST PHYSICIAN — EARLY SETTLERS — ORIGINAL TO WNSHIPS— PIONEERS WERE OF HIGH TYPE— OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. The Missouri River at Glasgow, flowing eastward to that point, turns abruptly to the south and flows south for approximately twenty miles; thence east to Rocheport. Howard County lies largely in this bend of the river, the northwest corner being about six miles north of Glasgow. In consequence, Randolph County, adjoining on the north, is nearer Glasgow than any other point on the river. As we have seen the first settlements were along the river and from thence grew inland. Silver Creek township in the southwest corner of Randolph County is from eight to fifteen miles from Glasgow, and it was in this part of the county the first settlement was made. It is conceded that William Holman was the first permanent settler in Randolph county. He located! near a spring in Silver Creek township in 1818. Following close on the heels of William Holman, came James Holman, a brother of William, and James Dysart, the same or following year. FVom this beginning the settlement of Randolph County grew rapidly east and north. From and after the close of the war of 1812 and the treaty of peace with the Indians, the tide of immigration from the older states east of the Mississippi grew stronger year by year. Kentucky contributed by far the greater number of settlers and Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland each contributed large numbers. Mis- souri was admitted as a slave state' and while the free states farther 116 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY north contributed, the number was relatively small compared with the numbers coming in from the states south of the Mason and Dixon line. Within three years after the coming of William Holman the settle- ment thus begun had stretched east beyond Higbee and north beyond Huntsville, and probably an occasional settler had found his way to the neighborhood of Middle Grove and Milton and other parts of Randolph County. In the year of 1820, Dr. William Fort, the first physician to locate in Randolph County, settled on land about three and a half miles west of the site of Huntsville^ and he and Tolman Gorham established and oper- ated salt works at the Salt Spring, now known as Randolph Springs. These works they continued to operate for many years thereafter, fur- nishing salt for a wide stretch of surrounding territory. Among other early settlers of Silver Creek and Salt Springs town- ships were John Viley, Nicholas Dysart, Cornelius Vaughn, Iverson Sears, John Sears, Asa Kerby, Hardy Sears, David R. Denny, Younger Row- land, John Rowland, Archie Rowland, Samuel Humphreys, Wright Hill, Rev. James Barnes, Uriah Davis, Abraham Goss, Isiah Humphreys, Rev. S. C. Davis, James Davis, Jacob Medley, Thomas Mayo, Sr., Charles Mathis, Tillman Bell, James Beattie, Charles Finnell, Val. Mayo, Charles Baker, Sr., Jos. M. Baker, Charles M. Baker, Jr., Jer. Summers, John Whel- den, Wm. Elliott, Neal Murphy, Wm. Cross, Nat. Hunt, Blandermin Smith, George Burckhartt, John C. Reed, Capt. Robert Scones, James Goodring, Elijah Hammett, John J. Turner, Joseph Wilcox, James Cochran, Thomas Gorham, Sr., T. R. C. Gorham, Daniel Hunt, William Goggin, Rueben Samuel, Thomas J. Samuel, John Head, Robert Boucher, Joseph M. Ham- mett, Dr. W. B. McLean, Chas. McLean, F. K. Collins, Paul Christian, Sr., Jos. Cockrill and Robert W. Wells and Nathan Hunt. It will be borne in mind that these early settlers arrived and located prior to the organization of Randolph County and when we refer to the townships in this connection by name we refer to the four original town- ships into which the county was subdivided after its organization. Pri- marily, Silver Greek and Salt Spring townships embraced the entirei western half of the county and Prairie and Sugar Creek townships the eastern portion of the county. Many others came before the organiza- tion of Randolph county, but the time of their arrival cannot be definitely fixed at this late date. These later arrivals, many of them, will receive mention in the history of the several townships as now organized. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 117 In a recent history of Missouri written by a college professor these pioneer settlers are referred to by the learned author as rude, uncouth, roistering men and not over law abiding. Evidently the author of this work belongs to a younger generation and was not fortunate enough to have become personally acquainted with any great number of these pioneers. The writer of this article grew up from a boy ten years of age among the pioneer settlers of Clay County and in the early seventies made the acquaintance of many of these old settlers of Randolph County who were then advanced in years, some of them feeble with age, others yet sturdy oaks in their seventies, perhaps older. The early settlers of Clay County, like those of Randolph, were from the same states and like to the early settlers of Randolph County in every respect. As a rule they were not college bred, yet some of them had college diplomas. And on the other hand some were illiterate, but not all. Prior to 1840 Missouri was yet a young state and much of it was yet a wilderness, and the class of people who came were as a rule men of strong convic- tions and strong characters. The very early settlers, those who took up their abode in Ran- dolph County prior to its organization, were supermen. Before 1820 no steamboats plied the Missouri River and previous to that time and long afterward the emigrant from east of the Mississippi came with his family, if he had one, in a covered wagon or wagons. It was only the courageous, industrious, fearless man that come to the wilderness in those days. He may have been deficient in book learning, but he had learned much in the most thorough scht)ol of all — the school of experience. The man who sought an easy, restful life, free from cares and dangers, remained in the state of his birth. No drones crossed the Mississippi River into the wilderness in the early days. It was my fortune to make the acquaintance of probably a dozen of the very early settlers who came to this county before the state was admitted into the Union and of many more before Randolph County was organized. They were not great scholars, many of them, but as a rule they were men, courageous, honest, energetic, home loving and hospitable, and many of them were consistent church men. So far as natural ability, industry, morality and right living was concerned they more than averaged with the men of Randolph County today. As a rule their word was as good as their bond. In the early days when they lived side by side, i. e., within a few miles of each other, facing: 118 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY a common peril, and being largely dependent the one upon the other, it was no uncommon thing for a neighbor to loan a neighbor not only small sums of money, but sums amounting to several hundred dollars and decline to take a note because his neighbor's promise was good and his lender knew his word would be kept. Nor were those early settlers rude or uncouth, especially in the company of ladies. They were possessed of native dignity, they placed women upon a pedestal and were gentlemen in their presence and true men at all other times. As a matter of course there were some, as there always are iri every neighborhood who didn't measure up to this standard, but there were as few of their class then as now. Men and women of today are better educated, it is true, but God makes men and women and endows them. The college may polish and to a degree enlighten and improve, but it can't make nor unmake God's handiwork. It is not the purpose of the writer to unduly extol these early settlers, but to pay them a just tribute only. It was the writer's privi- lege in the early seventies to become personally acquainted with a num- ber of these old settlers. Several of them had already passed their four score mile post. Others were a score or half a score of years younger and many of these younger ones became my personal friends. A number of the early settlers had moved west and south and of course many others had ended life's journey and were sleeping the last sleep in the church yards that dotted Randolph County. The memory of men, however, such men as were George Burck- hartt. Major Homer, William Holman and the older Taylors, Samuels, Burtons, McLeans and many other former leading citizens, does not die with them. There were hundreds yet living who bore testimony to the high character and worth of these early settlers. What I have written concerning them, the ones that I knew, I know to be just and true, and what I have written concerning those who had passed away is equally true because based upon the testimony of many credible men. The sons and daughters and later descendents of these pioneers may therefore take pride in the names and achievements of their pioneer forefathers, with few exceptions. Other early settlers were: James Hea;d, Robert Wilson, James Wells, Archibald Shoemaker, John Peeler, Elisha McDaniel, Thomas Bradley, John Dysart, Abraham Goodding, Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd, William Drinkard, John McCully, Benjamin Hardester, Samuel McCully, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 119 Terry Bradley, Thomas J. Gorham, George Shirley, Robert Gee, Phoebe Wheldon, Gabriel Johnson, Abraham Summers, George W. Green, Jacob Maggard, Samuel Eason, James Davis, John Harvey, Elijah Hammett, Joseph Goodding, Fielding Cockerill, Edwin T. Hickman, Nicholas S. Dy- sart, Benjamin F. Wood, Hancock Jackson, S. Brockman, EHas Fort, Aaron Fray, John Wheldon, John M. Patton, William Harris, William Patton, Isaac Harris, James Wells, Henry Lassiter, Mark Noble, William B. Tompkins, John Garshwiler, Sandy Harrison, Thomas Adams, May Burton, James Burton, Josiah Davis, David Proffit, Joseph Higbee, Am- brose Medley, Henry T. Martin, John Loe, Thoret Rose, Charles Baker, William Baker, John Clarkson, William Holeman, John Bagley, John Tay- lor, George Q. Thomson, Thomas Griffin, Thomas Pirather, John Kirley, John Littrell, James Pipes, James Vivion, Wiley Ferguson, Robert Ash, Hiram Summers, Nicholas W. Tuttle, Noah Baker, Richard Wells, Phillip Dale, Isaac Waldon, Felix G. Cockerill Frederick Rowland, James Howard, Rachel Crawford, William H. Davis, Isam Rials, Anthony Head, Jesse Jones, Robert Cornelius, John Biswell, Luke Mathis, William Robertson, William H. Brooks, Adam Wilson, Benjamin Hardin, William Blue, Wyatt McFadden, W. M. Dameron, William Lockridge, Gideon Wright, John Ball, Thomas H. Benton, John D. Reed, Moses Kimbrough, Aaron Kinbrough, James Emerson, Edward Stephenson, Evan Wright, Stephen Scoby, James Vestals, John J. Rice, Waddy T. Currin, Derling Wright, William Upton, William Meyers, Lewis Collier, William B. Tompkins, William Oliver, Samuel Gash, Abijah Goodding, Martin Fletcher, Edmund Chapman, John Thompson, David Peeler, John Tooley, Toland Magoffin, James S. Ingram, Adam Everly, Uriel Sebree, Robert Payne, John Nanson, Jona- than Dale, Michael Daly, Benjamin Skinner, William Cooley, Henry Wil- kinson, Mark H. Kirkpatrick, John Bull, George Watts, Justin Rose, Noah Baker, Simpson Foster, Richard Goodding, Andrew Goodding, William Sears, George Dawkins, Jonathan Ratliff, Henry Schitchfield, Benjamin Hardin, Liberty Noble, Richard Rout, E. D. Vest, Henry Austin, William B. Means, Jubal Hart, John Dunn, William Lindsey, Branton Carton, Wil- liam Ramsey, Zepheniah Walden, Lewis S. Jacobs, William Cristal, John Collins, Stanton Carter, Charles Hatfield, Reynold Green, James Mitchell, John Rowton, Garland Crenshaw, William Smoot, Thomas Phipps, Joshua Phipps, Owen Singleton, Samuel T. Crews, Richard Routt, John A. Pitts, Tilman W. Belt, Joseph Sharon, Dabney Finley, Aaron W. Lane, Rueben Small, William Banks, John Parker, Henry Hines, Abner Brasfield, Lucinda 120 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Dalton, Thomas Partin, Russell Shoemaker, Jesse Harrison, John B. Samp- kins, William C. Dickerson, John D. Bowen, Andrew King, Samuel Hodge, James Hodge, Byrd Pyle, Bright Gillstrap, David James, Tucker W. Lewis, William Wear, C. F. Burckhartt, Squire S. Winn, Samuel Rich- mond, John Kane, Gabriel Maupin, Phillip B. Hodgkin, Michael Wate, Peter Gulp, Sydney J. Swetnam, William Fray, James H. Bean, Ebenezer Enyart, Edmund Bartlett, Nathan Minter, James Hinson, Major Wallis, Robert Steele, Richard Banter, James T. Haly, Isham P. Embree, P. Samuel, William H. Mansfield, Lewis Bumbardner, Waller Head, Edward R. Brad- ley, Yancy Gray, Abner Vickry, Waitman Summers, William Eagan, Barnaby Eagan, Charles W. Cooper, G. W. Richey, Joseph D. Rutherford, Loverance Evans, Clark Banning, Levi Fawks, James Fray, John Wilks, Samuel Belshe, Hugh C. Dobbins, Fisher Rice, Nathan Decker, Leonard Dodson, Silah Phipps, Thomas Tudor, Thomas K. White, William W. Walker, Isaac L. Yealock, Walker Austin, Daniel Lay, John McDavitt, Henry Smith. • CHAPTER .X ORGANIZATION OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ORGANIZED IN 1829 — NAMED IN HONOR OF JOHN RANDOLPH OF ROANOKE — FIRST COUNTY COURT — COUNTY DIVIDED INTO FOUR TOWNSHIPS— OFFICERS AP- POINTED — SECOND SPECIAL TERM — COUNTY FINANCES — FIRST BRIDGES — COUNTY RECORDS— FIRST CIRCUIT COURT— FIRST GRAND JURY— ATTOR- NEYS — SECOND GRAND JURY. Randolph County was organized in 1829 and bears the name of an early American orator and statesman, John Randolph of Roanoke, who was bom in Chesterfield County, Virginia, June 2, 1773, and died in Phila- delphia, June 24, 1833. He was educated at Princeton and Columbia colleges. He was elected a representative in congress from Virginia in 1799, and soon became conspicuous. He was described by Hildreth as "a singular mixture of the aristocrat and the Jacobin." He was re-elected in 1801, and was made chairman of a committee of ways and means. In 1803, as chairman of a committee, he reported against a memorial from Indiana, for permission to introduce slaves into the territory in spite of the prohibition of the ordinance of 1787, which he pronounced to be "wisely calculated to promote the happiness and prosperity of the northwestern country." In 1804 he was chief manager in the trial of Judge Samuel Chase, impeached before the senate. In 1806 he assailed President Jefferson and his supporters with great virulence. He attached Madison's admin- istration, and opposed the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812. His opposition caused his defeat at the next election. He was re-elected in 1814 and again in 1818, having declined to be a candidate in 1816. In the congress of 1819-20 he opposed the Missouri Com- 122 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY promise, stigmatizing the northern members, by whose co-operation it was carried, as "doughfaces," an epithet adopted into the political vo- cabulary of the United States. In 1822 and again in 1824 he visited England. From 1825 to 1827 he was a senator of the United States, and during that time fought a duel with Henry Clay. He supported General Jackson for president in 1828. In 1829 he was a member of the convention to revise the constitution of Virginia, and in 1830 was appointed a minister to Russia, but soon after his reception by the Emperor Nicholas, he departed abruptly for England, where he remained for nearly a year, and returned home without revisiting Russia. He was again elected to congress, but was too ill to take his seat. Exhausted, with consumption, he died in a hotel at Philadelphia, whither he had gone on his way to take passage again across the ocean. During his life, his speeches were more fully reported and more gen- erally read than those of any other member of Congress. He was tall and slender, with long, skinney fingers which he was in the habit of pointing and shaking at those against whom he spoke. His voice was shrill and piping, but under perfect command, and musical in its lower tones. His invectives, sarcasm and sharp and wreckless wit, made him a terror to his opponents in the house. At the time of his death he owned 318 slaves, whom by his will he manumitted, bequeathing funds for their settlement and maintenance in a free state. His "Letters to a Young Relative" appeared in 1834. The first county court that convened in Randolph County, was held on the 2d day of February, 1829. The following is the record and proceedings of the first term of the said court: ' At a county court begun and held, for and within the county afore- said, at the house of Blandehnin Smith, the place appointed by law for holding the courts of said county, James Head, William Fort, and Joseph M. Baker, Esquires, produced from the governor of the state commissions as justices of said court, who qualified on the 2d day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine. Whereupon court was opened by proclamation. The court appoint James Head president of the court. The court appoint Robert Wilson clerk pro tem of this court. Ordered, That all applicants for office file with the clerk pro tem. their applications in writing. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 123 The court appoints Robert Wilson clerk of said court; whereupon he entered into bonds with satisfactory security, which is received by the court, and ordered to be certified to the governor. Ordered, That court adjourn until tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. WM. FORT, JOSEPH M. BAKER. Tuesday Morning, February 3d, 1829. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Present, Justices Head, Fort, and Baker. R. WILSON, Clerk, P. T. The court recommend to his excellency, the governor of this state, the following named persons to be appointed justices of the peace, viz.: Blanderman Smith, James Wells, and Archibald Shoemaker, for Salt Spring township; John Peeler and Elisha McDaniel, for Sugar Creek township; Thomas Bradley, John Viley, and John Dysart, for Silver Creek township, and Charles McLean for Pi'airie township. The court then proceeded to divide the county into townships, as follows, viz. : The township of Silver Creek shall be bounded as follows : Beginning at the southwest comer of Howard county; thence running north with Randolph county line, to the township line, between town- ships 53 and 54; thence east with said township line, to the range line, to the Howard county line; thence west with said line to the beginning. The township of Prairie shall be bounded as follows, viz.: Begin- ning at the Howard county line, where the range line between ranges 14 and 15 intersects the same; thence north with said range line, to the line dividing townships 53 and 54; thence east with said townships to the line dividing Randolph and Ralls counties; thence south with said county line, to the Boone county line; thence west with the line, divid- ing Randolph and Boone, and Randolph and Howard, to the beginning. The township of Salt Spring shall be bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning where the township line, dividing townships 53 and 54 on the west; thence north with said county line to the northwest corner of the county; thence east with the county line, to the range line be- tween ranges 14 and 15 ; thence south to the comer of Silver Creek township; thence west with said line to the beginning. Ordered, That all territory lying north be attached to and form a part of said township. The township of Sugar Creek shall be bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the range line, between ranges 14 and 15, on the north- 124 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ern county line; thence east to the northeast corner of the county; thence south with the line dividing townships 53 and 54; thence west with said line to the corner of Silver Creek and Prairie townships. Ordered, That all the territory lying north of said township, be attached to and form a part thereof. The court appoint Thomas J. Gorham surveyor of the county of Randolph, whereupon he entered into bond conditioned as the law directs, with satisfactory surety. The court appoint Terry Bradley assessor for the county of Ran- dolph, for the year 1829, and until his successor is duly elected and quali- fied. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned as the law directs, in the penal sum of five hundred dollars, with Thomas Bradley and Ben- jamin Cockerill his securities, which was received by the court. The court appoint Jacob Medley collector for the county of Ran- dolph, for the year 1829. Whereupon, he entered into duplicate bonds, conditioned as the law directs, in the penal sum of two thousand dol- lars, with James Head and Terry Bradley as his securities, for the faith- ful performance of his duties in relation to state tax, which was received by the court, one of which was ordered to be forwarded to the auditor of public accounts; he also took the oath prescribed by law. The court appoint Nathan Hunt constable of Salt Spring township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penal sum of eight hundred dollars, with Daniel Hunt and Abraham Goodding as his securities, which was received by the court. The court appoint Nathan Floyd constable of Prairie township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hundred dollars, with David Floyd and William Drinkard as his securities, which were received by the court; he then took the oath prescribed by law. The court appoint John McCully constable of Silver Creek township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hundred dollars, conditioned as the law directs, with Benjamin Hardester and Samuel McCully as his securities, and took the oath prescribed by law. The court appoint Abraham Goodding constable of Sugar Creek township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hun- dred dollars, conditioned as the law directs, with Terry Bradley and Rob- ert Sconce as his securities, and took the oath prescribed by law. Ordered, By the court, that application be made to the clerk of Chariton county court, for copies of such records pertaining to the county HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 125 of Randolph, as may be thought necessary. The court appoint Robert Sconce, guardian of Luzetta Wheldon, minor of John Wheldon, deceased. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned as tlie law directs, in the penalty of one thousand dollars, with John J. Turner, and Thomas J. Gorham as his securities, which were received by the court as sufficient. Ordered, that court adjourn until court in course. WILLIAM FORT, JOSEPH M. BAKER. At a county court begun and held for and within the county afore- said, by special appointment on the first day of March, 1829 ; present William Fort and Joseph M. Baker, justices of said court. Robert Wil- son, clerk, and Hancock Jackson, sheriff. Ordered, By the court, that the temporary seat of justice for said county, be fixed at the house of William Goggin in said county; and it is further ordered that all courts of record, hereafter to be holden in said county, be held at the house of the said William Goggin, and that a copy of this order be furnished the judge of the circuit court. Ordered, That court adjourn until court in course. WILLIAM FORT, JOSEPH M. BAKER. The above constitutes the proceedings of the first and special terms of the county court. The second regular term of the court was held on the 4th day of May following, and we note the following proceedings: Gabriel Johnson was recommended for justice of the peace for Sil- ver Creek township, and George Burckhartt and Benjamin Hardin, for Prairie. The following gentlemen were appointed road overseers: Archibald Shoemaker, Blandermin Smith, Thomas Bradley, John, Dysart, James Wells, Henry Lassiter, Mark Noble, William B. Thompkins, John Garsh- weiler, John M. Patton and Josiah Davis. The first county levy was made at the June term, aid was ordered to be 50 per cent of the state levy, and in order to give some idea of the kind of salaries our old-time officers received, it should be stated that the county assessor, Terry Bradley, "was allowed his account of sixty-one dollars and fifty-six and one-fourth cents, for thirty-five days' service, postage, stationery," etc. Query — If such salaries as this were paid nowadays, would not electioneering grow small by degrees and beau- tifully less? 126 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The collector made settlement of his accounts for the county revenue November 3, 1829 ; it was as follows : Resident list amounts to $253.60 Delinquent returned and allowed 1.25 Allowed by law for collecting 20.20 $21.45 Leaving a balance of two hundred and thirty-two dollars and fifteen cents in his hands, together with the sum of two dollars and ninety- nine cents, received by him on licenses, which is ordered to be paid to the county treasurer. In August, 1830, the county court made the following order: The clerk is ordered to procure a seal for the county court, with the emblem of the American Eagle, provided the same can be had on reason- able terms. Robert Wilson was appointed commissioner of the county seat. William Goggin and Nancy, his wife, and Gideon Wright and Rebecca, his wife, Daniel Hunt and wife, and Henry Winburn and wife all made deeds without compensation, conveying land to the county for the seat of justice. Each gave twelve and a half acres, aggregating 50 acres. Reuben Samuel was appointed superintendent of public buildings. The first guardian appointed by the county court of Randolph county was John Harvey, who was appointed guardian of Drucilla Wheldon, minor child of John Wheldon, deceased. Davis and Currin were granted the first license to keep a tavern; their stand was at the house of Wil- liam Goggin. The license for the same cost them $10. John Taylor was the second tavern keeper. The first bridge of any importance, constructed in the county, was built over the east fork of the Chariton river, on the first high bank above Baker's ford, in 1829. The citizens paid half of the cost by sub- scription, and the county court subscribed the other half. Henry B. Owen was the contractor, and received $1.65 for building half of the bridge. In 1830 Nicholas Dysart was allowed the sum of $56 for assess- ing the county. The early records of the circuit court and recorder's office, espe- cially the record of deeds in the latter office, were destroyed by fire in 1882, at the time the court-house was burned; consequently we are forever precluded from knowing just exactly what they contained. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 127 The first circuit court within and for the county of Randolph, was held at the residence of William Goggin in 1829. The Hon. David Todd, of Boone county, was the presiding judge; Robert Wilson was the clerk, Hancock Jackson, sheriff, and James Gordon, prosecuting attorney. The following persons composed the first grand jury: George Burckhartt, foreman; Peter Gulp, Ambrose Medley, William Baker, Lawrence Evans, Terry Bradley, Edwin T. Hickman, Francis K. Collins, Levi Moore, Jere- miah Summers, Robert Boucher, Richard Blue, Henry Martin, Thomas Kimbrough, Moses Kimbrough, James Davis, John Bagby, John Dunn, William Upton, Robert Dysart, John Martin, William Pattin, Isaac Harris. They closed their labors on the second day of the term, having found two indictments, — one against John Moore for "assault and battery," and one against John Cooley, for resisting legal process. The following attorneys were in attendance upon this court: Robert W. Wells, attorney-general; John F. Ryland, Gen. John B. Clark, Joseph Davis, Thomas Reynolds and Samuel Moore. Each one of the above named attorneys, excepting Moore, afterwards occupied honorable posi- tions in the councils of the state. Wilson and Gen. Clark were in the congress of the United States, the former being a senator. This second grand jury was made up of John Dysart, foreman; James Davis, John Owens, David Turner, William Mathis, Thomas Prather, William Kerby, Jacob Epperly, Nicholas Tuttle, Robert Elliott, George W. Green, Thorett Rose, EHsha McDaniels, John D. Reed, John Gross, James Cooley, John McCully, Dr. William Fort, Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd. CHAPTER Xf EARLY WARS. BEFORE WAR OP 1S12— INDIANS IN WAR OF 1812— FORTS CONSTRUCTED IN BOONS- LICK COUNTRY— INDIAN WARFARE— SETTLERS KILLED BY INDIANS— CAP- TAIN COOPER ASSASSINATED — CAPTAIN SARSHALL COOPER'S COMPANY- MEXICAN WAR— COMPANY ORGANIZED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY— CIVIL WAR. Doubtless before the War of 1812 began, the Missouri Indians were at heart hostile. They were idle, shiftless and treacherous, from the white man's viewpoint. In the presence of the settler, they were apparently frank, accommodating and kind. Yet they knew by experience that the white man coveted their lands, hence was their enemy, and that eventually they would be dispossessed of their hunting grounds, all of which subsequently came to pass. Immediately upon the breaking out of hostihties the settlers in the Boonslick country began to erect forts in every neighborhood. Four were constructed north of the Missouri river and two south. The largest. Coopers fort, a stockade flanked by log houses, was erected in the bottom south of Glasgow and near the Missouri river. A common field of 250 acres lying between the fort and said river was worked by all of its inhabitants. Some twenty or more families and a number of young men took refuge therein. McLeans fort, or Fort Henpstead, was situated on a high hill near Sulphur creek, about a mile west of New Franklin. Fort Kincaid was near the river about a mile and a half from the present site of old Franklin. Heads fort was four miles from Rocheport on the "Big Hill" near the old Boonslick trail. It was the most easterly fort of the settlement. South of the river was Coles fort, a mile and a half east of the pres- ent site of Boonville. fyy 4; i.-5.'H«!'i HIGH SCHOOL, MOBERLY, MO. WOODLAND HOSPITAL, MOBERLY, MO. HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 129 In 1814, the Hannah Cole fort was erected on a bluff overlooking the Misosuri river not far from Boonville. The settlers of these several neighborhoods took refuge in these forts and so remained until peace was declared. Thus situated, co-operation, so vitally necessary for the safety of all, was rendered difficult. They made common cause of their danger, however, and stood together and extended to each other armed aid. And when on one occasion the settlers in Cole's fort, south of the river were threatened with extermination and escaped across the river to Fort Kincaid, they found not only a refuge, but an indefinite right of hospitality. There were no phones in those days whereby one fort could com- municate with the other in safety. When danger appeared, some daring man or woman if need be, must take his life in hand and bear the mes- sage in person. Beside these imprisoned women and children and men as well must be fed and the woods was their larder. The hunter must go forth, other- wise a famine. The hunters went at duty's call, sometimes he did not return, for the Indian was a "bushwhacker," the first of the kind. Fair play and no favors was no part of his war creed, nor is it now among so-called enlightened nations, as it once was in the days of chiv- alry. The Indian preferred to lie in wait and slay his enemy from am- bush. The redmen were not cowards, but they went on the warpath to kill, not -to be killed. A scalp counted, whether obtained by a shot from the bush or in open fight, and he preferred to shoot when concealed; it was safer. Indians were seldom reckless in battle, but if need be they knew no fear. Today full blood Indians who served with the Amer- ican forces in France in the late World War, are wearing "decorations" awarded them for efficient and daring service, unsurpassed by any sol- dier of any nationality. The Indian as a foe was cruel and vengeful, but what about the white race in this last great war. Waged as it was by enlightened nations that claim to be Christian countries as well. Every damnable device that inventor could design or chemist discover was used to cruelly and effectually destroy life and future health. Thou- sands of hopeless invalids may today be found in the countries engaged with lungs burned beyond repair by poison gas, who must suffer until life ends. Thus it has come to pass that the savage Indian of more than a century ago has been so far outdistanced in cold-blooded war cruelty, as to make the redman of that time appear comparatively humane. 130 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY During the war of 1812 it is definitely known that the Indians took the lives of ten of these early settlers, two south of the river, and eight north, in the Boonslick country. In 1812, two men from Cole's fort went hunting, Smith and Savage, and were cut off by hostile Indians. Savage escaped, but Smith was slain. Later, in 1814, William Gregg, while feeding hogs, was shot and killed from ambush by Indians. This took place above Arrow Rock, and both these killings were south of the Missouri river. Early in the year 1812, Jonathan Todd and Thomas Smith, while looking for land upon which to settle were set upon by Indians near the Boone County line. They bravely resisted and killed several Indians, but in the end paid the forfeit with their lives. In July, 1812, a man named Campbell and Adam McCord went to Campbell's home from Fort Kincaid to do some work. Campbell was killed from ambush and McCord escaped. Braxton Cooper, Jr., was killed in September, 1813, two miles north of New Franklin while cutting logs to build a house. He was armed with a rifle and a hunting knife, and fought to the end. When his body, lying face downwards, was found, his gun lay by his side and in his clenched right hand was his knife bloody to the hilt. He was a young man of superior physical strength and courage and the trampled ground and broken bushes about bore evidence that he had fought des- perately. He was not scalped nor mutilated, positive evidence that the Indians were put to flight while he was yet capable of resistance. Joseph Still and Stephen Cooper, a youth of sixteen, both rangers from Fort Cooper, while scouting, came in contact with a band of one hundred Indians twenty miles from the fort. The Indians barred the way, so the two rangers rode full speed at the Indians' line with cocked rifles. Both fired with effect. Cooper killed an Indian and Still shot and wounded another. Still was shot from his horse at the Indian line and killed, while the boy Cooper went through and escaped to the fort. This was in October, 1813. About the same time, October, 1813, William McLean was killed near Fayette. He with several other men went to select a piece of land upon which someone of them desired to settle. They were attacked by a large party of Indians and McLean was shot in the head and fell dead. The others escaped to McLean's fort. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 131 A negro named Joe, belonging to Samuel Brown, was killed by In- dians near Burckhartt's farm, three-quarters of a mile from Estill Sta- tion. Several other men belonging to Cooper's fort also lost their lives during the war period, but no record of their names remain. One of the most lamentable events of this war was the taking off of Captain Sarshall Cooper on the night of AprU 14, 1814. The night was exceedingly dark and a storm was raging. Captain Cooper and family lived in one of the angles of Fort Cooper. A single warrior crept up to the fort and made a hole in the clay between the logs, large enough to admit the muzzle of his gun. Captain Cooper was sitting before the fire, his youngest child in his lap, his wife nearby, was sewing. The Indian fired and Sarshall Cooper fell lifeless to the floor in the midst of his family. Captain Cooper was a born leader. He was five feet and ten inches in height, fine physique, a superb horseman and was cool, deliberate and courageous. Cooper County was afterward named for him. The musterroll of Captain Sarshall Coopers' company, dated April, 1812, is not without interest, and gives the names of the following offi- cers and men : William McLean, first lieutenant; David McQuilty, second lieutenant; John Monroe, third lieutenant; Ben Cooper, ensign; John McMurray, first sergeant; Sam McMahan, second sergeant; Adam Woods, third ser- geant; David Todd, fourth sergeant; John Mathews, fifth sergeant; An- drew Smith, corporal; Thomas Vaugn, corporal; James McMahan, cor- poral; John Busby, corporal; James Barnes, corporal. Privates Jesse Ashcraft, Jesse Cox, Sam Perry, Solomon Cox, Henry Ferrill, Harmon Gregg, Robert Cooper, William Gregg, John Wasson, Josiah Higgins,. David Gregg, Gray Byrum, David Cooper, Abbott Hancock, Williarat Thorp, William Cooper, John Cooper, Joseph Cooper, Stephen Cooper,. William Read, Stephen Turley, Thomas McMahan, James Anderson, Wil- liam Anderson, Stephen Jackson, John Hancock, Robert Irvin, Francis Cooper, Benoni Sappington, James Cooley, Nathan Teague, James Doug- lass, John Sneathan, William Cresson, Joseph Cooley, William McLane, James Turner, Ervin M. McLane, William Baxter, Peter Creason, David Burns, Price Arnold, John Smith, John Stephenson, Alfred Head, Gilliard Roop, Daniel Durbin, James Cockrill, Jesse Tresner, Mitchell Poage, Town- send Brown, John Arnold, Robert Poage, Francis Berry, Lindsay Car- son, David Boggs, Jesse Richardson, Robert Brown, John Peak, John 132 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Elliot, Joseph Beggs, Andrew Carson, John Colley, Reuben Fugitt, Seibert Hubbaid, John Berry, William Brown, Francis Woods, William Allen, Robert Wells, Joseph Moody, Joseph Alexander, Amos Barnes, Daniel Hubbard, Harris Jamison, Abraham Barnes, William Ridgeway, Enoch Taylor, Mathee Kinkead, John Barnes, Henry Waedon, Otto Ashcraft, John Pursley, William Monroe, Isaac Thornton, Stephen Feils, Dan Monroe, Giles Williams, Henry Barnes, William Savage, Thomas Chandler, John Jokley, Stephen Cole, William Robertson, William Bolen, Mixe Box, Sabert Scott; John Savage, James Cole, Stephen Cole, Jr., John Ferrill, Delaney Bolen, James Savage, Joseph McMahan, Braxton Cooper, Robert Hancock. Every enlisted man furnished his own equipment and an order was promulgated so the "citizen soldiers may not be ignorant of the manner in which the law requires him to be equipped; he is reminded that it is his duty to provide himself with a good musket, with bayonet and belt or fusil, two spare flints and a knapsack pouch with a box thereon to contain not less than twenty^four cartridges, or a good rifle, knapsack, powder horn and pouch, with twenty balls and one-quarter of a pound of powder." It is not within the provinca of this work to go further into the details of this war period. They are intensely interesting, however. At that time the now Randolph County was a part of the Boonslick country, but as yet no white settler had reared his cabin within its boundaries, hence Randolph County had no part in this struggle. No doubt descendants of some of these pioneers who took an active part in this struggle may be found in Randolph County at this time, but the writer of this work cannot so state positively, nor give names. In July, 1846, upon the call of the president of the United States, a company of men was organized in Randolph County foi the Mexican War. The company consisted of about 100 men, and left Huntsville on the first Monday in August, 1846. Before leaving the company was presented with a beautiful silk flag, made by the ladies of Randolph County. This flag was carried by the men through all their long marches and engagements, and when they returned home, in November, 1847, with a list of the names of the men, stored away in the courthouse for safe keeping, and, unfortunately, destroyed by fire when the courthouse was burned. This list, being thus destroyed, we are unable to give all the names of the men who made up the company; the list, however, is as complete as we can make it: HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 133 Hancock Jackson, captain; Clair Oxley, first lieutenant; R. G. Gil- man, second lieutenant ; W. R. Samuel, third lieutenant ; William Ketchum, first sergeant, died in the army; W. L. Fletcher, first sergeant; L. W. T. Allin, second sergeant, died in the army ; Eldridge Cross, second sergeant ; Vincent Barnes, fourth, died in the army ; Isaac Larrick, fourth sergeant, died in the army; Thomas L. Gorham, first corporal; Robert C. Reed, third corporal; E. C. Montgomery, fourth corporal; R. M. Proffit, first bugler; W. C. Ho!man, second bugler; Harrigan Barnett, A. Bradigan, blacksmith, N. B. Briswell, W. P. Baker, John W. Burris, James H. Brown, Francis Condon, George R. Caton, Jeremiah Clarkston, Asa K. GoUett, James Cole, Lewis R. Collier, William Embvee, 0. N. P. Flagett, David A., Gray, Samuel P. Gray, William N. Gist, Benjamin F. Heaton, Lewis Hag- gard, James Heaton, A. 0. John, N. T. Johnson, F. M. Morris, John F. Miller, Daniel C. Moore, E. A. Matney, James N. Marshall, William Murley, Monroe Mullion, John F. McDavitt, died in the army, 0. P. Magee, A. McDonald, John 0. Oxby, F. E. W. Patton, James Phillips, M. H. Parker, E. W. Parse! s, John Roberts, H. H. Richardson, John W. Richardson, W. T. Redd, W. G. Riley, S. D. Richardson, Martin Riddle, P. M. Richardson, John W. Latta, Harvey C. Ray, James Ramy, James G. Smith, W. R. Slater, Paul Shirley, E. K. Wilson, G. H. Wilson, WilHam H. Wilson, 0. H. P. Fizell, William Roberts and A. M. C. Donald. This company belonged to the Second Regiment, Missouri Mounted Volunteers, and was under the command of Gen. Sterling Price, and Lieut.- Col. D. D. Mitchell, two as brave and gallant officers as ever commanded a regiment in any war. The men were in two small engagements, one at Taos, and the other in the Moreau Valley, and like the American forces generally, came out victorious. The young men from Randolph County joined the army away from home. Their names were Clinton B. Samuel and his cousin, Edmond T. Taylor. The former joined Capt. O. P. Moss' company, Doniphan's regi- ment, and the latter Captain Barber's company, of Linn County. They were true-hearted and brave; one died with the consumption (Samuel), and the other (Taylor) died from an attack of measles, and was buried far away from home and friends, on the top of a lonely mountain in New Mexico. Randolph County, as did the state of Missouri generally, suffered much during the Civil War. Her territory was nearly all the time occupied by 134 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY either one or the other antagonistic elements, and her citizens were called upon to contribute to the support of first one side and then the other. Among those who commanded companies which were partially or entirely raised from Randolph County for the southern army were Col. H. T. Fort, Col. John A. Poindexter, Capt. Frank Davis, Capt. John W. Bagby, Capt. Benjamin E. Guthrie and Col. C. J. Perkins. Some of the above named officers were from adjoining counties, but recruited portions of their companies from Randolph county. Among those who raised companies for the Union army were Capts. T. B. Reed, C. F. Mayo, W. T. Austin, N. S. Burckhartt, W. A. Skinner, M. S. Durham and Alexander Denny. The number of men entering each army was about the same — numbering between 600 and 900. During the war a few non-combatants were killed in the county: James Harris, Martin Green, James K. Carter, Andrew J. Herndon, and two or three colored men were shot to death at their homes or in the county. CHAPTER XII PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL RESOURCES. LOCATION— AREA— GRAND DIVIDE— RIVERS, CREEKS AND STREAMS— TIMBER- COAD — TOPOGRAPHY — SOILS. Randolph County is a north Missouri county. Its southern boundary is from twenty-two to twenty-five miles north of the Missouri river at Rocheport and at Boonville. It is approximately seventy miles south of the Iowa state line and is one of the central counties from east and west. It contains 307,677 acres. Randolph County is bounded on the north by Macon and Shelby Counties ; on the east by Monroe and Audrain ; on the south by Howard and Boone and on the west by Chariton County. The grand divide between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, begin- ning in St. Charles County, runs northwest into Randolph County, thence turns north through the counties of Macon, Adair and Schuyler into Iowa and thence northwesterly, parallelling the Des Moines river beyond its source, thence northwesterly to a point northwest of Big Stone Lake, where it joins the continental divide running east and west from the Atlantic to the Pacific, dividing the waters running south from those running into the Hudson Bay. About one-fourth of Randolph County is on the east slope of this divide and from this part of the county the water flows into the Mississippi, and on the other hand the waters from the west and south side of the divide flow into the Missouri. The towns of Clark, Renick, Moberly, Cairo and Jacksonville are situated on this divide, Moberly being the highest point between Hannibal and Bruns- wick. This divide is a prairie from the eastern part of Montgomery County throughout its length and is of unequal width, varying from one to five or six miles, and was known in the early days as the Grand Prairie. 136 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The slopes of this divide to the east are gentle, but as the smaller streams come together and form larger ones, the land along the water courses that flow from these slopes grow more undulating and hilly along the streams. From the west and southwest side of the divide flow the Perche, Moniteau, Silver Creek, Sweet Springs, Sugar Creek and Locust Creek and other smaller streams. All of these streams, except the Perche and Moniteau, which flow south directly to the Missouri river, empty into the east fork of the Chariton river. The eastern fork of the Chariton has its source in north Missouri and enters Randolph County from the north, about the center of the county, flows thence southwest until it empties into the Chariton river a few miles above the mouth of that stream west of Glasgow. Six miles east of the western line of the county the middle fork of the Chariton enters the county, flows south by Thomas Hill in Chariton township, thence southwest into Chariton County, passing Salis- bury east of that town and forms a junction with east fork a few miles north of Forest Green, and the streams so combined flow into the Chari- ton as we have seen. From the southeast corner of the county west, the land slopes gently to the south and west for several miles, becom- ing broken and hilly along the Perche and Moniteau for a few miles north of the county line. An arm of the grand prairie stretches out to the south- west from a point two miles south of Moberly for several miles, extend- ing to within a mile of Higbee when it becomes wooded, and thence ex- tends into the northern part of Howard County. From this divide the waters flow directly south from the south side, and into Silver Creek and Sweet Spring from the northern side. The land situated on this divide is first class farming and grazing land. The western part of the county was mostly timber land, interspersed, however, with rich prairie, and is of superior productive qualities. The timber was principally elm, shell-bark hickory, linden and burr, swamp, red, white and black oak, sycamore and sugar maple. There are some large bodies of very rich land in different portions of the county. The bottoms of t>ie east and middle forks of the Chariton and Sweet Spring creeks are very flat, but have generally been sufl[iciently drained to be cultivated, and are very productive. There are several prairies in the county which contain very superior land for agricultural purposes. The creek bottoms are wonderfully rich, and where not too flat, or being flat have been drained, they produce remarkable crops of the cereals and grasses. About one-half of the coun- try is prairie. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 137 Practically all of Randolph County rests upon coal beds of varying thickness lying in strata at different depths. From the edge of the prairie that crown the grand divide, westward a vein of coal from three and a half to four feet in thickness underlies the county practically to its western border. From Jacksonville west these coal measures extend to and beyond the county limits. In the south- western comer they may be somewhat curtailed. Coal mines have been opened and successfully operated at and south of Renick, at and on all sides of Higbee, and west thereof to Yates. Also at and around Hunts- ville to within a mile of the machine shops at Moberly and west of Jack- sonville. This great coal field underlies all of the rough timbered lands, valuable now for grazing purposes, but vastly more valuable by reason of their mineral wealth, when transportation for the coal that underlies them can be had. This coal is a soft, bituminous coal and unexcelled for steam purposes. As yet only a few hundred acres of this great coal field has been mined and this vast wealth lies safely stored underground to enrich a future generation. The eastern half of the county, generally speaking, is what we know as the Putnam silt loam or level prairie, although, of course, this is cut into by streams in many places and timber land results. This timber land is mostly what we know as the Lindley loam. This soil is found princi- pally, however, in the belt running north and southwest of Moberly, prac- tically across the county and five to eight miles wide. West of Huntsville the land is mainly what we know as the Shelby loam in the northern two-thirds of the county, while in the southwest corner there is some soil that is classed as the Marshall silt loam. This is the best land in the county outside of the bottoms. The Lindley loam is commonly known as the white oak ridge land and is best adapted to grass and timber. There are, of course, many intermediate types in the county, but these represent the principal soils. CHAPTER XIII TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. FOUR ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS — LATER TOWNSHIPS — ORIGIN OP COUNTY SYSTEM — BEGINNING OF TOWNSHIP SYSTEM — EARLY METHODS OF TAKING UP GOV- ERNMENT LAND — PRESENT SYSTEM OF LAND SURVEYS — CONGRESSIONAL TOWNSHIP— MARKINGS. Randolph County was originally divided into four townships: Silver Creek, Prairie, Salt River and Sugar Creek. The townships of Chariton, Clifton, Salt Spring, Jackson, Cairo, Union and Moniteau have since been added, making eleven municipal townships. Prairie is the largest, and occupies the southeastern portion of the county. Jackson and Union are the smallest. We deem it proper here to give some explanations of the county and township systems and government surveys, as much depends in business and civil transactions upon county limits and county organizations. "The county system originated with Virginia, whose early settlers soon became large landed proprietors, aristocratic in feeling, living apart in almost baronial magnificence, on their own estates, and owning the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a town were not at hand, the voters beng thinly distributed over a great area. "The county organization, where a few influential men managed the wholesale business of a community, retaining their places almost at their pleasure, scarcely responsible at all, except in name, and permitted to con- duct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might direct, was more- over consonant with their recollections or traditions of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of England, in descent from whom the Virginia gentlemen felt so much pride. In 1834 eight counties were HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 139 organized in Virginia, and the system extending throughout the State, spread into all the Southern States and some of the Northern States; unless we except the nearly similar division into 'districts' in South Caro- lina, and that into 'parishes' in Louisiana, from the French laws. "Illinois, which, with its vast additional territory, became a county of Virginia, on its conquest by Gen. George Rogers Clark, retained the county organization, which was formerly extended over the State by the constitu- tion of 1818. and continued in exclusive use until the constitution of 1848. Under this system, as in other States adopting it, much local business was transacted by the commissioners in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly sessions. "During the period ending with the constitution of 1847, a large por- tion of the State had become filled up with a population of New England birth or character, daily growing more and more compact and dissatisfied with the comparatively arbitrary and inefficient county system. It was maintained by the people that the heavily populated districts would always control the election of the commissioners to the disadvantage of the more thinly populated sections — in short, that under that system 'equal and exact justice' to all parts of the county could not be secured. "The township system had its origin in Massachusetts, and dates back to 1635. "The first legal enactment concerning the system provided that, whereas, 'particular townships have many things which concern only them- selves and the ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of business in their own town,' therefore the 'freemen of every township, or a majority part of them, shall only have power to dispose of their own lands and woods, with all the appurtenances of said town, to grant lots, and to make such orders as may concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders established by the general court.' "They might also," says Mr. Haines, "impose fines of not more than twenty shillings, and 'choose their own particular officers, as constables, surveyors for the highway, and the like.' "Evidently this enactment relieved the general court of a mass of municipal details without any danger to the power of that body in con- trolling general measures of public policy. "Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns was felt for the control of their own home concerns. 140 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY "The New England colonies were first governed by a general court or Legislature, composed of a Governor and a small council, which court consisted of the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and exercised both legislative and judicial powers, which Avere limited only by the wis- dom of the holders. "They made laws, ordered their execution by officers, tried and de- cided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal regulations, and, in fact, did all the pubhc business of the colony." Similar provisions for the incorporation of towns were made in the first constitution in Connecticut, adopted in 1639, and the plan of town- ship organization, as experience proved its remarkable economy, efficiency and adaptation to Ihe requirements of a free and intelligent people, became universal throughout New England, and went westward with the immi- grants from New England, into New York, Ohio, and other Western States. Thus we find that the valuable system of county, township and town organizations had been thoroughly tried and proven long before there was need of adopting it in Missouri, or any of the broad region west of the Mississippi River. But as the new country began to be opened, and as Eastern people began to move westward across the mighty river, and formed thick settlements along its western bank, the Territory and State, and county and township organizations soon followed in quick succession, and those different systems became more or less improved, according as deemed necessary by the experience and judgment and demands of the people, until they have arrived at the present stage of advancement and efficiency. In the settlement of the Terirtory of Missouri, the legislature began by organizing counties on the Mississippi River. As each new county was formed, it was made to include under legal jurisdiction all the country bordering west of it, and required to grant to the actual settlers electoral privileges and an equal share of the county government with those who properly lived in the geographical limits of the county. The counties first organized along the eastern borders of the State were given for a short time jurisdiction over the lands and settlements adjoining each on the west, until these localities became sufficiently set- tled to support organizations of their own. "Previous to the formation of our present government, the eastern portion of North America consisted of a number of British colonies, the territory of which was granted in large tracts to British noblemen. By treaty of 1783, these grants were acknowledged as valid by the colonies. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 141 After the Revolutionary War, when these colonies were acknowledged independent States, all public domain within their boundaries was acknowl- edged to be the property of the colony within the bounds of which said domain was situated. "Virginia claimed all the northwestern territory, including what is now known as Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. After a meeting of the representatives of the various States to form a Union, Virginia ceded the northwest territory to the United States govern- ment. This took place in 1784; then all this northwest territory became government land. It comprised all south of the lakes and east of the Mississippi river and north and west of the States having definite boundary lines. This territory had been known as New France, and had been ceded by France to England in 1768. In the year 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte sold to the United States all territory west of the Mississippi River and north of Mexico, extending to the Rocky mountains. "While the public domain was the property of the colonies, it was disposed of as follows: Each individual caused the tract he desired to purchase to be surveyed and platted. A copy of the survey was then filed with the registrar of lands, when, by paying into the State or Colonial treasury an agreed price, the purchaser received a patent for the land. This method of disposing of public lands made law suits numerous, owing to different surveys often including the same ground. To avoid the diffi- culties and effect a general measurement of the territories, the Unitea States adopted the present mode or system of land surveys, a description of which we give as follows: "In an unsurveyed region, a point of marked and changeless topo- graphical features is selected as an initial point. The exact latitude and longitude of this point is ascertained by astronomical observation, and a suitable monument of iron or stone, to perpetuate the position, is thus reared. Through this point a true north and south line is run, which is called a principal meridian. This principal meridian may be extended north and south any desired distance. Along this line are placed, at dis- tances of one-half mile from each other, posts of wood or stone or mounds of earth. These posts are said to establish the line, and are called section and quarter-section posts. Principal meridians are numbered in the order in which they are established. Through the same initial point from which the principal meridian was surveyed, another line is now run and estab- lished by mile and half-mile posts, as before, in a true east and west 142 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY direction. This line is called the base line, and like the principal meridian, may be extended indefinitely in either direction. These lines form the basis of the survey of the country into townships and ranges. Township lines extend east and west, parallel with the base line, at distances of six miles from the base line and from each other, dividing the country into strips six miles wide, which strips are called townships. Range lines run north and south, parallel to the principal meridian, dividing the country into strips six miles wide, which strips are called ranges. Township strips are numbered from the base line, and range strips are numbered from the principal meridian. Townships lying north of the base line are 'townships north'; those on the south are 'townships south.' The strip lying next the base line is township one, the next one to that, two, and so on. The range strips are numbered in the same manner, counting from the principal meridian east or west, as the case may be. "The township and range lines thus divide the country into six-mile squares. Each of these squares is called a congressional township. All north and south lines north of the equator approach each other as they extend north, finally meeting at the north pole ; therefore north and south lines are not literally parallel. The east and west boundary lines of any range being six miles apart in the latitude of Missouri and Kansas, would, in thirty miles, approach each other at 2.9 chains, or 190 feet. If, there- fore, the width of the range when started from the base line is made exactly six miles, it would be 2.9 chains too narrow at the distance of thirty miles, or five townships north. To correct the width of ranges and keep them to the proper width, the range lines are not surveyed in a con- tinuous straight line, like the principal meridian, entirely across the State, but only across a limited number of townships, usually five, where the width of the range is corrected by beginning a new line on the side of the range most distant from the principal meridian, at such a point as will make the range its correct width. All range lines are corrected in the same manner. The east and west township lines on which these correc- tions are made are called correction lines, or standard parallels. The sur- veys of the State of Missouri were made from the fifth principal meridian, which runs throughout the State, and its ranges are numbered from it. The State of Kansas is surveyed and numbered from the sixth. Con- gressional townships are divided into thirty-six square miles, called sec- tions, and are known by numbers according to their position. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 143 "Sections are divided into quarters, eighths and sixteenths, and are described by their position in the section. The full secton contains 640 acres, the quarter 160, the eighth 80, and the sixteenth 40. "Congressional townships, as we have seen, are six-mile squares of land, made by the township and range lines, while civil or municipal town- ships are civil divisions, made for purposes of government, the one hav- ing no reference to the other, though similar in name. On the county map we see both kinds of townships — the congressional usually designated by numbers and in squares ; the municipal or civil township by name and in various forms. "By the measurement thus made by the government the courses and distances are defined between any two points. St. Louis is in township 44 north, range 8 east, and Independence is in township 49 north, range 32 west ; how far, then, are Kansas City and St. Louis apart on a direct line ? St. Louis is 40 townships east — 240 miles — and 5 townships south — 30 miles ; the base and perpendicular of a right-angled triangle, the hypoth- enuse being the required distance." The "township," as the term is used in common phraseology, in many instances is widely distinguished from that of "town," though many per- sons persist in confounding the two. "In the United States many of the States are divided into townships of five, six, seven, or perhaps ten miles square, and the inhabitants of such townships are vested with certain powers for regulating their own affairs, such as repairing roads and pro- viding for the poor. The . township is subordinate to the county." A "town" is simply, a collection of houses, either large or small, and opposed to "country." The most important features connected with this system of town- ship surveys should be thoroughly understood by every intelligent farmer and business man; still there are some points connected with the under- standing of it, which need close and careful attention. The law which established this system required that the north and south lines should correspond exactly with the meridian passing through that point; also, that each township should be six miles square. To do this would be an utter impossibility, since the figure of the earth causes the meridians to converge toward the pole, making the north line to each township shorter than the south line of the same township. To obviate the errors which are, on this account, constantly occurring, correction lines are established. They are parallels bounding a line of townships on the north, when lying 144 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY north of the principal base from which the surveys, as they are continued, are laid out anew ; the range lines again starting at correct distances from the principal meridian. In Michigan these correction lines are repeated at the end of every tenth township, but in Oregon they have been repeated with every fifth township. The instructions to the surveyors have been that each range of townships should be made as much over six miles in width where it closes on to the next correction line north ; and it is further provided that in all cases where the exterior lines of the townships shall exceed, or shall not extend, six miles, the excess of deficiency shall be specially noted, or added to or deducted from the western or northern sections or half sections in such township, according as the error may be in running the lines from east to west, or from south to north. In order to throw the excess of deficiencies on the north and on the west sides of the township, it is necessary to survey the section lines from south to north, on a true meridian, leaving the result in the north line of the town- ship to be governed by the convexity of the earth and the convergency of the meridians. Navigable rivers, lakes and islands are "meandered" or surveyed by the compass and chain along the banks. "The instruments employed on these surveys, besides the solar compass, are a surveying chain 33 feet long, of 50 links, and another of smaller wire, as a standard to be used for correcting the former as often at least as every other day, also 11 tally pins, made of steel, telescope, targets, tape-measure and tools for marking the lines upon trees or stones. In surveying through woods, trees intercepted by the line are marked with two chips or notches, one on each side; these are called sight or line trees. Sometimes other trees in the vicinity are blazed on two sides quartering toward the line; but if some distance from the line, the two blazes should be near together on the side facing the line. These are found to be permanent marks, not wholly recog- nizable for many years, but carrying with them their old age by the rings of growth around the blaze, which may at any subsequent time be cut out and counted as years ; and the same are recognized in courts of law as evi- dence of the date of survey. They cannot be obliterated by cutting down the trees or otherwise without leaving evidence of the act. Corners are marked upon trees if found at the right spot, or else upon posts set in the ground, and sometimes at monument of stones is used for a township comer, and a single stone for a section corner; mounds of earth are made when there are no stones nor timber. The comers of the four adjacent HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 145 sections are designated by distinct marks cut into a tree, one in each sec- tion. These trees, facing the corner, are plainly marked with the letters B. T. (bearing tree) cut into the wood. Notches cut upon the corner posts or trees indicate the number of miles to the outlines of the township, or, if on the boundaries of the township, to the township corners. CHAPTER XIV TOWNSHIPS. CAIRO TOWNSHIP — CAIRO VILLAGE — CLIFTON TOWNSHIP — CLIFTON HILL — CHAR- ITON TOWNSHIP— DARKBVILLB. CAIRO TOWNSHIP. Cairo township lies in the second tier of townships from the northern boundary of Randolph, and in the central northeast part of the county. It contains an area of 21,920 acres, or a fraction over 34 square miles. The grand divide runs in a northwesterly direction through it, separating it into two nearly equal parts. Its territory was formerly a part of Sugar Creek township. The soil is a rich black loam, overlaying a substratum of stiff clay that, when exposed to the influences of rain and sunshine, snow and frost, not only becomes friable and arable, but imparts a peculiar productive energy to the soil and is admirably adapted to the cultivation of certain crops. Hence, the meadows and grass fields that have been deeply stirred are among the best in the state, and the township is noted for the rich and nutritive quality of its grasses. The cereals, also, are cultivated with success. About two-thirds of the territory is a high rolling prairie. The Wabash Railroad follows the divide and runs through the town- ship; even the farmers who reside in the most remote parts of it are not more than six miles from a depot. The East fork of Chariton River and Walnut Creek on the west side, and Mud Creek, Elk fork and Flat Creek on the east, afford plenty and never failing water for all the operations of the farm. Live stock is raised extensively and the amount shipped to markets of HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 147 cattle, sheep, hogs, horses and mules, is very large, returning' a handsome income to the farmers. The average yield of farm products per acre is as follows: Corn, 30 bushels average, extra, 60 bushels; oats, 35 bushels average, extra, 50 bushels; hay, one and a half tons. Among the early settlers in Cairo township were Leonard Dodson, from Kentucky; Andrew Goodding, from Kentucky; Samuel Martin, from Kentucky; Col. Robert Boucher, from Kentucky; Isaac Baker, from Ken- tucky; Benj. Huntsman, from Kentucky; Daniel McKinney, from Ken- tucky; James Cochran, from Kentucky; William King, from Kentucky; James T. Boney, from North Carolina; Benjamin Dameron, from North Carolina; W. S. Dameron, from North Carolina; Judge Joseph Goodding, from Kentucky. Judge Joseph Goodding is said to have been the first settler in the township. He emigrated to Howard County, Mo., from Kentucky, in 1818, and in 1823 located in Cairo township. He was a prominent citizen, and filled the office of county judge three or four terms. W. S. Dameron came to the township in 1841, from Huntsville, Mo., and has lived in Randolph County 52 years. He was born in Nirth Carolina, October 29, 1824. Cairo was located in 1860, on the North division of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway, eight miles from Huntsville, and seven miles north of Moberly, and 152 miles northwest of St. Louis. The town site originally comprised 40 acres, owned by W. S. Dameron, who donated five acres for depot purposes. The remaining 35 acres were laid out in lots. The new town was at first called Fairview, but there being another town of the same name, it was changed to Cairo, at the suggestion of Thomas Dameron. -«,' P. G. McDaniel, from Kentucky, erected the first store building in the town; Thomas Dameron, the first dwelling house, located east of the rail- road. J. C. Tedford was the pioneer physician. Abner Landram was the first blacksmith, and Thomas Carter was the first shoemaker. B. R. Boucher taught the first school. The Methodists (M. E. Church South) erected the first church edifice. Thomas Dameron was the first postmaster, and wrote the first mail matter that was sent from the town. CLIFTON TOWNSHIP. Clifton is the middle township on the western border of Randolph county. It is five miles in width from east to west, its greatest length 148 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY from north to south being seven and a half miles, giving an area of about 321/2 square miles. It is watered by the Middle and East forks of the Chariton, Muncus and Dark creeks, the slopes are gentle and the land lies in beautiful waves. Towards the southern and western parts of the town- ship the hills become more abrupt, and in the vicinity of East fork, on the south, and the Middle fork, on the west, it is broken and somewhat ragged. This is one of the best farming sections of the county. The soil is deep and rich, affording such a variety, that, with care in selection of position, almost any crop may be developed in perfection. About one- third of the township is prairie, the balance timber land. The Wabash Railroad passes through the southern part of the tovm- ship, and no point in it is distant more than seven miles from that road. This gives a convenient outlet to all the products of the farm and easy shipping of live stock and other farm products. All the field crops yield heavy harvests. Corn will yield 8 to 12 bar- rels or 40 to 60 bushels to the acre; wheat, 15 to 25 bushels; oats, 40 to 50 bushels; hay, 1 to 2 tons. Besides this, blue grass spontaneously, and clover when cultivated give rich crops. Kentucky is more largely represented in the early settlement of this township than any other state. Her sons and her daughters have ever been in the front ranks of civilization, and wherever they located, lived and died, there may be found even to this day, among the present genera- tion, many of the traits of character which they possed. Early settlers in Clifton township are as follows: Joseph Baker, from Kentucky; Charles Baker, from Kentucky; Noah C. Baker, from Kentucky; David Harris, from Kentucky; David ProfRt, from Kentucky ; Sadie Baker, from Kentucky ; Wm. Titus, from Kentucky ; Russell Shoemaker, from Kentucky ; Levi Fox, from Tennessee ; Samuel G. Johnson, from Tennessee; Joseph Harris, from Kentucky; Noah C. Harris, from Kentucky; James Holman, from Kentucky; Hiram Stamper, from Kentucky; John C. Turner, from Kentucky; Augustine Bradsher, from Kentucky ; Capt. N. G. Matlock, from Kentucky ; J. M. Summers, from Ken- tucky; T. J. Summers, from Kentucky; Judge D. J. Stamper, from Ken- tucky; James Ferguson, from Kentucky; A. G. Rucker, from Kentucky; David Bozarth, from Kentucky; F. H. Hackley, from Kentucky; David Milan, from Kentucky; W. H. Ball, from Kentucky; W. B. Crutchfield, from Kentucky; J. M. Creighton, from Kentucky; W. B. McCreary, from Kentucky; J. M. Patton, from Kentucky; E. Greer, from Kentucky; Thomas Williams, from Kentucky; J. H. Wayland, from Kentucky. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 149 Samuel G. Johnson, born in 1807, who was one of the first settlers in the township, once speaking of early events, said: "I came to the town- ship October 16, 1833, from Wilson County, Tennessee. We all lived in log cabins. My cabin had a board roof, which was weighted down with poles. When there was a snow storm the snow would drift through the roof, and after the storm was over, the snow would be almost as deep on the inside of the cabin as on the outside, the beds being covered like the floor. I have awaked many a morning with my head and neck covered with snow, and after making a fire had to clear away the snow from around the fire, so my wife and children could get up to it and warm. "The floor of my cabin consisted of loose planks, sawed by hand. The bedsteads were made of small logs, with poles put across and boards laid on them." Such was the primitive method of living and yet there were compen- sations and pleasures which were experienced by these pioneers, that are wholly unknown to the people of today. The forests abounded with game and all the streams teemed with delicate varieties of fish. The first mill that was erected in that section of the county, was built by Ezekiel Richardson, in 1824, on the Middle fork of the Chariton River. Richardson resided in Chariton County and sold the mill to Levi Fox. The first religious services were held at Joseph Baker's house, but. were afterwards held at Ezekiel Richardson's cabin, about the year 1828, where they were continued until 1834, when Mr. Johnson's cabin was used, as a house of worship. After a period of four or five years, a small house,, known as Johnson's school house, was erected, which served the pui-poses. of a church and school. Here met these humble Christian worshipers, until 1846, when a larger and more costly building was constructed and. called Providence church. This edifice, although not a very stately and magnificent one, was something of an architectural wonder, as it con- tained 12 corners. The services above mentioned were conducted by the Methodists, who also erected Providence church. Among the early min- isters of the gospel was Rev. John Shores, a Methodist. Clifton Hill is the only town in the township and was laid out in 1866, on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 35, township 54, r.ange 16, and was named after David Clifton, who came from Owen County, Kentucky, about the year 1850, and was the owner of the town, site. 150 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William Holman erected the first house that was built in the town. The first hotel was opened by Julius Rogers. Dr. J. J. Watts was the first physician to practice in the town. Dr. E. F. Wilson was the first resident physician. The first school was taught by Ansel Richardson, from Vir- ginia. William Wagner and James Maddox were the first shoemakers, and W. M. Roberts and Cyrus Clifton were the pioneer blacksmiths. The present village ofl^cials are: Mayor, George F. Christy; clerk, Everett Thurston ; treasurer, H. C. Eubank ; collector, P. D. Blake ; street commissioner, E. E. Hurt; marshall, W. B. McDavitt. Councilmen: George F. Christy, Everett Thurston, H. C. Eubank, P. D. Blake, E. E. Hurt. CHARITON TOWNSHIP. Chariton township lies in the northwest corner of Randolph and borders on Macon and Chariton Counties. It was organized in 1832, and of territory originally belonging to Salt Spring township, and extended 12 miles into the present limits of Macon County. By the subsequent organization of that county Chariton township lost two-thirds of its terri- tory, and was reduced to its present dimensions of 54 square miles in a rectangular shape, being nine miles long from east to west, by a width of six miles from north to south. The first settlement was made in about the year 1829, by a few families on each side of Dark's Prairie, near the present site of Darksville. These were followed in the spring and fall of 1830 by others, and from that time the country was rapidly filled up by immigrants from Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. In about three years from the time of its first settlement it had acquired sufficient population to justify its organization into a separate township, with Joseph Turner its first magistrate and Henry Smith its first constable. The soil of this township, while ranking along with the best in the county, is remarkable for the uniformity of its adaptability to agricultural and grazing purposes. There is very little waste land in the whole town- ship, and scarcely an acre can be found that is not valuable for growing grass or grain. The soil is principally a black loam of great fertility, and suflficiently undulating to avert disaster from the crops in extremely wet seasons, and yet sufficiently retentive of moisure to preserve them from total failure in extreme drouths. The township is about equally divided between timber and prairie land, the timber embracing wide mar- gins along the streams, and the prairie occupying the intervening space. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 151 This natural arrangement afforded the early settlers ample scope for select- ing their lands with a proper division of timber and prairie, and has re- sulted in the establishment of some of the best organized farms for mixed farming in the county. The township is well watered by four principal streams and their tributaries, all flowing from north to south, and so well distributed as to furnish abundant stock water convenient to all the farms the year round. Along the eastern margin of the township flows the East fork of the Chariton, and through the central portion, at an average distance of two miles, are Dark creek, Muncas creek, and the Middle fork of the Chariton, while the western portion is watered by a tributary of the Chariton River, the latter of which flows from north to south just outside of the western boundary. Surface springs are not abundant, but unfailing living water is of easy access in well distributed localities throughout the entire township, by sinking wells to a depth of 10 to 30 feet. Its inhabitants are engaged almost exclusively in agri- cultural pursuits, and the well-improved condition of their farms indicate their general prosperity. Darksville was settled in 1856, and takes its name from a creek called Dark creek. William Elliott was hunting in the township in 1821, and night overtaking him on the banks of a creek, he camped all night, and said that it was the darkest night he ever saw; hence the name. Dark creek. Early settlers of Chariton township before 1848 were: John Sum- mers, Aaron Summers, Johnson Wright, Allen Wright, Hezekiah Wright, Nathan Barrow, Daniel Barrow, Joshua Phipps, and James Phipps, from Kentucky; Robert Grimes, from Virginia; Robert Elliott, Robert Elliott, Jr., William Cristal, Thomas Rice, A. R. Rice, William H. Rice, George Shipp and Owen Singleton, from Kentucky; John W. W. Sears, from Vir- ginia; Philip Baxter, William Terry, Jonathan Cozac and E. H. Trimble, from Kentucky ; John H. Hall, from Maine ; William Rutherford and John McCuUy, from Kentucky; Mathias Turner, Joseph Turner and John M. Turner, from Tennessee; Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Mary Dawkins and Henry Griffith, from Kentucky; John M. Gates, Giles F. Cook and James Carter, from Virginia ; James Lingo, Samuel Lingo, G. W. Harland, Isaac Harland and James Harland, from Tennessee ; Hancock Jackson and William Sump- ter, from Kentucky; Burchard McCormick, John Gaines and John Head, from Virginia; Thomas Robert and Chitwood, from Kentucky; James Holeman, Thomas Gillstrap and Thomas White ; William Brogan and 152 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Henry Brogan, from North Carolina; Black; Nathaniel Tuley, from Virginia ; James Hinton, from North Carolina ; Green Shelton and N. Tuttle, from Tennessee ; William A. Hall and John H. Hall, from Maine ; Dr. R. L. Grizard, from Tennessee; Dr. Stephen Richmond, from North Caro- lina; John Harland, Josiah Harland, Lee Harland, Josiah Smith, Henry Smith, John Smith, James Smith, William Beard, Josiah Taylor, from Tennessee; William Redd, from Virginia; John Richmond, Samuel Rich- mond, James M. Richmond, John Dameron and James Dameron, from North Carolina; Pipes and William Kpes, from Kentucky; John Hix, Elliott R. Thomas, Henry Thomas, Lowden Thomas, Haines, from Virginia; Bruce Stewart, Frances Terrell, Ned Stinson, John Wilks, Tyra Baker, Andrew Baker, Douglas Baker, Alfred McDaniel, Thomas Kirkpatrick, Ephriam Snell, Jordan Elliott, Perry Elliott, William Elliott, Jr., H. M. Rice, Joshua Rice, Bennett Rice, Yancey Gray, Mike McCully, John McCulley, Jr., Robert Turner, Elijah Turner, John Turner, Carroll Holman, John Godard, Samuel Turner, Bartlett Anderson, John R. Ander- son, Crafford Powers, Campbell, John Campbell, Thomas Camp- bell, William Edwards, James Lamb, Ashbury Summers, Thomas Egan, Benjamin Cozad, John Terrill, Caswell Smith, Grant Allan, Henry Johnson, George H. Hall, George W. Barnhart, and Silas Phipps. One of the oldest settlers in the township was Judge Joseph Turner. He was born in North Carolina, in 1802, moved with his parents to Tennes- see in 1815, was married in 1822, and moved to Missouri and entered the land on which he now resides, near Eldad church, in 1830. He was ap- pointed justice of the peace before the township was organized, and had jurisdiction to the Iowa line. He held the office of justice of the peace until 1850. In 1861 he was appointed county court justice, was president of that body, and held the position nearly six years. When he first set- tled he had for neighbors Joseph Holman, George Epperly, Richard Blue and Asa Kirby. These were, perhaps, the first settlers on the west side of Dark's prairie. Richard Blue and Asa Kirby were the only heads of families then residing west of the Middle fork. John Richmond moved to Randolph County from Tennessee in 1830, and lived in Silver Creek town» ship until the fall of 1832, when he entered 120 acres of land where ne lived and built his cabin upon it in pioneer style. He raised a family of six children, four boys and two girls. When he first came to the town- ship, the first settlers of that neighborhood, already mentioned, had been increased by the addition of Yancey Gray, Mark Crabtree, Samuel Rich- HISTORY OP KANDOLPH COUNTY 153 mond, Josiah Smith, Henry Smith, James Lingo, Samuel Lingo, Isaac Har- lan, John Withes, Andrew Baker, Tyree Baker, Jesse Miller Thomas Kirk- patrick and Greenbury Shelton. Some of these made their settlements about the same time with Mr. Richmond. Among those who settled in his neighborhood soon after him were Daniel Milam, John Gray, Jonathan Haynes, Thomas Brookes, John McCully and Madison Richmond. On the east side of Dark's prairie, south and east of the present site of Dailcs- ville, were living at that time (1832) Johnson Wright, John Waymire, Joseph Summers, Hodge England, and Pleasant and Nicholas Tuttle. With the last named lived their father, a very aged man and a revolutionary soldier. Among the strongest minded and most influential men of his day in that township was John M. Yates. He immigrated from Kentucky to Randolph County about 1835 and after living a year or two in the southern part of the county, settled on Dark's prairie about the year 1835, and died on a farm adjoining the one he first settled in the year 1872. He was twice married and raised 15 children, 13 of his own and 2 step-daughters. Mr. Yates was an uncle of the celebrated Richard Yates, once Gov- ernor of Illinois and U. S. Senator from that state, and was himself a man of much more than ordinary intelligence and soundness of judgment. Judge William A. Hall was born and partly raised in the State of Maine. His father having been appointed to a position in the U. S. armory at Harper's Ferry, Va., he moved with his parents to that place, and when they moved to Chariton township, about the year 1839, he soon followed them, being then a young man nearly 25 years of age. About that time his father died, and he made his home with his widowed mother, although he kept his law office in Fayette, Mo., and for a short time edited a Demo- cratic paper in that place. He made regular visits to his mother's home in Chariton County whenever his professional duties would permit, and very often walked the entire distance of over thirty miles. He rapidly advanced to the front rank in his profession, and on the death of Judge Leiand, which occurred about the year 1846, he was appointed by the Governor judge of this judicial circuit, a position to which he was con- tinuously re-elected until 1861, when he was elected to represent the dis- trict of which Randolph was a part, in the U. S. Congress. About the time he was first appointed judge, he was married to Miss Octavia Sebree, a niece and adopted daughter of Uriel Sebree, a prominent citizen of How- ard County. Soon after his marriage he settled on his farm in Chariton 154 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY township, where he remained until he removed to Huntsville in 1861, and the following year to a farm near Huntsville. In the winter of 1860-61, Judge Hall was chosen, with Gen. Sterling Price, to represent this senatorial district, then composed of Randolph and Chariton Counties, in the State convention called by the Legislature to con- sider the relations between the State of Missouri and the general govern- ment, in view of the then impending crisis which threatened a disruption of the Union by the secession of the Southern states. In that convention he sided with the majority in favor of the state continuing her allegiance and loyalty to the Union, and during the war that followed remained a consistent Union man. By his conservative position and able management he did more to protect the Southern people of this county and State from military despotism and the lawless acts of an unrestrained soldiery, than any other man. He was twice elected to Congress during the war, and at its close he resumed the practice of his profession at Huntsville, in which he continued until about 1874, when he improved another fami in the northwest comer of Chariton township, where he resided in complete retirement from public life, in the bosom of his family and surrounded by his flocks and herds. CHAPTER XV TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. JACKSON TOWNSHIP— JACKSONVILLE— MONITEAU TOWNSHIP— HIGBEE— PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP — RBNICK — SALT RR'ER TOWNSHIP — UNION TOWNSHIP — MILTON — SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP — MT. AIRY— SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. Jackson township is the middle township on the northern border of the county. It is somewhat irregular in shape, and is less in size than a congressional township, having an area of 17,400 acres, or 271/2 square miles. It is watered on the west by the East fork of the Chariton and Walnut creek, and on the east by Hoover and Mud creeks. Almost every acre of the soil is susceptible of cultivation. Prairie and timber land are about equal. Its valuable minerals consist of coal, limestone and fire clay. The farms generally are in good condition. The prairie is undulating, and in its wild state, produce a strong, healthy and vigorous growth of native grasses. In a state of cultivation it yields generously to the care and culture of the husbandman, all the grains, grasses, roots and fruits usually cultivated in this latitude. The early settlers in Jackson township settled generally along the course of the streams, and in the timber ; in fact the pioneers throughout this Western country all sought the timber and water. The prairies were not settled until many years had passed. Many of the pioneers were poor, and did not have teams sufficient to break the prairie, as it required from three to four good yoke of oxen to draw the plow, and coming as they did from Kentucky and other States, which were originally covered with dense forests, they naturally located conveniently near to or in the timber. The 156 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY old settlers now say, the prairie land has undergone a great change since they first came to the county; it then appeared to be of a cold, wet, and clammy nature, and did not possess the same productive quality that it now has. As the country became opened and settled, and the prairie were grazed and trodden by stock, their productive qualities were greatly im- proved until they are now considered the better farming lands. Jackson township is not so well watered naturally as some other town- ships. The streams generally vein the western and southeastern portion of it. Walnut creek, the East fork of the Chariton River, Hoover and Mud creeks, and their tributaries, all take their rise in this township, and all flow southwest and southeast excepting Hoover creek, which flows northeast. The early settlers included some of the following names: Henry Owens, from Kentucky; Isaac Reynolds, from Kentucky; John Coulter, from Kentucky; Robert Stevens, from Kentucky; William McCanne, from Kentucky; H. J. McCanne, from Kentucky; Thomas McCanne, from Ken- tucky; Nathaniel Sims, from Kentucky; Benj. Poison, from Kentucky; James W. Lamb, from Kentucky ; Milton Durham, from Kentucky ; Stokely W. Towles, from Kentucky; Leonard Hill, from Virginia; John Hore, from Virginia; George W. Hore, from Virginia; David McCanne, from North Carolina ; L. C. Davis, from North Carolina ; Jonathan Hunt, from Vir- ginia ; John Ancell, from Virginia ; Frank Ancell, from Virginia ; C. F. Burckhartt, from Virginia; Frank Sims, from Tennessee; William Bailey, from Tennessee; John H. Penny, from Virginia. Among the oldest settlers were Henry Owens and James W. Lamb. Mr. Lamb came in November, 1837, from Casey County, Kentucky, and followed farming and later kept a hotel in the town of Jacksonville. In 1837 there were no settlements on the prairie. A road ran north and south through the township, called the "Bee Trace," so called from the fact that it was the route traveled by the old pioneers who hunted wild honey, which was worth at that time twenty cents a gallon. Mr. Lamb occupied his time after his arrival in the township, cut- ting timber and splitting rails at thirty-seven and a half cents a hundred, and sawing planks with a rip saw at $1.50 per hundred feet. Tobacco was raised at an early date, and taken to Glasgow, where it was sold to the merchants and shipped to St. Louis and elsewhere, for $1.50 per hundred pounds. Bacon was worth $2.25 per hundred. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 157 After remaining here a few years Mr. Lamb went back to Kentucky and while there, married. After his marriage he determined to return to Randolph County, and in 1842 he started upon his journey of nearly 600 miles, with ouly $10 in money, his wife, a horse and buggy, and nearly traveling 26 days, he arrived at his new home, having spent all his money, excepting seventy-five cents. Deer were so numerous from 1835 to 1840 that oftentimes 30 and 40 could be seen at one time. Humphrey and Brock erected the first saw mill in the township, which was soon destroyed by fire, and immediately rebuilt, when it was sold to George W. Jones, who combined it with a grist mill. Jones sold to Benja- min Sims. The mill was located about half a mile north of Jacksonville, at a spring, which furnished water during the dry seasons for many of the citizens of the town. The first church that was built in the toWnship was also located at this spring by the Christian denomination in 1852, and was a union church. The town of Jacksonville is located on the Wabash Railway, 19 milea northwest of Huntsville, and 12 miles north of Moberly. The town site was owned by William McCanne, Jr., John W. McCanne, St., and Henry Owen, who donated 50 acres to the railroad company, pro- vided they would locate a depot upon it. This was about the year 1858. The town was named after Hancock Jackson, who was an early settler in the county, and who filled besides several county offices, the position of Lieut.-Governor of Missouri. The first business house was erected by J. J. Humphrey and was occupied by him as a general store. Samuel Ridgeway opened the first hotel, and continued to occupy it until his death, which occurred in 1880. Dr. Burckhartt was the first physician. Thomas Demster was the pioneer shoemaker. The first church was erected in 1867 by the Christians. Thomas Griffey and Robert Skinner were the first blacksmiths. Masonic Lodge, No. 44 was organized in Jacksonville in June, 1866, with the following charter members: James A. Berry, James A. Holt, James M. Hannah, J. H. Pety, David Halliburton. MONITEAU TOWNSHIP. Moniteau is the middle township on the southern border of Randolph county. It contains a fraction over 37 square miles, and was cut off from the townships of Prairie and Silver Creek after the construction of the Missouri, Kansas and" Texas Railroad, from Hannibal to Sedalia. Soon 158 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY after this event a depot was established in the present territory of Moni- teau, on lands then belonging to Edward Owens, called Higbee, and soon a village was laid out on lands belonging to Edward Owens and Joseph Burton. A post-office was also established, and the growth of the future town was begun. This growth was afterward accelerated by the location of the Chicago and Alton Railroad through its borders, crossing the Mis- souri, Kansas and Texas road near the center of the town. These arrange- ments having been completed, a petition was numerously signed by citizens of the vicinity, asking the county court to organize another township, to be called Moniteau, as it would be located on the head waters of Moniteau creek. The Moniteau, Silver and Bonne Femme creeks take their rise in the borders of this township. Along the borders of these streams the country is broken and hilly, covered with black and white oak timber. Where the bottoms and valleys are broad enough for cultivation, the land is found to be very rich and productive. Even the land that cannot be cultivated is covered with a heavy growth of valuable timber composed of sugar maple, walnut and cottonwood. As the dividing ridges of these streams are approached, a sightly and fruitful country is presented, now occupied by substantial farmers, and highly improved. For grazing purposes it seems in many respects, better than regions adjoining, which have a richer and deeper soil. Clover and timothy produce well with cultivation; but blue grass, the first to come in the spring, the most nutritious while it lasts, and the last to be affected by the frosts, is the spontaneous production of this region. Bituminous coal underlies the surface and crops out at intervals along almost all the streams. The proximity of the railroads to these deposits of "black diamonds," makes either enterprise a safe and profitable invest- ment and coal mining is carried on extensively at Higbee. Moniteau was first settled by Virginians, Kentuckians, Tennesseeans and North Carolinians, among whose virtues were temperance, industry, probity and hospitality. Of these were James Dysart, John Dysart, Dr. William Walker, Rev. Jesse Terrill, Montgomery Whitmore, J. Higbee, George Yates, Nicholas Dysart, Christopher Dysart, M. M. Burton, Maj. J. B. Tymony, Joseph Burton, Edward Owens and George Quinn. Edward Owens was the oldest man in the township at the time of his death. Among other settlers were John Turner, William B. Tompkins, Lynch Turner, Joseph Wilcox, Jacob Maggard, Charles McLean and Thomas Dawkins. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 159 John Turner erected the first mill that was put up in the township. It was an old-fashioned horse-mill; was located in the northern portion of the township, and was running as early as 1828. Thomas Dawkins taught the first school about the year 1830; the school house, a small cabin, stood near a small stream — one of the forks of Silver creek. Dawkins was from Kentucky, and was much thought of as a teacher. The name of James Higbee, a worthy citizen of Moniteau, now de- ceased, gave the title to the station which has grown into a lively, pro- gressive and thriving town. Higbee is situated about three miles north of Howard County line, at the crossing of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas and the Chicago and Alton Railroads. It possesses good facilities for shipping second to no place in North Missouri. It stands on an open ridge two miles wide, between the Moniteau and Bonne Femme creeks. The present city officials of Higbee are: Mayor, Lee Thomason; clerk, Richard L. Hines; collector, Joseph W. Burton; assessor, Walter Davis; street commissioner, Oscar Fowler; health commissioner, George M. Nichols; marshal, W. Isaac Williams; fire chief, John Egly; aldermen, Roy Compton, Jenkin Williams, Clarence Leland, John Little. PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. Prairie township lies in the southeastern corner of Randolph County. It is the largest township in the county, and has an area of about 88 square miles. The amount of prairie and timber land is about the same. As the township is bounded on two sides by Monroe, Audrain, Boone and Howard counties, Prairie is in the front rank of townships, and is settled by a progressive and prosperous people. The soil is a black loam with substratum of clay. The land has an undulating surface, drains itself readily in seasons of protracted rainfall, and retains sufficient moisture for the sustenation of vegetation in periods of protracted drouth. It is watered by the tributaries of Salt River on the north and east sides of the "divide" and by Perche and the tributaries of Moniteau River on the southwest. These streams take their rise within its territory, but before they leave it, form large, deep creeks that contain water during the entire year, however dry the season. The smaller streams being numer- ous, supply stock water for every part of the district. Coal is abundant throughout the district and several mines are worked. 160 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY It is often the case in the east that coal lands are unfit for anything but coal, but such is not the case in Missouri. Land overlying coal beds is frequently as rich and productive as any other land in the country, and this is peculiarly the case in Prairie township. Among the old settlers of this township were John Hamilton, James Martin, R. P. Martin, Mrs. Chisham, William Butler, Joel Hubbard, Rice Alexander, Hugh C. Collins, Dr. Presley T. Oliver, Jackson Dicker son, Joseph Davis, Moses Kimbrough, Aaron Kimbrough, Thomas Kimbrough, A. Hendrix, Benjamin Hardin, Asa K. Hubbard, Presly Shirley, Jeremiah Bunnel, Thomas Stockton W. S. Christian, Granderson Brooks, Archibald Goin, May Burton, John Sorrell, Henry Bumham, William Croswhite, John Kimbrough, Bluford Robinson, Wiley Marshall, A. W. Lane, Durett Bruce, Reuben Samuel and Joseph Wilcox. Nearly all of the above named pioneers were from Kentucky and many of these men were great hunters, notably so were Durett Bruce, Joe Davis, Cy Davis, Uriah Davis, H. C. Collins, John Sorrell and James Martin. The latter in his early manhood was very athletic and was probably the only man who ever caught an unwounded deer by running after it on foot. Durett Bruce, who came to the township in 1837 lived to a great age. He was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, eight miles south of Lexington, March 1, 1789. His father's name was Benjamin Bruce; he was a native of Scotland, and a kinsman of Robert Bruce, one of the Scottish chiefs, whose deeds of bravery and feats of manhood have been immortalized by the incomparable pen of Jane Porter. Mr. Bruce married Miss Sarah Stephens, daughter of Col. Stephens, April 13, 1813. In 1834, October 10th, he came to Boone County, Missouri, and after raising two crops, he settled in Randolph County. Hearing that the wolves were numerous, and very destructive to sheep, he brought with him to the county 15 sheep, 18 hounds, and a cur dog, and was never annoyed by wolves after his arrival. He was in the War of 1812 and served under Gen. William H. Harrison six months and Gen. McArthur four months. In early life Mr. Bruce was apprenticed to the trade of locksmith, a pursuit which he followed until he was past 95 years old. In 1869 he located in the then new town of Moberly, where he died. The first mill in Prairie township was owned by Jesse Jones, and was located about three miles southwest of Renick. The first church edifice in the township was called Dover church, and was occupied by different PUBLIC SCHOOL, HIGBEE, MO. COAL MINE, HIGBEE, MO. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 161 denominations. The first school was taught by Col. John M. Bean, a Ken- tuckian, at a place called Oak Point. Lynch Turner was the first officiating minister of the Gospel. Renick, the most important town in the township, was located in 1856, after the North Missouri Railroad, now the Wabash, had become an established institution. It is situated on a high rolling prairie, on the "Grand Divide", the waters on the east side of the town flowing to the Mississippi and those on the west side to the Missouri. The Wabash Railroad passes diagonally through the town, the depot being convenient to the business portion of it. It lies six miles south by east of Moberly. Its citizens are a thorough-going and enterprising people. During the Civil War, nearly all the houses in the town were destroyed. Masonic Lodge, No. 186, was organized October 19, 1867, with the following charter members: G. A. Settle, A. E. Grubb, S. A. Mitchell, James Hardin, Benjamin Terrill, J. R. Alexander, R. Davis, T. Y. Martin, R. P. Martin, J. Y. Coates, S. S. Elliott, William Butler, G. R. Christian. Clay Thompson, who came from Kentucky about the year 1856, erected the first house in the town; he also opened the first business house and hotel. William H. Marshall was the first blacksmith, Peter Hoeman the first shoemaker. William B. McLean was the first physician in that region of country. SALT RIVER TOWNSHIP. Salt River is the northeastern township of Randolph County. About one-fifth of the surface is prairie, the balance is timber land. The prairie is generally level or gently undulating. The timber land is more uneven, and in the vicinity of the streams is somewhat broken and hilly. The territory is well provided with streams and stock water is abund- ant throughout the year. Mover, Mud, Flat, McKinney, Lick, and Painter creeks, with other less important streams, take their courses through the township and every farm is convenient to some stream that contains water the year round. Nevertheless, for greater convenience, ponds, wells and cisterns are dug on the farms for the use of stock. Living water is found at short distances below the surface, giving a permanent and inexhaustible supply. Among the early settlers of the township were H. G. Robuck, M. McKinney and Strother Ridgeway. The farms in this township are gen- erally small, averaging in size from 100 to 200 acres, and very few ex- 162 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY ceed the latter amount. It is essentially a farming and grazing country. The quality of the soil is rich and productive and easily cultivated. The reliable staple crops are com, w^heat, oats, timothy and blue grass. The latter is used almost entirely for grazing and is rarely mowed for hay. Coal lies a short distance below the surface in many parts of thi township. The improvements on the farms are generally good. Farmers have neat and comfortable farm houses to take the place of less sightly edifices built in the earlier history of the township. UNION TOWNSHIP. Union is the middle township on the eastern border of Randolph, joining Monroe County on its eastern boundary. It has an area of about 29 square miles. Flat creek, Coy branch. Elk Fork, Sugar creek. Mud creek and Coon creek, branches of Salt River, penetrate its territory in every direction and fertilize its fields and farms. There is no district in the county, of the same dimensions that is better watered. The first settlers of the township were George Burckhartt, father of Judge G. H. Burckhartt, Clemen Jeeter, Dr. Burton, George Chapman, Nade Chapman and William Haly. These men left the impress of their toil and industry on the country they settled and improved. The lands of this township are unusually fertile and will compare favorably with the best lands in any part of the state. The territory is about equally divided into prairie and timber lands. Each division is equally well adapted to cultivation and pasturage. The crops of every kind are heavy and the live stock raised is of superior quality. Coal is found in large beds and of very excellent quality in various parts of the district. Limestone, brick and potter's clay are also found. The yield of crops is as follows : Corn per acre, average, 40 bushels, extra, 70 bushels; wheat, average, 15 bushels, extra, 25 bushels; --ats, 25 to 35 bushels per acre ; hay, average, one ton, extra, two tons. Rev. J. A. Holloway, Mrs. Wesley Boatman and David Myers were early settlers. George Burckhartt was the first settler. Milton, the only village in the township, is about 75 years old. Its trade has been of a purely local character, there being no facilities for shipping. It is, however, eligibly and pleasantly situated on Elk Fort. Until about 1878, four ministers made their homes in Milton, to-wit: Eld. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 163 J. A. Holloway, of the Christian church, Rev. Peter Parker and Rev. W. D. Hutton, of the M. E. Church South, and Rev. W. L. T. Evans of the Mis- sionary Baptist Church. The latter, a most estimable and much beloved man, died about 1879. Dr. R. R. Hall was the first physician. SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP. Silver Creek is one of the four townships into which Randolph County was originally divided. It was made the smallest in extent if territory, because it embraced the most thickly settled portion of the county at the time of its organization. This fact, taken in connection with its location along the border of Howard County, which was settled first, leads us to infer that it is the oldest settlement in the county. Although originally the smallest in area, it gave up 18 square miles of its territory to the township of Moniteau when the latter was organized. It is situated in the southwest corner of the county. While it has no railroad running directly through it, its people, taken as a whole, are as well accommodated with railroad facilities as those of any other township, except Sugar Creek. Within a mile and a half of its northern boundary are the stations of the Wabash Railroad at Huntsville and Clifton Hill. Not far from its eastern boundary the Chicago and Alton Railroad crosses the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, at Higbee, and on the south, at Armstrong, in Howard County, is another depot of the Chicago and Alton Railroad. The town- ship is literally surrounded by railroad stations without any railroad run- ning through it, a circumstance which gives to all its people a great uni- formity of railroad advantages. While Silver Creek contains less level land than the other townships,, it may be safely asserted that the most fertile tracts in the whole county lie within its borders. The surface ranges from the gently undulating to- hilly near the margins of the streams, and with the exception of a few white oak ridges and hickory flats in the northeast, and an occasional one in other parts, the soil of the entire township is of a black, rich, sandy loam, interspersed with limestone, which does not predominate in any locality so as to interfere seriously with cultivation, but is generally distributed so as to furnish the requisite supply of this material element of natural fertility. Here, also, is to be found one of the best watered sections in the whole country. The Sweet Spring, taking its name from a noted foun- 164 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY tain on its soutliern margin, washes the northern boundary of the town- ship, and Silver creek with its tributaries flows from east to west through the central and southern portions. The names given to these streams, from the latter of which the township takes its name, are significant of the purity and palatable qualities of their waters and of the perennial fountains which dot their margins and spring spontaneous from the fertile hillsides in many other parts of the township. About one-third of the township is prairie land, lying mostly south of Silver creek and along the Howard county line. Of the magnificent forests that originally covered the remaining two- thirds of the township, all has given way to cultivated fields. Mt. Airy is located on the public road leading from Huntsville to Eoanoke, about seven miles from the former place and twelve miles from Moberly. There is plenty of coal in this township. Among the early settlers were John Viley, who was judge of the county court ; Mcholas Dysart, George W. Dameron, once sheriff ; Woodson Newby, James Goodman, Morgan Finnell, William Burton, William Thompson, Wilham R. Burch, George Ellis, Newton Bradley, Jeff. Fullington, Samuel Cockrell, John Minor, Paschall Troyman, Leven I. Dawkins, John E. Walden, William Nichols, Roderick O'Brien, William Holman, Joseph Holman, Sr., John Sears, Sr., Hardy Sears, Iverson Sears, Allen Mayo, William Mayo^, Valentine Mayo, John Rowland, Younger Rowland, D. R. Denny, Samuel C. Davis, Isaiah Humphrey, William Fort, Asa Kirby, John Head, Ambrose Medley, Basil McDavitt, Sr., Roger West, James Davis, Rev. Samuel C. Davis, Thomas Bradley, Tolman C. B. Gorham, Tolman Gorman, Jr., Thomas Gorham, Ambrose Halliburton, William Morrow and Joseph Morrow. Mr. William Mathis, better known as "Uncle Billy Mathis," emigrated from North Carolina in the year 1827 and erected his cabin, in primitive pioneer style, on 80 acres of land entered at government price, within five miles of where Mt. Airy now stands. He was married when he came to the state, but never had any children. He was there before the county was organized, and William Holman, Abraham Gross and James Dysart were here when he came, the first of whom was engaged in running a horse mill. Jerry Jackson came with "Uncle Billy Mathis" from North Carolina, and settled in the same neighborhood, but emigrated to Texas. About the year 1837, Capt. William Upton, another old settler, opened a store at his place in connection with D. C. Garth, who lived at Hunts- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 165 ville, and had another store there. A blacksmith shop and a tobacco factory were soon after erected, and the place was first called Uptonsville. The enterprising people of the vicinity, however, were not long in obtain- ing a postoffice, which was christened Mt. Airy, a name which it has ever since borne. Captain Upton, several years before the late war, sold out his farm and store and moved south of the Missouri river. Judge James Head, one of Silver Creek's pioneers, a resident when the county was organized, and one of the judges of the first county court, founded Roanoke on the Howard county line in 1836. The place at first went by several names, as suited the fancy of the settlers, such as Head's Store, and Van Buren, the favorite and successful Democratic candidate for the presidency for that year. But when the postoflBce was established there, at the suggestion of Judge Head, it was named for the residence of a favorite statesman of his native state — the celebrated John Randolph, of Roanoke. Judge Head emigrated to Randolph County, from Orange County, Virginia, several years before the county was organized. He was accompanied by his sister, Mrs. Fannie Medley and her husband, Jacob Medley, who settled near himi, and was the first collector of Randolph County. Judge Head lived on his farm adjoining Roanoke, and carried on business in the town, until 1849, when he moved to Lockhart, Texas, where he died in 1875, at the age of 82 years. He was followed to this state in 1831 by his father and mother, and all his remaining brothers and sisters, except Mrs. Minor Rucker, who came with her husband and family in 1837. They all settled in Randolph County. His father, John Head, and his brother, John Head, Jr., settled in Silver Creek, two miles north of Roanoke, the former on the farm where he resided until his death in 1852. All the others settled in and around Huntsville. These were Dr. Walker Head, who was twice elected to the legislature from this county, and at the time of his death in 1845, he had just been elected a delegate to the state convention, to revise the constitution. Mrs. Emily Chiles, Mrs. Sarah D. Allen, Mrs. Amanda Garth, and Mrs. Harriet Rucker were other members of the family. Mrs. Martha Price, the youngest daughter, was single when she came to the state, and was married to General Sterling Price, at her father's residence in Silver Creek township, in the year 1838. Robert Smith, who operated a tobacco factory, half a mile east of Mt. Airy, was an old settler. He came to Huntsville in 1837, where he remained six years, and then moved to Silver Creek. 166 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY John Osborn emigrated from Orange County, Virginia, in 1835. He purchased dry goods and other family supplies at Old Chariton, in Chariton County. Allen Mayo, Daniel McDavitt and William Ferguson were Mr. Osborn's earliest neighbors, having preceded him in the settlement. Rev. William H. Mansfield resided one mile northeast of Roanoke, on a farm of 200 acres which he settled in 1831, and was one of the oldest men in Silver Creek township at the time of his death. He was born in Orange County, Virginia, and resided in this county fifty years. He was married in 1814, in Virginia, to Miss Salina Eddings, and they had thir- teen children. Mr. Mansfield was a veteran of the War of 1812, and drew the usual pension. He took a just pride in having participated in the stirring events of that great national drama, in which his valor and patriotism contributed to win imperishable honor for Americans and vin- dicated our national motto, "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." He never departed from the political faith which inspired his early manhood, and in his old age he adhered with unwavering fidelity to the principles which in his youth he drew his sword to defend. He was a devoted Christian, and a member of the Missionary Baptist church for nearly three-quarters of a century. He was ordained a minister of the gospel in 1832, and for more than forty years valiantly carried the banner of the Cross, until increasing age and corpulency compelled him to abandon the active duties of the ministry, when, under a conscious conviction of having finished his appointed work, he retired to the shades of a more private life. Being seldom away from home he was very often called upon to perform the mar- riage ceremony, and was noted for his clemency towards runaway couples, whom he never declined to unite, unless prevented by a legal barrier. He was remarkable for his sociability and hospitality, and always gave his friends a dinner on Christmas Day, and on New Year's 1878, he celebrated his golden wedding. Mrs. Salina Mansfield, his wife, was the oldest woman in the township at the time of her death. She was much beloved on account of her social and Christian virtues, and, like her husband, was a zealous Christian and member of the Baptist church. SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. This is one of the original municipal townships, and was organized in 1829. Its general shape is that of an L, a strip six miles long and two miles wide forming the lower extension of the letter, while a strip four HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 167 miles wide and six and a half miles long composes the upper extension. The township contains about thirty-six square miles. It has been much reduced from its original limits, other townships having been formed from it. The narrow strip of the township reaches to the eastern border of the county, while the greater body of land hes six miles west of that boun- dary. The "divide" runs through its territory in a north direction, in the eastern central portion of the township. The eastern part, therefore, con- tributes its waters to the Mississippi river, while the streams of the western part are tributary to the Missouri. Among the earliest settlers having made their homes in the county before it was originated were Reuben Cornelius, Benjamin Hardin, Mal- com Galbreath and T. N, Galbreath. The latter lived in Prairie township. In 1822, when he first settled there, and even at a much later period, elk, deer, bear, wild turkeys and grouse were abundant for game, while wolves, foxes, wild cats and panthers were numerous. Col. P. P. Ruby, T. P. White, John Hannah, Alexander Jones, John Grimes, Elijah Williams, Patrick Lynch, W. H. Baird and Eli Owens were among the early settlers. Wild honey proved a profitable crop, and could be found with little labor. In 1823, or 1824, Mr. Whittenburg built a mill in the southeastern part of the county, and Mr. Goggin one within the present corporate limits of Huntsville. These were draught or hors3 mills, grinding corn alone. Previous to that meal was ground on hand mills or grated on graters pre- pared for the purpose. Little wheat flour was used, and what was con- sumed was brought from Old Franklin, more than forty miles distant. The land is diversified with prairie and timber ; comparatively little of it is so broken as to be unfit for cultivation, and all of it is adapted to grazing. In the early settlement of the county the native grasses held possession of the soil, and blue grass was unknown. When the lands were enclosed, and the trampling and grazing of stock had killed the native grass, blue grass began to make its appearance; showing that it is an indigenous growth in this soil, and neither cultivation nor grazing will destroy it. The township settled up slowly, owing, in great part, to its remote- ness even from local markets and the want of adequate transportation to foreign marts. The farmers fed their grain and grass to live stock, and depended upon the "drovers" to purchase their cattle, horses and hogs. After the construction of the North Missouri Railroad, settlements became 168 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY more common, and after the close of the Civil War they advanced rapidly. The creeks in this township are numerous, but as the land lies along the dividing ridge of eastern and western waters, these streams are small. The variety of agricultural products is not surpassed by any other country in the world. While there are other lands that may produce one, two or even three crops in larger proportion, there are non that will yield so generous a harvest of such a great variety of productions. CHAPTER XVI TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. MOBERLY. CHARTER GRANTED TO RAILROAD — PLAN TO INDUCE SETTLERS TO COME HERE — PATRICK LYNCH FIRST SETTLER — REVIVED AFTER CIVIL WAR — RAILROAD ACTIVITY— TOWN PLATTED— SALE OF LOTS— HOTEL BUILT— OTHER BUILD- INGS—EARLY MERCHANTS — PANIC— FIRST TRUSTEES— NEGOTIATIONS WITH RAILROAD COMPANY TO LOCATE SHOPS HERE — LAND DONATED — BONDS VOTED — TOWN INCORPORATED — FIRST ELECTION — CITY OFFICERS- PUBLIC SCHOOLS — PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS — LIBRARY — CONTRACT WITH RAILROAD COMPANY — BOND — FROM MOBERLY'S FIRST NEWSPAPER. In 1858 a charter was granted to the Chariton and Randolph Railroad Company, with authority to construct a road from a point in Randolph County to Brunswick, in Chariton County. It was desirable that this road should tap the North Missouri road at the most convenient point for its construction, and what is now Moberly was fixed upon as the point of departure. The company laid off a town and drove up stakes marking the lots. The village of Allen, one mile north of where Moberly now stands, contained several houses, and was the shipping point for Huntsville and other points west. To induce the abandonment of this village, the Chari- ton and Randolph Company offered to all who would remove their houses to the new site the same amount of ground they owned and occupied in Allen. This was in the summer of 1861. But the inhabitants of Allen either had no confidence in the company's ability to build the road, or thought their own town better located, and destined in the future to beat its rival, which then existed only in name and on maps. From whatever cause, the proposition was rejected by the majority, and was accepted by only one person, Patrick Lynch, father of John E. Lynch, president of 170 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the Bank of Moberly and the present United States marshal for the eastern district of Missouri, had a small, one-story frame house in Allen, and be- lieving the junction would one day be the better point, he placed his domicile on rollers, took a yoke of oxen, and drew it down to what were then and still are lots 11 and 12 in block 12, fronting on Clark street, opposite to the Merchants Hotel, and running east with Reed street to the alley between Clark and Sturgeon. This was the beginning of Moberly. The land around was a prairie, without fence or enclosure of any kind, and here "Pat" Lynch lived with his family, solitary and alone. The Allenites laughed at him, but he stuck to his contract and stayed. The Civil War put a temporary embargo upon town building, and Mr. Lynch concluded to profit by his lonely position. He plowed up the stakes set to mark the lots, and cultivated the land on the west side of the railroad, where the business houses of Moberly now stand. Nothing was done toward the further sale of lots by the Chariton and Randolph Railroad Company, and Lynch continued to occupy the place and "hold the fort" during the continuance of the war, unmolested by soldiers. When business began to revive after the war, the franchises and prop- ■erty of the Chariton and Randolph Railroad Company passed into the hands of the North Missouri Railroad Company, and the project of building the road and extending it to Kansas City was renewed. At the head of that company was Isaac M. Sturgeon, of St. Louis, a practical business man of eminent ability. Having determined to complete the extension to Kansas City, it seemed to be certain that a large town would grow up somewhere about midwa,y between the eastern and western termini of the road. The junction of the north end with the western branch seemed to offer a good opportunity to lay out and establish such a place. Moberly was, therefore, resurveyed, and a sale of lots was advertised to take place on the grounds September 27, 1866. In the first map of the place, issued by the auctioneers, Messrs. Barlow, Valle & Bush, of St. Louis, machine shop grounds were indicated. The terms of sale were one-third cash when the deed was ready, one- third in one year and one-third in two years, with interest at the rate of six per cent on deferred payments^lO on each lot to be paid at the time of bidding. The sale was pretty largely attended and lots sold at fair prices. The lot on which the Merchants' Hotel now stands was sold for $150, and some other lots brought prices ranging from $85 to $125. The HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 171 The original plat of the town embraced four blocks north of Franklin average price of lots at this sale was between $45 and $50. Before the sale began, Mr. Sturgeon ordered that lots 11 and 12, in blocK 12, be marked off to Patrick Lynch and a deed to them be made, he to pay $1 as recorder's fee. This, as Mr. Sturgeon said, was in consideration of the fact that Lynch had "held the city during the war without the loss of a life or a house." Among the purchasers at that sale were William H. Robinson, 0. F. Chandler, Dr. C. J. Tannehill, Elijah Williams, John Grimes, Ernest Miller, C. Otto, J. G. Zahn and Patrick Lynch. Immediately after the sale S. P. Tate began the construction of a hotel on the southwest corner of Clark and Reed streets. The structure was a two-story frame. John Grimes also began the building of a hotel on Sturgeon street, which, being completed before Tate's, is the first house ever built in Moberly. Messrs. Chandler, Otto, Robinson, Miller, McDaniel and other parties followed in rapid succession, and the noise of hammer and saw was heard everywhere along Clark, Reed, Sturgeon and Coates streets. Adam Given owned a horse mill and sawed the lumber for the first house erected in Moberly. The house is still standing, street and bounded on the north by the lands of the railroad company; five blocks and five half blocks on the west side of the railroad, from Wightman street on the south to the railroad lands on the north, and from Sturgeon street on the east to the alley between Clark and Williams streets on the west ; and also fourteen blocks on the east side of the railroad from Sturgeon to Morley, and from Wightman street to the township road on the north. At the first sale no lots on the east side of the railroad were dis- posed of, and the new buildings were erected on the west side. The first brick house built in Moberly was a dweUing on the southwest corner of Coates and Williams streets, erected by Perry McDonald. In the fall of 1867, another sale took place, at which a large number of lots on the east side were sold, and the work of extending the area of the city began. This sale also attracted many bidders, as live men had begun to appreciate the value of the location as a business point. Since then many additions have been made, and the territory of the city has been vastly extended, the old Umits being gradually filled with business houses and dwellings, the population steadily advancing, and the permanency of the location becoming every year more and more as- sured. The wooden structures at first built gave way to more substantial 172 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY brick edifices, the frame hotels and wooden store rooms were superseded by commodious and solid walls, and the small one-roomed dwellings were moved to the rear to make room for larger and more imposing buildings. As a matter of history we record the names of the first dealers in the leading lines of trade: Dry goods, Tate & Bennett; drugs, 0. F. Chandler ; groceries, — Lampton, who was immediately succeeded by Martin Howlett; hardware, Wilham Seelen; furniture, H. H. Forcht, and imme- diately after, J. G. Zahn, both houses being owned by E. H. Petering; lumber, sash, doors and blinds, H. H. Forcht for E. H. Petering; jewelry, John H. Kring ; livery, White Bros. ; clothing. Levy & Krailsheimer ; boots and shoes, L. Brandt ; butcher, Henry Overberg ; barber, 0. N. Kaare. The first oflScers of the town were: Trustees, A. T. Franklin, pres- ident; Charles Tisue, L. Brandt, Asa Bennett and Wilham Seelen; mar- shal, Martin Howlett; justice of the peace, E. Sidner; constable, Charles Featherston; notary pubhc, W. E. Grimes; postmaster, Charles Tisue, who was also agent of the Merchants' Union Express Company. Up to 1873, the year of the great panic, the amount of building and the increase of business were sufficient to justify the assumption of the now popular sobriquet of the "Magic City." Mining and oil districts have sometimes gathered larger populations in shorter time, but they have not carried with them the evidences of solidity and stability that marked the growth of Moberly. But the panic placed a temporary check upon the spirit of speculation and enterprise. It checked, but did not stay the progress of the town. Even under the most discouraging circumstances the work of extension was continued, and if there were fewer buildings erected than in previous years, still the citizens and property holders had unfalter- ing faith in the future of Moberly, and continued to build as the wants of the place demanded. Meantime Moberly had grown from a place on paper to a smart village, from a village to a town, from a town to a city. On the 6th of June, 1868, the first board of trustees met, chose A. T. Franklin chairman, and appointed the chairman and C. Tisue to draft by- laws and ordinances. At a meeting of the board June 14, 1869, a resolu- tion was passed offering one of three tracts of land to the North Missouri Railroad as a site for the location of the machine shops, the ground and its appurtenances to be exempt from city taxes so long as they v/er3 used for that purpose. These tracts were the Concannton farm, 67 acres, northwest of town; a portion (60 acres) of the farms of Grimes and Meals, north of town ; a portion (60 acres) of the Hunt and Godfrey farm HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 173 south of town. J. D. Werden was appointed agent of the town to confer with the directors of the railroad. On the 20th of August the purchasing committee reported that James Meals offered to sell "near six acres along the West Branch Railroad at $200 per acre, and the remaining portion north of said strip and 'ncluding the ground his house is on, extending north to the north line of the land known as the reservoir land, at $500 per acre." No action was taken by the board on this liberal proposition, but an election was ordered for August 31, 1869, to take the sense of the voters as to whether a tract of 100 acres, to cost not exceeding $12,000, should be bought for machine shop purposes. At this election T. B. Porter, B. Y. N. Clarkson and Josiah Harlan were judges. At a meeting on the 4th of September, A. F. Bunker was appointed a committee of one to close the contract with the railroad company for the location of the machine shops. On the 27th of June, 1870, another vote was taken to determine whether the town would purchase a tract of 104 acres of ground lying north and west of town for the machine shops. The result of this elec- tion is not recorded, but it was held to have been unlawful, having been held on Monday. A new election was ordered for August 2, 1870. The election showed perfect unanimity on the subject of the purchase, as there was not a dissenting voice ; and at a meeting of the board of trustees on the 4th of August, twenty bonds of the denomination of $1,000 each were ordered to be printed. At a meeting held August 19, 1870, William Seelen was required in addition to his duties as vice-president of the board, to "hear and try all cases for the violation of the city ordinances," and on the 7th of October he was appointed to purchase six street lamps. The bond of the town collector was fixed at $4,000; but in 1871 it was raised to $10,000, show- ing a hundred and fifty per cent increase 'in the revenue within two years. On the 24th of August, 1871, the president of the board was authorized to borrow "such a sum of money as he may be able to obtain at 15 per cent interest for the longest time he can get said money, for the improve- ment of the streets of Moberly," for which the bonds of the town were to be issued. On the 13th of November, 1871, the proposition to donate money to the North Missouri Railroad Company for machine shops was renewed. On the 21st of March, 1871, the board of trustees accepted the proposi- tion of Dr. C. J. Tannehill to donate the block which is known as Tanne- hill Park and on which the public school building now stands, as a public park. 174 HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY On the 25th of March, an election was held to determine whether the city should purchase and donate to the St. Louis, Kansas City and North- ern Railroad Company 200 acres of land lying between the west branch and the main line, for the erection of machine shops. The election resulted favorably, the board of trustees proposed to donate this land, also 618 acres one and a half miles west of that tract, and exempt the whole for twenty years from all city taxes. Another inducement held out was that the land thus given contained an inexhaustible bed of coal. Hon. William A. Hall was appointed the agent of the town to present the oropo- sition. The contract was subsequently made and was ratified by the trus- tees of Moberly April 2, 1872. At a meeting of the board on the 3d of April, 1872, W. F. Barrows was appointed to contract for the lithographing of seventy bonds of the denominations of $500 each, bearing 10 per cent interest, and amounting in the aggregate to $35,000, payable in ten years. He was also empowered to sell these bonds without limitation as to price. At the same time a special election was ordered to take place May 10, 1872, to determine whether the town would purchase 818 acres of land for the car shops. The election resulted in favor of the purchase by a vote of 299 for, to 4 against it, and bonds to the amount of $27,000 were ordered to be issued. On the 26th of August, same year, right of way was granted to the Mis- souri, Kansas and Texas Railway Company to construct their road the entire length of Moulton street, and across "any other street in said town." An election was held P^ebruary 1, 1873, to ascertain "whether a ma- jority of the citizens of the town are in favor of having the town of Moberly incorporated under a special charter by act of the legislature," J. T. Young, J. H. Burkholder, H. M. Porter, B. Y. N. Clarkson and T. P. White having been appointed in the preceding December to draft the char- ter. This election resulted in favor of the charter, and T. P. White was appointed to go to Jefferson City in the interest of the town. On the 5th of March, a legislative delegation visited Moberly and a supper was given them by the city, which cost $272. The first election under the charter granted by the legislature was held April 8, 1873, and resulted as follows: T. P. White, mayor; council- man at large, C. P. Apgar; councilman: FirsT; ward, H. C. Moss; second ward, William Seelen; third ward, D. H. Fitch and B. R. White. Clerk, C. B. Rodes. At that election, also, it was decided to fund the debt of the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 175 tov/r., under the general law, by a vote of 509 to 4. The bonds of the city were ordered by the first council to be of the denomination of $500 each, to be issued to W. F. Barrows or bearer, payable ten years after date, redeemable at option of the city after five years, with ten per cent interest payable semi-annually. The bonds authorized to be issued amounted to $30,000. The following is a list of officers of Moberly from the founding of the town in 1869 until its incorporation in 1873 : 1868 — Board of trustees, A. T. Frankhn, chairman; Charles Tisue, Asa Bennett, Louis Brandt, Wil- liam Seelin; marshal, S. L. Austin, E. Sidner, Martin Howlett; clerk, J. W. Dorser; treasurer, W. E. Grimes; assessor, William Williams, W. S. Tompkins ; collector, Martin Howlett. 1869 — Board of trustees, A. T. Franklin, chairman; Charles Tisue, William Seelen, James True, Elijah Williams; marshal, Martin Howlett; clerk, I. B. Porter; treasurer, W. E. Grimes, C. J. Tannehill; assessor, B. Y. N. Clarkson; collector, Martin Howlett; street commissioner, M. Howlett; assistant marshal, Isaac Jacobs. 1870 — Board of trustees, A. T. Bunker, chairman; D. W. Brinkernoff, I. B. Porter, W. Seelen, A. T. Franklin; marshal, Martin Howlett, I. W. Boucher, George W. Dulaney; clerk, Ben T. Porter; attorney, Ben T. Porter; treasurer, C. J. Tannehill; assessor, James B. Dameron; col- lector, Isaac Boucher. 1871 — Board of trustees, B. Y. N. Clarkson, chairman; H. M. Por- ter, James M. S. Berry, D. S. Forney, James R. True, J. H. Burkholder, J. M. McQuaid, J. W. Haynes; marshal, George W. Dulaney; clerk, J. W. Dorser; attorney, Ben Porter; treasurer, Charles Tisue;; assessor, E. Sidener; collector, William W. Porter. 1872 — Board of trustees, J. B. Freeman, chairman: J. H. Burk- holder, H. M. Porter, Peter Fox, J. Grimes, E. T. Tuckert, D. B. White, J. B. Damerson, W. D. Pegram; marshal, J. W. Ragsdale; clerk, J. W. Dorser; attorney, Ben T. Porter; treasurer, T. P. White; assessor, D. S. Forney; collector, William W. Porter. The following is a list of officers of the city of Moberly since its incorporation in 1878 : 1873 — Mayor, T. P. White; councilmen, C. P. Apgar, at large; H. C. Moss, J. T. Kimbrough, William Seelen, H. Morgan, B. R. White, D. H. Fitch; marshal, J. W. Ragsdale; clerk, C. B. Rodes; attorney, E. T. Porter; assessor, J. H. Phillips; collector, J. B. Sherwood; police judge, W. A. Whitney. 176 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1874 — Mayor, J. H. Burkholder; councilmen, W. L. Durbin, at large; M. R. Burns, H. C. Moss, Terence Clark, H. Morgan, T. B. Patton, G. F. Rothwell; marshall, J. V. Baker; clerk, C. W. Oak; attorney, S. S. Mc- Noughton; treasurer, E. H. Miller; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; c( 'Hector, J. B. Sherwood; police judge, J. B. Dameron. 1875 — Mayor, W. L. Durbin; councilmen, C. S. Buck, at large; J. A. Scott, W. R. Mealer, William Seelen, Terence Clark, W. T. McCanne, T. B. Patton; marshall, J. V. Howard; clerk, C. W. Oak; attorney, H. S. Priest; treasurer, E. H. Miller; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; collector, J. B. Sherwood; police judge, J. B. Dameron. Dameron. 1876 — Mayor, J. C. Hickerson; councilmen, Terence Clark, W. L. McCart, at large; J. Campbell, J. A. Scott, Paul Roche, William Seelen, W. A. Rothwell, W. T. McCanne; marshall, J. W. Howard; clerk, Wil- liam Oak; attorney, F. P. Wiley; treasurer, W. L. Young, J. L. Wool- folk; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; collector, J. B. Sherwood; police judge, J. D. Werden. 1877 — Mayor, R. R. Haynes, at large; 0. T. Rouse, John Campbell, N. F. Haworth, Paul Roche, W. A. Rothwell, N. B. Coates, S. J. Good- fellow; marshal, J. W. Howard, G. T. Galbreath; clerk, William Oak; attorney, U. S. Hall; treasurer, J. L. Woolfolk; assessor, M. T. Wil- liams; collector, J. B. Sherwood; police judge, I. W. Boucher. 1878— Mayor, W. T. McCanne; councilmen, W. F. EUiott, at large; O. T. Rouse, Dr. Thomas Irwin, J. M. Kiely, N. F. Haworth, W. A. Rothwell, S. J. Goodfellow; marshall, G. T. Galbreath; clerk, Richard Brooks; attorney, W. J. HolHs; treasurer, A. B. Thompson; assessor, M. T. Williams; collector, John H. Gravely; police judge, J. S. Wayland. 1879 — Mayor, J. H. Burkholder; councilmen, C. P. Apgar, at large; Dr. T. Irwin, A. O'Keefe, Winslow Buck, J. M. Kiely, W. A. Rothwell, H. Jennings; marshal, G. T. Galbreath; clerk, C. B. Rodes; attorney, B. T. Hardin; treasurer, A. B. Thompson; assessor, J. D. Bailey; col- lector, John H. Gravely; police judge, I. W. Boucher. 1880 — Mayor, G. L. Hassett; councilmen, P. J. Carmody, at large; A. O'Keefe, Wilson Robertson, Winslow Buck, J. Evans, W. A. Roth- well, H. Jennings; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. R. Lowell; attorney, B. T. Hardin; treasurer, A. B. Thompson; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, R. A. Wilson ; police judge, Zach Fisher. w a K 2 H O W H H D w H W ts O Cd H S3 tr HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 177 1881 — Mayor, P. J. Carmody; councilmen, Hiram Jennings, at large; W. Robertson, J. D. Lipscomb, Winslow Buck, J. T. Evans, E. H. Mix, W. A. Rothwell, J. H. Miller; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, C. T. Hunn; attorney, J. W. Dorser; treasurer, A. B. Thompson; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; collector, R. A. Wilson; police judge, Zach Fisher. 1882 — Mayor, P. J. Carmody; councilmen, B. R. White, at large; J. Q. Mason, J. D. Lipscomb, E. H. Mix, M. A. Hayes, J. H. Miller, J. T. Williams, William Coyle; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, C. T. Hunn; attorney, J. W. Dorser; Hiram Jennings; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; col- lector, J. B. Davis; police judge, Zach Fisher. 1883 — Mayor, D. S. Forney; councilmen, A. E. Simmons, at large; J. Q. Mason, W. A. Chisholm, J. E. Camplin, E. H. Mix, M. A. Hayes, Norris Tuttle, William Coyle; marshal, George Keating; clerk, C. T. Hunn; attorney, W. B. Sanford; treasurer, C. P. Apgar; assessor, W. T. O'Rear; collector, J. B. Davis; police judge, D. A. Coates. 1884 — Mayor, D. S. Forney; councilmen, A. E. Simmons, at large; W. A. Chisholm, R. C. Murray, H. R. Suppe, M. A. Hayes, Norris Tut- tle, A. O'Keefe; marshal, George Keating; clerk, V. M. Tedford; attor- ney, W. P. Cave; treasurer, J. T. O'Neal; assessor, M. V. Greene; col- lector, C. T. Hunn; police judge, D. A. Coates. 1885 — Mayor, D. S. Forney; councilmen, A. E. Simmons, at large; J. Tagart, R. C. Murray, H. R. Suppe, M. A. Hayes, N. Tuttle, A. O'Keefe ; marshal,. George Keating; clerk, John Floyd; attorney, W. B. Sanford; treasurer, J. T. O'Neal; assessor, W. S. Boulward; collector, Jerry Shaw; police judge, A. J. Featherstone. 1886 — Mayor, A. B. Thompson; councilmen, H. R. Suppe, at large; J. Tagart, Robert Little, F. Haley, M. A. Hayes, N. Tuttle, Enoch Des- kin; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, John Floyd; attorney, W. B. Sanford; treasurer, George W. Sparks; assessor, C. M. Berry; collector, John Pierce; police judge, A. J. Featherstone. 1887 — Mayor, Theodore F. Priest; councilmen, J. Sam Hedges, at large; R. Little, W. A. Chisholm, W. P. Thompson, Frank Haley, Enoch Deskin, J. W. Ragsdale; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. F. Rucker; at- torney, William Morrissey, B. T. Hardin; treasurer, George W. Sparks; assessor, W. S. Boulware; collector, John Pierce, William Oak; police judge, A. J. Featherstone. 1888 — Mayor, R. R. Haynes; councilmen, C. F. Campbell, at large; R. Little, W. A. Chisholm, W. P. Thompson, J. C. Hutton, H. P. Jennings, 178 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY J. W. Ragsdale; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. F. Rucker; attorney, W. P. Cave; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, W. S. Boulware; collector, James W. Wilhams; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1889— Mayor, R. R. Haynes; councilmen, Tim Freeman, C. P. Wil- lett, A. T. Franklin, Denis Hogan, H. P. Jennings, N. F. Haworth, C. Adams, H. O. Hannah, Louis Cross, J. C. Hutton, W. H. Wilson, F. E. Shuck; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. F. Rucker; attorney, W. P. Cave; treas- urer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, W. S. Boulvs^are; collector, James M. Wil- liams ; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1890 — Mayor, R. R. Haynes; councilmen, Tim Freeman, J. S. Chad- wick, A. T. Franklin, J. W. Ragsdale, H. P. Jennings, N. F. Haworth, D. W. Wilson, H. 0. Hannah, Louis Cross, C. P. Apgar, W. H. Wilson, A. D. Terrill; marshall, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. E. Rucker; attorney, W. P. Cave; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, W. S. Boulware; collector, James M. Williams; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1891 — Mayor J. W. Ragsdale; councilmen, Tim Freeman, J. S. Chad- wick, A. T. Franklin, T. 0. Afflick, T. F. Priest, N. F. Haworth, D. W. Wilson, G. M. Dulany, William Firth, C. P. Apgar, W. H. Wilson, George P. Shedd; marshall, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. F. Rucker; attorney, Will A. Roth well; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, Allen D. Terrill; collector, James M. Williams; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1892 — Mayor, J. W. Ragsdale; councilmen, Tim Freeman, J. S. Chad- wick, A. T. Franklin, T. Q. Afflick, T. F. Priest, N. F. Haworth, J. S. Hedges, G. M. Dulany, J. W. Walden, C. P. Apgar, W. H. Wilson ; George P. Shedd; marshall, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. E. Rucker, attorney, Will A. Rothwell; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, Allen D. Terrill; collector, James M. Williams; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1893 — Mayor, J. W. Ragsdale ; councilmen, A. B. McCoy, C. A. Settle, J. B. Hill, W. S. Jones, N. E. Walker, N. F. Haworth, J. S. Hedges, A. S. Hickerson, Louis Gross, C. P. Apgar, W. D. Bean, George P. Shed; marshal, J. E. Lynch; clerk, J. F. Rucker; attorney, Will A. Rothwell; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; collector, M. J. Tedford; police judge, W. W. McNich. 1894 — Mayor, J. H. Babcock ; councilmen, A. B. McCoy, J. A. Medley, J. B. Hill, W. S. Jones, N. E. Walker, N. F. Haworth, J. S. Hedges, A. S. Hicherson, Louis Gross, C. P. Apgar, W. D. Bean, I. C. Miller; marshal, J. E. Lynch, William Fox ; clerk, A. B. Little ; attorney, Will A. Rothwell ; treasurer, V. M. Tedford; assessor, William Oak; collector, M. J. Tedford; police judge, W. W. McNich. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 179 1895 — Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, A. B. McCoy, J. A. Medley, J. B. Hill, J. E. Camplin, N. E. Walker, N. F. Haworth, J. S. Hedges, J. M. Williams, Louis Gross, C. P. Apgar, W. H. Wilson, I. C. Miller; marshal, William Fox ; clerk, A. B. Little ; attorney, Alex H. Waller, J. C. Williams, J. W. Wight, Jr. ; treasurer, John B. Jennings ; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan ; collector, M. J. Tedford ; police judge, D. Proctor. 1896— Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, A. B. McCoy, H. L. Lee, M. A. Arnett, J. E. Camplin, N. E. Walker, W. W. Babcock, A. S. Hickerson, J. M. Williams, L. Gross, E. 0. Doyle, W. H. Wilson, I. C. Miller ; marshal, shal, William Fox; clerk, A. B. Little; attorney, J. W. Wight, Jr.; treas- urer, John B. Jennings; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, M. J. Ted- ford; police judge, D. Proctor. 1897— Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, A. B. McCoy, H. G. Lee, M. A. Arnett, J. E. Camplin, N. E. Walker, W. W. Babcock, A. S. Hicherson, J .M. Williams, L. Gross, E. O. Doyle, W. H. Wilson, I. C. Miller; marshal, William Fox; clerk, A. B. Little; attorney, J. W. Wight; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, M. J. Tedford; police judge, W. W. McNinch. 1898— Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, J. A. Tagart, C. E. Hallibur- ton, J. J. Jones, J. E. McQuitty, N. F. Haworth, A. C. Dingle, I. C. Miller, W. F. Moore; marshal, C. L. Quayle; clerk, N. E. Walker; attorney, J. W. Wight; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, E. P. Harlan; collector, M., J. Tedford ; police judge, D. Proctor. 1899— Mayor, A. H. Waller; councilmen, J. A. Tagart, C. W. Halli- burton, J. J. Jones, J. E. McQuitty, N. F. Haworth, A. C. Dingle, L C. Miller, W. F. Moore; marshal, C. L. Quayle; clerk, L. L. Wayland; attor- ney, F. T. Woods; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, William Fox; police judge, D. Proctor. 1900 — Mayor, A. H. Waller; councilmen, L. S. Gaines, Carter Baker,. J. E. Camplin, F. C. Jacoby, A. C. Dingle, J. M. Williams, L. Weisberg, I. C. Miller; marshal, C. L. Quayle; clerk, L, L. Wayland; attorney, F. T. Woods; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, William Fox; police judge, D. Proctor. 1901 — Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, L. S. Gains, Carter Baker, J. E. Camplin, F. C. Jacoby, N. F. Haworth, A. C. Dingle, I. C. Miller, W. F. Moore; marshal, C. L. Quayle; clerk, A. P. Little; attorney, F. T. Woods; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, L. L. Wayland; police judge, D. Proctor, 180 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1902 — Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, John Ward, Dr. Burk, J. E. Camplin, E. B. Mahan, E. W. Roberts, J. M. Williams, J. W. Faessler, J. E. Ball; marshal, C. L. Quayle; clerk, A. N. Little; attorney, F. T. Woods; treasurer, J. B. Jenning's; assessor, F. E. P. Harlan; collector, L. L. Wayland; police judge, D. Proctor. 1903 — Mayor, A. C. Dingle; councilmen, John Ward, Dr. Burk, J. E. Camplin, E. B. Mahan, E. W. Roberts, J. M. Williams, J. W. Faessler, J. E. Ball; marshal, J. Patterson; clerk, R. R. Rothwell; attorney. Oak Hun- ter ; treasurer, J. B. Jennings ; assessor, J. C. Bounds ; collector, L. L. Wayland; police judge, S. C. Griswold. 1904 — Mayor, A. C. Dingle; councilmen, John Ward, Dr. Burk, J. E. Camplin, E. B. Mahan, E. W. Roberts, J. M. Williams, J. W. Faessler, J. E. Ball; marshal, J. Patterson; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney. Oak Hunter; treasurer, J. B. Jennings ; assessor, J. C. Bounds ; collector, L. L. Wayland ; police judge, S. C. Griswold. 1905 — Mayor, A. C. Dingle; councilmen, J. M. Williams, E. B. Mahan, J. Gowler, W. McGrew, J. E. Ball, E, W. Roberts, Perrine, J. P. Sinnock; marshal, J. Patterson; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney. Oak Hunter; treasurer, J. B. Jennings; assessor, J. C. Bounds; collector, S. C. Griswold; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1906 — Mayor, A. C. Dingle; councilmen, J. M. Wilhams, J. V/. Dy- sart, J. Fowler, W. L. McGrew, Perrine, J. P. Sinnock, W. P. Davis, J. Ball; marshal, J. Patterson; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney. Oak Hunter; treasurer, J. B. Jennings ; assessor, J. C. Bounds ; collector, S. C. Griswold ; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1907— Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, L. Gross, J. P. Sinnock, J. Lotter, W. P. Davis, C. B. Dysart, E. A. Willott, J. E. Ball, N. Roe- buck; marshal, John Hogg; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, Elmer Ball; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, B. L. Young; collector, W. E. Travis; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1908 — Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, 0. R. Nise, J. P. Sinnock, J. H. Lotter, W. P. Davis, I. F. Harlan, E. A. Willott, N. Roebuck, H. Owens; marshall, John Hogg; clerk, J. E. Curry; attorney, Elmer Ball; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, B. L. Young; collector, W. E. Travis; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1909— Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, 0. R. Nise, J. J. Patrick, P. Packwood, W. P. Davis, I. F. Harian, J. M. Williams, W. McGrew, Henry Owens; marshal, John Hogg; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, Elmer HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY i»l Ball; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, B. L. Young; collector, Will Short; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1910 — Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, 0. R. Nise, J. J. Patrick, P. Packwood, L. Hunt, I. F. Harlan, J. M. Williams, W. McGrew, J. E. Ball; marshal, John Hogg; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, Elmer Ball; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, B. L. Young; collector. Will Short; police judge, B. O'Connell. 1911— Mayor, W. P. Cave ; councilmen, 0. R. Nise, P. B; Saterlee, C. B. Dysart, L. Hunt, I. F. Harlan, W. S. Turner, W. McGrew, J. E. Ball; marshal, Al Flemming; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, A. B. Chamier; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, C. W. Hager; collector. Will Short; police judge, F. Tedford. 1912 — Mayor, W. P. Cave; councilmen, F. M. Holtsinger, P. B. Sater- lee, C. B. Dysart, W. Biggers, L F. Harlan, W. S. Turner, W. Mc- Grew, J. E. Ball ; marshal, Al Flemming ; clei'k, J. F. Curry ; attor- ney, A. B. Chamier; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, C. W. Hager; collector. Will Short; police judge, F. Tedford. 1913 — Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, F. M. Holtsinger, C. Baker,. William Biggers, J. Fowler, L F. Harlan, W. S. Turner, W. McGrew, J. E. Ball; marshal, William Hinton; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, A. B. Chamier ^ treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, H. Solomon; collector, C. W. Kelly; police judge, F. Tedford. 1914 — Mayor, R. R. Rothwell; councilmen, 0. R. Nise, C. Bakeiv J. Fowler, William Biggers, W. S. Turner, L F. Harlan, W. McGrew, J. E. Hall; marshal, William Hinton; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, A. B., Chamier; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, H. Solomon; collector, C. W.. Kelly; police judge, F. Tedford. 1915 — Mayor, I. F. Harlan; councilmen, J. Tomlinson, 0. R.. Nise,, J. Fowler, W. Biggers, W. S. Turner, E. Hutchinson, W. McGrew, W. Butler; marshal, Wilham Hinton; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney,, W. B.. Stone; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, H. Solomon; collector,, C. W. Kelly; police judge, A. B. Adkisson. 1916 — Mayor, L F. Harlan; councilmen, J. Tomlinson, O. R.. Nise, J. Fowler, W. Biggers, W. S. Turner, E. Hutchinson, W. McGrew, .War- ren Butler; marshal, William Hinton; clerk, J. F. Curry; attorney, W. B. Stone; treasurer, H. J. Lotter; assessor, H. Solomon; calleetor, C. W.- Kelly; police judge, J. B. Adkisson. 182 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The present city officials of Moberly are: Mayor, James T. Cross; clerk, William H. Wilson; treasurer, Herman Lotter; collector, E. A. Bowman; attorney, Edmund Burke; police judge, William Haynes; mar- shal, Melvin Marshall; health commissioner, Dr. Thomas L. Fleming; engineer, Carl Haynes; street commissioner, James C. Green; chief of police, Melvin Marshall; chief of fire department, John Crews; assessor, Ben L. Young; councilmen, first ward, William Hulen, M. F. Kirtley; second ward, William Biggers, W. B. Davis; third ward, E. P. Hutchin- son, F. M. Grimes ; fourth ward, W. R. Butler, W. P. Vandegrift. MOBERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Prior to 1872 there was no regularly organized public school. Pri- vate schools were taught from time to time and short terms of public schools were held. W. Tandy O'Rear and Charles Rodes were among the passing teachers. In the year 1872 the first graded public school was organized, the principal being Prof. Tuck Powell. Among his assistants were N. E. Walker, G. N. Ratliff and Luther Terrill. In the summer of 1876 began the erection of "Old Central," which stood for years at the corner of Johnson and Rollins streets. At the time of the purchase of the plot of ground for this building there was a thoroughfare called Phipp's avenue, lying between this ground and Tannehill Park. This street was formally closed the next year. The high school was organized in 1877 by Prof. Marion Bigley, who took charge of the schools as the first superintendent. He reorgan- ized the old first ward school on the east side, introduced new methods and was, in fact, the founder of the present school system. In the fall of 1885 the frame building on East Rollins street was burned. It ■^Vas not rebuilt. Instead the other part of the present build- ing was erected in what was formerly Moss Park, at a cost of $13,200. West Park was built in 1884, at a cost of §13,000. This building is located on a prominent hill in northwest Moberly, and is a commanding landmark. In 1893 came South Park, another fine building, which cost $16,000. On the evening of December 5, 1894, the old Central building burned to the ground. An issue of bonds was at once voted by the people to erect a new and up-to-date building on the same ground. HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY 183 The first commencement of the high school was held in the "Wig- wam," a big frame building erected on the corner of Reed and Fifth streets, in the spring of 1880 to accommodate the domocratic state con- vention. The "Wigwam" seated about 3,000 people and was crowded to its limits with those attending the exercises. The graduating class consisted of Will A. Rothwell and Arthur Grimes. Will Rothwell delivered the valedictory address and Arthur Grimes the salutary. During the evening Superintendent Biglow was presented with a handsome heavy gold-headed cane. This was the gift of the students of the high school, and the presentation speech was made by Hon. F. P. Wiley. The diplomas were presented to the two graduates by Dr. W. A. Rothwell, president of the board of education, assisted by S. G. Mason, secretary. The class of 1916 contained fifty-four graduates. The school facilities were increased in 1913 by the erection of a modern building in northeast Moberly and the addition of two rooms each to East and West Park, and later a new $15,000 school for colored children was erected at the comer of Franklin and Horner streets. In 1916 a bond issue of $100,000 was voted for two additional buildings and improvements on the old. Following is a list of those who have served as superintendents: Marian Biglow, James A. Rice, L. E. Wolfe, W. D. Dodson, W. E. Cole- man, J. A. Whiteford, J. G. Lilly and E. M. Sipple. Those who have served as presidents of the board of education: I. B. Porter, W. T. McCanne, Dr. W. A. Rothwell, W. Simonds, Westley Humphrey, R. C. Murray, Dabney Proctor, E. R. Hickerson, W. H. Mor- ris, F. G. Ferris, J. S. Bowers, A. B. Little and Dr. C. B. Clapp. DIREGTORS OF THE MOBERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM 1871. Name Years of Presi- Secre- Treas- Service dent tary urer L B. Porter 1871-1873 1871-1873 D. B. White 1872-1874 J . H. Burkholder 1871-1873 J. T. Kimbrough 1872-1874 E. H. Miller 1872 Henry Morgan 1872-1878 1872-1878 W. F. Barrows 1873-1874 1871-1874 184 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY W. T. McCanne 1873-1880 1873-1880 H. C. Moss 1873-1874 T. P. White 1874- ._ A. Steed 1874-1876 S. C. Mason 1874-1881 1874-1881 W. H. Selby 1874-1885 W. A. Rothwell 1875-1882 1880-1882 W. .F.Elliott 1877-1883 1878-1883 Wm. Firth 1878-1879 H. R. Crockett 1879-1881 J. C. Kennedy 1879-1881 1881-1882 W. J. Halleck 1881-1882 1883-1884 James Shaughnessy 1881-1884 W. Buck 1881 W. N. Rutherford 1881 W. J. Hollis 1881-1882 W. Simons 1882-1887 1884-1887 Wesley Humphrey 1882-1884 1882-1884 R.C.Murray 1882-1893 1887-1893 U. S. Hall 1882-1888 1882-1883 C. B. Rhodes 1883-1885 1883 J. R. Lowell 1883-1901 1883-1901 C. F. Campbell 1884-1889 1884-1889 Dabney Procter 1886-1895 1893-1895 A. L. Bassett 1886-1899 ^_ J. T. O'Neal 1887 1889-1901 J. S. Bowers 1888-1915 1901-1913 A. W. Quackenbush 1889 E. R. Hickerson 1890-1896 1895-1896 W. S. Wagner 1890-1894 W. H. Morriss 1893-1897 1896-1897 W. K. Megee 1894-1897 E. H. Fitzhugh 1895-1896 F. G. Ferris 1896-1902 1896-1902 N.E.Walker 1896-1913 1901-1913 J. Thomas Coates 1897-1913 1901-1903 H. V. Estill 1899-1902 Dr. G. 0. Cuppaidge 1901-1904 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 185 J. S. VanCleve 1902-1905 W. L. Eddings 1902-1905 ,__ 1903 George Manuel 1903-1914 George Elsea 1905-1914 C. H. Nelson 1905-1911 W. S. Orr 1911-1914 A. B. Little 1913-1915 1914-1915 J. H. Davis 1913 J. F. McLellan 1914 Dr. C. B. Clapp 1914 1915 1914-1915 Forrest Martin 1914 Robert T. Kingsbury 1915 1915 A. B. Chamier 1916 The present board of education is as follows: President, Dr. C. B. Clapp; secretary, Robert L. Kingsbury; superintendent of schools, P. P. Callaway; secretary to superintendent, Mrs. Carrie Simmons. PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS. In addition to the public schools there are two parochial schools doing excellent work. The oldest of these is St. Mary's Academy, which is in charge of Sisters of Loretto. The school was started under the pastorate of Father McKenny in 1877, with Sister Phillippi as the first Mother Supe- rior. The building is located at the corner of Ault and Farror streets. At present Sister Christine is the Mother Superior, and associated with her are Sisters Josephine, Casimer, Anunciata, Alacoupue, Elvira and Alexis. Sister Alacoque is the music teacher; the other branches taught are the eight grammar grades and one year of high school work. The building is a commodious brick structure, and excellent work is done. The school in connection with the Immaculate Conception Church was founded by Father Straubinger, in 1888. This school prepares its pupils for high school. It is well attended and has capable teachers. LIBRARY. The free public library building was the gift of Andrew Carnegie. It was completed in 1904 at a cost of $20,000, and is supported by taxation and kept open day and evening six days in the week. Mrs. Bessie Lee, librarian. This institution is the culmination of the efforts of the first associa- tion, formed in 1872, whose president was T. P. Whie ; secretary, William Maynard. 186 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Through varying fortunes and under different names library organi- zations have existed from that time to the present. The railvs^ay employes took a leading part. In the fall of 1900 the Wabash Railway Company, which had been giving its assistance, withdrew its help to give to the new Y. M. C. A. The Railroad Library Club then faced the problem of sup- port and for advice turned to G. R. Rothwell, who suggested making use of the new state law, permitting cities to maintain public libraries by taxation. This was favorably received and a committee was appointed, con- sisting of Messrs. Rothwell, Lowell and N. E. Walker, to manage the move- ment for establishing a public library. The matter was voted on April 2, 1901, and the tax authorized. The first board of directors under the new law consisted of Gus Ginther, N. E. Walker, J. A. Whiteford, Dr. J. T. Fry, A. B. Ruby, W. D. Danley and F. G. Ferris. Of the Commercial club members who were active in working for the Carnegie building may be mentioned, President J. R. Lowell, Rolla Roxh- well, Dr. C. B. Clapp, John O'Keefe, L. E. Frost, R. A. Curran, E. B. Mahan, G. J. Ginther and Harvey Baker. The present library board : President, A. B. Rubey ; secretary, George H. Robinson; members, P. P. Callaway, Omar Martin, Arthur O'Keefe, G. P. Eddings, Claude Marshall, J. C. Lilly, Dr. C. K. Dutton. Librarian, Bessie S. Lee. CONTRACT WITH RAILROAD COMPANY. The following is the contract entered into by and between the in- habitants of the town of Moberly, Missouri, and the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railway Company, and locating their main shops at Moberly : This contract, made and entered into this day of April, A. D., 1872, between "The Inhabitants of the Town of Moberly, Mis- souri" of the lirst part, and the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railway Company, of the second part, witnesseth: That said party of the first part, for the consideration hereinafter set forth, hereby binds itself to make a perfect title in fee to the party of the second part, to the following described lands, situate in the county of Ran- dolph and state of Missouri, viz.: All of the land now belonging to said party of the second part within the lines as marked on a plat filed in the office of the attorney of said party of the second part, marked HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 187 "Exhibit A," and designated as the plat here referred to by the signa- ture of William A. Hall, which said land is north of said town of Moberly .and contiguous thereto, and to the land now held by said party of the second part and is between the main line and the west branch of said railway, and also six-hundred and eighteen (618) acres on the west branch of said railway, as designated on said plat, about one and a half miles west of said land first above described, subject to a coal lease on two hundred acres, on the west part if said land — (the rents and profits of which shall enure to the said party of the second part) all of which appears on the said plat, and said party of the first part, in consideration, etc., as aforesaid, further binds itself to pay any and all taxes that may be levied by the authorities of said town of Moberly, on the property now owned, and on the property to be conveyed under this contract, by said party of the first part to said party of the second part, for the period of twenty years from and after this date; and if any other municipal corporation shall be created to cover said lands, the said party of the first part binds itself nevertheless to pay any and all tovsTi or municipal taxes that may be levied, or assessed by such municipal corporation so created, on the said property now owned and which is to be conveyed to said party of the second part, as aforesaid, for the period of twenty years. And said party of the first part further binds itself that no roads, streets or alleys shall be made over, through or across the said lands to be conveyed by them to the said party of the second part, adjoining said town without the consent of said company, and that said party of the first part will have vacated any streets or alleys which may now be located on said lands, and binds itself that it will forever oppose any extension of the corporate limits of the said town of Moberly over the said land to be conveyed by said party of the first to the said party of the second part, adjoining the said town, and further, that it, the said party of the first part will not accept any law authorizing any extension of the corporate limits of said town that will include the property referred to in this agreement without the consent of the said party of the sec- ond part, and said party of the first part further binds itself to per- fect the title in fee to said party of the second part, and deliver pos- session of the lands adjoining the town as above described in ten days, except so much as has belonged to a minor heir which shall be per- fected in forty-five days, and that it will perfect the title to the six 188 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY hundred and eighteen acre tract subject to the coal lease in. thirty days, and that it will have vacated the streets and alleys on said land adjoining town in ninety days. In consideration whereof said party of the second part hereby binds itself to said party of the first part to permanently locate their principal car and machine shops within the limits of the land adjoining said town of Moberly, to be conveyed by said party of the first part to the said party of the second part, as shown by the plat referred to. In testimony whereof, the said party of the first part has caused this contract to be signed by the chairman of the board of trustees of the town of Moberly, and the seal of said coi-poration to be hereunto affixed, and the said party of the second part has caused the same to be signed by its president, and its corporate seal be hereunto affixed on the day and year first above written. B. Y. N. CLARKSON, ■ Chairman of Board of Trustees, of the Town of Moberly, Missouri. Attest : In Witness Whereof, I, J. W. Dorser, clerk of the board of trustees, of said town of Moberly, do hereby affix my name and the corporate seal of said town of Moberly, at office in said town, this second day of April, A. D., 1872. J. W. DORSER, Clerk. (L. S.) St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railway Co. By T. B. BLACKSTONE, President. (L. S.) Corporate Seal. Attest : JAMES F. HOW, Secretary. CITIZENS' BOND FOR THE FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE OF SHOPS CONTRACT. Know All Men By These Presents, That we, H. M. Porter, J. H. Burkholder, T. P. White, M. Jennings, E. H. Miller, 0. F. Chandler, John T. Young, D. B. White, I. B. Porter, William Firth, N. B. Coates, S. P. McCormick, Henry Morgan, B. Y. N. Clarkson, William Seelen, W. D. Pegram, John B. Freeman, Adam Given, S. Jones, B. F. Porter, J. T. Aldridge, C. Fiser, Erwin Gay, C. W. Dawson, C. Otto, P. H. Nise, George T. Goldsmith, N. B. Coates, W. F. Bowman, hereby bind our- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 189 selves, our heirs, etc., to the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Rail- way Company in the sum of one hundred tfiousand dollars, upon the terms and conditions following, to-wit: Whereas, The inhabitants of the town of Moberly, in Randolph County, Missouri, have submitted a proposition to the said railroad com- pany for the purpose of inducing and assisting said company to locate on lands donated to said company by said town, adjoining said town on the north, their principal car and machine shops of said company. And said town also proposes to and donated to said company, six hun- dred and eighteen acres on the line of the west branch of said road, known as the Horner farm. And Whereas, The said company has duly accepted said proposi- tion of the said inhabitants of the town of Moberly; now, therefore, if said inhabitants of the town of Moberly shall furnish to, or cause to be furnished to, said company, a good and complete title in fee simple to all of the lands named in said proposition, subject, however, to the coal lease therein mentioned, then this bond to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our hands and seals this first day of April, A. D. 1872. GEO. W; DULANY, M. B. PEGRAM, J. P. MILLER, ADAM GIVEN, J. W. BURKHOLDER, S. JONES, S. P. McCORMICK, B. T. PORTER, 0. F. CHANDLER, JOHN T. ALDRIDGE, D. B. WHITE, CHAS. TISUE, 1. B. PORTER, ERWIN GAY, E. H. MILLER, C. W. DAWSON, H. M. PORTER, CHRISTIAN OTTO, B. Y. N. CLARKSON, P. H. NISE, WILLIAM FIRTH, GEO. T. GOLDSMITH, JOHN T. YOUNG, N. B. COATES, M. JENNINGS, W. F. BARROWS, W. P. WHITE, C. FISHER. J. B. FREEMAN, Filed for record July 20th, 1889, at 1:00 o'clock p. m. J. C. SAMUEL, Recorder. JNO. N. HAMILTON, Deputy Recorder. 190 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY FROM MOBERLY'S FIRST NEWSPAPER. The Moberly Herald was Moberly's first newspaper, published un the first day of each month, by W. E. Grimes. The first issue appeared on Wednesday, March 10, 1869. The following is taken from the sec- ond issue: OFFICERS OF THE TOWN. Trustees: A. T. Franklin, president; Chas. L. Brandt, Asa Bennett, Wm. Seelen. Marshal, Martin Howlett. Justice of the peace, E. Sidner. Constable, Chas. Featherston. Notary public, W. E. Grimes. Post- master, C. Tisue. Merchants' Union Express Agent, C. Tisue. MOBERLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY. J. J. & G. W. Jones, Dry Goods, Etc., Coates Street, East of Railroad. T. P. White, Dry Goods, Clothing, Etc., Comer Clark and Reed Streets. Mrs. Foose, Milliner, South Side Reed Street. Mrs. E. Werden, Milliner, North Side Reed Street. Berry & Harmon, Family Groceries, Clark Street. E. H. Miller, Grocery and Bakery, Sturgeon Street. H. Over- berg, Meat Market, Reed Street. Wm. Seelen, Hardware and Cutlery, Reed Street. B. Y. N. Clarkson, Reapers, Mowers and Threshers, Reed Street. Chandler & Adams, Druggists, Comer Reed and Clark Streets. L. Brandt, Boots and Shoes, Corner Reed and Sturgeon Streets. Wm. E. ^Grimes, Real Estate, South Side Reed Street. J. D. Werden, Real Estate and Insurance, Reed Street. I. B. Porter, Attorney at Law, Real Estate and Insurance Agent, Reed Street. North Missouri Coal & Mining Com- pany, Stui'geon Street. J. S. Clarkson & Company, Fruit Trees, Hedge and Shrubbery, Reed Street. E. H. Petering, Lumber, Coates Street. True & Briggs, Contractors and Builders, Clark Street. Joseph Anson, Carpenter and Builder, Williams Street. W. K. Christian, Resident Den- tist, Residence, Fifth Street. Dr. J. C. Tedford, Physician, Coates Street. Dr. C. Adams, Physician, Corner Clark and Reed Streets. Tate's Hotel, S. P. Tate, Proprietor, Corner Clark and Reed Streets. Wm. Teeters, Restaurant, Reed Street. 0. N. Kaan, Barber and Hair Dresser, Reed Street. Manlin & Co., Saloon, Southwest Corner Reed and Sturgeott Streets. P. McLarney, Moberly Saloon, Sturgeon Street. J. D. Bailey, Carpenter and Builder, Williams Street. J. H. McQuaid, Lumber Dealer, Moulton Street, East of Railroad. NEW FIRM— NEW GOODS— NEW PRICES. T. P. White having purchased the stock of goods of Tate & Bennett, will continue the business at their old stand, under Tate's Hotel, Moberly, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 191 Missouri. He is now purchasing and will bring to this city the largest and most complete assortment of Dry Goods, Notions, Hats, Clothing, Groceries and Queensware. "THE WAR IS OVER AT LAST." I have a house and lot in Moberly, Missouri, which I would sell. Located on Williams street only two blocks from the depot. Lot, fifty foot front, running back 120 feet. Good fence, cistern, etc. House con- tains three good rooms, and would rent for about $15.00 per month. Price, $1,000. Title perfect.— J. D. Bailey. FOR SALE. Two hundred and fifty-six acres of good land, lying two and a half miles east of Jacksonville, ninety acres in cultivation, balance in timber. Improvements consist of a double log house, two stories high, stable, etc., never failing water, saw-mill and carding machine within one mile. Price $12.50 per acre. A farm of 105 acres in Monroe County, lying within three and a half miles of Middle Grove and about the same distance from Madison. Im- provements consist of a frame house containing four rooms, stables moderately good, smokehouses and other out-buildings, good water, a young orchard of select fruit, seventy acres of farm in cultivation, re- mainder in pasture and timber. Price, $22.50 per acre. Twenty-two acres of unimproved prairie land, lying within one-half mile of Moberly. Price, $40.00 per acre. A large and commodious hotel in the flourishing town of Renick; building new, two-story frame, 30x40 feet, with fifteen rooms. Situated near depot, doing a good business. Price, $2,000. THE HANNIBAL AND MOBERLY RAILROAD. Mr. Mclnally, one of the gentlemanly contractors of the Hannibal and Moberly Railroad, informs us that at present they are working about one hundred hands on that part of the road that lies between this place and Paris, a distance of twenty-four miles, and that the whole line is being pushed to an early completion. So we may reasonably conclude that within a year the quiet citizens of Paris will be startled by the shrill whistle of the locomotive. The iron is already being laid down on the Naples and Hannibal Railroad, and when finished will fill a gap in the most important direct line of road across the continent. CHAPTER XVII TOWNSHIPS, CONTINUED. HUNTSVILLE AND SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. HUNTSVILLE: LOCATION OF COUNTr SEAT — NAMED AFTER DANIEL HUNT, ONE OF THE DONORS — OTHER DONORS— FIRST SALE OP LOTS — PIONEER BUSINESSMEN — EXTRACT FROM MISSOURI GAZETTE- FIRST LODGES— FIRST CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL— OPERA HOUSE— TOWN INCORPORATED — FIRST MAYOR — PUBLIC SCHOOL — CITY AND SCHOOL OFFI- CERS — TEACHERS — MT. PLEASANT COLLEGE — OFFICERS — FIRST FAIR — LIBRARY — FIRST COURT HOUSE — SECOND COURT HOUSE. Salt Spring is one of the original four townships of Randolph County, and is one of the most wealthy, populous, and influential of the eleven townships into which the county is now divided. It also has the dis- tinction of being the capital township, Huntsville, the county seat, being within its limits. Geographically, Salt Spring is almost central to the county boundaries, and contains 31,040 acres. Topographically, the lands of this township are gently undulating, assuring fine drainage, and are of every desirable adaptation, whether for pasturage and the various grasses, or the more active cultivation of wheat, corn, rye, oats, potatoes and the several root crops. It can hardly be said with propriety that the township contains any prairie lands proper. In the matter of timber and woodlands it was richly provided, about one-third of its acreage being clothed with forests of white, red, black, burr, swamp and pin oak, hickory, walnut, maple, elm and sycamore. As will readily be conjectured, the township name. Salt Spring, has a local significance. It is so called from the existence within its limits. .* •!* ^* ' ■■si v-S- W.l|<&->' ^■'•^'-'■^ if^*l Li" *•-.'. ■''■■'"*-'- .i*--'^ii?Ua- ■ CS2 ai&»-'. PLTBLIC LIBRARY, HUNTSVILLB, MO. PUBLIC SCHOOL, HUNTSVILLE, KG. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 193 and some three miles southwest of Huntsville, on the Hne of the Wabash Railway, of a salt spring, or well, of considerable volume, at which, in the early history of the county, the pioneer settlers, by primitive pro- cesses, manufactured their supplies of salt. The first systematized salt works at this place were established and operated by Dr. William Fort, at a very early day, who not only supplied the demand of the region im- mediately round about, but who also sent large supplies of salt to various points on the Mississippi and elsewhere equally remote. It is amongst the traditions of the people, that, at an early day, this spring, or well, served not alone the purposes mentioned, but was then, as it is now reputed to be, a fountain of healing, in the use of whose waters health and rejuvenation came to many hapless victims to acute and chronic rheumatism, and other kindred physical ailments. This township is also well supplied with water, having the East fork of the Chariton River, with Its several small tributaries, cutting it almost centrally from the northeast to the southwest, and with Sweet Spring creek flowing along its entire southern boundary. Of flowing springs there are but few, wells and cisterns being relied upon for drinking and general domestic purposes. Salt Spring township is rich in coal beyond its sister townships of the county; and from this source is now, and for several years past, has been realizing much profit. Of well developed coal workings, there are several prosperous mines in the township which produce large quantities of coal and give employment to hundreds of men. The oldest coal banks were opened by J. C. Chapman and David Reece. G. W. Taylor, I. Cook, William Mitchell, J. A. Stewart, and Anderson & Co. had drift mines at an early day. John Sutliff operated a woolen mill here in the early days and there were three tobacco factories in Huntsville. Two of these were owned by W. T. Rutherford and E. E. Samuel, Jr., and the other by Miss Bernice Morrison, of St. Louis. HuntsviUe was the second largest leaf tobacco market in the State, and generally shipped from two and a half to three millions of pounds per annum. The first settlers of Salt Spring township were generally from Ken- tucky, as will be seen from the list of names given below: From Ken- tucky came Henry Lassiter, Henry Winbum, Valentine Mays, Neal Mur- phy, Clark Skinner, Benjamin Skinner, Joseph M. Hammett, William Fray, Blandermin Smith, Robert Sconce, William Baker, Charles Baker, Joseph 194 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY M. Baker, Christly Baker, Jeremiah Summers, Archibald Rutherford, William Rutherford and Shelton Rutherford. John Read came from North Carolina. Tolman Gorham came from Tennessee, as did also Thomas Gorham, Sr., Thomas J. Gorham and Dr. William Fort. James Cochrane, John Welden, Jeremiah Summers, William Elliott, Robert Elliott, Joseph Holman, William Cunningham and Abraham Goodding were other early settlers. Dr. William Fort, above named, together with Tolman Gorham, opened and operated the salt works, which were then located at what is now known as the Medical Springs, in Randolph County. They began making salt in 1823, and continued to supply a wide scope of country, extending many miles in almost every direction, for many years. The doctor was the first physician to locate in the county, and being one of the oldest citizens of the county, we here insert the following which was published at the time of his death: Another of the strong and notable men of the pioneer life of Mis- souri has been called to his reward in the person of Dr. William Fort, ■ of Randolph County, who died at the residence of his son, Henry T. Fort, near Huntsville, without a struggle, and from exhaustion and old age, on August 23, 1881, aged 88 years. The deceased was born in Nashville, Tennessee, October 19, 1793, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson. After the close of the war and on March 14, 1815, he niarried Miss Patsy Gorham, who with four of their six children survive him. In 1817 he professed religion and united with the Baptist church. In 1820, a year before the state was admitted into the Union, he emigrated with his young family to Missouri and settled in Randolph County and on the farm on which he was buried. He was a member of the first county court of Randolph County, and during his life was elevated by his fellow-citizens to seats in both branches of the General Assembly, always discharging his official trusts, as he did his personal and professional obligations, with fidelity, promptness and great acceptance to the people, aiding in all the relations of life in laying the foundations of the great Commonwealth of which he was always so justly proud. He was a Democrat of the school of Jefferson and Jackson and dur- ing the latter years of Senator Benton's career, a leader in the state of the anti-Benton forces and contributed not a little by his influence in the final overthrow of Benton's power in Missouri. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 195 Dr. Fort was a man of the most exemplary private life; took the right side of all the moral questions of the day, and being fearless as well as discreet in the proclamation of his opinion, left the world the better that he had lived in it. Decided in his convictions of public policy, he was conservative without being tame and tolerant of opinions differ- ing from his own. In short, he was a strong character and has left his impress on his generation. By profession he was a physician and for many years his practice was very successful and extensive. William Fray erected the first water mill in Salt Spring township, on the East fork of the Chariton River. HUNTS VILLE. Huntsville is well located upon an elevated and healthful plateau, on the north side of the Wabash Railroad on sections 25 and 36, just a little west of the center of the county. On the 5th of January, 1831, the first steps were taken towards locating the county seat at Huntsville, by the appointment of Robert Wil- son, commissioner. The tract or tracts which comprised the original town site were donated to the county by William Goggin, Gideon Wright, Daniel Hunt and Henry Winbum, and the county surveyor was immedi- ately ordered to lay off the land and make a plat thereof. Each of these donations consisted of 121/4 acres, which formed an exact square, the dome of the court house being the centre. Daniel Hunt, one of the donors above named, was the first settler, locating, however, but a little while in advance of the other three. These men were from Kentucky. The town was called Huntsville in honor of Daniel Hunt, the first settler. The first sale of lots took place in the follovdng April and included! all of them with the exception of those from number 94 to 99 inclusive,, reserved for court house, lot 155 for jatl lot, and also nurnber 32, which it was then thought necessary to hold back for a market house. The market house lot was subsequently sold. The highest price then paid for lots was $115. Some of the lots sold as low as $3.25, which are very valuable property now. The original town site of Huntsville was doubtless covered with timber, judging from the following order which was made by the ajunty court when the town was located: 196 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Ordered: That all persons cutting timber in the streets of Hunts- ville are required to leave the stumps not more than one foot in height, and to clear all timber so cut, together with the brush. The pioneer business men of Huntsville were Davis and Currin, to whom were issued the first tavern license, granted by the county court in 1829. Their place of business was at the house of William Goggin, Daniel G. Davis and Waddy T. Currin. The next merchants were Garth and Giddings, Dabney C. Gartha and Brack Giddings. These gentlemen were from Virginia. Garth represented the county in the Legislature. Then came Fielding, Clinton and Grundy Cockerill, who did a gen- eral merchandise business under the firm name of Cockerill & Co. Joseph C. Dameron commenced the mercantile business in the spring of 1835, and in 1842 he brought the first piano to the county, its strange and in- spiring notes being the first ever heard among the classic hills of Hunts- ville. Conway and Lamb were among the earliest merchants. John F. Riley was the first gunsmith; 0. D. Carlisle was the first saddler; John Gray taught the first school in a log house located on the public square; James C. Ferguson was the first shoemaker; Dr. Waller Head was the first physician to locate in the town. He was a native of Orange County, Virginia, and located in Huntsville in October, 1831, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in August, 1845. Dr. Joseph Rutherford came soon after Head and formed a partnership in the prac- tice of medicine with the latter. Ned. Goggin (colored) opened the first bakery and after accumu- lating quite a fortune, he moved to Putnam County, Missouri. Joseph Viley erected the first carding machine and cotton gin in 1834. Joseph C. Dameron opened the first tobacco factory. Dr. J. J. Watts kept the first drug store; William Smith the first livery stable. Gen. Robert Wil- son was the first lawyer in the town. He was also the first county and circuit court clerk, and afterwards became a United States Senator from Missouri. Clair Oxley, from Kentucky, was the second lawyer; he after- wards died in Santa Fe, New Mexico. William Goggin erected the first mill in the town at a very early day. It was a horse mill and was oper- ated for nearly 35 years. Almost simultaneously with the founding of the new town, a few of the old settlers, anxious to amuse themselves, opened a race track near the northwestern portion of the town. Here met the sporting men and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 197 lovers of the turf for several years, drawn hither at stated periods to witness the speed of some strange or favorite horse. Among the horses whose popularity has come down to us were "White Stockings" and "Aleck" the former the property of Bart McDameron and the latter the property of Hancock Jackson. In 1837 Alphonso Wetmore, the compiler of the "Gazetteer" of Missouri, said of Huntsville at that date: Huntsville, the seat of justice of Randolph, is near the center of the county. This town is flourishing and contains a good brick court- house, seven stores, etc. There is no church in the place, but public worship by all denominations is held in the court house and in the school houses of tiie town and county. This is a fashion throughout Missouri and it seems rational to occupy one house for various purposes in a new . country. While the people are building up their fortunes and erecting private houses at the same time there should be indulgence given until they shall be better able to build temples suited in magnificence to the great Being to whom these will be dedicated. The first banking enterprise in Huntsville was inaugurated about the year 1866 by William M. Wisdom and Courtney Hughes. It was a private institution and continued until the death of Mr. Hughes, which occurred in 1867. The bank then did business under the name of C. Wisdom & Co., until December 31, 1874, when it was succeeded by the Huntsville Savings Bank, The bank was again changed in 1878, to the private bank of J. M. Hammett & Co., with the following directors and stockholders: F. M. Hammett, president; James W. Hammett, vice- president; C. H. Hammett, cashier; B. F. Hammett, J. D. Hammett, W. R. Samuel, M. J. Sears, John R. Christian. Huntsville Lodge No. 30, A. F. and A. M. was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 8, 1840. The following are the only three names of the charter members that appear upon the records : Ed- ward Slater, Fleming Terrill, Thomas P. Coates. Randolph Lodge No. 23, I. 0. 0. F. was chartered April 29, 1847, and organized and officers installed June 10, 1847, by Grand Master Isaac M. Veitch, of St. Louis, assisted by Clark H. Green, D. D. G. M. The Huntsville Building and Loan Association was chartered Febru- ary 17, 1882. The first ofl[icers were William Sandison, president; T. M. Elmore, vice-pi-esident ; C. H. Hammett, treasurer; J. C. Shaefer, secre- tary. 198 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The Huntsville Missionary Baptist church was organized at the house of Zephaniah Walden, near Huntsville, in August, 1837, with seven con- stituent members : Theophilus Eddine, Zephaniah Walden and wife, Mary Thomas, Martha Dameron, Benjamin Terrill and James Terrill. The first church house in the town was erected about 1840. The first additions to the church were J. C. Shaefer and wife, in September, 1837, on letters of commendation from the Baptist church at Charlottesville, Va. The first Sunday school in the town or county was organized by J. C. Shaefer, in August, 1839, and has been successfully carried on with- out intermission to the present time. The present superintendent is W. R. Samuel. Semple's opera house was finished in February, 1884, and was the property of Charles Semple. Huntsville was incorporated March 12, 1859. March 10, 1871, the corporation limits were extended. L. S. Barrad was the first mayor and held his office in 1859. The public schools were partially organized in Huntsville some little time after the close of the war, but the organization was not completed until 1877, when a new school building was erected. The building and grounds cost about $3,500. It was a two-story frame structure and con- tains eight rooms. In 1877, Prof. M. C. McMellen took charge of the school as principal. Huntsville has in recent years erected a splendid modern school building which is an imposing brick structure with all modern school appliances and equipment. The Board of Education is as follows: President, W. C. Smith; secretary, W. J. Day; treasurer, W. L. Dameron; superintendent of schools, J. A. Bumside; members, Dr. D. A. Barnhart, Callie Halliburton, I. B. Jackson. The Huntsville High School teachers are: Principal, Miss Courtney Jackson; teachers, Miss Sallie Pattison, Miss Frances Robinson, Miss Ollie Woodward, Miss Moselle Densmore. The grade schools teachers are: 1st grade. Miss Nora Kiernan; 2nd grade. Miss Geraldine Hammett; 3rd grade, Miss Karleen Singleton; 4th grade, Mrs. Lestal Harns; 5th grade. Miss Velva Dunivent; 6th grade. Miss Esther Davies; 7th grade, Miss Anna Pattison; 8th grade, Miss Sarah Rutherford. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 199 In 1853 the citizens of Randolph County, impressed with the need of an institution of learning, and wishing to secure to themselves its benefits, determined to erect suitable buildings at a cost of not less than $10,000. Acting on the advice of Hon. William A. Hall, to put the institu- tion under' the care and patronage of Mount Pleasant Baptist Association, a letter stating the above proposal, signed by William A. Hall, H. Austin and P. P. Ruby, in behalf of the citizens of Randolph County, was ad- dressed to and accepted by the Association, and the institution took the name of the Association. Under this arrangement the money was secured and the building erected. February 28, 1855, the charter was obtained. In 1857, the building having been completed at a cost of $12,500, and a school of 170 pupils under Rev. William Thompson, LL. D., President, and Rev. J. H. Carter, A. B., Professor of Mathematics, and Miss Bettie Ragland, Principal of female department, having been taught with gratifying results one year, the institution was formally tendered by the board of trustees to the Association and accepted ; the Association at the same time promising to endow the college remotely with $25,000, and within two years, with $10,000, appointed Rev. Noah Mood to pro- ceed at once to secure the last named amount, and pledged himself to maintain sufficient and efficient teachers until the $10,000 endowment was secured. Rev. W. R. Rothwell succeeded Dr. Thompson in. the presidency and the college ran till 1861, filling the most sanguine expectations of its friends. President Rothwell gathered quite an extensive library, provided apparatus for chemical, philosophical and astronomical purposes, secured a considerable cabinet of minerals and fossils and established the char- acter and reputation of the college. The War of 1861 crippled the re- sources of the school, by cutting off students, and a deficit of $580 in teachers' salaries was imposed, which failing to be met by the Associa- tion, the trustees of the college let It to President Rothwell, who, at his own risk, and mainly by his own effort, carried the college through the clouds of war into the sunshine of 1868. The school which had hitherto been self-sustaining, or carried by the magnanimity of President Roth- well to 1866, now being cut down by the impoverished and unsettled state of the country, made a move for an endowment a necessity, and the call became imperative. The board of trustees at Mount Gilead church in 1866, with emphasis called upon the Association to redeem her past pledges for endowment. 200 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Y. R. Pitts and Wade M. Jackson were appointed solicitors to raise $10,000 in twelve months. The next year (1868) the Association at Keytesville, through Y. R. Pitts, reported as endowment: In notes $ 5,640.50 In cash 200.00 Jerry Kingsberry bequest 2,500.00 Balance unprovided for 1,660.00 $10,000.50 The balance, $1,660, was raised by subscription at that sitting of the Association. In 1870, Mount Pleasant Association, wishing further to endow the college and learning that Macon Association was contemplating building a similar institution of learning at Macon City, in the adjoining county, and within 30 miles of Huntsville, proposed to Macon Association to consolidate upon Mount Pleasant College, offering them first, one-half of the board of trustees and second, requiring them to raise $5,000 to be blended with the endowment fund. W. R. Rothwell, Benjamin Terrill, Joshua W. Terrill, W. R. Samuel and W. T. Beckelheimer were appointed a committee with discretionary power to confer with Macon Association. In 1872, Macon Association having canvassed her ability to build, and the proposal of Mount Pleasant Association, agreed by resolution to co- operate with Mount Pleasant Association in building up Mount Pleasant College, when the committee from Mount Pleasant Association guaranteed them one-half of the board of trustees except one, leaving a majority of the board in Mount Pleasant Association. In 1869, Rev. James W. Terrill succeeded President Rothwell. The war being over, confidence restored, and the times being prosperous and inviting, the college with other enter- prises, took new life. Added to this. President Terrill brought to the institution a combination of merit, enterprise and energy, rarely found in one man, and in producing a new, popular and successful method of teaching, carried the college to its highest point of success. The ques- tion of repaii's, additions and betterments (for the building had been used for military quarters during the war) now arose, and the terms, patron- age and success of the school, and the earnest protestations of both Mount Pleasant and Macon Associations, seemed to demand and encour- age immediate action in this direction. The trustees concluded to make ample improvement and additions, and to the main building added two HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 201 wings, running out and back of the. main building, giving in rooms, halls, stairways and closets, a building whose size, arrangement, decoration and stability which would rank with any in the state. Added to this the patronage and liberality of the citizens of Randolph County, and especially the citizens of Huntsville to the institution, which had ever been marked, the board of trustees were induced to build a commodious and tasteful boarding house, three stories, besides the basement. The citizens of Huntsville for this purpose furnished $3,000 cash, by which with a loan on fii'st mortgage, assisted by a loan of $3,500 endowment fund, secured by second mortgage on the building, it was completed. These buildings and additions were completed in 1871 and a con- siderable debt incurred. In 1873, the financial trouble which had been threatening overwhelmed the country, and a wave more damaging and blighting than war passed over the college. For two years longer, under President Terrill, it stood bravely on its feet carrying the heavy pressure. But the boarding-house was sold under first mortgage, and failing to bring the debt, the second mortgage, $3,500 endowment fund, was lost and the Jerry Kingsbury bequest, $2,500, being swept away, w?ien the bank failed, and the parties failing to come to time on their notes, from financial embarrassments, the $10,000 endowment was never realized. In 1876, Rev. M. J. Breaker came to the head of the institution, and like his worthy predecessor, Rothwell, stood by it in a dark hour of peril, and by effort and sacrifice bore her on in her noble mission for three years longer, till March 21, 1879, when a judgment having been obtained against the college for debt, and loooking for the execu- tion to be levied in June following. President Breaker resigned and the school closed — the second time in its existence of 23 years; once before after the close of the war in 1869, under President Rothwell; both times at the spring term. Mount Pleasant College, during her 23 years of existence, had been presided over by Rev. William Thompson, LL. D., one year; Rev. W. R. Rothwell, D.D., twelve years; Rev. J. W. Terrill, seven years, and Rev. M. J. Breaker, three years; it instructed hosts of youths, turned out 109 graduates, blessed the cause of education, elevated the community, and demonstrated the co-education of the sexes, as t?ie fittest and best. Rev. A. S. Worrell, D.D., succeeded Mr. Breaker, and was presi- dnet of the college in 1880-81. Rev. James B. Weber succeeded Dr. 202 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Worrell, and had charge of the college as its president when the build- ing was destroyed by fire (July 13, 1882). At the time the college building was destroyed there was a debt on it of $3,000, which was paid by the friends of the institution. The Ferguson bequest was known as the (Wiley) Ferguson bequest. All other debts had been secured by a mortgage on the building and grounds, and in order to pay this, the college and grounds were sold in 1883, and were pur- chased by the court-house building committee. The board of directors and faculty at the time the college was burned down in 1882, was: H. T. Fort, President; T. B. Kirabrougti, secretary; W. R. Samuel, treasurer; J. D. Brown, Stephen Connor, fessor of Natural Science; Mrs. A. E. Weber, Principal Preparatory and Primary Departments; Mrs. M. E. Lasley, Principal of the Music J. F. Finks, P.. T. Gentry, J. D. Humphrey, G. W. Keebaugh, R. J. Mansfield, W. A. Martin, W. D. Wilhite, Alfred Coulter, W. F. Elliott, J. T. Fort, W. J. Horsley, W. B. McCrary, S. Y. Pitts, T. T. Elliott, J. C. Shaefer. These trustees held the college for the Mount Pleasant Baptist Association. Faculty: — Rev. J. B. Weber, A. M., President, Professor of Greek, Moral Philosophy and English; Miss Nannie L. Ray, B. A., Assistant of Mathematics and Latin; J. B. Weber, Acting Pro- and Primary Departments; Mfc. M. E. Lasley, Principal of the Music Department. The first fair was held at Huntsville in the fall of 1854. D. C. Garth was president; Wallace McCampbell, vice-president; William D. Malone, secretary; Robert Y. Gilman, treasurer. The directors were: Dr. W. T. Dameron, James M. Hammett, Col. Thomas P. Ruby, Hon. James F. Wright, F. M. McLean, N. B. Christian. The last fair was held in 1876. The officers were : H. T. Rutherford, president ; J. M. Summers, first vice- president; F. M. Hammett, second vice-president. The directors were Louis Heether, W. T. Rutherford, James F. Robinson, Capt. Thomas B. Reed, James M. Baker, Neal Holman, G. H. Burckhartt, S. T. Morehead. The present city officials of Huntsville are: Mayor, Dr. Robert E. Kiernon ; clerk. Ad S. Heether ; treasurer, James C. Lay ; collector, Joseph S. Taylor; attorney, John N. Hamilton; police judge, Wallie H. Sandison; marshal, Stephen W. Jones; health commissioner. Dr. John R. Mabee; engineer, Dallas E. Ingersoll; street commissioner, Kieman Minor; chief of fire department, Kieman Minor. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 203 Aldermen: G. P. Dameron, N. D. Minor, William T. Haley, H. L. Rutherford, Jr.; S. M. Corbin, D. C. Griffiths, William E. Mitchell, Van G. Sutliff. Huntsville has a public library second to none in a town of its size. The building- is attractive and is a substantial structure. The library is well supplied with books and is well managed. The present library board is as follows: President, J. L. Hammett; secretary, I. B. Jackson ; treasurer, W. L. Dameron ; W. C. Smith, W. J. Day, Roy Sutliff, J. G. Dulaney, Dr. D. A. Barnhart, W. A. Brooking, Dr. R. E. Kiernan. The contract for building the first court house was let on the 13th of June, 1831, and the building was completed some time in the fall of the next year. It was a brick structure, two stories high, built in a square form, one room below used as the court room and three above used as jury rooms. One of those small rooms was for a number of years used as a Masonic hall and it was there that the first Masonic meeting in Huntsville was held. This building cost $2,400 and it was condemned and torn down in the winter of '58 or the spring of '59. The second court house was completed in 1860 by Henry Austin, who was the contractor. The building was a two-story brick and cost $15,000. It was burned August 12, 1882. Steps were immediately taken to build another and a third court house was commenced during the fall of 1883 and finished in April, 1884. J. M. Hammett, W. T. Rutherford, E. P. Kerby, John N. Taylor, G. W. Taylor and R. E. Lewis were the con- tractors and James McGrath of St. Louis was the architect. The build- ing is a two-story brick, contains eleven rooms and cost about $35,000. CHAPTER XVIII MEDICAL PROFESSION. DR. WILLIAM PORT, FIRST DOCTOR — EARLY CONDITIONS — EARLY DOCTORS — PHYSICIANS PROM 1865 TO 1890 — DOCTOR TERRILL — DOCTOR VASSE — EARLY DOCTORS AT HIGBEE, RENICK, CLIFTON HILL, CAIRO AND OTHER LOCALI- TIES—EARLY DOCTORS AT MOBERLY— PRESENT PHY'SICIANS OF THE COUNTY. The first doctor to locate within the boundaries of the present county of Randolph was Dr. Wm. Fort, who settled on lands a few miles west of Huntsville in the year 1820. At that early period there was not a town nor village in Randolph County. Huntsville was laid out and made the county seat of Randolph County in 1831. The early villages, if they can be called such, in the beginning were a store, a blacksmith shop, probably a wagon shop and a shoemaker and little else. About a half a dozen families in all, these villages such as Roanoke, on the line between Howard and Randolph, Mt. Airry, Middle Grove, .just over the line in Monroe County and Milton in the southeast part of the county were such. The pioneer doctor as a rule settled on farming lands and became a land owner and combined the vocations of farmer and doctor. Other pioneer doctors of Randolph County, as near as we can now ascertain, were Dr. Waller Head, who settled on lands adjoining Huntsville, Dr. Joseph Rutherford, who settled in the same vicinity and probably a little later Dr. J. J. Watts, who located in Huntsville, also Dr. Stephen Rich- mond, who located in the northwest part of the county. Among the very early doctors were Dr. C. F. Burckhartt, who located in the northern part of the county near where the town of Jacksonville now stands. In the neighborhood of Milton, the first was probably Dr. HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 205 James A. Burton, who purchased a farm almost adjoining the village of Milton and nearly the same time Dr. Robert R. Hall, who likewise became a land owner in the same vicinity, where he died a number of years ago at an advanced age. Dr. Burton about the beginning of the Civil War moved to Lafayette County and there died. In Prairie township in the southeast part of the county the pioneer doctors were Dr. Wm. B. McLean, probably the first to come and Dr. Presley T. Oliver. At Roanoke on the county line, we find no record of the pioneer doc- tors. Dr. William Harvey and Doctor Bagby were practicing physicians, however, past middle life when the Civil War closed and no doubt had been practicing for a number of years prior to that time. Dr. William Walker was probably one of the pioneer doctors of the southern part of tY.e county. He settled in what is now Moniteau township and after- ward removed to Howard County where he died some years ago. Between 1865 and 1890 the physicians in active practice at Hunts- ville and that section of the county were Dr. John C. Oliver, Dr. Alex. L. Bibb, Dr. R. E. Kiernan, Dr. Wm. H. Taylor, Dr. Warren M. Dameron and Dr. John T. Fort. All of the above named doctors were superior men, skilful physicians and excellent citizens. All are now dead. In the neighborhood of Darksville in the northwest part of the county was Dr. Robert A. Terrill, who was married to a sister of Judge Wm. A. Hall. Dr. Terrill in the early seventies was well advanced in years and had been practicing in that vicinity for a long period of time. He was a good physician and an excellent man, who attended the rich and poor alike. If Doctor Terrill could have collected all the fees earned by him in treat- ing the poor he would have died a richer man by several thousand dol- lars. And what we say in this respect of Dr. Terrill is true with refer- ence to all the pioneer doctors of the county. We also find Dr. W. W. Vasse located on a farm near Thomas Hill. He was likev/ise a man of fine character and a capable physician. During the same period of time Dr. Paul Yates was located at Jacksonville and practiced his profession successfully in that vicinity until he removed to the southern part of the state some years later. In or near Higbee during this same period Dr. Wm. P. Dysart re- sided on a farm about two miles northwest of Higbee. Dr. Lascellus Dysart and Dr. L. J. Miller residing in Higbee, practiced in that vicinity during these same years. 206 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY At Renick we find Dr. Thomas Hamilton and Dr. Thomas Christian, and somewhat later Dr. S. M. Forrest who served this part of the county as medical practitioners. In the neighborhood of Clifton Hill, Dr. J. J. Watts from Huntsville and probably other Huntsville physicians met the needs of that com- munity until the North Missouri Railroad was extended west to Kansas City and Clifton Hill was organized as a village. Thereafter Dr. E. F. Wilson and Dr. J. G. Baker located and practiced medicine in and around Clifton Hill. In the vicinity of Cairo, Doctor Boucher, Dr. J. G. Wilson, and Doc- tor Ridings were located and there practiced from and after the close of the Civil War. Dr. Boucher probably before. During this same period the following named doctors located and practiced their profession in the city of Moberly and vicinity: Dr. J. C. Tedford, Dr. J. C. Hickerson, Dr. Wm. A. Rothwell, Dr. John T. Cox, Dr. J. R. L. Clarkson, Dr. G. W. Weems, Dr. N. M. Baskett and Dr. Thos. Irwin. All of the above named except Dr. Baskett are dead. They were men of high attainment in the medical profession at that time and excellent citizens without exception. The active practicing physicians of Randolph County as shown by the record of the roster furnished us by the Secretary of the Medical Association of Randolph County are as follows: Moberly. — Dr. C. B. Clapp, Dr. C. K. Dutton, Dr. William D. Halliburton, Dr. E. R. Hickerson, Dr. S. T. Kelly, Dr. Frank L. McCormick, Dr. T; D. Mangus, Dr. W. K. Megee, Dr. O. K. Megee, Dr. Wm. H. Selby, Dr. E. W. Shrader, Dr. S. P. Towles, Dr. R. A. Mitchell, Dr. L. A. Bazan, Dr. Chas. H. Dixon, Dr. M. R. Noland, Dr. C. L. Dodson, Dr. G. G. Levick, Dr. Langdon, Dr. J. S. Paey, Dr. Thos. A. Cottingham, Dr. I. F. Harlan, Dr. 0. 0. Ash, Dr. G. 0. Cuppaidge, Dr. S. T. Ragan, Dr. L. 0. Nichels, Lensley. Clark: Dr. R. A. Woods, Dr. N. K. Pope. Higbee: Dr. Chas. F. Burkhalter, Dr. T. H. Dinwiddle, Dr. G. M. Nichols, Dr. J. W. Winn. Darksville: Dr. Hatton. Cairo: Dr. J. P. Allen. Jacksonville: Dr. Davis. Clifton Hill: Dr. W. C. Alexander, Dr. A. J. Bradsher, Dr. J. A. Lowry. Huntsville: Dr. D. A. Bamhart, Dr. R. G. Epperly, Dr. J. D. Ham- mett, Dr. J. W. Taylor, Dr. W. P. Terrill, Dr. G. G. Bragg. CHAPTER XIX BENCH AND BAR OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT ESTABLISHED— JUDGE TODD PRESIDED OA'BR FIRST CIRCUIT COURT— FIRST LAW VERS IN ATTENDANCE— JUDGES THOMAS REY- NOLDS, JOHN D. LELAND, WILLIAM A. HALL, GEORGE H. BURCKHARTT, JOHN A. HOCKADAY, ALEXANDER H. "WALLER AND ALLAN W. WALKER— EARLY LAWYERS — LATER MEMBERS OF THE BAR— PRESENT-DAY LAWYERS. The second judicial circuit in Missouri was established in 1821, im- mediately after this state was admitted into the Union. Judge David Todd, prior to that time Territorial Judge, was appointed judge of this circuit by Gov. McGirk and served from 1821 until 1837. This circuit endured until 1882 as the second circuit, when the General Assembly of the state renumbered the circuits and the second circuit became the ninth circuit. Judge Todd presided over the first circuit court that was held in Randolph County in 1829. He was a Kentuckian bom in Fayette County in 1790. He came to Missouri about the year 1818 as Territorial Judge and located first at Old Fi'anklin in Howard County. Afterward he made Columbia in Boone County his hom.e, where he died in 1859. Judge Todd was regarded as an able lawyer and a just judge, impartial and conscientious. John F. Ryland, Joseph Davis, Robert Wilson, John B. Clark and Robert W. Wells were among the lawyers that attended this first term of court. Judge Ryland was an eminent lawyer who was first appointed Judge of the sixth judicial circuit and afterward one of the judges of the Supreme Court. He died in 1873. Joseph Davis was born in Christian County, Kentucky, in January, 1804. He came to Howard County with his parents in 1818. He prac- 208 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ticed law in Fayette for several years and was an eminent lawyer in his day. He served in the Legislature and died at Fayette. Robert Wilson was born in November, 1796, in August County, Vir- ginia. In the spring of 1820 he located at Old Franklin in Howard County and afterward practiced law in Fayette. He served in the Mis- souri Legislature in 1845 and afterward in the State Senate. In 1862 he served an unexpired term in the United States Senate. He died in St. Joseph, Missouri. General John B. Clark was born in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1802, and came with his father's family to Howard County in 1818. He served as an officer in the Black Hawk War in 1832. In 1854 he was elected to Congress and served for three successive terms. In the War of 1861 he served as a brigadier general in the Southern army and was wounded at the battle of Wilson Creek. He was afterward a member of the Confederate Congress. .General Clark was a lawyer of marked ability and a fluent speaker. Mr. Wells was the first attorney general to appear and represent the state in the Randolph Circuit Court. He was born at Winchester, Vir- ginia, in 1795. He was also a lawyer of marked ability. Mr. Wells was the first circuit attorney and in 1826 was appointed attorney general of the state in which capacity he served for a period of ten years, rafter- wards he was appointed United States District Judge for the District of Missouri and held this office until his death, April 2, 1863, at Bowling Green, Kentucky. Judge Todd, on retiring from the circuit bench in 1837, was spcceeded by Judge Thomas Reynolds, who resided at Fayette, Howard County. Judge Reynolds was born March 12, 1796, in Bracken County, Kentucky. He moved to Missouri in 1829 and located at Fayette. He was regarded as a just judge and bore a high reputation as a jurist. In 1840 Judge Reynolds resigned from the bench and was elected governor of this state and died in office. Judge John D. Leland was appointed judge of the second circuit in 1840 to fill the unexpired term of Judge Reynolds. He served until 1847 and acquitted himself on the bench with credit and was considered a just judge. In 1847, Judge William A. Hall of Randolph County was elected judge of the second judicial circuit. Judge Hall was a man of great ability and a stem but just judge. He served until 1862 when he resigned to become a member of Congress. - HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 209 Judge George H. Burckhartt of Randolph County was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge Hall in 1862, and. was afterwards elected and reelected from time to time until his death in 1890. Judge Burck- hartt was a natural born judge. As a judge of evidence he was unsur- passed. He possessed a profound knowledge of human nature and of men and was seldom deceived by a witness on the stand. Judge Burckhartt was one of the kindest of men and at the same time a firm and just judge. As a personal friend he was steadfast and true. Judge Burckhartt's popularity in the counties that then constituted the second circuit, Ran- dolph, Howard, Boone and Callaway, was unbounded and he was elected and reelected and served altogether as judge twenty-eight years. Judge Burckhartt died in the spring of 1890. He was succeeded by Judge John A. Hockaday of Fulton, Callaway County. Judge Hockaday served as judge for thirteen years until his death. He was a man of exalted char- acter, a fine lawyer, a careful and just judge, painstaking and impartial. Among his close friends he was one of the most congenial of men. Upon the bench he hewed to the line and was seemingly austere, and at all times dignified. Judge Hockaday died in the latter part of November, 1903. He was succeeded by Alexander H. Waller of Moberly, Randolph County, who served for a period of thirteen years and retired from the bench January 1, 1917. Judge Waller was succeded on the bench by Judge Allan W. Walker of Fayette, Howard County, an able lawyer, patient and conscientious. Judge Walker is the present incumbent and has given universal satis- faction. In the early days it was the custom of members of the bar to travel with the judge from court to court over the circuit. Hence the lawyers in attendance at each term of court were composed largely of lawyers of other counties in the circuit and of adjoining circuits. Among the leading lawyers of Randolph County in early days were Judge Wm. A. Hall, Judge George H. Burckhartt, and Abe McKinney, and at a somewhat later date H. M. Porter, Col. A. F. Denny, Capt. Thomas B. Reed, Robert Brooking, Isaac Bibb, Judge John R. Hull and probably others. After the close of the Civil War in addition to the several above named, Judge A. P. Terril, G. F. Rothwell, W. A. Martin, John R. Chris- tian, W. T. McCanne, W. N. Rutherford and Thomas B. Kimbrought were added to the list of active attorneys, all of whom made good as able and 210 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY successful practitioners. In 1878 Mr. Rothwell was elected a member of Congress and served one term. Judge A. P. Terrill was an exception- ally able lawyer and a safe counsellor. Between 1873 and 1877, Henry S. Priest, Franklin P. Wiley, Uriel S. Hall, John N. Hamilton, Ben T. Hardin and A. H. Waller, all young men, were admitted to tYie bar of Randolph County. Waller was elected prosecuting attorney of the county in 1878, and served three terms. Wiley was elected to the legislature at the same time and was reelected in 1880 and afterward served two terms as prose- cuting attorney from 1892 to 1896. Mr. Wiley was an able lawyer and probably the most resourceful and skillful trial lawyer the county ever had. He was a high class man in every respect, well educated, fearless, a ready and forceful speaker, and a true friend. Mr. Wiley was born in Illinois in 1853, and died at his home in Moberly at the age of forty-five years, in December, 1898. Henry S. Priest in 1881 removed to the city of St. Louis and there served iirst as attorney for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad Company, next as attorney for t?ie Wabash Railroad Company and again for the Mis- souri Pacific, as general counsel. While serving in this capacity in 1895 he was appointed U. S. District Judge for the eastern district of Missouri. Judge Priest served in this capacity for about two years then resigned and the firm of Boyle, Priest and Lehmann was organized. All of the three lawyers who constituted this firm were exceptionally able lawyers and this firm became one of, if not the leading, law firm of St. Louis. Judge Priest is now living in the city of St. Louis and is yet practicing law with one or more of his sons. Ben T. Hardin succeeded A. H. Waller as prosecuting attorney and served in that capacity from January, 1885, until January, 1889. Shortly thereafter he removed to Kansas City and has since practiced law in that city, successfully and profitably, and is yet one of the leading trial lawyers at that bar. Judge Waller was elected mayor of the city of Moberly in April, 1899, in which capacity he served a term of two years and was there- after appointed circuit judge, as we have already seen. Uriel S. Hall, one of the five above named, was endowed with great energy and strength, both physical and mental. He practiced law in Randolph County successfully until the beginning of the year 1882, when he removed to Kansas City, where hr practiced law about two years, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 211 when he retired from the law and took charge of the large fertile farm belonging to his father, consisting of about 700 acres, situated in the northwest part of Randolph County, which he operated energetically and successfully until he was elected to Congress in 1892. He was re- elected in 1894 and served altogether four years. Mr. Hall was a sound money Democrat as was President Cleveland, and was not again a candi- date for Congress. Since, Mr. Hall has been an educator and the head of several colleges and schools and has proved himself to be equally efficient as an educator as well as in other vocations. After 1882 Willard P. Cave, Will A. Rothwell, Forrest G. Ferries and William Palmer were successively within the next decade added to the list of lawyers of Randolph County. Mr. Cave is still practicing law in the city of Moberly and is regarded as one of the county's ablest lawyers and has a large and lucrative prac- tice. Mr. Ferries practiced law in Moberly for a number of years. He was studious and unassuming, but his worth and ability finally became manifest and he was appointed assistant to the attorney-general by At- torney-General Hadley. Later he was appointed assistant circuit attor- ney of the city of St. Louis, and afterwards became a member of the firm of Ferries and Rosskopf, which firm is now doing a lucrative busi- ness in the city of St. Louis. Will A. Rothwell was admitted to the bar in 1885 and began the active practice of law in 1891, when he was elected city attorney of Moberly. He was a highly educated and brilliant man and rapidly grew into an able and successful lawyer. He was elected a member of the Missouri legislature in 1894 and served one term. In 1896 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and served two terms. He proved himself to be an able and successful prosecutor. In 1892 he was made chairman of the Democratic state committee of the state of Missouri and successfully managed the Democrat campaign that year. In 1894 he was appointed member of the national Democratic committee and served in that capacity until his death in October, 1908, aged 46 years. Mr. Palmer was born and reared in Randolph County and rapidly developed into a good lawyer after his admission to the bar. He was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and served four years. Within a short time after the termination of his services as prosecut- 212 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ing attorney he died at his home in Moberly, still a young man. Will Palmer had many friends and his untimely death was a cause of gen- eral regret throughout the county. John N. Hamilton is the senior member of the bar of Huntsville, having been admitted to the bar in the late seventies, and since that time has been a worthy member. He is an able lawyer, a progressive citizen, and has held several county offices, recorder of deeds being one of the several offices that he has filled with credit. The bar of Randolph County will rank with any bar of equal num- bers in this state, not only as capable lawyers, but as progressive citi- zens and men of high character. In the court room they contest their cases vigorously and efficiently, but courteously. A half a century ago personal strife and biting personalities were not uncommon in courts of record and jealousy and personal enmity among members of the bar was a rule, rather than the exception. Thirty years ago the bar of Ran- dolph County composed as it then was of right minded men as .well as able lawyers reversed this order of things, and enmity and strife among the members of the bar became a thing of the past in this county. The bar of Randolph is now organized into a bar association and live together in peace each one respecting the other as he deserves, and are following the footsteps of the predecessors of the last generation in this respect. The following is a list of active members of the bar of Moberly, Ran- dolph County: William P. Cave, J. W. Wight, Jr., A. H. Waller, Major Lilly, E. 0. Doyle, Aubrey R. Hammett, E. J. Howard, Thos. Tydings, A. C. Gladney, Warwick McCanne, S. 0. Hunter, Arthur Chamier, Jerry M. Jeffries, Frank Lofty, 0. R. O'Brien, W. B. Stone, Edmund Burk, J. A. Walden, Wm. Morrissey, David E. Janes. The following members of the bar are not in active practice: J. Mor- ris Graves, special court reporter; Jerome Reigel, office practice only; J. F. Rothwell, retired ; James R. Lowell, post master and editor of Moberly "Democrat." Active members of the bar at Huntsville are: Norman Johnson, John N. Hamilton, Madison Stringer. CHAPTER XX EARLY CHURCHES. FIRST CHURCH ORGANIZED IN 1819 — OTHER EARLY ORGANIZATIONS — PRIMITIVE; AND MISSIONARY BAPTISTS — MT. PLEASANT COLLEGE BUILT — PROVIDENCE METHODIST CHURCH — ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH — SALEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH — SUGAR CREEK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — MT. HOPE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The first church was organized in Randolph County on the third Saturday in August, 1819, by the Primitive Baptists under the name of "Happy Zion," afterwards changed to Silver Creek. In the following month this church united with the Mount Pleasant Association organized at Mount Pleasant, Howard County. Thereafter churches were organ- ized at Mount Harmon, Mount Ararat, Pleasant Grove, Dover and Little Union, located one mile north of Huntsville, organized in 1828. These churches were likewise Primitive Baptist churches and all except Silver Creek church are not extinct. About 1835 the Baptist church split and organized separate congre- gations known as the Regular or Primitive Baptists and Missionary Bap- tists. Mount Pleasant College was erected and the building completed be- tween 1855 and 1857. A school of 150 pupils was established, the chapel of the college was used by the Missionary Baptists at Huntsville from and after that time until the building was burned in 1882. In 1858 the Mount Vernon church. Missionary Baptist, was organ- ized. Prior to 1868 Dark's Prairie church was organized and held its meetings one mile north of Clifton Hill until 1868, when the congregation moved into a new church structure in the village of Clifton Hill. 214 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY In 1871, Good Hope, Missionary Baptist church, was organized and, no doubt, there were other Missionary Baptist churches in the county prior to the Civil War, but we have no data as to when these churches were organized. In 1834, Providence church, Methodist, was organized at the resi- dence of S. J. Johnson. In 1836 this congregation held its services at the Johnson school house and in 1846 they erected Old Providence church and called it the "Twelve Corners." In 1878 a new church build- ing was erected. Antioch Christian church was organized the first Sunday in June, 1837. After the town of Higbee was established the church was moved to that place where a new church building was erected in 1880. Salem Christian church was organized in the summer of 1873. Antioeh Christian church was apparently the pioneer Christian church of Randolph County. This church is noted in that it sent into the ministry several preachers of conspicuous ability, namely: Henry H. Haley, Thos. Haley, E. J. Lampton and Alexander Proctor. The two last named were eminent preachers. Neither the one nor the other were narrow or sectarian, but were eminently liberal with respect to members of other churches. Alexander Proctor, in the opinion of the writer of this article, was one of the great if not the greatest religious teacher that Missouri has ever sent forth. He was too broad and charit- able to question the Christianity of any other church member or its efficacy. For thirty-six years he was pastor in the Christian church at Independence, Missouri, and died there recently. The Sugar Creek Cumberland Presbyterian church building was erected by the congregation already organized in 1840. This church stands about two miles north of Moberly and was there standing when the tall prairie grass waved over the site of the present city. The church was organized in 1834 by the Rev. Samuel C. Davis. Mount Hope, Cumberland Presbyterian church, was constructed in 1874. The congregation had been organized as a church sometime prior thereto. Since the close of the Civil War church buildings have multiplied in Randolph County. CHAPTER XXI TRANSPORTATION. STEAMBOAT TO HANNIBAL AND GLASGOW— SUPPLIES HAULED OVERLAND — NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD IN 1858— RAILROAD BUILDING SUSPENDED DURING CIVIL WAR— CHICAGO & ALTON BUILT IN 1871— WABASH RAILROAD AND ITS BRANCHES — THE MISSOURI, KANSAS & TEXAS— RAILROAD PROSPECTS IN CONTEMPLATION. Randolph County, as we have seen, was organized in 1829. By this time or shortly thereafter, steamboats began to run more or less regu- larly on both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Goods and groceries, such as sugar, tea, coiTee, hardware and other necessaries, were obtained by the merchants of Randolph County either from Hannibal or from Glasgow. Glasgow, being the nearer, was the usual shipping point where produce was shipped and merchants received goods bought in St. Louis or farther east. The ability to obtain necessary supplies and hardware material aided in the improvement and development of the county. Emigrants coming into the state had their choice to come overland by wagon or they could come by boat to Hannibal or Glasgow and thence to their destination by land. ' ■«* In the year 1858, the North Missouri Railroad leading from St. Louis, nort?.west and north, was built into Randolph County, entering the county near its southeast corner, thence northwest to a point three miles south of the city of Moberly, and thence north to the town of Allen, where it crossed the state road leading from Huntsville to Paris. This road was extended the same year northward to Macon City, being completed to that point where it connected with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in February, 1859. The building of the North Missouri Railroad through the county put Randolph County on the map as a railroad county. 216 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The war between the states known as the Civil War or War of the Rebellion began in April, 1861. During the four years that this unhappy struggle continued, railroad building, and indeed every constructive enter- prise, was halted. Directly after the close of the war projected lines of railroad so halted by the war, many of them were speedily constructed The projected line from Moberly westward to Kansas City was constructec between the years of 1865 and 1868. The projected railroad from Hanni- bal to Moberly was constructed and completed between 1869 and 1872 and shortly thereafter in the same or following year the railroad first known as the Tebo and Neosho, afterward the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, was extended south through Fayette and Boonville to Sedalia and from thence south to Texas. About the same time, or shortly thereafter, a branch line was built northwest from Brunswick, following along the valley of the Grand river through the cities of Chillicothe, Gallatin and on to Pattonsburg, where it connected with the Omaha, Quincy and Kansas City Railroad. A number of years later the line of road extending from Brunswick to Omaha was purchased and became and is yet part of the Wabash System. In 1871 the Chicago and Alton Railroad Company constructed its line of railroad westward from Mexico through Randolph County and from thence westward to Kansas City. With the completion of these several roads and branch lines all constructed within the fifteen years elapsing between 1858 and 1873, Randolph County had probably a greater mileage of railroads than any inland county within the state. At the present day that part of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad extending from Moberly to Hannibal is used by both the Missouri, Kansas and Texas and the Wabash railroads. From Moberly the Wabash railroad and its branch lines extend to St. Louis, Hannibal, Ottumwa, Des Moines, Iowa, to Kansas City west- ward and to Omaha in the northwest. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas likewise operates its trains to and from Hannibal and from Moberly south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Chicago and Alton railroad enters Randolph County east of Clark, passes through Clark, Higbee and Yates, and from thence into Howard County and on to Kansas City through Glasgow. Prior to the entry of the United States into the World War the Santa Fe and Burlington systems of railroiad had determined to build a line of railroad from Carrollton, Missouri, through Randolph County to Mexico, Missouri, where it would connect with the Burlingrton road extending from HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 217 Mexico to St. Louis. It was further determined by the Burlington Rail- road Company that this company would build a line of railroad from or- near Monroe City, southwesterly through Monroe County and through the city of Moberly to a junction point of said roads about five miles south- west of Moberly and much of the right-of-way for these railroads had already been acquired, prior to the declaration of war by this government against the German Empire. That these railroads will be ultimately built seems a certainty. The grade of these roads, established by their engineers, does not exceed three per centum throughout their length. It was further projected by the Burlington road that a like grade would be obtained between Monroe City and Quincy, Illinois. By this line the distance from Chicago to Kansas City over the Burlington road would be shortened thirty or thirty-five miles, and the grade so obtained would en- able said railroad to economically compete with any railroad now operating from Kansas City to Chicago, the Santa Fe included. When these roads are completed, as they will be, Randolph County will be a veritable railroad center and will have direct lines of railroad radiating in every direction and that too over the shortest lines. CHAPTER XXII MISCELLANEOUS. THE "RAZORBACK" — FROM THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LIBERTY NOBLE — INDIAN- SCARE OF 1829. THE RAZORBACK. With the coming of the pioneer to the Boonslick Country came the pio- neer hog, the "razorback." The "razorback" like the pioneer was no pampered child of fortune. He was likewise of the pioneer type, in that he was somewhat long of limb, gaunt, muscular, active, strong and swift of foot, when occasion required. He was further of the pioneer type in that he was active, cour- ageous and self-reliant, and frequently it was a case of "root hog or die" with both man and hog. For the purpose of rooting the "razorback" was well equipped. His shoulders, neck and head were large and muscular and his nose was long, terminating with a rooting attachment that needed no repair. This nose, however, was not equipped with a coulter and the tough prairie sod was too tough of a proposition for him as well as for the pioneer settler, hence they both went to the woods together where they could make an honest living the year around by the industrious use of hand and snout. The woods at that time had other inhabitants, bears, panthers, wild cats, and wolves in great numbers, but the razorback went forth fearlessly at hunger's call or just because he wanted to, that is, the full-growns did, and unless restrained, the younger ones followed. The "razorback" was armed for defense. From his lower jaw projecting upward and outward were strong, sharp, curved tusks, several inches in length, and set into the upper jaw were shorter upturned tusks that co-ordinated with the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 219 larger ones below. In battle the "razorback" fought by lowering his head and striking upward. These upper thrusts driven by the powerful next muscles were capable of inflecting long, deep, ragged wounds, some- times dangerous or deadly. The "razorbacks" in the woods usually herded together. When a member of the herd by prolonged squealing gave the signal of distress the grown ups of the herd, with bristles erect rushed to the rescue, and whether the trouble maker be man or animal the only safe way was up a tree or rapid flight. The "razorback," though homely and bristly, was invaluable to the early settler. He could take care of himself. He was able and willing to make his own living in the woods ten months in the year, if need be, and was therefore a cheap boarder. The "razorback" was seldom con- verted into bacon before he was eighteen months or two years old. Run- ning at large, he grew more slowly, his keep was trifling and he usually survived until the fall of his second year. Having grown fat on acorns and nuts the settler would round up his herd, separate and confine in a closed pen all those that he designed to butcher, feed them corn for a few weeks until assured that the meat and lard would be firm and of the best, then a day was set and the hog killing was held. Usually the near neighbors assisted and frequently a score or more hogs were butchered and cut up in a single day. Then the meat was salted down, the lard rendered out, and in early days before the advent of the sausage grinder, sausage was made by beating the meat into a pulp on a block with hammers. Aside from the labor of feeding the hogs at times, and that incident to butchering and curing the meat, the cost of bacon to the farmer was trivial compared to the cost of today, nor does the packing house bacon of this period of time compare in excellence with the delicious country cured hams, smoked with hickory wood and carved out of these mature hogs. But the "razorback," indispensable to the early settlers, could not endure. He had his day in north Missouri, and his decline. As the trees in the wooded districts fell year by year under the blows of the woods- man's ax, the noise of their falhng beat the "razorback's" "last tattoo." With the going of the woods went the razorback, with improved methods of farming came improved breeds of hogs, cattle, sheep and horses. The "razorback" had served and served well — his purpose and his mission Tvas ended. 220 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY In the Ozarks he survived until the Civil War. The late Proctor Knott, for many years a Kentucky congressman, while a young man spent some years in the Ozarks and while there was elected to the Missouri legislature shortly before the Civil War. While so serving he made a speech in the house, boosting the Ozarks and their many resources, their climate, fishing, streams, fruit trees, fertile valleys, and their endless forests of oak that covered the hills and bore fruit and almost covered the ground with acorns in the fall of the year. Among other assets he introduced the "razorback" as a prime asset in that timbered region. After describing him and his characteristics of courage, industry, and his ability to provide for and defend himself against all comers without human aid, he wound up by saying "that the 'razorback' could readily root potatoes out of the third row through a crack in the fence." It seems from the following incident that the "razorback" may yet survive in some of the timbered regions farther south. A Pennsylvania breeder of fine hogs had a pen of assorted sizes on exhibition at the Rich- mond, Virginia, Exposition, held a half score years ago. A North Caro- lina farmer came along, stopped, leaned on the fence of the pen and leisurely scanned its inmates. They were show hogs, short legged and fat. Some were lying down and others were waddling around in the pen. The owner came around hoping to sell and said, "What do you think of them?" "I never saw such hogs before. They sure do look fine," replied the tar heel. "Don't you want a pair to take home with you?" inquired the Penn- sylvanian. "No," replied the North Carolinian slowly, "they would be of no account to me, stranger. No hog is worth a d — ^m in the country where I live that can't outrun a nigger." FROM THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LIBERTY NOBLE. Liberty Noble was born in Casey County on November 10, 1809. He was the third son of Mark Noble and Rachel, his wife. In June, 1817, Mark Noble and his family, consisting of a wife, seven sons and three daughters, moved from Kentucky to Howard County, Missouri, and four years later, on March 8, 1821, moved to Randolph County. The follow- ing is an excript from his autobiography: "About the year 1829 we moved to near where Huntsvill© now stands and cleared off the first twelve acres of the city lots. We com- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 221 menced nearly exactly where the court house now stands. The contract was let to the lowest bidder and my father secured the contract. We also burnt the lime for Randolph's first court house. Two weeks were spent in building a lime kiln. We found two trees on the hillside some thirty feet apart and hauled our logs and piled them upon each other against the two trees until we had a large pile; then we hauled rocks and stacking them on the long heap set fire to the logs. When the logs had burned away the rocks being burnt were left in a heap something similar to the form in which they were placed. Then we slacked this burnt rock and had our lime. Lumber was sawed by hand in those days and I have helped to saw thousands of feet with the old hand lip saw. I have had the privilege of sawing lumber with Missouri's Ex-Governor Jackson. We found two trees somewhat like we did in commencing a lime kiln. These trees must have forks some six or eight feet from the ground. In these forks we placed a pole called a ridge pole. On the ridge pole we put two other poles with one end of each on the hill side. Then we hewed our logs square, rolled them on the poles, lined them on top and on the bottom the entire length, and with one sawyer on top and the other on the ground sawed out our lumber. We stuck one end of the logs as far over one of the poles as we could not to overbalance and then ripped all the logs at that end; then slipped them endways past the pole and sawed again to the other pole and so on through the log. We could saw about two hundred feet in a day by this method. In the fall of the year of 1832, I with four friends went on a bee hunt. It was the month of September and we went to the Chariton river, eight or ten miles northwest of where Kirksville now stands. We camped over night and spent the next day in locating bee trees. We were gone twenty-three days and brought home 309 gallons of strained honey, one tub and two buckets full of honey in the comb and a good quantity of beeswax. When my father first moved to Missouri hogs were very scarce and he paid one dollar for a very small pig. I remember our hogs used to run outside, and during the summer when we were busy in our crops and harvesting, we would not see our hogs for sometimes three months at a time and they would become rather wild, so we would have to hunt their beds and drive them home. 222 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The houses in which we lived were built of logs hewn out by our own broadaxes, and chinked with sticks, rocks and mud. They were almost always built with a chimney in the west side so the heat as we thought would be on the coldest side of the house. The chimney was built according to the number of children in the family, a small family built a small chimney and sometimes a chimney occupied nearly all the west end of the house. Then a log was split and legs put into it to make a bench for each side of the fireplace, and a long bench made for in front of it. Some, though not all, of the bedsteads were one-legged ones. A post placed from one corner of the room and poles reached from the post to the walls and plank put on these formed the platform on which our straw beds were placed and after awhile some people became rich enough to afford geese and they had feather beds. We had to go twenty or twenty-five miles to mill and then furnish our team to grind our grain. The mills were old fashioned sweep-mills and ground the corn somewhat similar to the way molasses cane is mashed now. There were two mills in Howard County, one was run by Colonel Snoddy and the other by Paddy Woods. Our grain was cut with a reap hook and very slow work it -{vas. We caught a bunch of grain by the top with the left hand and cut it with a reap hook in our right hand, and when we had thus cut across a field we hung the reap hook on our shoulder and bound the grain we had cut as we came back. I never went to but three schools in my life and only went about half the time then for I had to stay at home and work. Schools were taught in the spring and summer just when the most work was done. I went to one school in 1819 in Howard County to Joseph Persinger and in 1823 in Randolph County to John Dysart, a brother of Rev. James Dysart of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The next year, 1824, I went to Nic Dysart, also a brother of the preacher. Our schoolhouses had only dirt floors and they would get pretty dusty sometimes. At our writing desk a log was cut out so as to give us light and we stood and wrote with a split log for a desk and used ink made from indigo and oak berries and a goose quill for a pen. The benches were made of split logs with wooden pegs for the legs and were generally made of cotton- wood or lime so as to be soft so they would not have to be cushioned. Our feet dangled between the bench and floor and as we had no lazy backs to the benches we did not have to have our coats patched in the back. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 223 The plows we used were single shovels made by a blacksmith and the bar-shear plow, which had a wooden mouldboard, as did the Gary plow which came into use a few years later. These plows were about ten inches wide and if a man broke two acres a day he had done something extra. Our harness were all homemade; the collars were made of linn bark and shucks. The hames were made by ourselves and had a hole bored through them into which the rope tug was run and with some bark and a knot fastened. The rope tugs were made by twisting tow and flax together. A notch was cut in the end of a singletree, and we made a loop in the tug and slipped it over the end. Very often we had no backhands to the harness, but occasionally some would make them out of bark and shucks. Old Mr. McClain, whose son lived in McClainsville, said he could not raise a crop without hickorj' bark. It was used for as many things as string is now. Our hoes were made by a blacksmith and were very heavy, some- times having enough iron in one for two or three hoes like we use now. Our axes were also home-made, and in fact nearly everything then was very different from what it is now. The girls in those days worked hard enough to raise corns on their hands, wore home-made dresses and sunbonnets, and besides the house work also helped in the field and hoed in the garden, and had to content themselves with such flowers as the morning glory, hollyhock, sunflower and pumpkin blossoms." INDIAN SCARE OF 1829. It was customary in the early days for every male over eighteen years of age to have a good trusty rifle and plenty of ammunition. Shotguns were unknown, also revolvers. These hardy men most gen- erally took their firearms with them wherever they went, not for the purpose though, be it remembered, to shoot one another, as is often done nowadays, but to defend themselves against the wild, untutored redman, who then had their wigwams so close to their borders, and occasionally made unexpected raids into the white settlements to take vengeance upon the innocent and peaceful citizen, for some outrage often committed upon the poor Indian by some of the few bad white men, that then had their homes somewhere in these western wilds. Most of the cruelty and butchery committed by the savages, in those days, no doubt, were occasioned by the fact that bad white men, either instigated them, or had committed great outrages upon the Indians when 224 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY they had the advantage of them. And, they being savages, and perhaps knowing no better, would take vengeance upon the first pale-face man, woman or child that happened in their pathway. But it is true, no doubt, also, that these red men of the forest took great delight in shedding blood, and gloried in taking the scalp of the white man; and for even a fancied wrong conjured up by the brain of some would-be chieftain, they would raise the war-whoop and sally forth, seeking whom they might devour. Hence, when in the year 1829, these first settlers of Ran- dolph County, together with others that had then made Randolph County their future home, heard from a messenger, fresh from the scene of the conflict, his fiery charger foaming, being driven by the whip and spur to his utmost speed, that the Indians on the northern borders had raised the war club and were marching rapidly to the settlements, murdering indiscriminately men, women and children that were then scattered along in isolated settlements from the Iowa line down to what is now the boundary line of Randolph County. The news was carried from cabin to cabin by swift and trusty mes- sengers. It was appalling, it is true, and no doubt carried great consterna- tion to some. But action was quickly taken and preparation made to send the women and children down to the big settlement in Howard County, under charge of the old and feeble men, not able to do military duty, where they knew they would be well protected and cared for cheer- fully. A. company of about seventy men, comprising nearly all the able- bodied adult men in the county was organized. Robert Scounce, a highly respected citizen who many years afterwards died in the county, was elected captain, and marched at once to meet the enemy. In the mean- time a regiment was organized in Howard County, under command of Colonel, later General John B. Clark, an honored citizen of Howard County. The Indians were driven without much trouble north of the state boundary. Before the expiration of these troubles, two other companies, under command of Captain Abraham Goodring, who was also in the war of 1812, and a highly respected citizen of the county, and Captain Robert Boucher, of Randolph County. This small war was one of the incidents, it was said, leading to the famous Black Hawk war. CHAPTER XXIII BIOGRAPHICAL Ottis O. Ash, M. D. — ^Among the professional men of Randolph County none is more worthy of being represented in its annals than Dr. Ottis 0. Ash, a leading physician and surgeon of Moberly. For more than 17 years he has lived within the county's borders, during which time he has been a prominent factor in its social, civic and professional affairs. Doctor Ash was born in Monroe County, Mo., March 13, 1869, the son of W. P. and Hester (Wilson) Ash, being the second of 12 children born to them. W. P. Ash was born in the same house in Monroe County, Mo., July 8, 1843, and died Feb. 11, 1913. He was a son of Robert and Mary (Kess- inger) Ash, both born near Lexington, Ky. They came to Missouri at an early day locating in Howard County, later removing to Monroe County where the grandfather was a farmer. He died in 1875 at the advanced age of 80 years, being survived by his widow who lived to be nearly 100 years old. W. P. Ash was a farmer and country merchant, who passed all his days in Monroe County, now being survived by his wife who was a native of Shelby County, Mo. She now resides at Madison, Mo. She is the daughter of Frank and Julia (Rappwood) Wilson, natives of Kentucky who were among the earliest settlers of this state as her father was one of the first men to erect a gristmill in this section, which was known as the Wilson Mill. Doctor Ash attended the district school near his home and while yet a young boy began to clerk in his father's store. In 1877 he entered the high school at Moberly, finished there and then took a two year course at the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. Following this, he taught school one year in the district school of Salt River township, Ran- dolph County, but as he had determined upon a professional career, re- signed in the spring and early in the fall of 1890 entered Beaumont Hos- 226 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY pital College. Two years later he was granted a degree of Doctor of Medicine and entered the Medical Department of Washington University, St. Louis, to take a higher course in his profession, graduating there in 1894. He returned to his home and began practice at the town of Ash, Monroe County, which had been named after his father who started the postoffice of the village. Doctor Ash remained in this location for ten years, building up a good practice. He gained the esteem and good will of all the residents over a large radius of the country as he was never too busy or too tired to respond to the call of the suffering. His sympa- thetic manner, kind heart and abilities won him many life long friends. In 1902, Doctor Ash took a post graduate course and a year later came to Moberly and began practice as he desired a wider field for his efforts and has met with uniform success and has an extensive practice. He is a close student of his profession, has a fine medical library and a high reputation for skill and ability. Doctor Ash is a Democrat and served as city physician in 1904. He is a Royal Arch Mason. On Nov. 30, 1904, Doctor Ash married Miss Mazie Peterson who was born at Grand Island, Neb., and they have one daughter, Dorothy. Dr.- Ash is now vice-president of the Randolph County Trust, Mob- erly, Mo. Willard P. Cave, a leading member of the Randolph County bar and one of the well known attorneys of this section of the state is a native of Missouri and a decedent of pioneers. Mr. Cave was born at Mexico, Mo., and is a son of Frank and Catherine (Galbreath) Cave. Frank Cave was born at Columbia, Mo., and was the son of William and Mary Cave, pioneer settlers of Boone County, Mo. William Cave was a son of Richard Cave who with a brother, William Cave, came from Virginia and settled in Boone County at a very early date. They platted the original town ot Smithland, which is now the city of Columbia, Mo. Frank Cave was reared in Boone County, attending the University of Missouri and was a graduate of that institution. When the Civil War broke out, he resided at Natchitoches Parish, La., where he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served throughout the war. He died in Audrain County, Mo., in 1880, and his wife died in 1863 and her remains are buried at Caddo, Parish, La. Willard P, Cave was educated in the public schools and in the Uni- versity of Missouri, as were also his father and son. Thus three genera- tions of the Ca,ve family are graduates of that institution. HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 227 Willard P. Cave began the practice of law in 1883 and since that time has been successfully engaged in the practice in the various state and federal courts and has established a reputation of being one of the able, conscientious and fearless lawyers of this section of Missouri. Mr. Cave was first married to Octavia Ficklin, a daughter of Prof. Joseph and Penelope (Terrill) Ficklin, both of whom are now deceased. Octavia Ficklin Cave died in 1892 at Moberly, Mo. and her remains are buried at Columbia, Mo. To Willard P. and Octavia (Ficklin) Cave were born two children as follows: Catherine, married Malcolm McClellan of Jacksonville, Fla., and Helen married Homer Teachenor of Shelbina, Mo. Mr. Cave was married the second time in 1894 to Miss Fannie Lango and to this union has been born one son, Harold, who is a graduate of the University of Missouri and now taking a postgraduate course at Yale. Harold Cave served in the World War, first entering the ser^/ice as a member of an ambulance unit and reached France considerably in advance of the regular American Expeditionary Forces. There were about 28 members of his unit and after reaching Paris, they took a vote tb decide what they would do and 25 of the number, including Harold Cave, voted to volunteer to serve with the French Army which they did. They served in the sector between Soissons and Rheims for the term of their enlistment. Later Mr. Cave enlisted in the United States navy where he was serving when the armistice was signed. He has received a letter of thanks and a medal in appreciation of his services from the French government. Willard P. Cave has been identified with the welfare and development of Moberly and Randolph County for nearly 40 years and during that period has contributed much of his time and talent to the betterment and upbuilding of this city and county. He has served four terms as mayor of Moberly and his administrations were successful epochs in the history of Moberly and marked for their progressiveness. The Mechanics Savings Bank of Moberly, Mo. is one of the substantial financial institutions of this section of Missouri and has stood the test of time with a clean record throughout all the financial flurries of nearly half a century. This bank was organized in 1872 and began business at its present location, 208 Reed St. The first officers were M. N. Towner, president; Moses Jennings, vice-president; S. P. Griffith, cashier; and H. P. Jennings, assistant cashier. The bank was organized with an author- ized capital of $100,000. 228 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The present officers are H. P. Jennings, president; J. B. Jennings, vice-president; V. W. Wilhite, cashier and W. T. Smart, assistant cashier. The board of directors consists of the above named gentlemen with the exception of W. T. Smart, and J. C. O'Keefe and Isham Powell are also members of the Board of Directors. The present capitol stock is $150,000 and the surplus and profits are $150,000 with other additional reserve funds. The deposits are over $1,500,000. The bank is the owner of the Merchants Hotel block and is located in the northwest corner of that building. The changes in the personnel of the officers of this bank have been few since its organization in 1872, and it is regarded as one of the care- fully managed and conservative banking institutions of the state. Mem- bers of the Jennings family have been the dominant factors of this institu- tion since its organization. Moses Jennings, the first vice-president was the grandfather of J. B. Jennings, the present vice-president and the father of H. P. Jennings. The bank fixtures are modern and every convenience is provided for the many patrons and every safety device known in the modern banking in the way of mechanical contrivances is here installed. The steel vault is of the best material and construction that money can buy and the door of the vault alone weighs three and one-half tons. J. B. Jennings, vice-president of the Mechanics Savings Bank and one of the well known bankers of this section of the state was born at West Union, W. Va. and is the son of Hiram and Emely (Davis) Jennings, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Mr. Jennings is a descendant of old Virginia stock, including the Randolph and Davis families. Hiram Jennings came to Missouri with his family in 1874 and settled at Moberly. Here he was engaged in the dry goods and grocery and lumber business during his active business career and met with suc- cess and during his time was one of the substantial business men of this section. He died in 1898 and his wife died in 1895. Their remains are buried in West Union, W. Va. They were the parents of one other child besides J. B. Clara, who is now the widow of W. L. Irwin and resides in Kansas City, Mo. Three brothers are deceased: William, Howard, and the youngest who died in infancy. J. B. Jennings received his education in the high school of Moberly and in 1879 entered the Mechanics Savings Bank and has been connected with this institution continuously until the present time. Nothwithstand- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 229 ing, Mr. Jenning's career has has been first of all that of a banker, he has always found time to devote a portion of his time to public and civic affairs, and take a good citizens interest in the welfare of the community. He served as treasurer of the city of Moberly for 18 years and for 12 years w.as treasurer of the Moberly School Board. He has been prominently identified with the Missouri Banker's Association for a number of years and at various times has served as treasurer, vice-president and president of that organization. He is a member of the American Banker's Associa- tion and at the present time is a member of the executive council of that organization. Mr. Jennings was married in 1896 to Miss Frances W. Wight, a daugh-.' ter of James W., Sr. and Auleria (Fullenwider) Wight, of Moberly. further mention of whom is made in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Jennings have been born two children. The elder, Howard Wight, age 21 years, is now a student in the University of Colorado, at Boulder, Colo. He began mili- tary training at the age of 13 years and when he was 21 years of age, he was captain of Company I at Boulder, Colo. The younger child, Frances E. is at home with her parents. Mr. Jenning's home is located at 520 W. Rollins Street on the site of the old Jennings home which was destroyed by fire where his parents lived for 20 years. Alexander M. Mounce, Jr., bookkeeper for the D. H. Mounce Lumber Company, Moberly, Mo., is one of the progressive young men of Randolph County, who turned from the peaceful pursuits of business life when the United States entered the World War and served during the remainder of that great conflict. Alexander M. Mounce, Jr., was born at Bunker Hill, Kan., April 18, 1888, and is a son of Alexander M. and Martha (Monson) Mounce, the latter of whom is now deceased, having departisd this life in October, 1914, and her remains are buried in Woodland Cemetery, Moberly, Mo. The father resides in Moberly which has been his home for the past 30 years and a sketch of him appears in this volume. Alex. M. Mounce, Jr., received his education in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri State University at Columbia, Mo., and the University of Chicago, Chicago, 111. In 1912 he entered the employ of the D. H. Mounce Lumber Company at Hoberly as bookkeeper and was thus em- ployed until Dec. 13, 1917, when he enlisted in the Aviation Corps of the United States Army. Shortly after enlisting, he was sent to Camp Custer at Battle Creek, Mich. After spending seven weeks there, he was trans- 230 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ferred to Barron Field, Fort Worth, Texas, where he served with the fly- ing and engineering department of the aviation service until Marcn 28, 1919, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Mounce then returned to Moberly and resumed his former position with the D. H. Mounce Lumber Company and is now serving in that capacity. A. M. Mounce of the D. H. Mounce Lumber Company is one of the enterprising business men of Moberly. He is a native of Missouri, ha'v- ing been born at Florida, Monroe County, June 18, 1848. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bryant) Mounce, the former a native of Lincoln County, Ky., and the latter of Virginia. Samuel Mounce came to Missouri and settled in Monroe County about 1820 and was there married and spent the remainder of his life. He was a cabinet maker and also owned and operated a farm in Monroe County. Hfe died in 1864. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, having died in 1849. "'^ To Samuel and Elizabeth (Bryant) Mounce were born the following cMldren: John W., who was an accountant and vice-president of the Bank of Hannibal, died at Hannibal, Mo., in 1917 ; Mary C, married David Hendricks, who is now deceased and she resides in the state of Washing- ton; Sarah Mariah, married Thomas Sheriman and they reside at Fresno, Calif. ; Lucy Ann, widow of Richard Robey, Monroe City, Mo. ; David Henry, senior member of the D. H. Mounce Lumber Company, and A. M., the subject of this sketch. A. M. Mounce was educated in the public schools and when about 16 years old, in 1864, he entered the dry goods business at Shelbina, Mo., and for ten years was thus engaged. He then went to Hannibal, where he was engaged in the same business until 1885, when he went to Clarks- ville, Mo. and was engaged in business there and later at Louisiana and Mexico, Mo. He then went to Bunker Hill, Kans., where he remained until 1889, when he came to Moberly and since that time has been identi- fied with the D. H. Mounce' Lumber Company and for 30 years his inter- ests has been with this concern. The D. H. Mounce Lumber Company is one of the leaders in lumber and other building supplies in this section of the state. The business is located on the comer of Weightman and Sturgeon streets. A. M. Mounce was married first in 1871 to Miss Mattie Monson of Shelbina, Mo., and to this union the following children were born : Edna, Washington, D. C, Mrs. Goldena Terrill, Moberly, Mo., Mrs. Margaret Lynch, St. Louis, Mo., Alexander M., Jr., a sketch of whom appears in HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 231 this volume; Stella deceased, and Fay, deceased. The mother of these children died in 1914 and Mr. Mounce was united in marriage Sept. 25, 1919, with Jannie Burton, of Moberly, Mo. and they reside at 600 West Carpenter Street, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Mounce is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable inter- est in political matters and public affairs. While a resident of Bunker Hill, Kan., he served as councilman and when he lived in Shelby County was a candidate for circuit clerk of that county. Major J. Lilly, a prominent member of the Randolph County b^r, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Moberly, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. He was born in this county March 25, 1872, and is the son of James Madison and Margaret (Orr) Lilly. James Madison Lilly was a native of Kentucky, born in Oldham County, Ky., in 1816. He came to Missouri in 1836 and first settled in Marion County, where he remained two years. In 1838 he came to Ran- dolph County, which has been the home of the Lilly family to the present time. James Madison Lilly followed blacksmithing and also worked as a stone mason. He was also engaged in farming for a considerable time. He died Aug. 8, 1900. His wife, Margaret (Orr) Lilly, was born in Wash- ington County, Va., Jan. 2, 1835, and died Sept. 15, 1903. To James Madison and Margaret (Orr) Lilly, were born the following children: Charles W., a farmer of Randolph County; Joseph, who form- erly served as superintendent of the public schools of Moberly; Henry L., a farmer in Randolph County; Nora, married Omer Hendricks of Monroe County, Mo., and Major J., the subject of this sketch. Major J. Lilly was reared in Randolph County and received his edu- cation in the public schools and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. He began his career as teacher in 1890. He served as school commissioner of Randolph County for two years, and at the same time was engaged in teaching in the Moberly public schools. Later he served as superintendent of public schools at Unionville, Mo. In 1898 Mr. Lilly was elected clerk of the Circuit Court in Randolph County, and in 1902 he was re-elected to that office, serving eight years in all. During that time he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1901. At the expiration of his second term of office, he engaged in the practice of law and has successfully devoted himself to his profession in this county for the past 20 years, and is re- garded as one of the foremost lawyers of this section of the State. 232 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Lilly is a Democrat and stands high in the councils of his party. He has served two terms as a member of the State Democratic Committee. In 1918 he was a candidate in the primary for judge of the Kansas City Court of Appeals and was the second in the list of four candidates. Mr. Lilly was united in marriage July 17, 1901, to Miss Irma Ragland of Monroe County, Mo. She is a daughter of Frank B. and Letitia (Bas- sett) Ragland, the former of whom is now deceased. He was identified with the agricultural industries of Monroe County for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lilly have been born two children : Margaret and Frank. Mr. Lilly is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a Knights Templar Mason and a representative to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Past Exalted Ruler of Moberly Lodge No. 936. John N. Hamilton, a prominent member of the Randolph County bar and a well known attorney throughout central Missouri, has been a prom- inent factor in the affairs of this section for many years and has been successful in the many fields of endeavor to which he has given his atten- tion. Mr. Hamilton is a native of Randolph County and comes from a family of prominent pioneers of this state. He was bom on a farm in Prairie township, April 22, 1854, and is a son of Dr. Thomas L. and Cynthia A. (Christian) Hamilton. Dr. Thomas L. Hamilton was born in Williamson County, Tenn., May 17, 1825 and was a son of Dr. John B. Hamilton and Nancy (Campbell) Hamilton, natives of Kentucky who lived near the Tennessee state line, pear Mammoth Cave. The family moved to Green, Ky. when Thomas L. Hamilton was a child. Dr. John B. Hamilton practiced medicine in that vicinity for many years and in 1846 came to Prairie township, Randolph County, Mo. with his family and later located in Gallatin, Mo. After the death of Dr. John B. Hamilton's first wife, he married Caroline Sanders. Dr. Thomas L. Hamilton received a good preparatory education and early in life began the study of medicine under the direction of his father. He took his first course of lectures at the McDowell Medical Institute in the winter of 1849-50. In 1850, he began the practice of his profession near Renick, Randolph County, and with the exception of about three years, spent at Davids and one year in St. Louis County and about a year in Huntsville, during the Civil War, he was engaged in the practice in that locality until his death in 1894. In addition to his practice he was also interested in the mercantile business for a number of years and conducted HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 233 a drug and dry goods store. He took a prominent part in local affairs of his day and served as mayor of Renick and was president of the school board there. Dr. Thomas L. Hamilton was married Dec. 18, 1850 to Cynthia A. Christian, daughter of N. B. and Martha C. Christian and to that union the following children were born: Cora, married Rev. J. W. Terrill, president of Mt. Pleasant College which was located at Huntsville and they are both now deceased; John N., the subject of this sketch; William T., a farmer and merchant of Randolph County; Carrie E., married E. B. Pennington, of Birmingham, Ala. ; James P., president of the Lozier-Rowe Abstract Com- pany of Kansas City, Mo. ; Ollie, married Oscar Craig, who is now deceased and left one child, Lawrence Craig who is now a student in Drake Uni- versity at Des Moines, Iowa, and Ida F., who is now the widow of John Davin and resides in Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Hamilton was a Mason and a member of the Christian church. John N. Hamilton was reared in Randolph County and educated in the public schools and Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He began his professional career at Renick and in 1885, located at Huntsville which has since been his home. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Hamilton has always had a large law practice, he is extensively interested in other entei-prises. On Feb. 1, 1911 he purchased the Huntsville "Herald" which is a $10,000 coiTDoration known as the Hamilton Publishing Company .The "Herald" is an influential newspaper of wide circulation. Mr. Hamilton also organ- ized and incorporated the Hamilton Abstract Company. This company was incorporated in 1909. He was also one of the promoters and in- corporation known as the Hamilton Publishing Company. The "Herald" incorporated and is president and manager of the Hamilton estate, a $50,000 corporation. He is the owner of considerable real estate and interested in other enterprises, including the Hamilton and Company In- surance agency. Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage Dec. 6, 1897 with Miss Susan C. Maupin, of Renick, Mo. She is a daughter of L. D. and Nannie (Moore) Maupin, natives of Monroe County, Mo, where the father was a carpenter and wagon maker. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and is prominent in the councils of his party. In 1890 he was elected recorder of deeds in Randolph County and 234 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY iin 1894 was reelected to that office and served two terms. He served as city attorney of Huntsville for four years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Christian church. The Farmers and Merchants Bank, of Moberly, Mo., is one of the sub- stantial iinancial institutions of Randolph County which has had a marked development and phenomenal success since its organization in 1913. The officers at the organization of this bank were A. Vince, president; R. A. Curran, vice-president; J. W. Bundridge, cashier and V. E. Bundridge, as- sistant cashier. The first directors were : Abe Vince, R. A. Curran, J. W. Bundridge, E. P. Newman, T. J. Jones, J. T. Sheahan, and V. E. Bundridge. The bank was organized with a capitol stock of $30,000. The present officers of the Farmers and Merchants Bank are: J. W. Bundridge, president; R. A. Curran, vice-president; V. E. Bundridge, cashier; J. W. Sours, assistant cashier; Abe Vince, chairman of the Board of Directors which is composed of the above officials of the bank and T. J. Jones, J. T. Sheahan and E. P. Newman. The capitol stock has been increased to $75,000 since the organization of the bank. The surplus is $25,000 and the deposits are over $700,000. The Farmers and Merchants Bank is a conservatively conducted bank- ing institution and the officers and directors are all substantial men of affairs whose integrity and capabilities are well known to the Moberly and Randolph County public. J. W. Bundridge, president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Moberly is a well known and successful banker and has been engaged in the banking business since early manhood. He is a native of Missouri and was born in Macon County, Oct. 30, 1881. He is the son of John C. and Delana (Campbell) Bundridge, who now reside at Bucklin, Mo. They are the parents of two children, J. W., the subject of this sketch and V. E., a sketch of whom appears in this volume. J. W. Bundridge was educated in the public schools, and after attend- ing the Brookfield High School, he took a course in the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. and later attended the Chillicothe Business Col- lege. Mr. Bundridge began his banking career shortly after leaving the school at Browning, Mo. In 1905 he organized the bank at New Boston, Mo., and in 1910 he organized the Citizens Bank at Bucklin, Mo. In 1913, he disposed of his interests in the Citizens Bank and organized the Farm- ers and Merchants Bank of Moberly, Mo., to which he has since devoted HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 235 his attention and which is now one of the successful financial institutions of Randolph County. Mr. Bundridge was married in May, 1905 to Miss Sylvia D. Bums of Green City, Mo. She is a daughter of George S. Burns, who is now de- ceased as is also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Bundbridge has been bom one son, Eldon. Mr. Bundridge is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Elks. Mr. Bundridge is essentially a banker and has made an unqualified success in his chosen field of endeavor. V. E: Bundridge, casliier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Mob- erly was bom in Linn County, Mo., July 28, 1890 and is the son of J. C. and Delana (Campbell) Bundridge, now residents of Bucklin, Mo. V. E. Bundridge received his education in the public schools, including a course in the Brookfield lligh School. Later he took a course in the Chillicothe Business College and was graduated from that institution in 1908. Since leaving school Mr. Bundridge has been engaged in the banking- business. He was first connected with the Citizens Bank of Bucklin, Mo. He was also identified with banks of Browning and Brookfield, Mo. In 1913 he assisted in the organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Moberly and at the organization of this institution he became assistant cashier and on Dec. 1, 1919 he became cashier of the bank and has cap- ably filled that position to the present time. Alt?.ough a young man, Mr. Bundridge has had an extensive experience in the banking business and is well qualified for the responsible position which he holds. Mr. Bundridge was married April 8, 1916 to Miss Mary Cecil Ingram, of Moberly, Mo. She is a daughter of J. W. and Martha (Enslen) Ingram, of Moberly, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Bundridge has been born one daughter, Martha Delana. Mr. Bundridge is a member of the Moberly Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is the present treasurer of the Moberly Board of Education. Jerry M. Jefferies, a well known and successful attorney of Moberly, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of this state. He is the son of William M. and Sarah E. (Smallwood) Jefferies, the former a native of Lewis County, Mo., which is the same county in which Jerry M. Jefferies, the subject of this sketch, was bom. The mother is a native of Indiana. Jerry Meridith, grandfather of the ( 236 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY subject of this sketch, was a native of Faquier County, Va., and a pioneer settler of Lewis County, Mo. When he settled in that county, he entered government land and spent the remainder of his life there. Jerry M. Jefferies received his preliminary education in the public schools of Lewis County and the La Grange Baptist College. He then entered the St. Louis Law School and was graduated from that institution in 1899. In 1900, he engaged in the practice of his profession at Can- ton, Mo. and was thus engaged until 1910. He then came to Moberly and took up the practice of law here and was successful from the start. Dur- ing the ten years that he has been a resident of Randolph County, he has built up a large practice, acquired an extensive acquaintance and stands high with the members of the legal profession and the citizens of Randolph County. Two years after coming to this county, Mr. Jefferies was elected prosecuting attorney and at the expiration of his first term was re-elected to succeed himself, serving in that important office from 1913 to 1917. James Winter Wight, a prominent attorney of Moberly who has been successfully engaged in the practice of law for the past 26 years is recog- nized as one of the able lawyers of central Missouri. He is and has been identified with the interests of Randolph County in many ways and bears the distinction of having served as prosecuting attorney of Randolph County longer than any other man that ever held that office. Mr. Wight is a native son of Randolph County and is a member of one of its old and distinguished pioneer families, members of which played a conspicuous part in the early settlement and development of Missouri which is more fully set forth in the biographical sketch of James Frances Ratcliiff Wight, grandfather of James Winter Wight which will be found elsewhere in this volume. James Winter Wight was born at Wightland in Randolph County, July 1, 1869. He is the only son born to James William and Aurelia T. (Fullinwider) Wight, now residents of the city of Moberly and of whom more extensive mention is made in this volume. James W. Wight was reared in Randolph County and received a good preliminary education in the public schools of this county. He then entered Central College at Fayette, Mo., where he took a course, after which he attended Washington University in St. Louis and then attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where he was graduated from the law department. While a student at the latter institution he was awarded the Stephens medal for oratory. After completing his law course he was admitted to practice at Moberly and since that time has been actively HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 237 engaged in the practice and numbers among his clients some of the leading men of affairs and business institutions of this county. He is a close student of the law and a capable trial lawyer. Mr. Wight is a Democrat and has ever taken a keen interest and active part in matters pertaining to politics of a local, state and national character. He fi^st served as prosecuting attorney of Randolph County by appointment from Gov. Joseph Folk to fill out the unexpired term of the late Harry LaMotte. After serving that term he was elected to that ofRce for two terms in succession. He was again elected to the office of prosecuting attorney in 1916, serving one term and thus he has served nearly four full terms in the office of prosecuting attorney which is the record for long service in that office in Randolph County. He made a good record for all the years that he was prosecuting attorney and he was always fair, as well as fearless, in the matter of law enforcement. While Mr. Wight has had a busy professional career he has also been interested in other fields of endeavor and among other things he has been interested in the management of the old homestead of the Wight family in Randolph County, known as Wightland. This is a splendid estate consisting of 500 acres of valuable land. Mr. Wight was united in marriage Dec. 1, 1892 with Miss Elma Smith, of Palmyra, Mo., a daughter of John A. and Ellen (Gardner) Smith. To Mr. and Mrs. Wight have been bom three children: Florence Loraine, married Paul Stephenson of Moberly, Mo. ; James Augustine, who is now a student in Central College at Fayette, Mo. and Francis Mildred, resides at home with her parents in Moberly. During the World War, Mr. Wight served in the capacity of Govern- ment Appeal Agent. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he and Mrs. Wight are members of the Methodist Church, South. James William Wight, a prominent citizen of Randolph County, now living retired at Moberly, is a native of this county and is the only son born to James Francis Ratcliff Wight and Frances and Burton Wight. A sketch of James Francis Ratcliflf Wight appears in this volume. James William Wight was born in Randolph County, June 13, 1842, and has spent practically all his life in his native county. He was given more than ordinary educational advantages. He attended Mount Pleasant College in Randolph County, graduating with the highest honors of the class and being chosen by tt»e president of the school from among the entire list to 238 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY deliver the valedictory address. Subsequently he was again chosen to de- liver an address about two years later, at which time he was awarded the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Wight's career as an active business man was largely devoted to the beautiful old country estate of Wightland in Randolph County. An influential Democrat, he was elected and served for eight years as clerk of the Randolph County Court. Mr. Wight is one of the prominent laymen of the Southern Methodist Church of the county, having served as recording steward, church treasurer, steward, district steward, Sunday school, superintendent, member of the board of trustees of church prop- erty, chairman of said board of the church in Moberly. He holds the office of chairman of the board of trustees at the present time. His only fra- ternal or social relation is with the Order of Good Templars. On May 12, 1868, Mr. Wight was married in Shelby County, Kentucky to Aurelia Tevis Fullinwidei'. She was educated at Science Hall, Shelby- ville, Ky. Her parents were Henry Winter and Jane Amanda (Shipman) Fullinwider. Her grandfather Jacob Fullin wider was born, at Hagerstown, Md., in 1767, moved with his father to Kentucky in 1783 and on the fron- tier of Kentucky became noted as one of the great Indian fighters. Later he served in the last campaign of "Mad" Anthony Wayne against the Indians of the Northwest. Rev. Peter Fullinwider, father of Jacob and great grandfather of Mrs. Wight, settled at Hagerstown, Md., in 1852. He was a Reformed Presbyterian minister, and one of the great desires of his life was to preach the gospel to the Indians. It was on this mission that he sought the bordering countries in the same year that peace was declared between Great Britian and tYie colonies and only a short time after George Rogers Clarke and his Virginia soldiers had conquered the Ohio valley and made a permanent part of the colonial possessions. Rev. Peter Fullinwider was a great power for good during his generation, and one of the most noted of the early ministers of the gospel in the west. He died in Shelby County in 1799 and was buried under the house, safe from Indian scalp-hunters. The old bible which is now in possession of one of the great grand- daughters was brought from Switzerland in 1752, and was carried by him in all his wanderings, wrapped in a buckskin, taking part in many pic- turesque incidents in his remarkable career. To him it was the cherished treasure of his heart. Although it weighed 30 pounds, it was carried on horseback all over the country and from its pages the little congregations. HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 239 of Wights, Rice's and many of the other forts were taught the gospel. Many were the Indians that listened to his translation from this book, for he tried to study their language as far as possible. In old age it was for years his custom to sit at the table and read from this cherished volume, and daily he could be seen, his silvery locks falling over his shoulders, stooping over the book, enjoying its promises and enraptured with its beauties. One morning when his little grandsons were tiny boys playing about the room with their little sisters and cousins, the venerable grand- father was found to be dead with his face in the old Bible. "God hath taken him thus," it was said. There are two children of Mr. Wight and wife : James Winter Wight, further mention of whom is made in this volume and Frances Amanda Wight who was born at Wightland, Randolph County, Oct. 7, 1876. She received her education at Central Female College at Lexington and was married to John B. Jennings, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Roy W. Edwards, a well known jeweler of Moberly, and a veteran of the World War, is a native of Nebraska. He was bom at Dubois, Neb., March 12, 1891, and is the son of William Henry and Julia (Downs) "Edwards. William Henry Edwards was a native of Newcastle, Pa. He went to Nebraska when he was 21 years of age, where he worked at his trade, which was that of a jeweler and watchmaker and spent the re- mainder of his life there. He died Dec. 19, 1911, and his remains was buried ,at Dubois, Neb. His wife was a native of Connecticut and they were married in Nebraska. She died in 1890 and is also buried at Dubois. Roy W. Edwards is one of the following children born to his parents ; Andrew W., who served in the United States navy in the Atlantic fleet, enlisting in 1917, and served until the close of the war, now residing at Lincoln, Neb.; Chole, married Robert Whithorne, and died at Vallejo, Cal.; and Roy W., whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Edwards was educated in the public schools of Alva, Okla. and the Northwestern Normal School. He learned the trade of jeweler at the Bradley Polytechnic at Peoria, 111., and since 1910, he has v/orked at that trade with the exception of the period spent in the United States Army during the World War. He enlisted at Moberly, March 17, 1918, in the 56th Engineers, and was sent to Washington Barracks, Washing- ton, D. C. for training. His unit sailed for France, July 8, 1918, and on July 22, 1918, he landed at Brest, France. After five weeks training, near Paris, they were sent to the front and spent 20 days on the front 240 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY line. Mr. Edwards was in searchlight work and was stationed near the Meuse at the time the armistice was signed. He remained in France until March 14, 1919, when he returned to America and received his honorable discharge at Camp Taylor, Ky., March 27, 1919, and is now connected with the Burklund Jewelery Store at Moberly. Mr. Edwards was married July 22, 1914 to Miss Estell J. (iraff, of Ashland, 111. She is a daughter of Frank Graff, of Ashland. Mr. Edwards was a charter member of Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6, American Legion and was the first treasurer of the local organization and the second commander of the Post, which position he holds at the present time. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Michigan City, Ind. and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Moberly. He is a progressive young man and has a wide acquaintance and many friends in Moberly and Randolph County. John H. Nebergall, one of the oldest and most popular conductors on the Wabash Railroad and the president of the Moberly Steam Laundry Company, was bom in Ross County, Ohio, June 24, 1854, the son of James and Mary (Parker) Nebergall. They were the parents of four boys: James, deceased; John, the subject of this review; Adam, of Carroll County, Mo. ; and George Franklin of St. Louis. The father was descended from a long line of Pennsylvania ancestors. He was a farmer there, later he went to Ohio and then to Illinois, where he became prosperous as a farmer. Soon after the close of the Civil War he came to Missouri, locat- ing on a farm in Carroll County, Dec. 25, 1867. He became one of the recognized agriculturists of central. Missouri and lived there until he re- tired, when he moved to Chillicothe, and died in 1886 at the age of 74 years. Mrs. Nebergall was bom near Indianapolis, Ind., and died 1868, aged 55 years. John H. Nebergall was reared on a farm and attended the district school. When only 18 years old, Mr. Nebergall secured a position with the construction company which was building one of the new lines of railroad through this section. He was willing to do anything to make a start and for a short time carried water and did anything he was called upon to do. With headquarters in Moberly, he early became acquainted with this city which since has been the scene of his financial successes. In 1873, Mr. Nebergall became a brakeman on the Wabash Railroad. In 1875 he was promoted to freight conductor and in 1884 he was promoted to passenger conductor and today holds one of the important passenger runs on the JOHN H. NRBEROAr.I HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 241 Wabash system from Moberly to Des Moines. Not confining all his energies to one vocation, Mr. Nebergall studied the financial situation and in 1890 invested in a laundry business in Moberly in association with R. J . Gee. This partnership was dissolved in August, 1918 and Mr. Nebergall in association with R. J. Gee incorporated the laundry with a capital stock of $40,000. The business ran the first week about $55. Under their able management this has been increased until it is a slack season when the books do not show a turn over of more than $1,000 for each week of ihe year. Today the Moberly Steam Laundry has one of the largest plants in central Missouri. An up-to-date dry cleaning department is one of the features of the business and gives excellent service. Mr. Nebergall operates one of the finest cattle, horse and stock ranches in Wallace County, Kan., which is incorporated with paid up capital of $50,000. In addition to this place, Mr. Nebergall owns two sections of valuable wheat and grazing land in Edwards County, Kan., where he raises grain and carries on extensive dairying operations. He is also a stock- holder in the Durbin Malleable Foundry Company, of St. Louis, which is capitalized at $500,000 and being a patriotic citizen Mr. Nebergall has not neglected the home industries as he is a stockholder in the Moberly Trust Company. He is regarded as one of the substantial financiers of central Missouri. On Dec. 7, 1876, Mr. Nebergall was married to Miss Nellie Shumate, Jackson County, Ohio, and to them four children have been born: Charles C, in partnership with his father in the Gates Half Sole Tires and a bat- tery service station, Moberly; Jeanette, married W. G. Price, of Des Moines; Bessie, who married J. W. F'aessler, of Moberly, and Lewis L., a bookkeeper in Omaha. Mr. Nebergall belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Railroad Conductors. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, and he is a Republican. James Francis Ratcliff Wight. — Among the notable Randolph County families none has been more conspicuous for three generations in this county since 1840 than the Wight fam.ily. James Francis Ratcliff Wight, the founder of the Wight family in Randolph County was born in PYankfort, Ky., May 26, 1819 and died Oct. 26, 1905. He was a son of James and Sarah (Ratcliff) Wight. James Wight was the founder of the Wight family in America. He was bom at Ormiston, near Edinburgh, Scotland, Feb. 24, 1789. In 1794 he 242 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY came to America with his parents, James and Jane (McConachee) Wight and settled near Richmond, Va. He subsequently removed to Fleming County, Ky., and then to Frankfort, in the same state, where he was married Nov. 15, 1815, to Sarah Ratcliff and to them were born eight children. While residing in Frankfort, James Wight was a cabinet work- man and contractor and built the statehouse or capital. In 1836 he took his family to Shelby County, Ky., and ever after lived as a farmer until his death at the home of one of his daughters at Normal, 111., April 22, 1871. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His early education was obtained in the common school of the country districts. He was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church South and took much interest in church affairs, giving liberally of his means to the support of the church and benevolences. Sarah (Ratcliff) Wight, wife of James Wight, was born in Richmond, Va., May 10, 1790. She was the daughter of Francis Ratcliff, who was born in Chesterfield County, Va., in 1755, and the maiden name 3f her mother was Rebecca Bridges who was born in 1758. Frances Ratcliff was a corporal in Capt. William Pierce's company in the Mrst Artillery Regiment of Continental troops, commanded by Col. Charles Harrison during the Revolutionary War. This regiment was assigned to the state of Virginia. The records of the land office at Richmond, Va., show that Francis Ratcliff was allowed the portion of land allotted the corporal of the Continental line for three years service. Sarah Ratcliff received her education in the common schools and was also a member of the Methodist Church, South. James Francis Ratcliff Wight married Anna Burton in Oldham County, Ky., June 6, 1839. She died Sept. 3, 1843, leaving one child, James William Wight who now resides in Moberly and a sketch of whom appears in this volume. The second marriage of James Francis Ra'xliff Wight was to Harriet Amanda Head, Dec. 8, 1846. No children v;ere born to this marriage. Mr. Wight was a farmer and stock raiser taking much interest in fine horses and cattle and he was a promoter of agri- cultural fairs. He owned about 1,000 acres of land in Randolph County upon which he resided for more than 60 years and to which he had moved from Shelby County, Ky., in the fall of 1840. He was a Methodist and in politics a Whig, and as a member of that party he was elected to the state legislature from Randolph County, which was then about equally divided between Whigs and Democrats, in 1854. After the dissolution HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 243 of the Whig party, he allied himself with the Democrats and again repre- sented Randolph County in the legislature in 1876, defeating after a spirited contest one of the most popular men of the county. During the Civil War he was a strong Southern sympathizer, and while he did not enlist as a soldier he rendered the cause much help by his counsel and means. During that great conflict he had many interesting experiences which tested the true metal of the man. While he was steadfast^ and loyal to the cause in which he believed and the principles for which he stood he was also fair and generous to its enemies. It has been well said of him: "The late Mr. Wight was a man of strict integrity, a close observer of men and affairs, a good judge of human nature, wise in council, and his advice was often sought in matters financial and judicial. He was very charitable, having reared six orphan children." Frances Ann (Burton) Wight, wife of James Frances Ratcliff Wight, was born in Oldham County, Ky., Jan. 21, 1820 and was the daughter of William and Ann Burton. She came with her widowed mother and hus- band to Randolph County, in 1840. They made the trip in wagons, the party consisting of eight white people and 30 negro slaves. In coming through Illinois, a negro girl was kidnapped by Abolitionists which de- tained them several days. The mother of the kidnapped girl was frantic with grief because of the kidnapping and wild with joy at the rescue. Forrest Martin, secretary and treasurer of the Little Dick Clothing Company of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. He was born in Prairie township May 8, 1877 and is the son of Bailey Martin and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin. Bailey Martin was born in Prairie township, Randolph County, Aug. 8, 1827. He was reared to manhood in this county and followed farming and stock raising here all his life, and had a successful career. He died Dec. 24, 1908 and his remains are buried in the Davis Cemetery. He was the son of Hetiry Martin, a native of Ken- tucky who was a pioneer settler of Prairie township, when that town- ship included what is now Sugar Creek, Silver Creek and Salt Spring township. When he came here he entered government land, taking up about a section and this property is now owned by the Bailey Martin heirs. Henry Martin spent his entire life in Randolph County, after coming here and died about the age of 84 years. He was prominent in the early day affairs of this county and served as justice of the peace of Prairie township for a number of years. 244 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Bailey Martin was united in marriage in Prairie township, Feb. 18, 1852 with Miss Martha Ellen Davis. She was a daughter of Joseph and Permelia (Kirkpatrick) Davis who were also very early pioneer settlers in Prairie township. They were Kentuckians and drove through from that state to Randolph County on horseback. They both spent their lives in this county and their remains are buried in Davis Cemetery. Mrs. Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin is now 82 years of age and resides on the home place in Prairie township. To Bailey and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin were born 13 children, all of whom are living as follow: Mollie, married Lee Shirley, now de- ceased and she resides in Colorado; Ida, married T. S. Hines who is now deceased and she resides in Texas; Ella, widow of the late T. T. Patton, Moberly; Laura, married Noah Burkhead and lives in Prairie township; Prof. W. H. Kansas City, Mo.; J. R., president of the Little Dick Cloth- ing Company, Moberly; Hannah, married J. J. Ct^ristian, Moberly; Mattie, resides at home with her mother; J. D., with the Little Dick Clothing Company; Luther, agent for the Wabash Railroad Company at DeWitt, Mo.; Florence resides at home with her mother; Omar, manager of the Wolff -Berger Company, Moberly and Forrest, the subject of Lhis sketch. Forrest Martin was reared on the home farm and received his edu- cation in the public schools. He began his career as a clerk in Moberly and in 1907 he was elected county clerk of Randolph County and served in that capacity in a capable and efficient mariner until 1911 when he bought a half interest in the Little Di(^ Clothing Company which nad been established by his brother J. R., in 1897 and since that time he has devoted himself to this business. Mr. Martin was married July 1, 1900 to Miss Sallie G. Perkins, of Moberly, Mo., the marriage ceremony being performed at the home of the bride's grandmother, Mrs. Sallie Peeler at Rocheport, Mo. Mrs. Mar- tin is a daughter of Rev. G^ A. Perkins, a minister of the Christian denom- ination. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been bom two children: Martha Maurine a student in Linwood College, and Doris Margaret, at home with her parents. Mr. Martin is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a substantial citizen and one of Moberly's most progressive business men. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 245 Phares K. Weis, who is successfully engaged in the general insurance business at Moberly, is one of the progressive and enterprising younger business men of this city. He is a native of Kentucky, bom at Louisa, Lawrence County, Ky., Jan. 7, 1885. He is the son of Dr. Francis W. and Josephine (Evans) Weis. The father was born in Maysville, Ky., in 1852, and the mother is a native of Missouri, born at Armstrong, Howard County in 1861. His parents were among the early settlers of that section of the state. PKares K. Weis and his brothers LeRoy D. who now resides at Chi- cago, 111. and Rolla L. who died in infancy, were the only children born to their parents. Phares K. Weis was educated in the public schools of Kentucky, West Virginia and Moberly. In early life he began the printer's trade on the Ashland Daily News, Ashland, Ky. Later he worked on the Armstrong Herald, Armstrong, Mo., and in 1896 he came to Moberly, and was employed on the Weekly Headlight for two years. He then entered the employ of the Moberly Democrat and remained with that paper for eight years and at the time of his resignation he was city editor. He then worked on the Monitor for four years. He was a charter member of the Moberly Printer's Union when he was sixteen years old. Mr. Weis began writing insurance in 1911 and since that time has gradually added some of the best companies to his agency, until he now represents a number of the best insurance companies of the country. He represents practically every branch of insurance underwriting and has built up an extensive business. His offices are located in the Moberly Trust Building. Mr. Weis was married in 1912 to Miss Harriet Turley of Moberly,. Mo. She is a daughter of Thomas and Marie Turley. To Mr. and Mrs. Weis have been bom two children: Mary Loraine and Phares K., Jr. Mr. Weis takes an active part in all matters pertaining to the better- ment and upbuilding of the community and for a time during the year .of 1919, he was acting secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, an organ- ization in which he has taken a keen interest. I. B. Forney, proprietor of the I. B. Forney Ladies Ready to Wear Clothing Store is one of the successful merchants of Moberly and con- ducts one of the leading establishments of this section, dealing exclu- sively in ladies' ready to wear garments. Mr. Forney has been engaged in the mercantile business in Moberly for over 40 years, and during that 246 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY time has built up a reputation which extends over a large scope of terri- tory and the name, Forney, means the'last word in style and quahty. I. B. Forney was born at West Liberty, Ohio County, Va., March 14, 1861. He is a son of D. S. Forney and Henrietta (Beatty) Forney. The mother was born in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1836 and died in Moberly, Mo., in 1872. D. S. Forney was a native of Virginia, bom in 1834. He came to Moberly in 1867 ; prior to that time he was a wool buyer in this section. Here he engaged in the dry goods business which he conducted for a number of years. He was one of the successfi^l pioneer merchants of Moberly and at the time of his death in 1912, he was the oldest merchant in this city. He lived to the age of 78 years and his remains rest by the side of his wife in Oakland Cemetery. D. S. Forney was a son of Dr. D. S. Forney, Sr., who was bom in Eeistertown, Maryland, and died in Burlington, la. He was a highly educated man and a graduate of Yale, having received his degree when he was 21 years of age. He practiced medicine for 70 years. His first wife bore the maiden name of Buchanan and she was a niece of President James Buchanan. Their marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Alexander Campbell, founder of the Christian church. D. S. Forney, father of I. B. Forney, was not only a successful merchant, but took an active part in the civic affairs of Moberly. He served three terms as mayor of this city and during that period much public improvement was made, including a sewer system and water works, as well as other improvements. ' I. B. Forney is one of the following children bom to his parents: May Miller, deceased; I. B., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Etta Ditty, deceased; and Frank B. a merchant of Moberly. I. B. Forney was educated in the public schools of Moberly and was brought up in the mercantile business. He engaged in the dry goods business for himself at Moberly in 1894, at his present location. Here he continued in the general drygoods business until about 1913, when he began to specialize in ladies' ready to wear clothing and abandoned the general drygoods business and has buit up an extensive business in this particular line. He is a discriminating buyer and makes regular trips to the eastern markets and manufacturers to purchase his stock and study the styles and the I. B. Forney store can always be depended upon to stand in the forefront in style as well as quality. HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 247 The store is located at 400 Reed Street and is equipped with the most modem fixtures. Mr. Forney is the owner of the building, the first floor of which is occupied by his business and the upper floors is rented for office purposes. Mr. Forney was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1895 with Miss Ida Trede- man of St. Louis, Mo., and two daughters have been born to this union: Henrietta and Irene, both graduates of the Moberly High School. Mr. Forney is a progressive business man and stands high in the community. Dr. Thomas S. Fleming, a well known and successful physician of Moberly, is a native of Randolph County. He was born at Elliott, May 30, 1887, and is a son of Jacob C. and Nettie (McClure) Fleming, further mention of whom is made in this volume. Dr. Fleming received his preliminary education in the public schools of Moberly, and was graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1907. . He then entered Missouri University at Columbia, Mo., where he was graduated in 1911 ; he then attended St. Louis Medical University, and was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1913. After serving two yeal*s as an intern in the city hospital at St. Louis, Mo., he began the practice of his profession at Moberly, Jan. 1, 1915. Here he was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession until the United States entered the World War, when on June 2, 1917, he applied for a commission in the medical corps of the United States army, and was com- missioned as first lieutenant, and sent to Fort Riley, Kan., where he was stationed until Jan. 1, 1918. He was then attached to the 65th Coast Ar- tillery at San Francisco, Calif. In March, 1918, he set sail from San Francisco with his unit for France, by way of the Panama Canal, and arrived there with the 65th Coast Artillery, April 8, 1918. From that time on he was with his command at the front, until the armistice was signed. He returned to the United States in Jan., 1919, and shortly afterwards resumed the practice of his profession at Moberly, where he has an exten- sive and well established practice. Dr. Fleming was united in marriage Oct. 3, 1917, with Eilleen Trenble, daughter of M. J. and Ahna (Valendegham) Trenble, of Plattsburg, Mo. To Dr. and Mrs. Fleming have been bom one daughter, Shirley, who was bom June 27,^1919. Dr. Fleming is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and holds membership in the County, State and American Medical Asso- ciation. 248 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY James Sandison, a pioneer of Moberly who for many years was en- gaged in contracting, is now living retired at his comfortable and pleasant home at 902 West Gilman street, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Sandison was born at New Mills of Keith, Scotland, Dec. 29, 1843. He is a son of William and Jean (Dasson) Sandison, both natives of Scotland, the former being born near the New Mills of Keith and the latter on the Eiver Donn. The father was a stone mason. The mother came to America when she was 52 years of age and settled near Huntsville, Mo. She spent the remainder of her life in Randolph County and died at the age of 92 years and her remains are buried at Huntsville. The following children were born to William and Jean (Dasson) Sandison: William, died at Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Annie Simpson, Hunts- ville, Mo.; James, the subject of this sketch; Arthur, deceased; Charles, deceased; Mrs. Mary Murray, Paducah, Ky. ; Christena Bohn, Huntsville; Jean, deceased ; and two of the family. Jack and Helen, remained in Scot- land. Since coming to Randolph County, James Sandison has seen this sec- tion of the country developed almost from the beginning. When he came to Randolph County there were only three houses on the present site of the city of Moberly. Since early manhood, Mr. Sandison has been engaged in construction work and similar industrial enterprises and was a success- ful contractor during his active career. He began constructing railroad bridges for the Hannibal, Moberly and Central Railroad Company which is now the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. His last contract work was for the Wabash Railroad Company at St. Louis where he did some bridge work, built a roundhouse and constructed additional trackage to accommodate the World's Fair traffic. For several years Mr. Sandison was also engaged in the manufacture of brick at Moberly and did an ex- tensive business in this line and at the same time carried on his general contracting business. He frequently employed as many as 80 or 90 men and kept his plant in operation continually. He was an extensive employer of labor and never had any trouble with his employees. He sold his brick plant in 1906 to the Metropolitan Paving and Brick Company of Canton, Ohio, and that company still operates it. Mr. Sandison then retired. In 1872, Mr. Sandison returned to Scotland and was married to Miss Mary Morrison and brought his bride to Moberly. Mrs. ^andison's mother, Margaret Morrison, now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Sandison. She came to Moberly in 1881. She was bom in Scotland Dec. 24, 1827 and although HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 249 now in her 93rd year she is as keen and active as the average person many years younger. She gets up every morning at six o'clock and during the World War she did a great deal of knitting for the Red Cross. She has the distinction of having had three grandsons in the World War. They were John, Herbert and George Morrison, all of whom entered the army from Arizona. To Mr. and Mrs. Sandison have been born the following children: James George, William, Jack, George and Arthur. Mr. Sandison has been an extensive traveler during the course of his career and has made 13 trips across the Atlantic Ocean. He was in Scot- land when the World War broke out. He crossed the ocean four times on the ill fated Lusitania and made his last return trip on the Aquitania. For the last few years he and Mrs. Sandison made a trip north each sum- mer, including Canada and Alaska. He is a Randolph County citizen of real worth and is held in the highest esteem. Jack M. Sandison, a member of the firm of Robuck-Sandison Whole- sale Grocery Company of Moberly, is a well known and progressive busi- ness man of this city. He is a native son of Randolph County and was bom in Moberly July 30, 1879. He is the son of James and Mary (Mor- rison) Sandison, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Jack M. Sandison was educated in the public schools of Moberly and the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio. After completing school he learned the science of ^ceramics, or the art of clay working. He then was engaged with his father in the manufacture of brick at Moberly for a number of years. In 1915 he engaged in the wholesale grocery busi- ness in partnership with Mr. Robuck and since that time has been success- fully engaged in that business. Mr. Sandison is a Republican and takes an active part in political affairs; he has been his party's candidate for state representative and county assessor. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine William Sandison, of the firm of Robuck-Sandison, wholesale grocers of Moberly was born at Huntsville, Mo., Dec. 6, 1874. He is the son of James Sandison, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. William Sandison was educated in the public schools of Moberly, including a course in the Moberly High School. Later he took a course in business college and for 17 years he was manager and superintendent of the Moberly Pav- ing Brick Company. He continued with that company for several years 250 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY after the local plant was purchased and operated by the Metropolitan Pav- ing Brick Company. He resigned his position with that company in 1916 and in February, 1917, he became associated with the Robuck-Sandison Company. Mr. Sandison was married to Miss Olive Chamblin of Paducah, Ky. She is a daughter of C. H. Chamblin who now resides at Carthage, Mo. and whose wife is deceased. She bore the maiden name of Byers. To Mr. and Mrs Sandison have been born three children as follow: James C, at Harvard University ; AUie Janette and Gordon. Mr. Sandison is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a Knights Templar. Jacob C. Fleming, president of the Moberly Foundry and Machine Company, is one of the substantial business men of Moberly, and is at the head of one of the important industrial enterprises of this city. He. was born at Kewanee, 111., April 27, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Janet (Simpson) Fleming, the former a native of England and the latter of Scotland. They were the parents of the following children: Jennie, now the widow of R. S. Crammer, and resides at Nevada, Mo. ; Mary, mar- ried Thomas W. Vandivier, Nevada, Mo.; Jacob C, the subject of this sketch; Ira M., Kansas City, Mo.; Cora I., widow of E. K. Atkinson, Nevada, Mo.; Emma L., married A. L. Davis, Joplin, Mo.; Elizabeth A., married David Cravens, Lincoln, Neb. Thomas Fleming came to America about 1854, and first settled at McKeesport, Pa., where he was engaged in coal mining. About 1858 he went to Kewanee, 111., where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in 1862 in the Union Army and served until the close of the war. He took part in a number of important engagements and was with Sherman on his march to the sea and participated in the Grand Review at Washington at the close of the war. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army, he returned to Kewanee, where he operated coal mines for a few years and in 1872 went to Fort Dodge, la. He was engaged as superintendent of mines there for a time and in 1876 he went to Chetopa, Kan. Here he continued his interest in the coal mining busi- ness and had charge of coal mines in Missouri, Kansas and Indian Terri- tory for the Osage Coal and Mining Company. About 1879, he removed to Clinton, Mo. continuing with the same company and later went to Nevada, Mo., where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1895 and his wife departed this life in 1916 and their remains are buried at Nevada, Mo. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 251 Jacob C. Fleming was educated in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa and Kansas, and when he was 17 years of age, began life as a telegraph operator in the employ of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Com- pany. In 1884, he took charge of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's store at Elliott, Randolph County, Mo. and later had charge of the opera- tion of their coal mine there. In 1890, his father bought the coal mine property there and Jacob C. had charge of the operation until 1905, when practically all of the coal mines of Randolph County, were absorbed by the Randolph-Macon Coal Company. In 1906, Mr. Fleming came to Moberly when he and the other heirs of the Thomas Fleming estate organized the Moberly Foundry and Ma- chine Company. This company continued to do business as a partner- ship until 1915, when it was incorporated with a capital stock of $21,000. In '1917, the Thomas Fleming estate was settled and Jacob C. Fleming continued the business. This company has been successfully operated from the start and does an extensive business, their principal product being railway castings and their entire product, practically, is bought by the Wabash Railway Company. They do a general machine shop business in addition to manufacturing heavy castings; they also manufacture coal mine equipment and machinery, and employe about 18 men. The shop is located at the comer of East Reed and Moulton streets. Jacob C. Fleming was married in 1886 to Miss Nettie McClure of Clinton, Mo. She is a daughter of William J. and Narcissa (Fike) Mc- Clure, the former of whom is deceased, and Mrs. McClure makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Fleming. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have been born the following children: Dr. Thomas S., Moberly, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Jacob William, who is associated with his father; Janet Elliott Fleming, in the employ of the Government at Washington, D. C. Mr. Fleming is a member of the Knights Templar Commandery of Moberly. He has an extensive acquaintance in Moberly and Randolph County and is one. of the enterprising and substantial citizens of this section. E. Bell Mahan, of the well known firm of Mahan and Son, funeral directors of Moberly, Mo., is a native of this state and belongs to one of the early pioneer families. He was bom in Audrain County, about 15 miles southeast of Moberly, March 23, 1864, and is a son of John T. and Elizabeth (Owings) Mahan. John T. Mahan was bom in Boone County, 252 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mo., Feb. 2, 1828 and died near Paris, Mo., Aug. 8, 1914, and his remains are buried at Moberly. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Union Army. His wife was a native of Kentucky and preceded her husband in death several years. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Levina Crosswhite Monroe County, Mo.; B. D., a contractor, Annaconda, Mont.; James A., died at Ft. Worth, Texas, about 1914, at the age of 58 years ; Walter, Anaconda, Mont. ; Charles F., a farmer near Paris, Mo.; E. Bell, the subject of this sketch; Samuel L., Anaconda, Mont.; Mrs. Emma Hobson, Kansas City, Mo.; Florence, died in infancy ; Cyrus, died in 1890, age 16 years. E. Bell Mahan was educated in the public schools and engaged in business at his present location in Moberly, Sept. 16, 1892. This firm was also engaged in furniture business until Sept. 1, 1918 and since that time they have been devoted exclusively to the undertaking business and are recognized as one of the leading firms of funeral directors in this section of the state. The firm was originally. Van Cleave, Martin and Mahan and on Jan. 1, 1910, Mr. Vancleave sold his interest to the other partners and since April 1, 1920, the business has been conducted by Mr. Mahan and Son at 211 North Clark street. Mr. Mahan was married March 18, 1890, to Miss Francis King, a daughter of Francis and Mary (Bunger) King, both natives of Kentucky and now deceased. The father was killed shortly after the close of the Civil War and the mother died in '1895 and their remains are buried in Meade, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Mahan have been born the following children: Verna, married H. H. Stampes, Moberly, Missouri; Albert, a sketch of whom follows this article; Eugenia, resides at home with her parents, at 527 Logan Terrace. Mr. Mahan is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Pythias; National Union; Knights and Ladies of Se- curity and the Mystic Workers of the World. Mr. Mahan is progressive and public spirited and takes a commendable interest in public affairs; he has served as a member of the Moberly City Council. Albert K. Mahan of Moberly, who is associated with his father, was bom in Moberly, July 11, 1894, and was reared and educated in the public school of this city and graduated from the Moberly high school in the class of 1913. After leaving school he was employed by the firm of Mar- tin and Mahan until after the United States entered the World War. On HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 253 May 25, 1918, he enlisted in the United States army and was sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa. Later he was transferred to Camp Upton, New York, and in Aug., 1918, he embarked for overseas, a member of Company M, 349th United States Infantry, and first landed on tY^e other side at South- ampton, England, and from there sailed to LeHarve, France, and after a period of training was sent to sector Hute, Alsace, France, Oct. 17th, and when the armistice was signed he was with his command about twenty miles from Metz. After the signing of the armistice, he remained in France for .several months and reached the United States on May 30, 1919. He was then sent to Camp Zacharay Taylor, Ky., where he received his honorable discharge June 12, 1919. He then returned to Moberly and resumed his former position and became a partner with his father. Albert Mahan is a member of the American Legion and is adjutant of Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6, Moberly, Mo. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. John E. Lynch, president of the Bank of Moberly, and United States marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri, has had an unusual and successful career. Mr. Lynch was born in Randolph County, just north of Huntsville, Jan. 11, 1858, and is a son of Patrick and Amanda (Stevens) Lynch. Patrick Lynch was a native of County Carlow, Ireland, and was born in 1818. He came to America in 1848, and the same year settled in Randolph County, near Roanoke, and a few years later, he removed to a farm north of Huntsville. Here he resided until 1860, when he came to the vicinity of what is now the city of Moberly, and during the Civil War he cultivated a portion of the present site of Moberly, and lived at what was known as old Allen, and after the war when the railroad was being built the railroad company offered Mr. Lynch and others an amount of land in Moberly equal to that which they owned at old Allen. Mr. Lynch was the first to accept the proposition and moved his residence to Moberly. The original town site of Moberly con- sisted of 40 acres of land, and was bounded on the east by Morley street, on the south by Wightman street, on the west by the alley be- tween Clark and Williams street, and on the north by Union avenue. Mr. Lynch's house was located on block No. 12, and his bam was located on block No. 7, where the Merchants Hotel now stands. After the Wabaash shops were built, Patrick Lynch was employed by that company, and spent the remainder of his life in Moberly. He died 254 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in 1883. Amanda (Stevens) Lynch, wife of Patrick Lynch was a na- tive of Virginia. She died at the age of 68 years, and her remains and those of her husband are buried in St. Johns cemetery. The children born to Patrick Lynch and wife are as follow: Thomas Allen, was an engineer on the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was killed in a wreck at Centralia, Wash.; Richard Moberly, died in infancy; John E., the subject of this sketch, and James C, Omaha, Neb. John E. Lynch bears the distinction of being the oldest living resi- dent of the city of Moberly from the standpoint of continuous residence here. He came here with his parents when a child, and here grew to manhood, and since that time he has been closely identified with the growth and development of this city in many ways. He received his education in such public schools as the town afforded in the early days of its existence. When a boy his first work was driving team at the constraction of the Wabash shops here. He received $5.00 per week for his labor. After that, he worked in the shops for three years, and then was a fireman for three years. In 1880, he was elected chief of police of Moberly and served in that capacity for three years. This was an early day in the history of Moberly, and like other new towns of that epoch, the limited police force found itself confronted frequentl}'' by duties that were difficult to perform. Mr. Lynch met all these con- ditions and by his courage and capabilities always succeeded in main- taining law and order. After having served three years as chief of police, he was engaged by the city to run the city fire engine for two years, when he was re-elected to the office of chief of police and held this position until 1894. He was then appointed United States marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri by President Cleveland, and capa- bly discharged the duties of that office for a period of four years. At the expiration of that time Mr. Lynch began operating as a construc- tion contractor, arid specialized in paving and sewer construction, and was successfully engaged in this line of work until Aug. 15, 1914, when he was appointed United States marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri by President Wilson, and at the expiration of his four years' term in that office, he was reappointed and holds that position at the present time. Mr. Lynch was elected president of the Bank of Moberly in Febru- ary, 1916, and since that time has held that position, and in the capacity of chief executive officer of this well known and substantial financial HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 255 institution, Mr.' Lynch has evinced the same keen foresight and clear judgment that has characterized his successful career in other fields of endeavor. My Lynch was united in marriage in 1882 with Miss Mary A. Hall of Truesdale, Warren County, Mo. She is a daughter of Denny and Elizabeth Hall of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have been born the following children: George, chief deputy United States marshal, St. Louis, Mo.; John E., Jr., of the Lynch-McDonald Construction Com- pany, of Moberly; Nellie, Grace, Frank, Lucille and James Robert. The latter served in the United States navy during the World War. Mr. Lynch is a Democrat and for years has been active in the coun- cils of his party in Randolph County and Missouri. He has served two terms as a member of the state legislature. He was a delegate to Demo- cratic National Convention at Baltimore, which nominated Woodrow Wil- son for president, and. is recognized as one of the leading Democrats of the state. He has an extensive acquaintance and many friends, not only in Randolph County, but throughout the state and country. The Bank of Moberly is one of the strong financial institutions of central Missouri. This bank was organized May 11, 1895, by John H. 'Babcock, and is therefore a quarter of a century old, and has to its credit 25 years of successful business, and each yeaV of this period has shown a substantial growth in the volume of business of this institution. The first stockholders of the Bank of Moberly were George Hassett, W. T. Richmond, W. P. Palmer, J. T. Lamb, Gus J. Ginther, W. E. Mc- Kinney, G. R. Reynolds, A. B. Thompson, William Firth, W. P. Cave, B. F. Harvey, D. S. Forney, J. H. Babcock, P. J. O'Leary, H. M. Jordan, J. H. Lotter and F. B. Forney. The present officers are John E. Lynch, president; J. H. Lamb, vice- president; F. B. Harvey, cashier; P. J. O'Leary, teller, and A. E. Brown, teller, and R. E. Lynch, teller. The other members of the board of directors are Dr. C. B. Clapp, George H. Sours, Gus J. Ginther and George Reynolds. The following is the official statement of the bank at the close of business December 30, 1919. Resources: Loans and discounts, $801,- 335.68; overdrafts, none; real estate (banking house), $15,000.00; fur- niture and fixtures, $15,000.00; demand loans, $327,781.49; bonds, $85,- 850.00; War Savings Stamps, $1,684.00; cash and sight exchange,- $255,- 642.61; total, $1,502,293.78. Liabilities: Capital stock, $100,000.00; sur- 256 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY plus and undivided profits (earned), $64,165.28; deposits, $1,338,128.50. Total, $1,502,293.78. Owen Redick O'Bryian, a well known and successful attorney of Mob- erly and a veteran of the World War, is a native of Randolph County and a member of one of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. Mr. O'Bryan was born in a one room log cabin, three miles southwest of Hunts- ville. Mo., on the old O'Bryan homestead in Salt Spring township. He is the son of James T. and Jennie Lee (Bagby) O'Bryan. James T. O'Bryan was born in Chariton County, Mo. in 1860 and re- moved to Randolph County with his parents who settled in Salt Spring township when he" was three years old. He was a son of Redick O'Bryan who was born in Kentucky in 1820. Redick O'Bryan was prominent in the early day affairs of Randolph County and served as justice of the peace of Salt Spring township for many years. He was a deacon in the Mt. Salem Baptist church. He died Dec. 25, 1893 and his remains are buried in the O'Bryan cemetery which is located on the old O'Bryan place. James T. O'Bryan was well educated, having graduated from Mt. Pleasant College' in the class of 1881. He followed farming in Silver Creek township from 1892 until 1902, and for six years of the time was justice of the peace of that township. He was solicitor for the Farmers Mutual * Insurance Company and after moving to Huntsville in 1902, devoted him- self to the interest of that company. In 1906, he was a candidate for nomination for the office of probate judge of Randolph County but was defeated by the narrow margin of 28 votes. Ke stood high in the com- munity and had a wide acquaintance in Randolph County. He died Nov. 15, 1907, and his remains are buried in the Huntsville cemetery. James T. O'Bryan was married to Jennie Lee Bagby, Dec. 29, 1887. She wa« born in Moniteau township, Randolph County, above five miles northwest of Higbee, and was a daughter of Owen H. and Maria (Yager) Bagby who were pioneer settlers of Silver Creek township. Jennie Lee (Bagby) O'Bryan was one of ten children born to her parents, the others being as follow: Thomas J., WiUiam H., deceased; Zebulon P., Mrs. Mary Jackson, deceased ; Mrs. Korine Shipp, deceased ; James W., Warsaw, Mo. ; Benjamin F. and Walter H. The Bagby family was one of the very early pioneer families of central Missouri. Owen H. Bagby was bom in Kentucky and came to Missouri with his parents who settled near Roanoke, Silver Creek township in 1827. He was a son of John Bagby. Maria (Yager) Bagby, wife of Owen H. Bagby, was born at Hampton Roads, Va. and came here OWEN REDICK O'BRYAN HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 257 with her parents at an early day and settled on the place where Thomas J. Bagby now lives. To John T. O'Bryan and wife were born the following children: Owen Redick, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Lee O'Con- ner, Huntsville, Mo. and Zebulon D., known as "Jack" of Huntsville, Mo. Redick O'Bryan, grandfather of Owen Redick O'Bryan, of this review, was three times married and to his first marriage were born the follow- ing children: Rev. William F., deceased; Mrs. Flora Bradley, Yates, Mo., and Mrs. Adaline Randecker, of Booneville, Mo. After the death of his first wife, he married Mary Dennis who was the seventh of 19 children of Harrison Dennis and the following children were born to that marriage : Cornelia O'Biyan, deceased; James T. O'Bryan, deceased and Ma tie O'Bryan, deceased. To Redick O'Bryan's third marriage with Mrs. Eliza Dameron who was the mother of two children by her former marriage, William H. Dameron, deceased and Mrs. Julia D. Minor of St. Louis, were bom the following children: John, deceased; Minnie, married Hon. Wil- liam T. Heathman, a former representative from Randolph County ; Milton S. O'Bryan, manager of the Harlan Tobacco Store, Moberly. Owen Redick O'Bryan, the subject of this sketch was born June 12, 1890 and attended the White school district in Silver Creek township until he was 12 years old when he entered the Huntsville grade school and was graduated. Later, he took a course in the Moberly Commercial College and was graduated in 1908. He then entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and the Express Company and one year later entered the Kansas City School of Law and also served a clerkship in Kansas City law offices and was admitted to the bar to practice in the state courts June 2, 1913, and admitted to the Federal courts May 19, 1914. Shortly after- wards, he made the race for the nomination for prosecuting attorney of Randolph County against Jerry M. Jeffries and F. E. Murrell. He carried every township in the county outside of Moberly, except Cairo, and was defeated by eight votes. In 1916, he made a second race for the^ nomina- tion of prosecuting attorney and during that campaign he made the promise that if the United States should become involved in the World War he would enlist. He had an opportunity to make his word good and he did, enlisting at Sedalia, Mo., May 13, 1917 and resigned his position as claim agent for the M. K. and T. railroad in order to enlist. After enlisting, he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri and assigned to the 16th Infantry and from there entrained to El Paso, Texas, but was ordered overseas be- fore reaching his destination. He was reassigned to Company A, 34th 258 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Infantry and after a brief period of training at Port Bliss he was detailed to district headquarters in July, 1917. Later he was given a furlough and returned home and on Oct. 4, 1917 he addressed the Old Settlers Reunion and on October 7th he argued a case in the Kansas Court of Appeals, being the first lawyer to appear before that court in uniform. December 13th he was transferred as battalion sergeant to headquarters of third division Camp Greene, Charlotte, N. C. He left Charlotte, March 7, 1918 and arrived at Camp Merritt the next day and embarked at Hoboken, N. J. on an old Austrian steamer which had been renamed "Martha Washington". He was then regimental sergeant major and commander of the guard every other day. At 12 o'clock on April 4th in the Bay of Biscay the convoy was attacked by German submarines and a running fight between the sub- marines and the United States chasers and convoys took place until the submarines were destroyed. The American fleet landed at Bordeaux, France, on April 4th. The third division then went into training quarters at Chateau Villian, 16 miles south of .Chaumont, the A. E. F. Headquarters. On May 27th, the division was entrained under secret orders for the front lines and arrived at the Marne where they occupied 22 kilometers of front line to Ballou Woods on the left and extending to Charteves Sector which was being pressed by a minor German offensive which extended from Soissons to Reims. On July 14th the Germans launched their last offensive which continued for four days and gained an entrance south of the river. On July 20th the United States army started an offensive and drove the Germans back to the Vesle River. The third division was re- lieved August 14th and transferred to a recoupment area. This division lost 60 per cent of their men in the above engagement. Later they were ordered to the St. Mihiel salient, Sept. 5, 1918, and arrived in support of the 89th division. Sept. 13, Mr. O'Bryan was transferred to the 89th division headquarters which was relieved Oct. 6th and on Oct. 11th took a position in the Argonne Forest. After 30 days of hard fighting they were on the Meuse River, Nov. 11th when the armistice was signed. They then crossed Belgium and Luxemburg on the heels of the retreating Ger- man army. They remained there until May 13, 1918 when they entrained at Erodorf , Germany, for Brest, France and embarked for America by way of Plymouth, England and reached port at New York. Mr. O'Bryan was discharged at Camp Funston, Kan. June 13, 1919. Mr. O'Bryan engaged in the practice of his profession after return- ing to Moberly and has a good practice. He is a capable young attorney HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 259 and has a wide acquaintance in Mobeily and Randolph County and stands high in the community. In addition to his general practice he is also assistant prosecuting attorney of Randolph County. Mr. O'Bryan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and holds membership in the first Baptist church at El Paso, Texas. John R. Martin, better known as "Little Dick," president and founder of the Little Dick Clothing Company, which gets its title from Mr. Mar- tin's nickname, is one of Moberly's enterprising and successful business men and a descendant of one of Randolph Counl^'s honored pioneer families. Mr. Martin has had a varied and successful career in the mercantile business. After obtaining a good education in the public schools of Ran- dolph County, he began as a clerk in the employ of Mitchell and Moppin, of Renick, Mo. Later he clerked for Clack and Parrish, Nevada, Mo. He was next employed by Donihue Brothers, Kirksville, Mo. He was then- in the employ of O. J. Townsend, Unionville, Mo., for a time when he re- turned to Kirksville and took charge of the clothing department of the Sam Fickler Store. From there he came to Moberly and engaged in busi- ness, becoming the junior member of the firm of Burkholder and Sol Martin. Shortly afterwards he sold his interest in that firm and entered the employ of Frank B. Forney and later was employed by Henry Levy and Company. In 1897 he engaged in the clothing business under the firm name of the Little Dick Clothing Company and was the sole owner and proprietor of that business until 1911 when he sold a half interest to his brother, Forrest Martin, and since that time they have conducted the business under the original firm name and have met with success, and rank as one of the leading mercantile establishments of Moberly and Randolph County. They carry a full line of men's and boy's clothing and furnishings and in the range of quality and price they rank with the leading retailers of the country. TPiey carry a large stock and in the matter of style they are ready to meet the demands of their customers from the conservative to the most fastidious. Mr. Martin was married November 9, 1893, to Miss Josie Jamison, of Kirksville, Mo. She is a daughter of Joseph G. Jamison, who is now deceased. John R. Martin is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. 260 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The Martin family is one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. John R., the subject of this sketch was born in Prairie township and is the son of Bailey and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin, both natives of Ran- dolph County, the former of whom is now deceased and the latter resides on the old Martin homestead in Prairie township. A more extensive his- tory of this pioneer Randolph County family and its various members ap- pears in connection with the sketch of Forrest Martin in this volume. John R. Martin has in his possession an interesting volume which is devoted to the history of the Martin family which was written by his , brother, Prof. W. H. Martin, on the occasion of the golden wedding anni- versary of their parents. This event took place Feb. 18, 1902. Professor Martin presents the story of the Martin family and pays tribute to the worthy parents of this large family of thirteen children in a most able manner, which was read at the wedding anniversary. In this article he narrates the various characteristics of the thirteen children of Bailey Martin and in which he evinces unusually keen observation and a clear understanding of the individual traits of each, member of the family. The Martin family is one of the interesting pioneer families of Ran- dolph County and every member is a worthy descendant of worthy an- cestors. Omar Martin, manager of the shoe department of the Wolff-Berger Company, has been identified with the commercial life of Moberly for the past 25 years and has an extensive acquaintance throughout Randolph County from his many years of dealing with the public. Mr. Martin is a native son of this county and was born in Prairie township. He is a son of Bailey and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin. The Martin family is one of the prominent pioneer families of Randolph County, a more complete history of which will be found in connection with the biographical sketches of John R. Martin and Forrest Martin, which appears in this volume. Omar Martin was reared on the old Martin homestead in Prairie town- ship and attended the public schools of Prairie township and the Moberly High School. After leaving school he entered t?-e employ of the Felden- heimer Dry Goods Company of Moberly and for 23 years was in the employ of that firm. In 1917 the Feldenheimer Dry Goods Company was succeeded by the Wolff-Berger Company and since that time Mr. Martin has been manager of the shoe department. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 261 Mr. Martin was united in marriage Sept. 11, 1900, with Miss Lucre- tia Grimes, of Moberly. She is a daughter of Washington and Virginia Grimes, pioneer settlers of Moberly, both of whom are now deceased. Washington Grimes settled here about the time that the town of Moberly was founded and spent the remainder of his life in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Martin now resifle in the old Martin home at 319 Union avenue, where the Grimes family lived for many years and where Mrs. Martin was bom. To Mr. and Mrs. Omar Martin have been born two children: Bailey, who was named after his paternal grandfather, is now a student in the Moberly High School and Virginia, who bears the name of her maternal grandmother, is at home with her parents. Mr. Martin is a member of the- Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Jos«ph Davis Martin, of the Little Dick Clothing Company, Moberly, Mo., is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Prairie township, Feb. 23, 1868, and is the son of Bailey and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin. A more detailed history of the Martin family appears in the sketches of John R. Martin and Forrest Martin, which will be found in this volume. Joseph Davis Martin was reared to manhood on the Martin home farm in Prairie township and received his education in the public schools. He remained on the home farm, engaged in farming and stock raising until 1905, when he came to Moberly and since that time has been identified with the Little Dick Clothing Company. Mr. Martin was united in marriage June 6, 1899, with Eureth J. Wirt, a daughter of James and Sallie (Hendrex) Wirt, of Prairie town- ship. James Wirt and his wife were pioneer settlers of Randolph County. Mr. Wirt was an early day plainsman, crossing the plains with ox teams in 1854. He kept in his possession during his lifetime a souvenir, a hunt- ing horn, which he made from a horn of one of the oxen which he drove on his trip to California. It is artistically designed and upon it is carved the figure of a dog. This heirloom is in Mr. Martin's possession and is prized very highly. James Wirt and his wife are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Martin have been born two children: Laura Loretta and Sallie Janice. Mr. Martin is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a Randolph County citizen of real worth. The Martin family home is at 900 Williams street, Moberly. 262 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Henry R. Terrill, of the firm of Terrill Brothers, which is composed of Henry R. and Vincent C. Terrill, is one of the well known and reliable retail shoe establishments in the city of Moberly and has an extensive patron- age. The Terrill Brothers have been engaged in business here for a number of years. The Terrill family is one of the old substantial pioneer families of Randolph County and the various members of this family have been identified with the growth and development of this county for considerably more than half a century. Henry R. Terrill, the senior member of the firm of Terrill Brothers, is a native of Randolph County and was bom in Sugar Creek township, Dec. 3, 1869. He is a son of John R. and Ann (Roberts) Terrill. John R. Terrill came to Randolph County about 1854 when he was 18 years of age, and entered government land about two miles south of the present city of Moberly and this land is still owned by his descendants. I'wo of his brothers, James and Robert Green, served in the Confederate army and both were killed. James Terrill served with General Price and was killed and Robert Green was serving with General Morgan's command in Kentucky when he was killed. John R. Terrill was a son of William Terrill, who came to Randolph County at the same time that his son, John R., came and owned an adjoining farm. He was a native of Kentucky and was in that state on a visit at the time of his death. His remains were brought back to Randolph County and buried in Oakland cemetery. John R. Terrill, father of Henry R., lived on the same farm in Randolph County for 50 years. He died in 1907. His wife preceded him in death several years, having died in 1875. Their remains are both interred in Oakland cemetery. Henry R. Terrill was educated in the public schools and was grad- uated from the Moberly High School in 1890. He then entered the Mis- souri University at Columbia and was a student in that institution for three years, after which he was engaged in farming about one year. He then, in partnership with Joe W. Mullen, purchased the shoe business of Victor and Given in Moberly. Later he sold his interest to Mr. Mullen and engaged in farming for about four years. The present firm of Terrill Brothers was organized and they engaged in the retail shoe busi- ness which they have since continued and this firm is now one of the mercantile landmarks of Moberly. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 263 Henry R. Terrill was married in 1896 to Goldena Mounce, a daughter of A. M. and Martha (Morrison) Mounce of Moberly. A history of the Mounce family appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Terrill have been bom the following children: John M., a graduate of the Moberly High School and now an employe in the Terrill Brothers' store; Mar- garet Ruth, also a graduate of the Moberly High School, is bookkeeper for Terrill Brothers' store; Mary Emma, a student in the Missouri Uni- versity; Robert, Dorothy and Martha. John M. Terrill, the eldest son of Henry R., was a student in the University of Missouri when the United States entered the World War, and in 1917 he enlisted in the Officers' Training School at Camp Han- cock, Ga., and was attached to. the 15th Company, 3rd Battalion, and was stationed at Camp Hancock until the armistice was signed. After receiving his training he was retained at Camp Hancock as a military instructor and was in the service about one year. He is a member of the Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6. Merrill A. Romans, of the bridge construction department of the Lynch-McDonald Construction Company, of Moberly, is one of the best practical bridge men in the state. He is a native of Missouri and was bom in Callaway County, Oct. 14, 1873, a son of H. P. 0. and Sarah Bell (Wilson) Romans. The father was also a native of Callaway County and was bom in 1844. He died at Greely, Colo., in 1916, and the mother now resides at Salida, Colo., and is 68 years old. They were the parents of the following children : Charles Edwards, Kersey, Colo. ; Merritt A., the subject of this sketch ; Albert H. Loveland, Colo. ; James P. Kersey, Colo. ; Samuel A., Boise, Idaho ; W. F., lives in Colorado, and Virginia E., married Alfred Owen, and they reside at Salida, Colo. Merritt A. Romans was educated in the public schools and since he was 16 years of age has made his way in the world. He has had an extensive experience in bridge construction, first entering this line of work with the Wabash Railroad Company and for eight years was in the ^employ of that company, and for the last fifteen years has been with the Pan American Bridge Company. He travels and manages the construc- tion of the bridge department of the Lynch-McDonald Construction Com- pany. Mr. Romans was married in October, 1900, to Miss Elizabeth Bu- chanan, of Trenton, Mo. She is a daughter of A. H. and Nannie (Hale) Buchanan, who now reside at Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Romans have 264 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY been born two daughters: Elizabeth E. and Virginia M., both of whom are students in the Moberly High School. Mr. Roman is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and stands high in Moberly and Randolph County. The family residence is at 514 South Fourth street. H. Frank Holman, public administrator of Randolph County, senior partner in the Peoples Steam Laundry and vice-president of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce is one of the well known and progressive citizens of Randolph County. Mr. Holman is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the early prominent pioneer families of this part of the state. He was born in Chariton township, Randolph County, Feb. 12, 1861 and is a son of James M. and Margaret L. (Harlan) Holman. James M. Holman was also a native of Randolph County, born in Chariton township, March 20, 1831. He was a son of Joseph Holman, who was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer of Chariton township, Ran- dolph County, where he settled at a very early date. James M. Holman died Nov. 18, 1907 and his remains are buried in Mt. Carmel cemetery. He spent his life in this county and was one of its successful citizens. He was a progressive farmer and stockman and influential in the county. Margaret L. (Harlan) Holman, his wife preceeded her husband in death a number of years. She died in 1887 and her remains are also buried in Mt. Carmel cemetery. They were the parents of seven children of whom H. Frank is the only one living. The others are Mrs. Martha J. Cobb, Mrs. Mary Foster, George I., Mrs. Sarah Thomas and two died in infancy. After the death of his first wife James M. Holman married Mrs. Bettie (Hurt) Powell and one son was bom to this union, Payton Y. Holman, who lives in Chariton township. H. Frank Holman was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools and for ten years was engaged in farming and stock rais- ing. In 1892 he came to Moberly and engaged in the real estate and in- surance business. Later he disposed of his business and went west on account of his wife's health and upon his return to Moberly in 1899 he engaged in the laundry business which he purchased from J. C. Irvin. This was a small concern at that time and had been started by S. S. San- ford who sold it to J. J. Stephens before J. C. Irvin owned it. This was the beginning of the Peoples Steam Laundry which has developed to its present proportions since Mr. Holman purchased it. The laundry was formerly operated in a building 25x75 feet and now occupies a building 100x120 feet, located on the corner of North Williams and Rollins streets H. FRANK HOLMW HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 265 In what is known as the Holman building. This is one of the best equipped laundries in the country and does an extensive business. H. Frank Holman's son, James W., is a partner in the laundry business and is the superintendent. For the past nine years H. Frank Holman has been engaged in road work. He is president of the Moberly Special Road District and has charge of the Moberly Road District. He is president of the North Mis- souri Cross State Highway from St. Louis to Kansas City via Moberly. The work so far has been confined largely to grading and bridge building. Mr. Holman has made a careful study of road improvement work and is working out some of the problems of this difficult question very satis- factorily and making splendid progress. He is now serving his third term as public administrator of Randolph County. Mr. Holman has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Linda S. Vasse to whom he was married in 1887, died Nov. 23, 1898. Two chil- dren were born to this union, J. W., who is his father's partner in the Peoples Steam Laundry and Percey F., who was a railway brakeman and killed in an accident at Walsenburg, Colo. Mr. Holman was married the second time to Miss Minnie Guy, of Moberly, Mo., in 1908, and one child has been bom to this union, Raymond G., who is nine years of age. Mr. Holman is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Knights of Pythias Lodge. He is vice-president of the Moberly Chamber of Com- merce. He is one of the widely known progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County who stands ever ready to do his part to pro- mote the betterment and upbuilding of his native county and its institu- tions. Frank Hartley E'still. — The Estill Floral Company of Moberly of which Frank Hartley Estill is the owner and manager, is one of the impor- tant industrial enterprises of this city. It was founded in 1906 by Mrs. Rebecca S. Estill, mother of Frank H. Estill. The greenhouses, of which there are seven, are located at 707 Gilman street. Seven of these houses are 16x90 feet and one of them is 30x100 feet. The com- pany has its own water system and the greenhouses occupy five acres of (ground between Carpenter and Gilman streets and Fort street and the city limits. There is employed here a regular force of five men and during the summer season several more. This company does an extensive business in flowers, floral designs and plants and 90 per cent, of the business done by this concern is outside of the city of Moberly. 266 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Orders are filled from various towns and cities over a broad scope of territory. Frank Hartley Estill is a veteran of the World War. He was reared in Moberly, educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1910. Afterwards he attended the University of Missouri for two terms and since that time, except the time spent in the army during the World War, he has de- voted himself to the management of the Estill Floral Company. Frank H. Estill is a son of H. V. and Rebecca S. (Hendricks) Estill. The father was bom in Charleston, W. Va., Feb. 2, 1856, and died at Moberly Dec. 4, 1919. H. V. Estill came to Moberly from his native state about 1884. He was a civil engineer and for some time was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. He installed the city water works of Moberly and for 20 years was superintendent of that depart- ment and resigned from that position in order to devote his attention to the floral business in -which he was engaged for a number of years. Rebecca S. (Hendricks) Estill was bom in old Milton, Randolph County, and was a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. She was a daughter of Capt. Stephen M. Hendricks, a Con- federate veteran who enlisted in Randolph County and served under General Sterling Price until the time of his death. He was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss. John Dameron, great grandfather of Frank Hartley Estill, on the maternal side, was a pioneer merchant of Milton, Randolph County. He spent his life here and is buried in Oakland ceme- tery. Mrs. Estill died April 4, 1916, aged 54 years, and is buried in Oakland cemetery. July 24, 1918, Frank H. Estill enUsted in the United States army at Moberly and was sent to Camp Funston for training and after three months there he was transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y., and about Nov. 1, 1918, he embarked for France, a member of Brigade Headquarters, 10th Field Artillery, with the rank oi corporal. He then was stationed at Camp DeSouge, near Bordeaux, where he was trained for service as a wireless telegraph operator. After the armistice was signed he re- mained in France until March, 1919, when he was retumed to the Un^ed States and received his honorable discharge at Camp Grant, 111., March 31, 1919. Mr. Estill is a member of the American Legion, Theodore Bazan Post, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Moberly Lodge No. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 267 344. He also holds membership in the Moberly Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants' Association. He is one of the progressive and enterprising young men of Moberly and has a wide business ac- quaintance and many friends. Judge Frank B. Forney, manager of the Forney Clothing Company, and a member of the Board of County Judges of Randolph County. He is a native of this county and was born on a farm six miles from Mober- ly, and when he was two years of age his parents moved to Moberly. He is the son of D. S. and Henrietta (Batty) Forney, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. A more extensive review of the Forney family history will be found in connection with the biogra- phical sketch of I. B. Forney, a brother of Frank B., which appears in this volume. Frank B. Forney was educated in the public schools of Moberly, and began his mercantile career in his father's store in Moberly, his father being one of the pioneer merchants of this city, and was engaged in business here for many years. Frank B. Forney remained in his father's store until 1890, when he engaged in the clothing business at Moberly, and has continuously been in that business to the present time^ and the Forney Clothing Company of today is the outgrowth of this humble beginning thirty years ago. The Forney Clothing Company is one of the extensive commercial enterprises of its kind in central Missouri. They deal in men's and boys' ready to wear clothing and furnishing goods, and few cities of the size of Moberly have the advantage of such an extensive mercantile establishment, which offers such a wide range in style and quality as does the Forney Clothing Company. The business is located at 318-320 West Reed street. The building is owned by the company and has a frontage of 30 feet and is 110 feet deep. There are two stories, the upper one of which is used for storing the surplus stock. The com- pany employs eight clerks, most of whom have been with the company for several years. George Sours has been with the Forney Clothing Company for 29 years; Arthur McCully, 14 years; Herbert Lamb, 11 years; Buckner Nave, 8 years; Arthur Grimes, 23 years; Ernest Ellin- ger, 7 years; Paul Burton, 2 years; and Lowel Sours, who died in 1919, had been with the company for 24 years. Frank B. Forney was married in June, 1893, to Miss Myrtle Tucker, of Mexico, Mo. She is a daughter of J. D. Tucker, who was .a pioneer 268 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY merchant and capitalist of Mexico, Mo., and is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Forney have been bom the following children: Francis, a student in the Moberly High School; Daniel, also a student in the Mob- erly High School; Dorothy and Betty, students in the ward school. Mr. Forney is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Forney is one of the substantial business men of Moberly, whose career has been a successful one. He has an extensive acquaintance through- out Randolph County, and Missouri. In the spring of 1920, Mr. Forney was appointed to the office of county judge by Governor Gardner to fill out an unexpired term, and he is giving the same careful attention to the public affairs of Ran- dolph County that he has to his private affairs. Judge Forney is a member of Governor Gardner's staff. Yoder and Yoder. This firm consists of Dr. Samuel J. Yoder and his wife. Dr. Delia Yoder, well-known chiropractors of Moberly, who have been engaged in the practice here since 1917. Dr. Samuel J. Yoder was born in McLean County, 111., Aug. 26, 1866. He is a son of Jonathan and Catherine (Balliman) Yoder, who now' resides at Car- lock, 111. The father is 80 years of age and the mother is 75 years old. Jonathan Yoder is a son of Samuel Yoder, who was a native of Penn- sylvania, and a pioneer in Ohio and Illinois. The children bom to Jonathan and Catherine (Balliman) Yoder are as follow: Milo F., Gibson City, 111.; John W., Danvers, 111.; J. E., Dan- vers, 111.; Judson, Danvers, 111.; Carey, Danvers, 111.; Chester L.. Ver- non, 111.; Minnie, married Albert Frey, Carlock, 111.; Alice, married Fred Spencer, Danvers, 111.; Eura, married Herman Sthaly, Aurora, Neb., and Dr. Samuel J., who was the second in order of birth. Dr. Samuel J. Yoder received a good education in the public schools of Illinois and then the Palmer School at Davenj)ort, Iowa, where he took a chiropractic course. Doctor Yoder was married to Miss Delia S. Wil- hite, a native of Woodford County, 111. She is a daughter of James C. and Eliza J. (Sawyers) Wilhite, both of whom are deceased; the mother died at the age of 37 at Summer, 111., in 1876, and the father died in St. Louis in March, 1918, at the age of 80 years. They were the parents of the following children: Theodore S., Decatur, 111.; Leander C, Wich- ita, Kan. ; John A., Wichita, Kan., and James Edwin, O'Fallon, 111. After the death of the mother of the above children, the father was married HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 269 again, and to that union were born the following children: Scott Wil- hite, a county judge at Mt. Carmel, 111.; Alice, married William Fulbright, St. Louis, Mo.; Emma S., married Bert Brown, of St. Francisville, 111. The following children of James C. Wilhite are deceased, Hattie S. died at the age of ten years; Rosander C, died in infancy; Lillie N., died at the age of 16 years and Laura B., died at the age of six. Doctor Yoder and his wife began practice in Davenport, Iowa, and in 1917 began the practice of their profession at Moberly and since estab- lishing themselves here they have built up an extensive practice. Doctor Yoder says that chiropractics has to its credit from 85 to 90 per cent, of recoveries of cases, a majority of which are of the so-called chronic na- ' ture. He says according to statistics taken during the flu epidemic that only one case out of 861 was lost; that these statistics cover the entire United States and were obtained from chiropractors throughout the coun- try by Doctor B. J. Palmer, president of the Palmer School at Davenport, Iowa, who sent out 10,000 cards to practicing chiropractors, and the sta- tistics was compiled from these cards. In connection with the Palmer School at Davenport, Iowa, a free clinic is being conducted daily where from 1,200 to 1,500 patients are being adjusted, arid by this method the students obtain a knowledge of giving spinal adjustments. Since coming to Moberly Doctor Yoder and his wife have made many friends and stand high in the community. Robert M. Rucker, of the firm of Rucker Brothers, leading drug- gists of Moberly, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Sturgeon, Mo., in 1881, and is the son of R. D. and Lula (Dusenbury) Rucker. R. D. Rucker was born at Lynchburg, Va., and for the past 35 years he has been engaged in the lumber business at Sturgeon, Mo. He came to Boone County just after the close of the Civil War and was engaged in farming and stock raising until he engaged in the lumber business at Sturgeon. He is now 73 years of age and still active in business. Lula (Dusenbury) Rucker was bom in St. Louis and was a daughter of the late Judge Dusenbury of that city. She died in May, 1911, and her remains are buried at Sturgeon. To R. D. and Lula (Dusenbury) Rucker were born the following children: Edward L., a member of the firm of Rucker Brothers, of Moberly; F. M., Sturgeon, Mo.; Robert M., the subject of this sketch; W. H., who died at the age of 27 years; and E. F., a traveling salesman, who resides at Sturgeon, Mo. 270 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Robert M. Rucker was educated in the public schools of Sturgeon, Mo., and then took a course in the St. Louis School of Pharmacy. He then engaged in the drug business at Sturgeon and later was at Higbee two years and at Huntsville six years. For the past eight years he has been in Moberly and in all has had 23 years experience in the drug business. In 1911 Robert M. and his brother, Edward L. Rucker, succeeded Doctor Harlan, who formerly conducted the drug store at 401 West Reed street, Moberly, Mo. This is one of the well established and high- class drug stores of Moberly, and the Rucker Brothers are doing an extensive business which has ever increased in volume since they engaged in business here nine years ago. Their prescription department is com- plete, reliable and efficient. They carry a complete line of drugs and druggist's sundries and have a well equipped soda fountain in connection. The Rucker Brothers are both progressive and enterprising citizens and rank among Moberly's leading business men. Robert M. Rucker is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star and the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. J. E. Sanford, proprietor of the New York Store, of Moberly, Mo., is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of Moberly and Randolph County. The New York Store was founded in 1915 by J. E. Sanford and C. 0. Selders. In 1920, Mr. Sanford .purchased his partner's interest and is now the sole owner and proprietor. The New York Store is located at 309-311 West Reed street and occupies a frontage of 60 feet. This store carries a full line of dry goods, shoes, men's furnishings, rugs and no- tions. Mr. Sanford aims to carry a popular price line of merchandise which is appreciated by the buying public, and he has built up an exten- sive mercantile business in comparatively a brief period. J. E. Sanford is a native Missourian ; he was bom in Monroe County in 1886, and is a son of Jack and Sallie (Barker) Sanford. The former is now deceased, and mother resides at Columbia, Mo. After the death of her first husband she married Henry Jackson. J. E. Sanford is one of a family of three bom to his parents, the other two being Mrs. Nellie Marr, who now resides in Bismark, N. D., and Mrs, Pollie Shanklin, of Fairfax, Okla. Mr. Sanford married Miss Mae Hill, of Rocheport, Mo. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 271 Before engaging in the merchantile business and after completing school, Mr. Sanford was engaged in teaching and followed that profession for four years; Le taught school at Branham, Monroe County, and later at Granville, which was his last school. He was a successful teacher, but the future possibilities of teaching as a profession did not appeal to him, and he accordingly turned to mercantile pursuits. His first mer- cantile venture was at Centralia, Mo., which he later sold and came to Moberly, where he and Mr. Selders founded the New York Store as stated in a preceding paragraph. Mr. Sanford is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is one of the substantial business men of Moberly. C. M. Hulen, clerk of the circuit court of Randolph County, bears the distinction of being the youngest circuit clerk in the state of Mis- souri. He is a native son of Randolph County, and was born at Clark, Nov. 25, 1894. He is the son of S. P. and Ella (Early) Hulen, both na- tives of Missouri and descendants of pioneer families of this state. S. P. Hulen was born near Hallsville, Boone County, Missouri, in 1863. He came to Randolph County when he was 17 years of age, and soon afterwards engaged in the mercantile business at Clark, where he successfully carried on business for six years. He then engaged in the banking business, and for the past 28 years has been cashier of hte Clark Exchange Bank. Ella (Early) Hulen was born near Centralia in Boone County, and is a daughter of S. W. and Ruth Early, pioneers of Boone County. The Early family came from Kentucky to Missouri in the pio- neer days of this state. See sketch of S. P. Hulen on another page in this volume. To S. P. and Ella (Early) Hulen have been born the following chil- dren; V. E., who is engaged in the oil business at ElDorado, Kan.; C. M., the subject of this sketch; R. P., chief teller in the Mechanics Saving Bank at Moberly, and Mary Elizabeth, resides at home with her parents. C. M. Hulen was educated in the public schools of Randolph County, and the Missouri University at Columbia. When he left school he became assistant cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., and served in that capacity for five years. When he was 23 years old, in 1917, Mr. Hulen was elected clerk of the circuit court of Randolph County, and so far as known is the youngest man in the state holding a similar posi- tion. He is capable and obliging and has many friends and extensive acquaintance throughout Randolph County. 272 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Hulen was married Nov. 25, 1915/ to Miss Minnie Mae Wright, daughter of William and Ersie (Fray) Wright, of Clark, Mo., where Mrs. Hulen was bom. Mr. Hulen is a member of the Modern Woodman of America, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Clyde Miller, proprietor of the Jefferson Cigar Store at 207 Reed street is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Moberly. He is a native of West Virginia, born in Wheeling, March 13, 1887. He is a son of George and May (Forney) Miller. The mother was a daughter of D. S. Fornay, a pioneer merchant of Moberly, further men- tion of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. She died in January, 1889 and is buried at Wellsburg, W. Va. George Miller, father of Clyde Miller, is now engaged in the grain business at Erie, Pa. His father, the grandfather of Clyde Miller, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and George Miller served in the Civil War and he had a brother, William Miller, who also served in the Civil War as a captain. Both enlisted in West Virginia. Clyde Miller is one of the following children bom to his parents: Mrs. C. F. McCord, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. William Wright, Wheeling, W. Va. ; Mrs. H. H. Phillips, Dunkirk, Ind. ; George, Los Angeles, Calif., and Clyde, the subject of this sketch. Clyde Miller attended the public schools in Wheeling, W. Va., and the Moberly High School and since he was ten years old has made his own way in the world. He is a wide awake business man of the pro- gressive type and has built up an extensive business. He is courteous and obliging and has made many friends during the course of his busi- ness career in Moberly. He engaged in his present business ^t 207 West Reed, Oct. 4, 1914. He carries a full line of cigars, tobacco and smokers' accessories and also candies. In connection with his other business he conducts the Illinois Coal Company, which is incorporated at $10,000, and Mr. Miller is secretary of this company. His billiard room is well equipped and conducted on a high-class plane and is one of the popular amusement places of Moberly. Mr. Miller was married Oct. 4, 1919, to Miss Ruth Marie Durham of Kansas City. She is a daughter of Marshal S. and Effie (Hubbard) Durham. The mother died when Mrs. Miller was an infant and the father now resides at Clark, Mo. \\o^ xTf HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY .273 Mr. Miller is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Country Club and Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6, the American Legion, of which he is a charter member. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine. During the World War, Clyde Miller enlisted at Columbia, Mo., June 5, 1918. After taking a special course of instruction at the gas engine school at Columbia, he was made an, instructor and from there was sent to Camp Grant, 111., to the officers' training school, and had just about completed his course when the armistice was signed. He was discharged Jan. 18, 1919, after having served about nine months with the rank of sergeant. Emil Gutekunst, a prominent member of the Randolph County bar, and one of the leading lawyers of Moberly, is a native of this county. He was bom in Moberly, Oct. 15, 1878, and is a son of George and Emilie (Walz) Gutekunst, early settlers of Randolph County, who came here in 1872. For many years the father was engaged in the mercantile business here and is now living retired at 201 South Clark street. George and Emilie (Walz) Gutekunst are the parents of the follow- ing children: George, Jr., lives in Montana; Emil F., the subject of this sketch; Arthur, chief clerk in the Moberly postoffice; Fred, a grocer in Moberly, and Carl, a teacher in the Kansas City High School. Dur- ing the World War he was instructor of French in the officers' training school at Fort Riley. He was a teacher in the Moberly High School prior to the war and enlisted from here. Emil F. Gutekunst was reared in Moberly and educated in the pub- lic schools. After obtaining a good education, he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1904 and began the practice of his profession in Moberly, where he has continued until the present time. He has a well equipped office and library at 208 North Williams street and has an ex- tensive practice. While his practice is of a general nature he gives spe- cial attention to probate court practice and the settlement of estates. Mr. Gutekunst was married in 1907 to Miss Dola L. Kaufman, of Moberly. She is a daughter of George W. and Olive (Lindsay) Kauf- man of Moberly. Mr. Kaufman came from Illinois to Missouri and is now engaged in the grocery business here. To Mr. and Mrs. Gutekunst have been bom one daughter, Olive Emilie. Mr. Gutekunst is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has served as elder for the past fifteen years and for ten years was superin- 274 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY tendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Gutekunst has an extensive acquaint- ance in Moberly and Randolph County and stands high among his fel- low members of the bar as well as among his friends and neighbors. Frank B. Wegs, owner and proprietor of the Moberly Cornice Works, is one of the leading sheet metal workers and tinners and probably the old- est in the business in Moberly. He is "a native of Illinois and was bom in Brown' County, 111., May 16, 1872. His parents were John B. and Catherine (Stark) Wegs, both of whom are deceased. The mother died at Quincy, 111., 1907, and the father died in 1903, and their remains are buried in St. Francis cemetery, Quincy, 111. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Louise Newman, deceased; Mrs. Gertrude Rupp, Moberly, Mo.; Frank B., the subject of this sketch; Henry, Quincy, 111;, and William, Quincy, 111. The mother of these children was twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Karsteiner and three children were bom to that union: John and Barney, of Quincy, 111., and Mrs. Liz- zie Wegs, Mt. Sterling, 111. Frank B. Wegs was educated in the parochial schools at Mt. Sterling, 111., and he also attended the district schools. He has made his own way in the world since he was 12 years of age. At the age of 15, he began working at the tinner's trade at Quincy, 111., and 18 months later he went to Monroe City, Mo., where he remained about a year. In 1886 he came to Moberly and worked at the sheet-metal and tinner's trade for Ben Kanstnier for eleven years, after which he was engaged in farming for eight years and in 1908 he bought Mr. Kanstnier's business and since that time has been engaged in business for himself at Moberly. He does all kinds of sheet metal and warm air heating work. He owns his own, building which is located at 111 West Coates street and is unusually well equipped to handle his line of work. His building was destroyed by fire Jan. 18, 1911, when the O'Keef building bumed. Mr. Wegs immediately rebuilt and on the 3rd of the following March, about 40 days from the date of the fire, he had rebuilt and his building was ready for occupancy. Mr. Wegs was married May 30, 1894, to Miss Mary Stinkamp, a daughter of Herman Stinkamp, of Moberly. He is now deceased and his widow lives in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Wegs have been born eight children as follows: Loretta, married Frank Davit, Moberly; Hilda, mar- ried Earnest Wingfield, Moberly; Clarence, Mabel, Emil, Helen, Marie and Regina, all residing at home with their parents. They have two grandchildren, William Davit and James Wingfield. Mr. Wegs is one of Moberly's substantial business men. HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 275 Dr. Chambers B. Clapp, chief surgeon of the Wabash Hospital at Moberly, who also owns and conducts the Woodland Hospital in this city, is one of the skilled and widely known physicians and surgeons of the state. Doctor Clapp is a native of lUinois. He was born in Dan- ville, 111., Nov. 21, 1858. His parents were George A. and Catherine (Brown) Clapp. George A. Clapp was a native of North Carolina and a pioneer settler of Vermillion County, 111. He was a farmer by occu- pation and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the 125th Regi- ment, Illinois Infantry, and served in the Union army for three and one- half years. He enlisted as a private and was promoted from time to time during the course of his military career until he became a first lieutenant and held that rank when he received his honorable discharge and was mustered out of the service at the close of the war. Doctor Clapp's mother died when she was 21 years of age, leaving three motherless children: Dr. Chambers B., the subject of this sketch, and Isaac D., twins, the latter of whom is a farmer in Florida, and Mrs. 0. J. Matthews, of Minatare, Neb. After the death of his first wife the father was again married and moved his family to Nebraska, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1916 at the age of 78 years. Doctor Clapp received his preliminary education in the district schools of Vermillion County, 111., and Nebraska. Later he attended the State Normal School of Nebraska, after which he was engaged in the drug business for a time at Brock, Neb. He then went to Philadelphia and took a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and was graduated in 1882. He then returned to Danville, 111., where he was in the drug business for four years w?.en he went to Chicago and was engaged in the same business for two years. He read medicine under private preceptors and entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1889. After receiving his degree. Doctor Clapp again returned to Dan- ville, 111., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession about one year when he received the appointment of local surgeon for the Wabash Railway Company at Moberly, Mo., and immediately came here. The Wabash Hospital was completed the same year and ready for occu- pancy in 1891 and since that time Doctor Clapp has had charge of that institution. During this long period of thirty years he has made a record of which any surgeon may be justly proud and times without 276 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY number he has demonstrated his great skill as a physician and surgeon and the work that he has done during his career in the Wabash Hospital could not be told in any mere biography. Doctor Clapp's life is a busy one and in addition to his work in the Wabash Hospital he built Woodland Hospital, which he also conducts. He bought the property where this hospital stands in 1909 and used a ' portion of the building which stood thereon as a part of the splendid modern hospital which he erected. Woodland Hospital has a capacity for 50 patients and is equipped with all modem hospital fixtures and con- veniences. The grounds upon which the hospital stands has a frontage of 170 feet and is 400 feet deep. The building is well designed and the grounds are neat and well kept and Woodland Hospital is recognized as one of the beauty spots of Moberly. It would cost $100,000 to build this hospital at the present time. In 1883 Dr. Chambers B. Clapp was united in marriage with Miss Laura D. Lockhart, a native of Danville, 111. She is a daughter of John R. and Mary Lockhart, both natives of Vermillion County, 111. The father is now in his 84th year and the mother is 77 years of age. In addition to his professional career. Doctor Clapp takes a keen, interest in local affairs of a public nature and has stood ever ready to do his part- for the betterment and upbuilding of Moberly and its insti- tutions. He is president of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce and also president of the board of education and during the World War he served on the Medical Advisory Board. He is a director in the Bank of Moberly. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine. He also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and . the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. William F. Rohloff, superintendent of the Brown Shoe Company, fac- tory No. 6, is at the head of one of the important manufacturing indus- tries that is making of Moberly a recognized manufacturing center. This plant has upon its pay roll 450 employees and is one of twelve factories operated by the Brown Shoe Company in various cities of the middle west and has been in operation here since 1906. At this writing the daily output of branch No. 6 is about 2,700 pairs of shoes and from 200 to 300 pairs of boots daily and during the war there were manufac- tured here over a half million pairs of canvas leggings for the gov- ernment besides a vast number of service boots and shoes, the retail price of which ranged from $4.50 to '$25.00 per pair, and during the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 277 war the company employed here about 500 persons. The present pay roll is about $8,000 per week. Mr. Rohloff, whose name introduces this review, is a practical shoe man who has had a vast amount of experience in the manufacture of shoes in various sections of the country. He is a native of Germany and is a son of Frederick and Augusta (Matzdorf) Rohloff. The father is now deceased and the mother resides at Shawano, Wis. W. F. Rohloff received a good education in the public schools of Wisconsin and after- wards took a course in law at the La Salle Institute of Chicago. He began his career in shoe manufacturing when he was 17 years old in the employ of the Shawano Boot and Shoe Company at Shawano, Wis. From there he went to La Crosse, Wis., and was employed by the LaCrosse Boot and Shoe Company for a number of years and worked in every department of that factory. He then went to Milwaukee where he had charge of a shoe factory for a time and then to Chicago and took charge of the Pheonix Boot and Shoe Company at West Pullman. Ftom there he went to Kansas City with the Barton Brothers Shoe Company. In 1909 he entered the employ of the Brown Shoe Company and for 11 years has been in the employ of this company as foreman of various factories and superintendent, having held a position of superintendent of the Moberly factory No, 6 for the past three years. In addition to knowing the art of manufacturing shoes and all the intricacies of this business, Mr. Rohloff is a capable executive and not only knows shoes, but has a keen insight into human nature and understands men. Mr. Rohloff was married in Indianapolis, Ind., in March, 1901, to Miss Margaret Hollingsworth. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. E. R. Hickerson, a prominent physician and surgeon of Moberly, has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Moberly and Randolph County for the past 35 years. He is a native of Missouri and was born in Ralls County Jan. 27, 1862. He is the son of Dr. J. C. and Darthula (Rodes) Hickerson, the former a native of Virginia and the latter from Tennessee. Dr. J. C. Hickerson was a pioneer physician of Moberly and was not only a successful physician, but he was prominent in the affairs of the county during the course of his active career. He came here with his family from Ralls County in 1870 and was engaged in the practice of his profession until the time of his death, April 5, 1885. He was 278 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY one of the first physicians to locate in Moberly. His wife died August 17, 1901, and their remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Dr. E. R., the subject of this sketch; A. S., who resides in St. Louis; Dr. J. C, of Independence, Mo., and W. T., traffic manager for the Morris Packing Company, Cl^icago, 111. Dr. E. R. Hickerson received his preliminary education in the pub- lic schools and then entered Westminister College at Fulton, Mo. He then attended St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1885. After receiving his degree from that institution he engaged in the practice of medicine at Moberly. He was graduated from Medical College the game year that his father died and thus was practically enabled to take up the work where his father left off. Doctor Hickerson has been continuously engaged in the practice here since 1885. January 27, 1887, Doctor Hickerson was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Hannah, of Moberly. She is a daughter of John F. Hannah, a Randolph County pioneer, who lived about two miles north of Moberly. He was prominent in local affairs during his time and served for two terms as presiding judge of the county court. He died in 1894 and his wife, who was a native of New York, died in 1906. Their remains are interred in Oakland cemetery. To Dr. E. R. Hickerson and wife have been born the following children: Mrs. A. H. McDonald of Moberly; Emilie, a teacher of Latin in the Moberly High School, and Lieut. J. C. Lieut. J. C. Hickerson is now a salesman for Swift and Company. After the United States entered the World War, he enlisted in the army in May, 1917, and attended the military training school at Fort Riley, Kan., and after he was commissioned first lieutenant he was assigned to Battery D, 3rd Regiment, at Camp Taylor, Ky. He was kept at Camp Taylor and transferred to the personnel department. He made two trips to France during the war as transport adjutant. After two years of service in the army he was honorably discharged, Sept. 16, 1919. Doctor Hickerson has always taken a keen interest in the welfare of the community and served on the Moberly board of education from 1900 to 1906, and was president of that body from 1904 to 1906. S. C. Stevenson, senior member of the firm which compose the S. C. Stevenson Monument Works of Moberly, is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of Randolph County. Mr. Stevenson is a na- tive of Missouri. He was bom in Shelby County, December 30, 1868, and is a son of Samuel J. and Emily C. (Calvert) Stevenson. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY , 279 Samuel J. Stevenson was born in Woodford County, Ky., July 20, 1826. He was the son of William Stevenson and his mother's maiden name was Gardner. William Stevenson and his wife were both natives of Kentucky. Samuel J. Stevenson came to Marion County with his parents in 1830. He was about four years old when the family settled in Marion County and was there reared to manhood. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California and after remaining there about two years, he returned to Marion County, Mo., where he remained until 1867, when he removed to Shelby County and was engaged in farming there until 1880 when he retired and spent the remainder of his days in Shelbina. He died in 1904. His wife, Emily C. Calvert, was born in Marion County, Mo., in 1838, and died in 1911. She was a daughter of Ziba Calvert, whose wife bore the maiden name of Ferguson and 'they were natives of Virginia. S. C. Stevenson is the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children bom to his parents. He was educated in the public schools and learned the marble and granite cutter's trade at Shelbina, Mo., and for six years was engaged in. that business at Shelbina. In 1895 Mr. Stevenson came to Moberly and succeeded the English Brothers and con- ducted the business alone until 1912. His son Paul then became a part- ner in the business, which has since been conducted under the firm name of S. C. Stevenson Monument Works. Their place of business is located at 514 Reed street, and they employ three men to assist in the work. They do an extensive business, and have a well equipped plant. Their display room is 23x70 feet, and granite which is the product of the best quarries throughout the United States is here displayed. S. C. Stevenson was married to Miss Irene Martin, of Shelby County. She was bom Dec. 19, 1870, and is a daughter of W. P. and Martha (McClintic) Martin. One child has been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Steven- son, Paul, who was born at Shelbina, Mo., Jan. 19, 1894. He was edu- cated in the public schools and graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1912, and since that time has been engaged in the monu- ment business with his father, with whom he learned the trade. He was married in 1915 to Miss Florence Wight, a daughter of J. W. Wight, a prominent attorney of Moberly, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Paul Stevenson is secretary-treasurer of the Missouri Retail Monu- ment Association, of which he was a ctiarter member, he was elected secretary-treasurer in 1917. This association now has 75 members. 280 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY S. C. Stevenson is a member of the.Moberly Chamber of Commerce, and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Paul Stevenson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. William Fennel, Sr., now living retired at Moberly, has been a well- known resident and prominent business man of Randolph County for nearly half a century, has given up the actual management of his financia affairs and is able to enjoy the comfortable fortune which he has accu- mulated by hard work and business ability. William Fennel was born in the Province of Hessia, Germany, Sept. 5, 1849, the son of Conrad and Anna (Koch) Fennel, and was the young- est of eight children born to them. The parents spent their lives in the old country. William Fennel was reared on his father's farm, received excellent education in the public schools of his native land. He immi- grated to the United States and came west to St. Louis. He at once began to work as an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, completed the years of his service and remained there five years before coming to Moberly, in the spring of 1872. Here he became associated with his brother, Warner, in manufacturing wagons and soon became an expert in that business. In 1875, Mr. Fennel purchased his brother's interest in the plant, who went to Oregon, where he still resides. Mr. Fennel assumed the sole management of the shop, and his reputation as a careful skilled work- man grew and his trade increased. For nearly a half century he was engaged in the same business. In 1886, Mr. Fennel located at the site, where he still lives, then purchased the property at the corner of Coates and Clark streets, where he erected a modern factory which, became one of the landmarks of the town and where William Fennel, Jr., now conducts the Fennel Carriage and Automobile Works, which is one of the largest concerns of its kind in central Missouri. All repair work is done, as well as manufacturing of carriages, wagons and automobile parts and painting. In the spring of 1919, Mr. Fennel retired from commercial activities, though not from life, as so many men do. He still takes an interested and an active part in the life of the city for he has been a progressive man, both in his business, and civic affairs and is one of the men who have helped make Randolph County. Mr. Fennel is a Republican, and belongs to the Lutheran church. WTI,LIA.M FENNRI. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 281 On Aug. 26, 1876, Mr. Fennel was married to Miss Mary A. Adler, a native of Fayette County, Mo., the daughter of John and Ida (Muller) Adler, natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. Eight chil- dren have been bom to this union: Ida, the wife of Powell Kroggel, of Moberly; Rose, who married Henry Eienhauer, of Moberly; Henry C, who operates the carriage factory; John, also in the factory; Mary, at home; Viola, deceased; William, Jr., in the Fennel factory, and Vera, the wife of L. Acker, of Omaha. S. W. Creson, president of the Moberly Wholesale Grocery Company, is one of the substantial business men of Moberly. He is a native of Missouri and was born in Howard County, Jan. 27, 1853. He is a son of Thomas H. and Caroline (Collier) Creson. Thomas H. Creson was bom in Surrey County, N. C, in 1823, and came to Missouri with his parents when he was 14 years of age, in 1837. He was the son of George Creson, who upon coming to Missouri, settled in the northern part of Howard County, in Burton township, where he impi'oved a farm and spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1881. Thomas H. Creson, like his father, was also a tiller of the soil. He bought and improved a farm in Howard County and was engaged in farming and stock raising throughout his active career, except during the period that he served in the Civil War. During the course of that conflict he enlisted in the Confederate army, under the standard of Gen. Sterling Price, and was with Price's command at Baton Rouge, La., when the war closed. He then returned to St. Louis by steamboat and to Howard County, where he resumed the peaceful pursuit of farming until the time of his death, in 1885. His wife, Caroline (Collier) Creson, was born in St. Clair County, 111., in 1828, and died Oct. 17, 1859. They were the parents of the following children: Mary L., Higbee, Mo.; S. W., the subject of this sketch ; James M., Higbee, Mo. ; Eunice A., deceased ; Mrs. Josephine Bartee, deceased, and Rebecca L., deceased. S. W. Creson was reared on the home farm in Howard County and attended the public schools and in 1875-76 attended the States Normal School at Kjrksville. In early life he was engaged in teaching and for nine years taught school in Howard and Randolph counties and was one of the successful teachers of this time. He was also engaged in farm- ing in Howa^?d County while he was teaching. He then engaged as clerk in the Grange Store .at Yates, Mo., and after clerking there for three years he purchased that business and successfully conducted a general 282 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY mercantile grocery business at Moberly, as is set forth elsewhere in this volume. May 27, 1877, S. W. Creson was united in marriage with Miss Susan E. Robb, of Howard County, Mo. She is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah E. (Lesley) Robb. Samuel Robb and his wife were pioneer set- tlers of Howard County. He died March 10, 1876, at the age of 45 years and his wife lived to the advanced age of 84 years and died in March, 1919. His remains are buried in the cemetery at Log Chapel in Howard County, and she is buried in the Sharon church cemetery in Howard County. To Mr. and Mrs. George Creson have been born one daughter, Bertha A., who married R. M. Allen, secretary of the Moberly Wholesale Grocery Company, a sketch of whom apepars in this volume. Mr. Creson has not only been successful and active in a business way, but during the course of his career he has always given public affairs thoughtful consideration and a good citizen's attention. He has served two terms in the State Legislature, including the session of 1901 and 1903, and never missed a roll call. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Creson was one of the organizers of the Yates Savings Bank, Yates, Mo., and was president of that bank until 1913, when he sold his interests. He is the owner of 340 acres of valuable land just north of Yates, Mo. Moberly Wholesale Grocery Company is one of the important com- mercial institutions of the city of Moberly. This company is composed of S. W. Creson, R. M. Allen and T. M. Bartee. Mr. Creson is president of the company; Mr. Allen, the manager, and Mr. Bartee, treasurer. The business is the outgrowth of the general mercantile business which was conducted by Creson and Allen at Yate, Mo., from 1899 to 1912. Prior to that time Mr. Creson had conducted a store at Yates since 1884. The wholesale grocery business was started at Moberly in 1912 and since that time the volume of business has gradually increased from year to year and in 1919 the business of this concern amounted to about three- fourths of a million dollars. The business of the jyioberly Wholesale Grocery Company extends over a radius of 75 miles from Moberly and the trade is looked after by four travehng salesmen. The business is located on the corner of Coates and Clark streets, Moberly, and occupies a building which has a frontage of 120 feet on Coates street and 130 feet on Clark street, and occupies two HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 283 floors. This is one of the business enterprises of which Moberly is justly proud and which adds no small amount of prestage to Moberly as a whole- sale center. R. M. Allen, manager of the Moberly Wholesale Grocery Company, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Opdyke, Jefferson County, and is the son of Joshua P. and Alice M. (Jones) Allen. The father was a native of Illinois and died March 24, 1911. He was a farmer by occupa- tion. The mother now resides in Muskogee, Okla. They were the par- ents of the following children: R. M., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Delila Littlepage, Sillsbee, Texas; Jonathan P. Seminole, Okla.; Mrs. Eva E. Jones, Muskogee, Okla.; E. J., Muskogee, Okla., and Nettie, married W. G. Wilkinson, who is now a government auditor in the service at Fort Niagara, N. Y. R. M. Allen attended the public schools in Illinois and after coming to Missouri took a course in the Robinson Business College, at Sedalia, Mo., and was graduated from that institution in 1895. He then entered the employ of the Chicago and Alton Railroad Company as telegrapher at Higginsville, Mo. He served in that capacity until 1899. ■ He then joined Mf. Creson in the general mercantile business at Yates, Mo., and later in 1912 they abandoned the retail business and engaged in the whole- sale grocery business at Moberly, a more complete history of which is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Allen was married May 17, 1899, to Miss Bertha A. Creson, of Yates, Mo. She is a daughter of S. W. and Susan E. (Robb) Creson. A sketch of S. W. Creson appears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Allen reside at 419 South Fourth street, Moberly. Melvin N. Marshall, chief of police of the city of Moberly, has been a member of the police force of Moberly for the past ten years and since 1917 has been chief of police. He is a fearless officer with a splen- did record to his credit. Chief Marshall is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of Missouri. He was born in Prairie township, Randolph County, March 30, 1877, ana is a son of Rice and Kate (Harris) Marshall. Rice Marshall was born in Monroe County, Mo., in 1840. He was a farmer and blacksmith and for a number of years conducted a black- smith shop at Renick, Mo. He was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Conferedate army under Gen. Sterling Price about three years and was with his command in Louisiana when the war closed. He died in 284 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1895 and his remains are buried in the Anderson cemetery in Prairie township. Rice Marshall was a son of Wiley Marshall, a Virginian who came to Missouri at a very early date and settled in Monroe County. He spent his latter years in Randolph County with his son and died in Prairie township, where his remains are buried. Kate (Harris) Marshall, mother of Melvin N. Marshall, was born at Renick, Randolph County, in 1850, and now resides on South Williams street, Moberly. She is also' a descendant of a pioneer family of Randolph County. To Rice and Kate (Harris) Marshall were born the following children: Wiley, who occupies the old home place in Prairie township; Claude, principal of West Park school, Moberly; Etha, married Henry Owens, Huntsville; Melvin N;, the subject of this sketch and Fannie, married E. Noel, of Oklahoma City, Okla. Melvin N. Marshall was reared on the home place of Randolph County and received his early education in the public schools of the county and attended the Moberly High School for three years. He then entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and in 1910 was appointed a member of the Moberly police force and in 1917 was elected chief of police, and has since capably served in that capacity. Mr. Marshall was married in 1903 to Miss Anna McGinnis, of Moberly. She is a daughter of Patrick and Martha (Haley) McGinnis. Mrs. McGinnis died in 1915 and her remains are buried in Oakland ceme- tery and Mr. McGinnis now resides in Moberly. Chief Marshall is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights and Ladies of Security and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a capable and effi- cient officer and a citizen of Moberly and Randolph County of high standing. A. B. Rubey, assistant manager for the J. S. Bowers & Son Dry Goods and Clothing Company, has for many years been identified with the mercantile interest of Moberly and has had a life long experience in the mercantile world. He is a native of Ohio and a son of Dr. James and Hannah (Hamilton) Rubey, who moved from Ohio to Union City, Ind., when A. B. Rubey was a boy. His father was a physician and died at the age of 64 years. A. B. Rubey was educated in the public schools of Union City, Ind., and attended the high school there. He began his career as clerk at an early age, clerking at Union City from 1879 to 1886. He then came to HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 285 Moberiy and began clerking in the store of J. S. Bowers. In fact, he had clerked for Mr. Bowers in Indiana. Since coming to Moberiy, he has been in the employ of J. S. Bowers and Son. Mr. Rubey was married in 1890 to Miss Alva Walden, of Moberiy. She is a daughter of Z. and Elizabeth (Frazier) Walden. To Mr. and Mrs. Rubey have been born one son, William W., who is a graduate of the Missouri University at Columbia with the degree of A. B. He is a graduate of the Moberiy High School. During the World War, he en- listed in the Aviation Corps of the United States army at St. Louis and was at home under orders waiting a call to the service when the armistice was signed. Mr. Rubey is one of the public spirited citizens of Moberiy and for the past 25 years he has been one of the prime movers in promoting the public library of this city and is now the president of the library board. He was a member of that board when the library building was erected and has always been an untiring worker in behalf of the public library. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Modern Woodmen of America, the National Union and is one of the progressive citizens of Moberiy. Mr. Rubey is a member of the Masonic Lodge. William D. Scampton, secretary and treasurer of the Milbank-Scamp- ton Milling Company, is at the head of one of Moberly's important in- dustrial concerns. This company has been doing business here for over 20 years, and from 1899 until 1904 it was conducted by Milbank and Scampton as a partnershihp and in 1904 was incorporated. The plant is located at 318 North Clark street, the site having been purchased from F. D. Crow. The mill building is 40x60 feet with an engine room 30x40. The building has two stories and a basement and there is alsp a large warehouse, 50x50 feet, adjoining. The daily capacity is about 100 barrels of flour and 200 barrels of meal and is operated on a mer- chant milling basis, scarcely any custom grinding being done. William D. Scampton was bom in Madison, Wis., in Dec. 12, 1863, and is a son of D. J. and Anna E. (Hart) Scampton. The father died in Madison, Wis., at the age of 63 years, after having spent his life in that state. He served in the Union army during the Civil War, hav- ing enlisted at Madison in Company E., 47th Regiment, Wisconsin Volun- teer Infantry. Upon the organization of his company he was first lieu- tenant and during the course of his military career was promoted to cap- tain and was serving in that capacity when the war closed. He served about three years. 286 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William D. Scampton was reared in Madison, Wis., and after receiv- ing a good preliminary education in the public schools, he attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison for two years. Shortly after leaving the university he engaged in railroading, entering the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and was thus employed until 1898. During the last ten years of his railroad experience he was a locomotive engineer. In 1899, he engaged in the milling business at Moberly in partnership with George Milbank and this partnership con- tinued until the death of Mr. Milbank in 1904, when the business was incorporated and since when has been operated as an incorporated com- pany. Mr Scampton was married Sept. 17, 1896, to Miss Lucy Milbank, of Chillicothe, Mo. She is a daughter of George and Nellie Milbank, the former a native of Essex, England, and the latter of Virginia. George Milbank was the partner of Mr. Scampton in the milling business until the time of his death. To George and Nellie Milbank were born the fol- lowing children: J. T., Chillicothe; C. R., Kirksville; H. H., Wichita,, Kan.; Mrs. W. E. Ci^eUin, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. T. F. Fulkerson, Kan- sas City, Mo., and Mrs. William D. Scampton, of this review. Mr. Scampton is a member of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce, the T. P. A., and he is a Knights Templar Mason. He is one of the suc- cessful business men of Moberly who has made substantial progress in the business world. Frank Q. McAfee. — The McAfee Mill and Commission Company of Moberly of Avhich Frank C. McAfee is owner and proprietor, began busi- ness in this city in 1896 and has been at its present location, the comer of Clark and Rollins streets since 1908. There are ten men employed in connection with this business which consists of dealing in grain and grinding wheat, corn and feed cereals and also the manufacture of patent stock foods. The mill has a capacity of about 25 barrels of flour and 100 barrels of peal daily. Besides the grinding and manufacturing a gen- eral wholesale business is also carried on in flour, feed, hay and grain. Frank C. McAfee, proprietor of the McAfee Mill and Commission Company, was bom in Lafayette County, April 11, 1875. He is the son of George L. and Julia A. (Smith) McAfee, both of whom are now de- ceased. George L. McAfee was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1852 and came to Missouri in 1872, locating near Holliday, Monroe County. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 287 There he was married to Julia A. Smith and moved to Lafayette County when he returned to Monroe County where he died and is buried at Paris. After his death his wife married Thomas E. Crow of Monroe County and later came to Moberly where she died in 1917 and her remains are buried in Oakland Cemetery. The children born to her second mar- riage are William B. and Thomas E. junior both of whom are connected with the McAfee Mill and Commission Company; Nellie E. married Ray Coons of Houston, Texas and Isabell married Roy Prather of Kansas City, who is with the Fidelity Trust Company of Kansas City. Frank C. McAfee was educated in the public schools and the Moberly High School and in 1896 organized the McAfee Mill and Commission Com- pany and has conducted that business till the present time. This busij ness has expanded under his management until there are now eight branches of the business located in various sections of the state. One at Brunswick has an elevator capacity of 30,000 bushels. Their elevator at Huntsville, which was completed in the fall of 1919, is strictly modern and one of the best in the country, has a capacity of 10,000 bushels. The Randolph Milling Company, a corporation owned by the McAfee family has a daily capacity of 50 barrels of flour. The Holliday elevator was completed in 1919 and has a capacity of 6,000 bushels. Frank C. McAfee's father, George L. McAfee, began farming in Monroe County years ago, within a 100 yards of where this elevator now stands. The City Feed Store of Paris, Mo., is a branch of the McAfee business and they also have a store at Madison, Mo. and one at Jacksonville. F. C. McAfee also con- ducts an automobile sales agency at 112 Rollins street, Moberly and handles the Studebaker, Cadillac and Brisco automobiles and also trucks and tractors. This business was started in 1917 and in 1919, 63 cars were sold. Mr. McAfee also owns valuable real estate interests in Moberly and vicinity. Mr. McAfee was maried April 21, 1898 to Miss Letha G. Smothers, of Randolph County, a daughter of Daniel Smothers who is now deceased and his widow resides in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. McAfee have been born two children: Louise and Gertrude who reside at home with their parents. Mr. McAfee and his family are members of the Central Christian church. HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 289 To Mr. and Mrs. John C. O'Keefe have been born the following children: Mary Margaret, a student of Marymount College; John C, Jr., a student in Georgetown University; Helen, a student in Loretta College, St. Louis, Mo.; Frank and Arthur, at home. Mr. O'Keefe takes an active interest in local progressive movement for the improvement and upbuilding of Moberly and was one of the leading factors in the organization of the Moberly Commercial Club, which later developed into the Chamber of Commerce. While he has been interested and active in local affairs of a public nature, he has per- sistently refused to become a candidate for- city office of any kind, al- though frequently urged to do so. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus* the Country Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. William P. O'Keefe, of the O'Keefe Brothers Wholesale Grocery Com- pany of Moberly, Mo. was bom in Susquehanna County, Pa., Dec. 27, 1865 and is a son of William and Margaret (O'Connell) O'Keefe, early settlers of Randolph County both of whom are now deceased. A more extensive history of the O'Keefe family appears in connection with the sketches of Arthur O'Keefe and John C. O'Keefe in this volume. William P. O'Keefe came to Randolph County with his parents when he was a child and attended the public schools in the vicinity of Renick where the family first settled, and later in Moberly. He also took a com- mercial course in S. M. Crawford's Business College at Moberly. He then learned the blacksmith trade in the Wabash railroad shops and in 1892 became identified with the O'Keefe Brothers Grocery Company and since that time has been actively associated with that company. Mr. O'Keefe was married in 1901 to Miss Eliza McKinna of St. Louis, Mo. She is a daughter of John and Catherine McKinna, the former of whom is now deceased and the latter resides in St. Louis. The McKinnas belong to some of the pioneer families of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe have been bom four children as follows: Catherine, William, Mary and Eleapor. Mr. O'Keefe is a Democrat and takes a keen interest and an active part in political matters. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Chamber of Commerce, and is recognized as one of Moberly's substantial and enterprising business men. The O'Keefe home is located at 615 S. Fifth street. 288 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY John C. O'Keefe, president of the O'Keefe Brothers' Grocery Com- pany, of Moberly, is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of l^oberly and Randolph County. He was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., Aug. 7, 1859, and is a son of William and Margaret (O'Connel) O'Keefe, early settlers of Randolph County, who are now deceased and further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of Arthur O'Keefe in this volume. John C. O'Keefe came to Randolph County with his parents in 1862, when he was about 3 years of age. The family first settled in Renick and here John C. O'Keefe attended school during the winter terms and worked in the stores of Renick in summer. The first school which he attended was held in a primitive log school house and he recalled Ben- jamin Ashcomb as being a first teacher, a pioneer teacher of Randolph County who died a few years ago and his widow now lives at Hunts- ville. The O'Keefe family moved to Moberly in 1872, where the father engaged in railroad work. Here Arthur O'Keefe engaged in retail gro- cery business in 1879 and was joined by John C. later. The business at first was conducted as a retail grocery, but later developed into a wholesale grocery house. John C. was Secretary and treasurer of the company for a time and afterwards became president and has occupied that position to the present time. The O'Keefe Brothers Grocery Com- pany does an extensive business in this section of the state, their busi- ness extending over eight counties, north of the Missouri River, in which they are represented by six traveling salesmen. In 1919 their business exceeded $800,000. John C. O'Keefe was married June 16, 1897, to Miss Margaret G. Haggerty, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Cunningham) Haggerty, of Moberly. Frank Haggerty was one of the early settlers of Moberly and one of the pioneer merchants of this city. He was bom in Ireland in 1849 and came to America about 1867, first locating at Memphis, Tenn. In 1872, he came to Moberly and engaged in the grocery business. He was successful in business, public spirited and had much to do with the development and upbuilding of Moberly. He built the Haggerty Opera House which was the only opera house in Moberly for many years. It is now known as the Lyric Hall. Mr. Haggerty was engaged in business here until about 1910, and in 1914 went to California and now resides in Los Angeles. His wife died in 1883 and her remains were buried in St. Mary's Cemetery Moberly. JOHN C. O'KEEFE HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 289 To Mr. and Mrs. John C. O'Keefe have been born the following children: Mary Margaret, a student of Marymount College; John C, Jr., a student in Georgetown University; Helen, a student in Loretta College, St. Louis, Mo.; Frank and Arthur, at home. Mr. O'Keefe takes an active interest in local progressive movement for the improvement and upbuilding of Moberly and was one of the leading factors in the organization of the Moberly Commercial Club, which later developed into the Chamber of Commerce. While he has been interested and active in local affairs of a public nature, he has per- sistently refused to become a candidate for. city office of any kind, al- though frequently urged to do so. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus* the Country Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. William P. O'Keefe, of the O'Keefe Brothers Wholesale Grocery Com- pany of Moberly, Mo. was bom in Susquehanna County, Pa., Dec. 27, 1865 and is a son of William and Margaret (O'Connell) O'Keefe, early settlers of Randolph County both of whom are now deceased. A more extensive history of the O'Keefe family appears in connection with the sketches of Arthur O'Keefe and John C. O'Keefe in this volume. William P. O'Keefe came to Randolph County with his parents when he was a child and attended the public schools in the vicinity of Renick where the family first settled, and later in Moberly. He also took a com- mercial course in S. M. Crawford's Business College at Moberly. He then learned the blacksmith trade in the Wabash railroad shops and in 1892 became identified with the O'Keefe Brothers Grocery Company and since ttiat time has been actively associated with that company. Mr. O'Keefe was married in 1901 to Miss Eliza McKinna of St. Louis, Mo. She is a daughter of John and Catherine McKinna, the former of whom is now deceased and the latter resides in St. Louis. The McKinnas belong to some of the pioneer families of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe have been bom four children as follows: Catherine, William, Mary and Eleapor. Mr. O'Keefe is a Democrat and takes a keen interest and an active part in political matters. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Chamber of Commerce, and is recognized as one of Moberly's substantial and enterprising business men. The O'Keefe home is located at 615 S. Fifth street. 290 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Joseph F. O'Keefe, secretary of the O'Keefe Brothers Wholesale Grocery Company, of Moberly, is one of the progressive business men of Moberly and Randolph County. He was born at Davenport, Iowa, in 1864 and is the son of William and Margaret (O'Connell) O'Keefe, a more extensive history of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Joseph F. O'Keefe was educated in the public schools of Randolph County and has spent his life in the grocery business in one capacity or another. He began his experience in that business driving a delivery wagon for the O'Keefe Brothers grocery, back in the days when this firm conducted a retail grocery business. He now divides his time between the office and outside as salesman. Mr. O'Keefe is unmarried and resides with his sisters at 605 South Fifth street, Moberly, Mo. He is a member of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. He is a live business man and has an extensive acquaintance throughout central Missouri. Dr. Charles L. Dodson, a well known and successful physician and surgeon of Moberly, Mo., is a native of this state. Doctor Dodson was born in Adair County, Mo., July 26, 1878, and is the son of Perry M. and Rose Ann (Stukey) Dodson. Perry M. Dodson was also born in Adair County, Mo., and during the early part of his life he was engaged in farming pursuits. In 1898 he engaged in the real estate and loan busi- ness at Kirksville, Mo. and followed that vocation until the time of his death in 1917 ; he was 64 years old. His wife died at the age of 47 years and their remains are buried at Millard, Mo. They were the parents of two children: Dr. Charles L., the subject of this review, and Lena Pearl who married Albert B. Fish, of Sapulpa, Okla. Dr. Charles L. Dodson received a good preliminary education in the public schools and then took a course in the State Normal School at Kirks- ville, Mo., and was graduated from that institution in 1899. He then entered the American School of Osteopathy and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy in the class of 1901. Later, Dr. Dodson entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Mo., where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. He engaged in the practice at Huntsville at first, and in 1905 came to Moberly which has since been the scene of his professional activity. He is a capable physician and with his knowledge of both the science of osteopathy and medicine as well as surgery he is well equipped for the wide field which his general practice embraces. Since coming to Moberly, he has built up a large practice and stands high in the community. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 291 Dr. Dodson was married Dec. 15, 1901, to Miss Cordelia Beall. She is a daughter of Lee J. and Hannah (Armstrong) Beall. Lee J. Beall was a native of Ohio and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He and his wife are both deceased. To Dr. and Mrs. Dodson have been born one child, Mary, who is now a student in the Moberly High School.' Dr. Dodson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. T. R. Fiorlta, of Moberly, has had a successful business career and is an example of what can be accomplished by thrift and industry, coupled with the determination to succeed. He is a native of the Island of Sicily and was bom July 24, 1877. He is the son of Charles Fiorita who lived for a time at Des Moines, Iowa, and was engaged in the wholesale fruit business. He lived in Kansas City, Mo., where he died in 1916 and his widow resides in that city. T. R. Fiorita came to America with his parents who first located at Des Moines, Iowa. He came to Moberly in June, 1899 and at that time, just 21 years ago, his entire capital consisted of $71.00 He first engaged in the fruit business and a short time afterwards added candies and ice cream to his business, making his own candy and ice cream. About ten years later he bought a saloon which he conducted until July 1, 1919. During the course of his business career Mr. Fiorita worked hard and saved his money which he invested carefully. He became prosperous and today is an extensive land owner, besides the owner of valuable property in the city of Moberly, including his residence and a business block at 118 Reed street. He is the owner of about 1,20€ acres of land, 685 acres at Clapper, 252 in Audrain County, near Mexico, and 240 acres near Higbee, Randolph County. He leases two of his farms and has a tenant on the other 685 acre place which he operates under his own supervision. This place is well stocked and he is extensively engaged in breeding registered Duroc Jersey hogs and registered Jersey cattle and also conducts a dairy there. Mr. Fiorita was united in marriage at Atlantic, Iowa, to Miss Ida M. Sanford, a native of that place. To Mr. and Mrs. Fiorita have been born two children: Nina, a student in Linwood College at St. Charles, Mo., and Charles, who is at home with his parents. Mr. Fiorita is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. Dr, Stephen T. Ragan, a prominent physician, who is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Moberly, Mo., is a native of 292 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY this state, and is a member' of a pioneer Missouri family. Dr. Ragan was born in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 24, 1888, and is a son of Dr. Stephen and Luvena (Duncan) Ragan.' The mother died in 1911 and the father is engaged in the practice of medicine, in Kansas City. He was born in Gracon County, Texas, in 1864. He is a graduate of the Kansas City Medical College, and for 27 years has been engaged in the practice of his profession in that city. During the World War, he enhsted for service and did volunteer work for the government in Kansas City, until 1918 when he was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. and was in the service until the close of the war. He is a son of Stephen C. Ragan and Josephine (Chiles) Ragan. Stephen T. Ragan was a very early pioneer of Jackson County, Mo., and served as county marshal there and Josephine (Chiles) Ragan, was a member of one of the pioneer families of that county, several members of which are now prominent in the affairs of Jackson County. Dr. Stephen T. Ragan, the subject of this sketch, has one brother. Dr. Walter H. Ragan, who is a practicing dentist in Kansas City, Mo. During the World War, he served with the Dental Corps, having enlisted in 1917, he was stationed at Fort Douglas, Arizona. Dr. Stephen T. Ragan received a good education in the public schools at Kansas City and then entered the University Medical College of Kan- sas City, where he was graduated in the class of 1911. He then practiced medicine in Macon County until 1915. He then served an internship in a Kansas City hospital and then took post graduate course in Chicago and engaged in the practice at Moberly, Mo., in August, 1916, and when the United States entered the World War, he volunteered his services in April, 1917, and was called into service Aug. 1, 1917, and sent to London, England, where he was attached to the British Army. He served one year in London and four months in Belgium. He then was taken sick with trench fever and after being confined to a hospital for two months, he returned to duty and served for five months at St. Albans, England. He was overseas for 22 months and was one of the first three men to go overseas from Randolph County. He was mustered out of service at Camp Dix, New Jersey, in May, 1919. After his discharge from the army, Dr. Ragan resumed his practice at Moberly and is one of the- successful physicians of Randolph County. Jim W. Holman, of the Peoples Steam Laundry, is one of the enter- prising and successful citizens of Moberly and the Peoples Steam Laundry HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 293 occupies a position among the leading industrial institutions of this char- acter in the state. The plant is located at 100 North Williams street and is equipped with all modem machinery and appliances for handling a general laundry business on a large scale. They employ 35 people and have an extensive business. The Peoples Laundry has won a well merited reputation for promptness and excellency of workmanship. Jim W. Holman is a native of Moberly and a son of H. Frank and Linda (St. Clair) Holman of Moberly. H. Frank Holman is also a native of Randolph County and is the senior partner of the Peoples Laundry Company and founded the business in 1898. A sketch, of him appears in this volume. Jim W. Holman was educated in the public schools of Moberly and at- tended the Moberly High School. He later attended the Piitchett Col- lege which was conducted by U. S. Hall, at Glasgow and afterwards at- tended Westminster College at Fulton, Mo. After completing school in 1909 he entered the laundry business at Moberly in partnership with his father and since that time has devoted his attention to that business. Mr. Holman was united in marriage Sept. 30, 1915 with Miss Pearle M. Wilhite of Blytheville, Ark. She is a daughter of John F. and Laura Wilhite, the latter of whom is deceased and the father resides at Blythe- ville, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Holman reside at Ui'bandale, a suburb adjoining Moberly, where Mr. Holman is also interested quite extensively in poultry raising. For the past three years he has been a successful breeder of single comb Rhode Island Red chickens, of the standard bred variety. He now has about 135 hens, the breed of which is of the highest strain obtainable. He is also a breeder of pure bred Pointer dogs which bring a good price. He has sold dogs in all parts of the country. Mr. Holman is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has a wide acquaintance in Randolph County where he stands high. May J. Tedford, a well known and successful insurance man of Moberly is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of some of the very early pioneers of this section of the state. He was born in Sugar Creek township, Feb. 22, 1869 and is a son of Frank and Mary Virginia (Baird) Tedford. J. Frank Tedford, was also born in Sugar Creek township March 28, 1843, a son of pioneer parents. During the Civil War he enlisted in the 294 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Confederate army and served with General Price. Randolph County has been his home practically all his life. He furnished ties for the Wabash railroad when it was being constructed in this vicinity. He now resides at 112 Kirby street, Moberly. His mother, Catherine Hannah Tedford, was a native of Tennessee and came to Randolph with her parents about 1807. They settled in what later became Sugar Creek township and were among the very first settlers of this part of the state. They were the organizers of Sugar Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the first meeting being held in the home of Andrew Hannah, the father of Cath- erine (Hannah) Tedford. Andrew Hannah and his wife spent the re- mainder of their lives in Randolph County, after coming here, and their remains are buried in Sugar Creek Cemetery which perhaps is the oldest regularly established cemetery in Randolph County. Mary Virginia Baird, mother of May J. Tedford of this review, was born in Pennsylvania in 1850 and came to Randolph County with her parents, J. C. and Almina Baird who settled in Sugar Creek township shortly after the close of the Civil War. To J. Frank and Mary Virginia (Baird) Tedford were born the following children: May J., the subject of this sketch; Fred H., who is engaged in the hotel business at Kansas City ; Allie, married N. C. Figley, of Los Angeles, Cal. May J. Tedford received his education in the district schools of Sugar Creek township and the Moberly public schools. In 1893 he was elected collector of the city of Moberly and reelected in 1895 and in 1897, serving six years in that office. He was then engaged in farming and stock rais- ing for four years when he engaged in the insurance business in Moberly and since that time has successfully devoted himself to that field of endeavor. Mr. Tedford was married in 1899 to Mrs. Ida L. (Elsea) Last, of Moberly, Mo. They have one son, John Elsea, a student in the Moberly High School. E. G. Rupp, a well known citizen of Moberly, who is an extensive dealer in coal, wood, sand, crushed stone and junk is a native of Illinois. He was bom at Quincy, 111. and is the son of F. J. and Hannah Rupp. The mother died at Moberly in 1900, and the father now resides in this city. They were the parents of the following children: William, Moberly, Mo.; Mary Hannah, Pawhauska, Okla.; Clara, Tulsa, Okla.; Helen, and Agnes married Elsworth Warner of Moberly, Mo. and E. G., the subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 295 F. J. Rupp came to Moberly with his family and about a year later began to deal in junk and shortly afterwards engaged in the poultry busi- ness, handling poultry in carload lots. After a time he sold his poultry business and engaged in the grocery business which after a time he sold. However, he continued to handle junk after first engaging in that business. E. G. Rupp was educated in the Loretta Academy at Moberly and was reared to a practical knowledge of his father's business, beginning work with his father when he was 12 years. In 1911, he bought his father out, and since that time he has conducted the business which has developed into large proportions. He has several branches and handles over 150 carloads annually of junk, alone, which is a large business in itself, to say nothing of the other commodities in which he deals. Mr. Rupp is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He is a progressive citizen and one of the substantial citizens of Moberly and Randolph County. August Merck, now living retired at his home in Moberly, is one of the pioneer business men of Randolph County and for many years was successfully engaged in the bakery business at Moberly. He is a native of Illinois and was bom at Bellville, 111., Feb. 23, 1851, and is a son of Charles and Louise (Knoell) Merck, very early pioneer settlers of Bell- ville, 111., who are both now deceased. The mother died in 1852 and the father departed this life in 1881 and their remains are buried at Bell- ville. They emigrated to America in 1833 from Kreuznath, Germany, both coming on the same sailing vessel and were married some time after reaching America. The voyage across the ocean required three months, which was about the average time that it took a sailing vessel to make the trip in those days. Charles Merck was a son of Carl Merck, .who was a forest overseer under the Napoleon the First. After reaching this country, Charles Merck was married and settled at Bellville, 111. He had learned -the baker's trade in his native land and established a bakery at Belleville, which he conducted throughout the re- mainder of his life and this business is still being carried on by the widow of his son, Charles, Jr. It was established over 87 years ago. Charles Merck, the father of August Merck, lived at Bellville during the Civil War, and was a strong supporter of the Union, although he was always a Democrat and an enthusiastic supporter of Stephen A. Douglas. August Merck was one of seven children born to his parents and is the only one now living. He was /reared in Bellville, 111. and educated 296 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in the public schools there. In early life, he learned the baker's trade with his partner. In 1878, he came to Moberly and bought out the bakery here which was owned by William Radell, who was one of the first bakers of Moberly; this bakery was located in the 200 block on North Clark sti"eet. It was afterwards moved to Williams street and later to Reed street, where Mr. Merck conducted the bakery business until 1898. August Merck was united in marriage Feb. 11, 1880 to Miss Mary Kaufman of Illinois, a daughter of John Kaufman. To Mr. and Mrs. Merck have been born four children as follow: John, a barber living in Moberly ; Arthur, an employe of the Cotton Belt Railroad Company, Little Rock, Ark.; Edwin, a tailor, Moberly, Mo.; August, Jr. chief clerk for Superintendent Greenland of the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Merck is a member of the Court of Honor and one of the highly respected and substantial pioneer citizens of Randolph County. James Thomas Cross, of the J. T. Cross Lumber Company, is the present mayor of the city of Moberly and a representative progressive business man of Randolph County. He is a native of Randolph. County and a descendant of a pioneer family of this state. Mr. Cross was born on a farm adjoining the town site of Clark, Mo., Aug. 6, 1856, and is a son of William B. and Mary (Shores) Cross, both natives of Howard County, Mo. William B. Cross was a son of John Cross, a Kentuckian, who came to Missouri and settled in Howard County at a very early day and spent the remainder of his life there. His remains are buried in a privkte cemetery on the old Cross homestead near Armstrong, Mo. William B. Cross grew to manhood in Howard County, and after his mar- riage, settled on a farm in Randolph County near Clark, and he and his wife, spent the remainder of their lives in this county and their remains are buried in Chapel Grove Cemetery. William B. and Mary (Shores) Cross were the parents of the follow- ing children: J. N., Modesto, Calif.; Mrs. Susan Martin, died at Clark, Mo.; James Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Anna, died at age of 7 years; Clay, residfes at Clark, Mo.; Mrs. Cornelia Trailkill, Clark, Mo.; Mollie, married Dr. R. A. Wood, Clark, Mo. ; Samuel, Clark, Mo. ; Marvin, Clark, Mo.; and Charles, died at the age of 16 years. James T. Cross attended the public schools of his neighborhood and then entered the Missouri University at Columbia, where he was grad- uated in the class of 1881. He devoted a number of years to teaching in early life and was recognized as one of the successful educators in .1 T. CROSS HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 297 central Missouri. During this course of his career as teacher, he was principal of the public schools at Renick, Sturgeon and Brunswick, Mo. He then accepted the position as manager for the Flagg Lumber Com- pany at Clark and New Franklin and was thus engaged until 1907. He then came to Moberly and purchased the Eberhardt Lumber Yard, which was located on North William street. Shortly afterwards, he bought property on North Clark street and organized the J. T. Cross Lumber Com- pany in partnership with R. L. Kingsbury, and they have conducted the business to the present time and have met with unquaMed success. The J. T. Cross Lumber Company is one of the substantial business insti- tutions of Randolph County and does an extensive business. Their offices and lumber yard are located at 311 to 323 North Clark street. They carry a large stock of lumber and various building materials, including almost everything ordinarily required in the building trades. May 28, 1893, James T. Cross was united in marriage with Miss Cora Woods of Boone County, Mo. She is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Woods, the former of whom is now deceased and the mother resides at Sturgeon, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Cross were bom two children, Harold and Hildah, twins, who died at the age of six months. Mr. Cross has ever taken a commendable interest in public affairs and while a resident of New Franklin he served as president of the school board; also president of the building and loan association.' In 1919, he was elected mayor of Moberly. He is giving Moberly a good, clean busi- ness administration — a business administration by a business man — which is a refreshing condition in this age of a multitude of untried theories and isms in municipal government. Mr. Cross has a wide acquaintance in this section of the state and ranks high. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. James R. O'Brian, truckman at the Wabash shops, Moberly, Mo., was bom at Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Va., Sept. 20, 1870 and. is a son of Hugh and Mary E. (Kilby) O'Brian. Hugh O'Brian came to Missouri with his family in 1878 when James R. of this review was only eight years old. They settled in Howard County where the father bought a farm from Thomas Ray and here he was engaged in farming and stock raising and met with success. He and his wife both spent the remainder of their lives in Howard County. His remains are buried in the Gilliard Church Cemetery and his wife is buried at Bethel Church. They were the parents of the following chil- 298 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY dren: James R., the subject of this sketch; William, Houston, Texas; Emmet, Fort Worth, Texas; Earnest and Ed H., twins, the former of whom resides at Fort Worth, Texas and the latter on the home farm in Howard County; and Mrs. Letita Shaw, of Montrose, Ark. James R. O'Brian was reared on the home farm in Howard County and attended the Hocker School in Howard County and also studied under Professor Cockrell at Fayette, Mo. He followed farming until Feb. 14, 1901 when he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and for the past 12 years has been truck foreman in the shops of this com- pany at Moberly and has under his charge from six to ten men. In 1919, he was returned to truckman and is not foreman. Mr. O'Brian is an efficient employee and a substantial representative citizen of Moberly. He owns a comfortable modem home at 546 Johnson street where he and his family reside. Mr. O'Brian was married Dec. 19, 1893 to Miss Mattie Doherty of Howard County, Mo. She is the daughter of Robert and Martha (Ball) Doherty, who reside on their farm of 263 acres in Howard County. They are the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mae Graps; Mrs. Eula Roberts; Mrs. Olde O'Brian, all of whom reside in Howard County; Mrs. James R. O'Brian of this review and Richard Doherty who died in Sep- tember, 1905 and is buried at New Hope Church. To Mr. ^and Mrs. James R. O^Brian have been bom the following children: Ethel, married Earnest Myers of, Fall City, Neb.; Orvil O'Brian who is connected with the Exchange Bank of Kansas City, Mo. ; and Mary Bell at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brian are members of the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Court of Honor and she is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Mr. O'Brian holds member- ship in the B. R. C. of America. Hartley A. McCoy, chief clerk to the master mechanic of the Wabash Railroad at Moberly, Mo., is one of the well known and substantial citizens of Randolph County. Mr. McCoy was bom at Ottumwa, Iowa, Nov. 8, 1875, and is the son of Alexander Brown and Jennie Elizabeth (Thomp- son) McCoy, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Tennessee. The mother was accidentally killed at the Coates street railroad crossing in Moberly in 1903 and her remains rest in Oakland Cemetery and the father of whom a sketch appears in this volume resides in Moberly. He is now county judge of Randolph County from the western district. To Alexander Brown and Jennie Elizabeth (Thompson) McCoy were born HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 299 the following children: Hartley A., the subject of this sketch, and Bertha who married William Stephens, Sedalia, Mo. Hartley A. McCoy came to Moberly with his parents and was edu- cated in the public schools here. He has made his own way since he was 16 years old, beginning as an office boy in the general forertian's office of the Wabash machine shops at Moberly. He then served three years apprenticeship as a pattern maker and then entered the master ca*" builder's office at Moberly in a clerical capacity and on Jan. 1, 1913, he became chief clerk to the master mechanic and has since served in that capacity. Mr. McCoy has had a vast amount of experience and is one of the valued and trusted employees of the Wabash Railroad Company, hav- ing been steadily in the employ of this company since 1891. Mr. McCoy is a member of the National Union, Modem Woodmen of America and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. McCoy and his daughter, Louise, who is a graduate of the Moberly High School, re- side with Mr. McCoy's father at 320 Burkhart street, Moberly, Mo. H. A. Grimes, payroll clerk of the Wabash Railroad Company, is one of the well and favorably known citizens of Moberly and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born just east of Moberly near the city limits Nov. 12, 1861 and is the son of W. G. and Virginia F. (Terrill) Grimes both of whom are deceased. W. G. Grimes was a native of Virginia and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Randolph County, east of Moberly where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. W. G. Grimes was reared to farm life and followed farming and the dairy business and also worked at the carpenter trade. Later he conducted a grocery store in Moberly. He died at the age of 77 years and Lis wife died at the age of 72 years. They were the parents of the following children: H. A., the subject of this sketch; Minta Grimes, who resides in Moberly; Mrs. Annie Garrett lives in Monroe County, Mo. ; Henrietta, died in infancy ; James was a locomotive engineer and died at Moberly at the age of 40 years; Mrs. Lena L. Thackston, Moberly, Mo.; Lucretia, married Omar Martin. H. A. Grimes was reared in Randolph County and educated in the public schools and graduated from the Moberly High School in 1880. He and W. A. Rothwell who is now deceased were the first two graduates from the 'Moberly High School. Mr. Rothwell was later prominent in the affairs of Randolph County and a leading Democrat of the state. He served as chairman of the State Democratic Committee. At one time he was a law partner of Alex H. Waller the editor of this history. 300 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY After completing school Mr. Grimes became a clerk in the clothing store of A. B. Thompson and Company of Moberly and was in the employ of that concern for 12 years. He then was employed by the Martin Cloth- ing Company for a time and for two years clerked in a grocery store. He then served as constable and deputy sheriff for four years. In April, 1904, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as clerk and timekeeper and in March, 1913, he was promoted to payroll clerk and has held that position to the present time. Mr. Grimes is capable and efficient and a conscientious employee. Mr. Grimes was married in 1885 to Miss Betty Barnes of Moberly who departed this life in February, 1913 and her remains are buried in Oakland Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Grimes were bom two children: Lena, married J. J. Dameron, of Kansas City, Mo., and they have one child, Elizabeth Dameron; and Opal married I. E. McCabe, of Moberly, Mo. Mr. Grimes is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Randolph County. Paul S. Witten, a veteran of the World War and the first commander of Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6, American Legion, of which he is a charter member, is a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of Missouri. He was born in Moberly, Jan. 21, 1891, the son of Thomas R. and Laura E. (Nichols) Witten. Thomas R. Witten was born in Grundy County, Mo. and was killed in a railroad accident at Benton City, Mo., Dec. 24, 1905, at the age of 44 years. He was a son of Samuel Witten, a Kentuckian, who came to Mis- souri at a very early date and settled in Grundy County, where he entered government land. Laura E. (Nichols) Witten, mother of Paul S. Witten now resides in Moberly. She is a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of Missouri. Her father served in the Mexican War under Colonel Donaphin, having volunteered with the Missouri troops which were com- manded by Donaphin. He was the standard bearer and the ilag which he carried in the Mexican War is now in possession of his descendants. He was one of the first graduates of the University of Missouri. He was a farmer and merchant and after the Civil War he was engaged in business at Edinburgh, Mo. Paul S. Witten is one of two sons born to his parents. The other son, Guy, died at the age of 29 years and his remains and also the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 301 father's are buried in the Perry Cemetery at Trenton, Mo. Paul S. Wit- ten was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Moberly High School in 1909. He then entered the employ of Doctor Harlan, a druggist of Moberly, and later was in the employ of W. 0. Baker, of Centralia, Mo., and at the death of his brother he returned to Moberly and was in the employ of John F. Curry for three years when be became a partner in the business and had been thus interested for two years when the United States entered the World War. Mr. Witten then sold his interest in the business and on Dec. 14, 1917 he enlisted in the United States Army and the Medical Corps at St. Louis, Mo. He was with the Medical Supply Depot at St. Louis for a time when he was sent to New- port News and after one months training was sent to France with Field Medical Supply Company No. 9, arriving in France, Oct. 10, 1918. He was stationed on the front at St. Mazaire, France, and then sent to Tours, the S. 0. S. headquarters and from there to Gievi'ers and was stationed at the latter place until May, 1919, when he was returned to the United States and received his honorable discharge after being in the service about 18 months. He returned to Moberly and shortly afterwards entered the employ of the Taylor Music Company. Mr. Witten is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the American Legion and is a Knights Templar Mason and a mem- ber of the Shrine. He is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Randolph County. A. W. Jones, of the firm of Jones and Hale Grocery Company, has been a resident of Moberly for 37 years and since 1919 has been in the grocery business with Mrs. Nellie B. Hale, his sister-in-law. A. W. Jones was bom in Howard County, Mo., Jan. 2, 1868 and was the only child born to Dr. George W. and Nancy (Lynch) Jones. Dr. George W. Jones, the father, was a native of Salem County, N. J., and his wife was born in Macon County, Mo. Doctor Jones came to Missouri in 1866, and settled, near Bunker Hill, Howard County, where he lived until 1874, when he removed to Saline County, Mo. Seven years later he went to Cunningham, Chariton County and in 1883 the family settled in Moberly. A. W. Jones was educated in the public schools of this state and in early life worked at his trade as coach painter for the Wabash Railroad Company for 13 years. He lost his eyesight in 1905 and shortly after- wards engaged in the grocery business. Notwithstanding the great 302 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY handicap under which Mr. Jones labored he has been unusually successful in business and the firm is one of the prosperous and well conducted retail establishments " of this city. The store is located at 1120 Myra street. Mr. Jones is assisted in the store by his wife and sister-in-law and Mrs. Hale and they handle a large volume of business. The store building is 20x75 feet and a barn 22x32 in the rear is utilized as a storage warehouse and the Jones residence is located next to the store. The Jones residence is one of the comfortable and well arranged homes of the city. It is equipped with all modem improvements and was built in 1915. A. W. Jones was married Nov. 23, 1897, to Miss Eosa M. Neth of Moberly. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Gingrich) Neth, the former a native of Germany who came to America when he was 13 years of age and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in * Hannibal, Mo., Nov. 28, 1869, and came to Moberly in 1871 and now reside in this city. John Neth was one of the first cigar manufacturers in Moberly. He engaged in manufacturing cigars here March 7, 1871 and during his active career did an extensive business. He, made the famous "Moss Agate" cigar. Joseph M. Gingrich, grandfather of Mrs. Jones, was also a pioneer settler of this city. He came here April 8, 1868 and was foreman of the first railroad repair shop here. The shop was located on the present site of the Young Mens Christian Association building. He bought the first musical instrument in Moberly. It was a melodeon and is now in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. John Neth. Mr. Gingrich died June 15, 1916. Mrs. Rosa M. (Neth) Jones is one of the following children born to her parents: Rosa M., wife of A. W. Jones, of this review; Mrs. C. A. Woodington, Moberly; Mrs. W. P. Vandergrift, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. G. G. Levick; Mrs. H. B. Hale; Mrs. Charles Kelly; John Neth; Mrs. James Sincoe and Mrs. Paul Hackett, all of whom reside in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born two children: Alline N. and Rosanna. Leslie G. Burklund, a leading jeweler of Moberly who is proprietor of one of Moberly 's best jewelry stores located at 314 West Reed street has been engaged in business at this location since May 4, 1916. Mr. Burklund was bom at Osage City, Kan., April 27, 1887 and is the son of Giis Burklund and Elizabeth (Robbins) Burklund, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a pioneer of Rock Island, 111., and was a jeweler HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 303 by trade. He died at Osage City, Kan., in 1903. His wife who was a native of Jacksonville, 111., died at Osage City, Kan., in 1893 and their remains are buried at Moline, 111. They were the parents of two children : Leslie G., whose name introduces this review and Almeda Burklund who resides at Boise, Idaho. Leslie G. Burklund received his education in the public schools of Osage City, Kan., and in 1903 began an apprenticeship at the jewelers and watchmakers trade at Moline, 111., and afterwards worked at his trade in Chicago and Kansas City, Mo., and in 1916 engaged in business in Moberly and since coming here has met with satisfactory success and built up a large trade. He carries a very complete line of high grade watches and jewelry and kindred articles usually found in a first class jewelry store. He also handles Edison phonographs and records and has built up an extensive trade in that line. Mr. Burklund was married Jan. 6, 1909 to Miss Helen Walsh of Kan- sas City, Mo., a daughter of William Walsh who now resides in that city. Mrs. Burklund's mother is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Burklund have been bom one child, Betty. Mr. Burklund is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and since coming to Moberly he has acquired an extensive ac- quaintance and ranks as one of the substantial and reliable business men of this city. Allen C. White, of the firm of Goddard-White & Company, wholesale automobile accessory dealers in Moberly, is a veteran of the World War, having served as sergeant. He is a son of Benjamin R. and Katie V. (Corbett) White, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. He was born in Moberly, July 22, 1890 and was reared in Moberly. After receiving a good preliniinary education he took a course in the Military Academy at Columbia and later attended the University of Missouri, at Columbia, Mo. He then engaged in the automobile business at Moberly, later at Springfield, 111. and was thus occupied when the United States entered the World War. On May 23, 1917, Allen C. White enlisted at Moberly in the 4th Regi- ment, Missouri National Guard and shortly afterwards was sent to Nevada with his command when the Missouri National Guard was mobilized for service. From Nevada he went to Fort. Sill, Okla. with the Missouri troops which was organized into the 35th Division. After about nine months training at Ft. Sill, on May 10, 1918, Mr. White went with 304 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the 110th Engineers overseas. They first operated with the British Army at Amiens and later with the French Army and were with the Division Engineers at the front. Mr. White participated in the battles of St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest and saw some of the heaviest fighting of the wat, On Sept. 29th, in the battle of the Meuse-Argonne Forest he was wounded, having been struck by a piece of an exploding shell. Although wounded and unable for service for ten days he remained with' his command. He served as sergeant with his company and was mustered out May 3, 1919, after having served nearly two years, during which time he saw a great deal of severe fighting. After his discharge from the army, Mr. White returned to Moberly and formed a partnership with Mr. W. F. Goddard under the firm name of Goddard-White & Company. They deal in automobile supplies and ac- cessories and carry a very complete line and have built up an extensive business. They are located at 107 North Williams street and have a floor space of 80x100 feet. Mr. White spends most of his time on the road in the interest of the business and they employ three other salesmen. Mr. White is a member of the Masonic Lodge and a charter member of Theodore Bazan Post No. 6, American Legion. He is one of the progressive young business men of Moberly. Garfield A. Smith, of Moberly, is one of the widely known and suc- cessful automobile dealers of the state. He handles the Maxwell, Chal- mers, Oakland, Hupmobile cars, Sampson tractors, trucks, and has an automobile repair business, service station and deals . in accessories of all kinds and also tires. Mr. Smith also represents the Almo Farm Power and Lighting System. His office and garage is located at 523-525 West Reed street. Moberly, with branches at Fayette, New Franklin and Hunts- ville. Garfield A. Smith was born in Macon County, Mo., Oct. 8, 1880. His parents were George R. and Sarah M. (Ballenger) Smith, to whom but two children were bom, Garfield A., the subject of this sketch, and Zelva, who married E. D. Houston, of Kansas City, Mo. The father also was bom in Macon County in 1857 and his parents were Kentuckians and early settlers of this state. George R. Smith was a farmer and now lives in retirement at Macon, Mo. Garfield A. Smith was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school in the winter time and helped on the home farm in the summers. After finishing the public r, A SMTTTT HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 305 schools of Macon County, he entered the State Normal School at Kirks- ville, where he was graduated from the four year course in 1901. He then taught school in the Macon County schools until 1903, when he entered the mail service at Bevier, Mo. As this work did not take up all his time, Mr. Smith accepted a position in a mercantile establishment there until 1912. He then came to Moberly and engaged in the automo- bile business. When he started out in life he had $34.00; his father gave him a horse and this he sold for $35, which was his start. His stock is now rated, conservatively, at $75,000. On April 17, 1917, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elgia L. Stokes, a nativ-e of Cairo, Randolph County. She is a daughter of Thomas W. and Janara (Brown) Stokes, natives of Missouri, now 'living in Moberly. ]^r. Stokes for many years was one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of this section who has retired from active business. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Smith are members of the Christian church, and Mr. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Smith is a progressive and public spirited citizen of Moberly and is recognized as one of the substantial business men of Randolph County. Dr. L. A. Bazan, a well known physician and surgeon of Moberly is a native of Austria and was bom May 12, 1862. He is the son of Thomas and Nellie (Tutaj) Bazan who now reside at St. Joseph, Mo. His father is in his 84th year and the mother is 77 years of age. Doctor Bazan received an excellent education in his n&tive land where he also read medicine. In 1881 he came to America and after being here for the brief period of six months, he had mastered the Eng- lish language so thoroughly that he was able to accept a position as an instructor in a business college. Doctor Bazan is not only a thorough scholar but he is especially skilled in languages and is capable of speak- ing and writing nine different languages. In 1886 he was a traveling salesman for the C. S. Goldsmith Shoe Company of Chicago. In 1889 he engaged in the practice of medicine in Chicago. Later he located in St. Joseph, Mo., where he was engaged in the practice until 1898. After which he practiced in Saline County four years and Chariton County four years and in 1906 he went to Renick then to Clark. In 1912 he came to Moberly where he has since been engaged in the practice of his pro- fession. Doctor Bazan was married at Chicago, 111., July 1, 1886, to Miss 306 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Pauline Kazik of St. Joseph, Mo. and to this union have been born the following children: Thomas, bom in Chicago, 111., Nov. 22, 1888, now manager for Block Brother's Department Store, St. Joseph, Mo.; Helen, bom Sept. 30, 1890 and died May 13, 1904; Genevieve, born Jan. 10, 1893, a trained nurse, at Moberly, Mo.; Theodore B., who died on the field of battle in France and further mention of whom is made in this volume ; L. Marion, bom Jan. 1, 1898, married Robert Caldwell, a foreman in the Brown Company's Shoe Factory at Moberly; Francis A., bom April 9, 1901, a bookkeeper in the Brown Shoe Factory at Moberly and Margie J., born Nov. 19, 1903, a member of the senior class of the Moberly High School. Dr. Bazan has a wide acquaintance in Moberly and vicinity and the Bazan family stands high in the community. Theodore B. Bazan, in whose honor the American Legion, Post No. 6, of Moberly, was named will long be remembered as one who gave his life to his country and died a heroic and self sacrificing death. He was born at St. Joseph, Mo., July 29, 1895, and attended the parochial school there for five years. After the family removed to Saline County he also at- tended the parochial there and later at Salisbury, Mo. He then attended the pubhc schools of Clark and Moberly, graduating from the high school at Moberly. He then entered the State University at Columbia, Mo., where he took the medical course for two years and when the United States entered the World War he entered the Officer's Training School at Ft. Riley, Kan., in May, 1917, and after a period of training, he was com- missioned a second lieutenant in August of the same year and assigned for the 138th Infantry and on April 20, 1918, he was promoted to first lieutenant. In May, 1918, he went to France with his command and was stationed in Vosges Mountains, and also participated in the engagement at Verdun. He also participated in the great drive in the Argonne Forest and as that great battle raged on September 27th, he was mortally wounded during the evening between six and ten o'clock. His death was due to the explosion of a high power shell, which tore away the right side of his abdomen. As he lay mortally wounded, a detail of soldiers came to care for him, and he, knowing that he was mortally wounded, and that he could not live long, requested the detail to not give him any attention, but ordered them to direct their attention to others, less severely wounded, that their lives might be saved, and while waiting there, he died and was buried on the field of honor. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 307 Samuel A. Magruder, a former sheriff of Randolph County, who has been a capable and efficient njember of the Moberly police force, is a nati-\?e of Missouri. He was born in Shelby County, Aug. 23, 1862 and is a son of S. A. and Virginia (Jacobs) Magruder, both natives of Culpeper, Va. They came to Missouri with their respective parents and grew up and were married in Shelby County and came to Moberly in 1887. They are both now deceased and their remains are buried in Oakland Cemetery. Samuel A. Magruder was educated in the public schools and came to Moberly with his parents in 1887. He was employed in the freight department of the Wabash railroad for about 14 years. In 1913, Mr. Magruder was elected sheriff of Randolph County. He was a member of the Moberly police force about eight years and has to his credit a splendid record of faithful and efficient service, he resigning April 21, 1920. His term of sheriff was characterized by the same high class service and unswerving devotion to duty as he had given the police department of Moberly. Mr. Magruder was married in Monroe County in 1902 to Miss Noel Glasscock, a daughter of Henry Glasscock, who is now deceased, as is also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Magruder has been born one child, Naomi, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. Magruder is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He takes a prominent part in political affairs and is one of the progressive citizens of Randolph County. He has a wide acquaintance and by his courteous manner and obliging methods has made many friends. A. A. Capp, manager of the men's clothing and furnishing depart- ment of the J. S. Bowers and Son Department Store of Moberly has had a long experience in the mercantile business and has been in the employ of this company for over 32 years. He is a native of Missouri, born in Monroe County and is the son of M. P. and Margaret J. (Wood) Capp, both now deceased. M. P. Capp was a native of Pennsylvania and was a Randolph County pioneer. He came to Cairo at an early date and was engaged in farming and the mercantile business and for a time was en- gaged in business at Leverick's Mill, later at Leesburg and then at Wood- laun, Monroe County and later Cairo, and spent the latter part of his life in this county. He and his wife were buried in the Pleasant View Church CemiCtery which is located east of Cairo. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity : John W., was a farmer and died at Cairo^ at the age of 25 years ; Mrs. Jane Gibson, resides at 308 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Cairo, Mo. ; A. A., the subject of this sketch ; Rev. E. M., a minister of the Methodist denomination, Milan, Mc; Mrs. Ella Walker, died at Cairo, Mo.; Mrs. Emma Newton, died at Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. Alice Bakef re- sides at Cairo, Mo.; J. C, a coal dealer, Moberly, Mo.; and William, who was accidently killed when 13 years of age. The eldest of the family, Elisha, died in infancy. A. A. Capp received a good public school education in the schools of the early days in Monroe County, receiving a part of his education in a typical old pioneer log school house. He began his mercantile career with his father at an early date and for six years was at Cairo. He came to Moberly in 1887 and entered the employ of Bowersi and Reese Company which later became J. S. Bowers and Son and since Sept. 1, 1887 has^ been identified with this company and is -now manager of the men's clothing and furnishing department. Mr. Capp was first married in 1877 to Miss Fannie Cochran of Cairo, Randolph County, who died in 1881 leaving one daughter. Era, who is now the wife of W. H. Eslen, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Capp's present wife bore the maiden name of Emma Belle Nagley, and she was born in Ohio and came to Monroe County, Mo., with her parents where she was reared and educated. Mr. Capp has three grandchildren, Emma Leta, William Augusta and Richard Capp Ensen. Mr. Capp is one of the progressive citizens of Moberly and takes an active part in any movement, the object of which is for the better- ment of the community and the building up of Randolph County. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 50 years and been trustee and a member of the board of stewards of his church at Moberly for 30 years. He is a member of the National Union. Gustave Freysleben, who is successfully engaged in the meat busi- ness at 209 Reed street is one of the well known and progressive business men of Moberly. Mr. Freysleben began business in this city in 1902. He came here from San Diego, Calif., where he had spent 32 years. He came to Moberly an absolute stranger and by his straightforward methods and fair dealings, it was not long until he had permanently established himself in the business affairs of this city and had acquired an extensive acquaintance. Mr. Freysleben is a native of Illinois and a son of Gustave Freys- leben, who in the prime of manhood, enlisted for service in the Union Army during the Civil War, becoming a member of the 44th Illinois Volun- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 309 teer. Infantry. He enlisted as a private and in the course of his military career rose to the rank of major. During the last few months of the war, he was severely wounded and returned to his home in Chicago where he died shortly afterwards from the effect of his wounds. His wife died about a year prior to the death of her husband. Gustave Freysleben, the subject of this sketch, and three other children were left orphans. The other three children were Fred, Louis and Elizabeth, whose present whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Freysleben has made every effort in years past to locate his brothers and sister through newspaper advertis- ing and other efforts without avail. Mr. Freysleben was about seven years old when his parents died and when he was about ten years of age, he beg^ work in a butcher shop in Chicago at the corner of 12th street and Central avenue. He learned the butcher business by hard work and close application to the business. Life came to him as a stern reality at an early age and he obtained a good practical business education in the hard school of experience and there laid the foundation for his subsequent successful career. Mr. Freysleben was united in marriage at San Diego, Calif, in 1901 to Miss Katherine Held. She is a native of Moberly and a daughter of the late John Held who was a well known prioeer citizen of Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Freysleben has a pleasant home at 807 West Eeed street. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of Moberly's substantial citizens. Lee Galbreath, a leading druggist of Moberly, located at 109 East Coates street is one of the progressive business men of Randolph County. Mr. Galbreath is a native of this county, bom in Prairie township, Nov. 19, 1867. He is a son of Robert P. and Sarah Agnes (Dulaney) Gal- breath. Robert P. -Galbreath is also a native of Randolph County and was born Nov. 19, 1844. He was a son of James Galbreath, a native of Vir- ginia, who was among the very first settlers of Randolph County and entered land in Prairie township where Robert P. was reared. He was here long before Moberly was even thought of and was in attendance at the first sale of city lots held in Moberly. Robert P. Galbreath served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War for two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name, Sarah Agnes Dulaney, was born in Audrain County of pioneer parents. Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Galbreath reside at 310 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 218 S. Moiiey street, Moberly. They are the parents of the following children: Lee, the subject of this sketch; Agnes, who died in infancy; Lillian, married Alvin Walkup, Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Lenos, Oklahoma City, Okla. and Addie married W. B. Blaine, Moberly. Lee Galbreath was reared on the home farm in Prairie township and attended the public schools. He followed farming until 1900, when he entered the drug business at Clark, Mo., and for 15 years successfully con- ducted a drug store at that place. In 1915 he sold his Clark store to W. G. Cleeton of Higbee. He then came to Moberly and purchased the J. B. Hubbard Drug Store and since that time has conducted the store at the old stand, 109 East Coates street. He carries a complete line of drugs and druggist's sundries usually found in a first class drug store. Mr. Galbreath was married Dec. 24, 1890 to Miss Mirian A. Owings of Audrain County. She is a daughter of Richard and Joann Owings. The mother is deceased and Mr. Owings resides at Clark, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Galbreath has been born one son, Ray, who is 29 years old. He married Nadine Marshal and they reside in Moberly. Mr. Galbreath has always taken a commendable interest in local institutions and public affairs and while a resident of Clark he served on the city council and was also a member of the school board. In 1914, he ■was a candidate for nomination for the office of probate judge and was defeated by the narrow margin of 13 votes. Edward T. Baird, who is engaged in the second-hand clothing busi- ness at 529 Reed street, is a descendant of a pioneer Missouri family. He was born in Adair County, July 8, 1877, and is a son of John and Susan (Redding) Baird. John Baird was also a native 6f Adair County and was a son of William Baird. William Baird was among the first settlers of Adair County. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and is now at the National Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth, Kan., and is in his 97th year. He was born in Kentucky and upon locating in Adair County, Mc, much of the land in that section, or nearly all, was government land, and he entered a farm from the government, and for a number of years, fol- lowed farming. John Baird, father of Edward T. Baird, died in 1880, and his remains are buried at Winchester, Kan. His wife survived him for a number of years and died in 1902. They were the parents of two children; Mrs. Jennie ' Williams, who died at Trenton, Mo.: and Edward T. the subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 311 Edward T. Baird was educated in the public school at Humphrey, Mo. and for a number of years was engaged in the restaurant and hotel business in Nebraska and South Dakota, and for a time conducted a hotel at Novinger, Mo., and later the depot restaurant there. For a number of years, he has made a specialty of buying and selling hotels and restau- rants and carried this line of business on in a way which proved very profitable. He bought the Purity Candy Shop and Restaurant at Moberly, which he owned a short time and sold it in March, 1919. He came to Mo- berly September, 1918, and engaged in his present business. Mr. Baird was married in 1900 to Grace Vaul of Kirksville, Mo., and two children have been born to this union ; Ray C, a student in the Mob- erly Business College ; and Estella V., Kirksville, Mo. Mr. Baird is a progressive business man, who has had a varied experi- ence and has met with uniform success. Houston Mathews, now living retired at Moberly, is a native of Ran- dolph County, and a member of one of the historic old pioneer families of Missouri. He was born six miles east of Moberly in 1846, and is a son of Peter H. and Etline (Calloway) Mathews. Etline Calloway belonged to the Calloway family who settled at Old Franklin, Mo., with the Boones, Bryants and Flanders family who were the first settlers in that locality. When she was a child, Etline Calloway lived in the old fort which was built at Old Franklin for protection against hostile Indians. She was born in 1819 and died in 1905, and her remains were buried in Oakland Cemetery. Peter H. Mathews was bom near Nashville, Tenn., in 1817. He was a son of William Mathews, who was an officer in the War of 1812 and served under General Jackson as a captain at the battle of New Orleans, and he is buried in the same cemetery where Andrew Jackson was buried. William Mathew's father was a Revolutionary soldier and served under Washington. William Mathews, grandfather of Houston Mathews, mar- ried Betsey Hontas, who was a neice of Pocahontas. Dr. Tennessee Mathews an uncle of Houston Mathews, who was born at Dixon Springs, Smith County, Tenn., Oct. 12, 1810, and died Feb. 15, 1887, was a grand- son of the Mathews who with the Emetts and O'Connels, were the found- ers of the United Irishmen. His name was Alexander Mathews and he settled at Jeflferson City, Mo. and died there. To Peter H. and Etline (Calloway) Mathews were born the following children: J. G., was bom in Tennessee and is now deceased; Ruth, died 312 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in 1842; Mrs. Fannie Irons, Decatur, 111.; Houston, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Weed, deceased; William, deceased; and Mrs. Mattie Stidger, deceased. Houston Mathews was reared in Randolph County and received his education in an old log school house of the early day primitive type which stood just east of Moberly for many years. When a boy Mr. Mathews worked on farms, mills and followed lumbering and in 1866 he came to Moberly. This was about the time the town was platted and the first sale of lots was taking place. After that Mr. Mathews went to Texas and in 1870 returned to Moberly. In 1875, he went to the Black Hills and to California, returning to Moberly the same year. He then worked for Woods and Aller as a bartender for a time and in 1878 bought their business, which he jnducted until July, 1918. Mr. Mathews a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of •Elks. Theodore Fred Busch, a locomotive engineer on the Wabash Railroad, has been in the employ of this company since 1897, and is one of its trusted employees and a well known representative citizen of Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Busch was born in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 27, 1873, and is a son of Ferdinand and Elizabeth Busch, both natives of Germany. The father was bom in Calendhart and came to the United States in early life, settling in St. Louis, Mo. He was a foundryman and was employed with one company in St. Louis for 18 years. He died in city in 1894. His wife came to this country when a young woman and they were married in St. Louis. She died in St. Louis, March 10, 1915. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Clara Roenmeyer, of St. Louis, Mo.; Theodore Fred, the subject of this sketch; and Joseph and Fred, both of whom are now living in St. Louis. Theodore Fred Busch was reared in the city of St. Louis and at- tended the parochial schools. When he was 15 years of age, he begarf work as press-boy in his uncle's factory in St. Louis and was employed there for a period of three years. He then entered the employ of the Felber Machine Company and was with that concern for three years, when he returned to the employ of his uncle, where he was engaged in making chemical engines for a time. He then went to work for the Meyrose Lamp Manufacturing Company, where he was employed until 1897, when he began his railroading career. He entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as fireman with headquarters at Mo- THEODORE F. BUSCH HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 313 berly. In 1903, he was promoted to freight engineer and has been en- gaged in that capacity on the Wabash raih'oad to the present time and during these years his home has been in Moberly. Mr. Busch was married Oct. 10, 1900, at St. Charles, Mo., to Miss Julia Etling, a daughter of Henry and Barbara (Kemp) Etling. Henry Etling was born in St. Charles County, Mo., and belonged to a pioneer family of that section. He was a cabinet maker and spent his life in his native county, where he died in 1919, at the advanced age of 80 years. His wife was a native of Germany and came to this country when 13 years old. She died in St. Charles, Mo., June 30, 1909. Mrs. Busch is on€ of the following children born to her parents: John A. Ferguson, Mo.; Daniel E., Lima, Ohio; Mrs. Sophie Boschert, St. Charles, Mo.; Joseph H., St. Charles, Mo.; Mrs. Anna Schone, St. Charles, Mo.; Mrs. Theodore F. Busch, of this review; Josephine, St. Charles; Clara, St. Charles; and Lawrence, St. Charles. To Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Fred Busch have been born one son, Marvin H., who was bom in St. Charles, Mo., Jan. 14, 1903, and is now a student in the Moberly High School. Mr. Busch is a member of the Brotherhood of the Locomotive Engi- neers and the Knights of Columbus. The Busch family worship at the Catholic church. Mrs. Busch is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of the Locomotive Engineers and the Busch family is well and favorably known in Moberly. Otto H. Fort, of the Fort Grocery Company, 119-121 East Coates street, Moberly, was bom at Danville, Mo., and is a son of William Bart- lett and Jane (Welbum) Fort. The father was born in Audrain County, Mo., Dec. 25, 1833, and died at Danville, Mo., in 1901. The mother was born in Callaway County in 1839 and died at Danville, 1877. They were the parents of the following children: Otto H., the subject of this sketch; Thaddeus S., resides in Washington state; Jesse, deceased; F^ed B., lives in St. Louis, Mo.; Emil, was killed in an accident at LaPlata, Mo., Aug. 28, 1896; Mrs. Elvira Powell was the wife of Shelor F. Powell, of Dan- ville, Mo., and is now deceased; Annie E., married J. C. Crause, Moberly, Mo. Otto H. Fort was educated in the public schools of Danville, Mo., and the Robinson College. He has made his own way since he was 15 years old, when he came to Moberly and took an office with I. B. Porter, and engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He remained with this firm until 1886, when he and J. L. Vroom bought out the' fii-m 314 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and two years later they dissolved partnership, Mr. Fort continuing the business until 1892, when he disposed of his real estate business, and went with a Mutual Life Insurance Company. He has successfully con- tinued the insurance business until the present time. Oct. 20, 1919, Mr. Fort engaged in the grocery business, in partnership with Howard E. Brockman. However, he continued to carry on the insurance business. Mr. Fort was married April 26, 1888 to Miss Mattie R. Burkholder, daughter of Judge J. H. Burkholder, who was well known and prominent in Moberly and Randolph County and who died in Kentucky about 1911 and his widow now resides in Tennessee. To Otto H. and Mattie R. (Burkholder) Fort was born one son, Harold, who was born June 3, 1890. He was educated in Moberly and was graduated from the Moberly High School. Mr. Fort's first wife died March 13, 1903, and on Dec. 12, 1904, he was married to OUie Peirce, a daughter of John H. Peirce, of Moberly, Mo., and to this, union the following children were born: Virginia A., married H. E. Brockman of Moberly; Dorothy B. married John C. Goetze, cashier in the Fort Grocery Store ; Thelma M., married Willima E. Fennel, Jr. ; Leah Mae, a student in the Moberly High School, and Otto E. Mr. Fort is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and Knights of Pythias. The Fort family are members of the Episcopal church. Ira F. Harlan, M. D., former owner and manager of the Harlan Cigar and Tobacco Company, located at 223 N. Clark street, Moberly, Mo., has been one of the progressive and well known business men of this city for over a decade and a half and during that period has earned a place of high standing in the community. Doctor Harlan was bom at Kirksville, Mo., Oct. 2, 1871, the son of Ira G. and Nancy (Nicholas) Harlan, both natives of Adair County, Mo., where they were reared, educated and later met and married in 1868. Ira G. Harlan, after reaching maturity became a merchant and was engaged in that business in Kirksville. There were four children in the Harlan family : M. M., deceased ; L. E., working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Denver, Colo.; D. R., Kellogg, Idaho, and Ira F., the subject of this review. The children spent their childhood and early youth in Kirksville and attended the public schools of that town and after Ira F. had completed his elementary edu- cation he entered the Barnes Medical College. In 1897 he was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution, passed the state medical examination. In the fall of the year opened an office at Stan- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 315 bury, Mo., where he began the practice. Dr. Harlan built up a good practice, but in 1904 he decided to c6me to Moberly and after locating in this city entered upon a business closely associated with medicine, that of drugs. The doctor opened a store at the corner of 4th and Reed streets, where he soon became recognized as one of the leading business men in his line. He carried an up-to-date stock, paid strict attention to the prescription business, catered to the present day demands of a drug- gist and had a satisfactory business. He sold his business to Rucker Brothers in 1911. He then engaged in the retail and wholesale cigar business. Doctor Harlan is on the road himself doing his own selling to the retailers of this section. He is a man of genial presence, pays strict attention to the business, has many good friends and is considered one of the best commercial men of this section of the state. Year by year his wholesale business grew and in 1920 he sold out and is moving to California. In 1902, Doctor Harlan married Miss Ethel G. Ross, of Stansbury, Mo., the daughter of John A. and Martha (Howell) Ross. The father is now deceased and the mother resides at Stanbury. Two children were born to this union: Martha Ann, at home and Ross, who died in his 14th year, Nov. 30, 1918. Dr. Harlan is one of the popular men of Moberly who supports all progressive movements. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a Shriner and belongs to the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modem Woodmen, the Yeomen and the Travelers Protective Association. He served as mayor of Moberly two terms. He was elected in 1915 on the Democratic ticket. The present fire department was inaugurated under his administration and additional improvements to city water works made. Randolph County Trust Company, one of the leading banking and commercial institutions of central Missouri, was organized Aug. 18, 1919 and opened its doors for business Dec. 4, 1919, with a paid up capital stock of $100,000 and now has a surplus of $10,000 and deposits of $275,000. Charles C. Hon is president, 0. 0. Ash, vice-president and G. P. Eddings, secretary and treasurer. The directors are the above officials and T. C. Hall, E. F. Gutekunst, "Virgil Packwood and Clem Nelson. Charles C. Hon, T. C. Hall and G. P. Eddings were the moving spirits in the organization of the trust company. The trust company is housed in a handsome building at the corner of Williams and Reed streets. 316 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Charles C. Hon, for many years identified with the banking and financial interests of Randolph County, is a Missourian, born near Belton, Cass County, Sept. 23, 1878, the son of J. V. and Emma E. (Parrott) Hon. The father was a native of Kentucky and setled in Cass County in 1856, wiiere he bought land and later became a man of prominence. He early began breeding high grade Hereford cattle and in later years entered the realms of finance as he is a heavy stockholder and vice-president of the Pleasant Hill Banking, 'the mother is deceased. Charles C. Hon remained on his father's farm near Pleasant Hill until ten years of age. He received his elementary education in the Pleasant Hill school and later graduated from the high school there. Soon after completing his education he began his career by entering the bank at Pleasant Hill and later accepted a position with the Citizens Bank of that town. He had already entered public life by being elected and serving one term on the city council. In 1905, Mr. Hon was candi- date on the Democratic ticket for county clerk and the next year he spent in Oklahoma in the banking business. On his return to Missouri in 1907, he was made cashier of the Citizens Bank of Higbee. He bought a con- trolling interest in the stock of the bank and was the directing influence of its policies. While at Higbee, Mr. Hon served as vice-chairman of the Randolph County Liberty Loan Committee during the raising of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Liberty Loans. "He also served as chairman of the 2nd Red Cross drive in Moniteau township and as county chairman of Ran- dolph County for the 5th or Victory Loan, when it was necessary to raise $760,000. Mr. Hon located in Moberly in November, 1919, and since assuming his oflScial position with the banking house all his time and energies have been devoted to the various demands of his business. In June, 1910, Mr. Hon married Miss Carrie W. Tymony, the daugh- ter of James B. and Binda (Burton) Tymony. The father is a druggist of St. Louis, though bom and reared in Randolph County, being the son of Francis M. Tymony', an early settler near Higbee, who was prominent in county and state politics and also was of a literary turn of mind as he wrote a poem, "Remember the Poor," which will be recalled by many of the pioneer settlers of this section. George P. Eddings, secretary and treasurer of the Randolph County Trust Company, has been identified with the financial and banking inter- ests of Randolph County for more than 15 years and during that time has honestly won a high place in the esteem of the residents of this sec- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 317 tion. He is a native son of Randolph County, born on a farm four miles southwest of Moberly, Dec. 16, 1880. He is the son of William and Moline (Patton) Eddings, both in Moberly. For many years he was en- gaged in farming and later lived in Moberly, where he was engaged in the real estate business, but some ten years ago retired. Moline (Pat- ton) Eddings was born on the same farm as her son, George P., in 1857, and died in 1908 and was buried in Oakland Cemetery. She was the daughter of George and Lucy Ann (Melton) Patton, both of whom were born and spent their youth in Kentucky and after their marriage be- came pioneer settlers of Salt Springs township, Randolph County, spend- ing their lives there. Theopolis Eddings, George Eddings, paternal grand- father, came to Kentucky and settled south of Huntsville on a farm at a very early date and lived there until his death. George P. Eddings received his educational advantages in the public schools of Moberly, graduating from the high school in 1900 and the next year entered the Bank of Moberly as a bookkeeper. He was rapidly advanced from one position of trdst to another so that when he resigned from the bank in 1916 he was assistant cashier. For three years, follow- ing his resignation, Mr. Eddings was engaged in the real estate business here; then in association with Charles Hon, he became one of the prime movers in the establishment and organization of the Randolph Trust Company, becoming its secretary and treasurer when the company was organized. Aug. 21, 1911, Mr. Eddings married Miss Ethel Bradley, of Arm- strong, Mo., the daughter of George and Lillie Bradley and one child has been born to them, Moline Patton. The Eddings family home is at 629 South Williams street. Mr. Eddings is a Mason. He is progressive and ever ready to help in the promotion of every movement that tends to the development and improvement of Randolph County and the city of Moberly. Edward C. Short and Patrick J. Short, who for more than 30 years have been well known business men of Moberly, Mo., are substantial citi- zens of this city. The Short brothers were bom in St. Charles, Mo., Edward C, in 1866, and Patrick, in 1868, and are the sons of Edward and Ann (Walsh) Short, both natives of County Limerick, Ireland, who came to America in 1859. In 1879 Edward Short came to Moberly to enter the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, being assigned to work in the shops. The mother spent most of her life in Randolph County and 318 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY*, died here in 1886, being sui-vived by her husband until 1902, when he too passed away and their remains were placed in St. Mary's Cemetery. There were nine children born to Edward Short and wife: John, de- ceased ; Michael, an engineer on the Wabash Railroad, married Kate Burke, of Moberly ; Catharine, Mary and Anna all living in Moberly ; Edward and Patrick of this review; Thomas, of Prescott, Arizona, married Catharine Schnell, and William, engaged in the grocery business in Moberly, who married Nora O'Connell, the daughter of Judge Benjamin O'Connell and they have two sons, Edward and Wilbur. Edward and Patrick Short were reared in Moberly and attended the public and parochial schools and Patrick took a course in the Moberly Business College. In March, 1891, they engaged in the saloon business at 320 West Coates street, where they became well and faborably known. In 1898 Patrick Short married Miss Catharine Sours, of Moberly, the daughter of John and Catharine Sours, both deceased. Two daughters were born to this union: Catharine and Frances. Edward C. Short is unmarried and makes his home with his sisters at 515 Logan street and Patrick G. Short resides at 323 Hagood street. Edward C, Patrick G. and William, are all members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For many years the Short family has been recognized as one of the substantial ones of the community; its members are progressive and lib- eral to any laudable cause for the benefit of Moberly. William J. Short and Bert Shearer, leading grocers of Moberly, rank among the progressive and prosperous men of the city, with a store at 112 North 4th street, where they began business July 21, 1913. ■William J. Short was born in Mexico in 1877, the son of Edward and Anna (Walsh) Short, both natives of Ireland. In 1879, the Short family located in Moberly as the father had accepted a position with the Wabash Railroad Company and the parents spent the rest of their lives here and are buried in St. Marys cemetery. William J. Short attended the public schools of Moberly. He then entered the Faessler machine shops, learned the trade of machinist and remained with that concern for eight years. In 1909 he was elected col- lector of the city of Moberly and was reelected in 1911, serving four years. At the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Short engaged in the grocery ' business with Mr. Shearer and has continued in the store to the present time. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 319 In 1904, Mr. Short married Miss Nora O^'Connell, of Moberly. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Hurley) O'Connell, both natives of Ireland. They came to Moberly in 1875 and Mr. O'Connell has taken an active part in the development of this section. He helped build the first telegraph line from Macon to Moberly. He was then employed by the Wabash Railroad Company in the car department. He retired in 1918. Mr. O'Connell was police judge of Moberly for six years, from 1907 to 1913, and was a capable officer. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Short: Edward and Wilbur, both at home. Mr. Short has taken an active part in the civic life of Moberly and has prompted many of the progressive movements here. He is a member of the Court of Honor, the Yeomen, the National Union and the Machinists' Union, having served as financial secretary of the latter four years. Bert Shearer, the junior partner of the firm of Short & Shearer, was born at Renick, Randolph County, Jan. 11, 1884, and is a son of A. H. and Laura V. (Mitchell) Shearer, both now deceased. The father was a native of Butler County, Pa. and died in Missouri in 1918 and the mother was born in Missouri and died in 1910. Both are buried in Oakland cemetery. A. H. Shearer came to Renick nearly a quarter of a century ago and was a contractor there for some years. He then worked for the Williams Wagon Factory until the family moved to Moberly in 1900. There were live children in the Shearer family: Bessie, the wife of E. L. Patterson, of Moberly; Bert, of this review; Lucille, the wife of B. G. Englen, of Moberly; Merle H., of Madison, S. D., and Reba, a teacher in the Moberly schools. Bert Shearer was reared in Renick, attended the public schools and later the Moberly high school. After leaving school he accepted a position with J. S. Bowers & Son, remaining with that concern 10 years. He then formed the partnership with Mr. Short in the grocery business. June 26, 1905, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Anna Maud Bradley, a daughter of E. T. Bradley, of Sugar Creek township and one child has been born to them, Juanita Maud. The Shearer family have a modern home at 703 S. Fifth street. Mr. Shearer is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Modern Woodmen. John H. Coatefe, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County, that played an important part in the development and settlement of this county and central Missouri, is a native son of Moberly. He was born Sept. 30, 1899 and is the son of T. D. and Eleanor (Yeager) 320 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Coates, both of whom now live in Prairie township, Randolph County. The father was born in Moberly in 1855 and is the son of Tunsel Coates, a native of Kentucky and early settler of Sugar Creek township, this county, where he died in 1919. Eleanor Yeager Coates was born near Higbee, in 1864, was reared and educated in Randolph County and later met her husband here, being married in the same locality. John H. Coates was the only child of his parents. He attended the public schools and after graduating from the high school in 1918, entered the Student Army Training Corps of Central College, Fayette, Mo., Oct. 2, 1918 and remained there until Dec. 11, 1918, when the corps was dis- banded. On his return to Moberly Mr. Coates resumed his position with the Cross Lumber Company, as bookkeeper, an association which has continued. He is a member of the American Legion Theodore Bazan Post, of Moberly. James C. Enslen^ a well-known passenger conductor of the Wabash railroad, has been in the employ of this company for 30 years, and dur- ing that time Moberly has been his home. He was born in Audrain County, near Wellsville, Mo. He is the son of George W. and Mary J. (Clayton) Enslen. George W. Enslen was also a native of Missouri, bom on a farm in Audrain County, where he was engaged in farming throughout his active career. In later life he retired and moved to Wells- ville, where he died. He was a descendant of very early pioneers of this state. During the Civil War he served in the Missouri State Militia. His wife, Mary J. Enslen, was bom in Pike County, Mo., and was a daughter of F. C. Clayton. She died in Moberly in 1908. They were the parents of the following children: James C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. J. W. Ingram, Moberly; LiUie S., deceased, and J. W., lives in Moberly. James C. Ensley was reared on the home farm in Audrain County and was educated in the public schools. He remained at home on the farm until he was 21 years of age, when on account of failing health, he went to Califomia and followed ranch life for a time. In 1886, he went to Colorado, where he began his railroad career as a brakeman in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company. Two years later he went with the Denver and Rio Grande. In 1890, he returned to Missouri and settled in Moberly, where he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as brakeman. In 1892, he was promoted to freight HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 321 conductor and in 1899 was promoted to passenger conductor, a position which he has held on this road for the past 21 years, and is now on Moberly Division. Mr. Enslen was married to Miss Mary E. Foster, a native of Dallas City, 111., bom Nov. 23, 1861, and is a daughter of John W. and Alvina (Stewart) Foster. John W. Foster was a native of the state of New York. He was a Methodist minister and during the Civil War, served as chaplain in the Union army and died while in the service. His wife, Alvina (Stewart) Foster, was bom in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1840, and died in Colorado in 1908. They were the parents of the following children: Mary E., wife of James C. Enslen, the subject of this sketch; Frank, Emma, George, Carol, Edith, deceased ; and Mrs. Lillie Sheidow, of Kan- sas City, Mo. Mrs. Enslen and Mrs. Sheidow are the only living mem- bers of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Enslen have no children. Mr. Enslen is a Republican and he and Mrs. Enslen are members of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in the Order of Rail- way Conductors and is a Knights Templar Mason and belongs to the Shrine, Ararat Temple, at Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Enslen is a mem- ber of the Auxiliary of the Order of the Railway Conductors and the Order of the Eastern Star. Morris Bierman, one of the younger generation of business men of Moberly who takes an active part in the commercial life of the city as a leading dealer in furniture and stoves, with a store at 113 North Wil- liams street, which was established under the name of Hyman L. and Rosa Bierman, both natives of Russia, where they were born, reared and married. Morris Bierman was one of seven children born to hife par- ents. The others are: Samuel, of St. Louis; Mrs. Lizzie Wexler, of St. Louis; Abe, also of that city; Jack, clerk of the city court of St. Louis; and Isaac, his twin brother, also of St. Louis. When Morris Bierman was six years old, his mother brought him with the other children to the United States, as the father had preceeded them some time and already had a home prepared for his family in St. Louis. He attended the public schools of St. Louis. When his school days were over he engaged in the furniture business with his father. The business was established in December, 1914. From the first the new enterprise met with success. Mr. Bierman carries a full line of furniture, stoves and household furnishings. His stock is clean, well kept and he is courteous and accommodating. He has built up a satisfactory and 322 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY profitable business. In 1916, Morris Bierman purchased his father's interest in tlie business and is now sole owner and manager. Morris Bierman was married Feb. 25, 1906 to Miss Rebecca Schucart, of St. Louis, the daughter of Ralph Schucart who is deceased and the mother now resides at St. Louis. Three children have been born to this union: Ruth, Ralph and Goldine, all of whom live with their parents a' the family home 1201 W. Franklin street. Since first coming to Moberly, Mr. Bierman has taken an active part in local affairs. He is a man of progressive ideas and believes that every citizen should support the movements for the upbuilding and improve- ment of the city where he expects to make his home. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the I. 0. B. of St. Louis. The Bierman family was well represented in the World War. Two brothers, Abe and Isaac served in the National Army. Isaac was a mem- ber of the 138th Infantry, 25th Division, under Lieutenant Theodore Bazan and was wounded in the same engagement in which Lieutenant Bazan was killed. He served overseas for 18 months and after the cessa- tion of hostilities was honorably discharged. Abe Bierman, after enter- ing the service was assigned to the quartermaster's department as pur- chasing agent and also as interpreter of the French and Jewish languages while in France. He served for two and a half years, being a member of the forces that were at the front in France and on his return to the United States was honorably discharged from the army. Jacob S. Bowers, one of central Missouri's well known and most prosperous business men, who established a department store in Moberly nearly 40 years ago, being the senior member of Bowers & Reis, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1850 and died at Moberly in 1917. He was reared and educated in the East and after his school days were over engaged in merchandising, knowing that there were many good openings in the newer country to the West, Mr. Bowers determined to locate there. In partnership with Ira S. Reis, a company was formed which opened the "Trade Palace" of Moberly in 1883 at the location still occupied by the Bower's department store. The store has a large frontage carrying the street numbers of 210-214 Reed street, one of the finest locations in the city. From the first the new concern met with a cordial response from the residents of Moberly and the surrounding territory; business grew, more lines were added and the Trade Palace became the center of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 323 the retail trade for dry goods, men and womens furnishings and childrens suppHes of all kinds. Later carpets and drapery departments were added to accommodate the growing trade until today the Palace is one of the largest and most up-to-date department houses in the middle west. Open- ing with a stock valued at $30,000 the business grew in such proportions that today it is rated at more than $100,000. In 1895 Jacob Bowers purchased the Reis interest in the concern and since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of J. S. Bowers & Son. On the death of the senior member of the firm, the junior member, William S. Bowers, succeeded his father as owner- manager of the house and continued the same successful policies inaugur- ated by his father. The widow of Jacob Bowers now resides at Long Beach, Calif. From first coming to Moberly, Jacob Bowers began to take an active part in the civic and communal life of the town. He was a man of progressive ideas in his business and believed that these same prin- ciples should be applied to the city administration, and did much toward the development of the city of Moberly. For 20 years he served as a member of the school board, being president and treasurer of the board and was an incumbent of these positions at the time of his death. He was an active, public spirited man, who lived up to the high standard he set for an American citizen, was well known among the educators of the state as a man who promoted all educational movements and had raised the standards of the Moberly schools. During his life he won for him- self the highest possible esteem from all who knew him, friends and business associates alike. With his passing, Mr. Bowers left to his son the example of an honorable and useful life; to his family the memory of his loving care as a husband and father. His remains are buried in Philadelphia, Pa. William S. Bowers, the only child of Jacob S. Bowers, was bom in Union City, Ind., in 1882, and accompanied his parents when they came to Missouri a year later. He spent his boyhood and youth in Moberly and attended the public schools and after graduating from the high, school entered the State University where he was graduated. Afteil leaving college, William Bowers returned to Moberly and became a part- ner with his father in the mercantile business. He has made a phenom- enal success. The store has a frontage of 75 feet, depth of 110 feet, has two floors devoted entirely to retail display and 30 people are employed. On June 24, 1903, Mr. Bowers married Miss Gertrude Rice of St. 324 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Louis. She is the daughter of J. P. and Sophia Rice, of that city. Mr. Rice is now deceased and his widow lives in St. Louis. Three children have been born to this union: Marion and twin sons, William and Wal- lace, all at home with their parents. Mr. Bowers has taken an active part in the life of Moberly and is progressive. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Country Club, is first vicJe-president of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Missouri and is also district deputy of northern Missouri for that organization. Willis Baugh, one of the younger business men of Moberly who holds a responsible position with the Cross Lumber Company, is a native son of Randolph County, born in Moberly, July 6, 1894, the son of Charles C. and Lizzie (Hall) Baugh, who now live at 2211/2 N. Clark street. The father was born in Randolph County in 1873 and the mother in 1871. She is the daughter of B. N. and Mary E. Hall, who live at Higginsville, Mo. There were eight children in the Baugh family: Willis of this review; Willard, of Moberly; Ledoew, also of Moberly; Fern, who married Earl Rittenhouse of Basin, Wyo. ; Earl and Murrel, twins, the former at home and the latter is in Mason City, la. ; Charles and Orville, also in Moberly. Willis Baugh spent his boyhood and youth in Moberly, was sent to the public schools for his educational advantages and after his school days were over took a position with the Cross Lumber Company. When war was declared against Germany, he enlisted in the army on July 24, 1918 and was sent to Camp Funston for his training. Within a short time he was assigned to Headquarters Detachment, 10th Field Artillery and re- mained in training until after the signing of the armistice, receiving his honorable discharge Feb. 11, 1919, after having been in the service six months. On his return to Moberly, Mr. Baugh again assumed his duties with the Cross Lumber Company, an association which has since con- tinued. Willard Baugh, Willis' brother, was the second member of Com- pany E, 70th Infantry, to enlist. He also was sent to Camp Funston, having entered the army on the same day as his brother. He was dis- charged Jan. 29, 1919 and is now employed at the Oakland cemetery. Both the Baugh brothers are fine young men, patriotic and public spirited who are an asset to the citizenship of any community. William F. Mangiis> one of the leading druggists of Moberly who has been in business here for nearly a quarter of a century and who during that time has done his part in the development of the city and its sur- rounding territory. Mr. Mangus was bom in the state of Louisiana in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 325 1862, the son of Wm. F. and Susan (Terry) Mangus, both natives of Ken- tucky, who were married in Saline County, Mo., in 1858. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Mangus went to Louisiana to live and remained in the South until after the close of the Civil War. Mr. Mangus enlisted in the Confederate Army and served until peace was declared. He served under Gen. Joseph E. Johnson and was wounded in the right leg by a minne ball "at the Battle of Bull Run, but as soon as he was discharged from the hospital he reenlisted and served until hostilities closed. After this the family returned to Missouri, locating in Saline County where they lived for many years. Mr. Mangus died in 1909 at the age of 70 years, being survived by his wife who died in 1912 and both are buried at Oakland cemetery. There were 10 childuen in the Mangus family: Charles, of Florida; William F., of Moberly; Taylor D., of Mob- erly; Monta, of Moberly; Louise, the wife of James Crossland, of Sedaha, Mo.; Mary, who married Luther Stockton, of Perry, Okla. ; Susan, now Mrs. Jose Johnson, of Moberly; Ida, the widow of Mr. Boucher, of Birm- ingham, Ala., and Daisy, who lives with her sister at Birmingham. William F. Mangus was a small boy when his parents returned to Missouri and 'he attended the public schools of Saline County and Cam- bridge, graduating from the high school there. He then began to study telegraphy and became an operator for the Chicago and Alton Railroad, an association that continued for 11 years. Mr. Mangus was advanced from one position of trust to another until he held a fine position mth the road but he desired to engage in an independent business for him- self and in 1891 resigned from the road and opened a drug store at Clark, Mo. He built up a good trade and being made a good offer by his brother, sold the business to him after having lived in that city for six years. Mr. Mangus then located in Moberly where he has since conducted a drug store and has built up an extensive trade. On Nov. 23, 1887, Mr. Mangus was married to Miss Esther E. Hamil- ton, of Moberly, the daughter of James Hamilton, a pioneer of the county who died at the age of 74 years. The mother lives in Moberly. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Mangus: William Leon, who is em- 'ployed by the John Deere Plow Company of Kansas City, Mo., and Ethel S., the wife of B. C. Stephens of Moberly and they have two children, Barney, Jr., and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Mangus reside at 834 W. Reed street. Mr. Mangus is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 326 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Ray Galbreath, one of the younger generation of the business and professional men of Moberly, who owns and manages a drug store at 550 West Coates street, is a native of Missouri, bom in Audrain County, Jan. 22, 1892, the son of Lee and Miriam (Owings) Galbreath, both of whom now reside in Moberly, and their biography appears in this volume. Ray Galbreath attended the public schools of Clark, Mo. and after graduating from the high school, entered the pharmacy department of the college at Brunswick, Mo. He completed the required college course and in 1916 passed the examination of the State Board of Pharmacy and was ad- mitted to practice. He at once secured a position with the H. & H. drug store in Moberly and was working there when war was declared against Germany. Ray Galbreath enlisted July 3, 1917 in the medical department of the 110th Engineers, 35th Division, and as soon as his training was over was sent overseas where he served in France for 30 days witljr the British forces. He then was assigned to the French army for 60 days, when he was transferred to the American First Army. Mr. Galbreath was doing first aid work with the 35th Division and on Sept. 29, 1918 the 110th Engineers were ordered to the front line trenches where Mr. Galbreath served with them. This division was under fire from the enemy from Sept. 26th to Oct. 2nd and saw some of the most severe fighting of the war. From this location in the first aid stations, he was continually under shell fire and was most fortunate to escape without injury and with his life. He. was gassed on Sept. 30, 1918. He made an enviable record in the danger zone by bravely attending to his duties in the advanced lines and upon the battle field. He was at Luniville, France, when the armistice was signed. He returned to the United States April 4, 1919 and was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service May 3, 1919, after almost two years of service in a foreign land. Mr. Galbreath returned to Moberly and purchased the Mangus drug store on Coates street. This is now both owned and managed by the young druggist who has continued to carry on the same line of business as his predecessor, handling all lines of high class drugs and all the allied lines which the public has come to expect and demand today. Mr. Gal- breath is a popular business man and has an extensive trade. On Jan. 27, 1918, Mr. Galbreath married Miss Nadine Marshall, of Moberly, the daughter of M. M^ and Hattie (Kimbrough) Marshall, the latter now deceased and the father lives in Moberly. Mr. Galbreath is a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 327 charter member of Theodore Bazan Post, American Legion, of Moberly and also belongs to the Maccabees. W. R. Butler, councilman from the fourth ward of Moberly and the owner-manager of one of the leading grocery houses of the city, was born in Adams County, 111., Oct. 21, 1871. He is the son of W. J. and Eliza Jane (Stevens) Butler, who came to Missouri in 1878 and located in Mon- roe County and spent the remainder of their lives there. The mother died in 1885 and the father lived to be a man of advanced age. He was nearly 80 years old when he died. W. J. Butler enlisted in the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil*War and served in Company I, 84th Regiment throughout that memorable conflict. There were eight chil- dren in the Butler family: C. L., of Moberly; W. A. and W. R. of this review, also of Moberly; Walter and Solon also residents of this city, the latter being connected with the Wabash Railroad; Jennie Carney, of St. Louis ; Bessie Roderman, of Dallas, Tex. ; and Hester Freeman, of Flat River, Mo. W. R. Butler spent his boyhood and early youth in Monroe County, Mo., was educated in the public schools there and after his school days were over learned the barber's trade, a vocation which he followed until he reached his 29th year. In 1915 he engaged in the grocery business. From first opening up his establishment here Mr. Butler met with a warm response from the residents. He has built up a fine trade and is one of the progressive and prosperous men of the city. On April 9, 1886, Mr. Butler married Miss Anna Messerla, a native of St. Louis County, Mo., the daughter of Lee and Margaret (Zimmer- man) Messerla. Mrs. Butler has ever been an encouragement to her husband in his business, takes a keen and practical interest in the grocery business and is his capable and able assistant in the store. From first locating in Moberly, Mr. Butler has taken an active and interested part in civic affairs. He was elected a member of the city council by a big majority in 1916 and was reelected in 1918 and now is serving his sixth year as a member of that body. At the present time he is chairman of the committee on parks, public buildings and also serves as a member of the cemetery board. Mr. Butler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebeccas and maintains a residence at 410 Johnson street and owns property at 401 Johnson street, Moberly, Mo. 328 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William Henry Emerson was a well known and prosperous business man of Moberly for many years. He was born on a farm a half mile east of Huntsville, on the Moberly road, passed his life in this county, and died April 13, 1915, aged 70 years. William H. Emerson's parents were Simpson and Catharine (Owens) Emerson, the former born in Randolph County, the son of James Emer- son, who came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1827, was a pioneer set- tler; the mother was also from Kentucky. She was the daughter of Edward Owens, who located here in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson were but children when their families came to Randolph County. There were four children in the Emerson family: William H., deceased; Sarah Mar- tha, also deceased; Mary Elizabeth, deceased; James E. William H. Emerson spent his boyhood days on his mother's farm, near Moberly; his father died when he was 11 years old. He was given the educational advantages obtainable here at that period and remained at home until his 19th year when he enlisted in the Confederate army, promptly showing his convictions by being one of the first youths of the locality to enter the service, and remained in the army until peace was declared. On returning to Missouri, Mr. Emerson reached Moberly in time to attend the first sale of lots when the town-site of Mober|y was plotted, Sept. 27, 1866, and he w^as. among the first purchasers. Mr. Emerson had been converted at Sugar Creek Camp Meeting and joined the church, but later transferred his membership to the Methodist church, south, of which he was a faithful member all his life. He was a Mason, having joined the Blue Lodge in Moberly, in 1868. On April 23, 1874, Mr. Emerson was married to Miss Nancy Jane Holbrook, of Randolph County, the daughter of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, the former born in North Carolina in 1797, and the mother was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1913. They were married in 1833 and four years later came to Randolph County, where they reared their eight children. The father died in 1854 and the mother in 1894. Their daughter, Nancy Jane, was bom Aug. 13, 1850, and is still living. Mrs. EmersOn has for many years been one of the fine southern women who •is highly esteemed and has many warm friends in Moberly. She is a consistent member of the Methodist church, south, as were her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson had one daughter, Nina Catharine, born, reared and educated in Moberly, who in 1911 married M. H. Sullivan, one of the well known and prosperous business men of Moberly. He was a native WILLIAM H. EMERSON HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 329 of Illinois, bom and reared in Springfield and came to Moberly to engage in business some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan take an active part in the social and civic life of Moberly. Solomon Milam Holbrook, deceased, was born in Tazewell County, Va., Feb. 26, 1836, the son of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, the former bom in North Carolina in 1797, and the latter was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1813. They were married Dec. 25, 1833. Four years later they came to Missouri and located on a farm near Moberly, where their eight children were reared. Mr. Holbrook died in 1854 and his widow died in 1894. Both were members of the Methodist church. Mr. Holbrook spent his youth on his mother's farm, and attended the public schools. Oct. 11, 1859, he was married to Miss Lucy Jane Walden, of Huntsville. She was the daughter of Zephaniah Walden, a well known early settler of the county. Ten children were born to this union, who became well known farmers and business men of this locality. Mr. Hol- brook joined the Masonic order at Huntsville, when the Blue Lodge was organized at Moberly he became a charter member here, transferring from Huntsville. In 1861, Mr. Holbrook enlisted in the Confederate army, servedl under General Price, and later was transferred to Colonel Joe Shelby's cavalry, with which he remained until peace was declared. After return- ing to Missouri, Mr. Holbrook became a prosperous farmer on land situated just south of White House curve. He joined the Methodist church when a young man at Sugar Creek, until the Fourth Street Methodist church, south, was organized at Moberly, when he became a charter member. Mr. Holbrook stood high in his community for his kind heart, for he was ever ready to give a helping hand to the needy and also for his high .integrity. In 1881, Mr. Holbrook moved to Kansas, where he purchased a ranch of three sections of land and resided there until his death, May 15, 1911. Many people believed that Mr. Holbrook was particularly fortunate, but his success in life was du^ to his close application to his vocation, executive ability and hard work, for he was a man of indomit- able energy and steady industry at all times. For many years Mr. Holbrook took an active part in the civic life of Moberly and its en- virons, ever supporting every movement for the improvement and de- velopment of this section and he followed the same plan of life in his new home in Kansas. 330 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William Hellensmith, the well known owner and manager of the grocery store located at 900 Franklin street, Moberly, has during the past five years become well and favorably known in the city as one of its progressive men. Through his careful attention to his business, courtesy to his customers and from the high class of groceries and meats he carries in stock he has built up a large business. Mr. Hellensmith is a native Missourian, bom near Prairie Hill, Chariton County. He is a son of Martin and Bettie (Wilkey) Hellensmith, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Chariton County, Mo. She was reared and educated there and later met Mr. Hellensmith and they were married at her home. For about 10 years after his marriage, Mr. Hellensmith remained in busi- ness in Chariton County and came to Moberly in 1887, to take a position with the Wabash Railroad in the car department where he has remained for 33 years; he is one of the oldest employes of the shops in Moberly. There were eight children in the Hellensmith family: William, of this re- view ; Louis, Frank, Carl, Edward, Martin, all of Moberly ; Mabel, the wife of Clayton Smith, and Sophia who married Marvin Dunnivent, also of Moberly. William Hellensmith spent his boyhood days and early youth in Moberly and attended the public schools. When his school days were past he learned the moulder's trade, a vocation in which he was employed for 14 years then entered the car department of the Wabash Railroad, where he remained four years. During this time Mr. Hellensmith haa saved money and after spending so many years working for others decided to engage in business for himself and in 1915 purchased his present store from Nelson Elkins, where he carries a full line of stock and fancy groceries and meats. From first entering upon this new enterprise, Mr. Hellensmith met with marked success, due to his care of his stock, its tasteful display and the courtesy with which his customers are treated and today he is regarded as one of the most substantial business men of the city. On June 27, 1906, Mr. Hellensmith was married to Miss Clara Voth of Moberly. She is the daughter of Henry and Minnie Voth; the former is deceased and his widow now resides in Moberly. There were four chil- dren in the Voth family, of whom Mrs. Hellensmith is the youngest. She and her husband maintain a charming home at 1209 Bond street. Mr. Hellensmith is a member of the National Union, the Security Benefit Association, and the Missouri State Life Association. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 331 Aubrey R. Hammett, prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and a former probate judge of the county, is one of the leading members of Randolph County bar. He Is descended from pioneer families of the county as his ancestors came to this section when Missouri was con- sidered the frontier, and here they have taken a prominent part in the civic life of the country. Mr. Hammett is a native son of Randolph County, bom near Hunts- ville ,July 24, 1873, the son of J. D. and L. Allie (Rutherford) Hammett. The father, also a native of this county was bom on a farm three miles northwest of Huntsville in 1847. He was reared in Randolph County and after completing his elementary education studied medicine, graduating from a medical college at Philadelphia, Pa., and soon began his professional career near Huntsville, where he practiced for many years. Doctor Ham- mett became one of the well known and skillful physicians of the county and stood high in the medical fraternity of central Missouri. He also became extensively interested in business and commercial affairs. He was in partnership with Joseph Samuel in the lumber business. Later he purchased a large block of stock in the Hammett Bank at Huntsville which his father, Joseph M. Hammett had established and became assist- ant cashier of the institution and later he became president of the bank. He still retains his stock in the bank and takes an active interest in its affairs, although he has now given up active business life and lives in Moberly, Mo. Aubrey R. Hammett's paternal grandfather, Joseph M. Hammett, was a Kentuckian who became one of the early settlers who took up govern- ment land near Huntsville, where he cleared 320 acres from the virgin forest and resided there until his death in 1883. L. Allie (Rutherford) Hammett was bom near Huntsville, a daughter of W. T. Rutherford, a pioneer from Kentucky who located near Huntsville at an early day and became a tobacco dealer, owning and managing two tobacco factories employing many negroes in the care of the product and for many years was prominent in this line of business. Subsequently he became inter- ested in coal mining and became a large operator in this district. He was a prominent man of central Missouri and Randolph ' County and his * life was closely identified with the growth and development of Huntsville. . He lived to be a man of advanced age and died in 1905 in his 91st year. Mrs. Hammett was a graduate of Christian College, Columbia, Mo. 332 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Dr. J. D. Hammett and his wife became the parents of two children: Mary Belle, who married Rev. L. J. Marshall, a Christian minister, is deceased. Her husband had chkrge of the Christian Church of Inde- pendence, Mo., for seven years and also of Wabash Avenue Christian Church in Kansas City, Mo., erecting fine edifices in both places during his incumbency as pastor. Aubrey R. Hammett was reared on his father's farm in Huntsville and attended the local schools. He graduated from Missouri Military Academy at Mexico, Mo., as senior captain. Then entered the State University at Columbia, Mo., graduating with the class of 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Law. The same year he opened an office at Hunts- ville and became city attorney in 1897. Mr. Hammett became recog- nized as one of the leading men of his profession and "in 1904 was elected probate judge of Randolph County, serving in that oftice until 1904. In 1914 Judge Hammett moved to Moberly and four years later, in 1918 was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, an office which he has since filled in a most able manner. June 11, 1897, Judge Hammett was married to Miss Oleta Wise of Callaway County, the daughter of James Wise, an early settler of that county ; both he and his wife are now deceased. Four children have been born to Judge and Mrs. Hammett: J. W., Aubrey, Oleta and J. D. While in college. Judge Hammett was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. James A. Fowler, a well known real estate dealer of Moberly with offices in the Jennings Building is a native of Randolph County. He was born six miles south of Moberly, Sept. 11, 1857 and is a son of Jesse and Sarah M. (Hamilton) Fowler. Jesse Fowler was a native of Howard County, born in 1828, the son of Elijah Fowler, a native of Boston, Mass., who came west in the early thirties and located near Burton, but shortly afterwards, moved to Randolph County to a homestead, a claim of gov- ernment land on which Oscar Fowler now lives. Jesse Fowler spent nearly all his life on this farm in Randolph County. He died at the ad- vanced age of 84 years and his remains are buried in the old Hamilton > > 2 H z d g F HISTORY OF 'RANDOLPH COUNTY 393 men are today considered some of the most substantial men of Randolph County. Jan. 28, 1886, Mr. Hines was married to Miss Mary C. Rupard, a native of Kentucky, the daughter of Lewellen E. and Millie (Easter) Rupard, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Randolph County, in 1868, and engaged in farming. Both are now dead. Six children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hines: Claud, deceased; Ezra, of East St. Louis, 111.; Mattie M., the wife of Guy Jackson, of Prairie township; Virginia, de- ceased; William Rex, and Eugene, at home. Mr. Hines is a Democrat and belongs to the Christian church. His wife is a member of the Baptist church. W. L. Landrain, one of the honored pioneers of Missouri, who settled in Cairo towmship, Randolph County, when most of the land was raw unbroken prairie and has witnessed many changes that have taken place since he came here. Mr. Landram has contributed his share to county upbuilding and food production for more than 63 years. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., March 18, 1833, the son of Reuben and Nancy (Dingle) Landram, the former a native of Virginia, who enlisted during the War of 1812 from Bourbon County and served until peace was de- clared. He came to Missouri in 1837, locating first in Marion County and remained there one year before settling in Macon County, where his chil- dren were reared. Both the parents are deceased and' were buried in Macon County. The following children were born to Reuben and Nancy (Dingle) Landram: Frances, married Buck Skinner and died on the way to California and the corpse was brought back to Missouri by her husband in a wagon; Nancy D., married John Speak and is deceased; James E., deceased; W. L., the subject of this sketch; Abner P., de- ceased; Lucy, married Samuel Shaffner and is deceased; Carter, Merced, Calif.; John and Alfred, both deceased. W. L. Landram spent his boyhood days in Macon County with his parents and became a practical farmer. In 1851, at the age of 18 he came to Randolph County and began to work by the month to earn money enough to attend the McGee College at College Mound, Mo. When he finished his course he taught school for 12 years. Mr. Landram became heir to 80 acres of land which then was all unbroken prairie in 1857 built his first home. From time to tim.e he bought more land until he has 152 acres in the home farm and a tract of 40 acres bf timber a mile west. There is one piece of 25 acres on the homestead which has never been 394 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY broken and the original blue grass remains to this day. For over 6? years this farm and house has been the home of the Landram family and it is one of the best kept places in the county. The two story house is well painted and attractive; there are two good barns and sheds, also other buildings for the stock, hogs and chickens. All the home place is good arable land and is cultivated. Two never failing wells furnish excellent water for household and farm use. In 1857 Mr. Landram planted some locust trees, which are still living and furnish good shade; one is now over eight feet in circumference. On Sept. 11, 1856, Mr. Landram was married to Miss Betsey Jane Boney, the daughter of J. T. and Elizabeth (Carr) Boney. They were early settlers of Randolph County, coming here from North Carolina and bought a farm in Cairo township. Both are deceased and are buried at Grand Prairie. This historic old burying ground was laid out by Mr. Landram in 1865. The land and the church ground were given by Wil- liam King and the first burial was of Leela Landram, who died Dec. -31, 1865, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Landram of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Landram have lived on this farm and in the same house for more than 63 years. Sept. 11, 1919, they celebrated their 63d wedding anniversary. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Landram: Orpha Ann, deceased; John Carr, died in California in 1901; James Logan, of Moberly; Leela Kate, deceased; Luella Bell, the widow of E. G. Kennedy, lives with her parents; William Edward, of Merced, Calif; Nellie, deceased; Finis Lee, of Merced, Calif.; Hugh Carter, de- ceased, and Oscar, deceased. During the later years Mr. and Mrs. Landram have enjoyed six trips to visit their relatives in California. They have 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. William K. Towles, Sr., now deceased, was a prominent citizen and well known stockman and farmer of Cairo township, Randolph County, and one of the honored pioneer settlers of this county. He was born in Howard County, May 29, 1843, and came to Randolph County with his parents that same year. They were Stokley and Mary (Ellis) Towles, both of whom passed the rest of their lives here and were buried on the home place. They had five children: Wilham K., Sr., Port, Thomas, Mrs. Nannie Grady and Mary, married George Towles and all are deceased. William Towles, Sr., was reared in Cairo township, and when his school days were over engaged in farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 395 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served four years, being wounded three times, first with a saber during a skirmish at Independence, Mo., and he was shot twice at the battle of Lexington, Mo. After peace was de- clared, Mr. Towles returned to Randolph County and resumed farming. On Sept. 24, 1871, he married Miss Martha Goodding and they had the following children: Richard, of Batesville, Ark.; William K., Jr., of this review; Mollie, the wife of William Sims, of Moberly; Jennie, at homej Jackson, at home, and Annie, the wife of A. W. Hinton, of Moberly. WilHam K. Towles, Sr., devoted his time and energies to his farm endeavors and became one of the prominent stockmen and feeders of this section of Missouri. With his sons William, Jr., and Jackson, they owned 970 acres of land. Wm. K., Sr., Towles died March 24, 1920, and was buried at Oakland cemetery. He was a member of the Baptist church for more than 30 years, being a member at Pleasant Hill. He was a Demo- crat. William K. Towles, Jr., was reared on the home farm, received his education in the district schools and then with his father and brother Jackson, began farming on an extensive scale. For 15 years this part- nership continued until the death of the father and since that time the two brothers have continued the business. They are wide awake stock- men and feeders as well as progressive farmers and keep about 150 head of cattle each year, 30 head of horses and mules and now have 150 head of Shropshire sheep, and about 300 head of cattle. The place is well improved. One bam, 80x120 feet has a concrete foundation and is con- sidered one of the best barns in the county. It has a loft with a capacity of 100 tons of hay and a basement 100 feet long for stock. A second barri was built with a silo and the third, 60x80 feet, has a basement under the entire structure with a silo built on the inside. In addition there are several smaller barns on the farm and other buildings. The Towles land lies in three townships. Salt River, Cairo and Chariton and the brothers also own the John Mason farm of 125 acres. Recently the Towles brothers purchased a fine coach stallion, "Ulex," and they have registered males at the head of their herd. There are six residences on the various pieces of land used by the family and for tenant farmers. William K. Towles, Jr., has for some years taken an active part in the public affairs of his district. He is now township committeeman of the Democratic party for Cairo township. 396 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Charles B. Bennett, one of the worthy citizens of Cairo township, who resides on his farm two and a half miles northeast of Cairo, is a native of this county and the descendant of one of the pioneer families that located here when this section of the state was sparsely settled. He was born in this township March 4, 1858, the son of Richard and Eliza- beth (Ridgway) Bennett. Richard Bennett was born near Lexington, Ky., and accompanied his parents to Missouri when his father, Moses Bennett, came here to take up a frontier farm in the late 40s. The family first settled in Grundy County. Richard Bennett came to Randolph County when old enough to leave home and entered the homestead where his son Charles B. was born. He died in 1903 his wife having passed away in 1885 and both are buried in Liberty Church cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Mary, the wife of George M. Brown, of Cairo town- ship; Alexander, of Cairo township; Charles, of this review; John, who died in 1915; Fannie, the wife of Smith Ridgway of Cairo township; Izona, deceased ; Alice, the ,wif e of Marion Ridgway, deceased ; Everett, of Good- well, Okla., and Emit, of West Cliffe, Colo. Charles B. Bennett spent his boyhood on his father'^ farm and at- tended the Sherwood school, one of the first school houses of this section of the township. It was located on the Sherwood farm. It was a crude log building furnished with split log benches and his first teacher was Susan Boney. He was eighht years old when entered at the frontier school. Mr. Bennett began to work on the farm and soon entered .upon an inde- pendent career. With the exception of four years, when he ran a dairy business in Moberly, he has lived in Cairo township. The farm which he owned and operated for 17 years, Mr. Bennett sold to Dr. Button, of Moberly and then bought his present place which is located on one of the rural mail routes out of Cairo. His present farm consists of an 80 acre tract where he located in December, 1913 and had formerly belonged to Everett Campbell. He has a good farm house, a barn 56 x 56 feet, and another barn used for stock, as well as other farm buildings. There is a fine supply of water from two never failing wells, pumped by windmills. Mr. Bennett keeps registered Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, eligible to registration and has a flock of 150 Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. He is the first man in Cairo township to pay $100 an acre for his land which was the purchase price of his place but he believes the land worth it and has demonstrated that money can be made from property HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 397 valued that high. He and his wife made the money which they now have by hard work when they were younger and now can enjoy the declining years in comfort. He recalls that when a boy he worked in the harvest fields for 50 cents a day and the day was from sun up to sun down and later he kept up the pace on his own land while his wife worked as hard and for as long or longer hours. On Oct. 2, 1913, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Jannie Roberts, a daughter of John and Ellen (Ellis) Roberts, both deceased. One child has been born to them, Mary Evlyn. The family are members of Liberty Christian church. A. C. Sibbitt, the senior member of the firm of A. C. Sibbitt & Son, *of Moberly, who are the distributors of the Oldsmobile cars, is one of the progressive business men of this section. Mr. Sibbitt is a native of Indi- ana. He was bom in Carroll County of that state, Sept. 19, 1869 and is a son of Richard and Sarah (Tomlinson) Sibbitt. Richard Sibbitt was born in New Jersey and came West and settled in Carroll County, Ind. He was an officer in the Mexican War and died in Carroll County, Ind., at the age of 84 years. His remains are buried at Delphi, Ind. A. C. Sibbitt is the only survivor of the family of four children born to his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Indiana and DePauw University at Greencastle, Ind. He then engaged in the mer- cantile business at Hoopeston, 111., and later was engaged in the real estate business. In 1915 he came to Missouri and located in Lincoln County and about a year later he came to Moberly and since that time has had the sales agency for the Oldsmobile cars in partnership with his son Glenn A. Sibbitt, a sketch of whom appears in this- volume. A. C. Sibbitt was married in 1891 to Miss Maude Norris of Hoopes- ton, 111. She is a daughter of Luther and Amanda (Lightner) Norris. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sibbitt, Glenn A., a sketch of whom appears in this volume. During the few years that A. C. Sibbitt has been in Moberly he has become closely identified with the interest of Moberly and Randolph County. Glenn A.' Sibbitt, junior member of the firm A. C. Sibbitt & Son, 107- 109 East Coates street, Moberly, Mo., sales agent for the Oldsmobile cars, is a native of Hjiinois. He was bom in Vermillion County, 111., April 16, 1893 and is a son of A. C. and Maude (Norris) Sibbitt, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. 398 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Glenn A. Sibbitt was educated in the public schools and took a three years course in civil engineering at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. When the United States entered the World War, he enlisted Sept. 17, 1917 and was sent to Camp Funston, Kan., for training ,becoming a mem- ber of L. Company, 356th Infantry and on the following April he was commissioned second lieutenant of field artillery. He then was assigned^ to Camp Jackson, S. C. as an instructor, first brigade F. A. R. D. School of Instruction. He was then sent to Fort Sill, Okla., and in November, 1918 was sent back to Carnp Jackson where he received his honorable dis- charge in March, 1919, after a period of 21 months of service. He then returned home and since that time has been engaged in the automobile business at Moberly as above stated. A. C. Sibbitt & Son are the distributors for the Oldsmobile cars in Missouri for the counties of Randolph, Macon, Adair and Schuyler. Dur- ing the three^ years that they have had this agency, they have built up an extensive business and rank among the leading automobile dealers in this section. Glenn Sibbitt is a charter member of Theodore Bazar Post, American Legion of Moberly and is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi college fra- ternity. He is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Moberly, who has earned for himself a leading place in Moberly and Randolph County. William G. Cox, one of the prominent citizens of Randolph County who owns a fine stock farm in Cairo township, was born in Macon County, Sept. 29, 1867, a son of Morgan and Sallie J. (Griffin) Cox. Morgan Cox was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with his father, Levi Cox, who settled in Macon County at an early day on the farm where William G. Cox was born. Levi Cox died and was laid to rest there. Morgan Cox came to Randolph County about 1875, and settled in Cairo township, improving a farm which lies just east of WiUiam Cox's farm.- He passed the remainder of his days in this locality and was laid to rest in Oakland cemetery in 1915 at the age of 74 years. He en- listed in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served under Generals Price and Poindexter. When peace was estab- lished he returned to Missouri and engaged in farming. His widow re- sides on the old home farm. She is now 75 years old. There were two children in the Cox family: Frankie, the widow of Warren Alverson, who makes her home with her mother and William G., of this review, who was HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 399 reared on his parent's farm attended the district school of Haynes dis- trict and when his school days were over, began to farm and raise stock, a vocation he has followed all his life. There are 290 acres in the William G. Cox farm which is one of the best stock farms in this vicinity and all the improvements with the ex- ception of the house have been made by Mr. Cox himself. He has two good barns, a garage, and other buildings. For the past six years has been raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, having 35 head with a registered male at the head of his herd. Mr. Cox also breeds pure blooded Duroc Jersey hogs; he has five brood sows, all registered and 30 pigs. His registered male is from the champion boar, "Pathfinder". A large flock of chickens, about 200, are kept on the farm, pure bred Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Mrs. Cox takes great pride in her bronze turkeys which she raises and in 1919 her male turkeys averaged 28 pounds, each for which she received $15. Feb. 11, 1891, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Susie McAdams, a daughter of Charles and Lucy (Coates) McAdams, pioneer settlers of Union township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cox: John H., who was educated in the district schools and then graduated from the high school and entered the agricultural department of Missouri University at Columbia and after receiving his degree engaged in farming with his father and Roy Ray- mond also received his elementary education in Randolph County and graduated from the engineering school of Missouri University and is now a civil engineer engaged in professional, work at Foreman, Ark. Both brothers enlisted in the service during the World War. John H. entered the aviation branch of the army, and was sent to Urbana, 111., having en- listed on Jan. 31, 1918, and was mustered out Aug. 13, 1918, because of disability and then returned home. Roy Raymond enlisted in April, 1918, choosing the Marine Corps. He was sent to Paris Island for his training and then to Quantico, Va., where he was assigned to the mine and sapper division and was mustered out in January, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members of Liberty Grange. Mr. Cox is a man of modern methods and a strong advocate of good roads and is work- ing for them in Cairo township. John H. Cox is Master of Liberty Grange No. 2119 and is deputy of Randolph County. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Cairo. 400 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY John C. Truesdell, now deceased, was for many years one of Ran- dolph County's well known farmers and stock men, and a pioneer settler of this section. He was born at Rising Sun, Ind., Feb. 9, 1829, and died leaving to his wife the care and responsibility of raising their family of five children of whom John C. was the only son. Subsequently Mrs. Truesdell married a Mr. Hamilton. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Truesdell moved to Kentucky where her children were reared and educated. She was a native of Kentucky and when her husband died re- turned to that state to be near her own people. She remained there the rest of her life. John C. Truesdell remained in Kentucky until he was 19 years old, when he came to Monroe County, Mo. and entering land there in 1848. Later he moved to Audrain and Boone counties where he engaged in farming until the spring of 1861 when he came to Randolph County and bought 80, acres of land in Prairie township. He at once began making improvements on the place and when his capital permitted bought more land and that at the time of his death he was the owner of 400 acres of valuable land, which was divided among his heirs. Mr. Truesdell's first wife was Miss Alma Crews, a native of Ran- dolph County and the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Maupin) Crews. She died Dec. 10, 1874, leaving eight children, of whom three sons are now living. Mr. Truesdell was married on Jan. 10, 1878 to Miss Rebecca Stiles, who was born in Randolph County, Oct. 22, 1852, the daughter of Simeon and Ann Hannah Stiles, natives of Massachusetts and Virginia, respectively, and five children were born to this union: Simeon, who lives on the home farm with his mother ; Jerry, of Prairie township ; Elizabeth, the wife of Clyde Carr, of Boone County; Samuel, of Prairie township, and one child died in infancy. John C. Truesdell was a Democrat and with his wife belonged to the Baptist church. His was an honorable and useful life and with his pass- ing, he left the memory of a loving husband and father. C. B. Embree, who conducts an up-to-date shoe repair shop at 117 East Cog,tes street, Moberly, Mo., is one of the enterprising and pro- gressive citizens of Moberly. He is a native of Randolph County and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. Mr. Embree was bom in Salt River township, Sept. 6, 1881 and is a son of Philetus and Maggie (Parker) Embree , JOHN C. TRUESDELL HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 401 Philetus Embree is one of the real old settlers of Randolph County and a native Missourian. He was born in Monroe County in 1855, a son of Milton Jackson Embree who was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer settler in Monroe County, Mo. He died at Evansville, Monroe County, and his remains are buried there. Maggie (Parker) Embree, mother of C. B. Embree was born at Granvel, Monroe County, in 1858. She is a daughter of Peter Parker. Philetus Embree was engaged in farming in Salt River township for a number of years and he and his wife now re- sides in Moberly. C. B. Embrees' maternal grandfather, Parker, was a native of Virginia and a pioneer of Ralls County, Mo. and afterwards was an early settler in Salt River township, Randolph County, where he fol- lowed farming for a great many years. He died at Hannibal, Mo. C. B. Embree was the only child born to Philetus and Maggie (Parker) Embree. He was reared in Salt River township and attended the district schools. For a number of years he was employed in the Wabash railroad shops at Moberly as a coach painter. He then entered the employ of the Brown Shoe Company and worked in their Moberly fac- tory until Jan. 1, 1917, when he eijgaged in the shoe repair business for himself. He opened a shop at 117 East Coates street, where he is still located. He immediately equijiped his shop with all modern machinery, installing a finishing machine, jack outfit, repair machine and a sole stitcher and shortly afterwards he installed a nailer. He has one of the best equipped shoe repair shops in the city and by fair dealing and the best of workmanship he has built up a large patronage. In the spring of 1920, Robert H. Roberts became a partner in the business. C. B. Embree was married April 25, 1906 to Miss Hattie A. Hulen, a daughter of W. M. and Elizabeth (Roberts) Hulen of Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Embree have been born three sons : Hulen, Chester and C. B., Jr. The Embree family are members of the First Christian Church of Moberly. Alexander McCandl^s, a Civil War veteran and a retired merchant of Moberly is a Randolph County pioneer and one of the first merchants to engage in business at Moberly, 50 years ago. Mr. McCandless was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan, 20, 1844, and is a son of James and Mary (Charles) McCandless. The McCandless family went to Iowa in 1850 where the father was engaged in farming during the remainder of his active career. He died at the age of 73 years and his remains are buried at Allertown, la. His wife died in Covinia, Calif., at the age of 89 years 402 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and her remains are buried there. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Isaac, AUertown, la.; John, Kansas City, Mo.; Josie, the widow of Frank Crane, Covinia, Calif. ; Alexander, the subject of this sketch ; Charles died at the age of 80 years in Honolulu, Hawaii ; William, died at the age of 80 years at Honolulu (William went in 1868, to join his brother Charles who had gone to Honolulu) and there Charles joined a whaling vessel which landed at Honolulu where he located permanently and remained there until his death; Samuel died at Hutchinson, Kan. at the age of 50 years ; Elizabeth, married John C. Heasty and died at May- field, Kan. and left 61 descendants, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alexander McCandless received his education in the public schools of Hamilton, 111., and in the state of Iowa. He had just about finished at- tending school when on Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 78th Illinois Infantry and first went to Louisville, Ky., with his regiment and from there to Nashville, Tenn. and took part in the Tallohoma Campaign, the Chattanooga Campaign and he participated in the Battle of Chicka- mauga, Lookout Mountain and Missidhary Ridge. He was also in the Atlanta Campaign and with Sherman on his March to the Sea and through the Carolinas when Johnson surrendered at Raleigh, N. €., in 1865. Mr. McCandless then marched to Washington, D. C. and took part in the Grand Review in the national capitol in May, 1865. He then returned to Chicago where he received his honorable discharge and was mustered out of service after having served three years, lacking 60 days. In 1868. Mr. McCandless came to Missouri and located in Louisiana where he remained for two years. In June, 1870, he came to Moberly. Here, in what was then the little village of Moberly, he built a small house on the east side of town. He had $60 in cash, which he paid th'e carpenter for the work and went in debt for the lot, material and plas- tering. After coming here, Mr. McCandless engaged in the shoe business, which he followed for 20 years, when he engaged in the jewelry busi- ness and for 30 years was engaged in that line. He has prospered in his undertakings and since he has retired from active mercantile life, he has devoted himself to looking after his various interests. He is the owner of five residence properties in Moberly, besides various other interests. Mr. McCandless is truly a pioneer of Moberly. When he came here the town was barely started. He can only recall a few people who were HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 403 here when he came in 1870. Among those are Henry Miller, a retired groceryman, Ben and David White came here shortly after Mr. McCand- less did and John E. Lynch was then a boy. His father, Pat Lynch, lived here, having moved his frame residence from Old Allen to Moberly. Mr. McCandless has been twice married. He was married at Ham- ilton, 111., to Anna L. Law, who died at Moberly in 1885, leaving one son, Frank C, who now resides at Covina, Calif. He married Frances Lincoln Prentis, of Fountain Green, 111. She is a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Hughes) Prentis, Daniel Prentis was born in Weathersfield, Vt., Jan. 31, 1799, and died at Fountain Green, 111., in December, 1884. He was a son of Thomas Prentis, who served in the Revolutionary War with the Connecticut troops. Nancy (Huges) Prentis was born in Clark County, Ind., March 3, 1818, and died at Fountain Green, 111., in 1892, and she and her husband are buried in the Fountain Green Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children besides Mrs. McCandless: Laura, widow of E. B. Sawyer, Camp Point, Tours, 111.; George Prentis, who served in the Union army during the Civil War and died near Hous- ton, Tex.; William R. Prentis, died at Lordsburg, Ariz., at the age of 38 years, and Silas Wright Prentis, of Carthage, 111. He served in the Union army during the Civil War with the 64th Regiment, Illinois Sharp- shooters. He is 78 years old. Mrs. McCandless is a cousin of the late Noble L. Prentis and the well-known writer of Kansas. Although in his 77th year, Mr. McCandless is active in both mind and body as the average man many years his junior. Only recently he did all the work himself in the erection of a four-room cottage and en- joys amusements such as picture shows and other pastimes as much as ever. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and past commander of the Department of Missouii, having been commander in 1917. Mrs. R. M. Johnston, who owns one of the attractive millinery stores of Moberly, located at 405 Reed street, opened her business here on Feb. 17, 1910, and from the first has been successful. In 1919, she added a women's ready to wear department and today her store is one of the popular shopping centers of the city. Mrs. Johnston carries the latest styles of millinery and women's clothes and special fixtures have been installed for use, which make the house attractive as well as protecting the stock from wear and injury. 404 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mrs. Johnston is the daughter of James W. and Susan (Williams) Dysart, the former a native of Macon County, born May 23, 1845, and now lives with his daughter in Moberly. The mother was born near Sahsbury, Chariton County, in 1845, and died at Hobart, Okla., at the age of 50 years and is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Mpberly. There were two children: Mrs. R. M. Johnston and her sister, Martha Ella, the widow of H. H. Turner and both are charter members of Tabitha Walton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Turner has two children: Mary Elizabeth and Robert Dysart. The Dysart family is of Scotch descent and a town of that name in Scotland is the original home of the family. Rev. James Dysart, a vet- eran of the Black Hawk War and a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, was Mrs. Johnston's grandfather. He came to Missouri in the early days, settling at College Mound and founded the college there. He followed his profession of preacher until he was 82 years old, having preached in Stur- geon, Boone County, Howard, Saline, Randolph, Macon and Adair Counties and many other places during the long years of his services, as he was one of the early ministers of this section when churches were scattered. Reverend Dysart was the founder and president of the board of directors of McGee College from its beginning until it closed. When he died he was laid to rest at College Mound. Mrs. Johnston's great grandfather, James Dysart, came to Randolph County from Tennessee, and he was one of the very first settlers here. He was a man of wealth, and brought slaves and came across the country with his possessions loaded on wagons drawn by ox teams and settled near Huntsville, where he had a large tobacco plantation, but the war impoverished him by freeing the slaves. He is buried in the old family burying ground on the original plantation. Mary Dameron, Mrs. Johnston's grandmother on her father's side, was bom in North Carolina and came to Randolph County with her parents. Her father was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Samuel Williams, a ma- ternal grandfather, settled in Howard County, coming from Kentucky; later he moved to Chariton, where his daughter, Susan Elizabeth, was bom in 1845. Samuel Williams' father was an officer in the colonial army during the Revolutionary War and was wounded and received a pension for many years. On March 4, 1896, Minnie Dysart married Robert M. Johnston, at Moberly. They have been in business since, Mr. Johnston taking charge of the clerical end of the business and his wife the selling department. HISTORY OE RANDOLPH COUNTY ' 405 He is a native of McKeesport, Pa., but came here years ago with his parents and was reared and educated in the Macon District High School and a college at Clarence, Mo. Mrs. Johnston graduated from the Mo- berly High School, and then attended the Missouri Valley College at Mar- shall for two years ; subsequently she took a course in the business college and entered business in St. Louis as buyer for the City Store. She then came to Moberly and began a business career which has been marked by gratifying success. The Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, is one of the well-known insti- tutions of Moberly, where they have an extensive trade of dairy products. Their plant is equipped with all modern machinery to handle this busi- ness by the most modem approved methods and is operated by electricity. The milk is pasturized by the best process known to this science. Other machinery in connection ' with the plant, including separator, ice cream freezers, washing machines for bottles and cans are to be found here in operation under the strictest sanitary conditions. They distribute milk throughout the city of Moberly and their delivery department is prompt and reliable and they have an extensive trade. The business has been operated under the present management with offices at 309 West Rollins street since Nov. 13, 1919. They employ not less than five men through- out the year in connection with operating the plant and the delivery de- partment. Joseph C. Carter, manager of the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company of Moberly, has been a resident of Randolph County for 20 years, and is one of the well-known business men of Moberly and this section of the state. He was born in Sullivan County, Mo., July 4, 1871, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Ziegler) Carter, both of whom are now deceased. Joseph C. Carter was reared in Sullivan County and received a good education in the public schools. He then took a course in the Humphreys. College and Business Institute at Humphrey, Mo. He came to Randolph County in 1900 and was engaged in farming and stock raising for five years, when he entered the mail service and for 14 years was a city mail carrier in Moberly. In 1919, Mr. Carter resigned from the government service to engage in his present business, further mention of which is made in this volume. Mr. Carter was united in marriage in 1903 with Miss Victoria Rags- dale, a daughter of John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale, the former of whom resides in Moberly and the latter is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been born two daughters, Helen and Bernice. 406 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. and Mro. Carter are members of the Central Christian church of Moberly. They have a pleasant home at 715 South Clark street. Earl Ragsdaie, of the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, is a native of Randolph County, born Jan. 18, 1884. He is a son of John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale. John W. Ragsdale was also born in Randolph County and is a descendant of pioneer settlers here who came from Ken- tucky and settled in Prairie township at a very early date. Charles Rags- dale, father of John W. Ragsdale, was a Kentuckian. He spent the remainder of his life in Randolph County after coming here. John W. Ragsdale was born in 1853 and now resides in Moberly. His wife died at the age of 60 years and her remains are interred in Oakland Cemetery. To John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale were born the following children: May, married I. S. Hamilton, Moberly, Mo.; Victoria, married Joseph C. Carter, the sketch of whom appears in this volume; Gertrude, lives in Kansas City, Mo. ; Samuel C, Billings, Mont. ; and Earl, the subject of this sketch. Earl Ragsdale attended the public schools of Moberly and since leav- ing school has been engaged in the dairy business and is one of the thor- oughly experienced and practical dairy men of this section. In 1919 he and Mr. Carter established the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, a suc- cessful institution which is mentioned more extensively in this volume Mr. Ragsdale was married in October, 1905, to Miss Roxie Irons, of Prairie township, Randolph County. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mollie (Dent) Irons, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. The father is now deceased and the mother resides on the old homestead in Prairie township. To Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale have been born two children : John Thomas and William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale reside at 131 Elizabeth street. Charles E. Crisler, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Moberly, who has been identified with this city for the past 15 years, conducts a grocery store at the corner of Barrow and Porter streets, where he enjoys a profitable business. Mr. Chrisler is a native of Kentucky, born in Boone County, June 17, 1872. He is a son of Thomas and Matilda (Helm) Chris- ler, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. The mother died in 1878 and the father survived her for a number of years, living to the advanced age of 91 years. They were the parents of the following children: Fannie, married William Rice and they reside at Burlington, Ky. ; Eliza Wingate, deceased ; Lewis, a veterinary surgeon of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 407 Covington, Ky., who has been meat and milk inspector in Covington, Ky., and Cincinnati, Ohio, for the past 12 years, and Charles E., the subject of this sketch. Charles E. Chrisler was educated in the public schools of Kentucky and for 12 years lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1905 he came to Moberly, Mo., and for 12 years he was employed in the Thackston Owne Grocery Store on East Coates street. In March, 1919, he engaged in the grocery business for himself at the corner of Barrow and Porter streets. He has built up a large trade which is not only due to the fact that he is estab- lished in a desirable location, but that he gives the public a square deal and courteous treatment. Mr. Chrisler was married Aug. 5, 1898", to Miss Ora German, of Belle- vue, Ky. She is a daughter of George and Melissa (Armstrong) German, who now reside in Moberly, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Chrisler have been born one son, Oran Edgar, who was born April 9, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisler have an extensive acquaintance in Moberly and stand high in the community. John Albert Sternitzke, of the Louis Hunt Grocery Company, is a • native son of Moberly, and one of the progressive men of the younger generation of this city. He was born in Moberly, July 19, 1888, and is the son of August and Maggie (Sutter) Sternitzke, now residents of Moberly, who have their home at 336 Woodland avenue. The father con- ducted a cafe on Sturgeon street in Moberly for a number of years, but recently has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in the shops at Moberly. He is engaged in making springs for cars and engines. To August and Maggie (Sutter) Sternitzke have been bom the fol- lowing children: Amelia, married Louis Hunt, Moberly, Mo.; August, a telegraph operator, employed at the Union Station, Moberly; John Albert, the subject of this sketch; Frank , auditor for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Company, Muskogee; Okla. ; Martha, resides at home^ with her parents ; Leo, employed by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Company as engine time-keeper, Sedalia, Mo., and Marguerite, resides at home with her parents. John Albert Sternitzke was reared in Moberly and attended the pub- lic schools, in early life he worked for a time at the Brown Shoe Factory and later was employed in the Wabash railroad shops. In 1909 he began in the grocery business and since that time has been with the Hunt Gro- 408 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY eery Company. He has had a broad and varied experience and is well posted and thoroughly competent in his line of work. Mr. Sternitzke is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The Sternitzke family ranks among the best representative citi- zens of Randolph County. Thomas Irons, now deceased, was for many years one of the substan tial citizens and prominent farmers and stockmen of Randolph County and the owner of 200 acres of valuable land in Prairie township. He was born here in September, 1848 and died June 20, 1917. He w.as the son of Thomas and Nancy (Given) Irons. The father was born in Scotland in 1808, where he was reared and educated and emigrated from his native land when a young man to America and located in Virginia where he lived until 1844, when he came west and took up land in Monroe County, Mo. Here he engaged in stock raising and farming. During the gold rush in 1849 he went to California, but three years later he returned and settled in Randolph County on a farm which has since descended to his son. He remained here the rest of his days and died in 1876. The mother, Nancy Given Irons, was born in Monroe County, Va., in 1810 but spent the most of her life in Missouri. She died in the early 80s, lea-\^ng the following family of children : Robert, deceased ; Bettie, the wife of John McKinsey, now deceased, and she lives in Moberly; William A., a farmer of Prairie township; Mary, the wife of M. H. Neal, of Prairie township; Susan, de- ceased, was the wife of James Genola; John, of California; Thomas, of this review; Dazerine, the wife of Sanford Anderson, of Prairie town- ship ; Wesley, deceased and his twin brother, Presley, lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Thomas Irons was reared on his father's farm, received his edu- cational advantages in the district school and when old enough began to farm, a vocation he followed all his days. He prospered and was rated as a successful man not afraid of hard work and with marked ability. He invested his capital in land and was well-to-do at the time of his death. Thomas Irons was maried to Miss Mary E. Dent, of Randolph County, who now lives on the home farm in Prairie township. There were 10 children bom to Mr. and Mrs.' Irons: Lloyd, the seventh child is now managing the old home place and his mother makes her home with him. He was married April 2, 1919, to Miss Anna Phelan, of Moberly, the daughter of Frederick Phelan, the freight agent for the Wabash Rail- road. The other children are Datz, deceased; Daisy, the wife of Estell THOMAS IRONS HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 409 Sweeney, deceased; Mamie, the wife of W. Cottingham, of Moberly; Wil- liam, of Prairie township; Roxie, the wife of E. Ragsdale, of Moberly; Victor, deceased ; Dersie, deceased ; Marie, at home with the mother ; ana Ethel, the wife of Leo Wilcox, of Moberly. Thomas Irons was a Democrat from the time he cast his first vote. He took an active interest in the civic affairs of his community and gave liberally for every movement that tended to the development of the county and the community. He was a worthy citizen and an example of the prosperous American farmer. Val Riegel, of the Riegel Agency, Moberly, Mo., is one of the pio- neer business men of Moberly and Randolph County and has been an im- portant factor in the affairs of this section for many years. Mr. Riegel is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, France. He was born Oct. 21, 1855, and his parents, Anthony and Anna (Hirtzlin) Riegel, who were natives of Alsace-Lorraine, are both now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Xavier, was a professor of mathematics at Lyons, France, and a deputy of that city, is now deceased ; Francis Joseph, served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871 and was interned in Germany dur- ing the World War, and whose wife died within 18 miles of her home when being returned after the war, resides in Alsace, France; Rosine, married Francis Joseph Fisher, and is now deceased. Val Riegel was educated in the public schools of his native land and came to America in 1870 when he was 15 years of age. He first located at St. Louis and in 1872 he came to Moberly, where he engaged in the confectionery and fruit business. About seven years later he opened a dry goods and notion store. He remained in that business until 18^5. He then began the real estate and insurance business and for 35 years he has been successfully engaged in this business. And the Riegel Agency is one of the extensive real estate and insurance agencies in central Missouri. It is the oldest real estate firm in Mo- berly and the oldest general insurance agency. They buy, sell and ex- change real estate and also make loans. They represent some of the largest financial interests in Moberly, including business, manufactur- ing and residence properties, and they are one of the largest taxpayers in Randolph County. Their insurance department represents the lead- ing insurance companies of the country and includes such companies as the Aetna Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn., Atlas of London, Fire Association of Philadelphia, New York Underwriters, Commercial Union 410 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH. COUNTY of London, Phoenix of London, Orient of Hartford, Conn., Springfield F. and M. of Massachusetts, Hanover Fire Insurance Company of New York and the Sun Insurance Company of London. Mr. Riegel was married in January, 1879, to Miss Laura Cassatt, of Moberly. She is a daughter of William Cassatt and was born at Day- ton, Ohio. William Cassatt and his family settled in Carroll County, Mo., just after the close of the Civil War and spent the remainder of their lives there. Mrs. Cassatt had one brother, David, who served in the Union army during the Civil War, enlisting in an Ohio regiment. He died in Barton County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Riegel have been born four children as follows: Jerome A., who is associated with his father in business; Ethel Cecil, who resides at home with her parents, and Leo and Leona, twins, the former of whom died in infancy and the latter departed this life July 9, 1913. Jerome A. Riegel, who is associated with the Riegel Agency, was born and reared in Moberly. He attended the public schools here and was graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1900. He then attended Washington University and the Moberly Business Col- lege. He was admitted to the bar in 1902, when Judge Hockaday was on the bench. He does the legal business in connection with the Riegel Agency. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Val Riegel has had an extensive business experience and a remark- ably successful career. He has not only been successful in a financial way, but by his square dealing has won a reputation for honesty and integrity, "which is a man's best asset. J. W. Balzer, a successful grocer, located at 111 West Carpenter street, Moberly, Mo., was born in Pike County, 111., Nov. 13, 1885. He is a son of John and Charity (Piper) Balber. John Balzer was a native of Quincy, 111., and spent his life in that state. He died near Barry, 111., in 1898, at the age of 44 years. His widow now resides with her son, J. W. Balzer, of this review. They were the parents of the follow- ing children: Lydia, married Harry Tooley, Valley City, 111.; J. W., the subject of this sketch; David, employed in the grocery business with J. W.,; Robert, also with his brother, J. W. ; Cecil, an automobile me- chanic, Flint, Mich. Robert Balzer served in the United States army during the World War. He enlisted Sept. 20, 1917, and was first sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., and from there to Camp Pike, Ark., and then to Camp Dix, N. J., HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 411 and on Aug. 26, 1918, was sent overseas, landing at Winchester, Eng. From there he was sent to LeMoines, France, with the 348th Ambulance Train. He remained in France ten months, when he was returned to the United States and honorably discharged at Camp Grant, 111., July. 17, 1919. He was married April 9, 1920, to Miss Ruby Young of Davis, Okla., and they reside in Moberly. David Balzer, another brother, was also a soldier in |the World War. He enlisted June 26, 1918, at Pittsfield, 111., and was immediately sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he was attached to the 36th Company, 159th Depot Brigade, for six months. On July 26, he was transferred to field artillery, F. A. C. 0. T. S. He was mustered out of service and honorably discharged Dec. 19, 1918. J. W. Balzer was reared to manhood at Kinderhook, 111. and attended the public schools there, obtaining" a good common school ec\ucation. He entered the em_ploy of the Wabash Railroad Company as a switch- man in 1907 and served in that capacity until 1914, when on April 14, 1914, he met with an injury which resulted in the loss of his right arm. After recovering he purchased the grocery business from Gus Miller, which he has since conducted. He carries a complete line of groceries and has built up an extensive trade and has met with success. By his policy of square dealing, high-class goods and honest representa- tions he has won the confidence of the buying public and he has a large trade. Mr. Balzer was married Dec. 11, 1906, to Miss Ethel Noble, of Hannibal, Mo. She is a daughter of John and Emma (Traeger) Noble, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Balzer have been born one son, Harvey, born Jan. 20, 1908. Mr. Balzer is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and is treasurer of that order in Moberly, v^hich has a membership tViere of 299. He is a progressive and public spirited business man and one of Moberly's well-known and substantial citizens. William Eugene Duffy, a well-known conductor of the Wabash Rail- road, who resides at 617 South Clark street, Moberly, is a native of North Carolina. He was born March 12, 1872, in Raleigh, N. C, and is a son of James and Mary (Pope) Duffy. James Duflfy was bom in County Donegal, Ireland, and came to America with his three brothers, Daniel, Cornelius and Patrick. The other brothers located at St. Joseph, Mo., and James Duffy eventually settled at Raleigh, N. C, where he 412 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY died in 1890, aged 60 years. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, she having died at Raleigh, N. C, in 1876, and their remains are buried there. They were the parents of three sons: James Patrick, .who Hves at Henderson, N. C; Silas Cornelius, Washington, D. C; and William Eugene. William Eugene Duffy was reared in North Carolina and educated in the public schools. He learned the stone cutter's trade in early life and worked at it for five years. He then entered the employ of the Sea- board Aiiline Railroad Company in the train service and after a time went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he was employed by the Chicago, Ham- ilton and Dayton Railroad Company for one year. He then returned to North Carolina, where he remained until 1903, when he came to Mo- berly, and since that time has been in the employ of the Wabash Rail- road and he is now employed as freight conductor between Moberly and Kansas CityrMo. Mr. Duffy was married July 22, 1909, to Miss Martha Catherine Spell- man. She is a daughter of P. E. and Mary Elizabeth (Barnes) Spell- man. P. E. Spellman was prominent in the affairs of this section of Mis- souri. He was the founder of the Clark Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., and was the president of that institution for 30 years. He was a promi- nent breeder of Hereford cattle for over 40 years, importing his first registered cow from England. He retired from active business in 1919. Mary Elizabeth Barnes, mother of Mrs. Duffy, was a granddaughter of Rev. James Barnes, who was a prominent pioneer minister in the early days of Boone County, Mo. His brother, Philip Barnes, was the founder of the Barnes Medical College of St. Louis. He gave a $1,000,000 lo this medical college and hospital and lived to see it become one of the great medical institutions of the country. Rev. James Barnes married Mary Elizabeth Burkhart, who was also a member of a prominent pioneer fam- ily of Boone County, who came from Kentucky to this state .\t an early day. Mrs. Duffy is one of the following children born to her -oarents: Edward Spellman, of Clark, Mo. ; M. A., also of Clark ; Mrs. William Eugene Duffy, of this review; and Mrs. E. Mayer, of Chicago. To Mr. ai)4 Mrs. Duffy have been born one daughter, Julia Elizabeth Duffy. Mr. Duffy is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors and the Knights of Columbus. He and Mrs. Duffy have an extensive acquaint- ance and many friends in Moberly and vicinity. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 413 Thomas Kellock, a prominent contractor and builder of Moberly, who has been successfully engaged in that line of work here for the past 15 years, is a native of Scotland. He was bom in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in December, 1863, and is a son of Thomas and Anna Belle, both natives of Scotland, where they spent their entire lives; the mother died at the age of 55 years and the father died when he was 75 years old. Thomas Kellock was the youngest of the children born to his parents and is the only member of the family now living. Mr. Kellock was reared tl) manhood in his native land and attended the public schools and Gertshire Academy. In 1883 he came to America and selftled in Minnesota, where he bought land. Later he went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed in the construction of the court house there and laid the first stone of that building. After remaining in St. Paul for six years he sold his land in Minnesota and went to Den- ver, Colo., where he worked at his trade for six years. He then went to Great Falls, Mont., where he was employed for a time and went frcm there to Chicago. In 1894, he came to Moberly and was employed as foreman for James Sandison in the construction of the Wabash railroad and later succeeded Mr. Sandison as foreman for the Wabash Company. About 1905 he began his independent career as a general contractor in brick, stone -and concrete construction and he has been successfully en- gaged in this line of work in Moberly and vicinity since that time. He has built some important structures in this vicinity, including the Mo- berly Trust Company building, the North Park School Building and the John C. O'Keefe residence, as well as many other structures. He under- stands the building business from beginning to end, and has had an extensive experience in bridge building as well as general structural work and ranks as one of the leading building contractors in this section of the state. Mr. Kellock was married April 17, 1912, in New York City, to Miss Jane Walker, a native of Ayershire, Scotland, where she was reared and educated. Mrs. Kellock is a daughter of James and Mary Cuthbert) Walker, both of whom are now deceased. Her father died in 1875, and her mother departed this life in 1896. Mrs. Kellock was born within six miles of the ^home of Robert Burns, the celebrated Scotch poet. . She has three brothers, one brother, John Walker, of the firm John Walker Company, Limited, furniture manufacturers, Glasgow, Scotland. This is one of the largest firms in Scotland. 414 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Kellock has a fine modern residence at 216 South Clark street, which he built in 1919. He has traveled extensively in the course of his career and since coming to this country has been in 28 states, and he also visited Cuba. He stands in the front rank in his chosen line of work and is a leading citizen of Moberly and Randolph County. James Alfred Peebles, a well-known locomotive engineer on the Wa- bash Railroad, who resides at 203 North Hagood street, Moberly, Mo., is a railroad man of an extensive experience and has been an employee of the Wabash Railroad for the past 11 yelrs. Mr. Peebles was born in Litchfield, 111., Feb. 7, 1871, and is a son of James J. and Susan H. (James) Peebles. James J. Peebles was a native of Grayson County, Ky., and came to Missouri in 1880. He first located at Moberly, where he was a coach builder in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company for six 7/ears. He then went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he was employed as master car builder for the St. Joseph Terminal Company until the time of his death in 1909. He was a Union veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in California and was transferred to Boston, Mass, and became a member of the 22nd Regiment, Massachusetts Cavalry. He served with the Army of the Potomac and took part in a number of impor- tant battles and skirmishes and during the latter year of the war he was severely wounded by a minie ball passing entirely through his body. His widow now resides in Moberly with her son, James Alfred, of this review. She is a native of Point Pleasant, Mason County, W. Va., and was born in 1847. She is a daughter of Aaron E. and Mary (Amos) James, both also natives of Virginia. James Alfred Peebles is one of three children born to his parents, the others being: Alma, now deceased, and Benjamin, who is in the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and resides at Trenton, Mo. James A. Peebles was educated in the public schools of Litchfield and Mattoon, 111., and Moberly, Mo., and in 1891 began firing on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and six years later v/as pro- moted to engineer and continued in that position until 1902, when he came to Moberly and was engineer on the Wabash Railroad about one year. when he entered the employ of the Rock Island as engineer, mak- ing his home in Trenton, Mo. From there he went with the Mexican National Railroad as engineer, with headquarters at San Louis Potozi, Old Mexico, and remained with that company one year when he entered HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 415 the employ of the Mexican Central Railroad as engineer with iieadquar- ters at the same place, and remained with them about two years when he went with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and ran fi?om\ Delero, Tex., to New Orleans, La. He afterwards returned to Old Mex- 'ico and was engineer on the Mexican Central again for a time. He then was engaged in operating a ranch in Southern Missouri and after a time returned to railroading and was employed by the Burlington until 1909, when he entered the employ of the Wabash Company as engineer and has held that position to the present time with his resi- dence in Moberly. Mr. Peebles was married with Miss Lena L. Thoroughgood of Des Moines, la. She is a daughter of J. E. Thoroughgood, who now resides in Los Angeles, Calif., and/ the mother is deceased and her remains are buried in Des Moines, la. Mr. Peebles is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mys- tic Shrine and holds membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers. He is an enterprising citizen of high character and reliability. Frank J. Epping, who is successfully engaged in the grocery busi- ness at 407 Taylor street, Moberly, Mo., is a native of Illinois. He was born in Adams County in 1864. His parents were Gerard . and Anna (Heddinghouse) Epping. Gerard Epping was the son of Henry Epping and was brought to America by his. parents when an infant. They set- tled in Madison County, 111., where Gerard Epping was reared to man- hood. Later he went to St. Louis, and after a time from there to Quincy, 111., where he was married to Anna Heddinghouse. In 1876, he came to Randolph County and was engaged in farming and stock raising in Union township. He died in 1882 and his wife died in Moberly in 1914. They were the parents of the following children : Barney, Moberly, Mo. ; Frank J., the subject of this sketch; -John resides in Moberly, Mo.; Jose- phine, married W. R. Klein, of Moberly, Mo.; and Cecelia, who is now the widow of Charles E. Reynolds and resides in Moberly, Mo. Frank J. Epping remained at home with his parents on the farm and attended the public schools until he was 17 years of age. He then entered the employ of J. H. Miller, a grocer, in Moberly and about a year later went to work for the Wabash Railroad Company and was with that company about ten years when he bought a half interest in the Thackston Grocery Store on East Coates street and was identified with that business for three years. Mr. Epping then sold his interest to Mr. Thackston and 416 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY on account of poor health did not engage actively in any business for six months. He then opened a grocery store on Rollins street. Later he sold out and entered the employ of the Milbank-Scampton Milling Com- pany and for two years was in the ejnploy of that concern. He then built his present store building and engaged in business again and three years later sold the stock, but retained ownership of the building. In 1916, he bought the business back again and since that time has success- fully conducted a grocery business there and has a good trade. In May, 1900, Mr. Epping was united in marriage with Miss Letitia Scott. Her parents were George E. and Elizabeth Scott of St. Joseph, Mo. They are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Epping have been born six children as follow: Stella, a high school student; Gerard F., also a high school student; William G. ; Emmett B.; Anna Marie and Letitia. Mr. Epping resides at 413 Taylor street. He is a progressive busi- ness man and a valued citizen of the community. Patrick J; Murphy, one of the large contractors and a well-to-do citizen of Moberly, residing at 827 South Williams street, Moberly, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Brown County, 111., March 14, 1860, the son of Michael and Mary (McQueen) Murphy, the former bom in County Galway and the mother in County Cavin, Ireland, where they were reared and educated. They came to the United States as young people and were married in Dayton, Ohio, and lived there a few years and then moved to Brown County, 111., where Mr. Murphy was engaged in farming and at the same time did a contracting business. The family came to Missouri, locating in Randolph County on a farm in Sugar Creek town- ship in 1882. Subsequently, Mr. Murphy moved to Moberly where he died in 1901 at the age of 68 years. His wife died in 1899, aged 66 years and both are buried in St. Mary's cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: John was drowned at the age of 19 years; Anna, the wife of Edward O'Hara, of Kankakee, 111. ; Patrick, the subject of this sketch; Mary E., the widow of James Boland, of Moberly; Nancy, de- ceased; Margaret, a trained nurse in Los Angeles, Calif, and Miphael, for years a railroad conductor and now a farmer of Carroll County, Mo. ' Patrick J. Murphy was reared on h\s father's farm in Illinois and received his education in the public schools of that state. Early in life he began as brakeman on the railroad but after a few years became associated with his father in the contracting and building business, a vocation which he followed for 10 years when he accepted a position as p. J. MURPHY HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 417 superintendent for P. A. Butler, a contractor with headquarters at Lyons, Kans., when that firm was building a roadbed for one of a railroad in that section. Mr. Murphy thoroughly knew the business and in 1890 took his first independent contract for an irrigation ditch near Rocky Ford, Colo. He was thus engaged for three years and made good on the project and then returned to Illinois to take more contracts for railroad grading and for building river levees. In 1902, he came to Moberly and since that time has been engaged in contracting for the Wabash railroad and other railroads in this vicinity. He is recognized as one of the re- liable and experienced men in his busness and has all the work he can handle and at the present time has several grading contracts for work on the Wabash system. Mr. Murphy is the owner of a valuable farm of 102 acres in Prairie township. In 1885, Mr. Murphy married Miss Harriet Barrett, of Brookfleld, Mo., who died in 1911, leaving a daughter, Margaret, who lives with her father. June' 21, 1916, Mr. Murphy married Miss Julia E. Holland a native of St. Louis, the daughter of Jeremiah J. and Ellen (O'Connell) Holland, both deceased. Mr. Holland was one of the first master mechanics to locate in Moberly with the Wabash Railroad and was with that company for 40 years. He died in 1908, his wife having died in 1901. There were five childen in the Holland family besides Mrs. Murphy, all prominent residents of their home cities, though one is located in the Island of Haiti, at St. Marc. Mr. Murphy is a member of the Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus and the Court of Honor. F. M. Holtsinger. The final culmination of a career of broad and varied experiences into a successful specialty is the acme of individual success. This is true in the story of the life of F. M. Holtsinger, of Moberly, prominent auctioneer, who specializes in conducting Duroc Jer- sey hog sales throughout the United States, and who is also one of ihe leading breeders of Duroc Jersey hogs in this country. Mr. Holtsinger was born in Moberly, March 17, 1884, and is a son of William and Sallie (Hollis) Holtsinger. The mother was a daughter of Judge W. J. HoUis, a prominent lawyer of Kansas City, Mo. She died in 1887 and her I'e- mains are interred in Oakland Cemetery at Moberly. William Holt- singer now resides in Moberly, making his home with his son, F. M. Holtsinger. F. M. Holtsinger was the only son born to his parents: Pearl, a daughter, died at the age of three years. 418 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY F. M. Holtsinger was educated in the public schools at Moberly and attended the high school. He then entered Spaulding's Commercial Col- lege at Kansas City, Mo., where he was graduated in the class of 1902. He then entered the employ of Michaels & Hoff Commission Company, at Kansas City, Mo., as bookkeeper and six months later he entered the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company. He remained with that company nine months, when acting under the advice of his srand- father. Judge Hollis, he entered the Kansas City Law School and three days later, as Mr. Holtsinger says, the judge decided that he was a failure as a lawyer, and sent him to a ranch in north central Kansas and as he had a natural antipathy to exercising behind a plow or trying to keep cattle out or in by insufficient fencing or no fencing at all, he abandoned his agricultural career on the wind-swept plains of Kansas and returned to Moberly. Here he engaged in horse-trading in part- nership with Hamp Parish and they followed that business for about a year. Mr. Holtsinger then engaged in the livery business' and for four years conducted a livery barn on North Clark street, Moberly. James A. Rockey was in partnership with him for two years in this venture. While in the livery business Mr. Holtsinger made the circuit of a num- ber of county fairs with two running horses and later owned .3ome trot- ting horses. On account of failing health he disposed of his livery busi- ness by auction and for six months was not engaged in any business. He then engaged in the fuel business and conducted the largest fuel business in the city for a year, having as many as nine delivery wagons in operation. The following year he organized a grading outfit and worked 20 teams. He built the Moberly race tracks and did grading for the Wabash Railroad Company under P. J. Murphy, the original contractor for one year. He also continued the coal and v/ood business in Moberly while doing grading. He then decided to be an auctioneer, which had been his boyhood ambition. He sold his coal business and began buying and selling horses and mules and also took up auctioneer- ing and began conducting country sales. Six months later he made ap- plication for a position to Walcott, Beers and Grant of Kansas City for a permanent position as auctioneer, and for one year was employed by them in their Kansas City Horse Market. The World War broke out about that time and the firm with which he was employed was consoli- dated with Guiton & Herrington and Mr. Holtsinger began buying horses for this firm for the British government. His work took him to Iowa HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 419 and Nebraska and here he continued to purchase horses until the firm was dissolved. Mr. Holtsinger then began conducting pure bred stock tales and later confined his work to conducting pure bred Duroc Jersey hog sales and he has met with phenomenal success in this line and today is the foremost auctioneer in the United States who specializes in pure bred Duroc Jersey hog sales exclusively. He conducts sales in every part of the United States and the demands for his time in this line are much greater than he can meet. While Mr. Holtsinger has been conducting Duroc Jersey sales for others throughout the country he has also been breeding pure bred Jer- sey hogs himself and has developed the largest breeding ranch in the United States, devoted to the breeding of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. His breeding ranch consists of 240 acres and is located six miles north- east of Moberly and one-half mile from old Milton, of whichh Mr. Holt- singer also owns about one-half the town site. The Holtsinger ranch is one of the best improved breeding ranches in the country. All the hog buildings are steam heated and electric lighted and watered by a complete water system and every modern fixture and convenience will be found here, even to a sale pavilion. Mr. Holtsinger has about 50O brood animals and the herd is headed by the celebrated Duroc Jersey male, "Greater Orion's Sensation," which is one of the highest jjriced' hogs in the world. Mr. Holtsinger purchased this animal for -$3,500 in September, 1919, and on Feb. 17, 1920, he sold 60 brood sows bred tO' Kim for $60,000 and on the same day refused $30,000 for "Greater Orion's. Sensation." F. M. Holtsinger was united in marriage in 1902 with Miss Cora Bar- tee, of Moberly. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Owens) Sartee,, the former of whom now resides in Moberly and the mother is deceased.. To Mr. and Mrs. Holtsinger have been born two children: Loraine and Lawrence. Mr. Holtsinger is well-knov^^l throughout the entire country and his great success in the pure bred department of animal husbandry has not only placed himself in the front rank in this field of endeavor, but has resulted in placing Randolph County in an important position In the production of pure bred stock. John W. Thackston, for many years one of the well known and popu- lar merchants of Moberly, was born in Howard County, Mo., June 16, 1866, the son of William and Nancy (Lowery) Thackston. The father 420 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY was a native of Virginia, where he spent his youth and was educated. He came west at an early day and located in Missouri passing the rest of his life here and died in 186.6, when his son was an infant. Nancy Lowery Thackston survived her husband and lived to be 78 years old, passing away in Audrain County. By a former marriage to a Mr. Jack- son she had two children, Ella, the wife of Jack Lafahm, and Grace, who married Christian Parrish, is deceased. John W. lliackston was reared by his aunt, Mrs. Mary B. Neilson, a sister of his mother, whose husband was a merchant of College Mound, Mo. Mrs. Neilson came to Moberly about 1887 where she reared four of her grandchildren, who have become well known and prominent citizens of their localities. Mr. Thackston spent his boyhood with his aunt and her husband in College Mound, received' his education in the public schools of Kirksville and Columbia and came to Moberly with his aunt when she settled here in 1887. He soon secured a position as tirtekeeper in the foundry of the Wabash shops where he was employed three years then began firing on a switch engine but resigned to accept a position as engineer of the electric light plant of Moberly which he held nine years. During this time Mr. Thackston purchased from L. S. Gaines his grocery business, located at 121 East Coates street. In 1906 H. W. Owen bought an interest in the store and it was then ran under the name of Thackston & Owens until 1919 when Mr. Thackston and his partner sold out to 0. H. Fort who continues the business at the same location though Mr. Thacks- ton still owns the building. Sept. 6, 1893, Mr. Thackston married Miss Lotie Grimes, the daughter of Washington and Virginia (Terrill) Grimes. Mrs. Thackston was born on the present site of Moberly in 1871; her father died in 1909 and her mother in 1912, and were laid to rest in Oakland cemetery. Mrs. Thacks- i ton was the fifth of, the six children in the Grimes family. She and her husband have a modern residence at 311 N. Moberly street. Mr. Thacks- ton owns the buildings at 119-121 E. Coates street and with his partner holds the title to the store at 117 E. Coates street as well as realty at 617 and 619 Burkholder street. Mr. Thackston has taken an active part in municipal affairs' and served on the city council two years. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic Blue Lodge No. 344, Moberly, Shrine, Commandery, Consistory and the Eastern Star. Mr. and Mrs. Thackston are members of the Christian church. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 421 Wade H. Dunivent, a descendant of a pioneer family of Randolph County who is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Salt Spring town- ship, was born on the place which was entered from the government by his grandfather in that township. He is a son of Edward J. and Pidy (Wisdom) Dunivent and was born Dec. 6, 1877. Edward J. Dunivent was a native of North Carolina, and came to Randolph County with his parents and here his father entered 40 acres of land which now forms a part of the farm of Wade H. Dunivent. Edward J. Dunivent was a farmer and stock raiser all of his life and was successful in his undertakings and became the owner of 480 acres of land. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil War and while in the service lost his left hand through an accident. He died in 1899. His wife died in 1882 and their remains are buried in the Burk cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: E. B., who lives on the home farm in Salt Spring township; H. P., died at the age of 52 years; Mattie, married Sebestin Molone and is now deceased; F. E., Huntsville and Wade H., the subject of this sketch. Wade H. Dunivent was educated in the public schools at District No. 46. He bought his first land which consisted of an 80 acre tract from Thomas Todd. This place was entered from the government by Toulman R. B. C. Gorham, June 2, 1836. Later he bought 65 acres of E. B. Burton, 40 acres of the old Dtinivent place and 80 acres from Samuel Gorham. He is now the owner of 285 acres where he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising and specializes in Poled Angnas cattle. Mrs. Dunivent raises standard bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens in which she is very successful. Mr. Dunivent was married Dec. 30, 1896 to Edna May Minor, a daughter of Josephus and Minerva Frances (Bradley) Minor. Her father died in 1911 at the age of 62 years and is buried in Oliver cemetery, and her mother resides near Huntsville. John Minor, grandfather of Mrs. Dunivent, was a Kentuckian and he is buried in Mt. Salem cemetery. ' Her maternal grandfather, Newton Bradley was also a Kentuckian and an early settler of Randolph County, entering government land here. He lived to the age of 90 years. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza- beth Ann Oliver and they are both buried in the Oliver cemetery. Mrs. Dunivent was one of the following children born to her parents : Anna, married Henry Carrol, of Huntsville ; Thomas N., lives in Oklahoma ; Mrs. Dunivent; Joe Billie, deceased; Lillie, married Marvin Lawrence; Lloyd, 422 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY lives on the home place and Grace E., married Frank Edwards of Hunts- ville. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunivent have been born three sons: Herman Hampton; Thurber Newton and Raymond Edward. Mr. Dunivent is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Clifton Hill and the Baptist church. He is a progressive citizen and has made good in his undertakings. Oscar W. Payton, the capable superintendent of the Randolph County Sanitorium at Huntsville, Mo., is a native of Missouri and a member of one of the pioneer families of this state. He was born in Howard County in 1875 and is a son of W. G. and Sarah P. (Landres) Payton. W. G. Payton was born in Macon County, Mo., May 6, 1845 and he and his wife now make their home with their children. W. G. Payton is a son of Durett Payton who was a native of Madison County, Ky., and came to Howard County, Mo., in the very early pioneer days and spent the re- mainder of his life in. this state. W. G. and Sarah (Landres) Payton were the parents of the following children: Rosa Lee, married J. N. Foglesong of Keytesville, Mo.; M. P., resides at Morris, Grundy County, 111.; H. D., Clifton Hill, Mo.; Oscar W., the subject of this sketch; Mattie, married Henry Rhodus, now living at Elkhart, Kan. ; and W. G., now liv- ing at Bruins, Ark. Oscar W. Payton was educated in the public schools of Howard County, attending school at the Liberty school house. He began life as a farmer and was engaged in that vocation until he came to Huntsville in 1916. He has lived in the vicinity of Huntsville since 1909 at which time he bought a farm here from J. K. Colvin which contained 53 acres and was formerly owned by William Hadley. It is a well improved place with good buildings and is a productive and valuable farm. In 1916, Mr. Payton moved to Huntsville and engaged in the restaurant business for 15 months. In 1920 he was appointed superintendent of the Randolph County Sanitorium and is conducting this institution in a manner which reflects great credit upon himself as well as the county officials in the way that the unfortunates of the county are cared for. There are now 29 patients in the home and they are well cared for. The sanitorium farm consists of 160 acres, all of which is cultivated under the direction of Superintendent Payton. Mrs. Payton oversees the work about the insti- tution and is capable and efficient in her management. Neatness and cleanliness are conspicuous about the institution and sanitary conditions are kept up to the highest standard under her watchful vigilance. HISTORY OP RANDOLPH COUNTY 423 Mr. Payton was married July 3, 1900 to Miss Anna May Sanders, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. She is a daughter of Henry and Lena Sanders. The father died in New York in 1880 and the mother afterwards mar- ried Harry Hanson and they reside in New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Pay- ton has been born one daughter, Olga Lee, a senior in the Huntsville High School. Mr. Pa;yton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a substantial and trustworthy man and well qualified for his position of responsibility. S. M. Dameron, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township is a native of Randolph County. He was born near Randolph Springs, May 12, 1868 and is a son of L. G. and Bettie (Bradley) Dameron. Bettie (Bradley) Dameron was a daughter of Samuel Bradley whose wife bore the maiden name of Holman. Samuel Bradley was a pioneer blacksmith of Huntsville and also followed farm- ing; he died in Oklahoma a few years ago at the age of 96 years. L. G. Dameron was born in Randolph County; his parents were natives of North Carolina and came to Missouri at a very early day and settled near Huntsville where they entered government land and spent the remainder of their lives. L. G. Dameron died in 1914 at the age of 80 years, his wife having preceded him in death. She died in 1876 and their remains are buried in Mt. Airy cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Martha Harland, deceased ; Nolle E., mar- ried C. C. Brown of Clifton Hill, Mo. ; R. T., who now lives five miles south of Huntsville; S. M., the subject of this sketch; Esther, died at the age of 21 years; and Annie who married Thomas Minor of Moberly and died in 1910 at the age of 28 years. S. M. Dg,meron was reared in Randolph County and educated in the district school at the Gill school house. He has practically spent his life in Randolph County with the exception of eight months that he was in Oklahoma. Mr. Dameron was reared on a farm and has made farming and stock raising his principal occupation and has met with success. He purchased his present farm of 40 acres in 1918 from F. C. Adams. It is a part of the old Christian farm and is a well improved place. The resi- dence is a modern four room cottage with electric lights and other modern improvements and the other buildings about the place are of a substantial character. Mr. Dameron carries on general farming and raises Chester White hogs, pure bred Jersey cattle and Buff Orpington chickens. 424 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Dameron was married Dec. 26, 1894 to Miss Ona L. Newby, a daughter of Nelson and Zynda (Manion) Newby. Mr. Newby died Aug. 28, 1913 and his widow now resides near Clifton Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Dameron has been born one daughter, Ruth L., who is now a student in the HuntSville High School and one son, Lewis Nelson, who died at the age of 20 years, April 27, 1918 and his remains are buried in the Roanoke cemetery. Mr. Dameron is a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge at Huntsville. He is a likable gentleman who has an extensive acquaintance and many friends. Winfield Scott Jones, a retired painter and decorator of Moberly, Mo., who has lived here more than 42 years and has seen the town grow into a city, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1845, the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Warner) Jones. Nicholas Jones was born in Virginia in 1807 and was reared and edu- cated in that state and became a slave owner on a plantation. Later he ' went to Ohio and took up government land in 1834 and was prominent in that locality and served as sheriff of the county four years. He was elected auditor and filled that office four years and then represented his district as senator in the state legislature. He continued to add to his original tract of 80 acres until he became the owner of 300 acres of land which he sold for a large figure in 1863 and 1868 came to Missouri. At that time he bought a 500 acre tract of new land 50 miles west of St. Louis and returned to Ohio to get his family and died there Aug. 3, 1868, before taking possession of his new property. Mrs. Jones was a native of Maryland, born in 1813, was married in 1830 and died at Lockport, 111., Dec. 9, 1883, and was buried beside her husband in the Cole burying ground in Delaware County. There were 14 children in the family of whom the following survive: Nicholas T., of Trenton, Neb.; Winfield Scott, of this review ; and Charles E.', of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Winfield Scott Jones was reared in Delaware County, Ohio, received his education in the public schools there and then entered Ohio V/esleyan University but left college to enlist in the Union army in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service at Camp Chase, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1865, after having served under General Grant. Soon after this he returned to college and remained a year, studying law, before he engaged in the decorating and painting business. In 1870, Mr. Jones came to Moberly and was actively engaged in business here up WIXFIELD SCOTT JOXES HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 425 to 1918. He was one of the early settlers of the town, his business ex- panded with the growth of the city and he became one of the well known and prosperous business men due to his ability and care in executing orders. April 11, 1872, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Helen Frances Livesay, the daughter of James and Sarah Livesay, both deceased. Mrs. Jones died in 1881, leaving three children: Ina G., Daisy P., and Colmer E., all deceased. March 10, 1885, Mr. Jones married Miss Ella Thompson of Moberly, the daughter of Isaac A. and Sarah E. (Haynes) Thompson. Sarah E. was the daughter of Rev. Levi Haynes. Mr. Jones belongs to the Presbyterian church and is a Republican. He is a man who has taken an active part in the development of Moberly and entered into the civic life of the community. He has served as a member of the city council and was one of the first mail carriers of Mob- erly when free delivery was first established. Mr. Jones is proud of his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The following are the grandchildren : Daisy married Ray Ford, San Francisco, Calif. ; Mable F. married Leo Duncan, who is in the medical corps of the United States navy, located at San Francisco, Calif., and who saw service in the World War and was on one of the destroyers which sank a German submarine ; Thomas Winfield Shootman, a sailor on the U. S. S. Santa Cruz ; Sue-Ella Shootman, San Francisco, Calif. ; Ina G. Shootman, San Francisco, Calif. The two great grandchildren are Lois Louise Ford, San Francisco, Calif, and Jean Audrey Duncan, San Francisco, Calif. Ed L. Milam, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Chariton town- ship, is a native of this county and a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the state. He was born on the old Milam homestead in Chariton township, June 8, 1878 and is a son of Joseph and FYances Elizabeth (Summers) Milam. Joseph Milam was also bom in Chariton township in 1839. He spent his life in this county and was succesfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Chariton township. He was a son of Daniel Milam, a Vir- ginian, who settled in Randolph County at a very early date and entered government land in Chariton township, a part of which is owned by Ed L. Milam, the subject of this sketch. Joseph Milam served in the Confederate army for four years dur- ing the Civil War and his brother, Solomon Milam, was also a soldier in the Confederate service and died from a wound received in battle. Joseph 426 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Milam served two terms as county judge from the western district of Randolph County. He was a capable public official as well as a success- ful man in his private affairs. At the time of his death he was the owner of 376 acres of land. He died in January, 1918. Frances Ehza- beth (Summers) Milam, wife of Joseph Milam, was born in Salt Spring township in 1848 and was a descendant of very early pioneer settlers of Randolph County. She died in 1915. Joseph Milam and his wife were the parents of the following children : D. H., who resides on the old home place in Chariton township; Allie, married W. H. McLain, Clifton Hill; Ed L., the subject of this sketch and Eva, his twin sister, who is now the wife of R. L. Patton, of Clifton Hill. Ed L. Milam was reared on a farm and attended school in the Milam school district which received the name from Daniel Milam, his grand- father. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising since early life and has met with success. He carries on general farming and raises stock quite extensively and has a number of registered Jersey cows. He purchased his present place in 1902, which is a well improved and pro- ductive farm. Mr. Milam was married Dec. 31, 1900 to Miss Leetoa Wadsworth, a daughter of J. A. and Jennie (Lamb) Wadsworth who now reside at Huntsville, Mo. They are both natives of St. Clair County, 111., and upon coming to Missouri they first located in Saline County where Mi's. Milam was born June 7, 1882. From Saline County, the Wadsworth family re- moved to Texas and in 1896 settled in Randolph County. There are four children in the Wadsworth family. The others besides Mrs. Milam are: Elmer, who lives at Darksville; Everett and Allene, at home with their parents. Everett Wadsworth is a veteran of the World War. He entered the service in September, 1917, at Moberly, Mo. and was sent to Camp Funston for training and from there to Camp Kearny, Calif, and then to Camp Merritt. From there he was sent to France with the third division and was a member of a m.achine gun company with the 38th Infantry. He took part in some severe fighting, including the battles of St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forrest. He was discharged Aug. 30, 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Milam have been bom three children : Joe Elmer, James H. and Oleta. Joe and James are students in the Thomas Hill Consoli- dated High School. They are both members of the Randolph County Pig Club. Mr. Milam is a public spirited and progressive citizen, and the Milam family is prominent in Randolph County. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 427 John C. Milam, of Chariton township, a veteran of the World War, is one of the progressive and enterprising young farmers and stockmen of Randolph County and is a descendant of a pioneer family of this county. He was born in Chariton township, Aug. 8, 1896 and is a son of Daniel H. and Josephine (Cooper) Milam. Daniel H. Milam is also a native of Randolph County and was born on the place where he now resides in Chariton township, Aug. 8, 1867. He is a son of Judge Joseph Milam who was a prominent farmer of Ran- dolph County and a Confederate veteran of the Civil War and served two terms as county judge. He was a son of Daniel Milam, a pioneer. Further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of Ed L. Milam elsewhere in this volume. Daniel H. Milam was reared and educated in Chariton township and has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation. He has been the owner of the old Milam homestead which was entered from the government by his grandfather for the past 16 years. He is now the owner of 300 acres of valuable land and is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He was married in October, 1890, to Miss Josephine Cooper, a daughter of John and Mary Cooper, early set- tlers of Randolph County. John Cooper is now 83 years old and resides with his daughter, Mrs. Milam. His wife died in 1918. To Daniel H. and Josephine (Cooper) Milam have been born the following children: Joseph H., George L., Ruby May, John C, the subject of this sketch, Frank, Lewis and Benjamin, all now at home. John C. Milam was reared on the home farm in Chariton township and was educated in the district schools and the high school at Clifton Hill where he was graduated in the class of 1915. He then entered the University of Missouri at Columbia and was a student in that institution during the school year of 1916-17. When the United States entered the World War, he was at Casper, Wy., where he was working with the ex- pectation of returning to the University, after he had acquired sufficient capital, but instead he enlisted on April 25, 1917 in the United States army at Fort Logan, Colo. From there he was sent to El Paso, Texas for training. On Aug. 22, 1917 he was sent to Washington, D. C. and from there overseas, landing at Glasgow, Scotland, Oct. 2, 1917 and four days later, arrived in France. He went across as a member of the Second Engineers and on March 9, 1918, he was transferred to the second division and with his command entered the Verdun Sector, March' 12, 1918 to May 428 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 14, 1918 and in the engagement at Chateau Thierry from June 31 to July 9. And as Soissons from July 18 to July 20 and was in the Marne offensive from July 20 to Aug. 9 and then in the Marloche Sector and from there to the St. Mihiel drive from Sept. 9th to the 16th and in the Blanc Mont from Sept. 30th to Oct. 9th and in the Argonne-Meuse from Oct. 30th to Nov. 11th, when the armistice was signed. He was then with the Army of Occupation in Germany from Nov. 17, 1918 until July 22, 1919 and Oct. 6, 1919 returned to the United States and was honorably discharged Aug. 18, 1919 after nearly two years and four months of service. John C. Milam was united in marriage Jan. 8, 1920 with Miss Minnie Garrison, a daughter of Clarence and Mary J. (Swink) Garrison, of Chanute, Kan. Mrs. Milam was bom in Crawford County, Kan. Mr. Milam is a Democrat and as this article is written is a candidate at the primaries for sheriff of Randolph County and whatever may be the out- come, it is certain that he is a worthy aspirant to that office. Thomas W. Miller, owner and proprietor of "Chula Vista Farm" in Salt Spring township, is a native of Dekalb County, Ind. and was bom July 17, 1852. He is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Moody) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. The Miller family came to Missouri and set- tled in Nodaway County, near the town of Guilford, shortly after the Civil War in 1865. Here the parents spent the remainder of their lives and are both buried in Nodaway County. The following children were born to Joseph and Rebecca (Moody) Miller: Benjamin F., died at Guilford, Mo.; William Harvey, who was accidentally killed by falling on a knife; Mary L., widow of John Culver, of Warden, Neb.; John H., lives in Iowa; Mrs. Clara Day, deceased; Josie, deceased; Hannah, married John Whorton and is deceased; Thomas W., the subject of this sketch; Isaac, deceased; George, Maryville, Mo., had three boys in the service during the World War, two of whom were in the army and one in the navy. Thomas W. Miller was 13 years old when he came to Nodaway County, Mo., with his parents. He was educated in the public schools and in early life learned the carpenter's trade and for 12 years was engaged in contracting and building in Nodaway County. He owned an 80 acre farm in that county which he sold in 1895 and moved to Worth County, Mo., where he bought 85 acres of land and remained there awhile and then moved to Cedar County, where he farmed six years. He also farmed in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 429 Harrison County, Mo. one year before going to Cedar County. He came ' to Kandolph County and bought 160 acres of land on the east fork of the Chariton creek. He sold that place in 1919 and bought his present place of 15 acres which is known as the "Chula Vista Farm." This place is favorably located on the state highway between Moberly and Huntsville. It is well improved with a comfortable residence and good substantial farm buildings. Thomas W. Miller was married in 1886 to Miss Carrie E. Wilson, a daughter of Quinton and Sarah (Graves) Wilson of Nodaway County, Mo. The father was a native of Indiana and the mother of Tennesset!. They are both now deceased. Lewis Wilson, a brother of Mrs. Miller had three sons in the World War, two of whom served in France. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born four children : Florence, at home : Dale L., Nodaway County, Mo.; Trueman W. served in the 88th division during the World War and was in the army over a year. He is now in Minnesota and Ivan V., who is engaged in fai-ming in South Dakota. Mr. Miller is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Huntsville Lodge No. 30. He has been a member of the Masonic lodge for 46 years, having been made a Mason in the Guilford Missouri Lodge No. 474 in 1874. He is a progressive citizen and stands high in Ran- dolph County. James R. Eubank, a well known farmer and stock man of Silver Creek township is a native of Kentucky, although he has spent most of his life in Missouri, coming here with his parents when he was about ten years old. Mr. Eubank was born in Clark County, Ky., Oct. 2, 1857 and is a son of Stephen B. and Lucy (Wright) Eubank, both natives of Ken- tucky. The Eubank family came to Missouri in 1867 and settled in Boone County and later removed to Howard County where the father died in 1887. He was born June 24, 1813. His wife was about 10 years his junior. She died in 1872, aged 52 years. James R. Eubank was reared on a farm in Howard County and at- tended the district school. In early life he began working for farmers in his home locality by the day and his first work away from home was splitting rails, for which he received 50 cents per hundred and he worked many a day for 50 cents. Out of the first money which he earned he paid 50 cents to join the Good Templars. After working as a farm laborer for a time, in Howard County, he rented land there until 1882. He then came to Randolph County and rented land south of Clifton Hill 430 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and operated rented land for some time in that vicinity and later bought 80 acres which he operated for eight years. He then sold out and rented his present place for two years when he bought it. He owns a valuable farm of 240 acres and in addition to general farming, he raises cattle quite extensively, specializing in Herefords. He also raises Poland China hogs. Mr. Eubank is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. Dec. 21, 1880, James R. Eubank was married to Miss Lucy M. Whit* She is a native of Howard County and a daughter of David W. and Bethann (Bush) White, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Howard County. David White was a soldier in the Confederate army. To Mr. and Mrs. Eubank have been bom the following children: Elma C, deceased; Porter B., a sketch of whom appears in this volum£; Thomas B., Silver Creek township; David S., Huntsville, Mo.; Alva M., Kansas City, Mo.; Terose, married W. Batterton of Howard County; Ruth, at home ; Otto, deceased and Ambro R. at home. Alva M. Eubank enlisted in the United States army Sept. 7, 1917 and became a member of Company A, Machine Gun Battalion, 135th Division. He was on the front line of the trenches and experienced considerable hard fighting. Sept. 15, 1918, he began a course in a replacement school in France and was commissioned second lieutenant and was discharged with that rank in March, 1919 and arrived home April 10, 1919. P. B. Eubank, proprietor of Sweet Springs Stock Farm in Silver Creek township, is one of the successful breeders of Randolph County. "Sweet Springs Stock Farm" is the home of Hereford Cattle and Poland China hogs. For the past four years, Mr. Eubank has specialized in breeding Hereford cattle and his herd averages about 50 head. His herd leader is "Senator, the Second," No. 831941, which is one of the best bulls in Randolph County and is from the H. S. Ferguson herd of Kansas City, Mo. and is of the "Anxiety, the Fourth" strain. Mr. Eubank has been a breeder of Poland China hogs since 1908 and usually keeps on hand from 50 to 100 head of hogs, all of which are eligible to registration. He finds ready market at private sales for both his Hereford cattle and hogs. P. B. Eubank is a native of Randolph County. He was born four miles north of Clifton, Aug. 19, 1883 and is a son of J. R. and Lucy M. (White) Eubank. The Eubank family came from Howard County to HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 431 Randolph in 1882 and the parents now hve one-half mile east of Mt. Airy in Silver Creek township where the father owns 240 acres of land. On June 20, 1906, P. B. Eubank was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn C. Bagby. She was born on the farm where she now resides and is a daughter of J. H. and Hennrietta (Ferguson) Bagby. Hennrietta (Ferguson) Bagby, mother of Mrs. Eubank, was also born on what is now "Sweet Springs Stock Farm", Aug. 2, 1839. She is a daughter of Wil- liam I. and Mary (Davis) Ferguson. William I. Ferguson was born in Albemarle County, Va., in 1808 and came to Missouri in 1838. He was married here to Mary Davis, and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in 1890 and is buried on the home farm near Roanoke, Mo. His wife died in 1906 and is buried in the same place. She was a native of Randolph County, bom here in 1821 and was a member of one of the first pioneer families of this section. William I. and Mary (Davis) Ferguson were the parents of the following children: Henrietta, widow of James H. Bagby and lives on the "Sweet Spring Stock Fa|rm", now owned by P. B. Eubank; Mrs. Mary Callahan, deceased; James H., de- ceased and Mrs. William H. Fray, lives near Yates, Mo. James H. Bagby and Hennrietta Ferguson were married in 1857. Mr. Bagby was born in Randolph County, Sept. 10, 1834 and died Dec. 25, 1905 and is buried in the Huntsville cemetery. He was a son of Wil- liam and Virginia (Harrison) Bagby, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They both came to Randolph County and spent their lives here. James H. Bagby settled on what is now "Sweet Springs Stock Farm" Jan. 14, 1858 and made considerable improvements in the place which now consists of 298 acres of valuable land much of which lies in Sweet Spring bottom. Mrs. Henrietta (Ferguson) Bagby was born on this place and has spent her life here and recently celebrated her 80th birthday which was made an occasion by her many friends and relatives to be, long remembered and which shows the esteem in which this venerable pioneer woman of Randolph County is held. She has five great grandchildren and nine great, great grandchildren and all her chil- dren, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present at the surprise party given her except Howard Lensley, who is a member of the 7th Cavalry, United States army and was with his regiment at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Mrs. Eubank is one of the following children bom to her parents: Mrs. Lou Leusley, of Huntsville ; Mrs. Orpha Burton, of Huntsville ; T. M. 432 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Bagby on the home place and Kathryn, the' wife of P. B. Eubank whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Eubank is a progressive and pubhc spirited citizen^ and one of Randolph County's substantial men. Peter Stautermann, now deceased, was for many years prominently identified with the development of Randolph County. He was born at Quincy, Adams County, 111., Feb. 22, 1851 and died in Randolph County, March 19, 1918 and his remains are buried in New Hope cemetery. Peter Stauterman was reared to manhood in Illinois and in 1876 came to Missouri with his brother, Jacob Stautermann. They first settled in Audrain County where they engaged in farming and where Jacob, still resides. He is the owner of two hundred acres of land in that county. The Stautermann brothers, Jacob and Peter, cleared 40 acres of timber land near New Hope, Prairie township, Randolph County. In 1886 Peter Stautermann came to Randolph County and settled in Sugar Creek town- ship on the place where the family now resides. Here he bought 2G0 acres of the Miller brothers, where he was successfully engaged in farm- ing until the time of his death. He prospered and added to his original purchase until he owned 340 acres. On Jan. 28, 1886, Peter Stautermann was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Stautermann who was also a native of Adams County, 111. She was a daughter of Peter and Caroline (Veihl) Stautermann. After their marriage they settled on the Stautermann place in Suear Creek township. Their first home was a log cabin of four rooms, one and one- half stories high. The house was finished with walnut lumber and one of the rooms had a floor of walnut. The old building is still standing and is now used as a tool house and granary. In 1893 Mr. Stautermann built a new seven room residence which has been remodeled. To Peter and Rosa Stautermann were born the following children: Eda Beukh, who has been a teacher for thirteen years and is now superin- tendent of the Consolidated School at Renick, Mo.; Frona married Elmer Wirt Standard, Alberta, Canada; Georgia, a teacher in the Roberts Con- solidated School District and has been a teacher for nine years; Pauline was a teacher for two years and is now the wife of Benjamin Berry of Hallville, Mo.; Carl, who for the past nine years has operated the home place; Esther was a teacher for three years near Rochport, Mo. and March 18, 1920 was married to Dwight Michaels of Moberly, Mo.; and Ethel married Ray Clark and lives in Washington, D. C. Mr. Clark is in PETER STAUTERMANX HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 433 the medical department of the United States army and his wife holds a position in the vocational {raining of former service men. The Stauter- mann children are all well educated and have all attended the State Teachers College at Kirksville, Mo. Carl Stautermann, who operates the home place, after completing the high school course and attending the State Teachers College at Kirksville took a course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. He is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. The Stauterman place is well adapted to general farming and stock raising and is well equipped with good bams and other farm buildings. The place is well supplied with good pure water and is an ideal farm. Mrs. Stauterman is one of the successful poultry raisers of this section, being a breeder of standard bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and usually keeps between 200 and 30O. The Stautermann family is one of the representative families of Ran- dolph County and Carl Stautermann is a young man of the progressive type who is ably succeeding his capable father. S. L. Haley, a successful farmer and dairyman of Salt Spring town- ship, is a native of Missouri and is a descendant of pioneer families of this state. He was bom in Macon County, Sept. 25, 1854 and is a son of H. C. and Sarah B. (Rutherford) Haley. The father now lives in Salt Spring township on the farm where he has resided for over 40 years. The mother died in November, 1918 and is buried at Huntsville. James Haley, grandfather of S. L. Haley, was a Kentuckian and came to Mis- souri at a very early day with his father and they settled in what is now Macon County. Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Frances Rutherford, grandmother of S. L. Haley, who now resides with, him, was bom in Boone County, Mo., in 1838. She was a daughter of Hardin and Lucinda B. (Reynolds) Dooley. He was a saddler and came to Huntsville in 1838. Later he moved to Adair County. His wife died in the Salen neighborhood at the age of 92 years and is buried in the Oliver cemetery. When the family came to Huntsville in 1838, it was a mere settlement and William Gogins, great grandfather of S. L. Haley on his father's side operated a grist mill here with horse power. He gave ten of the original 40 acres of the town site of Hunts- ville. The other 30 acres were donated by Nathan Hunt, Daniel Hunt and another man who gave ten acres. The town took its name from the Hunts. Mrs. Rutherford who is mentioned above, is the grandmother 434 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of eight children and the great grandmother of 13 and the great, great grandmother of two children. S. L. Haley owns a valuable farm of 110 acres in Salt Spring town- ship where he carries on general farming and dairying. He has a splen- did herd of pure bred Jersey cows and is a successful dairyman. He also raises Chester White hogs. S. L. Haley was married Dec. 14, 1890 to Miss Annie Oliver. She is a daughter of W. S. and Martha (Christian) Oliver, both of whom are now deceased. They were both bom and reared in Silver Creek town- ship and were descendants of pioneer settlers of that section. W. S. Oliver died at the age of 68 years in 1908 and his wife died at the age of 64 years in April, 1916 and their -remains are buried in the Oliver ceme- tery. To Mr. and Mrs. Haley has been born one daughter, Odonna, who married Ernest Shepherd of Moberly, Mo. and they have two children, S. L., Jr., aged eight years and Oliver Clay, four years old. Mr. Haley is an enterprising citizen and is representative of the successful type of men. He is a member of the Gill Farm Club of Ran- dolph County. Calvin T. Morrissy, the well known and capable postmaster of Clifton Hill, Mo., is a native son of Randolph County. He was bom one-half mile west of Clifton Hill, June 6, 1896 and is a son of James T. and Anna E. (Rucker) Morrissy who now reside in Chariton County, three and one- half miles southwest of Clifton Hill. James T. Morrissy is a son of James Morrissy who was born in County Clare. Ireland, Aug. 13, 1829. He came to America in 1846 and settled in Randolph County, Mo., in 1850. He bought 160 acres of land one and one-half miles west of Cliffton Hill, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising during the remainder of his Hfe. He died Jan. 20, 1870 and his remains are buried on the old home place where he lived. His wife was a native of Caswell County, N. C. and they were married in Chariton County. James T. Morrissy has been engaged in farming and stock raising since early manhood. He married Anna E. Rucker, a daughter of Joseph E. and Eliza (Robertson) Rucker, early pioneers in this section of Mis- souri. They first settled in Howard County and later moved to Chariton County where they spent the remainder of their lives and are now buried at Salisbury. To James T. Morrissy and wife were born the following children: Calvin T., the subject of this sketch; James F., on the home HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 435 place; Uredice S., a teacher in the Clifton Hill public schools; Helen G., also a teacher in the pubhc schools in Randolph County; and Thomas C. resides at home with his parents. James T. Morrissy was one of the following children bom to his parents: Mrs. Mary S. O'Conner, of Clifton Hill; Uredice E., deceased and James T. James T. Morrissy was educated in the public schools of Chariton County and with the exception of six years in Kansas City, has spent his life in Randolph and Chariton Counties. Calvin T. Morrissy was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Clifton Hill. During the World War, he enlisted in the United States navy at St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 30, 1918. From St. Louis, he v/as sent to San Francisco, Calif, and assigned to the Quarter Master Depart- ment of the United States navy at Goat Island, where he remained until June 25, 1919, when he was mustered out of service and honorably dis- charged. March 24, 1915, Calvin T. Morrissy was united in marriage with Miss Edna Lee Tullison, a daughter of Allen 0. and Bell (Henderson) Tullison of Salisbury, Mo., both natives of Chariton County, where Mrs. Morrissy was also born. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrissy have been born two children: Anna Bell and Willard Eugene. Mr. Morrissy is a Democrat and a progressive and public spirited young man. A. G. Lea, a well known and extensive stock buyer of Clifton Hill who is also the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of 280 acres was born in cliffton township, about one and one-half miles northeast of his present home. May 8, 1870. He is a son of J. M. and Sarah F. Lea, both of whom are now deceased. ■ J. M. Lea was born in North Carolina, in 1883 and in 1837 was brought to Missouri by his parents who settled in Randolph County and spent the remainder of their lives here. J. M. Lea was a farmer and stockman all of his life. He bought a farm near Clifton which he improved and spent his life there. He died in 1907. His wife was bom in Randolph County in 1840 and was a daughter of pioneer parents of this county. She died in 1914 and she and her hus- band's remains are buried in the Clifton Hill cemetery. They were the parents, of the following children: E. D., cashier of the Clifton Hill Bank; Carrie, married C. V. Lambeth, Clifton Hill; Eva, married E. T. Stark, Kansas City, Mo.; Mamie, married Noble Gunn, Tyrone, Okla. ; Jennie M., died at the age of two years ; Fannie, married W. L. Baker and she is now deceased and A. G., the subject of this sketch. 436 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY A. G. Lea was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools and. the public schools of Clifton Hill. He began life as a farmer and stock man and has had a successful career. He is the owner of a splendid farm of 280 acres which is well improved with a good farm residence and two good substantial barns. During recent years, he has rented his farm out and practically devoted his entire attention to buying and shipping stock and does an extensive business in that line. During the year of 1919, he shipped about 100 carloads of cattle, hogs and sheep to the market. Considering the price of live stock, that volume of business involved the handling of an enormous amount of capital. Mr. Lea was married in 1902 to Miss Lillian A. Pollard, a daughter of J. W. and Eliza (Winn) Pollard, of Chariton County. Eliza Winn was a daughter of Hampton Winn, a pioneer of Salisbury, Mo. He and his wife are both deceased and their remains are buried in the Roanoke ceme- tery. Mrs. Lea is one of the following children bom to her parents: E. J. Pollard, Isabelle, S. D. ; M. H. Pollard, of the same place; Lillian, wife of A. G. Lea of this review ; Katy, married Duke Monyhan, Sturgeon, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Lea have been born two daughters: Maurine A., and Mary Frances, both students in the Clifton High School. Mr. Lea is a progressive business man and through his activities in the live stock business, has made Clifton Hill the banner live stock ship- ping point of Randolph County. W. T. Reed, of Clifton Hill, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of early pioneers of this section. Mr. Reed was born near Huntsville, Mo., May 3, 1850. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Owen) Reed, both members of pioneer families of Randolph County. Henry Reed was also born near Huntsville about 1830 when this sec- tion of the country was properly considered on the frontier border and Indians were still numerous in this vicinity. His father was a native of Ireland and one of the fir^t settlers in Randolph County. He died just south of Huntsville and his remains were buried on the old homestead. Henry Reed went to Colorado some years before his death and after spending eight years there returned to Missouri on a visit and died at Sedalia, Mo., while on his way back to Colorado and his remains were buried at Sedalia. His wife died in 1850 and her remains are buried on the old home place near Huntsville. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children : John, died at the age of 45 years ; Mary married Samuel Alderson and died in Grundy County, Mo.; Martha married Levi Beckley HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 437 and died at Moberly, Mo. ; Sarah, married Tom Hardesty and died near Higbee, Mo.; and W. T., the subject of this sketch. W. T. Reed was reared near Huntsville and attended the Ohver dis- trict school which was held in one of the pioneer log "school houses of the early days. The building was of the primitive type, and Mr. Reed recalls among his early teachers Henry Jackson and Becky Jones, who were among the pioneer teachers of Randolph County. Mr. Reed began farming in early life and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until 1919 when he sold his place in September of that year, and for three months lived in Huntsville. On March 3, 1920, he removed to Clifton Hill where he bought the George Morris property where he now resides. W. T. Reed was married Nov. 10, 1871 to Mary J. Tillerson, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kitchen) Tillerson. Mrs. Reed was bom four miles southwest of Clifton Hill, May 1, 1850. Her parents were pioneer settlers in this section of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed has been born one son, Michael Reed, who is now a motor mechanic at Columbia, Mo. He married Leora Buchanan of Clifton township and they have six chil- dren as follows: Otis, married Willy Martin and they live at New Franklin, Mo., where he is a motor mechanic ; Russell, further mention of whom is made below; Louie, Bertha, Clarence and Beulah. Russell Reed, above mentioned, is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted at Columbia and was first sent to Nevada with the Missouri troops and after a period of training there and elsewhere was sent to France with his command and took part in some of the most severe fighting in France, including the battle of Argonne Forest and others. He spent about two years in the service and now resides at Columbia, Mo. W. T. Reed is a high type of the American pioneer citizen and one of the substantial men of Randolph County. Roman H. Malone, a well known farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, is a native of this township and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. He is a son of Judge A. M. and Betsey (Bradley) Malone, and was born in Salt Spring township April 8, 1870. Judge A. M. Malone was a native of North Carolina, born Nov. 17, 1822 and was a son of Thomas Malone. Thomas Malone was a native of North Carolina and came to Randolph County with his family in 1827. He entered 160 acres of land in Silver Creek township and spent the re- mainder of his life there. His remains are buried in Smith cemetery. 438 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Judge A. M. Malone was about five years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents. He was reared and educated in this county and during his active career was engaged in farming and stock raising in Salt Spring township. He took a prominent part in local afTairs and was elected judge of the county court. He died during his term of office, Aug. 24, 1892. Betsey (Bradley) Malone was a daughter of Squire Brad- ley, a native of Kentucky and an early settler in Salt Spring township She was born June 5, 1827 and died June 18, 1901 and her remains are buried in Smith cemetery. To Judge A. M. and Betsey (Bradley) Malone were born the fol- lowing children: Louis G., died at the age of 60 years; Mrs. Cordelia Jane Bradley, died at the age of 30 years; Martha Susan, married B. L. Cockrell, Huntsville, Mo.; George' Mitchell, Kirksville, Mo.; Katy May, widow of William Thomas, Stansbury, Mo. ; Liensetta, deceased ; Alex- ander, deceased; Sebastin Cabot, deceased; Squire Boone, deceased; Alonzo, Muskogee, Okla. ; Homan H., the subject of this sketch and Yewel Ford, lives in Howard County, Mo. Homan H. Malone was reared in Randolph County and attended the Gill district school and with the exception of two years spent in Howard County and two years in Montana, he has lived in Randolph County all his life. He bought his present place which is located two and one-half miles southwest of Huntsville in 1894. The place contains 96 acres and G. T. Burton was the former owner. This land was entered from the government by William Richardson, July 30, 1828. Mr. Malone has im- proved the place and has a good comfortable farm residence and suitable barns and other buildings. 26 acres of his farm is under blue grass. He raises stock and carries on general farming and is meeting with success. Mr. Malone was married Dec. 25, 1892 to Zettie Ellis, who died in 1897, leaving one child who is now Mrs. Clara Williams, of Salisbury, Mo. Mr. Malone was married the second time March 30', 1904 to Miss Myrtle Cubbage, of Yates, Mo. She is a daughter of Henry and Clara (Higdon) Cubbage, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Malone have been born two sons, Ellis B., deceased, and Waldo Emerson, bom July 7, 1907. Mrs. Malone is one of the successful poultry breeders of Randolph County and is making a distinct success in that field of endeavor. She raises pure bred Brown Leghorns, pure bred White Leghorns and Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and also Bronze turkeys and has met with re- markable success. Her champion gobbler weighed 33 pounds. HISTOR"^ OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 439 Mr. Malone is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Huntsville and is one of Randolph County's substantial citizens. Sippel Brothers. — This enterprising and progressive firm which con- ducts a garage and blacksmith shop at Thomas Hill, Mo., is composed of Emil F. and Charles W. Sippel. The Sippel Brothers began business here with their father, Adolph Sippel in 1894 and he is now living retired at Thomas Hill and his sons continue the business. Adolph Sippel is a native of Germany and came to America when he was 17 years old and first located at Harrisburg, Pa. In 1881 he came to Macon, Mo. and remained there until 1894. He then came to Thomas Hill, Randolph County, where he engaged in blacksmithing, a trade which he had learned when a young man and followed all his life. He re- mained in business at Thomas Hill until 1915 when he retired and has since lived at Thomas Hill. Adolph Sippel was married to Emily Shultess, a native of Switzerland who came to America when she was 18 years old and settled at Macon, Mo., where she was married to Mr. Sippel. She is now 73 years old and Mr. Sippel is one year her senior. To Adolph Sippel and wife have been bom the following children : John, who was accidentally killed on the rail- road at Bevier, Mo., where he was foreman of a mine shop; Lizzie, mar- ried Charles R. Fowler, of Atchison, Kan. ; Adolph, died at the age of 16 years; Emil F. and Charles W., the last two names composing the firm of Sippel Brothers. Emil F. Sippel was bom in Pennsylvania, Oct. 27, 1880. He received his education in the public schools and on June 25, 1900 he was married to Agnes Scott, a daughter of J. N. and Ella Scott. J. M. Scott died at Portland, Oregon and his remains were sent back to Belleville, 111., for interment. His widow now resides at Moberly, Mo. To Emil F. Sippel and wife have been born three children as follows: Edward, Hazel and Howard, all attending school at Thomas Hill. Charles W. Sippel was bom at Macon, Mo., Sept. 14, 1883. He was married July 30, 1905 to Miss Minnie Bunnell, a daughter of Thomas Bunnell and to this union have been bom three children: Gladys, Rus- sell and Ralph, all students in the Thomas Hill school. Emil P. and Charles B. Sippel have operated in partnership since 1894. In 1919 they built a new shop which is constructed of tile blocks and is 40x40 feet in dimensions. Here they, have all kinds of modem machinery and devices for automobile repair work as well as general 440 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY blacksmithing. They deal in automobile accessories and keep Ford parts in stock. The Sippel Brothers are both expert mechanics, having learned the trade under their father and have worked at blacksmithing and machine work all their lives. They are reliable business men and have won the confidence of the public, both for their honesty and integrity and their skill and ingenuity as mechanics. They are both members of the Masonic Lodge at Clifton Hill and belong to the Modern Woodmen of America at Thomas Hill. Julius Dunn, an honored pioneer settler of Randolph County Mo., bears the unusual distinction of having served in both the Mexican and Civil Wars and he is one of the few surviving veterans of that early day conflict with the Mexican government. He was born in Boone County, Mo., Aug. 5, 1829 and is a son of William H. and Phoebe Dunn, both natives of Kentucky. William H. Dunn came to this unsettled region in 1800 and was one of the very first white settlers in what is now the state of Missouri. When the Mexican War broke out, he was commissioned captain and was en- gaged in mustering soldiers into the service. Julius Dunn was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of frontier life and his early life was spent not unlike that of the average frontiers- man and farmer of his time. ^Vhen the Mexican War broke out and he enlisted in Boone County, Mo. and was detailed as a teamster, serving about one year. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Union army at Huntsville and after a period of service of over two and one-half years, he was mustered out and honorably discharged. In 1852, Julius Dunn located on Government land six miles east of where the city of Moberly now stands and was required to' go to Palmyra, Mo., where the nearest government land office was located, to enter his claim. There were very few settlers in this section at that time and he was the first man to settle on the prairies in the vicinity of where Moberly now stands. The first log cabin which he erected on his place is still standing and is used as the kitchen of the present Dunn farm residence and many memories of pioneer days cluster about this historic old build- ing which has been this veteran pioneer's residence for 68 years. Mr. Dunn has added to his original holdings from time to time until he has acquired 360 acres of valuable land which he improved and brought under a high state of cultivation. He has disposed of 120 acres but still owns > 2 •ft d a r:; Z 2 > 2 D ?] H w d H 2 O HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 441 240 acres of rich productive farm land where, for these many years he has been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has heen engaged in mixed farming which he has found to be the safest and most profitable plan. His place is well slocked with horses, cattle, hogs and sheep and he also keeps a large number of chickens with profit. Mr. Dunn was united in marriage in January, 1853 with Miss Sarah Turner who died in 1913 at. the advanced age of 80 years. They were the parents of four children as follows: John, Cairo, Mo.; Bessie, mar- ried Robert Fountain, of Centralia, Mo. ; and Ebley and Mary, deceased. Mr. Dunn, although in his 91st year, is still active in body and mind and is one of the remarkably well preserved men of his age and experi- ence to be found. He recalls with some merriment, that his mother pun- ished him for using tobacco when he was a small boy and at the same time severely reprimanded him and impressed upon him that the use of tobacco was very injurious. He was not a bad boy, as boys go gen- erally, however he has continued the use of tobacco all these years and still enjoys it as much as ever; and in these latter years he is rather in- clined to think that his mother, although honest in her conviction, might have been slightly mistaken as to the immediate fatal effect of the mild, although persisfent use of tobacco. It is too early to render final judg- ment as to the fatal effect of the "weed". However, time will tell. Mr. Dunn is still active in the management of his farming operations and is one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of Randolph County. Thomas McGinnis, now deceased, was for many years successfully identified with the interests of Randolph County and was one of its leading farmers and stockmen and a man who contributed his part to the upbuilding and development of Randolph County. He was a native of Ireland and came to America with his father, Thomas McGinnis, Sr., in 1846. They settled on a farm near Yates which is now known as the Pitts Farm. Thomas McGinnis settled on the farm where the family now re- side, in 1876 and here spent his life successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. During the Civil War, he was a member of the state militia. He was an upright and honorable citizen and successful in his undertakings. Thomas McGinnis was married Nov. 19, 1876 to Miss Mary M. Tomp- kins and to this union were born two sons, T. T., born March 26, 1879 and J. J., born March 3, 1881. The McGinnis brothers now operate the 442 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY home farm which is known as "The McGinnis Stock Farm", and is located in Salt Spring township five miles south of Huntsville. It is one of the valuable farms of Randolph County and consists of 432 acres, much of which is under blue grass and here the McGinnis brothers are success- fully engaged in raising cattle, horses, mules, sheep and hogs in addition to general farming. They are extensive producers of hay. The father, Thomas McGinnis, died Jan. 5, 1909 and since that time the mother and the sons have continued on the home place and she now resides with her son, T. T., being his housekeeper. J. J. McGinnis was married Sept. 24, 1919 to Miss Mollie Ghesser, of Moniteau township. Both T. T. and J. J. McGinnis are members of the Masonic Lodge at Huntsville and T. T. is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Moberly. They are" progressive citizens and are meet- ing with success in their undertakings. Dawkins Brothers. — The Dawkins brothers are among the- pro- gressive and successful farmers of Randolph County and descendants of one of the early pioneer families of this section of Missouri. William J., Levi H. and Levin Showard Dawkins are all native sons of Randolph County and were bom in Salt Spring township on the place where they now reside and which they operate in partnership. This place was entered from the government by Levi Dawkins, grandfather of the Daw- kins Brothers in 1838. He was born near New Castle, Henry County, Ky. and came to Missouri in 1838. After entering land in Salt Spring township he spent his life here engaged in farming and stock raising and became one of the successful and prosperous pioneer citizens of this county and at the time of his death in 1874 he was the owner of 640 acres of land. His remains are buried in the cemetery at Higbee, Mo. Levi Dawkins, upon settling in Salt Spring township, built a log cabin and the present Dawkins residence now stands on the foundation which was built at that time. He was promient in the early day affairs of Randolph County and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. The Dawkins Brothers are sons of Levin S. Dawkins and Isabella (Pogue) Dawkins, the former a native of Henry County, Ky., and the latter of Jessamine County, Ky., both now deceased. The father died in 1905 and the mother in 1915 and they are buried in the Higbee ceme- tery. Levin Dawkins was a farmer and stockman and also worked at building some. He and his brother, George Dawkins built the first brick HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 443 building in Moberly, Mo. and the Dawkins Brothers now have in their possession, a trowel which was used in the work. To Levin S. and Isabella (Pogue) Dawkins were born the following children: William J., of this sketch; Mary Ella, W. B. Jackson and Levi H. and Levin, twins, whose names also introduce this sketch. The Dawkins Brothers were reared on the farm which was entered by their grandfather and upon which they now live. They attended the Walnut Grove school which was held in a primitive log school house and their first teacher was Polk Witt. The brothers have co-operated in the conduct of the home place since they grew to manhood and have met with success. They have a valuable farm of 320 acres which is well improved with a good residence, a new barn which they built in 1908. The old log house which was built by their grandfather and which was the two room log cabin as been succeeded by a modem residence which was built by the Dawkins Brothers. They carry on general farming and also raise stock. The Dawkins Brothers are highly respected citizens and stand high in Pv,andolph County. Levi H. and Levin S. are members of the Masonic Lodge at Huntsville and also hold membership in the Order of the East- ern Star. George L. Johnson, who is now engaged in the general mercantile business at Thomas Hill, has for many years been successfully identified with farming and stock raising in Randolph Countj^. He was born in Minnesota, Oct. 15, 1863 and is the son of W. C. and Lucinda (Lanning) Johnson. W. C. Johnson was a native of Kentucky, born in 1834. When the Civil War broke out, he was living at Minnesota and enlisted in the Union army at Fort Snelling, Minn. After the close of the war he came to Missouri with his wife and family and settled in Chariton township where he engaged in farming and stock raising and prospered. He carried on general farming and stock raising and also fed cattle extensively for the market. At the time of his death in 1901 he was the owner of about 600 acres of land./ After his death George L. and his mother continued the operation of the home place and carried on the business with marked success ^nd increased their land holdings to 1,100 acres which they later sold. Lucinda (Lanning) Johnson, mother of George L. Johnson was bom in Indiana in 1837 and died in Chariton township in 1913. 444 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY George L. Johnson was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1920. He purchased his present store at Thomas Hill in 1918 and has given the business his personal supervision since August, 1919. The store building is 20x60 feet with an additional building of 16x40 feet. Mr. Johnson carries a very complete line of general merchandise, his stock averaging about $12,000. This store commands an excellent trade over a large scope of territory and in addition to the regular line of merchandise, Mr. Johnson buys and sells all kinds of country produce. He uses an auto truck for transporting his goods between Thomas Hill and the railroad station. George L. Johnson was married Jan. 16, 1887 to Miss Bettie Ficklin, a daughter of H. B. and Pernelia (Baker) Ficklin early pioneers of Char- iton township, both of whom are now deceased. The father died in 1908 at the age of 74 years and the mother died in 1910 at the age of 75 years and their remains are buried in the Henry cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born the following children: W. C., who is engaged in farming and stock raising six miles west of Huntsville ; Horace F. was engaged in the mercantile business at Kaseyville and Grand Center and is now engaged in farming and stock raising in Macon County ; Rev. George L., Jr., is pastor of the Baptist church at Callao, Mo. and principal of the high school there and is also editor of the Callao Journal and EfRe Lou, a student in the high school and resides at home. Mr. Johnson is a director in the Cnfton Hill Banking Company and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and one of the progressive, enterpris- ing and public spirited citizens of Randolph County. Mr. Johnson has just completed a splendid modern two story resi- dence which is equipped with Delco lights and a complete water system and all other modern conveniences. It is perhaps the finest country resi- dence in Randolph County. W. E. Agee, a leading farmer and stock breeder in Chariton town- ship, is the owner and proprietor of Hillside Stock Farm which is one of the attractive and valuable farms of Randolph County. Mr. Agee is a native of Missouri. He was born in Macon County, Nov. 12, 1861 and is a son of Andrew E. and Sallis (Minor) Agee. Andrew E. Agee served in the Union army during the Civil War and at the close of the war he engaged in farming until his death. He died in 1871 at the age of 37 years and his remains are buried in the Thomas HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 445 Hill cemetery. His widow is now 80 years old and resides at Rothville, Chariton County. Andrew E. and Sallie (Minor) Agee were the parents of four children as follows : Mrs. Theodosia Bradley, Mangum, Okla. ; W. E. Agee, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Lutie Richeson, Rothville, Mo.; and Mrs. Edna Sears, Hereford, Tex. W. E. Agee was educated in the public schools, attended school in the Epperly district and at Thomas Hill. In early life he engaged in farming and stock raising and has made a decided success. He has lived on his present place for 28 years and his improvements are substantial, modern and convenient. He has a good residence and three stock barns. His farm consists of 573 acres and is one of the valuable blue grass farms of the county. About 400 acres of which is under blue grass. The place is well watered and an ideal stock farm in every particular. Mr. Agee keeps on hand about 60 head of grade cattle and in recent years he has given special attention to breeding big type Poland China hogs of the pure bred registered variety. His male hogs "Farmer's Friend" and "Agee's Tim Wonderer" are splendid types of pure bred registered ani- mals and he also has twelve registered pure bred brood fem.ales. He also has 200 head of Shropshire sheep and pure bred registered bucks. He also raises standard bred Leghorn chickens. He has won a place among the leading breeders on Randolph County. Mr. Agee was married Jan. 20, 1891 to Miss Blanche Baker, a daughter of Nathan and Sarah D. Baker who were early settlers north of Hunts- ville and are both now deceased. They were about 75 years of age at the time of their deaths and their remains are buried in the Huntsville cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Agee have been born the following children: Delora, married Lloyd T. Barnes and they have one daughter, Audrey Lee and they live adjoining the home place; Bussie, married Lloyd Palmer and they live adjoining the home place and have one daughter, Nadine, and Elbie is a student in high school at Fayette, Mo. Mr. Agee is an enterprising citizen and takes a commendable interest in public affairs and has been especially interested in the welfare of the public schools and for 21 years has been a member of the local school board. He is a substantial and highly respected citizen. The farm resi- dence and bams are electric lighted by the Delco system. Frank B. Heddinghaus, a progressive citizen of Sugar Creek town- ship, who is well known for his industry and integrity, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Adams County in 1860, and is a son of George 446 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and Elizabeth (Korte) Heddinghaus, natives of Germany, who came to America when young. They were married at Quincy, 111., and prior to the Civil War, came to Missouri and during the war returned to Quincy, where they remained until 1870. They then returned to Missouri and settled on a farm three miles east of Moberly. This place is now owned by R. K. and S. P. Grose. George Heddinghaus was an honest, indus- trious citizen. He died in 1879 and was the first to be buried in St. Marys cemetery. His wife lived for many years after his death and departed this life in September, 1916 at the advanced age of 83 years. They were the parents of the following children: Frank B., the subject of this sketch; John, Prairie township; Mrs. Anna Kroner, Quincy, 111.; Mrs. Josephina Schneider, Denver, Colo; Mrs. Lizzie Kelty, Moberly, Mo.; and George, Quincy, 111. Frank B. Heddinghaus was educated in the public schools of Quincy, 111., and Moberly, Mo. and remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age. He located on his present place, just south of the city of Moberly in 1893. His farm consists of 47 acres of fertile and highly cultivated land. Here he carries on a general truck farming busi- ness. He raises vegetables of all kinds, including onions, cabbage, peas, rhubarb and etc., and he also raises potatoes extensively. He has been very successful in his chosen field and has become well-to-do. Mr. Heddinghaus was married in 1881 to Miss Katie Winkamp, a native of Quincy, 111. She is a daughter of Antonio and Anna (Wilper) Winkamp, both of whom are now deceased, having spent their last days at Westphalia, Falls County, Texas. Mrs. Heddinghaus has five sisters as follows: Mrs. Frances Bartschsmidt, Marshall, Texas; Mrs. Elizabeth Greger, Durango, Texas; Mrs. Josie Voltin, Barclay, Texas; Mrs. Anna Voltin, Barclay, Texas; and Mrs. Rosa Holcher, Barclay, Texas. To Mr. and Mrs. Heddinghaus have been bom the following children: Mrs. Josie Muehe, Moberly, Mo.; John, a bricklayer of Duluth, Minn.; Frank J., with the Harris Lumber Co., Moberly, Mo.; William H., of Duluth, Minn. ; and who for the past eight years has served in the United States navy; Mrs. Bertha Kroner, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. Dora Thieman, Moberly, Mo. ; Mrs. Christine Smith, Moberly, Mo. ; Ed, a farmer, Moberly ; Caroline, a sister of Mercy at St. Johns Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Viola Westhause, Glasgow, Mo. ; and Albert, who resides at home with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Heddinghaus have twelve grandchildren as fol- lows: Irene, Wilbur, Lucille, Arthur, Evelyn, and Viola Muehe; Ruth, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 447 Alice and Ralph Heddinghaus ; Edna Kroner and Nora May Heddinghaus, and Bemice Viola Westhause. Mr. Heddinghaus is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County and the Heddinghaus family is well known and highly respected. Herman J. Lotter, cashier of the Moberly Trust Company, is one of the well-known and capable financiers of Randolph County. He was born in Moberly, Jan. 15, 1881, and is a son of Charles J. and Anna (Howell) Lotter, the former of whom was bom in the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, in 1845, and the mother was born at Caven-Glass, South Wales. Charles Lotter became a hardware merchant after locating here and remained in that line of business until his death, Aug; 17, 1914. He had been a locksmith in his native land and followed an allied occupation after coming to the new world and settling in Moberly in 1871. He accu- mulated considerable property and was one of the organizers of the Mo- berly Trust Company when it was incorporated in 1906. He was of keen mind and wide awake to the many opportunities for investment and im- proved every offer that presented itself. The mother still survives, be- ing one of the well-known members of the Coates Street Presbyterian church. There were seven children in the Lotter family: Herman, the subject of this sketch ; Emma, who lives with her mother ; Charles J., Jr., of Moberly, is engaged in the insurance business; Eda, the wife of F. G. Keiter, now employed by the Wabash railroad; Morgan E., of Moberly; Lena, v/ho married H. V. Jones, a traveling salesman of Moberly, .und Ernest H., assistant secretary of the Moberly Trust Company. Herman J. Lotter received his educational adyantages in the public schools of Moberly, and attended the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, 111., in 1898, and the next year began his banking career by entering the employ of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Moberly, He showed such constructive ability and foresight in commercial affairs that when the Moberly Trust Company was organized in 1906, the position of assistant cashier was offered to him and accepted. In the early fall of 1910, Mr. Lotter became cashier of that institution. Since 1912, he also has been director. Mr. Lotter has served as city treasurer of Moberly, an office which he has held since 1911. He is a Democrat and his fra- ternal associations are with the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Lotter is a member of the Coates Street Presbyterian church and is chairman of board of deacons. 448 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY On May 5, 1905, Mr. Lotter was married to Miss Anna Van Cleve, a native of Macon, Mo., and one child has been born to them : Herman . Van Cleve, bom Aug. 28, 1909. George N. Ratliff, owner of Cedar Home Farm, which is located just east of the city limits of Moberly, is a native of Missouri and has been prominently identified with the public affairs of Randolph County for many years. He was born in Macon County, Mo., Feb. 28, 1843 and is a son of Jonathan and Dulaney (Rowland) Ratliff. Jonathan Ratliff was born near Glasgow, Barron County, Ky., in 1807 and came to Missouri and first settled in Randolph County near Hunts- ville in 1827. He was married in Randolph County and shortly after- wards removed to Macon County where he remained until 1867. He then went to Benton County, Ark., and spent the remainder of his life there. His wife, Dulaney Rowland Ratliff was born in Tennessee in 1812. She was a daughter of Younger and Margaret (Crawford) Rowland and came to Randolph County with her parents when she was a young girl. They settled south, of Huntsville about 1820 and Younger and Margaret Row- land both spent the remainder of their lives in that vicinity and are buried about four miles south of Huntsville. Margaret Crawford Rowland was a granddaughter of Col. William Crawford, a native of Virginia, who served as colonel in Washington's army during the Revolutionary War and was killed by Indians. Jonathan and Dulaney (Rowland) Ratliff were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Margaret Clatterbuck, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers, deceased ; A. E., deceased ; J. T., deceased ; Mrs. Polly Ann Shelton, deceased; George N., subject of this sketch; Mrs. Edna Whiles, deceased; Mrs. Martha Hunt, Granit, Okla. ; J. C, deceased; and Mrs. Sarah. Pofeey, Benton County, Ark. George N. Ratliff was reared in Macon County, Mo. and attended the public schools and later was a student in Mt. Pleasant College and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. He then took up teaching as a profession and for 20 years taught school in Randolph and Chariton counties. When the Civil War broke out George N. Ratliff joined the Missouri State Guards and was a member of the organization until the First Con- federate Brigade of Missouri was organized when, he became a member of Company K, 3rd Regiment, Missouri Infantry, and served with that organization until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle GEORGE N. RATLIFP HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 449 of Bakers Creek, Miss., May 16, 1863 where his left arm was broken by a minnie ball. He was left without medical attention for nine days. How- ever, he recovered and rejoined his regiment within six months and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Randolph County and after completing his education, engaged in teaching as above stated. He was one of the successful and well known educators of this section of Missouri. In 1877, he was elected superintendent of public schools of Randolph County and reelected to that office in 1879, serving four years. In 1886 he was elected sheriff of Randolph County and reelected to that office in 1888, serving four years. In 1890, he was elected county col- lector and reelected in 1892 and served four years in that office. He has ever been faithful to every public trust imposed in him by the people and in whatever capacity he has served, he has given the public business the same thoughtful consideration that he would his own private affairs. Mr. Ratliff was united in marriage in May, 1874, with Miss Josie Terrill, a daughter of Judge James and Eliza (Chrisler) Terrill. Judge James Terrill was for many years prominent in the affairs of Randolph County. He served as county judge here prior to the Civil War and after the close of the war he again served in that office for about 20' years. He was a native of Virginia and when a boy went to Kentucky with his par- ents and settled in Boone County and in the early forties came to Ran- dolph County. In 1848, he purchased the farm which is now owned by Mr. Ratliff and here he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. This farm was entered from the government by Elrena Austin and was later sold to Judge Terrill. Austin built a huge lc«g cabin on the place about one hundred years ago and a part of this old cabin is still standing in the Ratliff yard. Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff were married in this building. To George N. Ratliff and wife have been born the following children : Lois and Louis, twins, the former the wife of J. N. Wayland, of Hunts- ville. Mo., and the latter is commissioner of public buildings, Jefferson City, Mo.; Vida, married B. A. Garber and resides at Garber, Okla.; Donna; Roy, a mail carrier in Moberly; Virgie, married R. E. Martin, Huntsville, Mo.; George N., Jr., a farm^er and dairyman on the home place; Edna, married L. M. Crose, a dairyman of Sugar Creek township; Susie, married J. W. Richardson, Moberly, Mo. ; and Josephine died at the age of five years. Mr. Ratliff has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for 45 years, having been made a Mason at Salisbury, Mo., in 1875. He is a member of the Baptist church. 450 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Rucker Brothers. — This firm is composed of J. Frank and Tunce C. Rucker and they conduct one of the leading dairy farms of Randolph County. The Rucker farm is situated one and one-half miles south of Moberly and consists of 173 acres and was formerly the property of H. R. Terrill, a pioneer of Randolph County and was purchased by the Rucker Brothers in 1910. However, they have' been in the dairy business for the past 16 years, having started in Moberly in 1904. The Rucker dairy herd consists of 30 registered Jersey cows and the herd is headed by "Gamboge Major", a valuable registered male Jprsey. The Rucker Brothers dairy farm is equipped with all modern sani- tary dairy devices with a view to sanitation and expediency in handling dairy products. Their stables are conveniently arranged and kept in the best possible condition and everything about the place is kept in first class order. Their entire output of milk is delivered to the Ragsdale Carter Dairy Company, of Moberly, who distribute it daily to their hun- dreds of customers in that city. In addition to their dairy business the Rucker Brothers are also well known and successful dealers in mules and have been very successful in this field of endeavor. Frank and Tunce C. Rucker are the sons of John F. and Minnie C. (Coates) Rucker. John F. Rucker is now deputy collector of customs at St. Louis, Mo. He was born near Huntsville, Mo., in 1860 and his wife was bom the same year in Sugar Creek township. The Rucker boys are both graduates of the Moberly High School, having graduated in the class of 1904. They are both experienced dairy men, having learned the business on the farm of their grandfather, J. T. Coates, who was one of the pioneer dairymen of Sugar Creek township. When they began business on their own account, their capital consisted of $14.00 in cash and one Jersey cow. They attended strictly to business and worked early and late and their industry has been rewarded by suc- cess, and today they rank among the leading enterprising business men of Randolph County. Judge Alexander H. Waller, who is the editor of this history of Randolph County, though not the writer of this sketch, is one of the veteran lawyers of central Missouri, and for the past 43 years has prac- ticed law in Randolph County, with the exception of 13 years when he presided on the bench of the circuit court of this circuit. Judge Waller was bom near Carrollton, Carroll County, Ky., April 13, 1845. His par- ents were Esme M. and Jane H. (Moffett) Waller. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 451 Esme M. Waller was a native of the eastern Maryland and was a member of an old American family of English descent. This branch of the Waller family was founded in America by William Waller, who came from England in 1683 and died in Maryland in 1699. Esme M. Waller was a son of Ebenezer Cotman Waller. Ebenezer Cotman Waller removed from Maryland to Kentucky in 1804 when Esme M. Waller, father of Judge Waller, was one year old. Esme M. Waller was reared to manhood in Kentucky and remained in that state until 1854, when he, with his family and his father, who was then an old man, started for Missouri. They became ice-bound at St. Louis and spent the winter in that locality. Ebenezer Cotman Waller, grandfather of Judge Waller, died near St. Louis that winter in his 83rd year. The following spring, Esme M. Waller went to Saline County, Mo., where he remained until the fall of 1855. He then went to Clay County and bought a farm of 350 acres of land near Smithville. He was engaged in farming on that place until his slaves were freed and in December, 1864, he sold his place in Clay County and bought 160 acres near Barry, Platte County, Mo. Later he returned to Clay County, where he died in January, 1892, at the age of 88 years and five months. His wife died in Clay County, in May, 1893. She was bom in Ohio. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of North Carolina and she was reared and educated in Woodford County, Ky. To Esme M. and Jane H. (Moffiet) Waller were bom three children: Alexander H., the subject of this sketch; Mary, married David T. Bronaugh, who was a prominent farmer and stockman of Clay County and is now deceased and his widow resides in Clay County, and George C. Waller, who for many years was prominently identified with the affairs of Clay County and was one of the most popular and well known men of that county. He served as county collector for four years and died near Liberty, Mo., in 1902. Judge Waller was about 10 years old when his parents settled in Clay County, Mo. He was educated in the district school and a semi- nary which was located at Mt. Gilliad, Clay County. He came to Hunts- ville, Randolph County, in 1873. However, he had read law in Clay County before coming here. He served as deputy circuit clerk of Ran- dolph County from 1875 to 1877. He was admitted to the bar by Judge Burckhartt in 1877 and immediately engaged in the practice of his pro- fession at Huntsville. Shortly after being admitted to the bar. Judge 452 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Waller was appointed city attorney for Huntsville. In 1878, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and was re-elected to that office twice, serving three terms, from Januaiy, 1879, until January, 1895. At the expiration of his last term of office as prosecuting attor- ney he removed to Moberly and had an extensive practice in Randolph and adjoining counties, until November, 1903, when he was appointed judge of this judicial circuit to fill out the unexpired term of Judge John A. Hockaday, of Fulton, who died in office. In 1904, Judge Waller was nominated and elected to the office of circuit judge and in 1910 was re- elected to succeed himself and served until Jan. 1, 1917. During his incumbency of the office of circuit judge. Judge Waller won the well- merited reputation of being a fair, fearless and able judge. His pro- found knowledge of the law, coupled with his extensive experience as a lawyer and his inherent honesty and integrity, well qualified him for the difficult and responsible position of circuit judge. While justice, as judicially administered in his court, may not always have been "tem- pered with mercy," he never lost sight of the humane element and was always loathe to see justice miscarry by reason of technicality. It has been said of him by members of the bar who practiced in his court for many years while he was judge that he was a great equity judge. Dur- ing the time that Judge Waller presided on the bench, the Ninth Judi- cial District was composed of the four counties of Randolph, Howard, Boone and Callaway. There was an enormous amount of business in this district for one judge, and during the period which he held office. Judge Waller heard and decided, perhaps, more cases than any other ■circuit judge in the state of Missouri, and of the appeals taken from his court the percentage of reversals was remarkably low. After the expira- tion of his term of office in 1917 Judge Waller returned to the practice of law to which he has since devoted himself. He is recognized as one of the ablest lawyers in central Missouri and is the oldest practicing attorney in Randolph County. Judge Waller was united in marriage April 24, 1904, with Miss Annie James, a native of Howard County, Mo. She is a daughter of WilHam and Mary (Smith) James, both the James and Smith families were from Kentucky and early settlers in this section of Missouri. William James w/3 a farmer and stockman, and died in Moberly in March, 1897, and liis widow now resides with Judge and Mrs. Waller and is in her SSth year. She is a daughter of Joel Smith, who was a prominent piono3r of Randolph County and became a very large land owner. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 453 Judge Vv'aller is a member of the Christian church and is a Demo- crat, h?lving inherited his politics through many generations. His father voted for Andrew Jackson and his grandfather for Thomas Jefferson. Judge Waller is perhaps the best known man in Randolph County, and during the course of his long professional and official career he has made many friends and few, if any, real enemies. Written by M. J. Flannery. Arthur Eerger Chamier, one of the leading members of the Ran- dolph County tar, and one of the younger generation of the professional men of this section, is a native of Moberly. He was bom July 19, 1875, a son of Leo A. and Mary (Bsrger) Chamier, to whom three children were born: Jennie, who married W. S. Dolton, deceased, and is now bursar of Westminster College, Fulton, Mo., and has one daughter, Louisa; Olive, the wife of R. C. Dalton, and though the names of the husbands are similar, they are different and the men no relation, and Arthur B., the subject of this review, who was the second in order of birth. Leo Chamier was born in the province of Prussia, Germany, April 5, 1845, of French descent. He was educated in the public schools of his native land and later worked in his father's store, but became dis- satisfied in Germany because of the required service in the army and when 21 years old came to America. He located near Chicago andj working on a farm while he learned the customs of this country, and later married the daughter of his employer. Subsequently he came west and located at Moberly about 1870, at the time when the Wabash shops were established in the tovsm. For sometime he was employed in these shops, then returned to Illinois, where he married, in 1872, Miss Mary Berger, a native of Cook County, 111. Returning to Missouri, Mr, Chamier remained with the railroad company for a number of years, but later entered into a partnership with Valentine Riegel in the ownership and management of a dry goods business, located on Reed street. Later the store bumed and Mr. Chamier again accepted a position with the Wabash railroad until he retired in 1913. Arthur B. Chamier was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools here, graduating from the Moberly High School in 1892. The following fall he entered William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., where he remained a student four years, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1895. Almost immediately after graduation, Mr. Chamier accepted a position with the Wabash railroad, being located at St. Louig. and in January, 1896, he engaged in teaching French and psychology in 454 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Wayne Academy at Piedmont, Mo. The next year he taught the public school at Mill Spring, Wayne County, Mo., remaining there unftl 1897, when he came to Moberly to assume charge of the historj and civics departments in the high school of this city. In September; 1900, he entered the law department of Washington University, St. Louis, grad- uating in 1902. Shortly after graduating, Mr. Chamier located in Seattle, Wash., taking a position in the law office of Peters & Powell for a year, but returned to St. Louis and was associated with Paul F. Coste, a leading attorney until the opening of the Louisiana Exposition, when he became customs inspector for the government, and secretary to J. J. Crowley, special agent in charge of the treasury department of the government. Following this service, Mr. Chamier became secretary to Amos M. Thayer, United States judge of the Circuit Court of Appeals, 8th District, but upon the judge's death in 1904, returned to Moberly, where Judge Wal- ler appointed him court reporter of the Ninth circuit, which then con- sisted of Randolph, Callaway, Howard and Boone counties. This position Mr. Chamier held until January, 1911, when he engaged in practice in Moberly in partnership with Oak Hunter and the new firm opened offices in the Moberly Trust Building, where they have built up a high grade and large clientele. Mr. Chamier has ever taken an active interest in public affaitrs, gained many warm friends. He was elected city attorney of Moberly in the spring of 1911, serving in that capacity four years. For the past five years, Mr. Chamier has been a member of the school board. He is a Democrat, is a member of the Baptist church, is a Mason, belonging to Lodges A. F. & A. M., No. 344, Moberly Chapter No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, Tancred Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar, Moolah Temple and a member of the Shrine at St. Louis. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows, the Elks, and while in college belonged to the Sigma Nu fraternity. On Sept. 15, 1906, Mr. Chamier was married to Miss Lulu Jeffries, who- was born near Columbia, Ky., the daughter of W. F. and Ella (Reynolds) Jeifries, both natives of Kentucky, who came early to Carroll County, Mo., and later moved to Randolph County. Two chil- dren have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Chamier: Richard and Mary Lou. John W. Faessler, president of the Faessler Manufacturing Company of Moberly, is engaged in one of the most important industries of the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 455 country, which is recognized as one of Moberly's foremost industrial in- stitutions. Mr. Faessler was bom in Moberly, July 25, 1878, the son of John and Christiana (Klore) Faessler. John Faessler was born near Berne, Switzerland, July 25, 1838, and came to the United States when he was 14 years of age, to join his father, who had preceded him to St. iLouis. There were nine children in his father's family, five of whom came to this country, while the others remained in their native land. Two of John Faessler's uncles served in the Union army during the Civil War. When the Wabash Railroad Company moved its shops from St. Charles to Moberly, John Faessler, Sr., came to this city and about 1875 he became an employe of the road in the tool department. He was ambi- tious and after accumulating some capital determined to establish him- self independently in business and became a manufacturer of boiler-' makers' tools, a business in which he was engaged . until his death; March 9, 1899. He made an unusual success of his business and at the time of his death was a leading factor in the industrial life in Moberly. He is survived by his wife and three children: John W., Jr., whose name introduces this sketch; Louis, treasurer of the Faessler Manu- facturing Company, and Lulu M., who married H. B. Gilfillan, a resident of this city. John Faessler, the subject of this .sketch, spent his boyhood in Mo- berly, attended the public schools here until his senior year in the high school, when he gave up further educational advantages to assist his father who was in poor health. He began work in the factory when he was 10 years of age, so that he had a practical insight into the business, knew all the varied processes of manufacturing and was soon able to assume much of the burden of the management. A year after the father's death, the concern was incorporated under the firm name of the J. Faessler. Manufacturing Company with a paid up capitol of $60,000. The company manufactures all kinds of boiler makers' tools and allied products. They are also manufacturers of the celebrated Missouri Hay Press. The output of this factory reaches the markets of Canada, Mexico, and other foreign countries, as well as all parts of the United States. John W. Faessler became president of the company at the time of its incorporation and his brother, Louis, became treasurer. Since the incorporation of the company, July 6, 1900, it has taken a place in the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 457 valuable land, where he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising and is one of the most progressive farmers of the county. He has placed good and permanent improvements on his place. He has a fine nine room house, modern in every manner, a large barn and other buildings for farm use and stock. Mr. Holbrook was married to Miss Amanda Esry, a daughter of Logan and Sallie (Bailey) Esry, both deceased. Logan Esry was a native of Kentucky and came to this county as a child and was reared here. Mrs. Holbrook was the eldest child in a family of five children and was a very capable and charming girl. Her grandfather, Austin Bailey was a pioneer settler of Jackson County, Mo., who owned 500 acres of land there and was one of the leading men of that part of the state and the family was prominent in public afi'airs. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook have three children: Milam, educated in the district schools and Moberly High School, is now farming the home place, married Eula Perkins of Moberly, in 1913, and they have two children, Helen and Ruby; John, a machinist, employed in the Wabash shops at Moberly; and Ada, the wife of Roy Durham, a veteran of the World War, who served with the 16th Engineer Corps. The Holbrook family is known throughout this section of the state for its spirit of true Americanism and for the part it has and is taking in civic affairs. Martin J. Kehoe, assistant postmaster of Moberly, Mo., has been, for more than a quarter of a century connected with the postal service in this city. He is a native of Missouri, born in St. Louis, Jan. 28, 1875, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Murphy) Kehoe. Daniel Kehoe was a native of Ireland and came to America when only 15 years old. He soon located in St. Louis, where he learned the trade of boilermaker, a vocation followed for many years, iie came to Moberly in 1874. In later life, Mr. Kehoe entered the service of the Wabash railroad in the water department and was killed in a collision- in 1892, while on duty at Martinsburg, Mo. Mary (Murphy) Kehoe was born in Ireland and brought to the United States by her parents when a child of two years. Mrs. Kehoe is now deceased. Daniel Kehoe and wife were the parents of eight children: Martin J., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, the wife of E. L. Kirkendall, of Tacoma, Wash.; Mamie, who lives with Margaret; Daniel P., of St. Louis; William F., also of that city; James L., a plumber of Moberly; Ann, de- 458 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ceased, and Joseph F. Both parents were members of the Catholic church, the faith in which the children were also reared. Mr. Kehoe was a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Martin J. Kehoe was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools, and was graduated from the Moberly High School in 1890. He then be- came a reporter on what is now known as the Monitor-Index. He worked his way up in the newspaper business, until he became managing editor of the paper, a position he filled with marked ability until 1892, when he passed the first civil service examination given in Moberly and received the first civil appointment here, being assigned to a position in the post- office in 1892. Since that date, Mr. Kehoe has filled all offices in the post- office under postmaster, up to and including the duties- of assistant post- master, which he now fills. Mr. Kehoe was married to Miss Mamie Boyle, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Agnes (McDonald) Boyle, both now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe: Maurine, deceased; Irene, Helen, Loraine and Martin, Jr. Mr. Kehoe is a member of the Catholic church and a Knights of Colum- bus. He has served as Past District Deputy of that organization. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union. Patrick Halloran, secretary and manager of the Moberly Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company, of Moberly, is one of the well-known and suc- cessful business men of Randolph, County. Mr. Halloran is a native of Missouri. He was born at St. Charles, April 15, 1864, and is a son of Patrick and Sarah (Walsh) Halloran, both natives of Ireland. Patrick Halloran, the father, was reared in his native land to the age of 16 years when he came to America with his parents. The family located in St. Louis. In 1878 they came from St. Charles to Moberly and here the mother died in 1918 and the father now makes his home with his son, Patrick, whose name introduced this sketch. Patrick Halloran, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Moberly and educated in the public schools. In 1881, when he was 17 years old, he entered the grocery business in Moberly with the Hegarty Brothers and remained in that business until 1910. He then became manager of the Hegarty Opera House. Later he built the Halloran Theatre, which he sold in 1913, and this amusement house is now known as the Grand and is still one of the popular amusement places of Moberly. After selling the Halloran Theatre in 1913, Mr. Halloran erected a modern ice and cold storage plant HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 459 by the co-operation of other local men of which he has since been manager and secretary since its organization. This is one of the prosperous coi-pora- tions of Moberly and much of its success is due to the capable management of Mr. Halloran and Mr. L. W. Kelly. June 14, 1893, Patrick Halloran was united in marriage in Moberly with Miss Bridget Brown of St. Charles, Mo. Three children were bom to this union, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Halloran died Jan. 4, 1917. Mr. Halloran is independent in his political views and he is a mem- ber of the Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus. He is a pro- gressive business man and one of the substantial citizens of Moberly and Randolph County. Silas Oak Hunter has been a leading member of the Randolph County bar for nearly 20 years and well known in Masonic and fra- ternal circles and prominent in public life. He is a native of Middle- grove, Mo., and was born Jan. 24, 1877, the only child of Silas 0. and Mary E.. (Ownby) Hunter, the former was bom in West Virginia, in 1840, and died in November, 1876, three months before his son, Silas 0. Hunter, was born. Silas 0. Hunler, Sr., was brought to Missouri by 'his parents when six years old. He was reared and educated in this state and upon at- taining manhood became a merchant in Middlegrove, where he passed the remainder of his life. His parents were Matthew and Mary E. (Mc- Cowan) Hunter, natives of Gerrardstown, W. Va., where the father was a farmer before coming to Monroe County, Mo., to follow the same voca- tion. There were two children in the family, Silas and Anna, Anna married Edgar Brooks and is now deceased. Mary Ownby was born, reared, educated and married in Middlegrove and died in Moberly, Mo., April 13, 1917, where she had lived for 25 years. Silas 0. Hunter, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Middle- grove and attended the public school there until his ninth year, when his mother came to Moberly and here he was graduated from the high school in 1897. In 1897 he entered the University of Missouri, at Colum- bia, where he took a course in law, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 8, 1901. Mr. Hunter returned to Moberly, where he established himself in his profession. He is recognized as one of the able lawyers of Ran- dolph County and central Missouri. He is a Democrat, and was elected city attorney in 1902, holding the office two terms or four years. Fol- lowing his services as city official Mr. Hunter was elected circuit clerk 460 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of Randolph County, and at the expiration of his term of office he formed a partnership with Arthur B. Chamier in 1911, and they have built up a satisfactory practice. Mr. Hunter has taken an active part in public and civil affairs, always working for the improvement and betterment of local conditions. In November, 1918, he was elected representative to the state legislature and is now serving in that capacity. He is a Mason in high standing, having taken the degrees of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He also is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Elks. He is one of the representative citizens of Moberly who has won and kept a host of friends who regard him as an asset to the citizenship of the town and county. In December, 1908, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Marj'^ Lowell, daughter of James R. Lowell, and one child was bom to them, Marjorie Lowell, born Jan. 9, 1910. Mrs. Hunter died Feb. 15, 1910, aged 26 years. On May 12, 1915, Mr. Hunter married Miss Charlotte M. Haworth, a native of Moberly. Her parents were John A. and Olive (Hager) Ha- worth, natives of Illinois, who were early settlers of this section of Mis- souri. Mr. Haworth is now retired from active business life, but for many years was manager of the. Princess Theatre and one of the well- known stock buyers and dealers of Randolph County. James L. Kehae, one of the leading business men of Moberly, was born in Moberly, Nov. 6, 1884, the son of Daniel and Mary (Murphy) Kehoe, both natives of Ireland. The father was a boilermaker and fol- lowed that trade for some years, but after coming to Moberly in 1874, entered the water department of the Wabash railroad and was killed in a collision while in the performance of duty at Martinsburg, Mo., in 1892. There were eight children in the Kehoe family as follows: Mar- tin, assistant postmaster of Moberly; Margaret, the wife of E. L. Kirk- land, of Tacoma, Wash.; Mamie, who lives with her sister; Daniel P., of St. Louis ; William F., also of that city ; James, the subject of this review; Ann, deceased, and Joseph F. James L. Kehoe spent his youth in Moberly and attended St. Mary's Academy, where he was graduated in 1902. He learned the trade of steamfitter, and after serving his apprenticeship and becoming a master plumber and steamfitter, Mr. Kehoe opened a shop in May, 1913, and in 1918 formed a partnership with C. G. Wisman, and they now conduct a plumbing and steamfitting establishment at 215 Fourth street, Mo- berly. They are general contractors for all kinds of plumbing, steam- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 461 fitting and heating systems for business blocks and homes. The steam fitting work in the American Hotel and Elks Home in Moberly was done by this firm. Mr. Kehoe is a m.ember of the Catholic church. He holds member- ship in the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On Sept. 15, 1909, Mr. Kehoe was married to Miss Anna V. Free- man, the daughter of Timothy and Hattie (Matheres) Freeman, the for- mer a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. The following chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe: Daniel T., Hattie E., James L., Mary J., Richard D., deceased; William J., Leo D. and Anna B., all at home with the parents. Though still a young man, Mr. Kehoe is regarded as one of the best informed men in his line and is himself a high-class mechanic. He is progressive in his ideas and methods and studies his business. George 0. Perry, president of the Moberly Trust Company, of Mo- berly, Mo., is one of the well-known financiers of Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Perry was born at Barnard, Mo., Jan. 1, 1877, the son of J. H. and Martha E. (Davis) Perry, to whom were born nine children of whom George 0. was the fifth. J. H. Perry v/as a farmer in Nodaway County, Mo., and there George 0. Perry spent his youth, attending the public schools and thus laid the foundation for a good practical education to which he has ever since been adding by reading of the best literature, and a study of his business and its allied branches. After leaving the Barnard schools, Mr. Perry at- tended the high school at Maryville, Mo., and then entered a drug store as clerk. While earning his independent living he studied pharmacy and after passing his state examination, he was admitted to practice. For five years Mr. Perry remained in the drug business and then purchased a store which he managed five ye^s before disposing of it to engage in banking at Dewitt, Ark. In 1903 he purchased stock in the bank there and became assistant cashier. Mr. Perry disposed of his holdings in the Dewitt bank in 1905 to buy a large block of the stock of the Gentry Bank, at Gentry, Ark., becoming its cashier. One year later he sold his interest in that bank and came to Moberly, where in conjunc- tion with other moneyed men he became the prime organizer of the Moberly Trust Company and upon its organization became cashier. Mr. Perry was elected president of the institution in 1913. 462 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY As one of the representative business men and progressive and pub- lic spirited men of Randolph County, Mr. Perry merits specific mention and recognition in this publication. He is a Republican and though he has never had time to take an active part in party affairs, he always as- sumes his share of work in civic and public affairs, giving liberally of time and money in the effort to improve conditions in town and county. On June 14, 1906, Mr. Perry was married to Miss Cecil Greer of Paris, Tenn. Six children have been born to this union: George G., Katherine, Jerry W., deceased; Martha, William H. and Marian, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Peri;y are members of the Central Christian church and Mr. Perry is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Modem Woodman of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Cham- ber of Commerce. Dr. Charles H. Dixon, a well-known and successful physician of Mo- berly, Mo., was born in Dewitt County, 111., Feb. 17, 1868, the son of H. H. and Nancy (Gunder) Dixon, being the fifth of their ten children. The family came from Illinois to Missouri in 1874, locating in Monroe County, where the father engaged in farming for many years, but now resides i» Neodesha, Kan. He is 81 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Dixon responded to the president's call for volunteers and enlisted in the 101st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in some of the most severe engagements of that memorable conflict and remained in the ranks of his regiment until mustered out of the service for disability in 1864. Today with the shadows deepening from the crimsoning west, he can look back across the years and feel that his was a constructive and well spent life. Mr. Dixon is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post, at Neodesha, Kan. Dr. Charles H. Dixon received his educational advantages in Mon- roe County schools in his youth, than spent two years at the Fort Scott Normal School at Fort Scott, Kan., followed by two years of study at Ash Grove in the Christian College. As he was determined to devote his life to the study and practice of medicine, the young man matricu- lated in the medical department of Washington University, St. Louis, in 1896, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1899, and immediately located in Holliday, Mo. For 15 years Doctor Dixon prac- ticed in this location, and made many warm friends who keenly felt his loss when he left to open an office at Fulton, Mo., in 1914, but as he HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 46S desired a wider field for his endeavors he came to Moberly two years later and since that time he has been actively engaged in practice here. From the first, Dr. Dixon met with a hearty response from the citizens of Moberly and Randolph County and has a large practice. Doctor Dixon was coroner of Monroe County for 12 years and that his sei-vices were efficient needs no further mention that the number of years he remained a county official. Dr. Dixon belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Modem Woodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. On Aug. 30, 1888, Doctor Dixon was married to Miss Ida Swartz, of Middlegrove, Mo., the daughter of Philip Swartz, a native of Ger- many, who came to this country when young and became a well-known resident of Monroe County. The father died in 1884. His wife, Mary (Tate) Swartz, was a native of Callaway County, Mo. She died in 1908. Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Dixon: Bertie, the wife of L. E. Miller, of Holliday, Mo.; Gertrude, who married Dr. P. C. Davis, of Madison, Mo.; Marie, who married D. P. Delaney, who is now rural let- ter carrier out of Madison, Mo. ; Gladys, deceased, and Charles, Jr., who is eight years old. Dr. Dixon has one grandchild who is older than his son Charles. In April, 1920, Dr. Dixon was appointed city health officer of Mo- berly by Mayor J. T. Cross. Harry B. Gilfillin, a well-known broker of Moberly, was born at Cantrie, la., April 19, 1877, and is a son of John F. 0. and Sarah (Reed) Gilfillin, both natives of Alleghany, Pa. The father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, who at the call for volunteers at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted in the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry and was assigned to the quartermaster's corps, where he served until peace was declared. After the war, Mr. Gilfillin came west, locating in Iowa, where he still resides at the advanced age of 86 years. Harry B. Gilfillin was one of the nine children born to his par- ents. A sister, Mrs. A. T. Lightfoot, lives in Moberly. Mr. Gilfillan was reared in Missouri and Iowa, receiving his education in the district schools. When only 16 years old, he started out in life for himself as water boy on the Burlington railroad with a construction gang. Following this, he accepted a position as brakeman and in 1903 began braking on the Wabash railroad at Moberly, and in 1906 he was pro- moted to conductor, holding his position from 1906 until 1910, when 464 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY he engaged in business for himself, opening one of the leading men's furnishings stores in Moberly. In January, 1917, the store was burned and Mr. Gilfillin did not rebuild, but engaged in business as a broker and has met with success. From first locating in Moberly, Mr. Gilfillin has taken an active part in local affairs. In 1916, he was elected chairman of Randolph County, Central Republican Committee and was re-elected to the same office a year ago. He is also state committeeman, his term expiring In 1920. He attended the Republican National Convention in 1920 and was one of the original Harding men. Mr. Gilfillin is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Wood- men and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. On Aug. 19, 1908, Mr. Gilfilhn was married to Miss Lulu May Faes- sler, a daughter of John and Christiana Faessler, whose history appears upon another page of this volume. Mr. Gilfillin is one of the substantial citizens of Moberlj' of real worth. John A. Bledsoe, whose splendid property, Evergreen Fruit Farm, in Union township, has been accumulated through persistent and industrious labor, is one of Randolph County's self made men. He started out in life with few of the advantages which youth considers its just due, but his career has been singularly prosperous and successful. He has over- come obstacles and handicaps and has realized the most gratifying re- wards of agricultural life. He was born on a farm near Gilpintown, Jackson County, Mo., Jan. 13, 1862, the son of William and Mary (Brackes- dale) Bledsoe, both natives of Kentucky, where they were reared, edu- cated and married. They came to Missouri in the late 50s and settled in Jackson County. s ■*"' When the Civil War was percipitated, William Bledsoe enlisted in the Confederate army and was killed at the battle of Baxter Springs, Kan. and was buried there, leaving the mother to raise her three children : Anna, now Mrs. Albritton, of Kansas City, Mo.; Willy Lee, now Mrs. James, also of Kansas City, and John A., of this review. The mother bravely took up the burden of caring for the children, sent them to the public schools for what educational advantages she could afford for them and spent the rest of her life in Jackson County, where she died in 1881. John A. Bledsoe was reared on the home place in Jackson County, attended the public schools where he laid the foundation for a good prac- o X 2 H C VI o > HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 465 tical education and with the passing years he has been a close observer of men and affairs so that with the study given his horticulture he has a large fund of useful knowledge. When old enough he worked for the farmers of the neighborhood and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years, then came to Moberly to accept a position with the railroad, where he remained 15 years. Mr. Bledsoe was anxious to have a place of his own ; he had been reared in the country and had a liking for farm life. In 1891 he purchased the farm belonging to Joseph Sanders, three miles east of Moberly. It then consisted of 145 acres of land. A one and one-half story house which then stood on the place burned in 1916. Mr. Bledsoe erected his present beautiful brick home the following year, which is one of the finest farm residences in Randolph County. There are good buildings for stock, a fine barn and other excellent improvements on Evergreen Farm. The orchard has over 700 trees mostly of the Ben Davis variety and about 100 cherry trees, while there is a 100 acre tract of rich bottom land which is devoted to general farming ; altogether there are now 245 acres. On July 19, 1885, Mr. Bledsoe was married to Miss Alice Wilson, a native of Adair County, the daughter of Joel C. and Angle (Davidson) Wilson, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Missouri when young and were married in this state and both are now deceased. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bledsoe: Pearl, died in infancy; Earl, of St. Louis; Claude, of Union township; Eulah, the wife of Charles Burnly, of Moberly; John A., Jr.; Opal, Virginia, Queen and Vera, all at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bledsoe have one of the hospitable homes where all their friends of more than 30 years standing are made welcome and Ever- green Farm is one of the best kept and prosperous places in the county, due to the thrift, industry and hard work of its owners, who today are enjoying the fruits of years of self denial and sacrifice. Mr. Bledsoe is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Moberly, also belongs to the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He has converted a place of brush and timber into one of the splendid fruit farms of the state. George H. Sours, secretary and treasurer of the Forney Clothing Company of Moberly, is one of the progressive business men of this sec- tion. Mr. Sours was born in Montgomery, Mo., Jan. 13, 1875, the son of John and Catherine (McCabe) Sours, the former bom in Rochester, N. Y., being the son of Dennis and Catherine Sours, natives of Germany, 466 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY who came to the United States and located in Rochester in 1820, where they spent the remainder of their lives. John Sours was a bridge builder and came west. at the age of 16, locating at Ironton, Mo., and had the distinction of building the first railroad bridge on the Iron Mountain railroad. He remained in Missouri for some years, when he went to Chicago to accept a position with the Illinois Central railroad. In 1859 he came to Moberly as an employee of the Wabash railroad, which was then known as the North Missouri railroad. Mr. Sours, after locating in Moberly, purchased som.e of the first town lots when the city was platted, and which occupied the space now known as Logan Terrace, running from South Fifth street to Epperson street, on Logan street. In addition he purchased several lots on East Rollins and West Coates streets, all of whom beecame very valuable later. He resided at 323 Ha- good street when he died. Mr. Sours became superintendent of bridges and buildings for the Wabash railroad and was serving in this capacity when he fell from the bridge over the Grand River at Brunswick, Mo., and died from his in- juries in March, 1901. His wife was a native of Ypsilanti, Mich., the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Hamil) McCabe, natives of Ireland and Michigan, respectively. They came to Montgomery County, Mo., about 1855 and passed their lives in this state. There were ten chil- dren in the Sours family: William A. yard master for the Wabash railroad at Moberly ; John S., a sketch of whom, appears in this volume ; E. W., representing R. G. Dunn & Company, mercantile agents, in the City of Mexico, Mexico; Michael H., engaged in the insurance business at Macon, Ga. ; Fonsie L., passenger conductor on the Wabash railroad, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; George, the subject of this sketch; Catherine, the wife of Patrick Short, of Moberly; Francis, de- ceased; Lowell, J., who for 20 years was in the employ and a member of the Forney Clothing Company, now deceased, and Roy S., was assigned to Company B, 349th Infantry, 88th Division, and sailed for overseas service in September, 1918, spent a year in France and was seven miles from the front when the armistice was signed. He was honorably dis- charged in June, 1919. George Sours was reared in Moberly, being seven years of age when his parents settled here. He received his education in the public school, and finished in 1889 at the age of 17, and at once sought and obtained a position with the F. B. Forney Clothing Company. Here he worked HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 467 up from one position of trust to another, until in 1905, when he bought stock in the company and became a member of the firm. Mr. Sours is secretary and treasurer of the company. He is a Democrat and a mem- ber of the St. John's CathoHc church. Mr. Sours is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the National Union and the Elks, and is a director of the Bank of Moberly. On Aug. 7, 1905, Mr. Sours and Miss Pearl Haynes, of Moberly, were united in marriage. Mrs. Sours' parents were Algernon and Louisa (Hall) Haynes, natives of Missouri. The father was general road master of the Wabash railroad and was in the employ of the company for more than 40 years. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sours: John S., Mary D., and Lydia L. Rev. Ed Y. Keller, minister of the Christian church, is a native son of Missouri and Randolph County, and was bom in Chariton township, April 22, 1874. He is a son of Isaac T. and Frances (Light) Keiter. The father was a native of Frederick County, Va., born May 2, 1827, and died March 16, 1903. He came to this state in 1870 and located on a farm in Charifon township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising all of his days. Frances Light was born July 16, 1839, and is living with her children and is very active for a woman of her advanced years. Ed Y. Keiter spent his boyhood days' on his father's farm. He was one of seven children born to his parents, the others being: Cilia, the wife of Alexander Butler, of Moberly; Ann S., who married S. C. Baker, of Renick; a child deceased; Susan, the wife of C. B. Dysart, of Moberly; Floyd G., an engineer on the Wabash railroad, lives in Mo- berly; and Lola, the wife of David Meyers, of Sugar Creek township, Randolph. Ed Y. Keiter attended the district school, graduated from the high school in Moberly. He then entered the State Normal School at Kirks- ville. Mo., completing the course in the spring of 1893. In the fall of that year, he began his career as a teacher in the district schools of this county. He was a successful teacher and advanced from one school to another until he was offered and accepted the principalship of the Moberly High School in 1903. The following year he became superin- tendent of the Higbee school, holding this position until 1905, when he resigned to assume to the same duties at Clark, where he remained until 1908, leaving to go back to Renick. During this time, Mr. Keiter had also 468 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY officiated as minister of the Christian church at Renick. In 1903 he had united with the Christian church at Higbee and a few months later was licensed to preach. Mr. Keiter was called to serve in various pulpits in dif- ferent parts of the county and recalls with a smile that the first marriage ceremony he performed was to marry two deaf mutes. His' first funeral sermon was that of Mrs. Charles Ragsdale, one of the oldest living settlers of Randolph County. Mr. Keiter served as pastor of the Chris- tian church at Higbee in 1909-1910, and officiated in Hannibal, Mo., at the South Side Christian church from 1911 to 1913, when he came to Moberly, since which time he has preached in the Christian churches of Randolph County and also Macon County. Mr. Keiter is a Republican and served as chaplain of the house of representatives of the 50th general assembly of Missouri in 1919. He has been active in politics in this locality. At the present time, Mr. Keiter is a candidate for congressman in the second district and will be nominated without opposition. Mr. Keiter's fraternal associations are with the Masonic Order, in which he stands high. On April 24, 1901, Mr. Keiter was married to Miss Ersa Burton, a native of Higbee, the daughter of W. H. and Sue (Christian) Burton, both natives of this county. The mother now lives in Moberly. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Terrill) Christian, natives of Kentucky, who became very early settlers of Randolph County. Mrs. Keiter's father was a farmer nearly all his life; his father was Judge M. M. Burton, a well-known jurist of Missouri, whose father, also M. M. Burton, was the first man to settle north of Fayette. He brought a plow by ox team from Boonville to the homestead, where he settled in what is now Randolph County. The marks left by his dragging plow started what became known later as the Burton Trail, one of the famous early highways of this section of the state. Three children have been born to the Rev. and Mrs. Keiter: Wil- liam E., Frances Sue, deceased, and Ed Y., Jr. Louis E. Faessler, secretary and treasurer of the J. Faessler Manu- facturing Company of Moberly, is one of the younger generation of business men of Moberly and Randolph County. He is a native son of Moberly, bom Aug. 17, 1881, the son of John and Christiana (Klore) Faessler, the former a native of Switzerland, bom near Berne, July 25, 1838. When only 14 years of age John Faessler came to the United States to join his father, who was in St. Louis. Here he grew to man- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 469 hood. When the Wabash railroad was establishing its shops in Mo- berly, Mr. Faessler came here to a,ccept a position in the tool depart- ment as he was an expert tool maker, one of the most important branches of a factory. As he accumulated capital, Mr. Faessler determined to establish himself in business as he foresaw a great future in manufac- turing and resigning from the railroad started the Faessler Manufac- turing Company, making boilers and machine tools. The concern flour- ished from the first and was conducted under his able direction until his death in 1899. Louis E. Faessler was the second oldest of the children born to his parents. His boyhood days and youth were spent in Moberly. He at- tended the public schools and when old enough began work in his father's factory during his vacations, and while yet a boy in years, he had mas- tered the trade. Under his father's guidance, his natural ability had been carefully guided and independent thinking and working out prob- lems encouraged him so that he was able to suggest many improve- ments in the manufacturing and handling of the Faessler products. Shortly after his father's death, in 1899, Louis Faessler became one of the oificers of the Faessler company, a position he has retained. On May 4, 1915, Mr. Faessler was married to Miss Ruth Baker, a native of Moberly and a daughter of Rev. T. W. and Frances (Griffith) Baker, natives of Macon County, Mo. Mr. Baker was for many years a minister of the Presbyterian church and has now retired from active work in the ministry. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Faessler are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. While he takes no active part in political life, Mr. Faessler is a Republican. He is a representative of the type of pro- gressive young business men of Moberly. Stokley P. Towles, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Mo- berly, has practiced within the county's borders for nearly a quarter of a century. He was born near Jacksonville, Randolph County, Mo., July 22, 1874, the son of George D. and Mary D. Towles, to whom three children were bom: Dr. Stokey P., the subject of this sketch; Robert E., deceased, and Delia, the wife of F. F. Brock, who lives on the old homestead, near Jacksonville. George D. Towles, the father, was also a native of Randolph County, bom at Huntsville, July 7, 1855, being descended from a long line of 470 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Virginia ancestors. His father was a native of Lancaster County, Va. He came west at an early day, locating in Missouri, where he engaged in the contracting business, and was one of the men who took an active part in the founding and building of Huntsville, Mo., which was named after his wife's father, whose name was Hunt. George D. Towles was reared on his father's farm near Cairo, re- ceived his education in the public schools of the county and after reach- ing manhood, engaged in farming. He was one of the substantial and prominent farmers and stock raisers of this section, where he spent his life. Mary Towles was also bom on a homestead which her father entered from the government, spent her life in this country and died at the old home place in 1918, aged 64 years. The Towles family were members of the Baptist church, to which they contributed all their; lives. Dr. Towles spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, at- tended the district school, near his home, during the winters and early began to assist his father and assume many duties around the farm. After completing his academic course and having laid the foundation for a higher education along special lines. Dr. Towles entered Keokuk Medical College, Keokuk, la., in the fall of 1895, and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, March 15, 1898. He began the prac- tice of his profession at Milton, Mo. Within two years he had built up a good practice. He then located at Jacksonville, in 1900, remained there one year v/hen he came to Moberly, which has remained the scene of his professional labors and successes to the present time. Dr. Towles has never ceased to be a student of the great science of medicine. He has a large practice and is one of Randolph County's foremost physicians. On Sept. 28, 1899, Dr. Towles was married to Miss Anna M. Bur- ton, who was born near Milton, Mo. She is a daughter of Robert and Mollie (Scott) Burton. The father is now deceased, and the mother makes her home with her daughter. Mr. Burton was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Monroe County. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Towles: Helen and Harold, both at home with their parents. The family are members of the Methodist church. Dr. Towles is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He has attained a high place in the ranks of the medical profession of Randolph County. Patrick McDonald, one of the leading and progressive business men of Moberly, who is engaged in storage and transfer business, with offices HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 471 at 529 West Coates street, was born in St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 17, 1854, the son of Thomas and Katherine (Kennedy) McDonald. When he was but 10 years old, his parents died and he can recollect little of their his- tory. He was reared by his uncle, Patrick Kennedy, who lived in Mis- souri, and spent the years from 1864 to 1873, under his uncle's roof, at- tending school until his sixteenth year. In 1873, Mr. McDonald came to Moberly and learned the trade of sheet metal worker. He worked in the Wabash shops at his trade for 17 years. Subsequently he accepted a position with the Union Pacific Kailroad, but in 1886 returned to Moberly and again entered the Wa- bash shops. In 1892, he established a transfer business which he car- ried on until 1919, when he added the storage business. Mr. McDonald met with gratifying success from the first and his business has steadily increased. Mr. McDonald is a Democrat and has taken an active part in civil affairs since coming to Moberly. In 1882, ^ he was made chief of the fire department of the city, and on his return from the west some years later, served in the same capacity under Mayor Babcock. Later he was appointed to this office, serving under Alex H. Waller, editor of this history, while he was mayor from 1899 to 1901, and it was due to Mr. McDonald that the department was improved and equipped with modern fire fighting apparatus, as he was instrumental in securing the Hale Chemical Fire Wagon, the Swift Spray Nozzle and in getting the Sul- livan Snap Harness. In every movement for the improvement of the city, Mr. McDonald is a liberal donator of his time, energy and money. On Dec. 5, 1878, Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Alice Furge- son, bom near Fulton, Mo. She is a daughter of Swan and Mary (Coons) Furgeson, natives of Missouri and Kentucky, respectively. Seven chil- dren have been born to this union : Swan T., associated with the Lynch- McDonald Construction Company of Moberly; Lyman, foreman in the Wabash shops, Moberly; Austin B., in business with his father; Ray F., automobile salesman, Moberly; Eula Mae, the wife of George Penick, an employee of the Wabash railroad; Gladys B., stenographer lor the Mc- Donald Transfer Company, Moberly, and Arthur F., is employed by the Wabash Railroad Company, Moberly, Mo. Ray F. McDonald enlisted in the United States army April 29, 1918, trained at Camp Funston, then assigned to Company 8, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, was sent to France in June and there received his final 472 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY training before being assigned to the medical corps. He aided in the front line trenches during hostilities, was transferred to Company L, 3rd Regiment, 89th Division and marched into Germany with the army of occupation, being discharged from the service in June, 1919, and at once returned home to Moberly and again took up the pursuits of peace. Mr. McDonald is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. The McDonald family are well- known in Moberly, where they have many friends. H. S. "Harry" McKinney, a prominent farmer and stock man and the owner and manager of Maple Grove Farm in Cairo township, Randolph County is the son of Daniel and Eliza (Brown) McKinney, natives of Lin- coln County, Ky., who came to Missouri in 1833 and located in Cairo town- ship on the land now owned by H. S. "Harry" McKinney. They were the parents of 11 children, nine of whom lived to be over 50 years of age. They were: Mrs. Sophia Brown, deceased; Hiram, deceased; Patsy Jane Campbell, deceased; Ann Mariah Huntsman, deceased; Willis E., deceased; H. S., of this review; John F., of Cairo township; Madison, also of this township; Mrs. Belle GrifRn, deceased; John and Susan Mary died in infancy. H. S. "Harry" McKinney was reared on his father's frontier farm and received his education in the public schools of his district. After that he began farming, which he has successfully followed ever since. The Maple Grove farm consists of 184 acres and 40 acres of timber north- east of the home place. Daniel McKinney, the father, preempted 80 acres on which the H. S. McKinney house stands, and a horse which H. S. McKinney's mother drove here from the old home in Kentucky paid for the piece of land. The horse had been a gift from her father and was as good as ready money in those days in the new country. Maple Grove Farm is all improved and there are six good wells; a branch of Mud creek runs through the place and three good springs furnish an unfailing supply of water for the stock and Maple Grove Farm is con- sidered one of the best stock farms in this township. The soil is rich and productive and the land is kept in good condition by the able manage- ment of the owner. Mr. McKinney has lived on his present place for more than 45 years and during all that time has been engaged in general farming and stock raising. His son, W. M. McKinney, has a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle and his registered male which heads the herd is one of the best in the county. Mr. McKinney also keeps registered Poland X > z 2 o g F HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 473 China hogs and good grade of sheep. Each year he has about 50 spring lambs. The chickens on the farm are the light Brahmas. Mr. McKin- ney has placed most of the improvements on the farm. His home is modern and comfortable and the place is well kept up with three barns, 60x62 feet, for farm and stock use. July 11, 1875, Mr. McKinney married Miss Laura Bell Huntsman, a daughter of George M. and Euphemia (Campbell) Huntsman, pioneer set- tlers of Cairo township, and the following children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. McKinney: Willie M., now farming the home place; Alta, the wife of Robert Jett, of Cairo township; Maggie, the wife of Gilbert Dingman of Sturgeon, Mo., and a daughter who died in infancy. There are three grandchildren of whom Mr. and Mrs. McKinney are very proud. Willie M. McKinney was born on the home place Nov. 29, 1876, was reared and educated in " his local district. During his boyhood, Mr. Mc- Kinney had learned the practical side of farming and when his schooling was over began farming with his father and since his father gave up the active management of the farm has taken entire charge of it. In 1905, Willie M. McKinney married Miss Stella Campbell, of Salt River township, the daughter of Samuel and Amanda Campbell, both de- ceased. Mrs. McKinney has a sister Hattie, who is the wife of May Ed- wards of Salt River. A brother, Roy Campbell, lives at Corvallis, Ore. H. S. McKinney is a member of the Masonic Lodge and all the family are members of the Christian church. Father and son belong to Highland Grange. Mr. McKinney was one of the organizers of the Liberty Christian church, having associated with him other prominent men of this locality. The first minister was James Valier and the church was dedicated by Rev. John McCune on July 8, 1894, with a membership of 40, which has increased to over 100. The edifice was erected by Dick Ridgway and is one of the best in the county. Mr. McKinney has been a lifelong Democrat and at this writing is a candidate for the nomination of judge of the county court for the eastern district of Randolph County. Dr. Charles K. Dutton, a successful physician and surgeon and spe- cialist of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, of Moberly, Mo., is a native of this state. He was born in Warren County, Mo., March 12, 1870, the son of John Harrison, generally known as "Uncle Harry" and, Elizabeth P. (McCulloch) Dutton. He was the tenth of their 13 chil- dren, 11 of whom grew to maturity. John Harrison Dutton was born 474 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in Montgomery County, Mo., Sept. 5, and was the son of Judge John Harrison Button, who was born in Charles County, Md., in 1784, and Mary (Bruin) Button, a native of Kentucky, whose parents were early settlers of Missouri. Judge Button came to Montgomery County, in 1817, became judge of the county court and was prominently identified with that section for many years. John Harrison Button was reared, educated and married in Mont- gomery County, where he was engaged in farming for some years be- fore removing to Warren County, where he was. a prominent farmer and stockman. Buring the Civil War he served in the state guards, but when peace was declared, returned to his farm where he spent the remainder of his days. He died in August, 1905. Br. Charles K. Button spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He attended the district school and after completing tlie elementary branches, entered Central Wesleyan College, at Warrenton, Mo., where he was graduated. He then taught school for four years when he entered the medical department of the University of Kentucky. After spending one year there, he entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Boctor of Medicine in 1895. He then located at Calwood, Callaway County, Mo., where he remained about two and one-half years. In 1897 he took a post graduate course in Philadelphia, Pa., specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. On his return to Missouri a year later, he came to Moberly, where he has since been engaged in practice with the exception of the year of 1902, which he spent at the famous London, England, ear and eye in- firmary in post graduate work. On April 11, 1901, Br. Button married Miss Rebecca Hammett, of Randolph County, the daughter of J. W. and Mary A. (Haines) Ham- mett, both natives of Kentucky and now deceased. Mrs. Button died Feb. 21, 1916. Boctor Button is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of, America for the past 25 years. He is a man who takes a keen interest in civic affairs, ever giving liberally to the support of all movements of the development and improvements of affairs and conditions of Randolph County and Moberly. He is an independent Democrat. Dr. Godfrey O. Cuppaidge, a well known and successful physician and surgeon who has been engaged in the practice of his profession in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 475 JVIoberly and Randolph County for the past 24 years, is a native of Ire- land. He was born at Castle Rea, County Roscommon, and is a son of Dr. William and Annie (Oldfield) Cuppaidge and is the youngest of a family of- four bom to his parents. The father was an eminent physician in his native land and spent his life there in the practice of his profession. He was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, where he received both his B. A. and M. D. degrees. The mother is also deceased. She spent her life in Ireland. Dr. Godfrey 0. Cuppaidge was educated in the Diocesan School of Tuam in County Galway and at Park Gate, Cheshire, England, and at the latter place he was a classmate of the celebrated Doctor Winfred Grenfell of Labrador, of deep sea fisheries fame. After receiving a, thorough training in the classics and sciences. Doctor Cuppaidge en- tered the Royal College of Surgeons at Dublin, where he was graduated after a four years' course in 1882 with the degree of M. D. He then took a course in the Kings and Queens College of Physicians and Sur- geons and was graduated from that institution in 188-3. The follow- ing year he came to America and engaged in the practice of his pro- fession at Morgan, Texas, remaining there until 1887. He then came to Missouri and located at Middle Grove, Monroe County, where he remained until 1896. He then came to Moberly and continued the practive of his profession with" unqualified success until the United States . troops were sent to the Mexican border in June, 1916. He had served in the Medical Corps in the Missouri National Guard since 1911, enter- ing the service with the rank of first lieutenant. In 1914 he was pro- moted to captain and in July, 1916, he was commissioned major and served on the border with that rank until demobilization took place. , In 1917, when the United States entered the World War, he was called to the colors again with the 4th Missouri Infantry, afterwards 139th Infantry, part of the famous 35th Division, serving with it until Octtj- ber, 1917, when he was ordered to take charge of the medical detach- ment of the 110th Engineers, part of the 35th Division. He was at Camp Doniphan, Okla., where he remained until March, 1918, when he received his honorable discharge from the service and returned to Mo- berly, where he resumed the practice of his profession to which he has since devoted himself. Doctor Cuppaidge was united in marriage in October, 1888, with Miss Blanch Ethel Hicklin, a daughter of William and Ellen Hicklin, 476 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of London, England. To Doctoi" and Mrs. Cuppaidge have been born two children: Constance Annie, who is a graduate nurse of St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., and spent 23 months in overseas service as nurse during the World War, and received a decoration from the Brit- ish government. The youngest daughter, Helen Violet, is a graduate of Washington University, where she received a fellowship and the degree of M. A. in 1919. She is now a teacher at Tulsa, Okla. Doctor Cuppaidge is a Democrat and takes a live interest in mat- ters political as well as in public affairs in general. He was health commissioner of Moberly for 12 years and served on the State Board of Health for four and one-half years, a part of which time he was president of that organization. He served as a member of Governor Major's staff with the rank of colonel. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and \ Protective Order of Elks. John A. Melton, the well-known dealer in sporting goods, whose store is located at 527 West Reed street, is one of the progressive busi- ness men of Randolph County. He was bom in Lafayette County, Mo., Feb. 3, 1881, and is the son of Isaac and Maggie (Chambers) Melton, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Kansas. Isaac Melton was brought to Missouri by his parents when quite young, and after attaining manhood he was engaged in running a saw .mill and threshing outfit. Later he bought and operated a farm and is now living retired. The mother died in 1892. John A. Melton received his edUcational advantages in the public schools and when only 17 years old, began an independent career. His first work was in the south, picking cotton, where he remained two years. He then returned home and began to farm, some of his father's land. In 1900 he obtained a position on the Missouri Pacific Railroad as stationary fireman at Nevada, Mo. Later he began firing a locomo- tive there and in 1901 came to Moberly to take a position as fireman on the Wabash railroad. Five years later he was promoted to engineer with a run out of Moberly and remained with that company until 1912, when he resigned and engaged in business here. He purchased a fine stock and soon became recognized as the leading merchant of Moberly in sporting goods and allied lines. On Dec. 20, 1906, Mr. Melton was married to Miss Bemice Bow- den, of Randolph County. She is a daughter of James Bowden, a farmer of Sugar Creek township. Since first locating in Moberly, Mr. Melton HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 477 has entered actively into the civic life of the city and is ever ready to assist and promote every movement that tends to the development and prosperity of Moberly and Randolph County. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge, the East- ern Star, and he is secretary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers. Mrs. Melton is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and she and Mr. Melton are members of the Methodist church. Charles C. Nebergall, an extensive automobile accessory dealer of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County. He v^as born in Moberly, Sept. 10, 1876, the son of John H. and Nellie (Shumate) Nebergall, whose history appears in this volume. Charles C. Nebergall attended the public schools of Moberly and after graduating from the high school, began his business career by accepting a position in the Moberly Steam Laundry of which his father was a part owner. For 19 years he was associated with this concern, but left in 1908 to take charge of the Dorn-Coloney Laundry at Colum- bia, Mo. For five years, Mr. Nebergall remained in Columbia, Mo., with the Dorn-Coloney Company. He built up the business and made many practical improvements in the plant. He then accepted a position with the Holman Laundry Company at Moberly. Returning to his native town, Mr. Nebergall rendered efficient serv'ice to this concern for four years when he and his father entered a new field by opening, in 1917, the Gates Half Sole Tire and Prest-0-Lite Battery Service Station and accessory store at 511 West Reed street. They at once began to have a good trade which has increased from year to year due to the con- sideration and courtesy shown their patrons, their prompt fulfillment of business engagements and the high class of goods carried in the supply department. On Nov. 6, 1901, Charles C. Nebergall married Miss Nellie Brinker- hoff, of Moberly. She is a daughter of D. W. and Mary E. (Lyons) Brinkerhoff, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, and early settlers of Randolph County. Mr. Brinkerhoff was one of the first train dispatchers here. He is now deceased. Mrs. Brinkerhoff re- sides in. Moberly. Four daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nebergall: Helen, a graduate of the Moberly High School, is at home; Louis, is a student at Drake University, Des Moines, la., heading her class of 254 pupils on all studies in 1919; Mildred and Florence at home attending school. 478 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Nebergall is a Republican and a progressive, public spirited citizen ever ready to assist in the development of the county and city of Moberly. Mr. and Mrs. Nebergall are members of the Baptist church. Thomas H. Walton, secretary of the Walton Coal Company of Hig- bee, Mo;, who is also interested in the mercantile and banking business in that place, is a native of Iowa. He was bom in Webster County, Jan. 28, 1874, a son of William and Elizabeth (Wonders) Walton. William Walton was a native of England, born Sept. 5, 1844. When he was ten years of age he came to America with his parents and the family settled in Canada. When 21 years old William Walton went to Ohio and from there to Iowa. He was located in various places from that time until 1886, when he settled at Higbee, Mo., and engaged in the mining business. Here he organized two mining companies and dur- ing the remainder of his life he was interested in mining in this locality. He was also active in other fields of endeavor, and was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Higbee and was the first president of that institution. He was a prominent factor in the life and develop- ment of Higbee during his career and was mayor of that city for a time. He died Jan. 17, 1918. Elizabeth (Wonders) Walton was born at La- Salle, 111., April 11, 1851, and now resides at Higbee. Thomas H. Walton was the second in order of birth of a family of seven children, born to his parents. He came to Higbee with his parents and attended the high school there and has practically been brought up in the mining business. In 1910 he became a stockholder in the Walton Coal Company and since that time has been a leading factor in that important industrial concern of Higbee. He is also a stock- holder and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank, of Higbee. Oct. 7, 1896, Thomas H. Walton was united in marriage with Miss Nettie M. Jackson, of Huntsville, Mo. She is a daughter of Terry C. and sallie (Turner) Jackson, both natives of Randolph County and descen- dants of pioneer families of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Walton has been born one child : Thomas H., Jr., who is now a student in the Uni- versity of Missouri at Columbia. Mr. Walton is a member of the Christian church and is an elder. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is independent in politics and was elected mayor of Hig- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 479 bee in 1894. He is a progressive citizen and one of the substantial busi- ness men of Randolph County. James W. Marshall, vice-president of the Citizens Bank of Higbee, has been a leading business man of Randolph County for many years. His introduction to Higbee was as a merchant, but it was not long be- fore he became identified with mining industries and later his interests became engaged with banking affairs. He is a native son of Randolph County, born near Renick, Aug. 25, 1861, the son of John Dorsey and Susan M. (Martin) Marshall, the former a native of Virginia, born in Albermarle County, Va., Sept. 18, 1840, and died in Missouri, in 1914. John D. Marshall came to Misosuri with his parents, Wiley and Fannie Marshall, both natives of Virginia, in 1844, and settled in Prairie town- ship, Randolph County. They made the trip across the country in a prairie schooner, drawn by a team of oxen. They took up government land and established themselves on a farm. Susan Martin was a native of Randolph County and was reared, educated and married here. She was a daughter of James and Patsy (Hardin) Martin, natives of Ken- tucky, who were among the early settlers of this section. She died in 1909. James W. Marshall was reared on his father's farm in Prairie town- ship and attended the district school. Later he took a commercial course in the Gem City Business College. After completing his school- ing, he returned to Missouri and accepted a position in a store, but in 1901, became auditor for the Elliot Coal Company, where he remained until 1907, when he went on the road as salesman for the coal company and two years later came to Higbee as auditor for the Northern Cen- tral Coal Company. In 1919, Mr. Marshall purchased a large block of stock of the Citizens Bank, becoming vice-president of the institution on Sept. 1, 1919. On June 20, 1911, Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Fannie Jones, a native of Myers, Mo., the daughter of William and Diana (Bogie) Jones, both natives of Kentucky. William Jones and six of his brothers and his father served in the Civil War under John Morgan. One child has been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, William Dorsey, who resides at home. Mr. Marshall owns 14 acres of land within the corporate limits of Higbee. He is one of the progressive men who. are taking an im- portant part in the development of Higbee and the county. He is a Democrat, and he and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Christian church. He is a Royal Arch Mason. 480 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Madison McKinney, known to his friends and neighbors as "Mat" McKinney, is a prominent stockman and farmer of Cairo township, who lives three miles northeast of Cairo. He is a native of Randolph County, born in this township in 1850, the son of Daniel and Eliza Brown Mc- Kinney, both natives of Kentucky who were reared, educated and married in their native state. In 1833, they came west. Daniel McKinney drove a wagon drawn .by a team of oxen, while his wife who accompanied him on the trip, drove a carriage and team of horses. "Uncle Ben" Huntsman made the journey in their company, bringing his famous hounds along. The dogs frequently delayed the party by getting on the trail of deer and "Uncle Ben" would have to round up the hounds before the train could move on and sometimes he also got the deer. There was quite a large party of the McKinney family who made the try together. Harrison and Miles McKinney, brothers, and the mother all came to Missouri from their homes in Kentucky. Two sisters, Dorcas and Vienna McKinney were the young women of the party. After reaching Randolph County, Daniel McKinney entered land in Cairo town- ship. Most of them are now dead; Miles is buried at Union cemetery and the others at Liberty. Madison McKinney was reared in Cairo township, received his edu- cation in the log school house known as the Sherwin school, which stood on land now owned by George Halterman. Mr. McKinney says, "I might have been a preacher if I hadn't driven ox teams so much as a boy." He recalls that the trading points of the early settlers were Old Milton and Huntsville; the women made the clothing for all the family even to the caps and jeans. Such were the conditions under which the pioneers lived. Mr. McKinney bought his present farm from B. H.. Hutsell and it was known as the "Uncle Joe Darby place" as he came here in the early 30s and entered the land from the government. Today the McKinney farm consists of 295 acres and is one of the best stock farms of the township with plenty of good water, a good modern residence, built in 1912, four bams one 14x36 foot silo and many other buildings for farm use. In February, 1890, Mr. McKinney was married to Miss Sallie G. Hagood, the daughter of John and Mary Hagood the former is deceased and the mother now resides in Salt River township at the age of 78. Mrs. McKinney died in February, 1903 and was buried at Liberty ceme- tery. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney were born three children: Eula, Stan- ley and Temple, all at home. "MAT" McKIiXNEY \ HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 481 When the United States entered the World War Stanley McKinney enlisted in November, 1917 and was sent to the Great Lakes Training Station, near Chicago and remained in the service about a year. He was just ready to be assigned to sea duty when trouble developed in his left arm and he was pronounced unfit to go and has not yet entirely recovered. He was discharged and returned home and with his brother Temple, is operating the home farm now that their father has retired from the active management of the place. Mr. McKinney is a man of high standing in his community. He has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote. He can tell many interest- ing occurrences and experiences of the early days in Missouri and now in his sunset years is enjoying the farm which he and his wife built up and improved. George R. Rennolds, president of the Higbee Savings Bank of Hig- bee, Mo., is a native of Randolph County and has been prominently identified with the development of this section of the state for many years. He was bom two and a half miles southeast of Higbee, Dec. 23, 1850, the son of John C. and Deliah Ann (Quisenberry) Rennolds. John C. Rennolds was a native of Albermarle County, Va., born Dec. 9, 180-5. His parents were bom seven miles from Dublin, Ireland, where they spent their early youth and while still young came, to the United States. George Rennold's paternal great grandfather, Thomas Rennolds, was a man of fine education and served as Lord Mayor of Dublin, and took an active part in the political life of his day. Deliah Ann Quisenberry was bom near Winchester, Clark County, Ky., Dec. 19, 1813, and died in Missouri, Dec. 7, 1875. Mrs. Rennolds was reared and educated in her native state. Her father was born in Cologne, Ger- many. He was a hat manufacturer, and came to the United States, locating in Clark County, Ky., where he continued to work at his trade, also managing a farm until his death. John C. Rennolds was reared and educated in Virginia, where he early learned farm business in which he was engaged until 1826, when he came to Missouri and settled in Boone County. He took up land which he cleared and was engaged in farming there until 1832 when he went to Howard County, but two years later came to Randolph County, where he spent the rest of his days. He died March 26, 1875. He was engaged in raising fruit and tobacco after he came to this section of the state. He was one of the well-to-do and prominent men here for 482 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY many years. To John C. Rennolds and wife were born the following children: James T., deceased; Elizabeth, married Jacksop Brink, de- ceased; Jackson Q., deceased; Martha, who married John C. Moore, de- ceased; William, deceased; Sarah F., the wife of N. Noland, deceased; Mary B., the wife of J. B. Andrews, deceased; Henry G., deceased; Deliah A., the widow of John B. Calhoun, resides in Texas; John M., of Fayette, Mo.; George R., the subject of this sketch; Cassie D., who married B. Pyle, was killed in 1878 by a tornado, and Catherine F., de- ceased. George Rennolds was reared on his father's farm and attended the subscription schools, where he laid the foundation of a good practical education to which he has continued to add all his life by a wide range of reading. When only 13 years old he began to earn money for him- self, dropping corn for 25 cents a day; corn planters were unknown in his youth. As soon as he was old enough and his strength permitted, Mr. Rennolds began to operate a farm for himself. He kept bachelor's hall, did his own cooking, washing and sewing, as well as the neces- sary farm work, but on account of ill health, he left the farm in 1876 and took a trip to Texas. Upon his return in 1877, Mr. Rennolds came to Higbee and ' with his brother, John M., he built the first house in Higbee before the town site was platted and from that time to the present has been the leading financial and business figure of the town. Soon after locating here, Mr. Rennolds engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, but he already saw that the rich farming land of this section was to become still more valuable and bought a farm, the nucleus of his later properties. In 1878 he began his broader financial career with the organization of what was called the Rennolds-Moss Railroad Tie Company. They had offices and two stores, one in Higbee and the other at McMullin, Mo. They soon began to take contracts, not only for fur- nishing ties for the railroads, but the actual construction of the roads for some of the new lines. The company contracted for furnishing all the ties, and also posts to fence the right of way of the Chicago & Alton Railroad from Louisiana to Kansas City, which was one of their most successful pieces of work. T. J. Moss was president of the concern and George Rennolds, vice-president, and J. M. Rennolds, secretary and treasurer. As their business grew, the tie company had contracts for the construction of 'several new lines of road running into Kansas City and also south to Dennison, Tex., on what is now known as the Mis- souri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. As the scope of their operations HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 483 broadened, T. J. Moss and Mr. Rennolds opened offices at Fayette, Higbee and St. Louis, to facilitate the handling of the varied lines in which they were engaged. Each year saw the business increasing to such an ex- tent throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky, that the company began, to run steamboats on the Missouri River from St. Charles to De- Witt, and on the Mississippi River to Keokuk, la. In 1884, Mr. Ren- nolds disposed of his interest in the tie company and invested his money in land in Texas and Missouri. At one time he held 15,000 acres in ranching. He then sold practically all of his holdings in Texas and came to, Higbee and became an operator in live stock, buying and selling live stock, shipping many car loads to Texas. He continued to hold his land in Randolph County, which today aggregates 600 acres of some of the finest land in central Missouri. In 1889, Mr. Rennolds became the prime factor in the organization of the Citizens Bank, of Higbee, was made president of the institution and has served in that capacity for more than 30 years. Mr. Rennolds has not confined his energies to one field of endeavor, but has been inter- ested in varied fields of finance, as he is not only a banker, but a suc- cessful managing farmer, is director of the Bank of Moberly and holds stock in two trust companies of Kansas City. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church. He is a 82nd degree Mason and a Shriner, belonging to lodges of Renick and Moberly. He is a member of the Commandery Chapter and is a Knights Templar. On Oct. 2, 1883, Mr. Rennolds was married to Miss Kizzie Elizabeth Dysart, of Randolph County, the daughter of Nicholas and Euphemia (Givens) Dysart, natives of Kentucky, who were early settlers of How- ard County, Mo., settling there in 1818 and later removing to Randolph County where they were v^^ell known and prominent residents all their lives. Mr. Dysart was one of the early settlers and teachers of Howard County and in 1821 took the census, having to ride horseback to St. Louis to make the returns to the government. Mrs. Rennolds was the yon.r.g- est of the nine children bom to her parents. She was reared and edu- cated in Missouri. She died Oct. 6, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Rennolds had one child, Bennie L., the wife of Chester Odell, and they now live with Mr. Rennolds. Mrs. Odell is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Charles F. Burkhalter, a prominent physician and surgeon of Higbee, has practiced his profession in Randolph County for 25 years. He 484 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY was born in Coopersburg, Pa., Oct. 28, 1867 and is a son of Edwin and Amanda E. (Cooper) Burkhalter and the oldest of three sons born to them. The other two are: Irvin J., residing at Wellsville, Mo., and Harry E., also of that town. The Burkhalter family left Pennsylvania in 1875, came west and located in St. Louis, but a year later settled near Wellsville, where the father engaged in farming. He spent his life there, becoming one of the prosperous farmers of that section. He died in 1915, aged 67 years. Mrs. Burkhalter is also a native of Pennsylvania and now resides at Wellsville, Mo., aged 71. Dr. Burkhalter came to Missouri with his parents ana spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the district school in the winter time and helping on the home place in the summer until his 19th year. After ob- taining a good preparatory education, he entered Washington University at St. Louis, Mo., in 1892 and was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Burkhalter soon engaged in practice at Vandalia, Mo., where he remained three years and then located at Higbee, where he has been engaged in practice for a quarter of a century. In 1895, Dr. Burkhalter was married to Miss Florence Stewart, of Wellsville, Mo., and to this union five children have been born: Frances, the wife of C. Warren, of Higbee; Toinette, who married C. C. Smith, a physician and now resides at home; Lucille, Evelyn Mae and Charlotte, all residing at home. Dr. Burkhalter is a Republican and though he takes an active part in politics, has never had time to hold public office. With his family, he is a member of the Methodist Church, South, and' his fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mark Mui-phy. a well known retired merchant of Higbee, Mo., was for many years numbered among the substantial business men of Higbee and has been essentially the architect of his own' fortune. When he entered upon his career, he Was possessed of little save inherent ability and a determination to succeed and they have been sufficient, through their de- velopment to enable him to become a well-to-do merchant. Mr. Murphy 'is a native of Ireland and was born Feb. 29, 1840. He is a son of Michael and Honora (CHne) Murphyr being the sixth of their ten children. The father was a farmer in his native land and spent his life in County Mayo, Ireland, while the mother came to America in 1854 to join her children. She died in Macoupin County, 111., in 1889. In HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 485 1849, Mark Murphy left Ireland for Manchester, England, where he started to learn the watchmaker's trade and in 1851 came to the United States, locating first in New York City, where he worked at the jewelry business. Subsequently he went to Canada as he had a sisi^r there. After remaining some time in Canada, they all came to the States and Mr. Murphy engaged in farming in Illinois. Later he gave that up and secured a position with the Chicago & Alton Railroad as station agent and telegraph operator. He was advanced from one position to another for som-e years. He then engaged in business for himself as a grain merchant at Girard, 111. From this start, he branched out, added a part- ner and purchased a stock of general merchandise, assisting m tne rnan- agem.ent of the store until 1879, when he went to Kansas City, Mo. At this time Mr. Murphy accepted a position in the freight office of the Chicago & Alton Railroad but a year later was assigned to Higbee as station agent of that railroad and for 11 years served in that capacity when he resigned his position to engage in merchandising. At first he opened a jewelry store, later added many lines and organized the business into a general department store which in turn developed into a business of which the hardware department was the principal feature. For nearly 30 years Mr. Murphy was the leading merchant of Higbee ; he won and retained a place of high standing in the commercial life of this sec- tion of the state, by his integrity, soilnd business methods and his ability to make friends. In 1919, he retired from the active management of his business which he turned over to his grandson, Mark C. Murphy and now is enjoying a well earned respite from business cares. Mr. Murphy is a Democrat and served as mayor and alderman of Higbee. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic Lodge. In 1861, Mark Murphy was married to Miss Martha Renfro, of Lin- coln County, Ky., who died in 1910, leaving two children: Martha L., now living with the father and Mark F. of Calloway, Mo. Mr. Murphy has seen great changes in this country; he broke the virgin prairie soil in Illinois with an ox team ; he passed through Chicago when that great metropolis had but two railroads and for a switch engine, a black stallion was used to shift cars. It has been his fortune to attain many of his ideals and ambitions and to so have directed his affairs in life that he has won success without the aid of outside influences. Dr. James W. Winn, a successful physician and surgeon has practiced his profession at Higbee, Mo., and vicinity for over 25 years. 486 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY He v/as born at Fayette, Mo., Aug. 10, 1871 and is a son of George and Frances (Hitt) Winn, being the eighth of their ten children. George Winn was a farmer in Howard County ail of his life and died in January, 1902. He was prominent in his community, serving as judge of the county court 12 years. At one "time he owned 800 acres of the finest land in the county. He was a Democrat. His father served in the Union army during the Civil War. Frances (Hitt) Winn was born in Culpeper County, Va. She is now living at Fayette, Mo., at the advanced age of 84 years. Dr. Winn was reared on his father's farm and attended the public school for his elementary education and entered the University of Mis- souri in 1892. Two years later he entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, Mo., graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1895. Within a short period, he located at Yates, Randolph County, re- maining there until 1913, when he came to Higbee where he has since been engaged in practice, excepting the time he served in the army. When the United States entered the World War, he responded to the president's call for volunteers in the medical department and enlisted Aug. 12, 1918, was commissioned Oct. 9, 1918 and assigned to duty at Camp Arthur, Tex., April 2nd. He was transferred to San Antonio, Texas and spent six months and six days on the border. With head- quarters at Sierra Blanca, Dr. Winn»had charge of that post and one camp at Hester's ranch. Dr. Winn, soon after the cessation of hostilities, was discharged from the service and returned to Higbee, where he has since been devoting his time to professional duties. On Oct. 15, 1919, Dr. Winn was married to Miss Ida M. Cubbage of Randolph County. She is a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Duncan) Cubbage, natives of Kentucky, who were early settlers of Randolph County. One child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Winn, George Warren. While in college, Dr. Winn also studied pharmacy and his state license is dated April 2, 1895. From May, 1895, to April, 1913, he owned and managed a drug store in Yates when he purchased the Dr. Broen drug store in Higbee which he conducted along with his practice until he entered the government service. Dr. Winn is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge. He is one of the progressive men of this section and is a stock- holder in the Yates Savings Bank. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 487 Ross A. Mitchell, M. D,, a well known and successful physician of Moberly, Mo., is a native of Sangamon County, 111., born Dec. 1, 1881. He is a son of George and Belle (Meacham) Mitchell, natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively. George Mitchell was a farmer in Illinois and is now living retired and he and his wife reside at Moberly, Mo. Dr. Mitchell received his early education in the public schools of Illinois. When 13 years old he came to Missouri and graduated Horn tne Centralia High School. After completing his preparatory studies, he entered the University Medical School, Kansas City, graduating in 1906 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The same year. Doctor Mitchell established himself for practice at Clark, Randolph County, where he built up a good practice, during the four years he remained. He then accepted a position as physician for the coal and coke company of Union- town, Pa., an association which continued until 1914. With an idea of specializing in certain branches, he resigned his position to come to St. Louis to take special post graduate courses in the medical department of Washington University, remaining there a year. In 1915, Dr. Mitchell came to Moberly, opened offices in the Priesmeyer Building, where he now enjoys a lucrative and growing practice of general character, though he specializes in diseases of children, a branch in which he has met with particularly gratifying success. He has given much special study and thought to this department of his profession and has met with uniform success. Dr. Mitchell is a Democrat and is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Gifted with a love for his chosen profession, quick of intuition and generous and sympathetic in his work, he has won the esteem of the residents of this section by his courteous manner and genial nature as well as acknowledged ability. John W. Alexander, for many years recognized as one of the pro- gressive and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Randolph County, is now living retired in Moberly, enjoying the fortunes woil by industry during life's early years. He is a native son of Randolph County, born in Silver Creek township, March 22, 1849, the son of John Alexander who was born in Kentucky, where he was reared and educated. After attain- ing manhood, he decided to come West and became one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph County, taking up government land here; he became one of the well known and prominent agriculturists of this section. 488 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY John W. Alexander was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school near his home. He engaged in farming early in life and at his father's death, he inherited 80 acres of the home farm. He pur- chased more land from time to time until he became the owner of nearly 400 acres of some of the best land in the county. He was engaged in farm- ing and stock raising for many years and introduced many modem methods of agriculture and animal husbandry that proved of benefit, both to himself and his neighbors. Mr. Alexander worked hard, many times beyond his strength and in 1914, he retired on account of poor health and came to Moberly and now lives at 5011/4 W. Reed street. On May 3, 1904, Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Ledru M. Allen, who was born at Roanoke, Mo., Feb. 7, 1889. She is a daughter of Reuze G. and Logan (Boatman) Allen, both natives of Chariton County, Mo. and now living in Moberly. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, John W., who is at home with his parents. The Alexander family are members of the Baptist church and Mr. Alexander is a Democrat. Orville Meals, proprietor of Lone Oak Farm, four miles east of Mob- erly in Sugar Creek township, is known throughout this section of the state as one of the most successful breeders of Aberdeen Angus cattle and a well-to-do farmer, who is making a marked success. Orville belongs to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County and the land which they first entered from the government still remains in the family, Orville Meals was born on the farm where he now resides, Aug. 30, 1878, the son of J. T. and Martha (Dunn) Meals and for more than 40 years has been a resident of this section. His father was bom, reared and passed his days on the same homestead. He died in 1914, aged 63 years, and was laid to rest in the Meals family burying ground on the farm. The mother resides with her son, Orville, who is the only child of his parents. Orville Meals was reared on the farm and received his education in district school No. 52, where he laid the foundation for a good practical education to which he has ever since added by the careful study of his business problems, the study of national questions of the day and wide reading. He has always followed farming and stock raising and is the proprietor of 320 acres of fine land, 100 acres of which is in blue grass pasture and he has one of the finest stock farms not only in Sugar Creek but in Randolph County. His present residence, built in 1916, is modern H D H Z n H o *i o < r r a r HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 489 in every manner; he has a Delco light system for the house and adjoin- ing buildings, furnace heat and from his 310 foot well he pumps water with a wind mill which runs by gravity to all parts of the farm yard and also supplies the house with a running water system. He has a silo of hollow tile for winter forage for his cattle and good bams for the stock. White Oak branch runs through the farm which supplies the pasture with an unfailing supply of water in the pasture. It is interesting to learn that his land was entered by Preston Meals, Orville's graYidfather, who came from Howard County and a part of his old home is still standing on the farm. John Moberly rebuilt this first house and made a good modern residence of it but at present it is unoccu- pied. The old family cemetery of the family contains nearly 100 graves. Orville Meals was married on March 18, 1902, to Miss Pearl Parrish, the daughter of Ezekiel and Nancy (Owens) Parrish, of Moberly and one child has been born to them^, Thomas Chester, aged 11. Mr. Meals is a member of the Randolph County Aberdeen Angus Association and also of the State Association and the National Association and Lone Oak Farm is noted for its fine cattle. Mr. Meals has 19 reg- istered Aberdeen Angus cows which he bought in 1917 and six calves and a famous bull, "Black Mark the Fifth," bred by Ursher & Ryan, heads the herd, being regarded as the best bred bull in this section of the country. David S. Hare, who conducts a popular cafe and confectionery store at Higbee, Mo., is a native of Springfield, 111. He was born Sept. 8, 1874 and is a son of Henry and Jeanett (Smith) Hare and is the second in order of birth of nine children born to them, six of whom are now living. Henry Hare was born at Qutic, England, Aug. 29, 1851. He was reared in his native land and when 17 years old, came to America and first settled in Illinois. He was a coal miner and worked at his trade in Illinois for a time and in 1884 came to Missouri and settled at Elliott, where he worked as a ,coal miner and in 1886 he came to Higbee and was engaged in farming in that vicinity until his death, Dec. 21, 1911. He took a prominent part in local affairs and served as police judge of Higbee for four years and was also a member of the city council. He promoted a number of public enterprises while an official in Higbee and was instru- mental in having the public "well" dug in Higbee and was also one of the promoters of building the city hall there. He was a Republican and a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge at Hig- 490. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY bee. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 28, 1854 and died April 25, 1906. David S. Hare was about ten years of age when his parents came to Missouri and he attended the public schools of Higbee, and at the early age of 11 years began working in the coal mines of that district and fol- lowed that industry until 1911 when he engaged in his present business at Higbee and has met with success. He conducts a modem up-to-date place and has built up a good trade. Mr. Hare was married Feb. 27, 1901 to Miss Mary Lena Roberts of Prairie township, Randolph County. She is a native of Missouri and a daughter of Alex, and Mary (Newton) Roberts. To Mr. and Mrs. Hare have been bom four children as follows: Thelma, married Forrest Lee, of Moberly, Mo. ; Ermon, Jeanett and Earmson. Mr. Hare is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is recognized as one of Higbee's substantial and enter- prising business men. Willard Owen, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Moniteau township, who is also a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Prairie township, Jan. 22, 1865 and is a son of Joel T. and Amanda (Ragsdale) Owen. They were the par- ents of seven children, of whom Willard Owen, the subject of this sketch is the oldest. Joel T. Owen was bom in Moniteau township, Dec. 30, 1839 and was a farmer all of his life and is now living retired with his son, Willard Owen. He was a son of John and Sallie (Higbee) Owen, both natives of Kentucky and among the very earliest settlers of Randolph County. They were the parents of six children, of whom Joel T. was the fifth in order of birth. W. E. Owen, a brother of Joel T., crossed the plains during the gold excitement in California and now lives in Linn County, Mo. Amanda (Ragsdale) Owen, mother of Willard Owen, was born in Prairie township, Randolph County, in September, 1839; she died Nov. 11, 1919. She was a daughter of Charles and Cassie (Crystler) Ragsdale, natives of Kentucky and among the very first settlers of Randolph County. Charles Ragsdale crossed the plains in 1850, and after remaining in Cali- fornia a short time retumed to Missouri and here spent the remainder of his life. Willard Owen was reared on his father's farm and attended the dis- trict school until he was 15 years old, when he began railroading. Later HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 491 he was weighmaster for the Osage Mining Company, Elliott, Mo., and for 26 years was in the employ of that company. In 1907 he bought 126 acres of land in Moniteau township and since that time has been suc- cessfully engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1917, he began breed- ing Shorthorn cattle and now has a valuable herd. He is a careful farmer and is meeting with success. Nov. 26, 1889, Mr. Owen was married to Miss Mary J. Magruder, a native of Howard County, Mo. She is a daughter of Thomas Magruder, who died when Mrs. Owen was a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen has been- born one child, Georgia May, who married Pete Gruber of Higbee, Mo. Mr. Owen is a Democrat and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a public spirited, enter- prising and dependable citizen. Clay A. Shumate, the local agent in Moberly for the Hudson-Essex automobiles and a dealer in all automobile accessories, in partnership with James Figgins, has had a varied and successful business career. Mr. Shumate is a native of Randolph County and Moberly, born Dec. 2, 1879, the son of Thomas and Eliza (Yaeger) Shumate, being the fourth of the eight children born to them. Both parents were natives of Portsmouth, Ohio, where they were reared and spent their youth. They came to Mis- souri with their parents and were married at Hale, Mo., where Thomas Shumate engaged in farming before coming to Moberly about the close of the Civil War. He became foreman for the Wabash Railroad and re- mained in the employ of the road until 1882, when he engaged in business for himself by establishing a dray and transfer company in Moberly, which he managed until about 10 years before his death when he retired. He died in 1919, aged 73 years. Mr. Shumate is survived by his widow who still resides in Moberly. Clay Shumate was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools of the city and after finishing his schooling went to work for the Wabash Railroad when only 18 years old. He began in the freight department and worked up from trucking through the various departments to traffic manager. Later, Mr. Shumate was promoted to the position of traveling freight and passenger agent. In 1918 he resigned to take a contract with the Wabash Railroad to feed the livestock in transit. In 1919, he formed a partnership with James Figgins and opened a salesroom for the dis- tribution of the Hudson and Essex cars, with a complete line of accessories. On Jan. 15, 1902, Mr. Shumate married Miss Grace Poore. who was born near Mexico, Mo. * 492 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Since first coming to Moberly, Mr. Shumate has taken an active part in the civic life of the town and is ever ready to support any and all measures for the development of the county and city. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce and is a Republican and one of the substan- tial and progressive men of Moberly. William P. Dessert, a well known harnessmaker and dealer, with a store at 219 North Clark street, Moberly, Mo., is one of the oldest mer- chants of the city and today is rated as one of the most prosperous of its citizens. He was bom at Mt; Sterling, 111., Jan. 17, 1855, the son of Joseph and Sophia (Rioth) Dessert, being the sixth of 11 children born to them. The father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, where he was reared and educated, and before coming to this country had learned the tailor's ti-ade. When only 16 years old he came to America, first locating in Ohio, but later he removed to Mt. Sterling, 111., where he passed the re- mainder of his days. Sophie Rioth was also born in the same provinces as her husband, 15 miles from his native town, but never knew or met him until after coming to the United States. She was about 10 years old when she accompanied her parents to this country. William P. Dessert passed his boyhood and youth in Mt. Sterling, 111. and attended the public schools and when old enough served his appren- ticeship as harnessmaker with his brother Frank, at Macon, Mo., where he remained for 25 years. During this time he had acquired capital and opened a harness shop of his own. At different times, Mr. Dessert had come to Moberly and being impressed with the good opening here for a harness business located here in 1897. From first locating here, Mr. Dessert met with success. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Moberly. On Nov. 8, 1878, Mr. Dessert was married to Miss Ella Chisholm, a native of Canada, being descended from Scotch and Canadian stock. Nine children were born to this union: Joseph, at Fulton, Mo.; Katharine, at home ; Mark, at home, who enlisted during the World War and saw 18 months service in France as a member of the tank corps, taking part in all the important engagements in which the American army was engaged in which he was captain and since returning to private life he has become associated with his father in business in Moberly; Sophia, at home; Leo, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Daniel, deceased; William, also with his father, is a machinist by trade, who was working for the government at Washing- ton, D. C, when war was declared and enlisted in the engineering division of the navy for service as long as hostilities continued; Marie, at home; and Celia, also at home. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 493 Mr. Dessert is a Democrat; he is a member of the Cathohc church and the Catholic Knights. Dr. William J. Miller, a well known and successful dentist of Mob- erly with offices in the Moberly Bank Building, is a native of Randolph County and was bom in Moniteau township, Jan. 28, 1883: He is a son of Agustus and Ann Mary (Christian) Miller, being sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children, as follows : Eugene, deceased ; John A., a farmer and stock raiser, of Moniteau township; Elizabeth, the wife of A. J. Hunker, who resides near Roanoke; Dorothy, who lives with Mrs. Hunker; Ella, the wife of R. B. Burkhart, of Huntsville; Gussie, the wife of R. R. Quinn, who is salesman for Paige automobiles and Delco lights at Moberly ; Frances, a teacher of domestic science at Palmyra, Mo. and Eva, the wife of H. A. Yeager of Palmyra. Agustus Miller was born near Drakes Valley, Ohio, in 1849. He was reared there and after reaching n^aturity, became a farmer, but de- siring to take advantage of the cheaper land in the west came to Mis- souri in 1874 and located in Randolph County, Moniteau township, where he became a well known breeder of Hereford cattle and also a prosperous general farmer, owning at the time of his death, in 1912, about 1,100 acres of valuable land. Mrs. Miller was born in Randolph County, about two miles south of the present site of Moberly. Doctor Miller was reared on his father's farm and attended the high school, also the district school at Higbee, graduating from the high school with the class of 1901. In the fall of the same year, he entered the dental department of St. Louis University at St. Louis, Mo. and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1905. Within a short time. Dr. Miller returned to Randolph County and began the prac- tice of his profession in Moberly. He has built up an extensive practice and is well known for his professional skill and ability. On Oct. 28, 1906, Doctor Miller was married to Miss Vivia M. Danley, of Moberly, the daughter of W. D. and Anna (McSweeney) Danley, and two children have been born to them : Danley and William J., Jr., both at home. Though he is a stanch adherent of the policies of the Democratic party. Dr. Miller does not take an active part in politics. John S. Sours, a well known merchant of Moberly was bom at St. Charles, Mo., June 22, 1866. He is a son of John and Catherine (McCabe) Sours, the former a native of Rochester, N. Y., and the latter of Brighton, Mich. 494 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY John Sours was a bridge builder who came to Moberly when the vil- lage was not yet platted to take a position with what is now known as the Wabash Railroad. He purchased some of the real estate of the townsite, which in time became very valuable property, though he main- tained his position as superintendent of bridges with the railroad until he died in 1901 from injuries sustained from a fall from a bridge over the Grand River near Brunswick. John S. Sours was the second of the 10 children born to his parents. He attended the school of Montgomery City, Mo. In 1882 he began as a clerk for Henry Roemer in his general wholesale and retail store, one of the early business houses of the town. On June 1, 1883, he accepted a position with the bridge and building department of the Wabash Rail- road, as a carpenter. In 1887, he began firing a locomotive. In July, 1892, Mr. Sours was promoted to engineer and held one of the runs out of Moberly for two years. He resigned in the spring of 1894. On April 15, 1895, Mr. Sours bought one-half interest in the grocery business at 551 West Coates street with F. J. Smith. In 1896, Mr. Smith sold out his interest to L. W. Ficklin and the firm was conducted as Sours and Ficklin. In 1898, Mr. Sours took over the entire store and has since been sole owner, having been 25 years at this present location, on April 15, 1920. On Nov. 2, 1897, Mr. Sours was married to Miss Nonie Reeves, a native of St. Charles, Mo. She is the daughter of Michael and Ellen (Hurley) Reeves, natives of Ireland. Michael Reeves was employed in the repair department of the Wabash Railroad in Moberly, and in the early days he was a brakeman, serving in that capacity during the Civil War. He is now dead and his widow ire- sides in Moberly at 308 Taylor street. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sours: One child died in infancy; Mary "Vesta, Louise and Mildred are at home. Mr. Sours is a Democrat and he is a member of the Catholic church, Knights of Columbus, National Union, Brotherhood of Locomotive Fire- men and Engineers and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. William Egly, who for nearly half a century was engaged- in coal min- ing and for more than 15 years has been one of the recognized leading agriculturists of the Higbee district where he owns 255 acres of valuable land of Moniteau township, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was bom in Allegheny County, Pa., Dec. 14, 1849, and is a son of John N. and Kath- erine (Horn) Egly, being the sixth of their 11 children. The parents HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 495 were both natives in southern Germany, but left their native land some 80 years ago and after coming to America met and were married at Pitts- burgh, Pa., where John Egly was a coal miner. Later in life he bought a farm in Pennsylvania, near Armstrong, where he passed the remainder of his days. William Egly was reared in Pennsylvania and attended the village schools until his tenth year when the family moved on a farm. He at- tended the district school there. As soon as he was old ehough, he began his career as a coal miner, a vocation which he followed 50 years. After working in the eastern coal fields for some years he came west to follow the same vocation in Kansas and Texas advancing from one position of importance to another. Mr. Egly was made foreman of a mine and later superintendent. He purchased his first farm near Sherman, Texas, farmed thei-e three years then entered his work again as miner at Pitts- burgh, Kan., but left that state to return to Pennsylvania. Later he returned to Kansas remaining there until the spring of 1900 when he came to Howard County, Mo. and was interested in mining operations there some five years before buying his present farm in Randolph County. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Egley moved onto his place. He has made excellent and permanent improvements in the way of buildings and im- proving the fertility of the soil and has become recognized as one of the substantial farmers of this section. On Aug. 12, 1876, Mr. Egly was married to Miss Mary Ann Smith who was born in Northumberland County, England, Nov. 13, 1857. She is a daughter of William and Hannah (Henderson) Smith, both natives of England who emigrated frorrt their native land in 1860 and 'settled near Pittsburgh, Pa., where the father was engaged in coal mining. In 1896 they came west, locating in Randolph County where Mr. Smith purchased a farm and passed the remainder of his days there. He died in April, 1906 at the age of 74 years. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Egly: John, an engineer at the coal mines at Higbee; George B., at home; Leonard N., also at home; Maud, deceased; Lillie M., the wife of S. C. Elwin, Haskell, Okla. ; Alice, who married J. R. Robertson of McKee, Pa.; and Charles H., at home. Mr. Egly is the grandfather of eight grand- children. Mr. Egly is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Horace Greeley. With the other members of his family, Mr. Egly is a member of the Meth- odist church. 496 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Joseph H. Wheeler, a well known and progressive farmer and stock- man of Sugar Creek township was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1853. He is a son of Jacob and Agnes (Walker) Wheeler. Jacob Wheeler was a native of Pennsylvania and followed farming and stock raising throughout his 'life. He died at the age of 74 years. His wife was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and died at the age of 57 years. Her remains and those of her husband are buried in the Otsego ceme- tery. They were the parents of the following children: Margaret J., de- ceased; Mrs. Anna Eliza McCall, Concord, Ohio; Joseph H., the c^ubject of this sketch; John, deceased; Ardon, Oakland, 111.; George Dallas, Con- log, 111. ; Henson, Ashmore, 111. ; Mrs. Carcella Sublett, Oakland, 111. ; and Harrison, Oakland, lU. Joseph H. Wheeler was educated in the public schools of Muskingum County, Ohio, and worked at farming in that vicinity until he was 19 years old. He then spent about a year in Washington and Alleghany counties, Pa., when he went west and was engaged in farming near Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa. After remaining there 18 years he came to Missouri and for three years lived in Caldwell County, Mo. He then returned to Ottumwa, Iowa and later went to Dudley, Iowa, where he remained six years. Up to 1892, Mr. Wheeler had farmed rented land and worked by the month. About this time he returned to Missouri and rented a farm in Monroe County, which he shortly afterwards bought. It contained 341 acres and after improving the place he. sold it in 1918. In the meantime he purchased his present place in Randolph County in 1905 and moved onto it in 1908, renting his Monroe County farm until he sold it. Mr. Wheeler's home place is one of the well improved and valuable farms of Randolph County. The residence is a two-story, nine room structure, heated by hot air furnace and lighted by an acetylene plant and equipped with hot and cold running water. It is one of the best residences in Randolph County. The place is well supplied with pure water from a well 205 feet deep which Mr. Wheeler drilled in 1908. The water is pumped by a windmill and distributed to the feed lots and other points of convenience about the place. In 1909 Mr. Wheeler built a large bam 40x50 feet, which with the other buildings about the place is in good condition. Mr. Wheeler specializes in raising Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. a 3 H 2 O o M H Id a; H E HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 497 Joseph H. Wheeler was married Feb. 26, 1884 to Miss Emma Moss. She is a daughter of Daniel V. and Maria (Stone) Moss, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a native of Indiana and died in Dal- las County, Mo., at the age of 57 years. His v/ife was born in Louisville, Ky. and died in Iowa. Mrs. Wheeler has one brother, Edward Moss, who resides at Liberal, Mo. and a sister, Mrs. Luella Shew of Knox County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been bom seven children: Clara Agnes, resides at home ; Nashio, married Charles Kite of Oakland, 111. ; Andy Hinson, Sugar Creek township; Bessie married William Ashmore, Oakland, 111.; Inez, at home; Lurilla died at the age of 11 years and 10 months; and Ivy Allen resides in Moberly. Mr. Wheeler is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County and stands high in the community.. Hiram Land, a successful farmer and stockman of Randolph County, was born in Moniteau township, Randolph County, Jan. 29, 1860. He is a son of Sterling and Margaret (Baker) Land and is the eldest of the 10 children born to them. Sterling Land is now living in Saline County, Mo., at the advanced age of 82 years. He was born in Kentucky, the son of William and Polly (Johnson) Land, both natives of that state, who came to Randolph County in 1839 and were among the pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. They spent the remainder of their lives here. Margaret Baker was a native of Randolph County, born and reared here. She was a daughter of O. P. and Maria (Baxter) Baker, natives of Ken- tucky who came to Missouri in the early days and were pioneer settlers. Mrs. Land now resides in Saline County. Hiram Land was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school. In 1900, he entered the employ of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and worked in bridge and construction department where he re- mained 13 years, then moved to present farm. Before entering the em- ploy of the railroad company, Mr. >Land bought 100 acres of land which he fanned 14 years. He sold that 100 acres and went to work for the M. K. & T. R. R. Co. He then bought his present farm of 150 acres just before resigning from the railroad company and has lived here seven years. He improved his place and for the past seven years has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Moniteau township and today is rated as one of the most substantial men in Randolph County. 498 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY On June 23, 1887, Mr. Land was married to Miss Correnna Lesley, of Randolph County, the daughter of Joseph Lesley. He and his wife, who was a Miss Johnson before her marriage, were pioneer settlers of central Missouri at an early day and were recognized as prominent residents of Randolph County for many years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Land: Pearl, the wife of H. Angelberger of Cleveland, Ohio, and Riley, at home with his parents. Medley Burton, one of the leading merchants of Higbee, Mo., since 1916, was for more than a quarter of a century one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Randolph County, and a well known member of an old pioneer family of this section. Mr. Burton was born on a farm a half a mile west of Higbee, Feb. 26, 1865, and is a son of Joseph W. and Sallie A. (Pyles) Burton who were the parents of 11 children: Laura, the wife of W. W. Settles, of Muskogee, Okla. ; T. G., farming the home place in Moniteau township, Randolph County; Bird, deceased; Binda, the wife of J. B. Tymony, deceased ; Hence, a miner of Higbee ; Dick, who resides at Mystic, Ky. ; Wood, deceased; Gavella, the wife of J. M. Crew, of Muskogee, Okla.; Anna, who married G. L. Williams, of St. Louis, one child, who died in infancy and Medley. Joseph W. Burton was bom near Louisville, Ky., June 1, 1816. He was reared in his native state until four years old, when he was brought by his parents to Missouri who settled in Randolph County, locating near Higbee. After attaining his maturity and finishing his education, Mr. Burton began farming, a vocation which he followed all his life. He died in January, 1915. He was prominent in this section and was the owner of 350 acres of land. His wife was a native of Higbee who spent her life in this vicinity. Medley Burton was reared on the home farm near Higbee and at- tended the public schools. In early life he engaged in farming which he followed for 30 years, becoming well and favorably known in his native township where he was ever ready to support all laudable purposes for the development and improvement of the county and town. Mr. Burton accepted a position with the Walton Coal Company and was thus engaged for 20 years. In 1916, he purchased the general merchandise stock of S. E. Marrs, in Higbee, where he has since been engaged in business which he has since successfully conducted. In 1887, Mr. Burton was married to Miss Sallie Dawkins, who was born near Higbee. She is a daughter of Levin T. and Julia (Collins) HISTOEY OF RANBOLPH COUNTY 499 Dawkins, natives of Randolph County where the father was engaged in farming. Four children have been born to this union. Walton, who is in partnership with his father; Joseph, who is interested in coal mining in Higbee; Georgia, the wife of George Walton of Higbee, and Ruby, resides at home. Mr. Burton is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 527, of Higbee, Mo. William D. Edwards, one of the well known and prominent farmers and stock raisers of Randolph County, who owns a farm of some 200 acres in Moniteau township, is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in Racine, Wis., March 20, 1860, the son of Edwin and Julia (Gleeson) Edwards who had six children, four of whom grew to maturity as follows: Richard, Mexico, Mo. ; Edwin Moberly, Mo. ; William D., of this review, and Doug- las who resides at Pearl, 111. Edwin Edwards was born in the county of Essex, England, in 1830. He was reared in his native land and received his education there, but as he was ambitious to get ahead in the world and when only 20 years set sail for the United States. On first reaching this country he settled in New York, working as a farm laborer until he became accustomed to the ways of his now adopted country. Mr. Edwards married in the East and soon afterwards removed to- Wisconsin where he engaged in farming until 1868 when he came to Howard County, Mo. He was a Democrat. Mr. Edwards died in 1914. Julia Gleeson was born in Ireland in 1830 and came to the United States with her parents when eight years old. She died in 1899. William D. Edwards was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Howard County. While yet a boy, he assumed many of the duties around the home place and at an early age was a good practical farmer, able to carry on farming operations on the place owned by his father. In 1897, he came to Randolph County, purchasing his present farm in Moniteau township, where he has made many improve- ments and brought his land to a high state of fertility. Mr. Edwards early began raising high grade stock and has met with success in this field of endeavor, as well as in general farming. He is one of the substantial men of the community and .is a stockholder of the Citizens Bank of Hig- bee and of the Yates Bank. On Dec. 29, 1881, William D. Edwards was married to Miss Scilvitha Cline, a native of Indiana, bom near New Albany, Floyd County. She is 500 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY a daughter of John and Scilvitha (Hand) Cline, both natives of Indiana and early settlers of Howard County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards eight children have been born: Dr. Edwin Edwards, the eldest, is a physician and surgeon of St. Louis, Mo. He enlisted in the medical corps during the World War and was assigned to duty at Camp Pike, Ark., where he served for a period and later was transferred to Palo Alto, Calif., to a hospital controlled by the government. He was married to. Nevada Wilson of Pike County, Mo. and they have two children, Hazel and June. The other children born to William D. Edwards and wife are: Charles, United States postal clerk, running out of Kansas City; Willard, a farmer of Howard County ; Terry, lives in Moberly ; Julia is the wife of Dv. Williams of Fayette, Mo.; Omar, at home; Rolla, deceased, and Vir- ginia, also at home. The Edwards family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Ed- wards is a Democrat. The family are well known in this section where they have many friends. Dr. George M. Nichols is a well known and successful physician and surgeon of Randolph County, who for more than a quarter of a century has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Higbee, Mo. He was bom in Boone County, Mo., Aug. 25, 1860 and is a son of E. J. and Polly Ann (Hawkins) Nichols to whom were born the following children: Wil- liam, deceased; John J. of Winchester, Kan.; George; E. E., of Leaven- worth, Kan. ; Overton, F., lumberman of Hallsville, Mo. ; Nannie, the wife of W. H. Naylor, deceased; Rosa Ann, the wife of Samuel Morris, de- ceased ; and Dr. Robert L., deceased, was a physician of Higbee. E. J. Nichols was born in Madison County, Ky-, April 29, 1825 and died in 1894. He came to Boone County at an early day and became a farmer and trader here. He was a son of William and Mary (Roundtree) Nichols, also natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of this state. They came to Missouri in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. Leaving Baron County, Ky., they made the trip overland to Boone County, where they took up government land and became well known farmers of that section. Polly Ann Hawkins, mother of Dr. Nichols, was born in Boone County, Mo., Dec. 8, 1828 and died in 1897. She was a daughter of James and Sallie (Thomison) Hawkins, natives of Virginia, who came west and were among the first settlers of Missouri, locating in this state in 1824, when Missouri was still considered the frontier. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 501 Dr. Nichols was reared on his father's farm, attended the district schools and later entered the State University. Finishing a four year college course in 1884, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, la., where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1886. Dr. Nichols soon opened an office at" Sebree, Howard County, but three years later moved to Meyers where he remained in professional work until 1893, when he came to Higbee, becoming a part- ner with his brother, Dr. Robert Nichols, who died a few months later and Dr. George M. Nichols continued to practice in Higbee to the present time and has met with success. In 1891, he took a post graduate course in Rush Medical College at Chicago. Dr. Nichols is a Democrat and for more than 20 years has taken an active part in the civic life of Higbee and Randolph County. He was elected mayor of Higbee, serving in that capacity for more tha^n two terms and many of the municipal improvements were inaugurated by him. At the present time, he is local health officer, is president of the Randolph County Medical Society, is a member of the Missouri State Medical Asso- ciation, the American Medical Association. He served as second vice- president of the State Medical Association for some time. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. On Dec. 24, 1883, Dr. Nichols was married to Miss Sallie Naylor, who was bom at Sturgeon, Boone County, Mo., Sept. 19, 1863 and to this union two children were bom: Madine, the wife of Dr. C. A. Johnson, of Kiowa, Okla., and Irene a teacher in the high school at Muskogee, Okla. The mother of these children died and Dr. Nichols married Miss Ida Mc- Bain on April 2, 1892. She was a native of Boone County, born in 1862 and died in 1898, leaving two children, Evelyn, the wife of Paul Nunnilly,. of Ardmore, Okla. and Pauline, the wife of John Minor, now deceased. In 1900, Dr. Nichols married a Miss Freta Avery, a native of Howard County,, who was bom in 1871 and died in 1909, leaving two children, William M., of Utica, Neb., a sugar beet raiser and Freta, a teacher at Great Bend, Kan. In 1904, Dr. Nichols married Mrs. Mamie Rucker Thompson, the widow of Dr. Thompson. Dr. Nichols has four grandchildren in whom he takes pardonable pride. Judge Z. T. Chilton, now living retired at Renick, Mo., has had an unusually successful career as a farmer and stockman in Randolph County and is now the owner of 840 acres of valuable land in Pi-airie township besides considerable town and city property, and he is also a stockholder 5D2 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY in ths I 'aimers Bank of Renick of which he has served as a director. He is also, a stockholder in a Kansas City bank. Judge Chilton is a native of Randolph County, born in Prairie town- ship, Feb. 2, 1847. He is a son of John and Rachael (Jackson) Chilton. John Chilton was bom in Virginia in 1809 and died in Randolph County in August, 1864. He was a son of James and Margaret (Jenkins) Chil- ton, both also natives of Virginia. John Chilton's wife, Rachael Jackson was born near Hartford, Ky. in 1814 and died Jan. 5, 1913. She was the daughter of Christopher and Katherine (Rhodes) Jackson, both born in 1768. They were married in 1790 and came to Pike County, Mo. in 1823 where Katherine (Rhodes) Chilton died in 1857. Rachael (Jackson) Chil- ton was a cousin of President Andrew Jackson and General Stonewall Jackson and a niece of United States Senator George Jackson who was elected to the Senate in 1798. James Chilton, grandfather of Judge Z. T. Chilton, was a descendant of an old and aristocratic Virginia family who traced their ancestors back to Sir Charles Chilton who came to Briton with William, the Conqueror. The town of Chilton is the original home of the family in Briton. Mem- bers of this family have been conspicuous in the English history for cen- turies. Margaret Jenkins, wife of James Chilton also came from a dis- tinguished old Virginia family from Loudoun County and members of which settled in Pike County, Mo., about 1828. John Chilton and his wife came from -Pike County, Mo. to Randolph County in 1834 where he entered over 1,000 acres of land and what is now known as Prairie township when this section of the state was sparsely settled. He was an extensive farmer, ovsmed q. number of slaves and raised tobacco and fine stock. He frequently drove his stock to market at New Orleans. He took great pride in the high class livestock which he raised and won a number of prizes at exhibition of his stock. To John and Rachael (Jackson) Chilton were born 12 children as fol- low: James Thomas, bom 1833, married Harriet McQuitty and they had one child; William C, bom in 1835, was a farmer and stockman, married Julia Dent Grant and they had four children; Fannie, married Crosswhite; Mollie married John Gaugh and John T. maried Elsie Flemming ; Margaret E., bom April 5, 1837, married Dr. John McGee, Feb. 27, 1855 and had three children, Dr. Wesley, Dr. Charles and Dr. William Kent McGee; Dazarene bom Oct. 19, 1838, died Jan. 11, 1866, married Joseph Dulaney and had three children, Annie, George H., and John ; John H., bom April HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 503 24, 1840 and died Aug. 7, 1842; lone, bom June 20, 1841 and married George B. Ownby, Sept. 1, 1864, and three children were born to this union, John, Nettie and George W. who married Ethie Ragsdale; Chris- topher J., born March 23, 1843, married Martha E. Owenby and they had two children: Dr. James C., of Hannibal, Mo., and Mary, who married Joseph Harlan, of Texas; Judge Z. T. Chilton of this review; George W., bom April 24, 1848, married Elizabeth F. Swenney and they had eight children: lone married George Brown of Quincy, 111.; Mamie mamied Thomas Arnold of Centralia, Mo. and Pearl married a Mr. Stewart, and James F. ; Catherine A., born July 28, 1852, died May 4, 1871 ; Fannie, bom Feb. 7, 1856 and died Nov. 11, 1859; Dr. R. Green Chilton, born in 1858, married Jane Thornton of Arkansas in 1874 and they have three children, Annice, Edward and Charles who reside in the state of Wash- ington. John Chilton and wife, the parents of the above mentioned family are buried in the private cemetery on the old Chilton homestead which has been in the family for 78 years. Judge Z. T. Chilton was reared on his father's farm in Prairie town- ship and received a good education, having attended the Renick and Sweet Springs public schools. In early life he taught school about five years and was one of the proficient spellers of the country. He recalled with interest many of the early day pastimes, including the old fashioned spelling bees. Mr. Chilton engaged in farming and stock raising in early life and met with success. He retired in 1908 and since that time he has resided in Renick. He has invaded other fields of investment and enter- prise aside from purely agricultural pursuits in which he has been equally successful in a financial way. He was one of the charter members at the organization of the Farmers Bank of Renick and served as a director. He is also interested in banking in Kansas City and the owner of a great deal of town residence property as well as a part of the old Chilton home- stead. He is a Democrat and has always taken a good citizens interest in political matters. He served as county judge of Randolph County for eight years, having first been elected in that office in 1902 and was one of the best County officers that Randolph County ever had. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Judge Chilton was married Dec. 1, 1870 to Miss Eliza Gonser, a native of Columbus, Ohio, bom in 1844, and one son was bom to this union, Ernest L. Chilton, who was born Sept. 13, 1871. He is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Prairie township, a member of the Christian 504 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY church and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ernest L. Chilton was married Oct. 24, 1894 to Irene M. Smith of Clark County, Mo. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Daughters of the American Revolution. To Ernest L. Chilton and wife have been born three children: Russel Lee, born Aug. 18, 1895; attended high school and the South M. E. College of Stuttgart, Ark. and is now a farmer and stock man; Bemice L., a graduate of the ^irksville Normal School and Pauline, a high school student. George D. Halliburton, one of the successful farmers and breeders of Randolph County, who is the owner of 455 acres of land in Cairo town- ship, some of which extends over into Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Salt River township Sept. 17, 1860 and is the son of Thomas W. and Martha E. (Rodgers) Halliburton, both natives of Nashville, Tenn. The father followed farming in his native state in early life and came to Missouri shortly before the Civil War and settled in Salt River township. Here he bought 240 acres of land which was mostly timbered land. He cleared away the timber and improved his place and followed general farming and stock raising until his- death, June 8, 1893. His wife also died on this place and their remains are buified in the Union church cemetery. Thomas W. and Martha E. (Rodgers) Halliburton were the parents of 11 children as follows: John A. deceased; Edward R., Cairo township; (leorge D., the subject of this sketch; Ophelia, married G. W. Creed, of Salt River township; Cynthia, married Fay Ridgeway, who is now de- ceased; Dr. James M., a practicing physician at Atlanta, Macon County, Mo.; Samuel M., Cairo township; Sarah E., married H. G.. Brock of Mon- roe County; William E., deceased; Callie, Huntsville, Mo.; and one child who died in infancy. George D. Halliburton was reared on the home farm in Salt River township and attended the district school. He remained at home until he was 20 years old, when he went to work in a sawmill. About a year later began working as a farm laborer and was thus employed for two years. He then went to Monroe County and on Feb. 15, 1886 he returned to Randolph County and rented a part of the place which he .low owns. Ta',-0 years later, or in 1888, he bought 160 acres and in 1890, he bought another tract of 1071^ acres. He has added to his acreage from time to time until he is now the owner of 455 acres of valuable and well improved land, which is one of the fine appearing farms of Randolph County. The GEORGE D. HALLIBURTOX HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 505 farni residence is a modern nine room structure, equipped with the Delco electric lighting system and the other buildings about the farm are spacious, conveniently arranged and well kept. There are three large barns, 60x80 feet, 34x60 feet and 82x42 feet, and all of the conveniences usually found on a modern farm such as scales, implement buildings and etc., are in evidence on Mr. Halliburton's place. He has installed a com- plete water system, the water being pumped from a well 420 feet deep and distributed to various places required. In addition to Mr. Halliburton's extensive farming operations, he is a successful stock breeder. He has a valuable herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, headed by a registered male which he purchased from the herd of Brand & Moore of Memphis, Mo. Mr. Halliburton was formerly engaged in breeding Shorthorn and Here- ford cattle. He is also a successful breeder of Poland China hogs. He is also quite extensively engaged in buying and selling mules and has done an extensive business in that line. Mr. Halliburton has been twice married. On Jan. 24, 1884 to Miss Eliza Jane Bennett, who died June 8, 1892. To that union the following children were bom: Orley, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; one child died in infancy; Opal, deceased; and Guy, a farmer of Cairo township. Mr. Halliburton was married the second time on April 17, 1895 to Miss Alma Hutchinson, a daughter of J. N. and Sallie (Whitfield) Hutch- inson and the following children were born to that union: Gladys and George D., Jr., both at home with their parents. Mr. Halliburton is a member of the Masonic Lodge ; he is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He takes a keen interest in the various enterprises and movements which tend to upbuild and better the community. He is president of the Randolph County Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company and has contributed much to the success of this well known and important local institution. William R. Davis, a prosperous merchant of Eenick, Randolph County, is a native son of Missouri, born in Howard County, Sept. 23, 1877, the son of R. D. and Elizabeth (Walters) Davis. The father was born in Wales in 1843 and died in 1899. He was reared and educated in his native land and learned the blacksmith's trade. He came to the United States after the Civil War and located in Missouri, lived several places in this state and then settled in Randolph County. About 1885, he opened a general store in Renick. He built the store building and was 506 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY engaged in business here until his death. Elizabeth Walters Davis, also a native of Wales, born in 1846, accompanied her husband to America and was his companion until his death. She died in 1915. They had the fol- lowing children: David, of St. Louis; Anna, of Renick; William, of this review; A. G., of St. Louis; A. H., of Renick; and three are deceased. William Davis was reared in Randolph County and received his edu- cational advantages in the public schools of Renick. When he was old enough he went into the store to assist his father, and soon became a practical business man and merchant and at the death of his father took over the township and management of the business which is known as the R. D. Davis Mercantile Company. Mr. Davis is not married and lived at home until the death of his mother. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Miss Anna Davis is a partner with her brother in the store which is one of the modernly equipped and up-to-date mercantile establishments of this locality. James H. Littrell, one of the prominent and worthy citizens of Ran- dolph County who is now living retired at Renick, was for many years a farmer and lumber merchant and was successful. He was born in Audrain County, Mo., Jan. 1, 1841, the son of George and Eliza Jane (Hocker) Littrell, the former a native of Scott County, Ky., bom in 1809 and died in Audrain County, Mo., in 1897. He came to Missouri at an early day and entered land in Audrain County. His wife was also born in Scott County, Ky. They had 12 children of whom three are living : James H., of this sketch; George F., of Sturgeon, Mo., and Kittle, the wife of W. H. Turner, of Mexico, Mo. Mr. Littrell was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- cation in the district school and a select school in Howard County, then attended high school in Boone County. He began teaching district school in Howard and Audrain counties, a vocation he followed for five years and engaged in farming for a year in Howard County before moving to Audrain County where he farmed four years. In 1873, Mr. Littrell came to Randolph County and became a well known farmer here. He started a lumber business in Renick in 1883 which he owned and managed 12 years, then sold out, to start farming again and remained in this busi- ness until 1913 when his wife died and he retired from the active busi- ness. HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY 507 In 1867, Mr. Littrell married in Howard County, Mo. to Miss Nettie Gashwiler, of Randolph County, the daughter of J. W. and Louisa (School- ing) Gashwiler, natives of Kentucky and of German descent. She died in November, 1901, leaving six children, only one of whom is now living, Frederick H., a lumberman of DeRider, La. In 1902, Mr. Littrell married Mary Vance Palmer, a widow, who died in 1913. Mr. Littrell is a Democrat and served as constable for two years and justice of the peace for 16 years. He is a member of the Baptist church and is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 186 at Renick. Ralph Mitchell, a leading dealer of hardware, agricultural implements and harness of Renick, Randolph County, who also conducts a general re- pair shop in connection with his store, is also a stock holder in the Farm- ers Bank of Renick. He was born at Medora, 111., Nov. 6, 1881, the son of William P. and Mary Mitchell, who had eight children of whom Ralph was the youngest. The father was a native of Richmond, Va. and the mother of Shipman, 111. In 1886 the father came to Randolph County and bought a farm of 160 acres near Clark in Prairie township where he farmed until his death in 1908 at thfe age of 73 years. The mother died in Illinois in 1886. Ralph Mitchell was reared on the farm and received his education in the district school near his home and in Renick. After leaving school he engaged in farming, a vocation he followed until 1911, though he spent two years, 1903-1904, working in a packing house in St. Louis, but re- turned to rent a farm from his father and in 1911 bought his present business. Mr. Mitchell is well liked and has many friends. He has a reputation for honest dealing and is a man who lives up to all business obligations. On Dec. 29, 1908, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Nelsie Pearl Rags- dale, who was bom in Randolph County, the daughter of William and Nannie Ragsdale, now residents of Prairie township. One child has been bom to this union, Helen Doris. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of the pro- gressive business men of the county and is ever ready to help in its development. Robert H. Blassett, a retired farmer and stockman now residing at '626 South Clark street, Moberly, Mo., is a representative of one of the 508 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY pioneer families of Missouri and a native of this state. He was born one mile east of Middlegrove in Monroe County, June 2, 1850. He is a son of George H. and Columbia R. (Staples) Bassett, pioneer settlers of Mon- roe County. George H. Bassett was born in Henry County, Va., Oct. 18, 1806 and in 1825 came to Missouri and first settled in Randolph County four miles east of Moberly. Later he sold out here and removed to Mon- roe County where he entered land from the government and from time to time added more acreage to his holdings until he was the owner of 1200 acres which he divided among his children. In 1882, he retired and removed to Middlegrove where he died Oct. 9, 1895. During his active career he was a successful man of extensive business affairs and prior to the Civil War owned a great many slaves. His wife, Columbia Staples, was also a native of Henry County, Va., born Dec. 7, 1814. She died in Monroe County in September, 1900. Robert H. Bassett was one of a family of 11 children born to his par- ents and he was the ninth in order of birth. He was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools and in the schools at Middlegrove where he received a good common school educa- tion. In early life he taught school for a few years and then engaged in farming and stock raising on land which he received from his father's estate. He improved this place and sold it about 1876 and during suc- ceeding years he owned a number of different farms and carried on stock feeding on an extensive scale and met with success. Oct. 6, 1901 he dis- posed of his farming and stock business and removed to Moberly where he has since resided. Mr. Bassett was married Aug. 27, 1874 to Miss Lena T. Stephens. She is a daughter of Thomas N. and Mary (Sindell) Stephens, early set- tlers in Monroe County, Mo. Thomas Stephens was born in Benton,' County, Ky., July 11, 1808. He was an early settler in Monroe County and became a large land owner and well to do. At the time of his death, Dec. 6, 1887, he was the owner of 1300 acres of land. His wife was born in Virginia, Aug. 27, 1817 and died in Monroe County, Aug. 31, 1895. Her parents were also early settlers in Missouri. To Robert H. Bassett and wife have been born the following children : Virginia, married Hugh B. Nave of Moberly, Mo. ; Homer Bassett, a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Mrs. Jewell Williams of St. Louis ; Sadie, married Herbert B. Lamb, Moberly, Mo.; Ida S.. deceased, and Joseph H., deceased. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 509 Mr. Bassett is a member of the Christian church and the Bassett family is one of the representative families of Moberly and Randolph County. Homer Bassett, cashier of the freight department for the Wabash Railroad Company, is one of the well known and progressive citizens of Moberly and for many years has been identified with the Wabash Rail- road and its many patrons in this city. He was born in Monroe County, -Mo., Feb. 2, 1879 and is a son of Robert H. and Lena T. (Stephens) Bas- sett, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Homer Bassett was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- cation in the public schools and Middlegrove College. In 1902 he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a freight trucker and later became a clerk in the freight department and has held various clerical positions in the freight department of that company and is now serving in the capacity of cashier of the freight department. Mr. Bassett was married April 20, 1904 to Miss Lydia J. Hager. She is a native of Hannibal, Mo. and a daughter of George and Lydia (Camery) Hager, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have been born one son, Harold W. Mr. Bassett is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Bassett are mem- bers of the Christian church and have a wide acquaintance in Moberly where they have many friends. Guy Cottingham, president of the Farmers Bank of Renick and a leading stock dealer and buyer of Randolph County, who owns a farm of 345 acres in Prairie township, was born in Monroe County, Mo., Oct. 27, 1877. He is a son of George T. and Anna (Gonser) Cottingham, the former a native of Kentucky, born in 1822 and died in 1892. He was reared and educated in his native state and became an early settler of this section of Missouri as he located here when only 15 years of age. George T. Cottingham made his home first in Monroe County where he lived and farmed until 1880 when he came to Randolph County and bought land near Renick where he engaged in general farming, owning 300 acres of good rich land and there passed the remainder of his days. Anna Gonser Cottingham was born in Ohio in 1847 and died in 1919. Guy Cottingham was reared on the home farm, attended school in Renick and when 20 years of age began to farm independently. In 1892, he bought his present land where he at once began permanent improve- ments. At different times he has owned farms in various parts of the 510 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY county which he has improved and later sold at a profit. He began to handle stock at the same time that he began to farm and found that it was a profitable business. In association with H. D. Wilcox, Mr. Cot- tingham formed a business partnership in 1916 to handle live stock on an extensive scale. They buy, feed and ship. Mr. Cottingham was one of the organizers of the Renick Bank, bought a large block of its stock and became president of the institution in 1914, one year after its estab- lishment. He is a stockholder in the Randolph Trust Company of Mob- erly and of the Beggs Automobile Manufacturing Company of Kansas City, Mo. Dec. 23, 1898, Mr. Cottingham was married to Miss Laura L. Boul- ware, the daughter of Fleming and Hannah (Owen) Boulware, natives of Indiana and Randolph County, respectively. Mrs. Cottingham was bom in Cooper County, Mo. Three children have been born to this union: Guy, Jr., George T., deceased and Marjory. Mr. Cottingham is one of the progressive business men and agricul- turists of this section of Missouri. Byrd Marshall, for many years known as a prosperous farmer and conservative banker is now a leading merchant of Renick. He is a native son of Randolph County, born in Prairie township, a mile west of Renick, May 14, 1873, the son of George and Nealey (Harris) Marshall. The former was born near Middlegrove, Mo. and reared in Randolph County and became- a well known and well-to-do farmer here. Mrs. Marshall was bom in Renick and reared, educated and married here. She died in April, 1910, aged 65 years. They had the following children: Charles, of St. Louis ; Byrd, of this sketch ; Midge, on the old home place ; Opal, the wife of J. S. Littrell, deceased ; Nannie Belle, deceased ; Ollie, deceased and two children who died in infancy. Byrd Marshall was reared on his father's farm and attended the dis- trict school and was graduated from the Renick schools. Soon after this he was engaged in farming. In 1914 Mr. Marshall came to Renick to ac- cept the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank, a position he held four years, when he resigned and engaged in farming for a year. He then purchased his present business, a general mercantile store, formerly owned by Genola Brothers & Company. From the first Mr. Marshall met with success in this enterprise and is one of the leading merchants of the county. HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 511 On April 3, 1908, Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Edna Hubbard, who was born near Renick, the daughter of Sale and Jane (Cedars) Hub- bard, both natives of Randolph County. The father was a farmer and is now deceased and his widow resides in California. Mr. Marshall is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. They are two of the progressive citizens of Renick. Wiley D. Marshall, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Prairie town- ship, who is also a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and spotted Poland China hogs, is a native of Randolph County. He was born at Renick, Prairie township, and -is a son of Rice and Kate (Harris) Mar- shall and is the eldest of seven children born to them. The others are as follows: Claude, a teacher in the Moberly schools; Etheta, married Henry Owens, who is the sheriff of Randolph County and resides at Huntsville; Melvin, chief of police of Moberly; and Fannie, married Exie Noel, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and two died in infancy. Rice Marshall was born in Westmoreland County, Va., in 1841, and died in Prairie township, Feb. 14, 1895. He was a son of Wiley Mar- shall, who married a Miss Mason, and they were both natives of West- moreland County, Va. They came to Randolph County about 1847 and here spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of five boys,. all of whom were blacksmiths, except one, who was a woodworker. During the Civil War, Rice Marshall and his brother George served in the Confederate army under General Price. While on a raid in Louis- iana, they became separated from their command and before they were able to rejoin their regiment the war ended. Rice Marshall was about six years old when his parents settled in Randolph County and here he was reared to manhood, and in early life worked at the blacksmith trade for about 14 years, later he engaged in farming and stock raising and followed that vocation until the time of his death. Kate (Harris) Marshall was bom at Renick, Randolph County, in December, 1851, and now resides in Moberly. Her parents were Charles and Etheta (Rorer) Harris, natives of Virginia and early pioneer settlers of Randolph County. Wiley D. Marshall was reared on the home farm in Prairie town- ship and attended the district schools and later the Moberly High School and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. He taught school for a number of terms, 84 months in all and for ten years served as postmaster of Elliott, at the same time making his home on the farm. 512 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY For seven years he was a street car motorman in St. Louis. In No- vember, 1907, he returned to Randolph' County and engaged in farm- ing and also continued to teach. He is operating the old home place and during the threshing season he operates a threshing outfit and threshes for his neighbors in the vicinity of his home. Mr. Marshall was married Dec. 25, 1896, to Miss Dora Lee Brad- ley. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County, and is a daughter of D. T. and Martha (Jennings) Bradley, both natives of Ran- dolph County and members of old pioneer families of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been born the following children: Lucile, married William Christian, and they live south of Moberly; Wilena, mar- ried Denny Graves of Higbee, Mo.; Maude, Helen, Charles and Etheta, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Mr. Marshall's children have all had the advantages of good educations and the three older daughters have all been teachers. Mr. Marshall is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. Charles A. Manning, a leading farmer and stockman of Salt River township who is one of the well known and. successful breeders of Ran- dolph County, was born in Salt River township, four miles southwest of where he now resides. He is a son of John W. and Martha I. (Vaughn) Manning, who were pioneer settlers of Missouri. John W. Manniijg was born near Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1831 and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Cooper County in 1840. He was a son of Douglas and Mary (McDuffy) Manning. Douglas Mann- ing died in Cooper County and later his widow, with her children removed to Macon County where she spent the remainder of her life. John W. Manning was educated in McGee College which was located in Macon County at what is now known as College Mound. He was a well educated man and for 29 years followed the profession of teaching in Randolph, Monroe and Macon counties. He served as treasurer of Randolph County from 1894 to 1898, having been elected to that office for one term. He purchased the farm in Salt River township where Charles A. Manning and some of the other members of the family now reside in 1871. Here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for many years and which was his home until the time of his death,i Feb. 25, 1914. He was one of Randolph County's leading citizens who contributed his part towards the upbuilding and development of this county. His wife, Martha o X 2 Z z z o g > > z z z Q HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 513 I. (Vaughn) Manning, was bom in Monroe County, Mo., Nov. 16, 1837. She was a daughter of William and Eliza (Poague) Vaughn. She died on the home place in Salt River township and her remains are buried by the side of her husband in Grand Prairie church cemetery. To John W. and Martha I. (Vaughn) Manning were bom the follow- ing children: Eliza E., died at the age of 16 years; Mary L., resides on the home place in Salt River township ; Mattie G., also resides on the home place; Charles A., whose name introduces this sketch; James F., a suc- cessful farmer and stock man of Cairo township; Logan H., who died in infancy; Ida A., married William Smith and now resides in Cairo town- ship and Viola, died at the age of 16 years. Charles A. Manning was reared on the home farm in Salt River town- ship and educated in the district schools. He remained at home and as- sisted in the operation of the home farm until his father's death and since that time he has operated the home place which consists of 273 acres, 1021/^ acres of which he and his brother, J. F., are the owners. The Manning farm is one of the valuable and well improved places of Ran- dolph County. The residence is a large eight room structure and the place is amply supplied with other farm buildings. There are two large barns, 46x60, and 42x60 feet. Mr. Manning carries on general farming and stock raising and specializes in the breeding of White Faced Hereford cattle and is the owner of a valuable herd of pure bred registered cattle of this breed. He began breeding White Faced Herefords in 1900 £.nd during the past 20 years has exhibited his stock at a number of local stock shows and fairs. Mr. Manning takes an active part in the Grange organization and is a progressive farmer and stockman. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a Democrat. Ira S. Hamilton, a progressive citizen of Prairie township and a well-known farmer and stockman who is also extensively engaged in the dairy business, is a native of this county. He was born in Prairie town- ship, Jan. 31, 1877, and is a son of Hezekiah and Cordelia (Hamilton) Hamilton. They were the parents of five children: Ira S. and Ida, twins, the former of whom is the subject of this sketch and the latter ■the wife of James H. Cleeton of Renick, Mo.; Sallie, deceased; Thomas, deceased; and Ethel, married Charles I. Butts of Prairie township. By a former marriage of Hezekiah Hamilton to Susan Garvin, six chil- dren were bom, two boys and four girls. 514 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Hezekiah Hamilton was a son of William Hamilton and came to Randolph County with his parents when he was seven years old. He was born in Kentucky, May 9, 1827, and his parents were natives of that state. He grew to manhood in Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising and became very well-to-do and was an extensive land owner, owning about 808 acres. He died at Renick, Jan. 26, 1911. Ira S. Hamilton was reared on his father's farm in Prairie town- ship and was educated in the district schools. He remained on the home farm and assisted his father and when the latter died Ira S. Ham- ilton inherited 80 acres of the home place. He has made improvements and carried on general farming and stock raising and also dairying. He has about 30 heads of milk cows and delivers his milk to Moberly. Mr. Hamilton was married Feb. 2, 1898, to Miss May Ilagsdale, a native of Randolph County. She was born in Moniteau township, and is a daughter of John W. and Rosa H. (Dixon) Ragsdale, the forAier a native of Randolph County and the latter of Rockbridge County, Va. Mrs. Ragsdale is deceased and Mr. Ragsdale is now retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born five children as follows: Garnett Easton, resides at home; Eunice Belle, deceased; Ora Rivers, Lurlene May and Florence Lorene, all residing at home with their parents. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church of which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Grange and one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County. James H. Bagby, a prominent farmer and stockman of Randolph County, who owns 180 acres of valuable land in Moniteau township, was bom in Chariton township, this county, June 26, 1864. He is a son of William H. and Mary S. (Wisdom) Bagby, and on his paternal side is descended from a long line of Virginia ancestors. His father was bom here in Randolph County and died here in 1884, aged 47 years, having been a farmer all his life. He was the son of William Bagby, a native of Virginia, who was a pioneer settler of this locality. James H. Bagby spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, at- tended the district and the Huntsville schools. He engaged in farming in early life and bought his first farm in 1889, five miles southwest of Huntsville. Here he made improvements and followed fai^ming untif 1896. After selling this first place, Mr. Bagby moved to Huntsville, where he was engaged in the livery business until 1899. He then was em- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 515 ployed by John N. Taylor and remained in his employ eight years. Mr. Bagby spent 90 days in New York City with a herd of Herford cattle that Mr. Taylor had imported from England. Mr. Bagby purchased his present farm in 1907 from Cleve Hargis. Since acquiring the property he has made many substantial improve- ments on the place which is one of the best stock farms in the county. Mr. Bagby has made a specialty of breeding Hereford cattle and has exhibited his stock at the local fairs with success. He started with one pure bred cow and has raised 22 head from that cow, all pure bred Herefords. Feb. 15, 1888, Mr. Bagby was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, a native of Moniteau township, Randolph County. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Owens) Smith, both deceased. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bagby: Mary N., the wife of Carl Davis, of Prairie township. Mr. Bagby is a Democrat and in 1908 was elected constable of Moniteau township. He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Ran- dolph County. William F. Jones, a successful auctioneer of Higbee, who is also the owner of a valuable farm of 120 acres, adjoining the city limits of Hig- bee, is a Kentuckian. He was born in Madison county, May 1, 18G0, and is a son of Joseph and Minerva (Ferrell) Jones; the father born in Fayette County, Ky., was a farmer all his life in his native state and died in 1892. The mother is also deceased. They were the parents of the following children: W. S., of Lexington, Ky. ; two who died in in- fancy; Thomas A., a farmer of Moniteau township; Dovie, married John West, who is now deceased and she lives in Richmond, Ky. ; Joseph D. of Peoria, 111.; and William F., of this review. By a second marriage to Mrs. AUender of Independence, Mo., Joseph Jones had two children, a girl, deceased, and Jonathan, who lives in Lexington, Ky. William F. Jones was reared on the farm and attended the district school. He began to earn his living when only 13 years old, doing any- thing he could as a boy and woi:ked hard to get along. He came to Mis- souri in 1883 and clerked for his uncle, William Jones. In 1886, Mr. Jones began working by the month as a farmer in Prairie township. In 1891 he bought a farm in Prairie township which he operated until 1897, when he sold out to engage in the grocery and feed business until 1915. Having been successfully engaged as an auctioneer, Mr. Jones 516 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY sold his store to devote his entire time to auctioneering and farming. He is a capable auctioneer and is recognized as such over a broad scope of the country. He has been especially successful in general farm sales and all his other undertakings in vi^hich he is now interested. On April 30, 1884, Mr. Jones married Miss Esther A. Spurling, who was born near Renick, the daughter of Thomas and Lucy J. (Brockman) Spurling, natives of Winchester, Clark County, Ky., and both now de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have no children of their own but raised one adopted daughter, now Mrs. Walter Davies. Mrs. Jones died on Sept. 22, 1919, after a long and useful life. Mr. Jones is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church, south. For some years he was a successful breeder of Black Angus cattle and gained a reputation in that line, but disposed of his pure bred cattle in 1919. In 1915, Mr. Jones was appointed road commissioner of the Higbee special road district. John H. Hardin, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser of Ran- dolph County and the owner of 120 acres of land in Prairie township, was born within 60 yards of his present home, April 3, 1850, the son of Benjamin and Susan (Hubbard) Hardin. The father was bom in Kentucky, in April, 1910, and died Aug. 31, 1879. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1820 and located in Howard County. With his father, James Hardin, hunted bears in this vicinity. John H. Hardin says that his father used to tell that they sometimes killed a deer before break- fast, skinned it and cut steaks for the meal. Benjamin Hardin was reared in Howard County and was married there. In 1887, he came to Randolph County and entered the farm now in the possession of the Hardin family from the government. He owned over 1,000 acres of land in the early days and became one of the well-to-do farmers of this section of the county. His wife, Susan Hubbard Hardin, was bom in Virginia and died May 2, 1864, aged 46 years. There were 11 children bom to them of whom eight survive: Sarah, the widow of Samuel Downing, Columbia, Mo.; James, deceased; Zerilda, the widow of James Huffman, Muskogee, Okla. ; Mollie, the wife of John Herold, deceased; Nannie, the widow of Thomas Patton, Los Angeles, Cal.; John H., the subject of this review; Benjamin T., of Kansas City, Mo.; Susan, the wife of William Jackson, deceased; Asa, deceased; George, a physician of Marshall, Mo.; Mattie, the wife of Arthur Maxwell, of Moberly. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 517 John H. Hardin has always lived on the farm which his father en- tered from the government and when the elder man died he inherited a part of the original grant of land, that section of it which Benjamin Hardin owned at his death. Mr. Hardin began farming with his father and later took charge of the place. He has placed improvements on the farm from time to time. In 1902, Mr. Hardin moved to Renick, where he was engaged in the implement business for 10 years when he went to Sedalia, Mo., where he was in the same business from 1911 to 1913, when ho returned to Renick. For many years Mr. Hardin has owned a large tract of land, about 785 acres. He has traveled from coast to coast, but finally came back to the farm in 1917. On Dec. 18, 1878, Mr. Hardin was married to Miss Nannie Hub- bard, of Macon County, Mo., the daughter of John W. Hubbard. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hardin: Benjamin* of San Benito, Tex.; Clara, the wife of A. A. Ash, of Battle Creek, Mich.; Laiua, deceased; Nannie, deceased; Anna, the wife of G. Chilton, of Baton Rouge, La. ; Donald, of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Lucille, deceased ; James M., at home; Kathleen, the wife of James Day, of Oklahoma City; Roberteen, the wife of 0. W. Christian, of Brookfield, Mo.; and Lyle, who enlisted in the army for three years' service and is still, with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine. Donald Hardin also entered the army and saw two years' foreign service. James M. also saw serv- ice in the World War. Walter E. Spurling, a successful farmer and stockman of Prairie township, Randolph County, was born on the farm where he now re- sides, Dec. 6, 1877, the son of Thomas and Lucy (Brockman) Spur- ling. Thomas Spurling was a native of Kentucky, born Aug. 26, 1835, and died in 1912. He came to Randolph County when a boy with his parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Jane (Hamilton) Spurling, both natives of Kentucky. Lucy Brockman Spurling was born in Randolph County. She was the daughter of Stephen and Lucy (Kimborough) Brockman, natives of Kentucky, who came to this section of Missouri at an early day and engaged in farming. There were eight children in the Spur- ling family: Willard, deceased; Esther Jones, deceased; Orpha, the wife of N. D. Brook, deceased; May W., postmaster at Higbee; Luther, de- ceased; James, deceased; Walter E., of this review, and Maggie, the wife of Benjamin Hardin, of San Benita, Tex. 518 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Walter E. Spurling was reared on the farm in Prairie township, and attended the district school. He has been on the same farm all his life; he fell heir to a part of his land and bought out the other heirs. Mr. Spurling placed many improvements upon the place and in 1920, sold it and established himself on another farm which he bought that adjoins his original place on the west, now owning 205 acres of fine land. On Jan. 6, 1910, Mr. Spurling was married to Miss Nettie Bogie, born in Prairie township, the daughter of John and Emma (Hubbard) Bogie, natives of Randolph County, and to this union one child has been born, Willard E., deceased. Ml". Spurling is a Democrat and with his wife belongs to the Metho- dist church. He is one of the men who has helped develop this locality and is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county. Charles J. Powell, a successful stockman and farmer of Randolph County, who owns 200 acres of land in Prairie township, was born at Renick, Oct. 7, 1865, the son of George 0. and Amelia Ann (Brooks) Powell. The father was a native of Virginia, born Feb. 23, 1833, and reared and educated in his native state and while still a young man came west. After reaching this section of Missouri, Mr. Powell taught school for a term in Prairie township, then entered about 400 acres of land here. He was recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the township and later in his life was a stock holder in the Mechanics Bank of Moberly. He was a Democrat, elected to the state legislature, where he served one term. He was depot agent in Renick for 22 years, beginning his services at the close of the Civil War. He was a mem- ber of the Baptist church. Permelia Brooks Powell was born in Gar- rett County, Ky., April 13, 1832, and now resides in Renick. She was reared and educated in her native state and came to Missouri, where she married Mr. Powell, April 2, 1857, and she became the mother of three children : Josephine, deceased ; Charles J., of this review, . and Anna Belle, the wife of L. Manard, of Moberly. Charles J. Powell spent his youth in Renick and attended the pub- lic schools and when his school days were over began to clerk in a general store at Renick. He later bought a partnership in a drug store with Dr. S. M. Forrest,' a business in which he was engaged until 1908, when he started a general store which he managed four years, selling out in 1912, to engage in farming. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 519 March 21, 1888, Mr. Powell was married in Pettis County, Mo., to Miss Lassie J. Morris, a native of Pettis County, who died Aug. 20, 1893, leaving two children: Cyril C, of San Francisco, Cal., and Lassie M., the wife of Thomas Hamilton, of Renick. Jan. 14, 1901, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Anna L. Griffith, a native of Huntsville, Randolph County, the daughter of David and Anna (Walters) Griffith, both na- tives of England, who came to the United States and located here at an early day. Mr. Griffith was one of the first merchants of this section and lived at Renick for several years. Two children have been bom to this union: George 0., and Constance J., both at home. Mr. Powell is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. John W. Wiley, a representative stock man and farmer of Prairie township, Randolph County, who owns 120 acres of land, is engaged in raising pure blooded Shorthorn cattle. Spotted Poland China hogs, draft horses and general farm produce; he js also a stock holder in the Farmers Bank of Renick. Mr. Wiley was bom in Howard County, Jan. 25, 1860, the son of James and Mildred Ann (Roseberry;) Wiley, the former a native of Shelby County, Ky., born in 1831, and died from smallpox while in the Confederate army in 1864. He spent his boyhood days in Kentucky, was educated there and came to Missouri when 18 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Southern army from How- ard County and never returned to his home. He owned 300 acres of land, situated east of Armstrong, at the time of his death. Mildred Ann Roseberry Wiley was bom in Howard County in 1834 and died Feb. 22, 1916, leaving the three children: John W., of this review; Mary P., deceased, and Allie, the wife of G. W. Creson of Howard County. • John Wiley was reared on his parent's farm, received his educa- tion in the public schools and when old enough began farming. When only 20 years of age, Mr. Wiley purchased his present farm, where he has since lived. He has made improvements and today the Wiley farm is one of ■ the best in the township, with good barns, a comfortable modern home and labor saving machinery of every kind. Dec. 28, 1887, Mr. Wiley was married to Miss Mintie Hardin, born near Moberly, Randolph County, the daughter of James and Louisa (Ragsdale) Hardin, natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. Both are now dead. Eight children were bom to 520 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Wiley: Alva, at home; Nellie, the wife of Don Hardin, of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Eva, deceased; Hardin, a machinist at Arm- strong, Mo.; Nadine, at home; Henderson, deceased; Harold, at home; Lucille, deceased. Mr. Wiley has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote and he and wife are members of the Christian church. Cyrus Halterman a Civil War veteran and well known pioneer resi- dent of Salt Rifver township, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Shenandoah County, June 27, 1841 and is a son of Samuel and Dorothy (Barnhart) Halterman, both natives of Shenandoah County, Va. The Halterman family came to Missouri in 1843, when Cyrus Halterman was about two years old. They settled in Salt River township where the father entered 40 acres of government land. He was an industrious man and prospered in his undertakings and at the time of his death VAas the owner of over 200 acres of land which he had cleared of its native timber and improved. He was a successful farmer and stockman and was also engaged in the sawmill business. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Randolph County and their remains are buried in the Salem church cemetery. They were the parents of the following chil- dren : George, Ann and David, all of whom are deceased ; Cyrus, the sub- ject of this sketch; Susan, deceased; Joseph, who resides in Salt River township and John, deceased. Cyrus Halterman was educated in the pioneer subscription schools of Randolph County and remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 19 years old. He then enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company A, 10th Regiment, Missouri Infantry, General Parson's brigade and Price's division. The first battle in which he participated was at Prairie Grove, Ark., after which his command went into camp at Van Buren, Ark. He participated in a number of skirmishes in 1863 and then they went into winter quarters at Little Rock, Ark. From there he went to Helen, Ark., where he was taken prisoner and was sent to the Federal prison at Alton, 111. and transfen-ed from thore to Fort Delaware. He was exchanged and went from there to Richmond, Va., and then to Mobile, Ala., where he took part in a minor engagement. He then became a member of the 2nd Missouri Cavalry and took part in a number of skirmishes and was at Columbus, Miss., in the spring of 1865, when the war closed. He then returned to his Randolph County home and remained on the fa^'m with his parents until he was married. g z D > & •2, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 521 He bought his present farm of 120 acres in 1876. It was mostly timbered land and his first home there was a two-room log cabin and his first bam was constructed of poles. He cleared away the natural timber, improved his place and built a comfortable residence and other farm buildings and has one of the well improved farms of Salt River township, where he car- ries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Halterman was married in Salt River township Dec. 2, 1868 to Miss Mary Roebuck, who was born Jan. 10, 1847, a daughter of H. K. and Rhoda (Jenkins) Roebuck, both natives of Alabama. To Mr. and Mrs. Halterman have been born eight children: Ida, married Will Wade, of Vernon County, Mo. ; Lula, married F. C. Bond, also of Vernon County, Mo.; George, resides in Randolph County; Maggie, married Hall Casey, they live in Oklahoma ; Ed, lives near Moberly, Mo. ; Virgie, Macon County, Mo. ; Lena, married Cecil Halliburton ; and Minnie, deceased. Mr. Halterman is a Democrat and one of the substantial and highly respected pioneer citizens of Randolph County. Watts Littrell, one of the large land holders of Randolph County, who is engaged as a mule dealer, buying and selling as well as shipping animals, is a native son of this state. He was born in -Howard County, Aug.l6, 1866, the son of D. T. and Martha E. (Gashwiller) Littrell. The father was bom in Andrain County, Mo., in 1841, and died in 1906. He was reared and educated there, but moved to Howard County just before the outbreak of the Civil War and enlisted in the amiy from that county. After peace was established he returned. to his home and remained in business there until 1887, when he came to Randolph County in 1843 and died in September, 1919. There were 10 children in the Littrell family, of whom Watts was next to the oldest. He was reared on a farm, obtained his education in the public schools and soon after attaining his majority began his independent career as a coal miner in the local coal fields. After four years he began farming in Prairie township. Subsequently he bought a farm in Audrain County, and lived there three J^ears, and sold at an advantage and moved to his preserlt location in 1912. Since acquir- ing this property, Mr. Littrell has made many improvements, such as good bams and sheds and remodeled his home. For many years he has dealt in mules and raising hogs, while he maintained a separate line in feeding and shipping to market. Since coming here Jess than a decade ago, Mr. Littrell has taken a prominent place among the stock- 522 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY men of this section and" is one of the substantial farmers and rehable citizens in the community. Nov. 16, 1889, Mr. Littrell was married to Miss Maggie Wirt, of Randolph County, the daughter of William and Lucy E. (Robinson) Wirt, the former a native of Boone County, Mo., and the latter of Boone County, Ky. They were early settlers of this county. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Littrell: Vivian, Neva and Waldo W., all at home. Mr. Littrell is a Democrat and is progressive. Matthew H. Neal, an extensive and prosperous farmer of Randolph County, and the owner of 225 acres of land, has now retired from the active management of his business, but still lives on the place. He was born in Fauquier County, Va., July 25, 1840, the son of Thomas and Mary (Rogers) Neal. The father was born in the same county in 1749, the son of Matthew Neal and his wife, natives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively, who were members of some of the pioneer fam- ilies of Virginia. Thomas Neal was a farmer all his life. He came west in 1841, and located on land in Marion County, Mo., where he died in 1854. Mary Rogers Neal was also born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1750, and died in Missouri in 1871; she was the daughter of Henry Rogers and his wife, who was a Miss Jett, before her marriage. They were natives of Scotland, who came to the United States at an early day and were among the early settlers of Virginia, where they passed their lives. There were three children in the Neal family: The first died in infancy; Matthew, of this review, and Sarah, who was the wife of J. M. Higginbotham, and is now deceased. Matthew H. Neal spent his youth on the farm; first in Virginia, where the family lived until he was one year old, then came with Ki^ parents to Missouri. He received his education in the schools main- tained at the period and when old enough began farming. He lived in Marion County some years and in 1868 came to Randolph County and bought the farm on which he' still lives. The land was practically un- broken when he came to Prairie township and he began at once to make improvements. He has a good comfortable, modern farm house, large bams and other buildings for the use of stock. Mr. Neal has been a breeder of Poland China hogs for many years and has the reputation of raising the finest hogs in this part of the county. He brought the start of his present industry from Adams County, 111., w^ere he spent four years. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 523 April 16, 1871, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary Ann Irons, born in Monroe County, Mo., Dec. 29, 1845, the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Given) Irons. Seven children have been born to this union: Nannie E. and Susan M., twins, the former the wife of Robert Doyle, lives near Madison, Mo., and Susan is the wife of John Swetnam, of Moberly; John T., of Ogden, Utah; Wesley, of Lusk, Wyo.; Zula, the wife of J. L. Guthrie, of Shawnee, Okla. ; Sallie, at home and Matthew, Jr., farming the home place. Mr. Neal is a Democrat and has taken an active part in local affairs for many years, having served as director and clerk of the school board of his district in the early days and later was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Grange and the Triple Alliance. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Waller W. Robertson, who is a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen of Prairie township, Randolph County, with his brother, Albert Henry, owns and operates about 214 acres of fine land and makes his home with his brother-in-law, William P. Burkey. Mr. Robertson was bom in Randolph County, Jan. 17, 1864, the son of Samuel W. and Margaret Ann (Austin) Robertson, the former a Kentuckian, born at Lexington, July 29, 1820. He was reared and educated in his native state and learned the trade of silversmith, which he followed while a young man. About 1850, Samuel W. Robertson came to Missouri, took up land here in this county, and engaged in farming until his death in 1905. Mrs. Robertson was born in Huntsville, in 1830 and died in 1903. The homestead of 277 acres was divided among the children after the death of the parents. The ten children born to them were as follows: Linna C, a teacher in the schools of Arkansas; Albert Henry, a farmer of Prairie township; Abraham Lincoln, in business at Clark; Sallie A., deceased; Waller W., of this review; Nim D., an insurance man of Pike County, Mo.; Jennie, the wife of Andrew Burkey, a retired farmer of Clark; Bettie, the wife of William P. Burkey, a farmer of Prairie town- ship; John, of Moberly, and a child that died in infancy. Waller W. Robertson grew up on the farm and attended the dis- trict school. He had a fine voice and was sent to school in Moberly to cultivate it and in 1897 began his career as a singer. Associated with the Rev. B. G. Reavis, he entered evangelistic work and became well and faborably known throughout Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and 524 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Missouri for his singing ability. In 1913, Mr. Robertson retired from this vocation and became associated with his brother in managing their farm. They are engaged in general farming and stock raising and are meeting with success. They are two of the young and progressive men in the township who by adopting modern methods and hard work have made the most along productive lines. Mr. Robertson is a Republican, belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Christian church. Hollie P. Hines, one of Randolph County's representative citizens and enterprising farmers, has spent all his life in this locality and has been identified with its development. He was born a mile east of Renick, Mo., Nov. 22, 1874, the son of William D. and Margaret Elizabeth (Martin) Hines, the former a native of Virginia, born about 1849, was reared and educated there and later came west. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph County, accompanying his parents, Peter and Fanny (Baker) Hines, both born in Virginia. William D. Hines engaged in farming here and died in 1890. The mother was born in Kentucky, in 1842. She was the' daughter of Noah and, Judie (Oliver) Martin, natives of Kentucky, who came to this section of Missouri at an early day and took up land. Mrs. Hines died in 1905. Hollie P. Hines was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district school. Later he went to school in Renick and began farming in 1890, took charge of the farm of his father at the latter's death. He was very young to assume such heavy duties, but was the oldest of the children who were as follows: Hollie P., of this sketch; Mrs. Nelhe Long, a widow, living at Higbee, Mo.; one child died in infancy, and Noah, of Moberly, Mo. In the early 90s, Mr. Hines worked for two years in Renick, but in 1894 again engaged in farming and the year of 1905 bought his pres- ent place of 80 acres, but did not move there until 1908. Mr. Hines has made improvements on the place, and now has a good, comfortable home, bams and other buildings. The place is well kept, and though Mr. Hines has worked hard, feels that he has been repaid for it. March 28, ,1894, Mr. Hines was married to Miss Lulu Belle Bartee, a native of Howard County, the daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Lay) Bartee, both natives of Howard County. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hines: Joseph William and Lulu May, both at home. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 525 Mr. Hines is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Simon F. Adams, live stock shipper, farmer and stockman and one of the substantial men of Clark, Randolph County, owns and operates a farm of 150 acres of land in Pl-airie township. He is descended from one of the pioneer families that took a prominent part in the development of this township and the county. He was born on the farm which he now owns Oct. 2, 1859, the son of Robert arid Susan (Gashwiler) Adams. Robert Adams was born in Kentucky, April 11, 1807 and died in 1897. He was reared ahd educated in his native state where he learned the black- smith's trade. He came to Missouri in the early 30s and entered his farm here in Randolph County in 1832, which has never passed out of the hands of the Adams family. Mr. Adams cleared and improved it and engaged in farming at the same time conducting a blacksmith business. Mr. Adams' first wife was a Miss Palmer, who had 16 children, four being two sets of twins. He married Susan Gaswiler for his second wife and she had four children of whom Simon F. was next to the oldest. The father was a Whig and later joined the Democratic party, and was one of the organizers of the Methodist church in this district, took an active part in public affairs. Both parents are now dead. Simon F. Adams was reared on his parents farm and received his education in the district school which was conducted in a log cabin, equipped with split log benches and burned logs for fuel. Mr. Adams remained on the home farm assisting his father and when the latter died assumed the active management of the place until 1905 when he moved to Clark and began to handle live stock, buying and sell- ing cattle, hogs and mules in which line he has met with success. He owns the old homestead which was entered from the government by his father. Mr. Adams was married to Miss Cora Littrell, the daughter of George and Amanda (Brown) Littrell, and she died in 1898, at the age of 32 years. She was a native of Audrain County, Mo. She left one daughter, Anna Bess, the widow of O. Smith and now lives in St. Louis. In 1900, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Stella Crews, born in Callaway County, the daughter of John and Delia (Battenburg) Crews and to this union two children have been born: Maud and John Quincy both at home. Mr. Adams is a Democrat, a member of the Maccabees and with his wife, belongs to the Baptist church. 526 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY James E. Hubbard, president of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., is one of the extensive land holders of Randolph Couiity, being the owner of 560 acres of valuable land where he is interested in raising Black Angus cattle. He is a Missourian, bom in Audrain County, Oct. 7, 1843, the son of Fleming and Elizabeth (Crews) Hubbard, the former a native of Madi- son County, Ky., born Oct. 28, 1807 and died in 1893. In 1828 he came to Missouri and took up government land in Randolph County and was one of the pioneers of this locality. The land which he entered has descended to his son James E. without going outside of the family. Fleming Hubbard was a general farmer and regarded as one of the substantial men of his community. For some years he handled mules. Elizabeth Crews Hubbard was also born in Kentucky but passed the most of her life in Missouri. She died in 1850, aged 35 years. There were three children born to them: George W., a farmer north of Clark; James E., of this review, and David T., deceased. After his first wife died, Fleming Hubbard married a Miss Rittie Jane Shuttle who had one child. Anna, the wife of George Pickett, who lives at Mexico, Mo. James E. Hubbard was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school. At the death of his father he inherited some 40 acres of land, which he sold for $10.00 an acre and bought his first farm in 1874. He at once started to make good and permanent, improvements and later the town of Clark was laid out by Mr. Hubbard, on a part of the first farm. Later he added an addition to the original town site. After the town had grown, Mr. Hubbard became one of the prime movers in the organization of the Exchange Bank of Clark, and was made president in 1919. For many years he has been interested in agricultural industries and since coming to Clark to live, 30 years ago, has retained his farm lands and managed them and now is interested in the breeding of Black Angus cattle. Feb. 29, 1872, Mr. Hubbard was married to Miss Mary E. Butt, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Butt, of Howard County, both natives of Culpeper County, Va., who were pioneer settlers of Missouri. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard: Fleming B., of Can- yon City, Colo. ; James B., of Los Animas, Cal. ; and Alfred Earl, Who manages the farm for his father in Prairie township. Mr. Hubbard is a Democrat, belongs to the Maccabees and the Baptist church. He has for many years been prominent, both as a banker and stockman. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 527 Benjamin F. Ornbui'n, an extensive land owner and progressive stock- man and farmer of Prairie township, where he operates a farm of 200 acres, is also a stockholder in the Renick Bank, one of the reliable bank- ing houses of central Missouri. He is a native of Randolph County, born in Sugar Creek township, March 24, 1866, the son of Jackson L. and Emily (Brooks) Ornburn. Jackson L. Ornburn was born near Rock Ridge, Va., in 1818 and died in 1905. He was reared in Virginia and received his education there and when a boy of 17 years came west with his parents who reached Missouri in 1836, located in Sugar Creek township where they entered land from the government, being among the early settlers of the section. The Ornburn family made the trip from Virginia overland, traveling in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. Mrs. Ornburn was a Kentuckian by birth and died in 1874, a young woman. There were 12 children in the Ornburn family, of whom Benjamin was the eighth in order of birth, tie was reared on the farm which -his father entered from the government and attended the district school. He remained at home and helped his father until he was 28 years of age when he bought a farm of 140 acres in Monroe County and engaged in farming there until 1902, when he sold in the spring and came to Prairie township and purchased his present place. It was necessary for him to . place practically all the improvements on the farm as he built his present residence, barn and sheds and such buildings as were necessary for his stock and today the Ornburn place is one of the well kept places in the township. In 1891, Mr. Ornburn was married to Miss Lillie Schooling, born in Prairie township, the daughter of Robert and Delia (Winn) Schooling, both natives of Boone County, Mo., and early settlers of tMs locality. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ornburn : Floyd, of Alberta, Canada ; Frank L., at home, was inducted into the army during the World War and sent to Camp Funston, where he spent six months in training before the signing of the armistice; Zella, the wife of Glenn Hamilton, of Prairie township ; Onetta, Lacy, Aaron, Earl, dead ; Raymond and Gil- bert, all at home and one child that died in infancy. Mr. Ornburn is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He belongs to the Modem Woodmen of America and was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Farmers Grange, which was established in Renick in 1920. He is one of the substantial citizens of his district. 528 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William F. Darby, one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Randolph County who owns a valuable farm of 518 acres in Salt River township, is a native of Miissouri and is a descendant of early pioneers of this state. Mr. Darby was born in Salt River township on the place where he now resides and is the son of Joseph W. and Sarah (Huntsman) Darby. Joseph W. Darby was born in a pioneer log cabin in Pike County, Mo., Dec. 23, 1830. He was the son of John S. and Lucella Darby, both natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri in the twenty's and spent one winter in Pike County Mo., where they remained until 1831 when they. came to Randolph County and settled in what is now Salt River township. Here John S. Darby entered government land and built a log cabin about one- half mile south of the present home of William F. Darby, He cleared away the timber and improved his place where he followed general farm- ing and stock raising and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Salt River township. Joseph W. Darby was about a year old when his parents settled in Salt River township, in 1831, and here he grew to manhood and remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority. He then bought a farm which is a part of the place where William F. Darby now lives. Here he engaged in general farming and prospered. He acquired more land and at the time of his death, Jan. 9, 1902, he was the owner of 550 .acres of valuable land. He was married to Sarah Huntsman, Feb. 14, 1861. She was bom in Randolph County, Oct. 11, 1837 and died on the home place in Salt River township Dec. 18, 1895 and she and her husband are buried in the Union church cemetery. They were the parents of six children as follows: Mary, born July 20, 1864 and died Sept. 27, 1869; Rosa, born Feb. 16, 1866; Marion L., born in Aug., 1868 and died April 22, 1870; WilHam F., the subject of this sketch; Ida L., bom Aug. 28, 1873 and died Aug. 23, 1875 ; and Mada Bell, born March 28, 1875 and died Sept. 8, 1879. William F. Darby was educated in the public schools and in La- Grange College, Lewis County, Mo. He remained at home with his par- ents until he was 23 years old when he began his independent career on a 40 acre tract which was given to him by his father when he was 21 years old. Two years later he gave him 80 acres more and one year later, he purchased 94 acres from his sister and at the death of his father, he inherited 120 acres. He is now the owner of 518 acres, having pur- chased more land from his sisters after his father's death and today he r r > % HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 529 has one of the best improved farms in Randolph County. There are two iarge bams on the place 50x52 feet, and 42x50 feet. He has a good resi- dence and other farm buildings about the place are in good condition. He has a large silo with s\, capacity of 100 tons. But perhaps the most interesting building about the place, from a historical standpoint, is the old house in which William F. Darby was born. It has been remodeled and is used for granary and has a capacity of about two car loads of grain. The Darby place is well equipped with all kinds of modern farm machinery for carrying on farming on a large scale. Mr. Darby has his own threshing machine, tractor and other up-to-date machinery. The residence and other farm buildings are lighted by the Delco lighting system. In addition to his general farming operation, Mr. Darby is a successful stock dealer. He specializes in raising registered Shorthorn cattle and has 65 head of these animals on hand at this writing. He also raises Spotted Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Darby was united in marriage March 8, 1898, with Miss Emma Julia Christman, a daughter of J. D. and Malissa (Hutsell) Chirstman, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri, and now resi- dents of Sugar Creek township. Mrs. Darby is one of six children bom to her parents, the others being as follows: Laura, married T. C. New- ton, of Jackson township ; Lilly M., married L. Irvin O'Neil, of Cairo town- ship; Ella, married Harry Ward, of Vandalia, Mo.; W. Earl, resides on the home place, and J. Clarence, lives in Union township. To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Darby have been born the following children: "Virgil, bom November 14, 1899, a student in the Moberly High School ; S. Lucile, born Aug. 26, 1901, a student in the Moberly schools; Evelyn, born Aug. 8, 1905, and died Aug. 16, 1907; Winona, bom June 21, 1907, resides at home; F. Adolph, born March 9, 1909; Myrtle Irene, born Jan. 19, 1911; Emma Marie, bom Dec. 15, 1914; William H., born July 11, 1916, and died Sept. 25, 1916, and Hubert Oliver, born Oct. 16, 1917. Mr. Darby is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Darby are members of the Maptist church, and are both members of the Grange. Mr. Darby is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County and is widely and favorably known. George L. Hulen, well known real estate and insurance man of Clark, Mo., who for many years was a farmer and merchant in this locality, was born in Boone County, Mo., Feb. 21, 1856, the son of Amos and Mary 530 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY (Roberts) Hulen, ,the former a native of Estill County, Ky., where he was reared and educated. Amos Hulen came to Missouri over 80 years ago and located on a farm in Boone County but after he was married some years came to Randolph County, taking up 170 acres of land in Prairie township where he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Mrs. Hulen was also born in Kentucky and spent all her married life in Missouri. There were nine children born to them: David M., of Hallsville, Mo.; Ambrose C, of Columbia, Mo.; George L., of this review; Bettie, the wife of J. G. Littrell, of Clark; Sterling, P., cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark; and the Others are all deceased. George L. Hulen was reared in Boone County, Mo. and attended the district school and then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. In the fall of that year he began teaching school but after one term engaged in farming in Boone County, which he followed for the next 12 years with success. In 1898, Mr. Hulen bought a grocery business at Centralia but sold it the same year and opened a grocery and meat market in Gallatin which he conducted until he came to Clark and established him- self in the real estate and insurance business. Mr. Hulen is a notary pub- lic and also conducts a loan business. He has built up a fine business, due to his honesty, courteous treatment of his customers and accommodations in many ways. Jan. 1, 1879, Mr. Hulen was married to Miss Anna P. Early, born in Mexico, Mo., the daughter of W. W. and Ruth (Leach) Early, natives of Virginia and Missouri, respectively, and both now deceased. Two chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hulen: Stella, the wife of P. B. Defigh, of Clark, and Goldia C, the wife of Roy Hamilton, of Los Animas, Colo. Mr. Hulen is a Democrat; he has taken an active part in civic affairs for many years and at the present time is city clerk of Clark. He is a member of the Christian church and of the Knights of Maccabees. Harry P. Bailey, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie town- ship is a native son of Randolph County, born on the farm which he now owns in Prairie township, March 27, 1884, the son of Thomas D. and Mary (Robinson) Bailey. The father was bom in Boyle County, Ky., March 23, 1831, and came to Missouri with his parents when a boy of 10 years. His parents were Alfred and Sarena (Baker) Bailey, who took up land in this township and was engaged in farming all their lives. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 531 Thomas Bailey was reared on his father's farm, received his edu- cation In the public schools maintained in the frontier settlement and when old enough began to farm, a vocation he followed all his life ; he died in 1910. Ml. Baiiey owned a large tract of land at the time of his death, some 500 acres, where he had been conducting general farm operations and gained a reputation as a breeder of pure bred Hereford cattle. He was one of the organizers and stockholders of the Exchange Bank of Clark, where he resided for two and a half years then moved back to the farm. He was a Fopulist, a member of the Christian church and the Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Bailey was born in Boone County, Mo., Sept. 29, 1841 and died March 15, 1908. She was the daughter of Tandy Robinson who was a native of Virginia, as was his wife. Thomas D. Bailey enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisting in Company C, 9th Infantry. He was taken prisoner and held for 21 months before peace was declared when he returned to Missouri. Before going to war, Mr. Bailey had married a Miss Ridgeway who died while he was in the army and it was after his return that he married Mary Robinson and had a family of nine children, of whom the following survive : Bettie, the wife of Richard F. Neal, of Prairie township; Nettie C, the wife of B. T. Carter, of Monroe County, and Harry P., of this review. Harry P. Bailey has always lived in the country; he was reared on his parent's farm and received his education in the district school. At the death of his father he received his share of the estate which consisted of 112 acres of land. Soon after that he bought over 77 acres where the house of the old home place stood and today has one of the well improved farms of the township. Oct. 19, 1905, Mr. Bailey married Miss .Jessie L. Butts, at Clark, the daughter of J. W. and Luella (Bonnell) Butts, natives of Howard County and both now live in Clark, Mo. Mr; Bailey is a Democrat, belongs to the Christian church and the Grange. ■ ^^ '^ *^«|; Andrew J. Burkey, for many years one of the well known and sub- stantial agriculturists of Randolph County, now lives lives in Clark, Mo., having given up the active management of his farm some years ago, and has been engaged in business in Clark. He was bom in Audrain County, Feb. 12, 1865, the son of Anthony and Josephine (Hukel) Burkey. Anthony Burkey was bom in Germany in 1836 and died on his farm in Audrain County, Mo., in 1908. He was reared and educated in his 532 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY native land until his 14th year, when he immigrated to America. , He came to Missouri and located in Audrain County, where he engaged in farming. Later he bought land there, where he passed the remainder of his life. Josephine Hukel was born in Boone County, Mo., in 1883 and died in Audrain County in 1902. The following children were born to them: William P., a farmer and stockman of Prairie township; Andrew J., of this review; Newton, a farmer of Audrain County; Jasper, a twin brother of Newton, lives at Miami, Okla. ; Lizzie and Jake, the former the wife of Millard Ficklin, of Joplin, Mo., and the latter the owner of a store in Moberly; Newton and Jasper, twins. Andrew J. Burkey was reared on the farm and attended the district school. For 35 years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Audrain County, but in 1900 came to Randolph County and took up his permanent residence in Clark where he engaged in carpenter work. For a time he conducted a feed store but for the past three years, he has been associated with C. W. Settle, in the furniture business. Nov. 5, 1895, Mr. Burkey was married to Miss Jennie Robertson, of Randolph County, the daughter of Samuel Robertson and his wife who was a Miss Austin before her marriage. Their biography will be found in this volume. Mr. Burkey is a Republican and with his wife belongs to the Christian church. Sterling Price Hulen, cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., has for more than a quarter of a century been connected with the banking and financial interests- of central Missouri and is one of the well known figures in commercial circles of the state. He is a native of Boone County, born Jan. 23, 1863, the son of Amos and Mary Jane (Roberts) Hulen. Amos Hulen was a Kentuckian, born and reared in Estill County where he became a farmer. He came to Missouri about 1840 and was one of the first men to take up land in Boone County. After his marriage, Mr. Hulen came to Randolph County and bought 170 acres of land in Prairie township and was a prominent fanner of this section until he died. Mrs. Mary Jane Roberts Hulen was born in Kentucky and spent the most of her life in Boone County, Mo. She was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive and of them Sterling Price Hulen of this review is the youngest. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 533 Sterling Price Hulen was reared on his parents' farm. He attended the district school and became a teacher in the district schools, where he was engaged in teaching for three years. In the spring of 1884 he bought a general store at Clark, which he conducted until 1893. Mr. Hulen became engaged in the banking business in 1893, having disposed of his store in January of that year. The Exchange Bank of Clark had been organized in 1890, and was three years old when Mr. Hulen became associated with it. He was conservative in his methods, which won the confidence of the people of Clark and surrounding country and it has been largely through the policies inaugurated by him that the bank's business has increased. The Exchange Bank is regarded as one of the sound financial institutions of the county and does a large amount of business which increases each year., Mr. Hulen is a progressive banker and is well and favorably known throughout Missouri. Jan. 6, 1886, Mr. Hulen was married to Miss Ella Early, of Cen- tralia. Mo., the daughter of S. W. and Ruth (Leach) Early, both now de- ceased. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hulen: Virgil E., interested in the oil fields of Winfield, Kans. ; Charles M., circuit clerk of Randolph County, living in Moberly; Price M., in the Savings Bank of Moberly, and Mary at home. Mr. Hulen is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Hulen are members of the Christian church. James H. Cottingham, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who owns and manages a farm of over 133 acres of valuable land is a well known, breeder of Black Angus Aberdeen cattle. He was bom in this township Aug. 6, 1866, the son of George H. and Sarah (Brooks) Cottingham. George H. Cottingham was born near Peoria, 111., in 1844 and died here in 1893. He was reared and educated in Illinois and then came to Missouri as a young boy of nine years, when his parents moved here and again attended the schools maintained here at that period. He en- gaged in farming and also ran a grist mill where flour was made. Dur- ing the Civil War he was exempted from the draft because of this essen- tial industry. The country was flooded with "Green Back" money at the time and Mr. Cottingham used to tell that the farmers would leave a $5.00 bill of that money with him in payment for mill work and he would stick it up over the rafters without any attempt at concealment and no one thought of taking it. As a young boy he herded cattle as his people 534 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY were among the early settlers of Audrain County, and their nearest neigh- bors were 18 miles away. The parents were Kentuckians who first moved to Illinois and then to Missouri and died in Marion County. George H. Cottingham spent his youth in Audrain County, but came to Randolph County before the outbreak of the Civil War. Here he took up 400 acres of land and also ran his mill, becoming one of the prominent and prosperous men of Prairie township. Sarah (Brooks) Cottingham, has spent nearly all her life in Randolph County; she now resides in Moberly at the advanced age of 85, on April 19, 1920; she was born in Randolph County, Mo., and is one of its oldest living residents. James H. Cottingham was reared on his parents' farm and attended the district school and has followed farming to the present time. In 1897, he bought his present farm in Prairie township and that with the land he inherited owns 133 acres. He was one of 10 children bom to his parents. Mr. Cottingham began breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle in 1912 and has met with success in this line and now ships to different parts of the country. For many years he raised Shorthorn cattle and achieved a high reputation for the standard he maintained in that breed. Jan. 28, 1893, Mr. Cottingham was married to Miss Laura T. Litt- rell ,of Audrain County, the daughter of Dr. T. and Martha (Gashwiler) Littrell, both deceased. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James H. Cottingham: Elsie, the wife of 0. Vance, of Harding, Mont.; Margaret, the wife of Leon McHatten, of Audrain County; Robert D., at home, and Helen, the third child born who died at the age of nine years. Mr. Cottingham is a Democrat and with his wife belongs to the Methodist church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 186, of Renick, Mo. J. E. Wirt, a well-to-do farmer and feeder and breeder of stock, who owns one of the best farms in Prairie township, was bom on this place Dec. 25, 1870, the son of James and Sallie (Hendrix) Wirt, the former a native of Boone County, Mo., bom Dec. 27, 1831. James Wirt was reared and educated in Missouri. He moved to the farm now ovsmed by his son in 1852, entered 260 acres of land from the government and spent the re- mainder of his life in Prairie township. He died in 1912. Sallie Hendrix Wirt, was bom in Randolph County, Mo., April 29, 1841 and died here in 1918. Mr. Wirt's first wife was a Miss Grubbs, who left one child at her death, a half sister to J. E. who had five brothers and sisters of his own, being the third child in the family. , HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 535 J. E. Wirt passed his youth on the farm and attended the district school and when old enough began to assume many of the duties around the home place which he farmed with his father. When only 18 years old, Mr. Wirt began to feed stock and has continued this line to the present day. He is one of the progressive farmers of this section who has adopted modern methods advocated by state agricultural experts and those of the United States department of agriculture. Each year he ships from two to three car loads of cattle and hogs, being one of the largest shippers in the county. In 1904, Mr. Wirt was married to Miss Clara Hardin, at Renick, the daughter of John R. and Mollie (Patton) Hardin, both natives of Mis- souri. Mrs. Wirt was born May 12, 1879 and died March 4, 1914, leaving one son, James E., of Renick, Mo. Mr. Wirt is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Order. He has made a success of farming and stocb feeding and is one of the county's substantial and reliable citizens. Harry M. Fifer, a well known insurance man and a descendant of a Randolph County pioneer family is manager for the Bankers Accident Insurance Company with offices at 3011/^ West Reed street. He was born in Salt River township, Randolph County, April 11, 1884, and is the son of Walter D. and Mary (Peyton) Fifer who were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Jessie, deceased; Harry M., the subject of this sketch; Bertie, married Maj. R. E. Scott, Chicago, 111.; Cecie, married Ed Nichols, Moberly, Mo. Walter D. Fifer was bom in Salt River township, Dec. 27, 1854 and has been engaged in farming and stock raising in that township since he attained the age of manhood. He owns 120 acres of land and is one of the substantial farmers of Randolph County. He is a son of James M. and Alice (Phillips) Fifer, both natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County at a very early day. James Fifer was killed during the Civil War and his widow now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Virginia Wood, who is a widow and resides in Salt River township. Mary Peyton Fifer, mother of Harry M. Fifer, was born in Randolph County on the place where she now resides, June 12, 1862. She is a daughter of Rev. John Peyton who was a prominent minister in the Methodist Church, South, of Randolph County, who is now deceased. Harry M. Fifer was reared on the home farm in Salt River township and received a good common school education in the district schools. He 536 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years old when he began to do for himself. In 1908 he received the appointment of rural mail carrier out of the Cairo postofRce. He served in that capacity until 1913 when he accepted a position with the Prudential Insurance Com- pany and remained with them about three years. In 1916 and 1917 he was engaged in the grocery business at Moberly, and during the latter year he became representative of the Bankers Accident Insurance Com- pany at Moberly and has since devoted himself exclusively to that line of work, and has met with unqualified success in that field of endeavor; he has built up a large business in Moberly and vicinity. Mr. Fifer was married June 8, 1905 to Miss Bessie L. Gaines, a native of Randolph County, born at Cairo. She is a daughter of Frank and Eliza (Halliburton) Gaines, both natives of Randolph County and descendants of pioneer settlers. Frank Gaines is deceased. Mr. Fifer is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and Mrs. Fifer are members of the Methodist church. V. Heifner, one of the well-known conductors of the Wabash system, and a representative citizen, has been in the employ of the Wabash road for more than a quarter of a century. He is a native of Missouri and was born on a farm in Macon County, Dec. 14, 1862, the son of Thomas and Sarah (Coulter) Heifner. Thomas Heifner was bom near Huntsville, Mo., in 1838, and was a farmer and stock raiser. He died on his farm three and a half miles northeast of Jacksonville, Mo., in 1909. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Heifner was also a native of Macon County, Mo., born on a farm in 1849 and now resides in Jacksonville at the age of 81. They were the parents of nine children : William T., of Neosho, Mo. ; V. Heif- ner, of this review; Joseph J., of Maryville, Mo.; Mary F., the wife of Dane Jones, of Seattle, Wash. ; Rosa, the wife of Arthur Amick, of Den- ver, Colo. ; Maggie, the wife of James Dowding, of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Bert, of Denver; Frank, of Moberly, and Flora, the wife of Charles King, of Jacksonville, Mo. Mr. Heifner was reared on the home farm and attended the district • school and remained at home with his parents until he was 18 years old, when he began for himself. He went to Ardmore, Mo., and secured em- ployment with the Texas Coal Company, but later engaged in switching at Excello, for the Kansas and Texas Coal Railway. He permanently V. HEIFNER HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 537 located in Moberly in 1892. That year he began work for the Wabash railroad as switchman, and later was on road as a brakeman and was promoted to conductor in 1903, and in 1913 was promoted to passenger conductor, which position he has since held. May 6, 1890, Mr. Heifner was married to Miss Louisa Griffith, the daughter of J. C. and Melinda (Meadows) Griffith, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter was born in Missouri. Mrs. Heifner was the second of their seven children. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Heifner, as follows: Leroy, deceased; Minnie, at home, and Maud, the wife of W. L. Thompson, of Moberly. Mr. Heifner is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, the Knights of Pythias and the Presbyterian church. He is a Democrat and Mrs. Heifner is a member of the, Auxiliary of the Order of Railway Con- ductors and a member of the Presbyterian church. The Heifner family have an extensive acquaintance and stand high in Moberly and Randolph County. Stephen G. Hamilton, mayor of Clark, Mo., who for many years was one of the successful breeders of Percheron and saddle stallions and jacks, is now living retired. Mr. Hamilton owns 260 acres of land in Prairie township, where he was engaged in farming for many years. He was born in this township,va half mile west of Clark, Jan. 18, 1859, the son of Hezekiah Hamilton, whose wife was a Miss Garvin before her marriage. Their history will be found on another page of this volume with the review of I. A. Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Stephen and Jeanette (Brooks) Garvin, who died in 1875, at the age of 42 years, leaving the following children: William B., of Clark; Jeanette, the wife of W. W. Angell, of Independence, Mo. ; Orpha, the wife of Stephen Burn- ham, living near Higbee ; Delia, deceased, was the wife of Henry McCune ; Binda, the wife of William Naylor of Prairie township and Stephen G. of this review, who was the third child in order of birth. Stephen G. Hamilton was reared on his parents' farm near Clark and attended the district schools. He engaged in farming and after 15 years he bought an interest in a mercantile establishment in Renick and was associated with Henry Kimborough. They conducted this business for 13 years when Mr. Hamilton disposed of his interests and returned to farming again in Prairie township, remaining there until 1909, when he moved to Clark and was in the breeding business until 1920. Mr. Hamil- ton has made a specialty of breeding high grade Percheron and saddle 538 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY horses and had five of the best jacks in the county. In February, 1920 he sold all his breeding stock. April 17, 1879, Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Augusta Kim- borough, who was born two miles west of Clark, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Furgerson) Kimborough, both natives of Randolph County. The father is living at the advanced age of 84 years and his wife died in 1881. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and has served as constable and was elected mayor of Clark and at the present time is serving a second term. The Hamilton family are members of the Baptist church. Willard A. Owings, prominent farmer and stockman of Prairie town- ship, who owns and manages a farm of 160 acres of valuable land was born near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Urias and Josephine (Wilson) Owings. He was the second oldest of a family of four boys. The father was a painter by trade. He was a native of Kentucky where he was reared and educated and during the Civil War he moved to Iowa, where the family lived for some time. The mother was born in Marion County, Mo. and died when 33 years old, leaving her little family motherless. Her husband survived until 1917, when he died at Mexico, Mo. After his mother's death Willard A. Owings was sent to live with an uncle, Benja;nin Wilson, his mother's brother, who lived at Oskaloosa, Kans. There he attended the public schools. Benjamin Wilson was the owner-editor of an Oskaloosa newspaper and when a young boy, Mr. Owings began to work around the printing office and by the time his schooling was over he was a good practical printer, and master of his trade within a short time afterward. He worked at this business until he was 22 years old when he engaged in farming in Audrain County, Mo., having come to Missouri from Kansas in 1885. After 10 years on the land, Mr. Owings went to St. Louis, and worked as motorman on a street car and remained in that city seven years. In 1897 he came to Randolph County and engaged again in farming for three years, when he . became a fireman of a locomotive on the Wabash Railroad but resigned in 1902 to return to St. Louis and run a street car for the next seven years. Coming to Prairie township in 1919, Mr. Owings soon wafe established as one of the well known farmers. He bought his present farm in 1917. He has made many improvements on his farm and handles and breeds high grade stock. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 539 Nov. 15, 1891, Mr. Owings was married to Miss Zona Fainter, a native of Boone Cciuity, and two children have been born to them: Clella, at- tending high school at Macon and Floyd C, on the farm with his father. Mr. Owings is a well educated, well read man and has taken an active part in public affairs ; he is a Democrat, a charter member of the Grange, has been serving on the school board of his district and with his wife is a member of the Baptist church. Leonard W. Kelly, president of the Moberly Artificial Ice Plant, is one of the well known and substantial business men of Moberly and is engaged in one of the most important industrial pursuits of the city. Mr. Kelly is a native of Missouri. He was born at P'otosi, Mo., Feb. 6, 1869 and is a son. of Dennis and Elizabeth (Fea) Kelly and is one of three children bom to his parents as follows: Thomas, who now resides in Omaha, Neb., served as postmaster of Moberly for 9 years during the administrations of Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt; Dennis resides in Denver, Colo, and Leonard W., the subject of this sketch. Dennis Kelly, the father was a native of Cork, Ireland. He came to this country in early life and was engaged in the mercantile business when he died comparatively a young man, being only 41 years old. His widow who was a native of Scotland, after the death of her husband, came to Moberly with her family of three small children in 1876. Here she conducted a boarding house and reared her family of boys. She was well known in the early days of Moberly and affectionately called "Mother Kelly". The boys attended school here and received good public school education. They were industrious- boys and sold newspapers and as- sisted their widowed mother in other ways and early in life they engaged in the general confectionery business in Moberly and conducted a bakery in connection. Leonard W. Kelly learned the baker's trade in early life and was associated with his brothers in the bakery and confectionery business for a number of years. He became interested in the Moberly Artificial Ice Company in 1914, and since that time has been president of the company. This is one of the prosperous and well managed business concerns of the city. Mr. Kelly was united in marriage June 22, 1905 to Miss Myma Kent, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Kelly died in March, 1918, aged 29 years. There were no children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. 540 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Kelly is a member of the Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Shrine at Kansas City, Mo. and politically, he is a Republican and was postmaster of Moberly for four years under the administration of Presi- dent Taft. He has served as president and secretary of the Commercial Club. In 1913, he organized a Good Fellows Club of Moberly. The pur- pose of this organization was to carry out charitable work in the city of Moberly and look after the wants of poor people who needed clothing and food. Mr. Kelly had some assistance in this work as there were three or four other members of the organization. He was chairman and in that capacity did much charitable work and did a great deal for many poor people in Moberly. He is public spirited and always stands ready to do what he can to help his less fortunate fellow man. Mrs. Kelly, the mother, now resides in Moberly and is in her 77th year, Otis Fountain, one of the leading breeders of Hereford cattle in Ran- dolph County and the owner of a large tract of land in Prairie township, was born a half mile west of his present home, Aug. 14, 1871, the son of Willis and Julia (Barnes) Fountain. Willis Fountain was born in Boone County, Mo., Feb. 17, 1846 and was reared and educated in Missouri and died Feb. 13, 1918 Pie was a well-to-do farmer and stockman. He began buying and selling stock in Boone County when there was no bank there and would pay the men from whom he purchased after he had been paid himself. He handled as much or more live stock in a year than any buyer in the state. After living in Boone County for a long time he came to Randolph County and bought land which became very valuable. After the Civil War he settled down permanently, having been in the govern- ment service during hostilities as a butcher and was sent out onto the plains where the meat to supply the soldiers in the army was secured. Mrs. Fountain was bom and reared in Randolph County and died while still a young woman in 1872, leaving three children: R. M., of Sturgeon, Mo. ; Martha, the wife of L. J. Whitworth, is deceased, and Otis, of this review. Mr. Fountain, after the death of his first wife was married again and had two children : John F., of Detroit, Mich, and Beulah, the wife of J. Wallace Seymour, of Sturgeon, Mo. Otis Fountain was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- cation in the district school and in the schools of Sturgeon before enter- ing the college at Fayette, Mo. When old enough he engaged in farming. The land Mr. Fountain now owns was entered by his great grandfather, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 541 James Barnes, descending from him to his son Absolom and then to the younger generations. It is one of the large and fine farms of Prairie township. Oct. 6, 1891, Mr. Fountain was married to Miss Annie Ferguson, the daughter of W. W. and Mollie (James) Ferguson, natives of Randolph County and Carrollton County, Mo., respectively. Mrs. Fountain died Jan. 6, 1906, leaving six children: Julia, deceased; Wallace H., of Boone County ; Lucile, a teacher at home ; Otis A., also at home ; Cleo and Annie, at home. On Jan. 15, 1907, Mr. Fountain married Urith Bradley, a native of Randolph County, the daughter of William and Mary (Lewis) Bradley, both now deceased. There were two children born to this union: Mary Rachael and Radford M., both at home. Mr. Fountain is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and he and Mrs. Fountain are members of the Christian church. Joseph G. Stockton, a successful stockman and farmer and the owner of a large farm in Prairie township, is a stock holder and one of the organ- izers of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo. He was bom in Prairie town- ship, July 3, 1842, the son of Thomas and- America (Jacobs) Stockton. The father was born in Kentucky in 1812 and died in Missouri in 1893; he was reared, educated and became a planter in his native state and while yet a young man came to Randolph County, one of the pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. He bought considerable land, was a slave owner and operated a plantation before the Civil War and was a farmer after its close. America Jacobs Stockton was a native of Boone County, Mo., and was reared and educated there and passed her life in this state and died in her 93d year in 1912. There were 12 children in the Stockton family all of whom survive but one who died in infancy. The youngest is now 54 and the oldest is 80 years of age. They are as follows: Mary, the wife of George Hubbard, of Clark; Joseph G., of this review; James T., of Columbia, Mo. ; Amanda, the wife of William Ryland, of Ponca City, Okla. ; Syrena, the wife of J. M. Fountain, of Centralia, Mo.; Fannie, the wife of James Barklay, living near Ray, Colo. ; Lizzie, the widow of Martin Ryland, Crescent City, Okla.; Belle, the wife of H. Noland, of Hannibal, Mo.; Georgia, the wife of H. Lyons, of Sturgeon, Mo.; Thomas L., of Crescent City, Okla.; and Alice, the wife of William Brown, of Crescent City, Okla. 542 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Joseph G. Stockton was reared on his father's farm in Randolph County and has lived in the country all his life and received his education in the pioneer schools. More than a half century ago Mr. Stockton set- tled on his present farm. He has been engaged in general farming and stock raising during all that long period and for many years has been recognized as one of the substantial farmers of this section of the state. He is one of the few men now living who located here at the tim« he did. During the Civil War he went to Illinois and later to Kansas where he was located when President Lincoln was assassinated. Subsequently he re- turned to Randolph County where he has since been a continuous resident. In October, 1868, Mr. Stockton was married to Miss Ehza Woods, bom in Boone County, Mo. and the following children have been born to them: Willie, the wife of Jake Sharp, of Prairie township; L. T., of Red Rock, Okla. ; Mollie, married 0. Brown, and is a widow at home ; Clara, married William McCune, is deceased; John, deceased; J. L., who manages the home farm. Mr. Stockton is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. For some years he has lived retired, leaving the actual business of the farm to his son and now enjoys the sunset years in ease and rest. Frank Street, a well known and successful farmer and stockman, who is the owner of 367 acres of land known as "Street's Corner Farm", in the southeastern part of the county where Randolph County joins Audrain and Boone counties, is a breeder of pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle. He was born at Sturgeon, Mo., June 14, 1862 and is a son of Wil- liam and America (Sutton) Street. ' William Street was a native of Kentucky and when a young man came to Missouri, first locating in Howard County. After the Civil War he came to Randolph County and spent the remainder of his life in this county. He died about 1877. America (Sutton) Street was also a native of Kentucky and came to Pike County, Mo., with her parents. Mr. Street was her second husband. After their marriage they lived in Boone County, Mo., before coming to Randolph County. Frank Street spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and attended the district school and later entered Bryant & Stratton's Busi- ness College, at St. Joseph, Mo. After completing his course in that institution he returned to Pl-airie township and engaged in farming. For a time he rented land and was successful. In 1895, he purchased 120 acres of land in this section. He carried on general farming and stock HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 543 raising. From time to time he bought more land adjoining his original farm, becoming an extensive land owner. In the spring of 1919 Mr. Street moved to Clark to live though he still maintains the management of his large land holdings. In that year he began to handle and breed pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle. In 1890, Mr. Street was married to Miss Lizzie Wright, a daughter of Zeph and Elizabeth (Simms) Wright, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri at an early date and became pioneer settlers of this sec- tion. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Street: Nina, the wife of R. T. Hulen, of Sturgeon, Mo. ; Velpo, who enlisted in the army in May, 1918, and became a member of Company G, 351st In- fantry, 88th Division, was promoted to corporal of his company and died of pneumonia while in the service; and Zeph, who lives at Sturgeon, Mo. Mr. Street is a Democrat but has never aspired to hold public office, though he supports all movements for the betterment and the develop- ment of the community. He is one of the substantial citizens of Ran- dolph County. Judge J. H. Swetnam, a^former judge of the county court and prom- inent farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of Mis- souri. He was bom in Howard County, April 20, 1860 and is a son of Bartee and Katherine (Walkup) Swetnam and was the second oldest of ten children to them. Bartee Swetnam was also a native of Missouri and was engaged in farming and stock raising in Howard County. He died in March, 1890, at the age of 54 years. His wife was also a native of this state and died in 1890, aged about 50 years. John H. Swetnam was reared on the home farm in Howard County and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1882 he came to Randolph County and bought a farm four miles north of Yates. He improved this place and sold it in 1888. He then bought a part of the old -James farm, northwest of Higbee. After improving that place he sold it in 1904 and resided in Higbee for two years while he was serving as special road overseer. In 1916, he settled on his present farm in Silver Creek township where he has a well improved place of 120 acres. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with suc- cess. Judge Swetnam was first married in 1882 to Miss Hattie Embree who was born on the place where Judge Swetnam now resides. She died in 544 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY August, -1903, at the age of 38 years. One child was born to that union, Harvey who is now engaged in fanning and stock raising northwest of Higbee. Judge Swetnam was married in 1904 to Myrtle Fray, a native of Randolph County, and three children have been bom to this union, as follows: Ruth, Ruby and Houx, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Judge Swetnam is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in political affairs. He was elected judge of the county court to represent the western district of Randolph County in 1904. At the expiration of his term of office he was reelected to succeed himself and served four years in all. During his term of office he displayed good business ability and sound judgment in the administration of the affairs of the county and was one of the best county judges that Randolph County- ever had. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a representative of Randolph County's best citizenship. George Thornburg, a successful farmer and stockman of Prairie town- ship, who is also an extensive buyer and shipper of mules, is a native of this county. He was born Sept. 6, 1870, in Prairie township and is a son of James and Sallie (Kimbrough) Thornburg, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Prairie township, Randolph County. They were the parents of five children of whom George Thornburg, the sub- ject of this sketch, is the only one living. James Thornburg was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and in early life was a shipbuilder and also worked at the carpenter trade. He came to Randolph County some time in the sixties and was engaged in farming in Prairie township; he died, when comparatively a young man, in 1876, his wife having died in 1875. George Thornburg was only five years old when his mother died and his father died a year later. He was reared by an aunt, Alvira Kimbrough and a brother, Owen, who lived on the farm. George Thornburg has always been engaged in farming and stock business and lived on the farm, except three years that he was cashier of the Renick Bank. He bought his present farm about 1890 and has made many improvements on this place. He owns 160 acres, and it is one of the valuable and well improved farms of Prairie township. He is a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. In addition to his farming and other enterprises, Mr. Thorn- burg has bought and shipped for the past 30 years and during the past GEORGE THORNBURG HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 545 five years this department of his business has developed into large pro- portion, and he is one of the extensive mule dealers in this section of the state. Mr. Thornburg vs^as married March 15, 1892, to Miss Anna B. Edwards, a native of Randolph County, born near Clark. She is a daugh- ter of William T. and Martha (Terrill) Edw^ards, the former a native of Randolph County and the latter of Callaway County, and both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Thornburg have been born four children, as follows : William H., cashier of the State Bank, Thermopolis, Wyo. ; G. E., who is associated in business with his father and resides at home ; Robert T. and Annabel, both residing at home with parents. Mr. Thornburg is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political matters. He has serve'd two terms as county assessor of Randolph County, from 1900 to 1904 and 1908 to 1912. He is a Mason and a member of the Methodist church, south, and an enterprising and progressive citizen. John A. Pitts, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township and one of the large land owners of Randolph County, was born on his present place, March 2, 1862. He is a son of Rev. Samuel Y. and Anna (Winston) Pitts. Rev. Samuel Y. Pitts was a pioneer Baptist minister of fhis section of Missouri. He was born in Silver Creek township on the place where his son, John A. Pitts, now resides. He was a man of strong character and an earnest and sincere minister of the gospel. He preached in various places throughout this section and had a wide acquaintance. His in- fluence was always for good and he was loved by all who knew him. He was never known to have an enemy. He died in 1914 at the age of 81 years. He was the son of John A. and Sarah (McDowell) Pitts, both natives of Kentucky. John A. Pitts came to Randolph County at a very early date and entered government land in Silver Creek township and at the time of his death was the owner of 1,420 acres of land which he divided among his grandchildren. He was an industrious man, a hard worker and was possessed of good business judgment and was one of the most successful citizens of his time in Randolph County. He died in 1876 at the age of 76 years. His wife died several years before. She was about "28 years old at the time of her death. To Rev. Samuel Y. and Anna (Winston) Pitts were born the follow- ing children : Mattie, married Dorsey Burckhart of Huntsville, Mo. ; Anna 546 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY W., married M. S. Pilcher who is now deceased; A. Winston, Roanoke, Mo.; Ella D., married J. P. Hammett, Salisbury, Mo.; Harvey, deceased; Louisa, married Josh Hunker, Salisbury, Mo., and John A., the subject of this sketch. John A. Pitts attended the district school in Silver Creek township until he was about eight years old, when his parents removed to Hunts- ville where he was a student at Mt. Pleasant College. Later, he attended William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo. In 1880, he returned to the home place where he now resides and which has since been his home. He be- came heir to a part of his grandfather's estate and later bought 100 acres. He is now the owner of 500 acres of well improved and productive land and is one of the large farmers and stock raisers in Randolph County. He is also an extensive feeder and has been e'specially successful in handling cattle in this manner. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Yates Saving Bank at Yates, Mo. John A. Pitts was united in marriage, March 21, 1883 with Miss Flor- ence Head, of Howard County, Mo. She was born in Howard County in 1861 and is a daughter of Dr. Thomas B. and Bettie (Patterson) Head. Dr. Head was a physician and practised his profession at Huntsville. Mrs. Pitts 'is related to the Price family of which Gen. Sterling Price, the famous Confederate general was a member. - To John A. and Florence (Head) Pitts were bom the following chil- dren: Anna, married W. H. Stark, cashier of the Yates Saving Bank, Yates, Mo.; Kate, married B. L. Myers of Detroit, Mich.; Mattie B., a teacher; Harva, also a teacher; John A., further mention of whom is made below; Augusta, at home and Elizabeth, a student in the University of Missouri. John A. Pitts, Jr., served in the World War. He was a mem- ber of the 89th division and saw much active service. He was on the firing line three weeks before the armistice was signed and was with the Army of Occupation in Germany of which the 89th division was a part. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home in June, 1919. He is now a clerk in the office of an automobile factory in Detroit, Mich. John A. Pitts is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of Randolph County and the Pitts family have ever held an honorable place in the community. Oswald S. Fray, a prominent farmer and successful breeder of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 547 some of the earliest pioneer families of this section of the state. He was bom in Silver Creek township, May 17, 1854 and is a son of John C. and Martha (Barnes) Fray. They were the parents of twelve children as follows : Mrs. Sarah Embree who died at the age of 82 years ; William H., lives in Silver Creek township ; Susan, married Jacob Spotts and is now deceased; Mary J., married J. S. Dysart and is deceased; Lelia married J. J. Kirkpatrick, of Marshall, Mo.; Columbus C, Bowling Green, Mo.; Laura F., married James H. Ferguson who is now deceased and she lives in Silver Creek township ; R. Granville, postmaster at Yates, Mo. ; Oswald S., the subject of this sketch; John E., Silver Creek township; Addie, married George Mayo and they live west of Huntsville and Wirt C, lives at River Bank, Cal. John C. Fray was born in Virginia in 1814 and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Howard County at a very early day, and shortly afterwards removed to Randolph County and located in Silver Creek township where John C. Fray was engaged in farming and stock raising and became very well-to-do. He was the owner of about 600 acres of land and prior to the Civil War, usually owned 20 or more negro slaves. Martha (Barnes) Fray, mother of Oswald S. Fray, was born in Silver Greek township, Randolph County and her parents were among the very first settlers of this county. She spent her life in Silver Creek township and died in 1910 at the age of 91 years. Oswald S. Fray was reared on the home farm in Silver Creek town- ship and attended the public school at Roanoke. He remained at home and assisted his parents on the home place until he was about 25 years old. He bought a farm in 1877, upon which he made improvements, building a house and barn. In 1890, he went to Marshall, Mo., where he bought property and was engaged in the grocery and meat business there for three years. In 1893 he traded his property and business in Marshall for his present place in Silver Creek township. His place consists of 166 acres of valuable land which is well improved with good substantial buildings. In 1901 his house burned and he built a new residence in 1902 • and in 1916 his barn was destroyed by fire and he immediately rebuilt a good substantial barn. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success. In 1919, he began breeding Spotted Poland China hogs and now has a very valuable herd of this breed. Mr. Fray was married April 6, 1876 to Miss Betty E. Ward, a native of Grayson County, Ky. She is a daughter of Rev. E. Ward who came 548 HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY from Kentucky to Mksouii with his family about 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Fray have been born the following children : Kichard W., decsased ; James E., deceased; Hettie E., deceased; WiUiam B., a merchant at Clark, Mo.; and Mary B., married W. R. Derby and lives on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Fray have three grandchildren, the children of William B. Fray, as follows : Erdice B., a graduate of the Moberly High School ; Edith L., and Edwin E. Mr. Fray is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. For 18 years he served on the school board of District No. 71. Mr. Fray is one of the progressive men of Randolph County. For the past 5 years he has been one of three road commissioners of Yates special road dis- trict and takes a comimendable interest in local affairs. Robert T. Camplin, a well known conductor who for a number of years has been in the train service of the Wabash Railroad, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of pioneers of this state. He was born in Monroe County, June 9, 1873, on a farm 15 miles south of Paris. His parents were John E. and Laura (Holliway) Camplin. John E. Camplin was a native of Monroe County, Mo. He was born Feb. 27, 1848, a son of Rdlla and Eliza (Creed) Camplin, natives of Ken- tucky and early pioneer settlers in Monroe County, Mo. John E. Camp- lin located in Moberly at an early day in the history of this city, and for over 30 years was engaged in the dairy business here. He was widely knovm and was a citizen of high standing. He was a Democrat and took an active part in local political matters and was a member of the city council six or eight terms. He came to Moberly in 1873 and died here in 1918. Laura (Holliway) Camplin was born near Ash, Randolph County, April 1, 1853. She is a daughter of Edward and Caroline (Lee) Holliway, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Randolph County where they spent the remainder of their lives after coming here. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living, including Mrs. John E. Camplin who resides with her son Robert T. Camplin in Moberly. To John E. and Laura (Holliway) Camplin were born three children: Robert T., the subject of this sketch; John A., a conductor, resides in Moberly ; and Vera, married A. D. Miller, of Columbia, Mo. Robert T. Camplin was about six months old when his parents set- tled in Moberly. Here he was reared to manhood and attended the pub- lic schools, and in early life learned the art of sign painting for which he had a special talent and today is one of the most skillful sign painters in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 549 the country. He followed this work for 14 years and in 1906, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as brakeman and was promoted to conductor May 25, 1910, and since that time has been em- ployed in the freight service in that capacity. In dull seasons of railroad- ing he does some sign painting, his hand never having lost its cunning in that art, although he has been a railroader for 14 years. Mr. Camplin was united in marriage Feb. 14, 1900, with Miss Lydia Storm, who was born near Morgan, Carroll County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Camplin have been born two children: Ethel and Lucile, both of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Camplin is a Democrat and keeps himself well posted on current events. He is a m.ember of the Order of Railway Conductors and the family worship at the Christian church. Ed. M. Forster, of the firm of Forster and.Yowell, prominent real es- tate dealers and loan representatives of Huntsville, is a native of Georgia. He was born at Macon, Sept. 10, 1855, and is a son of Rev. Frank X. and Senora (Turner) Forster, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky, re- spectively. Frank X. Forster was a son of Rev. A. M. Forster, a prominent Metho- dist minister of the early days. Rev. Frank X. Forster was also a Metho- dist minister, and for many years was prominently identified with leading educational institutions of the Methodist denomination. He was a pro- fessor in the Wesleyan Female College at Macon, Ga., until the Civil War broke out. After the war, he was a professor in Central College at Fay- ette, Mo., for 17 years. He died in 1878 and his widow spent her last days with her son, Ed. M. Forster, and died in 1911. Rev. Frank X. and Senora (Turner) Forster were the parents of the following children: J. T., a bank cashier at Lineville, Mo.; Ed. M., the subject of this sketch ; Rev. C. R., a minister of the Methodist denomina- tion, who is a professor at the Wesleyan Female College at Macon, Ga. ; Dr. J. D., a prominent physician and surgeon, who conducts a sanitorium at Indian River Bay, Fla. ; Ada, married Rev. W. A. Davis, a missionary in Japan and is now deceased. Ed M. Forster was graduated from Central College at Fayette, Mo., in the class of 1874. He took a special course in pharmacy and for six years was engaged in the drug business at Fayette and Higbee. He then removed to Moberly, where he was engaged in the real estate and in- surance business and was also interested in the grocery business, until 550 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1901. He then removed to Huntsville and since that time has been in- terested in various enterprises including the mercantile business, farm- ing and real estate and loans. In partnership with Mr. Yowell, he has in recent years successfully devoted his attention to real estate and loan business. This firm is one of the progressive and enterprising firms of Randolph County and their customers extend over a large scope of terri- tory. Mr. Forster was united in marriage at Fayette, Mo., in 1877, with Miss Eva McCreary, a daughter of Judge Boyd McCreary of Howard County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Forster has been bom two children, a daughter and son, as follows: Mrs. M. G. Kennedy, whose husband is agent for the Sante Fe and Wabash railroad companies at Lexington Junction, Mo., and they have four children, Merrill, Marvin, Jr., Irma Evaline and Julia May, and Claude T. Forster, who is employed in the Faessler Manufacturing Co., at Moberly, Mo. Mr. Forster is a member of the Methodist church and for 25 years served as steward. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and is one of Randolph County's representative citizens. Dr. Robert E. Kiernan, the present mayor of the city of Huntsville, is one of the well-known and successful dentists of Randolph County and is the dean of the dental profession of this county. Dr. Kiernan was born in Audrian County, Mo., July 13, 1867. . His parents were Dr. Rob- ert E. and Martha (Reed) Kiernan. Dr. Robert E. Kiernan, Sr., was a native of Ireland, born in 1830. When he was two years old he was brought to America by his parents. After receiving a good preparatory education he studied medicine and was one of the pioneer physicians of this section of the country. He prac- ticed medicine among the pioneers of the early days, when the pioneer doctors traveled on horseback. He practiced here long before the Civil War and located at Huntsville in 1873. He continued the practice of his profession there for a number of years. However, he retired from active practice several years before his death, which occurred in 1914, in his 84th year. His wife died in February, 1911. Dr. Robert E. and Martha (Reed) Kiernan were the parents of the following children: Ella, Bettie and Nora, all of whom reside in Hunts- ville and Dr. Robert E., the subject of this sketch. Martha Reed Kier- nan, the mother, was bom on a farm near Huntsville, Mo., in 1831. Her parents were among the very first pioneer settlers of this section. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 551 Dr. Robert E. Kieman, whose name introduces this sketch, received careful training in his youth and obtained a good preparatory education. He then entered the Missouri Dental College, at St. Louis, Mo., and was graduated in the class of 1888. He immediately engaged in the practice of his profession and for 32 years has practiced in Huntsville. During that time he has built up a large practice and has become widely known in Huntsville and Randolph County. He has had the unusual experience of having done dental work for four generations of the same family, and has practiced dentistry longer than any other man in Randolph County. Dr. Kiernan was married in 1890 to Miss Lillie Hedges, daughter of J. S. Hedges, of Moberly. Dr. Kiernan is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church. Judge W. H. Sandison, a leading implement dealer of Huntsville, is conducting the oldest established business in this city, it having been founded by his father in the early seventies, and for many years has been carried on by Judge Sandison, the present proprietor. W. H. Sandison is a native of Pennsylvania and a son of William and Elizabeth (Burton) Sandison, the fonner a native of Scotland and the latter of Pennsylvania. William Sandison, the father, was bom in April, 1838, and died in Huntsville in January, 1916. He learned the blacksmith trade in early life, and when a boy went from his native land to Canada, where he worked at his trade for some years, when he went to Pennsylvania and was there married to Elizabeth Burton. He came to Missouri and settled at Huntsville in 1868. Here he engaged in blacksmithing. He erected a brick blacksmith shop and some years after locating here, engaged in the implement business, which he at first con- ducted in connection with blacksmithing. At his death he was succeeded by his son, W. H. Sandison, of this sketch. He took a prominent part in the early day affairs of Huntsville and held the office of city council- man and was also a member of the school board. He was a member of the Baptist church and active in church work. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife died in 1889 and he died in 1916. To William and Elizabeth (Burton) Sandison were born the follow- ing children : W. H., the subject of this sketch ; J. G., farmer and auto- 552 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY mobile salesman, Salt Spring township; Mary J., lives at Huntsville; C. D., a Spanish-American War veteran, now a jeweler at Huntsville; Annie, lives at Huntsville; A. 0., a jeweler at Sedalia, Mo. Judge Sandison was reared in Huntsville and educated in the . pub- lic schools of that city and the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mo. Since reaching manhood he has been engaged in the implement business at Huntsville and has built up an extensive trade. He is well known in Huntsville and Randolph County. He has served as police judge of Huntsville for five terms, a period of ten years. Judge Sandison is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been keeper of the records and seals of that order in Huntsville for the past 28 years and for four years he served as secre- tary of the sixth district. He is one of the substantial business men of Huntsville and Randolph County. Isham Powell, a leading farmer and stockman of Moniteau township, who is the owner of 300 acres of land, is one of the progressive citizens of Randolph County. He was born in Boyle County, Ky., Nov. 15, 1843, and is the son of Golson and Mary (Colter) Powell, both also natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Missouri, and are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, five girls and three boys, of whom Isham Powell was the second in order of birth. Isham Powell came to Missouri in 1856 and located in Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate army and became captain of the company in Gen. Joe Shelby's command. He was with Shelby in Arkansas, Ten- nessee and Mississippi and did a great deal of scouting and was engaged in a number of skirmishes and battles in those states. After the war he returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming and stock rais- ing again and has met with success in his undertakings. He endured many hardships and privations in the early days, but by hard work and industry, he has overcome many obstacles and succeeded. He has been an extensive stock feeder and has made money in that field of endeavor. Mr. Powell was married in 1870 to Miss Mary L. Mitchell, a native of Cedar County, Mo., born March 23, 1848. She is a daughter of Stephen Alex and Louisa (Lilburn) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee, who came to Missouri with their respective parents, who were early settlers of Cedar County, Mo. Mrs. Powell's parents are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Powell have- been born two children, as follows: Lulu, married James ISHAM POWELL AND GRANDSON, FRANK C. POWELL HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 553 Terrill and resides south of Moberly, Mo., and Henry, lives at Higbee. Mr. Powell is a stockholder in the Mechanics' Bank of [Moberly and one of Randolph County's most substantial citizens. William Thompson Dameron, who is now serving his second term as postmaster of Huntsville, has been prominently identified with the public affairs of Randolph County for a number of years. He is a descendant of early pioneer families of Randolph county, both on his maternal and paternal sides. Mr. Dameron was born on a farm in Silver Creek town- ship, June 6, 1854, ■ and is a son of George W. and Eliza Jane (Mayo) Dameron. George W. Dameron was born in Caswell County, N. C, Feb. 10, 1815. He was one of a family of 11 children of Bartholomew and Rebecca (Malone) Dameron, the former of whom died Feb. 25, 1847, and the latter Oct. 11, 1851. They came from North Carolina to Randolph County with a colony of about 60 persons, in 1830, and camped for a short time at Renick and on Jan. 1, 1831, reached Huntsville. They located in Silver Creek township, where Bartholomew Dameron spent the remainder of his life. He was a successful farmer and tobacco planter and owned a number of slaves. George W. Dameron was 17 years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents. On June 25, 1840, he was m.arried to Miss Susan J. Lobban, who died Nov. 15, 1845, leaving one son, James B., who died at the age of 64 years. May 24, 1847, George W. Dameron was married to Miss Eliza J. Mayo. She was born in Randolph County, Dec. 27, 1827, and was a daughter of Allen Mayo, who came to Randolph County with his parents in 1817. He was a native of Virginia and went with his parents from Virginia to Tennessee and in 1817 they came to Randolph County and was the first settlers in this county. A brother, Valentine Mayo, was the first member of the family to reach this coun- ty. He came in 1816, and entered a tract of land in Randolph County and the following year the other members of the Mayo family, who had gone from Tennessee to Illinois, came here. Allen Mayo discovered Ran- dolph Springs. He found it by following the buffalo trail to the Salt Lake and he often shot deer there. He later purchased salt at that place. He was truly one of the pioneers of Randolph County. Further details of Allen Mayo and the Mayo family history appears in this volume in connection with the sketch of his son, James P. Mayo. 554 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY To George and Eliza. Jane were born the following children : C. A., was a levee contractor in Mississippi and died in 1887; William T., the subject of this sketch; George P., who operates a picture show at Hunts- ville; Charles H., was a levee contractor in the South for a number of years and now resides at Huntsville; John M., is a levee contractor in the South; Mattie H., the widow of Lewis Malone, resides in Huntsville; Susan, Married H. Johnson, and lives in Huntsville; Lutie R., married Will Evans, of Huntsville, and Mrs. Parthena Smith, of Huntsville. William T. Dameron was educated in the public schools and remained on the home farm in Silver Creek township until 1883. He then came to Huntsville, where he was superintendent for the Flemming Manufac- turing Company for four years. From 1887 to 1888 he was employed in the Wabash shops at Moberly. In 1890, he was then elected sheriff of Randolph County and served for four years. In 1894, he was elected collector of Randolph County and served in that office for four years. The first office which Mr. Dameron ever held was constable of Silver Creek township to which he was elected when he was 21 years old and re-elected a number of times, serving for 8 years. In 1898, Mr. Dameron purchased an interest in the Huntsville "Herald." In 1902 his partner died and he bought his interest from the estate and published the paper until 1911. He with others founded the Huntsville "Times" and pub- lished that paper until 1915, when he sold it. He was appointed post- master of Huntsville by President Wilson March 5, 1915, and reappointed to that office Dec. 1, 1919. Mr. I^ameron is a conscientious and capable public official and may be depended upon to discharge the duties of any public trust imposed in him with fidelity. Mr. Dameron was married Oct. 14,1885, to Miss Elnora Cochran, of Huntsville. She is a stepdaughter of Rev. S. W. Atterbury, who was a prominent Methodist minister and is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Dameron have been bom two children, Manie E. Burkhartt, Hunts- ville, Mo., and James Howard, who is 19 years old and is now a clerk in the Huntsville postoffice. During the World War, he enlisted in the United States Marines, in April, 1918, and served until September, 1919, when he received his honorabl discharge. Mr. Dameron is a Democrat and has taken an active part in political matters. He has attended a number of state and national conventions. He is a member of the Methodist church, south, and has belonged to that church for 43 years. He was steward and Sunday school superin- tendent for many years. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 555 In February, 1901, Mr. Dameron was appointed adjutant general of Missouri by Governor A. M. Dockrey and served for four years. Hayden Louis Rutherford, president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Huntsville, Mo., has been an active factor in the affairs of west- ern Randolph County for over 50 years. He was bom in Randolph County and belongs to one of the very early pioneer families of this county. Mr. Rutherford was born eight miles west of Huntsville, Oct. 28, 1840, and is a son of William T. and Phoebe Jane (Dameron) Rutherford. William T. Rutherford was born in Jessamine County, Ky., Oct. 2, 1813. He was a son of Shelton Rutherford, who came to Randolph County in 1831, and in 1832 returned to Howard County, but the next year came back to Randolph and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in 1839. ^ His wife died in 1835. "Uncle Billy" Rutherford, as Wil- liam T. Rutherford was more familiarly known, first settled where the town of Darksville is now located. He built a log cabin there which was his home until 1843, when he sold his place and removed to Hunts- ville, where he was engaged in handling tobacco and was successful in his business ventures. He bought a farm near Huntsville in 1850. This place consisted of 400 acres and was located in Salt River township. In addition to the tobacco business, he was also interested in coal mines during the latter part of his life. He was an enterprising and progressive business man and has been frequently mentioned as the builder of Huntsville. He was a member of the Christian church. He died May 19, 1903. William J. Rutherford was first married July 19, 1838, to Phoebe Jane Dameron and to this union, ten children were bom of whom the following are living: Mrs. J. D. Hammett, San Diego, Cal. ; Mrs. R. D. Lemley and Hayden Louis, the subject of this sketch. The mother of this family died in 1858 and William T. Rutherford afterwards married Mrs. Rebecca Rutherford, his brother's widow. She died in 1897. Hayden L. Rutherford was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of the early days in Randolph County and was educated in the common schools and Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville, and later, after having graduated from Mt. Pleasant College, he attended Bethany College of West Virginia and during the Civil War, he started to Europe to con- tinue his studies when the ship on which he was crossing the Atlantic started to leak and was compelled to return to port.. This changed Mr. 556 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Rutherford's plans and he returned to Randolph County, where he was married in 1863 and settled on a farm of 320 acres, six miles west of Huntsville, where he made his home in a two-room log cabin. In 1868, he sold this place at a profit of $3,600 and returned to Huntsville, where he engaged in business. In 1871, he became interested in the tobacco business with his father and found that to be a very profitable venture. During the year 1874, he made a profit of $10,005. He then bought a farm of 202 acres for which he paid cash and had just one dollar left. He improved this property and was also engaged in mining and for ten years superintended the operations of three mines. In 1894, he organ- ized the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Huntsville and for four years served as cashier and bookkeeper for that institution, and about that time built a fine residence on College street in Huntsville. He was assisted in the organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank by William Hub- bard. They organized the bank with the capital stock of $10,000 with ten stock holders and this institution has been a success from the start. Mr. Rutherford has been president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank for the past five years. Hayden L. Rutherford was married Jan. 8, 1863, to Miss Viccie R. Humphreys, a native of Randolph County. She was born seven miles south of Huntsville, May 7, 1845, a daughter of Thomas and Mildred Humphreys, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Vir- ginia. They were pioneer settlers in Missouri and came to this state in the 20's. To Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford have been bom five children as follows: Jane Mildred, married Hicks Saye, Tulsa, Okla.'; William T., a farmer of Huntsville and manager for the International Oil Company, married Mary M. Walden, of Howard County, and they have one child, Walden; Lrllie D., married Edward Isaakson, manager for the Under- wood Typewriter Company at Sioux City, Iowa; Laura B., married Neal Payne, Huntsville, and they have one child, Kathleen, the wife of James Limbird, Louisville, Ky. Jane Mildred, above mentioned, first married to E. W. Taylor and one son and a daughter was bom to that union, Rutherford Taylor, who was born in 1887, and when the World War broke out, he enlisted in the United States army and served in the avia- tion department, serving in the Fourth Regiment Motor Machine Corps, Eighth Casual Company, A. E. F., ranking as air service mechanics' sergeant, and Margaret married James Limbard, Louisville, Ky. HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY 557 Hayden L. Rutherford has always taken a commendable interest in local affairs and has always stood ready to do his duty as a citizen. He has served as school director for 12 years and for four years was treas- urer of the school board. He has served as mayor of Huntsville six years. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years and is perhaps the oldest Mason in Randolph County. He is a member of the Christian church and for the past 15 years has been an elder in that congregation. James G. Bulany, a well known and successful business man of Huntsville, where he is engaged in the lumber business and also carries a complete line of builders' supplies, including paints and etc., is a prac- tical lumberman, having been engaged in that business since early man- hood. Pie was born in Monroe County, Mo., Feb. 12, 1867, and is a son of Garland and Caroline (Stevens) Dulany, the former of Howard County, Mo., and the latter of Boone County, Ky. Garland Dulany was bom in 1827 and was a son of Joseph and Sallie (Maupin) Dulany, natives of Virginia. They were among the very early pioneer settlers of Missouri and located in Howard County in 1825. Later they moved to Monroe County, Mo., and from there to Audrian County. In 1877 they came to Randolph County and settled at Mo- berly, where the father was engaged in the lumber business for a num- ber of years. He died in 1904. He was veteran of the Mexican War, having served under Col. A. W. Doniphan. After the Mexican War he made the overland trip to California and returned by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. He was accompanied by his brother, George Dulany, who was stricken with a fever and died on the Isthmus of Panama. During the Civil War, he was true to his well established convictions and was in deep sympathy vnth the cause of the South. He died at Moberly, where he had spent the last seven years of his life in retire- ment. His wife was bom in 1832 and died in 1915. Her father. Colonel William Stevens, served in the Seminole Indian War. He settled in Mon- roe County, Mo., in 1838. James G. Dulany was one of a family of 11 children bom to his parents, 10 of whom were reared to maturity. Mr. Dulany was educated in the public schools and in early life assisted his father in the lumber business at Moberly. In 1895, he engaged in the lumber business at Huntsville, to which he has since devoted himself. He has met with success and has an extensive business and carries a large stock of lum- ber and other supplies. 558 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Dulany was united in marriage, Jan. 20, 1904,- with Mrs. Eliza- beth Conner, a widow, whose maiden name was Buchanan. To her for- mer marriage was born one son, William, who is employed in connection with the lumber business in Huntsville. He was bom June 4, 1891. He served in the World War, having enlisted Feb. 25, 1918. After a period of training at Camp Funston he became a member of Company C, 355th Regiment, 89th Division, and was sent overseas in June, 1918. He par- ticipated in much severe fighting and was gassed on Aug. 8, 1918. After spending two months in a base hospital he was transferred to the statis- tical department and was honorably discharged at Camp Grant, 111., April 10, 1919, having returned to this country on March 24, 1919. Mr. Dulany is a Democrat and attends the Christian church. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a progressive busi- ness man and a representative citizen of Huntsville and Randolph County. Enoch P. Sutliff, now -living retired at Huntsville, is an honored pio- neer of Randolph County and for many years has been identified with the development of this section of the state. He was born in Butler County, Pa., March 18, 1848, and is a son of John and Catherine (Bar- num) Sutlifi". John Sutliff was born in New Jersey and was of English descent. He was a woolen manufacturer and came to Glasgow, Mo., in 1854, mak- ing the trip by boat. At that time a man named Hayes operated a horse power carding machine at Glasgow and John Sutliff worked for him for about a year. He sent back to Pennsylvania and got spindles and manu- factured the first cloth that was ever made north of the Missouri River. Later steam-power was installed and spinning machinery and he manu- factured blankets and jean. Later, Mr. Sutliff went to Silver Creek, where he built a woolen mill and afterwards to Huntsville and operated a woolen mill there until 1882. He was a pioneer woolen manufacturer of north Missouri. He made carpets, blankets, etc., and the product of his loom is frequently to be found today in this section of the country. He broke up in business in 1882 and returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained about five years, later engaging in business again. He died Sept. 2, 1906, at the age of 82 years and three months. His wife, Cathe- rine Barnum was bom in July, 1832, and died Jan. 6, 1904. They were the parents of the following children: Enoch P., the subject of this sketch; William H., a farmer in RandolJDh County; Mrs. Sophia S. Mayo, lives in Silver Creek township; Mrs. Amanda Catherine Hotch, died in Illinois, and Hattie, resides with her brother, William H. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 559 Enoch p. Sutliff attended school in his boyhood days and grew up in the woolen business with his father and also after his father acquired land here, he lived on the home farm and for a time was engaged in the sawmill business. In 1882, he came to Huntsville and operated a sawmill here and conducted a lumber business for 11 years. Later he sold his lumber business to S. G. Richeson. In the meantime, he had bought 126 acres of land adjoining Huntsville, where he engaged in farming and stock raising until 1913. He then sold his farm to his son and lived on the place until 1917, when he bought his present place where he has since resided. Mr. Sutliff was married in 1877 to Malvina Lyle, a native of Tennes- see, bom in 1857. She is a daughter of Jordan Lyle; who came to Ran- dolph County prior to the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Sutliff were born the following children: Van Guy, who is engaged in breeding Spotted Poland China hogs and one of the well-known breeders of this section, being a member of the firm of Sutliff and Jennings; Roy Earl, a cattle feeder and also operator of the elevator at Huntsville; Kate, married Claude Mayo, and resides near Huntsville; Opal, married Fray Mayo, of Huntsville ; Mrs. Lyle Smith, of Huntsville. Mr. Sutliff has five grand- children; John Sutliff, George Mayo, Van Guy Mayo, Sidney Mayo and Van Guy Sutliff. Mr. Sutliff is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church. He has been a prohibitioniist for several years. He has taken a commenda- ble part in public affairs. He has served on the local school board and been a member of the city council, and served as city treasurer of Hunts- ville. He has been an elder in the Christian church for the past 20 years. He is a high minded and patriotic gentleman and stands high in Randolph County. William Leonard Dameron, the well-known cashier of the J. M. Ham- .mett Banking Company at Huntsville, is a native of Randolph County. He was bom Aug. 24, 1878, and was the only child born to Joseph G. and Mary (Dunn) Dameron. The father died in 1890 and Mrs. Dameron afterwards married S. G. Richardson of Huntsville. William L. Dameron was educated in the public schools, including a high school course, and afterwards took a course in the Sedalia Busi- ness College. , He then engaged in the lumber business, after spending about two years in Huntsville and Marceline, where he was interested in the hotel and restaurant business. He conducted the lumber business 560 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY at Clifton Hill until 1909 when he became financially interested in the J. M. Hammett Banking Company and entered the employ of that insti- tution in the capacity of assistant cashier. In 1918, he became cashier and still holds that position. Mr. Dameron also retains his lumber busi- ness at Clifton Hill. On Feb. 18, 1900, William L. Dameron was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Buchanan, of Huntsville. She is a daughter of Perry and Betty Buchanan, who for a number of years lived at Huntsville and both are now deceased. They conducted the Rutherford Hotel here for a time. To Mr. and Mrs. Dameron have been born two children : C. Harold, born June, 1903, and Dorothy, born Aug. 7, 1909. Mr. Dameron is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church; he is a member of the Masonic Lodge, holding membership in the Chap- ter at Moberly and the Council at Centralia. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Hoo Hoos. Mr. Dameron is progressive and public spirited and a substantial business man who stands high in the business and banking world. Frank T. Hubbard is one of the extensive land holders and a suc- cessful stock raiser and farmer of Randolph County, who owns over 200 acres of productive and valuable land in Prairie township, where he specializes in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. Mr. Hubbard was born in Macon County, Mo., Feb. 7, 1865, the son of John and Lucinda (Gooding) Hubbard. John Hubbard was born near Mt. Airy, Mo., Jan. 29, 1834, and died in 1913. He was reared and educated here and when old enough became a farmer and stockman, but did not confine all his energies to agricultural pursuits as he became interested in mining and was one of the prosperous business men of Randolph and adjoining counties. His parents were Joel and Sallie (Alexander) Hubbard, natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1830, and were pioneer settlers of this county^ as they took up land in Prairie township when the country was sparsely settled. Joel Hubbard lived to be 89 years old and his wife past' 30. They had seven children of whom John was the third. He was a Demo- crat and though not a church member believed in the Methodist doctrine. Lucinda Gooding Hubbard, mother of Frank T. Hubbard, was bom in Randolph County in 1836 and died in 1888. She was the daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Dameron) Gooding, natives of Kentucky, who located north of Huntsville at an early day. Abraham Gooding sur- JOHN W. HUBBARD HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 561 veyed nearly all the land in that locality, and was located farther north than any other settler in Missouri up to that time. He served in the Mexican War and was a captain. He was also a soldier in the War of 1812. John and Lucinda (Gooding) Hubbard were the parents of the following children: Edgar, of Denver, Colo.; Nannie, the wife of John Hardin, of Prairie township; James, of Grant City, 111.; Belle, the wife of John Evans, of Armstrong, Mo.; Frank, of this review; Lacy, of South Dakota, and Ethel, the wife of H. D. Wilcox, of California, the rest are dead. Frank Hubbard was reared in Macon County until he was two years old, when the family moved to Randolph County and he remained at home on the farm with his parents. He attended the district school where he laid the foundation for a good practical education. Mr. Hub- bard began farming, first with his father, and then independently, and today owns the farm that has been in the Hubbard family for more than 85 years; he holds the original land patent from the government. For many years Mr. Hubbard has been a breeder of stock and for the past two years has handled nothing but pure blooded animals. He is one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of his locality. Jan. 11, 1888, Mr. Hubbard was married to Miss Anna Davenport, a native of Boone County, Mo., the daughter of Silas and Martha (Pur- cell) Davenport, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. Both are now deceased. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hub- bard: Nettie, the wife of James Hardin, cashier of the Renick Bank, and they have two boys, James, Jr., and Charles. The Hubbard family is one of the old and prominent ones which have taken an active part in the development and opening up of this section of Missouri and Mr. Hubbard is a man who advocates all progressive movements. William Holman, Civil War veteran, early day plainsman and for many years a successful contractor and builder, is now living retired at his home in Huntsville. He is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of very early pioneers of this section of Missouri. Mr. Hol- man was bom on a farm, three miles northeast of Roanoke, in Silver Creek township, March 31, 1839. He is a son of John and Eliza (Mur- phy) Holman. John Holman was bom in Kentucky in 1807 and died in October, 1847. He was the son of William Holman, a native of Kentucky, who was one of the first settlers in Howard County, Mo., locating near New 562 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Franklin in 1818. He came to Randolph County shortly afterwards and operated a horse power gristmill. Eliza Murphy, mother of William Holman, was also a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Neal Murphy, who was a Randolph County pioneer. John and Eliza (Mui-phy) Hol- man were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Margaret M. Smothers, deceased; Mrs. Jeanette Payne, deceased; William, the sub- ject of this sketch; Neal lives at Huntsville, Mo., and Mrs. Hannah Sears, deceased. William Holman attended the pioneer schools in Silver Creek town- ship. The first school which he attended was held in a log house which was built by his father and conducted on the old time subscription basis. Later he attended school in Huntsville, from 1847 to 1849. Here Tom Reed taught the higher branches. In 1847 the Holman family moved from the farm near Roanoke to Huntsville and a few years later returned to the farm, but later came back to Huntsville. In 1859, William Holman joined a train, which consisted of 44 wagons with ox team, bound for Pikes Peak for the purpose of mining gold and silver. Three young men from the vicinity of Huntsville accompanied him. After getting out on the plains a good distance, the other boys became discouraged on account of discouraging reports from so many who were returning. About the time they reached the Arkansas River, the other boys decided to return, but Mr. Holman said, "I am going on if I can get anyone to go with me," and about that time another train came up which was composed of some parties that he knew, and he exchanged places with a tourist and continued his trip across the plains. After reaching the mountains, he worked with an Australian miner for a time and on account of exposure, in the mountains, he was taken sick. He then returned to the valley with a view of getting someone to accom- pany him to California. There he met some old schoolmates from Mis- souri and in the party was Rev. Louis Sears. They failed to make up a sufficient company to cross the mountains as there were hostile Indians along the trail and a number had taken to the warpath. The party then volunteered to fight Indians, but the soldiers arrived about that time and were able to master the situation. Mr. Holman and his companions then bought a barrel of whiskey and started a saloon, using a wagon bed for a bar and counter. They also had a restaurant and the preacher made the pies. Shortly afterwards they traded their stock for some cattle and started east. At Denver they met an Ohio man who joined them and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 563 they made the trip across the plains and finally reached home. Mr. Holman then attended school for a time and in 1860 farmed his mother's place. When the Civil War broke out, and Governor Jackson called for troops, Mr. Holman responded and went to Boonville under Captain Lowry. However his command never got south of the river, and shortly after reaching there disbanded and came home. Later Captain Perkins organized a company with Arthur Terrill as first lieutenant and Mr. Holman joined that organization. After camping at Renick, they went south and crossed the river at Lisbon and met General Price on his way north and took part in the battle of Drywood and after driving the Federals out, went on scouting duty and was at Lexington. He was then sent on a detail to bring horses to the north of the river and after joining an organization made up of men from Silver Creek township, about 20 of them were captured at Roanoke and taken to St. Louis. Later he joined the Confederate army and took part in a number of engage- ments in Missouri and Arkansas, including Pea Ridge and a number of engagements in Mississippi. He was discharged at Camp Mitchell, but on his way home reinlisted in southern Missouri. Later while on his way to Huntsville, he was captured and charged with being a spy. How- ever, he was later released by giving $2,000 bond and after working one winter in the drug store in Huntsville, he went to California in the spring of '63 and remained there until '65 when he returned to Huntsville. After the war, Mr. Holman engaged in contracting and building, becoming a member of the firm of Holman Brothers and Hefflin. They manufactured brick and had the contracts for the erection of many im- portant buildings. They did building in Armstrong, New Franklin, Salis- bury, and also a number of other places. Their last contract was one of street paving in Huntsville. In addition to the other business activi- ties, Mr. Holman has been an extensive land owner in Randolph County. However, in recent years he has disposed of most of his land, although he still owns a valuable tract of 45 acres near Huntsville. Mr. Holman was married Aug, 8, 1867, to Miss Eliza L. Craven, who was bom Aug. 10, 1851, in Huntsville. She was a daughter of Owen Craven, a pioneer settler of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Holman were bom the following children: Jennie N., bom Aug. 28, 1868, married J. L. Ritzenthaler, publisher of the Press-Spectator of Salisbury, Mo.; Car- rie Lee, bom Feb. 10, 1870, married L. E. Freeman, Great Falls, Mont.'; 564 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Eva M., born Dec. 19, 1871, married J. H. Stone, Huntsville, Mo.; Wil- liam Waldo, born Nov. 10, 1873 ; Huntsville, Mo. ; Paul Craven, born April 15 1877, and died April 25, 1879; John J., born Feb. 10, 1879, and died March 5, 1880; Orvilje, born March 24, 1881, and resides at Huntsville; Nellie, born Feb. 10, 1885, married J. C. Liay; Lillian J., born Dec. 27, 1884, the widow of J. S. Rice, who died July 18, 1913, is the city librarian of Huntsville, and Churchill C, born Oct. 16, 1887, and resides at Hunts- ville, Mo. The mother of these children died in 1887. Mr. Holman is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church and has been a deacon for many years and served one year as elder. He is one of the substantial and hig'hly respected citizens of Randolph County and is a worthy representative of that type of pioneer who are rapidly disappearing. Evan Haines, a progressive merchant of Huntsville, who conducts the leading grocery store of that city, has been identified with the affairs of Randolph County for many years. He was born in Chariton town- ship, Randolph County, near Thomas Hill, May 14, 1867, and is the son of Gideon and Martha M. (Turner) Haines. Gideon Haines was born in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1828, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Wright) Haines, both natives of Ken- tucky. Elizabeth Wright Haines was a daughter of Gideon Wright, who was a very early pioneer of Randolph County. He gave 121/4 acres for the original townsite of Huntsville, having been one of four who con- tributed 50 acres for the townsite. Martha M. Turner was the daughter of Judge Joseph Turner, who at one time served as presiding judge of Randolph County. He was a native of Tennessee and a pioneer settler of Randolph County. Gideon Haines died in 1897 and his wife, who was bom in 1836, died April 5, 1902. To Gideon Haines and vdfe were born the following children: Mrs. Mary Jane Carter, Kansas City, Mo.; Jonathan, lives near Thomas Hill in Chariton township; Nathan, died in 1897; David, deceased; Joseph M., lives in Howard County; Evan, the subject of this sketch; Blueford S., died at the age of 12 years; Mrs. Betty Skinner, deceased; Katie L., married Harvey Terry and is deceased; Mrs. Margaret Terry, lives near Darksville. Evan Haines was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district school. He remained on the home farm until 1901, when he came to Huntsville and entered the employ of Murphy and Green, general HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 565 merchants, as clerk. He was then appointed county treasurer to fill an unexpired term and after serving out that term was appointed receiver for the Murphy and Green Company. After the affairs of that concern were closed up, he became a member of the firm of Scott and Haines and they were engaged in the mercantile business for seven years. He then returned to his farm and was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1915, when he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in Huntsville, where he has since continued. He carries a com- plete line of groceries and conducts his business along modern and pro- gressive lines and is one of the live merchants of Randolph County. He served as deputy sheriff during the years of 1913-14, under Sheriff Sam Magruder. Mr. Haines was united in marriage in 1885 to Miss Minnie M. Car- ter. She was a daughter of Jasper W. and Mary Sophia (Kintzer) Car- ter, and was born and reared on a farm adjoining that of Mr. Haines. To Mr. and Mrs. Haines were born the following children: Mrs. Lillie M. Johnson, who lives near Fayette, Mo.; Clarence B., farmer in Chari- ton township, Randolph County; Sophia M., resides at home; Betty Cath- erine, died in March, 1901; Joseph W., married Gertrude Lamb, Hunts- ville, Mo.; and Minnie Margaret, at home. Mrs. Haines died Aug. 2, 1908. Mr. Haines is a Democrat and a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian church, he is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and the Modern Woodmen of America. George H. Jackson, county clerk of Randolph County, is a native of this county and has been identified with its agricultural and commercial interests all his life. He was born in Chariton township, Nov. 7, 1876, and is a son of Henry and Nanny (Bradley) Jackson. Henry Jackson, the father, was born in Virginia in 1839, and came to Randolph County with his parents when he was a child. He died in 1889. Nanny (Bradley) Jackson was bom in Randolph County in 1843. She was a daughter of Samuel Bradley of Kentucky, who was a very early pioneer of Randolph County. He died here in 1910 at the advanced age of 94 years, and at the time of his death, had numerous descendants of this county, includ- ing great, great grandchildren. Mrs. Jackson died in 1915. To Henry and Nanny (Bradley) Jackson were born the following children : Mrs. Minnie Malone, Kirkville, Mo. ; Mrs. Carrie Perkins, Hunts- ville; Mrs. Julia Fullington, deceased; Mrs. Bonnie Perkins, Huntsville; 566 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mrs. Freddie Fricklin, lives near Huntsville; Mrs. Kate Fickland, Ros- well, New Mexico; Mrs. Edna McDonald, Huntsville; Thomas, died at the age of 17 years; George H., the subject of this sketch; Courtney, Hunts- ville; I. B., a merchant, Huntsville. George H. Jackson was educated in the public schools of Huntsville and afterwards took a business course at Kirksville. In 1884 the Jack- son family moved to Huntsville. Mr. Jackson clerked for L. S. Harlan of Clifton for two years and then engaged in the general mercantile busi- ness at Thomas Hill. He was in business there about eight and one-half years and in 1918, when he was elected county clerk, he disposed of his business there and removed to Huntsville to assume the duties of his office where he has since resided. Mr. Jackson owns a valuable farm of 190 acres six miles northwest of Huntsville. He personally oversees the operation of his farm which is devoted to general farming and stock raising and he gives special attention to raising hogs. Mr. Jackson was married in March, 1899, to Miss Nanny B. Fick- lin, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of J. R. and Belle (McCully) Fickhn, of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born the following" children: James Henry a student in the Mis- souri University at Columbia ; Ernest Lowell, a student in the Hunt- ville High School, and George I., attending the Huntsville grade school. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Baptist church and holds member- ship in the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest in political affairs and the success of party. David Samuel Benton, now living retired at Huntsville, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of a distinguished colonial family. Mr. Benton was born in Piatt City, Mo., Sept. 2, 1842, and is a son of Del- ford and Susan (Musick) Benton. The Musick family is conspicuous in the early history and develop- ment of the west and in particular in the early history of Missouri, long before Missouri was a state and even before this territory was acquired by the United States by the Louisiana Purchase. Col. David Musick, father of Susan (Musick) Benton, was born in Albemarle County, Va., in 1763. His father emigrated to South Carolina in 1775 and the same year moved to Rutherford, N. C. At that time the Cherokee Indians were on the warpath in that section and the settlers were compelled to live in forts. Colonel Musick's father was about 16 years old then. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 567 t Later at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, he enlisted in the American army and served until the close of the war. Col. David Musick served in the Revolutionary War and after the war served in the Amer- ican army against hostile Cherokee Indians. In 1794 he went to the Northwest territory — that part of it which is now the state of Illinois — ■ and was in a campaign against hostile Indians there. In 1795, he was married to Prudence Whiteside and came to what is now the state of Missouri and settled in what is St. Louis County, two miles south of Florissant. He was commissioned colonel of militia for that district and raised a troop of horsemen. He was called into service with his troops in 1796, and held that commission until 1812. In 1812, when the second war broke out between the United States and England, he organized a company of rangers, was elected captain and served two years or until the close of the war of 1812-14. He then settled down to civil life and was prominent in the early day affairs of St. Louis County. He repre- sented that county in the General Assembly of Missouri three terms and sei-ved as an elector for the state of Missouri at one time. Susan (Musick) Benton was born in 1803 in St. Louis County, Mo., and died in 1891, at the age of 88 years, four months and ten days. Delford Benton, father of Davis S. Benton, was born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1893, and died in 1876. He was a son of Samuel Benton of Massachusetts and a member of an old colonial family. Delford Ben- ton was educated for the medical profession and dentistry and after com- pleting his medical studies in St. Louis, he engaged in the practice at Piatt City, Mo., and his practice extended over a large scope of territory in western Missouri. He practiced for a time at St. Joseph and in 1850 he was practicing in St. Louis County and in that year he went to Cali- fornia and shortly afterwards returned and located at Florissant, where he was engaged in the general mercantile business until the Civil War broke out. He then took his stock of goods and was accompanied by two of his sons, one of whom was David S., of this review, and went to Idaho. After disposing of his goods at Salt Lake City and clearing $10,000 by the transaction he returned to Missouri and spent the remainder of his life here. When the father returned to Missouri from Salt Lake City, David S. and his brother, Thomas H. Benton, went to Virginia City and Helena, Mont., 'where they remained until the close of the war, when they returned to St. Louis County, Mo. Here David S. Benton was engaged in farming until 1880, when he came to Huntsville and engaged in the 568 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY general mercantile business in partnership with Edward C. Pew and continued business here until 1885, when he returned to St. Louis. After remaining in that vicinity for ten years he again came to Randolph County in 1895 and purchased a farm of 328 acres near Randolph Springs. This was known as the old Fort farm. He operated this farm until 1912 when he sold it and removed to Huntsville, where he has since resided. David S. Benton was married in 1878 to Mary Tyler, a daughter of Washington Tyler, of St. Louis County, Mo. She was born in that county, April 2, 1842, and died in 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Benton were born the following children: Jesse, a farmer west of Huntsville; Edgar, died in infancy; Bessie, who was educated in William Woods College, Fulton, Mo., the Teachers State College at Warrensburg and the Sedalia Busi- ness College and taught school for some years, is now a stenographer; Leslie L., Huntsville, Mo. Mr. Benton is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. Edmund Burke, a capable and well known attorney of the younger generation of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County. He was born at Higbee, Jan. 16, 1895, and is a son of William and Mary (Pigott) Burke, the former a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the latter of New Jersey. William Burke came to America from liis native land when he was about 20 years of age. He first settled at Chicago and then came to Missouri, locating at Salisbury, where he resided for 15 years. He then went to Higbee, which was his home for 30 years, or until the time of his death, Jan. 1, 1914, at the age of 70 years. During his career he was quite extensively engaged in dealing in real estate. His widow, who now resides, at Higbee, was born in New Jersey, Dec 16, 1853. William and Mary (Piggot) Burke were the parents of the follow- ing children: Alice, married F. C. Bardot,. St. Louis; W. D., Higbee; James, E., Kansas City, Mo.; Susie E., married R. R. Correll, Moberly; Catherine died at the age of 25 years; Margaret, married John Wilson, Higbee, Mo.; Nellie, married Otho Robb, Higbee, Mo.; Edmund, the sub- ject of this sketch; and Amy, married G. H. Riley, Kansas City, Mo. Edmund Burke received his education in the public schools of Hig- bee and the Missouri State University and State Normal School at Kirks- ville. Mo. He then entered the law department of the St. Louis Uni- versity and was graduated in the class of 1916 and was admitted to the bar. In October, 1916, he began to practice his profession with EDMUND BURKE HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 569 offices in the Jennings Building. Mr. Burke continued in the practice until th^ United States entered in the World War, and on Dec. 15, 1917, he enlisted in the United States navy and was sent to San Francisco, Calif.; and was stationed at Yerba Beuna, commonly known as Goat Island. Here he remained about one year and after the armistice was signed, Mr. Burke was discharged, Dec. 18, 1918, and returned to Mo- berly and resumed the practice of his profession in the Jennings Building. Mr. Burke is an able conscientious young attorney and is meet- ing with well merited success. He was elected city attorney in April, 1919, and is now serving in that capacity. He is a member of the American Legion and was the first adjunct of Theodore Bazan Post. Norman C. Johnston, a prominent Ran^dolph County attorney, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Huntsville, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the representative pioneer families of this section of the state. Mr. Johnston was born in Clifton township, Feb. 27, 1887, and is a son of Heber C. and Susan (Dameron) Johnston. Heber C. Johnston was bom in this county in 1858 and is a son of William Henry Johnston, who was a very early settler of Randolph County and was killed at Vicksburg, Miss., in 1864, while serving in the Confederate army. Heber Johnston was for many years successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in this county and is now living retired at Huntsville. His wife, Susan (Dameron) Johnston, was born in Randolph County in 1862. She is a daughter of George W. Dameron and a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. A more extensive history of the Dameron family appears elsewhere in this volume. To Heber C. and Susan (Dameron) Johnston were born the follow- ing children: Mrs. Beulah Patton, resides on a farm about three miles from Huntsville; Mrs. Cassie Newby, Salisbury, Mo.; George, Fayette, Mo. ; Norman C, the subject of this sketch ; Lyda, married Given Victor, Moberly, Mo.; Rufus, lives on the old home farm and Elba, died in 1915. Norman C. Johnston received his preliminary education in the public schools of Randolph County and then entered William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., where he was graduated ,vdth the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1908. He then took up the study of law and while pursuing his law studies he worked on a farm in order to defray his expenses. After he was admitted to the bar, he engaged in practice at 570 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Huntsville, June 27, 1912, and since that time he has devoted himself to the practice of law. He is one of the able lawyers of the county and has built up a satisfactory practice and has met with uniform success. Mr. Johnston was married in 1908 to Miss Nellie Williams of Fulton, Mo. She is a daughter of Fred B. Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been bom one child, Donald, age nine years. Mr. Johnston is a Democrat and a progressive and enterprising citi- zen as well as an able lawyer. Judge Percy L. Vasse, who is now serving his second term as pro- bate judge of Randolph County, is also one of the leading merchants of Huntsville. He is president of the Just Right Mercantile Company. The Just Right Mercantile Company was organized by Mr. Vasse in 1914 and is one of the large mercantile establishments of Huntsville and Randolph County. They handle a complete line of dry goods, shoes and kindred merchandise and the business occupies two large store rooms at 101-103 South Main street, Huntsville. Percy L. Vasse was born on a farm near Thomas Hill and is a son of Dr. William Wood and Mary M. (Dowry) Vasse. Dr. William Wood Vasse was a native of Virginia and a son of Ambrose Vasse, who came to Randolph County at an early day and died here at the age of 55 years. Dr. William Wood Vasse was a physician and was successfully en- gaged in the pi'actice of medicine in Randolph County duiing his entire active career. In later life he moved to Moberly, where he died in 1897. He was born in 1842. Mary M. (Lowry) Vasse was bom in Howard County in 1846 and now resides at Las Vagas, N. M. Her father, Thomas Lowry, was an early pioneer settler of this section of Missouri. Judge Percy L. Vasse was educated in the district schools and at the age of 18 years came to Huntsville, Mo., and for eight years was in the employ of George W. Taylor Company and then engaged in business for himself and in 1914 organized the Just Right Mercantile Company and has built up an extensive retail trade in Huntsville and vicinity which is recognized as one of the prosperous and progressive mercantile in- stitutions of Randolph County. Judge Vasse was elected to the office of probate judge of Randolph County in 1914 and in November, 1918, was re-elected to succeed himself and is now serving in that capacity. He is a capable and conscientious public officer and his administration of the affairs of the office of probate judge has met with universal approval of the citizens of this county. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 571 Judge Vasse was united in marriage Nov. 23, 1892, with Miss Stella Price DeYoung of Madison, Monroe County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Vasse have been born two children: Edwin DeYoung, a law student in the University of Missouri, and William Wood, a student in the medical de- partment of the University of Missouri. In addition to his business enterprise and other interests. Judge Vasse is a large land owner in Randolph County and is the owner of four farms of 230 acres, 179 acres, 145 acres and 50 acres each. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church and holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a progressive enterprising and public spirited citizen and a man of real worth to his community and Randolph County. Joseph A. Doyle, now living retired at Huntsville, Mo., is a veteran railroad man and for many years was identified with the Wabash Rail- road Company and for a long time was the agent of that company at Huntsville. He was born in Allegheny County, N. Y., April 4, 1847, and is a son of Joseph and Phoebe (Penfield) Doyle, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut. In 1867 the Doyle family removed to Wisconsin and settled at Doylestown in Columbia County. The town was named after Limuel H. Doyle, a brother of Joseph A. Joseph A. Doyle went to Wisconsin some time after the other mem- bers of the family had located there. He remained but a short time, however, when he went to Pennsylvania, where he worked as a tele- grapher. He worked for a short time in that state when he was trans- ferred to Ohio and worked as a telegraph operator at Akron and Kent. Shortly afterwards he went to Wisconsin again on account of his health and shortly afterwards entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. He was stationed at various towns on that road in- cluding Milwaukee, Watertown and Prairie Du Chien, Wis., and Charles City, la., and Owatonna, Minn. In the fall of 1869 he left Minnesota and went west and stopped at Kit Carson, Colo., on what is now the Union Pacific railroad and for a time was at Denver, remaining in Colorado about a year altogether. He was not favorably impressed with that country and resigned his position and started to return to Milwaukee. At Kansas City, he met Nathan Kimbell, an old Ohio friend, who was then a freight conductor on the Wabash railroad, running between Moberly and Kansas City. -Kimbell insisted that Doyle go to Moberly -with him and after they reached there, Mr. Kimbell wanted Doyle to see the superintendent 572 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of the telegraph department, but Doyle refused, as he wanted to return to Milwaukee, and explained to Kimbell that even if he did want a posi- tion he had no letters of recommendation. However, Kimbell insisted that Mr. Doyle call on D. H. Fitch, the superintendent of telegraphy, which he did. And after explaining how he came to be in Moberly, Fitch gave him a trial on an instrument between two dispatchers and he handled the work until noon. In the afternoon Fitch came to him and said, "As I am short of a manager, I will appoint you manager of this office." At that time the western division was all under one management. Mr. Doyle worked one month as manager and later served as agent at St. Charles, Moberly and Richmond for eight years. He was then appointed train master and dispatcher of the St. Joseph and Lexington branch with offices at Lexington Junction. Upon a change of the officials on the road, he was appointed agent at Huntsville in April, 1885, and with the excep- tion of two years, he served in that capacity until Nov. 29, 1917, when he resigned. Mr. Doyle was married April 7, 1873, to Miss Anna Jane Callahan, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Bower) Callahan. Her parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where the father was engaged in farming and stock raising and he and his wife both died there. After the death of her mother, Anna Jane Callahan went to Wisconsin to join her brother, W. S. Callahan, who was a railroad conductor in that state, and here she met Mr. Doyle. To Mr. and Mrs. Doyle have been born seven children, three of whom are living: Mrs. Josie DeMaster, of Kansas City, Mo.; Herbert, Oakland, Cal., and Stanley, Tucson, Ariz. Mr. Doyle has one grandson. Jack De .Master. Mr. Doyle is an independent Republican and a member of the Bap- tist church. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Knights of Macca- bees and the Court of Honor. He has been an extensive traveler, and perhaps has made as many as 20 trips across the Rocky Mountains. Dur- ing the course of his career as a railroad man, he has held many posi- tions of responsibility. He is the oldest employee of the Wabash rail- road and is the first station agent to be retired on a pension. Charles D. Sandison, a Spanish-American War veteran and a lead- ing jeweler and optician of Hiftitsville, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Huntsville, Feb. 7, 1872, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Burton) Sandison, a more extensive sketch of whom appears in this volume. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 573 Charles D. Sandison was reared in Huntsville and educated in the public schools. In 1893, he began serving an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade, working at Kirksville, Mo., and for a time was located at Armstrong, Mo. In 1895, he located in Huntsville, and was there engaged at his trade until the Spanish-American War broke out, when on May 16, 1898, he enlisted in the United States army for a term of three years. He was sent to Camp Mackenzie, near Augusta, Ga., and was a corporal in Troop M, 3rd Regiment, United States Cavalry, and after the close of the Spanish-American War he was discharged on Feb. 21, 1899. After the Spanish-American War he returned to Huntsville and re- established himself in the jewelry business and since that time has been engaged in that business in Huntsville. He carries a complete line of clocks, watches and optical goods and supplies and also has an extensive repair trade. He is a natural mechanic and his long experience as a watchmaker and jeweler well qualifies him for the intricate and delicate task of repairing and adjusting all manner of makes of timepieces as well as kindred work in his line. He has given special attention to fitting and supplying glasses during all these years and is an expert in that line. When he began the jeweler business or about that time, he took a special course in optometry at the Bradley Polytechnic Institute at Peoria, 111., where he was graduated in 1894. Mr. Sandison was married Dec. 26, 1906, to Miss Elizabeth Coulson, a native of Stanhope, Eng. She is a daughter of Matthew and Mary Coulson, who settled at Huntsville in 1881. Here the father was en- gaged in mining and later served as city collector of Huntsville. He was born May 10, 1846, and died Dec. 21, 1916. His widow now resides at Huntsville with her daughter, Mrs. Sandison, and is 72 years old. Mr. Sandison is a member of the Spanish-American War V^eterans, Hamilton Fish, Jr., Camp No. 1, Department of Missouri, at St. Louis, Mo. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Mo- berly Hunting and Fishing Club. He organized the first company of boy scouts in Huntsville and was the first scoutmaster there. He is a pro- gressive and enterprising business man. William M. Evans, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Huntsville, Mo., has been identified with the banking interests of Ran- dolph County for the past 17 years and is well known in financial circles of central Missouri. During his entire banking career of 17 years he has been cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Huntsville. 574 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The Farmers and Merchants Bank is one of the substantial and well managed financial institutions of Randolph County. It was organized in 1900. by H. L. Rutherford and W. H. Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard was the first cashier and John N. Hamilton, the first president. Mr. Hamilton served as president about ten months when he was succeeded by J. H. Evans and about that time J. H. Evans and C. H. Dameron bought a controlling interest in the bank. In 1903, William M. Evans became cashier and has held that position to the present time. The Farmers and Merchants Bank is organized with a paid in capi- tal stock of $15,000; a surplus of $5,000; undivided profits of $8,000, and its total resources are $220,000. The present officers are: H. L. Rutherford, president; C. C. Johnson, vice-president; WilHam M. Evans, cashier; W. 0. Doyle, and M. D. Evans, assistant cashiers. The board of directors consists of H. L. Rutherford, C. C. Johnson, William M. Evans, Neal Holman, W. A. Brooking, Thomas Kerr and W. 0. Doyle. William M. Evans, whose name introduces this sketch, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Howard County, Oct. 18, 1861, and is a son of James H. and Margaret (Shores) Evans. James H. Evans was born in Callaway County, Mo., in 1830, and died March 11, 1914. His father was a pioneer of Boone County, Mo., and died in 1840. James H. Evans taught school in early life and later was engaged in stock dealing and shipping and he also operated a tobacco factory at Mt. Airy in the early days. He settled in Randolph County in 1867. Margaret (Shores) Evans, mother of William M. Evans, was born in Howard County in 1882 and now lives in Huntsville. She is a daughter of Rev. William Shores, a pioneer Methodist preacher of this section. William M. Evans was educated in the public schools of Mt. Airy and Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville and begar^ his career as a teacher and also followed farming. He took a commercial course in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial College. In 1898, he came to Huntsville and en- gaged in the grocery and meat business. In 1903, he became cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and has since ably filled that position. Mr. Evans was married April 10, 1898, to Miss Lutie Dameron. a native of Randolph County and a daughter of George W. Dameron. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans have been born five children: Lela, bookkeeper in the Farmers and Merchants Bank ; Louila, a teacher in the pubhc schools ; Jennie, principal of the public schools at Clark, Mo.; Melville, assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, and Edith, a former teacher, now residing at home with her parents. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 575 Mr. Evans is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a substantial citizen and has an extensive acquaintance over Ran- dolph County and the Evans family stands high in the community. Callie Halliburton, county recorder of deeds of Randolph County, is a native of this county and a descendant of a pioneer family of this sec- tion of this state. He is a son of Thomas W. and Martha E. (Rogers) Halliburton. Thomas W. -Halliburton w'as born at Nashville, Tenn., in 1827, and died June 9, 1894, near Cairo, Mo. He was a son of Reuben Halliburton, vi'ho was an early settler in Sullivan County, Mo., and located near Milan and there spent the remainder of his life. Martha E. Rogers was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1832. She was a daughter of Calvin Rogers, a native of Tennessee, who spent his last days in Arkansas. Martha E. Rodgers died Feb. 7, 1907, near Cairo, Mo. Thomas W. Halliburton was married to Martha E. Rodgers in Ten- nessee and came to Missouri in 1854. He engaged in farming and stock raising near Cairo, Randolph County, and became a successful citizen of that section and spent the remainder of his life there. He was an up- right citizen and was a member of the Baptist church and both he and his wife were ardent workers in the church. They were the parents of the following children: J. A., deceased; E. R., a farmer near Cairo; George D., also a farmer near Cairo ; Ophelia, married G. W. Creed, Jack- sonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Cynthia Ridgeway, a widow of Cairo ; Dr. James M., a physician and surgeon of Atlanta, Mo. ; Samuel M., a farmer near Cairo; Sallie G., married H. G. Brock of Holiday Mo.; William E., de- ceased, and Callie, the subject of this sketch. Callie Halliburton attended the district school of his neighborhood and later entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo., where he took a two years' course. He taught school for ten years in Randolph County and between terms was engaged in farming, and now owns a farm of 42 acres near Moberly. He was employed by the Wabash Rail- road Company for ten years. In 1914, Mr. Halliburton was county re- corder of Randolph County and assumed the duties of that ofRce in Janu- ary, 1915. At the expiration of his term of oifice he was re-elected with- out opposition and is faithfully and efficiently discharging the duties of his office. Mr. Halhburton was married August, 1900, to Miss Salhe B. Mag- gard, of Jacksonville, Mo. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mollie Mag- gard, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Halliburton 576 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY have been born five children, as follows: Hertha H., a graduate of the Huntsville High School; Hester R., a junior in the Huntsville High School; Emily, Harlan and Herbert, students in the Huntsville grade school. Mr. Halliburton is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the progressive men of Randolph County and a substantial citizen. Dudley T. Bradley, a prosperous farmer and stockman who is also operating a coal mine on his farm, three and one-half miles southwest of Moberly in Sugar Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and belongs to one of the very early pioneer families of this section. He was born about four miles south of Huntsville, March 25, 1846, and is a son of of William and Sarah Bradley. William Bradley and his wife were among the early settlers of Silver Creek township and resided there until the discovery of gold in California when he joined the great host of gold seekers and went to California where he died in 1850 and his wife de- parted this life in 1852. Dudley T. Bradley is the only surviving member of the children born to his parents. A brother, Benjamin Franklin, died at Grant Pass, Ore., which had been his home since 12 years old, in 1911. Dudley T. Bradley was reared in Randolph County and educated in the early day schools of this section. Randolph County has been his home all of his life, with the exception of two years which he spent in Nebraska. He has followed farming and stock raising since early man- hood and has been successful in his undertakings. In 1879, he bought 100 acres of land which is a part of his present farm. He now owns 420 acres, located in Sugar Creek, Prairie and Salt Springs townships. He .has a well improved and valuable farm which is well adapted to both gen- eral farming and stockraising. Dudley T. Bradley was united in marriage Feb. 13, 1873 with Miss Martha T. Jennings, a native of Johnson County, Mo., and a daughter of William T. and Elizabeth J. Jennings, the former a native of Howard County, Mo., and the latter of Johnson County. The Jennings family lived in Johnson County until 1870 when they came to Randolph County and settled in Prairie township. Later they removed to Cedar County, Mo., where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1911 and the mother in 1894. Their remains are buried at Warrensburg, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Martha T., wife of Dudley T. Bradley of this sketch; John E., lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Hester MR. AND MRS. DUDLEY T. BRADLEY -'.. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 577 Hagger, Huntsville, Mo. ; Richard, lives in Okla. ; W. P., Coff eyville, Kans. ; Elmer T., Honeywell, Kans.; Frank, Carthage, Mo.; Charles 0., Pilot Rock, Wash. ; Edward, Wheatland, Wyo. ; Elizabeth Smith, Sulphur, Okla. ; and Onie, Moberly, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudley T. Bradley have been born the following children: Sarah Elizabeth, deceased; Mrs. Emma Leslie, deceased; Wil- liam, died in infancy; Mrs. W. D. Marshall, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. M. C. Garber of Enid, Okla.; (the town of Garber, Okla., where the Garber family have extensive oil land holdings was named for M. C. Garber's father) ; Mrs. 0. D. Hartley, Billings, Mont. ; Mrs. Bert Shearer, Moberly, Mo.; Odessa J. Burton, Huntsville, Mo.; D. L., married Hattie Randolph of Moberly, is engaged in operating on the home place ; Frank T., further mention of whom is made in this sketch ; Robert Claude, further mention of whom also is made here; Aubrey Martin, resides at home; Gussie M., died at the age of four years. Frank T. Bradley enlisted in the United States army after the United States entered the World War and became a member of Battery F., 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division. He went overseas with his command, arriving in France May 6, 1918 and participated in the battles of Argonne, St. Mihiel, Verdun sector, Vosges Mountains and the Meuse. He was injured while moving heavy guns and was confined in a hospital at Vittel, France from November, 1918 until March, 1919. He returned to the United States and was discharged April 29, 1919. He was married March 11, 1918 to Miss LaVonne Smelzer, of Kansas City, Mo. Robert Claude Bradley also served in the National Army during the World War, entering the service Sept. 21, 1917. He received his train- ing at Camp Funston and went overseas with the 89th division and was a member of Company L, 356th Infantry. He went to France in June 3, 1918 and was returned to the United States in May 27, 1919. He served as mess sergeant and was with his division during its military operations in France and later as part of the army of occupation in Germany. He is now a student in the Teachers State College at Waremsburg, Mo. Dudley T. Bradley is a member of the Masonic Lodge, as are also his sons, D. L., Aubrey and Robert Claude. The Bradley family stands high in the community and its members are representative of the best citizenship of Randolph County. 578 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Samuel E. Phipps, a member of the Edwards and Phipps Lumber Company, of Huntsville, is one of the progressive business men of Hunts- ville and Randolph County and the Edwards and Phipps Lumber Company is one of the important industrial institutions of Huntsville. They carry a very complete line of lumber and building material and this firm is known over a broad scope of country for its reliability. Samuel E. Phipps was bom at Kirksville, Mo., Oct. 17, 1861 and is the son of Silas G. and Amanda (Drennan) Phipps. Silas G. Phipps was born in Randolph County in 1835. He was the son of Silas and Virginia (Burke) Phipps, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Randolph County, coming here in the twenties. In early life he removed from Randolph County to the vicinity of Kirksville but returned to Randolph County in 1868. Silas G. Phipps served in the Confederate army throughout the Civil War in General Piice's division. After returning to Randolph County he settled on a farm near Darksville, Mo., and later moved to a place west of Huntsville where he spent the remainder of his life. Amanda Drennan Phipps was born in Sangamon County, 111., in 1840. She was a daughter of Ezekiel Drennan, a native of Ireland who immi- grated to America with his parents who located near Springfield in Sanga- mon County, 111. He was reared in that county and was a schoolmate of Abraham Lincoln. He married Miss Mary Kenney. ' Silas G. Phipps died Sept. 4, 1901 and his wife died Sept. 9, 1903. They were the parents the following children : 0. A., Reno, Nev. ; Mrs. Eflie G. Brown, Joplin, Mo. ; C. E., lives in Nebraska; Mrs. Blanche Hall, Dayton, Wash.; Mrs. Flor- ence Musick, Huntsville, Mo.; E. G. Sedalia, Mo.; Frank, Moberly, Mo.; Melvin, College Mound, Mo.; Von, died at the age of 12 years; and Samuel E. the subject of this sketch, Samuel E. Phipps was reared on a farm and educated in the public school. In 1886 he began farming for himself on his father's place. He followed farming there for four years. In 1892 he came to Huntsville and entered the employ of Richeson Lumber Company and remained there for two years and then worked for James G. Dulaney for 12 years when he engaged in business for himself, the lumber firm of Edwards and Phipps being established in 1906. Mr. Phipps was married in 1886 to Miss Ida Baker, a native of Ran- dolph County. She is a daughter of Rev. Thomas H. and Nancy J. (Lay) Baker, both natives of Randolph County. Rev. Thomas H. Baker was HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY 579 bom in 1844 and died June 1, 1914 he was a Baptist minister and spent the later part of his life in Huntsville. His wife was bom in 1848 and died in 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have been born two children: Janie, bom Sept. 17, 1891 and died Jan. 10, 1902, and Ruth, married John G. Harris and has one child, John Edward, born July 19, 1916. Mr. Phipps is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Mystic Workers of the World. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He takes an active part in church work and for 17 years he has been super- intendent of the Baptist Sunday School at Huntsville and is secretary and treasurer of the Mount Pleasant Sunday School Association and president of the Sunday School Association of Randolph, Chariton and Monroe Sun- day School Association and is vice-president of the Randolph County Sun- day School Association. He was one of the four delegates from Missouri to the World's Sunday School Convention, held at Washington, D. C, in May, 1912. Cyrus Leonard Edwards, of the well known firm of Edwards and Phipps, lumber dealers, of Huntsville, Mo., was bom at Dallas, Texas, May 14, 1871. He is the son of William Taylor and Martha (Terrill) Ed- wards, the former a native of Randolph County and the latter a native of Macon County, Mo. William T. Edwards was bom in 1845 and died in 1912. His wife was bom in 1848 and died in 1895. Shortly after their marriage they drove to Texas with Robert Terrill in 1870 and for two years Mr. Edwards was engaged in farming near Dallas, Texas. They returned to Randolph County in 1872 and 'located three miles north of Clark, Mo. Here Mr. Edwards remained until 1881 when he went to Audrain County where he remained until the fall of 1882. He then bought a farm near Elliott, Mo., and remained on this place until the time of his death. To William T. and Martha (Terrill) Edwards were born the following children: Cyrus Leonard, the subject of this sketch; Dallas Cora, died at the age of 13 years ; Anna Belle, married George Thornberg and they live four miles south of Moberly ; J. Garland, Billings, Mont. ; John K., Bill- ings, Mont.; Ruby I^ildred married Roy Thornberg and lives south of Moberly; Grace lives near Gerald, Mo. Cyrus L. Edwards was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools of Randolph County. He was engaged in farming until 1895. He then worked in the mines at Kimberly, Mo., for four years and in. 580 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1891 he moved to Moberly. In 1892, he engaged in mining again, near Huntsville. He then operated a sawmill for a time and cut railroad ties and mine timbers and in 1906 engaged in the lumber business to which he has since devoted his attention and has been successful. Mr. Edwards was married Nov. 22, 1893 to Miss Lucy Lamb, who was born east of Jacksonville, Mo. She is a daughter of John and Amanda Frances (Poleson) Lamb, early settlers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have been born the following child^-n: Frank, who is engaged in farming east of Huntsville, married Grace Minor and has one son, Leonard Allen; May, married L. L. Harbert of Akron, Ohio, and Kath- erine, who is at home with her parents and a student in the Huntsville school. Mr. Edwards is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a Mason and a substantial citizen. Joseph Frank Cai'ter, who is employed by the Edwards and Phipps Lumber Company at Huntsville, Mo., is a progressive and enterprising citizen and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born near Darksville, Mo., May 20, 1876, and is a son of Isaac and Mary Jane (Haines) Carter. Isaac Carter was born in Randolph County in 1848. He was a son of Watson and Martha (Van Cleve) Carter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Liverpool, England. Watson Carter was a woolen manufacturer in Virginia. He came to Randolph County, Mo., in 1848 and settled on a farm near Darksville. This farm was later owned by his son, Isaac Carter, and still later by Joseph F. Carter of this review. Isaac Carter died in November, 1905 and his widow now resides in Kan- sas City, Mo. They were the parents of 11 children, nine of whom were reared to maturity, as follows : Willie Haines, died in 1902 ; Joseph Frank, the subject of this sketch; Ed, deceased; George Watson, Kansas City, Mo. ; John, Linneus, Mo. ; Isaac Raymond, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Mattie McQuerry, of Howard County, Mo.; Mrs. Carter, of Huntsville, Mo.; and Hannah Sophia who resides with her mother in Kansas City, Mo. Joseph Frank Carter was reared at Darksville and educated in the public schools of that locality. He remained on the home place which he purchased in 1908. It consisted of 125 acres and after buying the place he was engaged in farming there for six years. He then sold out and bought a farm of 55 acres adjoining Huntsville which he now rents out on the grain rent plan. Mr. Carter has lived in Huntsville since he became connected with the Edwards and Phipps Lumber Company in 1917. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 581 Mr. Carter was united in marriage in September, 1896 to Miss Joella Wright. She was bom in Chariton County, Mo., and is a daughter of Samuel Anderson and Sabrina Wright, the former of whom is deceased and the mother lives on the old home place in Chariton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter has been born one child, Anna. Mr. Carter is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. Benjamin Hesselridge Ashcom, a former sheriff of Randolph County, who during his lifetime was a prominent factor in the affairs of this county was a native of Kentucky. He was born at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 6, 1840 and was a son of Samuel P. Ashcom. The Ashcom family which consisted of father, mother and five children of whom Benjamin H. was the eldest, came to Missouri from Kentucky and settled in Randolph County in April, 1840, when Benjamin H. was about three months old. They located near Huntsville and the parents died about ten years after locating in this county. Benjamin H. Ashcom was about 10 years of age when he went to live with William Terrill and made his home with the Terrill family until he was about 17 years old. He attended the public school and by close application to his studies, had acquired an education when he was 17 years old that was far in advance of the average student of his age. About that time, 1857, the North Missouri Railroad was being surveyed from Sturgeon to Macon City and he was employed in the civil engineering corps which was locating the route. This gave him an opportunity to learn the practical side of civil engineering and as he was an apt student, especially in mathematics, it was not long until he became a very pro- ficient civil engineer. After working at civil engineering about two years, he felt the need of further educational preparation and in 1859, entered Mt. Pleasant College and completed the course in that institution. He then taught school for a time at Renick, Mo. In 1861 the Civil War came on which changed all of his future plans. During the first few months in the war, he served as first lieutenant in the state guard under Colonel Jackson. Later he enlisted in the regular Confederate service and was commissioned first lieutenant under Colonel Perkins. Later his command joined General Vandom in Arkansas and he afterward served with Colonel Dorsey. In 1863, he became first lieutenant of a company in Colonel Elliot's regiment, under General Shelby and served in Shelby's brigade 582 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY until the close of the war. Mr. Ashcom was taken prisoner in December, 1861 and was shortly afterwards paroled and soon rejoined the Confed- erate army. He took part in the battles of Boonville, Drywood, Lexing- ton and numerous other engagements and was at Shreveport, La., when the war closed. At the battle of Fayetteville, Ark., he was wounded three times and confined to a hospital about six weeks. After the close of the Civil War, Mr. Ashcom returned to Randolph County and engaged in teaching school for a time. About 1869, he engaged in the mercantile business at Renick and was thus engaged when he was elected sheriff of Randolph County in 1882. After the expira- tion of his term as sheriff, in 1886, he was elected county collector of Randolph County and served until 1890, when he was elected county treasurer and served in that office two years, then was assistant cashier in the J. M. Hammett Bank of Huntsville, Mo. He died Feb. 22, 1911 at his home in Huntsville. He was a member of the Baptist church and a deacon for many years and for several years taught a Sunday School class of Young ladies. On April 25, 1867, Benjamin H. Ashcom was united in marriage with Miss Susan Elizabeth Coin, a daughter of Archibald and Sophia Goin of Jessamine County, Ky. The Goin family came from Kentucky to Audrain County, Mo. about 1832 and to Randolph County about 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Ashcom were bom two children: Effie Maude, married Ed Tieman, deputy commissioner of pensions, at Washington, D. C. and they have re- sided in that city for the past 20 years ; and Roy Princeton, who now re- sides at Huntsville, where he is a coal operator and also city assessor. Mrs. Ashcom is one of the representative pioneer women of Randolph County. Coming here with her parents in 1856, she has spent practically all her life within the confines of Randolph County and has been a wit- ness to a great development that has taken place here within the last half century. She lost two brothers in the Civil War, John David and Benja- min Franklin Goin. The former served under General Price and died in an army hospital and the latter was also with General Price and was killed in southwestern Missouri. Andrew Jackson Ferguson, now deceased, was prominent in the affairs in Randolph County for many years, and served six terms as county treasurer. He was bom at Danville, Va., Sept. 10, 1828 and died at Huntsville, Feb. 27, 1906. He was a son of John and Sarah Ferguson, natives of Virginia, who at an early day went to Tennessee and from HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 583 there to Kentucky. They then moved to Missouri, first locating at Cape Girardeau and from there they came to Glasgow, Howard County. Andrew J. Ferguson was married at Glasgow and in 1854, came to Hunts- ville where for a number of years he was engaged in the saddlery and harness business in partnership with Mr. Eberle, under the Arm name of Ferguson and Eberle. They built a brick store building and continued business in Huntsville for several years. Mr. Ferguson was appointed county treasurer to fill out the unex- pired term of County Treasurer Gilmah, and was elected to that office six terms, serving 12 years in all. He was treasurer of this county during the Civil War and at the same time was interested in the harness busi- ness at Huntsville. When Bill Anderson and his gang raided Huntsville, they looted Mr. Ferguson's store and at that time the outlaws started to bum the courthouse at Huntsville and Mrs. Ferguson and the wives of some of the other courthouse officials persuaded Anderson and his gang not to bum the courthouse which meant much to the future of Randolph County, in that the county refeords were saved. Andrew J. Ferguson was united in marriage Nov. 2, 1853 at Glas- gow, Mo., with Mary Ann Boyd, a native of Versailes, Ky., bom May 26, 1836. She is a daughter of William and Hennrietta (Tutt) Boyd, natives of Kentucky and early pioneers of Missouri. They came to Glasgow in 1839 where William Boyd was engaged in the saddlery and harness busi- ness for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew .J. Ferguson were bom 10 children, the following lived to maturity: Ada Tutt, born April 16, 1855, married Houston G. Bourne, Aug. 9, 1875 and they lived at Ham- burg, la. for several years and later in Huntsville and then Pueblo, Colo, and are both now deceased and left two children, Harry lives in Utah, is married and has two children, Richard and Bernice, and the daughter, Pearl Bourne, married Maj. G. M. Dameron, of Pueblo, Colo, and has three children, Thomas Houston, a West Point graduate, now a lieutenant in the United States army, Clare and Dorothy; William Boyd Ferguson, bom April 1, 1857, was a postmaster at Fort Assinniboine, Mont, for 20 years and resigned on account of poor health and is now living with his mother in Huntsville ; Claude Lyle was born Dec. 4, 1870 and is a travel- ing salesman for the Merrill Bros. Drug Co., of St. Louis, married Mrs^ Theressa .Tedford, of Moberly and resides at Hot Springs; Ark.; and Beulah Maude, born July 11, 1872, married Walter S. Roberts, a druggist of Cairo, Mo. and they have one child, Claude Ferguson Roberts who mai'- 584 ^ HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ried Marie Campbell of Cairo and resides in Kansas City, Mb., where he is a stenographer in the employ of the Missouri Pacific railroad. Andrew J. Ferguson was a Democrat and a member of the Christian church of which he was an elder and a deacon. He was active in church work and was superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. He was a Knights Templar Mason and prominent in Masonic Lodge work. Mrs. Ferguson is one of the honored pioneer women of Randolph County. She has been a member of the Christian church for 65 years. Henry Burton, a successful farmer and stockman of Salt Spring town- ship, is a native of England. He was born in the County of Durham, June 30, 1848 and is a son of Henry and Mary (Robinson) Burton. Henry Burton was bom in Scotland and his father was a shepherd in early life. Later he removed to England where he died. Henry Burton, Sr., came to America with hi's wife and children in 1854 and settled in Mahoning County, Ohio, where he resided until his death at the age of 50 years in 1859. His wife, who was a native of England, died at Huntsville in 1884, at the age of 74 years and is buried in the Huntsville cemetery. Henry Burton, whose name introduces this article, was one of the following children born to his parents: Anna, married John Riley and died in Lawrence County, Pa. ; Elizabeth, married William Sandison and is also deceased; and Henry, the subject of this sketch. Four died in infancy. Henry Burton came from England to the United States with his parents and settled at Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1854. In 1868 he came to Randolph County, Mo., and for about a year was engaged in teaming. He then bought 120 acres of land in Salt Spring township to which he has since added 45 acres and is now the owner of 165 acres of valuable land, much of which is under blue grass. This farm was originally entered from the government by the father of Jacob Hocking- smith. Mr. Burton purchased it from Captain Austin. The place is well improved with a good two story six room residence, substantial barns and other buildings and is amply supplied with never failihg wells of pure water. Mr. Burton raises Durham and Polled Angus cattle and standard bred white Plymouth Rock chickens. Mr. Burton was married Feb, 16, 1874 to Miss Jane Walker, a daugh- ter of Morris E. and Mary Jane (McCormick) Walker, both now deceased. The father was born in York County, Pa. and the mother in Frederick County, Va. They were married in Virginia and came to Randolph County, Mo., about 1857, and first settled on the Scheuemann farm in Salt HEXRY BURTOX HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 585 Spimg township. Later they bought this farm of Douglas Baker who entered it from the government. Morris E. Walker died in 1901 and his wife died in 1886 and their remains are buried in the Huntsville cenaetery. They were the parents of the following children: Emma, married Oscar Heflin, Huntsville, Mo.; Warren B., Sedalia, Mo.; I. B., Moberly, Mo.; Maude, married George Brockman, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Charles P., died at the age of 50 years and Jane, the wife of Henry Burton, the sub- ject of this sketch, who is the oldest. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burton have been born the following children : Henry M., married Ida Vail, of Ray County, Mo. and lives at Moberly; John W., married Nellie Jones and lives at Bartlesville, Okla. ; Charles W., married Odessa Bradley, and lives on the home place; Mary A., married Evan Mandry, of Salt Spring township ; Elizabeth, married David Eubank, Huntsville, Mo.; Joseph, married Bessie Milburn and lives at Moberly; Emma, married William Francis, Moberly, Mo., and Ella, died at the age of 20 years and is buried at Huntsville. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have 14 grandchildren: Maurine, Don, Willhelmina, Dudly, Elizabeth, John H., Helen and Joe, Jr., Burton; Jennie R. Burton and Thomas Mandry and Irma 0. Eubank and Mildred and William Francis. Mr. Burton has always been interested in the betterment of agricul- tural conditions through the efforts of organization. He was a charter member of the first Grange organized in Randolph County. That was in 1872 and he is now a member of Sweet Springs Grange and is the chaplain of the County Pomona Grange which was organized April 24, 1920. Mr. Burton has been a member of the First Baptist church at Huntsville since 1880. The site of the Sweet Springs church was donated by Henry and Mary Burton. That church was built in 1880. Mr. Burton is a liberal and progressive citizen. I. B. Jackson, who is prominently identified with the business affairs of Huntsville, where he conducts a grocery store and meat market and is also a coal operator, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Huntsville and is a son of Henry Jackson. A more complete sketch of the Jackson family appears in connection with the sketch of G. H. Jack- son which will be found elsewhere in this volume. I. B. Jackson was educated in the pubUc schools and in 1904 became a clerk for G. H. Jackson at Thomas Hill. He remained there two years, and a year later engaged in business at Mt. Airy. He estabhshed his present grocery business at Huntsville in 1910 and has built up a large 586 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY business in the grocery line and has also a meat market in connection. He employs four clerks in the store, besides two deliverymen. He also owns a farm in partnership with George H. Jackson and is interested in the Busy Bee Coal Company. This is one of the prosperous industrial concerns in the vicinity of Huntsville. They are working a four and one- half foot vein of coal and employ about 20 men. The daily output of their mine is from 75 to 100 tons of coal and they have plans under way for increasing their production and enlarging the plant. Mr. Jackson is also a stockholder and director of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company of Huntsville and of the Huntsville Building and Loan Company. I. B. Jackson was united in marriage in June, 1907 with Miss Norma Barnes, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of Walker W. Barnes. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born one child, William B., born March 16, 1908. Mr. Jackson is a Democrat and is a member of the Huntsville school board and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist church and a superintendent of the Sunday school. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, Knights of Pythias and the Modem Woodmen of America. He is one of the substantial citizens of Huntsville and Randolph County. ■ Dr. General Grant Bragg, a prominent physician of Huntsville, Mo., who has practiced his profession for nearly 30 years in Randolph County, is a native of Missouri. He was bom in Adair County, March 25, 1866 and is the son of Benjamin S. and Ara Ann (Vaughn) Bragg. Benjamin S. Bragg was born in Adair County, Ky., in 1824 and died in 1892. He was a son of Ezekiel Bragg who was a native of Virginia, a relative of General Bragg and a member of an old Colonial family. Benjamin S. Bragg came to Missouri when a young man and was here married to Ara Ann Vaughn, a native of North Carolina, who was bom in 1830 and died in 1892. Benjamin S. Bragg was a successful farmer and stockman and also bought and shipped stock extensively in Adair County, Mo. Later he removed to La Plata, Macon County and resided there until his death. Benjamin S. and Ara Ann (Vaughn) Bragg were the parents of the fol- lowing children: George, was killed by Bill Anderson at Centralia, Mo., during the Civil War; D. Lafayette, lives in Oklahoma; W. B., La Plata, Mo.; Sarah N., deceased; A. D., La Plata, Mo.; Tabitha, deceased; John Thomas, deceased; Dr. G. G., the subject of this sketch; H. P., La Plata, Mo. and Thomas M., La Plata, Mo. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 587 Doctor Bragg received his preparatory education in the public school of La Plata and a private college and then entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, Mo., where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1889. He then engaged in the practice at Jackson- ville and La Plata, Mo. for two years and in 1891 came to Huntsville where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his pro- fession. During the World War, Dr. Bragg volunteered and was commis- sioned first lieutenant in the Medical Corps in the United States army and at first was stationed at Camp Greenlief, Chickamauga Park, Ga. and later was sent to Base Hospital, Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. He received his discharge Dec. 6, 1918 and reenlisted in the Medical Reserve Corps with the rank of captain and is subject to call from the government at any time. Dr. Bragg was married in June, 1889, to Miss Martha F. Summers, a native of Randolph County, born near Huntsville. She is a daughter of William P. and Anna (Gunn) Summers, earlj"^ settlers in this county and both now deceased. To Dr. and Mrs. Bragg have been born one son, Herman Summers, who was born Dec. 14, 1890 and is now operating his farm near Huntsville. He married Xena Y. Kingsbury of Howard County. She is a daughter of Horace M. Kingsbury who resides near New Frank- lin, Mo. To Herman S. Bragg and wife have been born one child, Dorothy Dalice. Doctor Bragg has built up an extensive practice and has met with uniform success in his professional work and ranks as one of the leading physicians not only of Randolph County but of central Missouri. He has also been an extensive farmer since coming to Huntsville and at the present time operates and owns about 600 acres of land in Clifton and Salt Spring townships. William C. Smith, president of the One Price Mercantile Company, has been identified with the commercial interests of Huntsville for the past 20 years and is one of the progressive business men of this city and is at the head of one of its leading institutions. He was bom at Quincy, III. in 1866 and is the son of William H. and Diana E. (Curd) Smith. William H. Smith was born in Callaway County, Mo., in 1833. He was engaged in the wholesale business at Quincy, 111., for some years and in 1868 returned to his native county where he was engaged in farming and stock raising and later went to St. Louis where he was engaged in business until 1909 when he retired and came to Huntsville. His wife 588 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY died in Huntsville in 1919. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: F. M., deceased; F. C, a Pullman car inspector at St. Louis, Mo. and William C, the subject of this sketch. William C. Smith attended the public schools and Central College at Fayette, Mo. He began his business career in the grocery business at Fayette, Mo. and in 1897 he came to Huntsville. Here he was employed by John Breckenridge, a coal operator and had charge of the company store until 1899; he was then employed by G. W. Taylor until 1903. In 1903, Mr. Smith incorporated the One Price Mercantile Company. This is one of the leading mercantile companies, not only of Huntsville, but of Randolph County and has built up a large patronage in Huntsville and the surrounding territory. The One Price Mercantile Company was in- corporated with a capital stock of $6,400.00 and they now have a surplus and undivided profits of $23,000.00, and about $35,000.00 worth of goods in stock. The business occupies two full floors in a building 40x120 feet. The stock is arranged on the depai-tment store plan and includes complete lines of dry goods, clothing, ladies ready-to-wear garments and shoes. Seven sales people are employed and few cities the size of Huntsville, can boast of such a complete mercantile establishment as this. The present officers of the company are: William C. Smith, president; G. E. Green, vice-president and Guy R. Smith, secretary and treasurer. In June, 1893, William C. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Anna Depper, daughter of John Depper of Huntsville. She died in 1917, leaving one son, Guy R. Smith, who is now secretary and treasurer of the One Price Mercantile Company- and one of the live young business men of Huntsville. During the World War he served in the aviation corps in the United States army and was stationed at Waco, Texas and Arcadia, Fla. In June, 1918, Guy R. Smith was married to Miss Lyle Sutliif, daugh- ter of E. P. Sutliff , of Huntsville. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and a mem- . ber of the Christian church. He holds membership in the Modem Wood- men of America, Lee Smith Harlan, president of the Clifton Hill Banking Company at Clifton Hill, Mo. is a native of Randolph County and for many years has been prominently identified with the business and banking interests of western Randolph County. Mr. Harlan was born near Thomas Hill," March 26, 1863 and is a son of Lee Smith and Sinia (Doke) Harlan, both natives of Randolph County. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 589 Lee Smith Harlan, the father, was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., Sept. 11, 1825, and died in Randolph County, Mo., in 1889 and is buried in Eldad Camp Grounds. He was the son of Isaac Harlan who was a native of Lincoln County, Tenn. and one of the very earliest pioneers of Randolph County. Isaac Harlan was married to Elizabeth Smith, of Lin- coln County, Tenn. She died in Randolph County, Mo. In early life Isaac Harlan was a cabinet maker and after coming to Randolph County was a school teacher and farmer. He died in Randolph County and is buried in Eldad Camp Ground. Lee Smith Harlan, Sr., was a farmer and stockman all of his life and ranked among the average successful citizens of his time in Randolph County. To Lee Smith Harlan, Jr. and wife were born the following children: Mrs. Eva Gideons, deceased; Mrs. Susan Sanders resides at Salisbury, Mo. ; Mrs. Martha James Bradley, deceased ; John T., Clifton Hill, Mo.; W. E., Salisbury, Mo.; Mrs. Mollie Malone, Broken Arrow, Okla. ; Isaac L., Salisbury, Mo. and Lee Smith, the subject of this sketch. Lee Smith Harlan, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools in Randolph County. When he was 17 years of age he began clerking in a general store at Thomas Hill and was thus engaged for seven years. In 1888 he engaged in the general mercantile business and successfully conducted that business for 12 years. In 1900 he was one of the leading spirits in the organization of the Clifton Hill Banking Company and since that time has been inter- ested in that well known and successful financial institution. At the organization of that bank Mr. Harlan was elected president and has served in that capacity to the present time, a period of 20 years of suc- cessful banking. In addition to his other enterprises, Mr. Harlan has generally been invested extensively in farm properties. Only recently he sold three farms which aggregated 400 acres and still owns two farms of 120 acres and 150 acres each. He also owns an appartment house in Kan- sas City, Mo., as well as business and residence property at Clifton Hill, Missouri. Mr. Harlan was married in 1886 to Miss Mary A. Ficklin, a daughter of H. B. Ficklin. Mrs. Harlan died Jan. 1, 1914, leaving the following children: Mrs. Margaret S. Shores of Dearborn, Mo. and she has one son, James Harlan Shores; Bernice, married F. L. Robinson, of Kansas City, Mo., and she has one son, Joseph Lee Robinson; and Mrs. Helen G. Tisue, Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Harlan married for his second wife Mrs. 590 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Anna E. Duggan, of Huntsville, Mo. No children have been born to this union. Mrs. Harlan has one son, Frank Duggan, by her former marriage. Mr. Harlan is a Democrat and always takes a commendable interest in local public affairs. He is a member of the Methodist church and is one of the well known Substantial men of Randolph County. Clifton Hill Banking Company, of Clifton Hill, Mo., is one of the substantial and well managed banking institutions, not only of Randolph County, but of central Missouri. It was organized Sept. 2, 1900 and the following are the names of the original stock holders: L. S. Harlan, E. D. Lea, J. Blair, J. F. Rogers, T. B. Stamper, C. V. Lambeth, J-. H. Sum- mers, C. C. Brown, J. D. Richerson, Thomas Mayo, S. J. McCully, F. H. Skillen, George Knox, Thomas J. Green," W. H. Sears, J. D. Bradsher, George L. Johnson, W. G. Lea, W. F. Fidler, D. S. Benton, J. K. McLean, J. S. Gorham, J. F. Lay, N., P. Hurt, D. M. Alexander, L. B. Ficklin, J. M. Holman, W. L. Beard, W. Z. Farris, E. E. Hurt, E. H. Hurt, Thomas J. Lowry, Dr. J. A. Lowry, M. B. Sears, Y. Scott, and J. G. Brockman. The first officers of the Clifton Hill Banking Company at its organ- ization were: L. S. Harlan, president; W. F. Fidler, vice-president; E. D. Lea, cashier; and E. E. Hurt, assistant cashier. The first directors were: L. S. Harlan, W. F. Fidler, George Knox, C. C. Brown, George L. Johnson, J. M. Holman, J. F. Rodgers, J.,K. McLain and E. D. Lea. • There has been no change in the personnel of the officers of this bank during their 20 years of successful banking. L. S. Harlan is still the president and E. D. Lea has remained cashier and E. E. Hurt assistant cashier since the organization. The present board of directors is as fol- lows: L. S. Harlan, E. D. Lea, W. F. Fidler, J. K. McLain, George L. Johnson, C. C. Brown, George Knox, J. Blair, and E. E. Hurt. The capital stock of the bank is $20,000; earned surplus, $16,000 and the deposits on Jan. 30, 1920 was $240,000 and the total resources at that date were $280,000. At the organization of the bank, a brick structure was erected which has been the home of this institution for 20 years. The Clifton Hill Banking Company has had a substantial and gradual growth in its busi- ness and has been under capable management as is evinced by the fact that they have never lost but one loan and that was a note for only $30 which is an astonishing record in view of the vast amount of business that this bank has handled since its organization 20 years ago. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 591 Elbert D. Lea, who has been cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Com- pany since its organization 20 years ago, is one of the well known and capable financiers of Randolph County. He was born three-fourths of a mile northeast of Clifton Hill, May 25, 1858 and is a son of J. M. and Sarah F. (Henderson) Lea. The mother was bom in Randolph County in 1840 and died in 1914. She was a daughter of John A. and Frances (Graves) Henderson, natives of Virginia and very early pioneer settlers of Randolph County. They came here some time in the 30's. J. M. Lea was born in North Carolina in 1833. He was a son of Ashley G. and Mary (Matlock) Lea, natives of North Carolina who came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County in 1839 when J. M. Lea was six years old. J. M. Lea spent practically his entire life in Randolph County and died in 1907. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War under Gen. Sterling Price. He followed farming and stock raising throughout his active career and met with success. To J. M. and Sarah F. (Henderson) Lea were born the following chil- dren: E. D., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Carrie P. Lambreth; Jennie died at the age of two years; Ashley G., a farmer and stockman near Clifton Hill; Mrs. Eva Starke, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Mamie Gunn, Hves in Oklahoma and Mrs. Fannie Baker, died Nov. 8, 1919. Elbert D. Lea was educated in the public schools and Mt. Pleasant College. In early life he engaged in teaching and for 11 years followed that vocation in connection with farming. In 1896, he was elected judge of the county court of Randolph County and resigned that position after having been re-elected to a second term. He resigned to accept the posi- tion of cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company upon the organization of the bank in 1900 and since that time he has served in that capacity. His vast experience in banking as well as his natural adaptitude to this important field of enterprise qualifies him as one of the leading financiers of central Missouri. Mr. Lea maintains his interest in farming and is the owner of a valuable farm of 170 acres which adjoins the place where he was born. In 1883, Mr. Lea was married to Miss Maggie Mayo, a daughter of , Thomas Mayo and a granddaughter of "Uncle Allen" Mayo who was the first pioneer settler of Randolph County, coming here in 1816. Mrs. Lea's mother was Sarah Mathis before her marriage and was a schoolmate of Mr. Lea's mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Lea have been bom four children: Mrs. Jennie Maude Griflin, on the home farm in Clifton township and 592 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ^ Mrs. Sarah Blanche Brockman has one son, Wilfred Lee Brockman, and resides at Fayette, Mo.; James Mayo, the second in order of birth, died at 4 years^ of age in 1891 and the third child died in infancy. Mr. Lea is well known in Randolph County and stands high in the community. William August Esry, the present county collector of Randolph County is a native of this county and since his boyhood has been identified with the interests of Randolph County. He was born July 26, 1871 and is a son of John Logan and Sarah F. (Baily) Esry, the former a native of Chariton township, Randolph County and the latter of Macon County, Mo. John Logan Esry was a son of Nimrod Esry, a native of Kentucky who was one of the first pioneer settlers of Chariton County. His wife was a daughter of August Baily, a native of Kentucky and a very early settler of Missouri. Mrs. Esry was born in 1850 and now resides at Hig- bee. John Logan Esry moved to Moberly with his family in 1881. Here he was employed by the Simmons Milling Company and the Millbank- Scampton Milling Company for a number of years. He is now deceased. To John Logan and Sarah F. (Baily) Esry were born seven children, five of whom are living: Mrs. Amanda Holbrooks, who resides near Moberly; William A., the subject of this sketch; John T., a farmer near Huntsville; G. M., Omaha, Neb. ; and Pearl Hall, Kansas City, Mo. William A. Esry was educated in the public schools, attending the dis- trict schools and also the Moberly schools. He began his career as an office boy for the Simmons Milling Company in Moberly and later entered the employ of a grocery and bakery and after a time went with the Wabash Railroad Company as car inspector and after holding that posi- tion for six years, he resigned and engaged in the grocery business at Moberly and for 15 years and seven months successfully conducted that business and sold out Sept. 2, 1914. In 1914, he was elected collector of Randolph County and entered upon the duties of his office in March, 1915. At the expiration of his first term of office, he was reelected without opposition and is now serving his second term which expires in March, 1923. He is a capable and conscientious public official and devotes his best efforts to the duties of his office. He owns 182 acres of valuable land adjacent to the city limits of Huntsville on the north. Mr. Esry was married Dec. 24, 1898 to Miss Louisa Fletcher of Sturgeon, Mo. and a daughter of E. S. Fletcher and to this union have been bom five children : Mrs. Margaret Flemmings, of Huntsville ; Gladys, Mildred, Olga, and W. A., Jr., all of whom are at home with their parents. WILLIAM AT'GrST ESRY HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 593 Mr. Esry and the other members of his family belong to the Christian church. He is a prominent Mason being a member of the Masonic Lodge A. F. and A. M. No. 344, Moberly, Mo.; Royal Arch Masons, Moberly Chapter No. 79; Knights Templar, Tancred Commandery No. 25; R. and S. M., Centralia Council and the Order of the Eastern Star, Randolph Chapter No. 150. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Past Commanders, Knights Templar. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for 25 years and is Past Chancellor Commander. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Moberly, Knights of the Maccabees of Moberly, National Union, Woodmen of the World, Knights and Ladies of Security and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Porter Mayo, now living retired at Clifton Hill, Mo., is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County and a representative of one of its earliest prominent pioneer families. He was bom about five miles south of Clifton Hill, Nov. 18, 1837, in a pioneer log cabin which was built by his father in the early days. He is a son of Allen and Martha (Finnell) Mayo. Allen Mayo was born in "Virginia, July 14, 1802. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Blair) Mayo. Thomas Mayo served in the Revolu- tionary War under Washington. .About 1805, he removed from Vir- ginia to Tennessee and was engaged in farming in Campbell County until 1817 when he came to Missouri. In the spring of 1818 he came to Ran- dolph County and here built a log cabin and cleared a piece of land and spent the remainder of his days in this county. Allen Mayo came to Randolph County with his parents and they were practically the first settlers in this section. Wild game at that time was plentiful and Allen Mayo, at one time killed three deer before breakfast. Wild hogs were commonly found in the woods "and it is related that he killed twelve wild hogs in one day. He was a real frontiersman and was familiar with all the buffalo trails and every detail and condition of this country in the pioneer days, for a radius of miles around. He dis- covered Randolph Springs, having followed a bualffo trail to that point and frequently shot deer in that vicinity and later salt was manufactured there. He died Feb. 16, 1894. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Finnell, was a daughter of Charles and Lucy Finnell who were also pioneer settlers of Randolph County and came from Garrard County, Ky., where Mrs. Mayo was born June 28, 1804. She died July 5, 1890. 594 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY To Allen and Martha (Finnell) Mayo were born the following chil- dren: Morgan, born Oct. 18, 1824 and died Dec. 29, 1847; William, born May 10, 1826 and died in February, 1914; Mrs. Eliza J. Dameron, born Dec. 22, 1827 and died April 26, 1898 ; Nancy M., born Nov. 25, 1830 and died Oct. 30, 1851; Thomas J., born April 17, 1832 and died Jan. 1, 1914; Charles F., born Nov. 13, 1833 and died April 13, 1912; Mrs. Lucy Mc- Cully, born Oct. 18, 1835, and died May 7, 1901; Porter, the subject of this sketch; Mary A., married Rev. F. M. Stark, was born Nov. 8, 1839 and now resides in Silver Creek township; John A., born Nov. 8, 1839, Clifton Hill, Mo. ; and James P., born Sept. 11, 1845 and now resides on a part of the old Allen Mayo homestead in Silver Creek township. Porter Mayo was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of the early days in Randolph County and attended such schools as were avail- able in those early times. ' The school house which he attended was of the primitive pioneer type, built of -logs with a fire place in one end of the building, built of sticks and mud and the furniture was of the crude variety made by the pioneer's axe. The schools were conducted on the subscription plan, common to the early day and the school year consisted of about three months. Mr. Mayo saw this section of the country prac- tically in its primitive state and in his boyhood days he was something of a hunter himself. He has killed many wild turkeys and geese and now has in his possession a rifle of the style that was used in the pioneer days which was made by J. F. Riley of Huntsville. Porter Mayo was married to Miss Maggie C. Stark, March 19, 1863. She was bom in Randolph County, Sept. 6, 1838, a daughter of William and Catherine (Goodman) Stark, the former a native of Shelby County, Ky., born Nov. 9, 1795, and died April 7, 1874 and the latter bom in Washington, Albemarle County, Va„ Nov. 1, 1808. Mrs. Mayo is one of the following children born to her parents: Mary Jane, bom in Murray County, Tenn., May 4, 1825 ; Elizabeth A., bom in Chariton County, Mo., March 20, 1827 and died May 26, 1876 ; Jacob, born June 29, 1829 ; Francis Marion, born in Chariton County, July 18, 1830 and died Feb. 18, 1905; James M., bom in Randolph County, July 29, 1833 and died Aug. 2, 1909; Nancy and William H., twins, bom Nov. 5, 1835; Maggie C, bom Sept. 6, 1838 and is now the vdf e of Porter Mayo ; Louis A., bom July 15, 1840 and died Feb. 4, 1919 and Samantha C, bom Aug. 11, 1846. After his marriage, Mr. Mayo settled on a farm two miles and a half south of Clifton Hill. Here he built a log house which consisted of one HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 595 room and adjoining shed and a loft. Later he built a more substantial six room residence which is still standing. He began his career on an 80 acre farm and increased his land holdings until he became the owner of 280 acres. He followed farming and stock raising and was successful in his undertakings. He remained on the farm until 1910 when he moved to Clifton Hill where he has since been living retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have been born the following children: Mary Ann, born Jan. 8, 1864 and died Sept. 2, 1865; Minnie Florence, born Feb. 12, 1866, married J. B. Frisbie, Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas Rector, bom April 10, 1868, lives at Clifton Hill, Mo.; Martin Edgar, born Dec. 11, 1869, lives three miles northeast of Clifton Hill; Lewis Allen, bom Nov. 27, 1871, lives in California and William Porter, born Aug. 14, 1873 and died Jan. 13, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Mayo is a Republican and served as postmaster at Clifton Hill during President Harrison's administration and lived on his farm while he held that office. He voted for Abraham Lincoln for president and has voted for every Republican candidate for president since that time. He was elected justice of- the peace of Silver Creek township three times and says that he was elected by the Democrats. He is a member of the Bap- tist church and one of Randolph County's honored pioneer citizens. J. Will Graves, a former judge of the county court of Randolph County now living retired at Clifton Hill, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Lawrence County, Va., Oct. 16, 1838 and is a son of Jonathan and Anna (Glass) Graves, both natives of Virginia. Anna (Glass) was a member of the same Virginia family as Senator Carter Glass of Virginia. Jonathan Graves was the son of Jacob Graves, a Virginian who spent his life in his native state. Jonathan Glass came to Missouri in 1839 and first settled in Johnson County. He remained there until the Civil War broke out when, for the safety of himself and family, on account of local conditions in Johnson County, he removed to Randolph County and spent the remainder of his life here. He was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness here for many years and died in 1885. His wife died in 1893. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living; J. Will, the subject of this sketch; John lives in Oklahom.a and Mrs. Ella, Henderson, also lives in Oklahoma. J. Will Graves had just about reached the age of manhood when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the 6th Missouri Regiment under 596 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Colonel Eugene Irwin, General Green's brigade and Price's division. He participated in the Battles of Fort Gibson, Big Black and Corinth, Miss., as well as a number of other engagements and skirmishes. In 1863 he was captured at Fort Gibson and takeii to the Federal prison at Alton, 111. His health was bad and he was released from prison and went to Lincoln County, Mo. with a friend. In 1865, he went to Montana and was suc- cessfully engaged in gold mining for two years and made money. He then returned to Randolph County and was married. Here he began farming and taught school during the winters for about seven years. In the meantime he had become the owner of a small farm and later acquired more land until, at one time, he was the owner of 500 acres northeast of Clifton Hill and was extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding as well as general farming. In 1916, he sold out and removed to Clifton Hill where he has since been living retired. Mr. Graves was first married in 1867 to Rosalee Brockman, a daugh- ter of Lindsey Brockman of Randolph County. To that marriage were born five children as follows : Edwin, a farmer northwest of Clifton Hill ; Lindsey, a farmer southwest of Huntsville; Rolla, who lives on the old home place; Mrs. Gussie Anderson, who died in 1890, and one child died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1912. In November, 1917, Mr. Graves was married to Rilla Harlow, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of Albert Thomas and Mary Ann (Reed) Harlow, natives of Virginia. Albert Thomas was born in 1837 and came to Ran- dolph County when a young man and died here in 1890. His wife was born in 1834 and was brought to Randolph County by her parents in 1837. She died in 1916. Judge Graves has been a life long Democrat and has always taken an active interest in political affairs. In 1894 he was elected judge of the county court and at the expiration of his term of office was re-elected, serving two terms. He is a member of the Christian church and has been an elder for 25 years. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and bears the distinction of being the oldest Mason in the state of Missouri. He was made a Mason at Columbus, Johnson County, Mo., in 1860 becoming a member of Mitchell Lodge No. 86. The building and records of this lodge were burned during the Civil War. Mr. Graves is now a member of the Clifton Hill Lodge No. 161 and was master of that lodge for eight years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Salisbury, Mo. He is one of Randolph HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 597 County's honored pioneer citizens and is held in the highest esteem by his many friends throughout the county. Charles C. Brown, a prominent farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township and a former judge of the county court is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Silver Creek township, Feb. 7, 1854 and is a son of John and Arminta (Martin) Brown. John Brown was bom in Ger- many in 1821 and when a young man came to America and finally settled in Randolph County, Mo., where he engaged in farming and met with success. He died in 1905. His wife was born in 1832 and died in 1912. They were the parents of 11 children, six of whom lived to maturity; George, lives in Schuyler County; Julius, deceased; Charles C, the sub- ject of the sketch; James, Schuyler County, Mo.; William, Howard County and Hurley, deceased. Charles C. Brown was educated in the public schools and remained at home until he was 21 years old. He began his independent career as clerk in the general store at Yates, Mo. and was shortly afterwards mar- ried and leased a farm from J. H. Yates. He next became interested in timber cutting, getting out railroad timber for railroad companies and furnished large quantities of bridge timbers and ties for the Wabash and Chicago and Alton railroad companies. He did an extensive business in this line which proved profitable. At the same time he kept up his interest in farming and stock raising and invested in land. He now owns 360 acres in his home place three miles south of Clifton Hill, Mo. and a farm of 365 acres about five miles south of Clifton Hill, Mo., in Silver Creek township, besides 150 acres in Howard County. His land is all well im- proved and he has a good residence on the home place which was re- modeled in 1905 and the other buildings about the place are well kept and substantial. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Brown is extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding. He feeds and mar- kets from 150 to 200 head of cattle and raises from 160 to 200 head of hogs each year. On Jan. 23, 1884, Charles C. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Nolle E. Dameron. She was born near Randolph Spring and is a daughter of Louis G. Dameron. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born five chil- dren as follows: Mrs. Ora Stocker resides in Silver Creek township; Elbert C, a Federal highway engineer, served as captain in an engineer- ing corps during the World War and is now located at Jackson, Miss.; Mrs. Addie B. Brockman, of Clifton Hill, Mo.; Aubrey E., enlisted in the 598 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY students training school at Columbia during the World War and is now a student in the University of Missouri ; Reba Lee, a student in the Clifton Hill High School. Mr. Brown is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Clifton Hill Banking Company. He is a Democrat and takes a prominent interest in political matters and is a member of the Demo- ciatic Central Committee from Silver Creek township, having served in that capacity for a number of years. In 1912 he was elected judge of the county court and held that ofRce in a capable manner for a term of four years. He is a member of the Baptist church at Clifton Hill and is recog- nized as one of the successful men of affairs of Randolph County whose career has been marked with success. Everett Edward Hurt, assistant cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company, is a representative business man of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was borA on a farm south of Clifton Hill, Oct. 5, 1877 and is a son of Nathan Perry and Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt. Nathan Perry Hurt was a native of Kentucky, bom March 22, 1822, and died June 28, 1905. He was a sOn of Allen and Mary (Lowry) Hurt, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Missouri. The Hurt family settled in Howard County in 1829 where Allen Hurt spent the remainder of his life successfully engaged in farming. Nathan Perry Hurt acquired a great deal of land in Randolph County and at the time of his death, was the owner of about 860 acres which he divided between his children. Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt, mother of Everett Edward Hurt, was born in Illinois, Sept. 22, 1852 and died May 18, 1917. She was a daughter of William Wilson and Eliza (Craig) Diloore, natives of Virginia who left their native state and first located in Illinois and in 1857 came to Missouri and settled in Howard County. Later they went to Charlton County, Mo. and from there came to Randolph County where they spent the remainder of their lives. Nathan Perry and Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt were the parents of the following children: Eugene H. ; Everett Edward, the subject of this sketch; Olivia, died in 1881; Lurlene Burch Richeson of Clifton Hill, Mo. Everett Hurt was educated in the district schools, Salisbury Academy and the Chillicothe Business College. He entered the Clifton Hill Bank- ing Company's employ in 1900 and for 20 years has been connected with HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 599 that institution. Mr. Hurt is the owner of a valuable farm of 210 acres which is located in his old home neighborhood. On Nov. 6, 1913, Mr. Hurt was married to Miss Mable Snoddy. She is a native of Howard County and a daughter of George F. Snoddy of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have been born one child, Olivia. Mr. Hurt is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a Knights Templar Mason, being a member of the Commandery at Mob- erly the Council at Centralia and the Chapter at Clifton Hill. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. William D. Clifton. — The name Clifton has more than an ordinary historic significance in connection with the history of Randolph County, from the fact that Clifton Hill was named in honor of David Clifton, grandfather of William D. Clifton. He was the owner of the present site of Clifton Hill and one of the pioneer settlers in this locality. William D. Clifton, who is a successful farmer and stockman and breeder, was bom on a farm one and a half miles east of Thomas Hill, in 1870 and is a son of Minor and Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton. Minor Clifton was born in Owen County, Ky., in 1848 and died in Eandolph County Nov. 27, 1902. He was a farmer and stockman and was engaged in that business practically all his life. He was a son of David Clifton, a Kentuckian, who settled in Randolph County with his family in 1858. He was also a farmer and stockman. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate Army in General Price's division and at the close of the war, was with General Price when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton was bom in Randolph County in 1836 and now resides in Moberly. To Minor and Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton were bom the following children: William D., the subject of this sketch; Hugh, Moberly, Mo.; Horace, Long Beach, Calif., and Daniel Boone, Moberly, Mo.; and Leonard lives at Fort Henry, Mo. William D. Clifton was educated in the public schools and in early life engaged in farming and stock raising in which he has met with suc- cess. He is the owner of 80 acres of valuable land and operates 200 acres, 120 being a part of the old home place. He is well known as a successful breeder of Spotted Poland China hogs. Mr. Clifton was married in 1895 to Miss Mildred Vaughan, of Char- iton township. She is a daughter of Levds and Mallie Vaughan, early fettlers of Randolph County. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton have one daughter, Kathryn, who married Robert Heifner, Jan. 18, 1920 and they reside four miles northwest of Huntsville, Mo. 600 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Clifton is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Modem Woodmen of America Lodge and is a highly respected and substantial citizen of this county. Alguin S. Asbell, one of the well known and successful farmers of Salt Spring township and proprietor of what is known as Sweet Spring Stock Farm, located about two and one-half miles south of Huntsville, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Madison County, Nov. 30, 1869 and is a son of A. D. and Margaret (Barnes) Asbell, both natives of Kentucky. A. D. Asbell was bom in Estill County, Ky., and died in Randolph County, Jan. 1, 1919. His wife was born in Madison County, Ky. and died in December, 1910 and their remains are buried at Huntsville. A. D. Asbell was a son of Joseph Asbell, a native of North Cai'olina who came to Kentucky at an early day and settled in Estill County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a blacksmith and lived to be over a hundred years old. A. D. Asbell came to Missouri and settled in Ran- dolph County, Dec. 2, 1879. He bought 80 acres of land in Salt Spring township which is now owned by his son Alguin S. Asbell. He followed general farming and also worked at the blacksmith trade. He added to his original purchase of land and at the time of his death was the owner of 120 acres. Alguin S. Asbell was one of five children born to his parents as fol- lows: William, Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Sallie Alverson, Lockwood, Mo.; Henry, Huntsville; Mrs. Mollie Wright, deceased; and Alguin S., the sub- ject of this sketch. Alguin S. Asbell was about ten years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents and here grew to manhood. He has always been engaged in farming and in addition to owning the old homestead of 120 acres, he owns another 120 acres. He carries on gen- eral farming and is one of the successful stockmen of Randolph County. For the past 20 years he has raised Duroc Jersey hogs at a time having as many as 300 head on hands. He also raises good grade cattle. His place is well improved and an excellent stock farm as well as being adapted to general farming. His residence is a good substantial six room house and he has another four room house on the place for a tenant and three good substantial bams and other buildings. Mr. Asbell was married March 4, 1895 to Miss Kittie Martin, a daugh- ter of T. M. and Mary Martin, both of whom are deceased. The father died about 1900 and the mother in Aiig. 31, 1911 and they are buried at HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 601 Huntsville. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were the parents of the following chil- dren: Mrs. Maggie Davis, Effingham, Kans.; J. W. Martin, Salt Spring township; Mrs. Nellie Barron, Huntsville, Mo.; Charles T., Salt Springs township; Mrs. Sadie Williams, Liberty, Mo.; Mrs. Alguin S. Asbell, of this sketch; Joseph, Huntsville; Mrs. Mada Wood, Harrisonville, Mo., and Robert E., Salt Spring township. To Mr. and Mrs. Asbell have been bom four children: Margaret, a graduate of the Huntsville High School, who has taken an extensive course in music and is highly accomplished- in that art, is now a teacher and resides at home with her parents; and Clinton, a student in the Huntsville High School who is making special study of agriculture; and the other two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Asbell are members of the Providence Christian church and stand high in Randolph County where they are well known and highly respected. Joseph F. Heifner, a prominent farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, who operates a valuable farm of 204 acres, in that township, is a native of Missouri and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this state. He was born in Macon County, Dec. 19, 1865 and is a son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Heifner. John Heifner was born in Kentucky, Sept. 2, 1827 and died in Febru- ary, 1906. He was the son of Bartholomew Heifner, a Kentuckian who came to Missouri with his family in 1834 when John Heifner was about seven years old. John Heifner came to Randolph County in 1873. He operated,^ a carding machine and was engaged in carding Wool for many years in the early days. Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Heifner was born in Missouri in 1831 and died in 1906. She was a daughter of Isaac Baker, a Kentuckian, who was one of the very early pioneers of this section of Missouri. He was a great hunter and an Indian fighter and was one of the first pioneers who came to Randolph County. He had many encounters with the Indians during the days of the early settlement in this county and he also had many thrilling experiences in hunting large game such as bears and wolves. He was a man of great courage and an expert in the use of firearms. He possessed unusual physical strength- and endurance and lived to the advanced age of 98 years. John and Mary Elizameth (Baker) Heifner were the parents of the following children, who lived to maturity: Mrs. Louisa Tompkins, of Moberly; Mrs. Lelia Marvin, deceased; Pressly, Darksville; Belle, de- ceased; Joseph F., the subject of this sketch; Hugh, died at the age of 602 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 40 years; William, lives on an adjoining farm to Joseph F., and Eva also lives on an adjoining farm. Joseph F. Heifner was educated in the public schools and in early life engaged in farming and is now the owner of 204 acres of land where he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising and is one of the substantial farmers of Salt Spring township. Mr. Heifner was married March 27, 1890 to Miss Julia Clifton. She was born in Randolph County, Jan. 19, 1871 and is a daughter of Rev. Daniel Boone and Mary (Kinman) Clifton. Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton was a native of Kentucky, born in 1841 and died April 17, 1918. He was a son of David Clifton, after whom Chfton Hill was named and further mention of whom is made in con- nection with the sketch of W. D. Clifton. Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton was a Baptist miriister and in the early days preached the gospel in Howard, Macon, Randolph and Boone counties. He was, perhaps, the best known of the pioneer preachers in this section of Missouri and dur- ing the course of his career had charge of many churches. He baptized a great many people during his time and preached a great many funeral sermons and performed marriage ceremonies without number. He re- mained vigorous and was active in the ministry until two years before his death. Mary (Kinman) Clifton was bom in Kentucky in 1839 and died Dec. 18, 1916. She came here with her husband Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton shortly after their marriage in 1866, he having returned to Ken- tucky for her. They were the parents of the following children: Fannie, deceased; Hugh, deceased; Julia, the wife of Joseph F. Heifner, the sub- ject of this sketch and OUie, deceased. To Joseph F. Heifner and wife have been bom the following children : Opal, bom March 16, 1891, married Frank L. Miller and to this union was born one daughter, Lillian Odell; and Robert Heifner married Mallie Kathryn Clifton, a daughter of William B. Clifton, Jan. 18, 1920. Mr. Heifner is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen and is well known in Randolph County and is held in high esteem. David Tumear, one of the very early pioneer settlers of Randolph County, was prominent in the early days affairs of this county and now has a number of descendants in Randolph County and central Missouri. He was bom in Virginia, June 2, 1795 and died in Randolph County, May 29, 1876. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Turner, the former of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 603 whom died when a young man and the mother lived to the advanced age of 99 years. The Turners came from Virginia and are descendants of an old and highly respected Colonial family of Virginia. David Turner came to Missouri in 1820 when he was about 25 years old and after remaining for a short time in Howard County, he moved to the town of Smithlan which is now Higbee. He bought land on the prairie and in 1823 established himself on the place which he made his future home. The place was timbered with walnut. He proceeded to build a home and clear his place and engaged in farming. He was a slave owner and carried on farming on a large scale and accumulated 860 acres of land, all of which is still owned by his sons except 100 acres. David Turner was one of the pioneers of Randolph County and was a member of the first jury of the new' county. He was a member of the Christian church and was a charter member of that organization at Huntsville. He was a splendid Christian man and contributed his part to the political, industrial and spiritual development of Randolph County in the days of its formative period. David Turner was first married in Madison County, Ky. to Jane Cloyd, Feb. 24, 1820 and to that union were born eight children as fol-. lows: William Miller, born May 27, 1821, was married and died on the home place; James Madison, born Dec. 22, 1823, went West in early life and later returned to Randolph County and died here; John Cloyd, born Dec. 13, 1824, died on the home place; Samuel, born Oct. 21, 1826, de- ceased; Richard, born June 16, 1829, died in California; Hudson, born May 5, 1881, died on the home place; Mrs. Martha Jane Terry, born Feb. 21, 1834, and David Allen, born Sept. 21, 1836, and died at Hood River, Ore., Dec. 25 1919. Jane Cloyd Turner died Jan. 28, 1839 and David Turner married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Clayton) Payton. She was a native of Barron County, Ky., born June 15, 1817 and was the youngest daughter of' George and Martha Clayton. She was previously married to Joseph W. Payton and they settled on a farm eight miles from Huntsville where Mr. Payton died, Aug. 5, 1844. The following year his widow married David Turner. She died Nov. 19, 1900. To David Turner and Elizabeth Clayton Turner were born the fol- lowing children: Clayton, born April 17, 1846 served in the Confederate army under General Price and died Feb. 10, 1880; Sarah Almyra, bom March 81, 1848, married T. C. Jackson and is now a widow and resides at Higbee; Warren Franklin, bom Dec. 25, 1849, is engaged in farming on 604 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the home place; Harvey Scott, born May 2, 1852, and Miss Miller Vaughn, born June 14, 1855. The two brothers, Warren Franklin, Harvey Scott, and Miss Miller Vaughn are engaged in operating the old home place in Salt Spring township. The Turner brothers are successful farmers and stockmen and also are extensive stock feeders. They market about two car loads of stock annually. They raise the general farm crops of this section, including wheat, corn and oats. They are members of the Methodist church and are Democrats and are representative of Randolph County's best citizen- ship. John H. Reed, a successful farmer and stockman of Salt Spring town- ship, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family. He was bom one mile south of Huntsville in 1857 and is the son of Capt. Thomas B. and Rachel E. (Denny). Capt. Thomas B. Reed was born in North Carolina, July 20, 1819. He was a son of John D. Reed who was a soldier in the War of 1812, whose father, Henry Reed, served in the American army in the Revolutionary War. Henry Reed was a native of Ireland and came to America in Colonial times ana set- tled in Guilford County, N. C. Here his son, John D., was born. John D. married Elizabeth Jenkins, the daughter of a Methodist clergyman. Capt. Thomas B. Reed, son of John D. and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Reed was born in North Carolina, July 20, 1819. He was brought to Howard County, Mo. by his parents when a baby. The family moved to Randolph County in 1822 and here John D. died in 1869. Capt. Thomas B. Reed was educated in the common schools and the University of Missouri and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1847 and was vale- dictorian of his class. He taught school in Huntsville for a time and studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He was engaged in the practice of law when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Union Army and was commissioned captain of Company G, 9th Missouri Infantry. He served until the close of the war during which time he was detailed to military duties in various capacities. He served as provost marshal at Rolla, Mo. and was judge advocate at Macon City, Mo. At the close of the war he returned to the practice of law. His first partner was Judge Arthur P. Terill and later he practiced with Judge William A. Hall. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, after which he was a Republican. In 1866, he was elected a member of the Missouri State Senate and reelected in 1868, serving four years as a member of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 605 that body and was a prominent and influential member. In addition to his profession and political activities, he was also engaged in operating coal mines in a company with W. T. Eutherford and Judge Burkhartt and he was treasurer of the company. They- did an extensive business in Randolph County for several years. He was a member of the Christian church and an advocate of prohibition. Captain Reed was married Nov. 28, 1855 to Rachel E. Denny, of Howard County, Mo. She was a daughter of James M. Denny, a Ken- tuckian who was a very early pioneer, settler of Howard County and a member of a prominent Kentucky family; he owned a number of slaves and was a large land owner. Capt. Reed died Oct. 5, 1899 and his wife died April 5, 1905. She was an accomplished woman and possessed unusual talent; she was one of the original members of the Womens Christian Temperance Union and an untiring worker in behalf of the principles which that organization represents. To Captain Thomas B. Reed and wife were born the following chil- dren: John H., the subject of this sketch; James D., a prominent physi- cian and wealthy banker of Covina, Calif. ; Elizabeth Frances, married John N. Taylor, of Columbia, Mo. ; Lida R. married R. M. Cook, a banker of Kansas City, Mo. and she is now deceased ; Anna Maude, D. P. Payne, of St. Joseph, Mo. John H. Reed was educated in the public schools and Mt. Pleasant College and was graduated from that institution in 1876. He taught school for two years and then attended business college in Detroit, Mich, and afterwards studied law. He managed his father's estate until 1900. In 1904 he purchased his present farm in Salt Spring township. This place is known as "Hillcrest" and consists of 280 acres of well improved and valuable farm land. The residence is a large white house built on the Colonial style and the place presents an attractive appearance. Mr. Reed carries on general farming and stock raising and raises pure bred stock. Feb. 8, 1900, James H. Reed was married to Miss Adah Gill, a native of Randolph County, bom Feb. 23, 1867. She is a daughter of Judge Adam Fisher and Mary (Fairchild) Gill. Adam Fisher Gill was bom in St. Charles County, Mo. and was the son of John Gill of Danville, Ky., who *is the son of John Gill, of Virginia, and a grandson of Adam Fisher who fought in the Revolutionary War. Mary (Fairchild) Gill was a daughter of Capt. 0. H. and Adah W. Fairchild. She was a highly cultured woman 606 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of strong mentality and was a prominent pioneer club woman. Adam Fisher Gill came to Randolph County in 1866 and settled near Randolph Springs and farmed near Gill school house and gave the land for that school grounds. He lived in Huntsville for 20 years prior to his death in September, 1918 in his 82nd year. He was a well read man and his natural inclination was towards the law and he served as justice of peace and police judge. His widow who is now 76 years of age makes her home with her children. Mrs. Gill has been a remarkable woman, reared in St. Louis and had the best educational advantages. She has spent her married life in the country. She has been deeply interested in church, club and civic affairs. Adam Fisher and Mary (Fairchild) Gill were the parents of the following children: Adah married John H. Reed, the sub- ject of this sketch; Dr. Everett Gill, D. D., has traveled extensively, served in the Red Cross during the World War and has been a missionary to Italy for ten years where he is now stationed; Emma, married J. W. Agee, a prosperous merchant of Keytesville, Mo. Mrs. Reed is a graduate of high school and Mt. Pleasant College and the Ladies College at Liberty, Mo. and for a number of years taught in the Liberty Ladies College and the Huntsville schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed have been born one child, Mary Louise. She is a graduate of the Huntsville High School and is a graduate in music and has studied extensively under private instructors. Mr. Reed is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church and one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Randolph County. Mrs. Reed is a member of the Baptist church; she holds membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and is a prominent club woman. She is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and is presi- dent of the local Misisonary Society. James T. Sears, a progressive farmer and stockman of Chariton township, is a native of 'Randolph County and a representative of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. He was bom on the place where he now resides, Feb. 3, 1859 and is a son of Levi and Rebecca (Ash) Sears. Levi Sears was also a native of Randolph County, born in 1829 and died in 1915. He was a son of Wiley Sears, a Kentuckian who came to Missouri in "the early 20's and settled on Silver Creek near Mt. Airy. He built a home and improved a farm and here reared his family and spent the remainder of his days. Rebecca (Ash) Sears was a native of Indiana. She was born in 1835 and died in 1910. She was a daughter of George Ash who came to Missouri with his family and settled in Mon- roe County in 1837 or 1838. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 607 Levi Sears was reared in Randolph County and spent his life here. During his old age, he and his wife removed to Chfton Hill where they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: James T., the subject of this sketch; Rev. P. F., a Bap- tist minister; G. W., a merchant at Musselfork, Chariton County; A. G., a druggist at Dodson, which is a suburb of Kansas City and Mrs. Naomi Hatten, the Avife of Dr. Hatten of Columbia, Mo. James T. Sears was educated in the district schools and since early life has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He first took charge of the home place and in 1900 bought it and has therefore always lived on the farm where he was born. It is a well improved fertile farm and consists of 161 acres. There is a good residence and barns and other buildings. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Sears also raises and feeds stock extensively. He markets about two car loads of cattle and a hundred head of hogs each year. Mr. Sears was married in 1881 to Miss Lura Thomas, of Thomas Hill. She was born in Randolph County, a daughter of W. A. Thomas and to this union were bom three children as follows: Josephine, married Charles W. West, of Kansas City and they have two children. Waller Rich- mond and James Charles ; George Herbert, Kansas City, Mo. ; and Dorothy married Forrest Rice, resides on the home place and has one child, Ger- aldine Rice. Mrs. Sears died July 1, 1915 and is buried in Thomas Hill cemetery. Mr. Sears is a Democrat and a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Lewis Arnold Summers, a large land owner and extensive farmer and stock man of Clifton township is a native of Randolph County. He was born on the place where he now resides Sept. 5, 1890 and is a son of James H. and Elba Ella (Humphries) Summers, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Lewis Arnold Summers was educated in the public schools and has always been engaged in farming with the exception of a short time that he was employed in the train service on the Burlington Railroad. He is carrying on general farming and stock raising and operates 372 acres of land and owns 272 acres of the original Summers' homestead. The place is well improved with good buildings and the Summers place is one of the productive farms of Clifton township. 608 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Lewis A. Summers was united in marriage July 31, 1913 to Miss Kathryn Kirkpatrick. She was born near Yates, Missouri and is a daughter of John and Kathryn (Alexander) Kirkpatrick. John M. Kirk- patrick is now deceased. He was bom in Pennsylvania in 1837 and in early life went to Iowa and i|n 1880 he came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County where he was engaged in farming and also conducted a livery stable for a time. He was married to Kathryn Alexander in 1884. She was born in Howard County in 1864 and was a daughter of John and Charity (Denny) Alexander. John Alexander was a native of Kentucky and an early pioneer in this section of Missouri. He was born in 1807 and came here in 1827. To Lewis Arnold and Kathryn < Kirkpatrick) Summers were bom the following children: John, bom April 13, 1916; Mary Kathryn, born July 13, 1918. Mr. Summers is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in political affairs. He is a member of the Methodist church. James P. Mayo, a successful farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and is a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this county. He was bom on the farm where he now resides, Sept. "11, 1845 and is a son of "Uncle Allen" and Martha (Finnell) Mayo. "Uncle Allen" Mayo was one of the prominent pioneer settlers of this section of the state. He was born in Virginia, July 14, 1802. His father, Thomas Mayo, was an old and respected citizen of Patrifek County, Va., who married Mary Blair, who was a member of the same family to which General Frank Blair belonged. Thomas Mayo served in the Revo- lutionary War under General Washington. About 1805 he removed from Virginia with his family to Campbell County, Tennessee, where he was engaged in farming about 12 years. He came to Missouri in 1817 and in 1818 settled in Randolph County and engaged in farming during the re- mainder of his life. Allen Mayo, or "Uncle Allen" was 16 years old when he came to Randolph County with hite parents. He entered government land in Silver Creek township in 1823, which is now owned by James P. Mayo, of this sketch. Allen Mayo was a successful farmer and prospered. He was one of Randolph County's most highly respected citizens of the early days. At the county fair at Jacksonville, in the fall of 1883, he was formally presented with a cane by the fair association in the name of the JAMES P. MAYO HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 609 people of the county in honor of being the father of the county, among the then living in duration of residence here. Allen Mayo was married April 23 1823 to Martha Finnell, a daughter of Charles and Lucy Finnell, also pioneer settlers of Randolph County. Mrs. Mayo was born in Garrett County, Ky., June 28, 1804. They were the parents of the following children: William; Eliza, married George Dameron; Thomas; Charles F.; Lucy, married Samuel McCulley; Porter; Mary, married F. M. Stark; John A.; Mildred and James P., the subject of this sketch. The surviving members of the above family are Potter, who resides at Clifton Hill, Mo.; Mary, lives in Silver Creek township; John A., Clifton Hill; and James P. "Uncle Allen" Mayo died Feb. 13, 1894. His wife died Aug. 6, 1890. They were members of the Baptist church and "Uncle Allen" Mayo was a Democrat. He was a strong Union man and voted for Lincoln in 1864. James P. Mayo was reared in Silver Creek township and attended the early day subscription schools and was at home on his father's farm when the Civil War was being waged. He enlisted in the Union army in 1864, becoming a member of Capt. Charles F. Mayo's company (Captain Mayo was an older brother of his) Colonel Denny's regiment. He was discharged at Huntsville in 1865 after the close of the war. He then returned to his father's home where he remained until 1875, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Silver Creek township, which he im- proved. He is now the owner of 210 acres of well improved and valuable land. He has a good substantial residence and three bams on the place and other farm buildings. In addition to his general farming, he is an extensive stock breeder and one of the pioneer Shorthorn breeders of the county, having been engaged in this business since 1885. He has been breeding pure bred Poland China hogs since 1895. April 15, 1879, James P. Mayo was marled at Huntsville, Mo., to Miss Sophia S. Sutliff, daughter of John and Catherine A. (Vamum) Sutliflf, the former a native of New Jersey, bom July 12, 1824 and died in Ran- dolph County, Sept. 3, 1906 and the latter, a native of Butler, Pa., bora Aug. 19, 1824 and died Jan. 8, 1904. Mrs. Mayo is one of ten children bom to her parents, as follows : Enoch, Huntsville, Mq. ; John, deceased ; one died in infancy; Mrs. Mayo; JuHa Ann, deceased; Sarah, married Lannie Baker, Moberly, Mo. ; William H., Silver Creek township ; Amanda, deceased; Hattie, Silver Creek township; Joseph, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have no children. Mr. Mayo is a member of the Baptist church. 610 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY James H. Summers, now deceased, was during his active career a prominent factor in the progress and development of Randolph County. He was bom in this county May 4, 1849 and died March 6, 1917. He was the son of Joseph M. Summers, who was born Dec. 18, 1816 and was brought to Missouri by his parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Baker) Summers in 1818. Jeremijah Summers was a native of North Carolina and his wife was a Virginian. The Summers family settled in Randolph County in 1819 and were among the very early settlers of this section. The country was still in a primitive state and Indians were numerous. Joseph M. Summers was reared to manhood here and became a large land owner and was one of the wealthy men of Randolph County during his time. He married Martha Patton April 1, 1841. She was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Engleton) Patton, natives of Tennessee. Seven children were born to Joseph M. Summers and mfe as follows: William P., Walter H., Mrs. Fannie Wylan, James H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Brown, Charles P. and Giles R. James H. Summers engaged in farming and stock raising in Clifton township shortly after his marriage. He prospered and was regarded as one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He fed cattle for the market extensively and also hogs and was one of the big shippers of western Randolph County. At one time he owned 640 acres of valuable land but in later years disposed of some of his land and at the time of his death owned 375 acres of which his son, Louis Arnoll Summers now owns 273 acres and hijs widow 102 acres which is located in Clifton township. James H. Summers was married March 19, 1878 to Miss Elba Ella Humphries. She was bom in Silver Creek township May 10, 1860 and is the daughter of Isaiah and Elizabeth Jane (Goodman) Humphries. Isaiah Humphries was a native of Randolph County and was a son of Isaiah Humphries, an early pioneer of this county. Mrs. Summers' father died whijle serving in the Confederate army in 1865. Elizabeth Jane (Goodman) Humphries was born Nov. 17, 1837 and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Summers. She is a daughter of James Edwin and Mary (Alexander) Goodman of Tennessee. Mrs. Summ.ers is the only living child of her parents. A younger sister, Mary, is dead. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Humphries married Louis Finnell, who was born Jan. 26, 1822 and died May 27, 1911. One child was born to that union, Louila M., bom Sept. 8, 1872 and dUed Feb. 3, 1897. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 611 To James H. and Elba Ella (Humphries) Summers were born the fol- lowing children: Clarence Eugene, born Feb. 8, 1880, a traveling sales- man, Lincoln, Neb., married Merle Burris and they have five children: Mida Vesta, Martha Elizabeth, James Henry, Theodosia and C. E., Jr. ; Joseph Henry, born April 2, 1884 and died Feb. 3, 1890 ; Christine Eliza- beth, born May 29, 1887, married Willliam Hansel Mayo, Tulsa, Okla. and has two children, Elba Lucille and James Allen; Louis Arnold, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. James H. Summers was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. George William Lay, now deceased, was an early settler and a mem- ber of a pioneer family of Randolph County. He was born in Orange County, Va., in 1830 and died on his farm in Clifton township, Randolph County in 1906. He was a son of Frank and Jane (Eddings) Lay, both natives of Virginia. They came to Randolph County with their family and settled at Huntsville, in 1837. Frank Lay was a carpenter in early life and later operated a gristmill. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Randolph County after coming here. < George William Lay was reared to manhood in Randolph County and followed farming and stock raising practically all his life and met with reasonable success. In 1868, he bought 160 acres of prairie land north of Clifton Hill. He improved this place and there spent the remainder of his life. He was married in 1851 to Sarah Ann Matlock. She was born in Caswell County, N. C, Sept. 4, 1834. Her parents were James and Martha (Gunn) Matlock, natives of North Carolina who came to Mis- souri and settled in Randolph County in 1836. The Matlock family are descendants of a prominent old southern family of Colonial times, mem- bers of which served in the American Revolution. Mrs. Lay is one of the oldest pioneer women now living in Randolph County. To George William and Martha Ann. Matlock Lay were born the fol- lowing children : James Francis, married Nannie Robertson and has four children: Mrs. Eliza Ann Richeson, who is the mother of two children, Frank Howard and Thomas ; W. E. Lay, married Georgia Johnson and has one child, Nannie Louise; J. C. Lay, married Nellie Holman and Samuel Jones Lay, deceased; Charles William Lay, born June 19, 1858 and re- sides in Clifton township where he is engaged in farming and George Ashley on the home farm, married Stella Penn and three children were born to that union, Aubrey, Frank Penn, Leslie Earl. The mother of 612 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY these children died and George Ashley married Miss Alta Jackson and to this union was born one child, Dorris Clifford. George William Lay was a life long Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He was a public spirited citizen and contributed his part to the upbuilding and development of Randolph County and its institutions. The Lay family is prominent in the community where they reside. Sam W. Wright, an extensive stockman and farmer of Chariton town- ship, who is also one of the well known and successful breeders of pure bred registered cattle of the county is a native of Randolph County. He v.'as born in the neighborhood of his present home, April 21, 1858, in a pioneer log house which had been the home of the Wright family for many years. He is a son of Johnson and Ehza Jane (Trumbeil) Wright, natives of Kentucky. Johnson Wright came Lo Randolph County about 1830 and entered a large tract of government land in 1834. He located in Chariton town- ship and here built a home for his famijly and cleared away the timber , from his land and was considered one of the successful farmers and stock- men of the early days. He died April 21, 1867 and his wife died in 1889. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary McDaniel, deceased ; Robert T., served in the Confederate army during the Civil War and is now deceased. George Preston, deceased ; James A., deceased ; Non R., deceased; Rebecca, died at the age of 6 years; Staley A., a farmer in Chariton township and Annie married James Martin of Moberly and is now deceased; Sam W., the subject of this sketch and Mrs. Malta J. Brogan, deceased. Sam W. Wright has always been engaged in farming and stock rais- ing and since early manhood has operated the home place in Chariton township. After the death of his father, he bought the interests of the other heirs and is now the owner of 240 acres. This is one of the valuable farms of Randolph County and is especially well adapted to stock raising. Mr. Wright has about 196 acres devoted to pasture and gives special atten- tion to raising and breeding live stock. He feeds cattle for the market extensively and raises pure bred Polled Angus cattle and at this writing has about 30 head of registered cattle of thijs breed. Sam W. Wright was married in Sept. 18, 1889 to Miss Fannie Burg- win of Boone County, Mo., and to this union have been born the following children: Guy B., bom in 1887, a farmer, married Pensy Clempson; Ralph, born in 1889 and Mrs. Zanna D. Gray. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 613 Mr. Wright is a Democrat and one of the well known and substantial citizens of Randolph County. John H. Hammett, vi|ce-president of the J. M. Hammett Banking Com- pany and one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Randolph County, is a native of this county and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of this section. John H. Hammett was bom on a farm adjoining his present place in Salt Spring township, May 20, 1866 and is a son of Francis Marion Hammett and Susan (Robinson) Hammett. A sketch of Francis Marion Hammett appears elsewhere in this volume. John H. Hammett was reared in the vicinity of Huntsville and edu- cated at Fort Henry and then took a business course and graduated at the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis, in 1885. He then engaged in farming and stock raising in Salt Spring township. He began with 320 acres and has added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of 600 acres of productive and well improved land. He has a large modern residence on his place and a number of well built and conveniently arranged grain, hay and stock bams. He devotes special attention to the stock business and feeds for the markets about six car loads of cattle and 400 hogs each year and is recognized as one of the most successful stock raisers of Randolph County. Mr. Hammett was united in marriage March 16, 1893 with Milss Mary Vaughan, a native of Randolph County. She was bom at Mt. Airy, a daughter of John and Addie (Dameron) Vaughan, both members of prom- inent pioneer families of Randolph County. Dr. Vaughan of Ann Arbor, Mich, is a brother of Mrs. Hammett. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett have been born two children : Harper, who is a student at Howard Payne Col- lege, Fayette, Mo. and J. H., Jr., a student at Central College. Mrs. Ham- mett departed this life Dec. 12, 1918 at the age of 50 years. She was a member of the Methodist church and lived a consistent Christian life. Mr. Hammett has been vice-president of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company at Huntsville for the past 14 years, having held that position since his father's death. He is a Democrat and takes an interest in local affairs. He has served as road commissioner and for seven years was president of the special road dijstrict. He is a member of the Methodist church and the Knights of Pythias. He is progressive and public spirited and his career has been marked with success. Francis M. Hammett, now deceased, was for many years a leading factor in the affairs of Randolph County and like his father before him. 614 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY left the impriint of his influence in shaping the destiny and moulding the affairs of his time. He was born in Randolph County on the old Ham- mett homestead, Aug. 19, 1831 and was a son of Joseph M. Hammett. Joseph M. Hammett was a native of Kentucky, born in Warren County, Dec. 25, 1809. He was a son of Elijah Hammett, a native of South Carolina where the Hammett family was founded in America dur- ing Colonial times. When Elijah Hammett was a boy, his parents re- moved to Kentucky where he married Mary Snodgrass, a natiive of Ken- tucky and a daughter of David Snodgrass who was prominent in the affairs of that state. In 1826, when Joseph M. Hammett was 16 years old, he came to Mis- souri with his parents and they settled in Howard County where they re- mained two years when they came to Randolph County. Here Elijah Hammett entered a large tract of government land which he and his son, Joseph M. improved and which was the future home of the family. Elijah Hammett died at Waco, Tex., ifn 1857 while there on a visit. His wife died in 1843. Joseph M. Hammett was the only son bom to his parents. There were four daughters: Mary, Rebecca, Martha and Louisa. Joseph M. Hammett was married Feb. 20, 1830 to Mary Millsap of Randolph County who died in 1864, leaving the following children : Francis Marion, the subject of this sketch; James W., Benjamin F., Charles H. and Jefferson B. Joseph M. Hammett married for his second wife, Mrs. Amanda La Fon, Feb. 20, 1866. Joseph M. Hammett had a remarkably successful business career. He was a large land owner and a successful farmer, owning at the tinie of his death, over 6,000 acres of land in Chariton, Macon and Randolph counties. He was one of the pioneer bankers of Huntsville and for a number of ye^rs was president of what was then known as the Huntsville Savings Bank. He exerted a strong influence in the building of the North Missouri Railroad through this sectijon of Missouri and took a leading part in the establishment of Mt: Pleasant College. For many years he did an extensive business in live stock. He was a member of the Methodist Church, South and an exemplary citizen. Francis Marion Hammett received a good education and was a man of consilderably more than the average intellectual attainment. He began his career as a school teacher and was a popular and successful educator. He next became a purchasing agent for stock and tobacco buyers in ad- joining counties and soon drifted into that business on his own account. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 615 In 1850 he went to California where he was successfully engaged in min- ing about a year when he returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming and stock raisilng and was successful in these enterprises and became a large land owner and was also heavily interested in cattle ranches in Colorado and New Mexico. He was also interested in the banking business and was president of the bank in Huntsville, having succeeded his father to that position. He was interested in many enter- prises with the same uniform success. On Nov. 23, 1854, Francis Marion Hammett was married to Mary S. Robertson, a daughter of Hiram Robertson, a prominent pioneer citizen of Randolph County and to this union were born ten children as follows: Joella, Benjamin H., William F., Sidney A., Stonie, James L., John H., Clarence J., Susan A., Edwin De Young. Francis M. Hammett and wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. Hammett's life was a success and he has many descendants in Randolph County who are worthy descendants of honorable ancestors. George W. Gross, a prominent farmer and stockman who owns and operates a farm of 220 acres in Salt Sprijng township, is a native of Mis- souri and a descendant of very early pioneers of this section of the state. George W. Gross was bom in Macon County in 1849 and is a son of Noah and Mary (Sears) Gross. Noah Gross was born in Kentucky in 1816 and was a son of Abraham Gross who was one. of the very early pioneer settlers of Howard County, Mo., coming to this section in 1818. He was one of the first pioneer set- tlers in Silver Creek township, Randolph County. Mary (Sears) Gross was a daughter of Hardy Sears who was also a pioneer settler of Silver Creek township, locating there about 1820. Noah Gross and Mary Sears were reared in Randolph County and married here and shortly after their marriage, removed to Macon County. They were the parents of 11 children, nine of whom lived to maturity as follows: Mrs. Louisa Atterbury, deecased; J. F., lives in Macon County; Mrs. Dicy Elizabeth Talbert, deceased; George W., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah Frances Goodson, lives in Macon County; John H., Macon County; Thomas Jefferson, Macon County; Mrs. Minnije Nora Truitt, Macon County and Lucius, deceased. ~ George W. Gross was reared and educated in Macon County, and in 1884 engaged in farming aijd stock raising at Thomas Hill, Randolph 616 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY County. Shortly afterwards, he went to New Mexico but returned to Randolph County in a short time and bought his present place in Salt Spring township where he has since been successfully engaged in farm- ijng and stock raising. He owns 220 acres of land upon which he has placed substantial improvements which includes the neat, modern farm residence, a large barn and other buildings of a substantial character. He carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Gross was married in 1884 to Miss Martha Balder, a native of Macon County, born, in 1856. She is. a daughter of Nathan and Irene (Mathis) Baker, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Mis- souri. The mother died when Mrs. Gross was only three years old, in 1859. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross have been born two children : Earl, married Goldia Nicholson and Constance, who resides at home with her parents. By a former marriage to Alberini Bernard, Mr. Gross has one son, 0. C, who married Ethel Wedding and has three children: Albert Wesley, Phillip and Melrose. Mr. Gross is a Democrat and attends the Baptist church. He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Salt Spring township and Randolph County and the Gross family is well known and highly respected in this section. Anthony J. Weber, a leading business man of Moberly, who ovms and manages the Weber Ice Cream Factory and Bottling Works at 513-17 West Coates street is a native of Illinois. He was born at Joliet, 111., Dec. 23, 1892, a son of John Jacob and Ida (Brenley) Weber. John Jacob Weber was born in Switzerland and received a good edu- cation in his native land. He served in his canton as a justice of the peace. In 1840 John J. Weber immigrated to the United States and set- tled in Illinois, near Schanohan. He remained there two years engaged in farming before going to Joliet to work as a millwright in iron work. Later he purchased a cow, sold milk, made some money, purchased more cows and soon was running a dairy herd of 30 cows. He continued this business for 15 years and met with success until he turned the business over to his sons and retired. At the time of his death, Mr. Weber was a wealthy man. Ida (Brenley) Weber was also born, reared and educated in Switzerland and now lives in Jefferson City, Mo., at the advanced age of 76 years. Anthony J. Weber spent his youth in Joliet, 111. and attended the public schools there and was graduated from the Joliet High School in 1911. He soon secured a position as verification clerk in the American A. J. WEBER HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 617 Steel and Wire Company where he remained two years. In 1913, Mr. Weber was appointed private secretary to J. A. Weber, representative of the Sixth District to the State Legislature, but soon decided to go into business for himself. His brother, John J. Weber had purchased an ice cream plant at Jefferson City, Mo. in 1913 and he became a partner in that enterprise. In 1917, the brothers bought the plant in Moberly, en- larged it and today ship their products all over central and northern Mis- souri and into southern Iowa. Their present building in Moberly which they erected to care for the increasing business is modern in every way. The Weber Company is incorporated for $20,000 and they conduct the two independent plants, John J. Weber is located at Jefferson City and Anthony J. Weber lives in Moberly. On Oct. 16, 1916, Anthony J. Weber was married to Miss Ruth Elain Murphy, a native of Callaway, Mo. She is a daughter of Judge R. J. and Susanah (Sugget) Murphy. One child has been bom ■'•o this union, Robert A. Mr. Weber is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the St. John's Catholic church and Mr. Weber belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Beneovlent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a member of the United Commercial Travelers Association and the Travellers Protective Association. L. M. Crose. — No proper alignment of the farmers of Randolph County could be made without placing L. M. Crose the owner-manager of the Green Hill Stock Farm in the front rank. Green Hill Farm is the home of pure bred Holstein cattle and well known throughout this sec- tion of Missouri. L. M. Crose is a native son of Randolph County, bom on the farm where he now lives, March 11, 1887, the son of Marion and Etta (Jones) Crose, the former a native of Indiana and the latter was born at Green Hill Farm, was reared and attended the school near her home and was married here. They both now live in Moberly. L. M. Crose spent his youth on the old home place, was educated in the district school near his home and the schools of Moberly as the farm lies just a mile and a half east of the city limits. The Crose brothers bought this place in 1905 and operated it together until 1917, when L. M. took over his brother's interest. This tract consists of 309 acres of rich soil; there is a fine modem residence, with electric lights, running water and other conveniences. Two large barns are on the farm and a silo of 225 tons capacity. The lOO foot well can not be pumped dry and a wind 618 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY mill is used for the pumping. Mr. Crose feeds about 40 head of hogs annually, has a herd of 30 Holstein cattle, 15 of them registered and in the future intends to have only registered cows. He owns a registered bull from the Four Square farm of Wellsville, Mo., which was owned by L. H. Mueller and is registered under the name of "Count Cornicopia Ormsby", No. 216170, said to be one of the finest Holstein bulls in the county. In addition he raises standard bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, annually keeping about 200 hens and is regarded as one of the most substantial farmers and stock men of this section. On April 15, 1913, Mr. Crose was married to Miss Edna Ratliff, of Sugar Creek township, the daughter of Judge George Ratliflf, a prominent man of the county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crose : Dorothy, Roy Pollard and Frank, all at home with their parents. Mr. Crose is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He is a member of the school board. District 52, and is president of the same. Alfred Terry, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Salt Spring town- ship where he now resides and is a descendant of one of the prominent pioneer familiies of Randolph County. Alfred Terry was born July 31, 1858 and is a son of Josiah and Martha Jane (Turner) Terry. Josiah Terry was a native of Kentucky, born in 1832 and died in November, 1896. He was a son of William Terry, a Kentuckian who settled in Randolph County in 1836 when Josiah Terry was four years old. He took up land in Salt Spring township, improved ift and here spent the remainder of his life. Josiah Terry was reared amidst the early day surroundings in Ran- dolph County and when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Con- federate army. During the course of his service, he was captured by the Federals and sent to the military prison at Alton, 111. After the war he returned to farming and stockraising and became well-to-do and acquired a great deal of land, becoming the owner of about 685 acres. To Josiah and Martha Jane (Turner) Terrj' were bom the following children: Mrs. Thresa J. Mason, who is now a widow and resides at Mob- erly; Mrs. Fannie Baker, of Neosho, Mo.; Alfred, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Joella Rutledge, lives in Idaho; Talton, deceased; Arthur, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Jennie Klink, resides on a farm in Salt Spring township. Alfred Terry was reared in Salt Spring townshijp and educated in the district school. In early life, he bought a farm and began his independent HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 619 career as a farmer and stock raiser. Later he sold that place and bought another near Cairo, where he lived until 1894. In 1898 or after the death of his father, he bought the home place after having rented it for one year. This farm consists of 369.89 acres and is valuable and productive land. It is well improved and the farm residence which is a neat white cottage in the center of 160 acre tract gives the place an unusually at- tractive appearance. The bams about the place are substantial build- ings and well kept. In addition to general farming, Mr. Terry is also engaged in raising cattle and hogs. Alfred Terry was united in marriage Jan. 29, 1885 with Miss Flor- ence L. Terrill of Darksville, Mo. She is a native of Randolph County and a daughter of Dr. Robert and Anna A. (Hall) Terrill, pioneers of Ran- dolph County. Dr. Robert Terrill was a native of Kentucky, born July 1, 1824. He was left an orphan when he was only four years old and in 1830, when six years of age, he was brought to Missouri by an uncle, John Terrill, who settled in Howard County. Robert Terrill, after obtaining a good education, attended the Eclectical Medical College at Cincinnati and later took a course in the St. Louis Medical College and also a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, la. For many years he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Darksville and his practice extended from Bloomington to Fort Henry and from Mussel- fork to Grand Prairie. He was one of the best known and most success- ful physicians of the pioneer days in this section. He was a Baptist and one of the organizers of Mt. Shiloh church. He was also a prominent Mason. To Alfred Terry and wife has been born one son, Preble, born March 15, 1891 and died Oct. 5, 1917. Mr. Terry is a Democrat and one of the v^ell known and substantial citizens of Randolph County and Mrs. Terry is a member of the Baptist church. George Preston Wright, now deceased, was during his life time prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Randolph County and became well-to-do. He belonged to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County and was born in Chariton township Jan. 15, 1845, and died June 11, 1916. He was a son of Johnson and Eliza J. (Trimble) Wright. Johnson Wright was a son of Evans and Rebecca Wright and was a native of Kentucky. He was prominent in the early day affairs in Randolph County and served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He was also a member of the State Legislature at one time. He 620 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY was married to Eliza J. (Trimble) in 1840. She was a native of Mont- gomery County, Ky. and a daughter of Robert a«d Elizabeth Trimble, both also natives of Kentucky. George Preston Wright was one of a family of ten children born to his parents. He was reared in Chariton township and educated in the public schools and always followed farming and stock raising and met with more than ordinary success in his undertakings. At the time of his death, he was the owner of 470 acres of valuable land which was divided between his widow and children. Mrs. Wright now owns 252 acres of the original Wright homestead. George Preston Wright was united in marriage in 1880 with Miss Ella P. Crisman. She was born in Chariton township Jan. 16, 1862 and is a daughter of Austin and Mary Prances (Coleman) Crisman, natives of Virginia who settled in Randolph County in 1858. They settled in Salt Spring township. To George Preston and Ella P. (Crisman) Wright were born the following children: Mrs. Mittie Frances Summers, who has 3 children, Esther, Susie and Herbert and resides in Chariton township; Charles J. married Ada Stephens of Randolph Co., Mo. and has no chil- dren and lives in Chariton townshijp; George Roscoe married Ruth E. Grey and has one son, Harold; Ella Coleman, married Roscoe Palmer and has two sons, Charles Robert and Frank Leslie. George Preston Wright was a Republican and always took a com- mendable interest in public affairs and was one of the well posted men of the county. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and well known and highly respected in the community. Mrs. Ella P. Wright, his widow, now resides with her children in Chariton township and is one of the highly esteemed pioneer women of Randolph County. Mr. G. P. Wright was first married about 1875 to Mittie Austin Cris- man, a sister of Mrs. Wright, and one son was bom to that marriage, James Welford, now deceased. He was married to Zula Gray and son was born to them, Churchill Wright. Henry Barber Cavanaugh, a Cijvil War veteran and a well known farmer and stockman of Chariton township, has been a resident of this township for over 35 years. He was born in Howard County, near Roa- noke, Jan. 26, 1845, and is a son of Thomas Brooks and Sarah Elizabeth (Young) Cavanaugh, both natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of Howard County. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 621 Henry Barber Cavanaugh remained at home with his parents until after the Civil War broke out when he enlisted in the Confederate army, Aug. 10, 1862. He served in Gen. Sterlijng Price's division for two years and ten months and was with that command at Shreveport when the war ended. He participated in the battles of Pleasant Hill, La., Prairie Grove, Ark., and Helena, Ark. and a number of other engagements and skirmishes. His health was bad during the course of his military career and he was incapacitated for military servit^e about one-third of the time. After the close of the war he returned home in 1865 and began farm- ing for himself in 1867. He first located near Darksville and operated a place adjoining the village for three years. He bought and sold other places where he was engaged in farming until 1885, when he purchased his present place where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns 145 acres upon which he has placed substantial im- provements and made of it one of the valuable farms in that section. Mr. Cavanaugh was married April 21, 1867 to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Broaddus, a native of Logan County, Ky., born Jan. 1, 1842. She is a daughter of Edwin and Hettie (Campbell) Broaddus. They settled in Randolph County in 1854 and here spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh have been born the following children: Min- ni)9 Elnore, who died at the age of seven years ; Edwin Seymour, married Ollie Woolburton and has three childien, Lillian, Leroy and Lloyd ; Georgia Alice, married Lawrence L. Crisp and they have one child. Iris Marie; William Thomas, died at the age of 20; Charles, who is engaged in farm- ing southeast of Darksvijle, married Idene Foster and they have one child, Charline; Henry H., of Moberly, married Idris Foster and has two sons, Jack Milton and Henry Foster and Andrew B. died in infancy. ^r. Cavanaugh is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is a substantial citizen and is highly respected in Randolph County. Clarence J. Hammett, an extensive farmer and stockman and a large land owner of Salt Spring townshiip, is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born Oct. 28, 1868 on the Hammett home place in Salt Spring township and is a son of Francis Marion Hammett, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Clarence J. Hammett was reared on the home place in Randolph County and educated in the schools of Fort Henry and the Huntsville High School. He then attended the Christian Brothers College at St. 622 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Louiis and the Terrill School in 'Tennessee. Since early manhood he has been engaged in farming and has become one of the most successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He is now the owner of 780 acres of land, 300 acres of which comprises his home place and 480 acres in another farm. His places are well improved with three good substantial sets of farm buildings and improvements. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock raising and employs progressive methods and up-to-date machinery and labor saviing devices. Mr. Hammett was united in marriage Sept. 9, 1895 with Miss Rosa Patterson, of Boone County, Mo. She is a daughter of Hiram and Mary Elizabeth Patterson, both natives of Holt County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett have been born the following children: Dorothy, who is a graduate of the Huntsville High School, resides at home with her par- ents ; Rachel, a graduate of the Huntsville High School and the Gem City Busitness College of Quincy, 111. resides at home with her parents and Fred Patterson, also a graduate of the Huntsville High School and dur- ing the World War, in August, 1918, was inducted into the Training Camp of the University of Missouri at Columbia and now resides at home with his parents. Mr. Hammett is a Democrat. He is one of the enterprising and sub- stantilal citizens of Randolph County. Jim Will Swetnam, an- extensive live stock dealer who is also engaged in farming and stock raising in Salt Spring township, is a native son of Randolph County. He was born Aug. 8, 1863 and ijs a son of WiUiam and Hannah (Carter) Swetnam. William Swetnam was born in Kentucky in 1825 and died in Randolph County in 1890. He was the son of William Swetnam who came to Howard County, Mo. from his native state of Ken- tucky in 1827, and shortly afterwards came to Randolph County with his parents where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here William Swetnam, father of Jim Will Swetnam, was reared to manhood, engaged in farming and stock raising and spent his entire life. The Swetnams were one of the very early pioneer families of Randolph County. Hannah (Carter) Swetnam was also a native of Kentucky. She was born in 1827 and died in this county about 1900. To William and Hannah (Carter) Swetnam were born the following children: Matile, deceased; Billie, deceased; Jim Will, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mamie Jackson, who resides south of Huntsville ; Mrs. Fannie Collins lives in Chariton township; Isaac resides at Albany, Mo.; Mrs. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 623 Lula Johnson, of Randolph County; Mrs. Jennie Darr lives near Moberly and Mrs. Gertrude Malone also lives in Randolph County. Jim Will Swetnam was educated in the public schools of Parksville and has been interested in farming and live stock since early manhood. He bought his first farm in 1891 and during the course of his career has bought and sold a number of farms in Randolph County from time to time. He now owns 62 acres of well improved and valuable land in Salt Spring townshilp where he carries on general farming and stock raising in addition to devoting most of his time to buying and shipping live stock in which he has met with uniform success. He is one of the well known live stock dealers of Randolph County. Mr. Swetnam was married Dec. 28, 1884 to Miss Louisa May Ether- ton, a native of Randolph County, bom Oct. 3, 1865. She is a daughter of Allen and Louisa (Webster) Etherton, both natives of Randolph County. Allen Etherton was born Feb. 15, 1839 and died in 1904. He was a son of Benjamin Etherton, a very early pioneer of this section of the state. Louisa (Webster) Etherton was bom in 1836 and died in 1871. She was a daughter of Jesse Webster, a pioneer settler of Randolph County and a native of Virgi|nia who came to this state at a very early day. To Allen and Louisa (Webster) Etherton were bom the following children: Samuel, deceased; Louisa May, the wife of Jim Will Swetnam, the sub- ject of this sketch and Major who resides in Kansas City, Mo. After the death of the mother of these children, Allen Etherton married Mattie Swallows and the following children were bom to that union: Judd, Joseph, Benjamijn, Jack and Ella. To Mr. and Mrs. Swetnam have been born the following children: WiUie, died in 1904, and Myrtle, who married Ernest Ficklin and they have three children, J. W., Leroy and Maybelle. Mr. Swetnam is a Democrat and a member of the Midway Baptist church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and a pro- gressive and enterprising citilzen who takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Dr. 0. F. Hatton, a well known physician and surgeon of Darksville, was bom near Columbia, Boone County, Mo., May 18, 1866. He is a son of F. B. and Mary M. (Westlake) Hatton, both natives of Missouri who spent their lives in Boone County. The mother was a native of Randolph County. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Anna Gertrude Maupin who died, leaving three children: Claudia May, of 624 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Columbia, Mo.; Mrs. Lula Maude Schwabe of Columbia, Mo. and Dr. 0. F., the subject of this sketch. Doctor Hatton was reared in Boone County and attended the public schools where he received a good preliminary education. He then entered the University of Missouri at Columbia an dwas graduated in the class of 1891 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He also took post gradu- ate work in Chicago later. In 1891, Doctor Hatton engaged in the prac- tice of his profession at Rolling Home, Randolph County v/here he re- mained three years. He then returned to Boone County and practiced at Columbia for ten years. From there he located at Sedalia, Mo. and for three years was engaged in the practice of his profession in that city. From Sedalia, he returned to Randolph County and was at Thomas Hill for eight years. In 1916 he located at Darksville where he has since been engaged in practicing." Upon locating at Darksville, he bought the old Dr. McCormick home which consists of ten acres. Doctor Hatton was first married in 1892 to Miss Naomi Sears, a daughter of Levi Sears. She dited in 1908, leaving one child, Evelyn, who is now attending school. In October, 1909, Pr. Hatton was married to Mrs. Agusta Jean Lemon. By a former marriage, Mrs. Hatton had two children : Hatton Lemon, Denver, Colo, and Mrs. Ariel Burton Lemon, a teacher. Mrs. Burton has one child, Eleanor, who makes her home with her grandparents. Dr. and Mrs. Hatton. Doctor Hatton is a member of the Randolph County Medical Society and the Missouri State and American Medical Associlation. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a Democrat and a mem- ber of the Methodist church. Doctor Hatton is engaged in the general practice of medicine and during the course of his career has met with uniform success. Winfield Scott Campbell, general merchant and produce dealer at Darksville, Mo.," is one of the live progressive business men of Randolph County. He is a native of Kentucky, born March 19, 1851, and a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Martin) Campbell, both also natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer and both parents spent their entire lives in Kentucky. Winfield S. Campbell was reared to manhood in his native state and received an education |n the public schools. He came to Missouri in 1874, and for six months lived at Higbee. He then came to Darksville HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 625 where he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1916 when he engaged in the mercantile business. He carries a clean stock of general merchandise and has built up an extensive trade over a broad scope of rich territory. He also buys and shilps all kinds of produce and does a large business in that line. » Mr. Campbell was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary Broaddus, a daughter of Edwin and Hettie P. (Campbell) Broaddus. The Broaddus family are old settlers in Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born two children, Horatio P., of Darksville, Mo. and Hettie V. resides at home with her parents. Mr. Campbell i|s a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is an enterprising citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in west- em Randolph County and is known for his integrity and honesty. Mr. Campbell has lived at his present residence since 1880. He has not moved since he began housekeeping. George Edward Gipson, one of the well known and successful farm- ers and stockmen of Chariton townshilp, is a native of Missouri and comes from an old distinguished family of pioneers. He was born in Macon County, Mo., July 14, 18^6 and is a son of Daniel Baker and Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson. Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson was also a native of Macon County, Mo. and a daughter of Isaac Teter, a vers' early'settler in that part of Missouri. Daniel Baker Gipson was born in Macon County, Mo. and was a farmer all of his life. He was a son of Stephen Gipson, who was bom in Randolph County and was a son of Robert Gipson. Robert Gipson lived to the remarkable age of 120 years and even in his advanced years was a man of unusual physical strength and vitality. When he was 100 years old he won a wrestling match. The Gipson family were very early pioneer settlers in Missouri, comijng from Kentucky to this state. They were originally Virginians, however, and in the early days, members of the family migrated from that state to Kentucky. To Daniel Baker and Catherine (Teter) Gipson were bom 14 chil- dren, 12 of whom grew to maturity and 11 are now living as follows: George Edward, the subject of this sketch; Isaac; Mijnnie married Newton Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo.; Mollie, deceased; Jasper N. ; Mack L. ; Jua married George Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo.; Eva married Dr. F. L. Tripper, a physician at College Mound, Mo.; Charles; Henry; Lula married John Clemson; Jay U. ; Homer and Herbert, who died Nov. 11, 1918. 626 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY George E. Gipson was educated in the district schools and took a higher course at College Mound. He has made farmilng and stock raising his life's occupation and has met with success in his undertakings. He first bought 79 acres of land in 1905. Later he bought 39.5 acres and in 1915, he bought 160 acres, of which his son owns 80 acres. Mr. Gip- son now owns 198.5 acres of well improved farm land where he carries on general farming and also stock raising. Mr. Gipson was married April 13, 1892, to Miss Regina Berry, a native of Putnam County, Mo. She was bom Sept. 10, 1870, and is a daughter of Hamilton Wade and Rebecca Ann (Cassidy) Berry, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Hamilton Wade Berry moved to Macon County with his family in 1889, where he was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. He died in 1917 at the age of 82 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Gipson have been bom the following children : Claude Ansel, a farmer and stock raiser of Chariton township, married Helen Hudson and they have one child, Walter Roy ; Lelah, died in 1901 at the age of about one year; Dessie Lula, a junior in the Macon High School and George Henry, a student in the high school. Mr. Gipson is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias Lodge of College Mound, Missouri. Aubert Bruce Richmond, a successful farmer and one of the well known breeders of registered cattle of Randolph County, owns and oper- ates a farm of 200 acres in Chariton township. Mr. Richmond was born just east of his present home in Chariton township, March 24, 1867. He is a son of James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond. James M. Richmond was born ijri Randolph County in 1836 and died in 1883. He was the son of James Matt Richmond, one of the very early pioneers of Randolph County who came to this state fi'om North Carolina and spent the remainder of his life here. James M. Richmond, father of Aubert Bruce Richmond, was a farmer and stockman and at the time of his death was the owner of 200 acres of land in Chariton township. Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond was born iin Randolph County and was also a member of a pioneer family of this section. She was a daugh- ter of George Dawkins who was also a native of Randolph County and whose parents were among the very early settlers here. Mrs. Richmond died in 1871. To James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond, were bom the following children : Vanitia Vitulla Potts of Thomas Hill ; HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 627 Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Matlock, of Chariton township; Sedonia E., Bynum- ' ville, Mo.; Edgar M., Moberly, and Aubert Bruce, the subject of this sketch. Aubert Bruce Richmond spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the public schools. Later he took a course at the State Normal School at Kirksville, and afterwards studied law at Huntsville, Mo. He then engaged in farming. In 1900, he went to Moberly and 'was engaged in the hotel business for seven years and then was engaged in the mercantile business for 21/2 years. He then returned to Chariton township and since that time has devoted himself to farming and stock breeding. He owns 200 acres of land which was formerly the home place of his grandfather. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding registered Aberdine-Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. He finds a ready market for hiis pure bred registered hogs and cattle and sells to breeders throughout the country. He is recognized as one of the successful breeders of Randolph County and while through his eflforts he has been instrumental in raising the standard of live stock, he, at the same time has been rewarded financially for his foresight in this branch of animal husbandry. Mr. Richmond was married in 1886 to M^s Lutie W. Richmond, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of W. T. and Mary Susan (Gray) Richmond, the former of North Carolina and the latter of Ken- tucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have been bom two children: Lady Belle, died in 1916 and Mary Alice, a graduate of the Moberly High School, who resides at home with her parents. ^ Mr. Richmond is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political matters. In 1916 he was a candidate for sheriflf. He is a progressive citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in Randolph County and is highly esteemed. William Edward Musick, a prominent farmer and stockman and an extensive stock dealer of Chari|ton township, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in this county May 18, 1866 and is a son of Elijah C. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Musick, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. Elijah C. Musick was bom in 1834 and died in Randolph County in July, 1918. He came to Missouri with his father whose name was also Elijah in 1852. They settled in Randolph County and the first work that Elijah C. Musick did was for "Uncle Billy" Rutherford. Later he began 628 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY farming for himself and followed that occupation throughout his life. During the Civil War, he served in the Union army and was a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was an upright and honorable citizen and highly respected by all who knew him. To Elijah C. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Musick were bom four children as follows: Bell, died at the age of 25 years; William Edward, the subject of this sketch; Eva Lou, died at the age of five years; and Linnie Maude, mar- ried Julius Ragsdale and has seven children. William E. Musick was educated i|n the public schools and attended school at College Mound and also studied under Riley Hall of Darksville. At the age of 17, he began life for himself and operated rented land for several years. In March, 1905, he bought 120 acres and proceeded to improve it. It was practically all grown up in brush and it was no easy task to clear it and convert it into his broad tillable acres as they now appear. However, by constant effort and industry, he now has one of the well improved farms of the county. In 1918, he bought 120 acres more and now has a splendi)d farm of 240 acres with two sets of fann buildings. His residence is equipped with a modern lighting system and other modern conveniences and fixtures. Mr. Musick canled on general farming and stock raising and for the past seven years has bought and shipped stock on a large scale. He deals extensively in mules and is one of the largest mule dealers in the country. Mr. Musick was united in marriage in May, 1889 to Miss Anna Lewis who was bom in Huntsville, Mo., April 3, 1864. She is a daughter of Dr. Waldo and Sophia (Schaefer) Lewis, both natives of Virginia and early settlers in Randolph County. Dr. Lewis died in 1865 and his wife de- parted this life in 1876 and Mrs. Musick was reared to womanhood by her grandfather, J. C. Schaefer. J. C. Schaefer was a prominent settler of Randolph County and organized the first Sunday school in this county. He was one of the 12 charter members who organized the. first Baptist church in Huntsville. He was a native of Germany and left that country when a boy to escape military service. To Mr. and Mrs. Musick have been bom the following children: Callie, married Roy Terrill and they reside on a farm north of Darksville; Lucille, marriled Knox Cross and they reside in Chariton township; Mrs. Nadine Frazier lives on a farm near the Music home and James Wyatt who was bom Dec. 13, 1896 and was inducted into the National army dur- ing the World War on Sept. 6, 1918. He was trained at Camp McArthur, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 629 Tex. until November and from there transferred to Camp Merritt and was about to sail for France when the armistice was signed. He was dis- charged Jan. 18, 1919, and is now at home. Nelhe, the youngest child, is also at home with her parents. Mr. Musick is a Republican and a member of the Missionary Baptist church. He holds membership in the Knights of the Maccabees. He is progressive, enterprising and a valued citizen to his community and Randolph County. Irven Ratliff, prosperous and progressive farmer and stockman, who is the owner of a well improved farm of 300 acres in Chariton township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Hancock County, 111. July 16, 1865 and is a son of William and Nannie (Cozad) Ratliff. William Rat- liff was a native of Virginia. He came to Missouri with his family in 1867 and settled near the line between Macon and Randolph counties. Here he engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life in that locality. He died in 1914 at the age of 70 years. Nannie (Cozad) Rat- liff was a native of Illinois and a daughted of Benjamin Cozad. She was born in 1849 and now resides on her home place in Macon County where she is the owner of a farm of 80 acres. To William and Nannie (Cozad) Ratliff were bom the following children : Mrs. Lucy Maude Swetnam, de- ceased; Ethel, deceased; Mrs. Mattie Reed, lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Angle Phipps, lives in Texas; B. C, Moberly; Velora, resides in Macon County; Harry also resides in Macon County and Irven, the subject of this sketch. Four children died in infancy. Irven Ratliiff was educated in the district schools and remained at home with his parents until he was about 20 years of age. He then went to California and after remaining on the Pacific coast four years he re- turned to Randolph County and here engaged in farming and stock rais- ing. He first bought 120 acres of land and has bought more land from time to time until he is now the owner of 300 acres. His place is well im- proved with a good residence and one of the best barns in Chariton town- ship which he built in 1919. It is a substantial building 34x78 feet in dimension. Mr. Ratliff carries on general farming "and stock raising and is also a successful breeder of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. He also raises cattle and horses and feeds cattle for the market. Mr. .Ratliff was married Jan. 8, 1890 to Miss Mary S. Harlan. She iS: a daughter of Samuel L. and Martha Elzira (MofRtt) Harlan, natives of Randolph County and McDonald County, respectively. To Mr. and 630 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mrs. Ratliff have been born the following children: Raymie C, born in Randolph County, March 29, 1891 ; Rupert Earl, born July 19, 1896, served in the National army during the World War from September, 1918 and was discharged in February, 1919, at Camp McArthur; Leonora H., bom June 20, 1898 is a student of Stephens College, Columbia, Mo.; Harold, born June 18, 1905 and Howard, bom Sept. 19, 1910 and Reta and Reber died in childhood. Mr. Rat] 'Iff is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is one of the representative and progressive citizens of Randolph County. Charles Price Fullingtcn, one of the judges of the county court of Randolph County and a prominent farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, is one of the widely and favorably known men of Randolph County. Judge Fullington is a native son of Randolph County and was bom in a two room log house which is now a portion of his present home which has been remodeled and enlarged. He was born Dec. 31, 1863 and is a son of James Madison and Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington. James Madison Fullington was a native of Randolph County and died during the Civil War while serving in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. He was a son of William Fullington, a native of North Carolina who settled in Missouri in the 30's. Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington was a daughter of Harrison Dameron, an early pioneer of Randolph County who was also a native of North Carolina. To James Madison and Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington were bom two chil- dren: Thomas W., a farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township and Charles Price, the subject of this sketch. After the death of her iirst husband, Mrs. Fullilngton married J. J. Ashurst and one child was born to that union, Mrs. Laura Cora Dameron, who resides in Salt Spring town- ship. Charles P. Fullington was reared and educated in Salt Spring town- ship and since he was old enough, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising in this township. For a number of years he and his brother operated the home place and later he bought it. He is now the owner of a farm of 270 acres which constitutes the home place and which was one of the valuable and well improved farms of the county. He also owns a half interest in 226 acres which is located one and one-half miles south of his home place. Judge Fullington was united in marriage Nov. 15, 1886 with Miss Mattie Bagby, a native of Randolph County. She was bom Sept. 9, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 631 1866 and is a daughter of "T. J." and Emma F. (Hale) Bagby, both natives of Missouri. "T. J." Bagby was a son of Owen H. Bagby, a Ken- tuckJan who was a Randolph County pioneer and Emma F. (Hale) Bagby was a daughter of Israel Hale, a native of Pennsylvania and an early set- tler in this section. To Judge and Mrs. Fullington have been born five children as follows: Etoima Susan, married E. T. Dameron, Silver Creek township; James T., residing at home with his parents; Harold L., also resides at home and two sons died in infancy. Judge Fullington is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political affairs. He was elected judge of the county court in 1916 and re-elected to that office in 1918 and is now serving his second term. He is a capable and conscientious public official and as judge of the county court has made, and is continuing to make, a commendable record. Many im- provements of a public nature in the county have been pushed to com- pletion and many others are under way and in contemplation. During his administration, the splendid county sanitorium was elected and a number of concrete bridges and culverts were built and much road improvement inaugurated, including the two state highways. He gives the public business the same thoughtful consideration and careful management that he does to his own private affairs and the people of Randolph County may well congratulate themselves upon having such an efficient public servant as Judge Fullington. Judge Fullington is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Methodist church. G. F. Braddick, a veteran locomotive engineer of Moberly, who has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company for a number of years, is one of the well known railroad men of thib section of Missouri. Mr. Braddick is a native of New York State, bom Sept. 24, 1852, and has devoted himself to railroading since boyhood. G. F. Braddick began his career as a railroader when he was 22 years of age. He entered the .employ of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany in the capacity of fireman with headquarters in Eldon, la. He worked for that company for three years and then came to Moberly, Mo. and entered the employ of what was then known as the Northern Missouri Railroad, but whiich is now a part of the Wabash system. He began on that road as a fireman and three years later was promoted to engineer and since that time he has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as locomotive engineer and has to his credit many years of faithful service as an employee of that great transportation system. 632 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY To Mr. and Mrs. Braddick have been bom the following children: William Albert, a locomotive fireman of Moberly in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and Letha Marie, who resides a!t home with her parents. Mr. Braddick is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is one of Moberly's valued and substantial citizens. William A. Irons, for many years extensively engaged in farming and stock raising in Prairie township, is now living retired after a successful career. He was bom at Warm Springs, Va., Dec. 18, 1843, the son of Thomas and Nancy (Given) Irons. Thomas Irons was bom in Scotland, in 1808, and left his native land when a young man and came to America, locating in Virginia and in 1844 came to Missouri. Mr. Irons bought land in Monroe County and en- gaged in farming and stock raising until 1849, when he went to California at the time of the gold rush. Three years later he I'etumed to Mis- souri and settled on the Irons' farm, now owned by his son, where he passed the rest of his life. He died there in April, 1876. During his life Mr. Irons was a staunch Democrat. He had a brother, John Irons, who also came west, locating on land in Monroe County, Mo., where he spent his life. Nancy Given Irons was bom in Monroe County, Va., in 1810, and was reared and educated there. She died in the early 80s. To Thomas and Nancy Irons were born the following children: Robert, deceased; Bettie, the wife of John McKinsey, who is now dead, and his widow resides in Moberly; William A., of this review; Mary, the wife of M. H. Neal, of Prairie township; Susan, deceased, was the wife of James Genola; John, who resides in California; Thomas, deceased; Dazerine, the wife of San- ford Anderson, of Prairie township; Wesley, deceased, and Ptesley, his twin, who lives in Kansas City. William A. Irons was only two years old when his parents made the long trip across the country to the new home in Missouri. He was reared on the frontier farm of his father, and attended district school. His father owned about 800 acres of land. When his father died he inherited his share of the property and later bought more land and became one of the prosperous and prominent farmers of the community. Some 20 years ago Mr. Irons gave up the actual management of his business, turning it over to his sons, Oliver and Guy, since which time he has been enjoying well eamed and deserved rest. In May, 1880, Mr. Irons was married to Miss Mary Oliver, of Prairie township, the daughter of Sims and Betsie (Pyles) Oliver, natives of Mis- WILLIAM A. IRONS HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 633 souri. Mrs. Irons died in 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Irons were born the fol- lowing children : John, of Sugar Creek township ; Lucile, the wife of Sam Littrell, of Monroe County ; Oliver, who was drafted during the world War and after entering the service was assigned to Company H, 126th Regi- ment, 32d Division, sailed for overseas service April 3, 1918, was killed in action Oct. 11, 1918, in the battle of the Argonne, and was buried in France; Guy, at home, married Mary Yeager, of Moberly, and they have one child, William ; Gaston, a farmer of Prairie township, and Robert, the second oldest child, died in infancy. Mr. Irons has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote. He takes an interest in all public affairs and reads widely on national questions of the day. E. G. Deskin, now living retired in Moberly is a Civil War veteran of the Union army and a Randolph County pioneer who has been identified with this section of Missouri for 65 years. He was born near Vicalia, Bath County, Ky., in 1842 and is a son of Elijah and Nancy (Vice) Deskin, both natives of Kentucky. The father was born in 1805 and died iln 1890 and the mother was born in 1818. They came to Missouri in 1855 and settled on a farm south of Moberly and the parents spent the remainder of their lives in this county. They were the parents of the following children: Daniel, deceased; Margaret J., deceased; E. G., the subject of this sketch; Charles W., deceased; FVanklin, Antelope, Texas'; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Dixon, of Moberly; Ashland B., Kewanee, 111.; William C, Wichita, Texas. E. G. Deskin came to Missouri with his parents in 1855 and was engaged in farming in Randolph County until 1870. He then moved to Moberly when the town was just about started. Here he was employed by the North Missouri Railroad Company which is now a part of the Wabash system for seven years. He then engaged in the transfer busi- ness and followed that for ten years, when he became a mail carrier and was one of the first class mail carriers in the city of Moberly. After carrying a mail sack for Uncle Sam for 25 years, he resigned on account of failing health and has since that time lived retired in his comfortable home at 919 South Fourth street. Mr. Deskin was married Sept. 27, 1866 (this was the date of the first sale of lots in Moberly) to Miss Mary Ann McKinsey, a daughter of James L. and Lucy (Hume) McKihsey of Kenton County, Ky. James L. McKinsey served in the Civil War in Company G, 9th Missouri S. M. N. 634 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mrs. Deskin is one of the following children born to her parents : William P.; John R. also served with his father in the Civil War; Elizabeth Amanda, Nancy, Drucilla, Thomas Jefferson, James E., Randolph, Martha Ellen, Granville and Mrs. Deskin. McKinsey street in Moberly was named after Mrs. Deskin's father. To E. G. Deskin and wife have been born the following children: Nora M., a reporter on the Monitor-Index; James Elijah of Casper, Wyo. ; Clarence Enoch, Des Moines, la., a conductor on the Rock Island railroad; John Omar, a carpenter in the employ of the Wabash railroad, resides at home with his parents; Bell and Nell, both residing at home also. Mr. and Mrs. Deskin celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, Sept. 27, 1916 which was made a memorable occasion in Moberly. The anniversary ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. N. Broadhurst and the Commercial Club presented the venerable bride with $30 in gold. When the Civil War broke out, E. G. Deskin answered President Lin- coln's call for volunteers and enlisted in Knox County, 111., Dec. 1, 1861 for a period of three years or during the war, and was mustered into the United States service at Springfield, 111. as a private in Company D, 64th Illinois Infantry under Capt. John W. Stewart and Col. John Morrill. This regiment was known as the Yates Sharpshooters in honor of the war governor of Illinois. They were first ordered to Quincy where they were supplied with arms and ammunition and then moved to Cairo and then to New Madrid, Mo., where they were assigned to Morgan's brigade, Payne's division. Pope's command. Later they proceeded to Decatur, Ala. and then to Chattanooga, Tenn., to join Sherman. They partici- pated in the following engagements: New Madrid, Island No. 10, Seige of Corinth, Chambers Creek, Tuscumbia Creek, luka, Resaca, Snake Creek, Kingston, Vanwerp, Dallas, New Hope Church, Ackworth, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountains, Chattahoochie, Nance Creek, Decatur, Battle and Seige of Atlanta, Sand Town, Jonesborough, Cedar Town, Pool's Station, Savannah, Kings Bridge, Pocotaligo, Salkahatchie, Cambahee Ferry, Ci^lumbia, Orange Berg, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Bentonville and a num- ber of other minor engagements and skirmishes. After Johnson's sur- render, the regiment marched to Washington, D. C. and took part in the Grand 'Review; was with Sherman on the March to the Sea. During the course of his military service, Mr. Deskin was wounded at the battle of Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862, being twice pierced in the right side by pieces of shell and also struck on the left knee from which he has HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 635 never fully recovered. He received his honorable discharge at Savannah, Ga., by reason of expiration of his term of service, Dec. 24, 1864, with a splendid miliitary record to his credit. Mr. Deskin comes from a family who won fame on the field of battle in the Revolutionary War in which his grandfather, Daniel Deskin, served with honor. The war records at Washington show that Daniel Deskin served as a private in Captain Thomas West's company in the 10th Vir- ginia Regiment which later became the 6th Virginia Regiment which was commanded by Col. Edward Stephens. Daniel Deskin enlisted June 20, 1777 for three years as drummer boy. He was mustered out of sei-vice at Camp Morristown, Dec. 9, 1779. E. G. Desk&i has served as councilman in Moberly. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is a Republican. Mrs. Deskin is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. S. A. Michaels, now deceased, was for many years a well known and highly respected citizen of Moberly and Randolph County, and in his death which occurred April 9, 1919, this county lost an upright, honor- able and valued citizen. He was a native of lUilnois, born Sept. 23, 1854.' He was a son of I. G. L. and Margaret (Walker) Michaels. I. G. L. Michaels was born in Tennessee and came to Randolph County from Illinois in 1880. Later, he went to Alabama where he spent the re- mainder of his life. His wife was a native of Illinois and is now de- ceased. They were the parents of the following children: S. A., whose name imtroduces this review; W. G. lives in Illinois; R. F. went to Can- ada some years ago where he now resides; Mrs. A. A. Cowden lives in Illinois; Mrs. B. F. Lair, of Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. J. A. Stanturf, lives in Illinois and Mrs. A. E. Hurlbutt resides in Minnesota. S. A. Michaels was reared on a farm in Illinois and received his edu- cation in the public schools. He came to Randolph County in 1880 and first settled on a farm in the vicinity of Moberly. In 1912, he moved to the city of Moberly with his family and entered the mail service as a mail carrier on Rural Route No. 5. He died in Moberly, April 9, 1919. On April 14, 1886, S. A. Michaels and Miss Josephine Shirley were united in marriage. She is a native of Missouri and was bom in Macon County, May 5, 1869 and is a daughter of John J. and Mary A. (Deskin) Shirley. John J. Shirley was for many years actively engaged in farm- 636 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ing and stock raising in Randolph County and was one of its representative citizens. He spent his life on his farm here after coming to Randolph County. His wife also died on the home farm in the county. To John J. Shirly and wife were born the following children: Edward S., who re- sides on the old homestead; Josephine, who mamed S. A. Michaels, the subject of this sketch; Ora, deceased, and Minnie died in infancy. The following children were born to S. A. and Josephine (Shirley) Michaels: Ray, bom Dec. 29, 1887 and died Feb. 8, 1913; Frank, bom June 30, 1891 and is now in Idaho; Paul, born May 9, 1895, resides at Columbia Mo.; Lee, born March 5, 1897, lives in Detroit, Mich.; Dwight, born Feb. 27, 1900, resides in Moberly, and Nell, bom Nov. 19, 1901, re- side^s in Moberly. Mr. Michaels was a Republican and a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Maccabees. Mrs. Michaels is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and is an interested and an active worker in the movements in that organization. The Michaels family is one of the widely known and highly respected families of Moberly and Randolph County. Edward G. Cogley, a well known veteran passenger engitneer of the Wabash Railroad has been identified with the interests of Moberly for many years. Mr. Cogley is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and was reared and educated in that city. He is a son of Thomas J. and Mary (Whalen) Cogley, both natives of Ireland who came to America in 1853 and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent the remainder of their lives there. They were the parents of the followitng children: Miles L., a banker, who resides in Texas ; Mrs. Emma Bhrens of Kansas City, Mo. and Edward G., the subject of this sketch. Edward G. Cogley began his career as a railroader in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company in the capacity of locomotive fireman and was soon promoted to the position of engineer. Shortly after- wards he came to Missouri and settled at Sedalia. He was then employed on the Missouri P'acific Railroad as locomotive engineer for a time. That was when the St. Louis Union Station was located at the corner of Seventh and Popular streets and was not a very imposing structure. In December, 1882, Mr. Cogley came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and since that time has been employed by that company as a locomotive engineer. He is now in the passenger servifce and runs between Moberly and St. Louis. He is one of the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 637 thoroughly experienced railroad men of the country and has a long career to his credit as a careful and capable engineer and a conscientious em- ployee who has been faithful to his duty. During all these years he has never been censured for neglect of duty or any accident. Since coming to Moberly, Mr. Cogley has made a number of invest- ments which have demonstrated his good judgment and vision of the future of Moberly. He has always had faith in the future of Moberly, and has been a consistent booster of this city almost since its beginning, and it can be truly said that today he takes pride in the development and achievement of his adopted city as it takes its place in the ranks of the leading cities of central Missouri. Mr. Cogley was married to Miss Honora Hayes, also a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Mortimer and Mary (Hickey) Hayes, both natives of County Limrick, Ireland. The father died in his native land and the mother came to the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where she died in 1885. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: Mary, Catherine, James, Bridget, John, Margaret, Honora and Mortimer. To Edward G. Cogley and wife were born six children as fol- low: Helen Frances, deceased; Cecelia, deceased; James, resides in Kan- sas City, Mo.; Mary G., deceased; Margaret Estella, married J. L. Ford, of Moberly, and Irene Augusta, deceased. James Cogley, who is the only son livilng, born to Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cogley, received his education in the public schools of Moberly and the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis. He is now employed by the Kansas City Pump Company, where he has charge of the general oi?.ce work. He married Miss Ethel Gibbs, of Kansas City. Although Kansas City has been the scene of his business activity for a number of years, he retains a warm spot in his heart for Moberly, the home of his par- ents, and his many boyhood friends and associates here. He never misses spending his vacation, accompanied by his wife, in Moberly. Mr. Cogley is a Republican, although he was a Democrat in his earlier career and supported the policies of that party up to the days of Bryan and free silver in 1896. He has never aspired to hold political office, although he takes a keen interest in public policies and affairs. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Mrs. Cogley is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of that organization. The Cogley family are members of the Catholic church. 638 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Richard L. Carter, Sr., of Moberly, is a Wabash passenger conductor and has been in the train service of this railroad for many years and is one of its thoroughly experienced railroad men. Mr. Carter is a native Missourian and belongs to a pioneer family of this state. He was born at Harrisonville, Cass County, Dec. 25, 1855, a son of Joseph H. and Juliet (Simpson) Carter. Joseph Carter was born at Culpeper Court House, Va., and early in life came to Missouri. He was conducting a hotel at Harrisonville when the Civil War broke out and when Order .No. 11 was issued he went to Kansas City, where his slaves followed and he did the best that he could to provide for them, although under the circumstances they were forced to suffer many hardships. They depended upon him for support and after nearly a year's effort he found places of employment for all of them so that they could make their own living. After locating in Kansas City, Joseph Carter engaged in the mer- chant tailoring business in the old Shannon building, at the north end of Main street, near the levee, which was the business district of Kansas City in 1862. Here Mr. Carter did a thriving business and soon became a member of the firm of Whitting and Carter and they did business in Kansas City for a number of years. He came to Momerly in 1886 and spent his last days with his son, Richard L. Carter. He died Oct. 28, 1889. Juliet (Simpson) Carter was a native of Kentucky and died in Kansas City, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Joseph J., was one of the founders of the first newspapers published in Moberly, which is still known as the Monitor; Mrs. A. Pomeroy, of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Delia Godkin, deceased; J. W., an extensive stockman, San Antonio, Tex.; Dora, deceased; Richard L., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mollie Flemming, Chicago, 111. Richard L. Carter has been engaged in the railroad business since he left school at the age of 16 years. He began his career selling tickets in the old union depot ticket office in Kansas City, Mo. After two years of employment there he entered the employ of the North Missouri rail- road, now known as the Wabash railroad as brakeman, and in 1880, he was promoted to freight conductor. In 1892 he was promoted to pas- senger conductor and since that time he has served in that capacity and Moberly has been his home for 42 years. June 21, 1881, Richard L. Carter was united in marriage with Miss Margaret T. Kimmell, a daughter of B. L. and Catheryne (Campbell) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 639 Kimmell, natives of Johnstown, Pa., where the father was born Feb. 23, 1838. He was a soldier in the Civil War and after coming to Moberly he was engaged in the contracting and building business and he erected a number of the principal buildings of Moberly. He now lives in Arizona. His wife was born in Johnstown, Pa., March 27, 1833, and died in Kansas City, March 23, 1890. They were the parents of the following children: Adolph, a mining man of Colorado; Mrs. J. D. McKimm, Kansas City; Mrs. Carter, of this review; Mrs. Edith R. Jones, deceased; Clarence A., Denver, Colo. ; Bert F., was killed in an accident in the Wabash shops at Moberly in 1916; Leo F., Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. Bertha Jackson, of Kansas City, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Carter have been born the following children: Margaret, deceased; Mrs. Robert Conlley, of St. Louis, Mo.; Edith R., deceased-; Queenie N., deceased; Richard L., Jr., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Dorsie, deceased; Mrs. McAtee and Ben, deceased. Mr. Carter is a member of the Order of Railroad Conductors, and the auxiliary of that order and he also holds niembership in the Knights of the Maccabees and the Elks. The ■ Carter family are members of St. John's Catholic church of Moberly. Nicholas Mathias, one of the old-tim_e locomotive engineers of Mis- souri and a man who has been connected with railroading from the days when the first railroads were operated at Moberly, now lives retired in Moberly. Mr. Mathias was born in Lorraine, FVance, Aug. 25, 1840, the son of John and Mary (Kieffer) Mathias, the former born in the same province in 180O, was a soldier under the great Napoleon and because of his loyalty to the emperor was obliged to leave his native land. The mother was also a native of Lorraine. There were four children in the family: Mary, deceased; John, deceased; Nicholas, of this review, and Thomas, deceased. The Mathias family made the trip from Lorraine across France to the coast by wagon, took passage on a sailing vessel for America, and after a long voyage landed at New Orleans. PYom there, they took a river steamer for the trip to St. Louis. They settled at Carondelet, Mo., a French village, in 1844, and the father at once began truck farm- ing and gardening, and spent the remainder of his life there. The chil- dren were sent to school in Carondelet, which was held in a log building with rude log benches as seats for the pupils. 640 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUJnTTY At the age of 16 Nicholas Mathias started to work on a steamboat as helper to the engineer, who in those days had to be a blacksmith as well. When the boat was laid up for repairs, Mr. Mathias went to Texas. Landing in Galveston, he remained a few days, then went to Beaumont, where he secured work with a construction gang of the Texas & New Orleans railroad, remaining with that corporation until the outbreak of the Civil War. Feeling was bitter against northern men and as he would not join the Confederate army, Mr. Mathias came back to St. Louis and at the age of 21 enlisted in the Union army April 18, 1861, being assigned to Battery K, First Missouri Artillery. He served under Gen- eral Sherman during practically the four years in the army. He took part in the engagements of Shiloh, Memphis, Nashville, Siege of Corinth. He was mustered out at the St. Louis Barracks Aug. 25, 1865, and soon after returned home and entered the employ of the Jron Mountain rail- road in the shops. Later he became a locomotive fireman and went to work for the Missouri Pacific railroad. After some time with that road, Mr. Mathias accepted a position with the Atlantic & Pacific railroad, which afterward became a part of the Frisco System and remained there two years before going with the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern, now the Wabash System. He was hired as engineer and was one of the trusted employees of the road, serving that corpora£ion faithfully and well for 41 years before he retired. On Oct. 1, 1866, Mr. Mathias was married to Miss Margaret Preston, of Carondelet, Mo., who was born in Utica, N. Y., and died in Moberly May 4, 1906. To this union were bom the following children: Thomas^ deceased ; William, deceased ; Harry, of Moberly, and Frederick J., also of Moberly. Mr. Mathias is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers and of the Catholic church.' For nearly a half century he has been one of the substantial and representative citi- zens of the city and can recall the great changes and improvements in the country and in railroading since he first located here. Clement H. Nelson, a well-known Wabash passenger engineer who has been identified with Moberly for the past 30 years, is a native of Arkansas. He was bom in Benton County, March 22, 1873, and is a son of Robert M. and Catherine (Blackburn) Nelson. Robert M. Nelson was bom at Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 28, 1838. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army and served as sergeant in the 14th Regi- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 641 ment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, until, on account of failing health, he was discharged from the service. After his, military service he re- turned to Illinois and taught school for a time, when he came to Mis- souri and settled near Kansas City, where he continued teaching school until 1876. He then returned to Montgomery County, 111., and engaged in the poultry business. He died at Greenville, 111., March 19, 1917. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Blackburn, was bom in Montgomery County, 111., Feb. 8, 1841, and was a daughter of Richard H. and Tibitha (Vickers) Blackburn, both natives of Illinois. They were the parents of the following children: George M., Moberly; Richard, lives in Oklahoma; Ella, married J. C. Luker, and lives in Minnesota; Clement H., the subject of this sketch; Minnie, lives in Minnesota; Alfred, lives in Oklahoma; Clarence, deceased; Ernest, deceased, and Ina, de- ceased. Clement H. Nelson was educated in the public schools of St. Louis and was graduated in 1889. He then took a course in a business college and was graduated in 1890. Mr. Nelson came to Moberly that year and was in the office of T. E. Butterly, master mechanic of the Wabash here at that time. Some time afterwards, Mr. Nelson was appointed general timekeeper and in 1892 he began firing on the Wabash railroad and in 1898, he was promoted to engineer. In 1904, he was promoted to pas- senger engineer, and has continued in that capacity until the present time. Mr. Nelson has a commendable record to his credit in running a locomotive on the Wabash road for 22 years. Mr. Nelson has not only dMigently applied himself to his chosen vocation, as a locomotive engineer, but he has been mindful of the duty which is imposed upon every good citizen in taking an interest in public affairs and commendable institutions. He has served on the Moberly school board for eight years, and for 12 years has been a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association and he is also a director of the Randolph County Trust Company. April 21, 1897, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Dulany, a daughter of G. W. and Virginia J. (Martin) Dulany. G. W. Dulany was bom in Monroe County, Mo., Aug. 27, 1836, and came to Moberly about a year after the town was founded. He was employed by the Wabash Railroad Company as foreman for several years and also served as city marshal of Moberly. He had charge of the burning of the brick which we used in building the Wabash shops here. He was a char- 642 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ter member of the Moberly Christian church and also held membership in the Maccabees Lodge. He died in Moberly Sept. 19, 1912. His wife was also a native of Monroe County, Mo., bom Oct. 4, 1843, and now resides in Moberly in the old home place, which has been her home for fifty years. Mrs. Clement H. Nelson is one of five children bom to her parents, the others being as follows: Cass F., Jacksonville, Fla. ; Kean H., deceased ; Mrs. E. Leonard, Moberly, Mo. ; Kent, deceased. Mrs. Nel- son was bom Oct. 9, 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been bom one son, Leonard L., who was born Aug. 23, 1898, and was graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1917 and afterwards attended Drake University of Des Moines, la., and is now in the produce business at Moberly, Mo. Mr. Nelson is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Commandery and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Order of Foresters. He is a Republican and he and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Christian church of which he is an elder, and they are both members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Nelson is a member of the Daughters of the American Revo- lution. Walter J. Shiflett, a well known and popular conductor on the Wabash Railroad, has been a resident of Moberly for the past 22 years. He was born at Charlottesville, Va., June 20, 1875, and is a son of Anfield and Barbara (Frazier) Shiflett, both natives of Charlottsville, Va. Anfield Shiflett was bom in 1838 and was engaged in farming when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted m the Confederate army at Rich- mond, Va., and served until the close of the war. After the war he returned to his old home at Charlottsville, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a highly respected man in the community where he was known and for a number of years served as justice of the peace of Charlottsville, Va. Barbara (Frazier) Shiflett was a daughter of Lelion and Barbara (Mallory) Frazier. She also spent her entire life in her na- tive town of Charlottsville, Va. They were the parents of the following children: Thomas, deceased; George, lives near Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Kate Shiflett, near Durvon, W. Va. ; Barnard, near Huntsville, Mo. ; Wal- ter J., the subject of this sketch; Robert, Huntsville; Deniza, Charlotts- ville, Va. ; Anfield, Franklin, Ohio. Walter J. Shifiett was reared on a farm in the vicinity of Charlottes- ville, Va., and attended the public schools; he began doing for himself HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 643 at the age of 15 years. He began work in the railroad shops at Clifton Forge, Va., and remained there until 1898. ^ He then came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and worked in the shops here until 1902. He then engaged in the train service as brakeman, and was promoted to conductor in 1906, and since that time has been in the employ of this railroad in tha't capacity. Mr. Shiflett was united in marriage with Miss. Mary H. Burton, a daughter of William and Hester (Harlow) Burton, of Higbee, Mo. The father is now deceased and the mother resides at Higbee. They were the parents of the following children: Martha, Mrs. R. D. Embree, Hig- bee, Mo.; J. W., C. C, W. M., Mrs. Shiflett and Paul B. To Mr. and Mrs. Shiflett have been bom one son, Walter Burton Shiflett, who was born in Moberly, June 18, 1902. He was educated in the public schools of Moberly and was graduated from the high school and is now employed as yard clerk for the Wabash railroad and resides with his parents of Moberly. Walter J. Shiflett is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star, and the Order of Railway Conductors. He and Mrs. Shiflett are members of the Presbyterian church, and she holds member- ship in the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Order of Railway Conductors. The Shiflett family are well known in Moberly and Randolph County and stand high in the community. Charles E. Greasa, a Wabash locomotive engineer of Moberly, Mo., is a well known and highly respected citizen of this county which has been his home for the past 21 years. He is a native of Missouri, and was bom -at Rolla, Feb. 16, 1865. He is a son of Henry and Charlotte (Meyer) Greasa, both natives of Hanover, Germany, who came to the United States and first located at Rolla, where they settled in 1858, and later the family removed to St. Louis, where the mother now resides. The father served in the Union army under General Sigel. He was a govern- ment teamster and was killed while serving in the army in 1864. Charles E. Greasa was the youngest of three children born to his parents, the others being Henry, who now resides in St. Louis, Mo., and Clara, who is deceased. Charles E. Greasa was reared in St. Louis and educated in the public schools of that city. When he was about 11 years of age, he began to learn the butcher's trade in St. Louis and followed that line of work until he was 16 years old, when he went to work in a railroad roundhouse, and four years later engaged ijn the butchering 644 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY business for himself. He continued in that business until 1894, when he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a locomotive fire- man and six years later he was promoted to engineer. Since that time he has been running an engine for the Wabash Railroad Company. He came to Moberly in 1899 which siqice has been his home and headquarters. He has a good record to his credit and is one of the trusted employees of the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Greasa was married in 1892 to Miss Magelna Krallman and to this union have been born two children: Freda, who now resides at home with her parents and, Esther, who is studying in St. Louis to be a trained nurse. Mr. Greasa is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineei-s and Mrs. Greasa belongs to the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomo- tive Engineers, and they are both members of the Lutheran church. The Greasa family are well known and representative of the best citizens of Moberly and Randolph County. Robert Willis Spragg, a well known and popular locomotive engineer of the Wabash railroad, who is engaged in the passenger service, has been identified with Moberly and the Wabash Railroad Company for the past 26 years. Mr. Spragg was born at St. Johns, New Brunswick, Oct. 14, 1862, and is a son of Hiram and Eliza (Connor) Spragg, both natives of New Brunswick. Hiram Spragg was born Jan. 9, 1832, and was reared to the occupation of farming and was married in New Brunswick and in 1866 came to the United States and engaged in farming, near Independence, Iowa, where he later bought a farm of 300 acres closer to Independence where his children could be given better educational advantages. Here he followed farming and stock raising for a number of years and was also engaged in stock buying and became very well- to-do. Later he retired from active participation in farming, but he still owns his farm which is being operated by one of his sons. He re- moved to San Diego, Calif., where he is now living retired. His wife was bom at St. Johns, New Brunswick, July 7, 1842, and they were mar- ried there. She died at Independence, Iowa, June 26, 1902. They were the parents of three children of whom Robert Willis Spragg of this review is the oldest. The others are : John F., who was killed in a rail- road accident on the Union Pacific Railroad, Feb. 16, 1891, and Percy A., who now has charge of the home place at Independence, Iowa. Robert Willis Spragg received a good public school education at In- dependence, Iowa, and remained on the home farm with his father until HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNXY 645 1882. He then went to Waterloo, Iowa, and entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as a locomotive fireman, being em- ployed by Master Mechanic Thomas Place, who is still living at Waterloo, Iowa, retired. He was a pioneer railroader and the first master mechanic of the Dubuque and Sioux City division of the Illinois Central. Mr. Spragg fired on that road until 1887 when he went to Denver, Colo., where he fired on the Union Pacific railroad until 1894, when he resigned and came to Moberly. On Aug. 15, 1894, he entered the employ of the Wa- bash company as engineer, having run an engine on the Union Pacific from Sept. 18, 1889, until he came to Moberly. He ran a freight engine until 1896, when he was promoted to passenger engineer and since that time has been in the passenger service and his present run is between Moberly and Albia, Iowa. He has had a successful railroad career and is regarded as one of the capable and careful men on the Wabash system. Since coming to Moberly, Mr. Spragg has taken an active interest in local affairs and has been a citizen of real worth. He has ever been a Moberly booster and possesses the Moberly spirit which has made of it one of the live and thriving cities of central Missouri. Mr. Spragg has made profitable investments and is also the owner of 80 acres of valuable land one mile south of Moberly. He has served on the Y. M. C. A. board of directors at Kansas City, Mo., for ten years. Mr. Spragg was married June 20, 1888, to Miss Lois Stromgren, of Waterloo, Iowa. She died September 7, 1900, and is buried at Waterloo, Iowa. On Oct. 21, 1901, Mr. Spragg was united in marriage with Miss Lelia Stout, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Samuel B. and Elizabeth May (Lewis) Stout, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. The father died at Plymouth, Ind., Aug. 1, 1880, and the mother departed this life in Chicago, 111., Sept. 16, 1914. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel L., deceased; Lelia, the wife of Robert WiUis Spragg, of this review; Perry G., de- ceased; Edith L., married William J. Henzell, Tacoma, Wash.; Gertrude, married Warren D. Smith, Chicago, 111.; Mrs. Robert Willis Spragg is a woman of extraordinary ability and rare accomplishments. She began her educational career in the public schools of Plymouth, Ind., where she was graduated from the high school. Afterwards she was graduated from the Barnes Business Col- lege of La Porte, Ind., and she also was graduated from the Chautauqua College at Chautauqua, N. Y. She has made an extensive study of music. 646 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY She was a student at the Are Institute at Chicago for three years and studied at the musical college of Chicago for two years. She read law in the office of Judge Hess, of Plymouth, Ind. Mrs. Spragg has taught school a number of terms, her first experience in this work being when she was 15 years old. Later she taught in high school. She learned telegraphy and for some years was telegraph operator and station agent in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. For 20 years she was private secretary to Supt. J. S. Goodrich of the Wabash. She is a sten- ographer and an expert accountant and has taught shorthand, typewrit- ing and telegraphy for a number of years. Mr. Spragg is a Knights Templar MaSon and a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo.; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a Re- publican and he and Mrs. Spragg are members of the Episcopal church. They are members of the Order of the Eastern Star of which Mrs. Spragg is Past Matron. She is also a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Mr. and Mrs. Spragg have a wide acquaintance in Moberly and Randolph County and rank high in its citizenship. Mrs. Spragg was the first woman in Randolph County to take out a hunting license. George C. Deskin, a well-known locomotive engineer of the Wabash railroad, was bom on a farm a mile and a half east of the townsite of Moberly, Dec. 18, 1861, the son of Moses H. and Ann (Beal) Deskin. Moses Deskin was born in Cape Gifrardeau, Mo., March 11, 1811, and was reared and educated in this state. He first engaged in farming and later ran a flat boat on the Mississippi River, but gave that up to come to Randolph County and entered a farm just east of the present site of Moberly 10 years before this city was thought of. In 1836 this land was mostly unbroken prairie and woodland. He farmed his home- stead and died there in the spring of 1877. Ann Beal Deskin was born in Boone County, Ky., in 1821, and was reared there during her early girlhood. She accompanied her parents when they came to Missouri and here she was married to Moses Deskin. She spent most of her life on the old homestead, passing away there in 1886*. There were the follow- ing children in the Deskin family: Sophia, the wife of Andrew J. Foose, deceased; Mary, the wife of A. Shirley, deceased; Reason J., deceased; Sally Joe, the wife of H. J. Link, of Edmond, Okla. ; Jerry W. and Stephen L., deceased ; Lucile E., of Moberly, and George of this review. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 647 George C. Deskin remained at home on the farm until he was 17 years old, attended the district school and the schools of Moberly. He secured a position in the Wabash shops in 1881, where he worked two years before becoming a locomotive fireman. Six years later he was promoted to engineer and served in that capacity until 1894, when he resigned to engage in the dairy business in Moberly. In 1903 Mr. Deskin disposed of his dairy, and a year later opened a restaurant in Moberly, which he managed until 1914, then sold it and moved to Indiana, where he engaged in farming two years. He returned to Moberly in 1916 to- 'take a position on the Wabash as switch engineer in the yards of Mo- berly. April 5, 1905, Mr. Deskin was married to Miss Stella M. Paul, the daughter of Samuel and Ann (Grey) Paul, the former a native of Penn- sylvania and the mother was born in Indiana. Two children have been born to this union : Ann Mildred 'and Paul G., both at home. Mr. Deskin is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers; also belongs to the Masonic Lodge and with his wife is a member of the Baptist church. He is a Republican. Mrs. Deskin belongs to the Auxiliary of the Brotherhoods of Locomotive Engineers and the Eastern Star. Robert Ross Dixon, a well-known foreman of the Wabash railroad shops at Moberly, was bom here Sept. 29, 1889, the son of Samuel K. and Matry C. (Strickler) Dixon. Samuel K. Dixon was a native of Virginia, bom April 2, 1846, where he was reared and educated and when old enough began farming. In 1866, Mr. Dixon came to Missouri and located on a farm in Monroe County and later moved to Randolph County, buying a farm three miles north- east of Moberly, where he engaged in farming until the family came to Moberly to live where the father worked as a carpenter until his death, Sept. 6, 1918. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the Confederate army and served until peace was established. Mr. Dixon was laid to rest on what would have been his golden wedding anni- versary. Mrs. Dixon was bom in Rockville, Ind., Nov. 12, 1847. and was married there Sept. 6, 1868, and is now residing in her home in Moberly. There were two children in the Dixon family: Alva D., the wife of W. E. McCully, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Robert Ross, of this review. 648 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Robert Ross Dixon was reared ijn Randolph County and attended the district and the Moberly schools until his 15th year when he went to work in the storehouse of the Wabash shops and remained in the employ of the road here until 1911, when he went to St. Louis to take a position in the supply department. Three years later he returned to Moberly and in June of that year became foreman of the storehouse, a position which he still holds. March 8, 1914, Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Laura Robinson, the daughter of John and Matilda (Whittker) Robinson, the former a native of England, born in Manchester and came to the United States in 1847 and later became an employee of the Wabash railroad in the Moberly shops. He died March 31, 1901. Mrs. Dixon's mother was also born in Manchester, England, and married in her native country and accompanied her husband to the United States. She now lives in Moberly. There were 13 children in the Robinson family of whom Mrs. Dixon was next to the youngest. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dixon: Robert Taylor and William Ross. The latter died in 1919. Mr. Dixon is a member of the Modem Woodmen and is independent in politics. He is a member of the Baptist church and Mrs. Dixon is a Presbyterian. Charles B. Cleveland, one of the popular passenger conductors of the Wabash railroad, with a run out of Moberly, where he makes his home, has been in the continuous service of the company for more than a quar- ter of a century. He was born on a farm eight miles east of Huntsville, Feb. 15, 1875, the son of John D. and Betty (Dameron) Cleveland. John D. Cleveland was a native of Missouri, reared and educated here. He was a 49er when gold was discovered in California and drove across the continent with a team of oxen and a prairie schooner. He reached the coast safely and after a period there returned to Missouri and at the outbreak of the Ciivil War enlisted in the army, serving until peace was declared. He then engaged in farming again, and passed the remainder of his life on the old homestead, where he died in 1876, and was laid to rest in the family burying ground on the farm. Betty Dameron Cleveland was bom in Huntsville, Mo., and was reared and edu- cated in that locahty and married ijn Randolph County, where she passed her life and died Jan. 16, 1919, and was buried by the side of her hus- band. There were four children in the Cleveland family: Janie M., the wife of J. W. Malone, of Moberly; John D., of Fresno, Calif.; Charles B., of this review, and Able F., of Sacramento, Calif. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 649 Charles B. Cleveland was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and lived at home until he was 15 years of age. He then secured a position as bell boy in ^he Hosier Hotel, of St. Louis. He remained a year when he went to Pine Bluff, Ark., to work in the Cotton Belt railroad shops, located there. In 1891, he returned to Mo- berly and entered the Wabash shops, where he remained a year. Mr. Cleveland then went to Chicago, where he began firing a locomotive on the Great Western railroad, being employed in that manner until 1894, when a strike was called. He went then to Melrose, Minn., to fire on the Great Northern system. Later he returned to Missouri and located in Springfield, where he was employed by the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad and from there came to Moberly in December, 1895. After getting settled here Mr. Cleveland entered the employ of the Wa- bash again as a freight brakeman and was promoted to conductor June 3, 1903, and was given charge of a passenger train in 1912, a position which he has since held. Feb. 16, 1898, Mr. Cleveland was married to Miss Ada Miller, the daughter cf David and Mary (Marvin) Miller, the former a native of Pennsylvania who came to Missouri with his parents when a boy of six years. He lived in Randolph County the rest of his life, passing away Sept. 12, 1918. Mrs. Miller was bom in Virginia in 1852, and was married in 1877. She died in 1879, leaving the one child, Mrs. Ada Cleveland. Mr. Miller married again and four children were bom to that union. Mrs. Cleveland belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Missouri. Her grandfather, Valentine Miller, was born in Pennsylvania in 1825, came west and located here in 1865, and was one of the well-known men of his day. Mr. Cleveland is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, No. 49, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Moberly. John L. Darby, who was engaged in farming for a number of years and later a well-known merchant of Moberly, is now agent for the Sharp- less Cream Separator Company. He is a native of Randolph County, born on the old family homestead, three miles northeast of Cairo, July 9, 1873, the son of John C. and Milissa (Stephens) Darby. John C. Darby was bom on the same place June 25, 1844, and reared and educated here. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the army and served four years. His father, John Darby, came to' Missouri at an early day and entered 160) acres, in Cairo' township, three miles 650 HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY northeast of the town. James L. Darby's father inherited the home- stead and remained there, engaged in farming, until 1912, when he gave up the active management of the place and came to Moberly to live. He died Sept. 28, 1914. Milissa Stephens Darby v/as born on a farm close to Middlegrove, Monroe County, Mo., Sept. 18, 1842, and is now living at Grey Bull, Wyo. The following children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Darby: Lillie, deceased; Leila, the wife of John Bennett, of Mo- berly ; Louis, of Rocky Ford, Colo. ; John S., of Moberly ; James L., of this review; Luther, deceased; Emma L. ; Willis, deceased; Paul, of Belgrade, Mont. ; and David, deceased. James L. Darby spent his boyhood on the farm, received his educa- tion in the district school. When he was 13 years old began to work on the farm. In 1901 he bought a farm of 120 acres, one mile northeast of Moberly, where he farmed six years before selling out in September, 1907. He then moved to Moberly. The next year he opened a confectionary store at 112 Reed street, where he built up a good business and in Feb- ruary, 1919, he sold out and is now agent for Sharpless Cream Separator. Nov. 1, 1899, Mr. Darby was married to Miss Mariah Chandler New- man, the daughter of George T. and Susan E. (Baker) Newman, the former bom in Kentucky in 1845, was a farmer and came to Missouri when only 18 years old and bought a farm near Higbee. He died in 1914. His wife was a native of Missouri, bom in 1850, and now lives on the home farm, a mile and a half northeast of Hiigbee. Mrs. Darby was the third of the seven children in the Newman family. To Mr. and Mrs. Darby has been bom one child: Allene, born August, 1900, died Nov. 11 of the same year. Mr. Darby is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the substantial citizens of Moberly who has been well known in business circles for many years. Albert C. Gladney, a leading member of the Randolph County bar, is a descendant from Irish ancestors who located in the Carolinas early in the 19th century and later became pioneer settlers of Missouri. He was bom on the old homestead in Lincoln County, Sept. 7, 1872, the son of John M. and Annie (Wilson) Gladney. John M. Gladney was born on the same farm, July 4, 1830, and reared and educated in Mis- souri and when old enough became a farmer. He spent his life on the old home >place, and died there March 1, 1893, and was laid to rest in the old family burying ground on the farm. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 651 John M. Gladney was the son of Samuel and Margaret Gladney, both natives of Ireland, who came to the United States and settled in South Carolina in 1817 and two years later came to Missouri, locating on the homestead of 300 acres in Lincoln County, which has never passed out of the family. Samuel Gladney spent the rest of his life in Missouri and died on his land in 1872, and his wife died in 1876, and' both are buried in the family cemetery. Annie Wilson Gladney, mother of Albert C. Gladney, was bom in Auburn, Mo., May 4, 1842, and is living on the old Gladney homestead. She and her husband were the parents of the following children: David, farming the old home place; Enoch, deceased; Emma, on the home farm with the mother; Andrew, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Albert C, of this review; Lucy, the wife of William Eaymond, of Clarksville; John M., deceased; Frank, a lawyer of St. Louis; Steele, of Bellville, 111., and Eugene, of Oklahoma. Albert C. Gladney was reared on the old homestead, attended the district school during his boyhood and then entered Central College for higher courses of study. He remained at home until he was 21 years old and then entered the St. Louis Law School, where he graduated and was admitted to the bar in 1900. That same year, Mr. Gladney came to Moberly and opened an office, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law. He has built up a good practice and is one of the well- known lawyers of this section of the state. Mr. Gladney has served as justice of the peace for 1912 to 1918. Dec. 12, 1901, Mr. Gladney was married to Miss Mary Duncan, of Lincoln County, and two children have been bom to this union: Enoch A. and David C, both at home with their parents. Mr. Gladney is a Democrat; he and Mrs. Gladney are members of the Methodist church, south, and they also belong to the missionary society of the church. Mrs. Gladney is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. J. Ereckson Hall, the successful manager of the Moberly Steam Laundry, has led a varied career, and today is regarded as one of the substantial business men of the city. He was bom at Halmstad, Sweden, Sept. 14, 1863, the son of K Ereckson and Anna Hall, the former bom in Annestad, Sweden, in 1828, and the mother in 1836. They came to the United States in 1880 and first located in Iowa, where E. Ereckson Hall was engaged in business as a general merchant for many years. 652 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mrs. Hall died in Smithfield, Utah, in 1898, and her husband died there in 1900. They were the parents of the following children: Rika, the wife of John Peterson, of Oakland, Calif.; Maria, the wife of A. Benson, of Blackfoot, Idaho; J. Ereckson, of this review; Axrel, deceased; Nettie, now Mrs. Mitchell, of Pocatello, Idaho, and three children who died in infancy. J. Ereckson Hall was reared in Sweden and received his education there, the schools in Sweden are under the supervision of the govern- ment and attendance is compulsory. When only 15 years of age he went to sea on a Swedish sailing vessel which landed at an English port and he left the boat on which he had crossed the North Sea and became a sailor on an English vessel. For a number of years he sailed under the British flag, touching the ports of many lands and sailed nearly all over the world and by the time he was 22 years old, he had visited many countries and seen many races of people. Soon after his 22d birthday Mr. Hall returned to his home in Sweden, where he was married Aug. 12, 1888, to Emma Magnuson. They went to England within a short time and came to the United States, landing here J^rch 1, 1888. Mr. Hall and his wife located in Des Moines,. Iowa, but four years later came to Moberly, where the family has since lived. Upon first locating here Mr. Hall secured a position with the Moberly Steam Laundry Company as foreman, and in 1918 he was promoted to manager. Mr. and Mrs. Hall had one child- that died in infancy. They are well known in the city and have many friends. Mr. Hall holds two mem- berships in the Chamber of Commerce, one personal and the other in the interests of the laundry, of which he is the executive head. David P. Ash, one of the substantial and successful farmers of Praiirie township, Randolph County, who specializes in breeding pure blooded Poled Angus Aberdeen cattle and Poland China hogs, is the owner of 120 acres of valuable farm land. He was born in Denmark Jan. 9, 1858. the son of Peter and Margaret Ash, both natives of Den- mark. Peter Ash was bom in 1819 ; he was reared and educated in his native land and fought in the war between Denmark and Germany. He was a farmer all his life, specialized in raising stock and spent the re- mainder of his days i|n his native land. He died in March, 1869. The mother was born in 1821 and died in 1886. There were five children in the Ash family: David, of this review; Christian and Sophia, deceased; John, who remains in the native land, and Annie, deceased. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 653 David Ash was reared on his father's farm in Denmark, and at- tended the pubhc schools. He left his native country in 1875 and came to the United States. After reaching here he settled on a farm near Rock Island, 111., and removed from there to Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked as a miner until 1904. That year Mr. Ash came to Missouri, locating on his farm in Randolph County, where he has since been en- gaged in general farming and stock raising. For some years, Mr. Ash has handled Poled Angus Aberdeen cattle and Poland China hogs, and he is one of the prominent stockmen of the township. He has placed per- manent improvements on his farm, and in 1917 built his present modern home; March 8, 1884, Mr. Ash was married to Miss Eliza Meyer, the daugh- ter of John and Magelijna (Barnhart) Meyer, both natives of Germany. John Meyer came to the United States in 1847 and settled on a farm in Illinois, where he died in 1885. Mrs. Magelina Meyer was born in 1849 and died in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1912. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. David P. Ash : John P., of Moberly ; Lena, now Mrs. M. Oldham; George, on the home farm; and Ada, also at home. M. A. Carter, a widely known stock buyer, who has been successfully engaged in that business in Randolph County since he was 18 years old, is a native of this county. He was born in Jacksonville, April 18, 1875, and is a son of M. M. and Mary E. (Renolds) Carter. M. M. Carter was also a native of Randolph County, born in 1842, and died "at Jacksonville in 1918. He was a stock buyer and shipper and for many years was successfully engaged in that business. He was a veteran of the Civiil War, having served in that army for four years. Mary E. Renolds Carter was also a native of Randolph County, born near Jacksonville, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were married by Rev. J. A. Berry. To M. M. and Mary E. (Renolds) Carter were bom the following children: Frank E., Jackson, Miss.; M. A., the subject of this sketch; Isaac B., Green River, Utah ; Maggie M., married L. A. Malone and resides near Jacksonville; Minnie, married H. Conner, Union, Neb.; James D., Huntsville, Mo.; Jessiie L., married Jess C. Scott, Scott, Miss.; Harry D., Jonesberg, Mo. ; Hayden R., Salisbury, Mo. ; and two children who died in Infancy. M. A. Carter was educated in the Jacksonville public schools and Tvhen 18 years of age became his father's partner in buying and shipping 654 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY stock and .has been engaged in that business to the present time. He owns a half interest in 219 acres of land near Jacksonville. Mr. Carter was united in marriage Oct., 20, 1919, at Jacksonville, Mo., Lo Beulah Miles a daughter of William and Clara E. (Snow) Miles, both natives of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Miles have been born two children: Marilla E., married Asher W. Elliott, a druggist of Jacksonville, Mo.; and Beulah, the wife of M. A. Carter, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Carter is a Democrat and a progressive citizen. James S. Hedges, Jr., one of the leading merchants of Moberly who owned a grocery store for a number of years and now handles coal and ice, is a native son of Randolph County, born in Moberly Aug. 27, 1883, the son of James S. and Sarah (Featherston) Hedges. James S. Hedges, Sr., is a native of Clay County, Mo., bom April 3, 1846, and was reared and educated in this state. He came to Moberly in 1867 and engaged in the grocery busi|ness, opening his store the day the first lots of the town site were put up for sale, which gives him the honor of being one of the very oldest merchants of the town. Mr. Hedges is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted at the outbreak of hostili- ties and was assigned to the 48th Regiment, serving under Colonel James Moss and later under Colonel Hale. Mr. Hedges has taken an active part itn local affairs, serving as a member of the city council of Moberly from 1892 to 1896 and for a number of years was a director of the Mo- berly Building and Loan Association. Mrs. Hedges was bom on a farm just east of Moberly, June 5, 1843, and was married there in 1876. She died in 1912. Her father, Charles Featherston, came to Moberly in 1868, and lived here until his death in 1883. He was the first constable of the town and took a prominent part in the early development . of Mo- berly. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. James S. Hedges, Sr.: Willard, deceased; Lijllie, the wife of Robert Kfeman, of Huntsville, and James S., of this review. James S. Hedges, Jr., was reared in Moberly, attended the public school until he w^as old enough to engage in business and then bought a half interest in his father's grocery store, which they conducted until 1914, when Mr. Hedges began handling ice and coal. He was one of the prime movers in the estabhshment of the Moberly Artificial Ice Company and handles that ice. His coal business has proved profitable and he is considered one of the substantial of the younger generation of business men of the city. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 655 Sept. 13, 1913, Mr. Hedges was married to Mijss Viola Chrane, the daughter of John S. and Catharine (Schneider) Chrane, both natives of Missouri, the former born in 1846, and the mother was born in 1871, and died in 1894. Mrs. Hedges is the third in order of birth of their family of 12 children. Mr. and Mrs. Hedges are members of the Chris- tian church. Mr. Hedges ib a Democrat. Asher W. Elliott, owner and manager of the leading drug store of Jacksonville, is a native son of the town and Randolph County. He was born Oct. 23, 1889, which places him among the younger generation of business men of this section who have made good. He is the son of Alonzo H. and Evelena (Barnhart) Elliott. Alonzo Elliott was born in Randolph County in April, 1848. He was reared and educated here and became a general farmer, specializing in breeding Aberdeen Angus cat- tle.- He is the owner of two good farms, one of 387 acres and another of 161 acres, located southwest of Jacksonville about three miles, where he is still engaged in farming. Evelena Barnhart Elliott was also bom in this county, and reared and educated here. There were three children in the family: Roy, a farmer south of Jacksonville; Asher W., of this review, and Lester, living on his father's farm, south of town. Asher W. Elliott was reared in the country and received his ele- mentary education in the district school and then entered Prichett Col- lege, at Glasgow, Mo., where he pursued a course of special studies. After finishing college he returned to the farm and worked with his father until 1916. That year he came to Jacksonville and bought a drug store and since that time has been successfully engaged in business here. Jan. 11, 1910, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss Marilla Miles, the daughter of William N. and Claire (Snow) Miles, of Jacksonville, Mo. They are members of the younger social circles of Jacksonville and Mr. Elliott is one of the progressive business men of the town who has built up a good trade. Mr. Elliott and his v;ife are members of the Christian church of Jacksonville; he is a Mason and Mrs. Elliott is a member of the Eastern Star. Alonzo H. Elliott, a well known and prosperous farmer of Randolph County, who owns 565 acres of valuable land near Jacksonville, was born in this locahty April 26, 1864. He is a son of William W. and Nancy Jane (Terry) Elliott. William W. Elliott was a native of Kentucky, bom in Madison County, Aug. 4, 1829. He came to Missouri in 1833 656 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and took up land which he farmed and at the same time he worked as a carpenter. His land was located north of Huntsville and was a large and valuable tract. Mr. Elliott died in 1906. He had been retired from active business since 1902. Nancy Jane Terry Elliott was born in Ran- dolph County, north of Huntsviille, in 1836, and died Feb. 17, 1909. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. William W. Elliott: Alonzo H., of this review, and Mrs. Frederick Priesmeyer, of Moberly. Alonzo H. Elliott was reared in the country and educated in the dis- trict school. He remained at home with his parents until he was 24 years old. At that time he was married and his father gave him a farm, which he operated four years. He then returned to the home place, where he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1915. He then moved to Jacksonville, but still manages his land, which now consists of 547 acres, and is located southwest of the town. He has placed all the improvements on his present place, and has five barns, a good house, which was built in 1912, and other farm buildings. Mr. Elliott and his father were among the first men of the county* to handle Aberdeen Angus cattle. Nov. 23, 1887, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss Evelna Bamhart, a daughter of G. W. Barnhart. Mr. Barnhart was born in Illinois in 1825, and came to Missouri and engaged in farming and stock raising near Kirksville. Later he moved to a farm west of Jacksonville, Randolph County, where he died in 1899. Mrs. Elliott's mother was bom in Wayne County, Ky., in 1827, anfl was married at Kirksville in 1862. She died in Randolph County in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been born three children: Roy S., on his father's farm; Asher W., a druggist of Jacksonville, whose history will be found on another page of this volume, and Lester, also on his father's land. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Masonic Lodge, A. F. & A. M. No. 541, Jacksonville, Mo., and is a member of the Eastern Star, and he and his wife belong to the Baptist church. Mr. Elliott is a Democrat. Mrs. Elliott also is a member of the Eastern Star. William S. Jordan, a well-known machinist of the Wabash raidroad, who has been employed in the shops at Moberly, Mo., for over 35 years, was born in Brown County, Ohio, May 27, 1850, the son of John W. and Sarah (Church) Jordan, the former born in the same county in 1828, en- listed in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War and was promoted to captain of the commissary department, where he served HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 657 until peace was established. He was a riverman, and spent his life on the steamboats of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He died at Mobile, Ala., Nov, 3, 1865. Sarah Church Jordan was bom in Maysville, Ky., in 1829, and was married in Ohio. She died at the advanced age of 90 years. There were th'e following children in the Jordan family: William S., of this review; Lou, the widow of Philip Wells, of Oklahoma; Sarah, the wife of Austin Nelson, and both are dead, and John W., also deceased. William S. Jordan was reared in St. Louis, attended the public schools until he was 14 years old and then began to learn the machinist's trade at the old Lafayette Foundry of that city. He began his apprenticeship in 1864 and finished four years later. Remaining in St. Louis, Mr. Jordan worked at his trade until 1872, then moved to Litchfield, 111. On Dec. 18, 1885, he came to Moberly to enter the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in the shops here and has remained with this com- pany to the present time, and is one of the oldest men in years of service, here. April 22, 1894, Mr. Jordan was married in Moberly to Miss Lucretta Broadwater, the daughter of John S. and Margaret (Tremble) Broad- water, who was the third child, in a family of ten children. Mr. Jordan is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 344, Moberly. He is a member of Knights of Pythias and is independent in politics. Mrs. Jordan is a member of the Maccabees and they both belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, south. Allen C. Westfall, employed in the coach repair department of the Wabash carpenter shops in Moberly, Mo., is a native of this country, and was bom on a farm in Union township, Aug. 16, 1865, the son of Jacob C. and Elizabeth (Degarmo) Westfall. Jacob C. Westfall was a native of West Virginia and came to Mis- souri in January, 1836, with his parents, who were early settlers of this section. His father, Comeliius Westfall, entered 300 acres of land from the government, four miles east of the present town site of Moberly. He died on that homestead in 1869, and was buried in the old Grimes family burying ground. Jacob Westfall was engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising during his life on the farm he inherited from his father, and died there in 1878. He was buried in the Vince cemetery. Elizabeth Degarmo Westfall was born in Missouri, Dec. 3, 1841. She was married in Randolph County and is now living in Moberly, aged 78 years. There were the following children in the family : Allen C, of this review ; 658 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Christiana M., Henry P., Annie E., and Joseph L., all deceased except Allen C. Allen C. Westfall was reared on the old homestead in Union town- ship, attended the district school and then began to farm the home place when his father died. He was only a boy of 13 years at the time, but did his best to help his mother. In 1888, Mr. Westfall bought a farm west of the homestead and placed permanent improvements on this 40 acre tract. He engaged in general farming and stock raising for some years and then sold out, but in 1898 bought 145 acres of land two miles north of his former place, improved it and later sold it when he bought property in Moberly and moved here in February, 1915. He soon took a position with the Wabash Eailroad Company as a carpenter in the coach repair department, where he has since been engaged. Dec. 17, 1889, Mr. Westfall was married to Miss Grace McCartney, of Randolph County, and to this union five children have been born: Winnie B. and Joseph A., deceased; Marie L. ; Robert and Ruth, all of whom live in Moberly. Mrs. Westfall's father, Samuel McCartney, was a native of Pennsylvania, who was an early pioneer of Missouri. He was a school teacher and was the origimator of the first teacher's institute held in Randolph County. Later he bought land and engaged in farming. Mrs. McCartney was Keren H. Baird before her marriage, a native of Clinton County, Pa. Mrs. Westfall was the second child in a family of four children. Mr. Westfall is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carpenters, and is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall belong to the Methodist church, south. August Hestler, one of the well-known passenger locomotive engi- neers of the Wabash railroad, has been a resident of Moberly for 23 years. He was born in Orange County, N. Y., Aug. 20, 1858, the son of Minert and Mary (Stiner) Hestler. The father was bom in Switzerland and emigrated from his native land to the United States, first settled in New York, and later moved to Wisconsin and then to Iowa, where he died and was buried at Hampton. Mary Stiner Hestler was also a native of Switzerland, was married in that countiy and accompanied her hus- band to the United States. She died in Iowa and was buried at Hamp- ton beside her husband. There were the following children in the family: Catharine, deceased; August, of this review; Helen and Frank, deceased; Mary, the wife of Swan Hanson, of Olewein, la. ; Alexander, of Hampton ; Annie, the wife of John Adams, of Valley Junction, la. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 659 August Hestler was reared and educated in Wisconsin and when only nine years of age began to work out. He was employed at various kinds of work and in 1874-75 drove a stage between Mainitowoc and Sheboygan, Wis. He then began firing for the Goodrich Steamship Line, out of Chi- cago. Soon after this, he began firing an engine on the Chicago & North- western railroad and was promoted to engineer in 1883. Subsequently, Mr. Hestler went to Parsons, Kan., to run an engine for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad and came to Moberly in 1897 to enter the em- ploy of the Wabash railroad as engineer. Later he was promoted to a passenger run, which he has since held, Mr. Hestler was first marri;ed to Miss Jennie Silva, who died in Moberly in 1913, leaving the following children: Emma H., the wife of Fred Ross, of Moberly; Marian, the wife of Sidney Haynes, of Mo- berly; Mildred, of Chicago; Frank, at home. In 1917, Mr. Hestler mar- ried Mrs. Marie M. Carr of Kansas City. Mr. Hestler has been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers since 1885 and has served as local and general chairman of that organization and has held most all the other offices. He is a mem- ber of the Mystic Workers and he and Mrs. Hestler belong to the Pres- byterian church. In national affairs, he is a Republican. Mrs. Hestler belongs to the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, is a member of the Royal Neighbors and an active worker in church affairs. Henry M. Biu-ton, a blacksmith employed in the Wabash railroad shops in Moberly, was bom on a farm near Huntsville, Mo., Jan. 19, 1875, and is the son of Henry and Jennie (Walker) Burton, an extensive sketch of whom appears in this volume. Henry M. Burton was reared in the country, attended the district school and then graduated from the high school in Huntsville. He re- mained at home working on the farm until he was 20 years old, when he went to Huntsville to learn the blacksmiith's trade. Sept. 23, 1912, Mr. Burton came to Moberly to take a position as blacksmith in the shops of the Wabash railroad, where he has since been employed. Jan. 16, 1901, Mr. Burton was married to Miss Ida M. Bales, the daughter of John C. and Mary C. (Jacobs) Bales, whose grandfather was a native of Tennessee and her grandmother of North Carolina. Mr. Bales was a general farmer and stock raiser; he was city collector of Richmond, Mo., and constable of Richmond township, Ray County, Mo. 660 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY He now resides ' with Mrs. Burton in Moberly. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burton, Helen Maurine, a student in the Moberly High School. Mr. Burton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Rebeccas and with his family is a member of the Methodist church, south. He is a Republican. William S. Kelly, a well known and capable machinist employed in the Wabash Railroad shops at Moberly, Mo., was bom here Dec. 26, 1876, and is a son of WiUiam and Ellen (Ryan) Kelly. William Kelly was a native of Ireland, bom in April, 1849. He came to the United States with his parents when a child three years old. The Kelly family reached this country in 1852 and first settled in New York where the father worked at his trade of machiniist. In 1866 they came to Missouri and located at St. Charles, where the family lived for 10 years before coming to Moberly. Mr. Kelly was employed in the Wabash shops here as a machinist until shortly before his death, Nov. 22, 1886. He was buried at St. Mary's cemetery. Ellen Ryan Kelly was bom at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Feb. 24, 1855 and was married to Mr. Kelly at St. Charles, Mo., Jan. 8, 1872 and now makes her home with her son Wil- liam S. There were the following chijldren in the Kelly family: John J., of Pittsburg, Pa.; Mamie, the wife of W. S. Margerum, of Des Moines, la. ; William S., of this review, and Charles M., of Moberly. William S. Kelly was reared in Moberly, attended the old Central school and in early life began work in the railroad shops as a machinist apprentice. He served his apprenticeship and has since been employed as a joumeyman machinist by .the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Kelly resides in Moberly with his mother; he is a member of the Machinists Union, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic church, and has always been a Democrat. William S. Kelly's uncle, Michael Kelly, was one of the first settlers of Moberly and was present the day the town plat was opened and lots were sold. He was a stockholder of the company which built the first water works of the town. Mrs. Kelly who resides at 712 Reed street, ijn one of the first cottages built in the city, is one of the early residents and has seen the village grow to a city and can recall many interesting events of the early days of Moberly and Randolph County. HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 661 J. A. Grotjan, a widely known gunsmith and skilled machinist, who has lived in Moberly many years was bo,rn in Chariton County, Mo., Feb. 16, 1866, the son of Charles and Louise (Suppe) Grotjan. Charles Grotjan was a native of Germany, born in 1822 and came to the United States in 1860. Shortly afterwards he came to Missouri, locating in Chariton County on a farm where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1898 when he came to Moberly where he spent the last two years of his life with his son. He diied May 8, 1901 and was buried at Oakland cemetery. The mother was born on a farm in Wisconsin, May 15, 1844 and died Aug. 12, 1868. They were the parents of five children as follows: Louise, deceased; William, deceased; J. A., of this review; Minnie, deceased, and one child died in ipifancy. J. A. Grotjan was educated in the public schools and in early life learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his grandfather, F. W. Suppe. Later he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Com- pany as a machinist helper and learned the machinist's trade. After working for the Wabash Railroad for a number of years he buiilt a shop of his own in 1896, near his residence at 516 North Ault street, Moberly, where he installed machinery with which he is equipped to do all kinds of repairing and fine machine work. March 5, 1895, Mr. Grotjan married Miss Terssa Cathrine Pomie and three children have been bom to the union: Arthur, deceased; Arbie Harold, deceased; George T., a machinist at the Faessler Machine Shop, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Grotjan is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge and an Independent voter. He is an old and respected resident who has lived here to see the town grow into a city and taken an interested part in its development. William Foster Henderson, a well known citizen of Moberly, Mo., who is employed as a locomotive engineer on the Wabash Railroad with a run out of Moberly, has been in the employ of this company for more than 15 years. He was born in Iroquois County, 111., March 23, 1865 and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lewis) Henderson. Joseph Henderson was bom on a farm in Illinois Aug. 28, 1830 and was reared and educated there. He was engaged in farming and also the mercantile business. He died ijn Centralia, 111., June 7, 1895 and was buried there. Sarah Lewis Henderson was also a native of Illinois, born April 23, 1832 and died Dec. 31, 1872. There were seven children born 662 HISTORY OF RAlSfDOLPH COUNTY to Joseph and Sarah (Lewis) Henderson: Isaac, of Seneca, Kan.; Owen, also of Seneca, Kan.; Charles, o.f Salem, Ore.; William, of this review; Wesley deceased ; and Mary, who died in infancy. Wiilliam F. Henderson was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. He began work in the roller mills of Centralia as a helper when only 16 years old. In 1886 he went to St. Louis and secured ?, position in the Laclede Roller Mills where he worked three years. He came to Moberly in 1901 and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a locomotive fireman. He was promoted to engineer in 1906 and has since continued in that capacity. Sept. 18, 1897, Mr. Henderson was marnled in St. Louis to Miss Annie Mannecke, a daughter of William and Freda (Herdmann) Mannecke, both natives of Missouri, and now deceased. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson: Percy, of Racine, Wis.; John L., of Moberly; Irene E., at home and Charles M., also at home and both are attending school. Mr. Henderson is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, is a Democrat and with his wife is a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Henderson belongs to the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Henderson is one often reliable and capable men in the employ of the Wabash Railroad and is a substantial citizen of Moberly. George W. Morris, a well known mine superintendent of Jacksonville, is a mining man of vast experience. He was born in South Shields, Dur- ham, Eng., April 7, 1867 and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Scott) Morris. Charles Morris was a native of Wales, bom July 23, 1833 and came to America in 1869. He first settled at Duquoin, 111., where he followed coal mining and from there went to Savannah, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. He remained there from 1882, engaged in coal mining until 1884 when he came to Missouri and followed coal mining at Rich Hill for five years. He then came to Ardmore, Macon County, where he resided for 25 years when' he removed to Huntsville and died there Nov. 5, 1911. His wife was bom in South Shields, Dunham, Eng., Feb. 22, 1837 and they were married in England, Jan. 18, 1859, and she now resides at Jack- sonville, Mo. They were the parents of five children as follows: George W., the subject of this sketch; Charles, Moberly, Mo.; Benjamin, Kan- sas City, Mo. ; Robert, Sheridan, Wyoming, and Mary died in infancy. George W. Morris was educated in the public schools of Caseyville, 111., including a high school course. His first work was in a coal mine, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 663 where he was employed as a mule driver; later he was employed in oper- ating air machinery for a coal mine and worked at that for five years. He then fired a switch engine at McAllister, Ind., for the Pacific Coal Com- pany. He then came to Missouri and located at Rich Hill, where he was employed in operating hoisting machinery in a coal mine and also did general work about the mine. His next place of employment was at Ardmore, Mo., where he was employed as mine foreman for one year. He then went to Renick, Mo. as mine foreman for the same company and from there back to Ardmore in the same capacity for eight years. He then opened a mine between Huntsville and Moberly, as a member of the firm of Jones-Davis and Morris. One year later he went with the Elliot Coal Company as foreman and while there opened the San Diego mine, three miles west of Elliot and was superintendent of mines No. 1, 2 and 3 or the Wabash Coal Company. He was with the Randolph-Macon Coal Company for two years when he went to Kansas City and was in the employ of a railroad company for two years and for a time ran a switch engine for the Rock Island railroad. Sept. 26, 1918, he came to Jackson- ville as superintendent for the Jacksonville Coal Company and has served in that capacity until the present time. Mr. Morris was married April 24, 1892 to Mi|ss Vetura Shaw, a daughter of David S. and Eliza Jane (Frazier) Shaw, both natives of Missouri. The father was born in Monroe County, Sept. 1, 1833 and died at Huntsville, Jan. 12, 1918 and the mother now resides at Huntsville. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been bom the following children: Hannah, married Lloyd Frazier and they li|ve near Huntsville, Mo. ; Roy, Geby, Wyo. ; Floyd L., Jacksonville; and Ada Bell married L. C. Maddox, Kan- sas City, Mo. Mr. Morris is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Unity Holiness church. He is independent in politics and is now serving as mayor of Jacksonville. He is the owner of 130 acres of land one and one-half miles east of Huntsville. He is a progressive and public spirited citizen. Charles W. Mikel, a successful broker of Moberly and the owner of a valuable farm in Randolph County, was bom at Dallas, Tex., May 19, 1878, the son of John W. and Mart C. (Wilson) Mikel, both natives of Gran.t County, Ky., where the father was bom in 1855 and the mother in 1861. They were reared, educated and were married in their native state and came to Missouri in 1879, settling on a farm west of Huntsville. Here Mr. Mikel bought 135 acres of land and carried on general farming 664 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and stock raising until his death in 1899. Mrs. Mikel survives and makes her home vs^ith her son, Charles W. There were the following children in the family: Charles, of this review; Robert, of Moberly; James, of Marshalltown, Mo.; Bessie, deceased; Annie, the wife of Frank Cobb, of Moberly; Thomas, deceased; one child that diied in infancy; Bessie J., deceased; John W., of Moberly; and Jessie, the wife of Harry Miles, of Granite City, 111. Charles W. Mikel was reared on the farm and attended the district school and later the high school in Huntsville. Until he was 24 years old, he remained at home helping his father on the farm. He then engaged in the livery business at Renick where he remained until 1907. That year, Mr. Mikel came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Brown Shoe Company ; he started in at a dollar a day and was advanced to fore- man and when he resigned in 1919 he was getting a salary of $200 a month. That year he opened a brokerage office at Room 200, Tedford Building, Moberly, where he has since been engaged. Sept. 10, 1902, Mr. Mikel was married to Miss Cynthia A. Patton, the daughter of John and Missouri Ann (Carney) Patton, both natives of Randolph County. Mr. Patton was one of the early settlers here, the patent to his land west of Huntsville being signed by President Andrew Jackson. Mr. Patton was a veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Mikel died April 12, 1919 and was buried at Fort Henry. She was the mother of the following children: Leon, deceased; Harold and Marjory, both at home. Mr. Mikel is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Modem Wood- men; he belongs to the Christian church and is a RepubHcan. He is a wide awake business man who iis making good in his present business and is a man who supports all movements for the development and im- provement of Moberly and Randolph County. Lute A. Malone, one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of Jackson township, is a native son of Randolph County. He was born on a farm five miles south of Huntsville, Nov. 2, 1866, and is a son of Thomas and Malinda (Jackson) Malone, both also natives of Randolph County. Thomas Malone was bom in 1845 and his wife in 1844 and they were married in this county Sept. 21, 1865. The father was reared and edu- cated here and was a general farmer and stock raiser. He owned 80 acres of land south of Huntsville, where he lived until 1907, when he re- tired and went to Hve with his children. He died in 1917. He was a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 665 veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Malone spent her li|fe on the home farm and died Jan. 27, 1890. She was buried in the Jackson family burying ground, south of Huntsville and her husband is also buried there. There were the following children born to Thomas and Malinda (Jackson) Malone: Lute A., of this review; William, deceased; Gladys, deceased; Jess, a Kandolph County farmer; Sudiie M., the wife of Charles Freeman, of Oklahoma; Courtney, the wife of George Burton, of Randolph County; Willie, of Clifton Hill; Labe, a farmer, near Armstrong; and .James M., of Missouri. Lute A. Malone was reared on the home farm and attended the dis- trict schools. He remained at home until he was 21 years old. He then rented land and engaged in farming. In 1904 Mr. Malone bought his first farm in the northeast part of the county. He improved it and sold it at a good profit and in 1907 bought his present 80 acre farm near Jackson- ville. He has placed good and substantial improvements on the place, has good barns, a modern home which he erected in 1915 and other farm buildings. He is quite an extensive feeder, buying, feeding and shipping to market. Sept. 20, 1896, Mr. Malone was married to Miss Maggie Carter, at Jacksonville, Mo. She is the daughter of Milton M. and Mary (Reynolds) Carter, both natives of Missouri. The father was bom near College Mound in 1841 and diied at Jacksonville in 1917. Mrs. Carter was bom in Randolph County in 1852 and now makes her home in Jacksonville. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Malone as follows : Gladys M . the wife of R. C. Bennett, of Moberly ; Russell A. and Minnie, both at home. Mr. Malone is a Democrat and Mrs. Malone is a member of the Chris- tian church. They are well known in their community and Mr. Malone is one of the substantiial citizens who is demonstrating that farming in Randolph County pays. Charous M. Shipp, a successful farmer and stockman of Jacksonville township and the owner of 170 acres of valuable land, is a native of Ken- tucky. He was bom in Owens County, Ky., Aug. 5, 1846 and is a son of William and Matilda (Nail) Shipp, both natives of Owens County, Ky. William Shipp was engaged in farming in his native state in early manhood and in 1859 he came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Ran- dolph County adjoining the one now owned by his son, C. M. Shipp. He spent the remainder of his life on this place and diied in 1890. His wife 666 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY was born in 1831 and died on the same place where her husband settled upon coming here in 1861. Their remains are buried in the Eades Chapel cemetery. They were the parents of six children as follows : C. M., the subject of this sketch; William, Lexington, Ky.; Robert, Cairo, Mo.; John, deceased; Ed, Moberly, Mo.; and Minor B., Cairo, Mb. C. M. Shipp was educated in the district schools of Jackson township and remained on the home farm until 1866. He then bought his present place and since that time has been successfully engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising. He is progressive and enterprising and has made a success of his work. Mr. Shipp has always been an ardent worker and contributor in the cause of Christianity and good work. He gave one acre of land for the Eades Chapel and cemetery. He also contributed liberally to building the chapel and started the subscription paper among the other con- tributors for that purpose. Mr. Shipp is the sexton and keeps the official records of the church and the burials in the cemetery. He is a thorough Christian gentleman and has religious services in his own home every night of the year. He ijs a member of the Methodist church and a firm believer and adherent of the Christian doctrine as laid down in the tenets of that denomination. March 22, 1856, C. M. Shipp was married to Mary E. Overby, a daughter of William and Jane (Hardester) Overby. The former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Missouri and both now deceased. Mrs. Shipp is one of a family of 16 children born to her parents and was the third in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Shipp have been born the following children: William F., deceased; Matilda, married James Spark- man, Jackson township ; George, Moberly, Mo. ; James, deceased ; Mary J., married George Elliott; Jacksonville, Mo.; and Eddie L., resides at home with his parents. Mr. Shipp is a substantial citizen who commands the respect and confidence of all who know him. James R. Brooks, one of the reliable citizens and prominent farmers ad stock raisers of Randolph County, who owns 330 acres of good land in Jackson township, is a native son of this county. He was bom March 16, 1865, the son of J. B. and Mary (Everhart) Brooks. J. B. Brooks is also a native of Randolph County and was bom Sept. 26, 1845 and was reared and educated here and when old enough became a farmer and later a miner and still lives in this localifty. Mrs. Brooks HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 667 * was born in Macon County, Mo., Dec. 28, 1846 and still lives. There were 11 children in the Brooks family, of whom James R. was next to the oldest. James R. Brooks spent his boyhood on the farm and was educated in the public schools. At the age of 16 began to work on the Santa Fe Railroad in Texas. Later he returned to Missouri and bought a farm in Jackson township, Randolph County, where he has since been engaged in farmng and stock raising. When he bought his land it was unim- proved and Mr. Brooks has placed excellent and permanent buildings on it. Today he has six stock barns, other buildings and a good home whiich was built in 1904. For some years he has been engaged in breeding Here- ford cattle. Beginning with one registered cow, he has built up one of the finest herds in the county which is valued at more than $21,000. In 1918, he held a sale of 50 head of Herefords whi|ch indicates his success. In addition to raising cattle he also raises registered Percheron horses. He imported one stallion from France and now has three valuable Perch- eron stallions. In early life Mr. Brooks was a locomotive engineer and demonstrated that a railroad man can make good at other pursuits. Dec. 21, 1892, Mr. Brooks was married to Miss Linnie Lingo, the daughter of John and Rachel (Baker) Lingo, the former a native of Tennessee, born at Nashville. In early life he went to Virginia and later came to Missouri. Here he bought 260 acres of land in Macon County and became a general farmer and stock i-aiser. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate army and served until the war ended. He died in 1874 and was buried at Lingo cemetery. Mrs. Lingo was born near Richmond, Va., was married there and died in Missouri in 1882. Mrs. Brooks was the sixth of the seven children born to her par- ents. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks: Mattie Lee, deceased; Ida May, at home and Alfred attending high school at Moberly. Mrs. Brooks' grandfather, Samuel lingo, was judge of Macon County for 35 years. He was a native of Ireland who came to Missouri at an early age. He was the father of 20 children. Mr. Brooks is a Mason, a member of the Grange and the Christian church. Mrs. Brooks belongs to the Eastern Star, the Grange and the Christian church. George E. Bye, the owner of a 120 acre farm in Jackson township, Randolph County, has lived here for more than 16 years and is one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of this section. He was born on a 668 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY • farm near Knoxville, Iowa, Aug. 18, 1869, the son of Capt. E. P. and Elmira (Bruer) Bye. Captain Bye was, born in Indiana in 1838, was reared and educated there and learned the cabinet maker's trade which he followed some years. He later moved to Iowa and engaged in general farming and stock raising on a 180 acre farm until his death. He enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War serving until' peace was declared when he returned to his home and followed farming. Mrs. Bye was born in Pennsylvania and married at Knoxville, la. She now lives on the old farm. There were three children in the family: Delbert, de- ceased ; William, managing the home place in Iowa, and George E., of this review. George E.- Bye was reared on the farm, attended the district school near Knoxville, Iowa, and when his school days were over he began farm- ing with his father. When he was 21 years old he was made a partner I'n the farm enterprises and with his brother, William, bought land near the home place, after which all the land was operated in partnership by the father and brothers until George E. sold his interest to his brother, William, in 1904, "and came to Randolph County, Mo. He bought his present farm on which he has placed all the improvements consisting of a seven room house with running water and electric liights, four stock barns with the Delco hghting system and water piped to them. Mr. Bye has specialized in pure bred hogs and is a stock raiser. He is one of the reliable and substantial men of Randolph County. April 2, 1902, Mr. Bye was married to Miss Daisy Merriman, the daughter of J. W. and Mariah J. (Brittin) Merriman. J. W. Merriman was born near Springfield, 111., in 1844 and was a farmer, owning 280 acres of land near Knoxville, la., where he died in 1919. Mrs. Merriman was born at Canton, 111., in 1849, v/as married in 1874 and now lives at Knox- ville, la. Mrs. Bye was one of eight children bom to her parents and was bom near Knoxville, Iowa, July 1, 1879. Mr. Bye is a Mason, a member of the Eastern Star, belongs to the Christian church and is a Republican. Mrs. Bye also belongs to the Christian church and is a member of the Eastern Star. M. E. Caulkins, one of the successful farmers who lives in Jackson township, where he owns 163 acres of valuable farm land, was bom in Marion County, Iowa, July 16, 1877. He is the son of Samuel and Amanda (Sammons) Caulkins, the former a native of Marion County, la., born on HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 669 a farm July 5, 1854, and the mother a native of Ohio. They were married at Knoxville, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1875. Mr. Caulkins was a farmer and the owner of 160 acres of land in Marion County, which he farmed until he retired from active business and he and his wiffe now live in Knoxville. He specialized in raising Hereford cattle and was a successful stock man. There were three children born to Samuel and Amanda Caulkins: M. E., of this review; Stella F., of Knoxville, la., and Neal H., an Iowa farmer. M. E. Caulkins was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district school near his home. When his school days were over he worked with his father on the home farm until he was 15 years old when he started out for himself. At first he worked on farms by the month. Later he went west where he was engaged in business five years and upon his return farmed in Marion County for three years before coming to Randolph County. After coming here Mr. Caulkins bought 80 acres of land in 1904 and later bought 83 acres more upon which he has placed many permanent improvements. He has a good residence, a silo of 110 tons capacity, two barns and a large cattle shed. He raises pure bred Holstein cattle and at the present time has a herd of 12 registered cows. For some years he has been a hog feeder artd shipper and also raises horses. The farm is supplied with a good water system and Mr. Caulkins has an automobile for general use. . April 3, 1901, Mr. Caulkins was married to Miss Rella L, Jones, the daughter of B. F. and Mary (Mark) Jones, both deceased. Mrs. Caulkins is the fourth of their five children born to her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Caulkins has been born one child: Lee C, bom im Iowa in 1902. Mr. Caulkins is a Mason, a member of the Modem Woodmen, the Knights and Ladies of Security and with his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Caulkins belongs to the Eastern Star. Mr. Caulkins is a Republican, takes an active part in local affairs and was committeeman of Salt River township. ' S: B. Brown, a leading and successful farmer of Jackson township, who is the owner of 376 acres of valuable farm land, is a native of Ran- dolph County, and was born on the place where he now resides May 10, 1853. He is a son of Benjamin and Rachel Catherine (Weldon) Brown. Benjamin C. Brown was born near Fayette, Howard County, Mo., Dec. 25, 1918 and hi|S parents were among the very first settlers in Howard County. He was reared in that county and was engaged in fanning there until 1860 when he came to Randolph County and settled in Jack- 670 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY son township on the farm where S. B. Brown now resides. Here he spent the remainder of his life, engaged in farming and stock raising. He died May 27, 1883 and his remains are buried iin the Mt. Salem cemetery. His wife was also a native of Howard Ck)unty, bom in 1833. They were mar- ried in Howard County in 1845. She died Feb. 10, 1910 and is also buried in the Mt. Salem cemetery. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: Jenny, deceased; John, deceased; S. B., the subject of this sketch; Stephen H., deceased; Fannie, deceased; Kate, a widow, who married James Ganes and now lives east of Cairo Mo.; Janera, lives in Moberly, Missouri. S. B. Brown was reared on the home farm and attended the district school. He remained at home and assisted his father until the latter's death, when he bought 376 acres of the home place where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He raises cattle and mules and is recognized as one of the successful stock- men of his township. He has also fed cattle extensively. His place is well improved with a good residence, barns and other farm buildings. On Dec. 20, 1886, S. B. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bailey, a daughter of Austin and Amanda Bailey. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been bom four children as follows: Bess, Jacksonville; Elmore, resides at home; Ada, married Sam Shoffner, Jacksonville; Ollie, at home and Arnold, deceased. Mr. Brown is a Democrat and a member of the Church of Christ. He is one of Randolph County's substantial citizens who has contributed his part to the upbuilding and development of Jackson township and has succeeded by the combined elements of honesty, integrity and industry. Peter Jahnel, the owner of a good 80 acre farm lying just east of Moberly, is one of the well known and popular dairymen of this city. He was born in Dane County, Wis., Nov. 24, 1873, the son of Frank and Barbra (Fasbinder) Jahnel, the former a native of Austria-Hungary, who wa^ reared in his native land until seven years old and was brought to the United States in 1851 by his parents. They located on land in Dane County, Wis., where Frank Jahnel engaged in farming and stock raising until 1888 when the family moved to Iowa where Mr. Jahnel bought 60 acres of land where he still is engaged in farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Jahnel enlisted in a regiment of Wisconsin volunteers and served until peace was again estabhshed. Mrs. Jahnel was born in Dane County, Wis., was reared and educated there and later met her HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 671 future husband and they were married at Rocksberry, Wis., in 1871. Thirteen children were born to them: Axiolph, deceased; Joseph, de- ceased ; Peter, of this review ; Sarah, the wife of Joseph Manns, of Spring Valley, Minn.; Loney, the wife of W. C. Sefert, of Minnesota; Henry, of Wyoming; Frank of South Dakota; Mollie, the wife of Paul Leinenkugel, of Sauk City, Wis. ; Mary, the wife of George Jennings, of Austin, Mimn. ; Edward, of Osage, la. ; Herman and Albine, also of that town, and Francis of Osage, la. Peter Jahnel was reared on his father's farm, attended school at Rocksberry and the Dane County public schools and when he was 15 years old began to work with his father on the farm. Later he worked out by the month and in 1901 came to Missouri, locating on a 257 acre farm in Randolph County, where he engaged in general farming and stock rais- ing. This place was known as the "Old Pete Foster Farm", and he con- ducted it until 1911. Mr. Jahnel was then induced to sell the place at a good figure and bought his present farm near Moberly. He has improved the farm and has specialized in Durham and Jersey cows and carries on an extensive dairy business in Moberly. Mr. Jahnel is a good business man, careful and courteous to his customers and has built up a lucrative and satisfactory trade which receives his entire attention. June 15, 1898, Mr. Jahnel married Miss Minnie Klenwort, the daughter of Emil and Fredrica (Schultz) Klenwort, the former a native of Ger- many and is now deceased. Mr. Jahnel is a member of the Catholic church and is a Republican. He is one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Randolph County and is a reliable citizen. John R. Noell, a well known locomotive engineer of Moberly, Mo., in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company has been in the employ of this company for more than 20 years. He was born in Montgomery County, Mo., Dec. 14, 1873 and is a son of Henry B. and Nannie M. (Mau- pin) Noell, both natives of Pike County, Mo. The father was born in 1846 and the mother in 1841. Henry B. Noell was a son of Robert Noell who came west at an early day and entered government land in Gasconade County; Mo. and was engaged in farming there until his death in 1890. Robert Noell enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served until it closed. He also filed on 160 acres of land in Texas County, Mo. Henry B. Noell was reared and educated in Missouri and when old enough began farming on his own account. He went to Montgomery 672 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY County, Mo., in 1871 and bought a farm of 56 acres, one mile south of Wellsville where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising. Henry B. and Nannie M. (Maupin) Noell were the parents of three children : John R. of this review ; Mamie, the wife of A. B. White- head, living near Wellsville, Mo. and Buford on a farm near Wellsville, Missouri. John R. Noell was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools, remaining home until he was 18 years old. In 1892 he came to Moberly and secured a position in the roundhouse of the Wabash Rail- road; the same year he returned home and remained on the farm until 1898 when he began work with the fence gang of the railroad at Wells- ville, Mo. A year later he changed to the bridge crew of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, with headquarters at St. Louis. In June, 1900, Mr. Noell returned to the Wabash Railroad as hostler in the round- house, where he was engaged three years and in 1903 began firimg an engine. Aug. 28, 1906, he was promoted to switch engineer and about a- year later he was promoted to road service and is still employed in that capacity. Jan. 1, 1901, Mr. Noell was married to Miss Clara E. Jones, who died in June. 1903 and was buried at Wellsville, Mo. She left one child, Sarah Mildred. Mr. Noell was married to Miss Myrtle A. Hayes June 23, 1907. She is the daughter of Fielding and Eliza (Perry) Hayes of Wells- ville. Her father was a Civil War veteran and is deceased and the mother resides at Wellsville, Mo. Mrs. Noell was the ninth of their 11 children. Fielding Hayes was a prominent man of his community. He was an extensive stock buyer and shipper and one of the sterling men of his day. He was also a successful farmer. Mr. Noell is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Christian church at Wells^^ille and is a Republican. Mrs. Noell belongs to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive engineers and several other organizations, among them the Siler Camp and she is a member of the Baptist church of Moberly. William T. Chapman, a traveling salesman for the Farmers Silo Com- pany, of Kansas aty, who makes his home in Moberly, Mo., was a success- ful farmer for a number of years and is the owner of a farm northwest of Moberly which he still manages. He was born on a farm adjoining the one which he now owns Sept. 21, 1874, the son of A. T. and Jane C. (Kenzer) Chapman. A. T. Chapman was bom on a farm near Moberly HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 673 in 1830 and was reared and educated here and then engaged in farming which he followed until his death in 1903. His remains were buried in Sugar Creek cemetery. He was a Confederate veteran, having enlisted in the Southern army and served during the Civil War. Mrs. Chapman was a native of Virginia, born in 1836 and came west when a young woman and was married in Randolph County. She died in .1907 and was buried beside her husband. There were the following children in the Chapman family: Josie, deceased; Edward W., of Idaho, and William T., of this review. William T. Chapman was rearea on his father's farm and received his education in the district school and then farmed the home place until he was 23 years old. He had saved some money which he invested in a 40 acre tract adjoining his father's place and there engaged in farming independently. After his father's death he bought the home place and in 1909 bought the J. L. Rought farm, which gave him a tract of 220 acres of valuable land. Later he sold all but 80 acres which he still retails and farms. In 1910, Mr. Chapman and family moved to Moberly and re- mained there three years when they went back to the farm but later returned to Moberly in 1914 and have since been residents of the city. For nine years Mr. Chapman was the local representative of the McClure Silo Company, then accepted a position to take charge of the business of the Farmers Silo Company of Kansas City and is still their representative. He is a good business man, has an extensive acquaintance in this section of the state and has made a success of his business. Feb. 22, 1897, Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Mittie Murphy, the ■daughter of Paul and Martha P. (Taylor) Murphy, both deceased. 'Mrs. Chapman was bom in Randolph County in 1888, the youngest in a family of eight children. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs, Chapman and died in infancy. Mrs. Chapman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Christian church. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. Henry T. Engle, prominent stock buyer and farmer of Randolph County, Mo., who with 'lis brother, Hubert Engle, is the joint owner of a fine farm a half mile east of Cairo, was- born in Monroe County. Mo. He was born on a farm north of Middle Grove, May 6, 1872, and is a son of John and Jennie (Quisenberry) Engle. John Engle is a native of Mon- roe Co., Mo., bom in 1844; his parents came to the United States from 674 HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY Germany and settled on a farm in Monroe County, where John Engle was reared and educated. For many years Mr. Engle farmed and in 1910 he moved to Milton, where he now conducts a grocery store. At the out- break of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate army and served until peace was established. Mrs. Engle was bora in Kentucky, Oct. 25, 1846 and was married in Monroe County, Mo., Oct. 26, 1868 and now lives in Milton. The following children were born to John and Jennie Engle: Mollie, the wife of Robert Hall, of Milton; Cuthbert, of Moberly; Henry T., of this review; Forrest, on the farm in Monroe County; Johnnie, with his father ; Hubert, farming near Cairo ; Clara, deceased ; Thomas, of Moberly; Lyla, of Moberly. Henry T. Engle was reared on the home farm and attended the dis- trict schools of Monroe County and when his schooling was over farmed with his father until 1900. He then engaged in farm industries, inde- pendently, until 1906, when he established himself in Moberly as a stock buyer and shipper. With his brother Hubert, Mr. Engle owns and oper- ates a farm which has proved a successful business. They conduct the farm in partnership and raise general farm produce. From first coming to Moberly, Mr. Engle has been successful in his business and is rated as one of the substantial and reliable business men of the city. Jan. 3, 1906, Mr. Engle was married to Miss Myrtle Huston, of Mob- erly the daughter of John J. and Melcena (Turner) Huston. The cere- mony took place in the house where Mr. and Mrs. Engle have since lived. Mr. Huston was ^ native of Missouri, born in 1840 and became a farmer and the ovraer of a farm east of Cairo, where he died in 1904 and was buried at Hickory Grove cemetery. He was judge of the eastern district of the county for six years. Mrs. Huston was born in Marion County, Mo., near Hannibal in 1852 and was married in that vicinity in 1888. She died Jan. 25, 1918, and was buried beside her husband. Mrs. Engle was the youngest of their three children. Mr. jungle is a Democrat and takes an active interest in the civic life of Moberly. Mrs. Engle is a member of the Baptist church. May B. McKinney, a progressive farmer and stockman of Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County. He was born on the place where he now resides, May 14, 1870 and is a son of H. (Coon) and Mary Jane (Campbell) McKinney. A more complete history of the McKinney family will be found in this volume in connection with the sketch of H. (Coon) McKinney. May B. McKinney was educated in the public schools, attending school in the Highland School District in Salt River township, and later I-IISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 675 attended the Baptist College at Boliver, Mo. He remained at home with his parents until he was 23 years old when his father gave him 107 acres of land which is his present home. He improved this place and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising here and has met with success. In addition to general farming, he has become quite extensively inter- ested in stock breeding as well as feeding. He raises Duroc Jersey and also Spotted Poland China hogs and Jersey cattle. Mr. McKinney was married March 8, 1893 to Miss Annie Lee Sher- wood. She was born July 1, 1872 in Moberly and is a daughter of Peter R. and Elizabeth (Beasley) Sherwood. Peter Sherwood was a native of Kentucky, born Jan. 20, 1834 and came to Missouri with his parents in 1839. They settled in Randolph County where they spent the remainder of their lives. Peter Sherwood was reared in this county and learned the blacksmith trade which he followed in connection with farming. He died Dec. 15, 1915 and' is buried in the Liberty church cemetery. His wife was a native of Georgia and went to Texas with her parents when she was a child. She died in 1873 and her remains were buried in the family burial ground on the place where she resided at the time of her death. Mrs. McKinney is one of six children born to her parents. The three eldest are deceased and the others are: John H., Jackson township; Wil- liam B., Coffeyville, Kan.; and Annie Lee, wife of May B. McKinney of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney have been born three children as follows: Lester H., bom Feb. 28, 1894, on the home place with his parents ; Blanche, born Nov. 9, 1897, died Jan. 21, 1898 and Ray H., born May 2, 1900 and resides at home with his parents. Mr. McKinney is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and he and Mrs. McKinney are members .of the Christian church and both are active members of the Grange. He is a Democrat and a substantial and progressive citizen. H. (Coon) McKinney, a Civil War veteran and prominent pioneer of Randolph County, is a descendant of some of the earliest families of this section of the state. Mr. McKinney was born in Salt River township, Sept. 9, 1843 and is a son of Miles and Frances (Peeler) McKinney. Miles McKinney was born in Kentucky in July, 1812 and came to Mis- souri in 1833 and settled in what is now Salt River township, Randolph County, where he entered 160 acres of government land. He engaged in farming and stock raising and was one of the prosperous pioneers of the early days of this section and at the time of his death was the owner of 676 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY over 500 acres of land. He served as a soldier in the Mormon War and died on his home place in Salt River township in 1889. Frances Peeler, wife of Miles McKinney was born in Howard County, Mo., Aug. 9, 1822 and her parents were among the very first pioneer settlers of what was Jcnown as the Boonslick country, which included Howard County. She died in 1859 and her remains and those of her husband are buried in Union cemetery. They were the parents of two children, H. (Coon) McKinney, the subject of this sketch and J. Logan McKinney, who resides on the old McKinney homestead in Salt River township and further mention of whom is made in this volume. H. (Coon) McKinney was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of Randolph County and educated in the subscription school of the early day and also attended Mount Pleasant College at Huntsville, Mo. He was .about 18 years of age when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Confederate army under Captain Ancil in what was known as Colonel Poin- dcxter's regiment, which upon reorganization became Company A, 10th Hegiment, Missouri Infantry. The first engagement in which Mr. McKin- ney took part was the battle of Silver Creek, Jan. 8, 1862. Later he sur- rendered to Colonel Denny at Huntsville, Mo., with the understanding that he would be exchanged. He was sent from Huntsville to Gratiot Street Prison, St. Louis. On Sept. 9, 1862 he was transferred from there to the Federal prison at Alton, 111., and on Oct. 25, 1862 he was again transferred from Alton to Johnson Island in Lake Erie. On Nov. 22 1862, he started for Vicksburg, Miss., for the purpose of being exchanged and after being exchanged marched from there to Camden, Ark. and on to Little Rock, Ark. He was in various parts 'of Arkansas and took part in the battle of Helena, July 4, 1863. He was again captured by the Fed- erals and sent to Federal prison at Alton, 111., where he was discharged Aug. 25, 1863. He then returned to his home in Salt River township and engaged in farming, remaining on the home place with his father until he was 26 years old, when he was married. His father then gave him 286 acres of land. He has added to this and is now the owner of 409 acres. For many years he was successfully engaged in general farming and stocl<, raising, but in recent years he has been living retired. His career has been a successful one and he is one of the well-to-do men of Randolph County of today, besides having assisted each of his children to a financial start in life. Mr. McKinney was married March 4, 1869, to Miss Mary J. Campbell, of Salt River township. She was bom Aug. 15, 1842 and died Feb. 2, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 677 1913. She was a daughter of Rice and Eliza (Darby) Campbell, both natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney were born the following children: May, who resides on a farm adjoining his father's place; Beebe, married J. Frank Newton and they reside on Mr. McKinney's place; Carey, a farmer and stockman in Cairo township and Ora died in infancy. Mr. McKinney has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for 55 years, having been made a Mason, Dec. 10, 1865. He is a member of the Presby- terian church and is a Democrat. He is one of the substantial old pioneers of Randolph County, who has contributed his part to the develop- ment and upbuilding of- this section of the state. Herbert J. McKinney, a successful farmer and stockman of the younger generation of Randolph County, is a native son of this county and a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this section. He was bom on the place where his father now resides in Salt River township, April 4, 1887 and is the son of J. Logan and MoUie (Griffin) McKinney. A more complete history of the McKinney family is given in connection with the sketch of J. Logan McKinney and H. (Coon) McKin- ney in this volume. Herbert J. McKinney was reared in Salt River township and attended the district schools. Later he attended the military academy at Mexico, Mo. for two years. Since early manhood he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. When he was 18 years old, his father gave him 80 acres of land which he has improved and upon which he built a residence in 1910. In 1911 he built a good substantial bam, 24x42 feet and has made other valuable and permanent improvements. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock raising and is meeting with substantial success. Mr. McKinney was married Oct. 4, 1909 to Miss Myrtle Dodson, who> was born in Randolph County, April 6, 1887. She is a daughter of Thomas and Alice (Wilcox) Dodson and is the youngest of four children bom to them. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney have been born two children as follows: Marjorie, born March 25, 1911, and Robert, bom Aug. 8, 1914. Mr. McKinney is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Jacksonville, Mo. and also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Grange. Mrs. McKinney is a member of the Eastern Star and the Christian church. Mr. McKinney is a Democrat and a progressive and substantial citizen. J. Logan McKinney, a well known and prosperous farmer of Salt River township is a descendant of one of the prominent pioneer families 678 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of Randolph County. He was bom on the farm where he now resides Aug. 7, 1846, and is a son of Miles and Frances (Peeler) McKinney. A more extensive history of the McKinney family appears in connection with the sketch of H. (Coon) McKinney in this volume. J. Logan McKinney was educated at College Mound, Mo. and the Quincy Academy at Quincy, 111. He remained at home with his parents until he was 24 years of age when his father gave him 160 acres of land and he began farming on his own account. He has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising and during the course of his career, he acquired more land from time to time until he became the owner of 600 acres of valuable farm land which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. McKinney was united in marriage with Miss Mary GriiEn, a daughter of William and Annie Griffin, both natives of Kentucky and now deceased. Their remains are buried in the Union cemetery. To J. Logan and Mary (Griffin) McKinney were born four children as follows: Ora, deceased ; Rose, married R. L. Powell of Macon County ; Roy, at home with his father and Hubert J., a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. McKinney is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church and a Randolph County citizen who has had a successful career. Dr. John P. Allen, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Ran- dolph County who has practiced at Cairo for over 12 years, was born in Macon County, Mo., Feb. 9, 1877. He is a son of Dr. Frank W. and Mollie (Pearl) Allen. Dr. Frank W. Allen was born in Monroe County, Mo., in 1831. He was reared on a farm and later opened an academy at Macon which he was conducting at the outbreak of the Civil War. Governor Dockery at- tended this school and after it was taken over and used as general head- quarters for the army he and Dr. Frank Allen went to St. Louis where they both spent two years in the medical college of that city. Dr. Frank W. Allen was graduated from medical college and then re- turned to Macon County where he was engaged in the practice of medi- cine for 45 years. He continued to live on his farm and carried on a general farming business and raised stock while attending to his pro- fessional duties. Doctor Allen died on the home place Nov. 26, 1906, and was buried in Callao cemetery. His wife was born in Randolph County in 1842 and the daughter of Major Pearl, a pioneer settler who conducted a hotel at the town of Allen when it was on the stage route between Hanni- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 679 bal and Glasgow. Dr. Frank W. Allen was married in Macon County in 1867. Mrs. Mollie Pearl Allen lives on the homestead in Macon County. There were four children in the family: Robert W., of Callao, Mo.; Charles W., on the home farm in Macon Co., Mo.; Dr. Frank W., Jr., a physician of Callao, and Dr. John P., of this review. Dr. John P. Allen was reared on his father's farm. He attended the district school then spent three years in the high school at Moberly before entering Barnes Medical College, of St. Louis, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He opened an office in Springfield, Mo., where he practiced for three years before coming to Cairo, in February, 1908. Doctor Allen has met with a cordial response from the people of the town and surrounding country due to this skill and known ability and stands high in his profession. He has taken an active interest in local affairs and has served as chairman of the town board and aids all movements for the development of town and county. April 10, 1907, Doctor Allen was married to Miss Katharine C. Miller, the daughter of Charles and Libbie (Mizer) Miller, the former a native of Ohio, now deceased. The mother was also born in that state and now lives in Macon County, Mo. Two children have been born to Dr. Allen and wife: Kring and Byron, both at home. Dr. Allen is a Mason, a member of the Randolph County Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the Christian church and is a Democrat. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Eastern Star and the Methodist church. Thomas B. Dodson, a representative farmer and stockman of Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section. He was born on the place where he now resides and which was entered from the government by his father May 1, 1848. He is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Fletcher) Dodson. Thomas Dodson, the father, was born in Kentucky and when 16 years old, came to Missouri and entered 3*40 acres of land in Randolph County. A part of this place is now owned by Thomas D. Dodson. Here the father -was engaged in farming and stock raising during his active career. His wife was a native of Missouri and they were married in this county and are both now deceased and their remains are buried in Union Church cemetery. They are the parents of 11 children as follows: James M., deceased ; Nancy J., married Jacob Evans, of Salt River township ; George, deceased; William, deceased; Taylor, deceased; Rachael, lives in southern 680 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Missouri; Mary A., deceased; Elizabeth, married William Robuck, of Macon County, Mo. ; Margaret, married George Robuck ; Charles, deceased ; and Thomas B., the subject of this sketch, who was the fifth in order of birth. Thomas B. Dodson was reared in Salt River township and received his education in the early day subscription schools and attended school in what is now known as the Highland district. He remained on the home farm with his father until the latter's death. The home place was then distributed among the heirs and he added to his inheritance and now owns 70 acres where he has carried on general farming and stock raising successfully for over 40 years. The farm is well improved and all of the improvements have been placed there by him. He has a comfortable five room residence and a well built large barn 25 x 40 feet and the place is amply supplied with good pure water. For a number of years, Mr. Dod- son was interested in fruit raising and had a large orchard of about 30O trees. Mr. Dodson was united in marriage in Howard County, Mo., Dec. 3, 1875 with Miss Alice Wilcoxon. She is a daughter of Haden and Susan (Harris) Wilcoxon, both natives of Missouri and now deceased. They were the parents of four childreh. To Mr. and Mrs. Dodson have been bom four children as follows:, Lillian, deceased; Riley, lives in Iowa; Bernice, died in infancy and Myrtle, married H. J. McKinney of Salt River township. Mr. Dodson has spent his entire life on the place where he was bom with the exception of about one and one-half years when he lived in Macon County. He is now 72 years old and is active and does most of his farm work. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church and one of Randolph county's substantial citizens. William O. Cromwell, a well known farmer and stock man of Salt River township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born in Union County, Ky., July 25, 1849 and is a son of Joseph W. and Martha (Finney) Cromwell. Joseph W. Cromwell was born near Richmond, Va., in 1814. He removed to Kentucky in early' life and for 15 years conducted a general store at Morganfield, Ky. In 1855, he came to Missouri riding on horseback from Union County, Ky., to Randolph County, Mo. Later he returned to Kentucky and brought his family to this county in 1856. They came by steamboat, down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and landed at Glasgow. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 681 Joseph W. Cromwell bought 311 acres of land at $10 per acre in this county and followed farming and stock raising here during the remainder of his life. He died April 20, 1888, and his remains are buried in the Salem church cemetery. His wife was a native of Union County, Ky., bom in 1819. She died in 1859 and her remains are buried in the Salem church cemetery. Joseph W. and Martha (Finney) Cromwell were the parents of the following children: Richard, deceased; Mollie, deceased; Lora, deceased; John, Mason City, Mo.; Anna, Honeywell, Mo.; William 0., the subject of this sketch ; Lizzie deceased ; Katy, deceased ; Susan, married John Coarkin, Macon City, Mo. William 0. Cromwell was about seven years of age when his parents settled in Salt River township and here he attended the subscription schools of the early days and remained on the home farm until the death of his father in 1888. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Lakenan, Shelby County, for one year, when he engaged in farming in that county until 1891 when he returned to Randolph County and bought out some of the heirs of his father's estate and since that time has been engaged in farming and stock raising here. He owns 140 acres of well improved and productive land and is one of the successful farmers of Salt River township. A part of the old house which was built by his father when he settled here is still standing. It has been remodeled and enlarged and is a very comfortable residence. The other buildings on the place are large enough for all purposes and conveniently arranged. Mr. Cromwell has a well equipped blacksmith shop on the place and does his own black- smithing as well as considerable work of this character for the surround- ing neighborhood. Mr. Cromwell was married at Jacksonville, Mo., Jan. 18, 1893 to Miss Annie Elizabeth Evans, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of Marion and Lucretia (Terrill) Evans, both natives of Randolph County and descendants of very early pioneer settlers of this section. Marion Evans was bom near Huntsville in 1831 and followed farming during his entire life and died Sept. 21, 1891. His wife was bom just east of Mob- erly in 1838. She died Sept. 24, 1889 and her remains and those of her husband are buried in the Deskin cemetery. They were the parents of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. William 0. Cromwell have been bom five children as follows : Chester A., Nadine Lucretia, William B., George B. and Marion 682 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY M. Chester A. Cromwell was born on the home place Nov. 17, 1893. After the United States entered the World War he was inducted mto the National army and' after a period of training at Camp Funston, Kan., he was transferred to Camp Mills and from there was sent overseas, first landing in England. From there he went to France with the 89th division and spent 11 months in France. He was on the firing line for three months and six days and was gassed on Oct. 6, 1918. After the armistice was signed, he was returned to the United States and was honorably dis- charged at Camp Taylor, Ky., April 28, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. He is now at home with his parents. Nadine Lucretia Cromwell was born Feb. 14, 1895 and is now the wife of John E. Cowell, of Macon County. William B. Cromwell was born Sept. 17, 1896, and was inducted iaito the National army Sept. 6, 1918 and was sent to Camp McArthur for a period of intensive training and was on board ship ready to sail for France when the armistice was signed. He was then returned to Camp Dodge, Iowa, where he was honorably discharged Jan. 6, 1919 and is now at home with his parents. George B. Cromwell was born Oct. 13, 1898 and resides at home. Marion B. Cromwell was born July 3, 1906, and is at home. William 0. Cromwell is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Randolph County and the Cromwell family is representatives of the best citizenship of this county. Mr. Cromwell is a Democrat and a mem- ber of the Baptist church. John A. Jackson, a well known and progressive farmer of Salt River township, is a native of Clark County, Va., although he has spent prac- tically his entire life in Randolph County. He is a son of William A. and Sarah T. (Marshall) Jackson, both also natives of Virginia. William A. Jackson was born in Clark County, Va., in 1825 and was reared to manhood in his native state. During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate army and in 1869 came to Missouri and settled near Darksville, Randolph County where he was the owner of 120 acres of land and was engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death in 1885. His wife was born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1820 and they were married in that state. She died in 1902 and her remains are buried by the side of her husband in Hickory Grove cemetery. William A. and Sarah T. (Marshall) Jackson were the parents of the following children : Emma, married Levi Steely, Mason City, Mo. ; Jennie W., the widow of Robert Terrill, of Huntsville; John A., the subject of this sketch, and six children who died in infancy. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY C83 John A. Jackson was educated in the pubhc schools and Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville, Mo. Later he took a course in a business college at Quincy, 111. He remained on the home farm until he was about 30 years of age when he was married and purchased an 80 acre farm near the home place. He operated this place for four years and then moved . to another farm south of Jacksonville, where he lived for six years. He then sold his farm and for three years was engaged in the milling busi- ness at Jacksonville. In 1914 he went to Moberly where he remained until 1916. He then bought his present place in Salt River township where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising and is meeting with success. He has a well improved place of 80 acres which is well watered and adapted to stock raising as well as general farming. He has a good substantial residence, a large barn, 36x40 feet, and other suitable farm buildings. Mr. Jackson was united in marriage at Darksville, Mo., Jan. 26, 1882 with Miss Missouri W. Goddard. She is a daughter of John and Mollie (Shoemaker) Goddard, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson has been bom one child, Odessa, who is now the wife 'of Noble Block of Salt River township. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Masonic Lodge and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. They are both members of the Baptist church and Mr. Jackson is a Democrat. He is a member of the Grange and takes an active part in any commendable movement that has for its object the betterment and upbuilding of his community, county and state. Josiah Huntsman, of Salt River township, is a well known farmer and stockman and one of Randolph County's most successful breeders. Mr. Huntsman was born on the place where he now resides, Dec. 16, 1861 and was the only child of Thomas and Catherine (Collins) Huntsman. Thomas Huntsman was also born in Salt River township, Nov. 6, 1838 and his parents were among the very early pioneer settlers of this section of the state. He was a farmer and stockman all his life and was one of the first successful breeders of Shorthorn cattle of Randolph County. He was also a breeder of Mammoth jacks. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate army under General Price, having been a member of Company K, 9th Missouri Regiment. He died on his home place in Salt River township, March 5, 1913, and his remains are buried in the Liberty church cemetery. His wife was a native of Jackson township, Randolph County and was born Aug. 9, 1839. She died Dec. 30, 1901 and is also buried in the Liberty church cemetery. 684 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Josiah Huntsman was reared in Salt River township and attended District School No. 2. He remained on the home farm with hiis father until he was 28 years old when he was maiTied and bought a farm of 97 48/100 acres. He improved this place and operated it until 1896 when he sold it and purchased his present place. Here he has made many im- provements, including a seven room residence which he built in 1896 and also two barns, 30x36 feet and 30x60 feet and also two silos with a capacity of 80 tons. Mr. Huntsman has been successfully engaged in breeding pure bred registered stock for many years. He raises Big Boned Poland China hogs and at this writing has on hand a number of pure bred registered hogs of this type. His strain of Poland China hogs is one of the best to be found in the country. His herd of 20 head of registered hogs is headed by "Big Bob Buster" which was sired by "Wonder Buster", which sold for $10,000 in the fall of 1919. Mr. Huntsman's herd of pure bred reg- istered Shorthorn cattle is no less celebrated than his Poland China hogs. He has 58 head of registered Shorthorn cattle and has one of the valuable pure bred herd leaders of the country. His male Shorthorn "Cumber- land" was exhibited at the Jacksonville fair and took the first prize, three consecutive years, and "Cumberland Pride" was exhibited at the Jackson- ville fair at two successive fairs and won first prize both times. Mr. Huntsman is also a successful breeder of registered jacks and jenettes. Few men in the breeding industry have been so successful in the various lines of breeding as has Mr. Huntsman. On Aug. 21, 1891, Josiah Huntsman was united in marriage with Miss Fannie B. Hagood. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County, Feb. 16, 1869 and is one of the three children born to John and Mary (Pollard) Hagood, both natives of Tennessee and early settlers of Randolph County. The father is now deceased and the mother resides in this county. Hagood street in Moberly takes its name from this family. To Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman have been born the following children: Thomas D., born June 18, 1896; Herbert R., born Nov. 6, 1898 and Mary Catherine, bom Oct. 12, 1903. The two boys are at home with their par- ents and Mary Catherine is- attending school in Macon City. Mr. and M;rs. Huntsman are members of the Christian church and the Huntsman family is widely known and highly respected. Walter D. Fifer, of Salt River township, a well known farmer and stockman of Randolph County, was born in Monroe County, Mo., Nov. 27, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 685 1854. He is a son of James M. and Alice C. (Phillips) Fifer. James M. Fifer was born in Indiana in 1809 and when a young man came to Mis- souri and settled near Woodlawn, Monroe County. He was a plasterer by trade and after coming here, he taught school and also followed farm- ing. He died in 1864 and is buried near Duncan's Bridge, Mo. His wife was a native of Kentucky, bom in October, 1833. They were married at Duncan's Bridge, Mo., in 1852 and she now resides at Jacksonville, Mo. They were the parents of three children as follows: "Walter D., the sub- ject of this sketch; Jennie, married Fletcher Wood, of Jacksonville, Mo. and Mary, died in 1880. Walter D. Fifer was educated in the early day schools of Monroe County, attending school in a pioneer log school house near Duncan's Bridge. He remained on the home place in Monroe County until he was 27 years old when he bought his present place of 80 acres in Salt Riv9r township. He has improved his place since coming here, having built a six room residence in 1884, and in 1915 built a barn 32x48 feet. He carries on general farming and stock raising to which his place is well adapted. He raises high grade Hereford cattle and also breeds draft horses. Mr. Fifer was married Dec. 28, 1881 to Miss Mary D. Peyton, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Spaulding) Peyton. John Peyton was born in Alabama in 1822 and when a young man came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Macon County. In 1865 he came to Randolph County and settled in Salt River township on the place where Mr. Fifer now re- sides. He served in the Mexican V/ar and took a prominent part in local affairs in the early days in Randolph County. He served as justice of the peace of Salt River township for several years. He was an ordained minister of the Methodist Church, South, and preached in various churches in this section. He died at Clarence, Mo., Feb. 24, 1890 and is buried in the Salem church cemetery. His wife was born in Bardstown, Ky., Dec. 26, 1826 and they were married in Shelby County, Mo., in 1843. She died in Houston, Tex., March 15, 1919 and is buried there. They were the parents of the following children: Dr. J. A. Peyton, Excello, Macon County; Henry C, deceased; Kitty, married Jack Halliburton, Shelby County ; Susan, married J. B. Switzer, Houston, Tex. ; Maggie L., and Mary D., the wife of Walter D. Fifer. To Mr. and Mrs. Fifer have been born four children, as follows: Jessie E., bora Dec. 17, 1882, and died Oct. 21, 1911; Harry M., bom 686 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY April 11, 1884, resides in Moberly; Bertie, born Jan. 15, 1888, married Major Raymond E. Scott, Chicago, 111., and Cecil, born July 21, 1901, lives in Moberly. Mr. Fifer and his wife are members of the Methodist church, south, and he is a Democrat and since boyhood has taken a keen interest in political matters. Since he was old enough to vote he has not missed an election. J. A. W. Halterman, a well known and successful farmer and stock- man of Salt River township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Randolph county. He was born in Macon County, Mo., March 8, 1845, a son of Samuel and Dorothy (Barnhart) Halterman, both natives of Shenandoah County, Va. Further details of the Halterman family his- tory are given in connection with Cyrus Halterman in this volume. J. A. W. Halterman was reared in Salt River township, where his parents settled when he was a child, and here he attended such schools as were provided during the pioneer days in that section. He remained at home with his parents until he was about 18 years old, when he began working out by the month. Shortly afterwards, he bought his first place in Salt River township which he soon sold and after spending one year in the West returned to Salt River township and purchaser his father's old home place, which he still owns. He has made extensive improve- ments. The first house built on the place was erected in 1889. This was an eight-room structure and was destroyed by fire in 1895 and the same year Mr. Halterman built his present seven-room residence. The other farm buildings are in keeping with the general improvements of the place. A large barn, 55x55 feet, was built in 1885. The place is amply supplied with good water which is pumped from a well 306 feet deep. In addition to general farming, Mr. Halterman is quite extensively engaged in stock raising. He raises a good grade of Shorthorn and Jersey cattle and also Poland China hogs. Earlier in his career. Mr. Halterman operated a sawmill and gristmill in the vicinity of Salem Church. He operated that mill for 30 years. He has also done consider- able mechanical work in the nature of millwright work. In the early days he set up a still at Glasgow, Mo., and also installed one at Macon City, Mo. He has also been interested in horticulture and at one time had an orchard of about 500 trees, which has been redurced for various causes to 200 trees. Mr. Halterman was married March 29, 1863, to Miss Josephine Rob- erts, a native of Randolph County, born in Salt River township. May 29, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 687 1849. She is a daughter of Wesley and Julia (Lawrence) Roberts, both natives of Kentucky. Wesley Roberts was bom in 1812, and came from Kentucky to Missouri and settled in Hannibal in 1832. Later he came to Randolph County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1900 and is buried in Phelps Chapel Cemetery. He was married at Hannibal in 1838. Mrs. Roberts was born in 1817 and died in 1873 and is also buried in the Phelps Chapel Cemetery. J. A. W. Halterman and wife are the parents of the following chil- dren: Samuel, born in August, 1864, died in infancy; Georgia, born June 18, 1867, married Robert Reynolds, Cairo township;, Dolly, bom Feb. 14, 1870, married Henry Taylor, Salt Springs township; Ida, born Dec. 26, 1872, married Symser Taylor, Salt River township; Nina, born Nov. 26, 1885, married Robert Ridgeway ; Nona, born July 27, 1889, married James Dean, Salt River township; Eliza, born Feb. 11, 1880, married Nimrod Fifer, and resides in Monroe County; Robert Lee, born Jan. 8, 1877, died in infancy, and Margaret, born Feb. 11, 1888, and died in infancy. There are 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren in the Halterman family. Mr. Halterman is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a Democrat. Richard R. CampbeJl, a prominent farmer and stockman of Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, March 3, 1847 and is the son of Gaines G. and Sallie (Wright) Campbell. Gaines G. Campbell was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1811. He was reared to manhood in his native state , and was there married and in 1836 came to Missouri and settled in what is now Salt River township, Randolph County. He first owned 160 acres of land and finally became the owner of 400 acres. He cleared his land and improved it and became an extensive tobacco raiser; he died in 1883. Sallie Wright Campbell was also a native of Lincoln County, Ky., born in 1816, and was married to Gaines G. Campbell in Lincoln County, Ky., Feb. 7, 1833. She died on the home place in Salt River township. Gaines G. and Sallie (Wright) Campbell were the parents of ten children as follows: Bennett, born April 19, 1834, died in 1909; Eliza Jane, born June 25, 1836 and died in 1856; Samuel G., bom Feb. 4, 1838 and died in 1904; William A., born Oct. 9, 1839, and now resides in Moberly; Amanda F., born Jan. 27, 1842; John G., born April 23, 1844 and died during the Civil War, while serving in the Confederate army; 688 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Richard R., the subject of this sketch; James R., born Oct. 17, 1849, re- sides at Hunter, Okla. ; George W., bom June 6, 1852 and died Dec. 5, 1875 and Sarah R., bom Jan. 11, 1855 and died July 24, 1880. Richard R. Campbell was reared in Salt River township and received most of his education in the subscription schools of the early days. He remained at home during his father's lifetime and after the latter's death he continued to operate the home place and in 1878 purchased the interest of the other heirs and has spent his life on this place. He has made ex- tensive improvements and has a good productive farm. He lived in the old log house which was built by his father until 1888, when he built his present seven room residence. He has good substantial barns and other farm buildings. Mr. Campbell is well known as a successful stock breeder as well as a general farmer and he is one of the pioneer breeders of pure bred Short- horn cattle of Randolph County. He introduced pure bred Shorthorn cattle on his place 40 years ago, at that time buying a pure bred Short- horn bull in Kentucky. His stock has been exhibited at a number of local fairs and stock shows and he has won a great many blue ribbons. He also raises pure bred Poland China hogs ; he carries on farming by mod- ern methods and up-to-date machinery and is one of the progressive men of The county. Jan. 1, 1878, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Pantha Brock, daughter of Harvey and Matilda (Jones) Brock. Harvey Brock was in Lincoln County, Ky., April 25, 1809 and came to Missouri in 1836. He settled in Salt River township, Randolph County, where he was en- gaged in farming until his death, Jan. 18, 1859. His wife was also a native of Lincoln County, Ky., bom Jan. 5, 1813. They were married in that county in 1833 ; she died in Salt River township, Jan. 22, 1892. They were the parents of the following children : James W., born Aug. 26, 1834, lives in Madison, Mo. ; Sarah E., bom March 24, 1836 and died in 1905; Miles, born Sept. 7, 1838, died Oct. 20, 1880; Anna E., born Jan. 5, 1841 resides at Cambria, Mo.; Mary, bom April 24, 1843, died in 1894; Archibald, born Nov. 9, 1845, lives in Cairo township; Talitha C, bora Feb. 8, 1849, died in 1904; Matilda, born April 22, 1852, resides at Ex- celsior Springs, Mo. ; Pantha, bom Feb. 12, 1855, the wife of Richard R. Campbell, of this sketch ; and Harvey, born Oct. 17, 1857, died in 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been bom two children, Arthur, bora Jan. 24, 1882, died in infancy and Ethel A., born March 12, 1884, married HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 689 Harris Bennett, Sept. 24, 1902 and resides on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have one child. Ruby Lee Bennett, born Aug. 12, 1906. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Christian church and has been a life long Democrat. He is one of Randolph County's substantial old pioneers. John D. Alexander, a successful farmer and stockman of Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of a pioneer Missouri family. He was bom in Salt River township, Sept. 9, 1855, a son of Francis and James (Stephens) Alexander. Francis Alexander was born in Garrard County, Ky., Nov. 18, 1809. He was reared to man- hood in his native state and on Dec. 27, 1831, was married to Miss Jane Stephens who was also a native of Garrard County, Ky. They remained in Kentucky about four years after their marriage and in 1835 came to Missouri and first settled in Monroe County. They remained there for two years and in 1837 came to Randolph County and here Francis Alex- ander entered a large tract of government land in section 13, township 55. Here he was engaged in farming' and stock raising during the re- mainder of his life. He died June 30, 1861 and his wife departed this life Aug. 3, 1858 and their remains are buried in the Alexander cemetery in Monroe County, Mo. They were the parents of three children as fol- lows: Mattie, widow of W. A. Alexander, now living in Salt River town- ship; William F. Alexander, who was born in Randolph County, Aug. 16, 1848 is a retired merchant and farmer now living at Duncans Bridge, Monroe County, Mo. and John D., the subject of this sketch. John D. Alexander was educated in the district schools and remained on the home farm until he was 21 years old when he was married and re- mained on the home place for three years. He then bought 60 acres, which is a part of his present faiTn, Nov. 29, 1881. On Aug. 23, 1892, he purchased 58 acres more and in Oct. 4, 1909, he bought 40 additional acres and is now the owner of 158 acres of valuable land. He had made sub- stantial improvements, including an eight room residence which he built in 1886. In 1884, he built a bam 50x64 feet, and in 1910 he built another bam, especially designed for stock which is 24x30 feet. His place is well supplied with water which is pumped from a well 328 feet deep by a wind mill and the water is piped to various convenient points about the place. Mr. Alexander, in addition to being extensively engaged in general farm- ing, raises a good grade of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. His place is equipped with all modem machinery and bears ample evidence that its owner is a progressive and up-to-date farmer. 690 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Alexander was married in Salt River township Dec. 2, 1877, to Miss Sallie E. Bennett. She was born July 27, 1858 and was a teacher of Avington and Louisa (Lilly) Bennett. Mrs. Alexander died March 24, 1915 and her remains are buried in Hickory Grove cemetery, Monroe Co., Mo. To John D. Alexander and wife were born two children: Maud Bell and Bertha D., both of whom reside at home with their father. Mr. Alexander is a Democrat and one of the enterprising and suc- cessful citizens of Randolph County. James and George Bennett, successful farmers and stockmen of Salt River township, are both natives of Randolph County and were born on the place where they now reside. George was born May 18, 1856 and James, June 10, 1865. Their parents were Avington and Louisa (Lilly) Bennett. Avington Bennett was born in Oldham County, Ky., Nov. 14, 1821 and in 1841 came to Missouri with his parents and located in Marion County. Two years later they came to Randolph County and settled in Salt River township. Here Avington Bennett bought 120 acres of land and cleared away the timber, improved his place and was successfully engaged in farming until the time of his death, April 20, 1884. Louisa (Lilly) Bennett was also a native of Oldham County, Ky. and was bom Aug. 27, 1821. She died Jan. 17, 1913 and is buried by the side of her husband in Hickory Grove cemetery. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: John W., deceased; Bell M., born Nov. 27, 1853 and died April 13, 1920; George W., of this review; Sallie E., born July 7, 1858 and died March 24, 1915 and James of this review. George and James Bennett attended school in Salt River township and at the death of their father they assumed the management of the home place and smce that time they have carried on farming and stock raising in partnership. They have added to their acreage and now have a farm of 195- acres which is well improved with a good residence, two barns and other farm buildings. The place is well watered and adapted to both general farming and stock raising. The Bennett Brothers, in addition to general farming, raise Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and also a good grade of "draft horses. They are both members of the Baptist church and are Democrats. James Bennett is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Madison, Mo. The Bennett Brothers are progressive and enterprising and rank among Randolph county's leading citizens. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 691 John M. Webb, a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Salt River township who is recognized as one of the successful breeders of Randolph County, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Vermillion County, Ind., July 8, 1849 and is a son of John J. and Emily (Crider) Webb. They were both natives of Washington County, Md. The father was born in 1821 and in early life removed to Indiana where he lived for a number of years when he went to Iowa. Later,i he removed from that state to Missouri and settled in Marion County where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days and their remains are buried in the Providence Baptist church cemetery in Marion County. They were the parents of ten children as follows: John M., the subject of this sketch; Hattie, married Joe Harrop, Quincy, 111. ; Emanuel, deceased ; Susan E., lives in Marion County, Mo. ; Hamilton T., Marion County ; Annie, Marion County; Catherine, a widow lives in Marion County; Nettie; Alexander, Phelps County, Mo. ; William N., Marion County. John M. Webb received the principal part of his education in the pub- lic school? of Marion County, Mo. and remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age. He came to Randolph County and pur- chased his present place in Salt River township in 1882. He had lived in this county, however, since 1874. He has a well improved farm of 155 acres with excellent buildings. The residence is a seven room struc- ture and was built in 1905. The barn and other farm buildings are well arranged to the general purposes of farming and stock raising and the place is well supplied with water. Mr. Webb keeps a herd of high grade Aberdeen-Angus cattle which is headed by a pure bred bull. He is one of the successful and up-to-date farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. Mr. Webb was united in marriage in Salt River township, Aug. 25, 1875 with Miss Jennie Smith. She is a daughter of John B. and Sarah E. (Greathouse) Smith, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. Webb was born Aug. 27, 1855 and is one of eight children bom to her .parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb have been born four children as follows : William H., born Feb. 2; 1876 and lives in Mon- roe County, Mo. ; James E., born Jan. 15, 1879 resides in Salt River town- ship; Hallie P., born April 8, 1874, married John H. Pollard of Monroe County, Mo.; and Callie E., born Jan. 11 1892 married Ernest Taft and resides in Salt River township. 692 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Webb and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is a Republican. He is an industrious and progressive citizen and what he has accomplished in the way of success has been by hard work and his own unaided eiforts. Orley Halliburton a progressive and enterprising young farmer and stockman of Cairo township is a native of Missouri. He was born in Monroe County, May 23, 1885 and is a son of George D. and Eliza (Ben- nett) Halliburton, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Orley Halliburton was reared in Randolph County and educated in the public schools at Prairie Hill, Mo. He remained at home with his father until he was 21 yars of age when he was married and purchased his present place in Cairo township. His farm consists of 771/2 acres and is well improved with good farm buildings. In 1919 he erected a large modem bam 56x60 feet, "Mr. Halliburton carried on general farming and stock raising and is one of the successful breeders of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs of this county. He also raises Shorthorn cattle and a good grade of sheep. He uses modern agricultural methods and is a successful and up-to-date farmer. Mr. Halliburton was married in 1906 to Miss Maggie Roberts. She is the daughter of John and Ellen (Ellis) Roberts, natives of Missouri and both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Halliburton have been born two children, Mildred, born Feb. 9, 1908 and Ellis R., born Oct. 14, 1914. Mr. Halliburton is a member of the Christian church and his wife be- longs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Democrat. William A. Bobbitt, who for many years has been successfully en- gaged in farming and stock raising in Cairo township, is a native of Vir- ginia. He was born in Carroll County, Aug. 3, 1860 and is a son of James and Sarah (Carroll) Bobbitt, also natives of Virginia. James Bobbitt was born in Carroll County, Va., Dec. 22, 1814. He followed farming in his native state and was thus engaged when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate army and after serving throughout the war again engaged in farming. He came to Missouri with his family in 1870 and settled in Cairo township, Randolph County, on the place which is now owned by his son, William A. Bobbitt, of this review. James Bobbitt followed farming here and spent the remainder of his life. He died Jan. 6, 1892. His wife was born in New Richmond, Va., and died on the home place in Cairo township in March, 1894 and she and her husband are buried in the Union church cemetery. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 693 James and Sarah (Carroll) Bobbitt were the parents of seven chil- dren, the eldest of whom died in infancy. The others are in order ' of birth as follows: Margaret, deceased; William A., subject of this sketch; John, deceased; Joseph, deceased; Missouri, deceased and Theophilus, de- ceased. William A. Bobbitt was educated in, the public schools and remained at home with his parents until the death of his father when he and his brother John bought the home place. Here they carried on general farm- ing and stock raising until the death of his brother which occurred March 20, 1904. Mr. Bobbitt has made extensive improvements, including a large ten room house, which was built in 1904 and the bam which is an elaborate structure 60x72 feet, was erected in 1902. In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr. Bobbitt is well known as a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle. He began breed- ing this type of cattle in 1909, and now has a large herd headed by a registered male which he purchased from the well known herd of E. E. Lawrence. Mr. Bobbitt also raises Shropshire sheep and Spotted Poland China hogs. The Bobbitt farm is well adapted to stock raising and is especially well supplied with good, pure water which is distributed by a force pump to various convenient points about the place. Feb. 22, 1901, William Bobbitt was united in marriage with Miss. Emma Morrison, a daughter of E. S. and Susan (Boney)- Morrison, both of whom now reside in Cairo township. Mr. Bobbitt is a Democrat and one of Randolph County's well known and substantial citizens. Albert J. Hunker, of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and was bom in the township where he now resides Oct. 26, 1873. He is the owner of 165 acres of land and is a successful farmer and stock- man. He is the son of Leonard and Catherine (Morelock) Hunker. Leonard Hunker is a native of Germany and a son of Joshua and Ursula (Dteher) Hunker, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, where the father was bom in May, 1800. He was a farmer and died in his native land in 1872. His wife was bom in 1808 and died in 1877. They were the parents of the following children : Matthews, Lewis, John, Magdalene, Agnes, Leonard, Christine, Jacob, Anna Catherine, and Joshua, all of whom are deceased except Leonard and Joshua. Leonard Hunker was reared and educated in Germany and immi- grated to America in 1869. After landing at New York he came to Mis- -p 694 HISTORY OF RAlvIDOLPH COUNTY souri and settled in Randolph County. After working by the month for one season, he bought 80 acres of land in the fall of 1869. He sold that farm in 1885 and bought 160 acres and in 1891 he bought 187 acres more. He is a successful farmer and s,tockmaii and has prospered and become well-to-do. April 11, 1871, Leonard Hunker was married to Miss Catherine More- Icck, daughter of G. A. and Christine C. (Unger) Morelock, natives of Germany, who settled in Missouri in 1854. The father served in the Union army during the Civil War and both he and his wife are deceased. To Leonard and Catherine (Morelock) Hunter were born the fol- lowing children: Emily C, born April 2, 1872, married S. L. McCully of Silver Creek township; Albert J., born Oct. 26, 1873, the subject of this sketch; George W., born Aug. 18, 1875, lives in Butte, Mont.; Lizzie, born Oct. 25, 1877 and died March 15, 1912; Leonard, born July 7, 1879, re- sides at home with his parents ; J. Martin, born Sept. 30, 1881, died May 14, 1899; Harry C, born Dec. 15, 1883, lives at Marshall, Mo.; Ella M., born March 2, 1887, married Sam Burkhart, Butte, Mont. ; Samuel Leslie, bom Dec. 2, 1889, died July 3, 1894; Clara C, born Aug. 23, 1892, lives at Butte, Mont. ; and Ernest Y., born Aug. 23, 1899, at home with par- ents. Leonard Hunker is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. Albert J. Hunker, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Silver Creek township and educated in the public schools. He remained at home until he was 22 years old and then worked by the month in various places for six years. In 1901 he bought a farm of 85 aci-es and six years later purchased 80 acres more. He has a valuable farm of 165 acres where he is successfully carrying on general fanning and stock rais- ing. He was married at Excelsior Springs, Mo., Aug. 19, 1917 to Miss Lizzie Miller; they have no children. He is a Democrat. William D. Lockridge, an extensive farmer and stockman of -Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was born on the place where he now resides Nov. 2, 1874 and is a son of William Y. and Loretta (Harvey) Lockridge. William Y. Lockridge was also a native of Randolph County. He was born about a mile south of where William D. Lockridge now lives, Nov. 10, 1829. He was the owner of 160 acres of land which he im- proved and cultivated during his life time. He was a successful farmer HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 695 and stockman and was well known throughout this section as a successful race horse man and won many prizes at the early day fairs with his fast horses. He was a son of William Lockridge, who was one of the first settlers in this locality. William Y. Lockridge died Dec. 10, 1875. , His wife was a native of Howard County, Mo., born near Armstrong, Sept. 29, 1837. Her parents were also among the early settlers of this part of the state. She now resides with her son, William D. Lockridge. To William Y. and Loretta C. (Harvey) Lockridge were born six chil- dren as follows : Jewell, born Sept. 29, 1855, died Aug. 5, 1917 ; Louette, born Jan. 9, 1858, married Hickman Wallace, residing in Howard County ; Mollie, bom July 3, 1860, married Henry Taylor, Armstrong, Mo. ; Samuel, bom June 5, 1863, died Feb. 24, 1891 ; Florence, born Feb. 17, 1868, mar- ried James Cross and lives in Howard County and William D., the subject of this sketch. William D. Lockridge was reared in Salt Creek township and educated in the public schools at Roanoke, Mo. He was about a year old when his father died and after he had reached his majority he bought the interests of the other heirs in the home place and later bought additional land and is now the owner of 239 acres of well improved land, where he is success- fully carrying on general farming and stock raising. He feeds cattle ex- tensively and keeps a good grade of stock. Nov. 13, 1895, Mr. Lockridge was married to Miss Katie Feiring, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Furhman) Feiring, natives of Ger- many. Conrad Feiring was born Oct. 30, 1836 and immigrated to the United States in 1861, settling in Howard County, Mo. He was a wagon- maker and woodworker and followed his vocation at Roanoke until his death, April 3, 1889. His wife was born Oct. 4, 1848, they were married at Glasgow, Mo. and she now resides in Kansas City, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Lockridge have been bom three children : Samuel, born Feb. 9, 1899, at home with his parents ; Edwin C, born May 8, 1903 and William Louis, bom June 12, 1905. Mr. Lockridge is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church and Mrs. Lockridge belongs to the Presbyterian church. John J. Morris, of Silver Creek township, is a well known farmer and stockman of Randolph County and a descendant of a prominent old pioneer family of central Missouri. He was born in Howard County, Sept. 20, 1868 and is a son of Alfred W. and Mary (Ware) Morris. Alfred W. Morris was bom in Howard County, Aug. 12, 1833 where he was reared to manhood and in early life engaged in farming in his 696 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY native county. He owned 160 acres of land there which he sold and re- moved to Saline County and bought 80 acres. The town of Slater, Mo., is now located on 30 acres of that place. After disposing of his property in Saline County, Alfred W. Morris came to Randolph County and settled in Silver Creek township, on the place now occupied by John J. Morris. He died on this place in 1898. He served in the Union aimy during the Civil War. His wife was also' bom in Howard County, Sept. 24, 1836 and they were married in that county in 1857. She died at Excelsior Springs, Mo., June 10, 1893, and she and her husband are buried in Sharon ceme- tery, Howard County. They were the parents of three children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. Martha E. is also deceased and John J., the subject of this sketch. John J. Morris was educated in the public schools of Randolph County and remained at home and assisted his father until the death of the lat- ter in 1888. He then inherited 79 acres of land and on Aug. 3, 1906 bought 80 acres adjoining his home place, and now owns 150 acres of v/ell improved and valuable land where he has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Morris was married Jan. 18, 1900 to Miss Bettie Sheaves, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Vaughn) Sheaves, of Chariton County. William Sheaves was born in Virginia, Sept. 28, 1837. He came to Mis- souri at an early date and settled in Chariton County where he has been engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years. He is a Confederate veteran. Rebecca (Vaughn) Sheaves was bom in Kentucky, Nov. 10, 1840 and she was married to Mr. Sheaves in Audrain County, Mo., Jan. 10, 1862. They were the parents of 11 children, two of whom died in infancy and the others are now living. Mrs. Morris was bom June 24. 1876. Mr. Morris is a Democrat and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. John Price Robb, a large land owner and extensive farmer and stock- man of Silver Creek township is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the prominent pioneer families of Missouri. He was bom near Renick, Oct. 7, 1861 and is a son of Satnuel and Sarah (Leslie) Robb. Samuel Robb was born in Howard County, Mo., Dec. 26, 1832. He was a son of Jonas and Sallie (Morris) Robb. Jonas Robb was a native of Jessamine County, Ky. and came to Missouri in 1818, and entered a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 697 large tract of land in Howard County. He was prominent in the early day affairs of this section and was an extensive farmer and also operated a distillery on his place. He died in 1870. He married Sallie Morris in Howard County in 1821 and nine children were ^ bom to them as follows : Fannie, Nancy, Lizzie, Samuel, John, Nellie, Mary, Joel and Martha, all of whom are deceased except Joel and Martha who reside in Howard County. Samuel Robb was about 17 years old when the country was stirred by the gold excitement in California and in 1849 he made the trip over- land to the Pacific coast with ox teams. He was six months in crossing the plains and mountains and after reaching the Mecca of the gold seekers he was more fortunate than the average adventurer and met with suc- cess. After remaining in California for a time, he returned to Randolph County and bought 200 acres of land near Renick. He traded this farm for 202 acres in Howard County in 1865. Here he was engaged in farm- ing and stock raising during the remainder of his life. He died March 10, 1876. While in California in 1852, he served in the army for a time against the Indians who were on the warpath. He was married to Sarah Leslie at her home near Higbee in 1854. She died March 11, 1919 and is buried by the side of her husband in the Sharon cemetery in Howard County. To Samuel and Sarah (Leslie) Robb were bom eight children as fol- lows: James, deceased; Susie, married S. W. Cresone of Moberly; Sallie, died in infancy; John Price, the subject of this sketch; Jonas, deceased; Mattie, married John Morris and lives in Randolph County; Lucy, mar- ried C. L. Snider, of Howard County; and George W., Howard County. John Price Robb was reared to manhood in Howard County and edu- cated in the district schools. He remained at home until he was 18 years old when he bought a farm of 80 acres in Saline County, near Slater. He was engaged in farming there for three years when he came to Ran- dolph County and bought 80 acres which is a part of his present place. He engaiged in farming and stock raising and bought adjoining land from time to time and is now the owner of 530 acres. Most of his land was heavily timbered. He cleared away the timber and improved his place which is now one of the best farms in the county. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is one of the progressive farmers in this section. He employs modem methods and machinery, using a tractor in the cultivation of his land. 698 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. Robb was married March 2, 1879, near Burton, Howard County to Miss Ellen Morris, a daughter of Alfred W. and Mary Ann (Ware) Morris and to this union were born two children, Robert C, born Aug. 13, 1885, is on the home place with his father and Jonas A., born Jan. 17, 1895, also on the home farm with his father. Mr. Robb is one of Randolph County's successful men of affairs. He has been president of the Yates Savings Bank since its organization. He is a member of the Baptist church of which he is a deacon and he has been a life long Democrat. Leslie Robb, of Salt Creek township, is a progressive farmer and stockman and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of central Mis- souri. He was born in Burton, Howard County, Aug. 14, 1887, and is a son of Jonas and Stella (Moses) Robb. Jonas Robb was a native of Randolph County and a son of Samuel and Sarah (Lesley) Robb. When Jonas Robb was a small boy his par- ents removed to Howard County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. In 1889, Jonas Robb returned to Randolph County and purchased a farm of 240 acres and was here successfully engaged in farming until his death, Aug. 22, 1914. He was prominent in the affairs of Randolph County and served for two terms as judge of the county court from the western district. His wife was born near Burton, Howard County, and , is now living at Mount Zion, Henry County, Mo. They were the parents of two children, Leslie, the subject of this sketch and Mary, who married J. G. Wright and lives in Kansas City, Mo. Leslie Robb was educated in the district school of Randolph County and the Beasley Business College. He remained on the home farm until his father's death in 1914 and since that time he has been operating rented land and is meeting with success. He is now farming 320 acres of land in Salt Creek township, which is owned by J. W. Alexander. Mr. Robb was married May 1, 1907 to Miss Anna Foster Wier, daugh- ter of William W. and Margaret (Markland) Wier, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Howard County, Mo. William Wier is now deceased and his widow resides at Armstrong, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Robb have been born two children: Avanelle, born Jan. 8, 1909 and Eleanore Davis, born Aug. 31, 1915. Mr. Robb is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and is well known iis one of Randolph County's progressive citizens. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 699 Thomas J. Bagby, of Silver Creek township, is recognized as one of the successful farmers and breeders of Randolph County. He is a mem- ber of one of the honored pioneer families of Randolph County who were among the very first to settle in this section of Missouri over a hundred years ago when it was then an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Bagby was born in Silver Creek township on a farm adjoining his present place June 16, 1843. He is a son of Owen H. and Maria J. (Yaegar) Bagby. Owen H. Bagby was born near Owensburg, Ky. and was a son of John and Mildred- (Ward) Bagby, who came to Missouri with their family at an early day. He bought and entered land near Roanoke, Mo., where he was the owner of 500 acres and later owned 620, acres. He followed farming and stock raising and met with success. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died on his place near Roanoke. Owen H. Bagby came to Randolph County from Kentucky with his parents where he was extensively engaged in farming and -stock raising during his entire career. He was the owner of over 600 acres of land. He died in November, 1902. His wife, Maria J. (Yaegar) Bagby, was a daughter of Thomas and Francis (Watts) Yaegar. She was born in Vir- ginia and came to Randolph County with her parents and was married here. She died in Salt Spring township in 1906. Owen H. and Maria (Yaegar) Bagby were the parents of ten cliil- dren of whom Thomas J. of this review is the eldest. The others are: William, deceased; Zebulon, living with Thomas J.; Clarinda married Frank Shipp and is deceased; Mary E., deceased; Jacob W., Benton County, Mo.; Jam.es R., deceased; Benjamin F., Sugar Creek township. Thomas J. Bagby was educated in the district schools and remained at home with his parents until he was 26 years old and then bought a place of 130 acres which he improved and farmed for 15 years when he sold it. He is now the owner of 217 acres which he has improved ex- tensively and which is one of the valuable farms of Silver Creek township. He has a large eight room residence and five bams on the place. He carries on general farming as well as stock raising and breeding. He is a successful breeder of Poland China hogs, registered Hereford cattle and for 30 years has been a successful breeder of registered draft horses and also registered jacks. Mr. Bagby was married in Silver Creek township, May 5, 1864, to Miss Emma Hale, a daughter of I. F. and Elizabeth V. (Keepers) Hale, the former a native of Hartford, Conn., born in 1804 and the latter of 700 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Maryland and both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bagby have been born the following children: William E., Huntsville, Mo.; Andrew J., Huntsville; one died in infancy; Mattie married C. B. FuUington, Ran- dolph County ; Herald, lives in New Mexico ; Arthur, at home and Thomas, deceased. During the Civil War, Thomas J. Bagby enlisted in the Confederate army and for nine months served under General Price. Mr. Bagby is a member of the Baptist church and has been a life long Democrat. Mrs. Bagby is also a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Bagby is one of the valued and substantial citizens of Randolph County and the Bagby family is highly respected. Eugene H. Hurt, of Silver Creek township, is one of the best known and most successful breeders of Randolph County. He was born in the township where he now resides, Oct. 20, 1875 and is a son of Nathan and Virginia E. (Moore) Hurt, both natives of Missouri and descendants of pioneer families. Nathan Hurt was born near Glasgow in Howard County, April 11, 1822. He dealt extensively in cattle in the early days, shipping a great many through southern markets and during the course of his career he owned a great deal of land. He came to Randolph County in the spring of 1866 and bought a farm near Vaughn school house in Silver Creek township. His first place there consisted of 160 acres, to which he after- ward added until he owned 810 acres in that locality. He improved this place and spent the remainder of his life there. He died July 28, 1905 and is buried in the Clifton Hill cemetery. He was married Nov. 3, 1874 to Virginia E. Moore, a native of Missouri, bom near Yates, Sept. 8, 1852. She died June 21, 1917 and is buried at Clifton Hill. They were the par- ents of four children: Eugene H., the subject of this sketch; Everett E., assistant cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company; Olevia, died in infancy and Lurrine, married Joe E. Richardson and they reside on the old Hurt homestead in Sil-ver Creek township. Eugene H. Hurt was educated in the district school and the Salis- bury Academy. When he was 19 years old his father gave him 280 acres of land. He began improving this place and engaged in farming and stock raising and later became interested in pure bred stock and for the past 20 years has made a notable record in this important department of animal husbandry. He began breeding pure bred Shorthorn cattle in 1900 and at the same time began breeding pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and also HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 701 registered jacks and jennets. He met with success in all departments of breeding. He sold one jack, "Hurt's Big Ike" for $1,000. Mr. Hurt discontinued breeding Shorthorn cattle in 1910 and disposed of his herd. In 1916 he began breeding Hereford cattle. His first herd bull was "Hesiod Lad the 17th", No. 506764, a line-bred Hesiod bull on Anxiety 4th and Wilton foundation. His second herd bull was "Cy Bolton" No. 520383, a grandson of the celebrated "Domino" No, 264259 of the well known herd of Gudgell and Simpson. Mr. Hurt's present herd bull is "Dandy Fairfax" No. 724485 and a double great grandson of Warren T. McCray's celebrated herd leader, "Perfection Fairfax" No. 179767, on his sire's side. And his dam was "Correlioe 21st", No. 536522, a line-bred "Anxiety 4th" cow. Mr. Hurt has recently established a herd of pure blood registered Hampshire hogs. He has, perhaps, done more to raise the standard of various kinds of stock in Randolph County than any other breeder. Some breeders attain success in one line and some in another, but few can claim the distinction of being successful breeders in as many kinds of stock as Mr. Hurt. Eugene H. Hurt was united in marriage Dec. 80, 1896 with Miss Annie Laura Spotts ; she is a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Fray) Spotts, both natives of Randolph County and now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Spotts were born the following children: Adolphus, lives in Randolph County; James L., Silver Creek township; William F., Clifton Hill, Mo.; David 0., Silver Creek township, and Annie Laura, the wife of Eugene Hurt. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt has been born one son, Nathan H., bora Feb. 18, 1898 and resides at home with his parents. He is following in the footsteps of his father and is engaged in breeding spotted Poland China hogs. Eugene H. Hurt and his son are both members of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 161, Clifton Hill, Mo. and the Eastern Star and Mrs. Hurt is also a member of the Eastern Star, Amethyst Chapter. Mr. Hurt has been master of the Clifton Hill lodge for the past six years. He is a member of the Salisbury Chapter No. 133, and Centralia Council, No. 34. He is a Democrat and Mrs. Hurt is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, South. Mr. Hurt was the organizer of the Central Missouri Shorthorn Breed- ers Association. He was the first secretary of that association and later served as its president. He has always been active in all movements which had for their purpose the raising of the standard of stock and the 702 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY promotion of the breeding industry. He is one of the progressive citizens of Randolph County and occupies a prominent place in the community. Hugh Lamb, the well known and efficient county assessor of Randolph County, is a native of this county and a descendant of one of its pioneer families. He was born in Salt River township in 1873 and is a son of H. F. and Margaret S. (Halliburton) Lamb. H. F. Lamb was born in Macon County, Mo. He was a son of James Lamb, a native of Virginia, who settled in Macon County at a very early date, and after remaining there for a short "time removed to Randolph County with his family and settled in the vicinity of Jacksonville where he spent the remainder of his life. H. F. Lam"b spent the greater part of his life in Salt River township, Randolph County, and died in April, 1910 and his remains are buried at Liberty church and his widow now resides in Moberly. They were the parents of the following children: Charles resides at Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Fred, Salisbury, Mo.; Hugh, the subject of this sketch; Porter, Worland, Wyo. ; Mary, married R. E. Bennett, Moberly, Mo.; Curtis died at the age of 23 years ; Gilbert, Salisbury, Mo. ; and Annie, married Arthur Howard, Moberly, Mo. Hugh Lamb received his education in the public schools of Randolph County and was engaged in farming until he was 25 years of age. He then entered the employ of the McAfee Wholesale Flour and Seed Com- pany and for 15 years was engaged in that business. In 1908, he made the race for the office of county assessor, but was defeated by George Thornburg. He was again a candidate in 1912, without opposition, and after serving four years was reelected in 1916 and is now serving his second term in that office. Mr. Lamb is a capable and conscientious pub- lic official and has ever given his best efforts to the faithful performance of the duties of his office and the carrying out of the trust imposed in him by the people. He has the assistance of only one deputy and for four or five months during each year, Mr. Lamb is about the busiest man in Randolph County. He has almost become accustomed to working night and day without noticing it. Mr. Lamb was married Feb. 6, 1896 to Miss Maude Smothers, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of D. J. and Lucy J. (Elsea) Smothers. D. J. Smothers was bom in Randolph County in 1850 and died in Mob- erly in 1883. He was the son of Daniel Smothers, a Randolph County pioneer, who settled about three miles north of where the present city of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 70S Moberly is now located, long before Moberly was thought of. Lucia J. Smithers now resides in Moberly at the age of 68 years.- Mrs. Lamb is one of the following children bom to her parents: Letha, married F. C. McAfee, Moberly, Mo. ; Ira P., died at the age of 30 years and Mrs. Hugh Lamb. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb have made their home in Moberly since 1899 and reside at 319 East Rollins street. Mr. Lamb is a member of the* Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Arthur O'Keefe, of the finn of O'Keefe Brothers Wholesale Grocer Company and the founder of that business is one of the pioneer mer- chants in Moberly and for 41 years has been actively engaged in business here. The O'Keefe Brothers Wholesale Grocer Company is composed of the brothers, Arthur, John C, William C. and Joseph C. O'Keefe. The business was started in 1879 as a retail grocery concern by Arthur O'Keefe who was joined soon after by John C. The first store was located on the corner of Reed and Clark streets. Some years later, the business developed into a wholesale house and the retail department was abandoned altogether and for many years past the O'Keefe Brothers Grocery Com- pany has been one of the leading wholesale grocery houses in central Missouri. Their trade extends over a large scope of territory and has been constantly increasing as the years have passed. The firm occupies an entire block on West Coates street, their business being located in a thoroughly modern concrete and brick, fire proof building, 135x252 feet and five stories high. This is one of the important business institutions of which Moberly is justly prized. Arthur O'Keefe was born in New York in October, 1851 and is a son of William and Margaret (O'Connell) O'Keefe, both of whom were bom in Ireland and came to America with their respective parents and were married in New York. Shortly after their marriage, they removed to Iowa and in 1858 came to Missouri and first located in St. Charles County. In 1860 the family settled at Renick, Randolph County, and later moved to Moberly where William O'Keefe and his wife both spent the remainder of their lives. He died in 1888 at the age ol 74 years and his wife died in 1918 at the age of 92 years and their remains are buried in St. Mary cemetery at Moberly. William O'Keefe and wife were the parents of the following chil- dren: Arthur, the suBject of this sketch; Mrs. Dr. Christian who is now 704 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY deceased ; Elizabeth O'Keef e, Moberly ; John C. Moberly ; Mrs. R. C. Mur- ray, Moberly; W. P., Moberly; Mollie O'Keefe, Moberly; Joseph C, Mob- erly; Maggie O'Keefe, Moberly, and Anna O'Keefe, Moberly. Arthur O'Keefe received his education in the public schools and in early life was engaged in railroading prior to engaging in business in Moberly. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery business and since that time has been identified in the mercantile business of Moberly and is one of the widely known wholesale merchants of this section of the state. Mr. O'Keefe was united in marriage in 1886 with Miss Mary Agnes Hurst, of Chillicothe, Mo., and they reside at 204 South Williams street, Moberly. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Moberly. Warrau L. Barr, treasurer and general manager of the Moberly Pav- ing Brick Company, is at the head of one of Randolph County's most important industrial institutions which is the largest paving brick manu- facturing plant west of the Mississippi River. The annual output of the Moberly plant is 20,000,000 bricks. The superior quality of the product of this plant is a recognized fact and the demand covers a large scope of territory, including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. To give an idea of the enormity of the product of this plant, there is manufactured enough brick each year to construct a motorcycle road four feet wide, from St. Louis to Kansas City. Wherever the Moberly bricks are used, the city of Moberly is advertised for on the surface of each brick is moulded the word "Moberly." The Moberly Paving Brick Company employs in the brick plant, 110 men and in addition to this the company operates its own coal mines in Randolph County. Previous to 1917, the coal used in the manufacture of brick here was imported from Illinois. In 1917, the Company acquired the W. H. McKieman coal mine which has been developed and improved by the installation of modern machinery and two miles of railroad con- struction from the mine to the brick plant and since that time they have mined their own coal and Randolph County people have received the benefit of this additional pay roll. Thirty men are employed in this mine. Warran L. Barr, whose name introduces this sketch, was bom in Massillon, Ohio, in 1882 and is a son of M. and Mary Barr both, of whom reside at Canton, Ohio. Warran L. Barr is a graduate of the Canton Ohio High School and the Ohio Northern University. He became Secretary of the Board of Control and Department of Public Works of Canton, a city HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 705 of 100,000 population, and in that position he had much to do with and was brought into close contact with construction work in which paving brick and kindred materials were used, and thus became interested in the scientific production of paving brick. Later, he was assistant superin- tendent of the Cleveland Axle Manufacturing Company and while in that position gained a wide experience in the manufacturing industry. Thus equipped, Mr. Barr entered the field of paving brick manufacturing and in 1914 he succeeded 0. W. Renkert as general manager of the Moberly Paving Brick Company. Mr. Renkert is now president of the company and vice-president and general manager of the Metropolitan Paving Brick Company of Canton, Ohio. Mr. Barr was married in 1913 to Miss Bessie D. Farley of Washing- ton, Pa. and to this union has been born one son, Warren L., Jr., age five years. Mr. Barr is a Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce. George Hepple, Secretary-Treasurer of District No. 25 of the United Mine Workers of America with offices in the Moberly Trust Co. Building, Moberly, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., 21 miles east of Pittsburg, May 7, 1884. He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Richards) Hepple. The mother is deceased and the father resides at Bevier, Macon County, Mo., where he is still actively engaged in mining coal at the age of 61 years. He came to Missouri in 1886 and settled in Bevier where he has since resided. To Thomas and Mary (Richards) Hepple have been bom the following children: George, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Dora Yocum, Bevier, Mo. ; John, a miner, Eevier, Mo.; Benjamin, also a miner at Bevier; Mrs. Bessie Weeks, lievier; Lydia Hepple resides at home with her father and Damon, also resides with his father. George Hepple was about two years of age when the family came to IVIissouri. He was reared and attended the public schools of Bevier, and at the early age of 12 years he began working in the mines with his father and was engaged in mining until 1912 when he was elected District Secre- tary-Treasurer of District No. 25 of the United Mine Workers with head- quarters at Moberly. This district includes Northern Central Missouri and Leavenworth County, Kan. There are over 8,000 miners in District ^0. 25. Mr. Hepple is well qualified for the duties of the responsible position which he holds and is a capable and conscientious official and 706 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY stands high with the members of his organization as well as in the com- munity at large. Mr. D. A. Frampton is president of District No. 25, United Mine Workers of America and he also has offices in Moberly. George Hepple was married Aug. 29, 1909 to Miss Stella Keen, of Bevier, Mo. She is a daughter of William and Sarah Elizabeth (Buchanan) Keen, the former of whom is deceased and the mother is now the wife of Fred Itschner of Bevier, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Hepple was born one son, Lawrence Milton, age nine years. Mr. Hepple is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Forresters and is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. J. S. Hackley, a member of the board of city councilmen of Moberly and a well known citizen of Randolph County, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this state. He was born near Waverly, Lafayete County, April 3, 1849 and is a son of James and Ann Maria (Bayliss) Hackley. James Hackley, the father, was born in Virginia in 1812 and came to Missouri when a young man and settled near Waverly, Lafayette County, where he was an overseer of slaves for John V. Webb. He was married in that locality and later moved to Ray County where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. J. S. Hackley was reared on the home farm in Ray County and his educational opportunities were limited. He attended school only 61 days, but he has ever been a student of men and affairs and in early life had acquired a good practical education in the school of experience. The home of the James boys was in the same neighborhood where the Hack- ley family lived in Ray County and "Bill" Anderson was a cousin of J. S. Hackley's mother and thus Mr. Hackley was well acquainted with the James boys whose daring in later life is unparalleled in the annals of Mis- souri. Mr. Hackley relates many incidents in the life and deeds of the James boys. He relates an incident when he attended a theater in Kansas City with Jessie James just one year and three days before Jessie was killed by Bob Ford. At that time, Jessie James was known to his friends as "Tom Howard", and a reward of ten thousand dollars was offered for his capture. The plot of the play at the theater that night showed the holdup of a bank which according to the play was by the James boys. During the Civil War days a party of Federal troops and the James boys and "Bill" Anderson had an encounter near the Hackley residence in Ray County in which one of the Federal soldiers was shot through the shoulder and Jessie and Frank James and Anderson escaped through the dense HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 707 woods. After the fight the Federal captain rode up to Mr. Hackley, father of J. S., who was plowing in a near by field and told him to unhitch his team and take the wounded soldier back to town which he did and James S., of this review accompanied his father. When they returned home about midnight, they found Mrs. Hackley getting supper for "Bill" Anderson and the James boys who were there waiting and they ".njoyed the feast of fried chicken immensely. They left about three o'clock in the morning and as usual were not heard from again for several months. Mr. Hackley spent many years of his life as a traveling salasman and has had a successful career in that field of endeavor. He began as traveling salesman for the R. E. Wathen and Company, distillers of Ken- tucky, Oct. 1, 1898, but had been on the road since Jan. 1, 1876 and never lost a day's salary from Jan. 1, 1876 to July 1, 1918. He traveled over the United States and during his long experience he acquired a personal knowledge of every wholesale druggist and wholesale liquor dealer of financial standing from Boston to San Francisco and from Galveston to Duluth. He sold the wholesale trade, exclusively, with one exception and that was Huse Matthews of Moberly. As a salesman he held a record of business for the entire country. Mr. Hackley has been a resident of Moberly for 43 years and has extensive investments here. He has, at all times, stood for every pro- gressive movement that has been for the betterment and upbuilding of Moberly. He has seen Moberly grow up as it were and remembers when there was not a foot of street pavement in the town. He has the unique distinction of being the first man in the city of Moberly to pay his taxes first every year for 15 consecutive years, and he follows the same practice in the payment of other bills. Mr. Hackley was married at Huntsville, Mo., in 1901 to Mrs. Miranda R. Clark of Moberly. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Irvin L. Tuggle, one of the representative retail merchants of Mob- erly in the grocery business at 101 North Williams street, was born in Macon County, Mo., in 1880. He is a son of Henry and Sarah Tuggle, the former born in Randolph County in 1859 and the mother was a native of Iowa, born in 1861, who later came to Macon County, Mo. with her parents and was married there. Irvin Tuggle's grandfather, J. C. Tug- gle, was a native of Howard County and was a pioneer settler of Macon County, taking up a farm near Excello, where he lived for many years. 708 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY He died near Moberly in 1902 and he was buried in the Hardester ceme- tery, north of Huntsville. Irvin Tuggle spent his youth in Moberly and was educated in the public schools and after graduating from the Moberly High School, he engaged in business. When 11 years old he began earning his own living by driving a delivery wagon for W. B. Jones, a butcher. He paid strict attention to his work, saved money and in 1910 formed a partner- ship with L. W. Ficklin and they opened a grocery store and meat i-iarket at 113 North Williams street where they carried on the business for five years. Mr. Tuggle then erected the building in which he is now located. It has a frontage of 60 feet, is 120 feet deep and is divided so that Mr. Tuggle rents a store to the Walker Electric Company which has a front- age of 25 feet, which leaves a large store for the grocery and meat mar- ket. In October, 1918, Tuggle & Ficklin sold out and Mr. Tuggle opened up his present business with a fine stock of high class groceries and meats and has an extensive trade. In 1897, Mr. Tuggle was married to Miss Alice Kelty of Moberly. She was a daughter of Thomas and Rose Ann Kelty, the former a native 'of Ireland who came to the United States when 18 years of age and set- fled in Moberly. Thomas Kelty was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the 39th Missouri Volunteer Infantry and served throughout ■the war. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Moberly who lived to see the village in which he first settled, become a city. He died in 1898 and is buried in St. Mary's cemetery and his wife died in 1918. She was a native of Kentucky, born in Louisville. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tuggle: Thomas Henry and Alliene Roberta. Mr. and Mrs. Tuggle are among the well known residents of Moberly who stand for progressiveness not alone in their business, but are always ready to help all movements for the upbuilding of the city and county. I. J. Schmidt, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Randolph County is the proprietor of Maple Grove Farm which is located four miles west of Moberly, in Sugar Creek township. This is one of the -well improved and valuable farms of Randolph County. Mr. Schmidt was born in Adams County, 111. in September, 1863 and is a son of Henry and Justina (Lier) Schmidt, natives of Germany. They settled in Adams County, 111., in 1856 where they resided until 1871 when they came to Missouri, and settled in Randolph County, establishing their home in 1he woods just a short distance east of the present residence of I. J. Schmidt. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 709 The father preceeded the other members of the family here in a short time and built a log cabin which was the first home of the family in this sparsely settled section of Randolph County. He was engaged in farm- ing here until his death in 1881. He helped dig the first grave in St. Mary's cemetery and ten months later died and was laid to rest in that cemetery. His widow survived him for many years and died in 1912. They were the parents of the following children: Anna, Boorddicic who resides at Seward, Kan. ; Justinia Epping, deceased ; William, deceased ; I. J., the subject of this sketch and Katie, who resides in Moberly. I. J. Schmidt attended the district schools in Illinois and "Missouri. He was about eight years old when he came to Randolph County with hie parents, and here he grew to manhood and in early life acquired the knowledge of farming which he has made his life's occupation. He first purchased 80 acres of land at a cost of $100 per acre, going into debt for a greater part of the purchase price. He was successful in his farming operations from the start. Shortly afterwards he bought another 100 acre tract. Two years later he purchased the old home farm and is now the owner of 355 acres which is one of Randolph County's valuable farms. Mr. Schmidt's place is well improved with a splendid farm residence with all modem conveniences including electric lights. The place is equipped with a gas power engine. The farm buildings are well constructed and conveniently arranged. The Schmidt farm is underlaid by a rich vein of coal which approximate about four feet in thickness. Mr. Schmidt keeps a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs, specializing in Polled Angus cat- tle, Shropshire sheep and Chester White hogs. He is a strong advocate of raising the standard of stock and has many well developed progressive opinions along the lines of modern animals husbandry. Oct. 16, 1890, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Steinkamp, of Moberly. She is a daughter of Herman and Anna (Wheel- ing) Steinkamp, the former of whom is deceased and the mother re- sides in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have been bom the following children: Leona, Geger, of Lott, Texas; Edward, Lora, John, Walter, Martin and Gertrude, all of whom are residing at home with their par- ents and Tena Heddinghaus wh'o resides on a farm west of town and Albert, a farmer east of town. Mr. Schmidt is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County and the Schmidt family rank high in the community. 710 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Phillip Mast, one of the pioneer farmers and stockmen of Handolph County who has played an important part in opening up and developing this section of the state and is now retired. He was born on a farm which today is the townsite of Monroe City, Mo., in January, 1856. He is a son of August and Catherine (Schreck) Mast, both of whom died at their home, nine miles east of Quincy, 111. There were six children in their family: Henry, of Elliot, Mo.; Justina, now Mrs. Ehrhardt, of Quincy, 111.; John, deceased, of Quincy, 111.; Phillip, of this review, and Barney, of Quincy, 111. Phillip Mast spent his boyhood days on the farm in Illinois, and received, his education in the public schools of that state where his par- ents had returned from Missouri when he was a child. In 1881, Phillip Mast returned to Missouri, locating in Randolph County and a year later, purchased 40 acres of land for $550.00, upon which he built a small log house. The ground was covered with white oak which had to be cleared with great labor; the underbrush was cleaned out and in time, he had all of the land under cultivation. As he made money, he invested in more land and today has 182 acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation. The improvement of this place has been the work of his own hands and he may well look upon his accomplishment with pride. In 1908, he erected a fine farm residence of six rooms, modern in every way and he has a good bam and other farm buildings. Phillip Mast was married, Nov. 25, 1879, to Miss Josephine Strat- man, of Adams County, 111., the marriage ceremony taking place at Can- ton, Mo. She died Feb. 8, 1920, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, her little granddaughter, Rosalie, being buried at the same time. There were two children in the Mast family: George, born Sept. 11, 1880, and Martin, born Jan. 10, 1884. Both of the sons are engaged in farm- ing on the home place, the father having retired. Martin Mast resides in the old homestead residence with his father, while George is just building a bungalow across the road from hisj father's home. George Mast was married, May 15, 1918, to Miss Mary Bussen, the daughter of Theodore and Mary Bussen. Theodore Bussen died in 1910 and his widow now resides in Moberly. He was a mer- chant and came from Indiana to Martinsburg, years ago and engaged in the mercantile business. To George and Mary Mast was bom a daugh- ter, Rosalie Georgia, bom March 26, 1919, and died Feb. 9, 1920. Martin and George Mast are engaged in general farming and raise high grade Shorthorn cattle and keep from 16 to 20 head. They also HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 711 specialize in Duroc Jersey hogs and Buff Cochin chickens. Their farm is underlaid with a four-foot vein of high-grade coal which has recently been opened up on their place and successful mining operations estab- lished which bid fair to be highly profitable. They are industrious, thrifty men of high standing in the community. David A. Frampton, president of District No. 25, United Mine Work- ers of America, with offices in the Moberly Trust Company building, Moberly, Mo., is one of the most experienced miners in this section of the country and today holds one of the most responsible positions in the state. He is a native of Missouri, born at Richmond, Jan. 19, 1877, the only child living of David A. and Anna (Floyd) Frampton. The mother died in 1894 and the father in 1918. Both are laid to rest at Richmond. D. A. Frampton, the father, was a native of Illinois, but was reared in Jackson County, Mo., while his wife was born in Wales, accompanying her parents to this country when she was a small girl of five years old. Mr. Frampton came to this state with his parents and was here rtiared and married. He enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War, going from Jackson County, and served four years. He took part in the battle of Lone Jack and many other important engagements and when peace was established returned to his home and engaged in farming. D. A. Frampton, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his par- ents' farm near Richmond, Mo., and attended the schools of Richmond until he was 13 years old, when he began to work in the mines. For 22 years, Mr. Frampton followed this vocation in different states whore mining operations were extensive, working his way up to his present important position, and no man knows the business, in all its varied details, better than he. Finally he returned to make his permanent home in his native state, locating at Richmond, and became the charter member of Local Union No. 298, United Mine Workers of America, which was organized in 1899. From first engaging in mining operations, Mr. Frampton had always taken an active part in the work of organization and his ability has been recognized by his fellow workers. In 1910, he was elected a member of the International Executive Board of the Mine Workers and in the fall of 1916 he was elected president of the United Mine Workers of District No. 25, assuming the duties of this office April 1, 1917, and is now serving his fourth term in this district, which has a membership of 9,000, 712 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY On Sept. 29, 1906, Mr. Frampton was married to Miss Loma Phillips, a native of Richmond, Mo., a daughter of John B. Phillips, She died Dec. 13, 1919, and was laid to rest at Richmond, Mo. Mr. Frampton has taken an active part in* the civic life of his com- munity and supports all worthy movements. He has resided in Moberly since May, 1916. For many years he has stood high in Masonic circles, being a member of the organization of Novlnger Lodge No. 583, is a member of the Consistory and Shrine at Kansas City, Mo. The respon- sibilities of a man in the position held by Mr. Ftampton are great, but he has measured up to its requirements. He is one of the capable men of ^ the state. John C. Skinner, the owner of Cedar Farm in Sugar Creek township, four and a half miles northwest of Moberly, is a well known and highly respected farmer and stockman of Randolph County. He belongs to one of the pioneer families that came here when Missouri was on the fron- tier.. Mr. Skinner has passed 64 years in this county. He was born on the farm where he now resides Dec. 13, 1855, the son of Elcaney and Sarah (Walden) Skinner, both natives of Kentucky, the former born in Estill County, where he was reared and received hiis education. When old enough Mr. Skinner determined to take advantage of the cheap gov- ernment land to be had in this state and in 1832 came to Randolph County, entering land in Sugar Creek township, the homestead now owned by his son. The patent to this tract of land was signed by President Millard Fillmore and it has never changed from the hands of the Skinner family. Elcaney Skinner passed the remainder of his life in Randolph County, and was buried in the family cemetery on the home place in 1891 and four years later his wife died. Forty members of the Skinner family are buried there. The children of Elcaney and Sarah (Walder) Skinner were as follows: Greenbury, of Cairo, Mo.; D. W., of Pomeroy, Wash.; Mary Ann, who married a man named Rogers and later a Mr. Turley, is deceased; James H., died in California; Louisa, deceased; John C; Luther, who lives near Cairo, and Sarah Frances Rogers, deceased, lived in Texas. John C. Skinner first attended school in Sugar Creek township, he was reared on his father's farm. When he went to school he applied himself well under his first teacher, Sallie Robertson, who was wellj known in the district as an efficient instructor. Later Mr. Skinner was enrolled. in the Mount Hope district where he remained in school until HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY '713 his education was finished. After the school days were over he engaged in farming. He has lived in the country all, his life with the exception of four years when his daughter was in school and the family moved to Moberly for the time. In 1897, Mr. Skinner purchased the old home place and is the owner of 200 acres of valuable land. Since acquiring the old homestead he has made substantial improvements, built a good modem home, has fine barns for his stock and "Cedar Farm" is one of the attractive places of the county. The entire tract is underlaid with a vein of coal and when opened up will prove valuable. March 10, 1881, Mr, Skinner married Miss Emma Frances Scott, a daughter of Dr. A. W. and Sarah H. (Wright) Scott, the former bom m Howard County and reared near Paris. Mrs. Scott was a native of Kentucky. She accompanied her parents to Monroe County when n girl of 10 years. She was reared and educated in that locality and later married Dr. Scott. The doctor and his wife came to Huntsville in 1865, where he was engaged in his profession as a dentist until his death in 1906. His wife died in 1896. Mrs. Skinner was the third of their six chil- dren. The other children born to Dr. A. W. and Sarah (Wright) Scott and who are now living are: 'Mrs. D. H. Merell, Ralls County, Mo.; Mrs. Luther Skinner, lives near Cairo, Mo. ; and E. C. Scott, of Huntsville, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Skinner was born one child, Ella Genevea, born Dec. 17, 1883. She died Sept. 14, 1901, just one year before she would have graduated from high school in Moberly. The Skinner family have been known in this section for their church activities. Since locating in the state. Elcaney Skinner was a "Hard Shell Baptist," and when he iirst came to this county would ride on horseback 15 or 20 miles to church, going on Saturday and returning Sunday evening. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Skinner are members of the Chris- tian church of Moberly. Mr. Skinner is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 36, at Huntsville. Felix G. Elsea, who resides at 824 North Morley street, Moberly, is a successful and well-known farmer and stockman of Randolph County. He is a native of Missouri, bom in Macon County, May 28, 1854, a son of B. F. and Mary Jane (Grafford) Elsea. B. F. Elsea was born in Vir- ginia and came to Missouri at the age of 19 years and first settled in Macon County. He came to Randolph County in 1866 and settled on a farm one and one-half miles northeast of Jacksonville. He bought land there and remained in that vicinity until 1890, when he removed to 714 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Kirksville,, Mo., where he died. To B. F. and Mary Jane (Grafford) Elsea were born the following children: J. W., Huntsville, Mo.; B. F., resides three miles north o? Moberly; Felix G., the subject of this sketch; J. C, lives in California; and Lora Bell, died in infancy. The mother of the above children died in 1862, and the father was afterwards mar- ried to Telitha Taylor and to that marriage were born the following children: Mrs. Lydia Jane Hatler, Harve, Mont.; D. J., Monte Vista, Colo.; Mrs. Florence Holbrook, deceased; Lucy Henderson, Stronghurst, 111.; Catherine Barker, La Harpe, 111.; Dr. Homer J., Carthage, 111.; and Mrs. Lottie Stevenson, Alamoosa, Colo. The mother of these children now resides at La Harpe, 111. Felix G. Elsea was educated in the public schools of Shelby County, Mo., and began farming in early life and has made farming and stock raising his life's work and business and has met with success in his undertakings. He owns and operates two farms and makes his home in the city of Moberly. He owns 70 acres in Sugar Creek township and 120 acres in Union township. He also owns a block of land in the city of Moberly, where he has a good modern residence and also a good bam and the place is supplied with water 'from two good never-failing wells. The Elsea residence was formerly owned by Lucian Taylor, who built it. Felix G. Elsea was mamed to Rachael C. Holbrook in 1894. She is a daughter of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, who came to Randolph County and settled just west of Moberly in what is now known as the James Crotty place. They settled here in 1837. Mrs. Elsea was born on that place in 1853 and lived there during the Civil War. She was educated in the district school, attending school at the Hagar school house. Her father died in 1854 and her mother in 1894 and their remains are buried on the home farm. Colbert and Nancy (Milan) Holbrook were the parents of the following children: Solomon, was a soldier in the Confederate army and died at Jetmore, Kan., in 1912 ; Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, died at McAlester, Okla, in 1918 ; Caleb, died in 1855 at the age of 13 years; Buse, died at Clarksville, Texas, in 1865, while serving in the Confederate army ; Benjamin, a farmer and stockman of Sugar Creek township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Mrs. Merinda Rich- ardson, Orofino, Idaho; Nancy Emerson, Moberly, Mo., and Mrs. Felix G. Elsea, the subject of this sketch. To Felix G. Elsea and wife, Rachael C, have been bom one son, Roy H. Elsea, bom Aug. 17, 1898, who is now a student at Central Col- HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY 715 lege at Fayette, Mo. By a former marriage to Lucy M. Noble, Mr, Elsea has one son, Victor N. Elsea, bom June 3, 1880. His mother died when he was a child. He married Ethel Mark, of Madison, Mo. Mr. Elsea and his wife are representative of the best citizenship of Randolph County. John R. Campbell, a well known resident of Cairo township, who has lived there three-quarters of a century, was born three miles northwest of the townsite Nov. 30, 1845. He is descended from a pioneer family of Kentucky and this state. His parents were Samuel R. and Eliza (Darby) Campbell. Samuel R. Campbell was born in Lincoln County, Ky., in 1809. He remained in his native state until 1882, when he came to Missouri, locating in Pike County; the next year he entered land in Randolph County in Cairo township, the farm where his son, John R., was born. Samuel R. Campbell died in the fall of 1877, at nearly 70 years of age, and was buried in Union Church Cemetery. His wife died in 1882. Besides John L., there were the following children born to Samuel R. Campbell and wife: Susie, widow of W. Fredman Taylor, of Moberly; Euphemia and C. D., deceased; Mrs. Emily Boney, and Mrs. Mary H. McKinney, both deceased, and George, who was killed on March 7, 1862, at the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. John R. Campbell was reared in Cairo township, on the home farm, and as there was no public school system established in Missouri at that time received his education in the subscription schools. He also attended the Sherwood school, which was located on the Sherwood farm, a log house, furnished with split log benches. When his schooling was over Mr. Campbell engaged in farming, a vocation which he had learned as a boy on his home place. On Aug. 7, 1870, John R. Campbell was married to Miss Mary Boney, the daughter of James T. and Elizabeth (Carr) Boney, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. She was bom on the Boney homestead, a quarter of a mile west of her present home, Jan. 5, 1851, reared there and educated in the district schools, and attended McGee College, in Macon County. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell moved onto their present farm in March, 1871, and have lived there ever since. In August, 1920, they will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. The Campbell farm consists of 317 acres, all under cultivation and well improved. The first house, built in 1871, is still standing and is in good repair, but has been enlarged and remodeled, and is one of the good 716 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY farm homes of this section. Mr. Campbell has been engaged in general farming, raises Shorthorn cattle, keeping a registered male at the head of his herd and conducts a dairy business. He says that for more than 34 years, he sold milk and butter in Moberly and used an old-fashioned tread mill churn to make the butter. It is operated by two or three sheep, which he found more satisfactory than a gas engine. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born four children: Logan, deceased, was attending a medical college in St. Louis, and lacked but four weeks of graduating at the time of his death in 1893; Claudia, de- ceased; Ida May, the wife of Rec. G. L. Coffman, a Southern Methodist minister of Pilot Grove, Mo.; and Roy J., who lives on a fann adjoining his father's home place. He married Miss Neta Knause, a granddaugh- ter of Valentine Rollins, a pioneer of Cairo township, and to them have been bom the following children: Allen Campbell, deceased; Mary Maud; Delmar Lee; Logan Oliver Coffman; Gladys Marie; Charles Logan, de- ceased; and Pearl Campbell. Gladys and Pearl are both attending high school at Moberly. Mr. Campbell's grandfather, John Darby, was born in Dublin, Ire- land, and educated there. After coming to America he became one of the instructors of Henry Clay, as the latter made his home with Mr. Darby when attending school. Mr. Darby was a public surveyor and while out on a surveying trip, took sick and died. Joseph Darby, Mr. Campbell's uncle, was the first person buried at Union Cemetery, Cairo township, his burial occuring Dec. 25, 1858, and the second person laid to rest there was Susanna Darby Fily, who died in 1859. She was Mr. Campbell's grandmother. Mr. Campbell and his wife and W. L. Landram and his wife, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, are the only families now living on the Macon-Moberly road who were here in 1871, and they had many interesting experiences in the early pioneer days in this section of the state. Roy Nichols, of Moberly, has been identified with the business in- terests of this city for the past 13 years and is one of the progressive citizens of this city of the younger generation. He was bom in Audrain County, Mo., Dec. 5, 1889, and is a son of J. D. and Cora Bell (Scrutch- field) Nichols, who now reside at 511 Johnson Street, Moberly. J. D. Nichols was born in Randolph County, March 5, 1852, and his parents were early settlers here. His wife is also a native of Randolph County and was bom Nov. 4, 1862. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 717 J. D. Nichols came to Moberly in 1893, and in 1907 he engaged in the grocery business at 1209 Quinn street, and successfully conducted this business until November, 1919, when he sold it to H. A. Norfolk, who carries on the business there at the present time. To J. D. and Cora Bell (Scrutchfield) Nichols have been bom three children, as follows: Opal, married T. 0. Walker, of Moberly; Ruby, resides at home with her parents and Roy, the subject of this sketch. Roy Nichols was educated in the public schools of Moberly and at- tended the Moberly High Schools. Later he took a course in the Webber Business College at Moberly. For a number of years he was engaged in the grocery business with his father and since Mr. Norfolk purchased the business he has been with him. Roy Nichols was united in marriage Aug. 17, 1911, to Miss Delia Graves, of Moberly. She is a daughter of Robert and Lora Graves, both of whom were born and reared in Randolph County. The father is now deceased and Mrs. Graves lives at 1201 Henry street, Moberly. Toi Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have been born one daughter, Mildred Catherine. The Nichols family, reside at 1112 Quinn street and Mr. Nichols has re- sided on this one street fdr 25 years. He has a large acquaintance and stands high in the community. George Staebler, a well known and popular conductor on the Wabash railroad who resides in Moberly, has been engaged in railroading all his life and for the past 17 years has been an employee of the Wabash Railroad Company, and during that time has been a resident of Mo- berly. Mr. Staebler was bom in Ottumwa, Iowa, March 27, 1886. His parents were Robert and Catherine (Guinea Staebler, who both died and left George and his brother, Harry E., orphans, at a very early age. They were reared by their grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Ann Staebler, of New London, Iowa. George Staebler was educated in the public schools of New London, Iowa, and at the age of 14 years he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company and for two years later he worked for the Rock Island Railroad Company for two months. He then entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, and in 1903 came 1;o Moberly, which has since been his home. He has been in the passen- 718 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ger service for a number of years and now runs a train between Moberiy and St. Louis. He is a, thoroughly experienced railroad man and has a good record to his credit. Mr. Staebler was united in marriage Oct. 21, 1908, to Miss HaiTiet A. Schoen, of Des Moines, Iowa. She is a daughter of -Julius and Louis (Kunkel) Schoen. Her father is a retired merchant now residing in that city. Mrs. Staebler is one of four children born to her parents, the others being as follow: Henry A., an automobile dealer, Des Moines, Iowa; William, an electrician, Des Moines, Iowa, and Agnes Louise, married Charles L. Taylor, Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Staebler is a member of the Oi'der of Railway Conductors. He is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Moberly and he and Mrs. Staebler stand high in the community. Their residence is at 407 South Williams street. John P. Mize, assistant chief of police of Moberly, Mo., is one of the well known, popular and efficient officers of the Moberly pohce de- partment and has to his credit ten years of devotion to duty in this city. Mr. Mize is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Logan County, Ky., Jan. 25, 1888, and is a son of John R. and Olive (Herndon) Mize, both also natives of Logan County, Ky. John R. Mize served in the Confederate army during the Civil War under General Morgan and was with that celebrated Confederate leader when he was captured by the Union forces. He was captured at the same time that General Morgan was and was confined in the same Fed- eral military prison with him. After the war, John R. Mize returned to his home in Kentucky where he spent the remainder of his life. He died at Epley, Ky., in 1892, and his remains are buried there. His widow still survives him and resides at Cave Spring, Logan County, Ky. John R. and Olive (Herndon) Mize were the parents of the follow- ing children: Anna, married Frank Warder, Cave Spring, Ky. ; Lena, married Noah Hall, Cave Spring, Ky. ; Marvin, was accidently killed at the age of 18 years, on Feb. 2, 1900, on the Louisville and Nashville rail- road in Kentucky; Charles, Cave Spring, Ky. ; Robert, Auburn, Ky. ; Albert, Cave Spring, Ky. ; and John P., the subject of this sketch. John P. Mize was reared in Kentucky and was educated at Cave Spring, Ky. He began his career in the capacity of brakeman on the Louisville and Nashville railroad. In 1910, he came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, as brakeman, and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 719 three years later he was appointed a member of the Moberly police force and in 1915, he was promoted to assistant chief of police and has since served in that capacity, and has won a well merited reputation of being one of the capable and fearless officers of the Moberly police force. Mr. Mize was united in marriage June 22, 1914, to Miss Gertrude Chandler, of Moberly. She is a daughter of Gus and Lena (McCanne) Chandler, of Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Mize have been born a daugh- ter, Ruth Elizabeth. Mr. Mize is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Duff G. Phillips, of Moberly, assistant claim agent for the Moberly and Western Division of the Wabash railroad and a veteran of the World War, is a native of Kansas. He was born at Tonganoxie, Kan., Aug. 11, 1871, and is a son of C. W. and Rose (McMurty) Phillips, both natives of Indiana and now residents of Lawrence, Kan. C. W. Phillips is a Union veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted in Indiana, becoming a member of Company I, 39th Indiana Infantry, and served in the army four years. After the close of the war, he returned to his home in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was married and shortly afterwards went to Kansas and settled in Leavenworth County. He resided there for a number of years before moving to Lawrence, where he now resides. The following children were born to C. W. and Rose (McMurty) Phillips: Duff G., the subject of this sketch; 0. C, an attorney in Kansas City, Mo. ; C. M., a special agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mary, married George Dews, Lawrence, Kan. ; Florence, married Robert Hicks, a live stock commission- man, St. Joseph, Mo. ; Alta Phillips, who is advance agent for a Chau- tauqua company, Lawrence, Kan., and Nettie, married Charles Spray, Lawrence, Kan. Duff G. Phillips was educated in the public schools and after attend- ing Tonganoxia Academy, he entered the Kansas University, Lawrence, Kan., and was graduated from the art department in the class of 1898. He then entered the law department and was graduated in 1900. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Kansas City, Mo., for three years and afterwards engaged in railroading and for seven years fired a locomotive on the Wabash railroad out of Moberly. He practiced law in Moberly for four years and for the past six years has been claim 720 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY agent with the Wabash Railroad Company with the exception of the time when he served in the army. July 1, 1920, he became superintendent of safety for the Wabash Railroad Company, with headquarters at St. Louis, Mo. Aug. 27, 1917, Mr. Phillips entered the officers training school at Fort Sheridan, 111., and was commissioned first lieutenant Nov. 27, 1917. He was assigned to the 60th United States Infantry at Camp Green, N. C, and remained with this regiment throughout its career in the World War. He went overseas with his regiment in April, 1918, as a part of the 5th Division, also known as the Red Diamond Division. This division was used on the defensive sectors of the western front until September, 1918, when it took part in the St. Mihiel drive and went over the top Sept. 11, 1918, and was in the Argonne drive on the front line when the armistice was signed Nov. 11, 1918. Mr. Phillips was promoted to captain while on the Argonne drive and was made adjutant of his regiment. Immediately after the armistice he was made captain of the Headquarters Company and was stationed at Esch Luxemberg until July, 1919, when he returned to the United States and was mustered out of service at Camp Taylor, Ky., July 29, 1919, after having served nearly two years. Captain Phillips was offered a permanent commission as captain in the regular army, but dechned to accept. On Aug. 19, 1897, Duff G. Phillips was married to Lucy B. Steele, of Oak Grove, Mo. She is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Steele, early settlers in Jackson County, Mo. The father died in 1898, and the mother in 1899. Their remains are buried at Oak Grove, Mo. To Captain and Mrs. Phillips has been bom three children : Stanley, a stu- dent in Missouri Wesleyan College at Cameron, Mo. ; Norton, a member of the senior class of the Moberiy High School, and Homer, attending the grade schools of Moberiy. Captain Phillips is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and is a 32nd degree Mason, and also holds membership in the Moberiy Chamber of Commerce. John N. Taylor, wholesale and retail dealer in pianos and automo- biles of Columbia, is one of the leading business men of this section of Missouri, where he has built up a fine business and is one of the oldest merchants of this section of the state. He has been in business in Mis- souri for more than a half century. He was bom in Pennsylvania and reared and educated there until 15 years of age when he came west, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 721 first to Iowa, where he remained five years and during that time married and moved to Huntsville, Mo. In 1870, Mr. Taylor entered business at Huntsville, Mo., first as a fine cabinet maker, a trade in which his skill placed him as a master work- man. This line developed to such an extent that he began to carry a stock of furniture and pianos and developed into a considerable estab- lishment. Mr. Taylor was successful from the start and became recog- nized as one of the leading businessmen of the town, where he conducted his store until the fall of 1909. That year he moved to Columbia to take advantage of the excellent educational facilities afforded there for the education of his children. Within a short time, Mr. Taylor established the main office of his business in Columbia with branches at Huntsville, Brookfield, Moberly and Macon.- His business has increased materially within the last decade and he is now one of the large and successful merchants of this' sec- tion. Under the excellent management of Paul S. Witten, Mr. Taylor has been able to devote his time and energies to the enlargement of his house which is the pride of the city of Columbia and enjoys the patronage of the best citizens and the public. A full line of musical instruments is carried in stock, phonographs and a special service is maintained in rec- ords. No man has achieved a greater independent success in commercial life than Mr. Taylor, whose vision from the start has led him to take the right course aided by his personal supervision of all detail and his enthusiasm, all of which combined for a prosperous career. Mr. Taylor for the last 15 years has dealt largely in automobiles and is now the largest dealer in Boone and Randolph counties. Mr. Taylor lived at Huntsville, Randolph County, Mo., from 1870 to 1909, or 39 years. In the fall of 1870, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lida Straup, who died in 1886, after becoming the mother of four children. In 1889, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Elizabeth Reed, and to this union two daughters and 5 sons were bom. Elizabeth Reed Taylor was the daugh- ter of Captain Thomas B. Reed and his wife, residents of Huntsville, where he was a lawyer of recognized ability and worth. Mrs. Taylor has inherited many of the traits of her parents and is one of the repre- sentative women of the cultured city of Columbia. The Taylor family is one of the representative and progressive ones in Boone County, where they expect to make their permanent home. 722 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Charles F. Crist, a well-known insurance man of Randolph County, who is the representative of the International Life Insurance Company of St. Louis, is a member of one of the pioneer famihes of this sec- tion of the state. He was born in Chariton township, Randolph County, Aug. 9, 1875, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy R. (Merrick) Crist. The mother now resides on the home farm in Chariton township, which has been her home since 1874. Joseph Crist was a native of Ohio and served in the Union army during the Civil War with an Ohio infantry regiment. He served for four years and took part in many important battles and minor engage- ments, including the battle of Shiloh. Following the close of the war he engaged in the mercantile business in Ohio and later was in the gen- eral commission business in Chicago, 111. Later he came to Missouri and located in Chariton township, Randolph County, where he was suc- cessfully engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death at the age of 52 years. He was prominent in the work of the Farmers Alliance and was purchasing agent for that organization for some years. Owen Crist, father of Joseph Crist, came to Missouri about the same time that Joseph Crist came here. He was a mechanic and worked at his trade at College Mound and Darksville. He lived to be 75 years of age. His remains are buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery and Joseph Crist is buried at the same place. The following children were born to Joseph and Nancy R. Crist: Lawrence L., who resides On a part of the old homestead in Chariton township; William O., a farmer and stockman in Chariton township; Charles F., the subject of this sketch, and Noah P., who is engaged in the grocery business at Huntsville, Mo. Charles F. Crist was educated in the public schools of Randolph County and the Stanbury Normal School. He then was engaged in farm- ing for three years on the home place when he entered the employ of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Huntsville. Six months later, he went with J. M. Hammett Banking Company, of Huntsville, and for 19 years was cashier of that well-known institution. In 1918, he resigned his position there and became the representative of the International Life Insurance Company, to which he has since devoted his attention, and has met with marked success. Mr. Crist located at Moberly in January, 1920. Dec. 31, 1896, Mr. Christ was united in marriage with Elzada Terry, of Chariton township. She is a daughter of William Y. and Anna HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 723 M. (Jackson) Terry, both of whom are now deceased. They were very early pioneer settlers in Chariton township. To Charles F. Crist and wife have been bom three children: Joseph W., Charles and Louanna. Joseph W. Crist is also engaged in the fire insurance business and is state special agent for the Fidelity Phenix Fire Insurance Company of New York. He was educated in the public schools of Huntsville and was graduated from the Huntsville High School in the class of 1916, and was a student in the University of Missouri at Columbia for two years and then attended the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, 111. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Huntsville, Mo., the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks of Moberly and is one of the capable and progressive young men of Randolph County. i Charles F. Crist is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Huntsville, and is well known as one of the substantial citizens of this county. He-niy W. Owen, a retired merchant of Moberly, belongs to one of the pioneer famihes of Missouri. He was bom in Sugar Creek township, May 15, 1860, the son of Eli and Mary Jane (Grimes, Morgan) Owen. Eli Owen was bom in Kentucky, in 1819, and died in 1892. He came west and took up land where he farmed and also became one of the first dairymen of Moberly. Twenty-five acres of this homestead has been platted as part of East Moberly and Henry W. Owens still owns seven acres of this original tract. Eli Owen was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge, being a charter member of the Moberly lodge and a Knights Templar. Mary Jane Grimes (Morgan) Owen was bom in West Virginia and died here in 1904, aged 82 years. Her father, Henry Grimes, came west at an early day, from West Virginia, driving a prairie schooner and a fine old carriage. Mr. Grimes took up land just east of the present site of Moberly when Indians were frequent callers, and as they wished to avoid the Redskins, followed a dog out of the house, as the animal disliked Indians and always gave the alainn when any were in the vicinity. The following children were born to Eli and Mary Owen: Henry, of this review; Minnie, the wife of A. D. Gross, of Macon. To a former marriage of Eli Owen to Amanda Baker, the following children were born: T. D., of Vernon County, Tex.; Nancy, the wife of Ezekiel Par- rish, and Emily, the widow of William Meals, of Moberly. By a former marriage Mary Grimes Morgan had two children : J. G. Morgan, of Atlanta, Mo., and L. M. Morgan, deceased. 724 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Henry W. Owen attended the public schools of Sugar Creek town- ship and the schools of Moberly. He was engaged in teaming for a year when he went to work for the Wabash railroad in the bridge and build- ing department, where he remained 22 years, but resigned to engage in business for himself when he bought an interest in the grocery business with J. W. Thackston, in 1905, and continued in that line 14 years. In 1919 the partners sold out. He owns a fine brick residence at 537 Union avenue, built in 1911, and has an interest in the store building where he and his partner operated the grocery. Feb. 20, 1881, Mr. Owen was married to Miss Ella Spires, who died in 1897. The following children were born to them : Albert J., deceased ; Arthur H., connected with the Wabash railroad; H. W. Owens, married Miss Lena Menefee, of Moberly; they have no children; she has five brothers and sisters; Shirley, of Woodville, Mo.; J. R., of Cherry, Neb.; M. B., of Houston, Tex. ; Grace, the wife of E. P. Bales, of Kansas City, and Mattie, the wife of Iva Cole, of New Columbia, Mo., deceased. When the Grimes family located here Hannibal, Mo., was the near- est trading point and the bacon which the farmers had to sell was loaded on a wagon and taken to Hannibal, where it was exchanged for supphes. Mr. Owen tells that as a boy he remembers that matches, 12 in a box, were worth 10 cents a box. Chester L. Rentchler, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Clifton township, whose farm is situated about two and one-half miles north of Clifton Hill, is a native of Illinois. He was bom near Bellville, St. Clair County, July 2, 1863, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Marie (GriflSn) Rentchler. They were the parents of the following children: Chester L., the subject of this sketch; Edgar C, St. Louis, Mo.; and Albert G., St. Louis, Mo. The father died near Bellville, 111., in 1868, and the mother was afterwards married to William D. Howard, and the following children were bom to that union: May, Lebanon, 111.; Joseph, East St. Louis, 111.; Mrs. Carrie I. Stark, Lebanon, 111., and Roy, Lebanon. The mother now resides at Lebanon, 111., and is 81 years of age. Chester L. Rentchler was reared in Illinois and educated in the public schools. He has made farming and stock raising his occupation since early manhood. In 1893, he came to Randolph County and bought 160 acres which constitutes his home place. He has made many improve- ments and keeps his place in an excellent state of cultivation. He has HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 725 a good farm residence and a substantial barn and other farm buildings. He is a strong believer in and practices soil fertilization and conservation. In addition to his general farming he raises hogs of which he has about 30 head and he is also a successful sheep raiser, having raised sheep ajl his life, and usually keeps on hand between 50 and 100 head. He has a large acreage of blue grass and his is regarded as one of the best blue grass farms in this section. Mr. Rentchler was married Oct. 7, 1896, to Mrs. Lora J. Lemon, of Clifton township, who was the mother of two children by a former marriage: William C. Lemon, who lives on his mother's farm, and Grace Lemon, who died Dec. 2, 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Rentchler have been bom two children: Louis and Lutie, twins, who reside at home with their parents. Mr. Rentchler is an enterprising and industrious citizen and has made good. W. H. McLean, of Clifton Hill, Mo., a large land owner and an ex- tensive farmer and stockman, is a native son of Randolph County. He was born about two and one-half miles north of Clifton Hill, Sept. 20, 1872, and is a son of J. K. and Cordelia (Rowe) McLean. The mother died in 1878 and the father now lives retired at Clifton Hill. They were the parents of the following children: W. H., the subject of this sketch; C. F., who is engaged in farming two and one-half miles north of Clif- ton Hill. W. H. McLean was reared in Clifton township and educated in the public schools and Westminister College at Fulton, Mo. He began farm- ing and stock raising in early life and was successfully engaged in general farming, stock raising and feeding cattle for the market. In 1920, he sold his farm north of Clifton Hill, but still owns 212 acres of land near ■Randolph Springs and 100 acres near the Chariton County line, and 97S acres in Benton County, Mo. In 1911, Mr. McLean moved to Clifton Hill to give his children the advantages of the excellent public schools of that town and has since resided there. Mr. McLeap was married Dec. 12, 1894, to Miss Allie Milam, a daugh- ter of Judge Joseph Milam, deceased. He was a native of Chariton town- ship, Randolph County, and a son of Daniel Milam, one of the early pioneers of that section of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. McLean have been born seven children: Joseph, lives near R-andolph Springs, mar- ried Lucille Burton; Frances, Jack, Mary, Josephine and Evelyn, resid- ing at home with her parents. 726 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Mr. McLean is a progressive man and has made a success of his undertakings. He is a good business man, a capable farmer and stock- man and stands high in the community. John O'Leary, chief dispatcher of the Moberly Division of the Wa- bash railroad, is one of the veteran railroad men of the Wabash system p.nd although comparatively a young man, has been in the service of this company for 35 years, and for the past 16 years has held his present responsible position. Mr O'Leary was bom in Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 24, 1868, and is a son of William and Margaret (Daly) O'Leary. William O'Leary was a native of County Limerick, Ireland. He came to America at the age of 19 years and vs^as in this country but a short time when he became interested in railroad construction work, which was an active field of industry at that time. During the Civil War, he was engaged in the railroad construction work south of St. Louis. In 1872, he came to Moberly and bought a home on the corner of Rollins and Morley streets. This place is still owned by his estate. He was roadmaster for the St. Louis, Kansas City, and Northern railroad, from Mexico to Ottumwa, Iowa, for many years. He afterwards built the branch of the Missouri Pacific from Kansas City to Joplin, Mo. He also constructed a portion of the Rock Island railroad from St. Joseph, south- west through Kansas to Indian Territory. He reconstructed the Colorado Midland from Denver to Salt Lake City. He invented the first track laying machme and with it broke all previous track laying records, by laying five and three-fourths miles of track per day. He was an active and successful man of affairs. He died in Moberly in March, 1915. His wife, who was a native of Youghal, County Cork, Ireland, died in 1896, and her remains with those of her husband, are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Moberly, Mo. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: John, the subject of this sketch; James, who is engaged in the insurance business in Moberly ; Patrick, a teller in the Bank of Moberly. John O'Leary was educated in the pariochial schools and the Mo- berly High School and began his career as a Wabash railroad employee as a messenger boy in the shops at Moberly and learned telegraphy there. At the end of two years he became telegraph operator at the Wabash depot and held that position for four years. He was then office manager for four years, and from that position was appointed train dispatcher, and March 1, 1904, he became chief dispatcher and has held that posi- tion to the present time. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 727 Mr. O'Leaiy was married Oct. 24, 1904, to Miss Anna McCoy, of St. Louis, Mo. She is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Langan) McCoy, both natives of Ireland. They were married in Ireland and came to Moberly about 30 years ago. Here Mr. McCoy was engaged in tailor- ing about ten years, when he moved to St. Louis, where he now resides at the age of 84 years. His wife died in January, 1909, and is buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery, St. Louis. They were the parents of the follow- ing children: Mrs. Frank Borgemeyer; William, deceased; Margaret, who resides in St. Louis; Agnes, Frank and May, who reside in St. ■ Louis, and Mrs. O'Leary, of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Leary have been born three children: Margaret, Katherine and Dorothy Jane. Mr. O'Leary is a high type of citizen and is thoroughly master of the exacting requirements of his responsible position, and the O'Leary family is one of the prominent and highly esteemed families of Moberly and Randolph County. James S. Williams, progressive farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of Kentucky pioneer stock. He was bom in Howard County, Mo., Feb. 24, 1857, a son of William and Jeanette (Blakeley) Williams, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Howard County with their respective parents and were reared and married there. William Williams was born in Jessamine County, Ky., and his wife was born in Madison County, Ky. They were buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Randolph County. The father died at the age of 65 years and the mother at 80. William and Jeanette (Blakely) Williams were the parents of the following children: William T., lives in Howard County; James S., the subject of this sketch; Josiah, has been justice of the peace at Yates, Mo., for the past 25 years; Martha, married John F. Stark, at Oakley Union, Tex.; John, died at the age of 25 years; Susan, married Jacob Walker and died, leaving two children, Elizabeth and Nannie; Sarah F., married Berry Hudson. James S. Williams attended the district schools at Locust Grove and in the White school district in this county, having come here with his parents in 1869, when he was 12 years old. He has followed farming and stock raising all his life and during the course of his career, he has owned several farms in this section. He bought his present place in 1913. This farm was formerly owned by Monroe Minor, and John Henry Minor, owned it prior to Monroe Minor. The place is located in 728 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Salt Spring township and contains 217 acres, including 142 acres of rich bottom land. The place is well watered and is one of the valuable stock farms of Randolph County. It is a well improved farm with a good residence and two large bams. One bam is 48x60 feet in dimensions and has a capacity of 65 tons of loose hay and the other barn is 20x30 feet. In addition to general farming, Mr. Williams raises cattle, hogs and horses. Mrs. Williams is successfully engaged in poultry raising, spe- cializing in Plymouth Rock and Brown Leghorn chickens. She also raises Narragansett turkeys and has made an unusual record in raising large turkeys, some of which when marketed, have weighed 26 pounds each. Mr. Williams was married. May 13, 1886, to Miss Susan Anna Robb, a daughter of Joel and Martha (Baskett) Robb, natives of Howard County, where they now reside on a farm. Joel Robb served in the Con- federate army under Gen. Sterling Price and is now 75 years old. The Robb and Baskett families came from Kentucky to Howard County, Mo., in the very early pioneer days. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been -bom two sons: Irven, who was bom in Howard County, March 23, 1889, and married Wylma Buck and they have five children, Charles, Nellie, Les- ter, Bryson and Horace Leroy; and Horace Williams was born in Howard County, Aug. 8, 1891, and married Clara Malpne and they have one daughter, Mildred. Mrs. James S. Williams is one of the following children born to Joel and Martha (Baskett) Robb: Mrs. Williams; Bessie, married Wil- liam Banning, and is deceased; Grace, married Robert Burnham, and lives near Armstrong, Howard County, and Curtis, married Earl Wil- liams, Leadore, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Baptist church at Sharon, Howard County, and he is a member of the Randolph County Farm Club, and is a substantial citizen of this county. Shackel Palmer, a well known and progressive farmer and stock- man of Chariton township, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, about 30 miles from Toronto, Oct. I, 1862. He is a son of William and Sarah (Elliott) Palmer. William Palmer was bom in London, England, Sept. 27, 1828, and now resides with his daughter, Mrs. T. A. Day, in Chariton township, having reached the advanced age of 92 years. His wife died Oct. 26, 1889, at the age of 56 years and her remains are buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Elliot, a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 729 farmer of Chariton township; William, was a prominent attorney and was twice elected prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and was ' engaged in the practice of law at Moberly at the time of his death in 1897; Malcolm, a farmer and stockman of Chariton township ; Shackel, the subject of this sketch; George H., died at the age of 25 years and is burled in Mt. Carmel Cemetery; Samuel, a farmer and stockman of Chariton township, and Sarah Margaret, married T. A. Day and they live in Chariton township. Shackel Palmer attended school in the Mt. Caimel district and in early life engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1885, he bought 120 acres of land where his present home is located. He bought more land later and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 350 acres. His place is well improved with a good substantial residence and other farm buildings. The place is well watered, the supply being pumped by two wind mills. In addition to general farming he feeds a great many cattle and hogs for market. Mr. Palmer was married, Feb. 16, 1888, to Miss Jennie Lee Chrisman. She is a daughter of Judge Austin and Mary Frances (Coleman) Chrisman. Judge Chrisman served as county judge of Randolph County for six years and his associates on the county court were Judges Wayland and Cosby. Judge Chrisman and his wife were both natives of George^ town, Va., and were married there and settled in Randolph County, prior to the Civil War. He died at the age of 68 years and his wife was about 55 years old at her death. Their remains are buried in the Earnhardt Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Mary Frances Wright, deceased; Mrs. Ella Price Wright, lives near Darkes- ville; Mrs. Palmer of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born six children as follows: Effie Lou, married William Reynolds, Chariton township; Mary Austin, at home with her parents; William M., married Myma Brodsher and is engaged in farming and stock raising in Chariton township, where he is the owner of 160 acres of land; Sarah Christine, died Dec. 25, 1919, at the age of 25 years, was the wife of Curtis Brockman of Clifton Hill; and left one son, Curtis Palmer Brockman, bom Dec. 19, 1919; Ella, resides at home with her parents, and Thelma, also resides at home. Mr. Palmer is one of the stubstantial men of Chariton township and the Palmer family is highly respected in the community. 730 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY J. E. Motley, proprietor of the "Blue Grass Mound Stock- Farm," which is located three and one-half miles west of Huntsville, in Salt Spring township, is one of the progressive and well-to-do farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He was born in Lincoln County, Mo., Jan. 11, 1870, a son of James A. and Lucy (Lovelace) Motley. James A. Motley was born in Virginia, May 22, 1830, and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Lincoln County in 1840. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil War. His wife was a native of North Carolina, born Jan. 30, 1831. They are both now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: B. W., who died in 1919 at the age of 65 years; D. W., died in 1915, at the age of 59 years; Paulina J., was born June 18, 1858, and is now deceased; William H., was born Sept. 1, 1860, and lives in Pike County, Mo.; James D., born Sept. 27, 1862, lives in Lincoln County, Mo.; Emma F., born Dec. 30, 1864, lives in Lincoln County, Mo. ; Lucy Lee, born July 11, 1867, deceased; and J. E., the subject of this sketch. J. E. Motley was reared and educated in Lincoln County and began his career as clerk in a store in that county for two years. In 1914, he traded a Lincoln County farm for his present place in Salt Spring town- ship. This place was formerly the David Benton farm and contains 330 acres, 100 acres of which is bottom land. The place is well improved with a good residence and barns and since coming here Mr. Motley has built a large silo. He carries on general farming and stock raising, specializing in Duroc Jersey hogs and is now beginning with a herd of Shorthorn cattle. Mrs. Motley is successfully engaged ^n raisingi standard bred Wyandotte and Leghorn chickens. Mr. Motley was married Oct. 15, 1903, to Miss Delia M. Jamison, a daughter of J. A. and Mariah E. (Lindsay) Jamieson, both of whom are now deceased. J. A. Jamieson was born in Washington County, Mo., and his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Confederate army. They were mar- ried in Lincoln County and the following children were bom to them: Walter L., bom July 16, 1875, and resides in Lincoln County, Mo.; Mrs. J. E. Motley, of this sketch, born Aug. 3, 1877, and John W., bom Oct 7, 1883, and resides in Pemiscot County. To Mr. and Mrs. Motley have been born the following children: Hurley Lee, who is interested in breeding Spotted Poland China hogs, is taking vocational agricultural training and is a member of the Ran- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 731 dolph County Pig Club; Ruby Frances, who has won honors and pure- bred Poland gilt by receiving one of the highest grades in the agricul- tural course of the six school districts which recently had a contest; Lucy Marie; Delia May, and Virginia Pearl. Mr. Motley is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Motley family is well known and highly respected in the community. William C. Dawkins, a well known citizen of Randolph County, who resides on his well improved farm, one-half mile east of the city limits of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section. He was bom one and one-half miles north of Higbee, Feb. 8, 1868, and is a son of Leven Thomas and Julia Frances (Collins) Dawkins. Leven Thomas Dawkins was also a native of Randolph County, born near Higbee on the same place where W. C. Dawkins was born. He spent his life in Randolph County and died here about 1897, and his remains ajre buried in the family cemetery near Higbee. He was a son of Wil- liam Dawkins, a Kentuckian, who was a pioneer settler in the vicinity of Higbee, locating there in the early thirties. He spent the remainder of his life near Higbee, after coming here and is buried in the Higbee cemetery. Julia Frances Collins Dawkins, mother of W. C. Dawkins, was also a native of Randolph County, born one mile west of Higbee. She is now deceased and her remains are buried in the cemetery at Higbee. To Leven Thomas and Julia Frances (Collins) Dawkins were bora the following children : Sarah, married Joe Burton, of Higbee, Mo. ; William C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mattie Ella McAdams, of Lamar, Colo.; and Nannie, married Pat Lewis, Moberly, Mo. William C. Dawkins was reared on the home farm near Higbee and educated in the public schools, and early in life engaged in farming and stock raising and has met with success. In 1903, he bought 175 acres of land in Cairo township and that place is now being operated by Luther Hurt. In July, 1919, Mr. Dawkins purchased 26 acres of land just east of Moberly, where he has since made his home; this is a well improved and valuable place with a , modern residence, garage, barns and other farm buildings. The place is located near Moberly. Mr. Dawkins was united in marriage Nov. 14, 1893, with Miss Sallie McAdams, a daughter of C. A. and Lucy Ella McAdams. To Mr. and Mrs. Dawkins have been bom two children: William Cloyd and Mae, 732 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY both of whom are members of the junior class in the Moberly High School. Mr. Dawkins is one of the progressive and substantial citizens of Randolph county and the Dawkins family is highly regarded in this section. Nathaniel Francisco Haworth, a well known and successful citizen of Randolph County, is a native of Tennessee. He was born in Green County, Tenn., Aug. 4, 1850, and is a son of Absalom and Ehzabeth (White) Haworth, both natives of Tennessee. Absalom Haworth was bom near Greenville, Tenn., in 1819, and in early life followed farming there and in 1852, he removed to Hancock County, 111. Later, he came to Ran- dolph County, Mo., and passed the remainder of his life in Moberly. He died in 1901. To Absalom and Elizabeth (White) Haworth were bom nine children, of whom Nathaniel F. was the fifth. The mother died when yet a young woman, being only 35 years old. Absalom Ha- worth was married a second time to Miss Merady Dennis, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, and she died in Moberly in 1916, at the age of 83. The preceding generations were Nathaniel, married Ann Oliphant; his father, Absalom, married Mary West, living first in Opecau, Va., then emigrating to Green County, Tenn. Said Absalom was the second son of George, who came to America in 1699 with William Penn on his second voyage, 56 persons died en route,' it taking 14 weeks to cross the Atlantic. He settled in Bucks County, Pa. George, married Mary Scarbro, in 1710, she being a Quaker lady, as the early Haworths werfe. George was a descendant of James and Isabelle Haworth, of Lankashire, England, there being a church there by the name of Haworth or Haw- orth, as it is really pronounced. Nathaniel F. Haworth spent his boyhood and early youth on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He remained at home until his 16th year, when he came to Missouri. He landed in Randolph County, in 1869, and engaged in the photograph business at McGee Col- lege, this county. A short time afterwards, he came to Moberly, which at that time was a mere village. Upon first settling here, Mr. Haworth began a teaming business, then branched out, buying and selling mules and horses. He was a good judge by values in his line, and he usually bought closely and sold at a profit. In 1874, he invested in a farm a half mile west of Moberly and on this 40 acre tract he built a sale bam which he managed for ten years before he erected a new and larger HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 733 structure for the same purpose in Moberly, on the ground now occupied by the Princess Theatre. There, he not only bought and sold stock, but. carried on a livery business, conducting the joint industries (for ten years before selling out. Again enlarging his facilities, Mr. Haworth built a barn 70x150 feet, where he has his own switch tract from the Wabash railroad, his own loading chute a^nd does an extensive business. He also owns two farms of 110 acres each, where he raises grain and hay which are used to feed his stock. Mr. Haworth is one of the largest mule and horse buyers of the state. During the World War, he bought mules for the government in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado. For the past eight years, Mr. Haworth's son, Harry, has been a partner with him. On April 25, 1872, Nathaniel F. Haworth was married to Miss Susan Elizabeth Tiller, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of John and Lucy (Duvall) Tiller, both natives of Randolph County and now deceased. Mr. Tiller was a farmer and also conducted a wagon and carriage manufacturing business during his life. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haworth: Hattie Bell, the wife of J. M. Hinman, of Sedalia, Mo.; Harry H., who is in partnership with his father; and Lulu, the wife of Arthur McCuUy, a member of the Forney Clothing Company of Moberly. Since coming to Moberly, Mr. Haworth has taken an active part in local affairs, and when only 27 years old was elected to the city council and was re-elected again and again, serving for 15 years, until he de- clined to serve longer. He is a Democrat and he and his wife belong to the Central Christian church. Mr. Haworth is one of the substantial pioneer business men of Moberly and Randolph County. William F. Wigginton, one of the stockholders of the Harris Lumber Company, has been extensively and successfully identified with the com- jnercial enterprises of Moberly for 15 years. He was bom near Cairo, Randolph County, Sept. 1, 1888, the only child of Joseph and Ellena (Stigall) Wigginton. Joseph Wigginton was a native of Frankfort, Ky., and his wife was born and reared in Randolph County, Mo. She was the daughter of William and Lizzie (Frazier) Stigall, natives of Virginia, who left that state at an early day and were pioneer settlers in Missouri. Joseph Wig- ginton was engaged in stock raising in Kentucky, and came to Missouri about 1857. He engaged in farming, raised horses and mules and later 734 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNT-f became a merchant at Bowling Green, where he was well and favorably known. In the early 80's, Mr. Wigginton came to Moberly to accept a position with the Wabash railroad bridge and building department. Five years later he moved to Cairo and engaged again in farming until 1890, when the family returned to Moberly and Mr. Wigginton became a con- tractor, a business in which he was engaged until his death in 1908. William F. Wigginton was reared in Moberly and attended the public schools and graduated from the Commercial College. He then engaged in the grocery business with A. B. McCoy, until 1906, when Mr. Wig- ginton disposed of his interest in the store to accept a position with the Harris Lumber Company. In 1910, he purchased a block of stock in this concern and became one of the partners in the lumber business which is located at 100 West Rollins street. On Nov. 16, 1916, Mr. Wigginton was married to Miss Helen Turner, of Moberly, Mo. She is a daughter of Henry and Alice (Buckley) Turner, natives of Illinois. Henry Turner was manager for the Adams Express Company for years, but is now deceased. His widow now resides in Mo- berly. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wigginton: Robert W. and Frances H., both at home. The Wigginton family are members of the Central Christian church and Mr. Wigginton is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, being Past Master of the Blue Lodge, Past High Priest of the Chapter, Past Commander of the Knights Templar and Past Patron of the Eastern Star. Harry H. Haworth, one of the progressive business men of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County. He is extensively engaged in buying and selling mules and horses and is widely known as a successful dealer with sales stables at 100-110 West Oilman street. Mr. Haworth was bom in Moberly, Oct. 4, 1877, the son of N. F. and Susan E. (Tiller) Haworth, and is the second of their three children.* He spent his boyhood days here in Moberly and attended the public schools. In 1899, soon after leaving school, Mr. Haworth accepted a position on the Wabash railroad. He began as a locomotive fireman and 5 years later he was promoted to engineer. After running an engine for two years, he resigned to become associated with his father in the live stock business. A partnership was formed in February, 1906. Mr. Haworth was already a capable buyer. When only a boy, he could judge the value of horses and mules much better than the average mature HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 735 man. Therefore, the business was not new to him when he entered it. During the World War, Mr. Haworth bought horses and mules in Iowa and other western states for government inspection. On April 10, 1898, Mr. Haworth was married to Miss Gertrude Palmer, of Randolph County. She is a daughter of Seth and Caddie (Curran) Palmer, the former being deceased, and the mother now lives with her son and daughter. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haworth: Palmer, in the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Mo- berly. Mo.; Howard, who is with the Federal Reserve Bank, Dallas, Tex. ; Gertrude and Frances, both at home. Mr. Haworth is a Democrat and though he has never -taken an active part in political life, he is a public spirited man who lives his patriotism and supports every movement for municipal and civic improve- ments. Mr. and Mrs. Haworth are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a deacon of the Moberly congregation. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The family residence is at 517 West Logan street, Moberly, Mo. Dr. Moss R. Noland is one of the successful physicians and surgeons of Randolph County, who since coming here in 1914, has built up an extensive practice and has met with success in his professional work. Dr. Noland was born in Holt County, Mo., June 2, 1886, and is a son of F. S. and Mary (Butler) Nolan, being the youngest of the two chil- dren born to his parents. He has one sister, Maud, the wife of Martin Hibbard, a ranchman in Wyoming. F. S. Noland was born in Holt County, Mo., in August, 1861, and reared in Missouri, being the son of Presley R. Noland, who was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States when a boy. He was a farmer during his active career. He is now deceased, but his wife survives him an)l now resides at For- rest City. F. S. Noland was a merchant for many years, but is now living retired at Oregon, Mo. Mary (Butler) Noland was born in Vir- ginia in October, 1865. F. S. Noland and wife reside at Oregon, Mo. Doctor Noland was reared in Oregon, Mo., and attended the public schools there, graduating from the high school in 1904. After com- pleting his elementary education, he entered in the medical department of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., spent , four years there and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1908. Within a^ short time, Dr. Noland opened an office at Holliday, where he soon built up a good practice. He came to Moberly in 1914, where he has 736 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY since been engaged in his professional work and is one of the leading physicians .of Randolph County. In June, 1908, Dr. Noland was married to Miss Mary Markt, a native of Holt County. She is a daughter of Frederick Mai-kt, Sr., who now lives at Oregon, Mo. One child has been born to this union, Ramonette. Dr. Noland is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine at Kansas City, Mo. Harvey C. Eubanks has been a well known business man and farmer of the Higbee district for 20 years, and today is the proprietor of a fine farm. of 227 acres in Moniteau township, where he has gained a high reputation as a breeder of Poland China hogs and other live stock. Mr. Eubanks was born in Audrain County, Mo., Jan. 19, 1871, and is a son of Josephus and Lucretia (Lienberger) Eubanks and is the sec- ond of their eight children. Both the parents are also natives of Mis- souri, and now reside at Mexico, on the same farm where they have lived for many years. Harvey C. Eubanks spent his boyhood and youth on his father's home place. He attended the district school near his home with the other children and gained a good practical education. A year before attaining his majority, he started out on his independent career, rented a farm and engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1901, Mr. Eu- banks came to Randolph County and engaged in the saloon business for a time and bought a farm in 1914, where he has since been engaged in varied farm industries, with special attention paid to stock raising. On Nov. 1, 1904, Mr. Eubanks was married to Miss Crete Pyle, of Randolph County, the daughter of G. H. and Rachael (Pierce) Pyle, both natives of this county and now deceased. Four children have been born to this union : Granville, Roy, Herbert and Ruth, all at home with their parents. ' Mr. Eubanks is a public spirited man who, while he takes no active part in politics, votes the Republican ticket and supports every laudable movement for the development of the county and town. He is a a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective. Order of Elks and is one of the substantial men of Randolph County. Lane Cottingham, deceased, who for many years was one of the prominent and successful farmers of Prairie township, was born Jan. 19, 1861, and died Nov. 12, 1902. He was the son of George and Nancy HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 737 Lee (Noel) Cottingham, who were natives of Kentucky and whose his- tory will be found on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of Guy Cottingham. Lane Cottingham was next to the oldest of the six children born to his parents. He spent his youth on his father's farm in Prairie town- ship, attended the district school and when old enough began to farm. He invested his money in a 110 acre farm in Prairie township, and be- came one of the substantial agriculturists of his district. Mr. Cottingham was successful in all his business enterprises, liberal in help to his neigh- bors, and supported all the movements for the development of Randolph County. He gained a high reputatibn for honesty and .spent his life on the farm, where he bred high grade stock. He was a Democrat and he and his wife belonged to the Christian church. Oct. 7, 1885, Mr. Cottingham was married to Miss Mollie Wirt, born April 15, 1863, in Randolph County, the daughter of James and Sallie (Hendrix) Wirt, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They were early settlers of this county and are now deceased. One child was born to this union, Vera, the widow of Joseph Schooling, who lives with her mother. Mrs. Cottingham resides on the home farm which she manages, and is an efficient and experienced farmer. Vera Cottingham married Joseph Schooling Oct. 31, 1909, and he died in 1914, age 31 years. He was a native of Randolph County, the son of Daniel and Sallie (Brown) Schooling, now living at Clark, Mo. To this union one child was born, Elizabeth, with her mother and grand- mother, on the farm. Before his death, Joseph Schooling was a barber, in business in Clark. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. John B. Stark, a prominent farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. He was born in Silver Creek township Sept. 2, 1871 and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Bradley) Stark. James M. Stark was also bom in Silver Creek township and spent his life in this township; he was a successful farmer and prominent in the community. He died in August, 1909 in his 76th year. His widow now resides in Moberly. Her maiden name was Mary E. Bradley. She was a daughter of Judge John W. Bradley, a native of Barren County, Ky., who came to Randolph County with his parents, Richard and Mary (Ratcliff) Bradley in 1828 when he was six years old. John B. Stark was one of the family of nine children bom to his par- 'ents. He was reared on the farm in Silver Creek township and attended 738 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the district school. He remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority when he engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account. In 1902, he purchased his present place where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 295 acres. His place is well improved. The residence is modern and the other farm buildings are well arranged and good substantial structures. On Oct. 11, 1903, John B. Stark was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fray. She was born in Silver Creek township and is a daughter of William H. and Susan B. (Ftirgeson) Fray, both natives of Randolph County and now residents of this -county. To Mr. and Mrs. Stark have been born three children as follows: Harold, at home; Hazel, deceased, and Helen at home. Mr. Stark is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Yates Sav- ing Bank. He is progressive, public spirited and one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County. Fcnsie L. Sours, a popular and widely known passenger conductor of Moberly, in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, has been a Wabash Railroad man since he was 14 years old and thus is closely identi- fied with the interest of this railroad. Mr. Sours was born at Mont- gomery City, Mo., Nov. 18, 1873 and is a son of John and Catherine (McCabe) Sours, a more extensive history of whom appears in connection with the biographical sketch of George Sours in this volume. Fonsie L. Sours was the fifth in order of birth of a family of 10 chil- dren born to his parents. The Sours family settled in Moberly when Fonsie L, Sours was nine years' old. He had attended the public schools at Montgomery City, and after coming here was a student in the Moberly schools until he was 14 years old when he began working in the Wabash shops here. When he was 18 years of age he engaged in the train service of the Wabash Railroad in the capacity of brakeman. In 1897 he was promoted to freight conductor and in 1904 was promoted to passenger conductor and for 16 years has run a passenger train on this railroad. On Nov. 17, 1904, Mr. Sours was married to Miss Elizabeth Benville, a native of Moberly. She is a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Walsh) Benville. The father was a locomotive engineer and was killed in a wreck in 1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Sours have been bom two children: Virginia and Anna Elizabeth. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 739 Mr. Sours is a Democrat, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Order of Railway Conductors. The Sours family are members of the Catholic church. Joel L. Rector, vice-president of the Farmers Bank of Renick, Ran- dolph County, and owner of 160 acres of valuable land in Prairie town- ship, this county, and 220 acres in Monroe County, is one of the sub- stantial, representative agriculturists in central Missouri. He was bom in Monroe County, Mo., Feb. 24, 1864, the son of Isham N. and Martha L. (Garrett) Rector, natives of Kentucky and Monroe County, Mo., respec- tively. , Isham N. Rector was born in Kenton County, Ky., in 1836. He was •■•reared and educated there and became a farmer and in 1864 came to Mis- souri, iv.<.ot,-„g in Monroe County, where he died Jan. 5, 1916. He was the son of Samuel ^ua Martha (Garrett) Rector, both natives of Virginia who came west at an eari, ..,, ^^ ^^^^^^ ^.^^^^^ g^^y^^^ ^^ Kentucky, where they passed the remainder' o. .^^-^ j^^^^ g^^,^^! p^^^^^^, ^^^ ^ slave owner and had a large tobacco plantation, ^^^^j^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ was born in Monroe County, April 15, 1843, and now -^^i^gg there She was the mother of five children: Joel, of this review; Logan "tj.; -^^^^^^^j. Sallie K. Bunce, of South Dakota; Samuel I., living with his mother on the home farm and Arminta, the wife of Samuel Smith, deceased. Joel Rector was reared in the country, gained his education in the district schools and says he has been a farmer all his life with the excep- tion of two years, when he was working as a carpenter in Texas and for the Pacific Express Company at Corpus Christi. He began farming in Monroe County, Mo. in 1896 and three years later moved to his present farm which he bought. Mr. Rector began to make improvements on the place which have become extensive and today his farm is one of the best in the county. He had to clear a part of the land, erect bams and out- buildings and break the new land. Jan. 14, 1896, Mr. Rector was married to Miss Mollie F. Hartman, a native of Monroe County, bom June 27, 1875 and died May 18, 1905. She was the daughter of William and Frances (Pond) Hartman, the former deceased and his widow is now the wife of P. B. Fields. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rector: Hartman, now at home, was drafted during the war with Germany and spent four months in the service; Fannie R., deceased, and Delilah, the wife of J. E. Carpenter, of Randolph County. 740 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Hartmai} Rector was born Nov. 26, 1896, was educated in the local schools and in the Moberly High School and on Aug. 18, 1918, married Miss Vivian Fay Garven, a native of Prairie township. She was educated in the public schools and graduated from the high school in Moberly before attending Fayette College a year and taught in district No. 54 a year before her marriage. Mrs. Rector's parents are William and Lucy (Mascn) Garven, early settlers of this county. Joel Rector is a Democrat and has taken an active part in local affairs, serv:ng for many years as school director in district 54. He advo- cates ail the movements imthe county that tend to agricultural improve- n^ent and increased production and for many years has been an active men.be.' of the Christian church. Andy Hence Wheeler, a progressive and enterprising yoime farmer and stockman of Sugar Creek township, is a native of '^'^^ state of Iowa. He was born in Wapello County, Iowa, Oo^ y«' 18^9 and is a son of Joseph H. and Emma (Moss) Wheeie-> « sketch of whom appears in this volume. Andy WheeJp^ '""'^ about five years old when the family came to Misso"-' --""' '^'^ttled in Randolph County. He was reared on his father's j^.ai in Sugar Creek township and attended the district school. He re- mained on the home farm in Sugar Creek township with his parents until 1915 when he began farming rented land which belonged to his father. In 1919 he bought a farm of 80 acres where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising. His place is well improved and is a valuable and productive farm. Mr. Wheeler is a wide-awake and enterprising *young man and is not confining his efforts alone to farming. During the threshing seasons he operates a threshing outfit and for the past four years he has been profit- ably engaged in this business in Randolph County and threshes with the only gas tractor in this community. On Sept. 30, 1915, Andy H. Wheeler was united in marriage with Miss Nora Jewell Mason, a native of Sugar Creek township, Randolph County. She is a daughter of Joseph Mason, a well known farmer of Sugar Creek township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler has been born one child. Opal Alliene, born Aug. 3, 1916. Mr. Wheeler is independent in politics and takes a commendable interest in local affairs. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 741 Henry B. Cubbage, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township and vice-president of the Yates Savings Bank at Yates, Mo., is a native of Kentucky. He was bom in Owen County, Ky., Jan. 26, 1855 and is a son of William K. and Cecelia (Clements) Cubbage. William K. Cubbage was born in Warren County, Ohio in 1820. He went to Kentucky when a young man where he followed farming and also worked as a stone mason and plasterer in his early career. He died in Grayson County, Ky., in 1884. He was a son of George and Mary (Kin- dell) Cubbage. George Cubbage was a native of Ireland and his wife was born in Ohio. They were the parents of nine children, six boys and three girls. To William K. and Cecelia (Clements) Cubbage were bom 14 children of whom Henry B., the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth and six of the family are now living. Henry B. Cubbage was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools at Litchfield, Ky. He taught school one year in Kentucky and in 1877 came to Randolph County, Mo. and taught here for one year. He bought his first farm in Randolph County in 1879 and has bought and sold a few farms in southern Ran- dolph County. He is now the owner of a well improved farm of 410 acres in Silver Creek township where he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising. He keeps Polled Angus cattle and has a pure bred registered herd leader. Mr. Cubbage has other important business interests outside of the sphere of agriculture. He was one of the organ- izers of the Bank of Yates and also of the Citizens Bank at Higbee. How- ever, he has disposed of his interests in the latter institution but retains his interest in the Yates Savings Bank of which he is a member of the board of directors and vice-presdent. Mr. Cubbage was married June 17, 1878 to Miss Clara D. Higdon, a native of Hardin County, Ky., and a daughter of Albin S. and Eliza A.. (Ward) Higdon, both natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Cubbage was the only child bom to her parents. Her mother died when Mrs. Cubbage was a child and her father afterwards married Jane J. Duncan and four chil- dren were born to that union, two of whom are now living. Alvin S. Higdon came to Randolph County in 1872 and he and his wife are now deceased. To Henry B. Cubbage and wife have been born nine children as fol- lows: Jesse A., Windsor, Mo.; Steward, resides at home; Myrtle married H. H. Malone and they live south of Huntsville ; Clarence, at home ; Gussie 742 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY married Earl Simpson, Roundup, Mont. ; Vera D. married Sloan Whitsett, Polo, 111.; Lysle E., assistant cashier of the Yates Savings Bank; Edith, deceased and one child dide in infancy. Mr. Cubbage is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church of which he is a deacon. He is a substantial citizen and stands high in Randolph County. Jim L. Haminett, president of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company of Huntsville, Mo., has been in the banking business for 30 years and is a prominent factor in the financial affairs of Randolph County. He was born in Salt Spring township. May 12, 1864 and is a son of Francis M. and Mary Susan (Robertson) Hammett, an extensive sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Jim L. Hammett was reared on his father's farm in Salt Spring town- ship and educated in the public schools. When he was 17 years old his father sent him West to take charge of a cattle ranch which was owned by Hammett and Hall, the senior member of the firm being his father. After , remaining in the West three years, Mr. Hammett returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming and stock raising near Darksville. He continued in that business until 1890 when he became a member of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company and was made assistant cashier of that institution. Shortly afterwards he became cashier of the bank and was serving in that capacity in 1907, when at his father's death when he succeeded him to the presidency of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company and for the past 13 years has served in that capacity. In addition to his banking activities and interests, Mr. Hammett is also an extensive land owner. He owns about 5,000 acres of land in Missouri and Arkansas. He is also an extensive cattle feeder and feeds a great many cattle in Randolph County for the market. Over 600 acres of his land in Arkansas is under cultivation. Mr. Hammett was united in marriage April 29, 1891 with Miss Lora Proctor. She is a daughter of Senator J. M. Proctor and Ella (White) Proctor, the former a native of Boone County and the latter of Audrain County, Mo. Mrs. Hammett was born at Sturgeon, Boone County, Mo. and was educated in the public schools of Boone County and also attended school in St. Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett has been born one son, Francis Harold Hammett, bom June 10, 1892. He was educated in the public schools and on June 15, 1918 was married to Miss Stella Jones of Conway, Ark. where they now reside. They have one child, Frances Jewell, bom Aug. 12, 1919. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 743 Jim L. Hammett is a Democrat and although he has always taken a prominent part in politics, he has never aspired to hold political office. He is one of the presidential electors for the state of Missouri of the second congressional District for the election of 1920. In 1902 he was chairman of the second district, congressional committee. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist church and is treasurer for the Centenary Methodist Commission for the Missouri Conference which embraces all territory north of the Missouri River. Mrs. Hammett is prominent in club and church work and both Mr. and Mrs. Hammett stand high in Randolph County. G. Dorsey Burckhartt, of Huntsville, Mo., is a native son of Randolph County and has spent practically all of his life in this county. He is a son of Judge George H. Burckhartt and Amanda (McCampbell) Burck- hartt. Judge Burckhartt was bom in Randolph County Sept. 22, 1822. He was one of the most prominent early day lawyers of this county and for 28 yearrs was judge of the Circuit Court. He was a son of George Burckhartt who was one of the very early settlers in Randolph County, a native of Maryland, whose father, Christopher F. Burckhartt was also a native of Maryland and served with .Washington during the Revolution. Amanda (McCampbell) Burckhartt, mother of G. Dorsey Burckhartt, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Wallace McCampbell of Jessamine County of that state and an early settler of Randolph County. A more extensive history is given of the Burckhartt family in connection with the sketch of Judge George H. Burckhartt elsewhere in this volume. G. Dorsey Burckhartt was one of the following children born to Judge George H. and Amanda (McCampbell) Burckhartt: Wallace, died in early childhood; John, who was an employee of the Wabash Railroad and accidently killed at Centralia, Mo.; G. Dorsey, the subject of this sketch; Wallace, who was accidently killed Dec. 24, 1918; Don G., de- ceased ; Maria, married John Heether and is deceased and Mrs. Ella Jack- son of Huntsville. G. Dorsey Burckhartt was educated in the public schools and Mt.. Pleasant College at Huntsville. He was engaged in farming and stock raising for a time and during the course of his career, has dealt in live stock and been engaged in the real estate business and for a time con- ducted the Radium Springs Hotel. Mr. Burckhartt was married Dec. 12, 1876 to Miss Mattie D. Pitts, a daughter of Rev. S. Y. Pitts, a Baptist minister of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Burckhartt have been 744 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY born the following children: George Samuel, who is engaged in the pro- duce business at Butte, Mont.; Rodes B., a farmer anii stockman near Higbee, Mo. ; S. D., assistant cashier of the J. H. Hammett Banking Com- pany of Huntsville and Louise, married William Patton of Huntsville. Mr. Burckhartt is a Democrat. He has an extensive acquaintance in Randolph County and by his pleasant and courteous manner has made many friends. Judge George. H. Burckhartt. — For 28 years Judge Burckhartt occu- pied with honor and ability the bench of the judicial circuit, which in- cluded Randolph County. During this long service his life of course became intimately interwoven with the judicial history of the state. He was one of the ablest judges and most upright men on the circuit bench, and his opinions command the highest consideration. Judge Burckhartt belonged to one of the pioneer families of Missouri. His grandfather, Christopher F. Burckhartt, was a native of Maryland and a soldier under Washington during the War of the Revolution. He immigrated to this state with his family in 1811 and settled first in St. Louis County and in two years moved to Howard County, where he lived until his death, one of the worthy and respected old pioneers of that county. He was well advanced in years when he came to Missouri and most of his family of children had grown up and become themselves the heads of families. Among these was George Burckhartt, who became the father of Judge George H. Burckhartt. George Burckhartt was reared in Frederick County, Maryland, and was married in Jefferson County, Ky., to Miss Ruth Dorsey, a repre- sentative of another old and respected Maryland family. George Burck- hartt and family came to Missouri five years after his father and also settled in Howard County. But in 1820 he removed into Randolph County, where he resided for many years. He died in Howard County, to which he had returned 10 years previously, in 1864, when 83 years of age. tie was a man of fine intelligence and high character, and was one of the prominent citizens of Randolph County. Before coming to Mis- souri he had served under General Harrison in the War of 1812. In Ran- dolph County he served for a number of years on the county court bench and held other positions of local importance. He was a member of the first Legislature of Missouri from Howard County and was a member from Randolph County after it was organized. He was a farmer as was also his father, and, considering'the times in which he lived and his oppor- HISTORY OF RA>fDOLPH COUNTY 745 tunities, he was quite successful. In politics he was a life-long Whig and was one of the staunchest supporters of that party in Randolph County. Judge George H. Burckhartt, the ninth and youngest in his father's family of children, was born in Randolph County on his father's home- stead, six miles southeast of Huntsville, Sept. 11, 1823. From an early age he showed a marked taste for study and besides the instruction he received in the occasional common schools kept in the neighborhood, he improved his leisure to good advantage by study at home. Pursuing his studies with unabated zeal and assiduity when young, he soon became qualified to teach school. In September, 1839, he began teaching in Mon- roe County and he continued to teach for two years. In the meantime, while teaching, he pursued a regular course of study preparatory to his admission to the bar. In 1843 he was duly admitted to practice law by Judge P. McBride, of Monroe, sitting at Paris, Monroe County, Mo., and he immediately entered upon the practice of his pro- fession at Huntsville, Mo. His rise in his profession was steady and substantial and he had not been at the bar many years before he became recognized as one of the soundest lawyers in the Huntsville circuit. He was always a man of steady, even habits and went about performing the duties of his practice in a methodical, clear-headed, business-like way; and the opening of court rarely, if ever, found him unprepared to take the proper steps in his cases when they were called. While Judge Burckhartt never claimed to be a great orator, he was always a clear, forcible and convincing speaTcer and generally carried the convictions of his hearers with him in his train of argument. Often, indeed, when fully imbued with the justice and gravity of a cause, he rose to a high point of eloquence in his addresses before judge and jury, and whenever he essayed to touch the cords of sentiment, he never failed to carry the hearts of those who heard him with their convictions, which he had already secured. Long before he went on the bench, he was regarded as one of the leading lawyers of northeast Missouri. Recognizing his eminent fitness and qualifications for the position, in 1862 he was elected circuit judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, and in 1864 he was reelected. Subsequently he was appointed judge of that circuit by Gov. Fletcher when the convention of 1865 ousted all the judges in the state and was again reelected in 1868. He was consecutively reelected and held that office continuously up to the time of his death, April 21, 1890, serving on the bench 28 years. As a judge, he more than 746 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY fulfilled the high expectations of those who honored him with their con- fidence and esteem in placing him in that responsible office. He was an able lawyer and a learned judge, his ability and learning were only equaled by his high character and incorruptibility. On the 16th of October, 1849, Judge Burckhartt was married to Miss Amanda McGampbell, a daughter of Wallace McCampbell, an extensive farmer and respected citizen of Randolph County, who settled in that county from Jessamine County, Ky., in an early day. Of the children born to this union further mention is made in the sketch of G. Dorsey Burckhartt, a son of Judge Burckhartt. Judge Burckhartt was a prominent member of the Masonic order for 40 years. Throughout his entire career, Judge Burckhartt was character- ized by prompt and energetic action and careful attention to business. Independent in thought, social and genial in manner, and inflexible in in- tegrity, he attained to that success and lived in the enjoyment of that reward which is the natural outgrowth of a true life. William Y. Mason, a well known and successful farmer and stock man of Salt Spring township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of pioneers of this section. He was bom in Salt Spring town- ship on a farm adjoining his present place, June 2, 1849 and is a son of William and Lena Jane (Payton) Mason. William Mason was born in Madison County, Ky., and was a son of John Mason who was also a native of Kentucky. William Mason carne to Missouri in 1838 and settled in Salt Spring township on the place which is now owned by William Y. Mason. He bought a part of this place when he came here and added to his original holdings until he was the owner of 320 acres. To William and Lena Jane (Payton) Mason were born the following children : Mrs. Mildred Phipps, deceased ; John Walker and William Y., twins, the former of whom died in 1893 and the latter is the subject of this sketch, and Samuel who died at the age of 24 years. William Y. Mason was educated in the public schools and he and his brother, John Walker Mason, farmed the home place which their father divided between them, until the death of John Walker Mason. Mr. Mason has bought additional land and is now the owner of a splendid farm of 242 acres. His place is well improved with a beautiful white cottage and large bams and is one of the pretty places of Randolph County. His land is fertile and well tilled. He carries on general farming and also raises stock. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 747 Mr. Mason was married in 1874 to Ithema Owens, a native of Ran- dolph County. She was born in October, 1853 and is a daughter of James and Nancy Jane (Terry) Owens, the former a native of Randolph County and the latter a native of Kentucky, a daughter of William Terry, an early pioneer settler of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Mason have been born one child, Ivola, who married Wilson Miller and they live on the Mason farm and two children have been born to them : Euva, born June 16, 1896 and Claudia, born Oct. 25, 1907. During the World War Euva Mason was inducted into tiie National army in October, 1918 and was in training at Camp Bowie, Texas, where he died from influenza Nov. 10, 1918. Mr. Mason is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is one of Randolph County's valued citizens and the Mason family rank high in the community. Madison L. Sears, of Kansas City who, for many years has been prominently identified with the insurance business of this country, is a native of Randolph County and a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Randolph County and Missouri. He was born about three miles south of Huntsville, March 4, 1853 and is a son of Elder Milton J. Sears, a prominent pioneer Baptist minister and evangelist. Elder Milton J. Sears was also a native of Randolph County. He was born on a farm near Huntsville, Jan. 13, 1830. He was educated in private schools and received a practical education and later became a self- educated man. In early life, he taught school and while teaching studied for the ministry. When he was 19 years old, he began preaching. In 1850 he was ordained by Elder William Sears, his uncle of Macon County and Rev. James Ratcliff. That year he was installed as pastor of the Silver Creek Baptist church which is one of the oldest Baptist organ- izations in the county. He continued to preach regularly in that church for over 30 years. He was also a noted evangelist and was the author of the "Primitive Baptist Hymnal". For a number of years he served as public administrator of Randolph County. He also served as a member of the board of trustees of Mt. Pleasant College for many years, until that institution was destroyed by fire. Rev. Milton J. Sears was married July 24, 1851 to Miss Cynthia A. Oliver, a native of Clark County, Ky. She was born Aug. 13, 1833 and was a daughter of John and Cynthia A. . Oliver who came to Randolph County about 1837. To Elder and Mrs. Sears were bom the following 748 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY children: Madison, the subject of this sketch; Viccie, married Felix Auvuchon, Eldorado Springs, Mo. ; Eva C, married Benjamin F. McCrary, Eldorado Springs, Mo. ; Henry L., was an attorney in San Francisco, Calif., and is now deceased ; Minnie S., married Dr. Willard P. Terrill, Huntsville, Mo. ; Anna M., Huntsville, Mo. ; and Stella A., deceased. Elder Sears died at Huntsville in 1893 and his wife departed this life there in 1913 and their remains are buried there. The Sears family is of English origin and was founded in the colony of Virginia nearly a century before the Revolutionary War. John Sears went from Virginia to Kentucky at an early day and settled near Bowling Green. He had four sons. Hardy, Ivison, Henry and William. Henry went to Illinois in 1820 and was a prominent Baptist minister in that state for 40 years and died there. The other three sons came to Randolph County, Mo. and spent the remainder of their lives here except William, who removed to Macon County. Ivison Sears came to Missouri in 1818. John Sears the father of the four sons came to Missouri in 1820 and died in Randolph County. Ivison Sears married in Kentucky Sarah Ryals of a North Carolina family. Ivison Sears died in this county in 1854 and his wife died in 1857. They were the parents of 13 children of whom Elder Milton J. Sears was the sixth in order of birth. Madison L. Sears whose name introduces this sketch was reared in the vicinity of Huntsville and in Huntsville the family having located in town about the close of the Civil War. He was educated in the public schools under Mr. Alex Phipps, Rev. J. C. Ridgeway and later attended Mt. Pleasant College. After leaving school he went to Moberly in the employ of the mercantile house of Moses Jennings and Sons where he remained but a few months. He then went with a firm of Samuel Ham- mett and Company, dealers in leaf tobacco at Bentonville, Ark. Later he became Connected with Henry Wayl,andiand Company who were in the dry goods business at Fayetteville, Ark. About 1878 he returned to Moberly with the real estate and insurance firm of Porter & Hallack. In 1879 he purchased their insurance business and conducted it until 1883 when he disposed of his business and removed to ' Denver,* Colo, with the firm of Chittenden Porter and Hallack. Later he was associated with Martin Collins General Agency, St. Louis, Mo. and represented the Fire Association of Philadelphia and the Manufacturers Fire and Marine In- surance Company of Boston as special agent. He traveled for those com- panies in several states west of the Mississippi River. In 1884 the Phoenix HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 749 Assurance Company of London purchased the Boston Company and Mr. Sears then jomed the forces of that company with hejidquarters at Chi- cago and traveled from Pittsburg, Pa. to Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1886 he was transferred from Chicago to Kansas City where he has since re- sided and for the past 8S yeai-a he has represented the Phoenix Assurance Company of London and its allied ' companies and as he himself says, he •will proi^wy continue to do so until the "job is finished." Mr. Sears is one of the widely known and capable men of his line in the country. He has had a vast experience in the field of insurance and in the course of his career has made an extensive acquaintance not only in his home city but throughout the country. He is a representative business man who has made good in his chosen field of enterprise. Sidney H. Haynes, a well-known conductor of the Wabash system, who resides at Moberly, was born at Glenwood Junction, Mo., Oct. 14, 1885. He is the son of Sidney A. and Louise (Hall) Haynes. Sidney A. Haynes was a prominent railroad man. He was born on a faim north of Moberly in 1840, and when old enough secured a position on the railroad. He was promoted from one position of ti'ust to another and became general road master of this division of the Wabash, serving in that capacity 30 years. He then accepted a position with the Grand Trunk railroad. Leaving that road, he was assistant superintendent of the filteration plant at Montreal, Canada. Later he returned to Missouri and settled on a farm- near Moberly in 1911, where he died Oct. 31, 1918. Mrs. Haynes was born in Berger, Mo. She died in Moberly Nov. 5, 1911. There were the following children in the Haynes family: Ella", the wife of C. G. Williams, of East St. Louis; Sam, deceased; Mary, the wife of W. H. Horton, of Pomona, Cal. ; Anna, of St. Louis; Pearl, the wife of George H. Sours, of Moberly; Sidney H., of this review, and Jack, of Moberly, Mo. Sidney H. Haynes was reared in Missouri and received his educa- tion in the public schools of Moberly. In early life he entered the em- ploy of the Wabash railroad as clerk in the office of the roadmaster, Ollie Walker. He engaged in farming in 1903 and continued that voca- tion three years, when he started as brakeman on the Wabash system. He was promoted to conductor in 1910 and still holds that position. Dec. 18, 1915, Mr. Haynes was married to Miss Virginia Hestler, of Wisconsin. He belongs to the Christian church and his wife is a Tresbyterian. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the order of Railway Conductors and is a Democrat. 750 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY M. W. Burke, a veteran locomotive engineer who has been in the service of the Waba.sh Railroad Company in that capacity for many years during which time Moberiy has been his home, is a native of Chicago. He was born April 26, 1858 and is a aon of Walter and Bridget Ann Burke, both natives of Ireland and very early setntrearL Chicago. The father was born in Ireland in 1820 and died in Albert Lee, TSliiiir^^, jn 1901, and the mother was born in Ireland in 1822 and died in Duluth, Minn, m xqi^ The day that they were married in Chicago, they bought a lot on the - corner of State street and Madison avenue for 75 dollars which goes to show that Chicago at that time was little more than a mere village. That same property today would probably run into the millions, as it is in the very heart of the business district of the city. To Walter and Bridget Ann Burke were born the following children: James C, deceased; M. W., the subject of this sketch ; Mary Jane, a teacher in Duluth, Minn. ; Walter, deceased; Sarah, deceased and Christopher, deceased. M. W. Burke was educated in the pubhc schools and began his rail- road career as a fireman on th eold Southern Minnesota Railroad which is now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul system and just before his 18th birthday, he was promoted to engineer. In 1874 Mr. Burke came to Moberiy which has since been his home. Here he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad as locomotive engineer and since that time has served in that capacity and for many years has been running passenger trains. In 1892 he was the man selected to pull President Hai-rison's special train through Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Always possessing a rare knowledge of locomotive speed he was able at all times to deliver anything that was called for in that line, so the management felt safe in placing him on the most important and exacting special trains. From 1892 till 1896 he served as traveling engineer over all of the Wabash system west of the Mississippi River and while in that capacity and "air brake instructor" he developed a high technical edu- cation and was considered one of the leading experts both as to air brake science and combustion of that period, and has since been used 'as occasion required' by the legal department as their expert witness. He has a long record to his credit as a capable and careful engineer and in this hazardous vocation, he has experienced remarkably few accidents. When he began railroading much of the equipment was of the old fashioned, crude and primitive type and the methods of operating were not sys- tematized to the present high degree of uniformity and efficiency. He has HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY 751 not only witnessed but experienced all of this process of evolution in rail- roading from the link-pin coupler and the hand brake to the modern auto- matic signal system. Mr. Burke was united in marriage in 1898 to Miss Emeline Rowing, a daughter of William and Amelia (Carlotta) Rowing, a native of Ger- many. William Rowing immigrated to America in early life and settled in Pike County, Mo., where he was engaged in farming and stock raising throughout his active career. Ris wife came to this country when she was 16 years old with her family and settled in Pike County. Mr. and Mrs. Rowing are both now deceased. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Henry, William, Julia, and Mrs. Burke, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Burke have been born the following chil- dren: Walter H., born April 12, 1900 is a student of Westminster Col- lege, Fxilton, Mo. ; Carlotta A., born July 24, 1904 is a student in the Mob- erly Righ School ; and Mary F. also resides at home with her parents. Mr. Burke is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers. Re is a Republican and a member of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Burke is active in church, social and literary aii'airs. She is a member of the Fourth Street M. E. church and President of the Missionary Society and is a member of the Chauser and Shakes- peare Club. The Burke family is well known and prominent in Moberly. Samuel B. Adams, a locomotive engineer in the employ of the Wabash, is a well known citizen of Moberly and a descendant of a pioneer family of Randolph County. Ris grandfather, J. J. Adams, Sr., was bom in Ken- tucky in 1801 and first came to Missouri in 1820 ; he walked all the way and drove a herd of sheep from Kentucky to St. Louis, there being only one brick house in St. Louis at the time. There were born to J. J. Adams, Sr. and wife, the following children: Absalom, James, Peter, John, Joe, Martin, Rev. Edward J., Sarah F., Ama Eliza, and Jeptha J., who was the father of Samuel Adams, the subject of this sketch. Jeptha J. Adams, Jr., was born in Kentucky Dec. 24, 1838, and when a boy came to Mis- souri and first settled near Darksville in Randolph County and later on a farm west of Moberly, known as the old Adams homestead. Rere he engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years and later moved to Marshall, to educate the children in Missouri Valley College. He served in the State Militia during the Civil War and took a prominent part in all local affairs and was active in church work. Ris wife, Eliza- beth J., who was the daughter of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Rolbrook, 752 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY was born in Randolph County, three miles west of Moberly, Oct. 7, 1839, and was married Nov. 7, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Adams celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Nov. 7, 1911. Mrs. Adams died at McAlester, Okla., June 1, 1912, and her remains were brought back to Randolph County and interred in Sugar Creek cemetery. Jeptha J. Adams and wife were the parents of the following chil- dren: Alice M. died Oct. 1, 1892; Lula E. married J. J. Breusch and they reside on the old Adams homestead in Randolph County; Cora B. mar- ried Judge E. P. Hill, McAlester, Okla.; Ernest D., died June 16, 1918; Alanta died in infancy; Naomi J., married Roy Hotchkiss, of McAlester, Okla. Samuel B., who is the subject of this sketch was born in Ran- dolph County on the old Adams homestead, April 6, 1868. He followed farming until he was 24 years of age when he went to work for the Wabash as fireman and after six years was promoted to engineer and has been running an engine ever since. Samuel B. Adams received his education in the Moberly public schools and the Missouri Valley College. Samuel Adams was married Dec. 23, 1902, to Miss Laura Lee Bush, who was the daughter of William D. and Ruth (Thomson) Bush of Marshall, Missouri. Some of the very oldest families in Virginia and Kentucky are repre- sented in this sketch and their blood still mingles in the veins of the chil- dren of its subjects. The most ancient of this family of whom we have any record was Col. Freeman Bush, an old Revolutionary soldier who was a descendant of the same stock as Chief Justice Bush of Ireland, and fought under the standard of Washington and was a colonel in the Revolu- tionary War and held that office when the colonies were recognized as free by Great Britain. He was of Welch, English and Irish descent. His wife was the daughter of Lord Cummins of England. They were the parents of three children, "Majny" who married Woulcot and lived in the western part of New York state; Caleb Bush, who was born in 1806 and married Elizabeth Lockwood, her father Samuel Lockwood was of Eng- lish descent, and her mother, Tabitha Carey, was the daughter of Captain Carey of the Revolutionary army. Caleb and Elizabeth Bush had the following children: Steven E., Daniel E., Lauretta, Mary E., Albert G. and William D. Caleb Bush was a Baptist minister for over 40 years. William D. Bush was bom Jan. 16, 1832, began the study of law at the age of 17 and was admitted to the bar in 1857 in Clark County, entered the Confederate army in 1861, as a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 753 private in Gen. Green's brigade and was mustered out at the close of the war as captain of Company D, Col. Priest's regiment. After the close of the war he went to Marshall, Saline Coujity, Mo. and practiced law continuously until Jan., 1899, when he assumed the office of probate judge. This office he held eight years. He was an enthusiastic Demo- crat and a great campaigner for his party. In 1857 he was elected prose- cuting attorney. He was a member of the Baptist church and a Knights Templar Mason. He was married in 1876 to Ruth V. Thomson, who was the daughter of Col. Pike M. Thompson and Elizabeth E., who was the daughter of Lloyd K. Goodwin. William D. and Ruth V. Bush had the following children: Pike C, living at Nelson; George Vest died in 1913; Bettie, married E. C. Winger, living at Point Pleasant, W. Va. ; Laura Lee, who married Samuel B. Adams, who is the subject of this sketch; William V., a lawyer in Kansas City; Marion, at Marshall, Mo.; Thomas Jefferson, Kansas City, Mo., and Frank Cockrell, jVTarshall. Judge Bush died December, 1910; Laura Lee was born March 27, 1884, attended the public school of Marshall, Mo., and studied music and art Kt Missouri Valley College. She is a member of the United Daugh- ters of Confederacy, and Daughters of American Revolution. To Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Adams has been bom one daughter, Lois Eunice, born May 17, 1907, at Moberly, Mo. She completed the grade schools at 11 years of age and. is now a student of Moberly High School. S. B. Adams, wife and daughter, are members of the Fourth Street M. E. church, south. William N. Miles, a well known and successful stock dealer and farmer of- Jacksonville, is one of the progressive and successful business men of Randolph County. He was born near Atlanta, Macon County, Mo., Nov. 6, 1864, and is a son of William A. and Nancy (Daugherty) Miles. William A. Miles was born in Virginia in 1835 and went with his parents from Virginia to Kentucky. From there they came to Missouri and settled in Macon County. The Miles and Daugherty families came to Missouri together. William A. Miles bought land in Macon County and was an extensive land owner, at one time owning about 500 acres. He followed general farming and stock raising and was successful. He was married after coming to Macon County to Nancy Daugherty, who was a native of Kentucky, born in 1829. She died in 1887. To William A. and Nancy (Daugherty) Miles were born 12 children as follows: James C, deceased; Fountain A., Portland, Ore.; Joseph D., 754 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Atlanta, Mo.; Thomas A., deceased; Madison P., deceased; Margaret, married J. M. Elsea and lives near Atlanta, Mo. ; Malissa, deceased ; Wil- liam N., the subject of this sketch; Charles H., deceased; Arthur B., Port Arthur, Tex., and Oscar and Orla, twins, deceased. William N. Miles was reared on his father's farm in Macon County and attended school at the old Oak Grove school -house, near his home in that county. ' He remained at home with his father on the farm until he was 22 years old. In 1887 he bought -a farm of 120 acres east of Atlanta and engaged in farming and stock raising for himself. In 1898 he moved to Atlanta and worked in a store for E. 0. Snow three years and for five years 'he was engaged in buying and shipping stock there. He then came to Jacksonville and was with 0. E. Snow here engaged in the drug business for four and a half years and since that time he has been engaged in buying and shipping stock and also general farming and stock raising and feeding. He owns two farms in Jackson town- ship, one a farm of 100 acres located north of town, which is a well improved farm. He built two silos on this place in 1910 with the capacity of lOO tons each, and they have been filled each year since they were built. One of his barns is designed on the circular plan and is built around the silo. The building is 40 feet in diameter with two wings 20x70 feet, extending from the main building. This is one of the com- plete and interesting farm buildings of Randolph County. A 93 acre farm owned by Mr. Miles, west of Jacksonville, is a well improved place, and is devoted largely to pasture ajid feed lots for cattle and hogs, which he handles in connection with his business. He also has a mule barn in Jacksonville, 44x50 feet. Mr. Miles was one of the organizer's of the Jacksonville Savings Bank and is now vice-president of that institution. He takes a com- mendable interest in public affairs and has served two years as mayor of Jacksonville, from 1914 to 1916. He has also been a member of the town board for eight years and has been street commissioner of Jack- sonville. He was the first to build hard surface walks in Jacksonville and has always taken a keen interest in the betterment and upbuilding of the towh. Mr. Miles was married May 3, 1887, to Miss Clara E. Snow, daughter of Orla and Marilla Snow, natives of Macon County, Mo. Mrs. Miles has been her husband's loyal helptnate throughout his career and -no small measure of his success is due to her co-operation and assistance. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 755 Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miles, as follows: Marilla, married A. W. Elliot, a druggist of Jacksonville, and Beulah, married M. A. Carter of Jacksonville. They also raised a boy, Hershel Snow, since he was six days old, his mother having died. He is now 18 years old and graduated from tbfe Moberly High School in the class of 1920. Mr. Mile3 is a member of the Masonic Lodge -and the Christian Church. He is a Democrat. Caison L. Adams, a well-known employe of the Wabash railroad, is a native of Randolph County, Mo., and descendant of one of the pioneer families of the state. He was born in Sugar Creek township, Jan. 13, 1884, a son of John A. and Polly (Miller) Adams. John A. Adams is a native of Missouri, born Feb. 12, 1850, and now lives in Moberly, retired. His father died when he was 18 years old and Mr. Adams assumed the burdens of the family and the manage- ment of the farm, where he engaged in agriculture until he ceased ac- tive business life in 1914. Polly Miller Adams was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 24, 1860. Her father, Jacob Miller, came to Missouri in an early day and entered 160 acres of land. He served in the Union army during the Civil War and was engaged in farming until his death. John A. and Polly Miller were married in Huntsville and lived on the farm until 1914, when they moved to Moberly. There were four children in the Adams family: Carson L., of this review; Ratia, of Moberly; Eula, the wife of Willard Terrill, of Sugar Creek township, and Joseph, of Bath, Me. Carson L. Adams was reared on the home farm and attended the district school and then farmed with his father until he was 18 years old. He then worked by the month until 1906, when he enlisted in the United States navy at Minneapolis, Minn. He was with the Atlantic fleet and made the famous cruise around the world during Roosevelt's administra- tion in 1907-1908. Mr. Adams served out his enlistment of four years, receiving his honorable discharge at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1910. He then returned to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash railroad and has since been employed in that capacity. Jan. 14, 1911, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Claire Lee Palmer at Huntsville, a native of Clifton City, the daughter of Malcolm and Rena Palmer, the former a native of Canada, and the latter of Missouri. Mr. Adams is a member of the Order of Railway Trainmen, No. 57, and belongs to the Independent order of Odd Fellows and is a Democrat. 756 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Charles L. Larson, a locomotive engineer on the Wabash system, with a run out of Moberly, Mo., was born on a farm in Sweden, April 7, 1871. He is a son of John and Augusta (Isaacson) Larson, natives of Sweden, the former born in 1834 and the latter in 1832. They were mar- ried in their native country, and in 1880 the Larson family immigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Ottumwa County, Iowa, where John Larson engaged in general farming and stock raising. He and his wife both died there. Seven children were born to them as follows: Minnie, deceased; Emma, the wife of James Smith, of Ottum- wa, Iowa ; Hilda, deceased ; Charles L., of this review ;• Eamel, of Kansas City, Mo.; Philip, also of Kansas City, and Oscar, deceased. Charles L. Larson was reared on the farm in Iowa and attended the public schools. After his schooling was finished he helped his father on the farm until he was 19 years old before starting out for himself as a clerk in a store in Ottumwa. Shortly afterwards he went to work in the roundhouse of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad at Ottum- wa and later became fireman. After serving in that capacity for a time he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad with a run out of Ottumwa. He remained with that company a short time when he came to Moberly, Mo., as fireman for the Wabash system. Mr. Larson made his first trip out of Moberly Dec. 18, 1894, and was promoted to engineer in 1900, and was promoted to passenger engineer in 1910, a position which he still holds. April 26, 1899, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Ada Hoagland at Ottumwa, and three children have been born to this union: Arthur, Charles and Marion, all at home. Mr. Larson is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and is a Shriner, being a member of the Kansas City Shrine. He is a Demo- crat and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian church. M^s. Larson is a member of the Eastern Star and the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and of the White Shrine. William F. Maslen, a machinist employed at the Wabash railway shops in Moberly, Mo., is a native son of Randolph County, bom in Moberly, Dec. 28-, 1876. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Meyer) Maslen. Samuel Maslen was born in England, and came to the United States with his parents. He was raised in the state of New York and near the close of the Civil War enlisted in the Union army at Washington, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 757 D. C. He served until peace, was established. Later he came to St. Charles, Mo., when he was employed in the railroad shops, coming to Moberly when the shops were moved to this place. Mr. Maslen was a machinist and employed as such by the Wabash railroad until his death in 1903. Elizabeth (Meyer) Maslen was born in at. Uharles, Mo., in 1848, was married there, later coming to . Moberly, where she still resides. There were six children born to this union : Edward, deceased ; Frederick of Moberly; Benjamin, deceased; William, of this review; Samuel, de- ceased, and Mrs. E. B. Horan, of Moberly. William Maslen was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools and Loretta Academy, where he gained a good practical education. While still in school, he began to sell newspapers for the Monitor and continued to work for that publication at various work until he was 17 years old. He then entered the foundry of the railroad shops, where he worked a short time. Later he learned the machinist trade and has been em- p-loyed in that capacity since. .November 5, 1910, Mr. Maslen was married to Miss Annie Prather, the daughter of William A. and Mary (Hammond) Prather, of Moberly. One child has been born to this union, Robert E., bom July 9, 1917. Mr. Maslen belongs to the Machinist Union, is a Democrat and a member of the Catholic church. Mrs. Maslen is a member of the Lady Maccabees, the Auxiliary of the Machinist Union and is a member of the Catholic church. William Paul Christian, a conductor of the Wabash railroad, of Mo- berly, has been an employee of this company over 20 years. He was born at Renick, Randolph County, Mo., Jan. 20, 1879, the son of Dr. R.. T. and Katharine (O'Keefe) Christian'. Dr. R. T. Christian was born in Randolph County in 1826, received his elementary education in the public schools and then entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he graduated. Dr. Christian served in the medical corps of the Rebel army during the Civil War and after peace was declared he returned to Renick, where he established himself in the practice of his profession. He also became interested in farming and stock raising and was a well-known breeder of race horses, having been the owner of the celebrated horse "Benjamin," which won many races in Missouri and was well known to the people of this section. Doctor Christian became well-to-do and at the time of his death, June 16, 1898, he owned 500 acres of land near Renick. He was buried 758 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY at St. Mary's Cemetery, Moberly, Mo. He was a well and favorably known physician of this county, having practiced here successfully lor 30 years. He was a man who worked for the benefit of his community, and was an advocate of better schools and served on the school board of Renick for many years. His wife was born in Susquehanna County, Fa., Nov. 1, 1846, and was married in Moberly in 1868. She died Aug. 3, 1900, and was buried beside her husband. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Napoleon J., of Moberly; Arthur T., of Renick; Robert E., of St. Louis; Ida, deceased; William P.< of this review; John C, of St. Louis; Joseph Earl, of Oklahoma City; Ernest, deceased, and Dr. Leo C, of Houghton, Mich. ■William Paul Christian was reared in Renick, and attended the puo- lic school, and in early life he began farming some of hi3 father's land, and was thus engaged until his 19th year. In 1897, he came to Moberly • and entered the employ of his uncles, The O'Keefe Brothers, wholesale and retail grocers. For a year he worked in the stock room of this cor- cein and then became a traveling salesman. Two years later Mr. Chris- tian entered the eihploy of the Wabash railroad as brakeman, entering the service of this company on Nov. 11, 1899, and on Nov. 13, 1903, he was promoted to conductor, and was promoted passenger conductor June 14, 1916, which position he still retains. Oct. 6, 1904, Mr. Christian was married to Miss Agnes L. O'Connell, of Moberly, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Hurley) O'Connell, both natives of Ireland who now live in Moberly. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Christian: Agnes Marie, who is attending St. Mary's Academy. Mr. Christian is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and is a Democrat and belongs to the Cathohc church. Mrs. Christian is a member of the Maccabees, and the Catholic church. Mercer B. Cowan, a veteran railroad man of Moberly, Mo., has been a 'conductor on the Wabash system for more than 30 years. He was born in Menard County, 111., Sept. 23, 1853, the son of Thomas and Anna (Wells) Cowan. Thomas Cowan was born in Scotland, in 1812, and came to the United States with his three brothers, John, William and James, all of whom are now deceased. Thomas Cowan first settled in New York, and from there moved to Kentucky and later to Jacksonville, III. From there he went to Alton, ■where he entered the law school and after gradutaing in law he located HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 759 at Rock Island, 111., where he worked as a blacksmith for a time and then opened a law office in Petersburg, 111., where he practiced law for many years. He died in Mason City, in 1874, and was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, near Petersburg. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Cowan enlisted in the Union army and served until peace was declared. His wife was a native of Alton, 111., bom in 1820, was married at Upper Alton, in 1842, and died in 1862, being buried at Rose Hill. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, Emma, Edward and Ellen, deceased; Mercer B., of this review, and Charles and Laura, deceased. Mercer B. Cowan was educated in the public schools of Mason City, 111., and when a boy was a bootblack in Chicago., Later he began as a news agent on a train and when 17 years old secured a position as brake- man on the Chicago & Alton railroad. In 1871 he went to Houston, Texas, as a brakeman on the Houston & Texas Central railroad, and promoted to conductor of a work train in 1872, and later to conductor of a local freight. In 1873 he was promoted to passenger conductor, where he worked until 1874, when he came to Moberly. Here he held a position as conductor on the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern rail- road, until 1878, when he went to Omaha as conductor on the Union Pacific railroad. Returning to Moberly in 1889, he entered the service of the Wabash railroad as conductor of a freight train, and was pro- moted to a passenger run in 1896, a position which he has since held. Jan. 9, 1876, Mr. Cowan was married to Miss Katharine Murphy, of Moberly, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Dehenna) Murphy, the father a native of Ireland, the mother of Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cowan: Ida, the wife of Charles F. Kaadt, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Mary E., at home. Mr. Cowan is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and is a Mason and a Shriner. He is independent politically. Mrs. Cowan is a member of the Auxiliary of Order of Railway Conductors and the Catholic church. Winfred E. Day, a well known and successful farmer and stock breeder of Jackson township, is a native of Randolph County. He was bom in Cairo township, April 16, 1875, and is the son of D. G. and Matilda (Dameron) Day. D. G. Day was born in Cairo township in January, 1850, where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now re- tired from farming and resides at Cairo, where he is vice-president of 760 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY the Bank of Cairo. Matilda (Dameron) Day was also bom in Cairo township in 1857. D. G. and Matilda (Dameron) Day are the parents of the following children: Winfred E., the subject of this sketch; Hor- tense, married George V. Ridings, of Moberly; Arthur, deceased, and one child died in infancy. Winfred E. Day was educated in the district school and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. He remained at home until he was 20 years old, when he began his independent career. He purchased his present farm in Jackson township in 1908. His place consists of 300 acres of valuable and well improved land. He has placed many substan- tial improvements on the farm since he bought it, including two silos one with a capacity of 12b tons and the other 150 tons. He has built two large cattle barns, 60x60 feet and 48x96 feet. His stock and feed barn is a large building, 48x60 feet. This place is well provided with good water, which is piped to various points of convenience about the place. Mr. Day has been very successful in raising sheep, and at this writing he has on hands 115 ewes, 150 lambs. In 1919, he shipped 500 head of sheep to market. He is also a successful hog raiser and favors for general purposes the Duroc Jersey hogs. His place is well adapted to both general farming and stock raising and 60 acres of it is rich bottom land. Mr. Day was married Dec. 7, 1918, to Miss Orian Mason, daughter of John and Theresa (Terry) Mason, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Day is one of a' family of five children bom to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Day have no children. Mrs. /Day is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Day belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Day is progressive and takes an active part in local affairs. He is president of the Jacksonville Grange and takes an active part in the promotion and betterment of general farm conditions. John N. Dumont, a well-known contractor and brick and stone mason of Moberly, Mo., was born at Ottawa, Kan., Aug. 28, 1884. He is a son of Nicholas and Margaret (Kipper) Dumont. Nicholas Dumont was bom in Luxemberg, France, in 1857, and reared and educated in his native land. In 1877, he came to the United States. He settled at Otta- wa, Kan., where he worked at his trade of stone-cutter at which he was very expert, and did specially fine work. In 1889 the family moved to Kansas City and four years later came to Moberly, where they have since lived. Mr. Dumont died in St. Louis in 1907 and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Moberly. Mrs. Dumont is a native of New York City, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 761 born in 1861, and was married at Scipio, Kan., in 1882. She now lives in Moberly. There were six children in the family: Daniel, deceased; John N., of this review; Margaret, the wife of Eugene Ettling, of Fergu- son, Mo.; William, of Moberly; Elizabeth, deceased, and Annie, who lives with her mother. John N. Dumont was educated at St. Marys school and the South Park public school and after that took a correspondence course in archi- tecture with the Scran ton school, Scranton, Pa. When only 16 years old Mr. Dumont went to work under his father and learned the brick and stone cutting trade, at which he became very expert. After five years this association was discontinued on account of his father's health, and Mr. Dumont started to manufacture cement blocks and. carry on a con- tracting business in partnership with F. M. Lambert. Two years later Mr. Dumont bought the interest of Mr. Lambert and engaged in con- tracting, independently.. This business continued until 1917, when he , entered the employ of Mr. Lambert and later that of E. H. Cooper, and at the present time is laying brick for Daily & Glisspe, contractors. Feb. 26, 1908, Mr. Dumont was married to Miss Hanna Stratnian, of Moberly, the daughter of Henry and Emma (Schneider) Stratman. One child has been born to this union, John W., who is at home with his parents. Mr. Dumont is a member of the Brick Layers' Union, the Catholic church and is a Republican. He is one of the reliable and skilled men of his line in Moberly, where he has won a reputation for ability. He helped built the County Infirmary at Huntsville. James E. Harbaugh, a well-known foreman in the Wabash railroad shops at Moberly, is a native of Indiana. He was bom at Lapel, Ind., Aug. 5, 1877, and is a son of E. M. and Lucetta (Taylor) Harbaugh. E. M. Harbaugh is a son of Jerome Harbaugh, who crossed the plains, in 1849, from Baltimore, to the Pacific coast with ox teams. E. M. Harbaugh was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1846, and was reared in that city and remained there until 1862, when he went to Mattoon, 111., and enlisted in Company E, 38th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, for three years or during the war, and served in the Union army until the close of the war. After the war he located at Sullivan, 111., where he remained until 1875, when he removed to Lapel, Ind., where he resided until 1884, when he moved to Edinburg, 111., and in 1895 he located in Springfield, 111., and lived thefe until 1918, whne he came to Moberly, where he now resides. E. M. Harbaugh was married in 1872 to Lucetta 762 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Hawkins, nee Taylor, at Sullivan, 111. She was born in Virginia in 1843 and died at Springfield, 111., in 1908. To E. M. Harbaugh and Lucetta (Taylor) Harbaugh were born three children, as follows : Delia, the wife of William Ogden, of Moberly, Mo. ; "James E., of this review, and one child died in infancy. James Harbaugh was reared in the vicinity of Springfield, Mo., at- tended the public schools and then entered the employ of the Wabash railroad shops at Springfield. He was assigned to work in the steam pipe fitting department, where he worked five years and learned the trade of pipe fitter. At the expiration of this period, Mr. Harbaugh was trans- ferred to the shops in Moberly, and located here in 1908. He was pro- moted to forenian of his department, a position which he still holds, being one of the eflScient and reliable men well able to assume respon- ^Ljibility. March 23, 1901, Mr. Harbaugh was married to Miss Clara Cunning- ham, at Springfield, 111. She is a daughter of William and Margaret (Geen) Cunningham, the former a native of Rushville, 111., born in 1859, and now lives at Mt. Sterling, 111.- Mrs. Cunningham was born in Rush- ville, in 1861, was reared and later married there and now lives in Mt. Sterling. Mrs. Harbaugh was the third in a family of six children bom to her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh has, been born two children: Edward and Leon C. Leon C. died in infancy. ' Mr. Harbaugh is a Mason of high standing, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery and of the Shrine in Kansas City. He also is a member of the Eastern Star. With his wife he belongs to the Christian church and is a Republican. Mrs. Harbaugh is a member of the Eastern Star, belongs to the Maccabees, Court of Honor, the King's Daughters and Central Christian church. Mr. Harbaugh's grandfather, Jerome Harbaugh, crossed the plains in '49 from Baltimore to the Pacific coast, making the trip overland in a wagon drawn by oxen. John J. Mumin, one of the reliable locomotive engineers of the Wa- bash railroad and a substantial citizen of Moberly, who has resided here for 40 years, was born in Bloomington, 111., Feb. 5, 1862. He is a son son of Hugh and Margaret (Collins) Murnin. Hugh Murnin was a native of the western part of Ireland, and in 1851, came to the United States. He located at Bloomington, 111., where he worked for the Chicago & Alton railroad, and became an engineer HISTORY OF RANDOJ.PH COUNTY ' 763 on that load. He held a run out of Bloomington for some years and in 1861 came to St. Charles, Mo., and worked in Missouri on the railroad during the Civil War. He was one of the first engineers in this section of the country. From St. Charles he returned to Bloomington as engi- neer until he engaged in business independently in 1885 as a construct- ing machinist and followed that business until his death in 1906. He was buried in St. Marys Cemetery, Bloomington, 111. Margaret (Collins) Murnin was born in Queens County, Ireland, in 1836, and came to America when a young woman and located in Bloomington, 111., where she was married to Mr. Murnin in 1857. She died in 1904 and was buried in St. Marys Cemetery, Bloomington, 111. They were the parents of eight chil- dren: William, deceased; Lizzie, the wife of Calvin McFadan, of New Mexico; John J., of this review; Mary, the wife of Mike Smith, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; Hugh, of Omaha, Neb. ; Annie and Maggie, deceased, and one child died in infancy. John J. Murnin was reared in Blooniington, 111., and attended the public schools there until he was 16 years old. He then began work as a fireman on a switch engine in the Bloomington railroad yards. He fired three years and in 1882 came to Moberly as fireman on the Wabash rail- road. In 1889 he was promoted to engineer and worked in that capacity until 1894, when he resigned and opened a restaurant in Moberly, where the Meyer Cafe is now located. Later he sold his business and again entered the employ of the Wabash railroad as engineer of a switch engine in the local yards, where he has been employed to the present time. July 7, 1886, Mr. Murnin was married to Miss Sadie Burke, of Mo- berly. She is the daughter of Michael and Margaret (CuUinan) Burke, both natives of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Murnin have been born two sons : Hugh, at home ; John A., of Columbus, Ohio. John A. was drafted -when the United States entered the World War, and was assigned to work in the government ship yards of Philadelphia, Pa., where he served until the signing of the armistice. He belongs to the Knights of Colum- bus and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and his brother, Hugh, is a member of the Knights of Father Matthew. Mr. Murnin is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic church and is a Democrat. 764 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Price Packwcod, deputy superintendent .for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company with headquarters in the Moberly Bank Building at Moberly, Mo., is a native of Randolph County. He was born on a farm near Roanoke, Feb. 16, 1877, and is a son of Gabriel and Serena (Davis) Packwood. Gabriel Packwood was born in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1837, and was reared to manhood and educated in native state. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army and served throughout that conflict. When he came west he settled near Renick, Mo., where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1892, when he removed to Moberly with his family and for a number of years was field agent for the Ambrose Nursery Company and his territory included the state of Missouri. He died at Salisbury, Mo., in 1916, and is buried at Prairie Valley. Serena (Davis) Packwood was born in Pennsylvania in 1845. She died in Moberly in 1909 and is also buried in Prairie Valley Cemetery. Price Packwood was the fifth of a family of ten children bom to his parents. He attended the district school, near Clark and after the family came to Moberly, he attended the public schools here and took a course in the Weber Business College of Moberly in 1904. His^first work was with the O'Keefe Brothers, who conducted a grocery store, and he was in their employ for five years. He then engaged in the bakery business to which he devoted his attention from 1898 until 1901. He was then in the employ of the Peoples Laundry Company until 1909, when he purchased the Forney furniture 'stock and was engaged in the furniture business for two years. In 1911, he disposed of his furniture business and accepted his present position and for the past nine years he has made a record as one of the best insurance men in central Missouri. All of the local agencies of this district is under his supervision and he has charge of an extensive business. Mr. Packwood was married June 28, 1899, to Miss Rose Hulen, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Roberts) Hulen. WiUiam Hulen was born in 1854. He has served as councilman of the city of Moberly and he and his wife reside ,at 519 Bertly street in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Packwood have been born two children, as follows: Welcome, de- ceased, and Mildred, a student in the Moberly High School. Mr. Packwood is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Packwood are mem- bers of the Christian church. HISTORY OF RANDQLPH COUNTY 765 Charles D. Blake, one of the skilled machinists employed in the Wabash railroad shops at Moberly, Mo., was bom in Barry, 111., Dec. 29, 1867, the son of Albert and Amelia (Steel) Blake. The father waa born in Bangor, Me., in 1816. He was an early day preacher and also worked as a carpenter. He went west during the gold rush in '49 and after coming back to the middle west, enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbi'eak of the Civil War, and served until it was over and then returned to Illinois, where he was a pioneer settler of Pike County. He was one of the first men to build a flour mill in that county and was also the builder of the first elevator at Barry, 111., which was erected before the Civil War. He spent the last years of his life in that town and died there in 1900, being buried in the local cemetery. Mrs. Blake was born in 1828, married at Barry, in 1854, and died there in 1873. There were the following children in the family: Effie, Alexander, Lulia and Thomas, all deceased, and Charles, of this review. Charles D. Blake was reared in Barry, 111., attended the public schools and when 14 years of age began to learn the potter's trade. He finished his apprenticeship and followed that vocation for eight years, before coming to Moberly from Macomb, 111. Here he took a position in the shops of the Wabash railroad and learned the machinist trade, which he has followed to the present time. Mr. Blake is a skilled workman and stands high in his line. May 22, 1888, Mr. Blake was married to Miss Mollie Newton, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Trantham) Newton, of Moberly. The ceremony was performed by Squire Robertson. Benjamin Newton was born at Stillwater, Ark., in 1837, and died in Moberly in 1901. He was a veteran of the Civil War,* having entered the service of the Con- federacy. Mrs. Newton was born in Tennessee, in 1839, and died in St. Louis in 1913, and was buried beside her husband in Oakland cemetery at Moberly. Mrs. was the eighth of the ten children born to her parents and was bom April 25, 1870. Three children have been bprn to Charles D. Blake and wife : Anna, the wife of John Clutch, of Kansas City ; Ralph N. and Arthur L., both machinists now employed in the Wabash shops at Moberly. Mr. Blake is a member of the Modem Woodmen, the Mechanics' Union and the Methodist church, south. He is an Independent voter. Mrs. Blake belonged to the Maccabees, the Royal Neighbors, the Auxiliary of the Ma- chinists' Union and the Methodist church. 766 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY William D, Epperson, a well-known Wabash conductor of Moberly, Mo., is a native of Missouri. He was bom in Macon County, Mo., June 16, 1877, and is a son of Henry and Julia (Riley) Epperson. Henry Epper- son was also a native of Missouri, born in 1858. He was reared and edu- cated in this state and in early life became a farmer. He located in Macon' County in 1865 on an 80 acre farm which he later sold and moved to Mercerville, to become a partner in a blacksmith shop where he was en- gaged in business until his death in 1880 and was buried at Steele Ceme- tery. Julia (Riley) Epperson was a native of Macon County, Mo., born in 1850; was married at Macon City in 1870 and died at Salisbury, Mo., in 1902, and her remains are buried by the side of her husband. Three children were born to Henry and Juha (Riley) fipperson: Mettie, the wife of Emmit Waite, a farmer near Salisbury and William, the subject of this sketch, and Arzella, the .wife of Goerge T. Wright, a farmer near Salisbury. William D. Epperson was reared in Mercerville and educated 'in the public schools of Macon County. His mother was an invalid and he was reared by W. J. Owens, with whom he lived 12 years. The Owens family lived on a farm near Calio, and when old enough Mr. Epperson began work as a farm laborer of that locality and remained there until 1896. He then went to Elmer, Mo., to work on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad with the section gang. Later he went to Iowa, where he took a position as brakeman on the Burlington railroad, where he remained until 1900, when he went to Oklahoma in the same capacity. In 1903, Mr. Epperson located at Arkansas City, Kan., and again entered the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company and was there until 1904, when he came to Moberly. Mo. He worked on the Wabash railroad" as brakeman until 1908, when he was promoted to conductor and has been serving in that capacity to the present time. Mr. Epperson was married to Miss Sarah M. Moody, a daughter of George B. and Martha J. (Jones) Moody in May, 1897. The former was a native of Kentucky and now deceased. The mother was born in Tennessee and resides with her children. Mrs. Epperson was the youngest of the 12 children born to her parents. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Epperson : Deward and Madge, the wife of Hartley Johnson, of Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Epperson is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 767 Kaijsas City, Mo. He is also a member of the Eastern Star and belongs to the Methodist church and is a Democrat. Mrs. Epperson belongs to the Auxiliary of the Order of Railway Conductors and the Brotherhood of Rail- way Trainmen. She is a member of the Maccabees and the Eastern Star and is also a member of the Methodist church. William F. Byrd, a stationary engineer who has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in one capacity or another for the past 17 years, during which time he has been a resident of Moberly, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Knox County, Aug. 25, 1867, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Elliott) Byrd, natives of Virginia. They came from Virginia to Missouri at an early day and first settled in Knox County. They both died at Hunnewell, Shelby County, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Emma married William Nelson, who is now deceased, and she resides at Bennett, Neb. ; William F., the subject of this sketch, and John D., Darby, Mont. , William F. Byrd was reared in Shelby County, Mo., and educated in the district schools. He remained in Shelby County until 1903, when he came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Com- pany as stationary engineer and is still in the employ of that company. Mr. Byrd was married at Shelbyville, Mo., Sept. 22, 1881, to Miss Katie Spencer, a daughter of Samuel P. and Nettie C. Wilcox. Samuel P. Spencer was born in Kentucky and came from that state to Marion County, Mo., and later renioved to Shelby County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a farmer. Nettie C. (Wilcox) Spencer was bom in Cleveland, Ohio, and was married to Mr. Spencer at Palmyra, Mo. She died in Moberly. They were the parents of six children : Katie, the wife of William F. Byrd, the subject of this sketch; Edwin A., Oak- land, Cal. ; Omie, married William Gardner, Shelby County; Frank H., Shelby County; Urban, Shelby County; and Jessie, died in infancy. To William F. Byrd and wife have been bom the following children : Maye, resides at home with her parents; Frank H., and Bessie, who mar- ried 0. G. Maggard, of Columbia, Mo. The Byrd family are all members of the Methodist church. Frank H. Byrd was educated in the public schools at Honeywell, Mo., and the Moberly Commercial College and in 1904 he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as machine helper. In 1907 he became private secretary to the road foreman and is now serving in the capacity of chief clerk to the trainmaster. He was married in Moberly April 3, 768 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1907, to Miss Reda Buhalt of Moberly. She is a daughter of L. F. and • Etta (Rominger) Buhalt. Mrs. Byrd died June 25, 1917 and her remains are buried in Oakland Cemetery. To Frank H. Byrd and wife were born one child, Evelyn, born in Moberly May 18, 1911. Frank H. Byrd is a member of the Masonic Lodge and ifhe Metho- dist church and is a Democrat. He is an enterprising man and a sub- stantial citizen. George A. Smith, who is a well known and successful farmer and stock raiser of Salt River township, has been identified with the develop- ment of Randolph County for 36 years. He was born in Hancock County, 111., Sept. 1, 1849, and is a son of Austin and Mary (Gibson) Smith. Austin Smith, the father, was also a native of Hancock County, 111., born in 1826. He was a farmer and died while a young man in his native county in 1849. Mary (Gibson) Smith, the mother of Geerge A. Smith, was also a native of Illinois. She was born in McDonough County, 111., in 1830, and several years after the death of her husband, came west and died near lola, Kan., in 1888. George A. Smith was one of two children born to his parents. The elder, Chester H., died in Pittsburg, Kan. George A. Smith was reared iand educated at Hancock County, attending district schools, and remained at home with his mother until he was 23 years. He then went to Iowa and bought a farm of 80 acres, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1884. During that year he came to Missouri and bought his present place in Salt River township, where he owns a well improved and productive farm of 120 acres.- He has placed all the im- provements on his farm and has one of the valuable and highly culti- vated farms of northeastern Randolph County. He built a modern seven room residence in 1913 and the other buildings about the place are large and well arranged for general farm purposes and stock raising. His barn, which he built in 1906, is a 40x50 structure. Mr. Smith carries on general farming and stock raising, specializing in Whiteface cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. Mr. Smith was united in marriage at Moberly, Mo., . Dec. 26, 1878, with Miss Mary E. Holder. She was born April 5, 1856, and is a daugh- ter of John M. and Elizabeth (Ash) Holder, the former a native of Bar- ren County, Ky., and the latter of Missouri. and both now deceased. They were the parents of one other child, besides Mrs. Smith, Ewing E., who resides at Richland, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 769 children, as follows: Ewing J., born Dec. 8, 1879, resides on the home place in Salt River toTvnship; Ida Mabel, born June 15, 1881, and died Nov. 13, 1892, and Harmon H., born Oct. 23, 1882, and died Nov. 15, 1892. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is a substantial citizen and stands high in Randolph County. Orion V. Boucher, a well-known citizen of Moberly, who has been a locomotive engineer on the Wabash railroad for the past 16 years, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of some of the earliest pio- neers of this section. He was born in Moberly, Nov. 20, 1869, and is a. son of Isaac W. and Mary Pearl Boucher. Isaac W. Boucher was born in Randolph County near Sugar Creek, Sept. 8, 1828. He was a son of Robert Boucher, a native of Kentucky who was one of the very first settlers in Randolph County. His wife, grand- mother of Orion V. Boucher, bore the maiden name of Wilcox and from all available reports obtainable, she was the first white woman north of Sugar Creek. Isaac W. Boucher lived at old Allen, before the days of Moberly, and he was one of the first to come here from old Allen when Moberly was founded. Prior to that time, however, he crossed the plains with ox teams in 1850, and remained on the coast about 15 years and re- turned to old Allen and in 1865 settled in Moberly, or what is now the city of Moberly. After locating here he took a prominent part in the civic life of the new town. He served as policeman, justice of the peace, police judge, lie was engaged in the grocery business for a tiine. He died near Milton, Sept. 2, 1882, and is buried in the Antioch Church Cemetery. His wife w^s bom near old Milton, Jan. 16, 1833, and they were married July 17, 1866. She died June 13, 1893, and is buried in the Antioch Cemetery. Orion V. Boucher is one of a family of five children born to his parents, as follows : John R., bom April 25, 1867, died Feb. 12, 1868 ; Bettie ; Pearl, bom Nov. 23, 1868, and died Feb. 21, 1869; Orion V., the subject of this sketch ; William Boone, born May 28, 1871, was a locomotive engineer for a number of years and is now operating a ranch in Idaho, and Mallie Allen, born July 23, 1872, married Charles E. Fox,- a locomotive engineer of Columbia, Mo. Orion V. Boucher was educated in the district schools of Union town- ship and the public schoojs of Moberly. He remained on the home farm until he was 21 years old and in 1890 came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in the round house. In 1892, 770 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY he began firing on the road and when the strike of 1894 came on, he en- gaged in farming, dairying and teaming, until 1899', when he returned to the Wabash railroad as fireman. In 1904, he was promoted to engineer and since that time has been employed in that capacity. Mr. Boucher was married July 26, 1893, to Miss Lizzie Lee, a daughter of Henry L. and Lucy A. (Mallory) Lee. Henry L. Lee was bom in Monroe' . County, Mo., April 2, 1846, and folloAved farming in Audrain, Monroe, and Randolph counties, and during the last years of his life he lived retired at Moberly and in 1895 represented the first ward in the city council. He died May 11, 1896, and is buried in Oakland Cemetery. He was a son of Henry L. Lee, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Missouri in the early part of the last century. Lucy A. (Mallory) Lee was born in Henry County, Mo., Nov. 20, 1848. She and Mr. Lee were married in Monroe County and made their wedding trip to old Milton on horseback May 31, 1865. She died in Moberly, May 15, 1888, and is buried in the Antioch Cemetery in Monroe County. The following children were born to Henry L. and Lucy A. (Mallory) Lee : Laura, married Jim Hutsell of Randolph County ; Lizzie, the wife of Orion V. Boucher, of this sketch ; Willard T., Moberly ; Etner, deceased ; Elmer L., lives near Oakland, Calif. ; Frank C, deceased ; Robert E., lives in Randolph County ; Lucy A., married Ollie Reed, Lafayette, Ind. ; Mrs. Boucher was born in Monroe County, Mo., May 10, 1870. After the death of his first wife Henry L. Lee was married to Miss Bessie Chapman, in September, 1893, and to this union were born two daughters: Anna Louis and Mary Virginia. To Orion B. Boucher and wife have been born the following children: Virgil L., born in Moberly, Feb. 18, 1895, a switchman in the employ of the Wabash railroad and lives at Moberly; Lucy Pearl, born in Moberly, July 2, 1900 ; Hubert Kring, born Oct. 28, 1904 ; one died in infancy and Mary Elizabeth, born Jan. 15, 1908. Mr. Boucher is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. She is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Church A. Basset, who is now engaged in farming on his place, two and one-half miles southeast of Moberly, has been a resident of Randolph County for 40 years and is one of the old time employees of the Wabash Railroad Company. Mr. Bassett was bom in Winslow, Maine, Dec. 17, 1845, and is a son of William C. and Nancy (Pickins) Bassett. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 771 William C. Bassett was born in Bridgewater, Mass, and during his lifetime was extensively engaged in buying and selling cattle, an occu- pation which was known as a drover in the early days. He bought and drove more cattle .out of the state of Maine than any other buyer of his time. There were no railroads then for the shipment of cattle and he drove them to market at Brighton, Cambridge, and other Massa- chusetts towns. In later life he came west and died in Shelbyville in June, 1873. NancJ^ (Pickins) Bassett was born in Middleboro, Mass., and was there married to Mr. Bassett. She died in Moberly at the home of her son, Church A. Bassett. Church A. Bassett was one of a family of nine children born to his parents and was the seventh in order of birth. He was educated in the public schools of Winslow, Maine and Waterville Academy. He remained at home with his parents until he was 28 years old when he was married and some time afterwards came west and lived in Illinois for a time. In 1880, he came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and served in various capacities with that company and was a locomotive fireman for a number of years. He is the owner of 160 acres of land and in recent years he has resided in Moberly and operated his farm two and one-half miles southwest of Moberly. Mr. Bassett was married at Maumee, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1873, to Chloe' A. Emery, a daughter of Samuel and Henrietta A. (Reese) Emery, both natives of Ohio and now deceased. Samuel Ettiery was a union soldier during the Civil War. Mrs. Bassett was bom in Ohio, March 2, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have one adopted daughter, which they reared as their own child, Clara. She married Oscar Koblitz^ manager of the shoe department of the Henry Levy Company of Moberly. Mr. Bassett is a Republican and one of the old time members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers. During the Civil War he served in the 131st Ohio Regiment, which was known as the home guards, for 90 days. He is one of the substantial and highly re- spected citizens of Randolph County. Mr. Bassett made a trip to Alaska, of which he gives the following brief account: "I left Moberly the 1st -day of March, 1898, went on the steamer Seattle from Seattle to Skagway. From Skagway we started for the scales and went over the summit the 9th of April, then on to Lake Bennett. Made a boat there to hold 11 tons, sawing our own lum- J)er, and reached Dawson the 24th of April. I went to Eagle City, reach- 772 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ing there the 1st of July, and located, then went more than 2,000 miles with dog teams. When I left Eagle City I was the oldest resident there. Later I went to St. Michaels and Nome. Went 80 miles from Nome to Fisk river, which empties into the Arctic, carrying our packs on our backs. We sailed on Behring Sea, then Pacific Ocean, back to Seattle, after spending 21/2/ years in Alaska. While there I took dinner with Indian Chief Sam. Had ticket No. 1 at the big 'dinner at Eagle City, which I still have. United States' soldiers were stationed at the mili- taiy cost." Marvin R. Lawre-nce, of Silver Creek township, is a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman. Mr. Lawrence is a native of Ran- dolph County and was born in Silver Creek township on the farm where he now resides, June 21, 1880. He is a son of Robert M. and Sarah (Barber) Bradsher Lawrence. Robert M. Lawrence was born in Clark County, Ky., Nov. 9, 1841. He was a son of Robert and Lucy (Ecton) Lawrence, both natives of Kentucky. The Lawrence family came from Virginia to Kentucky and the Ectons were among the pioneer settlers of Kentucky. Robert M. Lawrence was 20 years old when the Civil War broke out and he was one of the first to enlist in the Confederate army and served for three years. He served under General Morgan and was in Morgan's raid through Ohio and after the battle of Buffington Island in Ohio, he, with 17 others, were captured while trying to cross the Ohio River. He was held a pr'soner at Camp Chase for a time when he was transferred to Camp Douglas at Chicago, where he was confined until March, 1865, when he was exchanged at Aikens Landing, on the James River. He then returned to his home in Kentucky and in the fall of 1865 came to Missouri and set- tled four miles southwest of Huntsville in Silver Creek township. He bought land there and spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married Feb. 7, 1868, to Sarah (Barber) Brad- sher, daughter of Augustine Bradsher. She died March 2, 1882. The following children were born to Robert M. Lawrence and wife:' John M., Salt Lake Springs township; Ecton, Perryton, Texas; Frenchie, lives in Texas; Lulu B., deceased^ and Marvin R., the subject of this sketch. Marvin R. Lawrence was reared in Silver Creek township and edu- cated in the district school. He remained at home until he was 21 years old; he then purchased 47 acres of land and engaged in farming on his own account. He settled on his present place in 191-3, where he is en-. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 773 gaged in general, farming and stock raising. He raises pure bred Short- horn cattle. Mr. Lawrence was married at Clifton Hill, Mo., Aug. 18, 1905 to Miss Lillie Minor, a daughter of Josephus and Minerva (Bradley) Minor, both natives of Randolph County. The father was born Feb. 19, 1847 and died Nov. 11, 1908, and the mother was bom Oct. 16, 1857 and is now living in Randolph County. Mrs. Lawrence is' one of seven children bom to her parents, as follows: Anna, married Henry Carroll, Huntsville, Mo.; Thomas, Newton, Okla.; Edna N., married Wade Dunivent, Silver Creek township ; Joe Billy, deceased ; Loyd, Randolph County, and Lillie, his twin sister, who is the wife of Marvin R. Lawrence ; and Grace, married Frank Edwards of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have been bom two children: Oleta, born Sept. 13, 1906 and Juanita, bom Oct. 16, 1917. Mr. Lawrence is a Democrat and Mrs. Lawrence is a member of the Baptist church. The Lawrence family stand high in Randolph County and Mr. Lawrence is a substantial citizen. Marion Murry, one of the well known and successful farmers of Silver Creek township, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio, April 24, 1844. His parents were Adam and Eliza (Huggins) Murry. The father was born near iPittsburg, Pa., in 1815. He was a painter and stone mason in early life and when a young man, went to Ohio, where he was married, and after living for a time in Sandusky County, he removed to Elkhart County, Ind., where he bought a farm of 92 acres and followed farming there during the re- mainder of his life. He died in 1878. Elizabeth (Huggins) Murry, mother of Marion Murry, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio. She was married in this County and died there in 1846. Adam and Eliza (Hug- gins) Murry were the parents of the following children: Ethel M., de- ceased; Eliza J., deceased; Lawrence, deceased; William, deceased; and Marion, the subject of this sketch. Marion Murry was about two years old when his mother died. He was educated in the district schools of Indiana and when a youth, learned the trade of plastering and stone mason, although he followed this line but a short time. He came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in Scotland County, where he was engaged in farming on rented land for about one year. In 1871 he came to Randolph County and farmed rented land across the line in Chariton County. Shortly afterwards, he bought 160 acres of land in Silver Creek township, which is a part of his present 774 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY holding's. He purchased more land from time to time and is now the owner of 240 acres in Silver Creek township. He has improved his place and it is one of the valuable farms of this section of the county. In 1917 he built a modern residence. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with success. Mr. Murry was first married in Scotland County, Mo., Feb. 28, 1869, to Miss Lucinda Watts, who died m 1880. The following children were born to that union: Eva May, born May 6, 1870, died in infancy; Ami D., born July 15, 1871, died Jan 6, 1874; Marion Terrill born Jan. 25, 1873, and lives in Oklahoma, and Matthew, born Aug. 15, 1877, lives in Oklahoma. In 1884, Mr. Murry was married to Miss Luro Munsell and td* this union one child has been bom, Jennie, born July 4, 1886, married Arthur Bagby and resides in Randolph County. Mr. Murry is a Democrat and a substantial citizen. David R. Denny, a progressive and well-to-do farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of this county. He was born on the place where he now resides in Silver Creek township, April 4, 1864, and is a son of Humphrey B. and Margaret E. (Snoddy) Denny. Humphrey B. Denny was born in Howard County, Nov, 27, 1827. He was a son of James and Elizabeth (Best) Denny, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Howard County in 1818 and spent the remainder of their lives here. Humphrey B. Denny was reared in Howard County and early in life moved to Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming and met with success. At one time he was the owner of over 900 acres of land. He was married to Margaret E. Snoddy, Dec. 10, 1857. She was the daughter of Joseph Walker Snoddy, an early settler of Howard County. Humphrey B. and Margaret E. (Snoddy) Denny were the parents of the following children: Narcissa P., married David Bagby and is now deceased; James M., Armstrong, Mo.; David R., the subject of this sketch; Nannie, married Ruby Humes, Howard County; Elizabeth, Silver Creek township; John A., Armstrong, Mo.; Humphrey, Jr., lives in Randolph County; Maggie, married Charles Mayo, Silver Creek township, and Maurine, married Russell Hicks, of Randolph County. David R. Denny was reared in Silver Creek township and educated in the district schools. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm during the lifetime of the latter and when his father died he bought the home place. This farm consists of 408 acres and is well im- proved with a good residence and other farm buildings. Mr. Denny car- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 775 ries on general farming and stock raising and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Randolph County. He maintained the home and cared for his mother in her old age and has never married. He has been a life long Democrat. Gather A. Skinner, a progressive farmer and stockman and also a breeder of Hereford cattle in Cairo township, was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County, Dec. 26, 1867. He is a son of Greenberry and Nancy C. (Wagaman) Skinner. Greenberry Skinner was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County in 1843. He has always followed farming and stockraising during his active career and is now living retired at Cairo. He has lived in Ran- dolph County all of his hfe except 12 years spent in Macon County and southwestern Missouri. He owns 120 acres of land in Macon County where he lived for six years when he sold the place when he went to south- western Missouri and bought 160 acres which he sold and returned to Randolph County and in 1889 bought 100 acres in Salt River township. Later he sold that place and removed to Cairo and is now living retired. During the Civil War he served in the state militia. Nancy C. (Wagaman) Skinner was born in Carroll County, Mo. in 1843 and was married in that county to Mr. Skinner in 1865. The following children were born to them: Lena, married W. M. Austin and lives in Cairo towflship; Gather, the subject of this sketch; Tommie F., Sugar Creek township ; Belle, married Jim Haley, Hannibal, Mo. ; Ada, married Frank Condon, Cairo township ; Lula, married Tom Capp, Hajmibal, Mo. ; Sarah, married Alf Capp, Hannibal, Mo. and Bessie, married Irvin Ray, Jacksonville, Mo. Gather A. Skinner was educated in the district schools and remained on the home farm until he was 21 years old. He then worked out by the month and also rented land at times. In 1895 he bought 43 acres of land in Salt River township. He improved that place and sold it and in the spring of 1900 bought his present place in Cairo township. He owns 105 acres upon which he has made good substantial improvements. He built a modem seven room house in 1916 and in 1910 built a barn 36x36 feet. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising and in 1914 he began breeding pure bred registered Hereford cattle and now has a valuable herd of ten pure bred registered Herefords. Mr. Skinner was married Jan. 31, 1900 to Miss Clelia Rodgers ,a daughter of Slate and Emma (Jett) Rodgers, both natives of Tennessee 776 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and now deceased. Mrs. Skinner was born in Cairo township, Jan. 24, 1873 and is the second of four children born to her parents. The follow- ing children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Skinner: Rodger, bom Dec. 30, 1900 and resides at home with his parents ; Floy, born April 20, 1902 ; Oleta, born July 22, 1905 ; Erma, bom June 17, 1909 ; Ruby, born Nov. 26, 1911, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Mr. Skinner and his wife are members of the Baptist church and he is a Democrat. Swan >T. McDonald, of the Lynch-McDonald Construction Company which is one of the leading construction companies in this section of the state, is a civil engineer who has had an extensive experience in construc- tion work. This construction business was founded by John E. Lynch and carried on by him for a number of years. In 1916, John Lynch, Jr. and Swan T. McDonald succeeded the Lynch Construction Company and since that time has successfully carried on the work. Later they pur- chased the Pan American Bridge Company's interest in Missouri and represent that Company in this state. M. A. Romane is associated with them in this department. The Lynch-McDonald Construction Company do all kinds of structural steel work, including bridges and buildings. While street paving and sewer work -is a specialty ; they also are exten- sive contractors of concrete work. Swan T. McDonald was born in Moberly, Nov. 11, 1880 and is a son of P. T. and Alice (Ferguson) McDonald, now residents of Moberly. P. T. McDonald came to Moberly in 1873 and is now engaged in the transfer and storage business. His wife came here prior to her marriage in 1872 and they were married in Moberly Dec. 5, 1878. The following children were born to that union: Swan T., the subject of this sketch; Lyman P., general foreman of the machine department of the Wabash shops; A. Bruce, who is associated with his father in the transfer and storage busi- ness ; Ray F., a salesman in the employ of the John N. Taylor Piano and Auto Company and he was engaged in the grocery business prior to the World War and served one year in France with the 89th Division and spent 100 days in the front line trenches ; Eula Mae, married George Pen- nick, fireman for the Wabash Railroad Company, Moberly, Mo.; Gladys, bookkeeper for her father ; Arthur F., an employee of the People's Laun- dry, Moberly, Mo. Swan T. McDonald was educated in the Moberly public schools and graduated from the high school in 1898. He then took up civil engineering HISTORY OF- RANDOLPH COUNTY 777 and was with the engineering department with the Wabash Railroad Com- pany and was chief engineer of the Randolph Macon Coal Company until 1907. He was then appointed city engineer of Moberly and served in that capacity for nine years and during that time was county engineer and county surveyor for eight years, and in 1916 engaged in his present busi- ness. Mr. McDonald was married June 2, 1909 to Miss Margaret E. Pilcher of Moberly and two children have been bom to this union: Swan T., Jr. and Mary Alice. Mr. McDonald is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Edward W. Ragsdale, proprietor of the White Way Grocery apd the Snow White Market of Moberly is one of the widely known and successful business men of this city which has been the scene of his interests since he attained manhood. Mr. Ragsdale was born in Moberly, March 29, 1872, and is a son of James W. and Ruth F. (Williams) Ragsdale, early settlers in Moberly and where the father was engaged in business. He died July 11, 1919 at the close of an honorable career and his remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. His widow now resides at 1202 Fisk avenue. They were the parents of the following children: Ora, died at the age of six years ; Lee, also died in childhood ; Maude, married J. C. Wilson and re- sides in Los Angeles, Cal. ; and Edward W., the subject of this sketch. Edward W. Ragsdale was educated in the public schools of Moberly and when 17 years of age was appointed deputy under Thomas C. Dam- eron. Later he was appointed on the Moberly police force and served for four years, two years under Chief William Fox and two years under Chief Charles L. Quaile, both of whom are now deceased. The author of this history was mayor of Moberly at the time. Later,' Mr. Ragsdale was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad as brakeman and in 1903 he engaged in the coal and wood business in Moberly and later embarked in the meat and grocery business, being associated with his father until the death of the latter. The White Way Grocery and the Snow White Meat Market which are owned and conducted by Mr. Ragsdale are extensively patronized and both are kept constantly stocked with a line of high grade goods and are among the leading business institutions of their kinds in the city. Mr. Ragsdale, in addition to being a successful merchant, is also widely known as a successful breeder of registered Duroc Jersey hogs. He owns a valuable place of 15 acres within the city limits of Moberly and has this 778 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY place arranged in the most modern fashion for breeding purposes. His herd consists of about 100 head of registered Duroc Jerseys and his herd leader is "The Greatest Pathfinder" which is one of the valuable hogs of the country and was purchased by Mr. Ragsdale from the celebrated herd of Hanks and Bishop of. New London, Iowa. Mr. Ragsdale holds annual sales and at the last one conducted by Col. F. M. Holtsinger, Feb. 17, 1920, there were 58 hogs sold by the Randolph County Duroc Association of which Mr. Ragsdale is vice-president. He was one of the promoters of the organization of this association which was effected in 1919. Mr. Ragsdale was married May 16, 1906 to Miss Hattie Josephine Cook of Moberly, a daughter of Free Cook, whp now resides at Hayden, Colo. 'Mrs. Ragsdale's mother is deceased. Mr. Ragsdale is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and the Knights of the Maccabees and Moberly Chamber of Commerce. William H. Baird, superintendent of the Moberly Water Works, is a well known citizen of Moberly and a member of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. Mr. Baird was bom in Clinton County, Pa., Sept. 7, 1862 and is a son of J. C. and Almina (Milligan) Baird both also natives of Clinton County, Pa. The Baird family came to Missouri in 1866 when William H., the subject of this sketch, was four years of age. They set- tled on a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Moberly which was the family home until 1895 when they removed to Moberly where the par- ents both died and their remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. The children born to J. C. and Almina (Milligan) Baird were as fol- lows: Mrs. Frank Tedford, Moberly, Mo. ; Frank P., SedaHa, Mo. ; Fletcher C, died in St. Louis in 1910; Mrs. R. A. Curran, Moberly, Mo.; William H.,. the subject of this review; Mrs. C. H. Williams, who lives in Texas; J. W., Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. Charles Brown, Brownsville, Texas and Dr. B. D., Galesburg, 111. When the Baird family settled in Randolph County, in 1866, the city of Moberly was not even a village and William H. Baird remembers when there was only one house on the present site of the city of Moberly and that was the home of Patrick Lynch, the father of John E. Lynch of this city. William H. Baird was reared on the Baird homestead, northeast of Moberly and attended the district schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age when he engaged in railroading in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and later was employed in the freight department of the Wabash and Katy railroads for several years. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 779 He then engaged in the grocery business in partnership with his brother- in-law, Mr. Curran. Mr. Baird was married to Miss Lizzie Clark, a daughter of Benton and Leila (Sallee) Clark of Moberly, both of whom are deceased. The Clark family was very early settlers in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Baird have been born two children : Fletcher C, in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, as city passenger and ticket agent at Kansas City, Mo., married Miss Dorothy Schroeder of Omaha, Neb. and Frank B., of Washington, D. C. He is a first lieutenant in the Quarter Master's Department of the United States army, having received his commission at Fort Sheridan, 111. He was assigned to the 342nd Infantry and served for two years in France during the World War. William H. Baird is well known in Moberly and is one of the substan- tial citizens of Randolph County. F. M. Stamper, a leading commission merchant of Moberly who has been engaged in this line of business for more than a quarter of a century, was born at Clifton Hill, Mo., Nov. 24, 1861. He is a son of Hiram and Sallie (Cobb) Stamper.. Hiram Stamper was born in Owen County, Ky. and came to Missouri in the early 40s, locating on a farm at Clifton Hill, Where he passed the remainder of his life. He died at the age of 78. His wife died at the age of 76. They were the parents of nine children: D. J., deceased; T. B., deceased; Eliza, married E. Martin, is deceased; James L., deceased; Eliza- beth, married T. N. Grizzell and after his death married again and is now Mrs. Y. Scott, of Clifton Hill; F. M., the subject of this review; Lucian, married Samuel Cobb of Clifton Hill. F. M. Stamper was reared in Clifton Hill, attended the public schools and then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville. He then engaged in teaching in Randolph County and became well and favorably known in this section of Missouri and was a successful teacher. He followed that vocation for ten years. He then purchased a lumber yard and hardware store at Clifton Hill, which he owned and managed until he engaged in the produce business. Mr. Stamper opened his produce house In Clifton Hill in 1893, became a buyer of poultry, butter and eggs and four years later opened a branch store at Salisbury and still maintaihs his interest there. For one year, Mr. Stamper was in Salisbury as manager of that branch and came to Moberly in 1902 to open his business here which was located in 4th street, but within a short time he was made an excellent :780 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COTJNTY offer and sold out to Swift & Company, accepting a position with that con- cern for two years. He then resigned to start a business for himself in the east side at his present location at the corner of Dameron and 4th streets. As money came in Mr. Stamper reinvested it in the business and branched out establishing plants at Carrolton, Marshall, F'ayette and Cen- tralia, where butter, eggs and dressed poultry are all handled. He estab- lished artificial cooling rooms in connection with the plants and they are in every way well equipped wdth the best machinery for handling goods. In Moberly, a creamery has been established as a branch of the business and high grade butter is manufactured here. On July 15, 1888, Mr. Stamper was married to Miss Maggie Richard- son, of Chariton County. She is a daughter of Haven and Elizabeth (Cloyd) Richardson, pioneers of Chariton County, both now deceased. Three children were born to this union : Howard H., Moberly ; Ruth, the wife of J. VV. Flemming, of Moberly and Kate who graduated from the Columbia University, New York City with the class of 1919. The Stamper family have a nice home at Urbandale, a suburb of Moberly. Mr. Stamper is one of the pioneer commission merchants of central Missouri and recalls that the first car load of dressed poultry he shipped to Chicago market brought just four cents a pound, eggs five cents a dozen and other produce in proportion. He has seen great changes in his busi- ness and he believes they are for the best. Alfred Barlow, of the firm of Barlow and Graham, who own and man- age a fine up-to-date shoe repairing shop at 527 West Reed street, was bom in Massachusetts in 1849. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Black) Bar- low, the father a native of Ireland and the mother was born in Scotland. They were reared and educated in their native lands and after coming to the United States settled in Massachusetts and later came west, locating at Shawheetown, 111. Alfred Barlow spent his youth at Shawneetown and attended the pub- lic schools in Illinois. While yet a small boy, Alfred Barlow began to learn the shoemaker's trade and by the time he was finishing school he was a good shoemaker and this is a business he has followed for the greater part of his 60 years. From Illinois, Mr. Barlow went to St. Louis, arriving in that city June 8, 1875 and took a position in a shoe factory. For about 12 years he was employed in various shoe factories in the city and when the United States declared war against Germany in 1917, he offered his" services to the government, was accepted and assigned to work as shoe HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 781 inspector May 13, 1917. First located at Brookfield, Mo., Mr. Barlow re- mained there until the last two months before the signing of the armis- tice, when he was transferred to Columbia, Mo. After the cessation of hostilities he was free to go into business for himself and came to Moberly. He soon purchased the necessary up-to-date equipment and machinery and opened for business April 1, 1919. From the first, the new firm met with a warm response from the residents of the city. The business has in- creased rapidly and they employ three workmen. On May 2, 1865, Mr. Barlow was married to Miss Mary E. Brinkley, a native of St. Louis, who died in 1906, leaving one daughter Eva, the wife of Knight Washburn of Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Washburn is a mine in- spector for a company with headquarters at Jerome, Ariz. Mr. Barlow is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that organization in 1880 and has passed all of the chairs twice. ' Carl Haynes, county surveyor of Randolph County and city engineer of Moberly, was bom in Cairo township, Oct. 3, 1880 and is num.bered among the younger generation of professional men of central Missouri. His parents were the Rev. F. E. and Pamelia Agnes (Wilson) Haynes, both natives of Randolph County. The father was born on the same farm as his son Carl, in July, 1856 and Carl now operates the old homestead which his paternal grandparents Rev. Levi and Rebecca (Orr) Haynes settled on in the early fifties. Levi Haynes was boin in North Carolina, but traced his forbears to Wales. Rebecca Orr was a native of Tennessee, where she was reared and educated. Levi Haynes became one of the early settlers of central Missouri and bought the homestead still owned by the family from John Maxwell and lived there the remainder of his life. He lived to be 92 years old and is buried at Grand Prairie cemetery. During his life, Levi Haynes was a minister of the Presbyterian church and was one of the first ministers of the gospel in this part of the state. F. E. Haynes was reared on his father's farm in Cairo township, re- ceived, his education in the early schools and studied for the ministry, a vocation which he followed for 30 years. His wife, Pamelia Wilson, was l)om three miles north of Moberly in Sugar Creek township in 1885 and was a daughter of Benjamin Wilson, an early settler here. There were 10 children in the Haynes family: Eula, the wife of James Dowdy, of Moberly; Dora, who married Elmer Turner of Cairo, Mo.; Carl, of this rreview; Frank of Moberly; Minnie, the wife of D. C. Jean, of Moberly; 782 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Fred, of St. Louis ; Lee, who lives at Moulton, la. ; Opal, the wife of Charles Rutherford, of Moberly ; Ray, of Cairo ; and Jewell, the wife of A. E. Skin- ner of Cairo. Carl Haynes spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended the Haynes school and Prairie Hill Academy where he graduated in 1901. He took a position with the Santa Fe Railroad at Pueblo, Colo., where he was engaged for seven months, then was offered, and accepted a better position with the Wabash Railroad at Moberly. Three years later he resigned to engage in the transfer business in Moberly. Two years later Mr. Haynes entered the office of the county surveyor of Randolph County, an office then held by Swan McDonald and there for two "years he was engaged in the duties of office and studying surveying under his chief. Following this period he was, again an employee of the Wabash Railroad seven years and resigned in 1916 when he was elected county surveyor of Randolph County, a position which he has since held. Subsequently he was also elected city engineer of Moberly. On Feb. 19, 1903, Mr. Haynes was married to Miss Carrie J. Simms, of Prairie Hill, Mo., a native of that place, bom March 12, 1882. She died Feb. 7, 1920, leaving two children: Willard and Joe Kenneth. Newton E. Hinton, a well known automobile dealer and garage owner of Moberly with sales rooms at 106 South Clark street, is a progressive business man and a descendant of pioneer settlers of central Missouri. He is a native son of Randolph County and was born near Jacksonville, Nov. 3, 1864. He is a son of Richard W. and Mary Elizabeth (Gregory) Hin- ton, both of whom now reside on Hinton avenue in Moberly. The father is in his 77th year and the mother is 70 years old. They were born, reared, educated and married in Randolph County which has been their home the greater part of their lives. James Hinton, the grandfather of Newton E. Hinton, was born in North Carolina and became an early settler of this sec- tion of the country. His wife was a Missourian. The Gregory family set- tled in Tennessee at an early day and were prominent in public affairs there for many years. To Richard and Mary Elizabeth (Gregory) Hinton were born the fol- lowing children: Ellen, the widow of Bert Kimball, of Moberly; Newton E., the subject of this review ; Amanda J., the widow of George Brown, of Moberly ; Mary M., the wife of John Hightown, of Ardmore, Mo. ; Sarah, the wife of Charles Butler, of Iowa ; Hugh, a real estate dealer in Mgberly ; Dolly, the widow of Murf Davis of Huntsville ; James H., of Moberly ; John HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 783 W., of Kansas City, Mo. ; Etta F., the wife of James Show, of Slater, Mo. ; Elmer F., of Pontiac, Mich. ; Edgar R., of Jacksonville, Mo., and one child who died in infancy. • Newton E. Hinton spent his childhood and youth in Randolph County, attended the public schools where he gained a good practical education and after his school days closed he worked in a sawmill and mastered that business and was engaged in it for a number of years. He then opened a livery stable at Ardmore, Mo., which he conducted for 13 years. He came to Moberly in 1916, and in October of that year, purchased the garage of Thomas Williams. In April, 1919, he moved to his present location. The garage is 30x80 feet and two stories high. Mr. Hinton has an up-to-date salesroom, and carries automobile accessories and also has established a fine service station. Mr. Hinton has built up a large patron- age, not -only in Moberly, but he stands high with the traveling public. Mr. Hinton also owns a half interest in a garage at Hannibal, Mo., where the Chevrolet cars are handled. In 1880, Mr. Hinton was married to Miss Minnie Gibson, of College Mound, Mo., and they have six children: Evert, who is with the Hudson Motor Car Co. at Detroit, Mich. ; Earl, who owns a garage' at Huntsville, Mo. ; Gladys, with the Bell Telephone Company in Moberly ; Herchel, with his father in the garage at Moberly ; Henry and Robert, both at home and attending school. Mr. Hinton is a successful business man and has a wide acquaintance. He is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and the Travelers Protective Association. The Hinton residence is at 521 Woodland avenue. John W. Finn, the proprietor of Moberly's leading cafe, at 100 East Reed street, Moberly, Mo., is a native of Missouri. For a number of years he was a railroad man and it may be that his years of experience in that vocation prepared him to know just how to cater to men of the same calling, for his restaurant, just opposite the depot, is one of the popular eating houses for railroad men, as well as the general public. Mr. Finn is a native son of Missouri, born in St. Charles County, Jan. 12, 1862, the son of John and Anna Finn, both natives of Coupty Cork, Ireland. They were married in St. Louis where Mr. Finn was connected with the Northern Missouri Railroad, which later became a part of the Wabash system. He became associated with that corporation in 1854, one of the early employees of the road who took part in the construction of the road from St. Louis to Macon City, having charge of much of the 784 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY important work. After resigning from the construction department, Mr. Finn became a brakeman and came, to Moberly in 1873, a pioneer settler of this city. He remained associated with the railroad all during his active life. He died in 1911, having been preceded in death by his wife in 1904, and both were laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery, Moberly. There were four children in the Finn family: Michael, who died in 1918; John, of this review ; Maggie, the wife of T. F. Roden, of Kansas City, Mo. John W. Finn came to Moberly in 1873 with his parents.' He had already attended an elementary school and after the family were settled, here he again attended the public school. After his school days were over he began to work on the railroad, where he was employed until 1896. Resigning his position that year, Mr. Finn engaged in a private business venture by opening a restaurant, where he built up a fine trade. Being offered a good price for the business, he sold it in 1915 and went to Okla- homa, but within a short time returned and opened his present cafe on Reed street opposite the Union depot where he enjoys the custom of the railroad men and a large part of Ihe traveling public. In 1886, Mr. Finn was married to' Miss Mary C. Borgmej'^er, on the 24th of June. She is a native of St. Charles, Mo., and the daughter of John and Minnie Borgmeyer, the former now deceased, while his widow- now lives in Moberly. Mrs. Finn was the only daughter and she has four brothers. Mr. Finn is a member of the National Union and is also a member of the Knights of Father Matthew. James Temple Stephens. — The energetic and well directed efforts of James Stephens, of Moberly, have within less than three years resulted in the building up and development of a prosperous grocery business. James Temple Stephens was born at Waterloo, Neb., Dec. 29, 1889, the son of Lewis L. Stephens. Lewis L. Stephens was bom near Middlegrove, Mo., in 1843, the son of Thomas Nelson and Mary (Swindell) Stephens, who was born in Vir- ginia in 1818 and died in 1895. The father was a native of Kenton County, Ky., bom in 1808. He was reared and educated in his native state and when a young man rode through the country on horseback to Missouri in 1832 and entered government land in Monroe County, taking up a large tract. His father, William Stephens, also came here about the same time and the land patent issued to him was signed by President Andrew Jackson. Both William and Thomas Stephens spent the re- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 785 mainder of their lives in Monroe County, the former passing away in 1873, aged 90 years, while the son survived until 1887, and di«d at the age of 79 years. There were the following children bom to Thomas Nelson and Mary (Swindell) Stephens: Lewis L.; J. C, of Columbus, Mo.; James T., of Moberly; Lena, now Mrs. Bassett; Leonard, of Middlegrove; Kent K., of Paris ; Ida, now Mrs. Noel, of Kansas City. Lewis L. Stephens was reared on his -father's farm and received his education in private schools and when only 18 years of age enlisted in Monroe County in the Confederate army and served throughout the war. He was in many important skirmishes in Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. He participated in many of the great battles as his com- pany fought at Lexington, Pea Ridge, Ark., Baker's Creek, Miss., Vicks- burg, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Altoona, where he was wounded. Just after the close of the war he located in Douglas County, Neb., not far from Omaha^ and engaged in farming and merchandising, both lines of industry being followed for 30 years. In 1895, Mr.' Stephens retired from the active management of his affairs and came to Moberly to open a store, but this too he <9is^sed of in November, 1918 and his son now has charge as owner. Lewis L. Stephens was married in Douglas County, Neb., on Nov. 12, 1874 to Miss Harriet Concannon, a native of Indiana, the daughter of the Rev. Thomas and Rhoda (Hathaway) Conconnon, the former a minister of the Christian church and both were natives of Miami County, Ohio. One son was bom to this union, James Temple, the subject of this 'sketch. James Temple Stephens was reared in childhood in Nebraska and when the family came to Moberly he attended the public schools here, later goimg to Kansas City, Mo., where he took special studies and voice training. Following this Mr. Stephens was engaged for concert work work by the Ridpath Lyceum Circuit, winning a high reputation for his skill as a musician. In 1918, when his father decided to retire, Mr. Stephens returned to Moberly to assume charge of the business and be- came the owner of the store at 709 South Williams street. On April 12, 1916, James Temple Stephens married Miss Alma. Smith, the daughter of John and Emily Smith, of Moberly. Mr. Stephens is one of the young business men of Moberly who is rapidly winning a high place in the commercial circles of the city where he has taken an active 786 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY part in civic aflfairs. He is a member of the Modem Woodmen and the Moberly Country Club. A. Thiemann, senior member of the firm of A. Thiemann & Son, the leading florists of Moberly are also engaged in raising early vegetables. Their greenhouse is located at 600 East McKitnley street where they have over 6,000 square feet inclosed under glass. Mr. Thiemann came to Mob- erly from Quincy, 111. in 1887 where he had been engaged in the cooper- age business. After coming here he was employed in the Wabash shops until he and his son, Robert W., established their present business. They built their green house ill 1914, where from the first successful operations were established and they now employ eight persons to take care of the constantly increasing business. Before inaugurating their establishment, Robert W. Thiemann went to Toledo, Ohio, where he entered the employ of one of the largest fancy vegetable growers of that state in order to learn the business from the ground up. For eight months he worked in the hothouse and gardens, then he returned to Moberly and with his father opened their present business. They specialize in vegetables, though a fine and varied florist business has also been built up, so that they can supply all the usual local demand for flowers. During the winter seasons they specialize in lettuce, early spring sees the first fancy tomatoes ready for the market and on their 10 acre tract they raise many and varied garden products under glass and in the open. Mr. A. Thiemann was married to Miss Anna Steinkamp, a native of Quincy, 111., and she and her husband have lived in Moberly for 45 years, two of its oldest and most esteemed residents. There were six children born to them: Anna, a teacher in the Moberly schools; Lawrence, de- ceased; Robert W., of this review; Mary, at home; Bernard, attending high school; Louise, at home and Theresa, deceased. Robert W. Thiemann was reared in Moberly and attended the public schools. After completing his education he engaged in his present busi- ness, becoming the junior partner with his father in the A. Thiemann & Son Greenhouse. They are now conducting a rapidly growing business, each year showing an increase due to the care and attention devotejJ to details and the tireless energy of both father and son. They occupy a place among the prosperous and sound business concerns of the city and are now earning the well deserved rewards for the labor, capital and time devoted to the new enterprise. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 787 Ed A. Willott, of Moberly, has been identified with the interests of this city for 37 years and has a wide acquaintance in Moberly and Ran- dolph County. Mr. Willott was born in St. Charles, Mo., in 1871, a son of Windel and Margaret (Tebo) Willott. Windel Willott came to Moberly when this city was in its infancy and was one of the first to establish a bakery and candy factory here. It was located just back of where the Randolph Trust Company building now stands. He came here about the time the Wabash shops were built and spent the remainder of his life here. He died about 1877 and was one of the first to be buried in Oakland cemetery. His wife died in 1888 and her remains are also buried in Oakland cemetery. They were the parents of the following chifdren: Kittie, married John McCabe, of Cheyenne, Wyo. ; John, when last heard from was in New Orleans ; Robert, an at- torney in New York City; Michael, a former well known business man of Moberly, who was proprietor of the Merchants Hotel, is now deceased; Louis, who was for several years a well known Moberly hotel man, is now deceased; William, who was a boiler maker in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company is now deceased; Emma, married Thomas Daly, a druggist of Urbanna, 111.; Ed A., the subject of this sketch; August, pro- prietor of the Green Tree Cafe and Restaurant, Moberly, Mo. and Fannie, married George F. Morris, a Wabash engineer of Peru, Ind. Ed A. Willott was educated in the public schools of Moberly and has made his own way in the world since he was 12 years of age. He has been interested in various business projects which he has conflucLed with uniform success. He ran a barber shop for 27 years and for over 10 years was engaged in- the retail liquor business at 209 North Fourth street. Mr. Willott has always been an enthusiastic booster of base ball and was the owner of the base ball park and for nine years was manager of the Moberly base ball team known as the Moberly Signals. He now has in his possession two very fine portraits of that team taken in 1905 and 1907. This was one of the best base ball teams of the league to which it belonged which included Hannibal, Sedalia, Mexico, Chillicothe, Macon, Higbee, Kirksville and Glasgow. Later it was a member of the Missouri and Illinois League. Mr. Willott was married Dec. 27, 1892 to Miss Ida M. Malone of Moberly, a native of Madison, Mo. Mr. Willott has .always been interested in the progress and develop- ment of Moberly and Randolph County. He has sei-ved as councilman 788 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY from the third ward. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the National Union and the Knights of Pythias. Francis E. Winans manager of the F. W. Woolworth Company's store at 322-324 Reed street, Moberly, is one of the younger generation of the business men of Moberly who are winning a place for themselves in com- mercial circles. He was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1895, the son of H. E. and Carrie S. (Shaw) Winans, both of whom now live at Belville, 111. They were born in the same county in New York, were reared and educated there. H. E. Winans is now advertising manager of the Western Cartridge Company of East Alton, 111. He formerly was in the hardware business and handled sporting goods in New York. To H. E. Winans and wife were born five children: Mildred, the wife of E. D. Phillips, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Helen, who married E. R. Cuthlow, of Belle- ville, 111.; Alice, at home; Edna, the wife of A. S. Cole of Tulsa, Okla., and Francis E. of this sketch. Francis E. Winans was still a young boy when his, parents came west to Illinois and he was reared in Belleville, attended the public schools and graduated from the high school in 1912. He then entered' the Belleville Commercial College for special courses in business. Later, he took an advertising coursfe in the International Correspondence School. In 1914, he accepted a position with the Woolworth people ai Belleville, 111., learned their methods and then was transf ei-red to St. Louis as assistant manager. After a period in that city he was sent to Pittsburg, Kans., as manager and from there came to Moberly, young in years but old in business experi- , ence. Mr. Winans assumed charge of the Woolworth store May 1, 1919, since which time he has become recognized as an enterprising merchant with good practical ideas. When war was declared by the United States against Germany, Mr. Winans enlisted at Fort Scott, Kans. and was assigned to the aviation corps at his request and sent to Belleville, 111., for training, being trans- ferred from there to Utica, N. Y. to give special study to the Savage Arms Company's field guns, spending two months in this line. Following that he was sent to Daytqn, Ohio, and became instructor in the aviation school there for nine months. On March 15, 1919, Mr. Winans was married and soon after came to Moberly with his bride. The Woolworth store in Moberly was opened August 15, 1916, under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis office and employs 10 people. Mr. Winans HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 789 assumed charge three years later and under his able manag-ement it is a growing concern, doing more business each quarter. Asa T. Burton, successful farmer and stockman and prominent in the affairs of Union township operates a farm five miles northeast of Mob- erly, is a native of Randolph County. He was born on the land where he now resides, Dec. 12, 1886. His parents were William R. and Louise (Proctor) Burton, the former a native of Randolph County, born here May 15, 1845, the son of Jolly Burton, who was born in Kentucky and came here at an early day and entered land two miles northeast of Milton. He died in Macon County and is buried there. William R. Burton bought the present farm in 1872 and engaged in farming and lived there uncil his death, Sept. 22, 1900, and was laid to rest in Antioch cemetery. Louise Proctor Burton was born in Union township March 12, 1848, and now resides, with her daughter, Mrs. Hayes Russ, of Moberly. There were the foUovidng children in the Burton family: Russell P., has a position with the Fleming Foundry of Moberly ; Mary, the wife of Joseph Burton, of Union township; Fannie, the wife of Hayes Russ, of Moberly; Hall, deceased; Asa T., of this review; and Alice, the wife of Hubert Engle, of Cairo, Mo. Asa T. Burton was reared on the home farm and received his edu- cation in the district school and when the school days were over engaged in farming. He soon assumed the entire management of the farm and today is regarded as one of the practical and successful farmers of the county. The old home place i's still owned by Mrs. W. R. Burton who leaves its management to her son, Asa T. The place is well improved with a good residence, large barn and other buildings, including a dairy bam, as Mr. Burton keeps 13 Jersey co\ys and carries on a considerable dairy business, selling milk and cream in Moberly. In addition, he has 14 Shropshire sheep, good work horses and a flock of 100 Rhode Island Red chickens. Mr. Burton takes special pride, too, in his Chester White hogs, which are high grade and has met with marked success as a breeder. On Oct. 24, 1917, Mr. Burton married Miss Mabel Hurt of Union township, the daughter of L. A. and Sarah E. (Pentin) Hurt, and two children have been born to this union: Grace Marie, born Aug. 2, 1918, died Sept. 6, 1919, and Paul L., born Feb. 20, 1920. Mrs. Burton comes from a fine old pioneer family as her grandfather. Judge P. Y. Hurt, was a pioneer settler of Macon County, where he served as county judge for two terms. 790 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY The Burton farm is well located on one of the main roads leading into Moberly and is served with mail by rural route No. 3. Mr. Burton takes great care to keep the farm up, uses modern machinery where available and his is one of the prosperous dairy farm.s of this section of the county. Rev. Finis Ewing Haynes, a retired Presbyterian minister of Cairo, belongs to a pioneer family of Randolph County of English descent. He was born in Cairo July 17, 1857, the son of Rev. Levi and Rebecca (Orr) Haynes, the former born in Roland County, N. C, Jan. 2, 1807 the son of James Haynes who came to the United States from England when a young man. He and his son Levi moved to Tennessee, locating in Murray County, where the father died. Rev. Levi Haynes and his wife came to Randolph County in 1854, settling on a homestead of 570 acres in Cairo township, wnere he lol- lowed farming and preached the gospel for 64 years. He died in October, 1898. He and his wife lived together for 62 years and were the parents of the following children : James Wilson, of Joplin, Mo. ; J. Warren, of Moberly, Mo.; Robert Reed, of Denver, Colo.; William Levi, of Moberly; Rev. Finis, of this sketch; Sarah Elizabeth Thompson, deceased; Mary Jane Wilson, deceased; Martha Emily Wilson, deceased, and Rebecca Narcissa Cunningham, of Hinton, Okla. There were two other children that died in infancy. Finis Ewing Haynes was educated at the Haynes school on the home farm near Cairo and as he says, "What I lacked in scientific book learn- ing, I have gained by practical observations through a long life." After leaving the district school he engaged in farn;iing. In 1889, Mr. Haynes entered the ministry, though he continued to live on the home place until 1915, when he sold the homestead and came to Cairo to live, having 30 acres of land adjoining the town site. Reverend Haynes has preached in Macon, Chariton, Randolph, Howard, Monroe, Boone and Callaway counties. For the past 18 months, he has given up active work. Reverend Havnes was married Nov. 28, 1875, to Miss Permilia Agnes Wilson, who was born in Cairo township, Jan. 16, 1856, the daughter of Squire Benjamin R. and Agnes (Haley) Wilson. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Union township who later moved to Cairo. He died at Holliday at the age of 85 years. His wife died in 1860 and both were laid to rest in the burying ground at Antioch church. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 791 Reverend Haynes and his wife are the parents of the following chil- dren: Eula May, the wife of James Dowdy, of Moberly; Dora, the wife of C. E. Turner, of Cairo township, who live on a part of the old farm; Carl, now county surveyor and city engineer of Moberly; Florence, de- ceased; Frank, of Moberly; Minnie, the wife of D. C. Jean, of Moberly; Frederick, of St. Louis; Lee, of Moulton, Iowa; Opal, the wife of Charles Rutherford, of Moberly ; Ray, of Cairo ; and Jewel, the wife of 0. Aubrey Skinner, of Cairo. For 38 years, Reverend Haynes has been a member of the Masonic Lodge at Cairo and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows until the local lodge surrendered its charter. This elderly gentle- man has many interesting recollections of the early days here and says that the iirst merchant of Cairo was William Hoard who opened a little store a half mile west of the present town site, which had not yet been platted. Reverend Haynes has the original land warrant of the farm which he now owns, which was entered by Samuel Baker, Feb. 17, 1855. Reverend Haynes still retains much of his physical and all of his mental vigor and is interested in all public affairs. Joseph G. Richeson, manager of the Cairo Lumber Company, Cairo, Mo., is a representative business man of Randolph County, and the Riche- son family have been identified with the interests of this county about 70 years. Joseph G. Richeson was bom at Salisbury, Mo., Oct. 27, 1875, and is the son of Sanford G. and Mary E. (Minor) Richeson. The mother was born in Randolph County in 1851 and diied in 1889 and her remains are buried at Huntsville, Mo. and the father now resides at Huntsville. Sanford G. Richeson was born in Kentucky and when three or four years of age was brought to Missouri by his parents. He is the son of Joseph Richeson who was killed near Huntsville by Federal soldiers during the Civil War and his remains were buried at Darksville. After his father was killed, Sanford G. Richeson joined the Confederate army and served about one year. Later he was engaged in the lumber business at Hunts- ville and is now living retired. The children bom to Sanford G. and Mary E. (Minor) Richeson are as follows : Wilber, who is engaged in the lumber business at Seattle, Wash. ; Vallie, married William Wilhite, Huntsville, Mo.; Joseph G., the subject of this sketch; Robert Bert, Ellensburg, Wash.; Thomas William, engaged in the lumber business at Seattle, Wash. ; Goldie, married Hugh Hitoton, Moberly, Mo. and Edgar, who died at the age of six years. 792 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Joseph G. Richeson was reared and educated at Huntsville, Mo. and has been engaged in the luniber business all his life. He remained with his father in that business at Huntsville until he was 28 years of age. He then spent one year in Texas and was in Arkansas three years. He came to Cairo in 1913, and took charge of the Cairo Lumber Company and has been manager of that concern since. This is one of the leading lumber establishments of the county. They caiTy a complete line of lumber and building materials of all kinds, including paints and sewerpipe. The stock of this company is housed in a building 60x105 feet. They do an extensive business in Cairo and vicinity. Joseph G. Richeson was united in marriage July 3, 1904 to Miss Mary E. Miller of Huntsville, Mo. She was bom in Richmond, Ky. and is a daughter of John T. and Anna Miller who now resides at Danby, Okla. To Mr. and Mrs. Richeson' have been born three children: Sanford Miller, born Jan. 10, 1906 ; Joseph Giles, born Oct. 27, 1907, on his father's birth- day; and Marysue who was named after her mother and aunt who were twins, was born June 12, 1915. Mr. Richeson is a member of Cairo Lodge No. 486, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an energetic and enterprising business man and a leader in the affairs of the community. \ William F. Moore, proprietor of the "Smoke House", Moberly, Mo., where he carries on a retail tobacco and cigar business and also conducts a pool and billiard room, is a well known citizen of Moberly. Mr. Moore was born in Monroe County, Mo., Sept. 17, 1877 and is a son of William F. and Mary E. (Arnold) Moore. The father was a successful farmer for 40 years in Monroe County, and died in 1919 and his remains are buried in Oakland cemetery at Moberly.' The mother preceded him in death many years, she having died in 1883 and is buried at Holliday, Mo. WiUiam F. and Mary E. (Arnold) Moore were the parents of two children : Mrs. Mat- tie E. Stice, of Denver, Colo.; and William F., the subject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife the father was ' again married to Mrs. Ellen Roberts and one child was born to that union, Mable, who is now the wife of Prof. Harry Larne who is an instructor in the Engineering De- partment of the University of Missouri at Columbia. William F. Moore, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools in Monroe County and in Moberly and took a business course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. He followed farming for a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 793 few years when he came to Moberly and purchasfed his present business in 1916. The "Smoke House" is one of the popular places of Moberly and is well patronized. Mr. Moore carries a complete line of cigars, tobaccos and smokers accessories and does an extensive business. During the World War Mr. Moore accepted a position as extra brakeman on the Wabash Railroad and still holds that position in addition to his other business, inasmuch as he is not steadily employed on the road. June 2, 1899, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Roberts of Cairo, Mo. She is a daughter of John Roberts of Cairo who is now deceased. Mrs. Moore's mother belonged to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County; she was a sister of the late Judge Terrill who was prominent in the affairs of this county. Mr. Moore is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is well known and popular in the community. The Moore family is one of the old pioneer families of Missouri. William F. Moore had three uncles who served in the Confederate army in the Civil War and two of them, James and Thomas Moore were killed while in the service. Joshua Terrill Epperly, a prominent citizen of Chariton township, has been identified with farming and stock raising in Randolph County all his life and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this county. Mr. Epperly was born in Chariton township about one-half mile south of his present residence, Jan. 6, 1858 and is a son of David and Virginia Epperly. They were natives of Kentucky and came to Randolph County in 1840 and here David Epperly entered government land where Joshua Terrill Epperly was born. He engaged in farming and stock raising here where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife died in 1873 and he departed this life Oct. 2, 1890 and their remains are buried on the old home place. They were the parents of the following children: William, deceased; Joseph, Hinton, Okla. ; Allen was a Confederate soldier and died in the Federal prison at Alton, 111., during the war; George, Bevier, Mo.; Mrs. Barbara Thomas, deceased; Mrs. Henry Eppard, Moberly, Mo.; Joshua T., the subject of this sketch; Lucinda, deceased and Garth. Joshua T. Epperly attended the district school in the Epperly school district which was named after his father. He was reared on the pioneer farm in Chariton township and early engaged in farming and stock rais- ing and is one of Randolph County's practical and successful farmers and stockmen. He owns 406 acres, 320 of which are in one body. His farm iiicludes the old home place upon which his father settled when he came 794 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY . to Randolph County. Mr. Epperly carries on general farming and stock raising. April 24, 1879, Joshua T. Epperly was united in marriage with Miss Mary Nancy Minor, a daughter of Willis and Martha E. (Epperly) Mino?. Mrs. Epperly was bom in Wayland township, Chariton County, Feb. 1, 1862. Her grandfather, Geoi-ge Minor and wife, Mary, were natives of Kentucky and very early settlers in central Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Epperly have been born the following children : Josie, died at the age of 21 ; Harvey Allen, Chariton township ; George W., died in infancy ; Arthur, born Jan. 26, 1885, married Kate Vandiver of Salisbury township and they have one son, Arthur Terrill; Mrs. Ethel McKeown, Dodsland, Canada; Thomas H., born Jan. 10, 1895, married Mabel Turner, of Chariton township and lives on the home place; Robert, born Feb. 4,- 1897, was a soldier in the National Army during the World War and while in training at McArthur, Tex., died from pneumonia Oct. 13, 1918 and his remains are buried in the Thomas Hill cemetery; Nora Lucinda, a student in the State Teachers College at Kirksville, Mo.; Ida Lee, also a student in the State Teachers College at Kirksville and Percy Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Epperly have the following grandchildren: Dorothy, Millard, Lois and Mar j oris McKeown; and Arthur Terrill, Marion Hardin and Richard Lee Epperly. Mr. Epperly has taken a prominent part in local political affairs for many years. He is now constable of Chariton township and served as deputy sheriff under sheriff Joe Hogue. He is a Democrat and has at- tended a number of conventions, the most recent of which was the Demo- cratic State Convention which 'was held at Joplin in April, 1920, at which he was a delegate. Claude D. Marshall, principal of the West Park School at Moberly is one of the well known and successful educators of central Missouri and is a descendant of pioneers of this section. He was born on a farm three and one-half miles south of Moberly, Oct* 29, 1874 and is a son of Rice R. and Kate Marshall. Rice R. Marshall was a native of Virginia, bom Feb. 14, 1840. He was a son of William D. Marshall who came to Missouri at an early date and first settled near Middlegrove and later removed to Renick and in 1867 settled on a farm south of Moberly. Rice R. Marshall was one of five brothers, four of whom lived near Renick: Horace, died at the age of 85 years; Dorsey, died at the age of 75; George, died at the age of 55; Rice R. and William Henry, another brother, went to Pendleton, Ore., where he died at the age of 60 years. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 795 Rice R. Marshall enlisted in the Confederate army during the Civil War at Renick, Mo. and served in Col. Pershing's regiment, General Price's division and was with his command at Shreveport, La. at the surrender, after which he walked from there to his home in Randolph County. After the war he was engaged in farming and stock raising and spent the latter part of his life on his farm south of Moberly. He died in 1895 at the age of 70 years and his widow now resides in Moberly. Tney were mar- ried Sept. 26, 1866, the day that the town lots of Moberly were first placed on sale. To Rice R. and Kate ' T. Marshall were born the following children : Wiley D., lives on the home farm; Claude D., the subject of this sketch: Etha, married H. T. Owens ; Melvin N., of Moberly ; Fannie, married Exie Noel, Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Tuck, a daughter who died at the age of three years and Jimmie who died at the age of three years. Claude D. Marshall was educated in the public schools and was gradu- ated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1892. He then attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg and later the University of Mis- souri at Columbia. He taught his first school in the Vernon district, four miles south of Renick when he was 17 years old. He became principal of the Cairo school and in 1901 came to Moberly as principal of the West Park school. Five years later he was transferred to Central School and then to East Park School. For the past six years he has been principal of the West Park School. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools of Randolph County in 1906 and at the expiration of his first term was reelected to that office, serving four years in all. Professor Marshall was married June 23, 1897 to Miss Irma Mathers, a daughter of J. S. and Emma (Allen) Mathers. The father died Sept. 16, 1913 and hiis remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. He was born in Kingston, Pa. He was a miller by trade and came to Moberly in 1882 and worked at his trade here for several years. Mrs. Mathers is a native of England, born in 1850 and now resides at Denver, Colo. Mrs. Marshal- has two sisters living in Denver; Florence, married Charles McEnery and Elsie who is unmarried. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been bom two children: Alliene, a student at Christian College, Columbia, Mo., who was graduated from the Moberly High School in 1919 and Frank, a student in the Moberly schools. Mr. Marshall is a member of the Library Board of Moberly and for the past 12 years has been a member of the County Text Book Board. 796 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Ben Levy, who was the founder of the Levy mercantile business in Moberly, was one of the pioneer business men of this city and he estab- lished the Ben Levy store here which is now known as the Henry Levy and Company store in 1870. He was born in Germany and came to America when he was about 15 years of age. He first settled in Indiana and in 1870 came to Moberly and was one of the leading factors in the business and commercial world here until the time of his death April 17, 1893. Henry Levy, brother of Ben Levy, came to Moberly in 1881 and was associated with his brother in business here until the death of the latter in 1893, when he, in partnership with Mrs. Ben Levy continued the busi- ness which was established by his brother, until the time of his death which occurred in New York City, Feb. 23, 1918. Henry Levy was a pro- gressive public spirited and enterprising business man and was always alive to the best interests of Moberly. He was president of the Moberly Commercial Club for two terms and while he held that office the city of Moberly celebrated its 50th anniversary and the great success of this oc- casion was largely due to the efforts put forth by Mr. Levy. He was a good business man and a natural executive. He was a man of strong char- acter and pleasing personality. He was a prominent Mason and had an extensive acquaintance in the business world. He was never married but made his home with his brother's family in Moberly. Ben Levy was married at Fort Wayne, Ind., Oct. 4, 1871 to Miss Flora Redelsheimer. Two children were born to this union: Mortimer B. and Isadore. Mortimer B. Levy was born in Moberly, May 27, 1876. After receiving a- good preparatory education in the public schools of Moberly, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich, where he was graduated in the class of 1899. He was admitted to the bar and in 1901 engaged in the practice of law at St. Louis and success- fully practiced his profession there until 1918 and since that time has been associated with the Henry Levy & Company business of Moberly. Isa- dore Levy was born in Moberly, April 30, 1873 and educated in the public schools here and for the past 30 years has been associated with the Henry Levy & Company mercantile establishment. The Ben Levy store was first established on North Clark street where R. A. Curran's grocery store is now located. In 1875, a frame building which stood on the corner of Reed and Clark streets was de- stroyed by fire and Ben Levy contracted with Mr. Chandler to erect a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 797 two story brick building on that corner which he leased for two or three years when he purchased it and this has been the home of the Levy business for the past 45 years. The Henry Levy Company which is located on the corner of Clark and Reed streets occupies a two story building and consists of three store rooms fronting on North Clark street. The first floor of the building houses three departments of the business : Men's and boys' ready to wear clothings and furnishings, dry goods and shoes. The second floor of the building is devoted to ladies, misses and childrens ready to wear gar- ments and millinery. Much of the success of this great mercantile institution has been due to the devotion and efforts of Mrs. Ben Levy, who for a half a cen- tury has given her aid and counsel to the business and taken a real and sincere interest in the multitude of customers of this store. She is a capable business woman and at the same time possesses all the mother's traits of sympathy and charity. Ben Levy, not only left those who were near and dear to him in com- fortable circumstances from a financial standpoint, but he left them rich in the inheritance of his good name and the esteem of friends and neighbors. A. A. Arline, supervisor of construction for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company at Moberly, is a man who has had a varied experi- ence in the important field of telephone work and holds a position which means more to the public than the average person realizes. The South- western Bell Telephone Company has over 2,400 telephones in the Mob- erly exchange, 350 at Higbee and 500 others in the county which connect with this company's line. The Southwestern Bell Telephone Company bought out the local Moberly Company in 1910, which at that time had 900 phones in operation. This company now has over 21,095 miles of wires in Missouri north of the river which is oyer one-half of the tele- phone wife mileage of the state. A. A. Arline was born in Decatur County, Ga. and is a son of H. F. Arline who was a native of Georgia and now resides at Bainbridge, that state. His wife was a native of Alabama and died in 1890 and her re- mains are buried at Climax, Ga. A. A. Arline was educated in the public schools of the native state and remained on a farhi until he reached maturity. He then worked at the lumber business in Georgia and Alabama until 1902 when he 798 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY entered the employ of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company of Texas as a laborer. Later he became lineman, local manager and traveling inspector and finally local manager at Orange, Tex., where he remained for two years. He then represented the company in various places in Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi and in March,_ 1916, came to Moberly, Mo., as construction foreman. One year later he was promoted to supervisor of construction with headquarters at Mob- erly and has since served in that capacity. His territory includes the northern half of Missouri. Mr. Arline was married in 1911 to Miss Tommie E. Webb, of Houston, Tex. She is a daughter of H. T. Webb of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Arline have been born one son, A. A., Jr., born Dec. 11, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Arline reside at 826 West Rollins street. Mr. Arline is a member of the Masonic Lodge, A. F. and A. M. Magnolia Lodge No. 60, Little Rock, Ark. James Thomas O^Conner, of Clifton Hill, is a veteran of the World War who saw much active service during that great conflict. He was born near Huntsville, July 31, 1888 and is a son of James W. and Mary (Morrissy) O'Conner, both natives of Randolph County. James W. O'Conner was born about five miles south of Huntsville, May 5, I860 and is a son of Michael and Ann (Patterson) McGinnis O'Conner. The mother was a native of County Kilkinney, Ireland and the widow of Thomas McGinnis, an early settler of Randolph County. She died in June, 1914 and is buried in Mt. Salem cemetery and Michael O'Conner died in 1862 and is buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. The children born to Michael O'Conner and wife were Michael, who now lives on the home place and James W. James W. O'Conner grew to manhood in Randolph County and was educated in the public schools. He began life as a farmer and has been a successful farmer and stock raiser and for the past 14 years has re- sided in Clifton Hill and conducted his farm which is located one and one-half miles from town. James W. O'Conner was married Oct. 20, 1886 to Mary Morrissy, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kitchen) Morrissy, pioneers of Chariton County. James Morrissy was a native of County Clare, Ireland and died June 20, 1870. His wife was a native of North Carohna, and a daughter of Stephen Kitchen who was an early settler in Central Missouri. She died Dec. 8, 1882 and she and her hus- band's remains are buried on the home farm. To James W. O'Conner HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 799 and wife were born three children as follows: James Thomas, the sub- ject of this sketch; Anna Mabel, married 0. B. Elsea, Mobfirly, Mo. and Alvin William, Huntsville, Mo. James T. O'Conner was educated in the public schools of Clifton township and was engaged in farming. On Oct. 3, 1917 he enlisted in the United States army at Moberly, Mo. and became a member of the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division and was attached to a supply company. He took part with his command in some of the most severe engagements of the World War. He was in the St. Mihiel offensive, Sept. 12-16, 1918, the Meuse Argonne offensive from Sept. 30 to Oct. 27, 1918 and the Besle sector, Aug. 4, 5, 9, 1918 and after the armistice was signed, he was with the army of occupation in Germany. During the Argonne Forest offensive he was wounded by shrapnel in the right leg and still carries a piece of shrapnel in his right foot. He was also gassed. Before going overseas, while at Camp Kearney, Cal. in training, he met with an acci- dent which resulted in a broken leg. He remained with the army of occupation in Germany for several months after the armistice, when he was returned to Camp Taylor, Ky. and received his honorable discharge Aug. 28, 1919. Mr. O'Conner's service as a member of a supply company was of a very hazardous character as the supply trains were always one of the chief objectives of the enemy fire. He has had horses killed while driv- ing them and on one occasion six men were killed at one time who were members of his command. He has a number of interesting souvenirs from the battlefields of France which were the scenes of his military experiences, including a number of photographs and he has in his posses- sion, a German trench knife, belt and flash light which were taken from a German officer in the Argonne Forrest in the last battle. Few soldiers of the World War have a better military record to their credit than James Thomas O'Conner. Elliott Palmer, a/ prosperous farmer and stockman of Chariton town- ship who is the owner of a well improved farm of 200 acres, is a native -of Canada. He was born in the Province of Ontario, Oct. 24, 1855 and is a son of William and Sarah Palmer who settled in Chariton township, Randolph County in 1869 and the father now resides in that township. A more extensive history will be found of the Palmer family in connection with the sketch of Shackel Palmer in this volume. Elliot Palmer was about 14 years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents who settled on a farm about one-half mile north 800 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of where he now hves. He received most of his education in Canada where he attended school for six years, never missing a day except Sun- days and hohdays. He also attended the public schools after coming to Eandolph County. Mr. Palmer remained at home with his parents until he was 27 years old when he began farming and stock raising on his own account. In 1887 he bought his first land which consisted of a place of 40 acres. He has added to this and now owns 200 acres in one body in Chariton township. He has made many improvements, having built a good residence and two substantial barns. His is an ideal location for stock raising as well as general farming. The place 'is supplied with water from two springs which are supplemented by wells and ponds; He carries on general farming and also raises and feeds stock extensively. He raises Polled Angus cattle of a good grade, Duroc Jersey hogs, and standard bred White Leghorn chickens. Mr. Palmers' place is loca;ted ten miles north of Clifton Hill. Mr. Palmer was married in 1888 to Miss Catherine Turner, a daughter of John and Elmira (Baker) Turner, early settlers of Randolph County and now deceased. John Turner was a native of Kentucky and his wife was born in Clifton township, Randolph County. They were the parents of the following children: George B., Clifton township; James B., Milan, Mo.; Charles, Chariton township; Catherine, married Elliot Palmer of this review; Lynch, clerk for the superior court at Newman, Ga. ; Lillie, married Frank Fields, Omaha, Neb.; Lena, married J. G. Baker, Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Fannie Semple, deceased; Robert, deceased, and David, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born the fol- lowing children: Bina, married R. S. Jerow, Meade, Kan.; Mary A., mar- ried Omer Ross, Bloomington, Mo. ; Julia M., married Taylor Webster 9,nd they live in Kansas; Sarah F., married Ancel Lyedorff, Macon County, Mo. ; Myra, George E. and Minnie reside at home with their parents. Mr. Palmer is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Clifton Hill, He is a Democrat and takes a keen interest in political matters. In 1906 he made the race for the nomination to the oiRce of circuit clerk of Randolph County but was defeated. However he had the satisfaction of receiving every vote except one in his precinct at the primary which is good evidence of the esteem in which his neighbors who know him best regard him. He has been a notary public for a great many years, having received a commis- sion to that office from each of the last eight governors of Missouri. He HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 801 is a highly respected citizen and one of the substantial men of Randolph County. Thomas B. Whittaker, an extensive farmer and stockman of Chariton township, is a large land owner and one of the successful men of affairs of Randolph County. He is the owner of 902 acres, 200 of which is located in Randolph County and 702 acres in Chariton County. This is one of the valuable farms in this section of Missouri. 300 acres of Mr. Whittaker's farm is upland, 300 acres second bottom land and about 300 acres first bottom land. Taken as a whole it is excellent land and very productive and well adapted to both general farming and stock raising. 250 acres is what might be called timber pasture land and 400 acres is under timothy and blue grass. Mr. Whittaker employs up-to-date devices and modern methods and has a tractor on his place which is capable of plowing about ten acres per days. He will raise about 200 acres of corn the present season. A part of Mr. Whittaker's place is one of the historical old places of this section. It was the Judge W. A. Hall farm before it was purchased by Mr. Whittaker. This portion consists of 200 acres and is located in Ran- dolph County. The residence is a large brick structure of 12 rooms, two stories high and was built by Judge Hall before the Civil War. It is a very substantial building and is still an excellent state of preserva- tion. Mr. Hall, in addition to his general farming raises White Face Here- ford cattle and pure bred Shropshire sheep. He is an extensive feeder and buys large numbers of cattle which he fattens for the market. Thomas B. Whittaker was born in Cheshire, England, near the city of Manchester, June 24, 1851 and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Lunt) Whittaker, both natives of England and now deceased and their remains are buried in Jacksonville, 111. The Whittaker family settled in Jackson- ville, 111., in 1870, after having lived for some years in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Missouri. The father was a woolen mill operator. Thomas B. Whittaker was one of a family of four children born to his parents and is the only one living. Those deceased are: Francis, Mrs. Sarah Irwin and Arthur. Thomas B. Whittaker was educated in the public schools and in early life worked in woolen mills in various capacities. When 15 years old, he began to learn the brass finishers trade and worked at that until he was 19 years old when he returned to the woolen mills and worked at that business in Jacksonville until 1871. He was married about that time and came to Chariton County, Mo., where 8Q2 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY he bought a farm and began clearing and improving it. However he worked at his trade in a woolen mill in St. Joseph, Mo. for four years to get money with which to improve his farm. When working at his trade of weaving, he was considered one of the highest class workmen. He specialized in weaving woolen cloth and had few, if any equals, in that art. Mr. Whittaker was married in September, 1878 to Miss Hattie B. Brereton of Will County, 111. She is a daughter of Joseph Brereton who is a highly respected pioneer settler of that section of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker have been born the following children: Benjamin, died at the age of 24 years; Mabel died at the age of 14 years; Mary; Morris, further mention of whom is made below ; Bessie, Nettie, Clarence, Wallace and Florence. Morris Whittaker, above mention, was a soldier in the World War having served as a member of a machine gun company in the 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He was in the service about 18 months, eight months of which he was in France. He was wounded Sept. 22, 1918 on the St. Mihiel drive about 12 days after the drive started. He was struck by a piece of shell which shattered his right arm and he spent three months in a hospital and has not yet fully recovered. All of the children were born in Chariton County, Mo., except Mary who was born in Illinois. Mr. Whittaker is a substantial citizen whose industry and good judg- ment has been rewarded by success. John B. Crews, chief of the fire department of Moberly, Mo., and one of the best known men of Randolph County, was bom in Prairie town- ship, Oct. 18, 1861. He is the son of Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews. Samuel T. Crews was a native of Howard County, Mo. and was reared, educated and married in Missouri. After attaining manhood, he engaged in farming in Randolph County and became well-to-do. Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews were the parents of five children: Mattielene, married Joshua Wirt and is deceased; William C. C, a stationary engineer at Des Moines, Iowa; John B., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, mar- ried James Hubbard and is now deceased and Joseph S.,. a conductor on the Wabash Railroad, whose biography will be found on another page of this history. John B. Crews was reared on his father's farm. He attended the district school until he was 15 years old when he came to Moberly with HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 803 his parents in 1876 and attended the school on East Rollins street, at the same time working during vacations and on Saturdays. From 1876 to 1894, Mr. Crews was variously employed in Moberly, Mo. He understood horses and often was engaged to drive teams that proved difficult for less experienced men and this ability led to his being offered by the city the' position of driver in the fire department and for over 25 years he has served on the fire department of Moberly. He says that he has attended fires with equipment that ranges from the old two wheeled hose wagon to the present autornobile power engine. In 1907 Mr. Crews wds appointed fire chief of the Moberly fire de- partment by Mayor R. R. Rothwell, a position which he has held since. Chief Crews is a capable man, wise' in the handling of the men of the department, a good executive and always able to take advantage of every opportunity in fighting a fire. On July 18, 1880, Mr. Crews was married to Miss Ida May Smith, a native of Illinois, the daughter of Benjamin Smith, an early settler of Monroe County, Mo. Four children have been born to this union: Jessie, married Ralph Fields, of Las Vegas, N. M.; Gussie, married High Hoff- man, a real estate man at Chillicothe, Mo. ; Alma, the wife of. Frank Ger- ald, of Kansas City; Mo., and Ruth, the wife of James Ogden, of 'Moberly. Chief Crews has acted independently all his life and it is but natural that he is an independent in his political views, voting for the man he believes to be the best fitted to serve the people. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America. Chief Crews has served the city of Moberly long and faithfully and it has been due to his capable administration that the fire department ranks high in central Missouri and the fire loss in Moberly is small. Louis Klein, the owner and manager of one of the best known and most popular baking establishments of Moberly was bom in the province of Alsace, Sept. 21, 1870, where he was reared and educated, but like so many of the young men of' those provinces, he opposed military service to the German Empire and though young in years, he had thought much and when only 15 years of age he came to America and located in Mob- erly in 1885, where he was employed by A. Merke, a baker. Here he learned the baker's trade and was qualified to conduct all operation in a modern bakery. Later, Mr. Klein accepted a position as baker for D. Kelly and remained in that position for 12 years. In 1906, having ac- 804 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY cumulated considerable capital, he started his first bakery on North Fourth street, where he met with marked success. Later he needed larger quarters and moved to 412 West Reed street. In time this too was out- grown by his business and he erected his present baking establishment. -In 1917, he erected his present building at 210-212 5th street which is equipped with the latest labor saving machinery to be had for a large plant. Today Mr. Klein employs 11 people in the bakery which is the largest establishment of its kind in central Missouri. He not only sup- plies local trade but ships his products in every direction from Moberly. Mr. Klein was the first man in Moberly to install an electric motor in his plant and had the first electric business sign on Reed street and operated the first motor delivery in Moberly. May 16, 1894, Mr. Klein was married to Miss Mary Moellering, of , Quincy, 111. and they have five children : Lulu, the wife of Roy Penland, of Sedalia, Mo., Arthur, associated with his father in business; Leona, at home, who has charge of the retail business of the firm; Robert and Helen, also at home. In politics, Mr. Klein is an independent and with his family belongs to the Catholic church. He is a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus and the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Klein is one of the old substantial residents and business men of Moberly and his stores are landmarks in the history of the city. Joseph S. X^rews, a well known passenger conductor of the Wabash Railroad between Moberly and Omaha, is a member of a well known family of Randolph County. He was born in Randolph County, April 12, 1864 and is a son of Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews. Samuel Crews was a native of Howard County, Mo., where- he grew up and was later engaged in farming. Subsequently the family came to Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming. Joseph S. Crews was one of five children born to his parents. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and later entered the high school at Renick and was graduated from the four year course. He then took a commercial course in Spaulding's Business Col- lege at Kansas City, Mo. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Renick Coal Mining Company where he remained for five years. He then began as brakeman on the Wabash Railroad and his first run was between Moberly and St. Louis in 1889. In 1898 he was promoted to Conductor of a freight and 1908 he was given a passenger run from Mob- erly to Omaha and for the past 12 years has been on this run. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 805 On Oct. 26, 1886, Mr. Crews was married to Miss Kate Patton Martin, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of James and Sallie (Stephens) Martin, natives of Monroe County and early settlers of Ran- dolph County, where Mr. Martin became a well known and prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Cxews have an adopted daughter, Ruth, who mar- ried R. A. Manard, who is engaged in business in Moberly. Mr. Crews is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Crews are members of the Christian chuich. He is a member of the Order of Railway Con- ductors. William H. EekarJ, superintendent of the Moberly division of the Wabash Railroad, is a native of Illinois. He was bom at Topeka, 111., Aug. 3, 1878, a son of, William and Amelia J. (Bandeen) Eckard and is the third of a family of six children. His father was a railroad agent in Illinois and also a grain dealer, owning a string of elevators on the Jack- sonville & Southern Railroad. The grandparents were Moses and Sarah (Sommons) Eckard, natives of Pennsylvania, who were reared and edu- cated in their native state. They came west at an early day. They were pioneer settlers of Mason County, 111., and became prominent in that sec- tion where they spent the remainder of their lives. Amelia J. (Bandeen) Eckard was born near New Albany, Ind., and died in 1908 at the age of 64 years. William H. Eckard spent his boyhood days at Topeka, 111. and at- tended the public schools and acquired a good practical education. While yet in school he learned telegraphy, a vocation at which he began wo,rk when quite young. He soon began to realize that the best equipment that a man could have for the battle of life was a good education and ^ after working as operator until 1899 he entered Alma College, Alma,. Mich., where he remained a year. After leaving college, Mr. Eckard again accepted a position as telegrapher, was transferred from One town to another until he became associated with the Quincy, Omaha &. St. Louis Railroad, now a part of the Wabash system. He was stationed at Quincy, 111. for six months before being transferred to Kansas City and later to Stanberry, Mo., as train dispatcher. There he remained from 1900 to 1904. He was sent to Brunswick, Mo. in the same capacity and from there came to Moberly in 1905 as dispatcher for this division. Four months after coming here he was offered and accepted the position of night chief train' dispatcher at Decatur, 111. In 1910 he returned to Stansberry as train master where he remained until 1915 when he was 806 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY promoted to superintendent of the Moberly division and has since held that position. On June 17, 1916, Mr. Eckard was married to Miss Blanche Enyart, of Gallatin, Mo. She is a daughter of John Enyart who was a lumber- man and banker of that town. He died Dec. 20, 1919. His widow now resides at Stansberry, Mo. Mr. Eckard is a Democrat and a Knight Templar Mason and a mem- ber of the Shrine. He is one of the efficient and progressive railroad men who has climbed to his present position by hard work and natural inherent ability. Amos L. Crumrine, known to all his many friends as "Al", has been a resident of Moberly for more than a quarter of a century and during almost all that time has been associated with the Wabash Railroad. He was born in Adams County, Pa., Nov. 14, 1856 and is a son of John and Eliza (Schley) Crumrine. They were the parents of 13 children of whom he was the youngest son and the tenth child in order of birth. John Crumrine was also a native of Pennsylvania and was a farmer. Amos L. Crumrine was educated in the district school and the public schools of Middleton. When only 10 years old he began to learn the harness maker's trade and after serving his apprenticeship, followed that calling for five years before accepting a position with the buggy manu- facturing concern at Indianapolis, Ind. While still a young man he began checking freight on the old Jeffersonville & Madison railroad at Indi- anapolis, Ind. This road afterward was absorbed by the Pennsylvania system. For 12 years he was associated with railroading and during that period he worked as breakmen and yardman. Leaving Indiana in 1894, Mr. Crumrine came to Moberly and began breaking on the Wabash rail- road. He was soon promoted to conductor and ran freight and passenger trains for 16 years. He finally resigned to engage in the implement and hardware business which he disposed of to advantage four years later and returned to the Wabash Railroad as switch tender, a position which he has filled to the present time. In 1893, Mr. Crumrine was married to Miss Julia Cashen, a native of Canada, who died in 1894. One child was born to them, Albert J., who is at home with his father. On Nov. 5, 1915, Mr. Crumrine married Lena Christian Beheler, a native of Randolph County, born at Huntsville, Mo., Feb. 22, 1872. She is a daughter of James P. and Martha E. (McDavitt) Christian, both of whom now reside at Renick where Mr. Christian is post- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 807 master. Mrs. Crumrine was the widow of James J. Beheier of Roanoke, Randolph County, at the time of her second marriage. Two children have been born to this union: Paul L., of Canon City, Colo, and Shirley Eliza- beth, at home. Mrs. Crumrine was reared and educated in Randolph County and later attended the State Normal School at Chillicpthe, Mo., and taught for three years here. She and Mr. Crumrine have a host of old friends in Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Crumrine is a Repubhcan. William P. Vandegrift, one of the well known business men of Mob- erly, with a plumbing and heating establishment at 420 West Coates street, was born in Odessa, Del., June 1, 1863. He is a son of Perry and Maria (Cosgriff) Vandegrift and is the sixth of their nine children. Perry Vandegrift was born in Cecil County; Md. He was a farmer and merchant and spent his life in these vocations. He died at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1913, aged 86 years. Mrs. Vandegrift was bom in Ireland and came to America when young. She died in 1910 at the age of 79 years. William P. Vandegrift spent his boyhood days at Wilmington, Del., where he attended the public schools. While still living on his father's farm, he learned the plumber's trade in Wilmington, Del. Mr. Vande- grift has been in business for himself in different parts of the country, having been located at Washington, D. C, Los Angeles, Cal., and in 1901 came to Moberly. On April 28 of that year he engaged in business at his present location. From the first, Mr. Vandegrift has met with success. On July 11, 1904, Mr. Vandegrift was married to Miss Anna A. Neth, of Moberly. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Gringrich) Neth. The father who is now retired was one of the pioneer cigarmakers of Mob- erly and can tell many interesting early day experiences of this section. The Vandegrifts are of Holland descent and its members have been identified with this country for many years. The first members of this family came to the United States in 1665, locating in Maryland and Dela- ware; then a branch went to Pennsylvania. Mr. William Vandegrift's parents are descended from the Maryland branch. Members of the family have taken part in all the wars of the United States from the Revolution to the present day. Mr. Vandegrift takes a keen interest in all historical material and today has standing on his property at Moberly, the only log cabin left of the original structures of the first settlement of the present thriving city of Moberly. 808 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Otto S. Fowler, now living retired in Moberly, who maintains his home at 312 South WiUiams street, is the ownet of nearly 300 acres of valuable land in Prairie township, where for many years he was engaged in farming and stock raising and was one of the leading breeders of Duroc Jersey Hogs and Hereford cattle of this county. Mr. Fowler is a native son of Randolph County, born on a farm near Clark in Prairie township Aug. 9, 1875. He is a son of William and Nancy J. (Hamilton) Fowler and one of the following children born to them: Sarah, who mar- ried Joseph McCune, is deceased; Matilda, is the widow of Mr. McCuUy of Moberly; Frances F., deceased; Flora and Ann F., also deceased; Louella, the wife of Doctor Mangus, lives in Florida, and Otto, the subject of this review. William B. Fowler was born near Lexington, Aug. 24, 1823, the son of Elijah and Matilda (Burris) Fowler, both born and reared in their native state. Their son was also reared and educated in Kentucky and after reaching maturity became a farmer. He met and married Nany Hamilton who was born and reared near Lexington, Ky. and came to Missouri with her parents. The Fowlers took up government land in Prairie township, paying $1.25 an acre which at that time was considered a good price. William B. Fowler filed on a section of land which he broke, cultivated and in time became a rich productive farm. He spent his entire life on the farm and died March 16, 1905. His wife died Jan. 29. 1913. Otto S. Fowler spent his early days on his father's farm in Prairie township and attended the district school, laying the foundation for a good practical education. He engaged in farming and stock raising and at his father's death, he inherited 100 acres of land. He invested in other land adjoining until he had one of the largest and most productive farms of Randolph County. Mr. Fowler studied agricultural problems and was one of the first to recognize that the control of the meat produc- ing business had passed from the hands of the great cattle barrons with the passing of the open range and that henceforth this great industry was to lie in the hands of the small farmer who would raise high grade beef and hogs, so he invested in well bred animals and that his vision was wise needs not to be told when one learns of his successes in the live stock business. In 1920, Mr. Fowler retired from the active man- agement of his business and has since resided in Moberly. On Jan. 14, 1894, Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Maud M. Hamil- ton, of Randolph County. She was born near Higbee and is a daughter HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 809 of Theodore R. and Sarah F. (Cleeton) Hamilton, both natives of Howard County, Mo. and to this union two children have been born, Osie F., the wife of R. T. Hulette of Renick and Opal M., the oldest daughter who is at home with her parents. Mr. Fowler has run the gamut of pioneer experi- ences in central Missouri and has accumulated his competency by farm- ing and stock raising. He early^ took a prominent place as one of the progressive farmers of his district and made a marked success. Ambrose C. Burton, deceased, was prominent in the affairs of Ran- dolph County for many years. He was a representative of one of the oldest families in this county and state. Judge Burton was bom on his father's farm near Higbee, Mo., Sept. 23, 184.6, and died Jan. 26, 1920. He was the eldest of the two children bom to his parents. Judge May Medley and Minerva (Brooks) Burton; the former was bom in Moniteau township, Dec. 14, 1822, and died after passing his life in Randolph County, Feb. 6, 1916. Judge May Medley Burton was reared on his father's farm near Hig- bee, received a good education and in time became a large landowner, being engaged in stock raising and general farming until 1870. Mr. Bur- ton was a man who took an active part in the civic life of his generation and in 1856 he was elected to the state legislature where he served with such marked ability that in 1870 he was elected a member of the county court. He engaged in the mercantile business at Higbee but in 1878 moved to Sweet Springs, Mo., where he lived three years. However, in 1881, he gave up business and retired to the farm where he lived a retired life the rest of his days. Judge Burton's first wife was a Miss Minerva Brooks, who died in 1881, at the age of 45, leaving two children and on July 5, 1883, Judge Burton married Sarah A. Lassiter Gilman, widow of Robert Gilman, who served as county treasurer of Randolph County for a number of years. Mrs. Burton was the daughter of Henry Lassiter, a native of Kentucky. Ambrose C. Burton spent his boyhood days on his father's farm near Higbee and attended the district school and then attended the public schools in Higbee. After reaching maturity, he engaged in farming and also conducted a livery business in Higbee for three years. He was a man of considerable property and substantial standing in the community. Mr. Burton was a Democrat and with his family belonged to the Christian church. Oct. 24, 1867, Ambrose C. Burton was married to Miss Frances A. Baker, who was born in Randolph County, Jan. 5, 1846 and died Feb. 11, 810 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 1899. She is a daughter of Perry and Elizabeth Baker, natives of Ken- tucky. Five children were bom to this union : Anna M., who married J. T. Perkins, is deceased ; Dora A., the wife of J. T. Perkins, Waverly, Tenn. ; Oliver P., is deceased ; Mary D., the wife of N. N. Dysart, Armstrong, Mo. ; and Leslie, who now resides on the old Burton homestead in Moniteau township. This place is located just a mile south of Higbee. Leslie T. Burton, like his father and grandfather, passed his youth on the old' home place and attended school in Higbee and^after graduating from the high school, began an independent financial career when only 18 years old. He soon made money enough to invest in land of his own and on Oct. 12, 1881, purchased the old homestead. He has adopted modem methods and today is one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Ran- dolph County. On April 17, 1912, Leslie Burton was married to Miss Ella S. Ma- gruder, a native of Howard County, Mo. and a daughter of Rev. Notley A. and Ada (Pemberton) Magruder. Leslie Burton is a Democrat and though he has never taken an active part in politics, is one of the public spirited men of Randolph County who supports all worthy movements for the improvement of the county and the town of Higbee. He and Mrs. Burton are members of the Baptist church. John H. Benton, now living retired at Renick, Mo., was for many years a successful farmer and stock raiser in Prairie township, where he now owns a valuable farm of 150 acres. Mr. Benton was born in Calla- way County, Mo., June 9, 1869 and is a son of Thomas H. Benton and Nancy (Brown) Benton. Thomas H. Benton was a native of Kentucky and an early settler of this section of Missouri. He never was a land holder, but he settled in Callaway County and married Miss Hopper and to their union was bom six children, three girls and three boys, three of whom are now living. After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Nancy Brown and there were born to that union two children: John H. Benton and Louella Ben- ton. Thomas H. Benton lived in Callaway County for several years until after the death of his wife. He then moved to Boone County and mar- ried Miss Mollie Folley and there were born to that union three children. John H, Benton was reared in Boone County until he was grown up. At the age of 23 years he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Varvel in the year of 1890; she was a native of Kentucky and came to Missouri at the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 811 age of three years arid settled in Boone County and was reared and edu- cated in the public schools there. They were married in Boone and to this union eight children were born, the eldest born in Boone County in 1891, Elmer Roy, who was married to Mrs. Pearl Hamilton and now re- sides on the Benton farm one and one-half miles south of Renick. In the year of 1892 Mr. Benton moved to Randolph County and bought 55 acres of timbered land with not one dollar to pay down. Here the other children of the family were born, reared and educated. By good luck and good management and the hard work that he and his wife and family could do they bought more land as they were able to pay for it, and they now own 150 acres in prairie township and also a home in Renick. There are no incumbrances whatever against any of Mr. Benton's property. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benton in Randolph County after settling here are: Elsie Irene Benton, married G. H. Dougherty; William Elbert, married Miss Edith Farris ; Effie Lee, married Sterling- Farris; James Floyd, Myra Ella, and Ruby Evalin are unmarried and re- side with their parents; Anna May died May 12, 1910, aged 13 months. Mr. Benton retired from the farm Aug. 6, 1919 and moved to Renick and is now living retired. Mr. Benton was given very little educational advantages in his boy- hood, but he is possessed of good business judgment and good common sense and all his life he has been a close observer of men and affairs. He has acquired a good education in the hard school of experience and is a dependable man and a substantial citizen. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is a Democrat. Richmond Ray Correll, State food commissioner with offices located in Moberly, Randolph County, is a native son of Missouri, born at Rich- mond, May 23, 1884, the son of James G. and Jane (Nelson) Correll. James G. Correll was a Virginian, born in 1857 and died in 1886. He was reared and educated in his native state and came to Missouri when a young man, locating in Saline County where he engaged in farming in his later years. All during his early life, Mr. Correll was engaged in mining, being fore- man of the mine at Richmond. Jane Nelson Correll was born in Indiana and now resides at Armstrong, Mo., aged 56 years. She was married a second time to Leighton Yancey, a merchant of Armstrong, who is now retired. There were three children in the Correll family: Edward, of Kansas City, Mo., a Federal grain inspector; Richmond, of this sketch, and James G., deceased. 812 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Richmond Ray Correll spent his boyhood days in Armstrong, Mo., attended the public schools there and entered the high school where he spent three years. After leaving school, Mr. Correll entered a news- paper office and learned the printing business, both the mechanical end, where he became a master printer, and also the editorial branch, as he worked on the Armstrong Herald and later the Clark Chronicle, of which he became editor, a position which he held 15 years. Later he purchased the paper and was owner and editor. After selling the Chronicle, Mr. Correll assumed the duties of State food inspector for this district with offices in Moberly, where he has re- sided since 1919. Mr. Correll is a Democrat and from first starting his paper took an active and interested part in civic and political affairs of his locality and 1912 was elected to the State Legislature where he served three terms. In 1919, Mr. Correll was appointed assistant secretary to Governor Gardner and served nine months. He is a member of the Democratic state committee, having been recently elected from the Second Congressional District. May 12, 1906, occurred the marriage of Mr. Correll and Miss Susie Burke of Higbee, Mo. She is the daughter of William and Mary (Pigot) Burke, whose history appears upon another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Correll are members of the Christian church, and Mr. Correll is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He takes an active part in the life of Moberly and is one of the progressive and con- structive citizens of this section who supports all the movements of im- provement of county, state and nation. Obediah Brooks, an experienced and successful stock raiser and farmer of Prairie township, Randolph County, who owns 285 acres of valuable land on which are many substantial improvements, breeds high grade stock on his place and feeds for the market'. Mr. Brooks is also a stock holder in the Farmers Bank of Renick and is known as a man of business ability. He was born on the farm where he now lives April 29, 1880. His parents were William Cleve and Sallie Brooks. William Cleve Brooks was born in Randolph County, April 12, 1844 and was reared and educated here and when old enough engaged in farm- ing and at the same time employed in a sawmill. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Brooks enlisted in Troop C, of the Union cavalry from Randolph County and served until peace was declared. He was a member HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 813 of the Grand Army of the Republic until his death which occurred in 1896. Sallie Brooks was born on a farm just north of her son's farm and spent her life here. She died in 1884. Obediah Brooks spent his youth on the farm and attended the dis- trict school where he laid the foundation for a good practical education. When his father died he began an independent financial career, being next to the youngest in the family of nine children. Mr. Brooks engaged in farming, a vocation with which he was familiar from his work on the home place. He inherited his share of the old home place, to which he has added from time to time as his capital permitted and is now the owner of 285 acres. He is one of the progressive farmers who makes a study of his business and has adopted many of the modern ideas and methods. His farm is equipped with labor saving machinery which also increases production. Mr. Brooks has his sister Ardenia living with him as he is not mar- ried. He has taken a prominent pait in the affairs of his district and is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist church and is interested in the finances of the county as he was one of the organizers of the Farm- ers Bank of Renick in which institution he purchased a large block of stock. > Timc-thy Freeman, who resides at 419 Ault street, Moberly, Mo., has been identified with Moberly and Randolph County for over 40 years. He was born in Queens County, Ireland, June 3, 1848, and is a son of Miles and Anna (Degan) Freeman and was the fourth in order of birth of five children born to them. Miles Freeman was a merchant tailor and emigrated from Ireland and came to Moberly, Mo. in 1880 and died here five years later at the advanced age of 93 years. Thus it will be seen that he made the voyage from Ireland to America at the unusual age of 88 years. He was a man of remarkable physical and mental vitality and retained his unusual vigor up till nearly the time of his death. His wife died in Ireland in 1863 at the age of 63 years. ^ Timothy Freeman received his education in his native land and when a youth began an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade there. In 1864, when he was about 16 years of age he came to America and settled in New York City where he finished learning his trade. Two years later he went to New Haven, Conn., where he was a journeyman tailor for ten months. He then went to Chicago, 111. and worked at his trade until the great Chi- cago fire in 1871 in which he lost all his personal belongings. At that 814 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY time he was working for John Beers. After the Chicago fire, Mr. Free- man went to New Orleans, La., where he remained about a year and in 1872 came to Missouri and located at Columbia. He remained there until the fall of 1879 when he came to Moberly and opened a tailor shop and was in business for himself about four years. He then accepted a posi- tion as cutter for a mercantile establishment and followed that line in Moberly for 20 years. In 1917, he engaged in farming and since that time has devoted himself to that occupation. He owns and operates 81 acres of land which is situated two and one-half miles southwest of Moberly where he carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with success. Mr. Freeman was married Aug. 2, 1875 to Miss Hattie Nattress, a native of Canada, born April 15, 1858. Her parents both spent their lives in Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have been born the following chil- dren: Miles F., Granite City, 111.; John J., in the employ of the Wabash Eailroad Company at Moberly; Leo C, whose present address is unknown; Anna B., married James Kehoe, Moberly, Mo.; Mae, married Arthur Cop- ley, Butte, Mont.; Martin J., who is engaged in farming operations with his father and resides at home with, his parents; Timothy A., lives in South Dakota; Catherine, deceased; Margaret, hiarried J. R. Broskey, Kansas City, Mo. ; Roberta, deceased ; and Elizabeth resides at home with her parents. Mr. Freeman is a Democrat and the Freeman family are members of the Catholic church. James Truesdell, one of Randolph County's well known and prosper- ous stock buyers and shippers who owns 60 acres of land in Prairie town- ship, was born just a mile and a half northeast of Clark, March 11, 1858, the son of John C. Truesdell, who was born near Covington, Ky., in 1828. John C. Truesdell was educated in his native state and as a young man came to Missouri, one of the early settlers in this locality and owned three or four farms at different times and at his death was the proprietor of 400 acres of valuable farm property. He passed away in 1915. Mr. Truesdell's first wife died in middle life and he married Rebecca Stiles, who survives him; she had five children, half brothers and sisters of James Truesdell who was a boy when his mother died, being the third of the three children in the family. James Truesdell has always lived in Randolph County; he was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and when his school HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 815 days were over began farming and trading in stock. He began his inde- pendent financial career 30 years ago and during the time he has been in business he has won a high reputation for honesty, abihty . and hard work, all of which have but naturally brought success. Thirty-two years ago Mr. Truesdell became established in Clark and for more than a quarter of a century has been one of its reliable and substantial citizens. Progressive in his business he also advocated the same methods in civic affairs; he takes an active interest in all movements that tend to the development of the county and its agricultural interests. In Oct. 1886, Mr. Truesdell was married to Miss Bridge Nolen, a native of Boone County, Mo., who died in 1898, at the age of 34 years, leaving the following children: Pearl, at home with her father; Thomas B., of St. Louis, Mo. ; John Raymond, who owns and manages a feed store and mercantile business in Clark and Wheeler, associated with his brother John in business. Mr. Truesdell is a Democrat and belongs to the Baptist church and the Court of Honor. Through all the years of his residence in Clark, Mr. Truesdell has been known as a man whose "word was as good as his bond", and is one of the progressive represestatives of the stock buying interests of the county. John W. McCune, a successful mine operator and farmer, owning 120 acres of land in Prairie township, is a native of Randolph County. He was bom in Prairie township Feb. 2, 1869, the son of Joseph and Sarah C. (Fowler) McCune. Joseph McCune was a native of Kentucky, born near Lexington and came to Missouri at an early day. He died in 1915 at the age of 74 years. He first settled in Howard County, Mo. with his parents and later became a pioneer of Randolph County, settling on a tract of land a mile west of Clark, where he passed the remainder of his days. Sarah Fowler McCune was a native of Randolpb County and a more detailed history will appear in that of the Fowler family on another page of this volume. She is now deceased.. John W. McCune spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and received his elementary education in the public schools in this county and then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo., where he was graduated. In the fall after finishing at the Normal School he began teaching a vocation which he followed for seven years. He then bought a farm here in Prairie township. Mr. McCune bought his first land in 1892, placed improvements on it, sold at a good price and bought more 816 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY land and now has a coal mine on his present farm, the output of which for the season of 1919 was 1,000 tons which he sold at the mine to the wagon trade of the surrounding district. Both farm and mine are prov- ing profitable under his able management. Feb. 28, 1895, Mr. McCune was married to Miss Clara Stockton, born in Randolph County in 1874 and died September, 1915. She was the daughter of Joseph G. and Eliza F. (Woods) Stockton, both now living a mile west of Clark. There were two children born to this union: Lyda Ellene, the wife of Thomas Long, of Elk City, Okla., and William Edward, deceased. Mr. McCune is a Democrat, a member of the Christian church, be- longs to the Masonic Lodge and is a charter member of the Grange. He is progressive in his ideas about his business and believes that county and district should keep abreast of the times in good roads and good schools. He gives willingly of time and money for the support of all movements that tend to the development of his section. John F. Robinson, a capable section foreman for the Wabash railroad at Clark is entitled to pioneer honors and special mention in the annals of the county as he is the oldest living resident of Clark, Mo. He was born in Lincoln County, Mo., Sept. 11, 1853, the son of William G. and Permalia (Brown) Robinson, being the oldest of their eight children. The father was also born in Missouri; he was a farmer all his life and died in Audrain County in 1908 at the age of 73 years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of hostilities and served in a Missouri infantry regiment. He remained in the service until wounded and was discharged for disability before peace was declared and on returning to Missouri again engaged in farming. Mrs. Robinson was born in Kentucky, reared and educated there but spent all her married life in Missouri, passing away in 1911, aged 80 years. John F. Robinson was reared on a farm, spent his boyhood and youth in the country and attended school in one of the early log cabins used for that purpose where he laid the foundation for a good practical education. When his school das were over he began to work as a farm hand and for four years followed this vocation receiving $12.50 a month. He farmed for himself a year, but in 1882 went to Renick to accept a position on the section gang, where he worked three months before leaving for Canada, having been offered 'a better position on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He remained only three months when he returned to Clark, Mo., on Nov. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 817 22, 1882. Since that time Mr. Robinson has been a permanent citizen of the town. About a year later he began working on the section here and was promoted to foreman. He has been thrifty, saved his money and invested in property in Clark and owns two residence properties. Dec. 25, 1878, Mr. Robinson was married to Jane Watkins, bom in Warren County, Mo., Jan. 1, 1856, the daughter of William and Ellen Watkins, natives of England, who came to the United States and settled in Missouri in the early 40s and both are now deceased. William Wat- kins was a fine carpenter and cabinet maker, having served seven years in the old country learning his trade and was a most skilled workman. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Myrta E., the wife of M. P. Toalson of Moberly and they have two children, Frank B. and Wilmont. Mr. Robinson is a Republican and with his wife belongs to the Chris- tian church. He is one of the oldest members of the Masonic Lodge in Clark. He has many interesting and instructive experiences of the early days here to recount as so few of the old settlers now remain. Neal Holman, of Hunts ville. Mo., who for many years has been a suc- cessful contractor and builder, is a native of Randolph County. He was bom in Silver Greek township, Oct. 7, 1841, and is a son of John and Eliza (Murphy) Holman. John Holman was a soldier in the Black Hawk War and a son of William Holman, who was one of the very first settlers of Randolph County. He was a native of Kentucky and settled in Howard County in 1816 and about a year later he came to Randolph County. Neal Holman was reared in Silver Creek township and attended the fechools, such as the times afforded, and when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the State guards in 1861. He participated in the battles of Lexington, Pea Jlidge, and a number of skirmishes in Missouri and Arkan- sas and got as far as Corinth, Miss. He then returned with his division to Arkansas, where he was discharged and returned home. After re- covering his health he started to Iowa. However, he changed his mind and after serving four months in the State militia at Moberly he went to Illinois, where he remained until the war closed. After the war, Mr. Holman engaged in carpenter work and remained in Randolph County until 1872, when he went to California. After nine years on the Pacific coast he returned to Randolph County and in 1882 engaged in the hardware business at Huntsville in partnership with F. L. Payne. In 1885, he formed a partnership with his brother, William Hoi- 818 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY man, and they engaged in general contracting and later the firm was joined by W. J. Heflin and did business under the firm name of Holman Bros, and Heflin. They did an extensive building business throughout this section of the state for a number of years. They erected the school buildings at Salisbury, Huntsville, Linneas and Centralia and also the city hall at Centralia and they built practically all the brick buildings in Huntsville, including the jail and hotel. They also built the school build- ing at Armstrong, a church building in Roanoke and did work in various other places. Neal Holman was married Aug. 24, 1868, to Augusta Belsher, a native of Randolph County, bom Oct. 9, 1851. She is a daughter of Milton and Rachel (Walden) Belsher, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. Milton Belsher was born May 5, 1824, and died Dec. 15, 1892; he was an early settler in Randolph County. His wife was a daughter of Zepheniah and Elizabeth Walden, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Missouri. They settled here in the twenties. Rachel Walden was born in 1828 and died Jan. 10, 1912. Mrs. Holman was one of the following children bom to her parents: Mrs. Elizabeth Straley of Moberly, Mo.; Augusta, married Neal Holman, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Cassie Hogue, deceased; Mrs. Annie Per- kins, Moberly; Emma, deceased; Mrs. Dollie Hogue ;, Winslow, Ariz.; and James Milton, lives near Cairo, Mo. To Neal Holman and wife have been bom the following children : Ada M., maiTied Ashley Dameron and they reside in California and have two sons, Bernard and Charles; William, married Catherine Stamper and they have three daughters, Helen, Nadine and Mildred and they reside in, Moberly; Russell, married Blanche Buchanan and is employed in the office of the Secretary of State; Jackson, married Stella Bright, and has two children, Hamilton and Lucile, resides in Moberly; Ethel, married Otis Doyle of Huntsville; Lloyd, further mention of whom is made below; an adopted son, Pascoe Holman; Paul, married Nina Thompson, is a foreman in the shipyards at Seattle, Wash. Lloyd Holman was born Oct. 11, 1886. When the United States entered the World War he enlisted Oct. 5, 1917. After a period of train- ing at Camp Funston of six weeks, he was sent to Santiago, Cal. as supply sergeant. July 28, 1918, he was sent to New York and on Aug. 6th sailed for France. He was attached to the general supply department, a mem- ber of Company K, 159th Infantry regular army. He returned to the HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ' 819 United States April 5, 1919 and after receiving his honorable discharge arrived at Huntsville, May 5, 1919 and on July 5th, left for Seattle, Wash., where he is superintendent of construction of street work. Neal Hclman has been a life long Democrat and he and all the other members of the family are members of the Christian church of which he is a deacon. Nathan E. Walker, for many years a citizen of Moberly, Mo., a native Missourian, born in Macon County, is the son of John P. and Mary Brown Walker, natives of Virginia. Mr. John P. Walker was well known in Macon County, having served as county surveyor and judge of the county court for a number of years. Both he and his wife died in 1898 and were buried in Bethlehem cemetery in Macon County, the county of their adoption. There were nine children born to them: William G., a con- sulting civil engineer of Macon City, Mo. ; Nathan E. ; Charles O., a farmer and orchardist of Macon County; John S., a farmer and stockman of Macon ^ounty; James M., a farmer and stock raiser of western Canada; Sarah C, wife of W. H. Sketchley, a breeder of fine horses, western Can- ada; Ella J., wife of L. C. Ebrite, a retired lumberman of Mesquite, Texas; Mary F. and Annie Lee, deceased. Nathan E. Walker was educated in the common schools of Missouri and was a student at Mount Pleasant College, at Huntsville, Mo., at the time that great educator, Pl-esident J. W. Terrill, was in charge, and J. M. Greenwood, superintendent of the Kansas City public schools for many .years, was an instructor. After leaving school, Mr. Walker taught country schools and also taught several years in the public schools of Moberly, when Moberly was in its infancy. At one time he was principal in the old high school building which burned and the present high school building was erected on the same site. Later, Mr. Walker became a member of the Moberly board of education and served in that capacity for some seventeen years, most of which time he was secretary to the board. Mr. Walker was at one time a member of the city council, was a member when the first deep wells were installed for the purpose of furnishing water to the city, was also acting mayor during an interregnum. He has held various positions with the Wabash railway and is at present employed as a timekeeper. Feb. 24, 1876 he married Miss Mary S. Woods, a native of Kentucky, the daughter of Solon and Martha Reid Woods. Two sons were born to them: Thomas P., now chief clerk to Mr. T. J. Jdnes, general superin- 820 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY tendent of the Wabash railway at St. Louis, and William J., who is con- nected with the Santa Fe Railroad at Winslow, Ariz. Mrs. Walker died Feb. 26, 1918, and was buried in Oakland cemetery. Mr. Walker is an exceedingly young man for his age and he hopes to live many years yet, or at least as long as he is capable of doing some good for somebody. William Robertson, county superintendent of schools of Randolph County, is one of the well known and successful educators of the state of Missouri and has to his credit, a long line of accomplishments in the im- portant field of education in this state. Mr. Robertson was born at Roa- noke, Randolph County, S^t. 11, 1874 and is a son of Andrew J. and Caroline Francis (Davis) Robertson. Andrew J. Robertson was born in Randolph County in 1840 and died in 1898. He was a son of John Robertson, a native of Virginia who was an early pioneer settler in Randolph County, coming here about 1832. Caroline Francis (Davis) Robertson was bom in Lewis County, Mo., and now resides at Roanoke, Mo. Andrew J. Robertson and his wife were the parents of the following children: Phillip A., Fowler, Colo. ; J. W., Salis- bury, Mo. Mrs. J. W. Patterson, Salisbury, Mo.; Mrs. S. P. Gooch, Salis- bury, Mo.; William, the subject of this sketch; Charles E., Fort Steel, Wyo. and Caroline Francis, deceased. William Robertson was educated in the public schools, Central College at Fayette, Mo. and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo., where he was graduated in 1904. He has also taken special courses in graduate - work at the University at Chicago. Mr. Robertson began his teaching career in the district schools of Sugar Creek township in 1896. He rose rapidly in his profession and two years later was principal of the Roanoke schools and held that position for five years. He served as superin- tendent of the Huntsville schools for three years; principal of Central College Academy one year and principal of the Moberly High School two years, and also taught mathematics in that institution for one year. He was superintendent of the Maplewood school of St. Louis County for seven years and his work in connection with that school has perhaps never been surpassed in the history of education in this state. He built that school up from almost nothing to one of the best schools in the state, during the seven years that he was at the head of it, and when he left they had voted a $100,000 high school building. He raised the standard of the school and increased the teaching force. It was the first school in St. Louis County to have domestic science and manual training and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 821 special supervision, all of which were introduced by Superintendent Rob- ertson. In competition with the other schools in the state at the state fair, Maplewood ' school won considerably more than its share of awards. From Maplewood, Professor Robertson went to Webster Groves as super- intendent of the public schools and there introduced many features which built up and increased the efficiency of the institution and introduced domestic science, manual training and many other commendable features of modern educational methods. Mr. Robertson was the first to ii^ augurate a school survey in the state, which has in recent years become quite popular and is instrumental in greatly raising the standard and efficiency of public schools. In 1917, he returned to Roanoke where he bought a farm and engaged in farming. However, his plans for a peaceful, pastoral life soon vanished. The school officials of Clifton Hill pressed him into service as superin- tendent of, the schools there to take the place of the superintendent who was in the army during the World War. In April, 1919, Professor Robertson was elected County Superin- tendent of schols of Randolph County and is giving this county one of the best administrations in that department that it has ever had. His motto is "a good school for every child, and every child in school." The short- age of teachers has handicapped his work in a measure; however, he is making very satisfactory progress. Mr. Robertson was united in marriage in 1899 to Miss Helen H. Hunker of Roanoke, Mo. She is a daughter of Louis and Mary E. Hunker, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have been bom one child, George Lawrence, born in 1901 and is now a freshman in the University of Missouri. Mr. Robertson is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. He is not only well and favorably known in Randolph County, but is widely known and recognized as one of the leading educators of the state. Dr. John A. Lowry, a prominent physician and surgeon who was engaged in the practice of his profession for nearly 40 years in Randolph County, is now living retired at Clifton Hill, after a successful professional career. Dr. Lowry was bom near Eldad church, March 10, 1853 and is a son of Dr. William Tolman and Sarah E. (Turner) Lowry. Dr. William T. Lowry was a successful pioneer doctor of central Mis- souri and a descendant of one of the very first pioneer families that set- tled in what was known as the Boonslick country. He was bom at Old 822 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Franklin in 1809 and died in 1878. He was also a son of a physician, Dr. John Jefferson Lowry, a native of Virginia who was born in 1769 and died in 1862. He was one of the very first pioneers to settle in the vicinity of Old Franklin. He conducted the land office at Old Franklin for a time and later removed to Fayette, 'Mo. Dr. William T. Lowry was educated by private teache^ and prepared for a medical college. He then entered the Cincinnati Medical University where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the age of 18 years. He then practiced with Dr. Terrill until he was 21 years of age when he located at McGee College where he practiced his profession for 40 years. Later he went to California where he died. Dr. John A. Lowry, whose name introduces this sketch, was edu- cated at McGee College and the University of San Francisco and was graduated from the University of Missouri as valedictorian of his class v/ith first honors in 1879. He then began the practice of his profession at Thomas Hill, Mo. and practiced at Darksville and Clifton Hill, his prac- ticing extending over a radius of 15 miles. He has been very successful as a physician and surgeon and had an extensive practice up to the time of his retirement. He is an extensive land owner, owning a farm of 447 acres' in the vicinity of Thomas Hill which is operated by his son. Dr. Lowry was married Aug. 17, 1887 to Miss Eliza J. Terry, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of William Y. Terrj'-, Jr., whose father, William Y. Terry, Sr., was one of the first pioneer settlers of Randolph County. Mrs. Lowry died July 26, 1908 at the age of 48 years. To Dr. and Mrs. Lowry was born one son, Thomas Jefferson Lowry, born Nov. 29, 1890. He was educated in the public schools of Clifton Hill and under private instructors and at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. He married Lois L. Stamper and they have two children, Lida Alice and Marjorie Tolman. Dr. Lowry is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and is one of the widely known and highly respected citizens of Randolph County. John Pressley Heifner, a successful farmer and stockman who is operating a large farm of 295.5 acres of land in Chariton township, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of one of the very early prom- inent pioneer families of this section. He was bom at College Mound, Mo., May 26, 1861 . and is a son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Heifner, a more complete history of whom is given in connection with the sketch of John Finis Heifner in this volume. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 823 John P. Heifner was educated in the pubhc schools and reared on a farm and has made farming his occupation since boyhood, and is 'one of the successful practical farmers of Randolph County. He bought his first land about a mile east of his present place in 1886 and since that time, he has bought, sold and traded farms from time to time. He has lived on his present place since 1893. He first bought 110 acres here and bought additional land and now owns 297.5 acres of valuable and well .improved land. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success. Mr. Heifner was married June 19, 1882 to Miss Laura Bell Swetnam. She was a native of Randolph County and a daughter of William and Hannah (Carter) Swetnam, the former of whom is now deceased. Mrs. Heifner died April 13, 1909 at the age of 47 years. The following chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heifner: WiUiam, who lives on the home farm, married Mary Frazier and they have one child, Thelma, aged ten years; Roy, a farmer and stockman, married Elma Broaddus and they have three children, James Pressly, Roy Lester and Rosine; Edna May, married Loan Yeakey and resides in Chariton township ; Clarence, married Esther Summers and they live in Chariton township ; Joseph Ernest, mar- ried Helen Yeakey and they have one child, Ernestine; Berna Estelle, resides at home and Marie also resides at home. Mr. Heifner is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church and belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose of Moberly. He is progressive, pub- lic spirited and one of Randolph County's valued citizens. Richard L. Carter, Jr., one of the younger generation of railroad men of Missouri who has had a varied and successful career in transporta- tion both here and in France during the World War," is a native son of Randolph County, born in Moberly, Aug. 10, 1889, the son of R. L. Carter, Sr., whose biography appears upon another page of this volume. Richard L. Carter spent his boyhood in Moberly and received his edu- cation in the public schools. When only a boy of 15 years he became associated with the Wabash Railroad Company as a messenger boy. He liked railroad work apd his advance was rapid. From messenger he was advanced to yard clerk, then to supply clerk at the roundhouse and time- keeper. After that he left the railroad and went to Bonner Springs, Kan. as assistant electrician but within a short time moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to take a position as brakeman on the Des Moines, Iowa Falls & Northern railroad, but when a better opening occurred for him on the 824 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Chicago & Great Western Railroad, he resigned to accept a position with that company with a run out of Des Moines. Mr. Carter returned to Moberly and was employed by the Wabash Railroad until he was inducted 'into the National army, Feb. 21, 1918 and sent to Camp Funston for his preliminary training. After two months, he was transferred to Camp Upton, N. Y. He left Kansas on Good Friday and arrived on Long Island on Easter Sunday. On June 4th, the company to which Mr. Carter belonged sailed from Hoboken, N. J., on the steamer Ailois, a converted German liner, used as a transport. They arrived at Brest, France, June 18 and were sent to a rest camp, one of the old prison camps established by Emperor Napoleon during the days of the French Empire. He was detailed to drive a motor truck at the American docks and was on pick and shovel duty in the interior for two weeks before being assigned to the railroad service as conductor, running from Pairiegou to Linoges Chateau Breene and Bordeaux, where he re- mained until Nov. 1st, when he was selected to enter the officers training camp at Angiers, but had been there less than two weeks when an order was issued that no more commissions would be issued and was transferred to his original railroad duty, where he remained until December 15th. He was then transferred to St. Pierride and promoted to first sergeant of the 2nd Casualty Company, transportation corps. Mr. Carter remained there until Jan. 26, when he was sent to an embarkation port and sailed from Bordeaux on April 6th for the United States. He landed at Hoboken, went to Camp Merritt and was transferred to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he was given his discharge May 14, 1919. Arriving home on May 18th, he soon entered the service of the Wabash Railroad as conductor, a posi- tion he still holds. ^ Mr. Carter was the first soldier to be married in the Red Cross hut at Camp Upton as he married Miss Mildred Wilson there May 26, 1918. She was the daughter of John and Adelaide (Hardin) Wilson, natives of Missouri. Mr. Carter is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and to the Catholic church. Mrs. Carter is a member of the Theta Kappa, a local sorority and is also a member of the Catholic church. One of the most unique and valuable souvenirs brought back to this country from France is owned by Mr. Carter. It is an old coin which he found when a cut was being dug for the American railroad in France and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 825 is dated 1269 with the head of the Roman Emperor, Vespacian, on it. At the time this coin was found they discovered the remains of some of the old Roman baths, with the pillars still intact. David F. Baker, Jr., a well known Wabash passenger engineer of Mob- erly. Mo. is a native of Ohio, born Jan. 20, 1865. He is a son of David F. and Mary Ellen Baker, both natives of Ohio. The father was engaged in farming during niost of his active career and lived in Illinois where he moved with his family. He is now deceased and the mother resides in Illinois. They were the parents of the following children^: Mrs. Martha McDaniels now resides in Kansas; May, married George Fogel and David F., the subject of this sketch. David F. Baker, Jr., attended the public schools in his boyhood and began life as a farm laborer and when he was 19 years old he was operat- ing a farm for himself. His first work for a railroad company was driving a team on a grading gang on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. He began as a locomotive fireman Aug. 19, 1887 on the I. B. and W. Railroad out of Urbana, 111. and fired a freight engine* until Jan. 23, 1889 when he was promoted to passenger fireman and on Nov. 7, 1890 he was promoted to engineer and remained in the employ of that road as engineer until Aug. 13, 1893. He then resigned and was in business in Indianapolis for a time and in 1894, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Com- pany as engineer with headquarters at Decatur, 111. Nine months later, he returned to Indianapolis, Ind. and was engaged in various pursuits there until Sept. 22, 1899, when he came to Moberly where he was em- ployed by the Wabash railroad as locomotive engineer. He was in the freight service until 1909 when he was promoted to the passenger depart- ment and now runs between Moberly and Kansas City. He has had a varied and extensive experience and thoroughly understands his part of the big problem of transportation. Mr. Baker was married July 30, 1891 to Miss Maggie A. Niles, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., born November, 1874. The marriage cere- mony was performed by a first cousin of President Cleveland. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born three children: Mrs. Ruth E. Templeton, Wichita Falls, Texas, who was born in Illinois, Feb. 5, 1893 ; Glenn Eugene, a fireman on the Wabash Railroad, was bom at Decatur, 111., June 29, 1896, resides at home with his parents ; and Harold Lee was born in Mob- erly, Nov. 7, 1906, is a student in the Moberly High School. Mr. Baker is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and he and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian church and she holds 826 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY membership in the Ladies Auxihary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Knights and Ladies of Security. Christopher C. Barclay, a veteran railroader of Moberly who has Deen in the service of the Wabash Railroad Company for over 50 years and who is still a Wabash man, is a native of Kentucky. He was born at Maysville, Mason County, Ky., Sept. 3, 1845 and is a son of Elijah D. and Mary (Faley) Barclay. Elijah Barclay was also a native of Mason County, Ky., born Sept. 14, 1805. He was married in Kentucky and in 1846 removed to Indiana and settled on a farm near Greensburg. He was a pioneer of that section of Indiana and died there May 1, 1880, age 75 years. His wife was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1809. Her parents were Virginians and among the early pioneer settlers of Ohio. She died Nov. 16, 1900, at Greensburg, Ind. To Elijah Barclay and wife were born the following children: Mary Martha, deceased; James .Williams, died in Indiana in 1908; Mrs. Mary Hamilton, deceased; Joseph E. was a Civil War veteran and is now deceased ; John B., lives at Greensburg, Ind. ; Christopher C, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased; Joseph E., deceased; Robert K., deceased; Bell, deceased; Eliza, married John King and resides at Greensburg, Ind., and one died in infancy. Christopher C. Barclay remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 18 years old. He then worked out by the month for a time in the vicinity of Decatur, Ind., and later was engaged in farming. In 1869 he moved to Greensburg, Ind. and shortly afterwards came to Mis- souri and settled on a farm, nine miles west of St. Charles. He remained there about 18 months when he went to St. Charles and entered the em- ploy of the old North Missouri Railroad Company as a helper of the boiler shops and served in that capacity about a year. He also worked on the construction of the railroad bridge at St. Charles. When the Wabash shops were moved from St. Charles to Moberly in 1873, he was employed as general watchman at the shops at St. Charles. He then entered the service of the Wabash Railroad, as fireman on a freight train and in 1878 was promoted to engineer and in 1885 he was promoted to passenger engineer and ran a passenger engine until 1911 when he resigned and engaged in the grocery business at Moberly and conducted a store on Rollins street for seven years. He then disposed of his mercantile busi- ness and returned to the employ of the Wabash Company and now has charge of the oil room at the Wabash shops. He has had an extensive career and has seen much of the development in the methods of railroad- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 827 ing and is recognized as one of the reliable and experienced time tested employees of the Wabash Railroad system. Mr. Barclay was married March 14, 1867 to Miss Elvira Thompson, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Autter) Thompson and five children have been born to this union: Mrs. Mary M. Eskridge, Little Rock, Ark. ;^ Elmer, Chaffee, Mo.; Cora, resides at home; Pearl, married Robert P. Enochs ; Toma, May. Mr. Barclay is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Mrs. Barclay belongs to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of the Locomotive Engineers and is a member of the Central Christian church Mr. and Mrs. Barclay have nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. Barclay is a Democrat of the Kentucky type, and is one of the widely known and highly respected citizens of Randolph County. Samuel P. Dawson, a well known locomotive engineer of Moberly, Mo., who has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company for the past 20 years, is a native of Missouri. He was bom on a farm near Paris, Monroe County, Jan. 17, 1871 and is a son of Edward A. and Mary (Jones) Dawson. Edward A. Dawson was a native of Virginia and came to Missouri, settling on a farm in Monroe County where he was engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years. He died at Austin, Tex., in 1895. Mary (Jones) Dawson, his wife, was born in Monroe County, Mo., and was a descendant of early settlers in that section of the state. She spent her life in Monroe County and died there in 1905. Ed- ward A. and Mary (Jones) Dawson were the parents of three children of whom Samuel P. Dawson whose name introduces this review, was the eldest, the others being James H., who resides at Paris, Mo. and Joseph R. who died in 1913. Samuel P. Dawson was reared on the home farm near Paris, and re- ceived his education *in the public schools. When he was 21 years of age he bought a farm of 80 acres which was located south of Paris and was there engaged in farming and stock raising for six years. He then sold his farm and in 1900 came to Moberly and here entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a locomotive fireman. Six years later, or in 1906 he was promoted to engineer and since that time has been em- ployed as an engineer on the Wabash Railroad. He now runs a switch engine in the Wabash yards at Moberly. Feb. 10, 1891, Samuel P. Dawson was united in marriage with Miss Mamie Deaver, a daughter of Richard and Betty (Kelly) Deaver. Mrs. 828 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Dawson is one of a family of six children, born to her parents of -whom she is the fifth in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have been bom four children as follows: Myrtle Lee, bom April 2, 1892, married J. A. Dockery, of Kansas City, Mo. ; Floyd V., born Feb. 1, 1896, is in the employ of the Wabash Railrbad Company and resides with his parents in Moberly; Willie Francis, born Jan. 31, 1899, married Ted Drumeller, Mobefly, Mo.; and Samuel K., born Jan. 16, 1913, is a student in the grade schools of Moberly. Mr. Dawson holds membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers No. 86, Moberly, Mo. He is a progressive citizen and the Daw- son family stand high in the community. Otto L. Mceller, a locomotive, engineer in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, has been a resident of Moberly for 40 years, and dur- ing that time he has constantly been m the employ of the Wabash Rail- road Company. Mr. Moeller was born in Paris, 111., Feb. 22, 1863 and is a soil of Jacob E. and Emma (Blake) Moeller. Jacob E. Moeller was a native of Pennsylvania and a harness maker by trade: During the Civil Wai' he served in the Union army and after the war worked at his trade. He died at Terre Haute, Ind. Emma (Blake) Moeller, his wife, was born in the City of Cork, Ireland, and when she was a child removed with her parents to Liverpool, England and from there came to the United States where she met and married Jacob E.* Moeller. She died at Centralia, 111. To Jacob E. and Emma (Blake) Moeller were born the follov/ing children: Lydia, married John Bryce and they now reside in Moberly ; Mrs. 0. P. Kimmell, Pueblo, Colo. ; Mrs. Emma Doniger, Centralia, 111.; Mrs. Iva Ostrander, Terre Haute, Ind.; Otto L., the subject of this sketch; William B., died in Mississippi and Henrieta, deceased. Otto L. Moeller was educated in the public schooTs and in 1880, when he was about 17 years old, he came to Moberly and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and for about one year was employed in the shops and worked at various jobs. In 1881, he began as a loco- motive fireman and served in that capacity until 1887, when he was pro- moted to engineer. He pulled freight until 1918 when he was promoted to passenger engineer and how his regular run is between Moberly and Des Moines, la. During the course of his railroading career, Mr. Moeller has a well earned clean record to his credit as a careful and competent engineer. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 829 Mr. Moeller was united in marriage in 1890 with Miss Anna Walden, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Jeth and Bettie Walden, also a native of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Moeller was born one child, Carol Walden Moeller who was born in Moberly on Easter Sunday in 1893. He is a graduate -of the Moberly High School and studied music under John Goetz and is an accomplished musician. He is now a student in the Uni- versity of Missouri at Ck)lumbia, Mo. ; Mrs. Moeller died in Moberly in 1912 and her remains are interred in the cemetery here. She was a member of the Presbyterian church who lived a consistent Christian life. Mr. Moeller is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and his wife was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of that order. He is also a member of the Presbyterian church and a substantial and highly respected citizen of Moberly and Randolph County. 0. E. Snow, a well known and successful business man of Jackson- ville, Mo., is a native of Missouri. He was born at Atlanta, Macon County, Feb. 19, 1875 and is a son of Orla and Marilla (Beckley) Snow. Orla Snow, the father, was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., Sept. 12, 1837, and came to Missouri and settled in Macon County in 1860. Here he owned and operated a farm of 860 acres and was engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle. He now resides, at Billings, Mont. Marilla (Beckley) Snow, his wife, was also a native of Kalamazoo, Mich., bom in 1844. They were married before coming to Missouri and the mother died in 1880. Her remains are buried in Mt. Tabor cemetery, which is located three miles east of Atlanta in -Macon County. To Orla and Marilla (Beckley) Snow were born seven children as follows : Mary, deceased ; Clara, married W. N. Miles, of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Laura, deceased; Carey, Billings, Mont.; 0. E., the subject of this sketch; Arthur, deceased; and Ruby, deceased. O. E. Snow was reared in Macon County and educated in the public schools and Sue City, high school. He worked in his father's general mercantile store at Clark, Mo., until he was 17 years old, when he went to Atlanta. In 1897, he engaged in the grocery business at Atlanta, where he remained until 1901, when he came to Jacksonville and engaged in the drug business. In 1903, he added the furniture and undertaking business. In 1918 he met with a loss by fire and immediately rebuilt, erecting a two-story brick building 50x80 feet. He continued the same lines of business until 1919 when he sold his drug department and in April, 1920 he also disposed of the furniture and undertaking business. 830 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY He then engaged in the lumber business ^at Jacksonville, He is also an extensive land owner, owning 600 acres, Which was formerly a part of the Jordon and Perry Elliott estate. There is considerable valuable tim- ber on this land, about half of which Mr. Snow has cut and converted into lumber. He also owns a one-half interest in a valuable farm of 220 acres west of Jacksonville, where he is interested in general stock raising. Mr. Snow was first married July 10, 1897 to Miss Maude Garven and to that union the following children were born: Alline, married R. M. Carter of Jackson township; Ethelyn, a nurse at the Noyes hospital, St. Joseph Mo.; and Herchel, a student in the Moberly High School. Mrs. Snow died March 17, 1902 and her remains are buried in Mt. Tabor ceme- tery, near Atlanta, Mo. Mr. Snow was married in 1910 to Mrs. Ethel Schooling of Middlegrove, Mo. Mr. Snow is a member of the Masonic Lodge, holding membership in the Blue Lodge at Jacksonville, Mo., and the Chapter and Commandery at Macon, Mo. Mrs. Snow is a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Mr. Snow is a Republican and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He has served on the town board for 12 years. He is a stock- holder in the Jacksonville Savings Bank- and has servfed as a member of the board of directors since its organization. He is progressive and4)ublic spirited and one of Randolph County's substantial citizens. John M. Goddard, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson town- ship is a native of Missouri and is a descendant of one of the early settlers of Randolph County. He was born on the line between Randolph and Macon counties, about three miles north of McGee on Sept. 30, 1853 and is a son of John G. and Nancy (Phipp) Goddard. John G. Goddard was born in Wayne County, Ky., in 1795. When a young man he followed farming in his native state and came to Missouri at an early day and entered government land. He owned different farms and traded, more or less, and finally settled on an 80 acre farm west of Jacksonville in Randolph County, and spent the remainder 'of his life there. He was prominent in local affairs and served as justice of the peace of Chariton township for a number of years; he died in March, 1865. John G. Goddafd was twice married ; his first wife's name was Nancy Phipp and to that union the following children were bom : Matilda, mar- ried George Grimes, Union, Neb.; Fi-ank, deceased; Lucinda, deceased; Malissa, Jacksonville, Mo.; Isaac, deceased; Mary, Jacksonville, Mo.j HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 831 James, deceased; Perry, deceased; Betty, and John M., the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children died in 1853 and John G. Goddard was afterwards married to Polly Shoemaker and two children were born to that union: George, deceased, and Missouri W., married John Jackson and lives east of Jacksonville, Mo. John M. Goddard was reared in Chariton township, Randolph County and was educated in the subscription schools of the early days. When a young man he and his brother Isaac engaged in farming in partnership. This arrangement continued until 1895, when John M. bought the home place of 80 acres, where he followed general farming and stock raising until 1904. He then sold that place and bought a farm of 108 acres in Jackson township, east of town, where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Goddard has been twice married. On March 6, 1881 he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Terrill of Darksville, Mo., and to that union were bom three children: Frank W., Moberly, Mo.; G^eorge, deceased; and Sebree, further mention of whom is made below. The mother of these children died Feb. 25, 1904. On Dec. 14, 1913, Mr. Goddard was married to Minnie Wright, a daughter of T. F. and Sarah (Owens) Wright, natives of Kentucky. She is one of 13 children born to her parents. No children have been bom to, this marriage. Sebree Goddard, the youngest son of John M. Goddard, enlisted in the Engineers Corps of the United States army at Jefferson Barracks in 1915. After his enlistment he did service at various camps and forts and during the trouble on the Mexican border was stationed at Eagle Pass, Texas. When the United States entered the World War and when Gen- eral Pershing's staff went to France, he accompanied that body of officers, making the trip across the Atlantic and landing at Liverpool, England, and from there to Lindon and thence to Paris. After the armistice was signed he was returned to the United States and discharged at Washing- ton, D. C, in February, 1920. He served as top sergeant. John M. Goddard is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church and his wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Goddard is a progressive farmer and a representative citizen of Randolph County. James H. Honey, foreman of the boiler shops of the Wabash Rail- road in Moberly, has been in the employ of this- railroad for 30 years. He is a native of Missouri, born in Jefferson City, Mo., Jan. 28, 1872, the son of Thomas and Mary (Altgrlbert) Honey, the former bom in Jefferson 832 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY City in 1849, and was a general farmer and stock raiser and owned a llO acre farm. He died April 5, 1889 and was buried at St. Peter's cemetery, Jefferson City. Mrs. Honey was also a native of Jefferson City, bom in 1851 and was married in the town of her nativity. She is now living in Moberly. There were the following children in the family: James H., of this review; John M., Joseph L., and Jacob B., all residents of Moberly. James H. Honey was reared in Jefferson City and attended the public schools. When only 17 years old he came to Moberly to work in the Wabash shops and has been employed there from 1890 to the present time. He began in the boiler shops and has been raised from one position to another and became foreman in the boiler shop in 1917. May 10, 1893, Mr. Honey was married to Miss OHie Chase, of Mob- erly and to this union three children have been born: Ida, Francis J., and Opal, deceased. Mr. Honey belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the Court of Honor, the Boiler Maker's Union and the Catholic church. He is a Demo- crat. Mrs. Honey also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, the Court of Honor and the Catholic church. The Honey family is well known and highly respected in Moberly and vicinity. Marvin Rowland, a passenger engineer on the Wabash railroad and a well known citizen of Moberly, is a native of this state. He was bom on a farm in Boone County, about eight miles southwest of Sturgeon, Mo., Aug. 28, 1871 and is a son of Capt. George W. and Nancy Joella (Callo- way) Rowland, both natives of. Missouri. Capt. George W. Rowland was born at Harrisburg, Mo., April 15, 1838. He began life as a farmer and when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Confederate army as a private under Gen. Sterling Price. He was possessed of ability far above the average and was a fearless soldier. His qualities were soon recognized and he was rapidly promoted until he became captain and was serving in that capacity when the war closed. He returned to his former location and was engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death, Nov. 28, 1885. However, he had retired from active farming on account of ill health some time before his death. His wife was born near Fayette, Mo., March 5, 1847 and they were married June 10, 1867 at Middletown, Mo., which was a town located near Sturgeon. She was a daughter of Dr. W. H. Calloway who was a well known physician who practiced for many years in Boone and Howard HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 833 counties. Mrs. Rowland died Jan. 30, 1884 at Renick, Mo. and her re- mains and those of her husband are buried in the cemetery one mile north of Renick. Capt. George W. Rowland and wife were the parents of the following children : Maud and Orville, twins, bom March 4, 1868 and died in infancy ; Pearl, born Nov. 19, 1869, died May 19, 1867; Marvin, the subject of this sketch; Morbia, bom March 21, 1873, died Sept. 6, 1916; Bowen, born May 23, 1875, died June 31, 1891; Ora, born July 7, 1877, married R. H. Thomason, London, Ohio ; twins, bom in 1878, died in infancy ; and a child born in 1881 died in infancy and Guy, born Nov. 26, 1883, died Feb. 9, 1897. Marvin Rowland was educated in the public schools and the Moberly High School and on Aug. 20, 1889, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in the bridge construction department and was em- ployed there for six years. Aug. 20, 1895, he went on the road as a fire- man and on Aug. 16, 1899, he was promoted to engineer and ran freight until 1915, when he was promoted to passenger engineer and since that time has been employed in that capacity. Mr. Rowland was married April 18, 1897 to Miss Jessie Baker, a daughter of Rev. T. W. and Florence (Griffith) Baker, both natives of Missouri and were reared and educated at College Mound. Mrs. Rowland's mother is deceased and her father resides in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Rowland have been born one child, Alfred B., born April 11, 1900. Mr. Rowland is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Mrs. Rowland is a member of the Eastern Star, as is also Mr. Rowland and she is a member of the Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Mr. Rowland was a repre- sentative at the National Convention of Engineers in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1915. He is a Democrat and a highly respected and substantial citizen of Randolph County. John M. Bdand, a skilled machinist in the employ of the Wabash Railroad, who works in the shops of that company in Moberly, Mo., is a native son of Randolph County. He was born in Moberly, April 21, 1893, the son of James and Mary (Murphy) Boland. James Boland was born in Ireland on a farm, July 5, 1860, and was reared and educated there untiri873, when he came to the United States and located on a 150 acre farm six miles west of Huntsville, Mo. Mr. Boland engaged in general farming and stock raising on this land until 1890 when he sold out and 834 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY came to Moberly to live. He accepted a position with the Wabash Rail- road as a blacksmith in the shops here and was thus employed for the rest of his active life. He died April 24, 1908 and was buried in St. Mary's cemetery. His wife, Mary Murphy Boland was bom at Mt. Sterling, 111., the daughter of Michael and Mary (McQueen) Murphy, both natives of Ireland, and was the seventh of the nine children bom to them. Mr. and Mrs. Boland were married in Moberly, Nov. 21, 1890 and the mother now lives here. Two children were born to them as follows: Mary B., de- ceased, and John M., of this review. John M. Boland spent his youth in Moberly and was educated at Loretta Academy and high school of Moberly. In 1910 he entered the shops of the Wabash Railroad to learn the machinist trade and after serv- ing his apprenticeship became one of the skilled machinists in the employ of the company and has continued in the employ if the Wabash Company at Moberly to the present time. Mr. Boland is a Democrat, belongs to the Mechanic's Union, the Knights of Columbus and is a member of the Catholic church. Joseph W. Bradley, a carpenter employed in the Wabash Railroad shops at Moberly, Mo., was bom on a farm in Howard County, Mo., Sept. 22, 1867, the son of Joseph and Eliza (Becket) Bradley. Joseph Bradley was a native of Howard County, bom in 1845. He was reared and edu- cated there and learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked and also followed farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate ^rmy, serving until peace was declared. After the close of the war he returned to Missouri and spent the remainder of his life here. He died at Armstrong, in 1893. Eliza Becket Bradley was bom in England in 1830, was reared and educated in her native land and later accompanied her brother to this country. Joseph Bradley and Eliza Becket were married at Fayette, Mo., and she passed the rest of her life in this state. They were the parents of 10 children as follows: John and Elizabeth, deceased; Larkin, of Moberly; Sallie, also of Moberly; George, of Armstrong; Mollie, of San Francisco, Calif. ; Alfred, deceased ; Tabitha, the wife of George Clayton, of New Franklin, Mo.; Joseph W., of this review, and James, of Moberly. The mother died in Moberly in October, 1917. Joseph W. Bradley spent his youth in Armstrong, Mo., attended the public schools and when 16 years of age began to work as a carpenter and has since followed that trade. In 1893 he came to Moberly and on March HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 835 1st of that year took a position in the car department of the Wabash shops, where he has since been employed. Feb. 3, 1892, Mr. Bradley was married at Armstrong, Mo., to Miss Minnie Bell Sweatnam, the daughter of Baxter and Kate (Walkey) Sweat- nam, both natives of Missouri. She was the fifth of their 10 children. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley : Lara, deceased, and another child that died in infancy. Mr. Bradley comes from a good old pioneer family, as his grand- father, Sparr Bradley, came to Missouri from Madison County, Ky., at an early day and entered land from the government six miles south of Fayette, Mo., where he had a 260 acre farm. He was a veteran of the Black Hawk and Civil Wars and died on a farm four miles east of Fayette in 1886. Rufus E. Merrill, for more than 10 years a train dispatcher on the Moberly division of the Wabash Railroad with headquarters in Moberly, Mo., was born on a farm near West Branch, Iowa, and is the son of Wil- liam C. and Lucretia (Osborne) Merrill. William C. Merrill was born on a farm near Toledo, Ohio, in 1842, being a descendant of the earliest settlers of this county, his ancestors, the Greys coming over in the Mayflower, locating in Massachusetts. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Union army during the conflict. He enlisted in Company E, 184th Ohio Infantry, Feb. 10, 1865 and was mustered out Sept. 22, 1865, being one of, if not the youngest, soldiers to bear arms in defense of his country. After peace was declared he became a railroad man, served as station agent at various places and died at Marshalltown, Iowa, February, 1904, where he had passed the greater part of his life. Mrs. Merrill was a native of Linn County, Iowa, born on a farm Aug. 27, 1845 and was mairied at Center Point, Iowa, in 1872. She now lives in Marshalltown, Iowa, with a daughter and is 75 years old and she and William C. Merrill were the parents of the following children: Efiie J., the wife of John F. Schultz, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Carrie E., the wife of S. C. Snider, of West Liberty, Iowa; Bessie, the wife of J. R. Kessler on a farm near Marshalltown, Iowa; Rufus E., of this review, and Maud, de- ceased. Rufus E. Merrill was reared and educated at Montezuma, Iowa and graduated from the high school there and then started as station helper at the age of 15 years. One year later he was appointed station agent 836 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY and operator in Iowa and later was agent and operator at Pipestone, Minn. Later he served in that capacity at the following places: Round Lake, Mnm., Goodell, Dinsdale, Sunberry, Tipton, Benett, Rowley and Estherville, iowa. It was while working at the last named town that Mr. Merrill was made train dispatcher on July 1, 1902, and held the position five years before being transfeiTed to Cedar Rapids, la., in the same capacity. Three years later he was sent to Oskaloosa, la., as dispatcher of the Iowa Cen- tral Railroad and Nov. 25, 1910, he came to Moberly as dispatcher for the Wabash Railroad and has served since that time as trick and chief dis- patcher. Sept. 21, 1898, Mr. Merrill was married to Miss Mabel H. Palmer, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Bush) Palmer, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have been been born two children: Maud, who graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1918 and during the year 1919 attended the Kansas City Conservatory of Music and is now a student at Christian College, Columbia, Mo., and Rufus E., Jr., who is a siudent in the Moberlv High School. Mr. Merrill is a Mason, belonging lo the Blue Lodge, the Eastern Star and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Church, South. For years he has been a Democrat. Mrs. Merrill is a graduate of the normal school of Iowa and before her marriage was a teacher. She belongs to the East- ern Star, the Shakespeare Society, the Ladies Aid Society and also to the Parents Teachers Association, having served as president and vice-presi- dent of that organization and as Past Matron of the Eastern Star. Rufus E. Merrill comes from Revolutionary stock on his mother's side. His great grandfather, John Osborne, is one of the six revolution- ary soldiers buried in the state of Iowa, having enlisted in May, 1780, Montgomery County, Va., to serve four months under his uncle Enoch Osborne, captain of a company in Col. Preston's regiment of Virginia, going to Whitten's Station in Tennessee against the Shawnee and Cherokee Indians and Tories, after which in the spring of 1781, he served six months under the same officer at Blackmore Station, Tenn., near Cumberland Mountains to defend frontier settlements. He served six months as light horseman under Captain Gambrell in Col. Wm. Campbell's command in North Carolina, patrolling country against Tories, after which he served as light horseman with Captain Nowles in a detachment of 300 men under Col. Cleveland, ranging Ashe and other counties in quest of Tories and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 837 lie was discharged in September, 1782. He was soon ordered out by Col. Preston to serve a few weeks with Capt. Ward. His last service was for 12 months as one of the garrison at Whitton's Station in Tennessee in command of Col. Preston. He belonged to the militia. Ollie Ornbum, a well-known conductor of the Wabash railroad, is a native of Randolph County. He was bom on a farm in Sugar Creek township Aug. 30, 1879, and is a son of William B. and Mary M. (Foster) Ornburn. William B. Ornburn was born in Sugar Creek township Oct. 25, 1847, and is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Randolph County. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation and is the owner of a well improved farm of 127 1/2 acres seven miles east of Moberly, where he carries on general farming and stock raising*. Mary M. (Foster) Ornburn was bom in Virginia Aug. 23, 1853, and she and Mr. Ornbum were married in Sugar Creek township in 1872. They are the parents of two children: Oma A., born Feb. 13, 1874, and an employee of the Wabash Railroad Company and lives in Moberly, and OHie E., the subject of this sketch. Ollie E. Ornburn was reared on the home place in Sugar Creek town- ship and educated in the district schools of Su&ar Creek township and Middlegrove College. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 18 years old. He then went to Pueblo, Colo., .where he was employed as brakeman on the Denver and Rio Grand railroad for one year. He then went to St. Louis and was in the employ of Swift and Company and the American Car and Foundry Com.pany. In 1902, he came to Moberly and on Aug. 18th of that year entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as brakeman. He was promoted to con- ductor in 1905, and now runs a local freight between Moberly and Bruns- wick. Mr. Ornbum was married June 29, 1909, to Miss Anna Foutch, a daughter of Abe and Nettie (Gray) Foutch, both natives of Iowa. Abe Foutch was bom in Des Moines, Iowa, March 28, 1853. He came to Moberly in 1903 and was employed by the Wabash company as car car- penter and now resides in Moberly. Nettie (Gray) Foutch was born at Ackley, Iowa, Oct. 26, 1862, and she and Mr. Foutch were married at Hockport, Mo., Oct. 12, 1878, and five children have been born to them as follows: Jessie, died in infancy; James B., lives in New York City; Anna, wife of Ollie E. Ornburn, the subject of this sketch; Bert, St.- 838 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Louis, Mo.; and Harry, died in infancy. Mrs. Ombum was born at Rock- port, Mo., June 9, 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Ornburn has been bom one child, Gerald, born in Moberly, July 12, 190S, and is at home with his parents. Mr. Ornburn is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Railway Conductors. He is a Democrat and a member of the Missouri State Fish and Game League. Mrs. Ombum is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Order of Railway Conductors and the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of the Railroad Trainmen and both Mr. and Mrs. Ornburn are members of the Methodist church, south. The Ornburn family is well known and highly respected citizens of Moberly and Randolph County. John D. Rice, a progressive farmer and stockman, of Jackson town- ship, is a native of Randolph County and a member of a prominent pioneer family of this county. He was bom May 3, 1870 in Chariton township and is a son of Spencer P. and Rebecca (Elliott) Rice. Spencer P. Rice was bom in Randolph County, April 15, 1839. He was reared in this county and early in life engaged in farming and stock raising and became very well-to-do and one of the successful men of affairs of this county. He was the owner of 744 acres of land and was president of the Jacksonville Savings Bank. He died July 23, 1919 and his remains are buried in the Barnhardt cemetery. His wife was also a native of Randolph County, born Dec. 7, 1838. They were married in Randolph County in 1864. She is now 81 years of age. They were the parents of nine children as follows: Joe Ann, deceased; one died in infancy; Mrs. Mollie Dean, of Jacksonville, Mo. ; James William, deceased ; John D., the subject of this sketch; James J., deceased; Ernest, Jackson township; Elizabeth, deceased and Elliott, Jackson township. John D. Rice was educated in McGee College and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. and for 18 years was successfully engaged in teaching in various districts of this section. At the same time, he was interested in farming and stock raising on the home place to which he has devoted his attention for several years, and is one of the successful farm- ers of the community. In addition to general farming and stock raising he is also interested in Breeding and now has on hand, five head of reg- istered Aberdine-Angus cattle, besides 22 head of horses and mules. His farm consists of 140 acres and he has about 50 acres of good timber land. Mr. Rice is unmarried. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 839 George Gowan, employed in the Wabash railroad shops in Moberly as a painter, was bom in Edinborough, Scotland, May 26, 1861, the son of George and Katharine (Brown) Gowan, both natives of the same city as their son. They came to the United States in 1868, locating first in New York, where George Gowan worked as a shoemaker. Some years later the family came west and settled in St. Louis, where the father again worked at his trade. He died in 1910 and was buried at St. Peters cemetery, St. Louis. Mrs. Gowan died in 1872, and was buried at St. Peters ceme- tery. There were six children in the family: Sarah, the wife of Harry Crocker, of St. Louis; Kate, married James Galo, is a widow, living in St. Louis ; George, of this review ; James, deceased, and two other children that died in Scotland. George Gowan was reared and educated in the United States, as he came here as a small boy. He attended school at the public institutions of New Florence, Mo., and when only 13 years old began work for farmers by the month. He came to Moberly in 1881, and took a position on the Kansas City, Northern railroad, as brakeman, remaining two years. The following five years he worked as a hostler in the roundhouse and in 1899 went to Slater, Mo., but returned to Moberly in 1901 to enter the employ of the Wabash road as hostler. In 1906 he left the railroad and opened a restaurant in the city, which he managed five years, before disposing of it, to enter the paint shop of the Wabash shops, where he has since been employed in the capacity of painter. Sept. 28, 1892, Mr. Gowan was married to Miss Lena Kemp, the daughter of C. W. and Kate (Gale) Kemp, both deceased. Mrs. Gowan was the second of nine children borri to her parents. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gowan, Leslie Elmer, at home. Mr. Gowan is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, and is a Democrat. Mrs. Gowan belongs to the Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, to the Maccabees, the Royal Neighbors and the Christian church. John Freeman, foreman of the roundhouse of the Wabash Railroad, at Moberly, Mo., was born at Columbia, Mo., Sept. 6, 1877, the son of Timothy and Harriet (Natress) Freeman, the former a native of Queens County, Ireland, and the mother was born in Canada. They were married in America and the family came to Missouri to live. To Timothy and Harriet Freeman were born the following children: Miles, Granite City, 111.; John, of this review; Leo, at home; Anna, the vdfe of James L. Kehoe, 840 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY of Moberly ; Mary, the wife of Arthur Copley, of Butte, Mont. ; Martin, of ' Moberly; Timothy, Jr., of St. Paul, Minn.; Margaret, the wife of Thomas Broskey, of Kansas City; Catharine, deceased; Roberta, deceased; and Elizabeth, of Moberly. John Freeman was reared in Moberly and received his educaton in St. Mary's Academy and when only 19 years old began to work in the Wabash shops as a machinists helper in order to learn that trade. He finished his apprenticeship and then spent four years in various parts of the country. On his return to Moberly in 1904, Mr. Freeman took a position in the rail- road shops as a machinist, was promoted to the position of foreman in 1907 and then transferred to Stanbery and Moulton, Iowa, to the Wabash shops there, where he acted as general foreman. April 16, 1919, Mr. Free- man was returned to Moberly to take the position of foreman of the round- house and is still serving in that capacity. He is one of the skilled men in the employ of the road and stands high in his business. Oct. 30, 1906, Mr. Freeman was married to Miss Nellie G. Whelen, of Moberly, the daughter of D. L. and Elizabeth (Larose) Whelen, the former a native of Tennessee, while the mother was born in Missouri and they live in Moberly. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman: John W., bom in Moberly, Dec. 14, 1907, now attending St. Marys Academy. Mr. Freeman belongs to the Machinists Union, the Knights of Father Mathew, Knights of Columbus and the Catholic church and is a Democrat. Mrs. Freeman is also a member of the St. Johns Catholic church. Rev. Robin Gould, pastor of the Methodist church of Moberly, Mo., was born in Las Vegas, N. M., Jan. 29, 1888, the son of George T. and Texie A. (Head) Gould. The father was born at Beaufort, S. C, in 1842, was reared there and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Confederate army and served throughout the war. After peace was established, he engaged in newspaper work, came west and engaged in his profession in Las Vegas, El Paso, Tex., and Albuqerque, N. M. He was appointed postmaster of Las Vegas during President Cleveland's second administration, but later retired from active business. He died in Albu- querque, N. M., in 1911, and was buried there. Mrs. Gould was born in Randolph County, Mo., in 1865, was married at St. Louis in 1885 and now lives at Albuquerque, N. M. There were three children in the family : Ralph, of Albuquerque; Rev. Robert, of this review, and Alice, of Albu- querque. Robin Gould was educated in the towns in the west where the family lived, and was graduated from the high school at El Paso, Tex. He then HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 841 entered the University of Chicago and later came to Missouri and entered the State University at C^olumbia, where he studied joumahsm. Follow- ing the completion of this special study, he was employed on a news- paper at El Paso, Tex., where he was made circulation manager, a posi- tion he held until 1913. While at the university, Mr. Gould had taken spe- cial courses in Bible study and when he resigned from the paper he en- tered the ministry and was given a charge in Phoenix, Ariz., and was transferred to a church in California, then back to Arizona and later to Jamestown, Mo. He came to Moberly as minister of the Fourth Street Methodist church in 1919. When the United States declared war against Germany, Mr. Gould enlisted in the army at St. Joseph, Mo., in August, 1918, as chaplain. He was sent to the chaplain's training camp and commissioned in September, 1918, and assigned to duty with the 89th Division as an ofl&cer of the 354th Infantry. Mr. Gould served with his regiment through the battle of the Argonne and after the armistice was signed, returned to the United States May 22, 1919, and was discharged from the service June 17, 1919, at Camp Funston. He returned to St. Joseph, Mo., where the summer was spent and in the fall assumed charge of the church at Moberly, where he 'has since ministered. April 30, 1912, Reverend Gould was married at El Paso, Tex., to Miss Katharyn Warren, the daughter of P. and Mary (Demoss) Warren. The father was a native of Tennessee and is dead, while the mother was born in Texas and now lives in California. One child has been bom to this union, Margaret, at home. Mr. Gould, while in college, was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and is a Democrat. Georg-e J. Ostman, one of the expert and experienced painters em- ployed in the car department of the Wabash Railroad shops, of Moberly, Mo., was born in St. Louis, Nov. 6, 1871, the son of Gus and Clara (Voth) Ostman, both natives of Germany. The father was born in 1842 and came to the United States about 1859, settling in St. Louis, where he worked as a painter in the car shops of the Wabash Railroad. Later the family came to Moberly, when the railroad shops were established here and Mr. Ostman continued to hold his position as painter until he died in 1912 and was buried in Oakland cemetery. He had enlisted in the Confederate army when the Civil War broke out and served until the close of the conflict. Mrs. Ostman was born in 1846, came to the United States as a young woman and was married in St. Louis. She now lives with a married 842 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY daughter in Moberly. There were the following children born to Gus and Clara (Voth) Ostman: Lillie, the wife of Edward Hayes, of Chicago, 111.: One child that died in infancy ; George, of this review ; and Julia, the wife of W. S. Henry of Moberly. George J. Ostman was reared in Missouri, attended the public school here in Moberly and when his school days were over, began to work in the railroad shops as a painter's helper in 1889. He spent his time learning the painter's trade and then was given a regular position in the car depart- ment where he has since been employed as painter. Mr. Ostman is a skilled workman and one of the substantial and reliable citizens of Moberly. Sept. 24, 1905, Mr. Ostman was married to Miss Pearl Woolwine, the daughter of Paxton and Elizabeth (McGrew) Woolwine, who was the eldest of their three children, born July 31, 1883. Mr. Ostman is a member of the Maccabees, the Car Mens Union and the Lutheran church and Mrs. Ostman is a member of the Auxiliary of the Union and belongs to the Methodist church. William R. Brawley, a locomotive engineer on the Wabash Railroad, is one of the well known and substantial citizens of Moberly. He was bom near Forrest Hill, St. Charles County, Mo., Oct. 15, 1884. He is a son of Daniel and Virginia (Hiens) Brawley, the former a native of Crawford County, Ind., born in 1860. Daniel Brawley was reared and educated in Indiana and farmed with his father until the family came to Missouri in 1870. They settled on a farm of 140 acres of land in St. Charles County and later, Daniel Brawley bought 40 acres adjoining the home place. There they engaged in general farming and stock raising. The trees on the land were worked into bridge timbers and railroad ties and sold as the land was cleared and provided an income before the land could be farmed. Daniel Brawley lived on this farm until his death in 1885 and was buried in the family lot. Mrs. Braw- ley was bom in New Orleans, La. in 1856 and died in 1891 and was buried in the Forrest Hill cemetery. William, R. Brawley was the only child born to his parents. He was taken into the home of a I*resbyterian preacher by the name of Harley Blackwell at the time of his mother's death when he was seven years old. He attended the public schools of Forrest Hill and when 17 years old, he entered the employ of the American Car & Foundry Company's shops at St. Charles, where he worked until July, 190?. He then went to Luther, Mo., to enter the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as general HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 843 roundhouse man. A year later Mr. Brawley began firing on a switch engine and a year later was assigned to a freight engine and was thus em- ployed until 1904. That year he was transferred to Moberly and fired freight and passenger engines until 1909 when he was promoted freight engineer and has since served in that capacity. Mr. Brawley owns a 40 acre farm three miles north of Forest Hill, known as the "White Oak" farm and he also owns a valuable city prop- erty in Moberly. He sold his home in which the family had lived 14 years with the idea of building a new house just across the street which will soon be erected. May 4, 1905, Mr. Brawley was married in the St. Charles Methodist parsonage by the Rev. Carlisle, of Columbus, Mo., to Miss Susie Walker, a daughter of James and Bell (Short) Walker, who was bom Aug. 16, 1887. James Walker was a native of Indiana, bom in 1843 and died in June, 1903. His wife was also bom in Indiana, in 1851 and makes her home with Mrs. Brawley. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Braw- ley: Robert C. and Virginia B., both of whom are at home. Mr. Brawley is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is one of the progressive citizens of Moberly and the Brawley family stands high in the community. Bernard E. Lynch, a brakeman in the employ of the Wabash Rail- road, with a run out of Moberly is descended from one of the first pioneer families to settle here. He is a native son of Randolph County, bom in Moberly, Nov. 15, 1890, the son of James J. and Katharine (Conroy) Lynch. The former was bom in Petersburgh, Canada, in 1852, was reared and educated in the United States as he came to Bloomington, 111., with his parents. He came to Missouri and located in St. Joseph, Mo. for a time and first came to Randolph County in 1867. He entered the employ of the Burlington Railroad at St. Joseph and worked as fireman ; later he was promoted to locomotive engineer and returned to Moberly in 1875. He remained in the employ of the road until 1894, when he was assigned to work as engineer of the pile driver where he remained until his death in 1900 and was buried at St. Marys cemetery. Mrs. Lynch was bora in Queenstown, Ireland, in 1859, came to the United States with her mother and sisters when a young woman in 1866 and settled near Darksville on a farm. She and Mr. Lynch were married at Macon City, Mo., in 1876 and she died at Moberly, Aug. 13, 1917 and was buripd in St. Mary's ceme- tery. 844 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY There were nine children born to James J. and Katharine Lynch of whom the following survive: Thomas, of Chicago; Jack, operating the home farm; James J., also on the home place; Frank, of Kansas City; Ethel, of Moberly; Bernard E., of this review, and Cleave, also of Moberly. Bernard E. Lynch was reared in Mobeily, attended the public schools and was graduated from the high school. At the age of 16 he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad as seal clerk at the freight office, working in this capacity during his vacations while still attending school. In 1908 he took a position as time keeper in the master mechanic's office, but a year later resigned to work for R. A. Curran, a grocer, and remained with him until 1916 when he returned to the railroad as brakeman on a passenger train. He changed to the freight service and is still employed in that capacity. Oct. 4, 1917, Mr. Lynch was inducted into the National army and was sent to Camp Funston for his training. He spent over seven months there and on May 15, 1918, was sent to the Reserve Officers Training Camp and received a commission as second lieutenant, Aug. 26, 1918 a,nd was assigned to Camp Beauregard with the 83d Infantry, 17th Division. On Dec. 5, 1918, he was promoted to first heutenant and resigned the same day. He at once came back to Moberly and again entered the service of the Wabash system. Mr. Lynch is a member of the Knights of Columbus, belongs to the Brotherhood of Railv/ay Trainmen and the Catholic church. He is a Democrat. Robert A. Nugent, a well known machinist of Moberly who has been employed in the Wabash shops here for the past 23 years, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Moberly, Jan. 28, 1877 and is a son of Robert and Ann (Barton) Nugent. Robert Nugent was a native of Ireland, born in the town of Drohda. He came to the United States in 1858, making the voyage on the Great Eastern, the vessel which laid the first Atlantic cable and was the largest vessel of its time. Mr. Nugent was a machinist and helped build the Great Eastern and also assisted in laying the Atlantic cable. After com- ing to this country he lived, for a time, in New York City, and during the Civil War, he enlisted in the United States navy at New York City and served as a first class machinist. After the war he went to Alton, 111. where he was employed at his trade and later he came to Missouri and was employed in the Wabash shops at St. Charles and when the shops HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 845 were moved to Moberly, he came here and worked at his trade until 1890. He then went to Chicago and was employed as a machinist by the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He died in that city Feb. 29, 1896 and his remains are buried in the St. Mary cemetery at Moberly. Ann (Barton) Nugent was a native of Ireland and came to the United States with her parents and was married to Mr. Nugent here. She died in Moberly in 1886 and her remains are buried in St. Mary's cemetery. To Robert A. Nugent and wife were born six children as follows: twins, bom in New York City, died in infancy; Mary, married J. L. Booth, Chicago, 111.; Emma, married Asa Gillette and is deceased; Lizzie, mar- ried C. M. Hage, Chicago; Robert A., the subject of this sketch. Robert A. Nugent was reared in Moberly and educated in the Loretta Academy and the public schools, including the high school. In 1893, he began his apprenticeship at the machinists trade in the Illinois Central shops in Chicago. After working there four years he returned to Mob- erly in 1897 and entered the employ of the Wabash Company as a ma- chinist and has been in the employ of that company up to the present time. Mr. Nugent was married June 20, 1917 to Miss Lucille Ardizone of Moberly. She is a daughter of Frank and Lena (Ardizone, both natives of Italy, now residents of Moberly. Mrs. Nugent was born in Quincy, 111., Feb. 6, 1893. Mr. Nugent belongs to the Machinists' Union and is a Democrat, He is a member of the Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus. Charles H. Daniels, a well-known locomotive engineer of the Wabash railroad and a substantial citizen of Moberly, Mo., is a native of Pennsyl- vania. He was born in Mifflin County, Pa., July 31, 1864, and is a son of Sanderson and Johanna Daniels, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father died at Bellwood, Pa., Feb. 8, 1912, and the mother died there May 5, 1917. They were the parents of the following children: Nettie, died June 29, 1916; Andrew J., deceased;- Ida, deceased; William K., lives at Bellwood, Pa.; Mamie, died in infancy; Charles H., the subject of this sketch; Annie, died May 29, 1916; Sarah, lives in New Jersey; Maggie, married John Curry, Bellwoqd, Pa.; one died in infancy, and MoUie, who lives in New Jersey. Charles H. Daniels was reared in his native state and attended the district schools and remained at home with his father until he was 17 years old. He began his railroading career April 6, 1881, in the em- ploy of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a brakeman between 846 .HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa., with headquarters at Harrisburg. He was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Company for four years, when he went to Kansas City and entered the employ of the Union Pacific as fireman and was promoted to engineer in 1890, and remained with that railroad in that capacity until Sept. 10, 1894, when he resigned and on Sept. 15, 1894, he entered the employ of the Wabash railroad as engineer and ran a freight engine until 1898, when he was promoted to passenger engineer and has since served in that capacity. He is one of the experienced and trustworthy engineers in the employ of the com- pany. Mr. Daniels was married April 29, 1884, to Miss Mary A. Rider, a daughter of Joe and Phoebe (Hunter) Rider, both natives of Penn- sylvania. The father was born March 23, 1884. He served in the army during the Civil War and died at Harrisburg, Pa., May 29, 1887. His wife was born Nov. 25, 1843, and now resides at Harrisburg, Pa. Mrs. Charles H. Daniels is one of the following children born to her parents: Robert, died in infancy; Mary A., the wife of Charles H. Daniels, the subject of this sketch; Lottie, deceased; Anna, is married and resides in Harrisburg, Pa.; Emma, mai-ried Charles Ruby, of Harrisburg, Pa., and Alace, married William Mader, Harrisburg, Pa. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniels: Stella Lil- lian, married Joe Kirby, of Moberly, Mo., and Alice Florence, married Matt McHugh, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers Lodge No. 86, and is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo. He belongs to the Metho- dist church. , "; William J. Haynes, the well known police judge of Moberly, is a native of Randolph County and belongs to one of the early pioneer families of this section. He was born in Cairo township, Sept. 27, 1858 and is a son of William and Sarah (McKnight) Haynes. Wilson Haynes was born in Tennessee and came to Missouri with his parents who settled on a farm in Cairo township at an early day. Wilson Haynes was the owner of 120 acres of land in Cairo township and for a number of years was engaged in farming and stock raising there. Later he sold his place and removed to Joplin, Mo. where he was engaged in teaming and the feed business for a number of years and he now resides in that city at the advanced age of 87 years. He is a veteran of the Civil HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 847 War, having served in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. Sarah (McKnight) Haynes was born near Nashville, Tenn. She died in Joplin in 1890. Wilson and Sarah (McKnight) Haynes were the parents of the fol- lowing children:, Elizabeth, married John Bowden and they reside near Springfield, Mo.; William J., the subject of this sketch; Ina, deceased; John T., lives in Cairo township ; Ed lives at Oronogo, Mo. ; J. Neflf, Joplin, Mo. ; Ammet, Tulsa, Okla. ; and Mollie, married Henry Grossman, Joplin, Missouri. William J. Haynes was reared on the home farm in Cairo township and educated in the district schools. He remained at home with his father, assisting on the home farm until the latter sold out and removed to Jop- lin. William J. Haynes then worked by the month for farmers in the vicinity of his old home, but it was not long until he bought a farm two and one-half miles southwest of Cairo. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1911 when he came to Moberly and first engaged in the second hand business and soon after engaged in the hardware and furniture business which he conducted until 1919 when he was elected police judge of Moberly and has devoted his attention to that office since. Judge Haynes was married at Huntsville, Mo., Sept. 1, 1880 to Miss Ella Wright, a daughter of Houston Wright, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Haynes have been born four children as follows: Pearl, married • Tom Goodding, of Cairo, Mo. ; Clifford, deceased ; Florence, deceased and Lloyd, Moberly, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Haynes are members of the Baptist church and he is a Democrat. Judge Haynes is one of the highly respected and substan- tial citizens of Moberly and Randolph County. R, F. Keeley, business manager of the Moberly- Democrat, is a news- paper man of many years' experience, and has been connected with the Moberly Democrat for nearly 25 years. He is a native of Missouri and was born in Breckenridge, Caldwell County, May 11, 1869, and is a son of Patrick and Ruth (Davis) Keeley. Patrick Keeley was a native of Ireland. He came to this country prior to the Civil War and settled in Caldwell County, Mo., where he engaged in farming and stock raising and spent the remainder of his life in that state. His wife was a native of Indiana and came to Mis- souri with her parents who settled in Caldwell County at an early day. She is now deceased. Patrick and Ruth (Davis) Keeley were the par- 848 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY ents of three children: R. F., the subject of this sketch; Mary, mamed J. A. Whiteford, superintendent of public schools of Oklahoma City, Okla.. and John, deceased. R. F. Keeley was reared on the home farm in Caldwell County and educated in the public schools. Early in life he began his newspaper career on the "Breckenridge Bulletin" and there learned the printer's trade. After working in various newspaper offices he came to Moberly in January, 1896, and bought interest in the Moberly Democrat with which he has since been connected. Mr. Keeley was united in marriage in 1893 with Miss Lottie Beaz- ley, of Brunswick, Mo. Two children have been born to this union, Eugene, who is 22 years old, enlisted in the United States navy during the World War and served until its close and is now in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company at Chicago, and Gerald, who is eight years old. Mr. Keeley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Methodist church, south, and is a Democrat. He is one of the widely known newspaper men of central Missouri. George M. Davis, a well-known citizen of Clark, Mo., is a native of Randolph County and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was born in Prairie township, Feb. 2, 1858, and is a son of Madison and Saldria (McCauley) Davis. Madison Davis was born in Kentucky and came to Randolph County, Mo., with his parents when young. He was engaged in farming and stock raising in Prairie township and died there about 1904 at the age of 75 years. His wife, whose maiden name was Saldria McCauley, was a native of Boone County, Mo., and a daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (Lewis) McCauley, both members of pioneer families of that section. Mrs. Madison Davis died about 1908 at the age of 72 years. George M. Davis was one of the following children born to his parents: Mrs. T. J. Farris, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. John F. Bradley, de- ceased; George M., the subject of this sketch; Jeff, lives on a farm south of Moberly; J. S., lives in Oklahoma; and Mrs. Lucy Swetman lives in Kansas City, Mo. George M. Davis was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools and when a boy began work in a sawmill. Later he worked in a flour mill in Renick for the Renick Milling Company and was employed there from 1881 until 1894. He then located at Clark, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY »49 Mo., where he was engaged in the flour and feed business and later entered the employ of the J. H. Teasdale Commission Company of St. Louis as traveling representative. He covers a large scope of territory for this company which includes the states of Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas' and northeastern Oklahoma. On May 4, 1879, George M. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Victoria Baty, a daughter of Pleasant and Saldria (Adams) Baty, the former a ijative of Callaway and the latter of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born three children, as follows: Wal- ter E., Moberly, Mo.; Melvin, deceased; and Ethel, married Brad Rob- ertson, Slater, Mo. Mr. Davis is a Democrat and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He served as constable of Prairie township for two terms and has served on the Clark school board of which he was president for six years and has also served as mayor of Clark. He was one of the organizers of the Clark Electric Company. He is a member \of the Christian church and was a member of the building committee when the local church was built in 1898. Mr. Davis is a well known and sub- stantial citizen, and has a wide acquaintance, Henry Harmon, now deceased, was for many years identified with the interests of Moberly and Randolph County and was a progressive and liighly respected citizen. He was born at Canal Fulton, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1853, and died at Taylorville, 111., Jan. 3, 1919, and his remains are buried at Canal Fulton, Ohio. Henry Harmon was a son of Frederick and Gesena Harmon. Fred- erick Harmon was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and was married there in 1834. Two years later he immigrated to America with his wife and set- tled in Lawrence township, Stark County, Ohio. Here he engaged in farming until the time of his death in 1885. His wife was born in Edin- burgh, Scotland, June 3, 1808 and died in Stark County, Ohio, April 20, 1898. She was the oldest woman in Stark County at the time of her death. Her remains are buried at Canal Fulton, Ohio. Henry Harmon was one of seven children born to his parents. He was reared and educated in Ohio and in early life learned the trade of brass moulding. In 1875, he came to Moberly from Kent, Ohio, and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a brass moulder. He continued in that work until 1890 when he engaged in the dairy busi- ness in Moberly and for five years conducted that business. He bought 850 • HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY the place in Moberly where Mrs. Harmon now resides April 10, 1880. It consists of six acres besides six adjoining lots. Mr. Harmon built a small brass foundry on one of these lots where he was also interested in that line of work for a time. Henry Harmon was married at Jacksonville, Mo., Feb. 18, 1878 to Miss Thursie Reynolds, a daughter of Isaac R. and Margaret (Peyton) Reynolds, both natives of Kentucky and settled in Randolph County at an early day where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Isaac R. Reynolds was born in Kentucky, Nov. 16, 1816 and died in Jack- sonville, Mo. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. M. M. Carter, Feb. 19, 1900 and his remains are buried in the cemetery near Jacksonville. His wife was born in Kentucky in 1830 and they were married in that state. She died at Jacksonville, Jan. 3, 1893 and is also buried near Jacksonville. They were the parents of eight children as follows: Elizabeth, died in infancy ; William T., Globe, Ariz. ; Joseph E., married W. N. Rutherford of Moberly and she is now deceased; Mary E., married M. M. Carter, Jack- sonville, Mo.; Thursie, married Henry Harmon, the subject of this sketch; Hayden L., deceased; Minnie, married Dr. W. D. Halliburton, Moberly, Mo. and Matthew, Amarillo, Tex. To Henry and Thursie (Reynolds) Harmon were born three children: Frank W., born. Feb. 4, 1879; Fred, born Nov. 1, 1882 and Mattie, bom March 5, 1885, all of whom reside at home with their mother in Moberly. Mrs. Thursie Harmon was born in Jacksonville, Randolph County, Aug. 17, 1853 and now resides at 1224 Franklin street, Moberly, which has been her home for over 30 years. She is a member of the Christian church as was also her husband during his lifetime. The Harmon family is one of the highly respected families in Moberly and Randolph County. John W. Hutsell, an extensive farmer and stockman of Union town- ship, was born Dec. 7, 1839, and has been identified with Randolph County all his life. He is the son of Bloomfield and Elily T. (Carver) Hutsell. Bloomfield Hutsell was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Oct. 5, 1813, and died in Randolph County, Jan. 2, 1884, and his wife was born in Fayette County, Ky., Nov. 19, 1821, and died in Randolph County in September, 1907, and her remains and her husband's are buried in the Antioch Church Cemetery. They were married in Kentucky Nov. 27, 1836, and the following year came to Randolph County and settled in Union township, where John W. Hutsell, the subject of this sketch, was born. They were the parents of the following children: John W., Mrs. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 851 Mattie McCampbell, of Moberly; Mrs. Melissa Chrisman, of Union town- ship; J. C, Union township; Mary E., deceased, and James W., deceased. John W. Hutsell was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of the early days in Randolph County and attended school in the Cottage Grove district and his first teacher was Prof. Murrell. The school house was a log structure of the primitive type with split logs for seats. The pupils went to school early in the morning and remained at their labors as long as they could see. Mr. Hutsell remained at home with his par- ents until he was 24 years old. He then clerked for two years in a store and in 1867 bought a part of his present farm in Union township. His place is located three and one-half miles northeast of Moberly and he now owns 200 acres, after having given to his son, 240 acres. His place is well improved with a good nine-room residence, barns and other buildings. For many years Mr. Hutsell was an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs and now carries on general faiming and stock raising and raises cattle, hogs, horses, mules and sheep. Mr. Hutsell was married Jan. 11, 1866, to Miss Minnie Eubanks, of Paris, Mo. She was a daughter of Richard and Jane (Tremble) Eubanks. Richard Eubanks was a native of Tennessee, born Oct. 1, 1810, and came to Randolph County in 1836. His wife was the widow of Henry Scott. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutsell were born the following children: James D., Union township; William W., Sugar Creek township; Annie May, mar- ried Sanford Bennett, and they reside on the home place. Mr. Hutsell has two grandchildren: John H. Hutsell and Mable R. Bennett. James H. Owen, a well known farmer and stockman of Cairo township, is a native of Randolph county. He was born in Cairo township about three miles west of the town of Cairo, October 16, 1867, and is a son of Thomas H. and Susan (Furguson) Owen. Thomas H. Owen was born near Owensboro, Kentucky, and came to Randolph county with his parents at a very early date. He followed farming and stock raising in this county and became well-to-do. He and his brother, Capt. Ed Owen, at one time owned over 600 acres of land in the vicinity of Jacksonville, and that town occupies a part of the old Owen place. The Owen brothers sold a part of this farm during the Civil War and later, Thomas H. Owen bought 120 acres near Pleasant Hill Church in Randolph county which he afterwards sold and bought a small farm near Grand Prairie Church and died there in 1893. He is buried in 852 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY Grand Prairie Church Cemetery. Thomas H. Owen went to California during the gold excitement of 1849. He was accompanied by his brother, Capt. Ed Owen, and also Warren and John Taylor. Susan (Furguson) Owen, mother of James H. Owen, was a native of Tennessee and came to Randolph county when a young girl and was here married to Thomas H. Owen. They were the parents of the following children: Lucy, married Will H. Wright and he is now deceased; Kath- erine, married Charles Snodgrass, of Moberly; Margaret, married Ben Poison, of Moberly; Edwin, died in infancy; James H., the subject of this sketch ; Susie, married John D. DeGrine and they live near Huntsville ; WilHam T., Denver, Colo. ; and Winston C, Santa Cruz, Calif. JameE= H. Owen was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Cairo. He remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years old when he engaged in farming on his own account on rented land. Later he bought land and now owns a valuable farm of 80 acres which is well improved. He carried on general farming and stock raising and deals in mules. He has dealt in mules for many years. Mr. Owen was married in Cairo township, December 19, 1894, to Miss Nina G. Amick, a daughter of Jack and Catherine (Bennett) Amick. The Amick and Bennett families were among the pioneer settlers of Randolph county. Jack Amick was born in Missouri and his wife in Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen were born two children : Orpetta, died December 3, 1917, and Cleona, who resides at home. Mr. Owen is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat and a highly respected citizen.