yr HISTORY OF RANDOLPH ^^^ MACON COUNTIES, MISSOURI WRITTEN AND COMPILED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC OFFICIAL AND PRIVATE SOURCES, INCLUDING A HISTORY OF THKIR TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS AND VILLAGES, TOGETHER WITH A CONDENSED HISTORY OF MISSOURI; A RELIABLE AND DETAILED HISTORY OF RANDOLPH AND MACON COUNTIES — THEIR PIONEER RECORD, RESOURCES, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS ; GENERAL AND LOCAL STATISTICS OF GREAT VALUE; INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. ILLUSTRATED. ST. LOUIS: NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMPANY. 1884. ^7 2. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S&4, by O. P. WILLIAMS & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. St. Louis Mo.: Press of Nixon -Jones Printing Co. St. Louis, Mo. : Becktold cf Co., Book-binders- CD PREFACE. The History of Randolph and Macon Counties, Missouri, has been written, in many respects, under trying circumstances. The publishers were somewhat embarrassed from lack of material, but not so much as overwhelmed by a superabundance of conflicting accounts of deeds done and events transpired. Such defects as may be apparent in the work as presented, can, to some extent, be attributed to lack of material, but not to any want of courtesy on the part of the public officials or private citizens, on whom the exigencies of the work forced the compilers to intrude, in their efforts to obtain desired information. In the history of these counties the greatest attention has been given to that dim, traditionary period, the record of which is fragmentary, and which, therefore, requires our efforts to preserve from that decay which follows all events inscribed only in the recollection of men. The records of the later history as counties, have been too fully and voluminously kept to run the risk of oblivion, and their elaboration is left to some future historian. Our aim has been to make this a relia- ble, accurate history of these two counties. We cannot say that the book is without errors, for, were such the case, it would be beyond the merits of any book written. To the kindly care of the reader who seeks the truth, this work is given with the full faith that he will defend it in full accord with its merits against the attacks of all who would prostitute the truth of history to the ephemeral uses of individual interest or prejudice. To name all to whom we are indebted for valuable information ren- dered in the compilation of this history, would be an undertaking of too great a magnitude. We are under obligations to the county officials (iii) ♦*.-! IV PREFACE . of both counties, and especially indebted to the Huntsville Herald^ the Moberly Monitor, and the Headlight. The Times^ the True Dem- ocrat and Republican, of Macon, and the Home Press, of La Plata. Much help has been given by many of the public citizens of each county, and, in fact, by every one who has had an interest in the two counties. Thanking the citizens generally of Randolph and Macon counties for the courtesy and kindness shown to us and our representa- tives while in their midst, we submit this volume to their generous consideration, believing that whatever of credit is due us, will be ac- corded . The Publishers. CONTENTS. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. CHAPTER I. LOUISIANA PURCHASE. Brief Historical Sketch 1-7 CHAPTER H. DESCRIPTIVE AND GEOGRAPHICAL. Name — Extent — Surface — Rivers — Timber — Climate — Prairies — Soils — Popula- tion by Counties 7-13 CHAPTER III. GEOLOGY OF MISSOURI. Classification of Rocks — Quatenary Formation — Tertiary — Cretaceous — Carbonifer- ous — Devonian — Silurian — Azoic — Economic Geology — Coal — Iron — Lead — Copper — Zinc — Building Stone — Marble — Gypsum — Lime — Clays — Paints — Springs — Water Power 13-21 CHAPTER IV. TITLE AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Title to Missouri Lands — Right of Discovery — Title of France and Spain^^ Cession to the United States — Territorial Changes — Treaties with Indians — First Settle- ment — Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon — St. Louis — When Incorporated — Potosi — St. Charles — Portage des Sioux — New Madrid — St. Francois County — Perry — Mississippi — Loutre Island — "Boone's Lick" — Cote Sans Dessein — Howard County — Some First Things — Counties — When Organized . 21-27 CHAPTER V. TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. Organization 1812 — Council — House of Representatives — William Clark First Terri- torial Governor — Edward Hempstead First Delegate — Spanish Grants — First General Assembly — Proceedings — Second Assembly — Proceedings — Population of Territory — Vote of Territory — Rufus Easton — Absent Members — Third Assembly — Proceedings — Application for Admission .... 27-31 (V) VI CONTEiNTS. CHAPTER VI. Application of Missouri to be Admitted into the Union — Agitation of the Slavery Question — " Missouri Compromise " — Constitutional Convention of 1820 — Con- stitution Presented to Congress — Further resistance to Admission — Mr. Clay and his Committee make Report — Second Compromise — Missouri Admitted 31-37 CHAPTER VH. MISSOURI AS A STATE. First Election for Governor and other State Officers — Senators and Representatives to General Assembly — Sheriffs and Coroners — U. S. Senators — Representatives in Congress — Supreme Court Judges — Counties Organized — Capital Moved to St. Charles — Official Record of Territorial and State Officers . . . 37-43 CHAPTER VIH. CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI. Fort Sumpter Fired upon — Call for 75,000 Men — Gov. Jackson Refuses to Furnish a Man — U. S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — General Order No. 7 — Legislature Convenes — Camp Jackson Organized — Sterling Price Appointed Major-General — Frost's Letter to Lyon — Lyon's Letter to Frost — Surrender of Camp Jackson — Proclamation of Gen. Harney — Conference between Price and Harney — Harney Superseded by Lyon — Second Conference — Gov. Jackson Burns the Bridges behind Him — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — Gen. Blair Takes Possession of Jefferson City — Proclamation of Lyon — Lyon at Springfield — State Offices Declared Vacant — Gen. Fremont Assumes Command — Proclamation of Lieut. -Gov. Reynolds — Proclamation of Jeff. Thompson and Gov. Jackson — Death of Gen. Lyon — Succeeded by Sturgis — Pi'oclamation of McCul- loch and Gamble — Martial Law Declared — Second Proclamation of Jeff. Thomp- son — President Modifies Fremont's Order — Fremont Relieved by Hunter — Pro- clamation of Price — Hunter's Order of Assessment — Hunter Declares Martial Law — Order Relating to Newspapers — Halleck Succeeds Hunter — Halleck's Order 18 — Similar Order by Halleck — Boone County Standard Confiscated — Execution of Prisoners at Macon and Palmyra — Gen. Ewing's Order No. 11 — Gen. Rosecrans Takes Command — Massacre at Centralia — Death of Bill Ander- son — Gen. Dodge Succeeds Gen. Rosecrans — List of Battles . . 43-53 CHAPTER IX. EARLY MILITARY RECORD. Black Hawk War — Mormon Difficulties — Florida War — Mexican War . 53-59 CHAPTER X. AGRICULTURE AND MATERIAL WEALTH. Missouri as an Agricultural State — The Different Crops — Live Stock — Horses — Mules — Milch Cows — Oxen and Other Cattle — Sheep — Hogs — Comparisons — Missouri Adapted to Live Stock — Cotton — Broom Corn and Other Products — Fruits — Berries — Grapes — Railroads — First Neigh of the " Iron Horse " in Mis- souri — Names of Railroads — Manufactures — Great Bridge at St. Louis . 59-65 CONTENTS. "^^^ CHAPTER XI. EDUCATION. Public School System -Public School System of Missouri -Lincoln Institute -Offi- cers of Public School System - Certificates of Teachers - University of Missouri - Schools - Colleges - Institutions of Learning - Location - Libraries - News- papers and Periodicals -No. of School Children - Amount Expended- Value of Grounds and Buildings — " The Press " CHAPTER XH. KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Baptist Church -Its History - Congregational - When Founded -Its History - Christian Church - Its History - Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Its History - Methodist Episcopal Church - Its History - Presbyterian Church - Its History - Protestant Episcopal Church -Its History -United Presbyterian Church- Its History -Unitarian Church -Its History- Roman Catholic Church -Ks History CHAPTER XIH. FAD MINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN Nomination and Election of Thomas T. Crittenden- Personal Mention - Marmaduke's Candidacy — Stirring events — Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — Death of Jesse James — The Eords— Pardon of the Gamblers . • . . • 79-85 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY, MISSOURI. CHAPTER I. Introductory -What time has done -Importance of Early Beginnings -First Set- tlements made in the Timber- Who the First Settlers were- Additional Names of Old Settlers -Postal and Mill Facilities -County Organized and Named-The Name — John Randolph CHAPTER II. PIONEER LIFE. The Pioneer's Peculiarities- Conveniences and Inconveniences -The Historical Lo- Cabin -Agricultural Implements - Household Furniture -Pioneer Corn- bre"ad-Hand Mills and Hominy Blocks -Going to Mill -Trading Points- Bee Trees— Shooting Matches and Quilting 100 112 VIU CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. EAKLY RECORDS. First County Court — Its Proceedings — First Circuit Court — Early Marriages — First Recorded Will — Remarkable Deed — Public Buildings — First Court-House — Second-Court House — Third Court-House — County Seat Question — Jails — County Poor Farm — Blanderrain Smith 112-125 CHAPTER IV. TOWNSHIP SYSTEM AND GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. Original and Present Townships — County and Township Systems — Government Surveys — Organization of Townships — Physical Features . . . 125-135 CHAPTER V. CAIRO AND CLIFTON TOWNSHIPS. Cairo Township — Old Settlers — Cairo — Its History — Secret Orders — Business Directory — Clifton Township — Stock Report for 1880 — Early Settlers — A Few of their Trials — Mills — Churches — Clifton Hill — Secret Orders— Business Directory 135-143 CHAPTER VI. CHARITON TOWNSHIP. Its Location — Its Agricultural Adaptability — Population — Darksville — Thomas Hill — Rolling Home — Old Settlers 143-152 CHAPTER VII. JACKSON AND MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS. Jackson Township — Early Settlers — Jacksonville — Its early History — Business Directory — Secret Orders — Moniteau Township — Early Settlers — Mills — Schools — Farms and Stock — Higbee — Secret Orders — Business Directory — Stock Report for 1880 152-160 CHAPTER VIII. PRAIRIE, SALT RIVER AND UNION TOWNSHIPS. Prairie Township — Old Settlers — Durett Bruce — Mill — Elliott — Shafton — Clark's Switch — Renick — Its History — Secret Orders — Business Directory — Stock Re- port for 1880 — First House Erected in Renick — Salt River Township — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Levick's Mill — Union Township — First Settlers — Milton 160-169 CHAPTER IX. SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP. History of the Township — Its Soil — Water Courses — Timber — Schools — Churches — Mt. Airy — Old Settlers — Crops 169-176 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER X. SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. Its History — Earliest Settlers — Agriculture — Streams — Yield of Products — His- tory of Moberly — First Elections — Mayors and Present City Offlcers — Our Railroads — Machine Shops — Coal Mines — Grist Mills — Agricultural Imple- ments — Furniture — Foundries and Machine Shops — Cotton and Woolen Mills — Wagon and Carriage Factories — Tobacco and Cigars — Creamery — Potters Ware — Gas — Newspapers — Water and Water Works — Building and Loan Asso- ciations — Agricultural Society — Rake and Stacker Factory — Scroll and Fancy Work — Soda Bottling — Bricks — Minor Manufactories — Real Estate Agencies — Commercial — Schools — Churches — Hotels — Improvements — The Profes- sions — Miscellaneous — Banks — Membei's of the Board of Trade — Secret Orders — Court of Common Pleas 176-208 CHAPTER XI. SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. Its History — Salt Spring — Water — Coal — Agriculture — Industries — Old Settlers — Death of Dr. William Fort — Huntsville — Its History — Pioneer Business Men — Race Track — What Alphonso Whetmore said of Huntsville in 1837 — Huntsville in Other Days — Improvements — Destructive Fire- — Subscription to Yellow Fever Sufferers — Banks and Bankers — Statement — Secret Orders — Building and Loan Association — Pioneer Church and Sunday School — Semple's Opera House — Huntsville Brass Band — Home Dramatic Company — Huntsville Flem- ing Rake and Stacker Manufactory — Town Incorporated — First Mayor — Pres- ent Mayor and Councilmen — Public Schools — Mount Pleasant College — Female College — Agricultural Fair — Business and Professions . . . 208-232 ^ CHAPTER XII. EARLY BENCH AND BAR. Introductory Remarks — Judge David Todd — Judge John F. Ryland — Hon Joseph Davis — Gov. Thomas Reynolds — Gen. Robert Wilson — Gen. John B. Clark, Sr.— Robert W. Wells 232-239 CHAPTER XIII. CRIMES, SUICIDES, INCIDENTS. First and Second Executions which occurred in the County under Sentence of Law — Melancholy Affair — A Man Shot and Killed near Moberly — The Murder — Peter Casper — Woman Shot and Man Hung — Railroad Collision — The last of Corlew, the Ravisher — James Hayden Brown Pays the Penalty of his Crime — Brown's Wife Commits Suicide — Murder most Foul — Distressing Fatal Accident — James A. Wright Commits Suicide 239-270 CHAPTER XIV. War of 1812 — Indian War of 1832 — California Emigrants — Mexican War — Address of W. R. Samuel— The Civil War of 1861 — Officers Commanding Companies — Non-combatants Killed in the County 270-281 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. Railroads 281-342 CHAPTER XVI. THE PRESS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS. History of Printing and first Newspapers — Huntsville Becorder — Independent Mis- soiirian — Advertisements and Professional Men of that Day — Randolph Citizen — Randolph American — Randolph Vindicator — North Missouri Herald — Huntsville Herald — Higbee Enterprise — Moberly Herald and Seal Estate Index — The Moni- tor — Moberly Daily Enterprise — Enterprise-Monitor — The Headlight — The Chi'on- ic?e — The Moberly i^oresc/in« — Public Schools 342-350 CHAPTER XVn. Ecclesiastical History 350-360 CHAPTER XVIII. Death of Jas. A. Garfield — Death of C. Wisdom — Death of Capt. Lowry — Death of Capt. Coates — Judge Thomas P. White — Sudden Death of Dr. J. C. Oliver — Death of an Old and Estimable Lady — Tornado — Tornado of 1831 —Randolph MedicalSprings — Official Record — Politics — Taxable Wealth. . . 360-381 BIOGRAPHICAL. Sugar Creek Township Salt Spring Township Prairie Township Silver Creek Township Union Township Clifton Township Chariton Township . Cairo Township Moniteau Township . Salt River Township Jackson Township 381-438 438-536 536-577 577-606 606-616 616-629 629-642 642-669 669-685 685-691 691-699 CONTENTS. XI HISTORY OF MAC0:N^ COUNTY, MISSOURI. CHAPTEE I. The Pioneer — First Settlements — Names of Early Settlers — Organization of the County — Nathaniel Macon. 701-713 CHAPTER II. PIONEER LIFE. "Times change and We change with Time " — The Customs of Early Days — The Man- ner of Building — Furniture, etc. — Pioneer Women — Their Dress — Table Sup- plies—Cloth, How Made — House-raisings — Log-rollings — Corn Shuckings — Dances — Shooting Matches — Settlement of Disputes — Pioneer Mills 713-723 CHAPTER HI. EARLY RECORDS. County Court — Circuit Court — First Grand Jury — First Civil Case — First Indict- ment — Number of Civil and Criminal Cases Compared — Oliver Perry Magee Trial — First Deed Recorded — Early Marriages — Court-Houses — Jails — County Poor Farm 723-734 CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS. Morrow Township — Chariton Township — Narrows Township — Middle Fork Town- ship 734-752 CHAPTER V. Lingo Township — Callao Township — Bevier Township — Round Grove Town- ship 752-762 CHAPTER VI. HUDSON TOWNSHIP. Its Location — Water Courses and Railroads — Early Settlers — Macon — Macon City the Original Town — The Town of Hudson — Early Business Men — Additions to Macon — City Officials — City Indebtedness — Banks and Bankers — Moot Legis- lature — Secret Orders — Band of Hope — Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Macon County Medical Society — Strong's Cornet Band — Macon Foundry and Machine Works — The Massey Wagon Company — Public School — School Boards — St. James' Academy — Johnson College — Hotels — Macon Association for the Distri- bution of Real Estate — Macon Elevator Company — The Macon Creamery — Wright's Opera House — The Old Harris House — Improvements in 1883 — Business Directory 762-783 Xll CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. Teu Mile Township — Eagle Township — Liberty Township — Valley Township — Russell Township • . . . . 783-801 CHAPTER Vni. Jackson Township —Lyda Township — Independence Township — Walnut Creek Township — White Township 801-809 CHAPTER IX. Johnston Township — La Plata Township — Richland Township — Easley Township — Drake Township 809-823 CHAPTER X. EARLY BENCH AND BAR — CRIMES AND INCIDENTS. Thomas Reynolds — Robert T. Pruitt — William H. Davis — Alexander L. Slayback — John V.Turner — James M. Gordon — J. R. Abernathy — Amusing Incidents — Suing a Bull — Drinkard Case — Harris Case — Keller Case — Walter Tracy Shot and Killed by Charles Stewart 823-843 CHAPTER XI. Newspapers, Public Schools and Post-offlces 843-850 CHAPTER XII. DIFFERENT WARS. Mormon Diflficulty — Mexican War — California Emigrants — The Civil War of 1861 — Resolutions — Extracts from the Macon Legion — Companies and Captains — Occu- pation of Macon City by Union Troops — Military Execution at Macon — Confeder- ate Soldiers Review of Macon County Men — Confederate OflScers Hanged 850-866 CHAPTER XIII. Reunions 866-873 CHAPTER XIV. RAILROADS AND BONDED DEBT. Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — North Missouri Road — Alexander and Bloom- ington Road — Mississippi and Missouri Road — St. Louis, Macon and Omaha Air Line Road — M. and M. Bonds — Bonded Debt of Macon County . 873-887 CHAPTER XV. Cyclone and Hurricane 887-897 CONTENTS, Xlll CHAPTER XVI. Agricultural Societies — Granges — Coal and Fruit Interests — Official Record. 897-903 CHAPTER XVH. Ecclesiastical History 903-920 CHAPTER XVHI. Macon County of 1884 920-938 BIOGRAPHICAL. La Plata Township . Lingo Township Independence Township Round Grove Township Narrows Township . Jackson Township Middle Fork Township Richland Township . Johnston Township . Eagle Township Lyda Township . Valley Township Morrow Township Bevier Township Callao Township Chariton Township . Russell Township Ten Mile Township . Liberty Township Hudson Township 938-989 989-1005 1005-1006 1006-1009 1009-1016 1016-1021 1021-1025 1025-1031 1031-1041 1041-1057 1057-1080 1080-1085 1085-1089 1089-1099 1099-1108 1108-1115 1115-1117 1117-1133 1133-1141 1141-1223 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. CHAPTEK I. LOUISIANA PURCHASE. BRIEF HISTOKICAL SKETCH. The purchase in 1803 of the vast territory west of the Mississippi River, by the United States, extending through Oregon to the Pacific coast and south to the Dominions of Mexico, constitutes the most im- portant event that ever occurred in the history of the nation. It gave to our Republic additional room for that expansion and stupendous growth, to which it has since attained, in all that makes it strong and enduring, and forms the seat of an empire, from which will radiate an influence for good unequaled in the annals of time. In 1763, the immense region of country, known at that time as Louisiana, was ceded to Spain by France. By a secret article, in the treaty of St. Ildefonso, concluded in 1800, Spain ceded it back to France. Napoleon, at that time, coveted the island of St. Dominaro, not onlv because of the value of its products, but more especially because its location in the Gulf of Mexico would, in a military point of view, afibrd him a fine field whence he could the more effectively guard his newly-acquired possessions. Hence he desired this cession by Spain should be kept a profound secret until he succeeded in reducing St. Domingo to submission. In this undertaking, however, his hopes were blasted, and so great was his disappointment that he apparently became indifferent to the advantages to be secured to France from his purchase of Louisiana. In 1803 he sent out Laussat as prefect of the colony, who gave the (1) 2 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. people of Louisiana the first intimation they had that they -had once more become the subjects of France. This was the occasion of great rejoicing among the inhabitants, who were Frenchmen in their origin, habits, manners, and customs. Mr. Jefierson, then President of the United States, on being in- formed of the retrocession, immediately dispatched instructions to R()l)ert Livingston, the American Minister at Paris, to make known to Napoleon that the occupancy of New Orleans, by his government, would not only endanger the friendly relations existing between the two nations, but, perhaps, oblige the United States to make common cause with England, his bitterest and most dreaded enemy ; as the possession of the city by France would give her command of the Mississippi, which was the only outlet for the produce of the Westr- ern States, and give her also control oi the Gulf of Mexico, so neces- sary to the protection of American commerce. Mr. Jefferson was so fully impressed with the idea that the occupancy of New Orleans, by France, would bring about a conflict of interests between the two nations, which would finally culminate in an open rupture, that he urged Mr. Livingston, to not only insist upon the free navigation of the Mississippi, but to negotiate for the purchase of the city and the surrounding country. The question of this negotiation was of so grave a character to the United States that the President appointed Mr. Monroe, with full power to act in conjunction with Mr. Livingston. Ever equal to all emergencies, and prompt in the cabinet, as well as in the field. Na- poleon came to the conclusion that, as he could not well defend his occupancy of New Orleans, he would dispose of it, on the best terms possible. Before, however, taking final action in the matter, he sum- moned two of his Ministers, and addressed them follows : — " I am fully sensible of the value of Louisiana, and it was my wish to repair the error of the French diplomatists who abandoned it in 1763. I have scarcely recovered it before I run the risk of losing it ; but if I am obliged to give it up, it shall hereafter cost more to those who force me to part with it, than to those to whom I shall yield it. The English have despoiled France of all her northern pos- sessions in America, and now they covet those of the South. I am determined that they shall not have the Mississippi. Although Louisiana is but a trifle compared to their vast possessions in other parts of the globe, yet, judging from the vexation they have mani- fested on seeing it return to the power of France, I am certain that HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 3 their first object will be to gain possession of it. They will proba- bly commeuce the war in that quarter. They have twenty vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and our affairs in St. Dominffo are dailv eettintr worse since the death of LeClerc. The conquest of Louisiana might be easily made, and I have not a moment to lose in getting out of their reach. I am not sure but that they have already begun an at- tack upon it. Such a measure would be in accordance with their habits ; and in their place I should not wait. I am inclined, in order to deprive them of all prospect of ever possessing it, to cede it to the United States. Indeed, I can hardly say that I cede it, for I do not yet possess it ; and if I wait but a short time my enemies may leave me nothing but an empty title to grant to the Republic I wish to con- ciliate. I consider the whole colony as lost, and I believe that in the hands of this rising power it will be more useful to the political and even commercial interests of France than if I should attempt to retain it. Let me have both your opinions on the subject." One of his Ministers approved of the contemplated cession, but the other opposed it. The matter was long and earnestly discussed by them, before the conference was ended. The next day, Napoleon sent for the Minister who had agreed with him, and said to him : — '♦ The season for deliberation is over. I have determined to re- nounce Louisiana. I shall give up not only New Orleans, but the whole colony, without reservation. That I do not undervalue Louis- iana, I have sufficiently proved, as the object of my first treaty with Spain was to recover it. But though I regret parting with it, I am convinced it would be folly to persist in trying to keep it. I commis- sion you, therefore, to negotiate this afiair with the envoys of the United States. Do not wait the arrival of Mr. Monroe, but go this very day and confer with Mr. Livingston. Remember, however, that I need ample funds for carrying on the war, and I do not wish to com- mence it by levying new taxes. For the last century France and Spain have ipcurred great expense in the improvement of Louisiana, for which her trade has never indemnified them. Large sums have been advanced to different companies," which have never been returned to 'the treasury. It is fair that I should require repayment for these. Were I to regulate my demands by the importance of this territorj^ to the United States, they would be unbounded ; but, being obliged to part with it, I shall be moderate in my terms. Still, remember, I must have fifty millions of francs, and I will not consent to take less. 4 biSTORY OF MISSOURI. I would rather make some desperate effort to preserve this fine country." That day the negotiations commenced. Mr. Monroe reached Paris on the 12th of April, 1803, and the two representatives of the United States, after holding a private interview, announced that they were ready to treat for the entu-e territory. On the 30th of April, the treatv was signed, and on the 21st of October, of the same year, Con- «-ress ratified the treaty. The United States were to pay $11,250,000, and her citizens were to be compensated for some illegal captures, to the amount of $3,750,000, making in the aggregate the sum of $15,000,000, while it was agreed that the vessels and merchandise of France and Spain should be admitted into all the ports ot Louisiana free of duty for twelve years. Bonaparte stipulated in favor of Louisiana, that it should be, as soon as possible, incorporated into the Union, and that its inhabitants should enjoy the same rights, l^rivileges and inmiunities as other citizens of the United States, and the clause giving to them these benefits was drawn up by Bonaparte, who presented it to the plenipotentiaries with these words : — " Make it known to the people of Louisiana, that we regret to part with them ; that we have stipulated for all the advantages they could desire ; and that France, in giving them up, has insured to them the o-reatest of all. They could never have prospered under any Euro- pean government as they will when they become independent. But while thev enjoy the privileges of liberty let them remember that they are French, and preserve for their mother country that aftection which a common origin inspires." Complete satisfaction was given to both parties in the terms of the treaty. Mr. Livingston said : — <' I consider that from this day the United States takes rank with the first powers of Europe, and now she has entirely escaped from the power of England," and Bonaparte expressed a similar sentiment when he said : "By this cession of territory I have secured the power of the United States, and given to England a maritime rival, who, at some future time, will humble her pride." These were prophetic words, for within a few years afterward the British met with a signal defeat, on the plains of the very territory of which the great Corsican had been speaking. From 1800, the date of the cession made by Spain, to 1803, when it was purchased by the United States, no change had been made by HISTORY OF MISSOURI. the French authorities in the jurisprudence of the Upper and Lower Louisiana, and during this period the Spanish laws remained in full force, as the laws of the entire province ; a fact which is of interest to those who would understand the legal history and some of the present laws of Missouri. On December 20th, 1803, Gens. Wilkinson and Claiborne, who were jointly commissioned to take possession of the territory for the United States, arrived in the city of New Orleans at the head of the American forces. Laussat, who had taken possession but twenty days previously as the prefect of the colony, gave up his command, and the star-spangled banner supplanted the tri-colored flag of France. The agent of France, to take possession of Upper Louisiana from the Spanish authorities, was Amos Stoddard, captain of artillery in the United States service. He was placed in possession of St. Louis on the 9th of March, 1804, by Charles Dehault Delassus, the Spanish commandant, and on the following day he transferred it to the United States. The authority of the United States in Missouri dates from this day. From that moment the interests of the people of the Mississippi Valley became identified. They were troubled no more with uncer- tainties in regard to free navigation. The great river, along whose banks they had planted their towns and villages, now afforded them a safe and easy outlet to the markets of the world. Under the pro- tecting aegis of a government, republican in form, and having free access to an almost boundless domain, embracing in its broad area the diversified climates of the globe, and possessing a soil unsurpassed for fertility, beauty of scenery and wealth of minerals, they had every incentive to push on their enterprises and build up the land wherein their lot had been cast. In the purchase of Louisiana, it was known that a great empire had been secured as a heritage to the people of our country, for all time to come, but its grandeur, its possibilities, its inexhaustible resources and the important relations it would sustain to the nation and the world were never dreamed of by even Mr. Jefferson and his adroit and accomplished diplomatists. The most ardent imagination never conceived of the progress which would mark the history of the " Great West." The adventurous pioneer, who fifty years ago pitched his tent upon its broad prairies, or threaded the dark labyrinths of its lonely forests, little thought that a mighty tide of physical and intellectual strength, would so rapidly b HISTORY OF MISSOURI flow on in his footsteps, to populate, build up and enrich the domain which he had con(^uered. Year after year, civilization has advanced further and further, until at length the mountains, the hills and the valleys, and even the rocks and the caverns, resound with the noise and din of busy millions, " I beheld the westward marches Of the unknown crowded nations. All the land was full of people, Restless, struggling, toiling, striving, Speaking many tongues, yet feeling But one heart-beat in their bosoms. In the woodlands rang their axes ; Smoked their towns in all the valleys; Over all the lakes and rivers Rushed their great canoes of thunder." In 1804, Congress, by an act passed in April of the same year, divided Louisiana into two parts, the "Territory of Orleans," and the " District of Louisiana," known as **Upper Louisiana." This district included all that portion of the old province, north of *« Hope Encampment," on the Lower Mississippi, and embraced the present State of Missouri, and all the western region of country to the Pacific Ocean, and all below the forty-ninth degree of north latitude not claimed by Spain. As a matter of convenience, on March 26th, 1804, Missouri was placed within the jurisdiction of the government of the Territory of Indiana, and its government put in motion by Gen. William H. Har- rison, then governor of Indiana. In this he was assisted by Judges Griffin, Vanderburg and Davis, who established in St. Louis what were called Courts of Common Pleas. The District of Louisiana was regu- larly organized into the Territory of Louisiana by Congress, March 3, 1805, and President Jefferson appointed Gen. James Wilkinson, Gov- ernor, and Frederick Bates, Secretary. The Legislature of the ter- ritory was formed by Governor Wilkinson and Judges R. J. Meigs and John B. C. Lucas. In 1807, Governor Wilkinson was succeeded by Captain Meriwether Lewis, who had become famous by reason of his having made the expedition up the Missouri with Clark. Governor Lewis committed suicide in 1809 and President Madison appointed Gen. Benjamin Howard of Lexington, Kentucky, to fill his place. Gen. Howard resigned October 25, 1810, to enter the war of 1812, and died in St. Louis, in 1814. Captain William Clark, of Lewis and Clark's expedition, was appointed Governor in 1810, to succeed Gen. HISTORY or MISSOURI. 7 Howard, and remained in office until the admission of the State into the Union, in 1821. The portions of Missouri which were settled, for the purposes of local government were divided into four districts. Cape Girardeau was the first, and embraced the territory between Tywappity Bottom and Apple Creek. Ste. Genevieve, the second, embraced the terri- tory from Apple Creek to the Meramec River. St. Louis, the third, embraced the territory between the Meramec and Missouri Rivers. St, Charles, the fourth, included the settled territory, between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The total population of these dis- tricts at that time, was 8,670, including slaves. The population of the district of Louisiana, when ceded to the United States was 10.120. CHAPTER n. DESCRIFriVE AM) GEOGRAPHICAL. Name — Extent — Surface — Rivers — Timber — Climate — Prairies — Soils — Popula- tion by Counties. NAME. The name Missouri is derived from the Indian tongue and signifies muddy. EXTENT. Missouri is bounded on the north by Iowa (from which it is sep- arated for about thirty miles on the northeast, by the Des Moines River), and on the east by the Mississippi River, which divides it from Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, and on the west by the Indian Ter- ritory, and the States of Kansas and Nebraska. The State lies (with the exception of a small projection between the St. Francis and the Mississippi Rivers, which extends to 36*), between 36° 30' and 40" 36' north latitude, and between 12° 2' and 18° 51' west longitude from Washington. The extreme width of the State east and west, is about 348 miles ; its width on its northern boundary, measured from its northeast cor- ner along the Iowa line, to its intersection with the Des Moines 8 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. River, is about 210 miles ; its width on its southern boundary is about 288 miles. Its average width is about 235 miles. The length of the State north and south, not including the narrow strip between the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers, is about 282 miles. It is about 450 miles from its extreme northwest corner to its southeast corner, and from the northeast corner to the southwest corner, it is about 230 miles. These limits embrace an area of 65,350 square miles, or 41,824,000 acres, being nearly as large as England, and the States of Vermont and New Hampshire. SURFACE. North of the Missouri, the State is level or undulating, while the portion south of that river (the larger portion of the State) exhibits a greater variety of surface. In the southeastern part is an extensive marsh, reaching beyond the State into Arkansas. The remainder of this portion between the Mississippi and Osage Rivers is rolling, and gradually rising into a hilly and mountainous district, forming the out- skirts of the Ozark Mountains. Beyond the Osage River, at some distance, commences a vast ex- panse of prairie land which stretches away towards the Rocky Moun- tains. The ridges forming the Ozark chain extend in a northeast and southwest direction, separating the waters that flow northeast into the Missouri from those that flow southeast into the Mississippi River. RIVERS. No State in the Union enjoys better facilities for navigation than Missouri. By means of the Mississippi River, which stretches along her entire eastern boundary, she can hold commercial intercourse with the most northern territory and State in the Union ; with the whole valley of the Ohio ; with many of the Atlantic States, and with the Gulf of Mexico. "Ay, gather Europe's royal rivers all — The snow-swelled Neva, with an Empire's weight On her broad breast, she yet may overwhelm ; Dark Danube, hurrying, as by foe pursued. Through shaggy forests and by palace walls, To hide its terror in a sea of gloom; The castled Rhine, whose vine-crowned waters flow, The fount of fable and the source of song ; The rushing Rhone, in whose cerulean depths The loving sky seems wedded with the wave ; The yellow Tiber, chok'd with Roman spoils, HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 9 A dying miser shrinking 'neatli his goM; The Seine, where fashion glasses the fairest forms; The Thames that bears the riches of the world; Gather their waters in one ocean mass, Our Mississippi rolling proudly on, Would sweep them from its path, or swallow up, Like Aaron's rod, these streams of fame and song." By the Missouri River she can extend her commerce to the Rocky Mountains, and receive in return the products which will come in the course of time, by its multitude of tributaries. The Missouri River coasts the northwest line of the State for about 250 miles, following its windings, and then flows through the State, a little south of east, to its junction with the Mississippi. The Mis- souri River receives a number of tributaries within the limits of the State, the principal of which are the Nodaway, Platte, Grand and Chariton from the north, and the Blue, Sniabar, Lamine, Osage and Gasconade from the south. The principal tributaries of the Missis- sippi within the State, are the Salt River, north, and the Meramec River south of the Missouri. The St. Francis and White Rivers, with their branches, drain the southeastern part of the State, and pass into Arkansas. The Osage is navigable for steamboats for more than 175 miles. There are a vast number of smaller streams, such as creeks, branches and rivers, which water the State in all directions. Timber. — Not more towering in their sublimity were the cedars of ancient Lebanon, nor more precious in their utility were the almug- trees of Ophir, than the native forests of Missouri. The river bottoms are covered with a luxuriant growth of oak, ash, elm, hickory, cotton- wood, linn, white and black walnut, and in fact, all the varieties found in the Atlantic and Eastern States. In the more barren districts may be seen the white and pin oak, and in many places a dense growth of pine. The crab apple, papaw and persimmon are abundant, as also the hazel and pecan. Climate. — The climate of Missouri is, in general, pleasant and salubrious. Like that of North America, it is changeable, and sub- iect to sudden and sometimes extreme changes of heat and cold ; but it is decidedly milder, taking the whole year through, than that of the same latitudes east of the mountains. While the summers are not more oppressive than they are in the corresponding latitudes on and near the Atlantic coast, the winters are shorter, and very much milder, 10 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. except during the month of February, which has many days of pleas- ant sunshine. Prairies. — Missouri is a prairie State, especially that portion of it north and northwest of the Missouri River. These prairies, along the water courses, abound with the thickest and most luxurious belts of timber, while the "rolling" prairies occupy the higher portions of the country, the descent generally to the forests or bottom lands being over only declivities. Many of these prairies, however, ejfhibit a grace- fully waving surface, swelling and sinking with an easy slope, and a full, rounded outline, equally avoiding the unmeaning horizontal sur- face and the interruption of abrupt or angular elevations. These prairies often embrace extensive tracts of land, and in one or two instances they cover an area of fifty thousand acres. During the spring and summer they are carpeted with a velvet of green, and gaily bedecked with flowers of various forms and hues, making a most fascinating panorama of ever-changing color and loveliness. To fully appreciate their great beauty and magnitude, they must be seen. Soil. — The soil of Missouri is good, and of great agricultural capa- bilities, but the most fertile portions of the State are the river bot- toms, which are a rich alluvium, mixed in many cases with sand, the producing qualities of which are not excelled by the prolific valley of the famous Nile. South of the Missouri Eiver there is a greater variety of soil, but much of it is fertile, and even in the mountains and mineral districts there are rich valleys, and about the sources of the White, Eleven Points, Current and Big Black Rivers, the soil, though unproductive, furnishes a valuable growth of yellow pine. The marshy lands in the southeastern part of the State will, by a system of drainage, be one of the most fertile districts in the State. HISTOET OP MISSOURI. 11 POPULATION BY COUNTIES IN 1870, 1876, AND 1880. Conntiei. Adair . Andrew Atchison . Audrain Barry . Barton Bates . Benton Bollinger . Boone Buchanan . Butler Caldwell . Callaway . Camden Cape Girardeau Carroll Carter Cass . Cedar . Chariton Christian . Clark . Clay . Clinton Cole . Cooper Crawford . Dade . Dallas Daviess DeKalb . Dent . Douglas . Dunklin Franklin Gasconade . Gentry Greene Grundy Harrison . Henry Hickory Holt . Howard Howell Iron . Jackson Jasper Jefferson . Johnson Knox . Laclede Lafayette . Lawrence . Lewis . Lincoln Linn . Livingston . 1870. 11,449 15,137 8,440 12,307 10,373 5,087 16,960 11,322 8,162 20,765 35,109 4,298 11,390 19,202 6,108 17,558 17,440 1,440 19,299 9,471 19,136 6,707 13,667 15,564 14,063 10,292 20,692 7,982 8,683 8,383 14,410 9,858 6,357 3,915 5,982 30,098 10,093 11,607 21,549 10,567 14,635 17,401 6,452 11,652 17,233 4,218 6,278 65,041 14,928 15,380 24,648 10,974 9,380 22,624 13,067 15,114 16,960 16,906 16,730 1876. 13,774 14,992 10,925 16,157 11,146 6,900 17,484 11,027 8,884 31,923 38,165 4,363 12,200 25,257 7,027 17,891 21,498 1,549 18,069 9,897 23,294 7,936 14,549 15,320 13,698 14,122 21,356 9,391 11,089 8,073 16,557 11,159 7,401 6,461 6,255 26,924 11,160 12,673 24,693 13,071 18,530 18,465 6,870 13,245 17,815 6,756 6,623 54,045 29,384 16,186 23,646 12,678 9,846 22,204 13,054 16,360 16,858 18,110 18,074 1880. 15,190 16,318 14,565 19,739 14,424 10,332 25,382 12,398 11,132 25,424 49,824 6,011 13,654 23,670 7,269 20,998 23,300 2,168 22,431 10,747 25,224 9,632 15,631 15,579 16,073 15,519 21,622 10,763 12,557 9,272 19,174 13,343 10,647 7,753 9,604 26,536 11,163 17,188 28,817 15,201 20,318 23,914 7,388 15,510 18,428 8,814 8,183 82,328 32,021 18,736 28,177 13,047 11,624 25,761 17,585 15,926 17,443 20,016 20,205 12 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. POPULATION BY COUNTIES — ConrtnM« Including 92 Chinese, 2 half Chinese, and 96 Indians and half-breeds. 14 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. to the mouth of the Ohio. It forms the upper stratum beneath the soil of all the high lands, both timber and prairies, of all the counties north of the Osage and Missouri, and also St. Louis, and the Missis- sippi counties on the south. Its greatest development is in the counties on the Missouri River from the Iowa line to Boonville. In some localities it is 200 feet thick. At St. Joseph it is 140 ; at Boonville 100 ; and at St. Louis, in St. George's quarry, and the Big Mound, it is about 50 feet ; while its greatest observed thickness in Marion county was only 30 feet.'* The Drift formation is that which lies beneath the Bluff formation, having, as Prof. Swallow informs us, three distinct deposits, to wit : ♦'Altered Drift, which are strata of sand and pebl)les, seen in the banks of the Missouri, in the northwestern portion of the State. The Boulder formation is a heterogeneous stratum of sand, gravel and boulder, and water-worn fragments of the older rocks. Boulder Clay is a bed of bluish or brown sandy clay, through which pebbles are scattered in greater or less abundance. In some locali- ties in northern Missouri, this formation assumes a pure white, pipe- clay color." The Tertiary formation is made up of clays, shales, iron ores, sand- stone, and sands, scattered along the bluffs, and edges of the bottoms, reaching from Commerce, Scott County, to Stoddard, and south to the Chalk Bluffs in Arkansas. The Cretaceous formation lies beneath the Tertiary, and is com- posed of variegated sandstone, bluish-brown sandy slate, whitish- brown impure sandstone, fine white clay mingled with spotted flint, purple, red and blue clays, all being in the aggregate, 158 feet in thickness. There are no fossils in these rocks, and nothing by which their age may be told. The Carboniferous system includes the Upper Carboniferous or coal-measures, and the Lower Carboniferous or Mountain limestone. The coal-measures are made up of numerous strata of sandstones, limestones, shales, clays, marls, spathic iron ores, and coals. The Carboniferous formation, including coal-measures and the beds of iron, embrace an area in Missouri of 27,000 square miles. The varieties of coal found in the State are the common bituminous and cannel coals, and they exist in quantities inexhaustible. The fact that these coal-measures are full of fossils, which are always confined HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 15 to the coal measures, enables the geologist to point them out, and the coal beds contained in them. The rocks of the Lower Carboniferous formation are varied in color, and are quarried in many different parts of the State, being exten- sively utilized for building and other purposes. Among the Lower Carboniferous rocks is found the Upper Archi- medes Limestone, 200 feet ; Ferruginous Sandstone, 195 feet ; Mid- dle Archimedes, 50 feet ; St. Louis Limestone, 250 feet; Oolitic Limestone, 25 feet; Lower Archimedes Limestone, 350 feet; and Encrinital Limestone, 500 feet. These limestones generally contain fossils. The Ferruginous limestone is soft when quarried, but becomes hard and durable after exposure. It contains large quantities of iron, and is found skirting the eastern coal measures from the mouth of the Des Moines to McDonald county. The St. Louis limestone is of various hues and tints, and very hard. It is found in Clark, Lewis and St. Louis counties. The Lower Archimedes limestone includes partly the lead bearing rocks of Southwestern Missouri. The Encrinital limestone is the most extensive of the divisions of Carboniferous limestone, and is made up of brown, buff, gray and white. In these strata are found the remains of corals and moUusks. This formation extends from Marion county to Greene county. The Devonian system contains : Chemung Group, Hamilton Group, Onondaga limestone and Oriskany sandstone. The rocks of the Devonian system are found in Marion, Ralls, Pike, Callaway, Saline and Ste. Genevieve counties. The Chemung Group has three formations, Chouteau limestone, 85 'feet; Vermicular sandstone and shales, 75 feet; Lithographic lime- stone, 125 feet. The Chouteau limestone is in two divisions, when fully developed, and when first quarried is soft. It is not only good for building pur- poses but makes an excellent cement. The Vermicular sandstone and shales are usually buff or yellowish brown, and perforated with pores. The Lithographic limestone is a pure, fine, compact, evenly-tex- tured limestone. Its color varies from light drab to buff and blue. It is called "pot metal," because under the hammer it gives a sharp, ringing sound. It has but few fossils. 16 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. The Hamilton Group is made up of some 40 feet of blue shales, and 170 feet of crystalline limestone. Onondaga limestone is usually a coarse, gray or buff crystalline, thick-bedded and cherty limestone. No formation in Missouri pre- sents such variable and widely different lithological characters as the Onondaga. The Oriskany sandstone is a light, gray limestone. Of the Upper Silurian series there are the following formations : Lower Helderberg, 350 feet ; Niagara Group, 200 feet ; Cape Girar- deau limestone, 60 feet. The Lower Helderberg is made up of buff, gray, and reddish cherty and argillaceous limestone. Niagara Group. The Upper part of this group consists of red, yellow and ash-colored shales, with compact limestones, variegated with bands and nodules of chert. The Cape Girardeau limestone, on the Mississippi Kiver near Cape Girardeau, is a compact, bluish-gray, brittle limestone, with smooth fractures in layers from two to six inches in thickness, with argilla- ceous partings. These strata contain a great many fossils. The Lower Silurian has the following ten formations, to wit : Hud- son River Group, 220 feet ; Trenton limestone, 360 feet ; Black River and Bird's Eye liniestone, 175 feet ; first Magnesian limestone, 200 feet; Saccharoidal sandstone, 125 feet; second Magnesian limestone, 250 feet; second sandstone, 115 feet; third Magnesian limestone, 350 feet; third sandstone, 60 feet; fourth Magnesian limestone, 350 feet. Hudson River Group : — There are three formations which Prof. Swallow refers to in this group. These formations are found in the bluff above and below Louisiana ; on the Grassy a few miles north- west of Louisiana, and in Ralls, Pike, Cape Girardeau and Ste. Gene- vieve Counties. Trenton limestone : The upper part of this formation is made up of thick beds of hard, compact, bluish gray and drab limestone, varie- o-ated with irregular cavities, filled with greenish materials. The beds are exposed between Hannibal and New London, north of Salt River, near Glencoe, St. Louis County, and are seventy-five feet thick. Black River and Bird's Eye limestone the same color as the Trenton limestone. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 17 The first Magnesian limestone cap the picturesque bluffs of the Osage in Benton and neighboring counties. The Saccharoidal sandstone has a wide range in the State. la a bluff about two miles from Warsaw, is a very striking change of thick- ness of this formation. Second Maguesian limestone, in lithological character, is like the first. The second sandstone, usually of yellowish brown, sometimes becomes a pure white, fine-grained, soft sandstone as on Cedar Creek, in Washington and Franklin Counties. The third Magnesian limestone is exposed in the high and picturesque bluffs of the Niangua, in the neighborhood of Bryce's Sprino-. The third sandstone is white and has a formation in movino- water. The fourth Magnesian limestone is seen on the Niangua and Osao-e [livers. The Azoic rocks lie below the Silurian and form a series of silicious and other slates which contain no remains of organic life, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY. Coal. — Missouri is particularly rich in minerals. Indeed, no State in the Union, surpasses her in this respect. In some unknown ao-e of the past — long before the existence of man — Nature, by a wise process, made a bountiful provision for the time, when in the order of thino-s. it should be necessary for civilized man to take possession of these broad, rich prairies. As an equivalent for lack of forests, she quietly stored away beneath the soil those wonderful carboniferous treasures for the use of man. Geological surveys have developed the fact that the coal deposits in the State are almost unnumbered, embracing all varieties of the best bituminous coal. A large portion of the State, has been ascer- tained to be one continuous coal field, stretching from the mouth of the Des Moines River through Clark, Lewis, Scotland, Adair, Macon, Shelby, Monroe, Audrain, Callaway, Boone, Cooper, Pettis, Benton, Henry, St. Clair, Bates, Vernon, Cedar, Dade, Barton and Jasper, into- the Indian Territory, and the counties on the northwest of this line contain more or less coal. Coal rocks exist in Ralls, Mont- gomery, Warren, St. Charles, Moniteau, Cole, Morgan, Crawford and Lincoln, and during the past few years, all along the lines of all the railroads in North Missouri, and along the western end of the Missouri Pacific, and on the Missouri River, between Kansas City and Sioux 13 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. City, has systematic mining, opened up hundreds of mines in different localities. The area of our coal beds, on the line of the southwestern boundary of the State alone, embraces more than 26,000 square miles of regular coal measures. This will give of workable coal, if the average be one foot, 26,800,000,000 tons. The estimates from the developments already made, in the different portions of the State, will give 134,000,000,000 tons. The economical value of this coal to the State, its influence in domestic life, in navigation, commerce and manufactures, is beyond the imagination of man to conceive. Suffice it to say, that in the pos- session of her developed and undeveloped coal mines, Missouri has a motive power, which in its influences for good, in the civilization of man, is more potent than the gold of California. Iron. Prominent among the minerals, which increase the power and prosperity of a nation, is iron. Of this ore, Missouri has an inex- haustible quantity, and like her coal fields, it has been developed in many portions of the State, and of the best and purest quality. It is found in great abundance in the counties of Cooper, St. Clair, Greene, Henry, Franklin, Benton, Dallas, Camden, Stone, Madison, Iron, Washington, Perry, St. Francois, Reynolds, Stoddard, Scott, Dent and others. The greatest deposit of iron is found in the Iron Moun- tain, which is two hundred feet high, and covers an area of five hun- dred acres, and produces a metal, which is shown by analysis, to con- tain from 65 to 69 per cent of metallic iron. The ore of Shepherd Mountain contains from 64 to 67 pen* cent of metallic iron. The ore of Pilot Knob contains from 53 to 60 per cent. Rich beds of iron are also found at the Big Bogy Mountain, and at Russell Mountain. This ore has, in its nude state, a variety of colors, from the red, dark red, black, brown, to a light bluish gray. Tlie red ores are found in twenty-one or more counties of the State, and are of great commercial value. The brown hematite iron ores extend over a greater range of country than all the others combined, embrac- ing about one hundred counties, and have been ascertained to exist in these in large quantities. Lead. — Long before any permanent settlements were made in Mis- souri by the whites, lead was mined within the limits of the State at two or three points on the Mississippi. At this time more than five hundred mines are opened, and many of them are being successfully worked. These deposits of lead cover an area, so far as developed, of more than seven thousand square miles. Mines have been opened HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 19 in Jefferson, Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Wayne, Carter, Rey- nolds, Crawford, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cole, Cape Girardeau, Cam- den, Morgan, and many other counties. Copper and Zinc. — Several varieties of copper ore are found in Missouri. The copper mines of Shannon, Madison and Franklin Counties have been known for years, and some of these have been successfully worked and are now yielding good results. Deposits of copper have been discovered in Dent, Crawford, Ben- ton, Maries, Green, Lawrence, Dade, Taney, Dallas, Phelps, Eeyuolds and Wright Counties. Zinc is abundant in nearly all the lead mines in the southwestern part of the State, and since the completion of the A. & P. R. R. a market has been furnished for this ore, which will be converted into valuable merchandise. Building Stone and Marble. — There is no scarcity of good buildino' stone in Missouri. Limestone, sandstone and granite exist in all shades of buff, blue, red and brown, and are of great beauty as build- ing material. There are many marble beds in the State, some of which furnish very beautiful and excellent marble. It is found in Marion, Cooper, St. Louis, and other counties. One of the most desirable of the Missouri marbles is in the 3rd Magnesian limestone, on the Niangua. It is fine-grained, crystalline, silico-magnesian limestone, light-drab, slightly tinged with peach blos- som, and clouded by deep flesh-colored shades. In ornamental archi- tecture it is rarely surpassed. Gypsum and Lime. — Though no extensive beds of gypsum have been discovered in Missouri, there are vast beds of the pure white crystalline variety on the line of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, on Kan- sas River, and on Gypsum Creek. It exists also in several other localities accessible by both rail and boat. All of the limestone formations in the State, from the coal measures to fourth Magnesian, have more or less strata of very nearly pure car- bonate of pure lime. Clays and Paints. — Clays are found in nearly all parts of the State suitable for making bricks. Potters' clay and fire-clay are worked in many localities. There are several beds of purple shades in the coal measures which possess the properties requisite for paints used in outside work. Yel- low and red ochres are found in considerable quantities on the Missouri 20 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. River. Some of these paints have been thoroughly tested and found fire-proof and durable. SPRINGS AND WATER POWER. No State is, perhaps, better supplied with cold springs of pure water than Missouri. Out of the bottoms, there is scarcely a section of land but has one or more perennial springs of good water. Even where there are no springs, good water can be obtained by digging from twenty to forty feet. Salt springs are abundant in the central part of the State, and discharge their brine in Cooper, Saline, Howard, and adjoining counties. Considerable salt was made in Cooper and Howard Counties at an early day. Sulphur springs are also numerous throughout the State. The Chouteau Springs in Cooper, the Monagaw Springs in St. Clair, the Elk Springs in Pike, and the Cheltenham Springs in St. Louis County have acquired considerable reputation as salubrious waters, and have become popular places of resort. Many other counties have good sulphur springs. Among the Chalybeate springs the Sweet Springs on the Black- water, and the Chalybeate spring in the University campus are, perhaps, the most popular of the kind in the State. There are, however, other springs impregnated with some of the salts of iron. Petroleum springs are found in Carroll, Ray, Randolph, Cass, Lafayette, Bates, Vernon, and other counties. The variety called lubricating oil is the more common. The water power of the State is excellent. Large springs are particularly abundant on the waters of the Meramec, Gasconade, Bourbeuse, Osage, Niangua, Spring, White, Sugar, and other streams. Besides these, there are hundreds of springs sufficiently large to drive mills and factories, and the day is not far distant when these crystal fountains will be utilized, and a thousand saws will buzz to their dashing music. HISTORY OF MISSOUBI, 21 CHAPTER lY. TITLE AND EAELY SETTLEIVIENTS. Title to Missouri Lands — Right of Discovery — Title of France and Spain — Cession to the United States — Territorial Changes — Treaties with Indians — First Settle- ment — Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon — St. Louis — When Incorporated — Potosi — St. Charles — Portage des Sioux — New Madrid — St. Francois County — Perry — Mississippi — Loutre Island — "Boone's Lick" — Cote Sans Dessein — Howard County — Some First Things — Counties — When Organized. The title to the soil of Missouri was, of course, primarily vested in the original occupants who inhabited the country prior to its discovery by the whites. But the Indians, being savages, possessed but few rights that civilized nations considered themselves bound to respect ; so, therefore, when they found this country in the possession of such a people they claimed it in the name of the King of France, by the right of discovery. It remained under the jurisdiction of France until 1763. Prior to the year 1763, the entire continent of North America was divided between France, England, Spain and Kussia. France held all that portion that now constitutes our national domain west of the Mississippi River, except Texas, and the territory which we have obtained from Mexico and Russia. The vast region, while under the jurisdiction of France, was known as the " Province of Louisiana," and embraced the present State of Missouri. At the close of the ** Old French War," in 1763, France gave up her share of the con- tinent, and Spain came into the possession of the territory west of the Mississippi River, while Great Britain retained Canada and the regions northward, having obtained that territory by conquest, in the war with France. For thirty-seven years the territory now embraced within the limits of Missouri, remained as a part of the possession of Spain, and then went back to France by the treaty of St. Ildefonso, October 1, 1800. On the 30th of April, 1803, France ceded it to the United States, in consideration of receiving $11,250,000, and the liquidation of certain claims, held by citizens of the United States against France, which amounted to the further sum of $3,750,000, making a total of $15,000,000. It will thus be seen that France has twice, and Spain once, held sovereignty over the territory embracing 22 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Missouri, "but the financial needs of Napoleon afforded our Govern- ment an opportunity to add another empire to its domain. On the 31st of October, 1803, an act of Congress was approved, authorizing the President to take possession of the newly acquired territory, and provided for it a temporary government, and another act, approved March 26, 1804, authorized the division of the " Louis- iana Purchase," as it was then called, into two separate territories. All that portion south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called the " Territory of Orleans," and that north of the said parallel was known as the '* District of Louisiana," and was placed under the jurisdiction of what was then known as *' Lidian Territory." By virtue of an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1805, the *' District of Louisiana" was organized as the " Territory of Louis- iana," with a territorial government of its own, which went into operation July 4th of the same year, and it so remained till 1812. In this year the " Territory of Orleans " became the State of Louisiana, and the ** Territory of Louisiana" was organized as the " Territory of Missouri." This change took place under an act of Congress, approved June 4, 1812. In 1819, a portion of this territory was organized as " Arkan- sas Territory," and on August 10, 1821, the State of Missouri was admitted, being a part of the former " Territory of Missouri." In 1836, the *' Platte Purchase," then being a part of the Indian Territory, and now composing the counties of Atchison, Andrew, Buchanan, Holt, Nodaway and Platte, was made by treaty with the Indians, and added to the State. It will be seen, then, that the soil of Missouri belonged : — 1. To France, with other territory. 2. In 1763, with other territory, it was ceded to Spain. 3. October 1, 1800, it was ceded, with other territory from Spain, back to France. 4. April 30, 1803, it was ceded, with other territory, by France to the United States. 5. October 31, 1803, a temporary government was authorized by Congress for the newly acquired territory. 6. October 1, 1804, it was included in the '* District of Louisiana" and placed under the territorial government of Indiana. 7. July 4, 1805, it was included as a part of the " Territory of Louisiana," then organized with a separate territorial government. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 23 8. June 4, 1812, it was embraced in what was then made the «* Ter- ritory of Missouri." 9. August 10, 1821, it was admitted into the Union as a State. 10. In 1836, the "Platte Purchase" was made, adding more ter- ritory to the State. The cession by France, April 30, 1803, vested the title in the United States, subject to the claims of the Indians, which it was very justly the policy of the Government to recognize. Before the Government of the United States could vest clear title to the soil in the grantee it was necessary to extinguish the Indian title by purchase. This was done accordingly by treaties made with the Indians at different times. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The name of the first white man who set foot on the territory now embraced in the State of Missouri, is not known, nor is it known at what precise period the first settlements were made. It is, however, generally agreed that they were made at Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon, tradition fixing the date of the settlements in the autumn of 1735. These towns were settled by the French from Kaskaskia and St. Philip in Illinois. St. Louis was founded by Pierre Laclede Liguest, on the 15th of February, 1764. He was a native of France, and was one of the members of the company of Laclede Liguest, Antonio Maxant & Co., to whom a royal charter had been granted, confirming the privilege of an exclusive trade with the Indians of Missouri as far north as St. Peter's Eiver. While in search of a trading post he ascended the Mississippi as far as the mouth of the Missouri, and finally returned to the present town site of St. Louis. After the village had been laid off he named it St. Louis in honor of Louis XV., of France. The colony thrived rapidly by accessions from Kaskaskia and other towns on the east side of the Mississippi, and its trade was largely in_ creased by many of the Indian tribes, who removed a portion of their peltry trade from the same towns to St. Louis. It was incorporated as a town on the ninth day of November, 1809, by the Court of Com- mon Pleas of the district of St. Louis ; the town trustees being Auguste Chouteau, Edward Hempstead, Jean F. Cabanne, Wm. C. Carr and William Christy, and incorporated as a city December 9, 1822. The selection of the town site on which St. Louis stands was highly judicious, the spot not only being healthful and having the ad- 24 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. vantages of water transportation unsurpassed, but surrounded by a beautiful region of country, rich in soil and mineral resources. St. Louis has grown to be the fifth city in population in the Union, and is to-day the great center of internal commerce of the Missouri, the Mississippi and their tributaries, and, with its railroad facilities, it is destined to be the greatest inland city of the American continent. The next settlement was made at Potosi, in Washington County, in 1765, by Francis Breton, who, while chasing a bear, discovered the mine near the present town of Potosi, where he afterward located. One of the most prominent pioneers who settled at Potosi was Moses Austin, of Virginia, who, in 1795, received by grant from the Spanish government a league of land, now known as the "Austin Sur- vey.** The grant was made on condition that Mr. Austin would es- tablish a lead mine at Potosi and work it. He built a palatial residence, for that day, on the brow of the hill in the little villagej which was for many years known as '* Durham Hull.'* At this point the first shot-tower and sheet-lead manufactory were erected. Five years after the founding of St. Louis the first settlement made in Northern Missouri was made near St. Charles, in St. Charles County, in 1769, The name given to it, and which it retained till 1784, was Les Petites Gotes^ signifying, Little Hills. The town site was located by Blanchette, a Frenchman, surnamed LeChasseur, who built the first fort in the town and established there a military post. Soon after the establishment of the military post at St. Charles, the old French village of Portage des Sioux, was located on the Missis- sippi, just below the mouth of the Illinois River, and at about the same time a Kickapoo village was commenced at Clear Weather Lake. The present town site of New Madrid, in New Madrid county, was settled in 1781, by French Canadians, it then being occupied by Del- aware Indians. The place now known as Big River Mills, St. Fran- cois county, was settled in 1796, Andrew Baker, John Alley, Francis Starnater and John Andrews, each locating claims. The following year, a settlement was made in the same county, just below the pres- ent town of Farmington, by the Rev. William Murphy, a Baptist min- ister from East Tennessee. In 1796, settlements were made in Perry county by emigrants from Kentucky and Pennsylvania ; the latter lo- cating in the rich bottom lands of Bois Brule, the former generally settling in the " Barrens," and along the waters of Saline Creek. Bird's Point, in Mississippi county, opposite Cairo, Illinois, was settled August 6, 1800, by John Johnson, by virtue of a land-grant HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 25 from the commandant under the Spanish Government. Norfolk and Charleston, in the same county, were settled respectively in 1800 and 1801. Warren county was settled in 1801. Loutre Island, below the present town of Hermann, in the Missouri River, was settled by a few American families in 1807. This little company of pioneers suf- fered greatly from the floods, as well as from the incursions of thieving and blood-thirsty Indians, and many incidents of a thrilling character could be related of trials and struggles, had we the time and space. In 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of the great hunter and pioneer, in company with three others, went from St. Louis to "Boone's Lick," in Howard county, where they manufactured salt and formed the nucleus of a small settlement. Cote Sans Dessein, now called Bakersville, on the Missouri River, in Callaway county, was settled by the French in 1801. This little town was considered at that time, as the '* Far West" of the new world. During the war of 1812, at this place many hard-fought battles occurred between the whites and Indians, wherein woman's fortitude and courage greatly assisted in the defence of the settle- ment. In 1810, a colony of Kentuckians numbering one hundred and fifty families immigrated to Howard county, and settled on the Missouri River in Cooper's Bottom near the present town of Franklin, and opposite Arrow Rock. Such, in brief, is the history of some of the early settlements of Missouri, covering a period of more than half a century. These settlements were made on the water courses ; usually along the banks of the two great streams, whose navigation aflbrded them transportation for their marketable commodities, and communication with the civilized portion of the country. They not only encountered the gloomy forests, settling as they did by the river's brink, but the hostile incursion of savage Indians, by whom they were for many years surrounded. The expedients of these brave men who first broke ground in the territory, have been succeeded by the permanent and tasteful improve- ments of their descendants. Upon the spots where they toiled, dared and died, are seen the comfortable farm, the beautiful village, and thrifty city. Churches and school houses greet the eye on every hand; railroads diverge in every direction, and, indeed, all the appli- ances of a higher civilization are profusely strewn over the smiling surface of the State. 2d history of MISSOURI. Culture's hand Has scattered verdure o'er the land; And smiles and fragrance rule serene, Where barren wild usurped the scene. SOME FIRST THINGS. The first marriage that took place in Missouri was April 20, 1766, in St. Louis. The first baptism was performed in May, 1766, in St. Louis. The first house of worship, (Catholic) was erected in 1775, at St. Louis. The first ferry established in 1805, on the Mississippi River, at St. Louis. The first newspaper established in St. Louis (Missouri Gazette) y in 1808. The first postoffice was established in 1804, in St. Louis — Rufus Easton, post-master. The first Protestant church erected at Ste. Genevieve, in 1806 — Baptist. The first bank established (Bank of St. Louis), in 1814. The first market house opened in 1811, in St. Louis. The first steamboat on the Upper Mississippi was the General Pike, Capt. Jacob Reid ; landed at St. Louis 1817. The first board of trustees for public schools appointed in 1817, St. Louis. The first college built (St. Louis College), in 1817. The first steamboat that came up the Missouri River as high as Franklin was the Independence, in May, 1819 ; Capt. Nelson, mas- ter. The first court house erected in 1823, in St. Louis. The first cholera appeared in St. Louis in 1832. The first railroad convention held in St. Louis, April 20, 1836. The first telegraph lines reached East St. Louis, December 20, 1847. The first great fire occurred in St. Louis, 1849. HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 27 CHAPTER y. TEERITORIAL ORGANIZATION. Organization 1812 — Council — House of Representatives — William Clark first Terri- torial Governor — Edward Hempstead first Delegate — Spanish Grants— First General Assembly — Proceedings — Second Assembly — Proceedings — Population of Territory — Vote of Territory — Ruf us Easton — Absent Members — Third Assem- bly — Proceedings — Application for Admission. Congress organized Missouri as a Territory, July 4, 1812, with a Governor and General Assembly. The Governor, Legislative Coun- cil, and House of Representatives exercised the Legislative power of the Territory, the Governor's vetoing power being absolute. /lie Legislative Council was composed of nine members, wiiose ten- ure 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 the approval of the Senate, nine Coun- cillors, 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 mem- ber for every five hundred white males. The first House of Repre- sentatives consisted 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 having three judges, whose term of office continued four years, hav- ing original and appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. The Territory could send one delegate to Congress. Governor Clark issued a proclamation, October 1st, 1812, required by Congress, reorganizing the districts of St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. 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 Represen- tatives. William Clark, of the expedition of Lewis and Clark, was the first Territorial Governor, appointed by the President, who began his duties 1813. Edward Hempstead, Rufus Easton, Samuel Hammond, and Matthew Lyon were candidates in November for delegates to Congress. 28 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Edward Hempstead was elected, being the first Territorial Dele- gate to Congress from Missouri. He sei-ved one term, declining a second, and was instrumental in having Congress to pass the act of June 13, 1812, which he introduced, confirming the title to lands which were claimed by the people by virtue of Spanish grants. The same act confirmed to the people " for the support of schools," the title to villaire lots, out-lots or common field lots, which were held and enjoyed by them, at the time of the session 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. Can.', and Richard Clark. Ste. Genevieve. — George Bullet, Richard S. Thomas, and Isaac McGready. Cape Girardeau. — George F. Bollinger, and Spencer Byrd. New Madrid. — John Shrader and Samuel Phillips. John B. C. Lucas, one of the Territorial Judges, administered the oath of office. William C. Carr was elected speaker, and Andrew Scott, 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, 1813, and fixing the first Monday in July following, as the time for the meeting of the Legis- lature. 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 refer- ence to the workings of the first Territorial Legislature in Missouri. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 29 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 meas- ures ; creating the office of Sheriflf; providing the manner for taking the census ; permanently fixing the seats of Justices, and an act to compensate its own members. At this session, laws were also passed defining crimes and penalties ; laws in reference to forcible entry and detainer ; establishing Courts of Common Pleas ; incorporating the Bank of St. Louis ; and organizing a part of Ste. Genevieve county into the county of Washington. The next session of the Lesjislature convened in St. Louis, Decern- 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 Israel 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 suppres- sion of vice and immorality on the Sabbath day ; for the improve- ment of public roads and highways ; creating the offices of auditor, treasurer and county surveyor ; regulating the fiscal affiiirs of the Territory and fixing the boundary lines of New Madrid, Cape Girar- deau, Washington and St. Charles counties. The Legislature ad- journed on the 19th of January, 1814, 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 in- habitants, and the new county of Arkansas the least — the latter hav- ing 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 aggre- gated 2,599, of which number Mr. Easton received 965, Mr. Ham- 30 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. moud 746, 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 Representatives 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 Neeley, 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 Legisla- ture ao-ain began its session. Only a partial report of its proceedings are o-iven in the Gazette. The county of Howard was then organized from St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and included all that part of the State lying north of the Osage and south of the dividing ridge between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. (For precise bounda- ries, see Chapter I. of the History of Boone County.) The next session of the Territorial Legislature commenced its ses- sion in December, 1816. During the sitting of this Legislature many important acts were passed. It was then that the " Bank of Mis- souri " was chartered 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 chartering lottery companies, chartering the academy at Potosi, and incorporating a board of trustees for superintending the schools in the town of 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, Jeffer- son, 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. The people of the Territory of Missouri had been, for some time, anxious that their Territory should assume the duties and responsibilities of a sovereign State. Since 1812, the date of the organization of the Territory, the population had rapidly increased, many counties had HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 31 been established, its commerce had grown into importance, its agri- cultural and mineral resources were being developed, and believing that its admission into the Union as a State would give fresh impetus to all these interests, and hasten its settlement, the Territorial Legis- lature of 1818-19 accordingly made application to Congress for the passage of an act authorizing the people of Missouri to organize a State government. CHAPTER YI. Application of Missouri to be admitted into the Union — Agitation of tlie Slavery Question — *' Missouri Compromise " — Constitutional Convention of 1820 — Con- stitution presented to Congress — Further Resistance to Admission — Mr. Clay and his Committee make Report — Second Compromise — Missouri Admitted. With the application of the Territorial Legislature of Missouri for her admission into the Union, commenced the real agitation of the slavery question in the United States. Not only was our National Legislature the theater of angry discus- sions, but everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the Re- public the "Missouri Question" was the all-absorbing theme. The political skies threatened, " In forked flashes, a commanding tempest," Which was liable to burst upon the nation at any moment. Through such a crisis our country seemed destined to pass. The question as to the admission of Missouri was to be the beginning of this crisis, which distracted the public counsels of the nation for more than forty years afterward. Missouri asked to be admitted into the great family of States. '* Lower Louisiana," her twin sister Territory, had knocked at the door of the Union eight years previously, and was admitted as stipu- lated by Napoleon, to all the rights, privileges and immunities of a State, and in accordance with the stipulations of the same treaty, Missouri now sought to be clothed with the same rights, privileges and immunities. As what is known in the history of the United States as the " Mis- souri Compromise," of 1820, takes rank among the most prominent 32 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. measures that had up to that day engaged the attention of our National Legislature, we shall enter somewhat into its details, being connected as they are with the annals of the State. February 15th, 1819. — After the House had resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the bill to authorize the admission of Mis- souri into the Union, and after the question of her admission had been discussed for some time, Mr. Tallmadge, of New York, moved to amend the bill, by adding to it the following proviso : — '■''And Provided, That the further introduction of slavery or involun- tary servitude be prohibited, except for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, and that all chil- dren born within the said State, after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years." As might have been expected, this proviso precipitated the angry discussions which lasted nearly three years, finally culminating in the Missouri Compromise. All phases of the slavery question were pre- sented, not in its moral and social aspects, but as a great constitu- tional question, ajSecting Missouri and the admission of future States. The proviso, when submitted to a vote, was adopted — 79 to 67, and so reported to the House. Hon. John Scott, who was at that time a delegate from the Terri- tory of Missouri, was not permitted to vote, but as such delegate he had the privilege of participating in the debates which followed. On the 16th day of February the proviso was taken up and discussed. After several speeches had been made, among them one by Mr. Scott and one by the author of the proviso, Mr. Tallmadge, the amendment, or proviso, was divided into two parts, and voted upon. The first part of it, which included all to the word " convicted," was adopted — 87 to 76. The remaining part was then voted upon, and also adopted, by 82 to 78. By a vote of 97 to 56 the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. The Senate Committee, to whom the bill was referred, reported the same to the Senate on the 19th of February, when that body voted first upon a motion to strike out of the proviso all after the word «' convicted," which was carried by a vote of 32 to 7. It then voted to strike out the first entire clause, which prevailed — 22 to 16, thereby defeating the proviso. The House declined to concur in the action of the Senate, and the bill was again returned to that body, which in turn refused to recede from its position. The bill was lost and Congress adjourned. This HISTORY or MISSOURI. 33 was most unfortunate for the country. The people having already been wrought up to fever heat over the agitation of the question in the National Councils, now became intensely excited. The press added fuel to the flame, and the progress of events seemed rapidly tending to the downfall of our nationality. A long interval of nine months was to ensue before the meeting of Congress. The body indicated by its vote upon the *' Missouri Ques- tion," that the two great sections of the country were politically divided upon the subject of slavery. The restrictive clause, which it was sought to impose upon Missouri as a condition of her admission, would in all probability, be one of the conditions of the admission of the Territory of Arkansas. The public mind was in a state of great doubt and uncertainty up to the meeting of Congress, which took place on the 6th of December, 1819. The memorial of the Legisla- tive Council and House of Representatives of the Missouri Territory, praying for admission into the Union, was presented to the Senate by Mr. Smith, of South Carolina. It was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Some three weeks having passed without any action thereon by the Senate, the bill was taken up and discussed by the House until the 19th of February, when the bill from the Senate for the admission of Maine was considered. The bill for the admission of Maine included the " Missouri Question," by an amendment which read as follows : "And be it further enacted. That in all that territory ceded by France to the United States, under the name of Louisiana, which lies north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes, north latitude (except- ing such part thereof as is) included within the limits of the State, contemplated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude, other- wise than in the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been convicted, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited ; Provided, always, That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed, in any State or Territory of the United States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid." The Senate adopted this amendment, which formed the basis of the «♦ Missouri Compromise," modified afterward by striking out the words, ** excepting only such part thereof y The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24 to 20. On the 2d day of March the House took up the bill and amendments for consideration, and by a vote of 134 to 42 concurred in the Senate amendment, and 34 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. the bill being passed by the two Houses, constituted section 8, of •'An Act to authorize the people of the Missouri Territory to form a Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and to prohibit slavery in certain territory." This act was approved March 6, 1820. Missouri then coutained fif- teen organized counties. By act of Congress the people of said State were authorized to hold an election on the first Monday, and two suc- ceeding days thereafter in May, 1820, to select representatives to a State convention. This convention met in St. Louis on the 12th of June, following the election in May, and concluded its labors on the 19th of July, 1820. David Barton was its President, and Wm. G. Pettis, Secretary. There were forty-one members of this convention, men of ability and statesmanship, as the admirable constitution which they framed amply testifies. Their names and the counties repre- sented by them are as follows : — Cape Girardeau. — Stephen Bj'^rd, James Evans, Kichard S. Thomas, Alexander Buckner and Joseph McFerron. Cooper. — Eobert P. Clark, Robert Wallace, Wm. Lillard. Franklin. — John G. Heath. Howard. — Nicholas S. Burkhart, Dufi" Green, John Ray, Jonathan S. Findley, Benj. H. Reeves. Jefferson. — Daniel Hammond. Lincoln. — Malcom Henry. Montgomery. — Jonathan Ramsey, James Talbott. Madison. — Nathaniel Cook. New Madrid. — Robert S. Dawson, Christopher G. Houts. Pike. — Stephen Cleaver. St. Charles. — Benjamin Emmons, Nathan Boone, Hiram H. Baber. Ste. Genevieve. — John D. Cook, Henry Dodge, John Scott, R. T. Brown. St. Louis. — David Barton, Edward Bates, Alexander McNair, Wm. Rector, John C. Sullivan, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., Bernard Pratte, Thomas F. Riddick. Washington. — John Rice Jones, Samuel Perry, John Hutchings. Wayne. — Elijah Bettis. On the 13th of November, 1820, Congress met again, and on the sixth of the same month Mr. Scott, the delegate from Missouri, pre- sented to the House the Constitution as framed by the convention. HLSTORY OF MISSOURI. 35 The same was referred to a select committee, who made thereon a favorable report. The admission of the State, however, was resisted, because it was claimed that its constitution sanctioned slavery, and authorized the Legislature to pass laws preventing free negroes and mulattoes from settling in the State. The report of the committee to whom was referred the Constitution of Missouri was accompanied by a preamble and resolutions, offered by Mr. Lowndes, of South Carolina. The preamble and resolutions were stricken out. The application of the State for admission shared the same fate in the Senate. The question Avas referred to a select committee, who, on the 29th of November, reported in favor of admitting the State. The debate, which followed, continued for two weeks, and finally Mr. Eaton, of Tennessee, offered an amendment to the resolution as fol- lows : — *' Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to give the assent of Congress to any provision in the Constitution of Missouri, if any such there be, which contravenes that clause in the Constitution of the United States, which declares that the citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States." The resolution, as amended, was adopted. The resolution and proviso were again taken up and discussed at great length, when the committee agreed to report the resolution to the House. The question on agreeing to the amendment, as reported from the committee of the whole, was lost in the House. A similar resolution afterward passed the Senate, but was again rejected in the House. Then it was that that great statesman and pure patriot, Henry Clay, of Kentucky, feeling that the hour had come when angry discussions should cease, " With grave Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd A pillar of state ; deep on his front engravei Deliberation sat and public care ; And princely counsel in his face yet shone Majestic" •♦•**• proposed that the question of Missouri's admission be referred to a. committee consisting of twenty-three persons (a number equal to the number of States then composing the Union), be appointed to act in conjunction with a committee of the Senate to consider and report whether jNIissouri should be admitted, etc. 36 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. The motion prevailed ; the committee was appointed and Mr, Clay made its chairman. The Senate selected seven of its members to act with the committee of twenty-three, and on the 26th of February the following report was made by that committee : — *' Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled : That Missouri shall be admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever, upon the fundamental condition that the fourth clause, of the twenty-sixth section of the third article of the Constitution submitted on the part of said State to Congress, shall never be construed to authorize the passage of any law, and that no law shall be passed in conformity thereto, by which any citizen of either of the States in this Union shall be excluded from the enjoy- ment of any of the privileges and immunities to which such citizen is entitled, under the Constitution of the United States ; provided. That the Legislature of said State, by a Solemn Public Act, shall declare the assent of the said State, to the said fundamental condition, and shall transmit to the President of the United States, on or before the fourth Monday in November next, an authentic copy of the said act ; upon the receipt whereof, the President, by proclamation, shall an- nounce the fact ; whereupon, and without any further proceeding on the part of Congress, the admission of the said State into the Union shall be considered complete." This resolution, after a brief debate, was adopted in the House, and passed the Senate on the 28th of February, 1821. At a special session of the Legislature held in St. Charles, in June following, a Solemn Public Act was adopted, giving its assent to the conditions of admission, as expressed in the resolution of Mr. Clay. August 10th, 1821, President Monroe announced by proclamation the admission of Missouri into the Union to be complete. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 37 CHAPTER YII. MISSOURI AS A STATE. First Election for Governor and other State Officers — Senators and Eepresentatives to General Assembly — Sheriffs and Coroners — U. S. Senators — Representatives in Coagress — Supreme Court Judges — Counties Organized — Capital Moved to St. Charles — Official Record of Territorial and State Officers. By the Constitution adopted by the Convention on the 19th of July, 1820, the General Assembly was required to meet in St. Louis on the third Monday in September of that year, and an election was ordered to be held on the 28th of August for the election of a Governor and other State officers, Senators and Representatives to the General Assembly, Sheriffs and Coroners, United States Senators and Repre- sentatives in Congress. It will be seen that Missouri had not as yet been admitted as a State, but in anticipation of that event, and according to the provi- sions of the constitution, the election was held, and the General As- sembly convened. William Clark (who had been Governor of the Territory) and Alexander McNair were the candidates for Governor. McNair re- ceived 6,576 votes, Clark 2,556, total vote of the State 9,132. There were three candidates for Lieutenant-Governor, to wit : William H. Ashley, Nathaniel Cook and Henry Elliot. Ashley received 3,907 votes, Cook 3,212, Elliot 931. A Representative was to be elected for the residue of the Sixteenth Congress and one for the Seventeenth. John Scott who was at the time Territorial delegate, was elected to both Congresses without opposition. The General Assembly elected in August met on the 19th of Sep- tember, 1820, and organized by electing James Caldwell, of Ste. Genevieve, speaker, and John McArthur clerk ; William H. Ashley, Lieutenant-Governor, President of the Senate ; Silas Bent, President, pro tern. Mathias McGirk, John D. Cook, and John R. Jones were appointed Supreme Judges, each to hold office until sixty-five years of age. Joshua Barton was appointed Secretary of State ; Peter Didier, State Treasurer ; Edward Bates, Attorney-General, and William Christie, Auditor of Public Accounts. 88 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. David Barton and Thomas H. Benton were elected by the General Assembly to the United States Senate. At this session of the Legislature the counties of Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lillard, Perry, Ralls, Ray and Saline were organized. We should like to give in details the meetings and proceedings of the different Legislatures which followed ; the elections for Govern- ors and other State officers ; the elections for Congressmen and United States Senators, but for want of space we can only present in a con- densed form the official record of the Territorial and State officers. OFFICIAL RECORD — TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. Governors. Frederick Bates, Secretary and William Clark . . Acting-Governor .... 1812-13 OFFICERS OF STATE GOVERNMENT. Oovemors. Alexander McNair 1820-24 Frederick Bates 1824-25 Abraham J. Williams, vice Bates 1825 John Miller, vice Bates . . . 1826-28 John Miller 1828-32 Daniel Dunklin, (1832-36) re- signed; appointed Surveyor General of the U. S. Lilburn W. Boggs, vice Dunklin . . 1836 Lilburn W. Boggs 1836-40 Thomas Reynolds (died 1844), . 1840-44 M. M. Marmaduke vice Rey- nolds— John C. Edwards" . 1844-48 Austin A. King . ... 1848-52 Sterling Price 1852-56 Trusten Polk (resigned) . . . 1856-57 Hancock Jackson, vice Polk . 1857 Robert M. Stewart, vice Polk . 1857-60 C. F. Jackson (1860), office va- cated by ordinance; Hamil- ton R. Gamble, vice Jackson ; Gov. Gamble died 1864. Willard P. Hall, vice Gamble . 1864 Thomas C. Fletcher .... 1864-68 Joseph W. McClurg .... 1868-70 B. Gratz Brown 1870-72 Silas Woodson 1872-74 Charles H. Hardin 1874-76 John S. Phelps 1876-80 Thomas T. Crittanden (now Governor) 1880 Lieutenant-Governors, William H. Ashley Benjamin H. Reeves Daniel Dunklin . . Lilburn W. Boggs . Franklin Cannon . M. M. Marmaduke . James Young . . Thomas L Rice. Wilson Brown . . Hancock Jackson . Thomas C. Reynolds Willard P. Hall . George Smith . . Edwin O. Sianard Joseph J. Gravelly. Charles P. .Johnson Norman J. Coleman Henry C. Brockmeyer Robert A. Campbell (present incumbent) . . Secretaries of State, Joshua Barton . . William G. Pettis . Hamilton R. Gamble Spencer Pettis . . P. H. McBride . . John C. Edwards (term expired 1835, reappointed 1837, re signed 1837) . . Peter G. Glover . James L. Minor . 1813-20 1820-24 1824-28 1828-32 1832-36 1836-40 1840-44 1844-48 1848-52 1852-55 1855-56 1860-61 1861-64 1864-68 1868-70 1870-72 1872-74 1874-76 1876-80 1880 1820-21 1821-24 1824-26 1826-28 1829-30 1830-37 1837-39 1839-45 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 39 OFFICERS OF P. H. Martin Ephraim B. Ewing . . .. John M. Richardson .... Benjsimin F. Massey (re-elected 1860, for four years). . . . Mordecai Oliver Francis Rodman (re-elected 18G8 for two years) Eugene F. Weigel, (re-elected 1872, for two years) .... Michael K. McGrath (present incumbent) State Treasurers. Peter Didier Nathaniel Sinionds .... James Earickson John Walker Abraham McClellan .... Peter G. Glover A. W. Morrison George 0. Bingham .... William Bishop William Q. Dallmeyer . . . Samuel Hays Harvey W. Salmon .... Joseph W. Mercer Elijah Gates Phillip E. Chappell (present in- cumbent) A ttorney- Geneva Is, Edward Bates Kufus Easton Robt. W. Wells William B. Napton .... S. M. Bay B. F. Stringfellow William A. Robards .... James B. Gardenhire .... Ephraim W. Ewing .... James P. Knott Aikman Welch Thomas T. Crittenden . . . Robert F. Wingate Horace P. Johnson A. J. Baker Henry Clay Ewing John A. Hockaday Jackson L. Smith D. H. Mclntire (present in- cumbent) STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued. 1845-49 1849-52 1852-56 1856-60 1861-04 1864-68 1870-72 1874 1820-21 1821-28 1829-33 1833-38 1838-43 1843-51 1851-60 1862-64 1864-68 1868-70 1872 1872-74 1874-76 1876-80 1880 1820-21 1821-26 1826-36 1836-39 1839-45 1845-49 1849-51 1851-56 1856-59 1859-61 1861-64 1864 1864-68 1868-70 1870-72 1872-74 1874-76 1876-80 1880 Auditors of Public Accounts. William Christie 1820-21 William V. Rector .... 1821-23 Elias Barcroft 1823-33 Henry Shurlds 1833-35 Peter G. Glover 1835-37 Hiram H. Baber 1837-45 William Monroe 1845 J. R. McDermon 1845-48 George W. Miller 1848-49 Wilson Brown 1849-52 William H. Buffington . . . 1852-60 William S. Moseley .... 1860-64 Alonzo Thompson 1864-68 Daniel M. Draper 1868-72 George B. Clark 1872-74 Thomas Holladay . . . , . 187 -80 John Walker (present incum- bent) 1880 Judges of Supreme Court. Matthias McGirk 1822-41 John D. Cooke 1822-23 John R. Jones 1822-24 Rufus Pettibone 1823-25 Geo. Tompkins 1824-45 Robert Wash 1825-37 John C. Edwards 1837-39 W^m. Scott, (appointed 1841 till meeting of General Assem- bly in place of McGirk, re- signed; reappointed . . . 1843 P. H. McBride 1845 Wm. B. Napton 1849-52 John F. Ryland 1849-51 John H. Birch 1849-51 Wm. Scott, John F. Ryland, and Hamilton R. Gamble (elected by the people, for six years) 1851 Gamble (resigned) 1854 Abiel Leonard elected to fill va- cancy of Gamble. Wm. B. Napton (vacated by failure to file oath). Wm. Scott and John C. Rich- ardson (resigned, elected Au- gust, for six years) .... 1857 E. B. Ewing, (to fill Richard- son's resignation) .... 1859 Barton Bates (appointed) . . 1862 W. V. N. Bay (appointed) . . 1862 40 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. OFFICERS OP John D. S. Drvden (appointed) Barton Bates W. V. N. Bay (elected) . . . John D. S. Dryden (elected) . David Wagner (appointed) . . "Wallace L. Lovelace (appoint- ed) Nathaniel Holmes (appointed) Thomas J. C. Fagg (appointed) James Baker (appointed) . . David Wagner (elected) . . . Philemon Bliss Warren Currier Washington Adams (appointed to flu Currier's place, whore- signed) Ephraim B. Ewing (elected) . Thomas A. Sherwood (elected) W. B. Napton (appointed in place of Ewing, deceased) . Edward A. Lewis (appointed, in place of Adams, resigned) Warwick Hough (elected) . . William B. Napton (elected) . John W. Henry Robert D. Ray succeeded Wm. B. Napton in Elijah H. Norton (appointed in 1876), elected T. A. Sherwood (re-elected) United States Senators. T. H. Benton D. Barton Alex. Buckner L.F.Linn D. R. Atchison H. S. Geyer James S. G-reen T. Polk Waldo P. Johnson Robert Wilson B. Gratz Brown (for unexpired term of Johnson) .... J. B. Henderson Charles D. Drake Carl Schurz D. F. Jewett fin place of Drake, resigned) P. P. Blair L. V.Bogy James Shields (elected for unex- pired term of Bogy) . . . STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued. 1862 1863-65 1863 1863 1865 1865 1865 1866 1868 1868-70 1868-70 1868-7] 1871 1872 1872 1873 1874 1874 1874-80 1876-86 1880 1878 1882 1820-50 1820-30 1830-33 1833-43 1843-55 1851-57 1857-61 1857-63 1861 1861 1863 1863-69 1867-70 1869-75 1870 1871-77 1873 1879 D. H. Armstrong appointed for unexpired term of Bogy. F. M. Cockrell (re-elected 1881) 1875-81 George G. Vest 1879 Representatives to Congress. John Scott 1820-26 Ed. Bates 1826-28 Spencer Pettis 1828-31 William H. Ashley .... 1831-36 John Bull 1832-34 Albert G. Harrison 1834-39 John Miller 1836-42 John Jameson (re-elected 1846 for two years) 1839-44 John C. Edwards 1840-42 James M. Hughes 1842-44 James H.Relfe 1842-46 James B. Bowlin 1842-50 Gustavus M. Bower .... 1842-44 Sterling Price 1844-46 William McDaniel 1846 Leonard H. Sims 1844-46 John S. Phelps 1844-60 James S. Green (re-elected 1856, resigned) 1846-50 Will ard P. Hall 1846-53 William V. N. Bay .... 1848-61 John F. Darby 1850-53 Gilchrist Porter 1850-57 John G. Miller 1850-56 Alfred W. Lamb ..... 1852-54 Thomas H. Benton 1852-54 Mordecai Oliver 1852-57 James J. Lindlej- 1852-66 Samuel Caruthers 1852-58 Thomas P. Akers (to fill unex- pired term of J. G. Miller, deceased) 1855 Francis P. Blair, Jr. (re-elected 1860, resigned) 1856 Thomas L. Anderson .... 1856-60 James Craig 1856-60 Samuel H. Woodson .... 1856-60 John B. Clark, Sr 1857-61 J. Richard Barrett 1860 John W. Noel 1858-63 James S. Rollins 1860-64 Elijah H. Norton 1860-63 JohnW.Reid 1860-61 William A. Hall 1862-64 Thomas L. Price (in place of Reid, expelled) 1862 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 41 OFFICERS OF Henry T. Blow Sempronius T. Boyd, (elected in 1862, and again in 1868, for two years.) Joseph W. McClurg .... Austin A. King Benjamin F. Loan John G. Scott (in place of Noel, deceased) John Hogan .... . . Thomas F. Noel John R. Kelsoe Robert T. Van Horn . . . John F. Benjamin George W. Anderson .... William A. Pile C. A. Newcomb Joseph J. Gravelly James R. McCormack . . . John H. Stover (in place of McClurg, resigned) • . Erastus Wells G. A. Finklenburg ... Samuel S. Burdett Joel F. Asper David P. Dyer Harrison E. Havens .... Isaac G. Parker James G. Blair Andrew King Edwin 0. Stanard William H. Stone Robert A. Hatcher (elected) . Richard B. Bland Thomas T. Crittenden . . . Ira B. Hyde John B. Clark, Jr. John M. Glover STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued, 1862-66 1862-66 1862-64 1862-69 1863 1864-66 1864-67 1864-66 1864-71 1864-71 1864-69 1866-68 1866-68 1866-68 1866-73 1867 1868-82 1868-71 1868-71 1868-70 1868-70 1870-76 1870-75 1870-72 1870-72 1872-74 1872-78 1872 1872 1872-74 1872-74 1872-78 1872 Aylett H. Buckner 1872 Edward C. Kerr 1874-78 Charles H. Morgan .... 1874 John F. Philips 1874 B. J. Franklin 1874 David Rea 1874 Rezin A. De Bolt 1874 Anthony Ittner 1876 Nathaniel Cole 1876 Robert A. Hatcher 1876-78 R. P. Bland 1876-78 A. H. Buckner 1876-78 J. B. Clark, Jr 1876-78 T. T. Crittenden 1876-78 B. J. Franklin 1876-78 John M. Glover 1876-78 Robert A Hatcher 1876-78 Chas. H. Morgan 1876-78 L. S. Metcalf 1876-78 H.M. Pollard 1876-78 David Rea 1876-78 S.L. Sawyer 1878-80 N. Ford 1878-82 G. F. Rothwell 1878-82 John B. Clark, Jr 1878-82 W. H. Hatch 1878-82 A. H. Buckner 1878-82 M. L. Clardy 1878-82 R.G.* Frost 1878-82 L. H.Davis 1878-82 R. P. Bland 1878-82 J. R. Waddell 1878-80 T.Allen 1880-82 R. Hazeltine 1880-82 T.M.Rice 1880-82 R. T. Van Horn 1880-82 Nicholas Ford 1880-82 J. G. Burrows 1880-82 COUNTIES Adair January 29, Andrew January 29, Atchison January 14, Audrain December 17, Barry January 5, Barton December 12, Bates January 29, Benton Januarys, Bollinger March 1, Boone November 16, Buchanan February 10, — WHEN ORQANTZET). 1841 1841 1845 1836 1835 1835 1841 1835 1851 1820 1839 Caldwell .December 26, 1836 Callaway November 25, 1820 Camden January 29, 1841 Cape Girardeau October 1, 1812 Carroll January 3, 1833 Carter March 10, 1859 Cass September 11, 1835 Cedar February 14, 1845 Chariton November 16, 1820 Christian March 8, 1860 Clark December 15. 1818 42 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. COUNTIES, TVHEN ORGANIZED — Continued, Butler February 27, 1849 Clay January 2, 1822 Clinton January 16, 1833 Cole November 16, 1820 Cooper. December 17, 1818 Crawford January 23, 1829 Dade January 29, 1841 Dallas December 10, 1844 Daviess December 29, 1836 DeKalb February 25, 1845 Dent February 10, 1851 Douglas October 19, 1857 Dunklin February 14, 1845 Franklin December 11, 1818 Gasconade November 25, 1820 Gentry February 12, 1841 Greene , January 2. 1833 Grundy January 2, 1843 Harrison February 14, 1845 Henry December 13, 1834 Hickory February 14, 1845 Holt February 15, 1841 Howard January 23, 1816 Howell March 2, 1857 Iron February 17, 1857 Jackson December 15, 1826 Jasper January 29, 1841 Jefferson December 8, 1818 Johnson December 13, 1834 Knox February 14, 1845 Laclede February 24, 1849 Lafayette November 16, 1820 Lawrence February 25, 1845 Lewis January 2, 1833 Lincoln December 14, 1818 Linn January 7, 1837 Livingston January 6, 1837 McDonald March 3, 1849 Macon January 6, 1837 Madison December 14, 1818 Maries March 2, 1855 Marion December 23, 1826 Mercer February 14, 1845 Miller ..February 6, 1837 Mississippi.... February 14, 1845 Moniteau February 14, 1S45 Monroe January 6, 1831 Montgomery December 14, 1818 Morgan January 5, 1833 New Madrid October 1, 1812 Newton December 81, 1838 Nodaway February 14, 1845 Oregon February 14, 1845 Osage January 29, 1841 Ozark January 29, 1841 Pemiscot February 19, 1861 Perry November 16, 1820 Pettis January 26, 1833 Phelps November 13, 1857 Pike December 14, 1818 Platte December 81, 1838 Polk March 13, 1835 Pulaski December 15, 1818 Putnam February 28, 1845 Ealls November 16, 1820 Randolph January 22, 1829 Ray. November 16, 1820 Reynolds February 25, 1845 Ripley January 6, 1833 St. Charles October 1, 1812 St. Clair January 29, 1841 St. Francois December 19, 1821 Ste. Genevieve October 1, 1812 St. Louis October 1, 1812 Saline November 25, 1820 Schuyler ..February 14, 1845 Scotland January 29, 1841 Scott December 28, 1821 Shannon January 29, 1841 Shelby January 2, 1836 Stoddard January 2, 1835 Stone February 10, 1851 Sullivan February 16, 1845 Taney January 16, 1837 Texas February 14, 1835 Vernon February 17, 1851 Warren January 5, 1833 Washington August 21, 1813 Wayne December 11, 1818 Webster March 3, 1855 Worth February 8, 1861 Wright January 29, 1841 HISTORY or MISSOUKI. 43 CHAPTER YIII. CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI. Fort Sumter fired upon — Call for 75,000 men — Gov. Jackson refuses to furnish a man — U. S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — General Order No. 7 — Legislature convenes — Camp Jackson organized — Sterling Price appointed Major-General — Frost's letter to Lyon — Lyon's letter to Frost — Surrender of Camp Jackson — Proclamation of Gen. Harney — Conference between Price and Harney — Harney superseded by Lyon — Second Conference — Gov. Jack- son burns the bridges behind him — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — Gen. Blair takes possession of Jefferson City — Proclamation of Lyon — Lyon at Springfield — State offices declared vacant — Gen. Fremont assumes command — Proclamation of Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds — Proclamation of Jeff. Thompson and Gov. Jackson — Death of Gen. Lyon — Succeeded by Sturgis — Proclamation of McCulloch and Gamble — Martial law declared — Second proclamation of Jeff. Thompson — President modi- fies Fremont's order — Fremont relieved by Hunter — Proclamation of Price — Hun- ter's Order of Assessment — Hunter declares Martial Law — Order relating to Nevrspapers — Halleck succeeds Hunter — Halleck's Order 81 — Similar order by Halleck — Boone County Standard confiscated — Execution of prisoners at Macon and Palmyra — Gen. Ewing's Order No. 11 — Gen. Rosecrans takes command — Mas- sacre at Centralia — Death of Bill Anderson — Gen. Dodge succeeds Gen. Rose- crans — List of Battles. " Lastly stood war — With visage grim, stern looks, and blaclily hued, * » * * m * Ah I why will kings forget that they are men? And men that they are brethren? Why delight In human sacrifice? Why burst the ties Of nature, that should knit their souls together In one soft bond of amity and love?" Fort Sumter was fired upon April 12, 1861. On April ISth, Presi- dent Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men, from the the militia of the several States, to suppress combinations in the South- ern States therein named. Simultaneously therewith, the Secretary of War sent a telegram to all the governors of the States, excepting those mentioned in the proclamation, requesting them to detail a cer- tain number of militia to serve for three mont)is, Missouri's quota being four reoriments. In response to this telegram. Gov. Jackson sent the following answer : Executive Department of Missouri, Jefferson City, April 17, 1861. To the Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary/ of War, Washington, D.O.: Sir: Your dispatch of the 15th inst., making a call on Missouri for 44 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. four regiments of men for immediate service, has been received. There can be, I apprehend, no doubt but these men are intended to form a part of the President's army to make war upon the people of the seceded States. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconsti- tutional, and can not be complied with. Not one man will the State of Missouri furnish to carry on such an unholy war. C. F. Jackson, Governor of Missouri. April 21,. 1861. U. S. Arsenal at Liberty was seized by order of Governor Jackson. April 22, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation convening the Legislature of Missouri, on May following, in extra session, to take into consideration the momentous issues which were presented, and the attitude to be assumed by the State in the impending struggle. On the 22nd of April, 1861, the Adjutant-General of Missouri issued the following military order : Headquarters Adjutant-General's Office, Mo., Jefferson City, April 22, 1861. {General Orders No. 7.) I. To attain a greater degree of efficiency and perfection in organ- ization and discipline, the Commanding Officers of the several Military districts in this State, having four or more legally organized compa- nies therein, whose armories are within fifteen miles of each other, will assemble their respective commands at some place to be by them sever- ally designated, on the 3rd day of May, and to go into an encampment for a period of six days, as provided by law. Captains of companies not organized into battalions will report the strength of their compa- nies immediately to these headquarters, and await further orders. II. The Quartermaster-General will procure and issue to Quarter- masters of Districts, for these commands not now provided for, all necessary tents and camp equipage, to enable the commanding officers thereof to carry the foregoing orders into efiect. III. The Light Battery now attached to the Southwest Battalion, and one company of mounted riflemen, including all officers and sol- diers belonging to the First District, will proceed forthwith to St. Louis, and report to Gen. D. M. Frost for duty. The remaining companies of said battalion will be disbanded for the purpose of assisting in the organization of companies upon that frontier. The details in the exe- HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 45 cution of the foregoing are intrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel John S. Bowen, commanding the Battalion. IV. The strength, organization, and equipment of the several com- panies in the District will be reported at once to these Headquarters, and District Inspectors will furnish all information which may be ser- viceable in ascertaining the condition of the State forces. By order of the Governor. Warwick Hough, Adjutant- General of Missouri. May 2, 1861. The Legislature convened in extra session. Many acts were passed, among which was one to authorize the Governor to purchase or lease David Ballentine's foundry at Boonville, for the man- ufacture of arms and munitions of war ; to authorize the Governor to appoint one Major-General ; to authorize the Governor, when, in his opinion, the security and welfare of the State required it, to take pos- session of the railroad and telegraph lines of the State ; to provide for the organization, government, and support of the military forces ; to borrow one million of jdollars to arm and equip the militia of the State to repel invasion, and protect the lives and property of the people. An act was also passed creating a "Military Fund," to consist of all the money then in the treasury or that might thereafter be received from the one-tenth of one per cent, on the hundred dollars, levied by act of November, 1857, to complete certain railroads ; also the pro- ceeds of a tax of fifteen cents on the hundred dollars of the assessed value of the taxable property of the several counties in the State, and the proceeds of the two-mill tax, which had been theretofore appro- priated for educational purposes. May 3, 1861. *< Camp Jackson" was organized. May 10, 1861. Sterling Price appointed Major-General of State Guard. May 10, 1861. General Frost, commanding '* Camp Jackson," ad- dressed General N. Lyon, as follows : — Headquarters Camp Jackson, Missouri Militia, May 10, 1861. Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding U. S. Troops in and about St. Louis Arsenal: Sir : I am constantly in receipt of information that you contem- plate an attack upon my camp, whilst I understand that you are im- pressed with the idea that an attack upon the Arsenal and United States troops is intended on the part of the Militia of Missouri, I am 46 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. greatly at a loss to know what could justify you in attacking citizens of the United States, who are in lawful performance of their duties, devolvino" upon them under the Constitution in organizing and instruct- ino- the militia of the State in obedience to her laws, and, therefore, have been disposed to doubt the correctness of the information I have received. I would be glad to know from you personally whether there is any truth in the statements that are constantly pouring into my ears. So far as re^-ards any hostility being intended toward the United States, or its property or representatives by any portion of my command, or, as far as I can learn (and I think I am fully informed), of any other part of the State forces, I can positively say that the idea has never been entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command of the Arsenal, I proffered to Major Bell, then in command of the very few troops constituting its guard, the services of myself and all my command, and, if necessary, the whole power of the State, to protect the United States in the full possession of all her property. Upon General Harney taking command of this department, I made the same proffer of services to him, and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt. Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to the War Department. I have had no occasion since to change any of the views I entertained at the time, neither of my own volition nor through orders of my constitutional commander. 1 trust that after this explicit statement that we may be able, by fully understanding each other, to keep far from our borders the mis- fortunes which so unhappily affect our common country. This communication will be handed you by Colonel Bowen, my Chief of Staff, who will be able to explain anything not fully set forth in the foregoing. I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant. Brigadier-General D. M, Frost, Commanding Camp Jackson, M. V. M. May 10, 1861. Gen. Lyon sent the following to Gen. Frost: Headquarters United States Troops, St. Louis, Mo., May 10, 1861. Gen. D. M. Frost, Commanding Camp Jackson: Sir: Your command is regarded as evidently hostile toward the Government of the United States. It is, for the most part, made up of those Secessionists who have HISTORY OF MISSOURI. " 47 openly avowed their hostility to the General Government, and have been plotting at the seizure of its property and the overthrow of its authority. You are openly in communication with the so-called Southern Confederacy, which is now at war with the United States, and you are receiving at your camp, from the said Confederacy and under its flag, large supplies of the material of war, most of which is known to be the property of the United States< These extraordinary preparations plainly indicate none other than the well-known purpose of the Governor of this State, under whose orders you are acting, and whose communication to the Legislature has just been responded to by that body in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct view hostilities to the General Government and co-operation with its enemies. In view of these considerations, and of your failure to disperse in obedience to the proclamation of the President, and of the imminent necessities of State policy and warfare, and the obligations imposed upon me by instructions from Wasiiington, it is my duty to demand, and I do hereby demand of you an immediate surrender of your com- mand, with no other conditions than that all persons surrendering under this command shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing myself prepared to enforce this demand, one-half hour's time before doing so will be allowed for your compliance therewith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. Lyon, Captain Second Infantry^ Commanding Troops. May 10, 1861. Camp Jackson surrendered and prisoners all released excepting Capt. Emmet McDonald, who refused to subscribe to the parole. May 12, 1861. Brigadier-General Wm. S. Harney issued a procla- mation to the people of Missouri, saying " he would carefully abstain from the exercise of any unnecessary powers," and only use "the military force stationed in this district in the last resort to preserve peace." May 14, 1861. General Harney issued a second proclamation. May 21, 1861. General Harney held a conference with General Sterling Price, of the Missouri State Guards. May 31, 1861. General Harney superseded by General Lyon. June 11, 1861. A second conference was held between the National and State authorities in St. Louis, which resulted in nothing. 48 H8TORY OF MISSOURI. June 11, 1861. Gov. Jackson left St. Louis for Jefferson City, burning the railroad bridges behind him, and cutting telegraph wires. June 12, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation calling into active service 50,000 militia, *'to repel invasion, protect life, property," etc. June 15, 1861. Col. F. P. Blair took possession of the State Capi- tal, Gov. Jackson, Gen. Price and other officers having left on the 13th of June for Boonville. June 17, 1861. Battle of Boonville took place between the forces of Gen. Lyon and Col. John S. Marmaduke. June 18, 1861. General Lyon issued a proclamation to the people of Missouri. July 5, 1861. Battle at Carthage between the forces of Gen. Sigel and Gov. Jackson. July 6, 1861. Gen. Lyon reached Springfield. July 22, 1861. State convention met and declared the offices of Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary of State vacated. July 26, 1861. Gen. John C. Fremont assumed command of the Western Department, with headquarters in St. Louis. July 31, 1861. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas C. Reynolds issued a proclamation at New Madrid. August 1, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation at Bloomfield. August 2, 1861. Battle of Dug Springs, between Captain Steele's forces and General Rains. August 5, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation at New Madrid. August 5, 1861. Battle of Athens. August 10, 1861. Battle of Wilson's Creek, between the forces under General Lyon and General McCulloch. In this engagement General Lyon was killed. General Sturgis succeeded General Lyon. August 12, 1861. McCulloch issued a proclamation, and soon left Missouri. August 20, 1861. General Price issued a proclamation. August 24, 1861. Governor Gamble issued a proclamation calling for 32,000 men for six months to protect the property and lives of the citizens of the State. August 30, 1861. General Fremont declared martial law, and declared that the slaves of all persons who should thereafter take an active part with the enemies of the Government should be free. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 49 September 2, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation in response to Fremont's proclamation. September 7, 1861. Battle at Drywood Creek. September 11, 1861. President Lincoln modified the clause in Gen. Fremont's declaration of martial law, in reference to the confiscation of property and liberation of slaves. September 12, 1861. General Price begins the attack at Lexing- ton on Colonel Mulligan's forces. September 20, 1861. Colonel Mulligan with 2,640 men surren- dered. October 25, 1861. Second battle at Springfield. October 28, 1861. Passage by Governor Jackson's Legislature, at Neosho, of an ordinance of secession. November 2, 1861. General Fremont succeeded by General David Hunter. November 7, 1861. General Grant attacked Belhiont. November 9, 1861. General Hunter succeeded by General Halleck, who took command on the 19th of same month, with headquarters in St. Louis. November 27, 1861. General Price issued proclamation calling for 50,000 men, at Neosho, Missouri. December 12, 1861. General Hunter issued his order of assess- ment upon certain wealthy citizens in St. Louis, for feeding and cloth- ing Union refugees. December 23-25. Declared martial law in St. Louis and the country adjacent, and covering all the railroad lines. March 6, 1862. Battle at Pea Ridge between the forces under Gen- erals Curtis and Van Dorn. January 8, 1862. Provost Marshal Farrar, of St. Louis, issued the following order in reference to newspapers : Office of the Provost Marshal, \ General Department of Missouri, > St. Louis, January 8, 1862. ) (General Order No. 10.) It is hereby ordered that from and after this date the publishers of newspapers in the State of Missouri (St. Louis City papers excepted), furnish to this office, immediately upon publication, one copy of each issue, for inspection. A failure to comply with this order will render the newspaper liable to suppression. 50 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Local Provost [Marshals will furnish the proprietors with copies of this order, and atleiid to its immediate enforcement. Bernard G. Farrar, Provost Marshal General. January 26, 1862. General Halleck issued order (No. 18) which forbade, among other things, the disi)lay of Secession flags in the hands of women or on carriages, in the vicinity of the military prison in McDowell's College, the carriages to be confiscated and the ofiend- ing women to be arrested. February 4, 1862. General Halleck issued another order similar to Order No. 18, to railroad companies and to the professors and direct- ors of the State University at Columbia, forbidding the funds of the institution to be used " to teach treason or to instruct traitors." February 20, 1862. Special Order No. 120 convened a military commission, which sat in Columbia, March following, and tried Ed- mund J. Ellis, of Columbia, editor and proprietor of *' The Boone County Standard," for the publication of information for the benefit of the enemy, and encouraging resistance to the United States Gov- ernment. Ellis was found guilty, was banished during the war from Missouri, and his printing materials confiscated and sold. April, 1862. General Halleck left for Corinth, Mississippi, leaving General Schofield in command. June, 1862. Battle at Cherry Grove between the forces under Colonel Joseph C. Porter and Colonel H. S. Lipscomb. June, 1862. Battle at Pierce's Mill between the forces under Major John Y. Clopper and Colonel Porter. July 22, 1862. Battle at Florida. July 28, 1862. Battle at Moore's Mill. August 6, 1862. Battle near Kirksville. August 11, 1862. ' Battle at Independence. August 16, 1862. Battle at Lone Jack. September 13, 1862. Battle at Newtonia. September 25, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners were executed at Macon, by order of General Merrill. October 18, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners executed at Palmyra, by order of General McNeill. January 8, 1863. Battle at Springfield between the forces of Gen- eral Marmaduke and General E. B. Brown. April 26, 1863. Battle at Cape Girardeau. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 51 August — , 1863. General Jeff. Thompson captured at Pocahontas, Arkansas, with his staff. August 25, 1863. General Thomas Ewing issued his celebrated Order No. 11, at Kansas City, Missouri, which is as follows: — Headquarters District of the Border, Kansas City, Mo., August 25, 1863. (General Order No. 11.) First. — All persons living in Cass, Jackson and Bates Counties, Missouri, and in that I3art of Vernon included in this district, except those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's Mills, Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville, and except those in that part of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west of the Big Blue, embracing Kansas City and Westport, are hereby ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen days from the date hereof. Those who, within that time, establish their loyalty to the satisfac- tion of the commanding officer of the military station nearest their present place of residence, will receive from him certificates stating the fact of their loyalty, and the names of the witnesses by whom it can be shown. All who receive such certificate will be permitted to remove to any military station in this district, or to any part of the State of Kansas, except the counties on the eastern borders of the State. All others shall remove out of this district. Officers com- manding companies and detachments serving in the counties named, will see that this paragraph is promptly obeyed. Second. — All grain and hay in the field, or under shelter, in the district from which the inhabitants are required to remove within reach of military stations, after the 9th day of September next, will be taken to such stations and turned over to the proper officer there, and report of the amount so turned over made to district headquarters, specifying the names of all loyal owners and the amount of such produce taken from them. All grain and hay found in such district after the 9th day of September next, not convenient to such stations, Avill be destroyed. Third. — The provisions of General Order No. 10, from these headquarters, will at once be vigorously executed by officers com- manding in the parts of the district, and at the stations not subject to the operations of paragraph First of this Order — and especially in the towns of Independence. Westport and Kansas City. 52 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Fourth. — Paragraph 3, General Order No. 10, is revoked as to all who have borne arms against the Government in the district since August 20, 1863. By order of Brigadier-General Ewing : H. Hannahs, Adjutant. October 13. Battle of Marshall. Januarv, 1864. General Rosecrans takes command of the Depart- ment. September, 1864. Battle at Pilot Knob, Harrison and Little Mo- reau River. October 5, 1864. farm. October 8, 1864. October 20, 1864. September 27, 1864. derson. October 27, 1864. Captain Bill Anderson killed. December — , 1864. General Rosecrans relieved Dodge appointed to succeed him. Nothing occurred specially, of a military character, in the State after December, 1864. We have, in the main, given the facts as they occurred without comment or entering into details. Many of the minor incidents and skirmishes of the war have been omitted because of our limited space. It is utterly impossible, at this date, to give the names and dates of all the battles fought in Missouri during the Civil War. It Avill be found, however, that the list given below, which has been arranged for convenience, contains the prominent battles and skirmishes which took place within the State : — Battle at Prince's Ford and James Gordon's Battle at Glasgow. Battle at Little Blue Creek. Massacre at Centralia, by Captain Bill An- and General Potosi, May 14, 1861. Boonville, June 17, 1861. Carthage, July 5, 1861. Monroe Station, July 10, 1801. Overton's Run, July 17, 1861. Dug Spring, August 2, 1861. Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861. Athens, August 5, 1861. Moreton, August 20, 1861. Bennett's Mills, September — , 1861. Drywood Creek, September 7, 1861. Norfolk, September 10, 1861. Lexington, September 12-20, 1861. Blue Mills Landing, September 17, 1861. Glasgow Mistake, September 20, 1861. Osceola, September 25, 1861. Shanghai, October 13, 1861. Lebanon, October 13, 1861. Linn Creek, October 16, 1861. Big River Bridge, October 15, 1861. Fredericktown, October 21, 1861, Springfield, October 25, 1861. Belmont, November 7, 1861. Piketon, November 8, 1861. Little Blue, November 10, 1861. Clark's Station, November 11, 1861, HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 53 Mt. Zion Church, December 28, 1861. Silver Creek, January 15, 18C2, New Madrid, February 28, 1862. Pea Ridge, March 6, 1862. Neosho, April 22, 1862. Rose Hill, July 10, 1862. Chariton River, July 30, 1862. Cherry Grove, June — , 1862. Pierce's Mill, June — , 1862. Florida, July 22, 1862. Moore's Mill, July 28, 1862. Kirksville, August 6, 1862. Compton's Ferry, August 8, 1862. Yellow Creek, August 13, 1862. Independence, August 11, 1862. Lone Jack, August 16, 1862. Newtonia, September 13, 1862. Springfield, January 8, 1863. Cape Girardeau, April 29, 1863. Marshall, October 13, 1863. Pilot Knob, September — , 1864. Harrison, September — , 1864. Moreau River, October 7, 1864. Prince's Ford, October 5, 1864. Glasgow, October 8, 1864, Little Blue Creek, October 20, 1864. Albany, October 27, 1864. Near Rocheport, September 23, 1864. Centralia, September 27, 1864. CHAPTEK IX. EARLY MILITARY RECORD. Black Hawk War — Mormon Difficulties — Florida War — Mexican War. On the fourteenth day of May, 1832, a bloody engagement took place between the regular forces of the United States, and a part of the Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebago Indians, commanded by Black Hawk and Keokuk, near Dixon's Ferry in Illinois. The Governor (John Miller) of Missouri, fearing these savages would invade the soil of his State, ordered Major-General Richard Gentry to raise one thousand volunteers for the defence of the fron- tier. Five companies were at once raised in Boone county, and in Callaway, Montgomery, St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike, Marion, Ralls, Clay and Monroe other companies were raised. Two of these companies, commanded respectively by Captain John Jamison of Callaway, and Captain David M. Hickman of Boone county, were mustered into service in July for thirty days, and put under command of Major Thomas W. Conyers. This detachment, accompanied by General Gentry, arrived at Fort Pike on the 15th of July, 1832. Finding that the Indians had not crossed the Mississippi into Missouri, General Gentry returned to Columbia, leaving the fort in charge of Major Conyers. Thirty days having expired, the command under Major Conyers was relieved by two 54 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. other companies under Captains Sinclair Kirtley, cf Boone, and Patrick Ewing, of Callaway. This detachment was marched to Fort Pike by Col. Austin A. King, w^ho conducted the two companies under Major Conyers home. Major Conyers was left in charge of the fort, where he remained till September following, at w^hich time the I)idian troub- les, so far as Missouri was concerned, having all subsided, the frontier forces were mustered out of service. Black Hawk continued the war in Iowa and Illinois, and was finally defeated and captured in 1833. MORMON DIFFICULTIES. In 1832, Joseph Smith, the leader of the Mormons, and the choseu prophet and apostle, as he claimed, of the Most High, came with many followers to Jackson county, Missouri, where they located and entered several thousand acres of laud. The object of his coming so far West — upon the very outskirts of civilization at that time — was to more securely establish his church, and the more effectively to instruct his followers in its peculiar tenets and practices. Upon the present town site of Independence the Mormons located their *'Zion," and gave it the name of ** The New Jerusalem." They published here the Evening Star^ and made themselves gener- ally obnoxious to the Gentiles, who were then in a minority, by their denunciatory articles through their paper, their clannishness and their polygamous practices. Dreading the demoralizing influence of a paper which seemed to be inspired only with hatred and malice toward them, the Gentiles threw the press and type into the Missouri River, tarred and feathered one of their bishops, and otherwise gave the Mormons and their lead- era to understand that they must conduct themselves in an entirely different manner if they wished to be let alone. After the destruction of their paper and press, they became fu- riously incensed, and sought many opportunities for retaliation. Mat- ters continued in an uncertain condition until the 31st of October, 1833, when a deadly conflict occurred near Westport, in which two Gentiles and one Mormon were killed. On the 2d of October following the Mormons were overpoweredj and compelled to lay down their arms and agree to leave the county with their families by January 1st on the condition that the owner would be paid for his printing press. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 65 Leaving Jackson county, they crossed the Missouri and located in Clay, Carroll, Caldwell and other counties, and selected in Caldwell county a town site, which they called " Far West," and where they entered more land for their future homes. Through the influence of their missionaries, who were exertinw themselves in the East and in different portions of Europe, converts had constantly flocked to their standard, and " Far West," and other Mormon settlements, rapidly prospered. In 1837 they commenced the erection ot a magnificent temple, but never finished it. As their settlements increased in numbers, they became bolder in their practices and deeds of lawlessness. During the summer of 1838 two of their leaders settled in the town of De Witt, on the Missouri River, having purchased the land from an Illinois merchant. De Witt was in Carroll county, and a good point from which to forward goods and immigrants to their town Far West. Upon its being ascertained that these parties were Mormon leaders the Gentiles called a public meeting, which was addressed by some of the prominent citizens of the county. Nothing, however, was done at this meeting, but at a subsequent meeting, which was held a few days afterward, a committee of citizens was appointed to notify Col. Hin- kle (one of the Mormon leaders at De Witt), what they intended to do. Col. Hinkle upon being notified by this committee became indig- nant, and threatened extermination to all who should attempt to molest him or the Saints. In anticipation of trouble, and believing that the Gentiles would attempt to force them from De Witt, Mormon recruits flocked to the town from every direction, and pitched their tents in and around the town in great numbers. The Gentiles, nothing daunted, planned an attack upon this en- campment, to take place on the 21st day of September, 1838, and, accordingly, one hundred and fifty men bivouacked near the town on that day. A conflict ensued, but nothing serious occurred. The Mormons evacuated their works and fled to some loo- houses where they could the more successfully resist the Gentiles, who had in the meantime returned to their camp to await reinforcements. Troops from Saline, Ray and other counties came to their assist- ance, and increased their number to five hundred men. Congreve Jackson was chosen Brigadier- General; Ebenezer Price, 56 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Colonel ; Singleton Viiughan, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Sarshel Woods, Major. After some days of discipline, this brigade prepared for an assault, but before the attack was commenced Judge James Earickson and William F. Dunnica, influential citizens of Howard county, asked permission of General Jackson to let them try and adjust the difficul- ties without any bloodshed. It was finally agreed that Judge Earickson should propose to the Mormons, that if they would pay for all the cattle they had killed be- longing to the citizens, and load their wagons during the night and be ready to move by ten o'clock next morning, and make no further attempt to settle in Carroll county, the citizens would purchase at first cost their lots in De Witt and one or two adjoining tracts of land. Col. Hinkle, the leader of the Mormons, at first refused all attempts to settle the difficulties in this way, but finally agreed to the proposi- tion. In accordance therewith, the Mormons without further delay, loaded up their wagons for the town of Far West, in Caldwell county. Whether the terms of the agreement were ever carried out, on the part of the citizens, is not known. The Mormons had doubtless suffered much and in many ways — the result of their own acts — but their trials and suflerings were not at an end. In 1838 the discord between the citizens and Mormons became so great that Governor Boggs issued a proclamation ordering Major- General David E. Atchison to call the militia of his division to enforce the laws. He called out a part of the first brigade of the Missouri State Militia, under command of Gen. A. W. Doniphan, who pro- ceeded to the seat of war. Gen. John B. Clark, of Howard county, was placed in command of the militia. The Mormon forces numbered about 1,000 men, and were led by G. W. Hinkle. The first engagement occurred at Crooked river, where one Mormon was killed. The principal fight took place at Haughn's Mills, where eighteen Mormons were killed and the balailce captured, some of them being killed after they had surrendered. Only one militiaman was wounded. In the month of October, 1838, Joe Smith surrendered the town of Far West to Gen. Doniphan, agreeing to his conditions, viz. ; That they should deliver up their arms, surrender their prominent leaders for trial, and the remainder of the Mormons should, with their HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 57 families, leave the State. Indictments were found against a number of these leaders, including Joe Smith, who, while being taken to Boone county for trial, made his escape, and was afterward, in 1844, killed at Carthage, Illinois, with his brother Hiram. FLORIDA WAR. In September, 1837, the Secretary of War issued a requisition on Governor Boggs, of Missouri, for six hundred volunteers for service in Florida against the Seminole Indians, with whom the Creek nation had made common cause under Osceola. The first regiment was chiefly raised in Boone county by Colonel Richard Gentry, of which he was elected Colonel ; John W. Price, of Howard county, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Harrison H. Hughes, also of Howard, Major. Four companies of the second regiment were raised and attached to the first. Two of these companies were composed of Delaware and Osage Indians. October 6, 1837, Col. Gentry's regiment left Columbia for the seat of war, stopping on the way at Jefferson barracks, where they were mustered into service. Arriving at Jackson barracks, New Orleans, they were from thence transported in brigs across the Gulf to Tampa Bay, Florida. Gen- eral Zachary Taylor, who then commanded in Florida, ordered Col. Gentry to march to Okee-cho-bee Lake, one hundred and thirty-five miles inland by the route traveled. Having reached the Kissemmee river, seventy miles distant, a bloody battle ensued, in which Col. Gentry was killed. The Missourians, though losing their gallant leader, continued the fight until the Indians were totally routed, leav- ing many of their dead and wounded on the field. There being no further service required of the Missourians, they returned to their homes in 1838. MEXICAN WAR. Soon after Mexico declared war, against the United States, on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma were fought. Great excitement prevailed throughout the country. In none of her sister States, however, did the fires of patriotism burn more intensely than in Missouri. Not waiting for the call for volunteers, the " St. Louis Legion " hastened to the field of conflict. The " Legion " was commanded by Colonel A. R. Easton. During the month of May, 1846, Governor Edwards, of Missouri, 58 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. called for volunteers to join the **Army of the West," an expedition to Siinte Fe — under command of General Stephen W. Kearney Fort Leavenworth was the appointed rendezvous for the volunteers. By the 18th of June, the full complement of companies to compose the first regiment had arrived from Jackson, Lafayette, Clay, Sa- line, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway counties. Of this regi- ment, A. W. Doniphan was made Colonel ; C. F. Ruff, Lieutenant- Colonel, and Wm. Gilpin, Major. The battalion of light artillery from St. Louis was commanded by Captains R. A. Weightman and A. W. Fischer, with Major M. L. Clark as field officer; battalions of infantry from Platte and Cole counties commanded by Captains Murphy and W. Z. Augney respectively, and the " Laclede Rangers," from St. Louis, by Captain Thomas B. Hudson, aggregating all told, from Missouri, 1,658 men. In the summer of 1846 Hon. Sterling Price resigned his seat in Congress and raised one mounted regiment, one mounted extra battalion, and one extra battalion of Mormon in- fantry to reinforce the "Army of the West." Mr. Price 'was made Colonel, and D. D. Mitchell Lieutenant-Colonel. In August, 1847, Governor Edwards made another requisition for one thousand men, to consist of infantry. The regiment was raised at once. John Dougherty, of Clay county, was chosen Colonel, but before the regiment marched the President countermanded the order. A company of mounted volunteers was raised in Ralls county, com- manded by Captain Wm. T. Lafland. Conspicuous among the en- gagements in which the Missouri volunteers participated in Mexico were the battles of Bracito, Sacramento, Canada, El Embudo, Taos and Santa Cruz de Rosalcs. The forces from Missouri were mustered out in 1848, and will ever be remembered in the history of the Mexi- can war, for "A thousand glorious actions that might claim Triumphaul laurels and immortal fame. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 59 CHAPTEE X. AGRICULTURE AND MATERIAL WEALTH. Missouri as an Agricultural State — The Different Crops — Live Stock — Horses — Mules — Milch Cows — Oxen and other Cattle — Sheep — Hogs— Comparisons — Missouri adapted to Live Stock — Cotton — Broom-Corn and other Products- Fruits- Berries— Grapes— Railroads — First Neigh of the " Iron Horse " in Mis- souri — Names of Railroads — Manufactures — Great Bridge at St. Louis. Agriculture is the greatest among all the arts of man, as it is the first in supplying his necessities. It favors and strengthens popula- tion ; it creates and maintains manufactures ; gives employment to navigation and furnishes materials to commerce. It animates every species of industry, and opens to nations the safest channels of wealth. It is the strongest bond of well regulated society, the surest basis of internal peace, and the natural associate of correct morals. Among all the occupations and professions of life, there is none more honorable, none more independent, and none more conducive to health and happiness. " In ancient times the sacred plovp employ'd The kings, and awful fathers of mankind; And some, with whom compared your insect tribes 4re but the beings of a summer's day. Have held the scale of empire, rulod the storm Of mighty war with unwearied hand, Disdaining little delicacies, seized The plow and greatly independent lived." As an agricultural region, Missouri is not surpassed by any State in the Union. It is indeed the farmer's kingdom, where he always reaps an abundant harvest. The soil, in many portions of the State, has an open, flexible structure, quickly absorbs the most excessive rains, and retains moisture with great tenacity. This being the case, it is not so easily aifected by drouth. The prairies are covered with sweet, luxuriant grass, equally good for grazing and hay ; grass not sur- passed by the Kentucky blue grass — the best of clover and timothy in growing and fattening cattle. This grass is now as full of life-giv- ing nutriment as it was when cropped by the buffalo, the elk, the an- telope, and the deer, and costs the herdsman nothing. 60 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. No State or territory has a more complete and rapid system of nat- ural drainage, or a more abundant supply of pure, fresh water than Missouri. Both man and beast may slake their thirst from a thousand perennial fountains, which gush in limpid streams from the hill-sides, and w^end their way through verdant valleys and along smiling prai- ries, varyino- in size, as they onward flow, from the diminutive brooklet to the giant river. Here, nature has generously bestowed her attractions of climate, soil and scenery to please and gratify man while earning his bread in the sweat of his brow. Being thus munificently endowed, Missouri offers superior inducements to the farmer, and bids him enter her broad domain and avail himself of her varied resources. "We present here a table showing the product of each principal crop in Missouri for 1878 : — Indian Corn 93,062,000 bushela. Wheat 20,196,000 " Rye 732,000 •• Oats - 19,584,000 '* Buckwheat 46.400 " Potatoes 5,415,000 " Tobacco 23,023,000 pounds. Hay ~ 1,620,000 tons. There were 3,552,000 acres in corn; wheat, 1,836,000; rye, 48,800; oats, 640,000; buckwheat, 2,900; potatoes, 72,200; to- bacco, 29,900; hay, 850,000. Value of each crop: corn, $24,196,- 224; wheat, $13,531,320; rye, $300,120; oats, $3,325,120; buck- wheat, $24,128; potatoes, $2,057,700; tobacco, $1,151,150; hay, $10,416,600. Average cash value of crops per acre, $7.69 ; average yield of corn per acre, 26 bushels ; wheat, 11 bushels. Next in importance to the corn crop in value is live stock. The fol- lowing table shows the number of horses, mules, and milch cows in the different States for 1879 : — HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 61 States. Maine New Hampshire. Vermont Massachusetts.... Rhode Island Connecticut New York New Jersey Penns3'lvania Delaware. Maryland , Virginia North Carolina... South Carolina... Georgia Florida Alabama Mississippi Louisiana Texas Arkansas Tennessee West Virginia Kentucky Ohio '. Michigan....... Indiana Illinois Wisconsin Minnesota Iowa Missouri Kansas Nebraska California Oregon Nevada, Colorado, and Territories. Horses. Mules. 81,700 57,100 77,400 131,000 16,200 53,600 898,900 11,800 114.500 14,400 614,500 24,900 19,900 4,000 108,600 11,300 208,700 30,600 144,200 74,000 59, BOO 51,500 119,200 97,200 22,400 11,900 112,800 111,700 97,200 100,000 79,300 80,700 618,000 180,200 180,500 89,300 323,700 99,700 122,200 2,400 386,900 117,800 772,700 26,700 333,800 4,o00 688,800 61,200 1,100,000 138,000 384,400 8,700 247,300 7,000 770,700 43,400 627,300 191,900 275,000 50,000 157,200 13,600 273,000 25,700 109,700 3,500 250,000 25,700 MUch Cows. 196,100 98,100 217,800 160,700 22,000 116,500 l,44r.,200 152,200 828,400 23,200 100,500 236,200 232,300 131,300 273,100 70,000 215,200 188,000 110,900 544,500 187,700 245,700 130,500 257,200 714,100 416,900 439.200 702,400 477,300 278,900 676,200 516,200 321,900 127,600 495,600 112,400 423,600 It will be seen from the above table, that Missouri is thQ fifth State iu the number of horses ; fifth in number of milch cows, and the leading State in number of mules, having 11,700 more than Texas, which produces the next largest number. Of oxen and other cattle, Missouri produced in 1879, 1,632,000, which was more than any other State produced excepting Texas, which had 4,800,00. In 1879 Mis- souri raised 2,817,600 hogs, which was more than any other State produced, excepting Iowa. The number of sheep was 1,296,400. The number of hogs packed in 1879, by the different States, is as follows : — States. Ohio.... Indiana Illinois Iowa.... No. 932,878 622,321 3,214,896 569,763 States. Missouri.. Wisconsin Kentucky. No. 965,889 472,108 212,412 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. ATERAaE WEIGHT PER HEAD FOR EACH STATE. States. Pounds. States. Pounds. Ohio 210.47 193.80 225.71 211.98 211 o2 Indiana Wiscon.-ui 220.81 Illinois 210 11 Iowa From the above it will be seen that Missouri annually packs more hogs than any other State excepting Illinois, and that she ranks third in the average vveiirht. We see no reason why Missouri should not be the foremost stock- raising State of the Union. In addition to the enormous yield of corn and oats upon which the stock is largely dependent, the climate is well adapted to their growth and health. Water is not only inex- haustible, but everywhere convenient. The ranges of stock are boundless, affording for nine months of the year, excellent pasturage of nutritious wild grasses, which grow in great luxurianoe upon the thousand prairies. Cotton is grown successfully in many counties of the southeastern portions of the State, especially in Stoddard, Scott, Pemiscot, Butler, New Madrid, Lawrence and Mississippi. Sweet potatoes are produced in abundance and are not only sure but profitable. Broom corn, sorghum, castor beans, wh,ite beans, peas, hops, thrive well, and all kinds of garden vegetables, are produced in great abun- dance and are found in the markets during all seasons of the year. Fruits of every variety, including the apple, pear, peach, cherries, apricots and nectarines, are cultivated with great success, as are also, the strawberry, gooseberry, currant, raspberry and blackberry. The grape has not been produced with that success that was at first anticipated, yet the yield of wine for the year 1879, was nearly half a million gallons. Grapes do well in Kansas, and we see no reason why they should not be as surely and profitably grown in a similar climate and soil in Missouri, and particularly in many of the counties north and east of the Missouri River. RAILROADS. Twenty-nine years ago, the neigh of the ♦* iron horse " was heard for the first time, within the broad domain of Missouri. His coming presaged the dawn of a brighter and grander era in the history of the HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 63 State. Her fertile prairies, and more prolific valleys would soon be of easy access to the oncoming tide of immigration, and the ores and minerals of her hills and mountains would be developed, and utilized in her manufacturing and industrial enterprises. Additional facilities would be opened to the marts of trade and commerce ; transportation from the interior of the State would be se- cured ; a fresh impetus would be given to the growth of her towns and cities, and new hopes and inspirations would be imparted to all her people. Since 1852, the initial period of railroad building in Missouri, be- tween four and five thousand miles of track have been laid ; addi- tional roads are now being constructed, and many others in contem- plation. The State is already well supplied with railroads which thread her surface in all directions, bringing her remotest districts into close connection with St. Louis, that great center of western railroads and inland commerce. These roads have a capital stock aa;- gregating more than one hundred millions of dollars, and a funded debt of about the same amount. The lines of roads which are operated in the State are the follow- ing:— Missouri Pacific — chartered May 10th, 1850; The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, which is a consolidation of the Arkan- sas Branch ; The Cairo, Arkansas & Texas Railroad ; The Cairo & Fulton Railroad; The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway; St. Louis & San Francisco Railway ; The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad ; The Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad ; The Missouri, Kan- sas & Texas Railroad ; The Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council BliilFa Railroad ; The Keokuk & Kansas City Railway Company ; The St. Louis, Salem & Little Rock Railroad Company ; The Missouri & Western ; The St. Louis, Keokuk & Northwestern Railroad ; The St. Louis, Hannibal & Keokuk Railroad ; The Missouri, Iowa & Nebraska Railway ; The Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad ; The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway; The Burlington & Southwestern Railroad. MANUFACTURES. The natural resources of Missouri especially fit her for a great man- ufacturing State. She is rich in soil ; rich in all the elements which supply the furnace, the machine shop and the planing mill ; rich in the multitude and variety of her gigantic forests ; rich in her marble, stone and granite quarries ; rich in her mines of iron, coal, lead and 64 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. zinc ; rich in strong arms and willing hands to apply the force ; rich in water power and river navigation ; and rich in her numerous and well-built railroads, whose numberless engines thunder along their multiplied track-ways. Missouri contains over fourteen thousand manufacturing establish- ments, 1,965 of which are using steam and give employment to 80,000 hands. The capital employed is about $100,000,000, the material annually used and worked up, amounts to over $150,000,- 000, and the value of the products put upon the markets $250,000,000, while the wages paid are more than $40,000,000. The leading manufacturing counties of the State, are St. Louis, Jackson, Buchanan, St. Charles, Marion, Franklin, Greene, Lafay- ette, Platte, Cape Girardeau, and Boone. Three-fourths, however, of the manufacturing is done in St. Louis, which is now about the second manufacturing city in the Union. Flouring mills produce annually about $38,194,000 ; carpentering $18,763,000 ; meat-packing $16,- 769,000 ; tobacco $12,496,000 ; iron and castings $12,000,000 ; liquors $11,245,000; clothing $10,022,000; lumber $8,652,000; bagging and bags $6,914,000, and many other smaller industries in propor- tion. GREAT BRIDGE AT ST. LOUIS. Of the many public improvements which do honor to the State and reflect great credit upon the genius of their projectors, we have space only, to mention the great bridge at St. Louis. This truly wonderful construction is built of tubular steel, total length of which, with its approaches, is 6,277 feet, at a cost of nearly $8,000,000. The bridge spans the Mississippi from the Illinois to the Missouri shore, and has separate railroad tracks, roadways, and foot paths. In durability, architectural beauty and practical utility, there is, perhaps, no similar piece of workmanship that approximates it. The structure of Darius upon the Bosphorus ; of Xerxes upon the Hellespont ; of Csesar upon the Rhine ; and Trajan upon the Danube, famous in ancient history, were built for military purposes, that over them might pass invading armies with their munitions of war, to de- stroy commerce, to lay in waste the provinces, and to slaughter the people. But the erection of this was for a higher and nobler purpose. Over it are coming the trade and merchandise of the opulent East, and thence are passing the untold riches of the West. Over it are crowd- HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 65 ing legions of men, armed not with the weapons of war, but with the implements of peace and industry ; men who are skilled in all the arts of agriculture, of manufacture and of mining ; men who will hasten the day when St. Louis shall rank in population and importance, sec- ond to no city on the continent, and when Missouri shall proudly fill the measure of greatness, to which she is naturally so justly entitled. CHAPTEK XI. EDUCATION. Pnbllc School System — Public School System of Missouri — Lincoln Institute — Ofl3- cers of Public School System — Certificates of Teachers — Uuiversity of Missouri — Schools — Colleges — Institutions of Learning — Location — Libraries — Newspa- pers and Periodicals — No. of School Children — Amount expended — Value of Grounds and Buildings — *• The Press." The first constitution of Missouri provided that ♦♦one school or more shall be established in each township, as soon as practicable and neces- sary, where the poor shall be taught gratis." It will be seen that even at that early day (1820) the framers of the constitution made provision for at least a primary education for the poorest and the humblest, taking it for granted that those who were able would avail themselves of educational advantages which were not gratuitous. The establishment of the public-school system, in its essential fea- tures, was not perfected until 1839, during the administration of Gov- ernor Boggs, and since that period the system has slowly grown into favor, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States. The idea of a free or public school for all classes was not at first a popular one, especially among those who had the means to patronize private institutions of learning. In upholding and maintaining public schools the opponents of the system felt that they were not only compromis- ing their own standing among their more wealthy neighbors, but that they were, to some extent, bringing opprobrium upon their children. Entertaining such prejudices, they naturally thought that the training received at public schools could not be otherwise than defective ; hence many years of probation passed before the popular mind was prepared QQ HISTORY OF MISSOURI. to appreciate the benefits and blessings which spring from these insti- tutions. Every year only adds to their popularity, and commends them the more earnestly to the fostering care of our State and National Legis- latures, and to the esteem and favor of all classes of our people. We can hardly conceive of two grander or more potent promoters of civilization than the free school and free press. They would indeed seem to constitute all that was necessary to the attainment of the hap- piness and intellectual growth of the Republic, and all that was neces- sary to broaden, to liberalize and instruct. «« Tis education forms the common mind; ****** For noble youth there is nothing so meet As learning is, to know the good from ill ; To know the tongues, and perfectly indite, And of the laws to have a perfect skill, Things to reform as right and justice will; For honor is ordained for no cause But to see right maintained by the laws." All the States of the Union have in practical operation the public- school system, governed in the main by similar laws, and not differing materially in the manner and methods by which they are taught : but none have a wiser, a more liberal and comprehensive machinery of instruction than Missouri. Her school laws, since 1839, have under- gone many changes, and always for the better, keeping pace with the most enlightened and advanced theories of the most experienced edu- cators in the land. But not until 1875, when the new constitution was adopted, did her present admirable system of public instruction go into effect. Provisions were made not only for white, but for children of African descent, and are a part of the organic law, not subject to* the caprices of unfriendly legislatures, or the whims of political parties. The Lin- coln Institute, located at Jefferson City, for the education of col- ored teachers, receives an annual appropriation from the General Assembly. For the support of the public schools, in addition to the annual income derived from the public school fund, which is set apart by law, not less than twenty-five per cent, of the State revenue, exclusive of the interest and sinking fund, is annually applied to this purpose. The officers having in charge the public school interests are the State " Board of Education," the State Superintendent, County Commission- 68 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. ers, County Clerk and Treasurer, Board of Directors, City and Town School Board, and Teacher. The State Board of Education is composed of the State Superintendent, the Governor, Secretary of State, and the Attorney-General, the executive officer of this Board being the State Su- perintendent, who is chosen by the people every four years. His duties are numerous. He renders decisions concerning the local application of school law ; keeps a record of the school funds and annually distributes the same to the counties ; supervises the work of county school officers ; delivers lectures ; visits schools ; distributes educational information ; grants certificates of higher qualifications, and makes an annual report to the General Assembly of the condition of the schools. The County Commissioners are also elected by the people for two years. Their work is to examine teachers, to distribute blanks, and make reports. County clerks receive estimates from the local direct- ors and extend them upon the tax-books. In addition to this, they keep the general records of the county and township school funds, and return an annual report of the financial condition of the schools of their county to the State Superintendent. School taxes are gathered with other taxes by the county collector. The custodian of the school funds belono-ing to the schools of the counties is the county treasurer, except in counties adopting the township organization, in which case the township trustee discharges these duties. Districts organized under the special law for cities and towns are o-overned by a board of six directors, two of whom are selected annu- ally, on the second Saturday in September, and hold their office for three years. One director is elected to serve for three years in each school dis- trict, at the annual meeting. These directors may levy a tax not exceeding forty cents on the one hundred dollars' valuation, pro- vided such annual rates for school purposes may be increased in dis- tricts formed of cities and towns, to an amount not exceeding one dollar on the hundred dollars' valuation, and in other districts to an amount not to exceed sixty-five cents on the one hundred dollars' val- uation, on the condition that a majority of the voters who are tax-pay- ers, votino- at an election held to decide the question, vote for said increase. For the purpose of erecting public buildings in school dis- tricts, the rates of taxation thus limited may be increased when the rate of such increase and the purpose for which it is intended shall have been submitted to a vote of the people, and two-thirds of the HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 69 qualified voters of such school district voting at such election shall vote therefor. Local directors may direct the management of the school in respect to the choice of teachers and other details, but in the dischars:e of all important business, such as the erection of a school house or the extension of a term of school beyond the constitutional period, they simply execute the will of the people. The clerk of this board may be a director. He keeps a record of the names of all the children and youth in the district between the ages of five and twenty-one ; records all business proceedings of the district, and reports to the annual meeting, to the County Clerk and County Commissioners. Teachers must hold a certificate from the State Superintendent or County Commissioner of the county where they teach. State certifi- cates are granted upon personal written examination in the common branches, together with the natural sciences and higher mathematics. The holder of such certificate may teach in any public school of the State without further examination. Certificates granted by County Commissioners are of two classes, with two grades in each class. Those issued, for a longer term than one year, belong to the first class and are susceptible of two grades, ditfering both as to length of time and attain- ments. Those issued for one year may represent two grades, marked by qualification alone. The township school fund arises from a grant of land by the General Government, consisting of section sixteen in each congressional township. The annual income of the township fund is ap- propriated to the various townships, according to their respective proprietary claims. The support from the permanent funds is supple- mented by direct taxation laid upon the taxable property of each dis- trict. The greatest limit of taxation for the current expenses is one per cent ; the tax permitted for school house building cannot exceed the same amount. Among the institutions of learning and ranking, perhaps, the first in importance, is the State University located at Columbia, Boone County. When the State was admitted into the Union, Congress granted to it one entire township of land (46,080 acres) for the sup- port of "A Seminary of Learning." The lands secured for this pur- pose are among the best and most valuable in the State. These lands were put into the market in 1832 and brought $75,000, which amount was invested in the stock of the old bank of the State of Mis- souri, where it remained and increased by accumulation to the sum of 1100,000. In 1839, by an act of the General Assemblv, five commis- 70 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. Bioners were appointed to select a site for the State University, the site to contain at least fifty acres of land in a compact form, within two miles of the county seat of Cole, Cooper, Howard, Boone, Calla- way or Saline. Bids were let among the counties named, and the county of Boone having subscribed the sum of $117,921, some $18,000 more than any other county, the State University was located in that county, and on the 4th of July, 1840, the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies. The present annual income of the University is nearly $65,000. The donations to the institutions connected therewith amount to nearly $400,000. This University with its different departments, is open to both male and female, and both sexes enjoy alike its rights and privileges. Among the professional schools, which form a part of the University, are the Normal, or College of Instruction in Teaching ; Agricultural and Mechanical College ; the School of Mines and Metallurgy ; the College of Law ; the Medical College ; and the Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. Other departments are contemplated and will be added as necessity requires. The following will show the names and locations of the schools and institutions of the State, as reported by the Commissioner of Education in 1875: — TTNITERSITIES AND COLLEGES. Christian University Canton. St. Vincent's College C:ipe Girardeau, University of Missouri Columbia. Central College Fayette. "Westminster College Fulton. Lewis College Glasgow. Pritchett School Institute Glasgow. Lincoln College GreeTiwood. Hannibal College HannibaU Woodland College Independence. Thayer College Kidder. La Grange College La Grange. William Jewell College Liberty. Baptist College Louisiana. St Joseph College St Joseph. College of Christian Brothers St Louis. St Louia University St Louis. Washington University St Louis. Drury College Springfield- Central Wesleyan College Warrenton. FOB SUPERIOR INSTRTJCTION OF WOMEN. St Joseph Female Seminary St Joseph. Christian College Columbia. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 71 Stephens' College Columbia. Howard College Fayette. Independence Female College Independence. Central Female College Lexington. Clay Seminary Liberty. Ingleside Female College Palmyra. Lindenwood College for Young Ladies St. Charles. Mary Institute (Washington University) St. Louis. St. Louis Seminary St. Louis. Ursuline Academy. St. Louis. FOR SECONDARY INSTRL'CTION. Arcadia College Arcadia. St. Vincent's Academy Cape Girardeau. Chillicothe Academy Chillicothe. Grand River College Edinburgh. Marionville Collegiate Institute MarionviUe. Palmyra Seminary Palmyra. St. Paul's College Palmyra. Van Rensselaer Academy Rensselaer, Shelby High School Shelbyville. Stewartaville Male and Female Seminary Stewartsville. SCHOOLS 07 SCIENCB. Missouri Agricultural and Mechanical College (University of Missouri) Columbia. Schools of Mines and Metallurgy (University of Missouri) Rolla. Polytechnic Institute (Washington University) St. Louis. SCHOOLS Oy THEOLOGY. St. Vincent's College (Theological Department) Cape Girardeau. Westminster College (Theological School). Fulton. Vardeman School of Theology (William Jewell College) Liberty. Concordia College St. Louis. SCHOOLS OF LAW. Law School of the University of Missouri Columbia. Law School of the Washington University St Louis. SCHOOLS 07 MEDICINX. Medical College, University of Missouri Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons St. Joseph. Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons Kansas City, Hospital Medical College St. Joseph. Missouri Medical College St. Louis. Northwestern Medical College Su Joseph. St Louis Medical College St. Louis. Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri St. Louis. Missouri School of Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children St. Louis. Missouri Central College St Louis, St. Louis College of Pharmacy St Louis. 72 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. LAROSST PTTBLIO UBSABIES. Name. St, Vincent's College Southeast Missouri State Normal School University of Missouri Athenian Society Union Literary Society Law College Westminster College Lewis College Mercantile Librar}- Library Association Fruitland Normal Institute. State Library Fetterman's Circulating Library Law Library. "Whittemore's Circulating Library North Missouri State Normal School "William Jewell College St. Paul's College Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy St. Charles Catholic Library Carl Frielling'a Library Law Library Public School Library Walworth & Colt's Circulating Library Academy of Science Academy of Visitation College of the Christian Brothers Deutsche Institute German Evangelical Lutheran, Concordia College. Law Library Association Missouri Medical College Mrs. Cuthbert's Seminary (Young Ladies) Odd Fellow's Library Public School Library St Louis Medical College St. Louis Mercantile Library St. Louis Seminary St. Louis Turn Verein St. Louis University St. Louis University Society Libraries Ursuline Academy Washington University St. Louis Law School Young Men's Sodality Library' Association Public School Library Drury College Location. Cape Girardeau. Cape Girardeau. Columbia Columbia Columbia Columbia Fulton Glasgow Hannibal Independence.... Jackson Jefferson City... Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City Kirksville Liberty Palmyra RoUa St, Charles St. Joseph St. Joseph St Joseph St Joseph St. Louis St. Louis St Louis St Louis St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis St Loui? St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis St Louis Sedalia Sedalia Springfield Volumes. 6, 500 1,225 10,000 1,200 1,200 1,000 6,000 8,000 2,21*^ 1,100 1,000 13,000 1,300 8,000 1,000 1,050 4,000 2,000 1,478 1,716 6,000 2,000 2.600 1,500 2,744 4,000 22,000 1,000 4,800 8,000 1,000 1,500 4.000 40,097 1,100 45,000 2,000 2.000 '17.000 8,000 2.000 4,500 8.000 1,327 1,500 1.015 2,000 IN 1880. Newspapers and Periodicals 481 CHARITIK.-^. State Asylum for Deaf and Dumb St Bridget's Institution for Deaf and Dumb Institution for the Education of the Blind State Asylum for Insane State Asylum for the Insane Fulton. ..St Louis. ..St Louis. Fulton. .St Louis. HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 73 NORMAL SCHOOLS. Normal Institute Bolivar. Boutheast Missouri State JSormal Cichoul Cape Girardeau. Normal School (University of Missouri) ....Columbia. Fruitland Normal Institute Jackson. Lincoln Institute (for colored) ...Jefferson City. City Normal School ~ St. Louis. Missouri State Normal School Warrensburg. IN 1880. Number of school children IN 1878. Estimated value of school property $8,321,399 Total receipts for public schools 4,207,617 Total expenditures 2,406,139 NUMBER OF TEACHERS. Male teachers 6,239; average monthly pay $36.36 Female teachers 5,060; average monthly pay 28.09 The fact that Missouri supports and maintains four hundred and eeventy-one newspapers and periodicals, shows that her inhabitants are not only a reading and reflecting people, but that they appreciate ** The Press," and its wonderful influence as an educator. The poet has well said : — But mightiest of the mighty means, On •which the arm of progress leans, Man's noblest mission to advance. His woes assuage, his weal enhance, His rights enforce, his wrongs redress — Mightiest of mighty Is the Press. CHAPTER Xn. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Baptist Church — Its History — Congregational — When Founded, — Its History- Christian Church — Its History — Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Its History — Methodist Episcopal Church — Its History — Presbyterian Church — Its History — Protestant Episcopal Church — Its History — United Presbyterian Church — Its History — Unitarian Church — Its History — Roman Catholic Church — Its History. The first representatives of religions thought and training, who penetrated the Missouri and Mississippi Valleys, were Pere Marquette, La Salle, and others of Catholic persuasion, who performed missionary 74 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. labor among the Indians. A century afterward came the Protestants. At that early period " A church In every grove that spread Its living roof above their heads," constituted for a time their only house of worship, and yet to them " No Temple built with hands could vie In glory with its majesty." In the course of time, the seeds of Protestantism were scattered ah)ng the shores of the two great rivers whicli form the eastern and western boundaries of the State, and still a little later they were sown upon her hill-sides and broad prairies, where they have since bloomed and blossomed as the rose. BAPTIST CHURCH. The earliest anti-Catholic religious denomination, of which there is any record, was organized in Cape Girardeau county in 1806, through the efforts of Eev. David Green, a Baptist, and a native of Virginia. In 1816, the first association of Missouri Baptists was formed, which was composed of seven churches, all of which were located in the southeastern part of the State. In 1817 a second association of churches was formed, called the Missouri Association, the name being afterwards changed to St. Louis Association. In 1834 a general con- Tention of all the churches of this denomination, was held in Howard county, for the purpose of effecting a central organization, at which time was commenced what is now known as the *• General Association of Missouri Baptists." To this body is committed the State mission work, denominational education, foreign missions and the circulation of religious literature. The Baptist Church has under its control a number of schools and colleges, the most important of which is William Jewell College, located at Liberty, Clay county. As shown by the annual report for 1875, there were in Missouri, at that date, sixty-one associations, one thousand four hundred churches, eight hundred and twenty-four min- isters and eighty-nine thousand six hundred and fifty church members. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The Congregationalists inaugurated their missionary labors in the State in 1814. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, of Torringford, Connecticut, and Rev. Daniel Smith, of Bennington, Vermont, were sent west by the Massachusetts Congregational Home Missionary Society during HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 75 that year, and in November, 1814, they preached the first regular Protestant sermons in St. Louis. Eev. Samuel Giddings, sent out under the auspices of the Connecticut Congregational Missionary Society, organized the first Protestant church in the city, consisting of ten members, constituted Presbyterian. The churches organized by Mr. Giddings were all Presbyterian in their order. No exclusively Congregational Church was founded until 1852, when the '• First Trinitarian Congregational Church of St. Louis " was organized. The next church of this denomination was organized at Hannibal in 1859. Then followed a Welsh church in New Cambria in 1864, and after the close of the war, fifteen churches of the same order were formed in different parts of the State. In 1866, Pilgrim Church, St. Louis, was organized. The General Conference of Churches of Missouri was formed in 1865, which was changed in 1868, to General Association. In 1866, Hannibal, Kidder, and St. Louis District Associations were formed, and following these were the Kan- sas City and Springfield District Associations. This denomination in 1875, had 70 churches, 41 ministers, 3,363 church members, and had also several schools and colleges and one monthly newspaper. CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The earliest churches of this denomination were organized in Cal- laway, Boone and Howard Counties, some time previously to 1829. The first church was formed in St. Louis in 1836 by Elder E. B. Fife. The first State Sunday School Convention of the Christian Church, was held in Mexico in 1876. Besides a number of private institutions, this denomination has three State Institutions, all of which have an able corps of professors and have a good attendance of pupils. It has one religious paper published in St. Louis, ♦* Tlie Chris- tian,''* which is a weekly publication and well patronized. The mem- bership of this church now numbers nearly one hundred thousand in the State and is increasing rapidly. It has more than five hundred organized churches, the greater portion of which are north of the Missouri Eiver. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. In the spring of 1820, the first Presbytery of this denomination west of the Mississippi, was organized in Pike County. This Pres- bytery included all the territory of Missouri, western Illinois and Arkansas and numbered only four ministers, two of whom resided at 76 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. that time in Missouri, There are now in the State, twelve Presby- teries, three Synods, nearly three hundred ministers and over twenty thousand members. The Board of Missions is located at St. Louis. They have a number of High Schools and two monthly papers pub- lished at St. Louis. MPTHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1806, Rev. John Travis, a young Methodist minister, was sent out to the *' Western Conference," which then embraced the Missis- sippi Valley, from Green County, Tennessee. During that year Mr. Travis ors^anized a number of small churches. At the close of his conference year, he reported the result of his labors to the Western Conference, which was held at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1870, and showed an ao;o;reorate of one hundred and six members and two circuits, one called Missouri and the other Meramec. In 1808, two circuits had been formed, and at each succeeding year the number of circuits and members constantly increased, until 1812, when what was called the Western Conference was divided into the Ohio and Tennessee Confer- ences, Missouri falling into the Tennessee Conference. In 1816, there was another division when the Missouri Annual Conference was formed. In 1810, there were four traveling preachers and in 1820, fif- teen travelling preachers, with over 2,000 members. In 1836, the terri- tory of the Missouri Conference was again divided when the Missouri Conference included only the State. In 1840 there were 72 traveling preachers, 177 local ministers and 13,992 church members. Between 1840 and 1850, the church was divided by the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1850, the meml)ership of the M. E. Church was over 25,000, and during the succeeding ten years the church prospered rapidly. In 1875, the M. E. Church reported 274 church edifices and 34,156 members; the M. E. Church South, reported 443 church edifices and 49,588 members. This denomina- tion has under its control several schools and colleges and two weekly newspapers. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian Church dates the beginning of its missionary efforts in the State as far back as 1814, but the first Presbyterian Church was not organized until 1816 at Bellevue settlement, eight miles from St. Louis. The next churches were formed in 1816 and 1817 at Bonhomme, Pike County. The First Presbyterian Church was organized in St. Louis in 1817, by Rev. Salmon Gidding. The HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 77 first Presbytery was organized in 1817 by the Synod of Tennessee with four ministers and four churches. The first Presbyterian house of worship (which was the first Protestant) was commenced in 1819 and completed in 1826. In 1820 a mission was formed among the Osage Indians. In 1831, the Presbytery was divided into three: Missouri, St. Louis, and St. Charles. These were erected with a Synod comprising eighteen ministers and twenty-three churches. The church was divided in 1838, throughout the United States. In 1860 the rolls of the Old and New School Synod together showed 109 ministers and 146 churches. In 1866 the Old School Synod was di- -vided on political questions springing out of the war — a part form- ing the Old School, or Independent Synod of Missouri, who are con- nected with the General Assembly South. In 1870, the Old and New School Presbyterians united, since which time this Synod has steadily increased until it now numbers more than 12,000 members with more than 220 churches and 150 ministers. This Synod is composed of six Presbyteries and has under its con- trol one or two institutions of learning and one or two newspapers. That part of the original Synod which withdrew from the General Assembly remained an independent body until 1874 when it united with the Southern Presbyterian Church. The Synod in 1875 num- bered 80 ministers, 140 churches and 9,000 members. It has under its control several male and female institutions of a high order. The St. Louis Preahj/terian, a weekly paper, is the recognized organ of the Synod. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The missionary enterprises of this church began in the State in 1819, when a parish was organized in the City of St. Louis. In 1828, an agent of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, visited the city, who reported the condition of things so favorably that Rev. Thomas Horrell was sent out as a missionary and in 1825, he began his labors in St. Louis. A church edifice was completed in 1830. In 1836, there were five clergymen of this denomination in Missouri, who had organized congregations in Boonville, Fayette, St. Charles, Hannibal, and other places. In 1840, the clergy and laity met in convention, a diocese was formed, a constitution, and canons adopted, and in 1844 a Bishop was chosen, he being the Rev. Cicero S. Hawks. Through the efforts of Bishop Kemper, Kemper College was founded near St. Louis, but was afterward given up on account of 78 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. pecuniary tronliles. In 1847, the Clark Mission began and in 1849 the Orphans' Home, a charitable institution, was founded. In 1865, St. Luke's Hospital was established. In 1875, there were in the city of St. Louis, twelve parishes and missions and twelve clergymen. This denomnation has several schools and colleges, and one newspaper. UNITED PRESBYTKRIAN CHURCH. This denomination is made up of the members of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches of the Northern States, which two bodies united in 1858, taking the name of the United Presbyterian Church of Noi-th America. Its members were generally bitterly opposed to the institution of slavery. The first congregation was organized at Warrensburg, Johnson County, in 1867. It rapidly increased in numbers, and had, in 1875, ten ministers and five hundred members. UNITARIAN CHURCH. This church was formed in 1834, by the Rev. W. G. Eliot, in St. Louis. The churches are few in number throughout the State, the membership being probably less than 300, all told. It has a mission house and free school, for poor children, supported by donations. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. The earliest written record of the Catholi^ Church in Missouri shows that Father Watrin performed ministerial services in Ste. Genevieve, in 1760, and in St. Louis in 1766. In 1770, Father Menrin erected a small log church in St. Louis. In 1818, there were in the State four chapels, and for Upper Louisiana seven priests. A college and semi- nary were opened in Perry County about this period, for the education of the young, being the first college west of the Mississippi River. In 1824, a college was opened in St. Louis, which is now known as the St. Louis University. In 1826, Father Rosatti was appointed Bishop of St. Louis, and through his instrumentality the Sisters of Charity, Sisters of St. Joseph and of the Visitation were founded, besides other benevolent and charitable institutions. In 1834 he completed the present Cathedral Church. Churches were built in difierent portions of the State. In 1847 St. Louis was created an arch-diocese, with Bishop Kenrick, Archbishop. In Kansas City there were five parish churches, a hospital, a con- vent and several parish schools. In 1868 the northwestern portion of the State was erected into a separate diocese, with its seat at St. Joseph, HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 79 aTid Right-Keverend John J. Hogan appointed Bishop. There were, in 1875, in the city of St. Louis, 34 churches, 27 schools, 5 hospitals, 3 colleges, 7 orphan asylums and 3 female protectorates. There were also 105 priests, 7 male and 13 female orders, and 20 conferences of St. Vincent de Paul, numbering 1,100 members. In the diocese, out- side of St. Louis, there is a college, a male protectorate, 9 convents, about 120 priests, 150 churches and 30 stations. In the diocese of St. Joseph there were, in 1875, 21 priests, 29 churches, 24 stations, 1 college, 1 monastery, 5 convents and 14 parish schools : Number of Sunday Schools in 1878 , . 2,067 Number of Teachers in 1878 ... , . . 18,010 Number of Pupils In 1878 . 139,578 THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS. Instruction preparatory to ministerial work is given in connection with collegiate study, or in special theological courses, at: Central College (M. E. South) . Fayette. Central Wesleyan College (M. E. Church) , Warrenton. Christian University (Christian) Canton. Concordia College Seminary CEvangelical Lutheran) . . . . St. Louis. Lewis College (M. E. Church) Glasgow. St. Vincent College (Roman Catholic) Cape Girardeau. Vardeman School of Theology (Baptist) . . . . . • Liberty. The last is connected with William Jewell College. CHAPTER Xin. ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN. Nomination and election of Thomas T. Crittenden — Personal Mention — Marmaduke*s candidacy — Stirring events — Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — Death of Jesse James — The Fords — Pardon of the Gamblers. It is the purpose in this chapter to outline the more important events of Governor Crittenden's unfinished administration, stating briefly the facts in the case, leaving comment and criticism entirely to the reader, the historian having no judgment to express or prejudice to vent. Thomas T. Crittenden, of Johnson county, received the Demo- cratic nomination for Governor of Missouri at the convention at Jeffer- 80 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. son City, July 22d, 1880. Democratic nomination for a State office in Missouri is always equivalent to election, and the entire State ticket was duly elected in November. Crittenden's competitors before the convention were Gen. John S. Marmaduke, of St. Louis, and John A. Hockaday, of Callaway county. Before the assembling of the convention many persons who favored Marmaduke, both personally and politically, thought the nomination of an ex-Confederate might prejudice the prospects of the National Democracy, and therefore, as a matter of policy, supported Crittenden. His name, and the fame of his family in Kentucky — Thomas T. being a scion of the Crittendens of that State, caused the Democracy of Missouri to expect great things from their new Governor. This, together with the important events- which followed his inauguration, caused some people to overrate him, while it prejudiced others against him. The measures advocated by the Governor in his inaugural address were such as, perhaps, the entire Democracy could endorse, especially that of refunding, at a low interest, all that part of the State debt that can be so refunded ; the adoption of measures to relieve the Supreme Court docket ; a compromise of the indebtedness of some of the counties, and his views concerning repudiation, which he con- temned. HANNIBAL & ST. JOE RAILROAD CONTROVERSY. By a series of legislative acts, beginning with the act approved February 22, 1851, and ending with that of March 26, 1881, the State of* Missouri aided with great liberality in the construction of a system of railroads in this State. Among the enterprises thus largely assisted was the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, for the construction of which the bonds of the State, to the amount of $3,000,000, bearing interest at 6 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, were issued. One half of this amount was issued under the act of 1851, and the remainder under the act of 1855. The bonds issued under the former act were to run twenty years, and those under the latter act were to run thirty years. Some of the bonds have since been funded and renewed. Coupons for the interest of the entire $3,000,000 were executed and made payable in New York. These acts contain numerous provisions intended to secure the State against loss and to require the railroad company to pay the interest and principal at maturity. It was made the duty of the railroad company to save and keep the State from all loss on account of said bonds and coupons. The Treasurer of the State was HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 81 to be exonerated from any advance of money to meet either principal or interest. Tlie State contracted with the raih'oad company for com- plete indemnity. She was required to assign her statutory morto-ao-e lien only upon payment into the treasury of a sum of money equal to all indebtedness due or owing by said company to the State by reason of having issued her bonds and loaned them to the company. In June, 1881, the raih-oad, through its attorney, Geo. W. Easley, Esq., paid. to Phil. E. Chajjpell, State Treasurer, the sum of $3,000,- 000, and asked for a receipt in full of all dues of the road to the State. The Treasurer refused to give such a receipt, but instead gave a receipt for the sum <' on account." The debt was not yet due, but the authorities of the road sought to discharge their obligation pre- mdturely, in order to save interest and other expenses. The railroad company then demanded its bonds of the State, which demand the State refused. The company then demanded that the $3,000,000 be paid back, and this demand was also refused. The railroad company then brought suit in the United States Court for an equitable adjustment of the matters in controversy. The $3, 000,000 had been deposited by the State in one of the banks, and was drawing interest only at the rate of one-fourth of one per cent. It was demanded that this sum should be so invested that a larger rate of interest might be obtained, which sum of interest should be allowed to the company as a credit in case any sum should be found due from it to the State. Justice Miller, of the United States Supreme Court, who heard the case upon preliminary injunction in the spring of 1882, decided that the unpaid and unmatured coupons constituted a liability of the State and a debt owing, though not due, and until these were provided for the State was not bound to assign her lien upon the road. Another question which was mooted, but not decided, was this: That, if any, what account is the State to render for the use of the $3,000,000 paid into the treasury by the complainants on the 20th of June? Can she hold that large sum of money, refusing to make any account of it, and still insist upon full payment by the railroad company of all outstanding coupons ? Upon this subject Mr. Justice Miller, in the course of his opinion, said : " I am of the opinion that the State, having accepted or got this money into her possession, is under a moral obligation (and I do not pretend to commit anybody as to how far its legal obligation goes) to so use that money as, so far as possible, to protect the parties who have paid it against the loss of the interest which it might accumulate, 82 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. ' and which would go to extinguish the interest on the State's obliga- tions." March 26, 1881, the Legislature, in response to a special message of Gov. Crittenden, dated February 25, 1881, in which he informed the Legislature of the purpose of the Hannibal and St. Joseph com- pany to discharge the full amount of what it claims is its present indebtedness as to the State, and advised that provision be mad© for the " profitable disposal" of the sum when paid, passed an act, the second section of which provided. ♦* Sec. 2. Whenever there is sufficient money in the sinkiug fund to redeem or purchase one or more of the bonds of the State of Missouri, such sum is hereby appropriated for such purpose, and the Fund Commissioners shall immediately call in for payment a like amount of the option bonds of the State, known as the ** 5-20 bonds," provided, that if there are no option bonds which can be called in for payment, they may invest such money in the purchase of any of the bonds of the State, or bonds of the United States, the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad bonds excepted." On the 1st of January, 1882, the regular semi-annual payment of interest on the railroad bonds became due, but the road refused to pay, claiming that it had already discharged the principal, and of course was not liable for the interest. Thereupon, according to the provisions of the aiding act of 1855, Gov. Crittenden advertised the road for sale in default of the payment of interest. The company then brought suit before U. S. Circuit Judge McCrary at Keokuk, Iowa, to enjoin the State from selling the road, and for such other and further relief as the court might see fit and proper to grant. August 8, 1882, Judge McCrary delivered his opinion and judgment, as follows : ^*First. That the payment by complainants into the treasury of the State of the sum of $3,000,000 on the 26th of June, 1881, did not satisfy the claim of the State in full, nor entitle complainants to an assignment of the State's statutory mortgage. **/Second. That the State was bound to invest the principal sum of $3,000,000 so paid by the complainants without unnecessary delay in the securities named in the act of March 26, 1881, or some of them, and so as to save to the State as large a sum as possible, which sum so saved would have constituted as between the State and complainants a credit pro tanto upon the unmatured coupons now in controversy. HISTORY or MISSOURI. 83 **Th{rd. That the rights and equity of the parties are to be deter- mined upon the foregoing principles, and the State must stand charged with what would have been realized if the act of March, 1881, had been complied with. It only remains to consider what the rights of the parties are upon the principles here stated. «* In order to save the State from loss on account of the default of the railroad company, a further sum must be paid. In order to deter- mine what that further sum is an accounting must be had. The ques- tion to be settled by the accounting is, how much would the State have lost if the provisions of the act of March, 1881, had been complied with ? * * • * I think a perfectly fair basis of settle- ment would be to hold the State liable for whatever could have been saved by the prompt execution of said act by taking up such 5-20 option bonds of the State as were subject to call when the money was paid to the State, and investing the remainder of the fund in the bonds of the United States at the market rates. *♦ Upon this basis a calculation can be made and the exact sum still to be paid by the complainant in order to fully indemnify and protect the State can be ascertained. For the purpose of stating an account upon this basis and of determining the sum to be paid by the com- plainants to the State, the cause will be referred to John K. Cravens, one of the musters of this court. In determining the time when the investment should have been made under the act of March, 1881, the master will allow a reasonable period for the time of the receipt of the said sum of $3,000,000 by the Treasurer of the State — that is to say, such time as would have been required for that purpose had the offi- cers charged with the duty of making said investment used reason- able diligence in its discharge. *♦ The Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad is advertised for sale for the amount of the instalment of interest due January 1, 1882, which instalment amounts to less than the sum which the company must pay in order to discharge its liabilities to the State upon the theory of this opinion. The order will, therefore, be that an injunction be granted to enjoin the sale of the road upon the payment of the said instal- ment of interest due January 1, 1882, and if such payment is made the master will take it into account in making the computation above mentioned.** KILLING OF JESSE JAMES. The occurrence during the present Governor's administration which did most to place his name in everybody's mouth, and even to herald 84 HISTOKY OF MISSOURI. it abroad, causing the European press to teem with leaders announcing the fact to the continental world, was the "removal" of the famous Missouri brigand, Jesse W. James. The career of the James boys, and the banditti of whom they were the acknowledged leaders, is too well-known and too fully set forth in works of a more sensational character, to deserve further detail in these pages ; and the ♦' removal " of Jesse will be dealt with only in its relation to the Governor. It had been long conceded that neither of the Jameses would ever be taken alive. That experiment had been frequently and vainly tried, to the sorrow of good citizens of this and other States. It seems to have been one of the purposes of Gov. Crittenden to break up this band at any cost, by cutting off its leaders. Soon after the Winston train robbery, on July 15, 1881, the railroads combined in empower- ing the Governor, by placing the money at his disposal, to offer heavy rewards for the capture of the two James brothers. This was ac- cordingly done by proclamation, and, naturally, many persons were on the lookout to secure the large rewards. Gov. Crittenden worked quietly, but determinedly, after offering the rewards, and by some means learned of the availability of the two Ford boys, young men from Ray county, who had been tutored as juvenile robbers by the skillful Jesse. An understanding was had, when the Fords declared they could find Jesse — that they were to "turn him in." Robert Ford and brother seem to have been thoroughly in the confidence of James, who then (startling as it was to the entire State) resided in the city of St Joseph, with his wife and two children 1 The Fords went there, and when the robber's back was turned, Robert shot him dead in the hack of the head! The Fords told their story to the authorities of the city, who at once arrested them on a charge of mur- der, and they, when arraigned, plead guilty to the charge. Promptly, however, came a full, free and unconditional pardon from Gov. Crit- tenden, and the Fords were released. In regard to the Governor's course in ridding the State of this notorious outlaw, people were divided in sentiment, some placing him in the category with the Ford boys and bitterly condemning his action, while others — the majority of law-abiding people, indeed, — though deprecating the harsh meas- ures which James* course had rendered necessary, still upheld th Governor for the part he played. As it was, the "Terror of Mis- souri " was effectually and finally " removed," and people were glad that he was dead. Robert Ford, the pupil of the dead Jesse, had HISTOEY OF MISSOURI. 85 been selected, and of all was the most fit tool to use in the extermina- tion of his preceptor in crime. The killing of James would never have made Crittenden many ene- mies among the better class of citizens of this State ; but, when it came to his PARDON OF THE GAMBLERS. The case was different. Under the new law making gaminghouse- keeping a felony, several St. Louis gamblers, with Robert C. Pate at their head, were convicted and sentenced to prison. The Governor, much to the surprise of the more rigid moral element of the State, soon granted the gamblers a pardon. This was followed by other pardons to similar offenders, which began to render the Governor quite unpopular which one element of citizens, and to call forth from some of them the most bitter denunciations. The worst feature of the case, perhaps, is the lack of explanation, or the setting forth of sufficient reasons, as is customary in issuing pardons, This, at least, is the bur- den of complaint with the faction that opposes him. However, it must be borne in mind that his term of office, at this writing, is but half expired, and that a full record can not, therefore, be given. Like all mere men, Gov. Crittenden has his good and his bad, is liked by some and disliked by others. The purpose of history is to set forth the facts and leave others to sit in judgment; this the historian has tried faithfully to do, leaving all comments to those who may see fit to make them. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, MISSOURI. CHAPTEE I. Introductory — What Time has Done — Importance of Early Beginnings — First Set- tlements made in the Timber — Who the First Settlers were — Additional Names of Old Settlers — Postal and Mill Facilities — County Organized and Named — The Name — John Kandolph. INTRODUCTORY. History "is but a record of the life and career of peoples and na- tions." The historian, in rescuing from oblivion the life of a nation, or a particular people, should *' nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice." Myths, however beautiful, are but fanciful; traditions, however pleasing, are uncertain ; and legends, though the very essence of poesy and song, are unauthentic. The novelist will take the most fragile thread of romance, and from it weave a fabric of surpassing beauty. But the historian should put his feet on the solid rock of truth, and turning a deaf ear to the allurements of fancy, he should sift with careful scrutiny the evidence brought before him, from which he is to give the record of what has been. Standing down the stream of time, far removed from its source, he must retrace with patience and care, its meanderings, guided by the relics of the past which lie upon its shores, growing fainter, and still more faint and uncertain as he nears its fountain, ofttimes concealed in the debris of ages, and the mists of impenetrable' darkness. Written records grow less and less explicit, and finally fail altogether, as he approaches the beginning of 1 (87) OO HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the community whose lives he is seeking to rescue from the gloom of a rapidly receding past. Memory, wonderful as are its powers, is yet frequently at fault, and only by a comparison of its many aggregations can he be satisfied that he is pursuing stable-footed truth in his researches amid the early paths of his subject. It cannot then be unimportant or uninteresting to trace the progress of Randolph county from its embryotic period to its present proud position among its sister counties. To this end, therefore, we have endeavored to gather the scattered and loosening threads of the past into a compact web of the present, trusting that the harmony and perfect ness of the work may speak with no uncertain sound to the future. WHAT TIME HAS DONE. Fifty-four years have passed since Randolph county was organized. Most wonderful have been the changes, and mighty have been the events and revolutions, the discoveries and inventions that have oc- curred within this time. Perhaps since " God formed the earth and the world," and tossed them from the hollow of his hand into space, so many great things have not been accomplished in any fifty-four years. Reflection cannot fail to arouse wonder, and awaken thankfulness, that God has ap- pointed us the place we occupy in the eternal chain of events. Ten- nyson and Browning, Bryant and Whittier, Lowell and Longfellow have sung. The matchless Webster, the ornate Sumner, the eloquent Clay, the metaphysical Calhoun and Seward have since reached the culmination of their powers and passed into the grave. Macauley, Theirs, Gizot and Froude have written in noble strains the history of their lands ; and Bancroft and Prescott and Hildreth and Motley have won high rank among the historians of the earth. Spurgeon and Beecher and Moody have enforced with most persuasive eloquence, the duties of morality and religion. Carlyle and Emerson, Stuart Mill and Spencer have given the results of their speculations in high philosophy to the world. Mexico has been conquered ; Alaska has been purchased ; the center of population has traveled more than 250 miles along the thirty-ninth parallel, and a majority of the States com- posing the American Union have been added to the glorious constella- tion on the blue field of our flag. Great cities have been founded and populous countries developed ; and the stream of emigration is still tending westward. Gold has been discovered in the far West, and the o;reat Civil War — the bloodiest in all the annals of time — has HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 89 been fought. The telegraph, the telephone and railroad have been added to the list of the most important inventions. In fact, during this time, our country has increased in popuhition from a few millions of people to fifty millions. From a weak, obscure nation it has be- come strong in all the elements of power and influence, and is to-day the most marvelous country for its age that ever existed. IMPORTANCE OF EARLY BEGINNINGS. Every nation does not possess an authentic account of its origin. Neither do all communities have the correct data whereby it is possi- ble to accurately predicate the condition of their first beginnings. Nevertheless, to be intensely interested in such things is characteristic of the race, and it is particularly the province of the historian to deal with first causes. Should these facts be lost in the mythical traditions of the past, as is often the case, the chronicler invades the realm of the ideal and compels his imagination to paint the missing picture. The patriotic Eoman was not content until he had found the " first settlers," and then he was satisfied, although they were found in the very undesirable company of a wolf, and located on a drift, which the receding waters of the Tiber had permitted them to pre-empt. One of the advantages pertaining to a residence in a new country, and one seldom appreciated, is the fact that we can go back to the first beginning. We are thus enabled to not only trace results to their causes, but also to grasp the facts which have contributed to form and mold these causes. We observe that a State or county has attained a certain position, and we at once try to trace out the reasons for this position in its settlement and surroundings, in the class of men by whom it was peopled, and in the many chances and changes which have wrought out results, in all the recorded deeds of mankind. In the history of Randolph county we may trace its early settlers to their homes in the Eastern States and in the countries of the Old World. We may follow the course of the hardy backwoods- man, from the " Buckeye " or " Hoosier " State, and from Kentucky and Virginia on his way West, "to grow up with the country," trusting only to his strong arm and willing heart to work out his ambition for a home for himself and wife, and a competence for his children. Again, we will see that others have been animated with the impulse to move on, after making themselves a part of the com- munity, and have sought the newer portions of the extreme West, 90 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. where civilization had not penetrated, or returned to their native heath. We shall find something of that distinctive New England character, which has contributed so many men and women to other portions of the West. We shall also find many an industrious native of Germany, as well as a number of the sons of the Emerald Isle, all of whom have contributed to modify types of men already existing here. Those who have noted the career of the descendants of these brave, strong men, in subduing the wilds and overcoming the obstacles and hardships of early times, can but admit they are worthy sons of illustrious sires. They who in the early dawn of Western civilization first " bearded the lion in his den," opened a path through the wilderness, drove out the wild beast and tamed the savage Indian, are entitled to one of the brightest pages in all the records of the past. The old pioneers of Eandolph county — the advance guard of West- ern civilization — have nearly all passed away ; those remaining may be counted on the fingers of one hand. A few more years of waiting and watching, and they, too, will have joined — "The innumerable caravan, that moves To that mysterious realm, where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death." Fresh hillocks in the cemetery will soon be all the marks that will be left of a race of .giants who grappled nature in her fastnesses, and made a triumphant conquest in the face of the greatest privations, disease and difliculty. The shadows that fall upon their tombs as time recedes are like the smoky haze that enveloped the prairies in the early days, saddening the memory and giving to dim distance only a faint and phantom outline, to which the future will often look back and wonder at the great hearts that lie hidden under the peaceful canopy. FIRST SETTLEMENTS MADE IN THE TIMBER. The first settlements in the county were invariably made in the tim- ber or contiguous thereto. The early settlers did so as a matter of necessity and convenience. The presence of timber aided materially in bringing about an early settlement, and it aided in two ways ; first, the county had to depend on emigration from the older settled States of the East for its population, and especially Kentucky and Tennessee. These States originally were almost covered with dense forests, and farms were made by clearing off certain portions of the timber. Al- most every farm there, after it became thoroughly improved, still re- HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 91 tained a certain tract of timber commonly known as "the woods." *' The woods " was generally regarded as the most important part of the farm, and the average farmer regarded it as indispensable. When he emigrated to the West, one objection was the scarcity of timber, and he did not suppose that it would be possible to open up a farm on the bleak prairie. To live in a region devoid of the familiar sight of timber seemed unendurable, and the average Kentuckian could not entertain the idea of founding a home away from the familiar forest trees. Then again the idea entertained by the early immigrants to Missouri, that timber was a necessity, was not simply theoretical. The early settler must have a house to live in, fuel for cooking and heating purposes, and fences to inclose his claim. At that time there were no railroads by which lumber could be transported. No coal mine had yet been opened, and few if any had been discovered. Timber was an absolute necessity, without which material improvement was an impossibility. No wonder that a gentleman from the East, who in early times came to the prairie region of Missouri on a prospecting tour, with a view of permanent location, returned home in disgust and embodied his views of the country in the following rhyme : — "Oh! lonesome, windy, grassy place, Where buffalo and snakes prevail; The first with di-eadful looking face, The last with dreadful sounding tail! I'd rather live on camel hump, And be a Yankee Doodle beggar, Than where I never see a stump, And shake to death with fever'n ager." The most important resource in the development of this Western country was the belts of timber which skirted the streams ; and the settlers who first hewed out homes in the timber, while at present not the most enterprising and progressive, were, nevertheless, an essential factor in the solution of the problem. Along either side of the various streams which flow across the country, were originally belts of timber ; at certain places, generally near the mouths of the smaller tributaries, the belt of timber widened out, thus forming a grove, or what was frequently called a point, and at these points or groves were the first settlements made ; here were the first beginnings of civilization ; here "began to operate those forces which have made the wilderness a fruitful place and caused the desert to bud and blossom as the rose." Much of the primeval forest has been removed for the building of houses and the construction of fences ; other portions, and probably 92 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the largest part, have been ruthlessly and improvidently destroyed. This destruction of timber has been somewhat compensated for by the planting of artificial groves. WHO THE FIRST SETTLERS WERE. The early settlers in Randolph county were generally from Ken- tucky, Virginia and North Carolina, the emigrants from the first named State predominating in number. Many of these pioneers located first in Howard county, but coming into Randolph on hunting expeditions, they were so favorably impressed with its diversified scenery, its fertile hills and valleys, its bountiful supply of timber, and water courses, they returned at once with their families and hewed out homes for themselves and their little ones in this new land of promise. Here they and their descendants have lived to see that tide of emigration which has since penetrated every nook and corner of Randolph county. They have seen civilization and enlightenment take the place of savage ferocity and indolence, and have watched with proud satisfaction each new development of material wealth which has marked the advancement of the county. That portion of Randolph county which borders upon Howard county was first settled, and is now known as Silver Creek and Moniteau townships. From the best and most reliable information that can be obtained, the first white man to permanently pitch his tent in what is now known as Randolph county, was William Holman, who emigrated to Missouri in 1817, from Madison county, Kentucky, and located in Howard county, where he remained until the following year (1818) and then moved to Randolph county and settled in Silver Creek township. We take the following from the Macon True Democrat, which gives something of a sketch of the life of William Holman, and some early facts in connection with the history of the pioneer times in the first settlement of Randolph county : — SQUIRE HOLMAN. Squire Holman was born in Madison county, Ky., October 31, 1807, and with his lather's family emigrated to the Territory of Mis- souri in 1817. They settled just a few miles below Old Franklin, in Howard county, and from thence moved in the spring of 1818 to Silver Spring, in what is now Randolph county. His father (Wm. Holman), James Dysart (the father of Rev. James Dysart, of Macon), and Joseph Holman (the uncle of Squire Holman) were the first settlers of Randolph county. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 93 When Randolph county was organized, it included Macon and all the territory north to the Iowa line or Indian Territory. The Indians were numerous and frequently came into the settle- ments. Huntsville was laid out shortly after Squire Holman was grown, but he does not remember the lirst officers. The early settlers had frequently to beat their corn in wooden mortars, and when they went to mill had to go to Snoddy's mill, near Glasgow. The first school ever taught, as far as he recollects, in Randolph oounty, was by Jack Dysart, who afterwards became Colonel of the militia (and was father of B. R. Dysart, of Macon), about 1822. This school was kept in a log house seven or eight miles south-west of the present town of Huntsville, on Foster's Prairie. The first church was a log house, used by the Old School Baptist, near Silver Creek, and the first sermon preached was by Elder Merri- man, between the years 1822 and 1825, the early settlers pre- viously going to Mount Ararat, in Howard county, to hear Elder Edward Turner. For a number of years the settlers of Randolph went to Fayette for such groceries and dry goods as they absolutely needed. The settlers, male and female, wore home-made clothes. Many beautiful young ladies were married in home-made striped cotton, and handsome young men in their home-made jeans. Mr. Holman remembers when the early settlers of what is now Randolph had to go to Fayette to court, where Gen. Owens kept tavern. The General use to laugh and say that he could always tell a Randolphian by the color of his clothes. The early male set- tlers generally wore jeans dyed with walnut bark. They would have passed during the war for No. 1 Butternuts. Squire Holman was married to Arathusa Barnes, in Randolph county in 1832, and of their twelve children raised nearly all. Mr. Holman had been a member of the Old School Baptist church some thirty years, and an elder twenty-five years. Mr. Holman believes that the first store over opened in Randolph county was by Daniel G. Davis, near the residence of Willian Goggins, which site was afterwards made Huntsville. He did not remember the first post-office, but said that the mail was carried on horseback. The first mill was Hickman's horse mill, between Silver Creek and Huntsville. The father of Mr. Holman also had a horse mill and cotton gin. In those days the settlers raised their own cotton for all domestic purposes. When Mr. Holman's father settled in what is now Randolph county the government had not offered any land for sale. The emigrant selected his land and settled on it, and when the land came into market purchased it of the government at Franklin, where a land office was opened. Squire Holman served twelve days under Gen. Owens in burying the dead that were killed near Kirksville in the Indian fight, of which Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Myers have already given an account. 94 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. He also served sixty days in the Black Hawk War under Gen. John B. Clark, for which he got from the United States a 160-acre land warrant. He was in no fight. Many years before Macon county was organized Mr. Holman came to the Loe settlement, and kept hogs on the mast. This was below where Rose's mill on the Chariton river was afterwards built, on the Bloomington and Linneus road. At that time there were no settle- ments north of the Loes and Morrows. The wolves were very numerous, both gray and prairie. At nio-ht he stopped in a hut that he supposed had once been used as an IndTan wigwam. At night the wolves would keep up a regular howl, that was not very pleasant to a lone man far from any friend except his dog. The dog would yelp them away, but as soon as he would start back to the hut the wolves would return. He had no gun with him. One night he was scarce of wood to make a fire to keep the wolves away, and it looked as though they would come in anyhow. He had brought with him an ancient bugle horn, and he concluded he would try the effect of music on the ravenous animals. He took it up and blew a few shrill blasts that, strange to say, sent the wolves skedadlino- in a hurry. The horn was worth more than a gun to him that nio-htt The wolves became so troublesome that a premium was offered, "and his father killed and took the scalps that brought several hundred dollars. They were good for paying taxes. About the year 1833 Mr. Holman, with several others, made a trip for honey between the Chariton and Grand river, and in three weeks time took eight barrels of strained honey, and left fifteen bee trees standing, having no need of packing more. He remembers when elk were plenty within the present limits of Macon, and bears and cata- mounts were numerous. Mr. Holman's father was a great hunter ; he delighted in bear hunt- mg ; he had a famous bear dog, who could scent them at a oreat distance. About the year 1818 his father was out on a bear hunt,1iear the Sweet Spring, in Randolph county, when the dogs began to yelp after one. The dogs soon came up with it, when the bear turned on them and killed several of them before Mr. Holman came up ; he fired at It, and then he rode back and got another gun from one of the party fired, and finally killed the bear. It was so large that they had to take skids to pull it up on the horse. When this was done the horse sank under the weight ; they finally got it home ; he does not remember the weight. Squire Holman was no particular hunter. Deer and other game were so plenty that it did not raise any curiosity in him ; his father always kept a supply of venison and other fresh meat on hand. The guns used were rifles and muskets ; the old settlers prided themselves on the use of the rifle. In 1832 Mr. Holman was taking provisions to Gen. Clark's army, and in passing up the Chariton divide, near old Winchester, three miles west of Bloomington, shot at a deer's head, 150 yards off, and struck it. This was the best shot ever made. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ' 95 In 1858 he settled in Macon county, about three miles north of Callao and about four miles west of Bloomington, where he died in the spring of 1875. He left many relatives and friends to mourn his death. He was an elder in the Regular Baptist Church. After the settlement made by Holman, then came Iverson Sears, John Sears, Asa Kerby, Hardy Sears, David R. Denny, Younger Rowland, John Rowland, Archie Rowland, Sam'l Humphreys, Wright Hill, Rev. James Barnes, Uriah Davis, Abraham Goss, Isaiah Hum- phreys, Rev. S. C. Davis, James Davis,^ John Viley, 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., Dr. W. Fort, Jer. Summers, John Whelden, Wm. El- liott, Neal Murphy, Wm. Cross, Nat. Hunt, Blandermin Smith, George Burckhartt, John C. Reed, Capt. Robert Sconce, James Good- ring, Elijah Hammett, John J. Turner, Joseph Wilcox, James Coch- ran, Thomas Gorham, Sr., T. R. C. Gorham, Daniel Hunt, William Goggin, Reuben Samuel, Thomas J. Samuel, John Head, Robert Bou- cher, Joseph M. Hammett, Dr. W. B. McLean, Chas. McLean, F. K. Collins, Paul Christian, Sr., Jos. Cockrill and Robert W. Wells and Nathan Hunt. ADDITIONAL NAMES OF OLD SETTLERS. James Head, Robert Wilson,^ James Wells, Archibald Shoemaker, John Peeler, Elisha McDaniel, Thomas Bradley, John Dysart, Abra- ham Goodding, Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd, William Drinkard, John McCully, Benj. Hardester, Samuel McCully, Terry Bradley, Thos. J. Gorham, Geo. Shirley, Rob't Gee, Phoebe Whelden, 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, Benj. F. Wood, Hancock Jackson,* S. Brockman, Elias Fort, Aaron Fray, John Welden, John M. Patton, Wm. Harris, Wm. 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, Ambrose Medley, Henry T. Martin, John Loe, Thoret Rose, 1 Still living, ^ At one time U. S. S. from Mo. 3 Magj»ard often took his gun to church, and would kill a deer on the way and leave his son to watch it until he returned. * Lieut.-Governor of Mo, 96 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Charles Baker, William Baker, John Clarkson, William Holeman,^ John Bagley, John Taylor, George Q. Thomson, Thomas Griffin, Thomas Prather, John Kirley, John Littrell, James Pipes, James Viv- ion, Wiley Ferguson, Robert Ash, Hiram Summers, Nicholas W. Tut- tle, Noah Baker, Richard Wells, Phillip Dale, Isaac Waldon, Felix G. Cockerill, Frederick Rowland, James Howard, Rachel Crawford, Wm. H. Davis, Isam Rials, Anthony Head, Jesse Jones, Robert Cornelius, Jno. Biswell, Luke Mathis, Wm. Robertson, Wm. H. Brooks, Adam Wilson, Benj. Hardin, Wm. Blue, WyattMcFadden, W. M. Dameron, Wm. Lockridge, Gideon Wright, John Ball, Thomas H. Benton, John D. Reed, Moses Kimbrough, Aaron Kimbrough, -James Emer- son, Edward Stephenson, Evan Wright, Stephen Scoby, James Ves- tals, John J. Rice, Waddy T. Currin,'^ Derling Wright, William Up- ton, William Myers, Lewis Collier, William B. Tompkins, William Oliver, Samuel Gash, Abijah Goodding, Martin Fletcher, Edmund Chapman, John Thompson, David Peeler, John Tooley, Toland Ma- goffin, James S. Ingram, Adam Everly, Uriel Sebree, Robert Payne, John Nanson, Jonathan Dale, Michael Daly, Benjamin Skinner, Will- iam Cooley, Henry Wilkinson, Mark H. Kirkpatrick, John Bull, George Watts, Justin Rose, Noah Baker, Simpson Foster, Richard Goodding, Andrew Goodding, William Sears, George Dawkins, Jona- than RatlifF, Henry Scritchtield, Benjamin Hardin,^ Liberty Noble, Richard Rout, E. D. Vest, Henry Austin, William B. Means, Jubal Hart, John Dunn, William Lindse}^ Branton Carton, William Ram- sey, Zepheniah Walden, Lewis S. Jacobs, William Cristal, John Col- lins, Stanton Carter, Charles Hatfield, Reynold Green, James Mitchell, John Rowton, Garland Crenshaw, William Smoot, Thomas Tudor, Thomas K. White, William W. Walker, Isaac L. Yealock, Walker Austin, Daniel Lay, John McDavitt, Henry Smith, Thomas Phipps, Joshua Phipps, Owen Singleton, Samuel T. Crews, Richard Routt, John A. Pitts, Tilman W. Belt, Joseph Sharon, Dabney Finley, Aaron W. Lane, Reuben Small, William Banks, John Parker, Henry Hines, Abner Brasfield, Lucinda Dalton, Thomas Partin, Russell Shoemaker, Jesse Harrison, John B. Sampkin, 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 Richmond, John Kane, Gabriel Maupin, Philip B. Hodgkin, Michael Wate, Peter Gulp, ^ Put up the first still house iu the county. ^ One of the first merchants iu Fayette, Howard county, Mo. 'Related to old Ben. Hardin, of Kentucky. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 97 Sydney J. Svvetnam, Wm. Fray, James H. Bean, Ebenezer Enyait, Edmund Bartlett, Nathan Minter, James Hinson, Major Wallis, Rob- ert Steele, Eichard Banter, James T. Haly,IshamP. Embree, P. Sam- uel, Wm. H. Mansfield, Lewis Bumgardner, Waller Head, Edward R. Bradley, Yancy Gray, Abner Vickry, Waitman Summers, William Eagan, Barnaby Eagan, Chas. 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, Silas Phipps.^ POSTAL AND MILL FACILITIES. The early settlers of the county, for several years after they built their cabins, had neither postal nor mill facilities, and were compelled to travel from 25 to 50 miles in order to reach a post-office, or to get their meal. Their usual way of sending or receiving tidings from their friends and the news of the great world, which lay towards the east and south of them, was generally by the mouth of the stranger coming in, or by the settler who journeyed back to his old home, in Kentucky or Virginia. Those who did not grate their corn, or grind it upon a hand mill, took it either to Howard or Chariton county, whither they also occasionally went to obtain their mail. Postage at that time was very high, and if the old settler sent or received two or three letters during the year, he considered himself fortunate. His every-day life in the wilds of the new country to which he had come to better his condition, was so much of a sameness that he had, indeed, but little to communicate. His wants were few, and these were generally supplied by his rod and his gun, the latter being con- sidered an indispensable weapon of defense, as well as necessary to the support and maintenance of himself and family. No w^onder that the pioneer loved his " old flint lock," and his faithful dog, whose honest bark would so often — " Bay deep-mouth'd welcome as he drew near home." COUNTY ORGANIZED AND NAMED. Randolph county was organized in 1829, out of territory taken from Howard county, and named after John Randolph, of Roanoke, Va. THE NAME. A great dramatist intimates there is nothing in a name ; but a name sometimes means a great deal. In many instances it indicates, in a 1 The above named pioneers settled in Kandolph county prior to 1829. 98 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. measure, the character of the people who settle the country, and have given to it its distinctive characteristics. Names are sometimes given to towns and countries by accident ; sometimes they originate in the childish caprice of some one individual, whose dictate, by reason of some real or imaginary superiority, is law. Whether the policy of naming counties after statesmen and generals be good or bad, the Missouri Legislature has followed the practice to such an extent that fully three-fourths of the counties composing the State bear the names of men who are more or less distinguished in the history of the country. In this instance, the county of Randolph was not named by acci- dent, but the christening took place after mature deliberation. The man after whom the county was named was bold and fearless in his character, and possessed, as did the early pioneers of old Ran- dolph, many of the sterling characteristics of a noble manhood. Be- lieving that a brief sketch of the distinguished gentleman for whom the county was named will be read with interest, we here insert it ; — JOHN RANDOLPH, an American orator, born at Cawsons, Chesterfield county, Virginia, June 2, 1773, died in Philadelphia, June 24, 1833. He was educated at Princeton, at Columbia College, New York, and at the college of Mary and William, and studied law at Philadelphia, but never prac- ticed. In 1799, he was elected a Representative in Congress, and soon became conspicuous, in the language of Hildreth, as " a singular mixture of the aristocrat and the Jacobin." He was re-elected in 1801, and was made chairman of the 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 north-western 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 attacked Madison's administration, and opposed the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812. His opposition caused his de- feat at the next election. He was re-elected in 1814, and again in 1818, havinoj declined to be a candidate in 1816. In the Conojress of 1819- 20 he opposed the Missouri Compromise, stigmatizing the northern members, by whose co-operation it was carried, as " doughfaces," an epithet adopted into the political vocabulary of the United States. I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 99 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 Gen. Jackson for President in 1828. In 1829 he was a member of the convention to revise the con- stitution 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 re- turned home without revisiting Russia. He was again elected to Congress, but was too ill to take his seat. Exhausted with consump- tion, 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 generally read than those of any other member of Congress. He was tall and slender, with long, skinny fingers, which he was in the habit of pointing and shak- ing at those against whom he spoke. His voice was shrill and piping, but under perfect command, and musical in its lower tones. His in- vectives, 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. CHAPTEK II. PIONEER LIFE. The Pioneers' Peculiarities — Conveniences and Inconveniences — The Historical Log Cabin — Agricultural Implements — Household Furniture — Pioneer Corn- bread — Hand Mills and Hominy Blocks — Going to Mill — Trading Points — Bee Trees — Shooting Matches and Quiltings. The people in the early history of Eandolph county took no care to preserve history— they were too busily engaged in making it. Historically speaking, those were the most important years of the county, for it was then the foundation and corner-stones of all the county's history and prosperity were laid. Yet this history was not remarkable for stirring events. It was, however, a time of self-reli- ance and brave, persevering toil ; of privations cheerfully endured through faith in a good time coming. The experience of one settler was just about the same as that of others. Nearly all of the settlers were poor; they faced the sanie hardships and stood generally on an equal footing. All the experience of the early pioneers of this county goes far to confirm the theory that, after all, happiness is pretty evenly balanced in this world. They had their privations and hardships, but they had also their own peculiar joys. If they were poor, they were free from the burden of pride and vanity ; free also from the anxiety and care that always attends the possession of wealth. Other people's eyes cost them nothing. If they had few neighbors, they were on the best of terms with those they had. Envy, jealousy and strife had not crept in. A common interest and a common sympathy bound them together with the strongest ties. They were a little world to them- selves, and the good feeling that prevailed was all the stronger because they were so far removed from the great world of the East. Among these pioneers there was realized such a community of iu-^ terest that there existed a community of feeling. There were no castes, except an aristocracy of benevolence, and no nobility, except a nobility of generosity. They were bound together with such a strong bond of sympathy, inspired by the consciousness of common hardship, that they were practical.y communists. (100) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 101 Neighbors did not even wait for an invitation or request to help one anotlier. Was a settler's cabin burned or blown down? No sooner was the fact known throughout the neighborhood than the settlers as- sembled to assist the unfortunate one to rebuild his home. They came with as little hesitation, and with as much alacrity, as though they were all members of the same family and bound together by ties of blood. One man's interest was every other man's interest. Now, this general state of feeling among the pioneers was by no means peculiar to these counties, although it was strongly illustrated here. It prevailed generally throughout the West during the time of the early settlement. The very nature of things taught the settlers the necessity of dwelling together in this spirit. It was their only protec- tion. They had come far away from the well established reign of law, and entered a new country, where civil authority was still feeble, and totally unable to afibrd protection and redress grievances. Here the settlers lived some little time before there was an officer of the law in the county. Each man's protection was in the good will and friend- ship of those about him, and the thing that any man might well dread was the ill will of the community. It was more terrible than the law. It was no uncommon thing in the early times for hardened men, who had no fears of jails or penitentiaries, to stand in great fear of the in- dignation of a pioneer community. Such were some of the character- istics of Kandolph county. HOUSE AND HOME COMFORTS. The first buildings in the county were not just like the log cabins that immediately succeeded them. The latter required some help and a great deal of labor to build. The very first buildings constructed Avere a cross between " hoop cabins " and Indian bark huts. As soon as enough men could be got together for a " cabin raising," then log cabins were in style. Many a pioneer can remember the happiest time of his life as that when he lived in one of these homely but comforta- ble old cabins. A window with sash and glass was a rarity, and was an evidence of wealth and aristocracy which but few could support. They were often made with greased paper put over the window, which admitted a little light, but more often there was nothing whatever over it, or the cracks between the logs, without either chinking or daubing, were the dependence for light and air. The doors were fastened with old- fashioned wooden latches, and for a friend, or neighbor, or traveler, the string always hung out, for the pioneers of the West were hospi- 102 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. table and entertained visitors to the best of their ability. It is notice- able with what affection the pioneers speak of their old log cabins. It may be doubted whether palaces ever sheltered happier hearts than those homely cabins. The following is a good description of those old landmarks, but few of which now remain : — " These were of round logs, notched together at the corners, ribbed with poles and covered with boards split from a tree. A puncheon floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney run up. A clapboard door is made, a window is opened by cutting out a hole in the side or end two feet square, and finished vvithout glass or transparency. The house is then < chinked ' and ' daubed ' with mud. The cabin is now ready to go into. The household and kitchen furniture is adjusted, and life on the frontier is begun in earnest. *' The one-legged bedstead, now a piece of furniture of the past, was made by cutting a stick the proper length, boring holes at one end one and a half inches in diameter, at right angles, and the same sized holes corresponding with those in the logs of the cabin the length and breadth desired for the bed, in which are inserted poles. "Upon these poles the clapboards are laid, or linn bark is inter- woven consecutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure the bed is laid. The convenience of a cook stove was not thought of, but instead, the cooking was done by the faithful housewife in pots, kettles, or skillets, on and about the big fire-place, and very fre- quently over and around, too, the distended pedal extremities of the legal sovereign of the household, while the latter was indulging in the luxuries of a cob-pipe and discussing the probable results of a con- templated deer hunt on the Chariton river or some one of its small tributaries." These log cabins were really not so bad after all. The people of to-day, familiarized with "Charter Oak" cooking stoves and ranges, would be ill at home were they compelled to pre- pare a meal with no other conveniences than those provided in a pioneer cabin. Rude fire-places were built in chimneys composed of mud and sticks, or, at best, undressed stone. These fire-places served for heat- ing and cooking purposes ; also, for ventilation. Around the cheerful blaze of this fire the meal was prepared, and these meals were not so bad, either. As elsewhere remarked, they were not such as would tempt an epicure, but such as afforded the most healthful nourishment for a race of people who were driven to the exposure and hardships which were their lot. We hear of few dyspeptics in those days. An- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 103 other advantage of these cookinsi: arrano-ements was that the stove- pipe never fell clown, and the pioneer was spared being subjected to the most trying of ordeals, and one probably more productive of pro- fanity than any other. Before the country became supplied with mills which were of easy access, and even in some instances afterward, hominy-blocks were used. They exist now only in the memory of the oldest settlers, but as relics of the " long ago," a description of them will not be unin- teresting : — A tree of suitable size, say from eighteen inches to two feet in diameter, was selected in the forest and felled to the ground. If a cross-cut saw happened to be convenient, the tree was " butted," that is, the kerf end was sawed off, so that it would stand steady when ready for use. If there was no cross-cut saw in the neighborhood, strong arms and sharp axes were ready to do the work. Then the proper length, from four to five feet, was measured off and sawed or cut square. When this was done the block was raised on end and the work of cutting out a hollow in one of the ends was commenced. This was generally done with a common chopping ax. Sometimes a smaller one was used. When the cavity was judged to be large enough, a fire was built in it, and carefully watched till the ragged edges were burned away. When completed the hominy-block some- what resembled a druggist's mortar. Then a pestle, or something to crush the corn, was necessary. This was usually made from a suitably sized piece of timber, with an iron wedge attached, the large end down. This completed the machinery, and the block was ready for use. Sometimes one hominy-block accommodated an entire neigh- borhood and was the means of staying the hunger of many mouths. In giving the bill of fare above we should have added meat, for of this they had plenty. Deer would be seen daily trooping over the prairie in droves of from 12 to 20, and sometimes as many as 50 would be seen grazing together. Elk were also found, and wild turkeys and prairie chickens without number. Bears were not un- known. Music of the natural order was not wanting, and every night the pioneers were lulled to rest by the screeching of panthers and the howling of wolves. When the dogs ventured too far out from the cabins at night, they would be driven back by the wolves chasing them up to the very cabin doors. Trapping wolves became a very profitable business after the State began to pay a bounty for wolf scalps. All the streams of water also abounded in fish, and a good supply 2 104 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. of these could be procured by the expense of a little time and labor Those who years ago improved the fishing advantages of the country never tire telling of the dainty meals which the streams afforded. Sometimes large parties Avould get together, and, having been provided with cooking utensils and facilities for camping out, would go off some distance and spend weeks together. No danger then of being ordered oH a man's premises or arrested for trespass. One of the peculiar circumstances that surrounded the early life of the pioneers was a strange loneliness. The solitude seemed almost to oppress them. Months would pass during which they would scarcely see a human face outside their own families. On occasions of special interest, such as election, holiday celebra- tions, or camp-meetings, it was nothing miusual for a few settlers who lived in the immediate neighborhood of the meetins: to entertain scores of those who had come from a distance. Rough and rude thouo-h the surroundino;s mav have been, the pioneers were none the less honest, sincere, hospitable and kind in their relations. It is true, as a rule, and of universal application, that there is a greater degree of real humanity among the pioneers of any country than there is when the country becomes old and rich. If there is an absence of refinement, that absence is more than compen- sated in the presence of generous hearts and truthful lives. They are bold, industrious and enterprising. Generally speaking, they are earnest thinkers, and possessed of a diversified fund of useful, prac- tical information. As a rule the}' do not arrive at a conclusion by means of a course of rational reasoning, but, nevertheless, have a queer Avay at getting at the facts. They hate cowards and shams of every kind, and above all things, falsehoods and deception, and cultivate an integrity which seldom permits them to prostitute themselves to a narrow policy of imposture. Such were the characteristics of the men and women who pioneered the way to the country of the Sacs and Foxes. A few of them yet remain, and although some of their descendants are among the wealthy and most substantial of the people of the county, they have not forgotten their old time hospitality and free and easy ways. In contrasting the present social affairs with pioneer times, one has well said : — " Then, if a house was to be raised, every man ' turned out,' and often the women, too, and while the men piled up the logs that fash- ioned the primitive dwelling-place, the women prepared the dinner. Sometimes it was cooked by big log fires near the site where the cabin was building ; in other cases it was prepared at the nearest cabin, and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 105 at the proper hour was carried to where the men were at work. If one man in the neighborhood killed a beef, a pig or a deer, everj^ other family in the neighborhood was sure to receive a piece. " We were all on an equality. Aristocratic feelings were unknown, and would not have been tolerated. What one had we all had, and that was the happiest period of my life. J3ut to-day, if you lean against a neighbor's shade tree he Avill charge you for it. If you are poor and fall sick, you may lie and suffer almost unnoticed and unattended, and probably go to the poor-house; and just as like as not the man who would report you to the authorities as a subject of county care would charge the county for making the report." Of the old settlers, some are still living in the county in the enjoy- ment of the fortunes they founded in early times, " having reaped an hundredfold." Nearly all, however, have passed away. A few of them have gone to the far West, and are still playing the part of pioneers. But wherever they may be, whatever fate may betide them, it is but truth to say that they were excellent men as a class, and have left a deep and enduring impression upon the county and the State. " They builded better than they knew." They were, of course, men of activity and energy, or they would never have de- cided to face the trials of pioneer life. The great majority of them were poor, but the lessons taught them in the early days were of such a character that few of them have remained so. They made their mistakes in business pursuits like other men. Scarcely one of them but allowed golden opportunities, for pecuniary profit, at least, to pass by unheeded. What now are some of the choicest farms in Randolph county were not taken up by the pioneers, who preferred land of very much less value. They have seen many of their prophesies fulfilled, and others come to naught. Whether they have attained the success they desired, their own hearts can tell. To one looking over the situation then, from the standpoint now, it certainly does not seem very cheering, and yet, from the testimony of some old pioneers, it was a most enjoyable time, and Ave of the present live in degenerate days. At that time it certainly would have been much more difficult for those old settlers to understand how it could be possible that sixty- five years hence the citizens of the present age of the county's pro- gress would be complaining of hard times and destitution, and that they themselves, perhaps, would be among that number, than it is now for us to appreciate how they could feel so cheerful and contented 106 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. with their meager means and humble lot of hardships and depriva- tions during those early pioneer days. The secret was, doubtless, that they lived within their means, however limited, not coveting more of luxury and comfort than their income would afford, and the natural result was prosperity and con- tentment, with always room for one more stranger at the fireside, and a cordial welcome to a place at their table for even the most hungry guest . Humanity, with all its ills, is, nevertheless, fortunately character- ized with remarkable flexibility, which enables it to accommodate itself to circumstances. After all, the secret of happiness lies in one's ability to accommodate himself to his surroundings. It is sometimes remarked that there were no places for public en- tertainment till latei' years. The truth is, there were many such places ; in fact, every cabin was a place of entertainment, and these hotels were sometimes crowded to their utmost capacity. On such occasions, when bedtime came, the first family would take the back part of the cabin, and so continue filling up by families until the limit was reached. The young men slept in the wagon outside. In the morn- ino", those nearest the do^r arose first and went outside to dress. Meals were served on the end of a wagon, and consisted of corn- bread, buttermilk, and fat pork, and occasionally coffee, to take away the morning chill. On Sundays, for a change, they had bread made of wheat "tramped out" on the ground by horses, cleaned with a sheet, and pounded by hand. This was the best the most fastidious could obtain, and this only one day in seven. Not a moment of time was lost. It was necessary that they should raise enough sod corn to take them through the coming winter, and also get as much breaking done as possible. They brought with them enough corn to give the horses an occasional feed, in order to keep them able for hard work, but in the main they had to live on prairie grass. The cattle got nothinof else than o-rass. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. An interesting comparison might be drawn between the conven- iences which now make the life of a farmer a comparatively easy one, and the almost total lack of such conveniences in early days. A brief description of the acommodations possessed by the tillers of the soil will now be given. Let the children of such illustrious sires draw their own corapari- HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 107 sons, and may the results of these comparisons silence the voice of complaint which so often is heard in the laild. The only plows they had at first were what they styled " bull plows." The mold-boards were generally of wood, but in some cases they were half wood and half iron. The man who had one of the latter description was looked upon as something of an aristocrat. But these old "bull plows" did good service, and they must be awarded the honor of first stirring the, soil of Kandolph county, as well as that of the oldest counties of this State. The amount of money which some farmers annually invest in agri- cultural implements would have kept the pioneer farmer in farming utensils during a whole lifetime. The pioneer farmer invested little money in such things, because he had little money to spare, and then again because the expensive machinery now used would not have been at all adapted to the requirements of pioneer farming. The " bull plow " was probably better suited to the fields abounding in stumps and roots than would the modern sulkey plowh^ive been, and Uie old- fashioned wheat cradle did better execution than would a modern harvester under like circumstances. The prairies were seldom settled till after the pioneer period, and that portion of the country which was the hardest to put under cultivation, and the most difficult to cultivate after it was improved, first was cultivated ; it was well for the country that such was the case, for the present generation, famil- iarized as it is with farming machinery of such complicated pattern, would scarcely undertake the clearing off of dense forests and culti- vating the ground with the kind of implements their fathers used, and which they would have to use for some kinds of work. MILLS AND TRADING POINTS. Notwithstanding the fact that some of the early settlers were ener- getic millwrights, who employed all their energy and what means they possessed, in erecting mills at a few of the many favorite mill- sites which abound in the county, yet going to mill in those days, when there were no roads, no bridges, no ferry boats, and scarcely any conveniences for traveling, was no small task, where so many rivers and treacherous streams were to be crossed, and such atrip was often attended with orreat dans-er to the traveler when these streams were swollen beyond their banks. But even under these circumstances, some of the more adventurous and more ingenious ones, in case of emergency, found the ways and means by which to cross the swollen 108 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. streams, and succeed in making the trip. At other times again, all attempts failed them, and they were compelled to remain at home un- til the waters subsided, and depend on the generosity of their fortunate neighbors. Some stories are related with regard to the danger, perils and hard- ships of forced travel to mills, and for provisions, which remind one of forced marches in military campaigns, and when we hear of the heroic and daring conduct of the hardy pioneers in procuring bread for their loved ones, we think that here were heroes more valiant than any of the renowned soldiers of ancient or modern times. During the first two years, and perhaps not until some time after- ward, there was not a public highway established and worked on which they could travel ; and as the settlers were generally far apart, and mills and trading points were at great distances, going from place to place was not only very tedious, but attended sometimes with great danger. Not a railroad had yet entered the State, and there Avas scarcely a thought in the minds of the people here of such a thing ever reaching the wild "West ; and, if thought of, people had no con- ception of what a revolution a railroad and telegraph line through the county would cause in its progress. Then there was no railroad in the United States, not a mile of track on the continent ; while now there are over 100,000 miles of railroad extending their trunks and branches in every direction over our land. Supplies in those days were obtained at Fayette and Glasgow. Mail was carried by horses and wagon transportation, and telegraph dispatches were transmitted by the memory and lips of emigrants coming in or strangers passing through. The first mill was built in the county in 1820, and was known as Hickman's mill. At first the mill only ground corn, which had to be sifted after it was ground, as there were no bolts in the mill. There was only one run of buhrs, which, as well as the mill irons, were brought from St. Louis. They were shipped up the Missouri river. The mill cost about $50. The mill had no gearing, the buhrs being located over the wheel, and running with the same velocity as the wheel. It was a frame mill, one story high, and had a capacity of 50 bushels a day. People came from far and near, attracted by the reports of the completion of the mill, with their grists, so that, for days before it was ready for work, the creek bottom was dotted over with hungry and patient men, waiting until it was ready to do their work, so that they might return with their meal and flour to supply their families, and those of their neighbors, thus enduring the hard- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 109 ships of camp life in those early days in order that they might be able to secnre the simple necessaries of life, devoid of all luxuries. HUNTING AND TRAPPING. The sports and means of recreation were not so numerous and varied among the early settlers as at present, but they were more enjoyable and invio-orating than now. Hunters nowadays would only be too glad to be able to find and en- joy their favorable opportunity for hunting and fishing, and even travel many miles, counting it rare pleasure to spend a few weeks on the water courses and wild prairies, in hunt and chase and fishing frolics. There were a good many excellent hunters here at an early day, who enjoyed the sport as well as any can at the present time. Wild animals of almost every species known in the wilds of the West were found in great abundance. The prairies and woods and streams and various bodies of water were all thickly inhabited before the white man came, and for sometime afterward. Although the Indians slew many of them, yet the natural law prevailed here as well as elsewhere — *' wild man and wild beast thrive together." Serpents were to be found in such large numbers, and of such im- mense size, that some stories told by the early settlers would be incredible were it not for the large array of concurrent testimony, which is to be had from the most authentic sources. Deer, turkeys, ducks, geese, squirrels, and various other kinds of choice game were plentiful, and to be had at the expense of killing only. The fur animals were abundant ; such as the otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, panther, fox, wolf, wild-cat and bear. An old resident of the county told us that, in 1809, while he was traveling a distance of six miles he saw as many as 73 deer, in herds of from six to ten. HUNTING BEE TREES. Another source of profitable recreation among the old settlers was that of hunting bees. The forests along the water courses were es- pecially prolific of bee trees. They were found in great numbers on the Chariton rivers and their confluents, and, in fact, on all the im- portant streams in the county. Many of the early settlers, during the late summer, would go into camp for days at a time, for the purpose of bunting and securing the honey of the wild bees, which was not only extremely rich and found in great abundance, but always commanded a good price in the home market. 110 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. The Indians have ever regarded the honey bee as the forerunner of the white man, while it is a conceded fact that the quail always follows the footprints of civilization. The following passage is found in the <' Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, in the year 1842, by Captain John C. Fremont," page 69 : — " Here on the summit, where the stillness was absolute, unbroken by any sound, and the solitude complete, we thought ourselves beyond the regions of animated life ; but while we were sitting on the rocks a solitary bee came winging its flight from the eastern valley and lit on the knee of one of the men. We pleased ourselves with the idea that he was the first of his species to cross the mountain barrier, a solitary pioneer to foretell the advance of civilization." Gregg, in his " Commerce of the Prairies," page 178, Vol. I., says : ♦♦ The honey bee appears to have emigrated exclusively from the east, as its march has been observed westward. The bee, among Western pioneers, is the proverbial precursor of the Anglo-American popula- tion. In fact, the aborigines of the frontier have generally corrobor- ated this statement, for they used to say that they knew the white man was not far behind when the bees appeared among them." There were other recreations, such as shooting matches and quilting parties, which prevailed in those days, and which were enjoyed to the fullest extent. The quilting parties were especially pleasant and agreeable to those who attended. The established rule in those days at these parties was to pay either one dollar in money or split one hundred rails during the course of the day. The men would generally split the rails, and the women w^ould remain in the house and do the quilting. After the day's work was done the night would be passed in dancing. AH the swains that there abide, With jigs and rural dance resort. When daylight came the music and dancing would cease, and the gal- lant young men would escort the fair ladies to their respective homes. \ TVOLVES. One of the oldest pioneers tells us that for several years after he came to what is now known as Randolph county the wolves were very numerous, and that he paid his taxes for many years in wolf scalps. His cabin was in the edge of the timber that skirted Sweet Spring HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Ill creek, and at night the howls of these animals were so loud and inces- sant that to sleep at times was almost impossible. Often at midnight, all " At once there rose so wild a yell, Within that dark and narrow dell, As all the fields from heaven that fell, Had pealed the banner cry of hell." At such times, the whole air seemed to be filled with the vibrations of their most infernal and diabolical music. The wolf was not only a midnight prowler here, but was seen in the day-time, singly or in packs, warily skulking upon the outskirts of a thicket, or sallying cau- tiously along the open path with a sneaking look of mingled cowardice and cruelty. CHAPTER III. EARLY RECORDS. First County Court — Its Proceedings — First Circuit Court — Early Marriages — First Recorded Will — Remarkable Deed — Public Buildings — First Court House — Second Court House — Third Court House — County Seat Question — Jails — County Poor Farm — Blanderman Smith. We plead guilty to possessing much of the antiquarian spirit, — " old wine, old books, old friends," are the best, you know. We love to sit at the feet of the venerable old pioneers of the country, and listen to the story of their early exploits, when the fire of youth beamed in their eyes, and the daring spirit of adventure quickened their pulses. How they fought with the savage Indians and prowl- ing beasts to wrest this goodly land from its primeval wilderness, as a rich heritage for the children to come after them ; how they hewed down the forests, turned " the stubborn glebe," watched and toiled, lost and triumphed, struggled against poverty and privation, to bring the country into subjection to civilization and enlightened progress, — all this has an absorbing interest to us. Much as modern literature delights us, we had rather talk an hour with one of these venerable gray-beards who are found here and there as the scattered repre- sentatives of a purer and more heroic age, than to revel in the most bewitching poem that ever flashed from the pen of a Byron or a Ten- nyson, or dream the time away in threading the mazes of the plot and imagery of the finest romance that ever was written. Moved by this kind of a spirit, we have been delving among the musty records of the county court, where we found many an interesting relic of the past history of the county, some of which we reproduce here. FIRST COUNTY COURT. 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 : — State of Missouri, ) o County of Randolph, ) At a county court begun and held, for and within the county afore- said, at the house of Blandermin Smith, the place appointed by law (112) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 113 for holding the courts of said county, James Head, Wm. 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 Kobert Wilson clerk ^;?'o tern, of this court. Ordered, That all applicants for office file with the clerk j9ro tern. their applications in writing. 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 Gov^ernor. Ordered, That court adjourn until to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Wm. Fort, Joseph M. Baker. SECOND day's proceedings. 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 Prairie township. The court then proceeded to divide the county into townships, as follows, viz. : The township of Silver Creek shall be bounded as fol- lows : Beginning at the south-west corner of Howard county ; thence running north with Randolph county line, to the township line, be- tween townships 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 township to the line dividing Randolph and Ralls counties ; thence south with said county line, to the Boone county line ; thence west with the line, dividing Randolph and Boone, and Randolph and Howard, to the be- ginnino;. The township of Salt Sprmg 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 north-west corner of the county ; thence east with the county line, to the range line be- tween ranges 14 and 15 ; thence south to the corner of Silver Creek township ; thence west with said line to the beginning. 114 ' HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 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- ern county line ; thence east to the north-east 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 j^art thereof. The court appoint Thomas J. Gorhani surveyor of the .county of Randolph, whereupon he entered into bond conditioned &,s the law directs, with satisfactory security. The court appoint Terry Bradley assessor for the county of Ran- dolph, for the year 1829, and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned as the law directs, in the penal sum of five hundred dollars, with Thomas Brad- ley and Benjamin 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 thou- sand dollars, with James Head and Terry Bradley as his securities, fort the faithful 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 bv the court. The court appoint Nathan Floyd constable of Prairie township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hundred dol- lars, 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 dol- lars, 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 hundred dollars, conditioned as the law directs, with Terry Bradley and Robert 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 of Randolph, as may be thought necessary. The court ap- point Robert Sconce, guardian of Luzetta Whelden, minor of John Whelden, deceased. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. l-l^ as the law directs, in the penalty of one thousand dollars, with John J. Turner, and Thomas J. Gorham as his securities, which were re- ceived by the court as sufficient. Ordered, That court adjourn until court in course. William Fort, Joseph M. Baker. second term special term. State of Missouri, ) County of Randolph, s , . , ^ r At a county court begun and held for and within the county afore- said, by special appointment on the first day of March, 1829 ; pi^esent William Fort and Joseph M. Baker, justices of said court. Kobert Wilson, clerk, and Hancock Jackson, sheriff. Ordered, By the court, that the temporary seat of justice tor 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 Silver Creek township, and George Burckhartt and Benjamin Hardin, for Prairie. , , * i -i „i/i The followino- gentlemen were appointed road overseers : Archibald Shoemaker, Blandermin Smith, Thomas Bradley, John Dysart, James Wells, Henry Lassiter, Mark Noble, William B. Thompkms, John Garshweiler, John M. Patton and Josiah Davis. The first county levy was made at the June term, and was ordered to be 50 per cent of the State levy, and in order to give some idea ot the kind of salaries our old-time officers received, it should be stated that the county assessor, Terry Bradley, - was allowed his account ot sixty-one dollars ^nA 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 beautifully less? The collector made settlement of his accounts for the county reve- nue November 3, 1829 ; it was as follows : — Resident list amounts to ^ Delinquent returned and allowed Allowed by law for collecting ^^ $21 45 116 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. • Leaving a balance of two hundred and thirty-two dolUirs 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. Shades of the past ! Just think of that for a delinquent tax list ! — one dollar and twenty-five cents ! Wh}'^, the printer's bill alone for publishing the delinquent list in this year of our Lord 1884, will amount to several hundred dollars, or fully three times the whole revenue of the county then ! In August, 1830, the county court njade 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 reas- onable terms. Robert Wilson was appointed commissioner of the county seat. William Goggin and Nancy, his wife, and Gideon Wright and Re- becca, 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 William 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 subscription, 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 assessing the county. FIRST CIRCUIT COURT. 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. The first circuit court within and for the county of Randolph, Avas 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 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 117 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, Jeremiah 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. These were all good men, of stern integrity, and we doubt whether a better jury could be selected now (1884) from the body of men in any county in the State. 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 positions in the councils of the State. Wilson and Gen. Clark were in the Congress of the United States, the former being a Senator. On March 11th, 1830, the following Indians were arrested and held in custody until a grand jury could be impaneled to pass upon the charges which had been preferred against them for murder : Big Neck or Great Walker, Walking Cloud or Pumpkin, the chief ; Brave Snake, Young Knight, and One-That-Don't-Care. On March 13th the grand jury sitting upon their cases made the following report : "After examining all the witnesses, and maturely considering the charges for which the Iowa Indians are now in confinement, we find theni^not guilty, and they are at once discharged," thus showing that even a savage Indian would not be punished for an alleged ofiense, unless the proof of their guilt was ample. Justice and right seemed to be the guiding stars of these pioneers ; and so true were they to these principles, that it could be said of them — "They were resolved, and steady to their trust, Inflexible to ill, and obstinately just." 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, Elisha McDaniel, John D. Reed, John Gross, James Cooley, John McCuUy, Dr. William Fort, Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd. 118 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. EARLY MARRIAGES. Cupid, the God of love, early manifested his presence in Eandolph county, as may be seen from the following verbatim copies of a few of the first recorded marriage certificates : — State of Missouri, County of Randolph. This is to certify that the undersigned, one of the justices of the peace, within and for the county aforesaid, did solemnize matrimony between Dulin Wright and Nancy Riley, of the county and State aforesaid, on the 23d of January, 1829. Blandermin Smith, J. P. Be it remembered that I, James Ratlifi", did, on the 26th day of February, 1829, in the county of Randolph, solemnize the rites of matrimony between William Roland and Sindy Boswell. Given under my hand, this, the 8th day of April, 1829. James Ratliff, M. G. State of Missouri, ) County of Randolph, s This is to certify that the undersigned justice of the peace, with- in and for the county aforesaid, on the 2d day of May, 1829, sol- emnized matrimony between Benjamin Hardister and Jane Jackson, of the county and State aforesaid. Blandermin Smith, J. P. State of Missouri, ) County of Randolph. 5 This is to certify that I did solemnize matrimony between Ebenezer Best and Catherine Wheldon, of the county and State aforesaid, on the 26th day of November, 1829. Blandermin Smith. J. P. State of Missouri, County of Randolph. This is to certify that, on the 2d day of October last, I solemnized the rite of matrimony between John Grooms and Ann Courtney. Given under my hand this 12th day of November, 1829. Samuel C. Davis. State of Missouri, > County of Randolph. 5 I, George Burckhartt, justice of the peace, for the county afore- said, certify, that on the 16th day of December, 18'29, I solemnized the vows of matrimony between Stephen N. Gowen and Gennetta Brooks in the county aforesaid. Certified under my hand and seal, this 13th day of January, 1830. George Burckhartt, J. P HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 119 I do certify that on the 25th day of December, 1829, I solemnized the ceremony of matrimony between William Phipp and Vinah Vestal, this 25th day of December, 1829. Given under my hand and seal. George W. Green, J. P. State of Missouri, County of Randolph. I do hereby certify, that on the 5th day of November, 1829, I joined together James Loe and Maria S. Hinde,as husband and wife. John Loe, J. P. State of Missouri, > County of Randolph. > I do hereby certify, that the rites of marriage w^ere legally sol- emnized between Alva Shoemaker and Sally Mullinick, this 29th day of November, 1829. Given under my hand this 24th day of March, 1830. Arch. Shoemaker, J. P. In 1829, 14 marriage certificates were recorded. In 1883, 230 marriage licenses were recorded. last will and testament. The following was the first will that was recorded in Randolph county. In the name of God, amen. I, Isam Rials, of Randolph county, in the State of Missouri, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the cer- tainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being de- sirous to settle my worldly afiairs, and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world, when it will please God to call me hence — do, therefore, make and publish, this, my last will and testament in man- ner and form following — that is to say: first and principally, I com- mit my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and my body to the earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my administrator, hereinafter named, after my debts are paid, and the death of my com- panion Martha, I devise and bequeath as follows : — I give and bequeath unto Joseph Rials, Polly Rials and Nancy Rials, my youngest children, all of the county of Randolph, Missouri, all the property that I am possessed of, both real and personal, to be equally divided among the three aforesaid heirs after my death, and the death of my wife, as hereinbefore named. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son, Joseph Rials, to be sole administrator of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made, ratifying and confirming this, and none other, to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal, this first day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty- nine. , • ^ '"'^^^ ^ Isam X Rials. < seal > „ mark. ( ) 120 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. REMARKABLE DEED. There is perhaps nothing in all the written records of this, or any other State in the Union, among all the recorded acts of men, that reads so strangely as the following deed, the grantee being no less a person than God, the Supreme Being. This indenture made and entered into this sixth day of June, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty, between Johnson Wright, and Eliza Jane his wife, of the county of Randolph, and the State of Mis- souri of the first part, and the government the chief administrator, King of Righteousness, the Sun, the Fountain of Life, to the Gen- eral Assembly and church of the first born, which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel, because he died for us — being in the county of Randolph and State of Missouri, to wit : The following tracts of land — the south-west qr. of the N. W. qr., also the north half of the south-west quarter of section twenty-eight, township fifty-six, range fifteen, containing one hundred and twenty acres of land, to have and to hold and its appur- tenances thereunto, and everything wherein there is breath or life. The first party, their heirs and assigns, do warrant and defend the title of said land, unto the second party, which is the Sun of Life, free and clear from all other claims by or through us or any other persons. In testimony whereunto, we, Johnson Wright and Eliza Jane, have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year above written. Johnson Wright, Eliza Jane Wright. The above instrument was acknowledged and may be found recorded in book '< H " of the circuit court office of Randolph county. PUBLIC buildings. Notwithstanding the fact that a large number, probably a majority of people in every county, have very little practical experience in courts, and although they have the legal capacity to sue and be sued, never improve their opportunities, and never appear in court, unless it be on compulsion as witnesses and jurors ; yet, as the one great conservator of peace, and as the final arbiter in case of individual or HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 221 neighborhood disputes, the court is distinguished above and apart from all and every other institution in the land, and not only the pro- ceedings of the court, but the place of holdino- court, is a matter of interest to the average reader. Not only so, but in many counties the court-house was the first, and usually the only public building in the county. The first court- houses were not very ehiborate buildings, to be sure, but they are enshrined in memories that the present can never know. Their uses were general rather than special, and so constantly were they in use, day and night, when the court was in session, and when it was not in session, for judicial, educational, religious and social purposes, that the doors of the old court-houses, like the gates of gospel grace, stood open night and day ; and the small amount in- vested in these old hewn logs and rough benches returned a much better rate of interest on the investment than do those stately piles of brick or granite, which have taken their places. The memorable court-house of early times was a house adapted to a variety of pur- poses, and had a career of great usefulness. School was taught, the Gospel was preached, and justice dispensed within its substantial walls. Then it served frequently as a resting place for weary travel- ers. And, indeed, its doors always swung on easy hinges. If the old settlers are to be believed, all the old court-houses, when first erected in this Western country, often rang on the pioneer Sabbath with a more stirring eloquence than that which enlivens the pulpit of the present time. Many of the earliest ministers officiated in their walls, and if they could but speak, they would doubtless tell many a strange tale of pioneer religion that is now lost forever. To those old court-houses, ministers came of different faiths, but all eager to expound the simple truths of the sublime and beautiful religion, and point out for comparisons the thorny path of duty, and the primrose way of dalliance. Often have those old walls given back the echoes of those who have sung the songs of Zion, and many a weary wanderer has had his heart moved to repentance thereby, more strongly than ever, by the strains of homel}'^ eloquence. With Mon- day morning, the old building changed in character, and men went thither, seeking not the justice of God, but the mercy of man. The scales were held with an even hand. Those who presided knew every man in the county, and they dealt out substantial justice, and the broad principles of natural equity prevailed. Children went there to school, and sat at the feet of teachers who knew little more than themselves; but, however humble the teacher's acquirements, he was 122 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. hailed as a wise man and a benefactor, and his lessons were heeded with attention. The old people of the settlement went there to discuss their own affairs, and learn from visiting attorneys the news from the great, busy world, so far away to the southward and eastward. In addition to the orderly assemblies which formerly gathered there, other meet- ings no less notable occurred. It was a sort of a forum, whither all classes of people went, for the purpose of loafing and gossiping and telling and hearing some new thing. As a general thing, the first court-house, after having served the purpose of its erection, and served that purpose well, is torn down and conveyed to the rear of some remote lot, and thereafter is made to serve the purpose of an obscure cow-stable on some dark alley. There is little of the romantic or poetic in the make up of Western society, and the old court-house, after the building of the new one, ceased to be regarded with reverence and awe. In a new country, where every energy of the people is necessarily employed in the prac- tical work of earning a living, and the always urgent and ever present question of bread and butter is up for solution, people cannot be ex- pected to devote much time to the poetic and ideal. It therefore fol- lows that nothino- was retained as a useless relic that could be turned to some utility ; but it is a shame that the people of modern times have such little reverence for the relics of former days. After these houses ceased to be available for business purposes they should have been preserved to have at least witnessed the semi-centennial of the county's history. It is sad, in their hurry to grow rich, so few even have a care for the work of their own hands. How many of the first settlers have preserved their first habitations? The sight of that humble cabin would be a source of much consolation in old age, as it reminded the owner of the trials and triumphs of other times, and its presence would go far toward reconciling the coming generation with their lot, when comparing its lowly appearance with the modern resi- dence whose extensive apartments are beginning to be too unpreten- tious for the enterprising and irrepressible " Young Americans." - FIRST COURT-HOUSE. 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 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 123 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. Many of the old citizens will remem- ber this old building as the scene of the greatest religious revival ever held in the county. This was in August, 1839, and the meeting was conducted by the distinguished and lamented A. P. Williams, in the immediate interest of the Baptist brotherhood, and continued about three weeks. The interest was intense, and a deep religious sentiment was then awakened that needs but a mere mention of the event now to thrill the pulses of those who were present. Crowds of people were here from all parts of the county, as well as from adjoining counties, and groups of praying believers and penitents could be seen in the groves contiguous to the town, making the air vocal with their songs and prayers. This building cost $2,400, and when it was con- demned and torn down in the winter of '58 or the spring of '59, the brick were purchased by the members of the Christian congregation in this place, and now do good service in their church building. They were honest men in those days, and made good brick. SECOND COURT-HOUSE. 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 immedi- ately taken to build another and a THIRD COURT-HOUSE, which 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 contractors, and James McGrath, of St. Louis, was the architect. The building is a two-story brick, contains eleven rooms, and cost about $35,000. It is surmounted with a dome of symmetrical proportions, which is seen for many miles in almost every direction from Huntsville. This dome contains a town clock, whose intonations can be heard distinctly within the corporate limits of the city. COUNTY SEAT QUESTION. In this connection and at this place we shall briefly refer to a ques- tion which has caused, as it always does, much bitterness of feeling — we mean the county-seat question — and shall simply give the vote of 124 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the county at the two different elections which have been held to test the sense of the people in reference thereto. The city of Moberly was the rival claimant for the county seat against Huntsville, the former and present seat of justice. The first contest upon the question of removal occurred in 1876, with the following result; For removal, 2,453; against removal, 2,271. The second and last contest took place in 1882, with the fol- lowing result: For removal, 3,481 ; against removal, 3,068. It required a two-thirds vote to remove the county seat. The second jail was erected in 1865, but was considered unsafe and torn down in 1871, the material being used in part for the construc- tion of the present jail, which is built of brick and stone. The front portion of the jail is brick, and is the residence of the jailer. COUNTY POOR FARM. The county poor farm is situated on the west half of the south-west quarter of section 31, township 54, range 14, and was purchased in March, 1878, from John H. Austin, for $2,000. The poor farm building is made of brick, and that, with outbuildings, afford room for about fifty paupers. [Note. — The Blandermiu Smith, referred to in this chapter, served for many years as justice of the peace, and was quite eccentric, but was a great stickler for justice, and was upright and honorable in all his dealings, and wanted everyone else to be so. Whenever a man was brought before hira, or had a case in his court, and he became satisfied that he was attempting to defraud, or take advantage of any technicality of the law, or evade the payment of his just debts, Uncle Blandy, as he was familiarly called, would show him no quarter; and many funny anecdotes are told in regard to his rulings and decisions. Among the many, it is told of him, and vouched for by living witnesses at the present day, that a tailor sued a dandy for the making of a eoat. The plea was put up by the defendant that the coat did not fit, and the cloth was spoiled; consequently he would not pay for it. The tailor proved the making of the coat, and the price charged was customary and usual. The defendant had several witnesses ready to prove that the coat did not fit, and was ruined. But Blandy did not wish, nor would he hear, any evidence in the matter; but had the coat sent for, requested the defendant to put it on, which he did, and after a careful examination of the man with his coat on, Blandy pronounced that it fit as well as some and not ae well as others, but upon the whole he thought it would answer his purpose very well. Therefore he gave judgment for the plaintiff for amount claimed and costs. The de- fendant and his attorney, of course, were very indignant at this summary way of deal- ing, and asked for an appeal ; but Uncle Blandy informed them that he granted no appeal in such plain cases, and would not yield. Consequently the defendant had to foot the bill. Many similar cases are told of this old gentleman. He aimed to decide cases by justice and hard common sense, and generally, it is said, made them pretty correct. — Publishers.] CHAPTER lY. TOWNSHIP SYSTEM AND GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. Original and Present Townships — County and Township Systems — Government Surveys — Organization of Townships — Physical Features. ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS. The county was originally divided into four townships, to wit : Silver Creek, Prairie, Salt River, and Sugar Creek. The townships of Chariton, Clifton, Salt Spring, Jackson, Cairo, Union and Moni- teau have since been added, making eleven municipal townships. Prairie is the largest, and occupies the south-eastern portion of the county. Jackson and Union are the smallest. Before proceeding any further, we deem it proper, since we are about to enter upon the history of the townships, to give some expla- nations of the county and township sj^stems and government surveys, as much depends in business and civil transactions upon county limits and county organizations. COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP SYSTEMS. With regard to the origin of dividing individual States into county and township organizations, which, in an important measure, should have the power and opportunity of transacting their own business and governing themselves, under the approval of, and subject to, the State and general government, of which they both form a part, we quote from Elijah M. Haines, who is considered good authority on the subject. In his *' Laws of Illinois, Relative to Township Organizations," he says : — " 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 own- ing the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a town were not at hand, the voters being thinly distributed over a great area. (125) 126 HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. *«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 per- mitted to conduct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might direct, Avas moreover consonant with their recollections or traditions of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of Eng- land, in descent from whom the Virginia gentlemen felt so much pride. In 1834 eight counties were 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 Carolina, 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 constitution 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 commission- ers in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly sessions. "During the period ending Avith the constitution of 1847, a large portion 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 themselves and the ordering of their own afiiiirs, and disposing of business in their own town,' therefore the ' freemen of every town- ship, 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 order- ino- of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders estab- lished by the general court.' HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 127 " 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 controlling 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. " 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 were limited only by the wisdom of the holders. " They made laws, ordered their execution by officers, tried and decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal regulations, and, in fact, did all the public 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 township organization, as experience proved its remarkable economy, efficiency and adaptation to the requirements of a free and intelligent people, became universal throughout New England, and went west- ward with the immigrants 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 Territory 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 bor- dering 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. 128 HISTORY OF RANDOLrH COUNTY. The counties first organized along the eastern borders of the State were oriven for a short time iurisdiction over the lands and settlements adjoining each on the west, until these localities became sufficiently settled to support organizations of their own. GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. No person can intelligently understand the history of a country without at the same time knowing its geography, and in order that a clear and correct idea of the geography of Randolph county may be obtained from the language already used in defining different localities and pieces of land, we insert herewith the plan of government surveys as given in Mr. E. A. Hickman's property map of Jackson county, Missouri : — <' 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. After the Revolutionary War, when these colonies were acknowledged independent States, all public domain within their boundaries was acknowledged to be the property of the colony within the bounds of which said domain was situated. " Virginia claimed all the north-western 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 north-west territory to the United States government. This took place in 1784 ; then all this north- west 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 . SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. Salt Spring, one of the original four townships of Randolph county, has a municipal existence coeval with the organization of the 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, tobacco, 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 wood lands it is 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, and some three miles south-west of Huntsville, on the line of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway, of a salt spring, or well, of considerable volume, at which, in the early history of the county, the pioneer settlers, by primitive processes, manufactured their sup- plies of salt. The first systematized salt works at this place were established and operated by Dr. William Fort, at a very early day, (208) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 209 who not only supplied the demand of the region immediately 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 that early day, this spring, or well, served not alone the purpose 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. Possibly it may serve a beneficial purpose to say right here that this salt spring is rapidly growing in local popularity, and attracts no inconsiderable number of casual visitors during the summer months. With an ade- quate expenditure of means in developing, improving and populariz- ing the place, it might be made an attractive and valuable adjunct of the township and county. This township is also well supplied with water, having the East fork of the Chariton river, with its several inferior tributaries, cutting it almost centrally from the north-east to the south-west, 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. In the matter of roads and bridges, the forecast and liberality of the county court have left the township nothing for reasonable complaint. As before stated, the proportion of land in the township open and cleared for cultivation, and that in timber, is about as two of the former to one of the latter ; and while frankness constrains the admission that the farmers, taken as a whole, are rather careless and untidy in their methods of farming, the lands are generous, and respond with kindly liberality to whatever labor and care are bestowed upon them. Taking any given five years together, it is believed the following esti- mates of the products of these lands, per acre, will be almost literally verified : An extra crop of corn, 60 bushels ; average, 40 bushels ; ex- tra of wheat, 30 bushels ; average, 20 bushels ; hay, average, 2 tons ; tobacco, average, 1,200 pounds. With the rapidly increasing use of improved agricultural appliances and the infusion of new blood and new ideas into the agricultural body, the latent force and susceptibility of these lands maj' be made to yield, not the necessaries of life only, but its wealth and luxuries, also, in most generous measure. In coal. Salt Spring township is rich beyond its sister townships of the county ; and from this source is now, and for several years has 210 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. been, realizing much profit. Of well developed coal workings, there are a half dozen within a radius of two miles of the court-house (four of them being within the corporate limits of Huntsville), and which, during the fall and winter, give employment to from 10 to 100 men each ; each, of course, working an inferior force during the summer months. 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. have drift mines, which are now consolidated under the management of Taylor & Bedford, E. S. Bedford, general manager. Altogether, these mines have a capacity of 78 cars per day. Woodward Coal Mining Co. have two banks. There are also the Huntsville Coal Mining Co. and the coal mines of Jones &, Green. As indicating the magnitude of their interests, we append some sta- tistics, drawn from authentic sources, and which may be relied on as literally accurate. From the Huntsville depot there were shipped over the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad to points re- mote, for the year ending the last day of December, 1878, partial pro- duct of these mines, 73,780 tons of coal. During the same period, coal mine No. 3, operated by the Huntsville Coal and Mining Co., loaded directly from the mines into the cars and shipped abroad 6,239 tons of coal. During the same period, coal mine No. 2V2, oper- ated by J. Bailey & Co., loaded directly from the mine and shipped abroad 2,400 tons of coal. The foregoing is exclusive of the local consumption of coal, which, it is safe to say, will fully reach 3,000 tons, possibly much more. Coal is shipped to Kansas City, Omaha, Council Bluffs and Kan- sas ; 380 men are employed in the different mines. And while the matter of the exports is in hand, we may as well make note of the tobacco and live stock exportations. Of tobacco there were shipped from the Huntsville depot during the year 1878, 1,848 hogsheads ; of horses and mules, 189 head ; of neat cattle, 521 head; of hogs, 1,754 head; of sheep, 800 head. During the same period there was brought to and distributed from the depot here, 4,798,894 pounds of freight, and passenger tickets sales made to the amount of $5,113.95. The township contains two flouring and four saw mills, in more or less active operation, and one woolen mill ; to which we may properly add one flouring mill erected in Huntsville. This mill, built by a non- resident, is well located, is a substantial structure, and contains three run of buhrs, two for wheat, and one for corn. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 211 In close proximity is the woolen mill, or manufactory, of Mr. John Sutliff, one of the most conspicuous and valuable of the local industries. The building is a large and substantial one of stone, and is thoroughly equipped with the best machinery. Erected a few years ago by a com- pany, it passed by sale to Mr. Sutliff, under whose experienced guid- ance it is now not only profitable to him, but positively a necessity of this entire region. Its annual consumption of wool is about 40,000 pounds, and its productions are cloths, jeans, satinets, flannels, lin- seys, tweeds, blankets, carpets and yarns. In the production of yarns for domestic knitting, this mill has practically superseded the spinning wheels of our mothers and grandmothers, fully two-thirds of the yarn so used in this county being supplied by Mr. Sutliff. The quality of his yarn productions will be appreciated when we say that fully two- thirds of it finds ready sale in Eastern markets. In connection with this establishment, and operated by the same power, Mr. Sutliff has a fully equipped saw mill, from which he turns out an annual average of 40,000 to 50,000 feet of lumber. As to the market values of real estate (fanning lands) in this town- ship, they have the usual range, depending upon soil, location, and improvement. Salt Spring will compare favorably with any toAvnship of the county or State. In the body of the township, outside of Hunts- ville, there are three churches with regularly worshipping congrega- tions, to wit: Pleasant Hill Regular Baptists, 40 members. The others are New Hope and Trinity, both Methodist, with large mem- berships. At Huntsville there are houses of worship, to wit : One Methodist (white), membership 75 ; one Baptist (white), membership 196; one Baptist (colored), membership 102 ; one Christian, mem- bership (approximately) 125. Of public school buildings, there are six in the township, exclusive of the two at Huntsville, These buildings are all of good class, judicially located, and adequately equipped. The schools are well taught, and generally well sustained. The Huntsville school build- ing (white) is a handsome and commodious structure, centrally and handsomely located. The colored school building is less com- modious, but ample for the requirements of the place. RANDOLPH CREAMERY. There is in successful operation, one mile west of Huntsville, an institution known as the Randolph Creamery, which was established in September, 1882, by R. E. Lewis, D. S. Benton, and E. S. Bod- ford, with a capital stock of $(5,500. This creamery makes 4,600 212 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. pounds of butter per month, which is marketed in St. Louis and New York. E. E. Lewis is president, and E. S. Bedford, vice-president and general manager. TOBACCO FACTORIES. There are three tobacco factories in Huntsville. Two of these are owned by W. T. Rutherford and E. E. Samuel, Jr., and the other by Miss Berenice Morrison, of St. Louis. Mr. Rutherford will handle about 400,000 pounds ; he employs from 100 to 125 hands. E. E. Sammel, Jr., is operating all of these factories, and will handle be- tween 400 and 450,000 pounds. He works from 175 to 200 hands. The tobacco put up in the Huntsville market is shipped to England, Ireland and Germany, as well as to the markets of the United States. Huntsville is the second largest leaf tobacco market in the State, and generally ships from two and a half to three millions of pounds per annum. The firm of Thomson, Lewis & Co., composed of James D. Thom- son, James W. Lewis and E. E. Samuel, have until the past year handled the largest part of the leaf tobacco grown in this market. The purchases of this firm last year amounted to three millions of pounds, one-third of this being bought in this market. Dealers here .sometimes sell to European buyers. One of the largest sales ever made here was made by Thomson, Lewis & Co. last year to London buyers, who purchased 300 hhds. at $50,000. There will probably be paid out the sum of $75,000 this year at Huntsville for tobacco, notwithstanding the present crop is light. Farmers are preparing for a large crop, and if the season is favorable there will be three millions of pounds handled alone in this market next year. The to- bacco of Randolph county commands a price equal to that produced anywhere in the United States, and is sought for by buyers all over the globe. Li 1880 the tobacco crop of Randolph amounted to $701,052. Chariton and Macon are the only counties in the State that produce more tobacco than Randolph. EARLY SETTLERS. The pioneers of Salt Spring township were generally from Kentucky, us will be seen from the list of names given below : From Kentucky came Henry Lassiter, Henry Winburn, Valentine Mays, Neal Murphy, Clark Skinner, Benjamin Skinner, Joseph M. Hammett, William Fray, Blandermin Smith, Robert Sconce, William Baker, Charles Baker, Joseph M. Baker, Christly Baker, Jeremiah Summers, Archi- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 213 bald 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 Sum- mers, 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 fol- lowing notice of his death, furnished by his son, Dr. John T. Fort, of Huntsville : — DEATH OF DR. WILLIAM FORT. Another of the strong and notable men of the pioneer life of Missouri 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 married 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 Common- wealth of which he was always so justly proud. He was a Democrat of the school of Jefierson and Jackson, and during 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. Dr. Fort was a man of the most exemplary private life ; took the right side of all the moral questions of the da}', and being fearless as well as discreet in the proclamation of his opinions, left the world the better that he had lived in it. Decided in his convictions of 214 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. public policy, he was conservative without being tame, and tolerant of opinions differing 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. HUNTSVILLE. Huntsville is beautifully located upon an elevated and healthful plateau, on the north side of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad. On the 5th of January, 1831, the first steps were taken towards locating the county seat at Huntsville, by the appointment of Robert Wilson as commissioner. The tract or tracts which comprised the original town were donated to the county by William Goggin, Gideon Wright, Daniel Hunt and Henry Winburn, and the county surveyor was immediately ordered to lay off the land and make a plat thereof. Each of these donations consisted of I2V2 acres, which formed an exact square, the dome of the new court-house being the centre. The town site now covers between seven and eight hundred acres. 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 following April, and included all of them with the exception of those from number 94 to 99 inclusive, reserved for court-house, lot 155 for jail lot, and also number 32, which it was then thought necessary to hold back for a market-house. This market-house lot was subsequently sold, and is the one on which stands the present residence of James B. Thompson. The highest price then paid for lots was $115, which was paid for the lot on which stands the brick store now occupied by M. Hey- mann, and the post-office stand, and also for the lot which is the present site of the Austin House. 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 county court when the town was located : 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. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 215 PIONEER BUSINESS MEN. The pioneer business men of the town 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. Garth 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 general 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 inspiring 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 ; O. 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 practice 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, where he now resides. 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 Wilson 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 afterwards 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 operated 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 north-western portion of the town. Here met the sporting men and lovers of the turf for several years, drawn hither at stated 9 216 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 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 centre 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 the 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 tem- ples, suited in magnificence to the great Being, to whom these will be dedicated. HUNTSVILLE IN OTHER DAYS. [From the Citizen.] By request we publish the following letter, outlining the proceedings of a celebration of the Huntsville Division of Sons of Temperance, in this place in 1848. It was published in the Glasgow Times of Octo- ber 12, 1848, together with the addresses to which it refers. Some of the gentlemen whose names are mentioned are still with us, and will no doubt cast their mind back over 30 years of their life and recognize the proceedings referred to : — Huntsville, Mo., Oct. 4, 1848. ^^ Gentlemen: — The undersigned were appointed a committee, by the Huntsville Division of the Sons of Temperance, to have the enclosed addresses delivered in this place on Thursday, the 28th September, the first celebration of the order in this place, published — and believ- ing as we do, that your paper is always open to any and every subject that may prove beneficial to the cause of humanity, we thought fit to impose upon your generous feelings, so far as to ask permission for the patriotic and noble sentiments inculcated in those addresses, a place in your columns, and to request other journals, favorable to the extension and advancement of the glorious cause of Temperance, to copy the same. These speeches were delivered by Miss Mary M. Lewis, on behalf of the ladies of Huntsville and vicinity, in present- ing a beautiful banner which was made for the order, and by John O. Oxley, in behalf of the Division. We would remark also, that on that occasion, a Bible was presented, and an excellent address from Mrs. M. M. Watts, and responded to by Mr. E. B. Cone, on behalf of the Division, which we will also send you in the course of a few days for publication. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 217 " Our celebration was everything to be desired. Besides the eloquent and masterly efforts by those who delivered the flag and Bible, and those who received them on behall" of the Division, the Rev. Mr. Simpson, from Glasgow, George H. Burckhartt and Dr. McLean, of Huntsville Division of the Sons of Temperance, delivered most able and inter- esting addresses. The cause is prospering finely here, and we hope will continue to prosper, until the Demon, Intemperance, is banished from our land of liberty. " Respectfully, your obedient servants, " W. R. Samuel, " W. M. Dameron, "F.M. M'Lean." IMPROVEMENTS. [From the Huntsville Herald.] During the year 1871 over one hundred thousand dollars were spent in permanent improvements by the people of the city of Huntsville, a partial list of which we give below, not having the data at hand for a full report, but the figures we give only fall a few hundred dollars short of the true amount given and we are fully satisfied $25,000 ad- ditional would not cover the whole expense of improvement in the one year of 1871. Our people are fully waked up to the importance of building a large town here, and now that the ball is set rolling they will keep it going. We have resources untold that need development, and it only requires a liberal expenditure of capital with judgment and eijergy to make our town one of the most important in North Missouri. Here are the names of the parties and the improvements they have made. The amount expended on the college looks large on paper, but we have a detailed statement of expenditures in this office to prove it cor- rect. Any doubting " Thomas " can walk in and examine it for him- self:— " Huntsville Woolen Mill building, $5,000 ; addition to college and boarding house, $19,000; Wm. SmTth's livery stable, $3,500; addi- tion to plow factory, $800; Sandison, Murry & Co., two stone store- houses, $5,500; Charles Allin, residence, $1,700; William Mayo, wagon and blacksmith shop, $225 ; W. H. Taylor, office, $600, re- pairs and improvements on his residence, $300; J. N. Taylor, im- provement on furniture store, $400 ; J. C. Shaefer, dwelling to rent, $1,100; improvements on residence of same, $100; Methodist Church South, new church, $6,000; Neal Holman, new dwelling, $1,000; J. R. Christian, barn and improvements on residence, $250 ; J. P. Klink, improvements on business house, $200; Archie Rutherford, dwelling to rent, $1,000; S. Y. Pitts, new dwelling, $3,500; Jno H. Austin, dwelling to rent, $475 ; Walter Adams, residence, $900; V. B. C:d- houn, residence, $1,200; S. M. Keebaugh, addition to store, $600; Mrs. Mary McCampbell, improvements on hotel, $325; J. R. Wisdom, house to rent and improvements on his store, $1,600 ; Mrs. Gillis, im- 218 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. provements on dwelling, $200 ; H. Woodbury, improvements on dwelling, $300; G. F. Eothwell, house to rent, $550; William Pil- ger, dwelling, $350 ; Huntsville Coal Company, shaft and other im- provements, $12,500; W. T. Rutherford, five dwelling houses to rent, $2,500 ; Taylor & Smothers, three houses to rent, $2,700 ; David Reese, two houses to rent, $850 ; Mr. Chas. McCarty, residence, $600; G. F. Rothwell, residence, $1,500; John B. Taylor, improve- ments on residence, $1,500; J, D. Hunt, residence, $525; T. D. Bogie, improvements on residence, $200 ; Mrs. Boulware, improve- ments on residence, $250; Will Doc Hunt, residence, $600; H. L. Rutherford, improvements on residence, $400; school-house for ne- groes, $540; Westley Elay, " dwelling, $1,100; James Chrisman, dwelling, $300 ; Nelson Carter, dwelling, $450 ; J. Hummons, dwell- ing, $450 ; J. Smith, dwelling, $300 ; David Morton, addition to resi- dence, $200; Beverly Lay, residence, $450; Easter Austin, residence, $300; L. Henderson, residence, $200 ; jail and jailor's residence, $8,000; Jane Walker, improvements on residence. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. [From the Herald.] On a Monday morning, in January, 1874, about one o'clock, fire was discovered issuing from the rear room of the grocery store of George T. Green, on Main street, in this place. The flames spread rapidly, and in a few minutes the house of Moses Heymaun, on the west, and the City Drug Store of Charles Semple & Co., Avere on fire, and were not long in being reduced to ruins. By this time a large crowd had gathered, and by the almost superhuman efforts of a few men the prog- ress of the flames was checked. The house of Mrs. Lewis, occupied by W. T. Jackson as a grocery store, the next store on the east from the drug store, was saved without material damage. The fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, as no fire had been in the store of Mr. Green since the Saturday night previous, and in the part of the building where the fire originated there was no stove or stove flue, and it is not known that there was any combustible sub- stance to create a fire. WHO OWNED THE HOUSES. The first house burned was the property of Mr. J. C. Shaefer. It was a two-story brick, brick front, about 40 feet deep by 21 feet wide, and had a wooden addition on the south end. It was insured in the Underwriters' Insurance Company of New York City for $1,500. The building is, of course, a total loss. The next house on the east was the property of James Wisdom. It was a two-story brick, about 40 feet deep, with a brick extension on the south. It was fitted up for a drug store, in a very complete manner, and was the best house for that purpose in the county. It was insured in the American Central, of St. Louis, for $2,500. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 219 On the corner stood the three-story brick which formerly belonged to the estate of John McCampbell, bnt which was purchased some time ago by Moses Heymann. This building was not insured, and is a total loss. HOW THE HOUSES WERE OCCUPIED. Moses Heymann occupied the first story of the corner building, as a dry goods and clothing store, and had on hand, he estimates, about 115,000 in stock, on which there was an insurance in the following companies: Equitable, of Nashville ; Fire and Marine, of St. Joseph, and Underwriters, of New York — aggregating $8,000. His stock was partially saved, but of course more or less damaged in removing. His losses will be heavy, but cannot yet be approximated in dollars and cents. The second story of this building was occupied by Mr. J. G. Bibb as a saddle and harness-maker's shop. His goods were nearly all saved, and, we understand, not badly damaged in handling. The third story was occupied as a Masonic hall, and the Huntsville Lodge and Huntsville Royal Arch Chapter each had all their regalia and other fixtures there, which are a total loss, as nothing w^as saved from this part of the building. The records of both Lodge and Chap- ter were fortunately not in the building, but the charter of each of the institutions was burned. The first story of the next building was occupied by George T. Green, as a family grocery store, and he had on hand a full stock of goods in his line. As the fire originated in his back room, only such goods as were in the front portion of the store were saved. His losses will be heavy. He was insured in the St. Joseph Fire and Marine In- surance Company for $2,000 on his stock. The second story was occupied by Col. Denny as a law office, in which he kept his books and a considerable amount of office furniture. His books were for- tunately saved, but his furniture and some valuable papers were burned. No insurance. The first story of the next building was occupied by Messrs. Charles Semple & Co. as a drug store, in which they had a very complete stock of drugs, etc. We understand that only about $500 worth of their stock was saved, as the oils, etc., in the rear of their store burned very rapidly. They are insured in the New York Home Insur- ance Company for $2,500. The second story of the building was occupied by Mr. Charles Semple as a dwelling. He succeeded in saving all his furniture and household goods, only losing a little clothing. This completes the occupancies of the buildings burned. The above covers the buildings that were burned and their occupancy. In addition to this the stocks were removed from the remaining buildings in the row, and were of course more or less damaged. W. T. Jackson is damaged three or four hundred on grocery stock. No insurance. The bank moved out their desks and other movable fixtures, but there was no particular damage to them. The liquors and fixtures of John R. Belsher's saloon were all moved out, and iu 220 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the effort to take care of them, the liquors were nearly all drank up. He lost nearly all his stock which falls heavy on him. G. W, Taylor's goods were all moved out into the street, and will be damaged to the amount of a thousand or fifteen hundred dollars, covered by insurance. The stoves and hardware of V. B. Calhoun were moved out, but the damage will be slight, as was also the saddlery of A. J. Ferguson, and the stores and hardware of H. P. Hunter, The law books and office furniture of John R. Christian were removed, and more or less damaged, as were those of I. P. Bibb. The total losses by the fire Avill not be far from $20,000, at a very moderate estimate. A number of our citizens worked faithfully to stop the ravages of the fire, among whom none deserve more praise than William and Neal Holman, and R. J. Flouruey, also a man named Fowler, from Sedalia, and another named elohn N. Brison, from Shelbina. The roof on the house of Dr. J. C. Oliver was torn off to stop the fire in case it got that far, but fortunately this was un- necessary. We cannot close this without saying that a number of ladies who live in town did heroic service in assisting to save the goods, for which they deserve great credit. There have been other fires in Huntsville, but none perhaps more destructive than the fire above mentioned. SUBSCRIPTION TO YELLOW FEVER SUFFERERS. The people of Huntsville, ever generous and alive to the calls of suffering humanity, met at the court-house, August 31, 1878, during the prevalence of yellow fever in the South, and contributed of their substance, as will be seen bv the followino: notice : — At a meeting at the court-house, on August 31, 1878, to devise ways and means to assist the suffering South, G. H. Burckhartt was elected chairman; Charles Allin, secretary; and W. R. Samuel, treasurer. Committee appointed and following sums subscribed by those present : W. T. Austin, $5 ; G. H. Burckhartt, $5 ; J. N. Taylor, $5 ; C. H. Hance, $5 ; William Smith, $5 ; W. H. Williams, $5 ; W. R. Samuel, $5; J. C. Oliver, $5; Charles Allin, $5; Dr. Dameron, $5; I. J. Loeb, $2 ; V. B. Calhoun, $1 ; John Swetnam, $2 ; W. Sandison, $2 ; A. J. Ferguson, $1 ; J. H. Simms, $1 ; Edward Jackson, $2 ; A. H. Waller, $1; V. M. Baker, $1; R. Flournoy, $1; C. H. Hammett, $2.50; W. C. Kirby, $1 ; Mrs. Gillis, 25c; total, $67.75. Collected by V. B. Calhoun: Thomas B. Reed, $10; Dr. A. L. Bibb, $1 ; J. G. Bibb, $1 ; J. D. Head, 50c; T. B. Minor, 25c; J. S. Vancleve, 25c; total, $13. Collected by V. M. Baker: C. D. Vase, 50c; J. D. Oliver, 25c; HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 221 J. M. Baker, 50c; G. W. Taylor, $1.50; Luther Cobb, 50c; total, $3.25. Collected by l*saac J. Loeb : William Sims, $1; A. Doffnir, 25c; M. Heymanii, 50c ; John Hunt, 25c ; L. B. Keebaiigh, 25c ; H. A. Clark, 25c; J. W. Hammett, $1 ; E. H. Hammett, 50c; J. Ashurst, 50c; Henry Burton, 50c; Thomas Herndon, 50c ; Charles Semple, 50c; Gray Lo wry, 50c; J. D. Moore, 50; John Vaughan, 25c; J. H. Smith, 50c; G. P. Dameron, 25c; Cash, 40c; J. H. Eeed, 25c; C. R. Ferguson, $2; H. L. Rutherford, 50c; J. G. Dameron, 25c; William Cave, 25c ; W. G. Lea, 25c ; George Malone, 25c ; F. M. Hammett, $2 ; W. T. Rutherford, $5 ; Jo. Kirby, 40c ; Robert Rains, 25c ; E. E. Samuel, 50c ; J. G. Baker, 50 ; J. Burk, 50c ; total, $21.30. Collected by Mrs. Elmore and Miss Kiernan : Dr. Kiernan, $1 ; Mrs. Eberle, 10c ; Mrs. Rebecca Rutherford, 50c ; Mrs. Denny, $1 ; Mrs. Gillis, 25c ; Rev. W. Penn, $1.50 ; T. D. Bogie, printing, $2.50 ; total, $6.85. Collected by J. H. Simms : Edward Stephenson, 50c; S. Harri- son, 25c ; J. A. Heether, 90c ; James Murry, $1 ; J. R. Belsher, 50c ; G. V. Wright, 50c ; W. Boniface, 25c ; J. N. Stewart, 50c ; W. T. Jackson, $1; C. B. Shaefer, 25c; G. W. Crutchfield, 25c; William Meyer, 25c; L. M. Hunt, $1; H. P. Hunt, 50c; A. Jordan, 25c; A. W. Scott, 25c ; A. Cox, 50c ; G. A. Wright, 25c ; N. J. Smothers, 50c; total, $9.40. Collected by W. H. Williams : A. P. Terrill, $5 ; A. J. Miller, $1 ; John Murry, $1.75 ; T. B. Kimbrough, $1 ; Thomas Elmore, $1 ; G. W. Keebaugh, $1 ; P. Y. Swetnam, $5 ; Jo. W. Taylor, $1 ; J. R. Christian, $1 ; H. Woodbury, $1 ; J. D. Hammett, $2 ; A. J. Rambury, 50c ; C. Boyd, $1 ; James Alderson, 50c ; H. Ficklin, 50c ; J. R. Terrill, $1; C. F. Rigg, $1; W. H. Taylor, $2.50; John H. Penny, $1 ; Joseph Allin, $1 ; W. A. Thomas, $1; W. B. Crutchfield, 50c ; W. G. Wilson, $1 ; J. R. Hull, 50c ; Miss Dunlap, 15c ; Mahlon Hix, $1; James Hardin, $1; I. P. Bibb, $1; E. P. Kirby, $5; total, $4i.90. Total at court-house, $67.75 ; collected by Williams, $41.90; col- lected by Calhoun, $13 ; collected by Baker, $3.25 ; collected by Mrs. Elmore, $6.85; collected by J. H. Simms, $9.40; collected by I. J. Loeb, $21.30; total, $163.45 ; deduct printing, $2.50; total $160.95. This sum was sent to Howard Association to be distributed where most needed. G. H. Burckhartt, president; Charles Allin, secretary; W. R. Samuel, treasurer. The 1. O. O. F. Lodge sent $15 in addition to the above. 222 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. BANKS AND BANKERS. The first banking enterprise in Huntsville was inangurated 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 follow- ing directors and stock-holders : F. M. Hammett, president ; James W. Hammett, vice-president; C. H. Hammett, cashier; B. F. Ham- mett, J. D. Hammett, W. R. Samuel, M. J. Sears, John R. Christian. The bank is supplied with a time-lock, and is in a flourishing condi- tion, as the following statement will show: — Official statement of the flnancial couditiou of J. M. Hammett & Co., at Huntsville, State of Missouri, at the close of business on the 31st day of December, 1883: Eesources — Loans undoubtedly good on personal or collatei'al security . . # 96,409 36 Loans and discounts undoubtedly good on real estate security . . 24,000 00 Overdrafts by solvent customers 10,095 36 Other bonds and stocks at their present cash market price . . . 3,450 00 Due from other banks, good on sight draft 8,3S1 00 Real estate at present cash market value \ , r,nn nn Furniture and fixtures J '"" Bills of National Banks and legal tender United States notes . . 12,987 00 Gold coin 3,000 00 Silver coin 2,4(!0 42 Total $164,983 14 Liabilities — Capital stock paid in $ 15,900 00 Surplus funds on hand 3,341 93 Deposits subject to draft — at sight 145,741 21 Total $164,983 14 State of Missouri, \ County of Randolph, j We, C. H. Hammett and James W. Hammett, two of the partners in or owners of said banking business, and each of us, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of our knov/Iege and belief. G. H. Hammett, J. W. Hammett. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 8th day of January, A. D. eighteen hun- dred and eighty-four. [l. s.] Witness my hand and notarial seal hereto affixed, at office in Huntsville, the date last aforesaid. (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring March 15th, 1887.) Will C. Kirby, Notary Public. SECRET ORDERS. 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 : HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 223 Edward Slater, Fleming Terrill, Thomas P. Coates. This lodge owns a hall equal to any similar institution to be found in any town not ex- ceeding 3,000 inhabitants. Huntsville Royal Arch Chapter No. 13 — Was chartered by the Grand R. A. Chapter of Missouri, May 23, 1849. Charter members : Priestly H. McBride, Edward Slater, William B. Giddings, N. B. Coates, Halstead, Garland Ried, John Grigler, James Shirley, Milton Bradley and others, whose names could not be obtained, the record having been destroyed by fire. Randolph Lodge No. 23, 1. 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. Number admitted to membership since organization, 258. Charter members were: Henry Bagwell, N. G. ; Thomas Adams, V. G. ; William M. Withers, S. ; George Gentry, T. ; William Ander- son.^ Present officers : Charles Cartwright, N. G. ; William Pool, V. G. ;. James Farquarson, S. ; J. H. Miller, Per. S. ; B. W. Malone, T. Term of office expires March 31, 1884. Huntsville Lodge No. 101, A. 0. U. W. — Organized in January, 1879. Charter members: Thomas D. Bogie, Will C. Kirby, H. G. Bourn, Joseph Allin, R,. E. Kiernan, August Doffnir, R. F. Poison, Charles H. Hance, V. M. Baker, William F. Meyer, D. T. Gentry. Officers : D. T. Gentry, P. M. W. ; T. D. Bogie, M. W. ; R. F. Pol- son, G. F. ; V. M. Baker, O. S. ; William F. Meyer, Guide ; Will C. Kirby, Recorder ; Joseph Allin, Financier ; C. H. Hance, R. ; H. G. Bourn, I. G. ; A. Doffnir; O. G. ; R. E. Kiernan, M. E. Trustees : R. E. Kiernan, M. D. ; T. D. Bogie, W. F. Meyer. The list of offi- cers for 1884 is : W. C. Kirby, P. M. W. ; T. M. Elmore, M. W. ; J. A. Heether, Gen. F. ; August Schunaman, O. V. S. ; J. M. Shaefer, Recorder; John R. Hull, Financier; William Meyer, Receiver; E. S. Bedford, Guide; T. L. Haggard, I. W. ; Moses Rothchild, O. W. ; A. Schunaman, William Meyer and T. M. Elmore, trustees. Huntsville Lodge No. 2589, K. of H. — Was organized October 24, 1881. The charter members were: J. W. Heist, L. V. Heether, J. P. Hurry, W. V. Hall, G. L. Alexander, J. H. Miller, J. W. Brook- ing, J. R. Belcher, F. T. Payne, W. C. Kirby, W. H. Balthis, S. C. Matlock, William Isles, J. A. Heether, E. S. Bedford, F. G. Parker, A. D. Asbell, F. P. Baird and Charles Sandison. The first officers in October, 1881, were: J. W. Heist, Dictator; W. V. 1 Father of " Bill " Anderson, the guerrilla chief in the War of 1861. 224 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Hall, p. Dictator ; L. V. Heether, Vice-Dictator ; J. P. Hurry, Assistant-Dictator; L. G. Alexander, Chaplain; J.Horace Miller, Eeporter ; J. W. Brooking, F. Reporter ; J. R. Belcher, Treasurer ; F. T. Payne, Guide; W. V. Hall, D. G. D. Present officers (1884): J. P. Hurry, D. ; J. W. Taylor, V. D. ; J. L. Chapman, A. D. ; E. E. Samuel, Jr., R. ; W. E. Wade, F. R. ; W. C. Kirby, Treasurer; J. C. Samuel, Chaplain; T. C. Jackson, Guide; Eugee Jackson, Guardian; R. E. Treloar, Sentinel; W. V. Hall, E. S. Bedford, J. H. Miller, Trustees ; E. S. Bedford, Rep. ; Alternate, J. Heist. BUILDING ASSOCIATION. The Huntsville Building and Loan Association was chartered February 17, 1882. The first officers were William Sandison, President; T. M. Elmore, Vice-President; C. H. Hammett, Treasurer ; J. C. Shaefer, Secretary. The same officers were con- tinued at the last annual election until February, 1885. The Associa- tion is in a good and flourishing condition. About 15 family residences have been built during its two years' existence by the aid of this association, and it is expected that as many, or more, will be built during the present year — 1884. PIONEER CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL. The Huntsville Baptist church (Missionary) was organized at the house of Brother Zephaniah Waldeu, near Huntsville, in August, 1837, with seven constituent members, to wit : Theophilus Eddine, Zephaniah Walden and wife, Mary Thomas, Martha Dameron, Ben- jamin 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 Charlotfesville, Va. Since then, nearly all the Baptist churches in the county have been organized by members dismissed from the Hunts- ville church. The present membership is 140. Present clerk, W. R. Samuel ; pastor, S. Y. Pitts. The first Sunday-school in the town or county was organized by J. C. Shaefer, in August, 1839, and has been successfully carried on without intermission to the present time. The present superintendent is W. R. Samuel. SEMPLe's opera HOUSE. This eleo-ant buildino; was finished in Februarv, 1884, and is the property of Charles Semple. The building has a frontage of 42 feet HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 225 on Court Square, and a depth of 90 feet, with 19 foot ceiling. The lower story of the building is divided into two store rooms, each 21 by 90 feet. The stage is 42 feet wide and 20 feet deep, and is supplied with drop curtains and fly-wings, which have been gotten up in the best style of the scenic art. The building is a monument to the good taste and liberality of Mr. Seniple, and a great credit to the city of Hunts ville. The builders of the Opera House were Frank and Jake Walsh, stone builders. The architect was Mr. E. Cook, of Moberly ; stage architect, W. O. Thomas ; scenic artists, W. O. Thomas & Co., of Kansas City; decorative artist, E. Viets, of Moberly; painter, E. W. Stradley, Huntsville ; cornice work, H. Wiles & Co., Kansas City ; iron work. Smith, Hill & Co., Quincy, III. ; plasterer, James Domm, Huntsville ; gas fitting, P. H. Nise, Moberly ; gas fixtures. Fay Gas Fixture Co., St. Louis and William Sandison, Huntsville; tin work and heaters, Holman & Payne, Huntsville. The carpeting, matting, and chairs were all special orders from St. Louis, and were obtained through the agency of Mr. John N. Taylor, of Huntsville. HUNTSVILLE BRASS BAND. This band was organized in November, 1883, and is composed of the following persons : J. P. Hurry, E. W. Taylor, J. W. Taylor, E. E. Samuel, B. E. Treloar, Philip Maniel, J. O. Simms, Eddie Cal- houn, Ed. St. Clair, M. A. Cooley, William Skinner, Prof. Jonahan Goetz. HOME DRAMATIC COMPANY gave its first public performance in January, 1884. The following are the members of this company: Prof. B. F. Heaton, J. M. Wright, H. L. Ellington, W. K. Smith, J. P. Hurry, Dr. W. B. Abbington, B. E. Treloar, Church Brooking, John McClary, D. P. Hall, Eugene Jackson, Mrs. V. B. Calhoun, Mrs. J. M. Wright, Miss Anna Sears, Miss Minnie Sears, Miss Dora Shaefer, Miss Ella Good- ding Miss Maggie Williams, Miss Annie Smith, Miss Jeffie Jones. This company, composed exclusively of home talent, has given two entertainments, which were largely attended and highly appreciated by the citizens of Huntsville. The first earnings of the company are to be used to pay for the town clock. HUNTSVILLE FLEMING RAKE AND STACKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY was formed in November, 1883, with a capital of $10,000, held by 22 stockholders. Its present officers are W. T. Rutherford, president ; T. M, Elmore, vice-president, and J. A. Swetnam, treasurer. This company, although it has been doing business but a few weeks, has 226 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. now 100 agents and 116 sub-agents in cliflferent States. Twenty-five men are employed, who make about 16 machines per day. 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, PRESENT MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN. W. V. Hall, mayor ; W. T. Rutherford, J. W. Hammett, Thomas M. Jones, G. M. Keebaugh, councilmen. CITY OFFICERS. G. M. Keebaugh, clerk; W. T. Rutherford, treasurer; A. M. Ellington, city attorney ; J. C. Shaefer, assessor ; T. C. Jackson, marshal. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 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 the new school building was erected. The building and grounds cost about $3,500 ; it is a two-story frame structure, and contains eight rooms. In 1877, Prof. M. C. McMellen took charge of the school as principal. The white pupils enrolled at that time numbered 225, and the colored 75. The present enrollment of white pupils numbers 350, colored pupils 125, showing an increase over the year 1877 of 145. Under the management of Prof. Benjamin F. Heaton, the accomplished and popular principal, the schools, both white and colored, are doing Avell. Prof. Heaton's aim, from the beg-innino; of his connection with the schools, has been to not only raise them to a higher grade, but to so conduct them that their utility would soon be recognized and acknowl- edged by all. HoAV well he has succeeded is seen in the interest which is now manifested upon the part of the citizens of Huntsville. The teachers are Prof. Benjamin F. Heaton, principal: Miss Bettie Reed, Miss Anna Sears, Miss Dora Bibb, Miss Dora Shaefer, Miss Bettie Kiernan. MOUNT PLEASANT COLLEGE. 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 buildinjrs at a cost of not less than $10,000. Acting on the advice of Hon. William A. Hall, to put the institution under the care and patronage of Mount Pleasant Baptist Association, a letter stating the above jDroposal, signed by William A. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 227 Hall, H. Austin and P.P. Ruby, in behalf of the citizens of Randolph county, was addressed to and accepted by the Association, and the institution took the name of the Association. Under this arrange- ment 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 Flood to proceed at once to secure the last named amount, and pledged himself to main- tain 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 character and reputation of the college. The war in 1861 crippled the resources of the school, by cutting off students, and a deficit of $580 in teachers' salaries was imposed, which failing to be met by the Association, the trustees of the college let it to President Rothwell, who, at his own risk, and mainly by his own effort, carried the collesre 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 Rothwell 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. 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 50 228 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 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 build- ing a similar institution of learning at Macon City, m the adjoining county, and within 30 miles of Huntsville, proposed to Macon As- sociation to consolidate upon Mount Pleasant College, offerinof 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. Roth- well, 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 havinsf 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 com- mittee 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 suc- ceeded President Rothwell. The war being over, confidence restored, and the times being prosperous and inviting, the college with other enterprises, 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 success- ful method of teaching, carried the college to its highest point of suc- cess. The question of repairs, additions and betterments (for the building had been used for military quarters during the war) now arose, and the terms, patronage and success of the school, and the earnest protestations of both Mount Pleasant and Macon Associations, seemed to demand and encourage immediate action in this direction. The trustees concluded to make ample improvement and additions, and to the main building added two 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 liber- ality 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 Hunts- ville for this purpose furnished $3,000 cash, by which with a loan on first mortgage, assisted by a loan of $3,500 endowment fund, secured by second mortgage on the building, it was completed. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 229 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 damag- ing 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, when 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 looking 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 vears, and Rev. M. J. Breaker, three years ; it instructed hosts of youths, turned out 109 graduates, blessed the cause of education, ele- vated the community, and demonstrated the co-education of the sexes, as the fittest and best. Rev. A. S. Worrell, D.D., succeeded Mr. Breaker, and was presi- dent of the college in 1880-81. Rev. James B. Weber succeeded Dr. 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 known as the (Wiley) Ferguson bequest. All other debts had been paid by the friends of the institution. The Ferguson bequest was secured by a mortgage on the building and grounds, and in order to pay this, the college and grounds were sold in 1883, and Avere pur- chased by the court-house building committee. There has been no special efi"ort to rebuild the institution, but it is hoped that steps will soon be taken in this direction, especially since the new court-house which was destroyed soon after the college, b}' fire also, has been completed. The college was one of the best and most 230 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. convenient school structures in tlie State. Besides closets and ward- robes, the entire building contained 14 large, airy rooms. Its working capacity was amply sufficient for 500 students. The board of directors and faculty at the time the college was burned down in 1882, was : H. T. Fort, President ; T. B. Kimbrough, Sec- retary ; W. K. Samuel, Treasurer; J. D. Brown, Stephen Connor, 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 in Mathematics and Latin; J. B. Weber, Acting Professor of Natural Science ; Mrs. A. E. Weber, Principal Preparatory and Primary Departments ; Mrs. M. E. Lasley, Principal of the Music Department. FEMALE COLLEGE MEETING. At a meeting of the citizens of Huntsville, held on Tuesday even- ing, March 8th, 185 — , for the purpose of taking into consideration the building of a Female College, W. R. Samuel, Esq., was called to preside over the meeting, and S. T. Morehead was appointed Sec- retary. Aleck Phipps, Esq., was called upon to explain the objects of the meeting, which he did in a brief and appropriate manner. Col. Barrows, of Macon City, was called upon and made a very in- teresting and earnest address in behalf of the cause of education, and the necessity of a Female College in this community. Mr. Overall, of Macon City; G. F. Rothwell and I. B. Porter were also called for, and responded in appropriate speeches. Capt. W. T. Austin then offered the following resolutions, which were adopted : — Resolved, 1. That while the Female College, proposed to be erected at Huntsville, by the citizens of Randolph and adjoining counties, is not designed to be sectarian in its 2:overnment and control, vet we be- lieve that the successful establishment of the proposed college demands that it be placed under the control of some religious denomination. Resolved, 2. That as the Baptist brethren have their Mount Pleas- ant College in Huntsville, Randolph county, the Presbyterian brethren their McGee College in Macon county, and the Methodist brethren their Central College in Howard county, we therefore do declare it to be the sense of this meeting that the proposed college would be more HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 231 conducive of success by placing said college under the control of the brethren of the Christian church. A motion was made and carried that a committee of four gentlemen and four ladies be appointed to solicit subscriptions for the proposed college. The chairman then appointed the following named gentle- men and ladies : — Gentlemen — W. T. Eutherford, M. J. Sears, Charles AUin, J. M. Baker. Ladies — Mrs. Annie Wisdom, Mrs. Goodding, Mrs. A. J. Fergu- son and Mrs. V. B. Calhoun. On motion the meeting adjourned until the following Monday even- ing. W. K. Samuel, President. S. T. MoREHEAD, Secretary. This college was never erected. AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 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 following includes the business and professions in Huntsville : Four dry goods and clothing stores, one newspaper, four groceries, two shoemakers, two meat markets, three tobacco factories, three wagon makers, four saloons, one tailor, one tobacco and cigar store, three carpenters, one furniture store, one barber, three millinery, two insurance agents, one bakery and tobacco, four ministers, one shoe store, five lawyers, two drug stores, five physicians, one bank, two dentists, two hardware, three hotels, one sewing machine, one restaurant and confectionery, two jewelers, three blacksmiths, one harness shop, one livery and feed stable, two flour mills, two saw mills, one woolen mill, one lumber and hardware. The population of the place is 2,000. 10 CHAPTEE XII. EARLY BENCH AND BAR. Introductory Remarks — Judge David Todd — Judge John F. Ryland — Hon. Joseph Davis — Gov. Thomas Reynolds — Gen. Robert Wilson — Gen. John B. Clark, Sr. — Robert W. Wells. Horace Greeley once said that the only good use a lawyer could be put to was hanging, and a great many other people entertain the same opinion. There may be cause for condemning the course of certain practitioners of the law, but the same may be said within the ranks of all other professions. Such men should not be criticised as lawyers, doctors, or the like, but rather as individuals who seek, through a pro- fession that is quite as essential to the welfare of the body politic, as the science of medicine is to that of the physical well being, or theology to the perfection of the moral nature, to carry out their nefarious and dishonest designs, which are usually for the rapid accumulation of money, although at times for far more evil and sinister purposes, and which are the instincts of naturally depraved and vicious natures. None of the professions stand alone in being thus afflicted. All suffer alike. The most holy and sacred offices have been prostituted to base uses. And it would be quite as unreasonable to hold the entire medi- cal fraternity in contempt for the malpractice and quackery of some of its unscrupulous members, or the church with its thousands of sin- cere and noble teachers and followers, in derision for the hypocrisy and deceit of the few, who simply use it as a cloak to conceal the in- tentions of a rotten heart and a corrupt nature, as to saddle upon a profession as great as either the shortcomings of some of its individual members. By a wise ordination of Providence, law and order govern every- thing in the vast and complex system of the universe. Law is every- thing — lawyers nothing. Law would still exist, though every one of its professors and teachers should perish from the face of the earth. And should such a thing occur, and a new race spring up, the first instinctive desire of its best men would be to bring order out of chaos by the enactment and promulgation of wise and beneficial laws. Law in the a1)stract is as much a component part of our planet as are the elements, earth, air, fire and water. In a concrete sense, as ap^Dlied (232) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 233 to the government of races, nations and people, it plays almost an equally important part. Indeed, so grand is the science and so noble are the objects sought to be accomplished through it, that it has in- spired some of the best and greatest men of ancient and modern times to an investigation and study of its principles ; and in the long line of great names handed down to us from the dim and shadowy portals of the past, quite as many great men will be found enrolled as members of the legal profession as in any of the others, and owe their greatness to a sound knowledge of the principles of law, and a strict and impar- tial application of them, Draco, among the first and greatest of Athenian law-givers, was hailed as the deliverer of those people because of his enacting laws and enforcing them for the prevention of vice and crime, and looking to the protection of the masses from oppression and lawlessness. It is true that many of the penalties he attached to the violation of the law were severe, and even barbarous, but this severity proceeded from an honorable nature, with an earnest desire to improve the condition of his fellow-men. Triptolemus, his contemporary, proclaimed as laws : "Honor your parents, worship the gods, hurt not animals." Solon, perhaps the wisest and greatest of them all, a man of remarkable purity of life and noble impulses, whose moral character was so great, and conviction as to the public good so strong, that he could and did refuse supreme and despotic power when thrust upon him, thus replied to the sneers of his friends : — Nor wisdom's plan, nor deep laid policy, Can Solon boast. For, when its noble blessings Heaven poured into his lap, he spurned them from him. Where were his sense and spirit, when enclosed He found the choicest prey, nor deigned to draw it? Who to command fair Athens but one day Would not himself, with all his race, have fallen Contented on the morrow? What is true of one nation or race in this particular is true of all, viz. : that the wisest and greatest of all law-makers and lawyers have always been pure and good men, perhaps the most notable exceptions being Justinian and Tribonianus. Their sfreat learning; and wisdom enabled them to rear as their everlasting monument the Pandects and Justinian Code, which, however, they sadly defaced by the immoralities and excesses of their private lives. Among the revered and modern nations will be found, conspicuous for their great services to their fellows, innumerable lawyers. To the Frenchman the mention of the 234 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. names of Tronchet, Le Brun, Portalis, Roederer and Thibaudeau excites a thrill of pride, of greatness, and of gratitude for theit good- ness. What Englishman, or American either, but that takes just pride in the splendid reputation and character of the long line of England's loyal lawyer sons? The Bacons, father and son, who, with Lord Bur- leigh, were selected by England's greatest queen to administer the affairs of state, and Somers and Hardwicke, Cowper and Dunning, Elden, Blackstone, Coke, Stowell and Curran, who, with all the bold- ness of a giant and eloquence of Demosthenes, struck such vigorous blows against kingly tyranny and oppression ; and Erskine and Mans- field and a score of others. These are the men who form the criterion by which the profession should be judged. And in our own country have we not names among the dead as sacred and among the living as dear? In the bright pages of the history of a country, founded for the sole benefit of the people, and all kinds of people, who, more than our lawyers, are recorded as assisting in its formation, preservation, and working for its perpetuity? The American will ever turn with special pride to the great Web- ster, Rufus Choate, William Wirt, Taney, Marshall, and a hundred others, who reflected the greatest honor upon the profession in our own country. And among the truest and best sons of Missouri are her lawyers, and even in the good old county of Randolph, some of her most highly esteemed and most responsible citizens are members of this noble profession. The following sketches include only some of the earliest attorneys, who either presided upon the bench or practiced at the bar of the Randolph circuit court : — JUDGE DAVID TODD. Judge Todd presided over the first circuit court that was held in Randolph county, in 1829. Few of the early judges of Missouri were better known than him. He was a native of Kentucky, and was born about the year 1790, in Fayette county. He came to Missouri at an early day, and located in Old Franklin, in Howard county, where he had to contend with such men as Judge Leonard, Charles French, Gov. Hamilton R. Gamble, and others no less distinguished as eminent lawyers and jurists. He was appointed judge of the Howard circuit, which afterwards included Randolph county ; he was an impartial, conscientious, and upright judge. He died in Columbia, Boone county, Missouri, in 1859. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 235 JUDGE JOHN F. RYLAND. King and Queen county, Virginia, was the birthplace of Judge Ryland — that event occurring in November, 1797. He also settled in Old Franklin, in the year 1819, and practiced law until 1830, when he was appointed judge of the sixth judicial circuit. In 1848 he was appointed judge of the supreme court. He died in 1873. He was one of God's noblemen, and bore the judicial robe with a dig- nity suited to the high and responsible position — neither strained nor assumed, but easy, natural, and commanding. Judge Ryland was one of the lawyers who appeared at the Randolph county bar in 1829, the year before he was appointed judge of the sixth district. HON. JOSEPH DAVIS. He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, in January, 1804, and came with his parents to Missouri in 1818, and settled near Fayette, in Howard county. He was a clerk in the land office at Old Frank- lin — pursued the study of his profession a part of the time with Gen. John Wilson, and the remainder with Edward Bates, of St. Louis. He first opened an office in Old Franklin, but afterwards moved to Fayette. He was one of the commissioners to lay out a road from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was made colonel of a reo-iment in the Indian War, and commanded a brigade in the Morman difficulties. He served in the Legislature from 1844 to 1864, and died in October, 1871. GEN. ROBERT WILSON. In November, 1796, near Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, Gen. Robert Wilson was born. In the spring of 1820, he located at Old Franklin. After the removal of the county seat of Howard county to Fayette, he located there. He was appointed probate judge of Howard county in 1823. About 1829 he was appointed clerk of the circuit and county courts of Randolph county. He was appointed brigadier-general of militia in 1838. He was a member of the Leg- islature in 1844-5, and soon after, of the State Senate. He was a member of the Constitutional convention in 1861, and a member of the U. S. Senate in 1862. His death occurred in St. Joseph, Mo. GEN. JOHN B. CLARK, SR. Among the many distinguished professional men of the early bar of the Western country was the subject of this sketch, who still survives at his home in Fayette, Missouri, at the advanced age of 82 years. 236 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1802, and came with his father's family to Howard county, Missouri, in 1818. He was appointed clerk of the Howard county court in 1823 ; elected captain of militia in 1823 ; colonel in 1825 ; participated in the Indian War in 1829 ; in the Black Hawk War in 1832 ; was twice wounded ; elected brigadier-general of militia in 1830, and ma]'or-genei;al in 1836. In 1849 he was elected to the Legislature ; in 1854, elected to Congress, whither he went for three successive terms. He became brigadier-general in the Southern army in the War of 1861, and was a member of the Confederate Congress and Senate. The General even now (1884) possesses a strong mind and vigorous mem- ory, and were it not for the fact that he is blind, he would still be an active man. During many years of his eventful life, he was one of the most prominent Whig politicians of Missouri, and made in behalf of his party some of the ablest and most aggressive campaigns ever made in the State. He has affiliated with the Democratic party since 1854. As a lawyer. Gen. Clark was very successful, and was always strong before a jury. ^ ROBERT W. WELLS. As Mr, Wells was the first prosecuting attorney who appeared be- fore the Eandolph county circuit court, we shall present in this chapter a sketch of his life. We are conscious, however, that any sketch of the early life and career of this able jurist and long tried public servant which may be prepared from the scanty material on hand, must necessarily be very imperfect. He was a son of Richard Wells, of Winchester, Virginia, and was born there in 1795. The impression that his education was classical and thorough seems to have been generally entertained, but the con- trary is true, for the only school he ever attended was an ordinary common-field school, such as prevailed at that early day throughout the Old Dominion. None but wealthy planters and gentlemen of fortune were able to send their sons to a college, and as Richard Wells did not fall within either of these classes, he was forced, from necessity, to deny his son the benefits of a liberal education. But he instilled into his young mind the necessity of self-exertion, and en- couraged him by pointing to the brilliant career of many self-made men, who had attained the highest distinction in the various pursuits of life, with no adventitious circumstances to aid them. Young Wells was fond of his books, being a constant reader, and with the assistance HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 237 of such translations of ancient authors as fell in his way, he acquired a fair knowledge of the classics. He must have studied Latin under some private tutor — most probably about the time he was preparing himself for admission to the bar — for in after years, in his large library, many Latin works were found, which bore evidences of much use, with marginal notes and references in his own handwriting. When he reached his nineteenth or twentieth year, he entered upon the study of law with Judge Vinton, of Marietta, Ohio, and nearly completed his studies with that gentleman. He then came to Mis- souri and commenced his professional life at St. Charles. This was during our Territorial government, and was probably as early as 1818 or 1819, if not before that time, for upon the admission of the State into the Union he had acquired considerable practice, and was appointed prosecuting attorney in the St. Charles circuit, embracing St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike, Kails and other counties. Judge Rufus Pettibone was the judge of the circuit, and the first appointed under the State government. The political trouble growing out of the admission of Missouri, formed one of the most exciting and important epochs in our nation's history, and came very near precipitating us in a bloody revolution. Some of the strongest articles which appeared upon that subject in the Missouri press were attributed to the pen of Mr. Wells. He was certainly a writer of more than ordinary ability. We are unable to state how long he filled the office of circuit attorney, but most proba- bly until the time he was appointed Attorney-General of the State, which was January 21, 1826. This responsible and highly honorable office, which had previously been filled by Edward Bates and Rufus Easton, was held by Mr. Wells for a period of ten years. It was no sinecure, for the Attorney-General was ex-officio reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court, Prosecuting Attorney for the Cole Circuit, superin- tendent of common schools, one of the Advisory Board of the Peni- tentiary, and legal adviser of the Legislature, Governor and all other State officers. The long period for which his services were retained is the best evidence of his diligent and faithful discharge of the com- plicated and laborious duties of the office. Upon retiring from the office of Attorney-General he was appointed Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Missouri, and continued in this position until his death, which occurred April 2, 1865, at Bowling Green, Ky., while on a visit to his married daugh- ter. He had nearly reached his seventieth year. Judge Wells was twice married, the first time in 1832 to a daughter of Major Elias Barcroft, of St. Louis county. Major Barcroft was 238 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. State Auditor from 1823 to 1833. By this marriage he had a son and two daughters. A few years after the death of his first wife, in June, 1840, he married Miss Covington, of Lexington, Ky., a very estima- ble lady, who was living in 1878, and by this marriage he had two daughters. One of his daughters, by his first marriage, married Gen. Monroe Parsons, who was waylaid and murdered by Mexican outlaws. Though a slave-holder during most of his life, Judge Wells became satisfied that the institution became a stumbling block in the progress of this State, and at a very early time advocated a gradual system of emanciiDation. With him it was a question of interest, for he had no prejudices to encounter in opposition to slavery. He saw no hope for the development of our agricultural and mineral resources except through free labor and capital, neither of which would en- counter slave labor. With him, therefore, it was a question of dollars and cents, of local interest, and he was ready to adopt any policy which, in his judgment, would invite immigration, labor and capital. In 1845 a State convention was called to revise the constitution, and Judge Wells was elected a delegate from the Cole Senatorial Dis- trict, and upon the reassembling of the convention was selected as its presiding officer. During the session he made several speeches, evinc- ing much knowledge of constitutional law. He was a close, logical reasoner, and always secured the full attention of his hearers, but he had but few of the elements of oratory. His voice was sharp, shrill, and effeminate, and he was anything but graceful in his gestures or delivery. He never spoke without ample preparation, and was happy and effective in his illustrations. A constitution was framed and submitted to a vote of the people, but, by reason of one or two unfortunate provisions, became ob- noxious, and was rejected at the polls. Judge Wells was a consistent Democrat through life, and though not a man who had many warm personal friends, was greatly admired for his general learning and legal erudition. He intended, after completing his visit to his daughter in Kentucky, to spend a few months in the East to recruit his health, but he never left her house alive. As soon as his death was telegraphed to St. Louis a bar meeting was held in the city and appropriate resolutions adopted, eulogistic of his character as a man and as a jurist. These resolutions were spread upon the records of the Federal and State courts held in St. Louis. A committee was also appointed to receive his remains at the depot, on the opposite side of the river, and to escort them through St. Louis on their way to Jefferson City. The bar of Cole county also assembled and paid a suitable tribute to his memory. CHAPTEK XIII. CRIMES, SUICIDES, INCIDENTS. First and Second Executions which occurred in the County under Sentence of Law — Melancholy Affair— A Man Shot and Killed near Moberly— The Murder— Peter Casper — Woman Shot and Man Hung — Railroad Collision — The last of Corlew, l^e Ravisher — James Hayden Brown Pays the Penalty of his Crime — Brown's Wife Commits Suicide — Murder most Foul — Distressing Fatal Accident — James A. Wright Commits Suicide. There have been but three legal executions in Randolph county. As a community, the people of the county are as law-abiding in their character as the people of any county in the State. Yet there have been many crimes committed within her borders, a full and complete history of which would occupy too much space in our book for record. We have, therefore, recorded only some of the most prominent of these, including a few suicides, believing that a perusal of the same will be of great interest to the reader. The first man who was executed iu the county, under sentence of law, was George Bruce, a slave, for killing his master Benjamin Bruce. The next person was John Owens, a free negro. Both of the above named persons were hanged between the years 1853 and 1860. A MELANCHOLY AFFAIR. [From the Citizen of 1861.] Perhaps there is no feature more alarming in our social history than the rapid increase of the mania for self-destruction. Within the last few years it has been reaping a rich harvest of victims, and the com- munities are rare which can plead a total exemption from the effects of this fatal delusion. It becomes our painful duty to chronicle a case which has just occurred in our own county, the facts of which are about as follows : Mr. Robert Trimble, an old gentlemen, some 75 or 80 years of age, possessed of a fine property, surrounded by a respectable family of sons and daughters, and enjoying the respect and esteem of all his neighbors, was found dead, on Saturday last, suspended to a limb of an oak tree near a small ravine in a Mr. Baker's field, about two miles south of Durkville, in this county. When found, a rope was twisted tightly about his neck ; he was on his knees, and no marks of violence were perceivable. (239) 240 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Coroner Calhoun, on being notified of the sad occurrence, promptly repaired to the scene Sunday morning, and proceeded to hold an inquest. The verdict rendered was, in substance, that the deceased came to his death by his own act by hanging. We append the testi- mony elicted at the inquest, from which it will be seen that the old gentleman had been laboring under some mental derangement, super- induced, perhaps, by a severe chronic affliction, and had repeatedly meditated self-destruction before the rash act was finally consum- mated. It is truly a melancholy affair, and the surviving relatives have our deepest sympathy in their great sorrow. THSTIMONY AT THE INQUEST. G. W. Chapman, of lawful age, being sworn, said: I went with Mr. Trimble, Mr. Waters and Mrs. Wright to hunt Mr. Kobert Trimble. We found him in a branch on the farm of Mr. A. Baker; found him dead with a rope around his neck, and attached to a limb above his head ; appeared to have been strangled to death ; we found him on his knees; no marks of violence perceivable ; I think he came to his death by the rope ; it was tight around his neck ; I helped to take the body down, and helped to bring him to Mrs. Wright's house. E. Waters, of lawful age, being duly sworn, said : I was out on the hunt of Mr. Trimble with Preston Wright, E. H. Trimble and George W. Chapman. We found him in a branch in A. Baker's field ; he was hanging on a limb ; I helped to take him down and put him in a wao;on. E. H. Trimble, of lawful age, being duly sworn, said : My father has been sufiering for some years with chronic diarrhoea, and for the last five or six months has shown repeated signs of a deranged mind, more especially in regard to his financial matters. He has lived with me the greater portion of the time since the 15th of Ma}^ and on several occasions has talked of putting an end to himself, which gave me a great deal of uneasiness when he was not in my sight. I was with E. Waters, Preston Wright and George W. Chapman. We found him suspended to a limb by a rope around his neck, to a burr oak tree in a small ravine, in A. Baker's field. I have no doubt but that he came to his death at his own hands. I was present when he was removed. I never knew him to attempt to commit suicide before. There were no other tracks discernable about where he was hung. We found him by his tracks. Mrs. Eliza J. Wright, being of lawful age, and duly sworn, said: My father has been staying with me for the last two weeks. I heard him say several times that he wished he was dead, and that he thought it best to kill himself. Last Wednesday morning he went up stairs and got his pistol and stepped out, and I went up stairs to see if his pistol was gone, and found it was. 1 saw him up in the field, and I ran and called him, and he answered. I managed to get the pistol away, and locked it up. He slipped out yesterday a little after three o'clock. I was not very uneasy as I knew he had no weapons. I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 241 never thought about a rope. They all hunted, and reported his absence until about twelve o'clock last night. I went with them to fetch him home after they had found him. He did not say what he was going to do with his pistol, but I believe that he was going to kill himself, and if I had not run and called him, I believe that he would have performed the deed then. I have reason to believe he wanted to kill himself. He showed no sign of self-destruction yesterday until he was missing. I have been watching him heretofore, suspecting that he wanted to kill himself, and I believe he came to his death of his own accord. A MAN SHOT AND KILLED NEAR MOBERLY. [From the Citizen.] On Sunday morning last, 1869, near the residence of John A. McDaniel, Esq., in the neighborhood of Moberly, in this county, John Duggan, a laborer on the Hannibal and Moberly Railroad, came to his death under the following circumstances : He had been loiter- ing around Mr. McDaniel's house for several days, apparently crazy, and on Sunday morning his movements were such as to occasion some alarm, and Mr. McD. determined to have him arrested, and started to Moberly for an officer, charging his sons (two little boys) to keep a watch upon Duggan until his return with the officer. The boys went to a neighbor's house and called upon George Boyd, a young man employed in the neighborhood, to come and assist them, telling him to bring a gun, as it might be needed to defend themselves. The boys returned, when Duggan made for them with a stick. The boys ran (McDaniel's sous in front), and Boyd, with his gun, between them and Duggan. The latter continued to gain upon them, when Boyd stopped, and after repeatedly halting Duggan and warning him that he would hurt him, fired upon him, the shot taking fatal effect. Mr. McDaniel heard the report of the gun, when about a half mile on his way, and returned to find Duggan dead. Coroner Calhoun, of this place, was sent for to hold an inquest, by which these facts were elicited. Boyd surrendered himself to a justice of the peace at Mo- berly and was discharged. Duggan is said to have been indulging strongly in liquor for several days, and his insanity was attributable to this cause. It is reporte^l he leaves a family in St. Louis. A MURDER. Editor Citizen : I feel it a duty I owe to the citizens of Randolph, and perhaps kindred and friends, to give an account of such a scene of horror as never occurred before in our community, to my recollec- tion . On the 22d of May, 1870, a man was found dead in the neighbor- hood of Mrs. Betsy Elliott's, in this county. The way in which he was discovered was by the stench that came from his body. Two of Mrs. Elliott's sons walked out from the house to see about something 242 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. pertaining to their business, when they were arrested by a very offen- sive smell, which caused them to examine from whence it came, and upon examination found the body of a strange man concealed in a tree-top. One of the boys immediately repaired to the residence of M. H. Rice, a justice of the peace, and the justice, supposing that the body found was over 10 miles distant from the coroner of the county, issued his writ commanding the constable of Chariton town- ship to summon a jury to hold an inquest on the body of the deceased, and after the jury was sworn and received their charge, they brought in the following verdict : — *' We, the undersigned, a jury summoned to hold an inquestupon the body of an unknown man found dead near the premises of Mrs. Elli- ott, find that the deceased came to his death by being murdered by some unknown person or persons. As revealed by n post moi'letn ex- amination, his skull had been broken in five different places ; no other marks of violence were found on his body, and he is supposed to have been dead some 10 or 15 days. " Mc. B. Broaddus, Henry Brogan, " A. M. Brogan, George Summers, «' H. F. Dennis, David Wright, " Robert Terrill, M. D." Since this thing has come to light in the shape that it has, it has caused considerable excitement, from an occurrence that took place in the neighborhood somewhere about the 12th of this month. In the evening of that day a two-horse wagon, with one man in sight (it is supposed there were more in the wagon, but they could not be seen, as it was covered), passed through Darkville about dusk and inquired the way to Macon City. They were directed to that place. The next we hear of them is at Hugh Trimble's, where they stopped and asked him if he could tell them where a man by the name of Frank Davis lived, telling Mr. Trimble that he had sold Mr. Davis a piece of land, and that Davis had sent him word that. if he would come and see him he would pay him (the traveler) some money on the land, and he had heard that Davis lived about 8 or 10 miles from Huntsville, and although coming from the direction of Huntsville at the time, he asked Mr. Trimble jf there was not a road east of that, that led to Huntsville. The next we hear of them is at Mrs. Elliott's, between eight and nine o'clock at night. Stopping the wagon before approaching the house, one of the men went to the house and inquired for this same Frank Davis. On being informed that they knew nothing of such a man, he asked if there was a house ahead that he could stay at. They told him they did not know. He then hallooed, " Come on, boys," when the wagon advanced in the direction of the house and passed by, and about half a mile from the spot where the dead man was found secreted by the side of the road — a road that is but very little trav- eled. The next account that we have of them is at A. H. Rice's, still later at night, inquiring for this same Davis. They were in- formed that they knew nothing of such a man, and they passed on. HIS'TORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 243 The next account Ave have of them was at Silas Wright's, near Dark- ville, where they asked if they were on the road to Hiintsville, when the said Wright directed them the right way, and they proceeded in that direction. On this road that they passed over tliat night, close to the residence of Jesse Rutherford, a day or two after, it was discov- ered there had been some things burned, supposed to have been clothes, as a piece of goods was found that was not consumed. A pocket-book was also found, and in addition some plates of ambro- types, together with the irons of a satchel or trunk. These, Mr. Editor, are the facts in the case as near as could be given under the circumstances, and we hope the citizens of Huntsville and vicinity will take this matter into consideration and endeavor to ferret it out. Respectfully, A Citizen of Chariton Township. PETER CASPER. [From the Herald.] Our readers will doubtless many of them recollect the circumstances of the killing of Clement Jeter, in 1871, by Peter Casper, on the farm of the latter, in Union township, in this county. The death of Jeter was caused by a gun-shot wound, produced by a small single barrel shot-gun in the hands of Casper. At the time the affair occurred, Casper was arrested and taken before a justice of the peace, but as Jeter's wound was not considered fatal, he was released on $600 bail. Afterward, when it became evident that Jeter would die, Casper were scared into running off from the county rather than stand a trial, and his $600 bail bond was forfeited and paid. His whereabouts were discovered by Dick Powell, of Moberly, and after the Governor had offered a reward for Casper's apprehension, Dick went over to Illinois and brought him back, the circumstances of which we gave in this paper a short time since. On a Thursday morning in .Tuly, 1875, the day agreed upon, the trial of Peter Casper for murder in the first degree, for the killing of Clement Jeter, was commenced in our circuit court. Messrs. W. N. Rutherford, J. C. Crawley, G. F. Rothwell and W. T. McCanne, all of Moberly, appeared for the prosecution, and William Hinkleman, of Belleville, Illinois, and J. R. Christian, of Huntsville, for the defense. The following jurors were selected to decide the case : — M. S. Turner, Joel Rucker, Thomas Stockton, W. B. Hardister, John Hendrix, George D. Brock, M. T. Halliburton, A. L. Miller, W. C. Kirby, P. S. Baker, L. D. Maupin, Charles H. Hammett. The jury were duly charged and placed in charge of Sheriff Will- iams, and were not permitted to separate again until after they had rendered a verdict, which they did on Saturday evening, having been guarded by the sheriff three days. We have not space to give the evidence in detail, but the sum and substance amounts to about this : Casper had an oat field that a mare 244 HISTORY or Randolph county. of Jeter's had been trespassing upon, and an unfriendly feeling had sprung up between them on this account. Casper went with his gun, accompanied by his wife, to Jeter's house on Sunday morning, a few days before the shooting, and notified Jeter to keep his mare out of his oats, and it is also said he threatened to shoot Jeter. A few days later, Jeter's mare again got into Casper's oat field, and Casper sent for two of his neighbors to come and assess the damage done, but be- fore they arrived Jeter came for the mare. Casper told him he could not get her until the neighbors came and assessed the damage, and ordered Jeter out of the field and off his premises. Jeter started to comply with this order, but when he got to the fence, he changed his notion and again returned for his mare. Casper saw him coming, and endeavored to keep between Jeter and the mare, but Jeter advanced on him, and grabbing the muzzle of his gun with his left hand, struck Casper over the head with the bridle and bridle bit he held in his right hand. After this lick Casper fired the fatal shot. This is as good an account of the evidence as we can give in so short a space. The evidence was all in, the jury was first addressed by Mr. Mc- Canne, for the prosecution, in an able speech of about an hour's length. He was followed by Mr. Hinkleman, in a speech of one and three- quarter hours in length, which was well delivered and was considered a masterly speech for the defense. He was followed by Mr. Rutherford in a speech of about one hour for the prosecution, which set forth the evidence in some points very clearly, but as a whole was more of an appeal for law and order than a prosecuting speech : then followed J, R. Christian for the defense in the master speech of the whole trial, it requiring two and a half hours for its delivery. John astonished his most intimate friends in the clearness and force with which he brought the evidence and circumstances of the case clearly and vividly before the jury, and we were confidentially informed by one of the jurymen that this speech saved Casper from the penitentiary. Mr. Crawley closed the case for the prosecution, but we had heard so much speech-making that we only remained to hear a portion of his speech. The case was then given to the jury. The jury returned to court after an absence of about one hour, with the following verdict : — " We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty." George D. Brock, Foreman. After the reading of the verdict, the defendant, as well as the jury, were discharged, and all felt free again. WOMAN SHOT AND MAN HUNG. [From the Huntsville Herald.] We are called upon this week to record a terrible tragedy and its sequel, which followed close after and is no less horrible. John W. Green, a farmer living on the farm of William Embree, two miles north-east of Roanoke, in this county, on Saturday morning last, July 12, 1877, about one o'clock, shot his wife, so badly wounding her that HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 245 she died in about 10 hours afterwards. Green ckiimed that he was trying to shoot a dog, and in passing through a door the gun was ac- cidentally discharged, with the result stated. The ante mortem state- ments of Mrs. Green and other circumstances led people to believe that a foul murder had been committed, and on proper process being issued, Mr. Dameron, the constable of Silver Creek township, arrested Green on Saturday night last. He brought him to the residence of the constable's father, Mr. G. W. Dameron, near Silver Creek church, where he kept him under guard until Monday evening. Having sus- picions that an attempt would be made on Monday night to lynch the prisoner, the constable mov(jd him for greater safety to the residence of H. S. Newby. He was right in his surmises, for about twelve o'clock that night a body of men, variously estimated at from 40 to 75, visited the residence of Mr. G. W. Dameron, in search of the prisoner. On being told that he was not there, they searched some barns and outbuildinofs, and not findins; him returned and searched the house. But they were not to be thus baffled, for they immedi- ately began to search the neighborhood, and about two o'clock in the night found him. They were not long in overpowering the constable and guard and soon secured the prisoner. They then issued a writ- ten order to the constable not to follow them, and also stating that his body would be found next morning near Silver Creek church. This last statement proved true, for early Tuesday morning Green was found dead, suspended by the neck, where they had stated, his feet not being more than two feet from the ground. He was hung with an ordinary plow line, and in such a manner as to make sure work. Up to this time nothing is known of the men who composed the mob, but it is supposed that they were from the neighborhood of Washington church, in Howard county, as many of the dead woman's relations dwell in that section. The man hung was a son of 'Squire Green, a farmer living near Sturgeon, Avho is a quiet, well disposed man, much respected in his neighborhood, and the sad fate of his son is much to be regretted on his father's account. The people of Eandolph are peaceable and law-abiding, and while it is the general belief that this mob was from Howard, yet it is painful to us to be called upon to record such a i)roceeding on our own soil, tho' we doubt not that every man who engaged in hanging this man felt that he was discharging a sacred duty conscientiously and for the good of the community and his fellow man. It is our hope that Randolph may never again have such an occur- rence within her borders. RAILROAD COLLISION. [From the Herald.] Two trains tried to pass each other on the same track, in the south part of Huntsville on Tuesday night, November 28, 1879, about six p. M. One was the regular eastern bound freight train drawn by engine No. 25, with C. Blessins; as euo-ineer. The other was a construction 246 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. train drawn by engine No. 71, with Engineer Johnson as driver. When the collision occurred the construction train was nearly at a dead stand but the freight train was moving very rapidly. The engineer of the freight train, Mr. Blessing, was caught between the engine and tender and so horribly crushed that he died in a short time. If he had remained on his seat he would possibly have escaped without serious hurt. No other person was seriously hurt, though some work- men on the construction train ran a narrow risk of instant death, as they were on a flat car in the rear of the tender which telescoped with the car. Fortunately they were sitting on a tool-box which was knocked out of the way. The accident was caused by the freight train passing the depot without orders. The damage to the trains is much smaller than usual with railroad accidents, as none of the cars were thrown from the track, and none of them damaged beyond the loss of draw heads. The cow-catchers and front portions of the engines were torn up and very much damaged, but we think none of the fine machinery about either engine was seriously damaged. The wreck was cleared away that night and no trains were seriously delayed by it. The dead man leaves a wife and probably a family at Kansas City. THE LAST OF CORLEW, THE RAVISHER. [From the Moberly Headlight of July 29, 1880.] Another horror has been added to the list possessed by Moberly. A deed has been done, which, though just in the eyes of all men ac- quainted with the provocation, will make the name of our fair city a by-word and a reproach in other States, furnish political capital for unscrupulous politicians, and cause law-abiding men to look with dis- trust upon the county of Kandolph. This morning about 8 :30 o'clock Sheriff Matlock brought the prisoner, Corlew, over from Huntsville, to stand his trial for rape, in the Moberly court of common pleas. The prisoner, guarded by the sheriff and deputies, came from the jail in a light two-horse spring wa^on, and just alighted on the corner of Fourth and Reed streets, at the fo©t of the steps leading to the court-house, and had turned to o-o up the steps when Mr. Crump, the woman's husband, who had just come across the street with Mr. Waller, the prosecuting attorney, drew a self-cocking revolver and fired at the prisoner. His aim was disconcerted by Mr. Waller grabbing hold of his arm, and the ball passed through the right sleeve of Corlew' s coat, setting it afire, burnino" quite a hole. The thoroughly frightened man ran up the steps into the court-room, pursued by Crump. In the meantime Marshal Lynch and others grabbed hold of Mr. Crump, but the o-leam of revolvers in the hands of his friends made them let go. The court-room had but few spectators in it. Corlew ran through, or around the room, and was caught by Esquire Clarkson, who supposed HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 247 the mail was trying to get away. Corlew broke loose from his grasp and ran again, catching hold of an old man named Trimble, pulling him down on top of him. Rising hastily he ran out of the room, down the stairs and diagonally across the street in the direction of Hance & Hardin's store. While in the street he was shot in the back by Crump, but the ball did not check his speed. He returned and ran up street, through Werries' dry goods store, followed by Crump, who endeavored to shoot him there, but could not get his pistol to work. The prisoner ran into the alley, next to Nise's building, across Reed street, through Harvey's grocery store, across Fourth street and darted up the steps leading to August Nitzsche's shoe shop, over Chris & George's saloon. He ran through the shop into the room adjoining, used as a store room, where Crump emptied his revolver into the poor wretch, finishing him, as he supposed, but he lived for at least half an hour afterwards, wholly unconscious. Crump then went down stairs, mounted his horse and rode off. From the appearance of the room there must have ensued a des- perate struggle, as there were several shots in the ceiling and wall, showing that Crump's pistol must have been struck, and it is probable that he was clinched by Corlew, The last wound, made back of the left ear, was badly powder burnt, and the pistol must have been shoved against his head. The room was quickly thronged with excited individuals, anxious to catch a glimpse of the miserable wretch Avho was gasping his life away. He lay upon a lounge, upon the slats only, his feet hanging over the end, his coat rolled up for a pillow under his head, the head of the lounge lifted and resting upon a box. Cold, clammy sweat stood out in big beads over his face and neck ; his lips were white, and his eyes had a vacant, wandering look, and not a gleam of intelligence escaped from them ; though when he was moved, bystanders could see he was conscious and suffering terribly. His pulse was strong and full almost up to his last breath, which was drawn so quietly that it seemed as if he had gone to sleep ; his features were not distorted at all, but bore the calm, placid expression so noticeable in all who die from the effects of o-un-shot wounds. Before he died the room was cleared of all except physicians and reporters. An examination showed that he was shot three times in the head and once in the small of the back, near the spinal column, any of which wounds would have caused death. The excitement attending the shooting was intense, though it seemed to be the general verdict that the fiend met with the punishment he deserved, though all regret that the law was not allowed to take its course, for the man would have undoubtedly been hanged. The remains were taken in charge by the coroner and an inquest held. The jury returned the following verdict : — " We, the jury, having viewed the body of Corlew, deceased, find that he came to his death by gun or pistol shots fired by unknown hands to the jury." 11 2-i'6 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. HISTORY OF THE CRIME. The crime for which Corlew met his fate is fresh in the minds of many of our readers, but as there are some who may not be acquainted with the facts a short account of the transaction is given : — Tuesday night, the 17th of February last, a woman with two chil- dren arrived at Moberly from some phice north of here, coming in on the north branch of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Road. The train reaches here about midnight. The woman and her children were sitting in the ladies' waiting room at the depot. She was ap- proached by a stranger who told her there was no train going east for some time and that she had better accompany him to a hotel. He said his mother was keeping a hotel just across the street, and that he would take pleasure in giving her and the children a bed free of charge until morning. By such persuasions he induced the woman to accom- pany him to the Depot Hotel, and, representing to the clerk that the woman was his wife, he secured a room, and taking one of the chil- dren in his arms carried it up stairs, depositing it in the room. Im- mediately locking the door, he drew a pistol and forced the woman to submit to his hellish lust. The woman and children left next morn- ing after telling her story to the landlady of the hotel. A representa- tive of this paper traced the matter up and caused Corlew' s arrest, but as nothing could be proven against him then, he was released and went to Huntsville, where he was subsequently arrested and lodged in jail. On the preliminary examination he was identified by the woman, picked out of a number of men, and was bound over for trial, being removed to Kansas City for safe keeping. The case has been post- poned again and again on account of the illness of Mrs. Crump. When Corlew was arrested he gave his name as Burton, and had a woman with him who claimed to be his wife, and probably was; at least she was a wife to him in all that the name implies. An attempt was made to mob Corlew once, but the jailor was noti- fied in time and removed his prisoner out of harm's way. It has been a conceded fact in the minds of many that Corlew would never have a trial, and they were correct. It seems the prisoner had a premonition of his fate, for while in the Kansas City jail he was made the recipient of a little Testament, the front fly-leaf of which has the following : — " CHAS BURTON : "May you take into your heart the words of this precious little book, as they have eternal life through the Son of God. " M. M. RoBSON. " See Luke xv : 17-20." On the back fly-leaf and on the inside of the back is the following letter, probably written for his wife : — " Artie, Darling: When you read these lines I may be with our little Willie, and I hope you may meet me and him in a better land. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 249 You can if you put all your trust in our great God. Remember Charlie. If anything should happen to me I want my dear wife Artie to have this little book, and may it do her good. " Charlie M. C." The letter and inscription are both undated, and there is nothing to tell when they were written. Several poems clipped from news- papers are found between the pages of the Testament, and several pressed flowers. In the poem of Moore, beginning, " Come rest on this bosom, my own stricken dear," under the line, " Thro' the fur- nace thy steps I'll pursue," he has penciled, " If, Artie, you're true." A tin type of his wife and a photograph, probably of his mother, were also found in the book. A postal card from his mother, dated July 27th, 1880, is as follows : — " My Dear Boy : Your cards came to hand, but will not try to express my feelings ; they are too sad for words. I can do nothing without money — have done all I can. (Name illegible) lied to me. Told me he would go down until the last moment, then refused to aro. I knew " Ai't " was with you. Heard she was in La Plata. I will try if I can come down. Try and keep your trial oft' as long as you can. At least until I see if I can get there. "Your Mother." Several letters from his wife while she was at Huntsville are also in his effects. The letters are all full of devotion, but are miserably written and poorly spelled. Among his papers is a letter written June 3d, by. himself, to his wife. It is too long to give, })ut the tenor of it is despair for her desertion of him, A letter from Hade Brown is also found, which is given : — "Kansas City, June 2, 1880. "Dear Friend Burton: You must not give up. You must keep up, and if your wife has gone home, let her go. Mr, Haley says she can't do you no good if she was here. He says that clerk and the hotel keeper are all the witnesses you want. He says they can't con- vict you on her evidence to save the world. Burton, you must not give up ; you must keep up in good heart ; you will get out all right, Terry Jackson said he was going to see you would geV out all right. Burton, if Artie has gone, let her go ; she is not true if she has gone home. She ain't no true wife, I would be glad she was gone, if she was a wife of mine, for that showed she wanted your money, and when your money is gone she leaves you. Ah ! I hope she is not gone, I hope she will be true and stand to you while you are in your trouble, is my wishes. Burton, keep up in your spirits, and whenever old Ferald will let my wife come around I will send her around to you. She wanted to go and see you Sunday, but Ferald would not let her go around. Keep in good spirits. You are young and can get another wife if she is gone home. Goodnight, Your true friend, "J, H, Brown," 250 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Brown's letter is chiefly remarkable from his never once alluding to himself, but it showed he was no true prophet, however good he might be at consoling. Well, the deed is done. "We regret that Moberly was made the scene of such a bloody transaction, but the way of the transgressor is hard, and Corlew deserved death, but not that way. Comments are useless and we will let it rest. We have tried to glean the facts in the case, but not being an eye-witness have to depend on the statement of others, and they disagree in some minor particulars. However, our version of the tragedy will be found to be, in the main, correct. Corlew' s mother came down from Kansas City on the twelve o'clock train. She knew nothing of the fate of her son till arriving in the city. His two brothers, living in Kansas City, have been telegraphed for and will come down on first train. It is not known where he will be buried. JAMES HAYDEN BROWN PAYS THE PENALTY OF HIS CRIME. [From the Huntsville Herald.] On Friday morning last, June the 25th, 1880, the day fixed by the Supreme Court of the State for the execution of James Hayden Brown, the murderer of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Dr. Parrish, the sun rose clear and beautiful — not a cloud was visible in any part of the horizon. All nature seemed to smile approvingly upon the incoming day, as if rejoicing that, at last, retributive justice was about to be meted out to the red-handed assassin and mul'derer, who had willfully and wickedly violated the laws of God and man. Years had elapsed since the commission of the horrible crime, but justice at last stood ready and determined to demand the full penalty of the law — a life for a life. On Thursday before the day of execution, Sheriff Matlock, accom- panied by L. V. Heether, J. K. Belsher, James Eagsdale, E. L. Duval, Harry Wallace, Henry Herndon and G. L. Alexander, returned from Kansas City with the condemned murderer. A large crowd of men, women and children, attracted by that morbid curiosity that creates in human nature an uncontrollable desire to behold the doomed or the dead, awaited them at the depot, all excited and anxious to feast their eyes upon the'poor doomed criminal who was so soon to pay the just penalty of his awful crime. He was taken from the cars pale and trembling, for the first time seeming to realize his true situation. He, however, soon recovered his usual levity, and greeted cordially all whom he recognized. He expressed great anxiety to have all persons whom he had wronged or offended to come forward and forgive him. He was incarcerated in the county jail, and securely guarded to await the hour of his execution. brown's FIRST REALIZATION OF HIS TERRIBLE POSITION. At the jail in Kansas City Sherifi" Matlock had an interview with Brown, and although he had on many occasions sworn vengeance HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 251 against Mr. Matlock, he promised to do all that would be asked of him. He was in a very pensive mood, exhibiting no signs of anger, but on the contrary melting to tears when he spoke with the officer in regard to the execution. He asked the sheriff to forgive him for all the hard things he had said about him and trouble he had given him, and then remarked : " I've got to die and I propose to show the world that I can die like a man. I know it is just, and if anybody had killed my mother I should want him to be hung." A Kansas City Times reporter had the following interview with him the day previous : — " Well, Mr. Brown, how do you feel to-day? " " Very well, thank you. I am all right as far as I know." " You had quite a lively time down here tlie other night? " " Yes, I was angry and did'nt know what I was doing. One of the men calTed me a bad name and I didn't like it. If they had asked me for that poison I should have given it to them." " Did you have any poison the officer did not get? " " Of course I did. They thought they were very smart, and as soon as they got the stuff out of my mouth thought they had it all but they hadn't," with a sly twinkle of his eye. "I had some more, enough to kill all the men in this jail, in my shoe, and when they went away I took it out and showed it to Hoge, here.'^ " Have you taken any since thatinight? " " Yes. I took some on Tuesday morning, but it was an overdose, and I threw it up." " How did you get the poison? " " Some of it was handed to me through the bars when one of the deputies was standing beside my friend but he didn't see it. That wasn't all, either. Some came in here under a plate of victuals, sent b}'^ one of my friends." " Did your wife bring any of the morphine to you? " " No, sir. She bought it though, and sent it by her friends. She bouo;ht it at Dr. Morrison's drus; store." " Did you ever have any other poison? " " I should say I did. When I came from St. Louis I had a lot of it tucked under the lining of my cap, and the officers searched me but didn't find it. I had enouoh to kill 100 men — it was arsenic." " Did you ever use any of it? " " Certainly, I have a dozen times or more, but every time 1 threw it up, I couldn't make it stick on my stomach." This w,ith a smile. " What made you think of committing suicide? " "Well, I saw in some of the papers that I was to be hanged in a wigwam and that there were tickets being sold for people to see me executed, and I didn't like that, and I made up my mind that I would not hang, but I know that it is all right now and I shall submit and not try to do anything bad." "You are a Catholic, are you not, Mr. Brown?" "Yes, lam. The priests used to come and see me before this scrape Monday night, but since that they have kept away. I shall 252 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. telegraph to Father O'Shay, of St. Louis, to come and see me before I die. I used to go to church when I was there." " You won't attempt any more trouble? " " No, I shall not, I have made up my mind that I am going off like a man." Turning to the marshal, he said: "Mr. Ligget, I want everybody to forgive me, and I forgive everybody that has injured me. I want to go olF now without any trouble, and shall go with the officers when they want to take me. I know I have done wrong, but I know I shall be forgiven. If not in this world in the next," and his eyes filled with tears. THE DAY OF EXECUTION. At early dawn Friday the eager crowd came pouring into town from every direction and in every conceivable way, until by noon the streets and alleys were completely packed and jammed with one living mass of human beings, all anxious to get a look at the doomed man. Early in the morning Brown swallowed a white powder from a paper sup- posed to contain morphine. Dr. W. H. Taylor was called in, but found upon examination that the drug h^id no perceptible effect upon him. Brown sent for Dr. Oliver and gave him a druggist's envelope, carefully folded up, requesting him not to open it until he (Brown) was dead, saying the doctor would then learn the cause of his death. He evidently desired to produce the impression that he had taken poison with the intention of committing suicide. Upon inspection. Dr. Oliver found the envelope marked, "Morphia; Dr. H. C. Mor- rison, Druggist, 12th St., between Locust & Cherry, Kansas City, Mo," but it contained nothing, having been previously rifled of its contents. During the morning the little three-year-old orphan child was taken to the cell of his doomed father to bid him an eternal farewell. The meetino; was heart-rending and bevond description. The anguish of the father as he clasped to his breast the innocent child whom he had doubly orphaned, covering his face with kisses and tears, was ex- treme. His brother Frankie, a boy about 15 years of age, was also admitted to the cell. Hade presented him with his breastpin and asked him to wear it for his wretched brother's sake. He also ad- vised Frankie to take warning from his fate, and shun all dissipation and wickedness, they having been the cause of his disgrace and ruin. His mother, who is a good and true woman, was not present to wit- ness the sad fate of her wayward and undutiful son. Had he heeded her nurture and admonitions this sad fate would never have befallen him. His last night on earth was a restless and sleepless one, spent principally in conversation with the guards and a few friends and acquaintances who were permitted to visit him. His mood was ex- tremely versatile — sometimes joking and laughing, telling anecdotes, relating his exploits before and since the commission of his crime; but when the subject of his wife and child was mentioned he became unmanned, and gave way to feelings of grief and despair. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 253 About nine o'clock Rev. W. T. Ellington, of the Methodist church, was sent for, and administered to the criminal the rite of baptism. The scene was one that impressed the audience with great solemnity, which was made manifest by the free effusion of tears from the eyes of all who witnessed it. The doomed man seemed to be exceedingly penitent, and expressed faith in Jesus. A few minutes after twelve, shackled and accompanied by armed o;uards, Brown came out and climbed into the wao^on, takino; a seat on his coflSn, which was lying on the bottom of the open wagon. The vehicle did not start for some minutes, during which a number of Brown's old acquaintances came up and shook hands with him. He received them pleasantly, betraying little or no emotion but showing a firmness that betokened the great change that had recently taken place in his disposition. Slowly the procession marched to the place of execution along a dusty road crowded with vehicles of all kinds, horses ridden by eager spectators, and still more eager men on foot walking to the place of death. Arriving at the scaffold, which was erected in a woodland pasture, distant about one mile east of the court-house, on the Moberly road. Brown ascended to the platform with a firm step and seated himself on a bench placed at the north side. He was accompanied by Sheriff Matlock, Deputy Sheriff William Matlock, Sheriff Glasscock, of Audrain county. Rev. W. T. Ellington, and a number of reporters. Brown looked about him at the vast crowd, which is estimated to have numbered 15,000, and seemed to search the vast concourse for faces that he knew. His countenance was that of a person deeply inter- ested but fearless. He looked like he had been contending with him- self, and had conquered. After prayer by Mr. Ellington, the sheriff asked Brown if he had anything to say, to which the condemned man answered affirmatively. He stepped to the railing and said : — " If you all will keep still a few minutes I will say a few words in regard to myself, to both young and old, men, women and children. I was a free man once, and never thought to be hung as I am to-day. As I was on my way out here awhile ago, I noticed several young men I used to know and was raised with, riding along near the wagon, coming to my — funeral, so to say, reeling on their horses. I was sorry to see them, and it made me shudder, for it was this that brought me where I am. Oh, God, the trouble it has brought in the world. I feel as though I hadn't an enemy in the crowd. I hope you all have forgiven me, as I have forgiven everybody. My God is the only one who has given me strength to believe this, and I hope it is so. I am going to meet my dear, sweet wife, who died for me. She loved me better than all the world. They say I put her up to it, but as my God in Heaven knows I never did it, and knew nothing of it. I committed a heinous crime, but didn't know it. It was done, and 1 must suffer for it on the gallows. I hope I have not an enemy here to- day. I forgive everybody and hope everybody forgives me. I ask pardon of Dr. Parrish and all his family. Oh, God ! the trouble Icaused them. 254 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. If MissLutie Ptirrish, Sarah Parrisli, Dr. Parrish, Mr. Chris. Parrish, Mr. Henry Fort, or any of the rest of the family are her&, won't they please to hold up their hands to show that they have forgiven me? [Here Mr. Chris. Parrish held up his hand.] Thank God! there is one. Are there any others? I see none. If any of you should meet my mother, brother, or darling child, don't snarl at them, but meet them in a nice way. It was the dying I'equest of my wife that we be buried together in the same coffin, in the same grave. I want her family's consent to be buried by my side, and if they object let some of them say so now. I hope every one of you may remember the poor creature who stands here to-day, and I hope none hold malice, for I would die the most miserable of men if I thought so. Now, I have here some flowers that I want placed in my wife's sweet hand. If there is any lady in the crowd who will attend to this for me will she please raise her little hand? [One does.] Thank you. Now here are some others I want put on the breast of my coat. Will some one attend to this for me. Jesus Christ has given me courage to stand here to-day. I want you ail to see that I am buried with my dear, sweet wife ; and pray God for me, as wicked a man as I am. May God have mercy on every one of you." Having finished his remarks, the prisoner took a seat on the scaf- fold bench and looked around over the immense crowd, while Deputy Sheriff Will Matlock read in a clear, distinct voice the death warrant, after which Brown was asked to take his stand on the fatal trap. He complied with this requirement promptly and like a brave man, and as Deputy Sherifi" Will Matlock placed the black cap over his head he remarked, " Now, Will, don't make a botch of it," which were his last words. The noose was adjusted by Sheriff Glasscock, of Audrain county, and at 1:28 o'clock the trap was sprung by Sherifl" N. G. Matlock, resulting in instant death from a broken neck. Drs. Taylor, Oliver, Dameron and Aldridge examined the body and pronounced life extinct in 6V2 minutes. The body was cut down in 20 minutes, placed in a handsome double coffin and turned over to his relatives, who conveyed it to the depot to await the arrival of the remains of his wife, who committed suicide in Kansas City the Monday night previous, a full account of which appeared in last week's Herald. The bodies of the two unfortunates were conveyed on the night ex- press train to Moberly, and at the depot in that city the remains of the two were placed together in the same coffin, according to their dying wish. The most perfect repose rested upon the face of the dead woman, the features wearing a pleased expression and being in a perfect state of preservation. I^rown's face wore a look of calm- ness and presented only slight discoloration. The lady who promised the doomed man on the gallows to place the bunch of flowers in the dead hands of his wife was present and performed her mission faith- fully, after midnight, when the vast throng who observed her make the promise were wrapped in slumber. She refused to give her name, but it is said she resides at Higbee. The two ])odies were placed in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 255 each other's arms, and the roses lay between them . They were shipped on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Road to Madison, Monroe county, and were buried the following day at a family burying ground three miles from Milton in this county. The coffin, transportation, etc., were paid for out of private subscriptions raised in Huntsville and Moberly, the citizens of each place contributing about HISTORY OF THE CRIME, ETC. » James Hayden Brown, the murderer of Mrs. Dr. Parrish, was born in Cairo township, Randolph county, Missouri, July 12, 1856, near the place where the crime was committed. He was a son of the notorious Bill Brown, who murdered William Penny at Jacksonville, in this county, in 1865, and who was afterwards shot and killed by his brother-in-law, young Hayden, for the brutal abuse of his wife. He was endowed with an ungovernable temper, had been an unruly, turbulent, bad boy during his whole life, ever ready to shoot, cut or kill whoever or whatever crossed his path, and always boasted of his ability to whip or kill any one who dared to insult him. At the age of nineteen he married, against the will of her parents. Miss Susan Parrish, the daughter of Dr. J. C. Parrish, a respectable and highly esteemed gentleman of this county. Soon after the marriage Hade's devilish temper and cruel disposition was manifested towards his wife, which resulted in his whipping and otherwise cruelly treating her, all of which she bore with fortitude until forbearance ceased to be a virtue, when she left home and appealed to her parents for protection. They advised her to return home and live with him if possible. She returned, but his cruel treatment soon again compelled her to flee for safety. She naturally sought that protection which is due from loving parents to their children. She appealed to their sj'mpathies, protested against again returning home to be beaten and cursed like a cur. The parents, in their goodness of heart, yielded to her entreaties, and her father carried her otf to his son's home in Howard county. When Brown found that his wife had gone out of his reach, he became en- raged and threatened to kill his wife's parents for affording her shelter and protection against his cruelty, which threat he carried into execution on the 23d of July, 1877, by shooting the Doctor and killing Mrs. Parrish, the mother of his wife, one of the kindest and most affectionate mothers that ever lived, thus committing one of the most cruel and cold-blooded murders that marks the annals of crime. After the murder Brown made his escape, eluding the most diligent search of the officers of the law, and 11 months afterwards was captured in the distant State of Minnesota, and returned to this county for trial. Brown's first trial was in February, 1879, and resulted in a hung jury. The case was again set for December, 1879. The jury had been selected and the taking of testimony commenced, when one of the jurvmen was taken seriously ill. The judge discharged the re- maining jurors, ordered the sheriff to summon another panel of 40 256 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. men, and set the case for trial January 26, 1880. The greater part of the first two days was occupied in an effort to get a change of venue. The trial proper commenced Thursday at one o'clock p. m., and by Monday night following the testimony was all in. Tuesday and the early part of Wednesday was consumed in arguing the case. The defense was most ably represented by Messrs. Martin, Priest, Christian and Provine, while the prosecution was well conducted by Messrs. Porter, Hall and Waller. The case was given to t^ie jury Wednesday morning, and they were only out some 15 minutes when they returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree. The Supreme court was appealed to by the defense, with the hope of having the case reversed. But on the 6th day of May, a decision was rendered affirming the finding of the court below. The day of execution was fixed for June 25, 1880. Below we give a synopsis of the important testimony in the case : — J. BENNETT. On the 23d of July, 1877, I was in the lane east of my house ; Brown was there in my lane ; the old lady Parrish came driving up the lane from the east: Brown said here comes the d — d old b — h now, I'll go and give her a couple of loads ; I said Brown you wouldn't shoot an old woman ; he said yes I'll finish her ; he reached the wagon, and ffot off his horse ; Mrs. Parrish dumb out of the wao;on and seemed to try to keep the wagon between Brown and her ; he shot her once and she started to run when he shot her again, when she was brought to my house ; the middle of the lane running by my house is the line between Cairo and Salt River township ; the shooting was in Cairo township. Mr. Priest here objected to the indictment, on the ground that the court had no jurisdiction in Cairo township. Prior to the shooting of Mrs. Parrish, Brown was at my house, about noon ; I didn't hear Brown sav anvthino; about the shooting of Dr. Parrish ; I didn't see Brown shoot Dr. Parrish ; heard the report and saw Dr. Parrish l)leeding ; it wasn't but a few moments till Brown made the remarks al)out Mrs. Parrish until he shot her; I was about 300 yards from where he shot Mrs. Parrish ; there was nothing to ob- struct my view ; my eyesight is g(»od ; I have never had to wear glasses until the last year. Crt)ss-examined : The first time I ever saw Brown was the day of his father's sale ; have known him for several years ; I saw Brown first that day about noon ; I was sitting at the table ; he drove up to the house and stopped; I told my wife to tell him to come in and eat his dinner ; had no conversation with Brown that day, prior to his difficulty with Dr. Parrish ; my wife was talking to him but I do not remember any of the conversation ; he had a donble-l)arreled shot-gun in his buggy ; did not see him just previous to the difficulty ; did not see Dr. Parrish before I heard the gun ; did not see the shots fired but HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 257 heard two shots, and when I went to the hme I saw Brown riding oflf with his gun in his hand ; Dr. Parrish came to my house and ran in ; did not follow the Doctor into my house until Brown shot the old lady ; the Doctor said nothing to me as he passed me ; while Dr. Parrish was in my house I saw no lire arms in his possession. I stood in the lane until Brown went to his house and returned ; his house is in full view of me ; he was riding fast; Brown's house and Dr. Parrish's house are in view of each other; do not know what Brown said when he came back to my house, but think he said some- thing about shooting him again for taking otf his wife and child ; he hitched his horse a little south of my house, went round in the pas- ture and said he would shoot Parrish again if he had to shoot him through the window ; he had just returned from the pasture when he saw Mrs. Parrish coming ; he then made the remark: There comes the d — d old b — h ; he was walking about, talking about Dr. Parrish taking off his wife and child ; did not hear Brown swear, laugh or cry ; before she came he picked up a wagon seat and slammed it over the fence a time or two, I cannot recollect what he said ; it was Par- rish's wagon seat ; didn't see him tear off or break any palings ; didn't see him load his gun after shooting Dr. Parrish ; Lou Patten, Jack Amick, young Jack Amick, George Amick and John Will Smith were in the lane. Lthink there were but three in the lane when Brown came up. Patten said to him : Hade, leave that old woman alone. He (Brown) then started for his horse with his gun in his hand. When Brown and Dr. Parrish met, I suppose Parrish was going home. I did not state at the former trial that Dr. Parrish was going home and that Brown was going to Cairo with a cow. It was a mistake. I did not say so. When Brown returned from his house he appeared to be out of humor. Did not seem to be excited. He wasn't swearing, at least in ray presence. Will Palmer was in the yard. Did not see him in the lane. My wife met Brown at the fence. I think Mrs. Amick met him at the gate. It is prairie in front of my house. There was no wagon in the lane or anj^thing else to obstruct my view. When Brown shot Dr. Parrish it frightened the horses and they ran off. Do not know what speed Brown was going when he left my house to meet Mrs. Parrish. Don't know what speed the wagon was coming. Think a negro was driving. Beatty Clutter was riding horseback behind the wagon. Did not see Clutter stick a rifle through the fence just before Brown met the wagon. Don't know if Clutter was working for Dr. Parrish. Don't know what became of Brown after he shot Mrs. Parrish second time. I saw him no more. Mrs. Parrish was riding on the west side of the wagon and Brown was sitting on his horse on the east side of the wagon. Mrs. Parrish walked towards the heads of the mules in a stooping posture and then walked and raised her head when Brown shot her. George Amick went with Brown to his house from mine. I do not know what he went for. While at my house Brown was talk- ing of some diflBculty with Dr. Parrish, I did not pay particular at- tention to what he was talkino; about. Saw some of the shot extracted 258 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. from Dr. Parr ish's face. They were small shot, not the smallest or the largest. Re-direct : I do not know where William Palmer was when Brown started down to meet Mrs. Parrish. When I went back into the yard he was in rear of my kitchen. Did not see him in the lane at all. He would have had to pass by me had he gone into the lane. He did not pass me. Plat of ground shown. Objected to by defense, objection sustained. Questions asked as to height of fences and other questions of minor importance. MISS LUTIE PARRISH. Am a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Parrish. I was present in the lane near Mr. Bennett's the day mother was killed. I first saw Brown within a quarter mile of Mr. Bennett's. He was in front of Mr. Ben- nett's. When Brovvn met us he said, by G — d stop that wagon. Mother said O, go on he didn't want us to stop. He said yes, 1 do. Get out of the wagon. Ma said don't shoot me. He said yes I will. Ma ofot out of the waggon on the west side and went toward the liead of the mules, then came back and he shot her. After shooting her she came back and rested her head on the wheel of the wagon ; I asked her if she was shot and she replied that she was, "right here," point- ing to her neck. I said don't shoot any more. His answer, oh, by G — d she ain't dead yet. I told her to run which she did, up the fence, when he fired again. I reached my mother's side and asked her to speak and she tried to and couldn't. There was present in the lane at that time, Mrs. Osborne, my sister, Jack Amick, Beatty Clutter and the negro. That was all there until Mrs. Bennett came. She told me to run to the house, which I did. Cross-examination : I am a sister-in-law of defendant. They had been married for about two years. They did not marry at home. They ran off and got married. They first visited at our house. There was not very kindly feeling between Mr. Brown and my father. It was at Brown's solicitation that father let him live on the place. I once saw a difficulty between Brown and father, vvhen he attempted to shoot Brown but was prevented from so doing by my brother-in- law. Father always carried a pistol ; had one the day he was shot by Brown; never heard him say he would kill Brown; we met. Beatty Clutter and he joined us ; asked if he had a gun, answered in the affirmative, but the question was objected to and objection sustained. When Brown came up to the wagon he spoke about shooting, nothing else that I heard; said nothing about mother having tried to poison him ; if he said anything to Mrs. Osborne about his wife and child I did not hear it. Beatty Clutter and I never talked about what our testimony would be on the trial. When at the wagon he told ma he was going to kill lier ; my sister asked him not to kill her. He replied : " Hush up, or I'll kill you." The horses to wagon were going in a trot, his horse was walking. I just saw Mr. Brown. Ma made Mr. Clutter put his gun away. Do not know why he had it, it was father's. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 259 Do not know when he got it. When we first met him he had been up towards Mr. Bennett's with the gun, but on turning around to accom- pany us mother made him leave the gun. Do not remember of mother telling him she would tell him where his wife and child were if he would not shoot her. If I stated at former trial that Brown seemed to be very mad it is correct. Did not hear him say ; " I am a dying sinner of the cross, I am going to die and go to hell and want to carry a few passengers with me." I heard Brown tell mother that he had father. I have told all I know. Am not conscious of remembering anything I have not told. Re-direct: I met Beatty Clutter at the bridge, this side of our house, going towards the house. It was about a quarter of a mile from our house when he put the gun away at mother's request. The diificulty between father and Brown happened at our yard fence two months before mother was killed. Do not know if Brown and father ever met afterwards. Mrs. Brown came to our house. Mother never went there, I and my sisters visited there. Father took Brown's wife away from him the Saturday before mother was killed. She came to our house and left from there with father. Sister Sarah went with Mrs. Brown and father when they left. MRS. BENNETT. I was at home on the 23d of July, 1877. I first saw Hade Brown at my house that day. I was on my porch when Dr. Parrish was shot. It was near five o'clock that day. He saw Dr. Parrish and shot him. He came back to the house and tried to shoot him again. When he saw the wagon coming he said, " There they come now." He made no threats. I then left to take Mrs. Brown, his mother, some things, which put my back to him. I met John Will Smith ; he told me to go down there as there would be trouble. When in about 25 yards of the wagon I saw Mrs. Parrish in a stooping posture on the west side of the wagon. Brown was on the east side. When she raised her head he fired, she then started to run towards me when he fired again. She fell at the crack of the second barrel. Mrs. Osborne, Lutie and my- self reached her about the same time. Lutie first. They were afraid of Brown and ran to my house. I staid with her till she died — about 20 minutes. Mrs. Osborne, Lutie Parrish, Beatty Clutter, Jacky Amick and the negro, Frank, were all that were there in the lane. Cross-examination : It was about noon when Brown was at ray house ; there was quite a good many there when he was, his mother, sister and others. I heard at church Sunday that his wife had left him. His mother told me that day that Susan had left him. He seemed in cheerful spirits that day, and said he was going to have his child, that he didn't give ad d for his wife. When Dr. Parrish was coming up, his mother said, " There comes Hade, and they will meet." Dr. Parrish was in a two-horse spring wagon with his daugh- ter Sarah. When Brown shot the second time, the horses ran away. We took the Doctor in the house and cared for him, as he looked like 260 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. he would die. When Hade left, after shooting the Doctor, he left in a hurry, but soon came back. I saw a pistol taken from the Doctor's person ; it was a small one. Know it was not a five or six-shooter ; do not know what kind of one it was. When he came back, he ripped around, and made threats that he would finish Dr. Parrish ; he tried to get in, but did not try very bad ; he was prancing around and making threats. I saw him cry once ; it was when he said his mother had thrown him away, and his wife and child had been taken away from him. I stated last winter that he acted like a wild fool ; I meant a mad fool. He did not act like a crazy fool. Saw him break up the wagon seat, and he said what he could not destroy one way he would another. I went down to see if Hade would not let Mrs. Parrish come and see the Doctor. I was not near enoug^h to hear anvthino; that was said. I did not see him stop the wagon. After he shot Mrs. Parrish, he loaded his gun, got on his horse, and called Lou Patten to him, and told him to see that Frank had his horse, and to kiss his wife and child. He then rode to Mrs. Kunnell's and stopped awhile ; rode in a canter when he left. If 1 said last winter that Brown said give the black horse to Frank Wilson, I don't think I knew the negro's name was Wilson. I said last winter that he acted like a gen- tleman while at the house ; I meant at dinner. I am not an enemy to Brown, only to the crime he has done. He has always treated me gentlemanly. When he was talking about his mother, while on the fence, I saw the spittle flying from his mouth ; did not see the slobber running down his mouth ; if I said slobber last winter, I meant spit. He said that he meant to kill that many more, throwing up his hand, and then die in the same house old Bill Brown died in, the bravest man that ever lived. I asked him if he was prepared to die ; he said, " Hell, no ! " I don't know how fast he rode when he left after kill- ing Mrs. Parrish. Re-direct : When examined last winter I was so hoarse I could not speak, and Sheriff Williams had to interpret what I said. When he came back he called his mother, and she left, saying, " I will have to get away from here." When he called her, she would not go. JACK AMICK, JR. I was present on the 23d day of July, 1877, when Mrs. Parrish was killed. I was in Mr. Bennett's field when Dr. Parrish was shot. I then went to Dr. Parrish' s house after Mrs. Parrish. I left the house with Mrs. Parrish, the girls, and the driver in a wagon. When close to Mr. Bennett's I met Brown. He stopped the wagon and told Mrs. Parrish he was going to shoot her, and did shoot her. When I first saw Brown he was about 200 yards distant at Mr. Bennett's. When he came to the wagon, he told Mrs. Parrish if she had anything to say to Lutie, she had better say it, as he was going to kill her; told me and the negro man to get out of the wagon. Brown was on the east side of the wagon when he shot. When Brown first shot Mrs. Parrish was standing near the front of the mules ; she ran north, and he shot her HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 261 a^ain. He walked around to the back part of the wagon to get to her. Before he shot Mrs. Parrish, Brown said to her that she had taken his wife away. She said she would like for them to live together if they could ; she begged him not to kill her and to let her go to the house and see Dr. Parrish. I was sitting on the spring seat of the wagon. He told Mrs. Osborne he was going to kill her, too, for giving a couple of dresses to his wife for his child. Mrs. Osborne told him his wife wanted them and she thought she would give them to' her. Those present at the time of the shooting were: Mrs. Osborne, Sarah Par- rish, Lutie Parrish, Beatty Clutter, Mrs. Osborne's children, Mrs. Parrish, the negro Frank, and myself. After Mrs. Parrish was shot the second time, others came down ; Mrs. Bennett was one. Brown, after shooting Mrs, Parrish the second time, went towards the black- smith shop. Cross-examination : I testified at former trial. All the part of the clitEculty I saw was at the wagon. First saw Beatty Clutter at Dr. Parrish's. Mrs. Parrish asked him to come and go along with us to Mrs. Bennett's. I saw Brown shortly before he shot Mrs. Parrish sitting on his horse in the road, between the blacksmith shop and Mr. Bennett's. When he came to the wagon, he said something about his wife and child ; did not ask where they were ; do not remember of her telling him she would tell him where his wife and child were if he would let her go to her husband ; remember something of the kind. Heard Brown say to Mrs. Parrish that she had tried to poison him, and he could prove it by the doctors at Cairo. She denied it, and he said he was going to kill her; saw Brown laugh ; don't remember what he said before laughing ; did not hear Mrs. Osborne say she would have Mr. Osborne to whip him for talking : did not see Brown talking with Lou Patten ; don't remember of Brown's having any c(^nversa- tion with Mrs. Osborne. I heard him tell Beatty Clutter he believed he was taking the Parrish's part, and threatened to shoot him. I asked Brown to let Mrs. Parrish go to the house. He drew his gun on me and told me to hush or he would shoot me. I don't remember of seeing Palmer ; heard Brown say that he had killed Dr. Parrish, was going to kill Mrs. Parrish, and expected to die before sunrise next morning, and that they would be buried together. Did not see Clutter put the gun down ; it was a rifle. Saw no revolver in the party. Clutter had the gun when he came to the house ; do not know whose gun it was ; have not heard since ; don't know if I ever saw it before. Miss Lutie Parrish was at home when I got there ; don't know whose horse Clutter was riding. I was at Mrs. Bennett's when Brown took dinner ; he ate before I did. Had no conversation with Brown that day. Met Brown that day close to Cairo in a buggy ; if he had a gun I did not see it. Don't think I saw Brown the day before. I was not at church. Did not see him on Saturday as I remember of. About the 1st of April last, the Sherifl' believing it unsafe for Brown to remain in the county jail, removed him to Kansas City for safe keeping. During his incarceration at Kansas City he kept up the 262 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. character he had established, defying God and man, and showing no signs of contrition for his dreadful deeds up to a short time before the day fixed for his execution. When the paper was handed him containing the last decision of the supreme court in his case, he called his fellow prisoners around him, and with curses upon the courts and the officers of the law, read in mock judicial tones the decision that doomed him to die upon the gallows, and made his little child the son of an executed felon. Later, as her letters unquestionably indicate, he conspired with his true and devoted wife to simultaneously commit suicide, thereby doubly orphaning his innocent and helpless child. His never faltering wife, brave little woman that she was, had the . courage to fulfill her part of the compact, but he seems to have shrank from his, and clung to life to the last possible moment, and died an ignominious death upon the scaffold. brown's wife commits suicide. [From the Kansas City Times, June 22d, 1880]. It was half-past seven o'clock last evening that the rej^ort of a pistol shot was heard near the corner of Cherry and Thirteenth streets. Mrs. Fisher, who resides at 1305 Cherry street, was sitting on her front porch at the time. It seemed to her as if the shot had been fired near the rear of her house. Her first thought was of burglars, and she stepped quickly through the hall into her bedroom. From the threshold of the door she saw the sight that explained the mysterious shot. A woman lying dead on the floor, a pistol by her side, a hole in the forehead, and the thin clouds of smoke curling up to the ceil- ing — that was all, yet it told the story of the last act of a brave, faithful little woman. Hade Brown's wife dead — dead by her own hand, just four days before the time appointed for the execution of her unworthy husband. Hers, had been a sad, weary life, full of anxiety, care, excitement, sufi"ering, disgrace and sorrow. For three years past, during all the while her husband had been hunted by the officers of the law, during his trial, during the suspense of waiting for the final decree of the highest tribunal, and during the last weeks of the doomed man's stay on earth, this wife had been true to him, cease- less in her attentions, tireless in her devotion, unremitting in her love. A more beautiful and touching instance of womanly fidelity and wifely devotion the world never knew. The story of Hade Brown's crime is familiar to every one. In a fit of passion he slew his mother-in-law. He fled to Iowa and for a year lurked about, pursued by detectives. He was finally captured and taken back to Randolph county, the scene of his crime. He was doomed to death on the gallows. The supreme court was appealed to as a last resort. Pending their decision he was removed to Kansas City. The supreme court refused to interfere in his behalf, and the Governor declined to interpose his executive clemency. The date of the execution was fixed for Friday, the 25th, only three days hence. . HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 263 When the wife heard that her husband must die, she came at once to Kansas City, bringing with her an only child, a little boy just past his third birthday. The meeting between the doomed man and his family was touching in the extreme. The woman gave vent to her sorrow in heartrending shrieks and a flood of tears. Hade Brown — the careless, blasphemous and scared wretch that they called him — was overcome by emotion. The woman and the child were all he loved. During his trial and when sentence was passed on him he had expressed himself only in oaths and threats. Now the sight of the woman and child unnerved him. He was the braggart no longer. He dropped on his knees and wept and sobbed as though his heart would break. That was four weeks ago. Ever since that time the woman has been a ministerino; ang-el to the man. Each day she has trudged to the jail, through rain or shine, to renew her pledges of devotion and offi- ces of love to the husband already under the shadow of death. The woman loved the man . He had disgraced her. He had blighted her young life. He had amassed a heritage of shame for her child. He had broken her heart. And yet she loved him, and Avhen the hope that he might be spared was dead, the resolve came upon her that she would die too and sleep in the same grave with him. The end came quickly. A pistol shot — a gasp — a sigh — and the troubled soul was at rest. THE CONSPIRACY OF DEATH. Yesterday afternoon Hade Brown was visited in his cell by his wife. What passed between them is not known and probably never will be. It is known, however, that both man and woman had made up their minds to perish by suicide. This plan had been discussed before. All along Hade Brown has, with the most hideous oaths, declared he would never perish on the gallows. These declarations did not par- ticularly impress the authorities, as Brown was supposed to be more expert at threatening than at executing. Nevertheless, as is usual in the case of criminals about to die, he was closely watched, and no means for accomplishing his self-destruction were suff*ered to come within his grasp. There was no suspicion that the wife would convey to him any weapon or poison by which his threats at suicide might be carried into efiect. Sue Brown was regarded as a quiet, modest, shrinking little woman, one who would naturally revolt at any such action, which it now appears she was so ready to perform, and of course was not watched. The visit to the jail yesterday was for two purposes. The first was to bid her husband an eternal farewell, for she had resolved to die. The second was to provide him with means whereby he might end his life and thus escape the gallows. The means she had to offer him were poison — a heavy dose of morphine, which, secreted in the folds of her dress, she had no difficulty in conveying to his cell. Where she obtained the morphine has not yet been developed. That may come out among the dry details of the coroner's inquest, but probably not. Hade Brown took the deadly powder and placed it in 12 264 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. his vest pocket. It was decided between the two that the wife was to die first ; she probably told him how she intended to end her wretched lite. She was to leave a note for a friend, and the friend was to hasten to the jail and "tell Hade that Sne was dead." That was to be the signal for the husband's preparations for death to begin. He was then to take the poison, retire to his pallet and pass to his eternal sleep. The morning was to find his body dead and stark and stiif in the cell. When the two parted there was no unusual display of emotion be- tween them. There Avas not a look nor a gesture nor a word that was calculated to excite suspicion. They kissed each other good-bye, and the wife said : " We will see each other in the morning," and these were her last words to him. She had said the same words many times before, and the guards took no particular notice of them. At the door she turned and looked back at him, but said nothing. The door closed, the man went to his cell and the woman went to her death. THE SCENE OF DEATH. Upon her return to Mrs. Fisher's residence on Cherry street, there was nothing in Mrs. Brown's appearance or actions to convey even the remotest hint of the dreadful purpose she had in mind. She ate her supper with the family and conversed as usual. After supper she took the child over to a neighbor's and left him there to play. She was observed to embrace him and kiss him before she left him. The child went about his play in his bright, nervous way. She returned to Mrs. Fisher's house and found Mrs. Fisher sitting on the front porch talking to a lady friend. She passed into the house and was not seen alive again. From the evidences at hand, it is clear that upon leaving Mrs. Fisher she went into the bedroom, near the rear of the house, and wrote the two letters found after her death — wrote them in the dim, uncertain light of day, upon two slips of com- mercial bill-heads, and in very uncertain scrawling chirography. This accomplished, she took a comforter from the bed and with it made a pallet on the floor. In one of the bureau drawers there was a small thirty-eight caliber five-shooter. The woman opened the bureau drawer, took out the weapon, stretched herself out on the pallet, placed the weapon to her right temple and discharged it. The bullet crushed through the bone and lodged in the brain. Death was instan- taneous. When Mrs. Fisher found her lying there dead, the body was turned slightly over on the left side, but the attitude was so natural and easy that the repose might have been mistaken for that of sleep instead of death. Mrs. Fisher was terribly shocked. Her cries soon attracted the neighbors, who came pouring in, and among them the little boy whom his mother had but a half hour previously kissed good-bye for the last time. What did the child know of death? When he saw the woman lying there, he tip-toed softly back to the staring, frightened group of women HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 265 and said softly, *' Mamma is asleep — we mustn't talk or we'll wake her up." Everybody wept — the strong men as well as the weaker women. A lady took the child up and carried him out into the street and there he romped and played as gaily as if he were not indeed the loneliest and most blighted of orphans. THE TWO LETTERS. Two letters were found, conveying the last wishes of the unhappy woman. The first was pinned on the bosom of her dress and read as follows : — " Mrs. Fisher. — Please tell my darling husband immediately, will you, that these are my dying words. Please see that Hade's relations take me to Sundell graveyard and bury me with my dear husband, and in the same grave and coffin. These are my dying words, good- bye forever and ever. Please see that my child is raised right no matter who takes charge of him. I forgive every one who has wronged me and ask forgiveness. Good-bye to Chris and his family, and to Moses and those sweet children ; also my sister and dear old father and Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, and last of all my dear, sweet child and husband. Oh forgive me, God, is my prayer, for the time draws near when I must die. Good-bye, my dear, darling child and hus- band. This is written by Sue Brown." The other letter was found on the bureau and was as follows : — " To MY darling husband and child and my fried Belle Fisher, THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN SO VERY GOOD AND KIND TO ME. My darling husband and I will both die to-night. My life is a misery to me for I know that James is to hang, and I am ver\'^ near craz}'^ over my troubles, they are more than I can bear. Oh, how T hate to leave my darling, precious babe. I hope my relations will take charge of him, and raise him right, and always be good and kind to him and for my sake never let him be imposed upon. I love my dear husband better than the whole world, and he can't live and I won't — we Avill both die' together. I want to be buried in my darling's arms, and in the same coffin with him. " Mrs. Fisher, will you please see to us and not let them separate us in death is my dying wish. That God will forgive me and take me safely home is my dying prayer. I want my sisters, Sarah and Luta, to have my things between them. A farewell kiss to my dear old father, one I love. Mrs. Fisher, will you please for my sake have this published. I want you to take the news to Hade, it makes no difference who says no." THE SCENE AT THE JAIL. The discovery and perusal of the two letters left by Mrs. Brown let the authorities into the secret that there was an understanding between the murderer and his wife, and that the murderer himself con- 266 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. templated suicide and was probably in possession of the means whereby to accomplish that result. To frustrate any such design, Deputy Marshal Freeman, accompanied by Jailor Farrell, Sergeants Deitch and Snider, officer Barrons and several other patrolmen, made haste to the jail and quietly slipped up in front of Hade Brown's cell. " Come outside, Hade," said Freeman, in as careless a tone as he could feign. Brown looked up and saw the squad of officers. In a flash he divined that something deeply affecting him had transpired. He did not know what, nor did he care. As quick as lightning he plunged his hand in his vest pocket, drew out the package of morphine and crammed it into his mouth. Before he could swallow the fatal drug, however, the officers had seized him and powerful hands had fastened their vice-like clutch about his neck. Then ensued a frightful struggle. The baffled wretch floundered and fought with the despera- tion of a madman. His blasphemies and oaths and imprecations were too terrible for recital in a public print. Alternately he cursed himself and his assailants. " Kill me, you dogs of — ! " he shrieked. *;» a d « 'S ^^ c S3 tl y, art S «=« . ..2 fl ■3^2 ^|§ 3 H No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1881 No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1882 No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1883 Increase of 1883 over 1882 2,712,634 3,194,353 3,270,721 76,368 345,279 317,434 371,556 54,122 459 ,.536 486,585 593,452 106,867 "l89,i96 1,155,892 1,049,262 946,219 1,693,943 1,500,491 1,557,954 57,463 m 1940 m 2533 m 2390 m 7,510,775 8,203,223 9,059,986 856,758 Deci'ease of 1883 " 1882 103,043 803 m 850 m 133' m 2326 m 1773 m 197 m 2225 m 2195 m 2003 m 201,387 250,817 492,172 241,355 "Vss'm Avei-age distance oarr'd in 1881 Average distance carr'd in 1882 Average distance carr'd in 1883 1359 m 125° m 136" m 1565 m 1980 ni 273" m 1701m 172Sm 236«m No. of Passengers carr'd in 1881 No. of Passengers carr'd in 1882 No. of Passengers carr'd in 1883 1,023,036 1,472,311 1,567,683 95,372 124,640 145,084 164,743 19,659 405,956 557,035 793,808 236,773 793 942 70* 347,558 392,365 744,745 352,380 63* 81* 468 913,755 955,787 1,028,943 73,156 630 515 512 3,016,332 3,773,399 4,883,289 1,109,890 91,195 57* m 542 m 495 m 480 m 44- m 481 nj 692 756 568 633 Average distance carr'd in 1882 Average distance carr'd in 1883 632 331 593 In the tables preceding this one the Galveston, Honston and Hender- son statements are included in the International and Great Northern, of which it is now a branch. EARNINGS . 1883. Missouri Pacific Gross. Expenses. Surplus. $ 915,731 38 4,978,465 38 $ 4,175,266 00 Missouri, Kansas and Texas. Gross. Expenses. Surplus. 7,843,511 61 4,646,503 66 3,197,007 95 International and Great Northern. Gross. Expenses. Surplus. 3,435,968 71 2,481,716 80 954,251 91 St. Louis, Iron Mount, and Southern. Gross. Expenses. Surplus. 7,904,683 47 4,214,563 85 3,690,119 62 Central Branch Gross. Expenses. Surplus. 1,505,345 71 830,173 01 675,173 70 Texas and Pacific Gross. Expenses. Surplus. 7,045,652 38 5,597,645 26 1,648,007 12 Total Surplus $14,339,826 30 300 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. CO 00 OO CO PQ o p OO (^^ OS OlOOi 10 OO M O o->*co r>l ino CC '-' o rH CO s So 3 S o -i«o o oj la (NiO CC o 2| S°= 05 M lO 05 30 ■* -* 05_ §"§ ei" lO 3 («■ 0(M om ooo 3i CO "1"^. FHin tKUS !«■"* tl • • • >. • to • ;g o b 9 OS . 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"ao- Lj fc. oj a "" ag ^-o oo OlO ^-o^ " J2 O) cS a-'S c« a O 3 « ai oj o ji o es S in aj . «H oS 3 ■ axs aj-g •■SSaS 1^3^. * QJ *^ 'CO a Co., wholesale and retail druggists. Professional Men. — John R. Hull, attorney-at-law ; G. H. Burck- hartt, attorney-at-law; Thomas B. Reed, attorney-at-law; H. M. Porter, attorney-at-law ; B. P. Herndon, physician ; J. H. Miller, physician; W. T. Dameron, physician; William C. Bohannon, * physician; W. H. Taylor, physician, six miles north of Huntsville ; James J. Watts, physician, eight miles south of Huntsville. There seems to have flourished at that early day in Huntsville, a lottery, as will be seen by the following advertisement : — Now Fortune Waves the Magic Wand : 1,000 dollar lottery to come off in Huntsville on Christmas day. A free dinner will be given to all ticket holders. Call and get a ticket soon, or they will all be gone and none left for the lucky ones. S. W. Robertson. SLAVES FOR SALE. The undersigned will keep constantly on hand, negro men, women, boys and girls in Huntsville. All persons who wish to buy negroes, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 347 can make it their interest to call on the subscribers, or address them by letter, giving description of the kind of slaves desired. ®:^=A11 negroes warranted to come up to recommendations, or taken back or exchanged. H. L. Rutherford, Wm. D. Malone. wives wanted. [For the Indepeudeut Missourian.] Two young men are anxious to secure wives, while men are scarce and girls are plenty. The hair of one is auburn, with fair complexion, rather corpulent, with considerable pretensions to literature, is be- lieved as good-looking. The other has light hair, ayes nearly gray, tall, complexion rather pale, but passable looking, teeth bad. Both possess some money, but little inclination to work. We wish wives with a good suit of hair (black preferred), positively no gray ones ; of medium size ; brunette complexion preferred, but do not feel dis- posed to make that a point ; rosy cheeks, pouting lips, hands and feet small, straight nose, but not sharp, good teeth, sweet breath, and they must abhor tobacco (for we wish to use that). No claims as noble descendants of noble parentage, as we wish none higher than the second families of Virginia. Widows we wish included, if they possess not more than five responsibilities. We have mutually agreed that one shall have all the money, as we have not enough to serve both plentifully ; and that one of the ladies must be in good circum- stances, the other may be poor. What the gents lack in money will be made up in kindness. All communications with inquiries will be promptly answered. Address Cupid, Huntsville, Mo. The Randolph Citizen succeeded the Independent Missourian in May, 1858, and was first published by Francis M. Taylor. It was afterwards conducted at different times by Richard W. Thompson, Alexander Phipps, William A. Thompson, James B. Thompson and W. C. Davis, and was discontinued in the latter part of the year 1875. The Randolph American was the next paper established at Hunts- ville, and was started in November, 1858, by G. M. Smith and J. M. Stone, under the firm name of Smith & Stone. The publication of the Randolph Vindicator was commenced February 28th, 1878, by Balthis & Collins (W. H. Balthis and H. C. Collins), who continued to run it for about 12 months, when it ceased to exist. The North Missouri Herald was established January 10, 1869, by John R. Christian, J. S. Hunter and L. R. Brown. In May follow- ing, the interest of L. R. Brown was taken by W. C. Davis. In Jan- 348 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. - iiary, 1870, the interest of John R. Christian was purchased by Thomas D. Bogie. In October, 1870, the interest of W. C. Davis was purchased by J. S. Hunter and T. D. Bogie. The paper was run by these parties until January 1, 1875, when the interest of J. S. Hunter was purchased by T. D. Bogie, who run the paper alone until January 16, 1879, when he sold it to T. M. Elmore, who managed it by himself until July following when he sold a half-interest to W. H. Balthis, and the paper is still being conducted by these gentlemen. The name was changed from North Missouri Herald to Huntsville Herald in April, 1870. The Herald is now the only paper published in Huntsville. The Higbee Enterprise was published at Higbee in 1882-83, by Dentith & Ferlet (William E. Dentith and Timothy A. Ferlet). MOBERLY PAPERS. The first newspaper published in Moberly was the Moberly Herald and Real Estate Index, published by William E. Grimes, who was the first real estate agent in the place. The first number was issued January 16, 1869. It was a sixteen-column folio, and contained 13 columns of reading matter, and three of advertisements. There are three weekly and two daily papers published in Moberly. The Monitor, a weekly journal, was started in 1869 and for several years it was published only weekly. The Moberly Daily Enterprise was established in the spring of 1873. In 1874 these two journals consolidated under the name of Enterprise- Monitor, and at a later date the title " Enterprise " was dropped and the paper has ever since been conducted as the Daily and Weekly Monitor. Steam power has been added and the printing house has been greatly enlarged, doing all classes of work. It is owned and published by George B. Kelly. It is Democratic in politics. The Headlight was established in 1873 and published both as a daily and weekly edition. A job office attached does all kinds of work in that line. It has a power press and other machinery, and does a large amount of business. It is owned and published by William May- nard, and is Republican in politics. The Chronicle was started as a daily and weekly journal in the fall of 1880 by William A. Thompson. In the winter of 1881-2 the paper was removed to Missouri City and subsequently to Salisbury, Mo. At the latter place Mr. Thompson died, and his widow, Mrs. Ella Thompson, continued the publication of the paper, removing it to Moberly in the summer of 1883, where it is now issued as a weekly HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 349 journal. It is Democratic in politics so far as it treats of political matters. These journals have an extensive circulation and are important fac- tors in the commercial interests of the city. The Moberly Fortschritt, was started April 1, 1881, by G. B. Kelly, who after running it for one year, sold it to Gus. Miller, who after continuing it about three months, ceased publishing it. PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENUMERATION. Number of white children, males 3479 ; females, 3335 ; number of colored children, males, 426 ; females, 416 ; total, 7656. To accommodate this number of children there have been erected in the county 87 school buildings ; eight of these are for colored chil- dren. They are neat frame buildings, and have been constructed with reference to the health, comfort and convenience of both teacher and pupils. These pupils are under the care and instruction of 48 male and 73 female teachers, who are, in the main, not persons who have temporarily adopted the vocation of a teacher as a mere expedient to relieve present wants, and with no ultimate aim to continue teaching, but who have chosen their profession from choice, expecting to make a life work of it. The male teachers are paid a salary which averages $43.00 per month, and the female a salary which averages $35.00 per month. We hope the day is not far dis- tant when Eandolph county will be as liberal in the salaries of the female teachers in her public schools as Greene, Dallas and a few other counties in the State. These counties have recognized the fact that the services of the female teacher are worth just as much as the services of the male, and are accordingly paying her an equal salary. For teachers' wages, the sum of $24,218.10 was paid out during the year 1883 ; for fuel, $1,036.85 ; for repairs and rent of buildings, $1,179.88; for apparatus and incidental expenses, $2,656.91; for erection of school-houses and purchase of sites, $1,086.50; for past indebtedness, $2,016.44; for salaries to district clerks, $393.00; amount on hand at the close of the year, $4,150.68; value of school property at the close of the year, $45,574.00 ; average rate per $100 levied for school purposes, 43 cents. The county has now a school fund of more than $37,000, which is rapidly increasing year by year. The schools are in a flourishing con- dition throughout the county, and are being liberally patronized by all classes of persons. The opposition and prejudice, with which they met a few years ago, are gradually dying out, and everybody is now a friend of the public schools. CHAPTEE XYIL ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. HAPPY ZION AND SILVER CREEK ( BAPTIST) CHURCH. [By Eev. M. J. Sears.] On the third Saturday in August, 1819, before Missouri was a State, or Randolph was a county, a number of the early settlers met together, and were organized into a Baptist Church, and gave it the name of Happy Ziou, and on the second Saturday in the following month, united with the Mt. Pleasant Association, organized at Mt. Pleasant Church, Howard county, just one year before. The dele- gates chosen by the church to bear their petitionary letter to the As- sociation, were: Thomas Henson, William Harvey and Asa Kirby. *********** * * At the August meeting, 1827, the name of the church was changed to Silver Creek. Up to this date and for many years later, almost the entire settlement was made up of Baptists and their families, and the church enjoyed to a very liberal degree the blessings of the Lord, reporting peace and prosperity in all the letters, which were annually sent up to the association, down to the year 1835. Yet the member- ship, perhaps, never at any one time, numbered over 75 or 80 per- sons, for other Baptist churches were organized in the surrounding country, and drew largely upon the present body for membership ; among which we mention Mt. Harmon, Mt. Ararat, Pleasant Grove, Dover (first called Turner's Prairie), and Little Union, located in the north suburbs of North Huntsville, all of which have become extinct. The different pastors who served the church up to date above men- tioned were Elders Thomas Henson, Charles Harryman, James Rat- cliff, Thomas Fristoe and William Sears. All, except Elder Fristoe, commenced their ministry in, and were ordained by Silver Creek Church. Among the influential citizens who were prominent members of that church, before the year 1835, were William Harvey, Dr. William Fort, Hardy Sears, Aaron King, John Whelden, William and Joseph Marrow, Ambrose Halliburton, Blandermin Smith, Abraham Gross, Asa Kirby, Isaiah Humphrey, Basil McDavitt, Sr., Wiley (350) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 351 Sears, Sr., David Crews, Charles Finuell, William Cavens, Benjamin Hardister and Richard Bradley. These and many others, whose names are not at hand, all obtained a good report through faith, and have gone from faith to sight in the glory land. At the October meeting following the division in Mt. Pleasant As- sociation, Isaiah Humphrey and wife, Basil McDavitt, Sr., and wife, William Cavens and wife, and Nancy West withdrew from Silver Creek Church in order to form a separate body, and to become identi- fied with what was then called the " Missionary Party ^''^ since which time the church has enjoyed uninterrupted peace, and a fair share of prosperity. The writer of this united with the church in October, 1849, and began his ministry before he was 20 years of age, and at 21 years of age was ordained to the pastoral care of the church, and has sustained that relation to the church to this day. From 1835 to 1849, Elders William Sears, John Buster and John Mansfield, each in turn, served the church as pastors with good success. These were o-ood and faithful ministers, but on account of the distance thev lived from the field of their labors, would often fail to meet appointments. In 1840 Brother James Sears, and in 1843, Brother Willis Sears, now ©f Chariton Church, Macon county, left the " Missionaries," and were received into the church upon their baptism. ************* Soon after the unhappy division of 1835, a large per cent of our membership emigrated to Macon county, and helped to found the now prosperous churches at Chariton and Little Zion, in that county ; and in this county, the churches at Hickory Grove and Oak Grove, which are both prosperous. Besides the two last named and the mother church, there are also Pleasant Hill and Moberly Churches, making five in all, of the Primitive Order in Randolph county. Elders W. A. Rothwell, M.D., James Bradley, James P. Carter and the writer are the ministers of the Primitive Baptist faith in this county. The first named is a native of Kentucky, brother Carter, of Virginia ; brother Bradley and the writer were born and raised in this county. Elders James RatclifF, William Sears, James Barnes, Archi- bald Pattison, J. W. Garshwiler, John Buster and James Grisholm have all been residents of this county, and in turn have served the old churches above named, and have all gone to their reward above to rest from their labors below. Elder William Sears was ordained to gospel ministry in Silver Creek Church in 1836. No other ordination to the ministry occurred in the church until the third Sunday in April, 352 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 1851, when the writer was set apart to the important work of preach- ing the gospel of Christ to dying men. Since that time the chnrch has set apart Elder Lewis Sears and Elder J. W. Bradley (since deceased) and granted license to Elder P. M. Sears, who was after- ward ordained to the ministry at the request of Oak Grove Church. Little Union Church (^Baptist). — This is the name of the first church edifice that was erected near the town of Huntsville. It was a log cabin, and was erected about one mile north of the town, as early as 1828. Among its constituent members were Nancy Wright, Dr. William Forth and wife, Mr. Lafon and wife, Martha Fort, Abraham Riley and wife, Rachel Riley, James Riley, Nancy Goggin, John Smoot and wife, Susan Smoot, Martin Fletcher and wife, Charles Hatfield and wife, Benjamin Skinner and wife, Paulina Skinner, Thomas Hardister and wife, Isaac Harris and wife, Blandermin Smiths This church was presided over by Revs. Lynch Turner, John Buster, James Ratclifi' and Thomas Fristoe, at difierent intervals. After the course of several years, the old building was torn down,, and a new house of worship erected near the present site of Lay's Mill, which is in the corporate limits of Huntsville. Providence {Methodist) Church — Was organized in 1834 at the cabin of S. G. Johnson, with the following named persons as consti- tuting the original membership : S. G. Johnson, Nancy W. Johnson, Margaret Cooper, Nancy Fawks, Polly Fawks, and Lasey Cooper. About the year 1836 this congregation had preaching at what was known as Johnson's School House, and in 1846 they erected Old Providence Church, called the " Twelve Corners." In 1878, the pre- sent frame house of worship was built at a cost of $1,100, the dedi- catory service the same year being presided over by Rev. B. F. Johnson, D.D. Among those who have ministered to the spiritual needs of this church are Jesse Green, presiding elder and circuit preacher; Read Coleburn, Forsythe Thatcher, R. B. Ashby (presid- ing), William Caples, William Sutton, A. Monroe, J. Elder Eads. The membership now numbers about 80. Renick Union Church. — This house of worship was built jointly by the M. E. Church South, Christian and Missionary Baptist, at a cost of $3,000, each denomination contributing the sum of $1,000 towards its erection. It is situated in the town of Renick. Amona^ the names of the original members of the Methodist congregation are found those of Stephen Brockman and wife, Thomas Brockman, Mrs. Thomas Spurlin, Thomas Price, wife and daughter, Elizabeth Pyles, E. D. J. Brockman, S. W. Hubbard, Jane Hubbard, and Rev. Wesley HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 353 Hatton and family — Jane, Reuben and David. The first pastor of this congregation was Rev. Collett, followed by Revs. Taylor, W. N. Sutton and Thomas B. Moss. About 50 persons constitute the mem- bership at present. Some of the primary members connected with the Baptist denom- ination were William Butler, W. F. Elliott and G. O. Powell and wife. Rev. Beauchamp was the first to preach for the congregation. An organization of the Christian Church was effected about the year 1860, by Rev. W. B. Anderson, at which time S. N. Pyle and wife, An- tony Foster, S. S. Elliott and wife, M. M. Burton and wife, T. C. Walker and wife, Mrs. Jules Chilton and Daniel Bruce and wife com- posed the first members. Now the membership is 70. Revs. Wilmott, Donan and C. P. HoUis have been their pastors. This church edifice was completed in 1876, at a cost (as above stated) of $3,000. The same year it was dedicated by Rev. John D. Vincil. A Sabbath-school containing about 40 scholars was started in 1870, and is now superintended by J. A. Mitchell. It is a strong pillar of the church. Chapel Grove Church — Which is located on the southern part of section 26, township 52, range 13, was formed into an organization about the year 1869, by William B. Cross and wife, J. B. Green and wife, Samuel Lyons and wife, George W. Ferguson and wife, G. W. Hubbard and wife, Mrs. Stockton and Albert Smith and wife, who were the charter members. Rev. William Wood first filled the pulpit of the church, after him coming Revs. DeMoss, John Shores, J. F. Rooker, William Sutton, William Warren, A. Spencer and R. F. Beavers. In 1871 the present building, in which services are held — a frame, 32x42 feet — was completed and is valued at $1,200. The number in the church at this time is 55. Enon Missionary Baptist Church. — In 1872 William Moberlyand wife, William Bartee and wife, Cephus Nichols and wife, Jesse Burton, wife and son, Oscar Paul De Garino, Mrs. Isaac Stipe, and possibly others, met and formed the above named church. That year, or during the following one, a church building was erected on section 2, township 53, range 13, and cost in the vicinity of $600. It is a frame structure, and in the fall of 1873 was dedicated by Rev. W. L. T. Evans, who was the first shepherd of this little flock. William Woods, John R. Terrell and Rev. Evans, the present pastor, succeeded the first mentioned. The number of the present membership is 40. Mt. Carmel Church — Was organized August 31, 1873, by Rev. J. B. Mitchell, with five elders, Henry T. Johnson, James M. Holman, 354 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. William D. Harlan, Thomas J. Sherran, Paul Teeter. Two deacons were ordained in August, 1874 ; George W. Harlan and George W. Clardj. Thomas J. Sherran ceased to act in 1880 as elder, and James M. McGoodwin and James K. Harlan were elected elders March 6, 1881. George W. Chirdy ceased to act as deacon in 1879, and Oscar C. Bedel was elected to fill his place. George W. Harlan and Oscar C. Bedel discontinued their services as deacons in 1882, and I. N. Harlan and William T. Farris were elected in their stead. The church was organized with 85 members, — Henry T. Johnson, James M. Holman, William D. Harlan, Thomas J. Sherran, Paul Teeter, Elizabeth N. Johnson, M. L. Johnson, James T. Day, G. J. Dressier, J. A. McGuire, J. S. Harlan, J. D. Gregory, M. C. Adams, S. L. Harlan, M. L. Summers, J. H. Frazier, G. W. Clardy, Wm. H. Mofi'ett, Hugh Eagan, Ella Eagan,iV[. R. Kirkpatrick, G. W. Harlan, W. B. Morris, M. E. Morris, I. N. Harlan, Samuel McGuire, Joseph Roygere, O. C. Redd, S. F. Gregory, M. J. Eagan, J. S. Combs, Martha Combs, M. S. Harlan, Dora Doaks, R. S. Holman, J. W. Gray, M. L. Clardy, M. C. Barnes, H. Burton, S. A. Burton, L. S. Dressier, G. W. Harlan, W. McDaniel, A. E. McDaniel, G. Darr, Samuel Epperly, Mary Epperly, M. A. Epperly, Thomas McCully, M. E. Clardy, N. F. Power, S. C. Power, J. W. Vreeman, S. F. McCully, G. P. Epperly, Felise Day, Nancy Day, M. L. Holman, J. S. Barnes, S. T. Barnes, Harriet Darr, W. H. Eagan, G. J. Eagan, W. T. Dameron, H. A. Epard, C. B. Day, James H. Rogers, J. L. Powers, M. F. Burton, M. H. Tinsley, J. W. Harlan, John Roger, Eliza Roger, C. F. Harlan, Isaac S. Harlan, J. W. Turner, M. L. Rogers, L. A. Teeter, S. M. Harlan, W. D. Johnson, Fanny McGuire, Biney Mc- Guire, S. J. Harlan, R. J. Moffett and D. E. Frazier. At the present date 170 persons constitute the membership. The church house was built in 1876 at a cost of $1,200. Rev. James Dysart is the present pastor. Vlifton Bill Church — Was originally known as " Dark's Prairie " Church (thus called at organization), and held its first meetings one mile north of Clifton until the new house of worship was completed in 1868, when it was moved to that structure, and shortly thereafter the name was changed to the present form. This latter building is valued at $1,200, and was dedicated to God's service in the fall of 1868 by Noah Flood. Rev. S. Y. Pitts was called as pastor when the church was started, and has since served in this capacity. The organ- izing members of the society were H. Stamper, Sarah Stamper, D. J. Stamper, Mary A. Stamper, Isaac Sanders, Phebe Sanders, Jonathan HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 355 Sanders, Frances Sanders, Indiana Sanders, Kile}^ Sanders, David Clifton, and another person named Sanders, whose Christian name we were unable to learn. There are now in the church 168 members. Silver Creek Baptist Church — Effected an organization on the third Saturday of August, 1819, the originators being Elders Thorp and Hubbard. The names of those comprising the first membership we were unable to obtain, as they are not specified on the record. In 1833 a log house for worship was built. The church became sepa- rated upon the missionary question and subsequently was reorganized, their first meeting being held the fourth Saturday of November, 1835, when Thomas Fristoe was made pastor and Isaiah Humphreys deacon, with William Cavins as clerk. In 1860 the building in which services are now held was erected at a cost of $1,200. It is a frame structure, and was dedicated by Elder M. J. Sears, anti-Missionary, and Elder Noah Flood of the Eegular Baptist Church. The names of the pastors who have served the church are as follows : Thomas Fristoe, from 1835 to March, 1839 ; Wm. Mansfield, 1839-1845 ; Jesse Ferril, 1846 ; John Roan, 1847-1852 ; Jesse Ferril, again, 1853-1858 ; F. M. Stark, 1858-1863 ; William C. Woods in 1863 ; S. Y. Pitts, April, 1864, March, 1867 ; Lewis Sears, 1867-1869 ; F. M. Stark from February, 1869, to February, 1870 ; J. W. Terril accepted the care of the church as pastor in June, 1870, and resigned in November, 1871 ; F. M. Stark, December, 1871, September, 1876; W. Kilbuck was elected pastor October, 1876, and continued to April, 1878 ; F. M. Stark was again elected in May, 1878, for 12 months; J. W. Terril, October, 1879, resigned in February, 1881 ; Elder Stark was then elected in xMarch of the same year, and is pastor at this time (April, 1884). The records show that 200 persons have been members of this church, 52 of whom are known to be dead, and most of these died while con- nected with this cono-reo-ation ; 13 have been excluded from the fellow- ship of the church, and the remainder, except the 40 who now compose the organization, have been dismissed by letter to join other churches of a like faith and order. Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. — This church now has a membership of 75, but at the organization, in 1858, had only nine members, as follows : John S. Kimbrough and wife, F. B. Hubbard and wife, Mary Y. Settle, J. G. Settle and wife and Simeon Styles and wife. At an expenditure of $1,200, a fine, well-finished structure, in which services are now held, was built in the fall of 1881. It is of frame, 28x42, and was dedicated by Rev. F. W. Houtchin, Benjamin Gentry and P. T. Gentry. The latter gentleman was the first pastor 356 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. of the church, and served as such for a number of 3'ears, being suc- ceeded by W. L. T. Evans, W. W. Kilbuck and Daniel R. Evans, the present minister in charge. Good Hoj^e Missionary Baptist Church. — In a good, substantial log house — which was built by the members, and money to the amomit of $50 — services of this body are now held once a month. Though not a building of any very great external beauty, within a spirit of unity, peace and concord prevails among the members — a beauty, though not so apparent, of far more value. The organization was effected in 1871, with Hugh Jackson and wife. Rev. J. M. Byram and wife, Samuel Jackson, John H. Roberts and wife, Sarah Hargis, and Mrs. Naler. The church edifice was erected in 1872 and was dedicated by Revs. J. M. Byram, Woods and others. The pastors have been : Revs. J. M. Byram, W. W. Kilbuck, Jackson Harris, Ed- ward Silver and William Brown. Rev. Jackson Harris is the present incumbent. Pleasant Hill Regular Baptist Church — Is located on section 8, town- ship 54, range 14 ( Salt Spring township). In 1865-66 this church edi- fice, for the purposes of worship, was built at a cost of about $1,000. In dimensions it is 36x40 feet. At the organization of the church, in May, 1866 (organized by Rev. M. S. Sears), the following persons were present and their names placed upon the records : Leonard Dott- son and wife, Mrs. Margaret Goodding, R. R. Goodding and wife, Nancy Hall and sister, Peyton Hall, Mrs. Mason, S. G. Phipps and wife, J. R. Phipps and wife, William Rodgers and wife and James Brock, wife and mother. At this time the membership numbers nearly 40. Revs. M. J. Sears, Benjamin Owen, P. M. Sears and James K. Carter have filled the pulpit of the society. The latter is the present pastor. The Missionary Baptists have a half interest in the church, which was deeded to them in the fall of 1883, but they have held services there for some 14 years. Their ministers have been W. L. T. Evans, S. Y. Pitts and G. B. Clifton. They have 61 members in their organization. Highee Christian Church. — The original organization of this body took place near the year 1845 in the vicinity of the town of Higbee, and was known as the Dover Church. From continued usage, and after withstanding the storms of many winters, the church structure about rotted, and a new edifice was erected one mile west of Higbee, in which services were held until the formation of the present church at HiMDee in the summer of 1880. Some of the members at the re- oriranization were : M. M. Burton, wife, two sons and an adopted HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 357 daughter ; J. W. Burton, wife, and two sons ; S. Lessly, wife, mother and one son ; W. L. Eeynolds, John W. Newby, John Blackford, Sarah Blackford, Eleven Dawkins and wife, Ann Dysart, Mary 8. Dysart, Alice Yates, Fannie Yates and Joel Yates. Their present house of wor- ship is a frame building, 36x56, erected at an expense of $1,900. It was dedicated by Eev. Joel A. Headington and Rev. C. P. Hollis. The former was the first pastor, and since then Rev. Headington has ministered to the spiritual necessities of the congregation. There are 75 members, and 'services are held there times a month. The Sab- bath-school, with a regular attendance of 50 pupils, is superintended by S. Lessly. Salem Christian Church. — In the summer of 1873 this church completed a house of worship, 30x34 feet, with 14 feet of studding — property now valued at about $600. It is a frame building, and is located on section 2, township 53, range 13. The formation of the church took place in 1872, when Jason Moberly and wife, T. J. Nichols and wife, J. Quisenberry and wife, C. B. Quisenberry and wife, William Love and wife, and John Reid and wife con- stituted the regular members. There are now about 60 commu- nicants. Among those who have served as pastors are Revs. William Blackburn, P. C. Hollis, John McCune, R. H, Love, after whom came J. C. Reynolds, then George Dew, and, finally, William Hen- derson. It is now in a most flourishing condition. Antioch Christian Church. — On the first Lord's Day in July, 1837, this church was constituted as such, and among the early members we find the following named well known persons the first 11 were con- stituent members : Roland T. Proctor and wife, Diana D. ; Benjamin Haley and wife, Eliza ; James Heathman and wife, Elizabeth ; James Adams and Caroline, his wife ; Joseph C. and Eliza Drake ; James Beatty, Jacob Roman, William Haley and wife, Belinda; Henry R. Haley, Joseph W. Helm, Thomas P. Coates and wife, Frances; Nor- burn Coates, David Myers and Mary, his wife ; Henry and Judith Myers, Henry H. Newton, Henry Grimes, James G. Dunn, Ambrose Haley and wife, Cassandra ; Isaac Foster, Peter Matthews and wife, Ettaline; Asa C. Proctor, Ardeline Chapman and Cynthia, his wife; Thomas Wilson, Nathaniel Welch, Alexander Proctor, Dabney Haggard, William Myers and wife, Christina; William Newton, Elisha Sherwood and wife, Frances, and Clement and Amy Jeter. The first church building, which was of logs, was constructed in 1837, and in" 1860 their present frame structure was completed. Elders Wilmot, James A. Berry, William H. Featherston, Peter Donan, George E. 358 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Shanklin and George A. Perkins have filled the pulpit, the latter of whom is occupying it at this date. He has under his control 77 mem- bers. Many ministers of the Christian denomination have become famous in this State, and among them might be mentioned Alexander Proctor, Thomas P. Haley, Henry H. Haley (now deceased), Will- iam H. Featherston and E. J. Lampton of the Antioch Church. Their popular reputation has been deservedly won. Mount Hope Cumbeiiand Presbyterian Church. — The edifice of this denomination, which is located on section 29, township 54, range 14 (Salt Spring township), was constructed in 1874, and is 24x42 feet in dimensions, its valuation being about $600. The society formed itself into an organization and became known by the above name in the spring of 1874, Rev. W. F. Manning being the originator. The constituent members were J. S. Jenkins and wife, Margaret Evans, Mary A. Walker, A. T. Chapman, M. J. Hardesty, J. J. Adams, Ann A. demons, Susan E. demons, W. A. and Mary L. Cunningham, Alexander and Sabra Frazier, Eliza J. Shaw, Thomas and Sarah A. Hardesty, D. A. Shaw, D. S. and Janette Payne, John A. Adams, Roxanna Turner, Fannie E. Jenkins, Jennie A. Adams, Mary J. Overby, Arthur Jenkins, May F. Gentry, Barbara E. Riley, Mary F. Sperry, Selmon Frazier, Mary E. Payne, Lenora Adams, J. H. Hardesty, George Gentry, Josephus Hardesty, W. J. Evans, Mary C. Riley and Joan Chapman. Their first pastor was Levi Hanes, fol- lowed by Revs. A. M. Buchanan, George Wittingham and J, Lewis Route. Sugar Creeh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — The first build- ins: of this cono-reojation was erected in 1840 — a structure 26 x 46 feet. The present house of worshi]3 is the third one put up upon the same site. This is on section 26 of Sugar Creek township, about two miles north-west from Moberly. The church was formed under the present name in 1834 by Rev. Samuel C. Davis, who was the earnest and loved pastor for 18 years. The members at the organization were John Tedford and wife, D. Tedford, Andrew and Margaret Hannah, Lu- cinda Hannah, and James and Jennie Cunningham. Rev. Lewis Routt is the present pastor in charge. M. E. Church South — Located at Cairo, through the efforts largely of Rev. C. Babcock was constituted as a church organization in 1868, John Hoag and wife, William Moody and wife. Walker Wright and wife, Harriet Johnson, Sarah Smith, Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Lampton being the original members. A frame house of worship, in which services are now held, was built at a cost of $1,400 in 1873, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 359 and was dedicated the same year by Dr. W. G. Miller. There are now 68 persons in the church. The following named pastors have served as such in this congregation: Kevs. C. Babcock, L. Rush, David Blackwell, J. S. Todd, Walter Toole, James Taylor, L. Bald- win, Walter Toole, L. Brewer, J. C. Carney, George W. Quinby, and lastly the present incumbent, J. S. Todd. Meals Chapely M. E. Uhurch /South. — The organization of this church was consummated by Rev. C. W. CoUett, in 1867, with M. and J. Moberly and wives, J, P. Meals and wife, William Grimes, George H. Cottingham and wife, William Westfall and wife, Eli Eastwood and wife, Mrs. John Mills, Mrs. W. J. Meals, Mrs. Susan Grimes and Mrs. Hulda Meals as constituting the primitive members. Since then the membership has increased to 42. The following ministers have been the pastors of the church since its start; C. W. Collett, Rev. J. R. Taylor, H. W. James, William Toole, Rev. Baldwin, W. M. Sutton, J. S. Rooker, Joseph Rowe and Robert Loving. The build- ing in which worship is conducted was erected in 1867. In size it is 36x40, and is valued at about $800. ^620 Hope M. U. Church South. — In the summer of 1881 the church edifice now occupied by this congregation was built at an ex- penditure of $1,200. It is a frame structure, 30x15 feet, and was dedicated the same year, after which, in the fall of 1881, an organiza- tion was affected, the original members being G. H. Cottingham and wife, S. D. Lyons, wife and two daughters, John J. Matthews and wife, S. Robertson and J. T. S. Gates and wife. Revs. William War ren, Spencer and R. Beaver have been its ministers. Services are conducted by the Methodist denomination in this house once a month, and the Christians and Baptists also hold meetings each once a month. 18 CHAPTEE XYIIL Death of Jas. A. Garfield — Death of C. Wisdom — Death of Capt. Lowry — Death of Capt. Coates — Judge Thomas P. White — Sudden. Death of Dr. J. C. Oliver — Death of au Old and Estimable Lady — Tornado — Tornado of 1831 — Randolph Medical Springs — Official Record — Politics — Taxable Wealth. DEATH OF JAMES A. GARFIELD, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. [From the Herald.] Monday, September 26, 1881, was indeed an impressively sad day in Huntsville. Our citizens with great unanimity seemed to appreciate fully and deeply the awful fact that on this memorable day, in the far off State of Ohio, would be laid to rest for ever in the cold embrace of mother Earth, all that was mortal of James Abram Garfield, our late honored chief magistrate, who was stricken down in the prime of his life, in the zenith of his high renown and in the hour of his greatest usefulness, without warning and without cause, by a red-handed assassin. This horrible and humiliating fact cast a deep, settled gloom over our entire community, and each face wore an expression of sadness, such as could only have been produced from heartfelt grief. Then it was meet and proper that our people should take such steps as would show to the outside world how keenly they felt the great calamity with which we have been afflicted ; to show in what high esteem we held the illustrious dead while living, and to give an honest expression of sympathy for the bereaved, aged mother, who, standing as she is almost upon the brink of the grave, has had the last tender tie which bound her so firmly to earth ruthlessly severed ; for the pure, amiable wife, who showed so plainly her true womanhood by her admirable and self-sacrificing devotion to wifely duty, and for the five orphaned children, who are deprived in earl}^ youth of their natural and alfectionate guardian. To this end all business was suspended for the day ; the churches, public buildings, business houses, and a large number of private residences were tastefully draped in mourning, and at two o'clock p. m., union memorial services were held at the Christian Church. At one o'clock p. m., the bells of the city commenced to toll. Each stroke seemed to add additional depression to the poignant sorrow of every heart, and the deep quiet which prevailed throughout the day told plainer than words could express it that our people were sorely grieved over what they conscientiously believed to be a great national calamity. Ten minutes before two o'clock, the Masons and Odd Fellows formed in front of their respective lodges, and, headed b}' Beedles & Prindle's excellent brass band, marched in procession to (360) HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 361 the strains of solemn music to the Christian Church, and filed in, occupying front seats therein. The church was densely crowded, and a great many were compelled to remain on the outside. At two o'clock sharp, the choir, lead by Mrs. Wisdom, sang in an aftecting tone of voice the beautiful hymn, "Vital Spark," after which President Weber offered up a fervent prayer. The old, familiar hymn, "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform," was then read by Rev. W. T. Ellington and sung with feeling by the choir. President Weber next read in a clear, full voice the following pre- amble and resolutions presented by the committee appointed fo^i- that purpose : — Whereas, The citizens of Huntsville aud vicinity feeling:, with all other sections of the country, the great loss to the nation in the death of James A. Garfield, President of the United States ; and Whereas, On this day of his interment, while memorial services are being held here, and not only in every city and hamlet on the American continent, but also in most all the nations of the earth, we deem it proper and right to express the sentiment of the people of Huntsville this day assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed ; therefore liesolvecl, That without regard to party or sect, the sad news of the death of James A. Garfleld, late President of the United States, was received with great sorrow by this entire community, and while thus expressing the most profound admiration, not only for his just and able administration of the affairs of the nation, as indicated in his brief career, but also of his heroic courage, fortitude and Christian patience exhibited during his protiacted suffering, we must also utter our detestation of the monster in human form who thus, by his infamous deed, deprived the nation of its honored and well-beloved chief. Eesolved, That our warmest sympathies and tenderest regards are hereby tendered to the heroic. Christian wife, and aged Christian mother and to his orphaned children, in their hour of great affliction and in their irreparable loss of son, husband and father. The resolutions were heartily adopted, and President Weber then read appropriate passages of Scripture from the books of Second Kings, Isaiah and James, after which the consoling hymn, " Asleep in Jesus, Blessed Sleep," was read with confidence by Rev. Mr. Elling- ton and sung with earnestness by the choir. As soon as the sweet, assuring strains of the Christian music had been l)orne away on the peaceful bosom of the atmosphere, to be taken up and wafted on by angel voices to the foot of the Great White Throne, on which is seated the King of Kings, Mr. Ellington came forward, and in his most eloquent and impressive manner delivered the following able memorial sermon, which was listened to with marked interest tlirouo-hout, and which was requested to be published by the unanimous voice of the meeting. SERMON. Text : " Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen." — Zechariah, 11th chapter, first clause of second verse. To-day the nation sits solitary. To-day the wail of sadness and grief casts its gloom over all the States and Territories of the broad Union, and the world sends messages of sympathy and condolence — 362 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the chief magistrate, the President of the United States, is dead. " Howl, fir-tree ; the cedar is fallen ! " " God only is great." Such was the concise but triumphant ex- pression with which Massillon, the distinguished religious orator, com- menced his discourse on the occasion of the death of Louis XIV. Never was a more correct sentiment uttered by human lips. And never was there a more appropriate occasion for its utterance, unless it is on the present occasion. Who would dare appropriate the epi- thet " great " to himself, when he who had received it from a nation's voice for half a century had fallen at the very slightest touch of Prov- idence — the crown removed from his temples, the scepter wrested from his hands, and his form changed to dust and ashes? That, cer- tainly, as well as the present, was a suitable time for the minister of God, whose business it is to measure the human by the Divine, and to adjust the temporal to the Eternal, to detach an epithet which has so often been wrongly placed, from its human, and append it to God alone. The utterance of this important sentiment stands approved by phi- losophy as well as by theology, by the decisions of human reason as well as by inspiration. It is a sentiment which commends itself, not only deductively, but almost to man's intuitive perceptions, that there is, and can be, but one absolute greatness. All other greatness, if it be possible there can be any other greatness, is greatness by compari- son. It is the greatness of finite estimated by the finite, of the de- structible weighed in the balance of the destructible ; the greatness of angel measured by angel, of man measured by man ; but it is not and can not be the greatness of God. The greatness of God differs from all other in that it is greatness absolute. Man is great only by comparison. In this sense the epithet " great " stands indissolubly connected with the name, and is most justly worn by the deceased President of the United States, James A. Garfield, whose sad and most unfortunate death we this day commemorate. *' Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " Howl, all ye smaller trees of the forest that receive support and protection from the overtowering, matchless cedar ; howl, for the cedar is fallen ! To-day there is no North, no South, no East, no West. Each State vies to do honor to our fallen chief. The thousands of pulpits, busi- ness houses, family residences, from the humble cabin to the mansion, clad in mourning. Ah ! a nation flooded in tears attest a nation's grief, a nation's love-appreciation. " Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen!" This grand Union of States stands united to-day as, perhaps, never before ; and, brief as was his career in official stations, no man, liv- ing or dead, has done more to bring out, to strengthen, to close up, and to make forever indissoluble the bonds of this Union, than James A. Garfield. May I not say he has forever sealed these bonds with his blood; and let all the people say, Amen. " Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 363 But the nation not only sits to-day in sorrow and sadness, but also in deep humiliation. Sad thought! Had our beloved President fallen by the usual order of sickness, sorrow alone would sadden the heart. But feelings of deep humiliation miugle with the sorrow of every American citizen. The President of the happiest, the freest, the most inviting to respectability, usefulness and honor of au}'^ coun- try upon which the sun rises ; in the time of universal peace, prosper- ity and happiness, falls by the red hand of the assassin. Just as the hopes of the whole country were raised to a state of unprecedented rejoicing over the undoubted prospect of an unprejudiced, impartial administration, that would continue or give even greater prosperity and happiness to the country, and that would give satisfaction to and be the admiration of all parties, sects and sections, the unrelenting assassin steps in with his bloody ax, and the tall, sturdy, overshadow- iug cedar, around which centered the hopes of fifty millions of human beings, after weeks of the most persistent resistance to death's dark pall, trembles, bends, falls, and now lies prostrate at the feet of a weeping, humiliated nation. "Howl, fir-tree; for the cedar is fallen!" I think it proper, and know you will indulge me in making a few extracts of Southern sentiment. They come from Georgia, and are full of thrilling interest, — a section of the country not thought to be always in sympathy with the government at Washington : — " With anguish we announce that the worst fears have been con- firmed, and James A. Garfield, President of the United States, is dead. By the hand of a fanatic of most desperate surroundings, whom it would be a stretch of charity to call a madman, this great and good President, this fond husband and loving father, this noble gentleman, has been slain. Strange that the bullets of brave foemen should have, in fair fight, spared him for such a fate. Sad, in- deed, is it that such a glorious being, so useful, so powerful, so manly, so excellent, should become the victim of so vile a wretch. To God we leave vindication and the ends of justice. The heart of the South bleeds for the stricken mother, wife and children. '* Upon his dead body we lay an immortelle, a wreath of trust, sorrow and regret. Innocent of the assassination of Garfield, the South, fearless of the future and forgetful of the past, stands tear- fully beside the relics of the President and prays that the storm-tossed spirit shall have the rest of the righteous and a sanctuary in that eternal haven where, lulled to slumber, grief forgets to mourn." Georgia, grand old Georgia, of the immortal thirteen, speaks for the whole South. Who does not rejoice at such sentiments coming up from the land of chivalry and manhood. The South is solid once more. Solid, thank God, in sympathy and affection for the President, his family and friends, and in common grief with a sorrowing, bleeding nation. Then from the North and from the South, from the East and from the West, we this day hear, in mournful notes, " Howl, fir tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " 364 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. It is true our noble President fell, and the nation put in tears, at the hands of a dastardly assassin, but facts are being developed that give to the country the brightest hopes for the future, both civil and religious. There has been developed, and is still being developed, an amount of sympathy and confidence, in all sections of the country, in the stability and just administration of our grand republic that the most trustful scarcely dared to anticipate. Such is the well arranged, the grandeur, the adaptibility of the machinery of our unparalleled government, that, were it not for the universal sympathy and good will manifest towards our deceased President, scarcely a ripple would roll over these broad, happy lands when death snatches the scepter from the hand and lays the body in the grave. In the forcible language of our lamented President on the demise of President Lmcoln ; " God reigns and the government at Washington still lives." The fact, also, to a high degree, and most satisfactory, has been developed, broadened, heightened, so that it has taken its stand upon the dome of the capitol of most every State in the Union, and by proclamations for prayer and mourning, proclaims in tones heard from the center to the circumference of the nation, " This is a Christian nation." For a time it was a nation upon its knees. Infidelity stands aghast at the amount of religious confidence developed. Just when that gloomy system is, as I believe, making its last weak eflbrt to revive its dark shades, which had been stricken to the earth by the sunlit righteousness of God, the whole nation, with rare exceptions, is expressing its faith in the existence and providence of God, and turning their eyes and hearts to His altars, as the great source of help in the dreadful extremity impending. A depth of religious feeling and sentiment pervades the entire nation that is gratifying to a high degree to every lover of Christianity and of Christian civilization. To trace, to-day, the leading events in the life and death of our deceased President is unnecessary. The history, the facts of the life and death of James A. Garfield, are better knowai to-day by the great masses of the people of these States than any other man, perhaps, living or dead. But as the basis of some remarks to induce all classes to emulate his virtues and his just ambition to do his work faithfully, whatever that work might be, we will say, that from early childhood, in the dear little cabin of his parents, to his elevation to the presidency of the greatest republic known to history, he seems to have been a model ; a model boy, a model youth, a model student, a model young man, a model husband and father, a model teacher, a model soldier, a model statesman, and bid fair to make a model, if not tlie model President. But, alas ! just in the midst of life, in the midst of his career of usefulness and honor, when all hearts were turned to him as being the man who would heal up the wounds and divisions of the nation and place the cap sheaf thereon with shoutings, death did its fatal work, and the model man is dead! " Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen I " I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 365 In this "land of the free, and home of the brave," obscurity of birth, poverty, h\ck of royal blood or noble paternity stand not in the way of ascending the ladder of human greatness to its highest round. In this home of the free, honesty, honor, industry and perseverance are sure to carry you to the front in whatever occupation or profession you may follow. If, boys and young gentlemen, who hear me to-day, you would rise to places of higher trust and honor, the true way is to follow your present honest business, however humble, with honor, strict fidelity and unswerving perseverance, then you will soon be in demand for more elevated positions. In this we have a rich example in our deceased President. Born in poverty, but of honorable parent- age; bereft of his father before he was two years of age, his entire training and education were left to a mother, a notable mother. She early instilled into his childhood and youthful mind, principles of affection, integrity and perseverance. Mothers too many take a lesson here. He ever acknowledged his indebtedness to his mother — God- like principle — and, living and dying, he clung to that mother with the grace of aflfection, esteem and confidence, that only the iron grasp of death could sever. Here are infallible marks of the existence of the elements of true greatness in every boy and young man — a high esteem for mother, a deep constant affection for mother, a constant devotion to the coun- sels and wants of mother; mother, excepting the name of the adora- ble Savior, the sweetest, the divinest name that falls on mortal ears. We are proud of our noble President's record here. Boys, young gentlemen, emulate him in this. I have no confidence in the honor- able success of any young man who does not hold in highest affection and esteem his mother. But, were it expedient, I might continue this, and speak in terms equally honorable of our noble, fallen President in every relation of life, whether domestic or civil. But we must close this part of the subject. " Howl, fir tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " Whatever may be, however, the honorable terms in which we may speak of these relations of our world-honored President; the highest, the crowning glory and virtue of all is James A. Garfield, deceased President of the United States, was a Christian, highest style of man. He was not satisfied with the mere profession in a general way, in the presence of select friends, that the great doctrines of Christianity may be true. His religions convictions were of a higher order and from his heart, and were manifest in practical life. He felt it his duty publicly to acknowledge his allegiance to the religion of Jesus, and his faith in Him as his personal Savior. Unlike many others, he did not vainly imagine that he could serve God as faithfully, as ac- ceptably out of the church, away from God's organized people, as he could among them, hence he made a choice of one division of the grand army of our glorious God. He cast his lot with the denomina- tion of Christians known here, in whose house we worship to-day, and everj^where they have carried their influence as the Christian f 366 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Church ; and at Mentor, the home of his youth and warm attachment, he was a constant communicant of that church and a devout wor- shiper at her altars. When he came to the White House as the President, all hail to the Christian President ! he did not leave his religion at home, in the rear. Here it was in front again ; here. Sab- bath after Sabbath, he is seen making his way to the little, unpre- tending, unassuming white church ; still a constant communicant and worshiper of Almighty God. No wonder in his last, lingering affliction, when the cold chills of death were gathering over him, he could look the tyrant in the face and exclaim : " I fear thee not, I am read3^" Simple thought, grand language, glorious truth, "I am ready!" But a sympathizing na- tion, and weeping mother, wife and children, can only attend him to the margin of the cold river; here angels take the charge, and, on the other shore, they lift him, all dripping with the waters of the Jordan of death, and triumphantly bear him off to his home in the skies, in the bosom of his God, forever at rest. Joyful thought ! thrice comfortable reflection, our suffering President is free ! No sorrow rolls over him, no pain afflicts, no anxious care disturbs. We this day cover him with the nation's tears and a world's sympathy, and com- mit his body to the tomb. " Howl, fir tree; the cedar is fallen ! " The wheels of the clay tenement stand still. That once noble form is now prostrate in death. But that consecrated soul, that cultivated mind, that great intellect is not dormant ; nor hushed in silence, nor stilled in action, but, on the other shore, in the mighty universe of God, it moves in a higher sphere, in nobler works, and shines as a star of the first magnitude. God has use for such Christian intellects in other parts of his infinitely expanded universe, as well as this ; and doubtless, already started on missions of thought, and grander works than ever engaged his head and heart on tljis humble planet of ours, as great as those works were. With all sections of our weeping, bereaved country, '< we lay an immortelle upon his grave," and wave a final adieu till we meet him in the skies. Join all ye States, all ye fathers and mothers, wives and children in the sad adieu. "Howl, fir tree; the cedar has fallen!" In the language of another : " Brave heart ! Great soul! America is the stronger for that life and that death. His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world ; ' This was a man.' " O, though wronged, outraged, suffering, fallen President, thy soul having escaped and taken its aflight to fairer climes, we, this day, commit thy body to the grave ; earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes; in glorious hope of a blissful immortality. Farewell, fare- well, Christian man and brother. Peace to thy ashes, a crown of glory upon thy head. " Howl, fir tree ; the cedar is fallen ! " After the delivery of the memorial sermon, the choir sang in pathetic strains the hymn, •' Mourn, pray, praise," and at its con- clusion Judo;e Burckhartt came forward and pronounced a fflowinsr HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 367 eulogy on the deceased President and his noble wife, in which he de- clared with great earnestness that James A. Garfield was the truest type of the American citizen that ever filled the presidential chair, and that his devoted wife had also shown herself to be a true type of the American woman. The doxology was then sung by the congregation, the benediction pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Ellington, and, while the choir sang *' Where now is our loved one," the Masons and Odd Fellows marched out and back to their respective lodges, and the rest of the audience dispersed to their homes. The Odd Fellows, on their return to their lodge, concurred in the adoption of the following resolutions drafted by St. Louis Lodsfe, No. 5: — James A. Garfield, President of the United States, is dead. A nation, yea a world mourns. He, who from the poor and almost friendless boy, by indomitable will and perseverance, wrought his way to distinction among men, even to the proudest position ever held by mortal man, has been cut down in the midst of a most useful career — at the very moment of reaching the topmost round of the ladder of fame — mercilessly cut down by the hand of that most despised of despicable creatures, the cold-blooded and cowardly assassin. We, the Odd Fellows of Missouri, as good citizens, desire to express our horror at the cruel act which destroyed so valuable a life, our unmitigated contempt for and condemnation of the miserable wretch who perpetrated it, and our heartfelt sym- pathy and condolence with the family of the President so foully murdered; therefore be It Resolved, That we, the members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Missouri, do hereby express to the officers of the government and the people of the Republic our great sorrow for the country's loss. Resolved, That we tender to the noble, heroic and devoted wife of the deceased and her fatherless family our sincere, heartfelt, aye, inexpressible sympathy in this their great affliction. May God, in His infinite mercy, visit, comfort and bless her and them. Resolved, That, as a token of our sorrow, our halls be draped in mourning for thirty days. It is the duty of Odd Fellows to "weep with those who weep," to "mourn with those who mourn." DEATH OF C. WISDOM. A good man has fallen ! At half past four o'clock on the morning of December 2, 1869, Mr. Caswell Wisdom, banker of Huntsville, breathed his last, after a protracted illness. He died calmly, peacefully — fell asleep to wake no more. The faithful watchers Thought him dying when he slept, * And sleeping when he died. Mr. Wisdom was one of the leading men of the county, in fact, its history is his history. Going there at an early day from North Car- olina, a poor man, by industry, economy and business tact, he accu- mulated a handsome estate. He filled several offices of public trust, having served four years as sheriff of the county — and in all of them his honesty and integrity was never questioned. A number of years ago, 368 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. he made a profession of religion, but we do not believe he ever united with the church. He was about 61 years old. [Copied.] DEATH OF CAPT. LOWRY. Another of the brave knights who fought under the glorious, but ill-starred banner of the South, and who illustrated by their unblench- ing courage, and chivalrous devotion that all the knightly attributes did not die out of the world with the good Prince Arthur, has obeyed the summons of his great Captain and gone to join the ranks of those who keep watch and ward on the battlements of Eternity. Capt. Thomas G. Lowry, of this county, whom we mentioned recently as being in a critical condition from cancer on his face, died on Tuesday night last, June 23, 1870, His death was not altogether unexpected either by himself or his friends, and when the final sum- mons came for him to leave the scenes of his toils and triumphs, like the true soldier that he was, he answered "Ready" and passed out into the damps and dews of eternity without a murmur. At an early period in the struggle for Southern nationality, he enlisted under the red battle cross that marshalled the hoasts of freedom, and was placed in command of Co. F, in the "Old Missouri Third," a regiment commanded by Col. Reeves, and whose thinned ranks and scarred veterans told how nobly and how well they fought in that glorious but fruitless struggle. Under that banner he fought with heroic firmness during all those terrible years, loved with a brother's aflfection by all his comrades, and we know he would have asked for no greater boon than that its drooping folds should hang moui-nfuUy over his bier when he could light no longer. But he is gone — gone from all who loved and honored him here, and the sad announcement of his death will drive the tear of sorrow down the furrows of many a bronzed cheek that never blenched in the red gleam of battle, where Death rode upon the wings of the wind ; but we feel thankful for the assur- ance that he had made his peace with God ; and that the old soldier, having " crossed the river," is now sweetly resting with the immortal Jackson, " under the shade of the trees." He was buried yesterday with all the impressive solemnity of the Masonic funeral services. DEATH OF CAPT. COATES. Scarcely is the ink dry with which the announcement of Capt. Lowry 's death was made, before we are called upon to chronicle the departure of another aged and venerable citizen from the shores of time. Capt. Thomas P. Coates, well known to all our people as one of the noblest of men, died at his residence near Milton, in this county, on the 26th of June, 1870. He was born in Essex county, Virginia, November 10th, 1791, and was therefore at the time of his death in the 79th year of his age. In 1834 he moved to Missouri, and tented HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 369 on the place on which he lived and died. In 1817, he became identified with the ancient and honorable Masonic fraternity, being one of the charter members of Huntsville lodge. In 1838, he connected himself with the Christian Church, of which he remained a devoted and active member through the remainder of his life, and dying, was cheered and supported by his living faith. He was married four times, and be- came the father of 13 children, 10 of whom are now living. No one among the old pioneers of this country was more beloved and honored by those among whom the strength of his manhood was spent, than Capt. Coates, and in the course of his career he was called upon to serve his fellow-citizens in various responsible positions, at one time filling the office of judge of our county court. To some men, and indeed to many, the thoughts of Death embitter what should be the happiest hours of existence, but to a miin like the venerated one who has just fallen, it comes with a benediction in its hands, and the hero who has fought the battle well and bravely, when his last hours come, is cheered by the consciousness that the world was better for his livhig in it, and lays down his life not reluctantly at its protracted close. His remains were deposited in the family cemetery on Tuesday last, with all the honors and impressive ceremonies of the Masonic funeral service. [Copied.] JUDGE THOMAS P. WHITE. Judge Thomas P. White, one of the best, noblest and purest citi- zens Randolph county ever had, died at his home in Moberly, about three o'clock last Friday morning, after a few days' illness, of pneu- monia. The following historical sketch of his life, and excellent tri- bute to his moral worth, we clip from the Moberly Headlight, and it will be indorsed by every man in the county who was ever associated with him socially, commercially, or otherwise : — Thomas P. White was born in Bath county, Kentucky, the 5th of November, 1818, and removed to Boone county, Missouri, when 16 years old. He remained there but two years, when he came to Ran- dolph county, which county he lived in until his death, though for a while absent in California, where he went in the pioneer days. Re- turning, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble, with whom he lived for 27 years, and who still survives him. He never had any children. To Mr. James P. Trimble, of this city, his stepson, he was always a father in every sense of the word. Judge White was a representative man, and such a man as the people love to, honor, being upright, honest and consistent in all his actions, and pure in his life. He once represented the county in the Legisla- ture, and was the first mayor of the city, having been elected to that office in 1873. At one time he was vice-president of the Mechanics' Bank and was a director of the same bank up to the time of his death. 370 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. In 1877 he was appointed a justice of the county court, to fill out the unexpired term of Seburn Jones, and the following year was . elected to the same office for the Eastern district of the county and held the office at the time of his death. He was president of the Building and Loan Association of Moberly, and treasurer of the Dis- trict Fair Association. He was a Mason and a Knight Templar, and about 30 years ago he united with the Christian Church, and, during that time, was a faithful and devoted member and earnest Christian gentleman. He was a deacon and a trustee of the church in this city. Our acquaintance with Judge White has not been of long duration, compared with that of others of his friends, but we always found him in every transaction to be the honorable, conscientious business man of unwavering integrity, firm but affiible, in everything that noblest work of God — an honest man. He always took a great interest in the prosperity and welfare of Moberly, and was ever ready to join in any scheme for the promotion of her interest. His counsels were al- ways listened to and his words always bore weight with them. The county has lost a good citizen, society a true man and gentleman, the church a worthy member, and his family a noble husband, father and friend. The following was ordered spread on the records of the court : — " State of Missouri, / > ss " County of Eandolph, y"' '< In the Randolph County Court, March 1st, 1880. " Whereas, It has pleased the Allwise Ruler of the universe to re- move from our midst the Hon. Thomas P. White, one of the judges of the court, in which we feel that the community has lost an efficient member, society a useful and exemplary man, and this court an amia- ble, efficient judge; " It is therefore ordered that in token of respect and a sincere feel- ing of the said loss, this court adjourn until one o'clock p. m., and that badges of mourning be placed on the door and judges' stand of the county court room, and that a certified copy of this order be de- livered to the county papers for publication, and a copy be delivered to the family of deceased. *' 1, J. W. Wight, clerk of the county court within and for the county and State aforesaid, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and complete copy of the order of court as the same appears on record. " Witness mv hand and official seal at office in Huntsville, this 1st day of March, A. D. 1880. " J. W. Wight, Clerk." SUDDEN DEATH OF DR. J. C. OLIVER. [From the Herald.] Dr. JohnC. Oliver, the eminent physician, the public-spirited citizen and the universal personal favorite, is dead. He died suddenly on Friday morning, November 18, 1881, in South Huntsville, at the residence of Mr. William Thomas, whom he HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 371 was treating for typho-malarial fever. He had just finished prescrib- ing for his patient and had reached the door on his departure when he was stricken with apoplexy. He seized hold of the door-facing, told the occupants of the house that he was sick and that he wanted to lie down. He was conducted into an adjoining room and laid upon a bed, when he again declared that he was very sick and asked that some one be put on his horse and sent over in town after Dr. Dameron or Dr. Taylor, the first seen, which was promptly done. Dr. Taylor was the first to receive the summons and he immediately hastened to the bedside of his brother physician. On arriving there, Dr. Oliver in- formed him that his head was killing him and that he was going to die. Dr. Taylor said he hoped not, and tried to revive the sick physician's drooping spirits by calling his attention to the severe neuralgic affections of the head he had been subjected to before. But the prostrate man insisted that he was much worse than he had ever been, and seemed to be hopeless of recovery. He had been vomiting freely and complained also of a sourness of stomach. Dr. Taylor gave him a dose of soda and injected some morphine under the skin of the forehead near the seat of the acutest pain. This greatly relieved him, and for a time it seemed as if his spell would pass off ; but in a short while he commenced that apoplectic breathing which always precedes dissolution, and in a few minutes he was dead. The universal sadness that this great public bereavement occasioned in our midst can be better imagined than described, when we declare that no man ever lived in a community who was more sincerely re- spected, more implicitly trusted, and more generally loved for his goodly traits of character than was Dr. John C. Oliver, for whom we all mourn. He was possessed of a happy, insinuating disposition ; was always bright and cheerful, and had a kindly salutation for every one he met. He loved his profession and adorned it, having attained an eminence in it that but few have reached. He was a public-spirited citizen, and every measure calculated to redound to the interest of the general public received his hearty and sustained support. He was a member of our city council at the time of his death, having been re- elected to that position for several terms, and no one was more zealous in agitating and pressing public improvements than he. In short, his death has made a vacancy in our midst which it will be hard to fill. We all miss Dr. John C. Oliver, and we all sincerely mourn his death. Then, what must be the depth of the agonizing grief in the broken family circle, where he was best known, more devotedly loved, and the mainstay of happiness, comfort and support. He was an at- tentive and devoted husband, and a kind and indulgent father; and was closely bound to every member of his family by the golden ties of pure, zealous aff'ection, and the sudden ruthless severing of these ties was almost like tearing out the very heart-strings of his idolized loved ones. He made home happy, cheerful and contented by his genial presence, and his demise has created in the family circle an aching void which time may alleviate but never eradicate ; hence we 372 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. feel thiit it would be useless to attempt to offer words of consolation to those who feel this great loss most deeply. Time only can bring even partial relief to these bleeding hearts, and to this great agency we leave the tender mission. Dr. John C. Oliver was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, May 2, 1825. He removed to Missouri in early youth, and was reared to manhood near Renick. He commenced the practice of medicine in Chariton township, and moved to Huntsville in 1864. Here he suc- cessfully practiced his profession up to the hour of his death. He died November 18, 1881, and was consequently 56 years, 6 months and 17 days old. He was buried on Sunday the 20th, in the city cemetery, with Masonic honors by members of the Huntsville, Clifton Hill and Salisbury lodges. His funeral sermon was preached by Elder S. Y. Pitts in the College Chapel, and was one of the most eloquent and feeling discourses we ever listened to. It paid a glowing tribute to the many virtues of the distinguished dead, and sprinkled words of scriptural consolation on the weeping hearts of the bereaved. DEATH OF AN OLD AND ESTIMABLE LADY. [Copied.] One by one the roses fall, and one by one the revered and hardy old settlers are being called home, while their bodies are being laid to rest in that dreamless sleep of the just beneath the emerald sward of the land they loved so well. At ten o'clock Thursday evening, October 4, 1883, at the late resi- dence of her son. Col. Henry T. Fort, near this city, died Mrs. Patsy F. S. Fort, widow of the late Dr. William Fort, aged 87 years, two months and 24 days. Having well nigh rounded out four score years and ten, the death of this estimable lady was, of course, expected at any time. Her ill- ness was of but short duration, occasioning, apparently, but little, if any, suffering. The summons came to her in a sudden and positive form, in the utter prostration of all her energies of mind and body. She did not murmur at the last o-i-eat chansfe, but when the o-olden gates swung inwardly, noiselessly, unlocked by unseen fingers, and the Death Angel hovered near, she fell asleep as sweetly, as trustingly, as a child upon the bosom of its mother, while her deathless spirit took its flight to a brio^hter and better home. Her mortal remains were removed to Moberly and interred in the Oakwood cemetery, by the side of her honored and sincerely mourned husband, whose demise we were called upon to record about two years ago. Mrs. Fort was born in Logan county, Kentucky, July 10, 1796. She was the daughter of Thomas Gorham. She was united in mar- riage to Dr. William Fort in 1815, and emigrated with her husband in 1820 to Missouri and settled in this county, where she lived until HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 373 her God called her home. There are now surviving, as the fruits of this marriage, four children, Col. Henry T. Fort, of Moberly ; Mr. A. J. Fort, of Montana, and Dr. John T. Fort and Mrs. Joseph M. Ham- mett, of this city. Having professed religion in 1817 at the age of 21, she united herself with the Baptist Church, lived up to the tenets of the church, and was a devoted and humble follower of the divine Nazarine from that time forward, walking continuously and trustingly in the path marked out for the children of God. The deceased was a woman of rare accomplishments, the descend- ant of distinguished ancestry, and was possessed of great amiability of character and remarkable elegance and dignity of manner. Few women have passed through the trying vicissitudes of a life of such varied fortunes with so much firmness of purpose, so much purity and unselfishness of heart. Thoughout a period of 63 years in this community, she was beloved and respected for her manifold virtues, and esteemed as one of the noblest specimens of the wife, the mother and the neighbor. Amid the stormy trials of an unusually active political career through which her late lamented husband was called to pass, during a life of stirring events, Mrs. Fort ever illustrated the highest attributes of a truly good wife ; always proving to be his truest friend, his most val- ued counsellor and ministering angel ; able and ready to cheer and assist him in the hour of trial and need, or to applaud him and rejoice in his success, and now both are gone. For her too, now the great record of life has been made up — a life filled with well-spent years — and her pure spirit summoned to bask in the glory of an approving Master's smile, and also to be reunited to him who had so lately gone l)efore, and around whose memory her loyal heart clung wnth the fondest emotions of ardent love and profound veneration. United again in the land of eternal youth, where two of their own "flock " stood ready to crown them with wreaths of enduring love and honor. TORNADO. [From the Moberly Headlight of 11th.] The air was full of rumors yesterday (December, 1879,) morning about the cyclone that swept over a portion of Randolph county Tues- day evening, and to sift the truth from the many false reports w^as special duty assigned a Headlight representative. Leaving this place on No. 2 in company with a Olohe-Democrat correspondent and an irrepressible school book agent, we were soon landed in the classic city of Renick of this historic fame. Nothing but cyclone was talked about, and nothing but cyclone was thought of. Farmers were in town from every direction. Some were going to the scene of the dis- aster, and some were coming from there. We stepped into Mr. Ben Ashcomb's store and procured a small boy as a guide, struck out afoot across the country for the scene of the 374 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. wreck. After having gone about two miles in a westerly direction, signs of the tornado's wrath was seen, and in a short time we were gaz- ing at the ruins of Mr. Bird Pyle's house. It would be impossible to convey to the readers anything like a true impression of the ruin that presented itself. What was once a handsome country residence was nothing but a scattered mass of debris. There was not enough of it left to make a chicken coop. The foundation stones were even turned over and the sills blown away, one of which could be seen about a quarter of a mile away, another was found half a mile away, sticking in the ground for a distance of six or seven feet. Hay, corn, rails, household goods, hogs, chickens, and, in short, everything that could be carried away was found any- where within a radius of three miles. The track of the storm, tornado, cyclone, or whatever it was, is well marked, and is about one quarter of a mile in width, and as far as now learned lost its power after going about five miles. It came from the south-west direction and traveled in a zig-zag north-easterly course. It was first noticed in the direction of Harrisbnrg, Boone county, and seemed to travel very rapidly. Persons who saw it say that it seemed to be a funnel-shaped cloud, the cone near the earth, that it had a rotary motion and emitted at intervals clouds of white steam with the puffing sound of a steam engine a million times magni- fied. The noise was heard at Higbee, a distance of five or six miles, and Mr. Wheeler, a blacksmith at that place, says he saw it distinctly. It rose and fell like a swallow in flight, and from the ruin that followed in its wake appeared to loose some of its force when a short distance above the ground. One young man, who was working in a field about 100 yards from its path, says that he suddenly saw the heavens darkened, heard a terrible roaring for the space of two minutes or more, but that the first intimation he had of its raining was that he was knocked down by what he thought a barrel of water thrown right on his head. The barn of Mr. Land was the first place struck. It was blown down, one horse killed, another crippled, and a lot of corn and hay distributed gratuitously to the elements. The worst work done was at the house of Mr. Bird Pyle. He, his wife and two children were in the house. The door being slightly ajar he stepped forward to shut it when he heard the noise, and while his hand Tvas on the door the house was struck. He remembered nothing until he found himself lying on the ground with something on top of him, which was, however, almost immediately lifted. Getting up, half stunned, he looked around and saw that his house was not to be seen. While groping around, hardly knowing what he was doing, he heard one of his children crying, and going in the direction from whence the cry proceeded found the little girl standing up, and a few feet from her lay the mother and other child. Mrs. Pyle was unable to speak when found, but was sensible, and in a few minutes some of the neigh- bors arrived, and placing the wounded woman and children upon a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 375 sled, she was conveyed to a neighbor's house a short distance oflf and a courier dispatched for medical assistance. The cyclone after striking and demolishing Mr. Pyle's house, moved rapidly on and struck the residence of Mr. Harrison Smith, three-fourths of a mile distant. This house was not overblown, but was moved from the foundation and torn up so completely on the in- side that it is rendered entirely useless as a dwelling. None of the family were injured, but his barn and fences were demolished, and his garnered crop all lost. Almost everything he had in the world he lost. Tom Davis', one mile from Smith's was the next place visited. His house was moved from the foundation, his wife and one child thrown into the fire and himself and other children slightly bruised. None were hurt seriously. One-half mile from Davis', stands Mr. Burkhead's house. It was blown down, but none of the inmates seriously hurt. Joseph Patrick's house was blown down, and a Mrs. Wright, who was visiting there, was '"feeriously wounded. There were abundant traces of the cyclone after leaving Mr. Patrick's, but we could learn of no serious damage having been done, though a rumor was current last night that several houses, five or six miles from where it is supposed to have lost its force, were blown down, but we could not trace the report to any reliable source. INCIDENTS. Mrs. Pyle and children were carried about 75 yards, and were found in a small ravine back of the house. Mrs. Pyle fell against a straw mattress, which evidently saved her from being killed out- right. Both bones of her right leg were fractured between the knee and ankle, and a portion of the bone had to be removed by Dr. Dysart. The former was broken and the flesh all broken loose from the bone. Her skull was fractured above the right eye, and several pieces of bone were removed by Drs. Hamilton and Forrest. She was resting easy yesterday, and Dr. Dysart seemed to think she would get well, though others think differently. The children are doing well. Mr. Pyle received a severe scalp wound on the toj) of his head. The hat he had on at the time he was hurt was found on the other side of Renick, three miles, from his house. A feather pillow was also found near the same place. A bureau that was in Mr. Pyle's house completely disappeared. The only trace of it that has 'oeen found is one knob that was picked up yesterday afternoon, and a white kid glove that was in it, which was picked up by Mr. Ben Ashcorab. After striking Mr. Pyle's house the cyclone raised and went over his barn taking off the comb of the roof, doing no other damage. The barn was within 20 yards of the house. Chickens were seen lying around stripped of feathers. 19 376 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. A wagon was standing near Mr. Pyle's house, loaded with corn. Three of the wheels were blown away. The hub of the remaining wheel was blown out and not a trace of it is to be found. Trees standing in the yard were twisted off close to the ground, and pieces picked up looked as if all the fibres had been twisted together like a rope. Laths are around everywhere driven into the ground so tightly that they cannot be pulled out. We noticed some preserves in the form of a jar. The jar had evi- dently been blown away, leaving them there. A rail was driven clear through a hog and the hog was found walk- ing around with the rail in its body. One man hastening to his home from the field, was struck in the face with a flying dishpan and knocked down. The top of a sewing machine, belonging to Mr. Pyle, was found in- side of the foundation walls and seemingly had dropped right through the floor from where it was standing. The rest of the machine could not be found. Hundreds of neighbors visited the afliicted families and did all in their power to alleviate their sufferings. The sympathy displayed was enough to make any one acknowledge that this was not such a bad w^orld after all. We have but faintly described the devastation wrought by the cy- clone, but have confined ourself to what we saw. Columns could be tilled with rumors, but we have given about all that is of particular interest. TORNADO or 1831. In the summer of 1831, the first tornado visited the county. Its track was from the south-west to the north-east, and passed over the Iverson Sears neighborhood. Its width was from 200 to 400 yards, and its length about 12 miles. Mr. Sears, as the storm swept by, supported himself, by embracing a small hickory tree. The roof was blown from his cabin, and his bed-clothes were scattered in every direction. This was the severest wind-storm that ever visited the county until the occurrence of the storm of December, 1879. RANDOLPH MEDICAL SPRINGS. The Randolph Medical Springs are situated in one of the most healthy regions of Missouri, on the line of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, about four miles west of Huntsville, the county seat of Randolph county. These springs have been well known for years — to the people liv- ing in their vicinity and surrounding country — to possess great cura- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 377 tive virtues, and have therefore been largely resorted to by them ; but the want long felt, of adequate bathing facilities and proper hotel ac- commodations, have prevented people from a distance from patronizing these springs, and thus receiving the benefits to be derived therefrom. Tliis long-felt want, before referred to, the present management have endeavored to meet. There have been erected at the Salt Springs convenient and suitable bath houses and a commodious hotel, with large dining hall, well ven- tilated rooms and broad verandas, which opened for the season of 1881, on the 1st of June. The hotel is in charge of eflScient managers and the table supplied 'with the best the market affords, and, in short, no pains are spared to render the springs, to all who seek them, whether for recreation, pleasure or health, unexcelled as a summer resort. It is confidently believed that no springs in the United States pos- sesses more or varied medical qualities than these. SALT SPRINGS. The Salt Springs have a daily flow of 50,000 gallons^ and no reason can be conceived why bathing in them should not be as invigorating and health-imparting as sea baths. Baths can be taken in these waters at any temperature desired, and have been found specially eflicacious iu rheumatic and neuralgia troubles. Bath houses are not more than 150 feet from the hotel. SALINE SULPHUR SPRINGS. Thirty yards from the Salt Springs, and equally near the hotel, is the Saline Sulphur — an artesian well reaching to the depth of over nine hundred feet. In all diseases of the stomach, bowels, kidneys, bladder, urinary organs, and diseases peculiar to females, liver complaint, dyspepsia and kindred troubles, these waters have been found to greatly aid re- covery and effect cures when all other remedies have failed. The action of this water is freely diuretic and laxative, and when first used of cathartic effect; this latter condition, however, does not continue beyond a few days. The use of these waters are at once ap- parent in increasing the appetite, while at the same time wonderfully assisting the digestive powers. It is confidently claimed that while their use will be found eminently remedial, in the class of diseases be- 378 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. fore mentioned, great advantages will also be found in cases of habitual constipations, hemorrhoidal congestions or piles ; and when com- bined with external use — as in the bath — all forms of scrofula, skin and venerial diseases. The attention of physicians and others are invited to the analysis of this mineral water, made by Prof. P. Schweitzer, of Missouri University. ANALYSIS. One U. S. gallon, 281 cubic inches. 237.883 grains Solium Choride. 40 093 " Calcium Chloride. 11954 " ..'..*. Magnesium Chloride. 17*808 <' 1 '.'.'. '. Aluminum Chloride. 30153 ".'.'.'. Aluminum Chloride. 340.157 " The professor adds the quantity of carbonic acid — which is doubt- less in the water as it comes from the spring — we did not determine as that can only be done at the spring. OFFICIAL RECORD. County Court Judges. — William Fort, William Upton, James Head, Joseph M. Baker; James Wells, John Viley, Blandermin Smith ; John Dysart, Archibald Shoemaker, Francis Patton ; David K. Denny, Terry Bradley, John J. AUin; Terry Bradley (resigned in 1844), David R. Denny, Fleming Terrill; John J. AUin, Thomas P. Coats, Major Horner ; John P. Coates, John M. Yates, Major Horner ; James B. Dameron, Joseph Goodding, James Terrill ; H. Austin, James Terrill, Joseph Goodding; James Terrill, Joseph Gooding, A. G. Lea ; C. B. Stewart, A. G. Lea, J. W. Bradley ; James Terrill, C. B. Stewart, Henry Blake; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, William Dossey ; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, J. H. Burkholder; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, J. L. Minor; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, W. E. Walden ; James Terrill, Samuel Burton, Joseph Goodding; James Terrill, William E. Wal- den, D. J. Stamper; James Terrill, D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton ; D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton, S. Jones ; D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton, T. P. White; D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton, J. T. Coates; D. J. Stamper, H. T. Fort, J. T. Coates ; D. J. Stamper, J. F. Hannah, J.D.Richmond; B. F.^Harvey, Austin Christian, Strother Ridgeway. /Sheriffs. — Hancock Jackson, William Upton, Henry Austin, Ben- jamin Dameron, Greenup Wilcox, Thomas J. Samuel, Caswell Wis- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 379 dom, G. W. Dameron, John B. Taylor, John H, Austin, Charles F. Mayo, William F. Elliott, William H. Williams. Treasurers. — Robert Wilson, Joseph C. Dameron, Robert T. Gil- man, Andrew J. Ferguson. Circuit Clerks. — Gen. Robert Wilson, Reuben Samuel, John J. Alhn, W. R. Samuel, Capt.^W. T. Austin, Chas. H. Hance. Probate Judges. — Charles AUin, first probate judge, held the office from June 14, 1872, to January 1, 187.3 ; A. P. Terrill, from Jan- uary 1, 1873, to September 3, 187 8 ; R. F. Poison, from September 3, 1878, to January 1, 1883. Previous to June 14, 1872, the probate business was transacted in the county court, and Mr. Charles Allin was then county clerk, and was appointed probate judge until one was elected at the next election thereafter. County Clerks. — Gen. Robert Wilson, Reuben Samuel, John J. AlUn, W. R. Samuel, J. C. Shaefer, Charles Allin. Terry Bradley, Joseph Allin, James D. Head, held the office by ap- pointment. Representatives. — Dr. William Fort, George Burckhartt, Dr. Jos- eph Ruthertbrd,^ Dr. William B. McLean, Dr. John B. Oliver, Dab- ney C. Garth ; in 1852 the county sent two representatives, J. W. Wight and W. E. Samuel ; Dabney C. Garth, M. M. Burton, Hender- son B. Wilcox, George M. Quinn, Joseph L. Minor, Col. Thomas P, Ruby, John G. Burton, James F. Cunningham, William Quayle, Henry A. Newman, James F. Wight, F. P. Wiley, Walker Wright. POLITICS. The political parties of Randolph county (Whig and Democratic) were nearly evenly divided until 1854, or until the Native American party came into existence. The county was represented in the Lower House of the General Assembly by Whigs and Democrats, the differ- ence in their votes ranging generally between 10 and 50 votes at each election. One of the most exciting political contests that ever occurred in the county, took place in 18 — between Dr. John B. Oliver, a Whig, and Dabney C. Garth, a Democrat. These gentlemen were exceedingly popular with their respective organizations, and each brought to the polls the full strength of his party. The excitement was intense, and so determined was each candidate and his friends to win the race, that the contest was continued with unabated zeal until the close of the 1 Died before taking his seat. Elected a Whig by three votes. 380 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. polls upon election day. Dr. John B. Oliver was the victor, but by only three votes. The vote being so close, the election was contested by Garth, but resulted as it did before — in favor of Oliver. We regret that we are unable to place before our readers a record of each of the early elections that were held in the county, showing the names of the candidates and the votes received by each. The earliest election of which any record can be found was in August, 1840, the returns of which were as follows : — Governor — Sheriff— John B. Clark . 542 Henry Austin . 587 Thomas Reynolds . . 490 John D. Halstead . . 387 Lieutenant-Governor — Judges County Court — Joseph Bogy . . 529 David R. Denny . 528 M. M. Marmaduke . 485 Roland T. Proctor . 493 Congress — Fleming Terrill . 498 E. M. Samuel . 537 Joseph Turner . 451 George C. Sibley . . 529 Assessor — John Miller . . 489 Benjamin Dameron . 564 John C. Edwards . . 480 James T. Roan . 396 Bepresentatives — Coroner — George Burckhartt . 506 C. Mathis . 39 William B. McLean . 527 J. C. Dameron 3 William Fort . . 470 B. P. Herndon 1 John J. Allin . . 502 Among the Whig politicians of the county were Gen. Robert Wil- son, Charles McLean, George Burckhartt, while among the Democrats were found Dr. William Fort, Dr. Waller Head, Hancock Jackson and Col. Major Horner. The county now (1884) is overwhelmingly Democratic. TAXABLE WEALTH. ' Real estate valuation S3, 111, 486 Personal property 1,540,380 Total $4,651,866 The county produced in 1883 the following number of stock : — Neat cattle 10,336 Sheep 18,609 Hogs Corn (bushels in 1880) Wheat " " " Oats " " " . 17,648 1,861,667 70.000 167,000 I5^^#^ BIOGRAPHICAL. SUGAE CREEK TOWNSHIP. JOHN C. BAIRD (Farmer, Stock-raiser and Operator in Coal). Mr. Baird was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1824. His father, Benjamin Baird, was a native of the same county, and lived there until his death, which took place in 1851. His mother, Ellen Summerson, was an English woman by birth, but was brought to this country when an infant. John C. grew up on the homestead and acquired a good common school education, supple- mented by a year's instruction at Alleghany College, Meadville, Pa. When a young man he taught school several years. He was married October 18, 1848, to Miss Almind Frances Milligan, of the same county. After his marriage, and until 1866, Mr. Baird was actively engaged in farming and lumbering in Pennsylvania; he at that time moved to Missouri and established himself on his present property. He owns 320 acres of fine land, well adapted to general farming and stock-raising purposes, about two and one half miles from Moberly — all fenced. About 160 acres of this are in cultivation and meadow. The place includes a good bearing orchard and a splendid young orchard coming up. Mr. Baird is a substantial, prosperous citizen. He owns besides other property a good coal bank with a four foot vein. All of his land is underlaid with coal of superior quality, from which he is annually having mined a large quantity for the local market. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have been blessed with nine children : Mary V., wife of J. F. Tedford, of Moberly ; Frank P., married and resides in Huntsville, Mo. ; Fletcher C, married and makes his home in Moberly; J. Ella, wife of R. A. Curran, also lives in Moberly ; Will- iam H., Maggie B., John W., Minnie F. and Benjamin D. still remain under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are devout members of Suo;ar Creek cong-regfation of the Cumberland Presbvterian Church. Mr. Baird has held several local offices, and is trusted and respected on every side. WILLIAM BARROWMAN (Freight Agent for the Missouri Pacific and the Wabash Railroads, Moberly). Mr. Barrowman, who has held the position he now occupies for the last thirteen years, and has been connected with the railwav service (381) 382 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. for nearly twenty-tive years, is a native of Michigan, and a son of R. L. Barrowman, originally of Edinburgh, Scotland, and wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Virginia Warrell, formerly of Virginia. The parents were comparatively early settlers in Michigan, and Mr. William Barrowman, the subject of this sketch, was born in that State, and in the county of Monroe, on the 31st of October, 1841. Reared in his native State, he was educated in the common schools, and when a youth clerked for his father who carried on merchandising in Michi- gan. In 1857 the family moved to St. Louis, and three years after- wards young Barrowman began his career as a railroad man. He obtained the position as bill clerk in the freight office of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad at St. Louis. In 18^35 he became 1)111 clerk for the North Missouri, in which capacity he continued with that road until 1871, when he was transferred to Moberly and installed in his present office. Mr. Barrowman, having had a long experience in rail- road life, is of course a capable and efficient officer, as the way in which he is retained in the service by the railroad officials conclusively shows. On the 24th of May, 1864, Mr. Barrowman was married to Miss Mary E. Noland, originally of New York. They have seven children: Alice, Robert, Addie, Jennie, Mary, George and Ralph. Mr. B. is a member of the A. O. U. W. LEONARD F. BARTON (Roadmaster of Section between Moberlj' and Kansas City and tlie Glasgow Branch, headquarters, Moberly) . No melodrama in modern times has had a more successful and pop- ular run, both among the people and on the stage, than that of " Pin- afore." The reasons for this are l)y no means occult. Beneath its well attuned air and well constructed measures there is a ^philosophy which at once attracts the attention and consideration of the truthful. It is the philosophy expressed in the celebrated distitch of Pope, in his '< Essay on Man : " — " Honor and shame from no condition rise ; Act well your part, there all the honor lies." It is the philosophy which teaches that merit will win and that if one but do his duty faithfully in whatever position he may be placed, he will steadily rise in life. In " Pinafore " this philosophy is expressed in language, if not as staid and dignified as that with which Pope has clothed it, at least more forcible and pointed : — " He polished up the handles so carefullee, That now he is the ruler of the Queen's navee." So in every walk in life we see men coming up from the humblest sta- tions to the highest. Lincoln was a rail-splitter and Andrew Johnson was a tailor. But it is unnecessary to refer to outside examples. The subject of the present sketch may be pointed to as an instance of this kind. Of course he has not become President, nor anything of that kind, and perhaps may never rise to a position of more than ordinary HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 383 distinction, for circumstances have much to do with elevating men ; and the way of promotion to high honor may not open up for him. "All but a scattered few, live out their time Husbaudiug that which they possess within, Aud go to the grave uuthought of. Strongest minds Are those of whom the noisy world Hears least." But so far as his opportunities have permitted, he has risen by steady strides. Mr. Barton commenced railroading as a section boss, and is now roadmaster for a hirge portion of the lines of one of the leading railroads of the United States. Still comparatively a young man, this is a record that reflects not a little credit on his character for indus- try, capacity and fidelity. He was born in Wilson, N. Y., Sep- tember 24, 1847, and in youth had excellent educational advantages, taking, besides courses in the common and academic schools, a course at Ann Arbor College, quitting that institution, however, at the close of the sophomore year. He then began railroading, and has contin- ued it from that time to the present, working on various railroads in the United States. In 1875 he was appointed supply agent of the Wabash, and in the spring of 1883 entered upon the duties of his present position. In December, 1876, Mr. Barton was married to Miss Harriet Fairbanks, of Kendleville, Indiana. They have three children: Nellie, Sidney and Pansey. NATHANIEL M. BASKETTf M.D. (Physician and Surgeon,- Moberly) . Looking around us we see men here and there and everywhere who have risen to prominence in their respective walks in life. Eminence in any calling is the result, generally, of long experience, accom- panied, of course, with the proper qualifications and application for success ; and hence it is that we see most of those who have become prominent to be men at least of middle-age, but more often ad- vanced in years. Seeing these leading men around us, the questiofi naturally occurs, when they are gone, who are to occupy their places? The race of life is like all other contests, those who pos- sess superior powers and apply them rightly will win. And it is not difficult to pick out such, even early in life. Prominence usually manifests itself from the beginning. The young man of to-day who stands higher in his calling than those around him of the same age and opportunities, will likely continue in advance of his fellows, only be will gain on them in an increasing ratio, — and thus as time comes and goes he will probably take a commanding position in the aff'airs with which his life is identified. These remarks are suggested by run- ning over the notes from which this sketch is written. Here is a young man but little more than past his thirtieth year, at an age when young men ordinarily are hardly more than trained for the career they are to run, yet, already, he has reached a position in his profession second to that of but few physicians of advanced age and long expe - 384 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. rience, in this section of the State, Looking back over his past, the few brief years that have intervened since he was a youth, and per- ceiving that his advantages were no better than those of the average young men around him, and seeing what he has already accomplished, it requires no gift of prophecy to foretell that his future will be one of more than ordinary prominence and usefulness. He is recognized to- day as one of the ablest and most scientific physicians throughout the surrounding country. Thoroughly devoted to his profession, while not occupied with the duties of the active practice, he is engaged in study and investigation, and being a man of much originality of thought, he has written numerous articles on topics of interest to the profession. He is a contributer to several leading medical journals, and among his contributions may be mentioned " Fibroids of the Uterus," "Dermoid Cysts of the Ovary," "Bright's Disease," " Some Subjects for Sanitation," and an " Essay on the Influence of Maternal Impressions on the Growth of the Eml)ryo." The Doctor is a distino-uished member of the State and District Medical Societies, and has also been elected an honorary member of various county medical societies. Dr. Baskett, being a close student of current events, and a man of wide general information, as well as public spirited and zealous for the best interests of society, takes an in- telligent and active interest in public affairs. A Missourian by nativity and continuous resident, he is, of course, as every good Missourian ought to be, an earnest and faithful Democrat. Ap- preciated for his wofth, his party associates in this county have called him to the chairmanship of their county central committee, a position he now holds, and the duties of which he discharges with his characteristic ability and energy. Dr. Baskett was born in St. Louis, April 5, 1853. Reared there, he was educated in the schools of that city and afterwards attended school at Paris, Monroe county. Young Baskett read medicine under Dr. A. E. Gore, of Paris, and in due time entered the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis, from which he graduated in the spring of 1876. He subsequently located at Granville, in Monroe county, in the practice of his profession, where he continued until 1878, when he came to Moberly. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice at this place and has built up a large and lucrative practice. He is one of the most popuhir, as he is one of the most skillful and capable physicians of this city. On the 18th of November, 1878, Dr. Baskett was married to Miss Kate E. Cooper, a daughter of D. L. Cooper, now deceased, but formerly a prominent citizen of Monroe county. Mrs. Baskett, a beautiful and accomplished young lady, esteemed by all who knew her, survived her marriage less than three years, dying July 23, 1881. Two chil- dren, the fruits of their happy but short union (lone and Mary), are both deceased. The Doctor is a member of the Select Knights and Ladies of Honor and of the Christian Church. His parents were William B. and Mary A. (Austin) Baskett, the father originally of Kentucky, but the mother a native of Virginia. The father was a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. • 385 man of fine business qualifications, a thorough book-keeper, and a merchant of St. Louis. CHRIS. BERLET (Retail dealer in Wines, Liquors, Beer, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., etc., Moberly). Mr. Berlet, who has been engaged in his present business at Mo- berly since 1878, and has one of the best and most popular houses in his line in the city, is a native of Germany, born in the northern part of the Fatherland on the 9th of July, 1832. His parents were Chris, and Mary, and young Chris, had good school advantages in boyhood and youth. He attended an excellent school in his native vicinity, of the kind in this country we call academies, for eight years consecu- tively, and from the age of five to fourteen. In 1852 the family emi- grated to America and settled at Scranton, Pa., where the father subsequently followed the hotel business. In 1862 Chris, the subject of this sketch, came to Missouri and located at Macon City, where he obtained a situation at railroad work. Six years afterwards he came to Moberly, and was baggagemaster on the Wabash for ten years. In 1877 he retired from his position on the Wabash and learned the saloon business, and the following year established his present saloon. Mr. Berlet is a man of sterling worth, a good citizen, and is respected by all. Some diflfer from the views he holds with regard to Scriptm'e doctrine as applicable to his present business ; but, like members of different denominations, he and those who differ from him have never allowed those differences of opinion to make them personal enemies. He believes in the great principles of religion as sincerely and earnestly as any man, and claims that his present occu- pation is not only not opposed by the Scriptures, but is sanctioned and authorized by the inspired Word of God, and in proof of this he cites the following, as he could innumerable other passages, from the written law: " Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. [I. Tim. v : 23.] " Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." [Prov. xxxi : 6.] *' Let him drink and forget his poverty, and to remember his misery no more." [_Ia. 7.] In pursuance of those commands, Mr. Berlet keeps constantly on hand a large supply of different brands of wines and liquors, not only of the quality called "strong drink," but of the weaker kinds called light wines, and all the pure grades. He also keeps a pool table for the harmless amusement of customers. Mr. Berlet is personally quite popular, and his house commands a large trade. In 1860 Mr. Berlet was married to Miss Mary Hoffsummers. They have two children, Lizzie and John. He is a member of the Brothers of Philanthophy. JACOB S. BOWERS (Of Bowers & Reis, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothina;, Gents' and Ladies' Furnishing Goods, Hats and Caps, Carpets, etc., etc., No. Ill and 113 Reed street, Moberly). Mr, Bowers, who has been engaged in his present business at Mo- berly since the fall of 1882, was reared to merchandising, and besides 386 • HISTORY OF RANDOLrH COUNTY. having a business experience which extends back to boyhood, he has the advantajje of a o:ood jjeneral and commercial education. If, there- fore, he does not become a more than ordinary and prominent merchant — and he is really well advanced toward that position — it will not be for want of qualifications and opportunities. Understand- ing his business thoroughly in every detail, and being a man of solid and sober character, as well as of popular and pleasant address, and a kind and accommodating disposition, his success in life seems as- sured. Mr. Bowers is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Philadelphia March 20, 1847, and educated in the excellent schools of that city. He also subsequently had the benefit of a course of commercial college. At the age of 14 he began his career in mercantile life, a career that has continued unbr(')kon, and has been marked by steady advancement up to the present time. He then entered the large dry goods and clothing store at Union City, Ind.^of A. J. S. Bowers & Bros., which employs a large force of clerks. He subsequently be- came a member of the firm, and continued in business there until January, 1882, when he came to Moberly, and the following fall became a member of the firm with which he is now connected. Mr. Bowers made a most favorable impression on coming to this city, an impression which has been fully justified by his subsequent career. The business of Messrs. Bowers & Reis has increased with wonderful rapidity. They first occupied only the lower floors of their present building, but the great increase of trade which they have had com- pelled them to lease also the upper floor, which they have had elabor- ately fitted up for the display of carpets and fancy goods in their respective departments. They deal for cash exclusively, and buy in large quantities, so that they get substantial discount from the whole- sale houses, and they are thus enabled to sell goods at prices which are simply below competition. This fact soon V^ecame known, and hence the remarkable increase of their business. They now carry one of the largest and best stocks of goods in their lines to be found out- side of a large city in IN orth-east Missouri, and their salesrooms during business hours present almost as busy a scene as a bee hive, customers coming and going every minute in the day, and all pleased with their bargains. Mr. Bowers still retains an interest in the unsettled affairs of the firm of A. J. S. Bowers & Bro., at Union City. In so far as means are concerned, he is already practically independent, and his entire success has been achieved by his own industry, enterprise and merit. On the 3d day of August, 1880, Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Letitia Hall, of Ohio. They have one child, Willie. L. SCOTT BOYD (Fanner and Dealer in Small Fruits). Mr. Boyd is the son of Thomas Boyd and Maria S. Steele, both of Ohio. The hero of this sketch was born in Seneca county of that State September 9, 1839. In 1849 his parents left Ohio and located HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 3b7 in Warreu-county, Iowa, where Mr. Boyd, Sr., entered and improved 500 acres of land. Tliey lived here until 1866, then sold out and removed to Randolph county. Mo., settling upon the farm upon which the son now resides. The father died here March 26, 1882. He was a most worth}'^ man, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and his memory is held in beloved veneration. L, Scott grew to man's estate in Iowa, receiving a good common school education. In Jan- nary, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, fifteenth Iowa volunteer infantry, and served until discharged in December, 1862. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the forty-eighth Iowa infantry, serving 100 days. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, the last fight at Corinth, and many smaller engage- ments. When " the cruel war was over " he went home and lived on the farm, moving to Missouri with his parents in 1866. In the course of time Mr. Boyd's mind was turned to softer lays than of wars and glory — the divine passion of love waked within him, and he laid his heart and hand at the feet of one of the most charming of women, Miss Harriet, daughter of William and Jane (Reed) Watson, of Ohio. This lovely lady did not say him nay, and they were married March 17, 1881. Fair, sweet and trim, Mrs. Boyd is as goodly a picture as ever gladdened an adoring husband's eyes. For the first year after his marriage Mr. Boyd lived on the old home place and carried on the farm. In 1882, however, he built a neat two-story frame residence on his own tract of 43 acres, where he has a good barn and all necessary out-buildings ; he has, beside, 80 acres of land seeded in tame grass and 80 in timber. He continues to superintend the old home farm on which there is a coal shaft, both places being largely underlaid in coal, which yield abundantly every year. Mr. Boyd, wise in his generation, is making a specialty of small fruits — " there is millions in it." He has a fine vineyard of 600 bearing vines, and a large and select variety of small fruits. There is a splendid young orchard coming on. Mr. Boyd bids fair to outstrip many of those around in the race for wealth. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Moberly. DUDLEY T. BRADLEY. Mr. Bradley, one of the most prosperous of the farmers in Randolph county, was born in this county March 25, 1845, being one of two sons of William Bradley, of Kentucky, and Miss Sally Cockrill, a native of Missouri. Dudley's brother's name was Benjamin F., the date of his birth being March 3, 1843. Mr. Bradley went to California in 1840, and died there the same year. The mother of these brothers died in April, 1850, vvhen the subject of this sketch was but five years old, and then they went to live with their maternal grandmother, with whom Dudle}'^ T. remained until her death in 1858, when he was bound out to his uncle, Samuel Cockrill. He lived here until his nineteenth year. When he was 13 years old Benjamin F. Bradley determined to leave the scene of his early childhood, and accordingly went to California with his uncle, Christopher Cockrill. After three years, or at the age 388 HISTORY or Randolph county. of 16, on account of ill treatment, he left this relative, ancl going to Grant's Pass, Oregon, he was first occupied in driving for a stage com- pany, subsequently following different branches of work. He has become a man of extensive information and travel, having visited all of the Northern and Western States ; two years he spent in Utah, Salt Lake City, and has also mined in British Columbia for the same length of time. Several years have been passed in Washington Territory, and he has been in several other Territories, but he now resides in Idaho, being interested in the Cordelains mines. Through energy, perseverance, etc., he has accumulated a good share of this world's goods. Though possessed of a good education it was obtained through his own efforts after being able to realize the necessity of literary knowledge. Commencing poor, he has risen to a position of wealth and influence which is a credit to himself, having had nothing when he besan but an interest in 80 acres of land left himself and brother. After a separation of 28 years these brothers were reunited in March, 1884. Though Dudley T. Bradley had no parental hands to guide his steps in youth his early training was by no means neglected; but he was brought up a hard-working, upright man, and was given a fair common school education. When a boy of 19 he enlisted in Price's army, but in about six weeks he was captured at White river, Ark., and held until March, 1865. After his return he lived on the farm until his marriage, which rite was celebrated February 13, 1873, the chosen one being Miss Martha T., daughter of William T. and Eliza- beth J. Jennings, of Missouri. With the exception of one year, in which he worked at Miller Bros.'s saw mill, Mr. Bradley has made farming the occupation of his life, purchasing in 1877 the farm he now owns. The place comprises 120 acres of bearing land and 79 in tim- ber, 40 of good pasture, fenced, 13 acres bearing, and a fine, young bearing orchard containing about 200 select fruits. Mr. Bradley, by his own industry and good management, has obtained a goodly com- petence for his declining years. He owns another place of 145 acres, all in cultivation, and has one-half interest in still another of 120 acres, principally timber, and 60 acres in another tract. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have four children : Emma E., DoraL., Lucy M. and Gracie J. Two of their treasures are laid up " where thieves do not steal nor moth corrupt" — Sarah E., died March 11, 1875, and a son passed away in infancy. Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Christian Church at Renick, and Mr. Bradley belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Huntsville. MATTHEW Y. BUCHANAN (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Buchanan was born in Randoli)h county. Mo., April 5, 1838. His father, C. C. Buchanan, and mother, Elizabeth Jenkins, were natives of Tennessee, but moved to Missouri in the year of 1836. They settled in Randolph count}'' near Moberly, and entered land where the north-west portion now stands. The father died here July HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 389 9, 1881, aged 68 years, two months and 21 days. Matthew Y. was next to the eldest of a family of seven childern, of whom four, three sons and a daughter, are still living. Their names were Luty J., Matthew Y., Cicero G., Cyrus W., Alonzo M., James H. and John T. Cicero, Cyrus and James died prior to the death of their father, the first named dying when young, the other two reached maturity, and graduated from college with high honors. Cyrus had chosen the pro- fession of physician, while James had become a lawyer. Alonzo is a minister, and John T., who graduated from Commercial College, is now proving the value of his business course Ijy keeping books. During his youth Matthew Y. lived on the home farm, having all the advantages in education that the county afforded. In September, 1861, Mr. Buchanaa enlisted under Gen. Sterling Price, first in cav- alry but principally as a private in the tenth Missouri infantry. He took part in the second fight at Boonville, Corinth, Miss., Helena, Ark., and numerous smaller skirmishes. He fought with signal cour- age until 1863, when nearly all of his regiment was captured. For 20 months he was kept a prisoner at Fort Delaware and Alton ; then being exchanged, he returned to the service only to be again captured near Natchez, Miss. He was taken to Alton and not released until the close of the war. Not long after, Mr. B. was married, in Randolph county, to Miss Mary Ficklin, daughter of Tyre and Louisa Baker. This estimable lady survived but one short year — leaving an infant daughter, Ida Mary, who died September 24, 1875. After his marriage Mr. Buchanan made a home for himself on the farm where he now re- sides. He has nearly 150 acres of very valuable land adjoining the town of Moberly, all in good state of cultivation. He has besides about ]05 acres of timbered land in the same vicinity. His residence is a comfortable one, as are his other buildings. In February, 1871, Mr. Buchanan was married a second time, the lady of his choice •being Miss Sarah, daughter of Alexander and Martha T. AYisdom, of Macon county. There are five children : C. Earl, Katie M., Onie A., Walter C, and Claud. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Cum- l)erland Presbyterian Church and take an active part in church mat- ters. They are highly respected members of the community. JUDGE JOSEPH H. BURKHOLDER (Railroad Contractor and Dealer in Railway Supplies, Moberly). Judge Burkholder is one of the prominent and useful citizens of Randolph county, and a man who has been as long and favorably identified with the best interests of this city as any one in it. He has served several terms as mayor of the city and has added important additions to its limits, and built numerous houses, in fact has been one of the thorough-going, enterprising fathers of the place, always a sanguine believer in its future and a zealous friend to its progress. Judge Burkholder is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Rocking- ham county, July 31, 1833. His educational advantages were those of the common schools and he was reared to a farm life. On the 23d 390 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. of October, 1855, be was married to Miss Susan A. Davis, a daugliter of tbat well-known and prominent citizen of Randolph county, Joseph Davis, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, having come bere as early as 1818. In the meantime Judge Burkholder had also come to Missouri, and he was identified witb agricultural interests mainly until 1857, when be commenced bis career as a railroad con- tractor. A man of superior intelligence, energy and enterprise, as well as having some means, be was awarded the contract to build a portion of tbe North Missouri Railroad in Randolph county, a work of which he acquitted himself with great credit and not without sub- stantial profit. After tbe road was built, there being no other rail- ways then in course of construction in bis part of the State, he re- sumed farming, which be continued with success for about three years. In 1864 Judge Burkholder engaged in merchandising at Renick and two years before was elected a member of the county court, a position he filled with honor to himself and tbe county to the close of bis term. In 1865 be returned to farming, and also ran a mill, and during tbe years 1864 and 1865 he traded quite extensively in bogs and tobacco. He also, while farming and milling, furnished railroad supplies for the North Missouri, and continued this up to 1869. On tbe 1st of November of that year be removed to Moberly, and bere ensaged largely in tbe real estate business, buying and selling land on bis^own account and trading in town property. Keeping up bis busi- ness of furnishing railroad supplies during all the time tbat be was dealing in real estate, be has continued his railroad business up to tbe present time. His life has. been entirely successful in a business j)oint of view, and be is comfortably situated, having ample means, if be were disposed to retire, on which to rely, while he has always stood high in tbe esteem of tbe people. In 187i and 1872 be was a member of tbe city council, and in connection witb H. M. Porter, be framed the city charter and drew the ordinances under it. In 1874 Judge Burk-. holder was elected mayor, and also served two years on the school board. Again be was elected mayor in 1879, and whether in or out of office hebas always taken an intelligent and active interest in public affairs. He has been elevated to position not through any seeking or desire of bis, but by tbe people alone, who desired his services. No man in Moberly stands higher than Judge Burkholder. The Judge and bis good wife have reared a family of twelve children : John T., Hettie A., Mary R., Mark H., James R., Helen H., Lena, Mattie R., Paul H., Claude D., Ruby and Belle A. WILLIAM H. CHISHOLM (Proprietor of the Williams Street Meat, Ves^etable and Game Markets, Moberly). Mr. Chisbolm, who has one of tbe largest establishments in bis line in this city, and represents the first ward in tbe city council, be- iuf a successful business man and influential citizen, is a native of Canada, born in Lugaria, May 18, 1853. When he was 12 years of age bis parents, Archibald and Catherine (McCrae) Chisbolm, tbe HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 391 father originally from Scotland, and the mother of Scotch descent, but a native of Canada, removed to St. Louis, where William A. grew to manhood. He received a good ordinary education in the schools of St. Louis, and in youth learned the butcher's business. He sub- sequently followed butchering in that city until 1880, when he came to Moberly, where he has since continued the business. He has been quite successful, and now employs, regularly, three men in his establish- ment. Recognized as a man of intelligence and sterling character, as well as public-spirited and enterprising, in April, 1880, he was elected a member of the city council, a position he now fills with honor to himself and credit to the city. On the 18th of May, 1882, Mr. Chisholm was married ; but his wife survived her marriage, however, little more than a year, dying in June, 1883. He is a member of the order of Catholic Knights. WILLIAM S. CHRISTIAN (Farmer aucl Stock-raiser) . Mr. C, another farmer and stock raiser of this county, is a native of Scott county, Kentucky, born February 2, 1817. His parents, Paul Christian and Mary K. Sutton, were both from Virginia, but strangely enough, did not meet until both had moved to Kentucky, where the twain were made one. They, came to Missouri in 1832, Paul Chris- tian entering land and improving a farm in Randolph, where he re- mained until his death in the fall of 1851. William S. spent his early years on the farm, learning the blacksmith's trade with his father, who carried on a shop on the place. Mr. Christian was mar- ried October 8, 1850, to Miss Mary E., daughter of William Terrill, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Christian was herself born in Kentucky, but grew up and was educated in Missouri. Mr. Christian lived un- til 1877 in the southern part of the county ; he then moved to the farm he now lives on, near Moberly. It includes 250 acres of land, of which 210 are fenced and in cultivation, a comfortable resi- dence and out-buildings ; there is, also, a fine young bearing orchard with some grape and small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Christian have five children : John J., Ann M., wife of Augustus Miller ; Susan C, wife of William Burton; Sarah E., wife of Thomas Yager, and Eva M., now a young lady at school at Winchester, Tenn. Mrs. Christian is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, while the children all belong to the Christian Church. Mr, Christian is a member of Morality Lodge No. 168, A. F. and A. M., at Renick. EDWIN COOK (Architect aud Builder, Moberly). Mr. Cook, who occupies a leading position in his line at this city, is a native of England, born in Sussex, May 1, 1836, and was reared in his native country. His education was limited to the common schools, and his parents, though respectable and worthy people, were not wealthy. So he has had his own way to make in the world, 20 392 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. and without means to begin on, from early manhood. Mr. Cook learned the business of building and architecture in England, and worked at it there with success until 1870, when he came to America, then located in Canada, but six months afterwards removed to Kansas City, where he followed building for about a year, and then settled permanently at Moberly. For four years he was contractor and su- perintendent of construction and repairs on the Wabash Railroad, having his headquarters at this place during that tune. Aside from this, he has been engaged exclusively in his business as an architect and builder at Moberly for the past 13 years. A man of supe- rior intelligence and full of energy and industry, as well as reliable and upright, his career has been an entirely successful one, and he is steadily accumulating the substantial evidences of prosperity. He has done a very large business in Moberl}', but being a thoroughly honest man, he puts none but the best material in his building, according to the prices and terms agreed on, and charges only such sums for his work and skill as are but reasonable and fair, so that, while he may not accumulate wealth as fast as some, what he does obtain will be only the fruits of honest industry and enterprise, and may be enjoyed with an easy conscience. He has constructed some of the best build- ings at this place, and there is but one testimony as to the character of the work — entire satisfaction. Mr. Cook is recognized as one of the best ai'chitects and builders at Moberly. In 1858 he was married to Miss Emma Pilbeam, a native of England. They have six chil- dren : Edwin, Alfred, Emma, John, William and Elizabeth. He is a member of the Brothers of Philanthrophy. WILLIAM MARK COYLE (Of Coyle & Harris, Real Estate, Fire and Life Insurance Agents, Notaries Public, etc). Mr. Coyle, who is now the senior member of one of the enterpris- ing business agencies of the city, has made his own way up in life, and, considering that he is still comparatively a young man, the posi- tion he now occupies in the business community where he resides is of no ordinary credit to his worth and merits. He is by nativity of the Empire State, tliough he was reared in Ohio. Born on the 5th of July, 1852, when he was but two j^ears of age his parents, John W. and Mary (Anderson) Coyle, removed from New York to Ohio, in which latter State they settled in Butler county, where they reared their family, the father being a tlirift}^ intelligent and successful farmer of that county. William M. grew up on the farm in the Buck- eye State, and managed to scratch around and get a pretty good com- mon Eno-lish education in the schools of the neighborhood. Of an enterprising, ambitious turn of mind, when 18 j^ears of age he de- cided to quit home and tap the great world farther west for a fortune. When his ancestors came over from Ireland, prior to the Revolution, they transported their worldly [)ossessions in a long, sleek oil-cloth valise, that was equally adapted for carrying bed and bedding, the family wardrobe and the culinary implements of the household. This HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 393 ancient relic of the trans-Atlantic migration of the family was handed down from father to son through generations, until it finally became the heritage of the subject of this sketch. William M. now got the old valise down and loaded it with his singing-school boots, his home- made ruffled shirts and other go-to-meeting toggery, and he and the valise struck out towards the setting sun to see whether the sky really did come down to the ground where it seemed to. William M. was then 18 years of age, and pre-eminently "a youth to fortune and to fame unknown." The further West they came, William and valise, the bigger the world seemed to get, and finally they landed, "this side up with care," at St. Louis. The valise was all right when it got here, and as full as it was when they started out, but William, in the abdom- inal regions, was in much the condition that the average bank is whose stockholders too long and too implicitly trust a Sunday-school super- intendent to carry the keys to the cash vault, while his pockets, so far as dingbats were concerned, were as flat as bursted bladders. Somethino; had to be done, and William went to work to o;et work. He soon obtained employment on a street railroad, and although this was pretty hard work, he was sure it beat plowing. At any rate, he prospered physically, and mentally he did not retrograde. In 1872 he obtained a situation as brakenian on the North Missouri Railroad, working for two years on a freight train. He then became brakeman on a passenger train. In 1874 he was placed in charge of a baggage car, and after three years' service in that capacity, he was given charge of an express car. Here he also remained for three years. He now decided to engage in business on his own account, and he became a wholesale dealer in and an extensive shipper of butter and eggs. This was in 1880, and he followed it with success until he engaged in his present business, in February, 1882. His career, as outlined above, is, as any one may see at a glance, one of entire credit, and one that no worthy man need be ashamed of. In the 12 years from 1870, when he landed in St. Louis, up to 1882, when he engaged in his present business in this city, he has been in five different employ- ments, atid in all of them he acquitted himself ftiithfully and worthily, and retired from them voluntarily, either on account of promotion or to engage in some other business better than the employment which preceded it. In his present line of business his career has been one of gratifying success. There is no more popular firm in Moberly than that of Coyle & Harris in their line. Their business will be spoken of at greater length in the sketch of Mr. Harris, on a subsequent page of this volume. Mr. Coyle is a gentleman of fine business qualifica- tions, a clear head and a good heart, and popular with all who know him. On the 1st of May, 1877, he was married to Miss Belle Dunlap, a native of Canada, but educated in England. They have one child; Archibald L. Edwin, the eldest, died in infancy. Mr. Coyle takes an active interest in the public affairs of the city, and at present rep- resents the third ward in the city council. / 394 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. JOHN T. cox, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Moberly) . Dr. Cox, the Nestor of the medical profession in this city, and a physician of high standing and hirge practice, is a native Missourian, born in Monroe county, near Florida, December 4, 1839. His school advantages were those of the common schools of his native vicinity, with a course at Prairie High School superadded. His father, Jacob Cox, was a substantial farmer of Monroe county, but was not a wealthy man ; so that the son, in early manhood, had to make his own start in life. Ambitious to rise above an ordinary condition, he conceived a purpose to devote himself to the medical profession as the avenue to his advancement. To carry out that design, however, he had to provide himself with pecuniary means, and having a good gen- eral education and well qualified to instruct the young, he engaged temporarily in the profession of teaching, and at a satisfactory salary. Young Cox became quite successful as a teacher, and continued teach- ing for about four years. During this time he also read medicine, de- voting the extra months of his school years to study, and also studying during the rest of the time while not actively engaged in the duties of the school-room. His medical preceptor was Dr. R. R. Hall, of Florida, Mo. In due time he entered the Medical Col- lege at Cincinnati, from which he graduated with distinction in 1870. Immediately after his graduation, Dr. Cox engaged in the practice of his profession at this city, and has since continued it. Thoroughly qualified for the practice, 14 years of active work in his profession, as well as of continuous study during this time — for he has always been a close student — have sufficed to place him in the front rank of phy- sicians in this section of the State. His practice, already large and highly respectable in character, is steadily increasing in volume and profit, and he is rapidly accumulating the substantial evidences of pros- perity. Personally, Dr. Cox stands very high, and is esteemed not less as a man and citizen than as a physician. On the 16th of De- cember, 1874, he was married to Miss D. T. Hall, a daughter of Dr. R. R. Hall, his former preceptor. They have two children: Frederick E. and Helen. Dr. and Mrs. Cox are members of the Christian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the District and State Medical Societies. His parents were originally from Kentucky, and his mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Cassandra Talbot, of the old and respected Talbot family, originally of Virginia and afterwards also of Kentucky and Missouri, as well as of other States. CHARLES W. DIGGES (Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Wood and Willow-ware, Flour, Bacon, Fish, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., etc., Moberly). Mr. Digges, one of the enterprising and popular grocers of this city, is by nativity and bringing up a son of the Old Dominion, and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 395 has proved himself* eminently worth}^ of the o-allant old hero-land that gave him birth. When the war broke out in 1861, he was a young man in his twenty-second year, and was a clerk for McClellan, Scruggs & Co., of St. Louis, having come out West a couple of years before. But when Virginia called for volunteers to defend her against invasion, he returned to his mother State and became a plighted soldier of the Commonwealth and the South. He enlisted in what is known in his- tory as the Black Horse of Virginia, a command that won a reputation for gallantry and' fearlessness that will last as long as bravery on the field of battle is esteemed a virtue among men. We have not the space to follow the career of Mr. Digges through the war. Suffice it to say, that he did his whole duty as a member of that celebrated com- mand, and was six times pierced with Federal liullets while gallantly fighting for the honor and independence of his country. But few of the young men who started out with him in 18(51 lived to return to their homes, but those who did survive, or most of them, came back as he did, covered with honorable scars, the proudest decorations a soldier can wear. After Lee's surrender, Mr. Digges was taken pris- oner and confined at Johnson's Island for three months, at the ex- piration of which time, the war being over, he was discharged. In the array he held the rank of lieutenant, and for a long time was on the staff of Gen. AV. H. Payne. After the war he returned to St. Louis and engaged as traveling salesman for Hawkins, Albert & Co., and was on the road afterwards, being with other houses for seven years. A man full of life and animatioii, of good business qualifications, and a jovial, agreeable companion, he became one of the most popular and successful traveling salesmen on the road, and accumulated suffi- cient means to engage in business on his own account. He accord- ingly located at Moberly, and was engaged in merchandising at this place for a short time, when, being offered a highly advantage- ous position with the Taylor Manufacturing Company, of St. Louis, he disposed of his business here and returned to the road, continuing a traveling salesman for some five years. On the 9th of October, 1873, Mr. Digges was married to Miss Ida Rucker, of Huntsville, and he finally decided to settle down again in business on his own account. In the fall of 1879 he established his present store at Moberly, and has been engaged in the business ever since. Possessing the business qualifications and popular manners and dispositicm that Mr. Digges has, he could hardly fail of becoming a po[)ular merchant. With a good word for every one, and accommodating in his store and wher- ever he may be, he has gathered around him a host of friends, and keeping as he does a large and well-selected stock of groceries and other goods of kindred lines, he has naturally built up an extensive custom. Mr. Digges has one of the best retail stores in his line in Moberly, and is doing a flourishing and steadily increasing business. Judging by every indication, he has the promise of becoming more than ordinarily successful. Mr. Digges, himself a man of high char- acter and ujiimpeachable integrity, comes of a good old Virginia fam- 396 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ily. He w:is born in Fauquier county, August 25, 1839, and received a more than average general education as he grew up, in the Male and Female Seminary of Warrenton, Va. His father was Charles W. Digges, a prominent citizen of Fauquier county. The Digges have long been settled in Virginia, and came from England prior to the Kevolutionary War. Representatives of the family have from time to time held prominent positions in the public affairs of the Old Dominion. Mr. Digges' mother was a Miss Elizabeth McClenichan, and she was originally from New York. Mr. Digges, before coming to Missouri, prior to the war, and when a youth, followed clerking in a dry goods store, and was even then regarded as one of the most efficient and popular young men connected with mercantile business at Warrenton. Mr. and Mrs. Digges have two children : Anna E. and Charles W. Mrs. D. is a member of the Episcopal Church, and he is an active and popular member of the A. O. U. W. W. L. DURBIN (Train Master of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). The duties of train dispatcher and master are exceeded in responsi- bility by those of no other position in the railway service. The in- terests of life and property to an extent beyond estimation are directly dependent upon the efficiency, close attention and fidelity of this officer. He orders the trains out, directs where and how they shall be run, and all must follow his mandate without question. Of course he must be systematic, clear-headed and always conversant with the minutise of train work. One mistake of his may cost hundreds of lives and the destruction of property almost beyond valuation. None but the most trustworthy and capable men are allowed to fill this position — men whose qualifications and character and reliability are beyond question. And ihe fact that one holds this position is a com- pliment of no ordinary significance and value to the incumbent, — it is such a compliment as to attempt to express it in words would do the officer to whom it belongs an injustice, for as the finer code of morals and civility cannot be written, so there are acts indicative of confidence and esteem which cannot be properly expressed in words. Mr. Dnr- bin is a native Missourian, born in Marion county, near Palmyra, April 4, 1849, his parents, Richard and Lucy (Logsdon) Durbin, being early settlers of that county from Kentucky, having removed to Marion county in 1832. Young Durbin spent his early years on the farm in Marion county and received a good ordinary common school education as he grew up. In 1864, being then fifteen years of age, he obtained a situation in a local office of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad to learn the telegraph business. He learned that business and followed it with success for four years, when he obtained a situation with the Missouri Pacific as train dispatcher, which he filled with satisfaction to the company for two years. Prior to this, however, and when but seventeen years of age, young Durbin had discharged the duties of train dispatcher at Rrookfield and with such efficiency that he was HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 397 safely intrusted with a similar position later along. Mr. Durbin came to Moberly in 1869 and assumed the duties of his present office. He now has charge of over 600 miles of road and the hundreds of trains that he starts out daily all run with the regularity of clock-work. Under his management of this section of the road there have been fewer collisions and accidents resulting from irregular trains than dur- ing any former period of its existence, comparing the time year with year. Of a quick mind, and alert and active and possessed of superior business qualifications, Mr. Durbin has become one of the best train dispatchers in the railway service, and from long experience he has been able to build up a system of dispatching trains which is with- out a superior, if it has an equal. A number of young men have learned the business under him, and have become connected with other roads, doing credit by their success not less to their preceptor than to themselves. On the 7th of February, 1871, Mr. Durbin was married to Miss Missouri Pew, a daughter of Hon. A. D. Pew, of Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Durbin have been blessed with seven children : Maud L., Laura L., Nellie W., William L., Kichard, Lillie and Mis- souri. Lillie, the next to the youngest, died December 9, 1883. Mr. Durbin, in 1874, when but twenty-five years of age, was elected mayor of Moberly and has also been council man-at-large for the city. It is but the plain truth to say that he is one of the most popular young men in the city. A. gentleman in the highest and best sense of the word in character, manners and conversation, he is liked by every one. He will doubtless yet hold positions both in the rail- way and in the civil service of honor and importance compared to which his past positions would be but evanescent coruscations. FINIS T. DYSART (Dealer in Groceries, both fancy and staple, and in Wood and Willow-ware, Cigars, Tobacco, Etc., Moberly). When the war broke out in 1861, Mr. Dysart was a young man 21 years of age, and being a Missourian of Southern antecedents and sympathies, as well as believing that the South was right on the questions then at issue, he proved the faith of his convictions by enlisting for the service under the three-barred banner of the Con- federacy. He became a volunteer under Gen. Price, and served for one year in the Southern arm}^ under that old Pater Patnie of Mis- souri. His health failing, however, he was compelled to return home and was honorably discharged from the service on account of physical disability, his eyes having almost lost their power of sight. Some time afterwards, having recovered his health to a measurable degree, he worked under his father in the tobacco business in Macon county for a few years. Mr. Dysart then removed to Salisburjs in Chariton county, and engaged in the furniture business, which he followed Avith success for about three years. In 1871 he was appointed deputy sherift' of Chariton county, a position he filled during the years 1871-2. In 1874 Mr. Dysart was elected county clerk of Chariton county and 398 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. held that office for eight years. At the conclusion of his last term of office, ou the 1st of Januarj, 1883, he carne to Moberly and engaged ill his present business. Mr. Dj'sart, who, as every one in Chariton county knows, made one of the best county clerks that couutj'" ever had, is a thorough-going business man, perfectly reliable and of a more than ordinarily acconimcKlating disposition and agreeable man- ners. These qualities are having the effect to make him one of the successful retail business men of Moberly. He has an excellent stock of goods and sells at prices which inevitably bring him a large trade. He has everything to be found in his line, and in great variet}"^ and of the best grades, so that a customer has the advantage of selecting just such goods as he wants and at prices at which he cannot fairly com- plain. In November, 1867, Mr. Dysart was married to Miss Lou Bastin, of Chariton county. She lived, however, only about seven 3^ears, dying in 1874, having borne him three children, only one of whom, Chiude, is now living. The deceased are, an infant and Lou, the latter of whom survived her mother only about six months, dying in November, 1874. To his last wife, previously Mrs. Lou Sands, Mr. Dysart was married in 1878. She is also deceased, having died in October, 1881. There is one child by this marriage, Anna. Effie, the other, died in infancy. Mr. Dysart is a member of the Ma- sonic order and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His father, Rev. James Dysart, was a prominent minister in that denomination, and for many years a highly respected citizen of Macon county. Mr. Dysart was born in that county March 1, 1840. His higher education was received at McGee College. In 1880 he was a prominent candi- date for the nomination for Secretary of State in the Democratic Convention, and came very near receiving the nomination. GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRGRIEVE, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Treatment of the Eye and Diseases of Women and Children, Specialties, Moberly, Mo.). Dr. Fairgrieve, justly regarded as one of the most scientific prac- titioners in the profession in his city, is a native of New York, and comes of an old and distinguished Scotch family in the line of the Stuarts, receiving his general education in America, his classical in Scotland, and his medical in both England and America. He was born in Troy, N. Y., May 23, 1848 ; is the eldest son of George Fairgrieve, who was born in Galashiels, Scotland, October 24, 1817, and Agnes Stalker Fairgrieve, who was born in E(linl)urgh, Scotland, January 21, 1820. Dr. Fairgrieve's father being engaged by Crosley & Co., of England, in placing the famous power carpet loom in the different manufacturing. towns of the East, and in bringing families over to take charge of and operate the same, it necessitated numerous trips back and forth across the ocean, and as a rule the family went with him, until 1868, when he retired from active life. He died in Octo- ber, 1873, after a short illness. His mother is still living, in Tilli- coultry, Scotland. The elder Fairgrieve being all of his active life in HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 399 the manufacturing business, was of tlie opinion that his son George should be a manufacturer, and svith this end in view, insisted that he should work through the various departments, from the raw wool to the finished product, and accomplished his desire to quite an extent. But his mother, who thought it would be better to give the boy his own choice, succeeded in having his time divided l)etweon the facto- ries and the schools. As earh^ as 1860 we find the boy, when only 12 years of age, rolling pills in a doctor's oflSce. In 1868, an assistant in practice with Dr. Russell, of Glasgow, Scotland, where he con- tinued outside of lecture hours for several years. In 1875 we find him with Dr. Eobertson, of London, England. But his mechanical turn of mind found the most satisfaction in the science of Surgery, and he placed himself under the charge of the eminent Surgeon of Westminster Hospital, Mr. Richard Davy, and for two years gave close attention to the rectification of deformities. Then he connected himself with the Eye and Ear hospital in London, known as the West- minster Royal Opthalmic, Charing Cross, under the direct tutorage of the chief surgeon of European fame, Mr. Charles Macnamara, author of several works on the Eye and its Diseases. Mr. Macnamara is now in British India, the chief surgeon and founder of the large school and hospital in Calcutta. Dr. Fairgrieve remained in England most of the time until 1879, and passed from one division of his chosen profession to another, until he had given all of its l^ranches close at- tention, and during this time he enjoyed privileges surpassed by few; was assistant house surgeon in Westminster School and Hospital, un- der Surgeon Cowell, Obstetrics under Surgeon Barnes, Dentistry under Surgeon Gregg, and filled the ofiice of demonstrator of anatomy under Surgeon Thomas E. Cooke (author of Cooke's Tablets of Anat- omy and Physiology) in his school for practitioners perfecting them- selves for membership in the Royal College of Surgeons, of England. Young Fairgrieve was always busy, and took great pleasure in imparting any knowledge he had gained to others. But with a view of locating for life, and not caring to wait for dead men's shoes, he returned to his native land, America, after making several trips as surgeon on ocean steamers plying between this country and England. And we find him pushing his way Westward, and connecting himself with the Medical department of the State University of Iowa to acquire knowledge of any peculiarities that might exist that would enable him to practice his profession successfully in this Western country. He graduated from this school with honor, and was his class representative at the banquet upon the commencement day. All of Dr. Fairgrieve' s studies have been in the regular rational school of medicine, improperly nick- named allopathy by the founder of homeopathy. He then located in Moberly, M©. A characteristic of his has ever been close, untiring studionsness. Dr. Fairgrieve has an excellent practice at Moberly ; has had built for him one of the finest residences in the city, and has his office in one of the finest business blocks in the city. His rooms are specially adapted for his convenience, the plans of the same being 400 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. drawn by him. He has been very successful in his general practice , also in his special treatment of the Eye and Deformities, and is con- ceded to be one of the finest Oculists in this section of the State, and as he is at all times courteous, and very conscientious, being careful not to overstate expected results, he makes a friend of every one he meets. The Doctor is a man of tine literary attainments, and is the president of the Garrick Club ; also director of the Railroad Literary Club — both flourishing societies of Moberly. In fact, the Doctor is the chosen leader in all literary matters in his city. January 19, 1870, Dr. Fairgrieve was married to Inez P. Ferguson, who was born in Montreal, Canada, September 12, 1850, and is the seventh daughter of Edward and Keziah Ferguson ; her father being Scotch, and her mother English. They have had born to them three chil- dren: Emma Inez, born Februarv 14, 1876 ; Agnes Seton, born March 26, 1880, died June 22, 1880; George Ernest, born April 30, 1881. George and Emma are both living, and are bright and promising children. Old members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows will remember Dr. Fairgrieve's father, when they recall the time when Odd Fellowship was at a very low ebb in America ; when, in fact, the names of George Fairgrieve, Thomas Barr, George Ash worth, and Robert J. Garrett were among the few who held on to their charters, and defended the order, which has since grown into such glorious magnitude. Dr. Fairgrieve joined the order May 23, 1869, upon the evening of his twenty-first birthday, and in due season passed through the various chairs of the subordinate lodge and into the Encampment. Dr. Fairgrieve never had any sisters, and only one brother, James Fairo-rieve, who is now in the boot and shoe business in New York City. He is three years younger than the Doctor. HON. DANIEL S. FORNEY (Mayor of the City of Moberly). There is something in the nature of an instinct in the public mind, involuntary and unerring as it always seems to be, which prompts the people, when their civil afljiirs become embarrassed and in a critical condition, to select some man in their midst un- thought of before, but whose character and qualifications make him pre-eminently a man for the occasion, to take charge of their aflairs and bring order out of chaos. Then it is that the noisy politicians are brushed aside and the individual in whom worth and becom- ing modesty are combined is selected. It was such an uprising of the people of Moberly in the spring of 1883 that made the plain, unpretentious, common-sense citizen Avhose name heads this sketch, mayor of the city. For years previous he had gone on, keeping the even tenor of his way and quietly attending to his business, and, by mingling with his fellow-citizens and transacting business with them from day to day, he impressed upon them, all unconscious of it himself, the strength and worth of his character, his soljd, level-headed busi- ness qualifications, and that he was the man for an emergency in city I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 401 affairs. Little more than a year ago, through bad financiering and bad management, the bonds of the city and its other forms of indebt- edness were being hawked about the streets and elsewhere at 20c on the dollar, and the city treasury was empty. Municipal affairs could hardly have been in a worse condition. The government of the city was in great embarrassment, and something had to be done. The politicians and professional pap-suckers came forward, each with his scheme and device to relieve the city, if he were only given some cov- eted place. They had been relieving it in the same way too many years, until they had about "relieved" it of all its funds and its ability to raise them. It was then that a general demand went up for a good, practical, level-headed business man to take charge of affairs and straighten things out. Out of the many citizens of Moberly of this class, Mr. Forney was selected as being the one best calculated for the work. He was elected by a handsome majority, and the bum- mers and "professionals" were relegated to the rear. How well he has fulfilled the expectations which were justly formed of his adminis- tration is well known to all. Order has been brought out of confu- sion, and the financial condition of the city has been restored to credit and health. No city in the State is better governed or in a better condition, so far as its public affairs are concerned, than is Moberl3^ But the most conclusive evidence of the wonderful change that has been wrought in this respect is afforded by the quotations of the city bonds in the markets. Capital is sensitive, and the way it regards a city is the surest index of the financial condition of the place. One year of Mr. Forney at the head of affairs has sufficed to run the bonds of the city up to 97c in the markets, and they are everywhere sought after as safe and reliable securities. Such a record in national affairs would justly make any man famous, and such a record in any large city of the country Avould make his name public by commendation through- out the land. But Mr. Forney, a quiet, unpretending man, takes no special credit to himself for what he has done, and when he speaks of it at all, says that he has done only his duty and to the best of his ability. With ftir-sighted enterprise and public spirit, he is now carry- ing forward a system of general sewerage, and is also improving the water supply, both of which movements when carried forward to com- pletion will be of incalculable benefit to the city, not only directly ]>ut in attracting wealth and population and increased business and pros- perity to the place. Mr. Forney is a native of West Virginia, born June 6, 1834, and was a son of Daniel and Rebecca (Buchanan) For- ney, his father originally of Maryland, but his mother of West Vir- ginia. In an. early day the family removed West, and the father now lives in Burlington, Iowa, the mother having died in 1854. In 1856 Daniel S. Forney, having grown to manhood in the meantime, went to Texas and engaged in the stock business, but closed out in 1861 and returned to Virginia. The following year he came to Missouri, and for ten years succeeding was engaged in the tobacco business, trading in leaf tobacco and manufacturinir cigars and tobacco for sale. How- 402 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ever, in 1869, Mr. Forney came to Moberly, and has been a resident of this cit}' ever since, a period now of fifteen years. He engaged in the dry goods business some nine years ago, and has since continued it with excellent success. He carries a fine stock of goods and com- mands a large trade. On the 9th of September, 1856, Mr. Forney was married to Miss Henrietta Beatty. She was formerly of Ohio. This excellent lady lived to brighten his home for nearly 20 years, dying, however, June 27, 1873. She had borne him four children, who are living: May, now Mrs. George Miller, of Virginia; Erwin, at home with his father; Etta, now Mrs. Robert Ditty, of Virginia, iind Frank, who is also with his father. To his present wife, Mr. Forney was married July 22,1874. She was a Miss Cyrene Gregory, of Grant county, Ky., and is a most estimable lady. Mr. F. is a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order. Whether he is of any kin to the well-known John W. Forney on his father's side, or to ex-President James Buchanan on his mother's side, the writer does not know, for the question was not asked, but as the families all come from the same section of country, it is not improbable that they are related. Mr. Forney's success in public life is another evidence of this inference. JUDGE JOHN F. HANNAH (Breeder aud Dealer in Thorougbred Jersey Cattle) . Judge H. was born in Lincoln county, Tenn., March 25, 1822. His parents, Andrew Hannah and Margaret Patton, were natives of North Carolina. They moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and after liv- ing there for twenty years, came in 1832 to Randolph county, Missouri, locating about two miles from the town of Moberly, where the senior Hannah remained until his death in May, 1853. Mr. Hannah, Sr., was a man of great piety, and nearly all his life a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was instrumental in the organization of the first Cumberland Presb^'terian Church in this county, the first meeting being held at his house. He afterwards gave the land for the Sugar Creek Church and cemeteiy. His son, the Judge, grew up in the neighborhood of his present home, and with some assistance from the common schools, educated himself. He was married the first time to Miss Emily E.,a daughter of William Roberts, of Randolph. Mrs. H. died in 1859, leaving three sons, L. B., O. E. and H. O., all in business in Moberly, and the heads of families. Mr. Hannah's second wife, whom he espoused January 30, 1861, was Miss Sarah A., daughter of David S. and Angeline (Hill) Bouton, of Delaware county, New York. This lady was raised and educated in that State, and reflects much credit upon it. She is one of instinctive and cultured refinement, and her mental gifts are rrfre ; her educational training was very thorough, and she was successful in imparting to others her store of knowledge. She first came to Missouri to accept a position as teacher in the Macon High School. Mr. and Mrs. H. have four children: Minnie, Alma, Wilbur and Franklin. After his marriage, Mr. Hannah settled on the farm he now owns, vvhicli HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 403 was then only partially improved. He has 80 acres where he lives, and 80 acres of timber. He has recently sold off a part of the farm, and built a handsome residence one mile north of town. He has a good new barn, etc., and has for the last five years made a business of breeding and dealing in thoroughbred Jersey cattle. Judge Hannah is a Democrat, and in 1880 was nominated and served for two years with honorable distinction as county judge. He was also magistrate for about ten years, and is one of the stockholders of the Exchange Bank at Moberly. Mr. H. is a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, while his wife belongs to the M. E. Church ; the latter is president of the Woman's Temperance Union. Both of the daughters are graduates of Chaddock College, 111. This is one of the very first fsimilies in the township, and would be sought after in any society. BEN. T. HARDIN (Of Martin & Hardin, Attorneys at Law, Moberly.) Mr. Hardin, a young lawyer of marked ability and of recognized prominence in his profession, is a descendant of Hon. Ben. Har- din, of Bardstown, Ky., for over 20 years a member of Congress from that State, and one of the ablest and most distinguished criminal lawyers who ever addressed a jury in the Blue Grass Commonwealth. He was also for many years a member of the Legis- lature of that State, and was a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1849, and Secretary of State of Kentucky for a num- ber of years prior to that time. Mr. Hardin's father, Ben. Hardin, Jr., was also a man of marked ability and strong character. He married a Miss Susan G. Hubbard, pf this State, and made his per- manent home in Randolph county. Ben. T. Hardin was born in this county, October 8, 1852. His education was received at Mt. Pleasant College, Huntsville, Mo., and at the State Normal School at Kirksville, in the latter of which he took a four years' course, and graduated with distinction in the class of 1875. Having decided to devote himself to the legal profession, he began a regular course of study for the bar immediately after his graduation at Kirks- ville, and entered the law ofiice of Martin & Priest, of Moberly, Mo., under whose instruction he read until the summer of 1877, when he was admitted to practice. Two years afterwards Mr. Hardin was elected city attorney of Moberly, a position he held during the years of 1879 and 1880. Although he has been in the practice less than seven years, such are his qualifications and ability, his application to business and thorough reliability of his character, that he has won the full confidence of the public as a member of the bar, and has built up a good practice. He attends to civil and criminal cases, and has been very successful. In December, 1881, he and Mr. Martin, his former preceptor, formed their present partnership in the practice of law — a partnership that has proved highly satisfactory and advantageous to both. On the 8th day of October, 1879, Mr. Hardin was married to Miss Clara Phillips,"^a daughter of Judge R. Phillips, of Audrain 404 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. county. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. H. is also a prominent member of the Masonic order and of the A. O. U. W. JUDGE BENJAMIN F. HARVEY (Pi'esideut of the Randolph B ink, Presidium Justice of the County Court, and Farmer and fine Stock-raiser, residence near Moberly) . Judge Harvey, himself one of the leading citizens of Randolph coun- ty, comes of one of the oldest and best families in this section of the State. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Walkup) Harvey, came from Kentucky in an early day, while Missouri was still a territory, and settled in Howard county, where Judge Harvey Avas born, June 26, 1883, and reared to manhood. The father became one of the leading citizens of Howard county, highly respected, influential and wealthy. He represented that county in the Legislature, and died in 1864, at a ripe old age, and deeply mourned by all who were familiar with the events of his long and useful life. The mother, a good and true woman, a loving wife and devoted mother, and kind friend and sincere Christian lady, died in 1844. The father, a man of broad and superior intelligence, appreciated at their worth the advantages of advanced education, and sought to avail his children of these as well as of other opportunities for their promotion in life. Benjamin F. Harvey, after availing himself of the instruction aflbrded by the schools of this State, was sent to Virginia and took a thorough course in the celebrated Bethany College of that State, famous not less in many respects than that it is the institution over which the great divine, Alexander Campbell, presided for many years. Young Harvey graduated from Bethany with high honor, in 1857. Returning home to Missouri, he remained on the farm until the outbreak of the war, when he at once entered upon the study of law and soon afterwards went to Philadelphia, where he prosecuted his studies with assiduity for some time. The outbreak of the war found him in his native State, and a Southern man by kindred, sympathies, interests and principle, he joined the Missouri State Guard under Gov. Jackson's call and was made first lieutenant of a company. Mr. Harvey served for six months under Gen. Price, and after the battle of Lexington resigned his commission on account of ill-health, and did no further active service in field or camp during the war. As is well known, a formidable organization existed in Canada during our civil struggle for the advancement of the interests of the South, and Mr. Harvey being unacceptable as a soldier on account of physical disability, made himself very useful to our side by his activity and services on the north side of the St. Lawrence. After the war he returned to Mis- souri and engaged in the stock business and farming, becoming one of the prominent men in these lines in Randolph county. For five vears following 1871 he was extensively engaged in handling stock in Montana, and was quite successful. Some years ago he became president of the Randolph Bank, at Moberly, in which he is a large stockholder, and in 1882 he was elected presiding judge of the county HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUKTY. 405 court. Although a substantial property holder of the county and a man of fine intelligence and lousiness qualifications, he is one of the most unassuming and unpretentious of men. Plain in his manners and conversation, he is yet appreciated for his true worth, and while he is popular with all classes, he is especially esteemed b}^ the better citizens of the county. Industrious and enterprising, attentive to business and intelligently frugal, but entirelj^ free from parsimony, his life has been an entirely successful one thus far, and although only fairly advanced to middle age, he is comfortably situated so far as this world's goods are concerned, and possesses the confidence and respect of all who know him. Judge Harvey was married to Miss Mary E. Wilcox, daughter of Granville Wilcox, of Randolph county, in 1864. She died about 18 months thereafter. No issue of this marriage is now living. On the 6th day of March, 1877, he was married to Miss Ellen M. Blakey, a daughter of Hon. M. D. Blakey, of Monroe county, an amiable and excellent lady, and three children are the fruits of their happy married life, namely : Mary E., Julia B. and Frank B. Harvey. Mrs. Harvey is a member of the Christian Church, and Judge Harvey is a member of the Masonic order. His residence is four miles from town. JOHN C. HICKERSON, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Moberly) . Dr. Hickerson is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Fauquier, April 4, 1834. In an early day his parents removed to Missouri and lo- cated in Cooper county. Subsequent!}^ his father became a merchant at Boonville, Mo. Young Hickerson received his higher education at the St. Paul's College, which he attended for three years. Following this he began the study of medicine under Dr. N. F. Bowles, of Marion county, from whose instruction in due time he passed to the St. Louis Medical College, graduating with distiuction in the class of 1860. In 1861 Dr. Hickerson began the practice of his profession in Ralls county, where he continued in the practice with success for ten years. Al- though doing exceedingly well in Ralls county he desired a larger and more lucrative field for the exercise of his professional skill, and ac- cordingly, in the fall of 1871, came to Moberly, where he has since resided. Dr. Hickerson' s experience here has been entirel}' satisfac- tory, both to himself and to the public. He has built up a large practice and has become not only popular and influential as a physi- cian but as a man and citizen. He is very highly respected, and his family moves in the best society of this city. . The Doctor was married on the 8th of January, 1861, to Miss Darthula Rodes, a daughter of Dr. Tyre Rodes, of Ralls countv. Thev have five chil- dren : Edwin R., Ab. S., John H., Charles B. and William T. Two children are deceased, both dying\ in infancy. The Dr. and Mrs. Hickerson are members of the M. E, Church, and the Doctor is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order and a member of the A. O. U. W. The Doctor's parents are both deceased, the father, Absalom 406 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Hickerson. dying in 1848, and the mother, whose maiden name was Margaret E. Shacklett, dying in 1875. The Doctor is a member of the District and State Medical Societies. DAVID HULTZ, M.D. (Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon, Moberly). Dr. Hultz, a physician of long and successful experience, who for many years has made a specialty of the treatment of diseases of women and children, having established a wide and enviable reputation in that department of the practice, is a native of New Jersey, born in Burling- ton county. May 16, 1815. His parents were David and Mary Hultz, both of old and respected New England families. The father was a carriage maker and millwright by trade, and followed that occupation for many years. Young Hultz remained with his father until he was 18 years of age, receiving a good common school education in the meantime. He then went to Philadeljjhia and completed his novitiature at the carpenter's trade, at which he had previously worked for a short time. After acquiring his trade in 1835 he came West to Illinois, and re- mained in that State for about nine years, engaged in farming at first and afterwards mainly in trading in stock. In 1844 Mr. Hultz went to Cincinnati and took the contract for building the engine houses and turn-tables of the Little Miami Railroad. After completing his con- tract, and having in the meantime accumulated some means, he decided to study for the medical profession, and accordingly began a reguhir preparatory course of study. In 1849 he entered the Homeopathic Medical CoUeo-e of Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1850. Im- mediately following his graduation Dr. Hultz located at Milford, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of his profession. Subsequently he removed to Mount Pisgah, in the same State, and anxious to advance himself in the knowledge of his profession as far as instruction afibrded by the schools goes, he took a thorough course in the American Eclectic Medical College, from which he graduated in 1853. Dr. Hultz then located at Morrow, Ohio, where he practiced three years. He then removed to Louisville, where he was engaged in the practice for 15 years. Dr. Hultz has always been a close student as well as a faithful practitioner, and for many years has taken a special interest in diseases affecting women and children, and particularly in those of a chronic nature. He became very prominent in Louisville in this branch of the practice, and, in fact, was regarded as the leading physician in that department in that city. In 1871 he came further West, locating at Cairo, 111., and five years afterwards removed to Keokuk, Iowa, but in 1877 came to Macon, and thence to Moberly four years after- wards, where he has since resided and been engaged in the practice of his profession. Although he has been here but three years he has already become i)rominent as a physician, and in the treatment of women and children he is without a superior, if he has an equal, in this city, or indeed in this section of the State. No man has been more successful in this branch of the practice, and he is justly entitled HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 407 to all the popularity he has won. On the 11th day of March, 1835, Dr. Hultz was married to Miss Rebecca Martyer, of New Jersey. She lived for 16 years after they married, dying in 1851. She had borne him eight children : John, Albert, James, Mary A., Anna Eliza, Martha, now Mrs. Thomas Beeley, David andMahlon. The eldest is deceased. The Doctor was married to his present wife in 1858. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church. The Doctor joined the church in the year 1844, and soon after he was elected class leader. One year later he was licensed to exhort, which he did for five years, and at this time he was tendered a license to preach. Choosing rather to attend to his adopted profession, he did not accept it. An important chapter in the life of Dr. Hultz is contained in his travels through the Old World. Becomino; desirous of visitino; these distant countries he left home on March 3, 1869, and took his departure from New York on the 5th of that month, arriving in Liverpool the 29th. Leaving there, he visited Constantinople, went thence to Alexandria, where he re- mained until September 1st, and going down the canal landed on the river Nile, at a city called Atfe. Passing up the river he visited many towns and villages ; went across the deserts, and then down the Delta, proceeding through several plains, on to the River Jordan and to the Dead Sea. After exploring rocks, hills, etc., and the " pillar of salt," he moved up the river to the Sea of Galilee, seeing also Mount Carmel, which stands majestically at a height of nearly 2,000 feet. Upon leaving the hills of Samaria he again moved up the river to a point where it is said our Lord was bai)tized. Crossing the country he reached Jerusalem, of which city many interesting reminiscences might be enumerated, but space forbids. After spending 13 months in this vicinity the Doctor embarked for New York, and arrived there on the 14th of June, 1871, having had an experience such as but few are permitted to enjoy. WILLIAM JAMES (Retired Business Man, Moberly). Mr. James was born in Howard county. May 20, 1822, and as he grew up received a good common school education. In the spring ot 1863, being then 21 years of age, he removed to Randolph county and the following year went over into Audrain, where he lived for five years. He then returned to Randolph county and has made his home in this county from that time to this. In 1863,. having accumulated a comfortable competency, he retired from the activities of business life, and since that time he has not been en- gaged in any active employment. Mr. James was for many years a prominent farmer of Randolph county, and has dealt in stock quite extensively, more or less, all his life up to the time of his retirements Indeed, buying and shipping stock has been his principal occupation,, and it is to this that he is mainly indebted for his success. Though he lost considerably in slaves and other property b}'^ the war, his estate was not seriously crippled. On the 9th of October, 1849, Mr. James 21 408 HISTORY OF RATiDOLPH COUNTY. was married to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of Joel Smith, of Kan- dolph county. They have four children: Laura, now Mrs. W. A. White ; Lizzie, now Mrs. Baker ; Anna, at home ; and William S. Mr. and Mrs. James are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. James is a member of the Masonic Order. He is a man of irreproach- able character and a kind and accommodating disposition, and is highly thought of among his neighbors and acquaintances. GEORGE M. KEATING (City Marshal, Moberly). Mr. Keating, the present efficient and popular marshal of this city, is a native of the city of St. Louis, born on the 4th of August, 1856. His father, John C. Keating, and his mother, whose maiden name was Anna Conners, were both originally from Ireland. George H., as he grew up, learned the blacksmith trade and completed his apprentice- ship in the Wabash Railroad shops of his native city. Subsequently he worked for 10 years in the Wabash shops. In the meantime he had come to Moberly, and in April, 1880, was appointed deputy marshal. At the April election, three years afterwards, he was elected city mar- shal, a position he still holds. Mr. Keating is a man of fair common- school education, of sterling character, and a faithful officer of the law. Under his administration of the office of marshal in the city, offenders have been made to feel that they could not escape detection and pun- ishment, and the influence of his name has been a potent factor in preserving the peace and maintaining that unusual observance of the law which has characterized the conduct of the troublesome classes since he came into office. It is generally admitted that the city never had a better marshal than George Keating has been. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Knights of Labor, and he and his mother are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Keating' s father died in Canada when George M. was but two years of age, and the mother and son are residents of Moberly. GEORGE B. KELLY (Editor and Proprietor of tlie Daily and Weekly Monitor, Moberly). It is a fact to be observed by every one of intelligence and general information that most of the successful men of this country, at least, are what are called self-made men, or those who have risen in life mainly, if not exclusively, by their own exertions and merits. For every one reared in luxury and affluence, who occupies a justly enviable and prominent position in the community in which he lives, there are scores equally or more prominent and esteemed who came up from exceedingly unfavorable and discouraging circumstances in early life. This is true in every occupation, profession and calling. Indeed, the qualifications for success seem to be acquired only in the school of adversity. There it is that strong points of character are required, and from that school no one ever graduates or passes beyond unless HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 409 he evinces them. The characteristics that enable one to overcome early disadvantages are the characteristics that in nearly every instance will carry him forward to ultimate success. If one young and inexperienced can rise superior to unfavorable surroundings, what may fiiirly be expected of him when he reaches years of maturity, ripe judgment and an intelligent knowledge of the conditions of life? The little waif of a boy that we see floating around in the world here or there, or to-day or to-morrow, an orphan, perhaps, and friendless, must not be despised. The possibility, if not the probability, is that in a few years he will occupy a position in life above the mediocre that now looks down upon him and pities him. This is the lesson taught by the lives of most of the successful men of the present and of the past ; it is the lesson taught by the lives of the successful men of every community. Character, intelligence and energy will win, whether nurtured on a bed of down or a pallet of straw. These reflections are called out by glancing over the brief notes from which the present sketch is written. Mr. Kelly, though not a child of poverty and friendless, was a boy that was left fatherless, and soon afterwards penniless, by the vicissitudes of the war, and with his mother's family to care for. He had then not reached the age of youth, or his " teens," and he was, of course, without education. But the qualities that make successful men were with him — strength of character, sterling intel- ligence and energy. He entered the office of the Border Star at Independence, Mo., his native place, to learn the printer's trade, and he so recommended himself to his emplo3^er, by his industry and evident personal worth, that he was given liberal compensation for his work, besides the instruction he received. His small earnings were gladly contributed to the support of his mother and the loved ones of her family. Close application to the case and a desire to learn and rise in his calling soon made him a more than ordinarily rapid and competent printer. Later along he worked in the Sentinel office, and his services were always in request wherever he was known. In 1870, then 22 years of age, he concluded to try his fortune in the great State of Texas, and therefore went to the imperial Commonwealth, facing on the waters of the Rio Grande. He remained in the Lone Star State only a short time, returning in 1871, and the following year he began the publication of the Daily Herald. Because Mr. Kelly came up a poor boy it does not necessaril}^ follow that he has not the natural qualities to make a successful and accomplished editor, in as large a measure as if he had been reared in affluence and spent his youth in the classic walls of a university. True, he may not understand the different readings of Sophocles as well, and a great many other things so dear to the heart to a spectacled, dyspeptic professor. But after all, what have these things to do with the practical brain-work of editing a paper. They are well enough, perhaps, for mental training, and so is the 15 puzzle. But so far as ever realizing any dividend from them it is very doubtful whether anybody but a professional teacher ever declared a cash balance on such things equal to an uncancelled postage 410 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. stamp. Every occupation, business and professional, must be learned in the regular course of training that leads up to that calling, and the editorial tyro must become an editor by becoming a man of general and varied information and by learning to write — to express his thoughts in clear, terse and pointed English and briefly. This is the schooling that Mr. Kelly has had for his work. While in newspaper offices as a typographer he improved all his leisure by reading and the study of such books, scholastic and other kinds, as afforded infor- mation in the line of editorial work; and he also wrote for the different papers, his production being accepted and published if satisfactory to the editor, and rejected if not approved. Thus through years of training of this kind he was well qualified to begin the pub- lication of a paper when, in 1872, he had saved up a sufficient nucleus of means for that purpose. The Herald enterprise proved a successful venture, and the following year the Enterprise was consolidated with it. In 1873 Mr. Kelly moved his office to Moberly, and a year later the Enterprise was consolidated with the Monitor of this city, under the name of the E nter prise- Monitor . In the fall of 1875 the word " Enterprise " was dropped from the title of the paper as unnecessary, and since then the journal has flourished under the title of Monitor alone. Mr. Freeman was the partner of Mr. Kelly for some time, but the latter bought out the former's interest in 1873. Mr. Kelly built in 1872, and added a steam-power press and complete job office to the establishment. He also set up a book and stationery house in connection with the paper, and, in a word, has shown himself to be the man to make every edge cut that could be utilized in getting along in the world. The career of the Monitor has been one of unusual prosperity. He unquestionably has one of the best newspaper and job offices in the interior of the State and outside of a large city. It would seem supererogation to speak of the reputation, influence and circulation of the Monitor, daily and weekly. Every Missourian knows the Moberly Monitor. A man of strong character, enterprise and ability, Mr. Kelly has made the Monitor partake of the same qualities he possesses himself. Personally, more than ordinarily successful, considering his time of life and opportunities, the Monitor has been made a more than ordinarily successful country newspaper. It has the largest circulation of all the papers throughout the surround- ing country, and few well regulated families in the limit of its domain feel entirely at home without it. Its news columns are filled with the quintessence of the latest and best news, and its editorial discussions are alvrays characterized with dignity and fairness. The paper, in a word, is an able, influential and popular journal, and is respected for its high character and perfect reliability wherever it is known. As an advertising medium, its value, as its columns show, is placed above that of any other journal published throughout the territory where it circulates. Mr. Kelly has just cause to be satisfied with his own career in life, but he has greater cause to be proud of the Monitor ; and the pleasure with which he speaks of its progress shows that he is HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 411 not insensible to the credit which its career reflects upon himself. Personally, he is a man of irreproachable worth, and justly occupies an influential position in the affairs, political, material and social, of Moberly and surrounding country. On the 18th of November, 1875, Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Lillie Slidenstricker, of Saline county, a lady of great personal worth and rare charms of mind and person. They have one child, Heber B. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Brothers of Philanthropy. He was also lieutenant in the National Guard of this city by election of his com- pany and the appointment of the Governor. Mr. Kelly's parents were John Kelly, originally of Virginia, and Polly A. Davis, of Ken- tucky, who were married in the latter State and came to Missouri in a comparatively early day, settling in Jackson county, where the father died in 1860. He was a man of fine business qualifications and possessed of considerable means, but his estate was swept away as a result of his death and the war. George B. was born at Indepen- dence, October 8, 1848. The Monitor is the official paper of the city of Moberly. CHAELES KNIGHT (Ticket Agent of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). Mr. Knight, one of the most popular and efficient ticket agents on the line of the Wabash Railroad, cojnes of two of the earliest families of this country, the Knights and the Goulds, both of which were rep- resented by brave soldiers in the Colonial army during the war of the Revolution. Mr. Knight's great-grandfather, on his father's side, served from Massachusetts in the Revolutionary War, as did also the latter' s brother, who was promoted to the position of captain for conspicuous gallantry on the bloody field of Bennington. Of the ancestral line was Grace Gould, one of the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth among the immortal band that came over in the Mayflower. Mr. Knight's father was Edwin P. Knight, and the maiden name of his mother was Elizabeth Vaughan, both of Hanover, Grafton county, N. H., where Charles, the subject of this sketch, was born, June 3, 1849. Charles Knight was educated in the excellent com- mon schools of Hanover and when 18 years of age came West, and located at Bloomington, 111., where he eng-ao-ed in sellins' oroods for the three succeeding years. He then engaged in the hotel busi- ness, becoming proprietor with his brother E. F. Knight, of the Nor- mal Hotel of that city, which they conducted for about two years. At the expiration of this time Mr. Knight received an appointment to a desirable position on the Chicago and Alton Railroad, which he filled with efficiency, and to the satisfaction of the company and pub- lic up to 1873, when he was appointed to his present place as ticket agent of the Wabash at this city. His record here has been one of exceptional merit. Not only have his services been entirely satisfac- tory to the officials of the road, but he has become exceedingly pop- ular with the public, on account of his accommodating disposition and his urbane, courteous politeness to all. The first year his sales at this 412 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. office amounted to $35,000, last year they exceeded $115,000. Mi-. Kiiight has stock and a hirge sheep ranch in Kansas. Personally he is well liked, and is exceptionally popular with the ladies. GEOEGE W. LENT (Foreman Blacksmith of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). Mr. Lent, who now has charge of the blacksmith department of the Wabash shops at this place, and is working about 50 men, is one of those clear-headed, energetic men who rise to prominence in whatever calling with which they are identified, and who invariably become the directing minds in every enterprise in their line with which they are connected. He is a native of the Empire State, New York, and was born in Putman county, in June, 1827, and in boyhood had common school advantages. When 13 years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he worked at until he had completed it, at the age of 21, being bound as an apprentice to the Matte wan Cot- ton Manufacturing Company. In 1848 he went to Newburg, N. Y., where he worked as blacksmith in the shops of the New York and Erie Kailroad Company. Four years later he went to New Haven, Conn., and in 1853 returned to New York City, and for the following 14 years was foreman of the Hudson River Railroad shops, on Thirty-first street and Tenth avenue. Li 1867 Mr. Lent came to Missouri and located at Hannibal, where he worked for about three years, and then went to Cheyenne, where he was foreman of the Union Pacific shops for about a year. He afterwards returned to St. Louis and became foreman of the Iron Mountain shops of that city, and in 1875 came to Moberly as foreman blacksmith of the Wabash shops, a position he has since held. In May, 1874, Mr. Lent was married to Miss Grace Langdon. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Lent are members of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Lent is a member of the Masonic Order, being an initiate of the Blue Lodge No. 28, the Chapter No. 7, and the Commandery No. 5, at Hanni- baL ROBERT LITTLE (Merchant Tailor ; business house, on Clark Street between Coats and Reed Streets, Moberly). Mr. Little, a successful and popular business man of this city in his line, is a native of Scotland, born March 16, 1832, and received a common school education and learned his trade in his native land. He afterwards came to America and located at New Castle, in Canada, and in 1869, 14 years after coming to this country, he came to Missouri and followed his trade in Monroe countv. However, Mr. Little was engaged in farming for about two years on first settling in Missouri, but at the expiration of this time located in Paris and carried on a shop there until 1874, when he came to Moberly. Mr. Little has the reputation of being one of the best tailors, not only in Moberly, but throughout this section of the conn- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 413 try. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, he has made a spec- ialty of learning his bnsiness thoroughly and keeping up with the times in fashions and improved methods of making up goods. Having had a long experience in handling goods in the line of gent's wear, he is thoroughly conversant with the different "makes" and qualities kept in the markets, both of home manufacture and foreign production. His 10 years' experience at Moberly has been one of gratifying suc- cess. His patronage has steadily increased and he numbers among his patrons many of the best citizens of the city. He makes it a point to let no work leave his house that is not only satisfactory to the cus- tomer but to himself, for he properly claims that he is better able to judge whether work will be generally approved than a customer who knows but little about the business and less about public taste in this line. As he says, himself, his best advertisement is his work, and he relies on this mainly for his reputation. Let a patron request him to select a good piece of goods and make a good suit of clothes, and the customer may rest assured that he will have a suit of which he will have no just cause to complain, Mr. Little's prices are always rea- sonable, for desiring to avoid all appearance of making unreasonable charges, he often does his work at figures which are unfair to himself. Personally, he is an upright, worthy citizen, and is well respected. In 1857 Mr. Little was married to Miss Sophia Osborn of Canada. They have five children ; William, John, Albert, Andrew and Gershom. Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic Order and of the A. O. U. W. JOHN LYNCH (Deputy Marshal, Moberly) . Mr. Lynch, who was for several years marshal of this city and one of the best ministerial officers ever in its service, is a native of the county in which he now resides, and it may therefore be said, as was said of the gentlemen in the ancient feudal days of England, that *'he is a free man and to the manor born." On the 11th of Jan- uary, 1856, he first looked out upon the radiant light of day, and from that glad morning to the present his life has been a thread, woven, throughout, in the history of his native county. Mr. Lynch was educated in the common schools of his county and was reared to the occupation of a farmer. For years he assisted his father to culti- vate the land which is now the site of the city of Moberly. After he grew u\) he engaged in work in the railroad machine shops, which he followed for over three years. He then followed firing on a locomotive engine for nearly four years, and in 1880 wns elected city marshal of this city, and afterwards re-elected twice. Last year Mr. George Keating became his successor, and Mr. Lynch was appointed deputy marshal. AVell qualified, so far as business is concerned, for the duties of his office, he at the same time combines in his character those qualities of fearlessness, vigilance, impartiality and immovable integrity which conspire to make him an officer whom the city could 414 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. not well afford to do without. In all justice he ought to be re-elected marshal and have his salary increased. He could then afford to marry, settle down and be happy, and thus to lead a life to which every good citizen is entitled. Mr. Lynch is a whole-souled, genial, good fellow, and in the language of the Roman Senate when decreeing a triumph to its great generals, " he deserves well of his country." EEV. FATHER FRANCIS McKENNA (Pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Ault Street, Moberly_) . The strength and virtue of every religious faith consists in its purity and sincerity. If there is but one Christian religion, there can be but one Christian faith, and all variations and modifications must neces- sarily be but corruptions and schisms from the true doctrine and the true faith. Looking over the religions of the world as they present themselves and weighing their claims to verity and credence, no intel- ligent man can doubt that if there is a true religion, if indeed there is a genuine religious element in the constitution of man, that religion is, and that religious element has its true exponent in, the Christian religion. For fifteen hundred years the Catholic Church stood out in the afi'airs of the world as the exclusive representative of this religion, and ever since the beginning of the fourteenth century she has been the principal representative of Christianity throughout the Avorld,and she has ever been the true and only genuine representative. From St. Peter, to whom Christ, himself, spoke : "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the key of the kingdom of heaven ; and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ; " — from St. Peter to whom Christ thus spoke, to the pre- sent time, the Catholic Church has had an unliroken line of apostolic successors, each representing in iiis person and by his office all that St. Peter represented — the true and only Church of Christ and the sum and summit of Christianity. It was the Catholicism of early times that established itself in Rome, and it was the same Catholicism which, spreading out from Rome, dispersed itself throughout the known world, and planted the Cross in every land known to the geog- raphy of man. If the Christianity of the Catholic Church was good enough for mankind for fifteen hundred years prior to the time of Martin Luther, what reason can be advanced why it should not be Cood enoug-h since that time? If those who looked to this church for fifteen centuries as their hope and guide were saved, can any one be- lieve that those who have looked to it since have been lost? If Catholics since Luther's time have been in error and have been lost, then they were in error and were lost prior to that time, and Chris- tianity, as a means of salvation, is a scheme of modern times alone. The truth is, that as men rebel against the laws of God, so also they rebel against the laws and ordinances of His church ; and the doctrine of rebellion, or Protestantism, once admitted, who can answer for its HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 415 final ending? In the last few centuries we have abundant evidences of the depravity and ruin of this doctrine. First we have Martin Luther, the founder of religious rebellion, or Protestantism ; then comes Calvin, rebelling, or protesting against the doctrines of Luther ; then against Calvinism there are rebellious, or protestations, without number, each modifying, diminishing and corrupting the original true Christianity of the Catholic Church — and so we have Baptists, Meth- odists, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, so called " Christians," or Campbellites, Universal ists. Unitarians; and, finally, .the Protestants, throwing off all disguise, blossom out into pure Infidelity, as repre- sented by Col. IngersoU. From Luther to IngersoU there are but a few steps and, the first taken, the last is sure to follow — both are protestants, and both are equally bitter against the Catholic Church. The intermediate denominations from Luther to IngersoU, are but the steps that lead from one to the other. Against these and all such as these the Catholic Church stands out, the veritable Rock of St. Peter ■which hell cannot prevail against, and holds up the Cross to all the world, the symbol of the pure, true Christian religion, making no terms with religious rebellion in any form and character whether it be called Protestantism or what not, and asking none. She has stood for nearly nineteen centuries the supreme representative of Christian- ity on the earth, and she will stand through the unnumbered centuries yet to come, and until all mankind shall be brought through her in- sti-umentality as the vicegerent of God to the knowledge of, and the true faith in the true, living God. Here in Missouri the Church of St. Peter first planted the Cross, and all over the State the spires of his temples of worship raa}^ be seen piercing the sky. In Moberly, as elsewhere, she has a pastor for her flock, and here, as elsewhere, he is a man worthy by character, faith, good works, and learning to represent Christianity among his fellow-men. For fifteen years Father McKenna has had charge of the church at this place, and his work has been blessed by the most abundant encouragement. When he came here but 12 families were represented in his congregation ; now it includes 200 families. In 1878 he was instrumental in estab- lishing the Catholic school at this place, which now has an enrollment of 200 pupils. Such a record any good servant of the Lord may well contemplate with satisfaction. Father McKenna was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, and came to America when quite young. In- tended for the priesthood, he took a thorough course of preparatory school and college study, both in literature and the languages, as well as in the sciences and philosophy. He subsequently took a thorough theological course and became a man of wide and profound learning, as well as of sincere piety. Father McKenna was duly ordained and his first charge was at New Madrid, Missouri, where he remained for three years. He then came to Moberly, where he has superintended the building of three churches. He also has charge of the church at Sturgeon. Father McKenna is a man thoroughly devoted to the ser- vice of God and humanity, an able and eloquent divine and more 416 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. than ordinarily zealous and successful in his great life work. He is greatly beloved by his parishioners and is esteemed by all for his earnestness as a Christian priest and his worth as a man. WILLIAM MAYNARD (Editor and Proprietor of the Daily and Weekly Headlight, Moberly). Mr. Maynard, the Nestor of journalism at Moberly, and for nearly 20 years an editor and newspaper proprietor iu this section of the State, is a native of England, born in London, March 9, 1839. When he was 10 years of age, in 1849, his parents, Thomas and Sophia (Cordell) Maynard, immigrated to America with their family of chil- dren, landing at New York sometime in July, about the time of President Zachary Taylor's death. The father was a paper-box manufacturer, and followed that with success on a large scale for a number of years in the city of London. William Maynard was educated in the com- mon schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., aud in printing offices, but mainly in the latter, supplemented with study at home and general self-culture. He began his apprenticeship at the printer's trade in New York City, where he worked for some time, and afterwards continued it in the printing house of John A. Gray, of New York. Having mastered his trade, he obtained a situation in the office of the Brooklyn Eagle, where he worked a year, being in that office at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln. Leaving Brooklyn, Mr. Maynard now came West and stopped in St. Louis for a time. While there he worked in both the offices of the Democrat and the Republican, the Democrat then not being consolidated with the Globe. In 1866 Mr. Maynard came up to Keytesville and started the Chariton County Union, which he published with success until 1870, when he established the Headlight, at Moberly. Mr. Maynard has had such a training as could hardly have failed to make any one of his intelligence and energy a capable and successful newspaper man. Not brought up in affluence or luxury, but made to know from youth the importance of personal exertions and merit to success in life ; on the one hand he was removed from those temptations to idleness and ex- travagance which beset the favorites of fortune, and on the other those habits of industry and frugality were formed, without which success in any calling is impossible. With a marked taste for journalism, as well as a natural aptitude for the mechanical work of the typo- grapher, he soon became not only a skillful printer, but also well qualified by mental culture for editorial work. He has always been an indefatigable reader, and the field of his inquiry has been as varied in character as it has been extensive. If he has shown a partiality for any particular department of investigation, it has been for that of public affiiirs, including the whole range of civil government, political economy and history. An ardent Republican, in the original, generic sense of that word, he believes supremely in government by the peo- ple through popular representatives, such as we have in America, or such, rather, as we Avould have if our practices were as pure as our HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 417 system is wise and just. Recognizing the fact that our institution.^ are right and that all that is needed to make our civil administrations the best under the sun is purity in politics, he has ever striven in his sphere as an editor to bring about that purity in political affairs, at least within the domain of the influence of his paper. While he is an intelligent partisan, he is the fartherest removed from an extremist or dogmatist, and is ever for the commonweal before the interests of party, conceding to others the same sincerity of motives and freedom of expression that he claims for himself. Carrying these principles into the management and tone of his paper, he has naturally won for it the respect and consideration of all classes among whom it circulates, and its influence is justly great. The interests of home, or Moberly and the county and surrounding country, he regards first and above all the world, and strives for their advancement with specjal zeal. No man has worked more earnestly for the material interests of Moberly and its tributary section of the State than Mr. Maynard, both in the columns of his journal and as a private citizen. Nor have his efibrts been unrecognized by the public. The career of his paper has been one of uninterrupted success. Since its establishment it has grown from a small Aveekly to one of the sprightliest and best dailies in the interior of the State. Its news columns are filled with the latest telegraphic news, political, business and otherwise, to be had, and all selected, digested and presented so as to give the facts clear and plain without worrying the reader or consuming time and space Avith superverbage. In the editorial columns the different questions of interest and impor- tance to the public are discussed from day today with fairness, clear- ness, and in a respectful tone. In every department of the paper the laws of decency and the amenities of good breeding are ever regarded, and nothing is permitted to appear in print that may not with pro- priety be read in the most refined and polite household. The publi- cation of the weekly is also kept up, and the effort is made to make it a general family newspaper, and with excellent success, as its appearance conclusively shows. It is a large and well arranged paper, and neatly and well printed, and filled with reading matter, entertaining and instructive, of almost every variety proper to enter the household. The circulation of both the daily and weekly is very large, ranking in that respect among the leading papers of this part of the State; and as an advertising medium the Headlight \s without a superior in this section, where it chiefly circulates. Mr. Maynard, being a thoroughly practical printer himself, and an edito- rial writer of long experience, is able to superintend and direct every department of the paper ; and being an excellent and enterprising- business man, he has succeeded in bringing it to its present enviable position of prosperity and influence. He has just purchased a fine new power press, and also has first-class job presses, so that his office, both for newspaper and job work, is one of the best outside of the large cities in the State. He makes a specialty of fine job and book work, and having in his employ job printers of rare skill and taste, artists in 418 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. fact ill their line, he is enabled to do this class of work in the best of style and with dispatch. Mr. Maynard was married on the 18th of March, 1868, to Miss Adeline Y. Carmon, originally of Pennsylvania. She left him one son, William Carmon. To his present wife, formerly Miss Nellie Stanley Tidswell, Mr. Maynard was married November 30, 1876. She was originally from England, born at Manchester, Angust 16, 1848. They have three children : Stanley Tidswell, Stella Thane and Elizabeth Roth well. Mrs. Maynard is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order, the A. O. U. W. and the Triple Alliance. GEORGE S. MERRITT (Proprietor of Smith's Grand Central Hotel, Moberly, Mo.). Mr. Merritt, one of the most popular and enterprising hotel men in this section of the State, and now at the head of the leading hotel of Moberl}^ is a native of New York, born at Norwich, November 27, 1852. His parents were Sherwood S. and Mary A. (Wilcox) Mer- ritt, both representatives of old and prominent New York fami- lies. His father was a leading lawyer of that State, and was for many years the attorney of the Midland Railroad. George S. had superior educational advantages as he grew up, and graduated at Fairfield College in the spring of 1870 with high honor. After his graduation he engaged quite extensively in the lumber business in his native State, and was entirely successful while in business. Anxious to see the country on this side of the Alleghanies, he came West in 1878 and located at Junction City, in Kansas, where he began his career as a hotel man. He had charge of the leading hotel of that place for three years, and then received an appointment to a lucrative position in the freight department of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, in Texas. From the Lone Star State Mr. Merritt came to Missouri and took charge of the principal hotel at Kirksville, which he conducted until the fall of 1882. He then came to Moberly and became propri- etor of Smith's Grand Central, which he has since run. The Grand Central has greatly improved under his management. One of the best hotel buildings in the country, he has renovated it throughout and fixed it up not only in the latest and best style, but with an eye espe- cially to cleanliness and comfort. It is not too much to say that in these respects the Grand Central is without a superior in North-east Missouri. Mr, Merritt, having had an extensive experience in hotel life, and being a man of fine education and wide general information, knows not only how to conduct a hotel with regard to bed and board, but how to treat guests so that they will feel welcome and at home under his roof. Looking at the table he sets on any day, one would suppose that he had made the art culinary a study through life. His table is a perfect triumph in the art of preparing the best of edibles in the best manner, and so as to present the most inviting appearance. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 419 An epicure would luxuriate at his table, while a gourmand would re- peat in his heart of hearts the language of Tani O'Shanter : — " Kings may be blest, but I am glorious. O'er all the ills of life victorious." The Grand Central contains 50 rooms for the accommodation of guests, all neatly and well furnished ; and to run it as Mr. Merritt is deter- mined it shall be run — in first-class style — requires no less than 28 regular employes. Mr. Merritt has built up a large custom for the Grand Central, and his patronage is steadily on the increase. He gets most, or all, the better class of the traveling public, and he also has a large patronage from the people of Moberly, a number of whom make his house their permanent home. On the 22d of June, 1876, Mr. Merritt was married to Miss Alta E. Bonney, formerly of Water- town, N. Y. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and Mr. and Mrs. Merritt are very popular in the best society in Moberly. Mr. Merritt is a whole-souled, genial man, justly liked by every one. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. JULIUS MILLER & BEO. (Wholesalers of Keg and Bottled Beer, Moberly). Messrs. Miller, who stand at the head of the leading firm in their line of business in this section of the State, are large property holders and wealthy, influential citizens of Moberly. They are of German nativity, and come of an ancient and highly respectable family of the Regierungsbezirk of Magdeburg, in their native country. Their grandfather Miller was an officer under Napoleon, and distinguished himself in several large battles in Spain and Germany. Their father, F. H. L. Miller, was born at the comopolis of Neu Hal- lensleben, in Prussiu, near the fortress of Magdeburg, and was edu- cated at the Seminary of Magdeburg for a teacher, in which profession he engaged, and he continued teaching for a number of years. Messrs. Miller's mother, whose maiden name wa« Frederike Rose, was a daughter of Karl Rose, a master mechanic over the Government Iron and Steel Works at Magdesprung am Harz, and at that place, one of the most beautiful and romantic looking villages to be found in northern Prussia, the daughter, who subsequently became the mother of the subjects of this sketch, was born and reared. She and F. H. L. Miller were married in 1840. After their marriage they resided at Qaedlinburg until 1853, when the father came to America, locating at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the following year the mother, with her four small children, Julius and Robert, and Matilde and Anna, joined him at that place. F. H. L. Miller, the father, was a teacher at Friederichsbrunnen am Harz, when the Revolution of 1848 broke out, but was forced to resign his position on account of his liberal views and the active aid he gave the Revolutionists in their attempt to over- throw the Government. He subsequently engaged in business at Quedlinburg, and continued it until his emigration to America in 1853. 420 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. He was induced to take this step because he was bitterly opposed to the despotism which had set itself up in Prussia, and he desired to live in a land of liberty and freedom regulated by equal and just laws. He eniraged in business at Milwaukee and continued there with satis- factory success until 1858. From Milwaukee he removed to New Frankfort, in Saline county, Missouri, near which place he engao^edin farming. He continued a citizen of Saline county for nearly 20 years, and until his death, which occurred in 1882. He became quite comfortably situated and was highly respected. A man of superior intelligence and a fine education, as well as public spirited, and honor- able and upright in every relation of life, he naturally rose to a position of prominence and influence in his county, and during his long resi- dence there, filled various local offices, always acquitting himself with credit and ability. The mother, his wife, died in Saline county in 1873. She was a lady of many estimable qualities of head and heart, well educated and refined, and much esteemed by her neighbors and acquaintances. While she was one of the most gentle of women, she was at the same time a woman of great resolution and courage, and could face any dangers or hardships, however great, whenever and wherever duty required. An instance of this is afforded in the trip she made across the Atlantic. In those days the journey was one of great peril, but notwithstanding this she had the brave-heartedness to cast herself and four little children on the mercies of the stormy ocean in a sailing vessel bound for the distant shore where her husband was watching and waiting, and doubtless sending up many silent prayers for her safe arrival. Julius Miller was born at Friederichs- brunnen, Prussia, in March, 1843, and was therefore ten years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his mother. He came to Saline county with the family in 1858. He remained on the farm in that county until he was about 17 years of age, and as his father took great pains with his education, he received an excellent knowledge of books as he grew up. But Saline county was almost wholly peopled with a Southern sympathizing population, and they therefore had great pre- judices against the Germans, who generally sympathized with the Union side. In 1862, on account of this antagonism, times became so critical in Saline county that it was not safe for young Miller to remain at home, and he therefore joined the Union forces, becoming a non-commissioned officer. He participated in all the campaigns against Price during the hitter's raid in this State, and was in several battles, but came through the war without injury. Returning to Saline county in 1865, he was married to Miss Caroline Lichtenberg, and engaged in business in that county, but without much success. In 1872, however, he removed to Moberly and opened a small retail beer and liquor house, which proved a successful enterprise. He was soon joined by his brother, Robert, as his partner, and they conducted the business with continued success until they were burned out in 1873. They were making money at the time and felt that they were on the high road to at least a comfortable competency, but they carried no HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 421 insurance and all they possessed in the world was swept away by the fire. As if to fill his cup of misfortune, the same year that he burned out ill business, he lost his loved and devoted wife. But he was young and resolute, and was determined not to give up. He started in business in a small way again, his brother continuing with him, and the smiles of fortune returned to brighten his life. Industry, enter- prise and close attention to business prospered them abundantly. Finally he and his brother engaged in the wholesale and retail keg and bottle beer business, and they now have one of the largest houses in that line outside of St. Louis, in North-east Missouri. They also deal extensively in ice. In 1876 he was married to Miss Carmilla Mathien, and she has borne him several children. He also has a son by his first wife. Mr. Kobert Miller had the singular misfortune of losing his wife and both his children within the last few years. His wife was a Miss Pauline Lehman. She was born in Hannibal, Mo. R. S. MINER (Division Superintendent of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly, Mo.) . Mr. Miner, though by no means an old man, is one of the oldest men in the railway service in point of continuous employment in Mis- souri, and one among the oldest in the country. He began his career as a railroad man over 30 years ago, away back in 1853, before most of the men connected with the railroads in this State Avere born. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born at "Windsor, in Berkshire county, April 11, 1831. Reared on a farm, he was engaged in farming until he was 21 years of age when he accepted a position in the service of the Boston and Albany Railroad, having to do with the track, its repairs, etc., as a master workman. He remained with that road for eight years and then went to New York and took charge of the track of the New Haven & Northampton Railroad, which he had for two years. In 1863 Mr. Miner came West and took charge of tracks of the Wabash in Indiana and Illinois, superintending tracks on that division of the road for nearly 20 years. In 1882, however, he was transferred to the Western Division of the Wabash. He now has charge of nearly 800 miles of road. Having been with the Wa- bash road for over 20 years, this long record of faithfulness and suc- cess in the discharge of his duty is itself the highest compliment that could be paid him as an officer of the road and as a man. Industry, close attention to business and intelligent appreciation of what is re- quired to keep a road in first-class condition are his characteristics in the discharge of his official duties; and unswerving integrity, courtesy and public spirit mark his career as a man and citizen. The Wabash tract, east of the Mississippi, is known to be one of the finest and best in the West, and for this the road and the public are indebted to Mr. Miner's intelligence and management more than to any other cause. It was in recognition of this fact that the company transferred him to the Western Division in order that he might make it compare favor- a'bly with his work east of the Mississippi. The expectations of the 422 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. road in this particular he is rapidly fulfilling, for the Wabash track west of the Mississippi is fast becoming one of the best on this side of the great Father of Waters. On the 9th day of September, 1858, he was married to Miss Jackson, who lived to brighten his home for 14 years, but died in 1872. To his present wife, formerly Miss Howe, he was married January 20, 1880. Mr. Miner has no children. RICHARD C. MURRAY (General Yard Master of the Waba-ih, St. Louis and Pacific and of the Missouri Pacific Railroads, Moberly). It is a fact well known by all who have given the subject any thought or investigation, that most of the men connected with the rail- way service were brought up in the country and to a farm life. The qualities required to make a good railroad man, industry and close attention to business as well as the strength of character and physical vigor necessary in the discharge of duties relating to the railway ser- vice, seem to find more favorable conditions for development on a farm than elsewhere. There youths grow up inured to hard work and ac- customed to that frugal, temperate manner of living required for suc- cess in almost any calling. Used to the open air and exercise of fal*m life, they develop robust constitutions, and as they approach early manhood, they are the best material out of which to form reliable, efficient and useful railroad men. Mr. Murray, the subject of this sketch, is another example of this fact. He was born at Carlyle, 111., April 1, 1849, and was reared on a farm up to the age of 20. He received a fair, practical education in the public schools, and at the age of 20 came to St. Louis and accepted a position in the freight department of the North Missouri Road. A year later he was ap- pointed assistant yard master at St. Louis, and in 1872 he was sent up to Moberly and took charge of the night yards at this place. The following year Mr. Murray was made general yard master at Moberly, and when the Missouri Pacific and Wabash both became the property of Mr. Gould, he was given charge of the yards of both roads. On November 21, 1877, Mr. Murray was married to Miss Duffy, of Dallas, Texas. His wife survived her marriage, however, only about three years, dying August 7, 1880. She left one child, Julia May. Mr. Murray is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Moberly Board of Education. In his yard he has under his direction about 30 men who keep the business of the yard up in first-class order. PATRICK G. MURPHY (Baggage Master of the Wabash, St, Louis and Pacific Railroad and of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Moberly). Mr. Murphy, who is a native of the Emerald Isle, came to America when a young man about 23 years of age, and located first in Boston, where he was employed by the Government on fortifications. Mr. Murphy worked at Boston in the service of the Government for about seven years. In 1848 he went to Virginia and worked on the Alexandria HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 423 railroad, grading the track, where he continued for some years. In 1854 he went to Terre Haute, Ind., and worked on the Alton Road for about a year. From there he came to Missouri and was employed in grading the track between Centralia and Sturgeon. Mr. Murphy worked on several roads in this State until 1861, when he retired from the railroad business and engaged in farming. In 1866 he returned to the railroad, becoming foreman of a section on the North Missouri, a position he filled for two years. Following this, Mr. Murphy came to Moberly and built the yards for the North Missouri, and also ran a construction train. In 1870 he was appointed to his present position. He has therefore been baggage master for the past 14 years, and since the consolidation of, or rather the combination between, the Missouri Pacific and Wabash he has been bao-orage master for both roads. Mr. Murphy's long experience as baggage master, together with his habits of attending closely and faithfully to business, combine to make him one of the most efficient and expeditious baggage masters in the service of the road. On the 14th of February, 1883, he lost a son, John Murphy, a young man whom all that knew him liked, and a young man of industry and many estimable qualities of head and heart. He was killed while in the service of the railroad. Mr. Mur- phy's wife died in 1866. To her he was married in 1859. She was a Miss Margaret Dana, and came of the same family from which Charles A. Dana, the editor of the New York Sun, is a descendant. The family is of Irish origin, and Mrs. Murphy herself was a native of the Green Isle beyond the sea. She was an estimable, good woman, an affectionate and dutiful wife, a loving, devoted mother, and a kind and hospitable neighbor. She was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Murphy is also a member of that church. A native of Ireland, though he has been away from there for 40 years, he loves the old isle yet with all the ardor of a true patriot, and is always ready to lend a helping hand, both of his means and of his personal services, to free that fairest of all the isles of the sea from the blight- ing curse of British rule. THEODORE F. PRIEST (Of Priest & Jones, Proprietors of the Moberly Livery and Feed and Sales Stables). Mr. Priest engaged in his present business in 1878, and his experi- ence thus far has more than justified his expectations at the time he ])egan. The firm of which he is a member have one of the best stables in* Moberly, a place noted for the superior quality and fine appearance of the rigs turned out by its stables. They have accommodation for 65 head of horses, their brick buildino- being: 45x75 feet and their frame, 25x75. They also have a buggy house 25x85 feet. Their riding and driving horses are not surpassed in the city, while their buggies, carriages, coupes, etc., are of the latest and best styles, and gotten up in the very height of art and good taste. They have a large and increasing custom, and while their stables are popular with the transient public, they are even more so in the city itself; for besides 22 424 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the fact that they have as good rigs as can be had in the city, they are personally very popular, being young men of good business qual- ifications, perfect reliability, accommodating, and very genial and sociable in the company of others. Mr. Priest is a native Missourian, born in Ralls county on his father's homestead, four miles from Han- nibal, April 15, 1849. His early educational advantages were good, and accordingly, so far as the knowledge of books are concerned, his business qualifications are ample. Mr. Priest was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, and followed that calling with success until he came to Moberly in 1878 and engaged in his present line of business. On the 9th of November, 1871, he was married to Miss Rosie Muld- row, of Ralls county. She survived her marriage, however, less than six years, dying August 12, 1877. She left two children, Malena and Theodore F., Jr. On the 9th of October, 1879, Mr. Priest was mar- ried to his present wife, formerly Miss Emma Lapsley, born and reared in this county. Two children are the fruits of this marriage, Samuel R. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Priest are members of the Presbyterian Church. His parents, Thomas J. and Amelia (Brown) Priest, were originally from Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father died in the fall of 1873, but the mother is still living and is a resident of Ralls county. HON. WILLIAM QUAYLE (Farmer, Stock-raiser and Dairyman) . Mr. Q., a native of the Isle of Man, was born October 18, 1825. A man of much individuality, and having seen life in all its phases, he has now settled down on a farm where he tills the soil in peace and plenty. He devotes much of his attention to stock-raising, and has a model dairy. Mr. Quayle is the son of Charles Quayle and Jane Cannels, both of the Isle of Man. In 1827 the family emigrated to this " home of the free," and pitched their tents in Ontario county, in the western part of New York. Here the subject of this memoir spent his boyhood, during which time he attended the Canandagua Academy, and though his opportunities were limited, he obtained a fair English education. At the age of 16 he went to sea, and for 12 years was " rocked in the cradle of the deep." He rapidly rose to the rank of captain, and his life was one of great interest, visiting all parts of the world. He found a fascination in the sea which did not lose its flavor until its treacherous waters betrayed him. In 1852 his vessel was wrecked ofi" the west coast of Greenland. As one finding an ugly worm at the heart of his luscious peach, casts it from him in disgust, so the Captain turned his back on his beloved ocean forever. He first engaged in merchandising and farming in Tarrant county, Tex., of which section he served four years as district clerk. He was also three years on the bench as probate judge. In 1861 the judicial ermine was doffed, and donned in its stead were the helmet and spear of the warrior. Though originally a Whig and opposed to secession, yet his true heart warmed in defense of the home of his adoption ; and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 425 after the Lone Star seceded, Mr. Q. boldly took his stand in the front ranks of the Confederate service, to fight, to die, if need be, with those whom he loved. Mr. Quayle is a man who rises as naturally as a cork to the surface, and having enlisted in Co. A, Texas cavalry, he was at once elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. He was enofaired in several fio-hts with the Indians, and was in the battles of Elkhorn, Corinth, etc. Falling a victim to that most insiduous enemy, camj^ fever, he was compelled to return to his home ; but as soon as he recovered he organized another company, and after being elected to the State Senate, was appointed Commander of the First Frontier District of Texas. At the end of the war, Mr. Quayle was restless and went to Mexico. He remained, however, only three years, then lived two years on the western coast of Texas, and in 1869 came to Randolph county, Missouri. He has served a term in the Legislature, and in 1882 was a Congressional candidate on the Green- back ticket. The Judge claims that his principles are the same they have ever been, but the Democratic party has changed. He was married in Tarrant county, Tex., in 1857, to Sarah J., daughter ot the Rev. Mr. Henderson, of Mississippi. There are two children by this marriage: William H., now living at Hope, Ark., and Sidney, a station agent on the Missouri Pacific. His first wife dying in Texas in 1860, Judge Quayle was married again, in 1861, to Miss Mary E., daughter of the Rev. Benjamin Terrill, of Texas. Mrs. Quayle, however, was born and raised on the farm upon which she is now living. There are five children : Katie, now the wife of John SetlifF, of the Waters and WoUey College, in Tennessee, formerly a graduate of Columbia; Papie, Charles, Jack and James. One child, Benjamin, died October 20, 1870, aged six years. The Judge has 72 acres ot land, situated about a mile from Moberly, all in a good state of culti- vation. His dwelling is a comfortable structure, and his other out- buildings attest his enterprise. He also has a fine bearing young orchard. Judge Quayle is making a specialty of his butter and milk dairy. As, mayhap, his own noble ship, after stormy seas, anchored in some sheltered nook, so tempest tossed and weary, he finds a peace and repose in his rustic retreat. CHARLES RATTRAY (Local Manager of the Pacific Express Company, Moberly) . Mr. Rattray, born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 12, 1841, was in his tenth year when his parents, Charles and .Lane (Williams) Rattray, both of ancient and respected Scotch families, came to America for the purpose of casting their fortunes with the future of the New W^orld. On landing on our shores, they proceeded West and located at Dubuque, Iowa, where the father engaged in the book and station- ery business. In Scotland the family belonged to the more respecta- ble class of untitled people, and the father was a man of good education and excellent business qualifications. In early life he was a civil engineer, and after he came over to this country, aside from 42(5 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. his book and stationery business, followed his profession for about three years. Young Rattray was principally educated in Iowa, and when 17 years of age obtained a position with the American Express Company at Dubuque, Iowa, and was in the service of that company until called back to take charge of the book store on account of his father's death. Winding up the book business in Dubuque, in 1862, he was engaged in the Chicago office of the American Express Com- pany, and has been in the express business ever since. From Chicago, later along, he came to St. Louis, and then to St. Charles, and from the latter city to Moberly. Mr. Rattray's administration of the office here has been very efficient, satisfactory and popular. He makes it a point to be courteous and accommodating to all who show themselves worthy of consideration, while he permits no part of his business to fall into neglect. When he first came here there were two men employed in the office. Now there are fifteen men and nine messengers. Mr. Rattray is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order iind a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married April 19, 1868, to Miss Alice A. Leavenworth, originally of Connecticut, and a descendant of the same family of which Colonel Leavenworth, for whom Leavenworth, Kan., is named, was a representative. Mr. and Mrs. Rattray have three children : Charles A., Bertha and Jesse O. The fourth child died in infancy. IRA S. REIS (Of Bowers & Reis, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothino;, Gent's and Ladies' Furnisliing Goods, Carpets, Hats and Caps, etc., etc., No. Ill and 113 Reed Street, Moberly, Missouri). No adequate idea could be formed of the mercantile affairs of Mo- berly from a review of this city which fails to make mention of the firm whose name heads this sketch. These gentlemen have been en- gaged in business in this city less than two years, yet they have built up one of the leading houses in their line in the interior of North-east Missouri. The volume of their business has grown with a rapidity that has no equal in this city and throughout the surrounding country. Each of them had had a successful experience in business before coming here, and had accumulated a substantial nucleus of means. They came here for the purpose of building up a large busi- ness, believing Moberly to l)e one of the best points in the country for that purpose. Neither have they been disappointed in their opin- ion of the place, nor in the results of their enterprise. The remark- able progress of this house has been spoken of in the sketch of Mr. Bowers, the senior member of the firm, so that it would but be rep- etition to dwell at length on it here. Suffice it to say that they have become almost at a bound leading merchants of Moberly, and it can not be doubted that they are destined to be, sooner than most people supposed, by all odds the principal men in their line of business in this section of the State. Mr. Reis is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Philadelphia, June 1, 1855, and educated in the Philadelphia High HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 427 School. He began business at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in the dry goods and clothing and gent's furnishing goods line, with a tailor- ing establishment in connection. He was entirely successful at Union- town, and only came to Moberly because he believed this city offered better opportunities to build up a large busiuess in a few years. In this, as has been said, he has not been disappointed. The following gentlemen, well and favorably known to the citizens of Moberly, are salesmen in their establishment: John E. Lawrie, William Tolle, Joseph C. Brand, J. Q. Coats, Robert Barrowman and Mark H. Burkholder. Mr. Reis is a member of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. R. is a self-made man, a gentleman who has risen to his present enviable position in business life by his own indus- try and worth. He is a man of strict integrity, high sense of honor and gentlemanly and courteous to all. He is justly very popular, both as a business man and personally, with all who know him. SAMUEL S. RICH (Depot Policeman, Moberly). Mr. Rich was born in Kenton county, Kentucky, August 24, 1842, and was reared on a farm in his native county. He had common school advantages in his youth, and followed farming in Kentucky until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourth Kentucky volunteer infantry, Co. K, being mustered out of the service in 1865 as first lieu- tenant of Co. K, Fourth Kentucky veteran volunteer mounted in- fantry, U. S. A. Returning to his native State, he remained there occupied in farming until 1876, when he removed to Missouri and located in Chariton county, where he continued farming for about two years. In 1879 Mr. Rich obtained a position in the fuel department of the Wabash Railroad service, which he held for three years. He then was appointed check clerk in the freight department, the position he held until he accepted his present office. The office of depot police- man is authorized by city ordinance, and the incumbent is appointed b}' the railroad authorities, with the consent and approval of the mayor. Mr. Rich makes a capable and efficient officer, and sees to it that nothing illegitimate is allowed to be carried on around the depot. He is a worthy man in a worthy position, and fills it to the satisfaction of all concerned. On the 23d of December, 1868, he was married to Miss N. A. Williams, originally of Kentucky. They have two children; Lidia W. and Alfred B. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. Rich is a Select Knight in the United Workman order. Mr. Rich's parents are Samuel and Mary (Stowers) Rich, both natives of Kentucky. JAMES SANDISON (Brick Manufacturer, and Layerand Contractor: Yards, western suburbs of Moberly). Mr. Sandison is one of those intelligent, enterprising men that reveal in their methods of carrying on business and in their success 428 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. the nationality which they represent — the sturdy, intelligent Scotch race. The Germans are noted for their frugality and solid thrift ; though it must be confessed that they are by no means the most enter- prising people under the sun. The Scotch are equally frugal and thrifty as the Germans, and in addition to these qualities they are enterprising to a marked degree. Hence it is that among the Scotch in this country we find fewer mendicants or even shiftless people than among any other race to be met with. They have the industry, intel- ligence and enterprise to get along in the world, and they generally succeed. These remarks are called out by scanning the facts of Mr. Sandison's life, a worthy representative of the land of Bruce and Wal- lace and of Burns and Scott. He was born in Keith, Decemljer 27, 1846, and was reared in his native country. His father was William Sandison, and his mother's maiden name was Jane Lawson. His father was a contractor and builder, and died in 1855. In 1868 the family, including James, who had then grown to manhood, emigrated to America, and on landing came on out AVest, locating at Huntsville, in Randolph county, where the mother still resides. James Sandison, who had learned the brickmaking; business and contractino; and build- ing, went to work there at his trade, and continued with success until 1879, then coming to Moberly. Here he resumed business, and has been successfully engaged in the manufacture of l)rick and in contract- ing and building. He has a good yard, and works a large number of hands. His brick have an enviable reputation, being generally pre- ferred to those of any other local manufacturer in the market. On the 27th of July, 1873, Mr. Sandison was married to Miss Mary Morrison, of Scotland originally. They had five children: James G., William S., John, and George. Margaret, the third child, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sandison are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Sandison is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order, and a member of the Knights of Laljor and the A. O. U. W. He is superintendent of the Collins Coal Company, of this county. WILLIAM H. SELBY (Master Mechanic of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). Mr. Selby who, like many of the leading men of this country in the department of practical mechanics, is a native of England, has been at the head of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad as master mechanic since 1873, and has long had charge of about 1,200 miles of road in his department of the service. A man of collegiate education, and of a high order of natural intelligence, he has made of mechanics a science no less than an art, at least in so far as his connection with its principles and practice is concerned, for he has studied the philos- ophy of mechanics, including the laws of motion, inertia, weight, etc., which it involves, not less than the practical work of his occupa- tion. It is questioned by no one who knows him and is capable of judging that he is one of the most capable and skillful mechanics in the State, while his executive ability is such — his strength of char- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 429 acter and his faculty for controlling and directing men and executing important undertakings — that he is pre-eminently the man for the position he holds — that of master mechanic of one of the leading rail- roads of the United States. A man of high character and excellent social qualities, he is popular with the men under him and is appreci- ated for his superior personal worth by the controlling officials of the road. Mr. Selby was born in England June 4, 1832, where he grew up and was educated ; and when a young man he came to America on a visit to his brother who resided in Canada, and after spending a short time there, concluded to remain in the New World permanently. From Canada he came to St. Louis where he became connected with the mechanical department of the Ohio and Mississippi Eailroad and was foreman of the East St. Louis shops for over live years. He was then at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1865 came to St. Charles, where he was foreman of the North Missouri shops for about eight years. From there Mr. Selby came to Moberly in 1873, since which he has been master-mechanic of the Wabash Railroad. On the 11th of April, 1863, Mr. Selby was married at St. Charles to Miss Nancy P. Pillardy of St. Charles county. They have four children : James E., William H., Charles and Frederick. Mr. Selby is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. CHARLES B. SHAFFER (Cashier of the Randolph Bank, Moberly). John C. Shaefer, the father of Charles B., was a native of Germany, and came over to this country and settled in Randolph county in an early day. He came of one of the better untitled classes into which society is divided in Germany, and was a man of strong character, marked intelligence and good education. Like Schurz, and thousands of other Germans of that class, he came to this country more out of his love for republican institutions than from other considerations, although he, of course, did not fail to appreciate the incomparable natural resources and other advantages to be met with in the United States. He was married in Charlottesville, Va., to Miss Ellen Day, formerly of Virginia, a lady of many estimable qualities of mind and heart. The father was for many years an enterprising and successful farmer, and being a man of influence in the county and fine business qualifications, he was elected county clerk. This was in 1868, and young Shaefer worked in the office under his father. In 1871 young Shaefer obtained a position in Wisdom's Bank, at Huntsville, as factotum and collector, a position he held with satisfaction and effi- ciency for two years. He then engaged in business for himself and continued it for four years. In 1878 Mr. Shaefer settled up his busi- ness in which he had previously been engaged and became connected with the Mechanics' Bank, with which he was identified for over a year. Following this he was appointed to his present position in the Randolph Bank. Coming of the family he did, and having had the opportunities he has, it is only as was to have been expected, that he 430 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. has become one of the most capable and efficient bank cashiers in this section of the State. Having been reared in the county, and been identified with business, either public or private, all his life, he has thus obtained that knowledge of the people, their reputations, charac- ters, financial responsibilities, etc., so necessary to the successful dis- charge of the duties of a bank cashier. His opportunities, while in the county clerk's office, were exceptionally favorable for obtaining this information. Indeed, as is proper that he should, he has taken special pains to obtain a thorough knowledge of these facts. And it is now recognized in financial and business circles atMoberly, as we understand from leading men, that he is one of the best posted men as to the character of commercial paper made in Eandolph county in the entire county. A man of high character and popular manners, and understanding the principles of banking thoroughly, he is an officer of inestimable value to the bankinsr institution with which he is connected. Mr. Shaefer is a public-spirited gentleman, and takes a commendable interest in all matters of advantage to Moberly and Randolph county, and is ever anxious to do anything in his power for the common weal of the people among whom his whole life thus far has been spent. On the 21st of October, 1875, Mr. Shaefer was married to Miss Nannie L. Hawkins, of Keytesville, a young lady then regarded as the belle of that place. She is a lady of singular refinement and of many charms, both of mind and person, and is a very agreeable and gifted conversationalist. She is much esteemed in the social circle which she favors with her presence, and, indeed, by all who know her. Mr. and Mrs. Shaefer are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. WILLIAM SMITH (Proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel, Moberly; also, Farmer, Stock-raiser and General Business Man). Mr. Smith, a man of large means and larger heart, and of a mind not less than either, has come up in the world to the enviable position which he at present occupies by his own worth and merits, and pos- sesses all of the characteristics to a marked degree which characterize the successful and popular man. Able to make money anywhere, at everything, and at all times, he makes friends wherever he goes, and even more rapidly than he accumulates the solid wherewithal of pros- perity. Mr. Smith is a native Missourian, born in Rjindolph county, April 2, 1837, and was a son of Joel Smith, an enterprising trader and speculator of that county, but originally of Kentucky. The fiither was a man of superior intelligence and great energy of character, and was highly esteemed for his social and business qualities. He died June 28, 1882. The mother is still living and resides near Moberly. Her maiden name was Dorcas Tureman, and she was also formerly of Kentucky. Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was educated at Bethany College, in Virginia, and being a young man full of life and animation and with a big heart, he, of course, soon married. Miss HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 431 Florence Head, a daughter of Dr. Head, of Huntsville, became his wife on the 2l8t of April, 1858. He was then just 19 days past 21 years of age. He at once engaged in the tobacco business at Hunts- ville, which he followed for about a year. After that he became pro- prietor of the stage line between Allen and Glasgow and Allen and Brunswick, and thus continued up to the time of the building of the West Branch Kailroad. In 1865 he engaged in farming and the livery business and has continued in that occupation up to the present time, meeting with his usual success. In May, 1880, he opened the Grand Central, one of the finest and best interior hotels, if it has an equal out- side the large cities, in the State. It is by all odds the leading hotel in Moberly. This colossal building has no less than sixty rooms, and is furnished throughout in almost oriental luxury. It is a home in which time flies with a dove's wing, so soft and pleasant is every- tning around, and the hours of the night are filled with the sweet- est dreams which Morpheus can provide, whilst guests recline on downy pillows and on beds whose springs as gently quiver as aspen leaves in the shimmering hours of summer. A vear ago last sum- mer Mr. Smith, with an enterprise that stops at nothing where success is to be won, opened a large ranch for horses and mules in Colorado, where he has hundreds of head now gamboling on the green in the horizon-bounded prairies of the Centennial State. It was through his public spirit mainly that the Moberly Fair Association was organized, now one of the permanent institutions of the county, and one of the most successful agricultural associations in the State. Mr. Smith, while a man with an eye to his own interests, which he is abundantly able to take care of, is also a man not a little concerned for the Avelfare of the county and the community in which he lives, and has been of great service as a citizen in inaugurating and promoting movements for the general good. Personally he is whole-souled and genial, and is popular with everybody. Of an open, generous disposition and a kind word for every one, he knows how to enjoy health and wealth, both of which he possesses, and his presence wherever he goes is welcome and is received like a ray of sunshine, gladly and with a smile. No man is more highly thought of by those who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of one child, namely: Mary, born March 3d, 1873. JOHN C. TEDFORD, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Moberly). Dr. Tedford has been occupied in the active practice of his profes- sion for 25 years, and though a plain and unassuming man, is conceded to be one of the most capable and successful physicians in the treat- ment of cases in this city. He is a native of Alabama, born in Mad- ison county, October 28, 1825, and in youth received a good private school education. In 1836 his parents, Andrew and Copeland ( Boggs) Tedford, removed to Missouri, and located on the land in Randolph county now the site of the city of Moberly. The father entered this 432 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. land and improved a farm here, on which he lived for many years. Young Tedford grew to manhood in this county, and after attaining his majority, began the study of medicine under Dr. Oliver. Subse- quently he entered the St. Louis Medical College and graduated from that institution with distinction in 1859. Dr. Tedford at once engaged in the practice of his profession, and for that purpose located at Milton. Since then he has practiced two years, or thereabout, in Kansas, at Mound City. In 1880, however, he came back to the place where his boyhood days were sjjent, and found it one of the most populous and flourishing cities in this section of the State. Since that time Dr. Tedford has been engaged in the practice at Mo- berly, and his thorough qualifications and long experience as a physician have had the effect to bring him an excellent practice. A man of high character and kindly disposition, he is personally as much liked as he is esteemed as a practitioner in his profession. Free of all pretense and show, he is one of those sober, substantial men, candid and sin- cere in everything they do, who inspire the confidence of all with whom they are thrown in contact. For solidity of character and per- sonal worth no man in Moberly is entitled to greater consideration, while as a physician he is equally faithful and reliable. In 1855 Dr. Tedford was married to Miss Mary Dameron, a daughter of Judge Dameron, of this county. They have reared a large and worthy family of children. The Doctor is a member of the District and State Medical Societies and of the Odd Fellow's order and the local temper- ance organization. JAMES TERRILL (Deceased) , The subject of this sketch was born in Albemarle county, Vir- ginia, and moved to Kentucky when quite young. Thence he went to Randolph county, Missouri, near where Moberly now is situated, where he resided for about forty years. He was the oldest of six brothers, all of whom were well known and highly respected and honored, enjoying the confidence of all who knew them. Their names in order of their ages are James, Jesse, William, Benjamin, John, and Robert. Jesse and Benjamin Terrill were Baptist preachers, and were known far and wide in this part of the State. John Terrill moved to Texas and settled in Tarrant county, where he is, and has l)een for some time, county commissioner (county judge). Robert is still a resident of Randolph county, and is a physician of high standing. John and Robert are the only ones now living. James Terrill was born December 29, 1801. The greater part of his early life was spent in Boone county, Kentucky. On December 29, 1825, he was married to Henrietta Conner, of Boone county, Kentucky, by which marriage two children were born, one son and one daughter. John R. Terrill, the son, is a Baptist minister widely known in North Missouri. His first wife died August 15, 1830. On May 16, 1833, he was married to Eliza A. Crisler, of Boone county, Kentucky, and from this union there were born twelve children, five boys and seven I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 433 girls, all of whom are still living, except one boy and one girl, both of whom died while quite young. James Terrill was a man of sterling qualities of head and heart, — a Christian man, honored and respected by all who knew him, and loved by all who enjoyed his personal ac- quaintance. Firm in his conviction of right, he had the courage to defend his position, and he allowed no pressure to swerve him from the performance of a known duty. The confidence of the people is shown by the fact that, although he preferred the quiet of the home circle to the busy realities of public affairs, he was several times re- elected to fill the office of county judge, serving in all about twenty years in succession, except a few years during the war, when he re- signed, refusing to take the test oath. The following is from an obituary notice written by Rev. W. L. T. Evans: "Brother James Terrill professed faith in Christ at an early age and became a member of the Bullittsburg Baptist Church. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for 60 years: a deacon in the church, and his mem- bership was with the church at Moberly. Bro. Terrill was an every- day Christian, and no man delighted to talk of the grace of God more than he. He was a man in whom the people of Randolph county placed implicit confidence, having been for a number of years judge of the county court. His life was a living comment on the Bible." James Terrill died September 14, 1876. His death was very sudden and entirely unlooked for by his family and friends. He leaves a re- cord of which all may be proud. His motto seemed to be that " a good name was rather to be chosen that great riches." JOHN R. TERRILL, Jr., (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. T. was born in Greenup county, Ky., November 1, 1829. His father, William Terrill, was originally from Virginia, but moved to Kentucky when a young man, and married Ann Calvin, a native of that State. He came to Missouri in the spring of 1846, and locating in Randolph county, bought and entered land and im- proved a farm, where he lived until his death in August, 1869. In this family there were seven children, all of whom grew to maturity and have homes in Randolph. John R. was the eldest of them all ; he lived until a man on his father's farm, and was given such educa- tion as could be had at the common schools of the county. "When he was grown he went, in company with Capt. William Roberts and others, to California by the overland route, and including the time spent in the mines was two years making this trip. He returned in the summer of 1852 by way of the Isthmus and New York. After spending two years with his father he made another trip to California overland, taking some cattle, and returned the next year by the same route as before. On the 15th of March, 1856, Mr. Terrill was mar- ^ried to Miss Ann E., daughter of William Roberts, formerly of Ken- tucky. After his marriage he established himself on a farm which had been previouslj'- settled by Jehu Pyle, and here he still lives. 434 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Mr. Terrill has about 400 acres of land, of which 330 are fenced and in cultivation. He owns a good two-story residence and outbuildings. His old orchard is on the decline but he has a splendid young one, which contains 200 apple and 100 peach trees, with some grape and other small fruits. Mr. Terrill was so unfortunate as to lose his wife on the 9th of November, 1873 ; she was a true and devoted wife and mother, and a faithful member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which denomination Mr. Terrill and his mother also belong. Mr. Terrill has nine children to be the stay and comfort of his declining years : William E., one of the county teachers ; Lola and Emma H., both teachers; Lizzie E., now at school at Winchester, Tenn. ; James M., Robert G., Henry R., Vincent C. and Anna C. Mr. Terrill is a man of winning address and much ability ; he takes a warm interest in all educational matters and has carried his views into practice in the training of his children. He is a member of Moralitv Lodge, No. 186, A. F. and A. M. JAMES H. TRAVIS (Master of Bridges, BuLldings and Water Supplies for tlie Wabash, St. Louis and Pa- cific Railroad, Moberly) . Mr. Travis, who has charge of the entire line of the Wabash Sys- tem west of the Mississippi river in his department, and is one of the leading railroad bridge builders in this part of the country, is a native of New York, born in Putnam county, April 7, 1850. When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Illinois, where young Travis grew up to the age of 17, his youth prior to that time being spent on a farm in the Prairie State. His advantages for an education were those afforded by the common schools, and he thus succeeded in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for all the practical pur- poses of ordinary business life. In 1867 he came to Missouri and located at Kansas City, where he was clerk under Mr. Chase for about a year. He then began to work for the Keystone Bridge Company of Pittsburg, Pa., in the employ of which he served a regular and thorough apprenticeship at bridge building; and while still with that company he rose to the position of foreman of construction, taking charge of all its business west of Pittsburg. He continued with the Keystone Company until 1877, when he was offered and he accepted the position of inspector of improvements for the city of St. Louis under Gen. Turner, commissioner of streets at that time. Mr. Travis held the position of inspector of improvements until 1878, when he assumed the duties of his present position. He has under his control an average of nearly 500 men, and he directs his force with such sys- tem and regularity that his work is carried on with efficiency and success. A man of superior executive ability, as well as a first-class mechanic, he has given entire satisfaction to the company and is val- ued as one of its best master workmen. On the 29th of March, 1877, he was married to Miss Minnie V. Foster, formerly of Illinois. They have two children : James H. and Dnrward O. Mr. Travis is a HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 435 Knight Templar in the Masonic order and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Travis is a man of superior general intelligence, of pleasant manners and agreeable address, and is hardly- less popular in social circles than in his position of master bridge builder of the Wabash Railroad. FRANK J. TUTTLE (Plasterer and Contractor; Fancy and Ornamental Work a Specialty). Mr. Tuttle, a young man, still less than thirty years of age, is rapidly coming to the front in his line of industry, and unless all signs are misleading, he will doubtless take a leading position among the successful and popular plasterers and contractors of this city. He learned his trade under his brother, Norris Tuttle, whose sketch follows this, and in his work he carries out those ideas of doing every- thing thoroughly and honestly, which have characterized the career of his brother. He was born in Indianapolis, September 22, 1854, and was educated in the schools of Noblesville. He subsequently learned fancy tombstone work under Lucas & Yeaman, of Nobles- ville. Later along he began work under his brother, Norris Tuttle, at the plasterer's business, and remained with the latter until he had become a thorough master of the trade. He worked at Kirksville, in this State, for three years after 1874, and then came to Moberly, where he has since resided. Here he has made good progress in his calling, and has an excellent business. On the 7th of January, 1879, he was married to Miss Missouri Livesay, of Warren county, this State. Mr. Tuttle is a member of Gothic Square No. 108, and of the Triple Alliance. His parents are both deceased, the father, Ben- jamin W., dying in 1870, and his mother in 1874. Both were natives of New York. Mr. Tuttle is a young man of superior intelligence and fine personal appearance, and would be pointed out in almost any assemblage as a leading man. With proper application, there can be little doubt that he would make a successful lawyer and able advocate. NORRIS TUTTLE (Contractor and Plain and Ornamental Plasterer, Moberly). Mr. Tuttle has been a resident of Missouri.since 1867, at which time he came from Indianapolis to Kirksville, in which latter city he remained for about 12 years, and came to Moberly in 1879. The work of a plasterer, as is well known, is one of the most difficult lines of industry to follow successfully in the whole catalogue of occu- pations, for one or two bad jobs will ruin a reputation for skill and thoroughness that it has taken years to build up. The plasterer, therefore, cannot be too particular in the execution of his work, for he must give universal satisfaction to succeed. Mr. Tuttle had the intellig'ence to recoo-nize this fact at the beginning, and he has made it a.rule throughout his whole career to inspect closely the material used in filling his contracts, and to see that it is properly prepared and put 436 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. up. Hence it is that, turning off none but work of a superior class, he lias built up a high reputation in his business, and has been very successful. He is now one of the prominent contractors in his line in Moberly, and does a large business — a business which is increasing year by year. Mr. Tuttle is a native of Indiana, born in Marion county, July 6, 1842, and received a good common school education. Up to the age of 17 he assisted his father in the trade of painting, and after that learned the plasterer's trade, which he has since followed and in which he has achieved such signal success. On the 22d of December, 18(33, he was married to Miss Josephine Kernodle, a native of Indiana. She died, however, in 1874, and nearly four years afterwards he was married to his present wife, who was formerly Miss Angle Dye, originally of Ohio. He has no children living. Mr. Tuttle's parents, Benjamin F. and Mary (Leach) Tuttle, are both deceased, the father having died in 1870 and the mother in 1872. Mr. Tuttle works from 12 to 20 hands in his business as contractor for plastering work. CLAEENCE A. WILLIAMS (Coach Builder for the Wabash Eailway, Moberly). Mr. Williams has been working in the Wabash shops of this city in the capacity of coach builder for the past twelve years, and prior to this had had considerable experience in his present occupation. He is a native of the Empire State of the Union, New York, and was born in Augusta, Oneida county, December 20, 1847. In 1856 the family came west and located at Morris, 111. After the outbreak of the war young Williams enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-fifth Illinois infantry, and served with that regiment for three years and 11 months, participating during that time in many of the hardest fought battles of the war. On the 22d of July, 1864, he was severely wounded in front, of Atlanta, during the siege of that city, being shot in the right leg, which disabled him from active service for some time. After his discharge Mr. Williams returned to Morris, 111., where he remained two years, and in 1867 went to Council Bluffs, and from thence, the following year, pushed on out to San Francisco. Mr. Williams returned from the Pacific coast to Omaha, and worked in the Union Pacific Railroad shops of that city from^ 1869 to January, 1871. From Omaha he came to St. Louis, where he became connected with the North Mis- souri Railroad, and in the summer of 1873 came to Moberly, where he has since worked in the shops at this city. On the 15th of August, 1873, Mr. Williams was married to Mrs. Fannie Sherwood, born and reared on the present site of where the Union Market now stands in St. Louis, Mo., where she was born April 15, 1847. They have one child, Lulu Sherwood. Mr. Williams takes quite an interest in the different society orders of which he is a member, and in each of which he is quite prominent. He is Past Vice Grand Chancellor of the order of Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of Gothic Square 108, of Moberly, being Secretary of the Square, A. F. and A. M., and is HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 437 high priest in the Chapter in the Masonic order, and is Sir Knight Commander of Moberly division No. 5, uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias ; and is also a Knight Templar. Mr. Williams' father now resides at Kerwin, Kansf.s, and is a contractor and builder of that place. His name is Samuel R. Williams. His mother, whose maiden name was Lucia A. Cottrell, died September 6, 1866, at Morris, 111., in the forty-seventh year of her age. CHARLES WRIGHT (Foreman in the Machine Shops of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly) . Mr. Wright, an Englishman by birth and bringing up, has been identified with the business with which he is now connected from boy- hood, and it is not too much to say that both by natural aptitude for his calling and by long experience, he has become one of the most capable and efficient men in his line in the country. This fact is conceded by all who are capable of judging, and who know his quali- fications, and is recognized in a marked manner by the position he now occupies, that of foreman of the machine shops of one of the leading railroads of the United States. He has held his present position continuously for 10 years, so that he has conclusively proven that he is entirely worthy of the duties and responsibilities which he then undertook. Mr. Wright was born in Derby, England, March 19, 1840, and was reared in his native shire, receiving as he grew up a fair, common English education. At an early age he became apprenticed to the machinist's trade in the railroad service in Derby, at which he worked continuously for seven years. He then went to Lancashire, where he worked at several machine works, and also constructed locomotives. Remaining there for two years, he went to Newton moor, in Cheshire, where he worked for a time, thence to South Wales, where he was foreman of the machine shops of the Penarth Harbor Docks and Railroad Company for about two years. After this he worked as journeyman at the London and North-western shops. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Wright sailed for America, and on landing in this country came on out to St. Louis and there met Mr. Sturgeon, through whose influence he obtained a position in the North Missouri shops at St. Charles, in which he worked as journeyman. From that city he came up to Moberly in 1873, and put the machinery in the North Missouri shops at this place. From here he went to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was working for the Iron Mountain for about a year, and afterwards worked at Laramie City, Wyoming, for the Union Pacific, but in 1874 was called to his present position by the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern. On the 3d of July, 1862, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Eliza Delicate, formerly of England. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. W. is a member of the I. O. O. F., also the A. F. and A. M. and Knights of Honor. \ 438 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. SALT SPRING TOW]V[SHIP. WILLIAM H. H. ALEXANDER (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. A. was born in Monroe county, Mo. , March 1 , 1841 . His parents, Gabriel and Lucinda J. (Miller) Alexander, were originally from Ken- tucky, but moved to Monroe in 1836, where Mr. Alexander entered land, improved a farm and remained until his death, in 1870. William H. H. spent his boyhood roaming the parental acres and attending the common schools of the county. He came to Randolph in the fall of 1871, a widower with one child, having married May 3, 1866, Miss Cassie, daughter of James Belsher, of Randolph county, formerly of Kentucky. This good lady laid down the burden of life on the 10th of September, 1871, leaving to her almost heart-broken husband a pre- cious legacy — a little girl, Effie Lee, now a young lady of unusual attractions. Mr. Alexander settled on his present farm in 1873, tak- ing with him a second Mrs. A., to whom he was married at the begin- ning of the year. She was Miss Sarah, daughter of Robert Belsher, and a cousin of his first wife. Mr. A. is in comfortable circumstances, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He owns 100 acres of land, all of which is fenced, and about 75 acres cleared and in culti- vation. He occupies a very neat one-story residence, and has a good stable, smoke-house, cribs, etc. His orchard contains 100 apple trees, besides a number of peach and cherry, all young and in tine bearing condition. G. LACKEY ALEXANDER (Of Belsher & Alexaader, proprietors of the Huntsville Livery, Feed and Sale Stables). Mr. Alexander's father, Hon. Gabriel Alexander, was an early set- tler of Monroe county, and became a successful farmer and stock-raiser of the county. He was quite prominent in early days, and repre- sented the county several terms in the Legislature. His wife, before her marriage, was a Miss Jane Miller, and both were originally from Kentucky. Gabriel L., the sixth in their family of children, was born on his father's farm in that county, June 4, 1853, and was brought up to an agricultural life. At the age of 21 he came to Randolph, hav- ing married November 12, 1872, and located on a farm about a mile north of Huntsville. His wife Avas a Miss Rettie Belsher, a sister to his present partner in business. She died, however, in 1877, leaving him one child, Forest LeRoy, now a bright boy some six and a half years old. Mr. Alexander continued on the farm near Huntsville until the spring of 1880, when he formed his present partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Belsher, and engaged in the livery business. They have an excellent stable, a first-class stock of horses and vehicles, and are doing a flourishing business. Their stable is quite popular, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 439 not only locally, but with the travelinsj public, especially among com- mercial salesmen, who give them a large patronage. They have fixed and fair prices for their rigs, which are as good and desirable as any in the county, and by treating everybody honestly and with accom- modation, they have built up a large ciistoni, which is steadily increas- ing. On the '9th of March, 1880, Mr. Alexander was married to his present wife, formerly Miss Eugenia Brooking, a daughter of Robert Brooking of this county. It has been stated that Mr. Alexander was on the farm continuously from 1873 to 1880. This requires one cor- rection : in 1878 he went to Montana and was absent for two years. He is a worthy member of the Knights of Honor. JAMES M. ANDERSON (Of Anderson & Co., Coal Miners and Dealers, P. 0., Huntsville). The mining company of Anderson & Co. was organized June 1, 1880, and is composed of J. M. Anderson, G. W. Jones, and G. W. Evens, and they own the mmes whish they are exploiting, including the tract of land the coal underlies. They work their mines by horse power, and have a daily capacity of 900 bushels, but are now raising 700 bushels daily, and are working ten men. Mr. Anderson is a na- tive of Scotland, of Scotch-Irish parents, and has a life-long experience in his present business, or I'ather since he was 18 years of age. He was born April 22, 1852, and was a son of John and Letitia Anderson. While he was still in childhood his parents came to America and located at Cumberland, where his father was superintendent of mines for a long time. James M. began vvorking in the mines at 18 years of age, and came to Missouri in 1875, having by this time learned thoroughly all the branches and details of the business. He worked in the mines of Belleville, 111., for a short time, when he came to Russell, Missouri, and where he worked for two years. Mr. Anderson came to Huntsville in the fall of 1877, and formed a partnership with Mr. James Bailey in mine No. 2V2, in which he continued for three years. The present company was then organized. Mr. Anderson is one of the most capable and enterprising coal men in Randolph county, and is rapidly coming to the front as a substantial citizen in his line of business. On the 5th of July, 1879, he was married to Miss Susana Bailey, a daughter of James Bailey, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have lost two children : Letitia, who died at the age of 13 months, and George, died at the age of 17 months. Mr. Ander- son is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., being Past Noble Grand in that order, and is also a member of the Masonic order. Mr. An- derson is a stockholder and member of the board of directors in the Buildinor and Loan Association of Huntsville. BENJAMIN H. ASHCOM (Sheriff of Randolph County, Huntsville), To any one who has led a successful and honorable life, it should be a matter of pardonable pride ; and this, especially, with one who has 23 440 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. come up without those advantages in early years, inestimable in value, which kind parents and family influence can bestow. Mr. Ashcom was left an orphan when a small by the death of both his parents ; and he was left without means, and with his own way to make in the world. His father, Samuel P. Ashcom, was a man of sterling intelli- gence and great personal worth, but he was a poor man and died poor — that is, he left no estate worth speaking of to be divided among his children. Benjamin H. at the age of 10 went to live with William Terrill, of Randolph county, where he made his home, assisting on the farm, until he was 17 years of age. While there he showed a taste for books and improved his leisure to good advantage with study. In about 1857 the North Missouri Railroad was being surveyed and opened from Sturgeon to Macon City, and he joined the corps of civil en- gineers engaged in locating the route. He was with the North Missouri corps for some time and made it a point to learn surveying and civil en- gineering both in practice and theory, for while working with the corps of engineers he learned the practical details of the profession and, providing himself with books, also learned the theory' and principles involved thoroughly. His record while in this service showed con- clusively that he possessed the qualities which make succe.ssful men. Already he had decided to fit himself for a useful and honorable life. Nor did he give up that purpose for a moment. On the contrary, feeling the want of a college education, while improving his time with study he saved up means to carry him through college. He entered Mt. Pleasant College in 1859 and took the junior course in that institution, including the scientific branches. His means being now exhausted, he began teachino; school, and he continued his studies while teachino;. Later along he commenced the study of law and was rapidly fitting himself for the bar when the war cloud, in 1861, burst upon the country. Of Southern ancestry and sj'mpathies and interests, he promptly went to the defense of the South and enlisted under Col. Congrave Jackson of the State Guard and was made first lieutenant of a company of vol- unteers. After the expiration of his term in the State Guard, he en- listed in the regular Confederate service under Col. Perkins and was also first lieutenant under that officer. His command joined Gen. VanDorn in Arkansas, and he was afterwards with Col. Dorsey. In 1863 he became first lieutenant of a company in Col. Elliott's regiment under Shelby, and served under that fiery cavalier until the close of the war. Mr. Ashcom was taken prisoner in December, 1861, and was paroled, after Avhich he taught school for a short time, but soon returned to service under the Stars and Bars. At the battle of Fay- etteville, Ark., he was wounded in three different places and was confined in the hospital for some six weeks. He was in the battles of Boonville, Dry Wood, Lexington, and all the others during the latter part of the war in which the different commands, with which he was connected, participated. After the restoration of peace, he returned to Randolph county and engaged in teaching, continuing it up to 1869, principally at Renick where he taught his first school before the war. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 441 He had now saved up a nucleus of means to en^a^e in business and accordingly he established a store at Reuick whfcirhe carried on wih increasing success until he was elected sheriff of the county. A man of upnght character good business qualifications and an open, o-enia fwlT^'r If^'f^" '""'''''''''^ '^'' ""'''^^ «^'l^i^ acquaintanc; ?tead- Ij enlarged and he became as favorably as widely known. His nomi- nation for the office of sheriff in 1882 was the furthest fi-om an ace den . As soon as his name was mentioned for the office he became generally recognized as the right man for the place, for the people had" a ready earned to know his qualifications and integrity and he was unive s liy liked He beat h.s opponent, W. S. Christian, an excellent and worthy man, by a majority of some 2,500 votes. The peo^ ex L'ed hun to make a capable and popular officer and he has nU disappohi ed d7o7E1,r-tl "^^''"f disparaging others, it may with't^utrbe public official Tft^'''"^ never had a more efficient and popular public official. If he ives he aviU of course be re-elected, if he con- sents to run again, and already his name is bein^favorahi; mentioned ttrn :?'T ffl '-'n 'f'"' ''-''''• P~I>v, he is a thLugh g ;_ tleman and officially he is a credit to his office and the county. "On Uie 25th of April, 1867, Mr. Ashcom was married to Miss SuL E Goiu, a daughter of Archibald Goin. Thev have have two cSen '• Effie Maude and Roy Princeton. Mr. Ashcom, while a resident of Renick was chainnan of the board of trustees and he is a member of the Building and Loan Associations of both that place andHun svi\le He IS a member of the A. O. U. W., and has been a memblr of the Masonic order since 1874. Mr. Ashcom's parents were from Jh"e She':;' J"- T'^"'i T" ' ^^'^'^ P^^'^^ I^'-- '^^^--e he' mZ lowed hf!f H "' I^^^»d^>lph county in 1849, and her husband fol- lowed her to the grave a year afterwards. He was oric^inally from Pennsyy^xma. They had five children: Benjamin h" Su an E /mm. ?^5re,• Rebecca, now Mrs. U. J. Williams ; William T^f the at -^cl'T "^ -ir^T^ ^"?^^"^^' "^^^ J^^'^^^ ^- Benjamin H. was born at NicholasviUe, Ky., January 6, 1840. "^^ooin FRANK P. BAIRD (Superintendent of the Woodard Coal and Mining Company Store) Ramlolnh'oo^ntv^''''"§^'"="^'l'^' enterprising young business man of Ka Uolph county, is a Pennsyl vanian by nativity and was partly reared ". tt tih of D '" ^\"''% .S"'? '^ ^^'"^"^ ^"-^^^' '' Pinn's Woods' C Id A i^ J^'7'"'?.V ^^'^,?' ^'' '^^' '^'-""g-ht out by his parents, J r i' \ ^^'''^' '""^''^^ '^'" 3^"""^' to Missouri, and ore.v to man- hood in Randolph county where the family located.' He was e lucTd at Mt. Pleasant College, and in 1879 began work for W R Wood- "ye^r "^IfterwTd";' '' "'"Z^^' '' ""'^ ^^^^^ ^^ woVked foTover ' Jcl ' ,r^^''''''^' h^ e"2:aged in the grocery business at Huutsville Sal ncMin"??" '' '''' T'^ '''' ^--^T «tore to the Woodard hite ident R?l ""^''"^ ""^^^'^ ''"^^ conducted it as their super- intendent. He has carried on the store with efficiency and great sat- ^^2 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. isfaction to the company, and has m.ide it a ^l^^^^^f "^^^^^^^^^Vr Mr"^ a profitable investment to them. On the 7th ot ^aich, 1877, Mr Bdrd was married to Miss Sue Dunn. She was a d.u>g ei o f ^ ^ iam G. Dunn of this county who was a son ot James G. and Amei.ca P (McCall) Dunn, who settled near Milton from ^^"t^f 3^^,;.' ^.^^^.s' William G. Dunn was born in Fayette county, Ky., ^'^}'''^fyjf' i829, and after he grew up in Randolph county, --, --"^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ Sai-ih P Day, a daughter of Thomas Day, originally ot lennessee, on the 27Vh^of September 1853. Mr. Dunn had previously been to Cam-on.fa ^.d had followed mining there for two years Excepting this and a short time, a few years ago, while ^"g^S^^^^^^^^.^f^S business, ftu-ming and stock raising have been his ««"/tant puisu s in life. However, he was also for some time ^^P^/j^'^^^^^^.^^^^^^^J ^ Randolph Coal and Mining Company and he opened ^^^^ / ,f .^^"/^^^^^^^ on the railroad in the county. During the war he was in the militia ad after the war he was county superintendent of registration for two yarsand until the law was repealed. He has also served as justice of the peace and held other positions of less importance. Mi and Mrs. Dunn have three children : Susie, now Mrs. Fi-nk P. Baud MarvM now Mrs. Joseph Dameron ; and Sallie W., the wite oi Robert B'eaucamp, of French descent, who traces his ancestry directly to Le De Plon Beaucamp, the greatest orator, statesman, f dosophei metaphysician, economist and diplomat France ever pi'ocluced. Mr Tnd Mrs. Dunn are both members of the Christian Church Mi. b"s a descendant of Gen. Sir David Baird of England, who d.s- tino-uished himself by his services in the East Indies and in the expe- ditfon by which the Cape of Good Hope was taken, and subsequently afcorunir where the command of Sir John Moore devolved upon JAMES GRANVILLE BAKER (Farmer, Post Office Huntsville) . Mr B. owns one of the handsomest farms in Salt Spring townsliip, and is one of the respected, influential citizens of the township. He was a son of William ind Rhoda (Summers) Baker (the latter a daugh er of Abraham Summers), who .^ame from Kentucky to Missouri in 182 and settled near Fort Henry, in R^^»^^« ^^^ ^"""^y. They hve^^ this county until 1862, when they removed to Carroll «;'^«ty ^^^^^^^^^^ near Shootwman, where the father died December 20 1881, at the a e of about 80. The mother had died three years ^'''V^tlev They were both members of the Christian Churchy James G. Bake was born in Wayne county, Ky., December 25 1825, and was Tared on Dark's'prairie, in Randolph county, -hei-e his ^.u-en settled while he was in infancy. On the 15th of Jiine, 1857, he wa married to Miss Elizabeth Lay, a daughter of Frank Lay of SuntTvTlle! but originally of Virginia, where Mrs. Baker was born Ma^h ^^^^ Mr. Baker hadlbUowed forming prior to his mar- VZe, and then located at Callao, and was engaged in running a saw Ind^rist mill at that place for about three years. He was then HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 443 farming up to 1864, vvhen he resumed milling in his own neighbor- hood. He located on his present farm in 1859, and has continued here for the past 25 years. This was originally the Gov. Han- cock Jackson farm, and it also includes parts of the old Sconce and Dale farms. His farm contains 740 acres of fine land, and he is largely engaged in stock-raising. He has a fine blue-grass pasture of nearly 500 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have a family of six children: Binda F., now Mrs. Benjamin H. Hammett ; Jasper, Miller, Jimmy, Mollie and Euler. The first three were educated at Mt. Pleasant College. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Baker's fjirm is exceptionally well improved, and he has one of the finest residences in the township, if not in the county. His house was built just after the financial panic in 1873 when everything was cheap, and was erected at a cost of over $3,000. JAMES MADISON BAKER (Merchant, Huntsville) . It was away back in 1817 that Charles and Mary Baker, the grand- parents of the subject of this sketch, and both of whom were originally from Virginia, came from Kentucky, where their parents, respectively, we're early settlers, and settled three miles south-west of Huntsville, where the grandfather improved a farm. Four years later he removed to a tract of land one mile north-west of this city where he improved another farm on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1835. All of his family of children, Joseph, Charles, Noah C, Isaac, Elizabeth, and William, each of whom became the head of a family, are now deceased, dying in this county near Huntsville, except Isaac, who now resides near Cairo. William Baker, the sixth in the above family, who was born and reared in Kentucky, married Miss Sarah Montgomery in this county in 1822. Her father, John William Mont- gomery, came from Wayne county, Ky., from whence William Baker's parents also came in about 1818, and located in the north- western part of Howard county, where he lived until his death. William Baker lived on the old Baker homestead after his marriage until 1833, when he removed to Macon county, where he died during the fall of that year. His wife survived him until 1851, dying in this county. They had a family of four sons : Joseph, who died in tender years ; Charles Jackson, James Madison and Thomas Marion, the last three all residents of the county, the family having returned to this county immediately after the father's death, and settled three and a half miles west of Huntsville. James Madison Baker was born near Huntsville, February 14, 1828, and was reared in the county, being brought up, as most youths were in those early days, to a sturdy farm life. On the 22d of November, 1848, he was married to Miss Celia Baker, a cousin of his, and a daughter of Noah C. Baker, an old resident of the county. James Madison Baker continued to follow farming pursuits until 1857, when he opened a blacksmith shop at Thomasville, though not a blacksmith himself, which he carried on as 444 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. proprietor until 1865. In the meantime, however, on the outbreak of the war, in 1861, he enlisted in the State Southern service under Capt. Lowery, being made first lieutenant of the company which was organized at Ft. Henry. He subsequently participated in the battle at Lexington, but later along was discharged for disability resulting from rheumatism. In 1865 he took charge of the Randolph House at Huntsville, which he ran for a short time, and then engaged in merchandising at this place, which he followed with success up to a short time ago. Capt. Baker will soon re-engage in merchandising, being now waiting for the completion of a business house in which to open up a stock of goods. As a merchant and citizen he is well known to every one in Huntsville for miles round about the country tributary to this place, and he is as highly esteemed and respected as he is generally well known. He has had four children : William Noah, who died July 10, 1883, and was a prominent physician of the county prior to his death, a regular graduate of medicine, and also engaged in the drug store business; Joseph L., a sketch of whom follows this; Martha A. and James J. Martha A. is a graduate from the Fulton Deaf and Dumb College and is now at home. Capt. Baker has served as cnptain of the militia since the war, and has occupied the mayor's chair of Huntsville for some five years. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church South, and he is a Royal Arch Mason. JOSEPH L. BAKER (Proprietor of Baker's General Feed Store, Huntsville). The Baker family is one of the old and respected families of Ran- dolph county. Mr. Baker's grandfather came here among the early settlers of the county, and his father, James M. Baker" was born and reared in Huntsville town, which has continued to be his permanent home. The mother, whose maiden name was Celia Baker, a cousin to her husband, was also born and reared in the county. James M. Baker was long recognized as one of the progressive, enterprising merchants of Huntsville, and is one of its highly esteemed and well- to-do citizens. He reared a worthy family of children, and gave them good opportunities for an education. His success in life and the envi- able position he occupies as a citizen are the results almost alone of his own industry and merit, for he had little with which to start out in life. He came up at a time when school advantages were by no means of a high order, and when the opi)ortunities to accumulate means rapidly were far from being favorable. Yet, by the strength of his own character, his untiring industry and his studious habits, he has come to be not only a man fairly well situated in life, but one of fine intelligence and wide general information. Joseph L is the sec- ond in his family of children, having been born in 1855. Having al- ways had a taste for business pursuits, he decided to come to Huntsville and devote his energies to business life. Accordingly, he came here and eno-agfed in the feed store business, which he has since followed. Mr. Baker has had satisfactory success in the feed store business, and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 445 has built up a good trade. On the 11th of October, 1876, he was married to Miss Sarah Sutliff, a daughter of John Sutliff, of this county. She was born February 26, 1859. They have one child, William Oscar, born May 14, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are mem- bers of the M. E. Church, South. CAPT. WILLIAMI'H. BALTHIS (Editor of the Huntsville Herald, Huntsville). Capt. Balthis, a newspaper man of long experience, and a gentle- man who is esteemed wherever known for his high character as a man and his worth as a citizen, has been identified with the Herald at Huntsville for nearly five years, and during that time the paper has made steady and substantial progress, not only in value as a business investment, but in influence and reputation as a journal. Capt. Balthis is a native of the Old Dominion, and by his services as a soldier has proved himself to be a worthy son of the old Common- wealth that gave him bifth. He was born in Front Royal, May 24, 1843, and was a son of William and Margaret A. Balthis, one of the respected families of that place. Capt. Balthis' early education was rather limited, he having quit the local academy of his town, whilst still in boyhood, of his own accord and in order to learn the printing business. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the case in the office of the Virginia Valley Gazette, a paper published at Front Royal. Subsequently he worked a short time in the same office as journeyman. Later along he quit tiie printing business to accept a situation in a tin and stove establishment of that place, in which he continued until the outbreak of the war. On the first call of the Governor of Virginia to defend the State against invasion, young Balthis promptly offered himself as a volunteer and was accepted, entering the service as a drummer boy. This was on the 18th of April, 1861, and for four years and eight daj's following he followed the three-barred banner of the South with unfaltering devo- tion and bravery, and until it went down in defeat to rise no more perhaps for generations. By his merits as a soldier and his gallantry, he rose from grade to grade until he became the captain of one of the most dashing and intrepid cavalry companies in the army of Northern Virginia. He commanded Co. A, of the Twenty-first Virginia cavalry for over two years, and until after Lee's surrender. His company was noted in the army for its superior drill and ])ravery. Capt. Balthis commanded the last skii-mish line in front of his brigade at Appomat- tox, but withdrew with his division before the articles of surrender were signed by Gen. Lee. Afterwards he reported at Gen. Hancock's headquarters at Winchester and was paroled April 26, 1865. After the surrender Capt. Balthis returned to Front Royal and engaged in the tin and stove business. However, he soon determined to come to Missouri, and accordingly, in March, 1866, sold out in Virginia and moved to this State, locating at Brunswick, where he obtained a situ- ation in the office of the Bmnswicker. In the fall of the followincj 446 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. year he purchased Judge Winslow's interest in the Brunswicker, and became an equal partner with J. B. Naylor in the ownership and pub- lication of that paper. Capt. Balthis continued identified with the Brunswickei' for some eight years, but in 1875 sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the grocery store business at Brunswick. The year following, however, he retired from the grocery business and went to Joplin, where he was speculating in mines for a short time. It was in February, 1878, that he came to Huntsville, and here, in partnership with Mr. H. O. Collins, he established the Ran- dolph Vindicator, becoming also associate editor of that paper. They conducted the Vindicator for about a year, at the expiration of which time they suspended its publication, and soon afterwards Capt. Balthis purchased a half interest in the Hergld from Mr. T. M. Elmore, and became associate editor of the paper with Dr. John T. Fort, who pre- viously had editorial charge of it. The September following Dr. Fort retired from the paper and Capt. Balthis became sole editor. Since then he and Mr. Elmore have conducted the paper together, the former having charge of the editorial and mechanical departments, and the latter the business management. The Herald, as every one knows, is one of the leading papers of Randolph county, and, indeed, one of the prominent and influential cosmopolitan journals of this section of the State. It has a large circulation, and as an advertising medium has few equals among the country papers of North-east Mis- souri. Capt. Balthis is an excellent, writer and a man of independence of mind and expressions, and though an earnest Democrat, he never permits party interests to come between him and his care for the best interests of Randolph county and the people at large. On the 8th of June, 1869, Capt. Balthis was married to Miss Laura T. Spencer, eldest daughter of Thomas H. Spencer, a well-to-do and respected farmer residing near Brunswick. This union has been blessed with five children, three of whom are living, a son and two daughters JACOB M. BERGSTRESSER (Proprietor of the Huntsville City Mills). Mr. Bergstresser, though a young man, less than 30 years of age, has charge of one of the important mills of the county, and is con- ducting it with marked energy and success. The mill has a capacity of 30 barrels a day, and carries a large stock of grain regularly. Mr. Bergstresser is a thoroughly capable and skillful miller, and under his management the flour bearing the brand of the " City Mills " has obtained great popularity, and he has a constant demand for all and more than he can manufacture. He is a native of the old Keystone State, and was born at Carlisle, in Cumberland county, October 10, 1855. His parents were John and Catherine (Gaymon) Bergstresser, and Jacob M. was reared in his native State. In 1872 he and two of his brothers came to Missouri — John and Henry. He remained until 1876 engaged in milling in South-east Missouri. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and was engaged in milling at Charabersburg from HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 447 1876 to 1879, coming thence back to Missouri antl locating in Randolph county. Here he was engaged in the sewing machine business, with headquarters at Moberlj, until 1881, when he took charge of the City Mills at Huntsville. His brother, John, is with him in the milling business, although the latter now resides at Moberl3^ Their mill is valued at $5,000, and is fitted up with an excellent class of machinery, and is in excellent shape and condition. Their business is steadily increasing, and in time they expect to greatly enlarge its capacity for the manufacture of flour, meal, etc. HENEY H. BERGSTRESSEE (Dealer in Groceries, Queen' s-ware, Tin-ware, etc., Huntsville). Mr. Bergstresser, who is a brother of Jacob M., whose sketch precedes this, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 16, 1842, and was reared in that county. His father was a miller by occupation, and Henry H., like Jacob M., was brought up to that calling. On the 10th of January, 1868, he was married to Miss Jennie E. Hurley, and he continued to reside in that county, engaged in the milling Ijusiness, until 1879, when he came to Missouri and embarked, as clerk for his brother John, in the grocery business at Moberly. Two years later he came to Huntsville and took charge of the City Mills at this place, which he conducted with success until 1881. He then engaged in the grocery trade at Huntsville, and has since followed it. He has a good stock of groceries and other goods in the lines mentioned above, and an excellent trade. He is attentive to business, deals fairly, and is enterprising, and is getting along exceedingly well. Mr. and Mrs. Bergstresser have four children : Jennie, Mary Maud, Ulysses Grant and Harry E. JAMES G. BIBB (Dealer in Harness, Huntsville). The subject of this sketch was born in Russellville, Logan county, Ky., and is »a brother of Gov. Henry G. Bibb, a distinguished lawyer of that State and eminent in its political aff\iirs, having held various official positions of distinction, including the office of lieuten- ant-governor. Their parents were Henry G. and Elizabeth (Poe) Bibb, originally of Virginia, but who moved to Russellville, Logan county, Ky., in the year 1818. James G. Bibb lived upon a farm until he was 17 years old ; he then began to learn the saddlery and harness maker's trade, and has worked at it from that time to this with but little interruption. In 1853 he came to Missouri and located at Glasgow, where he carried on business for four years. Then coming to Huntsville he has since resided here, and he has been engaged in his present line of business except about four years, be- tween 1862 and 1867, when he conducted a grocery store. In 1865 he was elected justice of the peace of Salt Spring township, and has held the office through all the vicissitudes of politics by consecutive 448 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY re-elections from that day to this, and has tried during his officia career about 2,000 civil and criminal causes ; and such has been the con- fidence in his ability and integrity as a justice that but few appeak have been taken from his decisions to the higher courts. No more worthy certificate could be required of his standing and character as a man than is afforded by the fact of his long continuance in office, run- ning through a period of 19 years continuously. It was through his efibrts that the official records of Randolph county were saved to the people. When the court-house, in which they were deposited, was on fire, and when dismay was depicted on every countenance and no one knew what to do, he, amid the fire and smoke and falling brick and burning timbers, rushed into the building and saved the deed books and court records from destruction. For this act alone the people of Randolph county will ever hold him in grateful remembrance. He is one of the fine old gentlemen of Randolph county, a man of broad in- telligence, large heart, and always courteous and obliging, one of that class of men whom the communities in which they live are glad to claim as citizens and who always command the respect and confidence of those around them. His life has been one of strict integrity, worthy industry, and always solicitous for the best interests of society. Though not a rich man, he is more Qontent with his worldly posses- sions than many whose estates are far greater, for he has never considered the possession of wealth the greatest reward of life, but on the contrary has striven to live correctly and without reproach, so that when old age should come he would fall under the shadow of no man's ill will. WILLIAM BLAIR, M.D^ (Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville, Mo,). Dr. Blair, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession for nearly half a century, and has been located at Huntsville for the past 25 years, is a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ances- try, being a representative of the same family from which Gen. Frank P. Blair, of this State, descended. Prior to the* Revolution, five of the Blair brothers came to America from the North of Ire- land, and from these, most, if not all of the Blairs of the United States sprang, including Gen. Frank P. Blair, who was a second cousin to the subject of this sketch, their ancestor of the fourth generation being the same. The brothers who came over were: James, Archibald, John, Brice and Thomas. Brice Blair was the grandfather of Dr. William Blair. John Blair, a son of Brice Blair, married Miss Mary Purdeau, a daughter of William Purdeau, who came over from France and settled in Pennsylvania. John Blair had a family of 11 children, and Dr. Blair was the second of these. James and Mary are in Iowa, Charity lives at Bedford, Pa., and John S. is at Frankfort, Va. All the rest are deceased. The parents both died in Pennsylvania — the father in 1853 and the mother in 1878, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. Dr. Blair was born HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 449 at Flint Stone creek, in Bedford county, Pa., May 20, 1811, and was reared on his father's farm, in his native county, until he was 18 years of age, when, having been of studious habits and having a quick, active mind, he had acquired a good English education, and he began school-teaching. He became quite successful and popular as a school-teacher, and continued it for four years. In the mean- time, he had decided to devote himself to the medical profession, and having saved up some means with which to prosecute his studies, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Scott, of Bedford county, applying himself with unflagging diligence and energy for about two years. He was now qualified to engage in the practice, and he began practice in his native county and continued it with success until 1853, when he took a course of lectures in medicine and surgery in the med- ical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He resumed practice and has continued it from that time to this without inter- ruption, except while attending medical college a second term, at the conclusion of which he was duly graduated. Dr. Blair came to Mis- souri in 1859 and located at Huntsville, where he has since resided. His house, then in the outskirts of town, was in the woods, and the county was but little more than a wilderness. In 1861, Dr. Blair, like nearly all of his name in this country, took sides unequivocally for the Union, and didn't go behind the bush to express his convictions or act upon them. He identified himself promptly and actively with the Union element in the State, and, the value of his services as a physician and surgeon being appreciated, he was made post sur- geon of the Third Iowa, two companies stationed at Huntsville in Feb- ruary and March, 1862, and two companies of Merril's Horse. In March, 1863, Gen. Gamble commissioned him surgeon of the Fiftieth regiment, and he was also detailed surgeon of the First Provincial regiment, E. M. M., with headquarters at Mexico. Later along he was made regimental surgeon of the Forty-sixth E. M. M., and was commissioned under Col. A. F. Denny, Col. J. D. Douglass being colonel of the First Provisional regiment, where he was retained as examining physician for seven months, when he resigned. He was then commissioned surgeon, by Gov. Willard P. Hall, of the Forty-sixth E. M. M., and was stationed at Huntsville until the close of the war. In November, 1863, Dr. Blair was appointed one of the examining physicians for the pension ofiice (serving under Baker and Van Arnum, commissioners of pensions), and he has held that position ever since. Dr. Blair was quite active and use- ful in organizing the militia of Randolph county during the war for the Union service, and continued in the service until 1866, In the gen- eral practice of his profession he has been quite successful, and has long been recognized as one of the leading physicians of the county. Personally, he is a man of high character and is of a kind, generous disposition, and much esteemed by the people wherever he is known. He is a man of strong character, great mental vigor, and as deter- mined and resolute, almost, as the laws of nature ; for whatever he conceives to be right and proper to do, he will do it, or make the 450 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. attempt, though the heavens fall. This is a characteristic of the Blair family, and it is this unconquerable resolution that makes them men of consequence and influence wherever their fortunes are cast. On the 19th of March, 1833, Dr. Blair was married to Miss Rachel Hend- rickson, of Alleghany county, Maryland. She lived to brighten his home for nearly half a century, but at last went the way of all flesh, and her spirit passed through glory's morning gate on the 17th of August, 1881. They had a family of ten children : Jonathan, the eldest, died in infancy ; Martha died while the wife of J. T. Devore ; Sarah is the widow of Rev. William Hanley, formerly a Methodist minister of Breckinridge ; Eliza died in infancy, as did also John ; Norval W. is at home ; Albert died in the Union army at the age of 17 ; Lydia J. P., the wife of W. G. True, of Moberly ; Clara, the wife of Thomas A. Craig, of Macon ; and Arabella is the wife of Charles C. Ford, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Dr. Blair is a member of the Methodist Church, as was his wife for many years prior to her death. C. BOYD, A.B., A.M. and M.D. (Proprietor of the Rutherford House, Huntsville) . Dr. Boyd, an old Marylander, and one of the best educated men in this section of the State, as well as a physician of nearly 20 years' experience in the active practice, has been engaged in the hotel busi- ness at Huntsville for more than eleven years past, and has become widely and favorably known by the traveling public throughout this State, and, indeed, generally in this section of the country, as one of the most popular landlords and capable and successful hotel men con- nected with the business. He is from Baltimore to Huntsville and was born in Frederick county, Maryland, May 16, 1826. Dr. Boyd received his general education at Dickinson College, one of the lead- ing institutions of learning of Pennsylvania, in which he took com- plete literary, scientific and classical courses, graduating in 1846 among the first in a class, several of whose members have since be- come distinguished in life. He was honored by his Alma Mater with both the degrees of A.B. and A.M., to which his attainments fully entitled him. He had pursued his general educational course with the view of becoming a physician, and immediately following his graduation he began the study of medicine. He continued the study without interruption and with assiduity, and in due time entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, second to no institution of medical learning in the United States. He graduated in medicine with high honor in 1850, and at once returned to Mary- land and entered upon his career in the practice at the city of Balti- more. He was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in that city for many years, but at last decided to come West and make his home in Missouri. Accordingly, in 1869, he came to this State and located at Huntsville where he has since resided. Here he se- cured the Rutherford House, which he has conducted since its opening. Dr. Boyd has made this house one of the most popular cosmopolitan HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 451 hotels in Missouri. A man of culture and refinement, and a perfect gentleman in every sense of the word, he not only knows how to treat guests properly, but has the heart and manhood to do his full duty to them. He strives to conduct his house so that the traveler will feel as nearly contented, comfortable and at ease under the roof of the Rutherford as one away from his own home and family could possibly be situated. His house is the delight of the commercial men, and on their long journeys they look forward to the time when they will stop with him, as the caravanist on the desert looks forward to the time when he will rest under the shade of the green trees, and on the velvety lawn of an oasis and be lulled to sleep by the music of sing- ing birds and the murmuring flow of the cool waters of perennial springs. Dr. Boyd keeps his beds as clean as the snow as it descends from heaven, and his rooms as comfortable and cozy as the chamber that was prepared at eventide for the lovely Lalla Rookh as she journeyed on to her waiting and fondly expectant lover ; and the table that the Rutherford presents is such as to make the epicure think that the millenium has come, while the gourmand seems to loose self-con- sciousness as he dines, or at least, to know only that there is a perfect sea of good thino-s before him and all that he has to do is to eat until, like Tam O'Shanter, he shall be " o'er all the ills of life victorious." In a word, there are few such hotels in the interior of the State for neatness, comfort and menu as Dr. Boyd keeps ; and personally he is one of the most popular landlords, as all the traveling public know. On the 5th of June, 1872, Dr. Boyd was married to Miss Virginia Boulware, of Renick, this county. They have no children. JUDGE GEORGE H. BURCKHARTT (Huntsville) . For nearly a quarter of a century Judge Burckhartt has occupied with honor and ability the bench of the judicial circuit of North-east Missouri, which includes the county of his residence — Randolph. During this long service his life has of course become intimately inter- woven with the judicial history of the State. For years he has been regarded as one of the ablest judges and most upright men on the cir- cuit bench, and his opinions command the highest consideration and respect, both from the profession and the public at large. Judge Burckhartt descends from one of the pioneer families of Mis- souri. His grandfather, Christopher F. Burckhartt, was a native of Maryland, and a gallant 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 How- ard county, where he lived until his death, one of the worthy and re- spected 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., the subject of the present sketch. 452 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, George Burckhartt, pere, was retired in Frederick county, Mary- land, and was married in Jefferson county, Kentucky, to Miss Ruth Dorsey, a representative of another old and respected Maryhind fam- ily. George Burckhartt and family came to Missouri five years after his father, and also settled in Howard county. But in 1820 he re- moved over into Randolph county, where he resided for many years. He died in Howard county, to which he had returned 10 years pre- viously, in 1864, when 83 years of age. He was a man of fine intel- ligence and high character, and was one of the prominent citizens of Randolph county. Before coming to Missouri he had served under Harrison in the War of 1812, and it was on account of his absence in the array that he did not follow his father sooner, as he had in- tended to do, to this State. In Randolph 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 count}', and was a member from Randolph after it was organized. He was a farmer by occupation, as was also his father, and, considering the times in which he lived and his opportunities, 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 homestead, six miles south-east of Huntsville, September 11, 1823. He was brought up to. agricultural pursuits and, of course, in this section of the country at that early day, had only limited school advantages. From an early age, however, he sliowed a marked taste for study, and besides the instruction he received in the occasional common schools kept in the neighborhood, he im- proved his leisure to good advantage by study at home. John Stuart Mill says that the distinctions between men arise not so much from the superior natural ability of one over another, as from the inspiration of aml)ition which stimulates the one to higher ex- ertions than the other. This ambition to rise to prominence and usefulness in life young Burckhartt had, and it is perhaps due quite as much to this as to his sterling natural ability, which all recog- nize, that he rose to the enviable position he has so long occupied and adorned. Pursuing his studies with unabated zeal and assiduity when young, he soon became qualified to teach school, and capable school- teachers were in much request in this section of the country at that time. In September, 1839, he began teaching in Monroe county, and he continued to teach for two years. In the meantime he had determined to devote himself to the legal profession, and during his leisure, while teaching, he pursued a regu- lar course of study preparatory to his admission to the bar. In 1843 he was duly admitted to practice law by Judge P. McBride, of Mon- roe, sitting at Paris, Monroe county, Mo., and he immediately afterwards entered upon the practice of his profession at Huntsville, HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 453 Mo. His sound, sober, good sense and his close attention to business, united with his high character and habits of study, and his close investigation of the law and facts of every case entrusted to him, soon made a favorable impression on the community as to his ability and worth as a lawyer, and he was not long in securing an excellent and lucrative practice. His rise in his profession as a practitioner was steady and substantial, and he had not been at the bar many years before he became recognized as one of the soundest lawyers and most successful practitioners in the Huntsville circuit. He was al- ways 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. Judge Burckhartt is possessed of a mind broad and logical in its operations, considerably of the philosophic cast, and he views ques- tions which come up for consideration not only as to their immediate causes and eflects, but as to the general principles which they in- volve and their relations with other questions of a kindred nature, and the influence, directly and ultimately, a given decision would have. Thus in the practice, whilst he was an untiring student of his cases, consulting all the law and precedents bearing upon them and, at the same time, more than ordinarily careful and exact in preparing his pleadings, and arranging and presenting his testimony, he de- pended more for success in the trial of causes upon some one or more principles of law involved, upon which he asked a favorable decision, than upon anything else — either technical advantages, influence as a speaker, or otherswise. He was therefore, principally, what is termed a court lawyer, as contradistitiguished from a jury hnvyer. Before the court his career was one of distinguished success i'or, being a fine lawyer himself, he w^as seldom found presenting a case for considera- tion in which there was not solid merit on his side, and never one in which he did not believe that he was in the right. Being thus an able and honorable practitioner, he was almost invariably successful with his cases before the court. And when he went to the jury he was usually so well prepared with instructions that it was not a difiicult task for him to make their way clear to a verdict for his client. While Judge Burckhartt never claimed to be a great orator, he was always a clear, forcible and convincing speaker, and generally carried the convictions of his hearers with him in his train of argument. Of- ten, 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 senti- ment, he never failed to carry the hearts of those who heard him with their convictions, which he had alread}'^ secured. Long before he went on the bench, he Avas regarded on all hands as one of the leading lawyers of North-east Missouri, and he commanded a large practice, both in the circuit courts and in the State Supreme Court. Recocrnizing his eminent fitness and qualifications for the position, in 1862 he was elected circuit judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, 445 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. and in 1864 he was re-elected. 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 re-elected in 1868. Since then he has been consecutively re-elected and has held that office con- tinuously up to the present time. As a judge, he has more than ful- filled the high expectations of those who honored him with their confidence and esteem in placing him in that grave and responsible office. A man of sound judgment and wide and thorough legal learn- ing, clear-headed and penetrating in investigating the merits of a cause, and anxious to do justice for the love of justice and that the dignity and majesty of the law may be upheld, his administration of his office has been such as to reflect lasting honor upon a position, which of itself would be an honor to any man to hold. Such are the weight and influence of his opinions on the bench, that fewer cases are appealed to the Supreme Court from his circuit, consider- ing the number and importance of cases tried, than from any other cir- cuit in the State, as the writer is informed by a prominent practitioner in the Supreme Court who has had every opportunity to know. An able lawyer and a learned judge, his ability and learning are only equaled by his high character and incorruptibility. *' With an equal scale He weighs the offenses betwixt man and man; He is not so soothed with adulation, Nor moved with tears to wrest the course of justice Into an unjust current, to oppress the innocent; Nor does he make the laws Punish the man, but in the man the cause." Though taking only the interest of a public-spirited citizen in poli- tics, since the demise of the Whig party Judge Burckhartt has voted the Democratic ticket, or rather he cast his first Democratic vote for George B. McClellan, having voted for Bell and Everett in 1860. During the war he was a steadfast Union man, but as bitterly depre- cated the excesses committed in the name of the Union as he de- nounced the outrages perpetrated on the other side. As a patriotic citizen he was for the Union above and beyond everything else, and he felt that after that was restored other things would soon right themselves. In this, time has already vindicated the wisdom and cor- rectness of his position. On the 16th of October, 1849, Judge Burckhartt was married to Miss Amanda McCampbell, a daughter of Wallace McCampbell, an extensive farmer and respected citizen of Randolph county, who set- tled in that county from Jessamine county, Ky., in an early day. This union has proved a long and happy one, and was blessed with seven children : John, who died at the age of 24 ; George Dorsey, who resides in this county some 10 miles south-west of Huntsville ; Maria, who is now the wife of J. A. Heether, a sketch of whom ap- pears in this volume ; Wallace, Odon, Guitar, the last two of whom are at home. Miss Ella being in school at Stephens' College, at Co- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 455 lumbia. The Judge has been a prominent member of the Masonic order for 30 years. *' Throughout his entire career," says a biographer of his life, "Judge Burckhartt has been characterized by prompt and energetic action and careful attention to business. Independent in thought, social and genial in manner, and inflexible in integrity, he has attained to that success and lives in the enjoyment of that reward which are the natural outgrowth of a true life." JUDGE MAY M. BURTON (Retired Farmer and Merchant). To give the history of the Burton family in Randolph county in all its details would be to write much of the history of the county itself, for representatives of this family were among the early settlers of the county, and its members have been more or less prominently identified with agricultural, business and public afitiirs here from the pioneer days of the country. It cannot be fairly expected that, in the space to which a sketch must be confined in this volume, anything like a complete review of the history of an old and prominent family can be given, but it is proposed 'to furnish such a frame-work of facts that at some future time a more perfect review may be written, if circum- stances call for its production. Judge Burton's father was originally from Virginia, though his parents became pioneer settlers of Kentucky, where the son, whose name was also May (the father of the Judge), was reared. After he grew up he lived in Kentucky until the out- break of the War of 1812, when he went bravely to the front in the defence of his country. He served with gallantry throughout that entire struggle, and was in the battle of the Thames, in which the celebrated Indian chief, Tecumseh, was killed, young May being present at the time he was slain in the progress of the battle. He remained in Kentucky after the war, until 1819, and was married in that State to Miss Nancy Woolfolk. He then removed to Missouri and settled near Higbee. He commenced in this county with prac- tically no means, having little more than his team and rifle, with a family to care for besides. He was a man of great courage and resolution, and even greater industry and intelligence. He went to work with a brave heart and willing hands, and opened a large farm. In time he became one of the wealthy and prominent farmers of the county and one of its leading citizens. He lived here until his death, respected and esteemed by all, and to the advanced age of 80 years. Two of his brothers also came to Randolph county, Elijah and James, both of whom are also now deceased. May Burton had a family of five children who grew to maturity, namely, Burrilla, who became the wife of Thomas J. Gordon, a leading citizen of the countj', and a State Senator from this district, but now deceased ; Irene, the wife of J. W. Waller, of Kentucky; Ambrose W., who was county and government surveyor prior to the war, but is now deceased; Joseph W., who resides near Higbee, and Judge May M., the subject of this 24 456 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. sketch. Three others died young, William, Edna, and John C. Judge May M. Burton was born in this county, December 14, 1822, and was reared on his father's farm. His father being a man in good circumstances, the son was given an excellent general education. In early life he started as a school teacher, which he fol- lowed for several years, and became quite popular and successful in his chosen calling. On the 5th of December, 1845, he was married to Miss Minerva Brooks, a danghter of William H. and Susan (Pyle) Brooks, of this county. After his marriage Judge Burton settled down and engaged in farming. He secured quite an extensive tract of land near his father's old homestead, on which he resided and con- tinued farming and stock raising until 1870. Inheriting to a marked degree the stronger and better qualities of his father's character, he, too, became successful in agricultural life, and quite prominent as a citizen. In 1856 he was elected to the Legislature over George Settle, a prominent man of the county, by a large majority. In 1870 he was elected a member of the county court, and has since been re-elected from time to time, having served in all nearly eight years. The year that he was first elected a member of the county court he retired from the farm and engaged in mercantile business in Higbee, Mo,, and in 1878 he moved to Sweet Springs, in Saline county, where he continued for about three years. Returning to the farm in 1881, he has since lived a retired life, having an ample competency on which to rely as old age comes on apace, and something to leave each of his children. Judge Burton's first wife died in April, 1881. She had borne him two sons who survive: Ambrose C. and William H., both of whom are carrying on the farm at the old homestead. Judge Bur- ton was married to his present wife July 5, 1883. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Lassiter, a daughter of Henry Lassiter, an early settler of the county from Kentucky. Her first husband, Robert G. Gilman, was for many years treasurer of the county and one of its most highly respected citizens. He died November 9, 1872. The Judge is a man still hale and well preserved. His eye is as bright and his step as elastic as would be expected of one 10 or 15 years his junior. Only 62 years of age as yetj to all appearances he stilljhas a future of much activity and usefulness. No man in the county is more highly esteemed. JUDGE SAMUEL and JAMES M. BURTON (Post-ofRce, Huntsville). The Burton family is one of the oldest in the section of country where they reside. Judge Burton's parents, Francis H. and Zilpha (Love) Burton, came to Randolph county in 1831, settling near Roa- noke. Four years later they removed to Salt Springs wher-e they lived until their death. The father died in the spring of 1857, in the sixty-eighth year of his aa;e, from being thrown from a horse. He was justice of the peace of Salt Spring township for many years. His wife died in 1862. They were from North Carolina and the family was I HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 457 originally from the North of England whence they came to America in the colonial days of the country and settled in Virginia. From there branches of the family established themselves in North Carolina and a number of other States. Judge Burton was the oldest in their family of 11 children, the others being : Able F., who died at the age of 35 ; Frances, who died while the wife of Samuel Blanker- ship in 1858 ; David, who died in Chariton county in 1881 ; Eliza- beth, who died in 1864, the wife of Thomas Mathis ; Hutchins, of this county; Barbara, now Mrs. William Scritchfield, near Macon City ; James D., of this county ; Jane, now Mrs. Richard Belmear, of Hunts- ville ; and William, who died at the age of 35 and was a twin with David. Judge Samuel Burton, the subject of this sketch, was born in Caswell county. North Carolina, March 27, 1812, and was therefore reared in the old North State. He came out to Randolph county with his parents, and on the 2()th of May, 1834, was married to Miss Frances L., a sister to George Dameron. He had already be- gun farming for himself and has continued it up to the present time. In 1846 he settled on his present place. From his marriage up to the time of coming to the farm where he now lives, although interested in farming, he had lived in Huntsville and was identified with business at that place. Since locatina: on his farm, however, he has followed farming exclusively, united with stock raising. Judge Burton's farm contains 250 acres and he is comfortably situated. He has long been engaged in tobacco raising and has found it a very profital)le branch of industry. In 1866 he was elected judge of the county court and served four years on the bench with efficiency and with satisfaction to the public. He is a man of considerable prominence in the county and represented the county, in part, in the convention which nomi- nated that time-honored old statesman for governor, John S. Phelps. He has also been a delegate to district conventions and to various other meetings of the Democratic party. The Judge's wife died in 1859. She left him seven children: James M., Able F., Sarah A., married William Cooley, and died in 1857 ; William W., who was killed in the Confederate army under Pemberton at the siege of Vicksburg in 1863 ; Elizabeth H., now Mrs. B. S. Darr ; George B., died in 1876, leaving a family ; Martha M., now Mrs. Thomas Mayo ; Thomas S., and Eva now Mrs. N. Thomas Mathis. The Judge has been a member of the M. E. Church South for over 40 years. James M. Burton, present assessor of Randolph county and the eldest in his father's family of children, was born February 26, 1836. At the age of 19, having received a good common school edu- cation, he began teaching school, and continued it during the winter months for about 11 years. He became very prominent and pop- ular as a school teacher, and his services were in request wherever he was known. It was the many acquaintances that he formed by teach- ing school and the favorable impression he made that contributed very largely to his election to office afterwards. In 1875 Mr. Burton was ap- pointed deputy sheriff and deputy collector of the county, a position 458 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. he held for three years. He was then deputy assessor for four years, and in 1882 he was elected assessor. Mr. Burton was quite popular in the positions he held, and is now regarded as one of the most capa- ble and efficient assessors the county ever had. During the war he served one year in the militia and was lieutenant under Capt. Hicks. On the 17th of October, 1856, Mr. Burton was married to Miss Anna E. Cockrill, a daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Duncan) Cockrill, who settled in this county from Kentucky in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have eight children: Thomas J., Frances L., Quantrell Lawrence, Ella D., Olive B., John A., Anna M. and Mary L. Frances L. is now the wife of John Jennings of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Burton are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. B. is a Royal Arch in the Masonic order. MARY CARLSTED (Residence, Section 7, Township 53, Range 15, near Huntsville). Mrs. Carlsted is the widow of Christian Carlsted, who died oh the farm where she now resides November 18, 1877. She was born in Bavaria, June 26, 1839, and was a daughter of Gotleib P. Klink, of the Kino;dom of Bavaria. Mrs. Carlsted was reared in her native country, and when 20 years of age came to America with her brother, Philip Klink, their parents having previously died in the old country. Two years after her arrival in the United States, on the 9th of November, 1861, she was married to Mr. Carlsted. He was born in Prussia in 1836, and was therefore three years her senior. When he was 13 years of age, in 1849, he came to the New World, locating at first in Ohio. Later along he came to Missouri, and finally located in Randolph county. Here he met and married Miss Klink, the subject of this sketch, as stated above. After their mar- riage they settled on the farm where she now resides. Mrs. Carl- sted has a good farm of over 200 acres, and she and her sons are eno;ao-ed in stock-raisino;. Her husband left her five children : Sallie, now Mrs. John A. Burton ; William W., Florence S., Cassie D. and Mary C. Mrs. Carlsted and her children are members of the Mission- ary Baptist Church. MARK A. COOLEY (Assistant Superintendent of the Woodard Coal and Mining Company, Huntsville). Mr. Cooley, a prominent member of the above company, is a self- made young man, having accumulated all he has by his own in- dustry and intelligence. He was born in Batavia, Kane county, 111., January 12, 1854. His parents were Allison and Alice M. (Peck) Cooley, and Mark A. was reared at Batavia. When a young man, or rather while still a youth, he worked two years on the Rock Island Railroad, and in 1875 came to Hannibal, Mo., and worked at the cabinet maker's trade, which he had previously learned, for two years. The summer of 1880 he spent in Colorado, and in the spring of the following j'^ear he came to Huntsville. Here he has since been identified with the coal business. He and Mr. Chipman have HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 459 been the leading owners of mine No. 3 for some time, and in June, 1882, that shaft and mine No. 2 were consolidated, and Mr. Cooley has since been assistant superintendent of the consolidated mine, having charge of the outside work of the bank, attending to the pur- chase of supplies, to the sales of coal, shipments, etc., etc. Mr. Cooley is a live, energetic man, and with the start he already has and his business qualifications and enterprise, he will doubtless become a more than ordinarily well-to-do citizen, no Providential hinderance intervening. On the 18th of April, 1882, Mr. Cooley was married to Miss Mollie L. Wilber, of Hannibal. ANDREW COX (Contractor and Builder, Huntsville). Mr. Cox, a thorough practical carpenter himself, is one of the lead- ing and most practical men in his line in this part of the county. His father before him was a carpenter and contractor, and to this occupa- tion young Cox was brought up. Being a man of more than ordinary, natural intelligence, and having worked at his trade faithfully from boyhood with but little interruption, it is not surprising that he has risen to a prominent position in his calling'. He now has charge of the construction of the opera house at this city, and has been the leading contractor and builder of Huntsville for a number of years. Mr. Cox is a native of New York, born in Orange county, near West Point, November 20, 1840. He was reared in New York, and received a good common English education in the local schools. At an early age he began the carpenter's trade under his father, and continued it up to the outbreak of the war. During the war he worked in the United States arsenal, and afterwards resumed general work at his trade. Later along he was superintendent of a small arms and ammu- nition manufactory at Springfield, Mass. In 1869 Mr. Cox came to Huntsville, having previously move West, and has since followed his business at this place. He is a man of character and business en- terprise, and has the confidence of the entire community. His busi- ness and reputation are steadily increasing. Mr. Cox's parents were Andrew and Rosanna (McRane) Cox, both natives of New York. WARREN T. DAMERON, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). Dr. Dameron commenced the practice of medicine in Randolph county in 1849 and has been continuously engaged in the practice at Huntsville since 1851, a period of 33 years. In 1850 he was attracted to California by the gold excitement, but was absent only a year. As a physician it is not less than the truth requires to be said that his life has been one of excellent success. Possessed to a marked degree of the natural aptitutes and mental qualities, without which one can not hope for success in the practice of medicine, he has pursued his chosen calling with that fixedness of purpose and industry both as a 4:60 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. student and practitioner, which wonld have made him successful even with less ability than he possesses and with less adaptability to the profession. In a short biographical sketch it is of course not expected, nor would it be proper to go into the details of the career of the subject in his business, industrial or professional activities. Nor can any ex- ception be made to this rule in the present case, although the subject is fairly worthy of a more than ordinary notice in the present volume. Let it be sufficient to say, however, that both as a physician and a man his life has been one of marked usefulness and without reproach. Personally, he is highly thought of by all who know him and highest by those who have known him longest and know him best. He is possessed of many qualities that draw around him warm and true friends and make him esteemed bv those amonof whom he lives. Dr. Dameron commenced life for himself without means or other advant- ages except the education, a good practical one, which his worthy and venerated father greatly assisted him to obtain. His Either wisely believed that the best heritage he could leave his children was an hon- ored name, an upright character and a good education, and these he transmitted to them all. Warren T. Dameron was born in North Carolina August 15, 1822, and was one in a family of 13 chil- dren. His parents were George B. and Mary W. Moore Dameron, who were reared and married in Virginia. The father was of French de- scent and the mother of English origin. They removed to North Carolina and later along, in ISB^, to Missouri, locating in Randolph county, where they lived until their death. The father was a farmer by occupation and was in comfortable circumstances. Both he and his wife were earnest and active members of the Methodist Church. He was especially active and zealous in church work as a lay member. He was a man of decided convictions and clear, sober intelligence, much given to thought, and therefore an instructive conversationalist to those with whom he conversed. In politics he was a sterling Jack- son Democrat, and all of his sons who grew up to be men followed in his footsteps, and those still living are unfaltering in their party fealty. He died December 18, 1848, widely and profoundly regretted, for he was one of the most esteemed citizens of the pioneer days of the county. Dr. Dameron was reared on the farm and educated in the local schools of the county. He subsequently studied medicine and afterwads attended Medical College from which he was duly grad- uated in 1849. Dr. Dameron has been twice married. First, in 1849 to Miss Frances A. Horner, a daughter of M. and Keturah Horner, of this county. She died in 1859. September, 1863, he was married to his last wife, Mrs. Laura McLean, a daughter of Noah and Nancy Kingsbury, of Howard county, one of the best families of that county. She was educated at Columbia, Mo. Her first, husband, Dr. John McLean, died in 1858. Dr. Dameron has three children, one a son, George M., aged 34, bv his first wife, and two by his last wife, Lulie W., 18 years old, and Clifford Lee, seven years old. His first wife was a member of the M. E. Church, as was also his last wife, and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 461 the Doctor himself has been a member of that church from boyhood. He has long been an official member of the church and all his brothers and sisters followed the same faith, except a sister who married a Presbyterian minister, and very naturall}' identified her*elf with her husband's denomination. But four of Dr. Dameron's father's family. of children are now living. ANDREW MONROE ELLINGTON (Attorney at Law and Postmaster, Huntsville). Mr. Ellington, a 3'oung attorney of some seven years' experience in the practice, and a lawyer of thorough preparatory training, both literary and professional, as well as a young gentleman of good ability and excellent business habits, is a native Missourian, born at Fayette, Howard county, February 2, 1852. He comes of two old and re- spected families of this State — the Ellingtons and Monroes — names not unfamiliar to Missourians, especially to those who know anything of the church history of the State. For 30 years his father, W. T. Ellington, has been an active minister of the gospel in the M. E. Church South. Although now well advanced in age, he is still en- gaged in his great life-work with as much zeal and apparently with as much energy as characterized the labors of his earlier years. On his mother's side, Mr. EUino-ton was a g^randson of the late Rev. Andrew Monroe, a distinguished member of the Missouri Conference, and for over half a century one of the able and esteemed ministers of the Southern Methodist Church. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Central Missouri, and repeatedly held the office of presiding elder in his church. He died at Mexico, in Audrain county, where his remains are interred, and a suitable monument has been erected at his grave by the church, to commemorate his long and useful life, the memory of which is even more sacredly enshrined in the hearts of Methodists and good people all over the State. Young Ellington grew up at Columbia, Mo., and has had the best educational advantages the State affords. He graduated from the State University in the class of 1872, and he is still an honored member of the Phi Kappa Psi Society of that institution. After his grraduation, Mr. Ellington, who had de- cided to devote himself to the profession of the law, engaged in teach- ing school in Boone county in order to defray his current expenses while prosecuting his legal studies. He taught school with success for several years and read law while not occupied with the duties of the school-room. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar at Columbia by Judge Burckhartt, judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, and was grace- fully complimented by the court for his attainments as a licentiate. Mr. Ellington has always been of close, studious habits, and since his admission to the bar he has greatly advanced himself in the knowledge of the law by continued study. After his admission he went to Colo- rado and located at the county seat of Saguache county, where he practiced his profession for about four years. During his last two years in Colorado he served as school superintendent of Sagmiclu' 462 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. county. Returning to Missouri in the winter of 1880-81, Mr. Elling- ton located at Huntsville for the practice of his profession, and has since been engaged in the practice at this place. The following July he was appointed postmaster at Huntsville, and still holds that posi- tion. His younger brother (Harry) is his deputy, and attends to the duties of the office, Mr. Ellington giving his entire time to the prac- tice. He is thoroughly wedded to his profession, and possesses the qualities and qualifications to rise to distinction at the bar, being ambitious to succeed, studious, attentive to business and well-trained, both generally and in his profession. In politics, Mr. Ellington is a Republican, but is a man of broad views, and quite as ready to con- cede to others the right to express their opinions freely as he reso- lutely claims the same right to himself. On the 27th of July, 1872, he was married to Miss Josie, a daughter of Frank Hammett, Esq., of Huntsville. Their first born and only child died in infancy, July 4, 1883. Personally, Mr. Ellington is courteous and gentlemanly, and is much esteemed at Huntsville. THOMAS M. ELMORE (Formerly of the Huntsville Herald). Mr. Elmore, who has been identified with the newspaper business from early manhood, and is prominently connected with the business affairs of Huntsville, is a native of Illinois, born in Schuyler county. His father is William C. Elmore, now of Adair county. Mo., and his mother's maiden name was Eliza Clark. He was born in White county, Tenn., and she near Wheeling, West Va. Both came West when young, and they were married in Monroe county. 111., in 1848. Nine years afterwards they removed to Missouri and settled in Adair county. They had a familj of 10 children, namely : George L., William H., Emily, Caroline, McLealen, Terry C, Jessie, Clar- ence and Thomas M. The father's life pursuit has been farming. He is a man of sober, clear intelligence, and is well informed in the aff'airs of the world, having always been an intelligent and discriminat- ing reader, devoting much of his time to the study of history. He is also quite fond of newspaper reading, and is well posted in the current events of the times. Thomas M., the subject of the present sketch, was reared on the farm in Adair county, and received a good general common school education. After quitting the fiirm he came to Ran- dolph county in 1869, and engaged in business pursuits and conducted a drug store at Huntsville for some time. At Huntsville he also became identified with the newspaper business, with which he con- tinued until a short time ago, when he retired from the Herald office. Mr. Elmore is well known among newspaper men as a good business manager, and a clear-headed, pointed writer. While he was con- nected with the Herald, that paper steadily grew in value and influence, and improved in every feature. He retired from the paper, leaving it one of the prominent and substantial cosmopolitan journals of the State. Mr. Elmore has always taken a public-spirited and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 463 intelligent interest in the general affairs of the community, and especially in its public and business enterprises. He is a prominent stockholder of the Huntsville Gas Company and of the Building and Loan Association. He is also a stockholder in and the president of the Huntsville Rake and Stacker Company, and is a director in all three of the companies above named. In 1878 he was married to Miss Ella Fort, a refined and accomplished young lady of this city, a daughter of Dr. Fort. They have two children : Susie E. and Helen; Mr. Elmore is recognized as one of the influential citizens of Hunts- ville, and is highly respected. Personally he is quite popular, and socially he and his excellent wife are much esteemed in the best society of Huntsville and wherever they are known. ANDREW JACKSON FERGUSON (County Treasurer, Huntsville). That intelligence and energy will ultimately succeed in life, what- ever may be the early circumstances in which they are placed, is illustrated in every community by the lives of its successful men. Early advantages are, of course, not to be despised, and every father should strive to afford his children all the opportunities for their advancement in his power to give them. But opportunities alone will not make a successful man. The qualities necessary to bring success must be inherent in the individual. If these are present, and his constitution is reasonably vigorous, he will succeed anyhow, and early advantages only tend to accelerate his success and make the road to its achievement shorter and less rugged. Among the prominent citizens of Randolph county who have risen in life by their own merits and exertions alone, the subject of the present sketch justly occupies an enviable position. Mr. Ferguson is a native of the Old Dominion, born at Danville, September 10, 1828. His parents were John and Sarah (Hopwood) Ferguson. When Andrew J. was still in childhood, his father was taken away by death, and the mother afterwards removed to Christian county, Ky., where the son princi- pally grew up. He was apprenticed to the saddler's trade at New Providence, Tenn., and after learning the trade, he worked at it in Kentucky and Tennessee until 1850, when he came to Missouri and located at Cape Girardeau. Mr. Ferguson followed his trade in Cape Girardeau for several years, and in about 1853 removed to Glasgow, Mo., remaining, however, only a short time, and coming thence to Huntsville where he has since resided. Mr. Fero-uson engaged in busi- ness here in the saddlery and harness line, and continued it with success until 1878. He was quite successful as a business man, and has accumulated a neat competency. Having lived an upright and blame- less life for so many j'-ears among the people of Randolph county, he has naturally won the confidence and esteem of the public. Recog- nizing his high character and excellent business qualifications, in 1864 he was advanced to the position of treasurer of the county, the duties of which he discharged with singular efficiency and general satis- 464 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. faction. In 1872 he was re-elected to the same office, and since that time he has been repeatedly re-elected, and still has charge of the financial affairs, or rather the public funds, of the county. His long continuance in this important and respon8il)le office shows in what high esteem he is held by the people of the county. His record has certainly been one upon which he can afford to look back with satis- faction and not without pardonable pride. How many young men starting out in the world with every advantage which means and parental affection can confer, fail to reach a station in life to be com- pared with that which the subject of this sketch has attained in the face of all obstacles and by his own character and industry? Mr. Ferguson has been twice married. His first wife was previously Miss Sarah A. Young, of Montgomery county, Tenn., but originally of Hopkins county, Ky. She died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1851. To his present wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Boyd, originally of Kentucky, Mr. Ferguson was married November 3, 1853. Mr. Ferguson has four children : Ada, now the wife of H. G. Bourne, of Pueblo, Col. ; William B., of Montana; Claude and Beulah, the last two at home. Mr. Ferguson was a member of the militia during the war, and has long been a member of the Masonic order, being an initiate of the Commandery at Moberly and of the Blue lodge at Cape Girardeau. JOHN THOMAS FORT, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). No biographical conspectus of Huntsville would be at all just or accurate which should not give a prominent and worthy place to a sketch of the life of the subject of this sketch, for the careers of few, if of any, have been more intimately and creditably interwoven with its history than that of Dr. Fort. And an outline of his life and family antecedents will be found interesting, even outside of his own identification with this place. Dr. Fort has not become a distin- guished man in the broader acceptation of that term, but his life has been a more than ordinarily active one, and one of much practical value to those among whom he has lived. Nor can the writer forbear the expression of the opinion that if, instead ot being a representative of, lie had been an exception to, the class whom Wordsworth de- scribes — "Nor having e'er, as life advanced, been led By circumstances to take unto the height The measure of themselves," — if he had been led by circumstances to fill an exalted position in the world, he would have acquitted himself with high honor and with credit to the station he occupied, for his qualities of mind and charac- ter are such that they would not prove unequal to the responsibilities of any place in life open to his advancement. Dr. Fort is a native of Randolph county, born four miles west of Huntsville, and on the 31st of August, 1826. His parents were pioneer settlers of Randolph HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 465 count}'^, and his father's parents were among the first settlers of Da- vidson county, Tenn., locatins; on the site of the present city of Nashville in 1793, when there was only a block-honse standing where there now is a city of 75,000 inhabitants. Josiah and Piety Fort, the grandparents of Dr. Fort, located at Nashville from North Carolina, and William Fort, his father, was born in the block-house at that place October 19, 1793, his parents not then having made any im- provements of their own. William Fort grew up in Tennessee, and, considering the newness of the country in which he lived and his op- portunities, obtained a more than ordinarily good education. He subsequently read medicine and, as the old citizens of Randolph county know, he was for many years a successful and prominent physician. In 1815 he was married in Robertson county, Tenn., to Miss Patsey Gorham, and five years afterwards he came to Randolph county and located four miles west of Huntsville, where he lived to old age and until his death. Randolph county was then a wilderness, and his name justly occupies a place among those of its pioneer set- tlers. The place of his location here was, and is still known as Medical Springs, and there he opened salt works in 1823 and worked them for about 20 years, supplying salt for Randolph and Macon coun- ties. He and his good wife reared a family of six children : Henry T., now of Moberly ; Martha E., the wife of A. W. Burton, both of whom, however, are now deceased ; Amanda C, the widow of Joseph M. Hammett; Frances C, the wife of Giles F. Cook, but both are now deceased ; Andrew J., a prominent stock man in Montana Ten-i- tory ; and John T. Dr. Fort w;is reared on the farm near Huntsville and received a thorough education, taking, besides a general course, a complete classical course. His preceptor was Hugh McEwing, a Scotch scholar and a man of fine education. Mr. McEwing taught at Dr. Fort's father's residence, and was reputed to be the best teacher in this section of the State at that time. His attainments were sub- stantial and thorough, rather than flashy and superficial, and he brought up his pupils in the same way. At the age of 18 young Fort began the study of medicine under his father, and under the latter's instruction continued study until 1846, Avhen he entered the Medical Department of the State University, which was located at St. Louis. He took two regular courses of lectures in medicine and grad- uated with distinction in 1848. Immediately following his graduation Dr. Fort began the practice of his profession at his old home, with the view of relieving his father of much of the burden of a large practice and of establishing himself in life, but he was young and full of enter- prise and the spirit of adventure. About this time the California gold excitement broke out and, like many of the young men of Missouri and all over the civilized world, he was attracted to the Midas land beyond the Cordilleras by the genii stories of Pactolian sands that glistened in the sunlight in the far off" garden of the new found Hes- perides. He spent two years in California, but found it more con- genial, if not more profitable, to relieve suffering for gold than to dig 466 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. for it. While there he was engaged in the practice, with excellent success, at Red Bluff. Returning to old Missouri in 1852, and de- siring to make himself thorough in his profession, so far as the in- structions of the schools go, the following winter he took a special course of lectures in the Medical Department of the St. Louis Uni- versity, and in the spring of 1854 located at McGee College, in Macon county. Dr. Fort continued the practice there for two years and then returned to the vicinity of his old home in Randolph county. In 1860 he went to Robertson county, Tenn., locating at the place where his mother was born and reared, and continued the practice at that place for 15 years. He became very successful as a physician in Tennessee, and accumulated no inconsiderable evidences of prosperity. Returning to Randolph county in 1875, he has since been engaged in the practice at Huntsville. For nearly 10 years he has held the place here of one of the leading physicians of the county. No physi- cian stands higher in the practice in this community than Dr. Fort does at Huntsville. His success has been uninterrupted, both in re- lieving the suffering and in material affairs. Dr. Fort has been thrice married. To his first wife, formerly Miss Susan F. Cummins, he was married March 1, 1848, immediately after receiving his diploma at the medical college. She survived her marriage nine years, leaving him two children at her death: Susan F., who died in girlhood, and Martha, the wife of Thomas M. Elmore, editor of the Huntsville Herald. Three other children, sons, preceded their mother to the grave. In 1860 he was married to Miss Emily Fort, a cousin-germane, of Tennessee. She died in 1870, and to his present wife, formerly Miss Ellen C. Fort, a sister to his second wife, he was married some 12 years ago. Dr. Fort has not confined his activities to the medical profession alone. He has for years been quite prominently identified with business affairs, public life and the benevolent societies. For' four years he was a partner with his brother, Henry Fort, in mer- chandising at Ft. Henry. For several years he carried on the drug business at Huntsville, and during 1879 and 1880 he was a partner with his son-in-law, T. M. Elmore, in the proprietorship and publica- tion of the Herald at this place. He was the editor of the Herald during that time, and he has long been known as a valuable news- paper correspondent from this point. He contributed very materially to the maintenance of the county seat at Huntsville by the vigorous, unanswerable arguments he published on that question. He has long been recognized as one of the most public-spirited citizens of the place and has done much to promote its prosperity. He has served in the city council, and was for several years mayor of the city. Dr. Fort is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been a member of the Masonic order for nearly 30 years, being now treasurer of the lodge at Huntsville. He is also a membor of the Select Knights and of the Knights of Honor. In recognition of his prominence in his profes- sion he has been given, and now holds, the position of examining surgeon of the Masonic Mutual Aid Societv, and is also exam- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 467 ining surgeon of the South-west Aid Society, of the New York Life Insurance Company, and of the Mutual Life Insurance Company. A. F. GILL (Farmer, Section 34, Township 54, Range 15, near Huntsville). Mr. Gill was a son of John and Mary (Watts) Gill, from Boyle county, Ky., who came to Missouri in 181L The father was a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation in St. Louis for three years after coming to this then territory. From St. Louis he removed to St. Charles county, where he continued his trade and later along became somewhat identified with farming. He was born in 1789, and died in 1872. A. F. was born in St. Charles county Janu- ary 20, 1834, and was reared in his native county. April 26, 1866, he was married to Miss Mary Fairchild, formerly of Warsaw, 111. She was a daughter of Capt. O. H. Fairchild, and her mother's maiden name was Ada W. Brown. Her father was for many years a well known steamboat captain on the Mississippi, and lost his life on the steamer Fashion between Memphis and New Orleans, his body never being recovered from the river. He was made the hero of one of John Hays' poems entitled "James Bledsoe," the poet having been a friend of Capt. Fairchild, and was afterwards private secretary to President Lincoln. Mrs. Faii-child still survives and finds a welcome and pleasant home with her daughter, Mrs. Gill. About the time of his marriage, Mr. Gill removed to Randoli)h county, and has since been engaged in farming in this county. He has a comfortable home- stead and his life has been one of satisfactory success. Mr. and Mrs. Gill have three children : Ada, Everett and Emma. Mr. G. is a member of the C. P. Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist denomination. Mr, Gill was clerk of township 53, range 15, for five years, and has also served as county coroner. Mrs. Gill has but one sister surviving, Emma, who is now the wife of Judge James H. Vail, of Milner, Dak. He was for a number of years judge of the Iron- ton (Mo.) judicial circuit. ALONZO GROVER (Of Lay Bro^-. & Grover, Proprietors of tlie Valley Mills, Huntsville). Mr. Grover, a leading miller and thorough machinist of th« county, is a native of Ohio, born in Ashtabula county. May 19, 1834. When he was six years of age his parents, John and Jennie (Merritt) Grover, came West and located first in Knox county. Mo., but soon afterwards removed to Fulton county. 111. The father was a mer- chant by occupation, and followed that in Fulton county for many years. In 1850, however, he started to California, and was killed en route, 16 miles from Salt Lake City, from being overwhelmed by a mountain snow-slide. Alonzo was reared in Fulton connty and from an early age displayed a decided natural taste for the use of tools. He was encouraged in this and later alonsf be To lift from earth our low desire," he laid siege to the heart of Miss Maggie, daughter of Dr. Crews, a native of Illinois, but life resident of this county. After his marriage, which happy event was solemnized on the 23d of June, Mr. Hubbard retired to a farm near Huntsville, where he lived for two years in sweet seclusion, the world forgetting, but not by the world forgot, for at the end of this time his dream of peace was disturbed and he was called upon once more to take an active share in the battle of life. He returned to Renick, and in October, 1883, again took charge of the mine. These are very extensive works, employing about 30 men, with a profit of $25,000 per year. It is not necessary to comment on the strength and ability of Mr. Hubl)ard's mental build, the facts speak for themselves ; for a man of his age to be placed in such a position proves him to be a man among men, and shows the very flat- tering estimate of him held by the community. Mr. Hubbard is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 563 ALEXANDEE S. JONES (Post-office, Moberly). In his fourteenth year when Missouri was admitted into the Union March 7, 1821, Mr. Jones is therefore one of the venerable old men of Randolph county. Now past the age of 76, he is still on a fine farm which he owns in the county, on which he has resided for many years, and the running of which he personally superintends and directs. Although he is quite venerable looking in appearance, yet *♦ age sits with decent grace upon his visage and well becomes his sil- ver locks," and if one were to judge of his years by his conversa- tion and movements, for he is remarkably bright in the one and active in the other, he would be taken to be many years junior to his real age. He is one of those well-preserved, intelligent old men who, though their lives have been industrious and not without satisfactory success, have not wrecked themselves either physically or mentally in the inconsiderate pursuit of wealth. He has so lived that, instead of the evening of his life being darkened and made burdensome by the clouds of bitter regrets and physical anguish, it is softened and mel- lowed by the shadows of a serene old age like unto the evening. hori- zon of an Italian sky. Alexander S. Jones was born in Lincoln county, Tenn., January 8, 1808, seven years to a day before the bat- tle of New Orleans. A native of the State from which the iron-willed^ hero of that crowning triumph of the War of 1812, came, he was reared in Tennessee, and, like Andrew Johnson, who was born in the same year and in the same State, he learned a trade in his early years, commencing at the hatter's trade about the same time that Johnson enlisted in the knighthood of the goose or tailor's trade. Young Jones continued at his trade for about nine years and elohnson for about the same period, and the former took to agriculture and the latter to politics. But — " Fortune in men has some small difference made, One flaunts in rags, one flutters in brocade; The cobbler apron'd and the parson gown'd, The friar hooded and the monarch crown'd." Johnson went to the Presidency ; but while Mr. Jones has not risen to eminence in the admiring vanity of the world, his life has been one of sober, solid success — such a one as he hoped to live. His has been, and is, the middle fortune which La Bruvere has said that, after all, is the best : " There is nothing that keeps longer than a middling fortune, and nothing melts away sooner than a great one." Mr. Jones was married in his native county in October, 1830, to Miss Matilda Jenkins and five years afterwards removed to Missouri and located on the farm where he now resides, a half mile from the pres- ent depot of what is now the city of Moberly. Here, in less than another year, he will have lived for a half a century. He has a fine 564 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. body of 210 acres of land and his farm is comfortably improved. He has lived a plain, industrious and upright life, and no breath of re- proach has ever settled upon the burnished shield of his character. One of the old fathers of the county in point of early settlement and lono- residence, he is at the same time one of its worthy old patri- archs, having reared a large and respected family of children, a num- ber of whom are now themselves the heads of families. Mr. Jones has been twice married. By his first marriage he was blessed with 12 children, namely: Mary, now the wife of David James; Mar- garet, who died in maidenhood at the age of 19 ; Eliza, who is now the widow of Michael Shipp, deceased ; Robert A. ; John J. ; Sarah, who is now the wife of Thomas Chrystall ; Catherine, who is now the wife of Samuel Sparks ; Louisa, who is now the widow of Mr. Shad- rick ; Thomas B., who is now deceased ; Duliena, yet in maidenhood and at home ; Marietta, who is now the wife of Marion Crase ; Julia ("Duck"), who is now the wife of William Barton. Thomas B. was a captain in the Confederate army and was wounded during a battle while gallantly leading his company, from the effects of which he soon after died. Mr. Jones' first wife died December 20, 1877, after a happy married life of one year less than half a century. Of her it may in truth be said, in the language of Proverbs, that " she stretched out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth out her hand to the needy ; strength and honor are her clothing and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband also, and he praiseth her." To his present wife, a most worthy and excellent woman, Mr. Jones was married on the 9th of September, 1881. She was the widow of Thomas S. Cox, deceased, and her maiden name was Elizabeth Miller. She was originally from New Jersey and was a daughter of George Miller, who came from England. By her former marriage she has four chil- dren : Esther, who is now the wife of John C. Campbell ; Grace, who is now the wife of William Lyon ; Emily, who is now the wife of Hol- lis Hoyt ; and Rose C, who is still a femme libre. JOHN J. JONES (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . When in his twentieth year, in 1859, Mr. Jones, w^ho had been born and reared in this county, joined the live stock expedition of Charles Burton, bound for California, and assisted others to drive some 300 head of cattle and a large number of mules and horses to the Pacific coast. The expedition was on the road for about six months and endured many hardships wiiich the young men of the present genera- tion can hardly understand or appreciate, and which would be impossible now even if stock were still driven across the plains and through the mountains, for settlements along the route are too numer- ous to render the journey anything near as severe or perilous as it HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 565 was then. Mr. Jones remained in California for about six years, engaged in mining and sheep raising, and not without some success. In 1865 he returned to Missouri, making the trip by the Isthmus of Panama, in South America, and coming on to the interior from the Atlantic coast at New York by rail. Here he engaged in firming, and on the 28th of April, 1872, he was married to Mrs. Sallie H. Kim- brough, widow of Thompson C. Kimbrough, deceased, and a daughter of John Strother, of Randolph county, formerly of Kentucky. The year following his marriage Mr. Jones bought his present farm. He has a good place of 100 acres, which is better improved than the average of farms in the vicinity. Mr. Jones makes something of a specialty of breeding horses and mules, and has some fine represent- ative stock for both branches of that industry. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two children : Lela and Thomas J. ; one died in infancy. Mr. Jones was born on his father's farm in Moberly, October 18, 1839. His father, Alexander Jones, still resides there, and is a well respected citizen of that vicinity. His mother's maiden name was Matilda Jenkins, Both were originally from Tennessee, and came to Randolph county away back in 1835. HENRY KIMBROUGH (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. K. was born in the county February 23, 1836, and is the son of John S. Kimbrough, of Surrey county, N. C. The fjither, John S., came to Missouri with his uncles at the age of nine, halted for a year in Howard county, and then came on to Randolph county, where he remained carrying on farming until his death, which occurred March 15, 1874. He was one of those who fought in the Black Hawk War. Henry K., like most of the farmers in the county, was raised to the life of an agriculturist. He was educated at Elm Ridge Academy, near Glasgow, and at Mount Pleasant College, at Huntsville. After he left college he taught school for four years in Boone and Randolph counties, and then taking up the business to which his early training inclined him, he bought raw land and improved the farm he still cultivates. He owns 175 acres of land with 140 fenced and under the plow. Upon this place are necessary buildings, orchards, etc. Mr. Kimbrous'h was elected justice of the peace for this township in November, 1868, which office he has held continuously since that time, having had the pleasure of tying the fatal knot for more, than 50 couples. He is a Democrat from principle, and has been a delegate to numerous con- ventions as well as member, a number of times, of the central committee. He has had a taste also of martial glory, serving as lieutenant of Rice's company in the enrolled militia for a short time toward the close of the war. Mr. Kimbrough married, February 23, 1860, Miss Elizabeth J. Ferguson, daughter of George W. and Ann Ferguson, formerly of Tennessee. This estimable lady died January 16, 1881, leaving four children : Ann A., wife of Stephen G. Hamil- 566 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ton; George T., Hattie L. and John S. July 21, 1881, Mr. K. was again wedded, in Milan, Sullivan county, to Mrs. Lucinda Vance, widow of John T. Vance and daughter of Joseph Lewis, a native of St. Louis county. Mo. Mrs. K. has two children by her first mar- riage : Hiett E. and Joe Roy Vance. As will be gathered from the above facts, Mr. Kimbrough is one of the most influential men in the township, his character being one of strong individuality. Among many incidents which emphasize this is that he has never in his life been on a dancing floor, and, which may account for his robust phy- sique, has never drank a cup of coffee. This, in coffee-loving America, is rather remarkable. Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Mission- ary Baptist Church. JAMES H. LITTRELL ^(Luraber Dealer, Renick.) Geo. Littrell, the father of James H., came originally from Ken- tucky ; he moved to Missouri when quite a young man, and was one of the first settlers of Howard county, where he married Miss Eliza J. Hocker, also a native of Kentucky. Shortly after his marriage he entered land in Audrain county, where he still resides. He held the office of magistrate for a number of years. J. H. was born in Aud- rain county, Missouri, on the first of January, 1841. He was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools of Audrain county. After finishing his education in the hio^h schools of Boone and Howard counties, he became a teacher himself, and taught for about five 3^ears with great satisfaction to his patrons. He was married December 24, 1867,"to Miss Nettie J., daughter of Rev. J. W. Gashwiller, of Howard county. Mrs. L. was born in Randolph county, and was educated at the Fayette High School, of Howard county. After Mr. Littrell was married he farmed for one year in Howard county, for four years in Audrain, and moved to Renick in 1873, buying a farm adjoining the town of Renick, where he now resides. In April, 1883, Mr. Littrell opened a lumber yard at this point, and is building up a good trade which is constantly increasing. He is a Democrat in principle, and in the fall of 1882 was elected constable of the township. This office he still holds, but it is feared will resig^n, owins: to the cares of his other business, which do not leave him time to attend to the duties of it. Mr. and Mrs. Littrell have three children : Lnlie E., India L. and A. Gaston. This worthy couple are members of the Primitive Baptist Church, and Mr. L. is a member of the A. O. U. W., having been recorder of that order since its organization. He is highly esteemed by the community in wiiich he lives. SAMUEL D. LYON (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. L. is the son of Daniel Lyon and Didema Morrow, both of Kentucky. They moved to Missouri at a very early day, and were HISTORY OF* RANDOLPH COUNTY. 567 among the pioneer settlers of Howard county. After living there two years Daniel C. removed to Boone and improved a farm, upon which he peacefully closed his eyes in February, 1860. Samuel D. was born in Boone, August 6, 1829, learning from childhood the management of a farm. June 3, 1852, he was married in his native county to Miss Elizabeth J., a daughter of Joseph Williamson, originally from Vir- ginia. Mrs. Lyon was herself a native of Boone county. There are four children : William F., Martha, wife of Dudley Johnson; Effie D., and Daniel J. They have lost two. Thomas M. died at the age of four years, in 1861, and Jefferson P., a boy of 12 years and 10 days, died February 12, 1875. After his marriage Mr. Lyon lived in Boone county until the spring of 1865, then moved to Audrain fer one season, and in the fall of the same year established himself on the farm whereon he now lives. He has 230 acres of land all fenced, with about 160 in cultivation and meadow pasture, a neat residence, sub- stantial barn and fine bearing orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are mem- bers of the M. E. Church and Mr. Lyon belongs to the A. O. U. W. Lodge at Sturgeon. JAMES D. MARSHALL (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. M, was born in Albemarle county, Va., September 4, 1835. His father, William Marshall, was a native of that State, his mother, Sarah Dorsey, being from North Carolina. The family left Virginia soon after the birth of J. D., in 1838, and, finding their way to Mis- souri, settled down in Randolph county : they being among the earliest white settlers. James D. grew up in the county, receiving a tolerable common school education. At the age of 18, in 1853, he determined to learn the blacksmith's trade. He worked one year at Milton, then six months at Buena Vista, then took a contract on railroad grading, at which he worked for one year. After this he started a blacksmith shop in connection with a wagon and repair shop, in which trade he continued in 1874, when he sold out and moved to the farm where he now resides. Mr. Marshall has a farm of 150 acres, all fenced and in fine cultivation, including splendid pasturage. There is a nice resi- dence, good barn and other buildings. In connection with the form there is a splendid young bearing orchard, in which some attention is paid to the raising of grapes. Mr. Marshall married in Randolph county April 29, 1859, Miss Susan A., daughter of James and Martha Ann (Hardin) Martin, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. M. herself is a native of Randolph. To this union were born James W., John D., Milton M., Zenobia G. and Asbury Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Christian Church. Mr. M. is entirely a self-made man ; " strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," he has carved out his own fortunes with a resolute hand, and that " noblest work of God, an honest man," he has made a name which his children will be proud to claim. 31 568 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. JAMES B. MARTIN (Farmer and Stock-raiser). In both of these callings Mr. M. has displayed unusual energy and been very successful. He is a native of Randolph county, born Sep- tember 17, 1838, and his youth and early manhood were passed on the farm where he was born and now resides. He is a son of Saul Martin, a native of Kentucky. The latter was united in-marriage to Miss Janette Murphy, who was born in North Carolina and raised in Kentucky. Concluding to try his fortunes in what was then con- sidered the " Far West," Mr. Martin removed with his family from his home in Kentucky to Missouri about the year 1825, He partici- pated in the struggles of the first settlers, being one of the pioneers of Randolph county, and on his arrival located on the farm where his son now lives, which he entered. He departed this life May 9, 1839, in his forty-third year, leaving, besides his widow, seven daughters and one son. The mother of these died April 21, 1861, in her fifty-ninth year, at her daughter's residence (Mrs. H. Davis) in Canton, Lewis county. Mo. The boyhood of James B. Martin was spent on the old homestead, and he grew to manhood beneath its sheltering roof. He received a practical education at the public and high schools, besides being endowed by mother Nature with a liberal fund of common sense, which has dictated the course of his actions. On December 29, 1859, at the early age of 21, Mr. Martin took to wife Miss Sallie, daughter of Thomas N. Stephenson, of Monroe county, formerly a resident of Kentucky'. Seven children were the result of this union : Mary J., Saul T., Katie P., James P., Charles T., Hubert M. and Sallie N. He devoted the year 1860 to farming on the old homestead, of which place he took charge after his marriage. In the year 1861 he moved with his young wife to the eastern part of the county, and there turned his attention to farming. On April 21st of the same year his mother died. Absence from the old place had not alienated his heart from it, but only served to increase the aff*ection he had for the early mem- ories of his boyhood's home, so, in the spring of 1862, Mr. Martin returned to the homestead, and shortly after bought out part of the heirs. By his industry and good management he is now the fortunate poss^essor of a farm consisting of 360 acres of land all in a body. There is very little of it that is not fenced and about 260 acres are in blue grass, timothy and plough land. Like many others, Mr. Martin felt the effects of war troubles. He rented his farm and, after making other arrangements, removed to Nebraska in April, 1865, located in Douglas county and remained there about six months, and returned in the fall to his home. Mr. Martin has displayed his characteristic good management by keeping his place in thorough repair, and has improved the old home well. About it is an air of comfort and thrift which is refreshing to the eye. Mr. Martin supplies the demand for stock in wholesale markets and makes a business of feedinjr cattle for HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 569 this purpose. He feeds, on an average, one carload of steers and about 50 hogs annually. Both Mr, and Mrs. Martin are exemplary members of the Renick Church. Mr. M. is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Renick. He is one of the charter members of that well- known order and took an active interest in its organization. JAMES A. MITCHELL (Merchant, Renick). Mr. Mitchell was a born soldier and at the first call enlisted, July, 1861, in Col. McCowan's Fifth regiment of Missouri infantry of the State service and afterwards enlisted in the Confederate service. He fought through the battles of Pea Ridge, Wilson Creek, Dry Wood, Lexington, luka and the second Corinth. Severely wounded in this last, he suffered amputation of his leg upon the field of battle, but nowise discouraged strapped on an artificial limb, returned to the ser- vice and did service in hospitals at Bhickwater and Vicksburg. At the close of the Civil War he returned to Missouri, and for a time herded cattle near Sedalia, then taught school in Cooper county, and in 1866 took up his permanent residence in Renick. Mr. Mitchell is a son of the Rev. Jesse Mitchell and of Providense Norwood, his wife, who about the year 1820 left Tennessee and settled in Polk county, Mo. Here James was born June 24, 1843, he being the fifteenth child, one of a family of 10 sons and 5 daughters, 12 of whom grew to maturity. His early years were passed on the home farm and in receiving the ordinary common school education. After the war and his coming to Renick, Mr. Mitchell became a clerk in a drygoods house, a few years later bought an interest in the business, and in 1877 became the owner of the well-established concern. He has since taken a partner and the firm of J. A. Mitchell & Co. are doing a business of $20,000 a year in dry goods, hats, caps, clothing and boots and shoes. On the 28th of December, 1880, Mr. Mitchell married Mrs. Josie Johnson, daughter of William Pearcy, and by her has one son, Pearcy Norwood Mitchell, born January 5, 1883. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Missionary Baptist church while her hus- band belongs to the M. E. Church South. He has been superin- tendent of the Sunday School since its organization in 1871, is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and a business man of great energy and ability. His whole stock was burned in 1880 and with no insurance, yet he was soon again in a larger business than before, and he now bids fair to be one of our most successful citizens. MATTHEW H. NEAL, (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Born in Fauquier county, Va., July 25, 1840, Mr. Neal was a son of Thomas and Mary (Rodgers) Neal, who removed to Missouri when Matthew H. was still in infancy, locating in Marion county. The father bought land in that county and engaged in farming on which 570 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. he lived until his death, which occurred iu 1854. Matthew H. grew up on the farm in Marion county and when the war broke out in 1861, was in his twenty-tirst year. The same year he enlisted in the State Guard and served under Gen. Price for a term of six months, that beino- the period of his enlistment. During this time he was in a number of engagements, including the battle of Lexington and others. Returning to the county after the expiration of his term of service, he engaged in farming and has since followed it. On the 15th of April, 1871, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Thomas Irons, of Eandolph county. Her father was from Virginia to this State, but originally from Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have six children: Nancy E. and Susan M., twins; John T., Wesley, Zula and Sarah. After his marriage Mr. Neal located on the farm where he now resides. He has 210 acres of good land, all but 40 acres of which are improved. His improvements are of an excellent class. Mr, Neal is a man of industry and takes a public-spirited in- terest in local affairs. He has served as clerk of the school board for five years. Mr. Neal is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Renick. J. HYATT NOLIN COf the Firm of Nolin Brothers, Druggists, Clark's Switch). Mr. H. was born in Pike county, Mo., June 12, 1855. His father, John L. Nolin, came originally from Virginia when a young man, and settling in Howard county married Miss Miranda Williams, a native of the county. He is a wheelwright by trade but is now living on a farm in Pike. J. H. grew up in that county on his father's farm and was educated at the common schools. In January, 1883, he canie to Ran- dolph, and in partnership with his brother established himself in the drug business at Clark's Switch. Their stock also includes a full line of groceries, and though a new house they are already doing well. They are young men of push and enterprise and with the aid of their per- sonal popularity cannot fail to be soon in the midst of a rushing trade. J. Hyatt, thinking with Richter, that " no man can either live piously or die righteous without having a wife," espoused, June 5, 1883, Miss Belle, a native of the county, and charming daughter of Thomas Stockton, originally from Kentucky. Mrs. Nolin is a member of the M. E. Church South. GEORGE O. POWELL (Of the Firm of Powell & Forest, Merchants, Renick, Mo) . This reliable, trustworthy, and good man is a member of the firm of Powell & Forest, merchants, in Renick, Mo. Mr. Powell's parents, J. T. and Mandarin Powell, were natives of Virginia, and he himself ■was born in that grand old State on the 23d of February, 1833. The family emigrated in about 1843 to Illinois, and was one of the first to settle in Cass county, the senior Powell building the first house that was ever erected in the town of Virginia, and afterwards serving as HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 571 sheriff of the county. His son, George, grew to manhood in Cass county, on the farm, and received a good common school education. He came to Missouri in 1850, and, locating in Randolph county, he attended, for one year, the McGee College. After completing his studies, he taught in Randolph county for five years, then fanned for two 3'ears, and, at last, in 1862, came to Renick and was ap- pointed agent at this place for the Wabash, then the North Missouri Railroad. This position he held for 21 years, fulfilling its duties with the highest credit to himself and to the unbounded satisfaction of the railroad company and the general public. Mr. Powell was commissioned notary in 1867, and still holds that office. In January, 1883, to the profound regret of all concerned, he re- signed his position on the railroad, and in March following bought a half interest in the drug store of Forest & Bro., succeeding John For- est. This firm carry a complete stock of drugs, groceries and hard- ware, and now enjoy a flourishing trade. Mr. Powell was married in Randolph county, April 17, 1858, to Miss Permelia Ann, daughter of Grendison Brooks, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. Powell herself was born in that State, but has lived all her life in Missouri. They have three children : Charles J., Anna Belle, and Josephine M. The latter was the pride of her parents' hearts and an ornament to her sex ; she was a graduate of Hardin College, and was a girl of the brightest intellect, but, alas, " vvhom the gods love, die young," and November 5, 1881, at the age of 19, this fair flower drooped and died. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are much beloved and are prominent members of the Missionary Baptist Church. JOHN B. REID (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . It was in 1839 that Mr. Reid's parents. Col. Garland Reid andw^ife, whose maiden name had been Miss Elizabeth Woods, removed from Garrard county, Ky., to Missouri and located in Randolph county. This county was at that time still very sparsely settled, and indeed was yet almost a wilderness. Col. Reid entered a large landed estate and improved an extensive stock farm. He became one of the influ- ential farmers and leading stock men of his section of the county. He served for some time as colonel of militia* under the old muster laws, and was judicial magistrate of his township for a number of years. He died here at an advanced age, widely and deeply regretted b}^ the early settlers of the county and by all who knew him. His wife preceded him to the grave by some years. John B. Reid was 14 years of age or thereabout when his parents removed to this State, having been born in Garrard county October 1, 1825. He was reared on the farm in this county, and had only the limited advantages for an education afforded in his neighborhood in the early days when he grew up. He succeeded, however, in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for all the practical purposes of ordinary farm and business life. Follow- ing the example of his father, he too became a farmer and stock-raiser, 572 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. and has since followed these pursuits. On the 6th of March, 1851, he was married to Miss Nancy, a daughter of 'Squire James Hocker, a well respected citizen of Howard county, who came originally from Maryland. This union of Mr. Reid and Miss Hocker has proved one of singular congeniality and happiness, and has been blessed with a numerous family of children, namely: J. Clifton, Mary E., now the wife of L. C. Cheatham; John M., Sallie W., Arthur W., Lula and Luther E. Mr. Reid has resided on his farm since soon after his marriage, except for one year during the most troublous period of the war, when he lived in Moberly, and one year also which was spent in Iowa. He has 160 acres in his farm, which he has neatly and sub- stantially improved, and runs his place in grain and grass including meadow, of which he has about 30 acres, and also raises some' stock. He also owns another farm of 80 acres near by, which he has comfort- ably improved. Mr. and Mrs. Reid are members of the Christian Church, of which he has been a member for nearly 40 years. JOHN H. ROBERTS ' (Section 33, Post-office, Sturgeon) . Jesse Roberts, of Kentucky, the father of John H., came to Missouri with his parents when nine years of age and settled first in Boone county, afterwards moving to Audrain, where he arrived at the age of discretion and married Miss Barthena Smith, a young lady from North Carolina. After his marriage he lived for a time in Randolph and also in Howard county, but expects now to end his days in Boone. John spent his youth on the farm in Howard county and acquired, chiefly by his own efforts, a good education. Possessed from his cnidle with a dauntless spirit of daring and genuine love of adventure, he was not destitute of those qualities of patient perseverance and en- durance which also go to form the character of a true soldier. For these he found a glorious field in the recent "unpleasantness" be- tween the North and South. Enlisting in the Union service in August, 1862, in the Twenty-seventh Missouri infantry, he fought with ardor until discharged June 22, 1865, On many a " tented field " his heart swelled 'neath the cold light of the stars with tender memories of home. In many a fierce and furious fray, with head erect and eyes aflame, he grappled with the foe. In one of these at Resaca, Ga., he received a grapeshot wound in the stomach and was deafened in one ear for life by the explosion of a shell. He was in the fights at Vicks- burg and Chattanooga (from the time of the latter was for three months and ten days under fire all the time, day and night, and without once having ott' his uniform fought all the way to Atlanta), and the battles of Atlanta, Marietta, Altoona Mountain, Rome, Jonesboro, Savannah, Beaufort, Dismal Swamp, S. C. (at which he fought in water for three days and nights), and Bentonville. At the close of the war this conquering hero turned his steps homeward and began peace- fully to follow the plough in Boone county. October 30, 1867, he united his fate to that of Mrs. Maria Smith, widow of John B. Smith HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 573 and daughter of James Horn, of Howard count3^ Mrs. Roberts has one son by her former husband, James F. Roberts, having now taken the name of his stepfather. After his marriage Mr. Roberts lived two years in Boone, and in March, 1869, moved to Randolph county to his present farm. He owns jointly with his son 135 acres of land, with 85 under fence, and on it a cosy dwelling, good stable and orchard. Mr. R.'s son, J. F., owns a coal bank of splendid coal, in which he has just opened a three and a half foot vein, and which he is now working in a small way. Mr. Roberts and his family are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he has been a deacon since its organization. JOHN G. SAUNDERS (Merchant, Renick). It was not until the subject of this sketch was beginning to feel him- self a man that his family emigrated to this country. His parents, Charles Saunders and Elizabeth Stone, were English, but he was born in Wales March 5, 1856. When they arrived in the States in 1871, they selected Audrain as their home, and the pater familias still lives there. J. G. of course was educated in his native land. At the age of 18 he took his life in his own hands and commenced farming for himself. He farmed for two seasons in Audrain ; in 1875 moved to Renick and engaged in mining. After following this occupation for two years, he went West to Colorado, and mined for a year at Erie. Upon his return to Renick the following spring, he worked in a coal mine for another year, and in January, 1881, established a grocery house. Mr. S. carries a general stock of groceries and notions, and has, beside, a meat store. He is a live, energetic busi- ness man, and an honor to any community. He has prospered in everything that he undertook, and bids fair to attain to great wealth. Mi'. Saunders is an unmarried man, and a member of the I. O. O. F. at Wellsville, Mo. JAMES G. SMITH (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. S., an old and respected citizen of Prairie township, and one of its well-to-do farmers and enterprising stock men, like many of the better people of Randolph county, is by nativity a son of the Old Dominion, that land of statesmen and heroes and mother of States and picmeers. Mr. Smith was born in Louisa county, Va., October 1, 1825. But when he was quite young his parents removed to Kentucky, the first and fairest daughter of Virginia, where they lived for a number of years. Later along, in 1848, they came to Missouri, James G. being then a youth some 17 years of age, and of course coming with them. They located in Audrain county, and were among the early settlers in that county. The father died there in March, 1857. How- ever, in 1844, James G. Smith crossed over into Randolph county, near the line of the county, where he located and lived until the outbreak of the Mexican War. He then promptly enlisted in the ranks of the 574 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. American soldiery, and served with credit for over a year. Return- incrto Randolph connty, in 1850 he joined the caravan headed by Dr. C.L. Lovell bound for the golden coast of California. He remained on the Pacific for about two years, and engaged principally in mining. Returning- a<'-ain to Randolph county, he turned his attention to farm- m the begin- ning, and save his own family, there is nothing in which he has taken greater pleasure and interest. It has ever been his delight to prac- tice medicine, not only because he takes pleasure in the practice itself, but, possessed of a warm, sympathetic nature, it gives him the greatest happiness to relieve his suffering fellow-creatures from the rack of pain and anguish. That he might be able to do this more eflectually and successfully. Dr. Terrill has been a life-long student of medicine, and has soug^ht to familiarize himself with all the knowledge of his profession to be derived from books and the schools. He has, therefore, kept up in the medical journals and the latest and best text- writers, and attended medical colleges twice after he had been in the practice 15 years. In 1862 he took a course in the St. Louis Medical College and he afterwards took a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa. On the 1st of January, 1850, Dr. Terrill was married to Miss Anna S. Hall, a daughter of John H. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 641 Hall, and a sister to Judge William A. Hall, of Huntsville. Dr. and Mrs. Terrill have reared a family of five children, namely: Robert A., who is married and now has charge of the farm ; Willard P., M.D., practicing medicine with his father, being a graduate of the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis, and a post-graduate of the Bellevue Medical College, of New York City ; Mary S., now the wife of John E. Godard ; Bessie and Florence, who are both at home. The Doctor has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years. He was one of the original organizers of Mt. Shiloh Church nearly 30 years ago, and is the only one of the 18 original organizers now be- longing to the church. He has been a member of the Masonic order for many years. JOHN R. WRENN (Dealer in General Merchandise, P. O., Thomas Hill). Mr. Wrenn, still comparatively a young man, has had a business career remarkable for the rapidity and abundance of his success. In the spring of 1869 he commenced in mercantile life as a clerk in a small country store. To-day he has two large stores, one at Thomas Hill and the other at Summerville, in the first of which he carries $12,000 stock and in the second a stock of $5,000, and the tvvo stores do an aggregate annual business of over $35,000. Everything he pos- sesses he has made himself by industry, enterprise and honesty, and all since 1869. Proof that his success has been achieved by methods worthy and above reproach is given conclusively by the fact that among those in whose midst he has lived no one can be found who will speak of him other than as an upright man, a kind neighbor and a good and useful citizen. Mr. Wrenn was born in Loudoun county, Va., November 13, 1843. He was reared, however, in Fairfax county, where his parents lived until his father's death some 10 years ago, and indeed his mother still resides there. His father was James O. Wrenn, and his mother's maiden name was Martha E. Rigg. John R. was reared on a farm, and after the war he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it in Virginia until the winter of 1867. He then came to Chariton county. Mo., where he continued work at his trade until the spring of 1869, when he came to Randolph county and be- came a clerk in the store of Bogy & Rigg, the latter being his uncle. He clerked for that firm for six months and then clerked at Thomas Hill for the same firm until 1870, when Mr. Bogy retired and Mr. Wrenn took his place as a partner in the firm. Mr. Wrenn had no means at that time, but his uncle recognized the value of his services and accepted his personal attention to the work as an equivalent to half the capital. He conducted the store as manager and partner for nearly three years and then bought his uncle's interest. When he took charge of the establishment it carried a stock of $1,800, but he soon ran it up to the figures mentioned above. He established his Summerville store in 1882, which is in the charge of W.H. Hubbard. He keeps a fine stock of goods at each place and has a large and stead- ily increasing trade. On the 28th of May, 1872, Mr. Wrenn was 642 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. married to Miss Florence B. Twyraan, a daughter of William and Mary A. Twyman, of Chariton county. Mr. and Mrs. Wrenn have a family of six children ; Frankie, John W., James E., Mary E. and Mable E. Mr. Wrenn owns his business house at Thomas Hill, and now has five men in employ in his stores. He is postmaster at Thomas Hill. ELIZA JANE WRIGHT (Widow) . This very superior lady was born February 1, 1819, in Montgomery county, Ky., of Robert and Elizabeth Trimble, both natives of the same State. Robert Trimble, her father, a farmer of State Creek, near Mount Sterling, was a man of wide reputation through all the country round. The subject of this sketch grew up on the farm, and in 1835 moved to Missouri with her parents, settling in Randolph county. In 1840 she married Johnson Wright, a son of Evans and Rebecca Wright, originally from Kentucky and a man of note. He held the office of justice of the peace, and was at one time representa- tive of the county. Mr. Wright died April 21, 1867, leaving 10 children, of whom nine are living: Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. Mc- Daniel; Robert T., George Preston, James Allen, Non E., Italy A., Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Martin ; Samuel William and Inatta Jane, now Mrs. Briffan. Rebecca is with her father in realms of unfading iov. Mrs. Wright, who raises considerable stock, owns 260 acres of land, which is at present nearly all set in grass. So wisely and well does Mrs. W. order her affairs that it is hard to believe that the soft hand of a woman holds the reins. She has the respect and hearty admiration of all who know her. She is a member of the Christian Church. CAIEO TOWIJ^SHIP. ANDREW J. AMICK (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. Amick comes of two intelligent and highly respected families, the Amicks, of North Carolina, and the Kingsburys, of New York. His father, Capt. George Amick, was a native of the old North State, mid commanded a company of volunteers in the American army in I lie War of 1812. He subsequently became one of the pioneer settlers of Howard county, going there in 1820, and for a time, on account of Indian difficulties, was compelled to make his home in Fort Hemp- stead. He soon met and married Miss Amy Kingsbury, of the family which occupies so conspicuous and enviable a position in the " History of Howard County," recently published. In 1837 he came to Ran- dolph county, settling near Moberly, where he lived until his death, which occurred in October, 1847. His wife survived him up to Aug- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 643 ust, 1873, dying in Moberly at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. David Burberry. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church. Of their family of five sons and five daughters, but half are now liv- ing. Andrew J. Amick was born in Howard county, near Boonsboro, December 15, 1829, and was therefore mainly reared in Randolph county, his parents having come here eight years after his birth. On the 20th of October, 1852, he was married to Miss Anna Jeter. There are six children, the fruits of this union : Fannie J., now Mrs. James M. Vinee ; George L., now of Cairo, Mo. ; Jesse J., now of Kansas ; Edwin A. J., now also of Kansas; John W., now of New Mexico; and Arthur R., now a student of Fayette, Howard county. The mother of these died April 3, 1867. Mr. Amick was a second time married on the 4th of September, 1867, when Miss Elizabeth Nichols became his wife. She survived her marriage, however, only a few years, dying December 19, 1870. To his present wife Mr. Amick was married August 10, 1873. Previous to her marriage to him she was a Mrs. Catherine Thomis, a widow of Hiram Thomis, late of Cass county. They have four children : Nina G., James Forrest, Alice Z. and Olive. Mr. Amick has made farming his occupation for life, and also handles considerable stock. He raises annually about 200 acres of grain, and markets about 50 head of cattle and hogs. Like his father before him, he is a succesful farmer and stock-raiser. His father, as all old citizens know, was in his time one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Amick are members of the Christian Church. WILLIAM M. BAKER (Farmer, and Owner of Pleasant Home Farm). One of the first colony of pioneers who settled in Randolph county is still living, the father of the subject of this sketch, Isaac Baker, a venerable old gentleman, now long past the age of four-score years, and for 65 years a resident of this county. This white-haired and honored old patriarch, for he is the founder of a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is still well-pre- served, considering his great age and the life of toil and usefulness he has led, his step being as firm and his conversation as bright as are those usually of men 14 years his junior. His good wife, whose maiden name was Jane McCuUey, and originally of Middle Ten- nessee, died at the age of 68, 13 years ago. He was born in Madison county, Ky., May 11, 1802, and came to Missouri when a youth 16 years of age, in 1818, with his father's family, locating with the family in Howard county. However, the family had first moved to Kentucky, and from there came out to Missouri. The following year Isaac Baker came over into Randolph county, and has made this county his home from that day to this. Four years after coming to Randolph, he was married to the good woman whose death has been mentioned above, and with whom, had she survived two years longer, he would have celebrated his golden wedding, or a happy married life 644 * HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. of 50 years, and in the presence of an unusually large family of de- scendants. They were one of the representative couples in Eandolph county who, identifying their lives in their radiant morning with the county, continued linked with its destiny through the noonday of life and until the evening shadows fell. It was the brave-heartedness, in- dustry and intelligent worth of people like these that built up the county from a waste of wilderness to one of the fairest and most prosperous ariiong her sisters, and have left worthy descendants to take up the work where they quit it, carrying the county on to a still higher and prouder destiny. In those days it required men and women of brain and brawn and courage to face the hardships of pioneer life, to undergo the trials and deprivations incident to a new country, and out of primitive nature, untouched before by the magic hand of civilized man, to build homes, open farms, erect churches and school houses, in fact, organize society and construct an intelligent and progressive community ; and such settlers as this honored old couple whom we are now speaking of had all these qualities and many besides that made them esteemed and beloved by their neighbors and acquaintances, and which have made their names marks of veneration in the old family Bible where they are written, and in which they will be handed down with reverence and tenderest care to remote genera- tions of their children's children. Blessed by their own industry and economy with a comfortable competency. Heaven smiled upon them in their family in even greater generousness, and blessed them with no less that 13 children, 7 sons and 6 daughters, and 12 of these they had the happy fortune to rear to maturity, each of whom is still living and the parent of a family, namely: Charles H., Margaret A., now Mrs. Thomas Frazier, of Cameron, Mo. ; John T., now of Jasper county ; William M., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas V., now of Albany, Texas; Nancy J., now Mrs. William N. Ted ford, of Cali- fornia ; Samuel, now of Moberly : Mary, now Mrs. John Heifner ; Martha F., the wife of Samuel Tedford, of Moberly; Joseph V., of Benton, Texas : Sarah B., the wife of J. J. Snodgrass, of Cameron ; Isaac N., of Shelby county; Louisa M. died in maidenhood, Decem- ber 7, 1867. William M. Baker, the subject of this sketch, was born on his father's homestead in Silver Creek township, May 5, 1829, and was reared on a ftirm. On the 18th of May, 1852, he was married to Miss Sarah E., a daughter of Eobert and Malinda Hannah, of this county, her parents having immigrated here from Tennessee in 1835, in which former State she was born on the 10th of October, 1832. Mr. Baker has followed farming continuously from youth and settled on his present place in 1866. He handles a considerable number of stock annually, and is one of the intelligent, go-ahead farmers of this township, and is well respected as a man and citizen. His farm is a handsome small place, kept in good shape and managed to excellent advantage, as would be expected of a man of his experience and in- telligence. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have four children : Oscar A., who is grown up and is married to Miss Susan M. King; George W., HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 645 Ollie F. and William M. Two are deceased, Fines E. and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as his parents were and his father still is. Mr. B. is also a member of the A. F. and A. M. JOHN S. BENNETT (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Every old citizen in this section of the county very well remembers 'Squire Bennett's father, John Bennett, for he lived in the county nearly 25 years, and was one of its worthy, good citizens. His wife, Falby Bennett, was a Miss Phelps before her marriage, and both were from Kentucky. They came to Missouri in about 1830, and settled in this county the following year. 'Squire Bennett's father was a substantial farmer and well-respected citizen. He died here September 6, 1853, and his wife died February 6, 1872. Both were consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They had a family of 12 children, eight of whom are living: Asa, Abington, John S., Sarah E., now Mrs. C. Campbell; William H. and Mary J., twins, the former of the two a resident of Monroe county, and the latter the wife of John S. Eoberts, of this county ; Jacob and James O. Four are deceased: Eda A., the wife of S. G. Matthews; Daniel S. and Eobert F. 'Squire John S. Bennett, the subject of this sketch, was born July 1, 1831, in Marion county, but was reared on the farm to which his parents removed in Randolph county. On the 24th of December, 1864, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A., a daughter of Jackson T. and MLandanna (Powell) of this county. The 'Squire began his career as a farmer for himself when a young man, which he has since continued. His life has been an industrious one and one without reproach. The 'Squire has a good farm of 120 acres devoted to mixed farming and is comfortably situated on his place. A man of intelligence and strong character, he occupies a somewhat prominent position in the community. In 1874 'Squire Bennett was elected magistrate of his township, and such was the efficiency and fairness with which he discharged the duties of his office, that he was re- elected and served consecutively for eight years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. 'Squire Bennett and wife have six children : Reese D., Drucilla B., Roena I., Jackson T., John R. and Dora E. They also have an adopted daughter, Minnie A., left an orphan by the death of her parents, Robert F. and Isa Dora Bennett. 'Squire Bennett has been residing on the place where he now lives for 21 years. DANIEL BOONE BOUCHER (Post-oflfice, Cairo) . As will be conjectured from his name, Mr. B. is of Kentucky extrac- tion, his parents, Robert Boucher and Elizabeth Wilcox, both having been born in that State. The former, however, came to Randolph when 646 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. quite a young man, first entered land about three miles west of where D. B. now lives, and remained there until 1849, then settling and im- proving a farm upon which he lived until his death, in December, 1872. Daniel B. was raised on this farm which is still his home, and was given first-class advantages, part of the time at the common schools of the country and afterwards at McGee College. After he had finished his studies he became a teacher himself for a short time, but his inclinations leaning towards the life to which he had been ac- customed from childhood, he began to farm, which he has continued ever since. Mr. Boucher has now 160 acres of fine land, 120 acres in the farm, and all in cultivation. He lives in a handsome new resi- dence with one story ell, and has two fair barns and splendid young bearing orchard. Mr. B. married October 15, 1873, Mrs. Josephine, widow of W. G. Hasting, and daughter of U. G. and Eveline (Turner) Mason. Mrs. Boucher was born in Randolph, but spent most of her life in Monroe. She was educated at Springfield, Ky. There are two children : Anna Zelme and Robert Mason. Mrs. B. has also one child by her first marriage, viz. : Mary Eva Hastings. Mr. Boucher and wife are prominent members of the Christian Church, and occupy an enviable position in the township. BENJAMIN R. BOUCHER (Farmer aud Stock-raiser") . Mr. B. is a brother of Daniel B. Boucher, whose sketch precedes this. He has been a resident of the county from his birth, which eventful day was July 3, 1835. He was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood, but to this has added much self-culture. In 1857, when in his twenty-second year, Mr. B. began to teach and for 15 years summer and winter, with a short interval when his health would not permit, he has continued to wield the ferule. Mr. B. has a crippled knee and has sometimes been forced to use crutches. Feb- ruary 22, 1863, he married Miss Elenor F., daughter of M. T. Halli- burton, formerly from Tennessee. Mrs. Boucher came to Randolph with her parents when a child of 10 years. After his marriage, Mr. Boucher continued to teach in Cairo for several years, but in 1866, longing for the freedom of wood and field, he moved to the farm upon which he lives. He owns 90 acres of land, 80 in the home farm and in cultivation, a nice residence, a story and half in height, good stable, and an orchard continuing 300 bearing apple trees, a few peach and some other small fruits. Mr. B. has at different times filled offices of public trust to the advancement of the weal of the community. He has been clerk and treasurer of the township, U. S. marshall, and for 10 years in succession justice of the peace ; he has, in addition, al- ways been connected with the schools as director or clerk. Mr. Boucher'shome is not without those " living palms," children. There are seven children : Bettie, wife of Sylvester Mason ; John W., Alice C, Kate, Haskell, Ezra and Delbert ; Charles died at the age of 18 months, and Minnie aged six years, and Vernon about nine months : HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 647 both faded as the flowers, on the same day, July 19, 1882. Mrs. Boucher, who was a devoted wife and mother, a consistent member of the Christian Church and a most estimable woman in every relation of life, died October 11, 1883 : — There fell upon the house a sudden gloom, A shadow on those features fair and thin ; And softly, from that hushed and darkened room Two angels issued, where but one went in. Mr. B. is a devout member of the Christian Church at Cairo. DAVID PEELEK BOUCHER, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon) . Dr. Boucher, a prominent and successful physician of the North- eastern part of the county, and long located at Cairo, comes of one of the pioneer families of Ran-dolph county. His parents were both natives of Kentucky. His father, Robert Boucher, was born in Rich- mond, of Madison county, of that State, February 22, 1795, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilcoxon, in Clark county in 1805. They were married in 1823. However, Robert Boucher had come to Missouri prior to his marriage, having removed to Howard county as early as 1818. Immediately after his marriage he settled in Randolph county, about four miles north of Huntsville, and his wife is believed to have been the first white woman who ever resided north of Huntsville in this county, and west of the grand divide and east of the East Fork of the Chariton. She died on the 12th of May, 1867, and her husband on the 24th of December, four years after- wards, after having been residents of the county for nearly half a century. Eight of their family of 12 children are still living, four sons and four daughters. Dr. Boucher, the subject of this sketch, was born in Randolph county, November 26, 1837. His youth was spent on the farm, and afterwards he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. C. Tedford; Entering the medical department of the University of Iowa (that department now being known as the Keokuk Medical College), he continued a student there until his graduation in the class of 1863. Immediately after his graduation. Dr. Boucher returned to Randolph county and located at Cairo in the practice of his profession, where he has since been engaged in the practice with the exception of an absence of one year spent in Schuyler county. Here, for a time, he read with his former preceptor. Dr. Tedford, who is now a prominent physician of Moberly, Mo. On the 1st of Jan- uary, 1865, Dr. Boucher was married to Miss Sarah A., eldest daughter of Harrison Leslie, a successful farmer and highly respected citizen of this county. Dr. and Mrs. Boucher have five children : Robert Ulysses, Millie B., Sophia J., Manly D. and Nellie D. Five are deceased : Arthur O., William L., Hattie E., Emma P. and Norvil R. The Doctor and wife are both members of the Christian Church at Cairo, and the Doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows order at this 36 648 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. place, and also of the A. O. U. W. A superior medical education, supplemented with over 20 years' experience in the active practice of his profession, have conspired to place Dr. Boucher in the front rank of physicians in Randolph county. It would be supereroga- tion to say that as a physician no man in this part of the county stands higher in the esteem of the people. MICHAEL P. CAPP (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . , M. P, Capp, the father of Albert A. Capp, whose sketch follows this, was born in Somerset county. Pa., June 4, 1826, and was a son of Michael Capp, Sr., and wife, whose maiden name was Susana Adams, both natives of the old Keystone State. In 1837 the family came to Missouri and located in Monroe county, where the father became one of the large land-owners and prominent farmers of that county. He died there on the 9th of October, 1853. His wife had preceded him to the grave some 10 years, having died on the 5tli of September, 1843. He had already made a division of his land, and a large tract fell to each of his heirs. Three only of their family of children are living : Michael P. Capp was reared on his fiither's farm in Monroe county, and on the 2d of February, 1847, was married to Miss Margaret J. Wood, of Randolph county. He subsequently located in this county, where he has since resided. Here he has a iine farm of over 225 acres, one of the choice places of Jack- son township. Besides raising large quantities of grain and other products, he is quite extensively engaged in handling stock, and ships from 25 to 50 car-loads of cattle and hoo-s to the wholesale markets annually, principally to St. Louis. He is an enterprising, thorough- going farmer and stock-raiser, a man of intelligence and good business qualifications, and of more than ordinary influence in the township ; in fact, one of the leading, better class of citizens in his vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Capp were blessed with 10 children, six sons and four daughters, of whom there are seven now living: Susan J., the wife of Henry Gibson ; Albert A., the subject of the next sketch ; Eras- mus M., Virginia E., now Mrs. Paul Walker; Mary E., now Mrs. Leonard Newton, Alice C. and James. The three deceased are the eldest: Eiisha M., John W. and William. Mr. and Mrs. Capp are members of the M. E. Church South. ALBERT A. CAPP (Farmer and Stock-raiser, and of the Firm of Phelps & Capp, Dealers in General Mer- chandise, at Cairo). Mr. Capp, who, previous to 1881, had been engaged exclusively in farming and stock-raising, formed a partnership at that time with Mr. Phelps in general merchandising, and has since been actively identified in this line of business, and a member of the same firm. A man of good, general education and excellent business qualifica- HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 649 tions, the industry and enterj)rise he had shown in carrying on his farm affairs also became manifest in his business life, and the result has been that, united with Mr. Phelps, a large and successful business has been built up. They carry a good and ample stock of goods in their line, and dealing fairly with the custom, they have obtained the conlidence of the public and the trade of a large circle of country around their place of business. Mr. Capp is of an old Pennsylvania family. His parents, however, Michael P. and Margaret (Wood) Capp, came to Missouri before their marriage, long prior to the 'Civil War, and settled with their parents in Monroe county. They subsequently married and became well-to-do and highly respected residents of Randolph county, where they have reared a large family of children, six sons and four daughters, seven of whom are still living. Of their children, Albert A. was the third, and was born in Monroe county, September 30, 1854. Like the boys of his vicinity, he was brought up to a farm life, and educated in the neighborhood schools. When 21 years of age, young Capp came to Randolph county and located in Jackson township, where he engaged in farm- ing. He is still identified with farming in this township, and has a good place of over 220 acres. More particularly, however, he is giv- ing his attention to handling stock, and has been quite successful in this line of industry. Accumulating considerable means, and anx- ious to make every edge cut, so to speak, possible, he engaged in merchandising, as stated above, with Mr. Phelps, in 1881. In 1877 Mr. Capp was married to Miss Nannie Cochran, of this county. She was a lady in every way calculated to make his domestic life a happy one — devoted to her home, a faithful and loving wife, a ten- der mother, and a neighbor loved by all ; — but the fairest flowers of all the field are often 'withered by the north wind's blast before the thistles that grow between. On the 7th of July, 1881, she was cut off by the inexorable scythian. Death, and all the hopes of a promis- ing and happy married life with her as his loved and beloved compan- panion vanished from the bosom of her devoted husband and were buried with her in the grave forever. She had borne him two bright and charming children: Era Leon, born November 12, 1878, and Robert Enor, born June, 1881. NEWTON C. CUNNINGHAM ^ (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. Cunningham is a native of the county, born October 6, 1847. His father, Joseph Cunningham, came from Tennessee to Missouri, a single man, in 1833, and located in Randolph county. He was married twice, his last wife, and the mother of the subject of this sketch, being Miss Mary J. Goodding, a native of the county, and born on the placd upon which N. C. now lives. Joseph Cunningham went to California in 1849, and was in the gold mines for three years. He returned to Missouri, but only for a'short time, and in 1863 moved his family to California, where he has since made his home. Until the age of 15 .650 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Newton C. lived on the farm in Randolph. He then accompanied his parents to California, and spent eight years on a ranch in that State. When he returned to Missouri, he took charge of the place upon which he still lives, which his father had bought from his grandfather Goodding, who entered the land and settled the farm in 1822. Mr. Cunningham boug-ht the land himself in 1880. He owns 421 acres, 320 of which are fenced and nearly all seeded in tame grass, meadow and pasture. There is an old-fashioned and picturesque, but at the same time, roomy and comfortable dwelling, good stable and other outbuildings. Mr. C. is making a specialty of butter- making, aver- aging about 40 pounds a week. He is also largely interested in the sheep business, and has a flock of about 200 of good graded Cots- wolds. Mr. Cunningham was married April 11, 1875, to Miss Mary E., daughter of J. D. Dameron, of subsequent mention. Mrs. C. be- longs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and her husband is a member of Cairo Lodge, No. 486, A. F. and A. M. He is one of the solid men of the county. JOHN D. DAMERON (Farmer and Stock-raiser), Mr. D. was born in Caswell county, N. C, December 28, 1822, his parents, Benjamin Dameron and Matilda Mathis, being natives of that State. The family moved in 1827 to Tennessee, but finally in 1829, to Randolph county, Mo., where the elder Dameron bought land and improved a farm, coming in time to be a personage of much importance. He was county assessor from 1834 to 1842, and at the time of his death, March 25, 1843, occupied the responsible and honorable ofiice of sheriff. John D. grew to manhood on the farm, receiving a common school education. Reared as he was among the sweet influences of Nature where There's music in the sighing of a reed And music in the gushing of a rill, his heart was early enthralled by Love's young dream, as which " there's nothing half so sweet in life," and on the 22d of July, 1847, he was married to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Robert, and Elizabeth Boucher, originally from Kentucky, but among the very earliest set- tlers of the county. Mr. D. taught school for three terms before his marriage, as well as several after, locating on his present farm in 1849. He has 159 acres in his home place all fenced, and nearly all in culti- vation and meadow pasture. His residence is a comfortable one-story building, and there is a good barn and fair orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Dameron have seven children living: Mary E., wife of N. C. Cun- ningham ; Isaac T., Elizabeth M., wife of D. G. Day ; Josie, wife of G. W. Reynolds ; Rebecca F., wife of T. L. Day ; J. C. and William B. Four are deceased as follows : Benjamin F., died when 6 months old ; Zachariah S., at the age of 4 months ; Valentine, aged 14 months, and Ida Dora died at the age of 19 years and 10 months. Mr. and HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 651 Mrs. D. belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are worthy members of the community. WILLIAM D. DAY (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. D., who is engaged in farming and stock-raising, was born in Washington county, Tenn., on the 23d of January, 1836 ; his father, Thomas Day, came from Virginia when a young man, marrying Ma- tilda Henley, a native of Tennessee. He moved to Missouri in 1844, and settled in Randolph county, buying a farm already partially im- proved which is still in the family. William D. passed the first part of his life on this place, owing most of his education to his own eflbrts. April 7, 1863, Mr. Day was married to Miss George Ann, daughter of John V. and Ann Dunn, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. D. herself, however, was a native of Randolph. They have had four children : Ida G., Anna L., Birdie May and William A. After Mr. D. had as- sumed the cares and responsibilities of matrimony, he lived for two years on his present farm, then went to Iowa for a year, and upon his return, lived a year in Macon county, and at last in the spring of 1867, when the seed was bursting through the ground, the buds breaking into bloom, he moved back to the old home. Here he lives, honored and content, a citizen of whom Randolph should be proud. His farm com- prises 65 acres of good land fenced and cultivated, good stable, a comfortable house, and an orchard of about 150 trees. Mr. and Mrs. Day are deeply imbued with religious faith and belong to the Chris- tian Church. During the late war, Mr. William Day served in the militia in the fall of 1864 and winter of 1865 ; his brother Elbert served in the Southern army for four years and was in some of the most severe battles in the South. In one in which he participated all were slain in his company but one comrade beside himself. He came home at the end of the war without a wound, having been honorably discharged. A remarkable feature of the family of Thomas and Ma- tilda Day is contained in the fact that out of a family of 12 children, six boys and six girls — all grew to manhood and womanhood with the exception of one, an infant, who died at a tender age. All these have assumed the cares and responsibilities of married life. The parents are still living, the father being nearly 80 years of age and the mother in her seventy-fourth year. They are among the most worthy and highly respected pioneers of the county. CHARLES S. DAY (Post-oflBce, Cairo). Mr. Day, a brother of W. D., whose biography appears above, is a native of the county, and was born February 28, 1846. He grew to manhood on a farm upon a portion of which he resides. He received a good common school education. In 1864 he enlisted in the State Militia and served untit discharged in July, 1865, being stationed most 652 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. of the time at Huntsville. After Mr. D.'s marriage, April 15, 1866, he lived at home for a year, then for two years with his wife's father and finally settled on a tract of the home place which he had previ- ously purchased. This contains 70 acres fenced and in cultivation, a comfortable residence, out-buildings, etc., and a fine young bearing orchard of about 100 trees. Mr. Day's wife was a Miss Mary C. Lessly, daughter of Harrison Lessly, formerly from Kentucky, but a resident of the county for many years. Mr. and Mrs. D. have five children living : William E., Dora Belle, Hubert L., Ruble and Jennie Pearl ; besides these, one died at a tender age. Mr. Day is an ener- getic, thrifty and prosperous farmer, one of the sort whom every county should strive to number among her residents, for they are her bone and sinew. He and his wife walk in the light that shines from above, and guide their footsteps according to the belief of the Chris- tian Church. DABNEY G. DAY (Farmer, Section 11). Mr. D., another member of the ancient and honored family of Days, is a brother of Charles S. and William Day. He also lives on a portion of the home place which is one of the oldest in the town- ship, having been settled away back, beyond the memory of all but the oldest inhabitants. D. G. was born here January 30, 1850, and like his brothers grew up on the farm, enjoying its pure and simple pleasures, and preparing himself for the toils of life by such education as the common schools of the county enabled him to obtain. He was satisfied with the peaceful world in which he was brought up, and upon his majority felt no desire to change : — "To surrender The pond with all its lilies, for the leap ' Into the unknown deep." Therefore, upon taking to himself a partner of his joys, he settled more firmly than ever upon his ancestral soil. He married September 6, 1873, Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of J. D. Dameron, the picture of whose life ornaments the pages of this history. Children who are — , As the leaves are to the forest, E're their sweet and tender juices Have been hardened into wood, have clustered around their fireside. Their names are respectively Winford E. Hortense, Arthur B. C. and Carson Roy, the latter of whom died February 2, 1884. Mr. Day has a comfortable house, good stable and young orchard coming on, all pleasantly situated upon 85 acres of fenced land, and in cultivation and pasture. Mr. Day is a young man of admirable qualities of heart and head, and endears him- self to every one by his courteous, affable manners and sunny temper. They are members of the Christian Church. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 653 WILLIAM G. AND JAMES G. GRIFFIN (Father and Son; the Former Retired, the Latter Merchant at Cairo). The biography of the Griffin fjimily, or at least the branch of it to which the subjects of this sketch belong, leads back to long prior to the War of the Revolution, and its representatives are all as worthy as men and citizens as the older ones are remarkable for their longevity. The Griffins settled in Virginia from England soon after the colony at Jamestown was founded, and from the Old Dominion branches of the family have spread out into the other States. William G. Griffin's father, James Griffin, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in about 1758, and grew up in that county, where he was subsequently married to Miss Delphia Adams, one year his junior. James Griffin and his father (who is the great-grandfather of James G. Griffin, the junior subject of this sketch) served in the army of Virginia under Washington during the war for Independence, James, the elder, be- ing only seventeen years of age when he enlisted. After the war he came out to Kentucky and settled, where he reared a large family of children and lived until his death, which was in 1853, when he was in the ninety-fifth year of his age. His wife died also in Kentucky, in 1843, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. Of their family of seven sons and three daughters, most of whom lived to rear families of their own, but two are now living — Parmelia, the widow of William Rey- nolds, of Pulaski county, Ky., and now in the eighty-third year of her age; and William G., the subject of this sketch. William Gr. Griffin was born in Pulaski county, Ky., May 13, 1803, and was reared in that county. In 1838 he came to Missouri and located in Ralls county, but the following year came over into Macon county, and from Macon to Randolph in 1865, where he still resides, now 81 years of age, and in remarkable health both of mind and body, considering his advanced age. On the 6th of January, 1839, he was married to Miss Anna Griffin, a second cousin of his, and formerly of Kentucky. Five of the family of children resulting from this union are living : John H., of Macon county, recorder of deeds ; Sarah J., the wife of Morgan Cox ; Louisa, the wife of F. G. Johnston ; Mary A., the wife of John L. McKinney and James G. The father, William G., was a successful farmer in his time and accumulated a comfortable estate. Having lived an industrious, temperate and worthy life, he is thus spared to reach a ripe old age, with his mental powers unimpaired and his physical strength well preserved. James G. Griffin, the youngest of their family, was born on the 19th of September, 1850, and on the 12th of March, 1872, was married to Miss Belle McKinney. The year of his marriaije Mr. Griffin eno-ao-ed in merchandisinir at Cairo, which he has since followed now for a period of 12 years, and with abund- ant success. He carries an excellent stock of goods and commands a large trade. He is also quite extensively engaged in handling stock and ships largely to the wholesale markets. An enterprising, thor- 654 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ough-going business man, he is rapidly coming to the front as one of the substantial and leading citizens of the county. Mr. and Mrs. GrifBn have five children : Florence, Flora, Maude, Rosamond and Willie Pearl. He and wife are members of the Church, he of the Baptist, and she of the Christian. He is also a member of the A. F. and A. M., I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. JOSEPH A. HANNAH (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . If one had been on the road between Missouri and East Tennessee in 1835, he might have seen a mover's covered wagon slowly but surely wending its way on to this State. In the wagon here referred to was Robert Hannah and wife, formerly a Miss Melinda Jenkins, both young then and inimigrating to this new country to establish themselves in life. They came on and settled in Randolph county, and here, as the seasons came and went and decades grew into almost half a century, their industry and perseverance prospered them abundantly in the affairs of the world and Heaven blessed them with a numerous family of children. The father became one of the sub- stantial and influential farmers and stock-raisers of the county and one of its large landholders. He died here in a green old age on the 4th of March, 1876, honored for the long and useful life he had led and deeply mourned, now that the end had come. His good wife, worthy to have been the life-companion of such a man, preceded him to the grave in 1855. Both sleep beneath the sod of the county for which they had done so much and in which they will long be re- membered for the valued and blameless lives they lived. Such parents children may cherish the memory of with the sweet sadness and sacred- ness of a happy dream. Six of their family of children are living: James M., now of California ; Joseph A., the subject of this sketch ; Sarah E., the wife of W. M. Baker ; Louisa J., the wife of Elder J. E. Sharp; Julia A., the wife of S. R. King, of Saline county; and Emily E., the wife of E. H. Jett. Margaret F. grew to womanhood and became the wife of J. S. Howard, A.B. and A.M., a professor in Oxford Female College, of the State of Mississippi. She died in 1866. Joseph A. Hannah, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Lincoln county, Tenn., August 5, 1830, emigrated to Missouri in the spring of 1835 and was reared on his father's farm. Having de- cided to devote himself to fiirming before he reached manhood, he has ever since followed that occupation. He has a handsome place of nearly 300 acres, over half of which he has in pasturage, devoting his place largely to stock-raising. He handles cattle, hogs, sheep and mules and is satisfactorily successful in all these lines. Mr. Hannah is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Cairo and also of the A. F. and A. M. at that place. On the 14th of Septem- ber, 1853, he was married to Miss Isabella, a daughter of Lydia and William Kino-. Mr. and Mrs. Hannah have six children : William E., HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 655 James S., Joseph E., Julia Belle, Mattie F. and Susie B. But alas ! there is no flock, howe'er watched and tended, but one dead lamb is there. Lydia A. lived but nine months, when, too fair to last, her little spirit was wafted to its home on high. Mrs. Hannah is an ex- emplary member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM P. HENSON (Proprietor of Henson's Drug Store, Cairo) . Mr. Henson, a young business man of Cairo of thorough-going enterprise, established his present business at this place in the spring of 1882. A young gentleman of somewhat advanced education and already with a neat start in life, for all he has and has accomplished he is very largely, if not mainly, indebted to his own resolution, spirit and industry. Mr. Henson has the only drug store at Cairo and he strives to supply the wants of the people in his line as well and completely as if there were any number of other houses here in his line. He is one of that class of men who can be accommodating and faithful to their obligations in business, as well as otherwise, without competition to spur them on, or other fictitious influences. He keeps an excellent stock of good, fresh drugs, and buying as he does alto- gether for cash, he is able to sell them at the lowest prices the state of the markets allow. Personally, Mr. Henson is a genial, sociable and popular man and the general esteem in which he is held has hardly less to do with the large trade he commands than the high character of the business he conducts. Mr. Henson is a native Mis- sourian, born in Lewis county, October 3, 1855. Reared on his father's farm in that county, he remained at home, with the exception of short absences, until 1877, when he entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, in which he took a preparatory course for general business pursuits of three years. After this he taught two terms of school and by economy saved up a nucleus of means. In 1882 he came to Cairo and established his present business. On the 15th of November, 1881, Mr. Henson was married to Miss Susan E. Baldwin, of Shelby county. Mo. Mr. and Mrs. H. have an interesting little daughter, born August 18, 1883. He and wife are both members of the M. E. Church South at this place. Mr. Henson's parents are res- idents of Harrison county, Ky. His father, George Henson, was born in that county June 20, 1823. His mother, whose maiden name was Henrietta Bourn, was born there. They were married in 1850 and subsequently lived in Lewis county, this State, where the subject of this sketch was born. They afterwards returned, however, to Harri- son county, Ky., where they now reside. Of their original family of nine children, all are still living and are residents of Lewis county, this State, except our subject. The father is a substantial farmer of Harrison county and one of its most highly respected citizens. 656 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. JOHN HUNTSMAN (Farmer). Mr. H., an old and respected citizen of Cairo township and a repre- sentative of one of the pioneer families of the county, was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky. He was a son of Benjamin and Ann C. (Darby) Huntsman, both natives of the same county, the father born in 1788 and the mother in 1803, and who came to Randolph county in 1833 and settled in what is now Cairo township. The father entered land there and improved a farm, on which he resided for nearly 40 years and until his death, which occurred August 1, 1872, at the ripe old age of 84. The mother died January 29, 1874, aged 71. The father served as magistrate and was one of the respected citizens of the township. Of their family of five sons and three daugh- ters, four sons and one daughter are living, namely : George, John, Sarah, the wife of Joseph W. Darby ; Harrison and Benjamin F. The deceased were: Amanda, who died in maidenhood; William, who died in military prison as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War ; Susan J., who died in 1870. John Huntsman, the subject of this sketch, after he grew up on the farm in Cairo township, began farming for himself and has since followed that occupation. On the 20th of May, 1860, he was married to Miss Nellie M., a daughter of William M. and Sarah Nichols, formerly of the State of Missouri, where Mr. Huntsman's wife was born August 27, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hunts- man have four children living: Walter, Martha A., Emily and Hattie W. One, an infant son, is deceased. Mr. Huntsman settled on his present place in 1850. His farm contains 150 acres of land, and from boyhood he has led a worthy, industrious and respected life. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for many years, and he was one of the organizers of Union Church, his name being first on the books. This church was organized in 1857, and he has been one of its faithful members ever since. He is also a worthy member of the A. F. and A. M. FELIX G. JOHNSTON (Owner aucl Proprietor of Wayside Farm). Mr. J., one of the enterprising, thrifty farmers of Cairo Township, is a native Missourian, born in Macon county June 10, 1844. His parents are Richard T. and Mary (Ware) Johnston, both natives of Virginia, the father born in 1799 and the mother in 1826. They came to Missouri in 1838 and settled in Macon county, where the mother still resides, but the father died September 10, 1866. Five of their family of 10 children are living : Charles M., James, Felix G., Richard T. and Barbara F., all residents of this State. Felix G. Johnston was reared on the farm in Macon county, and on the 5th of January, 1866, was married to Miss Lula B. Griffin, a daughter of William G. and Anna Griffin, of that county. Mr. Johnston located on his present HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 657 farm in 1870. Here he has an exceptionally neat and well cared for place of 160 acres. His resideiice is a well constructed and tastily built cottage, and everything about his place shows that it has an in- telligent, progressive man for proprietor. He also has a small place a short distance from his homestead. His farm is largely devoted to meadow and pasturage, and he raises considerable stock. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have two children : Anna F. and Ida May. The parents and children are all members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnston is a worthy, upright man and is well respected. ALFRED LOWELL (Owner and Proprietor of Oakfield Farm), This leading agriculturist of Randolph county is a worthy descendant of two of the best families of Massachusetts — the Lowells and Godfreys, though Mr. Lowell himself is a native of Maine, whither his father had removed, and was born in Kennebec county, July 16, 1812. The Lowells were originally from England, but came over to Massachusetts in the early days of the colony. John Lowell, of Newberryport, was one of the most distinguished men of the State, being the first Supreme Judge of the Commonwealth under the American Constitution, and for many years, both before and after the Revolution, a member of Congress, and after the close of the war for Independence a U. S. District and Circuit Judge and one of the founders of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Joshua A. Lowell, who died in 1874, is well known as a leading Democratic statesman of Maine, but born and reared in Massachusetts. And James Russell Lowell, the present American Minister at the Court of St. James, is too well known as a scholar, poet and statesman to require more than mention. The Godfreys were originally from Normandy, France, but passed over into England, or a branch of the family at least, in the time of William the Conqueror. Godfrey, of Bouillon, was by all odds the greatest man of the Crusades, and was the first Christian king of Jerusalem. He it was that led the Christian hosts at the time of the capture of the Holy City. Speaking of that immor- tal victory, Gibbon says: " On Friday, at three in the afternoon, the day and the hour of the Passion, Godfrey of Bouillon stood victori- ous on the walls of Jerusalem." And then in England there was Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, the great jurist who exerted himself in the discovery of the Popish plot and is supposed to have been murdered by the Catholics. Of the American branch of the fiimily we have the great mathematician, Thomas Godfrey and his son, the latter being the first dramatic poet on this side of the Atlantic. James Lowell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Newberryport, Mass., in 1770, and was a nephew of Hon. John A. Lowell, of Newberryport, mentioned above. James Lowell married Miss Olive Godfrey, who was born in that part of Massachusetts now in the jurisdiction of Maine, in 1780. They were married in 1798 and settled permanently in Maine. James Lowell there became a wealthy and leading ship- 658 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. builder and ship-owner, and was one of the prominent men of Maine in his line of business for many years. He died in 1853, but his wife survived up to 187<5, reaching the advanced age of 96 years. They had a family of eight children : Mary, James, Harrison, Alfred, Ed- ward, Henry, Franklin and Leander, of whom only Alfred and Leander are living. Alfred Lowell, the subject of this sketch, was reared at Kennebec and educated under the excellent New England system of' public instruction. In 1838, then a young man 26 years of age, he decided to seek his fortune in the West, and accordingly came out to Illinois and located in Tazewell county, where he embarked in the pursuit of farming. Three years afterwards, on the 10th of Decem- ber, 1841, he was married to Miss Laura S. Richmond, of Tazewell county, and he continued a resident of that county, engaged mainly in farming, for over 30 years after his marriage. A man of his antece- dents, intelligence and enterprise could hardly have failed of success in tending his flocks and herds and cultivating the rich soil in the Prairie State. Li 1870 Mr. Lowell determined to push on out to Missouri, and disposing of his interests in Illinois, he came to this State and settled in Randolph county on the farm where he now re- sides. This is one of the best farms in the township, a typical place for a Northern farmer, neat and clean and everything in good shape. He has over 400 acres of fine land in the county, and he and his sons are largely engaged in the stock business, their annual shipments running as high some years as 250 head of cattle and 400 head of hogs. He is one of the well known and popular citizens of the county, a man whose citizenship is of value to the people among whom he lives, and no one is more highly respected by those who know him than he. Mr. Lowell's first wife died in 1853, and on the 24th of April, 1855, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Sill, a daughter of D. T. and Polly Sill, formerly of Ohio, in which State Mrs. Lowell was born July 3, 1834. By his first marriage there were three children : Elizabeth, who died in maidenhood ; Edward and James. He also has three children by his last marriage : Clara E., Florence and Edith. HIRAM McKINNEY (Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Dealer in Lumber). Fifty-one years ago the scene presented by Randolph county was far difiierent from that which it presents to-day. Then it was an almost uninhabited wilderness, the solitute of the wilds, so far as human ha- l)itations were concerned, being broken only now and then by a white man's cabin in the edge of the timber that skirted broad prairies. Now, all these prairies have been fenced up and nmch of the timber has been cleared away ; white farm houses and occasionally brick ones rear their spacious fronts on the different farms, and the land is filled with a busy, prosperous and intelligent people. For this mighty change, a change not less happy than it is marked, we are indebted to the sturdy pioneers who came here in an early day, wending their way from distant States over high mountain ranges and through lonely HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 6 5 'J plains ill their white covered wagons, to lay the foundations of a pros- perous community on this side of the turbid waters of the Mississippi, and to rear aloft with their brawn and brain the proud walls of its superstructure. Among those who contributed their full share in this great work was the father of the subject of this sketch, Daniel Mc- Kinney. Born in Lincohi county, Ky., on the 13th of January, 1802, he married Miss Eliza Brown in 1833, and the following year came to Missouri, locating in Randolph county, where for 48 years he labored unceasingly for the material development of the county ; and accumu- lating a comfortable fortune, he thus contributed his full share to its wealth and prosperity, and dying at last at a good old age, left a worthy family of children to succeed to his name and estate and to carry forward the great work to which, practically, his whole life was devoted. He was one of the leading farmers and stock-raiseis of Ran- dolph county, and died a worthy member of the Christian Church, of w^hich he had been a member for many years. His wife still resides on the old family homestead at the ripe old age of 73. Of their family of six sons and five daughters, nine are living : Sophia J., now Mrs. Robert Brown, of Monroe county ; Hiram, the subject of this sketch ; William E,, of Oregon; Annie M., now Mrs. Harrison Hunts- man ; Patsey J., the wife of Samuel F. Campbell ; Harrison S., John F., Madison and Laura B., the wife of James G. Griffin. Hiram McKinney, the subject of this sketch, was born on the 8th of June, 1837, and from that day to this, a period of 47 years, has been a con- tinuous resident of Randolph county. On the 27th of February, 1867, he was married to Miss Amanda F., a daughter of James G. and Sarah R. Campbell, who settled here also in about 1833, coming from Kentucky. Mr. and Mr^. McK. have but one child, Sophia J., born October 12, 1873. Two are deceased, Evelena and Nora Lee. Mr. McKinney's whole life, from youth to the present, has been spent in farming, and as the fruits of his toil he may point with reasonable satisfaction to his fine farm of 200 acres, one of the best in the town- ship, and also to his stock and other valuable personal property. He makes something of a specialty of raising stock, and ships from two to three car loads to the markets annually. He and wife are members of the church, his wife of the Christian and he of the Baptist denom- inations. Mr. McKinney keeps on hand a stock of lumber for general custom. MARQUES D. L. PATTON (Farmer) . It was in 1837 that Thomas Patton and wife, whose maiden name was Mary Stinson, with their family of children, emigrated from Ten- nessee to Missouri, and settled in Randolph county. He was a wheel- wright by occupation, and followed that in this county until his death, whi^h occurred March 5, 1842. He was born in Alabama in 1790. She was born in South Carolina in 1804, and died in this county Jan- uary 7, 1883. But four of their family of 11 children are living : Rhoda, the wife of William Mayo, of Benton county, Arkansas ; 660 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. Marques D. L., Nancy M., the wife of Richard Cromwell, and Thomas Jr. Marques D. L. Patton, the subject of this sketch, was born in this county March 3, 1837, and his home has been in this county from that day to this. On the 1st of March, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary C. Cromwell, and five sons and four daughters have been the fruits of their union, but five of whom, however, are now living: Nora B., Charles A., Stephen C, Mary H. and Freddie M. Mr. Patton settled on the farm where he now resides in 1872. He has 200 acres of good land and is comfortably situated on his place. Mrs. Patton is a native of Kentucky, born February 25, 1839. Her parents were Joseph W. and Martha Cromwell, who came to this county in 1856. JEREMIAH W. PHILLIPS (Farmer and Justice of the Peace) . During the War 'Squire Phillips' father, Allen Phillips, an old gentleman 61 years of age, and who has been a resident of Monroe county for 25 years, a peaceable and law-abiding man, taking no part in the troubles of the times, and one of the best and most highly re- pected citizens in the county, was taken out from his house by a band of irresponsible and merciless scoundrels serving on the Union side as militiamen, and shot down like a common dog in cold blood. His body was afterwards taken charge of by friends and respectfully and sadly buried in the home cemetery, where his remains still rest in the unendino; embrace of the o;rave. He was a orood man, an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was esteemed by all, and his memory is tenderly cherished by his loved ones and by all his neigh- bors and acquaintances. He was a native of Kentucky, born Febru- ary 24, 1803. His first wife was a Miss Elizabeth M. Doswell, formerly of Prince Edward county, Virginia. Two of their family of children are living: Alice C, widow of James M. Fifer, and the sub- ject of this sketch. His last w*ife was previously Mrs. Susan Davis, and came from Garrett county, Ky. 'Squire J. W. Phillips was born in Casey county, Ky., now Boyle county, July 15, 1838. He was reared on his father's farm in Monroe county, and on the 21st of April, 1859, was married to Miss Marietta H. Patton, of Macon county. They have six children living: Alice L., Allen, James W., Susan, Nora B. and Edward. Three are deceased : Hugh R., drowned June 17, 1882 ; Charles and Emma, both of whom died in infancy. 'Squire Phillips has a neat farm and is an intelligent citizen and in- dustrious farmer. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace and has since held that office. He and wife are members of the C. P. Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. JOSEPH C. RIDINGS, M.D., and OVERTON H. RIDINGS, M.D. (Of J. C. & O. H. Kidings, Physicians and Surgeons, Cairo). These gentlemen, leading practitioners in the medical profession, in the north-eastern part of Randolph county, are the sons of George HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 661 Ridings, Esq., an old and respected citizen and successful farmer of Monroe county, but originally of Virginia. George Ridings was born in the Old Dominion on the 10th of September, 1813, and after he grew up came out to Missouri in an early day. In 1848 he was married to Miss Martha Hersman, formerly of near Lexington, Ky., where she was born in 1827. She died, however, three years after her marriage, on the 16th of December, 1851, in Monroe county, where she and her husband had previously lived. She left two sons, only one of whom, however, Joseph C, one of the subjects of this sketch, lived to reach manhood. On the 15th of May, 1854, the father was married to Miss Susan Hersman, a cousin to his first wife. His second marriage proved not less happy than the first, and his last wife was spared to brighten his home until it was darkened at last by his own death. Of the family of five children by this union, two are now living, Overton H., the second subject of this sketch, and Abbie, now also of Cairo, residing with her mother, who is still living. The father died at Lynchburg, Ohio, on the 22d of April, 1872. Dr. Joseph C. Ridings was born in Monroe county. Mo., May 8, 1849. Reared on his father's farm in that county, he prepared himself for college in the local schools, and in 1861 entered Westminster College, where he took a thor- ough general and classical course, continuing there for five years and graduating with distinction in 1866. Immediately after his graduation, young Ridings began the study of medicine, and in 1868 attended the Kentucky College of Medicine at Louisville. Contin- uing his studies, he took his second course at medical college at the St. Louis Medical College in 1870-71, graduating in the spring of the last named year with high honor. Dr. Ridings' preceptor in the study of medicine was Dr. John McNutt, of Middle Grove. In 1871 he formed a partnership with Dr. C. S. Gray, in the prac- tice at Nevada City, Mo. They subsequently removed to Liberty, Montgomery county, Kas., where they continued the practice to- gether for a short time. Dr. Ridings then returned to Missouri and located at Cairo, where he has since been engaged in the practice. Here, in 1872, he formed a partnership with Dr. J. G. Wilson, which continued with agreeableness and mutual advantage for eleven years, at the expiration of which it was dissolved in the same spirit of friend- ship that had characterized their long practice as partners. Dr. Overton H. Ridings then became Dr. J. C. Ridings' partner in the practice, a partnership which has since continued. To the people of the north- eastern part of Randolph county it would be repeating a well known fact, which has been said by every one in this vicinity, that Dr. J. C. Ridings is one of the best physicians that was ever called to the bedside of the suffering. With a marked natural taste and a singular aptitude for the medical profession, he commenced with a thorough general educa- tion, and then took an advanced college course in his profession, a course which was characterized Avith more than ordinar}'- proficiency throughout. Since his graduation at medical college, now thirteen 662 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. years ao-o, although engaged constantly and arduously in active prac- tice, he has never ceased to be a medical student, for he loves medicine not less as a science, a field of constant interest and investigation, than as an art, or a field of practical work. The result is that he has inevitably taken a leading and enviable position in his profession. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order and takes a marked interest in the discharge of his Masonic duties and the general welfare of the order. On the 6th of October, 1874, he was married to Miss Rosa Voorhies, a daughter of C. F. Voorhies, a prominent farmer of Mon- roe county. Mrs. Ridings was born in Rapides Parish, La., June 16, 1853. They have three children. Pearl, George V. and Cornelius R. Both parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Overton H. Ridings was born in Monroe county, April 6, 1855, and was reared and educated in that county. He was princi- pally occupied with farming pursuits until he began his course as a medical student. Dr. O. H. Ridings read medicine under Dr. I. For- rest, and afterwards entered the St. Louis Medical College in which he continued as a student until his graduation. Having pursued his studies with zeal and intelligence, his graduation was highly credita- ble. Receiving his honors at the medical college with the class of 1882, he afterwards engaged in the practice at Clark's Switch, in Ran- dolph county, where he continued with success until November, 1883, when he formed his present partnership with his brother at Cairo. Although Dr. Ridings has been in the practice but a short time, his qualifications and natural aptness for a successful physician are such that he can hardly fail of winning a place in the confidence and esteem of the public as a practitioner quite as high as that now occupied by his brother. A man of generous impulses and warm sympathies, he enters at once into rapport ^ as the French would say, with his patient, and is able to prescribe intelligently, not only from a thorough knowl- edge of medicine, but from that intuition which comes to every one who has the natural qualities for a good nurse. Difiering from many physicians, his presence in a sick room brings with it hope and cheer, and is always agreeable to the suffering, having none of those char- acteristics of want of feeling and sympathy which are often the case with some excellent doctors. Personally and professionally. Dr. O. H. Ridings is very popular and stands high as a citizen and neighbor. On the 9th of September, 1873, he was married to Miss Sally W. Harris, a daughter of Joseph B. Harris, an influential farmer of Mon- roe county. Mrs. Ridings was born April 28, 1856. They have two children : Clifton H. and Stanley H. One died in infancy. The Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church. VALENTINE ROLLINS (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. R. was born in Dnnville, Cumberland county. Me., September 14, 1818, his parents, Abiel L. and Martha (Manuel) Rollins, living all their lives in the same State. Mr. Rollins, Sr., served at one time HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 663 in the militia, doing muster service. Valentine R. spent his youth and, indeed, part of his maturer years in his native State. He was educated there, and taught school for one term. His first wife, to whom he was married in Cumberland county in 1844, was a Miss L. S., daughter of Samuel Verill, also a life long resident. The year after his marriage, Mr. Rollins came West to seek his fortune, and made his home upon part of the same ground upon which he now lives. At first he entered only 80 acres, and for seven years lived in a 12x12 cabin ; but success never fails to come to those who strive with patience and perseverance to win it, and now Mr. R. has the use of 400 acres of land, with 340 fenced, and all in a good state of culti- vation, tame pasture and meadow. He occupies a nice residence, and has a good tenant house, two farms and a large rat proof corn crib. In 1857 Mrs. Rollins died, and the following year Mr. R. was married again, this time to Miss L. B. Boucher, daughter of Robert Boucher, formerly of Kentucky, but a time-honored citizen of this county. To them have been born seven children: Martha J., wife of W. R. McDaniel ; Aba A., wife of James D. Peeler; Sarah L., Millie B., Walter A., Frederick V. and Charles. Mr. Rollins has some military experience though he was not in any engagement. He served for some time in the Enrolled Militia, which was organized for home pro- tection. He was first lieutenant of Co. G, Col. Denny's regiment. Mr. R. now makes farming and stock-raising his profession, and with careful, painstaking diligence is preparing a golden harvest. WILLIAM M. STEELE (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. S. settled on the place where he now resides in 1856, and for 28 years has devoted himself to the work of tilling his farm and raising such stock as farmers usually keep. His place contains 155 acres and is comfortably improved. Mr. Steele is a Kentuckian by birth, and the 30th of December, 1819, was the day that marked his en- trance into the world. His parents were residents at the time of Adair county, and both his father, Robert Steele, and mother, Cynthia, nee Vaughan, came of old Virginia families. They came to Missouri in about 1826, and lived in Howard county until 1831, when they removed to Randolph and made this their home for some 17 years. The father then removed to Saline county, where he died in 1848. The mother died in Carroll county in 1858. William M. Steele was reared in this county and brought up to the occupation of a farmer. November 26, 1839, he was married to Miss Nancy Wallace, and he and his wife at once settled on a place to themselves. He has con- tinued farming from youth up to the present time, being now nearly 65 years of age. Mr. Steele's first wife died August 27, 1873. Seven of the children by this marriage are living: John T., Mary J., now Mrs. Hosea Eastwood, of Chariton county ; Louisa C, William W. , Major J., Robert H., of Washington Territory ; Susana, the wife of J. L. Brown, of Linn county. On the same day of his wife's 37 664 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. death, but in the year 1874, Mr. Steele was raarriecl to Mrs. Elizabeth, the widow of Joseph M. Reid. Mrs. Steele is now married to her third husband. She is the mother of four children: one by her first husband, Charles W. Halliburton, who is now married and living in Moberly ; Lela M. and Carrie L. by her second husband, Mr. Reed ; and Edgar Singleton by her present husband, Mr. Steele. Mr. S. is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife is a member of the Christian denomination. ELDER JONAS G. SWETMAN (Minister of the Baptist Church and Farmer.) Mr. Swetman, who now has charge of the Baptist church at Midway, an arm of Mount Shiloh, and is an earnest, faithful minister of the Gospel, is a native of Kentucky, born in Clark county, January 11, 1820. When he was a lad eight years of age, his parents. Judge John Swetman and Sarah, nee Golf, came to Missouri with their family and settled on a tract, of land about seven miles from Fayette. in Howard county, on which the father built a log dwelling which is standing to this day, a landmark of the pioneer days of the county. He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1864. He became one of the substantial farmers and influential citizens of that county, and served for 16 years as justice of the peace, and was afterwards a judge of the county court. The mother, a woman of gentle heart and pious mind, motherly and beloved by all her neighbors, died in 1835. The father was afterwards married to Miss Mary A. Belmear, of that county. By his first marriage there were 10 children, and his second 12 — of the first family, namely : Jonas G., the subject of this sketch, George T., William B., deceased; Levi W., deceased; Polly, John H., Strother B., Elisha J. aiid Sarah M., deceased; all but two of whom lived to maturity and became the heads of families — of the second family, namely : Asa L., Elizabeth F., Jesse D., Joseph S., Susan M., deceased; Benjamin, deceased; Sidney T., deceased; Hiram, deceased; Daniel W., Albert, Malvina and Charles, all but two of whom lived to maturity. Twelve of the 22 children are still living. Elder Jonas G. Swetman Avas reared in Howard county. On the 26th of November, 1840, he was married to Miss Jane F. Wallace. She was born in Caswell county, N. C, May 24, 1816. She was of Randolph county at the time of her marriage, and to this county Mr. Swetman moved, where he engaged in farming which he has since followed. She died February 13, 1881, having been the mother of eight children: Sarah E., now the wife of William Halliburton, of Shelby county ; John J., died at the age of 17, in 1860 ; George W., who was killed in a coal bank in 1880 at the age of 34 ; Silas, who died in boyhood; Susan M., who died in tender years ; Louisa, the wife of John H. Lilly, of this county ; Malinda P., who died while the wife of Charles Orr, in 1880, at the age of 26 years ; and Jonas A., Jr., born May 7, 1857. Mr. Swetman was married to Miss Sarah Colborn, March 7, 1883. Mr. Swetman has long been a member of HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 665 the Baptist Church. In 1871 he was licensed to preach, and two years afterwards he was duly ordained a minister in his denomination. He is a man of profound piety, a thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures, a superior mind and a preacher of more than ordinary eloquence and piety. Under his ministry many precious souls have been saved to the Eedeemer. Elder J. G. Swetman is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and takes a warm interest in the welfare of the order. Mr. Swetman's farm contains 100 acres. REV. MILTON F. WILLIAMS (Minister of the Missionary Baptist Ciiurcii, Post-office, Cairo) . In the whole ecclesiastical history of Missouri there is not a family that deserves more honorable mention or is more justly entitled to the lasting remembrance of posterity than the one of which the sub- ject of the present sketch is a representative. Rev. Mr. Williams was a son of Rev. Lewis Williams who has been well termed in the " History of the Baptists in Missouri " " The prince of pioneer min- isters." After him came his eldest son, Rev. Alvin P. Williams, who, for many years, and until his untimely taking olF b}' an accident in the harvest-time of his usefulness, stood at the head of the Baptist clergy of Missouri. Both father and son have been justly classed among the most remarkable men whose lives have been identified with this State. The father was a co-laborer here when the country was known as Upper Louisiana, with Musick and Wilhoite, the three pioneer Protestant ministers of Missouri. He was from North Caro- lina and came to this then Territory in 1797, being at that time 13 years of age. He grew up as a hunter and frontiersman and among the Indians, surpassing them all in the chase, as a marksman, and in every exercise and amusement common at that day. He was of course without education, but finally learned to read and became a Baptist minister. His career in the church was that of one of the most suc- cessful preachers of his time. He organized churches and planted the banner of the cross in every settlement of white men in North-eastern and Central Missouri, and to this day the strength and importance of that denomination in these sections of the State is probably more largely due to his ministry than to the services of any other clergy- man of his denomination of his time. He was a man of wonderful natural eloquence, untrammeled by artificial methods, and, therefore, the more powerful and effectual in the pulpit. Hundreds came into the church under his preaching every year and although the country was sparsely settled, often large numbers of the congregations coming a day's journey to hear him, yet his conversions towered into the thousands. His eldest son, Alvin P. Williams, also became one of the leading Baptist ministers of the State. His education and ad- vantages were very limited, but by self-culture he obtained an advanced education, and became one of the most accomplished Greek scholars in his denomination in the State. He was an inveterate student and jjossessed of a wonderful memory. He was often heard C66 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. to remark that he believed if the New Testament were lost he could supply it in loto from memory. He was not only a tireless student :ind an accomplished scholar, but a most indefatigable minister, an eloquent and successful preacher. Mr. Burlingham has said of him : " He was equally efficient in the pulpit, on the platform, or with the pen. By character, sound judgment, conciliating manners and inces- sant efforts, he placed himself in the front rank of the Baptists of Missouri, and, indeed, of the denomination." Of course in the space to which the present sketch is necessarily confined, no adequate idea can be conveyed of the lives and services of these distinguished and eminent servants of God, men whose influence, though their remains now rest peacefully under the son and their spirits are in Heaven, still goes on vibrating down the current of time and on the gulf of eternity. The father. Rev. Lewis Williams, has well been called, "The father of preachers." All four of his sons, Alvin P., Perry D., Isaiah T. and Milton F. became Baptist ministers, and five of his grandsons, the sons of his daughters, also became ministers in the same church, namely, Revs. Lewis and J. D. Murphy, and Revs. Perry D. and Frank Cooper, also Rev. I. T. Williams, Jr., the son of Rev. I. T. Williams, Sr. The biographies of several of these, including Rev. Lewis and Alvin P. Williams, are given in the " History of the Bap- tists in Missouri," above referred to, and in several other works. Rev. Milton F. Williams, the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin county. Mo., January 11, 1826, and was about 13 years his eldest brother's junior. When he came up he had better school ad- vantages than those with which the former were favored, having besides elementary instruction in good neighborhood schools, the benefit of a course at Pleasant Ridge College, in Platte county. He became early decided for the ministry and prosecuted his studies in advance of entering upon the theological course with this object in view. From college he entered at once upon a preparatory course for the pulpit and in due time he was ordained, April 7, 1849, at Brin Zion Church, in St. Clair county. Since then he has been actively en- gaged in the ministry. Rev. Mr. Williams has had numerous charges in Missouri during the past 35 years and has ever been esteemed an able, sincere and successful minister. A man who has devoted, prac- tically, his whole life to study and work in his sacred calling, and blessed with a mind of singular strength and penetration, as might be expected, he has risen to an enviable rank among the Baptist clergy- men of Missouri. Filled with the spirit that should animate the true Christian minister, and learned not only in the doctrines of the Bible and the general principles of theology, but in the knowledge afforded by secular writings, when he enters the pulpit he is prepared to speak from a standpoint of more than ordinary information, and being of an earnest nature, zealous in his office, he addresses himself to his liearers with that strength, impressiveness and force, that the impres- sion he makes upon the minds of his congregation is not less effectual than his appeals to their hearts and consciences. As a speaker he is HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 667 possessed of rare grace and agreeableness of delivery, and his language is well chosen, fluent, and briugs out the points he wishes to make clear with great perspicuity. Though more of an even, smooth speaker than a demonstrative, excitable one, yet, when he becomes wrought up by the impressiveness and splendor of his theme, he seems to lose himself entirely in his subject and rises to a high degree of eloquence. At such times his influence on many is irresistible. In a word, Mr. Williams is one of the able and successful ministers of his denomination, and one who bears with credit the honored name he has inherited. On the 22d of January, 1846, he was married to Miss Mary Brown, a daughter of William Brown, of St. Clair county, but originally of Washington county, Ky. They have no children, their only child having died in infancy. Mr. W^illiams has a neat home- stead where he resides of 60 acres. Mr. Williams' mother was a Miss Nancy. Jump, a pious, good woman, whose influence upon her children was very marked. Besides the four sons named, there were four daughters : Isabella became the wife of William Murphy ; Mary became the wife of William Cooper ; the eldest, Eliza, became the wife of John Whitmire ; and the second eldest, Lavisa, became the wife of Henry Dent. The grandmother of the W^illiams' boys was a woman of fine intelligence, great strength of character, and from an early age, in North Carolina, an earnest member of the Baptist Church. It was largely through her influence that her son, Lewis Williams, the father of the subject of this sketch, became a member of the church and afterwards a Baptist minister, thus giving by his course eight prominent ministers in after years to the Baptist denom- ination. Who, in the face of this fact, can question woman's influence and the value of woman's services. A pious-hearted mother may set a wave of Christian influence in m.otion that will go quivering on down the current of humanity, increasing in volume as it goes to the end of time. JOSEPH G. WILSON, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Cairo). Seventeen years of continuous practice of his profession at this place have placed Dr. Wilson in the front rank of successful and prominent physicians in Audrain county, while his long residence, durino: which he has been of orreat value to the best interests of the community, material, social and otherwise, has won for him a place in the respect and esteem of the public second to that of no one in this part of the county. A man of intelligence, high character and public spirit, as well as a first-class physician, it is not to be wondered at that he should command the confidence and respectful considera- tion of all who know him. Dr. Wilson comes of a good family on each side of his parentage. His fiither, Joseph G. Wilson, Sr., was originally of Kentucky, born in Logan county February 24, 1795. The mother was a Virginian by birth and was ten years her husband'>< junior, having been born November 26, 1805. Married in Kentucky, they came to this State among its early settlers, locating in Clark 668 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. county, where they lived until their death. The father became one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the county. But five of their family of cliildren are now living : Robert, a resident of Clark county. Mo. ; Mary E., the wife of Dr. W. H. Martin, also of that county; Dr. Joseph G., the subject of this sketch ; Emriia, the wife of Dr. J. K. Musgrove, of Labelle, Lewis county, and Weber, a prom- inent merchant of Fairmount, in Clark county. The father died August 31, 1851, but the mother survived until 1864. They left a large estate, which, however, suffered severel}^ during the war. Dr. Wilson was born in Clark county. Mo., March 27, 1842, and was reared on his father's farm in that county. Having a taste for study and mental culture, as he grew up he succeeded in acquiring a more than average general education, notwithstanding his opportunities were by no means the most favorable. He early formed a determina- tion to devote himself to the medical profession, and in pursuance of that resolution began a regular course of study under the preceptorate of a prominent physician of Clark county. In due time he entered the Keokuk College for Physicians and Surgeons of Iowa, from w^hich he subsequently graduated Avith high honor. Entering the practice of medicine immediately after his graduation, he continued it in his native county until his removal to Cairo, in 1866. Since that time he has continued to practice at this place. Here his ability and skill as a physician soon became manifest, and a large and lucrative prac- tice was the result. The high estimate formed of Dr. Wilson on his first acquaintance at Cairo has been more tlian justified by his subse- quent career since. He is a man whose friendship and esteem all who know him are anxious to retain and greatly prize, and a man who has made his life useful and valuable to those among whom he has lived. On the 30th of April, 1867, Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Julia E., a daughter of Rev. Lewis and Susan Baldwin, now of Shelby county. Rev. Mr. Baldwin is a prominent minister of the M. E. Church South, and a clergyman of great ability and profound piety. The Doctor and Mrs. Wilson have three children : Homer Lee, Floy and Zula. Dr. Wilson is one of the prominent Masons of the county and takes an earnest interest in the welfare of the order. The Doctor now contem- plates removing to Kansas, where he expects to continue the practice of the profession. His change of residence will be a great loss to Cairo and vicinity, for by many he is regarded as indispensable as a physician, and by all as valuable as a citizen. It is an expression heard on every hand that "It is hoped he may yet conclude to remain at Cairo, where he is so well and favorably known and where his services and character are appreciated at their great worth." Should he carry out his purpose, however, to go to Kansas, he will doubtless be as well received there as he has been here, for the people of that State are intelligent and well disposed, and cannot fail to discover his worth personally and in his profession. He will be a valuable ac- quisition to the community in which he expects to settle. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 669 MOKITEAU TOWNSHIP. PEOF. JACOB V. ADAMS (Educator and County School Commissioner), Although Prof. Adams is still a young man, his career has already been such that it teaches a valuable lesson to youths who are ambi- tious of accomplishing something in life, but whose opportunities are anything but favorable. Professor Adams was left an orphan while yet in infancy by the death of his father. Although he still had the tender care and encouragement of a dovoted mother to stimulate him to worthy endeavors, the absence of the paternal help and counsel which an affectionate father can give, rendered his way up in life any- thing but an easy one to pursue. He was reared in Randolph county by his kind mother, and his good grandparents, who did all they could for his advancement. Before reaching his majority he learned the plasterer's trade and worked at it some two years. In the mean- time he attended the common schools, and, having a fondness for study, he also occupied his leisure with books, so that he had suc- ceeded in laying a good foundation for an education. Quitting the plasterer's trade in 1872, he now decided to obtain a college educa- tion, and with that end in view entered Mt. Pleasant College. Prof. Adams took a complete course "of four years at Mt. Pleasant, and graduated with distinction in 1876. After his graduation he at once entered upon the profession of an educator, in which he has since been engaged. Prof. Adams had taught continuously in Randolph county, except for one year, when he had charge of the public school at Salisbury. He has iDecome widely known in this county as one of the best teachers within its borders, and his services are in quest at many of the best schools in the county. Such was his recognized prominence in 1882, that he was appointed county school commis- sioner, and the following spring was elected to that office without op- position, highly complimentary to his personal popularity and to his attainments as a scholar and ability as an educator. He still occupies the office of county school commissioner, and Is acquitting himself of its duties with singular zeal and efficiency. It has been one of his chief endeavors to elevate the grade of teachers in the county, and thus to improve the practical workings and tone of the county schools. In this he has been fairly successful, and the improved condition of the schools in the county observed by all who have given the matter any attention, is almost wholly attributable to his exertions. On the 8th of November, 1877, Prof. Adams was married to Miss Sanie Bradley, a daughter of John W. Bradley, of this county. The Pro- fessor and Mrs. Adams have one interesting son, Claud Byron, born August 20, 1878. Prof. Adams has for a number of vears taken a 670 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. commendable interest in Sunday-school work, and is one of the most active and prominent men in the county in advancing Sunday-school interests. He has served at different times and places as superintend- ent, and has otherwise made himself useful to the cause. He is a member of the Silver Creek Baptist Church. Prof. Adams' parents, John and Elizabeth Adams, were both originally of Kentucky. They came to Kandolph with their parents, respectively, while each was still quite young. They were married in this county, and the father died here in 1851, whilst the son was still less than a year old. The father, himself, was quite a young man at the time of his death, not having reached his majority. JOSEPH W. BURTON (Farmer) . Mr. B., a brother of Judge May M. Burton, and an influential farmer of Moniteau township, comes of good old stock. His father. May Burton, leaving Virginia, went to Kentucky when a lad of six years. Upon reaching man's estate, he married Miss Nancy Wool- folk, a young lady in whose veins flowed some of the bluest blood of the country. Mr. Burton saw gallant fighting in the War of 1812, and also in the Black Hawk War. He moved to Missouri in 1819, and entered land in the southern part of Randolph county, near Hig- bee. He was among the first inhabitants of that section where his son still lives and which was his own home until his death in 1859. J. W. Burton was l)orn in Shelby county, Ky., on the 1st of June, 1816, but has lived since the age of three, in Missouri. He made the most of his advantages in his youth, but in those early days of course, edu- cational opportunities were not very extensive. Mr. Burton has been twice married. His first choice was Miss Orpha J., daughter of Will- iam Brooks, formerly of Kentucky. Of this union were born five children : May William, Benjamin W., Thomas W., Speed and Irene ; of these the sons are all at the heads of families of their own. Mr. Burton's second wife, to whom he was married June 27, 1852, was Miss Sarah A,, daughter of Bird Pyle, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have 10 children: Toleman, now married ; Laura S., wife of Wallace Settle; Bindy, wife of James B. Tymony; Bird, Henderson, now married ; Medley, James R., Woolfolk, Gavella and Anna W. With the exeption of a short stay in California, to which State he went by land as captain of a band of teamsters, returning by way of the Isthmus and New Orleans, and a brief experience in the Confederate army during the last year of the war, Mr. Burton has remained on the farm ever since his first marriage. He owns about 416 acres of splendid land with 300 in the home tract, all fenced and in cultivation and irrass, with out-buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Burton are members of the Higbee Christian Church, as also are their children, with the exception of the four youngest. HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 671 P. JONES CHRISTIAN (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. Christian is the son of Paul Christian and a brother of William S., whose biography will be handed down to future ages through the medium of this work. He was born in Scott county, Ky., on the 1st of January, 1823, aud came to Missouri with his parents at the age of seven, settling in Randolph county, within one mile of his present abode. He grew up on the farm, sharing the advantages common to the neighborhood. Mr. Christian married in 1853, Miss Susan, daugh- ter of Charles and Mary McLean, but she did not long bless his hearth- stone. In 1856 all that was mortal of Mrs. Susan Christian was borne to her last resting place. Mr. Christian from the time of his marriage lived on the old homestead carrying on the business of the farm. In 1862, he moved to his present home where he has 200 acres of land, 160 of which are fenced and in careful cultivation. His house is sub- stantial and comfortable, and his barn and nice young bearing orchard attest his thrift and prosperity. In the meantime, in 1861, in How- ard county, were celebrated the nuptials of Mr. Christian and his sec- ond bride. Miss Frances, daughter of B. Annette and Frances Guerin, originally from the beauteous isle of France. Mrs. Christian was herself a Kentuckian by birth, but came to Missouri with her parents when a tiny maiden, ten years of age. Not less fair than the three sisters of Granada, Zayda, Zorayda, and Zorahayda, are the three daughters who were the blooming fruit of this happy union. In Laura, Mary F. and Josephine, Mr. Christian seeks comfort for the terrible affliction which now darkens his life. On the 20th of August, 1883,— "The angel with the amaranthine wreath Pausing, descended, and with voice divine Whispered a word that had a sound like death" — and Mr. Christian was left again a widower, to mourn the sweetest, truest, tenderest wife and mother that ever graced a home. Mrs. Christian was a woman whose life was a poem, whose death a public calamity. The heart of her husband did indeed safely trust in her, and her children rise up and call her blessed. We cannot doubt that with the seraphic strains mingles her soft, gentle voice, and her daugh- ters have cause to rejoice that they have known such a mother. JOHN M. COLLINS (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. C, a man of universally acknowledged goodness, and a thriv- ing farmer and stock-raiser of the township, was born in Fayette county, Ky., on the 17th day of February 1822. His Mher, James Collins, of Kentucky, married a Virginia lady. Miss Mary Christian, and three years after the birth of J. M., died in Kentucky. The family, consisting of four sons and one daughter, moved to Missouri 672 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. in 1834 and bought u place, partially improved, upon which John M. still resides. Mr. Collins has lived always in the county, with the exception of two years spent in making a trip with Wm. Embree and others to California ; his school advantages were limited, but he did not abuse them. Mr. C. is the third son and when his brothers were grown, married and gone, he took charge of the home farm and has run it ever since. He has 460 acres of land all fenced, 360 in culti- vation, and meadow pasture, and a nice bearing orchard. Mr. Collins has never married, sacrificing his life with the rarest and most unselfish devotion to the care of his sister. Miss Sally Collins, who has been confined to her bed for more than thirty-five years. LEVEN T. DAWKINS - (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. D. is the son of William Dawkins and Rosanna Showard, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri when Randolph county was in its infancy. Mr. Dawkins, Sr., entered land and improved a farm where he continued to reside until his death in 1851, L. T. was born in the county December 11, 1842, and has spent his life on the old homestead of which he now owns a part — a cosy farm of 240 acres, all fenced and in cultivation, blue grass and meadow. His house is a picturesque building, and adjoining he has a good orchard. In 1863 thinking that " it is not good for man to be alone," Mr. Dawkins was married February 1, to Miss Juliet F., daughter of Christian Col- lins, formerly of Kentucky, and one of the pioneer settlers of the county. Mrs. Dawkins was reared and partly educated in Macon county under the care of an aunt, to whose guardianship she was con- fided when left motherless at the age of six. In this home of domestic virtue and Christian love are not wanting busy little feet, whose patter- ings never fail to find a responsive echo in the parent's heart, little hands whose tender caresses have power to soften life's sternest woes. Five children adorn as " gems of purest ray serene " the abode of Mr. and Mrs. Dawkins: Anna C, Sallie J., William C, Mattie E. and Nannie P. Two, Johnnie and Mamie, fell asleep in Jesus at the tender ages of three and four. Mrs. Dawkins is an earnest member of the Christian Church at Higbee, while her husband belongs to the A. O. U. W. at the same place. They are both eminently fitted by birth :ind education to shine in any society. RICHARD G. DUNCAN (Of R. G. Duncan & Bro., Dealers in General Merchandise, P. O., Yates). Richard G. Duncan, postmaster at Yates, and one of the substantial business men of the south-western part of the county, is a native of Kentucky, born in Grayson county. May 26, 1843. When he was nine years of age he came with his parents, William S. and M. E. (Thomas) Duncan, to Marion county. Mo., where they settled in 1852, near Middle Grove. The father died there in 1856, and they returned HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 673 to Kentucky (the mother and her family, inchiding Richard G.) im- mediately after the father's death. There the mother subsequently married Rev. Ezra Ward, a prominent Presbyterian minister. But he also died in 1863. Richard G. in the meantime had learned the sad- dler's trade, and he came to Missouri the year following his step- father's death. He located at Paris, in Monroe county, and worked there for two years. Mr. Duncan then became a traveling salesman for a tobacco house, and followed that until 1869 when he accepted a situation as clerk in a store at Macon City, where he worked until his removal to Randolph county. He came to this county in 1870, and secured a farm near Yates, where he followed farming exclusively for two years. In the meantime, in 1870, his mother came from Ken- tucky and made her home with him. Some 14 years ago Mr. Duncan took charge of the gram store at Burton, and conducted that with suc- cess for about six years. He then resumed farming on his place at Yates, and in 1870 bought his present store of T. J. Bagby which he has since conducted. However, his brother, Thomas J., has been in partnership with him in all his business and farming transactions since 1870, and is still his full partner. They carry a general stock of mer- chandise ample in every respect for the trade at this place, and they have a large custom. Their farm contains nearly 900 acres. On the 29tli of May, 1866, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Laura E. Penn, a daughter ofW. N. Penn, a prominent citizen of Monroe county. She died February 3, 1868. No children survive their marriage. Mr. Duncan is a prominent member of the Masonic order. He ai <^ . County or Macon, 5 Be it remembered, that at a term of the county court, for the county of Macon aforesaid, begun and held at Joseph Owenby's, for and within said county, being the place appointed by law for holding courts in said county, on Monday, the first day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven. Present: John S. Morrow, Joseph Owenby, and James Cochran, justices of said court; Daniel C. Hubbard, clerk; and Jeflferson Morrow, sherifi"; and thereupon, court was opened by proclamation made in due form of law by the sheriff. The court order and direct that the county of Macon be laid off into townships as follows, to wit : All that portion of territory comprised in the following limits shall compose the Middle Fork township : Beginning at the south-east corner of said county, thence west with the county line to the range line, dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; thence north to the line which divides township 57 into equal parts ; thence east with said line to the county line ; thence south with said county line to the beginning. Ordered by the court, that all elections to be held in said township be held at the house of Thomas Gee. Ordered by the court, that an election be held at the house of Thomas Gee, in Middle Fork township, on the first Saturday in June, for three justices of the peace, for said township, and James P. Holly, Thomas Gee and John Coalter are hereby appointed judges of said election. Ordered by the court, that a tax of 50 per cent on the amount of State tax be imposed on all licenses made taxable by law for State tax, for the present year. William H. Eowland made application for a license to keep a grocery at his stand in Macon county, which is granted to him upon his paying a State tax of $10, the county tax, and fees allowed by law. Ordered (723) 724 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. that the clerk issue the same according to law. The court do hereby appoint George W. Green treasurer of Macon county, and thereupon said Green appeared in court, and entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of $5,000, conditioned as by law provided, with Willis E. Green and Andrew Millsaps as his securities, who are approved of by the court. Jefferson Morrow, sheriff of Macon county, appeared in open court, and entered into and acknowledged bonds in the penalty of $1,000, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duty as ex officio collector of the revenue of said county, for the year 1837, with John- son Summers, John S. Morrow, and Joseph J. Morrow as his secur- ities, who are approved of as sufficient by the court. The court hereby appoint George W. Green agent for the county of Macon, to receive from the treasurer of the State of Missouri that portion of the road and canal fund in the State treasury apportioned to the county of Macon ; and the auditor of public accounts is hereby required to draw his warrant in favor of the said George W. Green, for said amount, and the treasurer to pay the same according to law, and the said George W. Green is hereby authorized to receipt for the same accordingly. On motion of the petitioners, ordered by the court, that Aaron Gee, Robert Vanskike, George Reynolds, James P. Holly, and James Rowland, or any three of them, after being duly sworn, to proceed to view and mark out a way for a road, commencing at Jones' Mill, on the middle fork of Salt river, by Centreville, and thence to Frederick Rowland's, passing on the south of said Rowland's ; thence by Daniel Crawley's, and to intersect the Bee road in the Grand Prairie, the nearest and best way, and as little as maybe to the prejudice or injury of the several proprietors of land on said road as may be, and that they report to court their proceedings at the next term according to law. The court do hereby appoint James Ratliff commissioner of the seat of justice of Macon county. Ordered, That the following bounds compose the township of Chari- ton : Beginning at the line dividinof rano;es 14 and 15, running west to the county line ; thence north to the middle line township, between 56 and 57 ; thence to the line dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; thence to the beginning. Ordered, That all elections be held in said township, at the house of Abraham Morris, on the first Saturday in June, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace for said township, and John- son Summers, Clayborn Wright and Richard Summers are hereby ap- ponited judges of said election. Ordered, That the following bounds form a separate township to be known by the name and style of Liberty, commencing at the south- east corner of Chariton township, on the range line, dividing ranges 14 and 15, and at the line dividing township 57, in equal parts ; thence with said line running west to the county line ; thence with HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 725 said line north to the township line of 58 ; thence east with said line, to the line dividing 14 and 15 ; thence south to the begin- ning. Ordered, That all elections be held at the seat of justice in said township. Ordej^ed, That there be an election held in said township, on the first Saturday in June next, for the purpose of electing three justices of the peace for said township. And the court do hereby appoint Will- iam Sears, Jesse Gilstrap and Canaday Owenby judges of said elec- tion. Ordered, That the following bounds shall compose the township of Jackson, to wit : Beginning at the east side of the county, where the lines divide the township line, dividing 57 in equal parts, run- ning south with said line, the line dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; thence east with said line to the township line of 58 ; thence with said line to the county line ; thence south to the beginning. Ordered, That all elections be held at the house of Nathan Rich- ardson. Orde7'ed, That there be an election held in said township, on the first Saturday of June next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Na- than Richardson, Elvan Allen and John Walker judges of said elec- tion. Ordered, That all the territory lying north of the township of 58, and south of the north side of the county line, shall form a separate township, to be known by the name and style of Independence. Ordered, That all elections be held at the house of Bird Posey. Ordered, That there be an election held in said township on the first Saturday of June next, in said township, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Abraham Dale, Charles Hatfield and Fisher Rice, judges of said election. Ordered, That the following bounds lying north of the county of Macon, and south of a parallel line running east and west, from the mouth of Ry creek, on the Grand Chariton, shall be called the town- ship of Pettis. Ordered, That all elections be held in said township at the house of Horton Partin. Ordered, That an election be held in said township on the first Saturday of June next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Martin Partin, Robert Miller and Isaac Hargis, judges of said election. Ordered, That the following bounds shall compose a separate town- ship, to be known by the name and style of Gocean township,^ ^J'^^'^g north of a parallel line running east and west from the mouth of Ry creek, on the Grand Chariton river, to the boundary line of the State of Missouri. 1 Gocean township is now in Adair county. 726 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Ordered^ That all elections in said township be held at the house of Samuel Eason. Ordered, That there be an election held in said township on the first Saturday in June next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Samuel Eason, John Lesley and James Cochran, judges of said election. Recorded May 15 day, 1837. Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. second term of the county court. State of Missouri, County of Macon. Be it remembered that at a term of the county court of Macon, county aforesaid, begun and held atD. C. Garth's, the place appointed for holding courts in said county, for and within the said county, on this 3d day of July, in the year 1837. Present: John S. Morrow, James O. Cochran and Joseph Owenby, justices of said court; Daniel C. Hubbard, clerk; and Jefferson Morrow, sheriff; and thereupon court was opened in due form of law by proclamation at the door of the court-house. It is ordered by the court that the township of Middle Fork be divided and form another township, to be known by the name and style of Narrows township, to commence at a point where the range line dividing ranges 13 and 14 strikes the country line on the south line of the county; thence running north with said line to the line dividing townships 58 and 59 ; thence west to the dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; thence south with said line to the county line ; thence east to the beginning. Ordered, That all elections be held in Narrows township at the house of Simeon Cannon, and it is further ordered, that there be an election held in Narrows township on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Frederick Rowland, John Morrow and Lloyd Coalter, judges of said election. On motion of the petitioners, ordered that William J. Morrow, Joseph J. Morrow, and Richard Summers, or any two of them after being duly sworn, shall proceed to view, mark and lay out a way from the county seat, to intersect the county line dividing Macon county and Randolph, the nearest and best way, so as not to be too much to the prejudice of the people living on said route, and it is further or- dered that the said commissioners shall meet at the county seat on the third Monday in July, 1837, and report their proceedings at the next court. Recorded July 8, 1837. Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. Ordered, That the clerk of the county court correct the assessor's book, and the court do further order that the clerk make out the non- resident book. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 727 Ordered, That there be 100 per cent levied on the amount of the State tax, for the purpose of county expenditures. Ordered, That there be an election held in said county on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of electing an assessor for said county. Ordered, There be an election held in Chariton township for the pur- IDOse of electing one justice of the peace to fill the vacancy of Amon Beebe, Esq., and the court do hereby appoint Abraham Morris, John Summers and Ninevah Summers, judges of said election. Ordered, That William Garrett, Tyre Dabney and James Holloway be appointed judges of the election for Liberty township in said county. Ordered, That John McNeeley, Felix Baker and Elvan Allen be ap- pointed judges of the election of Jackson township. Ordered, That William Smith, James Riley and Thomas Williams be appointed judges of the election of Independence township. Ordered, That Hardin Hargis, Elisha Chambers and Robert Miller be appointed judges of Pettis township. Ordered, That Samuel G. Eason, John Lesley and James Davis be appointed judges of the election in Gocean township. Ordered, That there be an election held in Chariton township, in said county, on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of elect- ing one justice of the peace for said township, to fill the vacancy of Amon Beebe. Ordered, That there be an election held in Independence township, in said county, on the first Monday in August next, to fill the vacancy of Abraham Dale, Esq. Ordered, That there be an election held in Pettis township,^ in said county, on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, to fill the vacancy of Rob- ert Miller, Esq., whose term of service has expired. Ordered, That there be an election held in the township of Gocean, in said county, to fill the vacancy of Jonathan Floyd, whose term of service has expired. Joseph Owenby. Attest, Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. Recorded July 24 day, 1837. Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. CIRCUIT COURT. Having traced the records of the county court of Macon county through its incijiient period, and given the proceedings of that tri- bunal entire through its first two terms, we shall now give something of the early record of a higher and more extensive forum, wherein were heard and decided the general causes of pioneer litigants, and ^ Pettis township is now in Adair county. 41 728 HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. wherein met the pioneer attorneys, who occasionally employed in the conduct of their suits all the muscular, as well as intellectual aids in their control. The county court, it will be remembered, was organized May 1, 1837, but the circuit court did not convene until August the 17th, of the same year. Macon county at that time belonged to the Second Ju- dicial Circuit. The following is the record : — State of Missouri, > g^^ County of Macon. > At a circuit court, begun and held at the house of Dabney G. Garth, in the county of Macon, State of Missouri, as required by law, on Thursday, the 17th day of August, in the year 1837. Present, the Hon. Thomas Reynolds, judge of said court. The said Thomas Rey- nolds produced a commission from the Governor of the State of Mis- souri, with the oath of office indorsed thereon, which commission and affidavit are in the following words and iigures, to wit: — *' Lilburn W. Boggs, Governor of the State of Missouri, to all who shall see these presents, greeting: Know ye, that reposing especial trust and confidence in the integ- rity and abilities of Thomas Reynolds, I have nominated, and by and with the consent of the Senate, do hereby appoint him Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, and do authorize and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to law ; and to have and to hold said office during the legal continuance thereof, with all the powers, privileges, and emoluments to the same of right appertaining. "In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the State of Missouri to be affixed. Done at the city of Jefferson, this 27th day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-seven ; of the Independence of the United States, the sixty-first, and of the State, the seventeenth. " Lilburn W. Boggs.'' " By the Governor, "Henry Shurlds, Secretary of State." I, Thomas Reynolds, Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, within and for the State of Missouri, do make oath and say that I will sup- ]iort the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Missouri, and that I will faithfully demean myself in the said office of Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit. Thomas Reynolds. Sworn to and subscribed before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace within and for the county of Howard and State of Missouri, this 7th day of February in the year 1837 at the county aforesaid. William Taylor, J. P. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 729 The sheriff of said county returned into court a panel of a grand jury, when the following persons were impaneled as a grand jury for the county of Macon, to-wit : James Wells, foreman ; James Riley, Micajah Hull, Canaday Owenby, James A. Terr ill, Nathaniel Richard- son, Nathan Dabney, Jesse Gilstrap, Isaac Gross, Thomas J. Dabney, John F. Northup, Richard Calvert, William Smith, Birdrich Posey, Thomas Williams, Lewis Green, James T. Haley, James A. Griffith, Stephen Gipson and David Young, who retired to consider of present- ments. Jefferson Morrow, the sheriff, appeared in open court and ac- knowledged that he appointed William Shane as his deputy. William H. Davis was appointed circuit attorney to prosecute in behalf of the State for that term of the court. The above constituted the proceedings of the first day of the term. Court convened next day, August 18th, when the following case was called : Daniel G. Davis ^ vs. > Petition in Debt. G. H. McDaniel and Fisher Rice. ) Ordered, That the defendants be ruled to plead to the said petition immediately. The following were the first indictments : — State of Missouri, Plf., vs. John Calvin, Dft. Indictment for gam- bling. A true bill. Same vs. Francis Taylor, Daniel Murley, James Carter and Austin B. Jones. There were, during the first twelve months after the organization of the circuit court, but seventeen civil and ten criminal cases called. This would be, upon an average, about nine cases at each term of the court, there being three terms per year, and possibly not more than one-half of these cases were tried and finally disposed of. The civil docket alone now [1884] contains, for each term of the court, upon an average, about sixty cases, nearly all of which are tried. The criminal docket for each term of the court shows about thirty cases ; whole number of civil cases instituted in the year 1883, amount to 183 ; criminal cases, 37 ; making a total of 220. Many of the criminal trials at the early terras of the court were upon indictments for '« marking hogs with intent to steal," and for '* betting on games." No man Ijas ever been hung in the county, in pursuance of due pro- cess of civil law. There have, however, been several trials for mur- der, among which the Oliver Perry MaGee trial stands prominent, not only as being the first trial for murder that occurred in the county. 730 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. but as beins: a case wherein much interest was centered, and wherein many witnesses were sworn and examined. The bill of costs amounted to more than $1,100, one item being $12.15 for administering 243 oaths. As this was the first case of the kind upon the criminal docket, we here present the indictment : — State of Missouri, ) In the Masen Circuit Court, County of Macon. 5 * May Term, 1849. The grand jurors for the State of Missouri for the body of the county of Macon aforesaid, upon their oaths present, that Oliver Perry MaGee, late of the county of Macon aforesaid, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the in- stigation of the Devil, on the 10th day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight, with force and arms at the county of Macon aforesaid, in and upon one Thomas Jef- ferson White, in the peace of God then and there being, feloniously, willfully of his malice aforethought, by lyiug in wait, did make an as- sault, and that he, the said Oliver Perry MaGee, with a certain knife of the value of ten cents, which he, the said Oliver Perry MaGee, in his right hand then and there had and held, the said Thomas Jefferson White, in and upon the left side of the body, near to the left nipple of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, and also in and upon the back, near to the back bone of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, and also in and upon the left shoulder, near to the point of the said left shoulder of him the said Thomas Jefferson White, then and there feloniously, willfully, of his malice aforethought, and by lying in wait, did strike, thrust, stab and penetrate, giving to the said Thomas Jef- ferson White, then and there with the knife aforesaid, in and upon the aforesaid left side of the body, near to the left nipple of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, one fatal wound of the breadth of one inch, and of the depth of six inches, and also giving to the said Thomas Jefferson White, then and there with the knife aforesaid, in and upon the aforesaid back, near to the back bone of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, one other mortal wound of the breadth of one inch and of the depth of six inches, and also giving to the said Thomas Jefferson White then and there, with the knife aforesaid, in and upon the aforesaid left shoulder, near to the point of the said left shoulder of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, two other mortal wounds, each of the breadth of one inch and of the depth of six inches, of which several mortal wounds he, the said Thomas Jefferson White, then and there instantly died ; and so the jurors aforesaid, upon their oaths aforesaid, do say that the said Oliver Perry MaGee, him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, in the manner and by the means aforesaid, feloniously, willfully, of his malice aforethought, and by lying in wait, did kill and murder, against the form of the statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State. ^ C. H. Hardin, Circuit Attorney. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 731 There are five counts in the indictment ; the one we have given will show the crime with which MaGee was charofed. FIKST PROMISSORY NOTE UPON WHICH SUIT WAS BROUGHT. On or before the twenty-fifth of December next, I promise to pay James A. Terrell twenty-five bushels of good, sound corn, for value received of him. This the 22d day of January, 1846. his Caleb X Riley. mark. first deed recorded. State of Missouri, County of Randolph. This indenture made and entered into, on this the 21st day of Janu- ary, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, between John Gross and Rachael Gross his cross, of the county of Randolph and State of Missouri, of the first part, and William Sears of the State and county aforesaid, of the second part, witnesseth that the said John Gross and Rachael Gross, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to them in hand paid by the said William Sears, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and we, the said John Gross and Rachael his wife, by these presents do bar- gain and sell and convey unto the said William Sears, a certain tract or parcel of land described as follows : The south-east quarter of the south-east quarter of section twelve in township fifty-eight, and range sixteen west, containing forty acres to have and to hold with all and singular, the appurtenances thereunto belonging to his own use, and to his heirs forever, and we, the said John Gross and Rachael Gross bis wife, do hereby covenant to and with the said Sears, and his heirs forever, to warrant and defend the right and title of said land to the said Sears and heirs forever, against all and every claim and claims whatsoever. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year above written. John Gross, [seal.] her Rachael X Gross. mark. EARLY marriages. I do certify that on the 30th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1837, before the undersigned, an ordained minister of the Gospel, appeared Joseph P. Owenby and ^Nancy Garrett, and the rites of matrimony was duly solemnized by me. Given under my hand, this 4th day of May, 1837. William Sears. I do certify, that on this, the 24th day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, personally appeared 732 HISTORY OF ]VIACON COUNTY. Thomas J. Dtibney and Cassannah Walker, and the rites of matrimony- was duly solemnized between them. Given under my hand, this 24th day of May, 1837. William Sears. State of Missouri, > County of Macon. 5 This is to certify, that on this 13th day of May, 1837, 1 solemnized the rights of matrimony between Alexander Shawner and Narcissa Kerby, him of the county of Macon, and she of the county of Macon. Given under my hand, this the day and date above written. William H. Rowland, J. P. State of Missouri, > County of Macon. 5 This is to certify, that on the 23d day of July, 1837, I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Aaron Gee and Margaret Moore, both of the county of Macon, and State of Missouri. Given under my hand, the day and date above written. Frederick Rowland, J. P. State of Missouri, > County of Macon. > This is to certify, that on the 3d day of August, 1837, 1 solemnized the rites of matrimony between Joseph Stewart, and Mary M. Haddon, of the county of Macon, and State of Missouri. Given under my hand, the day and date above written. Hardin Hargis, J. P. State of Missouri, ) > ss County of Macon. > This is to certify, that ©n the 18th day of August, 1837, I solem- nized the rites of matrimony between Thomas Clifton and Rebecca Lesley, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under my hand, this 19th day of September, 1837. Nathaniel Floyd, J. P. State of Missouri, ) > ss County of Macon. 5 This is to certify that on the 17th day of August, 1837, that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Allen Fletcher and City Ann Hatfield, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under my hand, this the day and date above, written. Abraham Dale, J. P. State of Missouri, County of Macon. This is to certify, that on the 9th day of November, in the year of our Lord, 1837, that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Lloyd H. Coulter and Emila Cannon. Given under my hand, this 11th day of November, 1837. Elvan Allen, J. P. SCT. history of macon county. 733 State of Missouri, County of Macon ^ This is to certify, that on the 15th day of January, 1838, I did solemnize the rites of matrimony between Joseph Cooley and Eliza- beth Lock. All of the State aforesaid. John Summers, J. P. State of Missouri, > > ss County of Macon. 5 ' Tliis is to certify, that on the 1st day of April, 1838, I solemnized the rio;hts of matrimony between John Griffin and Mars^aret Ann Murley, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under my hand, this 15th day of April. Absalom Lewis, J. P. COURT-HOUSE AT BLOOMINGTON. At the August term in 1838, the court made the following order ; — Ordered, That a temporary court-house be built in Bloomington 011 lot 1, block No. 3, agreeable to the plan of Joseph Owenby, super- visor, to-wit : 20 feet wide and 30 feet long ; one room 18x20 ; one 12 feet square; one room 8x12 feet; the lower floor to be of good seasoned oak plank, jointed and nailed down ; the upper floor to be laid with loose plank, with sufficient joints ; 4 doors and 3 windows ; one stack chimney where the walls separate each room. The work to be done in workmanlike manner ; to be covered with good shingles ; chinked and plastered with good lime. SECOND COURT-HOUSE AT BLOOMINGTON. At the November term in 1839, the court ordered that a brick court-house be built, 45 feet square and tvvo stories in height, at an estimated cost of $3,000. Kobert George was the superintendent. This court-house was not completed until 1852. THIRD COURT-HOUSE. The third and present court house was erected in 1864-5, at Macon, the present county seat, at a cost of about $30,000. It is made of brick and is a larse and substantial buildins:. CHAPTEK TV. HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS. Morrow Township — Chariton Township — Narrows Township — Middle Fork Township. Before beginning the history of the townships proper, we shall first speak of the boundary, area and physical features of Macon county. It is bounded on the north by Adair and Knox, on the east by Knox and Shelby, on the south by Randolph and Chariton, and on the west by Linn county. The county is situated in the north-eastern part of the State and is separated from the Iowa State line by Adair and Schuyler counties, and from the Mississippi river by Shelby and Marion counties. It has an area of 830 square miles. The land of Macon county is divided into three classes. The first is composed of the valley lands and are equal to any in the State in fertility ; the second of the prairie table lands ; and the third of the breaks in the table lands where they approach the valleys. The Grand Divide which separates the affluents of the Mississippi from those of the Missouri river, cross the entire county from north to south. West of this are the Chariton and East and Middle forks of Chariton river, with their tributaries, Walnut, Turkey, Brush, Puzzle, and Point creeks ; and on the east of the divide is the Middle fork of Salt river and its branches, Narrows, Winn and Hooker creeks. Muscle fork with its numerous small branches lies in the extreme western part of the county, and in the east are Bear and Ten Mile creeks. Along these streams and on the adjacent hills, is an abundance of timber, consisting of the various kinds of oak, cottonwood, hickory, maple and black walnut. The forests skirt the prairies and the farms usually embrace a portion of each. The soil, of which there is a great variety, is chiefly a fertile black loam, underlaid with clay, in which marl abounds. West of the Chariton river and north of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, is the region known as *'The Barrens." These consist of high rounded hills, covered with a tall reddish grass and occasional clumps of post-oak and black-jack, while the valleys or drains between are destitute of trees, though covered with prairie grass. East of the Chariton "The Barrens" (734) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 735 are confined to a few miles in the northern part of the county. In the vicinity of Muscle fork, between that stream and Brush creek, also on the East fork of the Chariton and south of the center of the county, and in the eastern part, north of the Middle fork of Salt river, the country is quite hilly. On the Chariton and on Muscle fork these hills are sometimes 100 feet high, elsewhere they never exceed 75 feet, and are often less. In the remainder of the county the slopes are gentle, and the surface is mostly prairie. The county is divided into 24 municipal townships, namely : Bevier, Callao, Chariton, Drake, Eagle, Easley, Hudson, Independence, Jack- son, Johnston, Liberty, Lingo, Lyda, La Plata, Middle Fork, Mor- row, Narrows, Eichland, Kussell, Round Grove, Ten Mile, Walnut Creek, White and Valley. The townships generally contain an area of 36 square miles. Johnston, Callao and Morrow are the smallest townships, and Lingo is the largest. MORROW TOWNSHIP. Morrow township is in the extreme south-western corner of the county, and bordering as it does on Chariton and Randolph counties, it was naturally the first settled. In fact, the few pioneers who com- posed the van of the emigrants who were the early settlers of Macon county, found a home within the present limits of Morrow township. We have already given the names, and something of the personal his- tory of the early settlers of this township, in the first chapter of the history of Macon county, but as they legitimately belong to the his- tory of Morrow township, we shall now briefly speak of them again. James Loe, not only the first settler in this township, but the first to pitch his tent within the present territory of Macon county, located on the north-west quarter of section 1, township 56, range 16, in 1829. He was originally from Wayne county, Ky. Succeeding him were Randall Clark, who lived on section 3, township 56, range 16 ; Elisha Chambers, who settled section 2, township 56, range 16 ; Lewis Green, who opened a farm on section 1, township 56, range 16; George Addis, who settled the south-east quarter of section 2, town- ship 56, range 16, and William Morrow, who purchased the farm which was settled by George Addis, the latter moving to Chariton county. The six men above named came to the county between 1829 and 1831, and all located so near each other that, on clear mornings, the sound of the piston beating corn in mortars, for meal, could be heard all around the settlement. After this nucleus of a settlement had been formed, other emigrants 736 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. followed, many of whom located in Morrow township, and others in Chariton, the adjoining township. About the year 1833 came Amnion Beebe and John L. Northup, his brother-in-law, from the State of New York ; Simeon Foster, from Randolph county ; Robert Nichols, from Kentucky ; William C. A. Hill, from Georgia, and Joseph J. Morrow, John S. Morrow, Jesse S. Morrow, William J. Morrow, D. G. Buster, William B. Stevens, James Holloway, Ambrose Medley, Samuel Cunningham, Charles Perrin, James Perrin, Achilles Finnell and others. Hill died in St. Clair county. Mo. ; Nichols died during the War of 1861 ; Clark and Ammon before the war, and Northup died in Cali- nia ; Chambers died in Breathitt county, Ky. He was an Old School Baptist minister. Lewis Green and his wife are now residing near College Mound, Macon county. The first school was taught in the township by James Holloway, above named, near the residence of William Morrow. Mr. Holloway was a Virginian by birth, was an elderly man, and was highly respected by the patrons of his school, among whom were Lewis Green, William Morrow, James Loe and others. He taught a three months' school. Elisha Chambers was the pioneer preacher of the township, and first broke the bread of life to a small number of men and women, at the log cabin of William Morrow in 1831. " Wide was his parish, not contracted and close In streets, but here and there a straggling house ; Yet still he was at hand without request. To serve the sick, to succor the distress'd, Tempting on foot, alone, without affright, The dangers of a dark, tempestuous night." The organization of the first religious body occurred at a very early date ; there was, however, no church building erected in the township until about the year 1855, when the Old School Baptists and Cumber- land Presbyterians built a house of worship together, in the northern part of the same, and called it " Chariton Church." Among the constituent members of the Baptist denomination were Charles Perrin, James Perrin and wife, Joseph Perrin and wife, Rob- ert Perrin and wife. Miss Polly Ann Perrin and John Wynant and wife. Elder James Moody officiated among the early preachers. The Cumberlands included in their membership, William J. Mor- row, wife and two daughters, James W. Morrow, who is a minister now residing at Kansas City, and others. Rev. James Dysart, who now lives at College Mound, Macon county, and Rev. Samuel Davis HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 737 were the ministers of the Cumberland Presl>yterian Church. Dr. Clark was the first resident physician. He was from Virginia, and while on a journey to his native State, for the benefit of his health, he died. The first mill in the county (as stated elsewhere in this book) was erected in Morrow township, by William Morrow, about the year 1833, near the banks of a stream, which then and now, revels in the suggestive name of " Stinking creek." This inelegant appellative was applied to that stream, because the water therein presented a muddy appearance, and when stirred emitted an obnoxious odor. The land which borders this stream ujDon each side is very excellent in quality, being almost entirely unbroken by hills, or rocky, barren points. Jefferson Morrow, son of William Morrow, spoken of, and at present treasurer of Macon county, was at the time his father ar- rived in the county, 18 years of age, and remembers quite distinctly much of the history connected with the early settlement of the town- ship. He says that the winter of 1830-31 was the coldest that has ever been experienced in the county. The snow lay on the ground all winter and until about the middle of March before it melted. It was generally about three feet deep on level ground, and the crust was so hard frozen that it would bear up both man and beast. Many of the deer, wild turkeys, and other game perished, and a great number was caught in the snow. The winters, during the early years of the settlement of the county, were, perhaps, a little more severe than they are now, but not so changeable. The summers were about the same as they are now, in respect to heat and rain. Another old settler, who died in Chariton county, related the fol- lowing in reference to the winter of 1830-31 : — " During; the winter of 1830-31 there was a snow fall of about three feet. I was in Jefferson City until the last of February, and when I returned to Chariton county, where I then resided, I found that the snow had destroyed nearly all the hogs in the country. In many places the snow had drifted to the depth of 40 feet. During the fall of the snow a heavy wind blew from the North-west, and all the snow drifted from the open prairies, leaving the ground almost bare. The snow lodg-ed in the hollows on the south-east of all those high open plains, and some hollows that I knew to be from 30 to 40 feet deep, had the appearance of level plains. In some steep, ab- rupt hollows, I saw snow as late as the first of June, not yet melted; 738 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. and from all appearances the snow had not been less than 40 feet deep. *♦ During the melting of the snow, which was very gradual through the month of March and a portion of April, I went out with William Martin, who was my partner in raising hogs, on Yellow creek, in Chariton county, and, to our astonishment, we found the timbered bottoms strewn with the skeletons of dead stock and fowls. I dis- tinctly remember one lot of 28 two-year-old hogs, which we had, that were very fat in the fall. After a diligent search we found three living skeletons — all that was left alive of them. So poor were they that a couple of Indians described them as having no width at all and as crooked as a bow — showing with their fingers that they meant humpbacked. "The skeletons of turkeys (that is, their leg and wing bones) lay all over the bottom so plentiful that I supposed the last turkey was dead ; but while we were hunting our hogs we saw three live turkeys, while I have no doubt we came across the bones of five hundred dead ones. We also found many dead deer, and, from the signs, I con- cluded that they had been killed by the wolves, which were very plentiful, and were the only animals in the woods that were fat after the melting of that snow. *' I remember running my horse after a wolf that winter, and, when just about to overtake him, not noticing, I ran right into a snow-drift in the head of a hollow, 30 feet deep, to all appearances. I had my rifle on my shoulder, and my horse plunged into the drift 30 or 40 yards before I could stop. I got ofi" the horse and beat the snow down as well as I could in my back track, being entirely under the snow for many minutes. When I got my head out, so that I could see, I saw the wolf swimming through the drift, which was about 200 yards wide. I brushed the snow from the barrel of my gun and fired at the wolf's head, as that was the only part of him that was visible, but missed him. The snow being light, the wolf had sunk ill it so far that only his head and neck could be seen above the sur- lace. This put a stop to the race. *« During the time the snow was on the ground 1 traveled from Jeflferson City to my home in Chariton county. I came as far as Boonville in company with Lilburn W. Boggs, Smallwood V. Nolen and others. I rode a common sized mule, and went behind in all places where the snow was drifted. I shall never forget how the snow would part on each side of the mules jaws ; it could just keep its nose out of the snow by raising its head as high as it could. I had to stand HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 739 up in my stirrups at all the drifts to keep the snow out of my face. Now, this is so, and if I had my witnesses I could prove it by gentle- men ' sembly setters,' as the old negro called them in Jefferson City, and by Gov. L. W. Boggs, who was in the party. " After passing Boonville I swapped my mule for a horse, and then made my way home very well, as the road lay through a timbered country where the snow, although deep, was not drifted." The pioneer, however, had no forebodings of the tornadoes and cyclones, which are now so common throughout the country. They occasionally — at very long intervals — had a wind storm which swept through a small scope of country, destroying fences, sometimes un- roofing a cabin and felling a few trees, but never dealing death and destruction as do the modern cyclones and tornadoes. Birds and wild animals Avere so numerous and ravenous that durins: the first two or three years the farmers raised but little corn and but little stock. The wolves were seen in packs, and were so bold they would even invade the yards surrounding the cabins, and not unfre- quently at night they would come to the very cabin door and peer at the inmates within with glaring eyes that shone the brighter as they came within the rays of the ruddy fire that blazed upon the hearth. One night while Mr. Morrow was going to Huntsville on horseback in great haste for a physician, he met two or three wolves in the road, who stood their ground. His horse first discovered their presence and stopped. He attempted to urge him forward with a switch, but just at that moment he heard the animals growling just in front of him. After trying repeatedly to urge his horse on and failing so to do, he turned to the right of the road and left the wolves masters of the field. In the summer of 1835, Mr. Morrow was passing through the bottom of the Chariton river, and saw on the limb of a small water- oak a large swarm of bees. He had a number of bee-hives at home, and had no special use for any more, but this was such a large, fine- looking swarm that he concluded to take it home. The question occurred, how could he carry them ? He had no sack or anything else with him in which to put the bees. He could not carry them on the limb just as they were ! What must' he do? He finally adopted the following plan : He took off his pants, tied the toes together, held the open top under the swarm, and deliberately and carefully cut the branch off above and below the swarm , and let it fiill into his pants ; he then closed them up and took the bees home. They yielded boun- tif ull}' both of bees and honey for years afterwards. This was a novel 740 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. expedient and a cheap one, yet its practical utility was fully demon- strated upon that occasion. Morrow township, agriculturally speaking, is conceded to be the best in the county, and taken as a whole, according to the number of acres, produces more corn than any other. Some wheat and also some tobacco are raised, not as much of the latter as there was in former years. There are a few good orchards in the township. It has no railroad facilities. CHARITON TOWNSHIP. Chariton township^ takes its name from the middle fork of the Chariton river, which passes through its western boundary. Chariton was among the earliest townships settled, and was, therefore, one of the first improved. Among the early settlers were James Dysart, James Mitchell, Thomas W. McCormick, James Folsor, Kobert Gipson, Stephen Gip- son. Smith Gipson, Thomas Bannon, Frazier Bannon, Thomas Gor- ham, Nicholas Tuttle, Pleasant Tuttle. COLLEGE MOUND was settled about the year 1853, on section 34, township 56, range 15. The plat of the town was filed April 2, 1869, by Thomas W. McCormick and wife, Mary A. College Mound is the location of what is known as McGee College. In the spring of 1853 Col. R. M. J. Sharp, then a young man in search of fortune, established a country store on the divide, between the East and Middle forks of the Grand Chariton, about one mile north of the Randolph county line. This location was surrounded by a number of well-to-do farmers, prominent among whom were Rev. James Dysart, better known as *' Uncle Jimpse," Judge T. W. McCormick, John Powell, Stephen Gipson, Sr., and Thomas L. Gorham, the last of whom subsequently repre- sented the county in the Legislature. At this early date there was not a foot of railroad in the State, and this portion of the country shipped its surplus and received its sup- plies ])y means of wagons running to Hannibal, on the Mississippi, and Glasgow on the Missouri. The site selected by the Colonel was convenient to the main traveled road leading from Glasgow toward the Iowa line, through the county seats of Randolph and Macon. In the same year McGee College was opened under the patronage of McGee Presbytery, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ; Prof. 1 Called the South Carolina of Macon county during the war. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 741 J. W. Bleriot was in charge for a while, but in October Rev. James B. Mitchell became President, Prof. Bleriot still continuing in the insti- tution. The influx of students, accompanied by an increase of inhabitants, enhanced business, and other houses opened. The patronage of the college continued to grow and the corps of instructors was from time to time enlarged. In this way things moved on until 1861 ; there were three strong firms dealing in merchandise and produce; a blacksmith, a tinsmith, a tailor and a shoe shop ; also, a large tobacco factory and a carding machine. There were likewise two or three grist and saw-mills in the vicinity. The college at this time had attained a yearly patronage of 200 students, and had eight preceptors. Business was good. Farm- ers were prosperous and agricultural interests were rapidly improving. The close of the war found this happy state of things sadly changed. But the activity and pluck of the people came to their relief and they soon regained much that had been considered irreclaimable. The college was reopened, and under the supervision of the Presi- dent, Dr. Mitchell, quickly regained its former prestige, extended its patronage and improved its facilities. Business, adapting itself to its new conditions, revived with a wonderful vitality. Farming inter- ests manifested a marked activity. The adjoining country to College Mound has a good upland soil. The yield of corn and small grain is amply sufficient to meet all the demands of home consumption. Timothy and other meadow grasses yield largely. Blue grass is luxuriant. Tobacco has been the staple crop and rarely, if ever, fails to do well. The quality, moreover, is much better than the average and always commands good prices. The health of College Mound and surrounding country is remarka- bly good. The land is high and rolling. There are no swamps and quagmires to emit their fatal malaria. To the south is a large ex- panse of prairie, now occupied by beautiful farms and neat and com- fortable houses. On the east, north and west are timbered lands. The common fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, etc., are largely and successfully cultivated, and smaller fruits do well. The town is in- corporated under the general incorporation law. There are organiza- tions of the following societies : — McGee Lodge, No. 106, of A. F. and A. M. College Mound Lodge, No. 780, of I. O. G. T. Coal is found in nearly all parts of the township, and is of good, merchantable character. It often crops out on the banks of creeks, 742 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. and may be mined by drifting. Shafts of from 60 to 90 feet will dis- cover veins from four to six feet. ROBERT GIPSON. Chariton township claims the honor of having the oldest inhabitant now living in the United States — in fact, we doubt whether there are half a dozen men living anywhere on the face of the earth who are older than the subject of this sketch. Robert Gipson is the son of Stephen and Mollie Gipson (his mother's maiden name being Stilwell), and was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, December 25, 1765, and was, therefore, 118 years old on the 25th day of last December, 1883. He had two full brothers and one sister, Nathan and John and Rebecca, all of whom are dead. The names of his half-brothers and sisters wereLarkin, Isaac, Thomas, Henry, Stephen, Alfred, Betty, Polly and John. His stepmother's maiden name was Millie Jackson. His own mother died when he was five years old. Randolph, the county of his nativity, is situated near the center of the State, Ashboro being the county seat. Here Robert grew to man- hood, without the advantages of wealth, or even the common rudi- ments of an education. At that early period schools were scarce, not only in the Old North State, but everywhere in the New World. At about the age of 30 years, he married Gracie Smith, of his native county, and after the birth of their first two children he and his father and their families emigrated to Wayne county, Ky. Here he lived until about the age of 55, and then moved to Randolph county, Missouri, where he resided a few years, and then moved to Macon county, where he now lives. He was mustered into service for the War of 1812, but being beyond the age when men were compelled to do military service, he did not remain. His first wife died about the year of 1844, and in 1851 he married Mrs. Hester Howe, of Macon county. He had sixteen children, all by his first wife, nine of whom are now living. The names of his deceased children are Albert, Na- than, Julia, Nancy, William, Alzadai, and an infant child that died without being named. The names of his children who are living are ; Stephen, aged 87 ; Thanie, aged 78 ; Smith, aged 67 ; Jackson, aged 65 ; Millie, aged 62 ; Sabra, aged 57 ; Robert, aged — ; Asa, aged 50 ; Hezekiah, aged 47. When the last named, which is the youngest, was born, Mr. Gipson was 71 years of age. He has four great-great-grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren, and 104 grandchildren. Eleven of his children HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 743 married, and all raised families, the smallest number of children to any one (Hezekiah) being seven, and the largest number being 19 to Smith. Mr. Gipson has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and made a regular hand in the field until about 10 years ago, or until he was 108 years of age, since which time he has been living with his children. About the time he ceased working on the farm, he was riding horseback and his horse ran against the limb of a tree, which dislocated his left shoulder and injured one of his legs. His father was a strong man at the age of 75 years, and was thrown from a horse and killed. Mr. Gipson is about five feet four inches high, has dark brown eyes and had brown hair (now white as cotton), and has weighed 125 pounds. He was very active during the first 50 years of his life, and could throw, in wrestling, any man, in the regiment, in which he served for a short time. He says he never met a man who could throw him, and tells it with great pride. He has had a few chills and one spell of fever ; excepting these, he has enjoyed excel- lent health. He never smoked tobacco, but has been chewing for about 50 years. Has used strong drink to a moderate extent, but was never intoxicated. His habits have been good and regular. He drinks cofiee only at breakfast and milk (of which he is very fond) at other meals. He is now a hearty eater and always has been. He takes a nap of about two hours every day, and sleeps well at night. His hearing is greatly impaired, and was first affected about seven years ago. His eye sight began to fail in 1880 ; he cannot now dis- tinguish one object from another. He, however, walks around by the aid of his cane, and quite recently walked to see a neighbor who lives a half mile away. He has lived an honest and industrious life, retir- ing early, and rising with the sun. " Early to bed and early to rise" has been his motto. He has been a member of the Christian Church for 60 years, and although he cannot read or write, he has delivered a number of sermons, taking his text from memory. His recollection now is not good, especially his impressions of early events and dates. This, however, may be looked for in a man of his great age, but con- sidering his age, his memory is wonderful. There have been but few persons since the flood that have lived to be older than Mr. Gipson. Pliny enumerates 54 persons, who resided between the Apennines and the river Po, who reached the age of 100 years and more. Many of the ancient philosophers who lived abstem- ious, careful lives, lived to a great age. Sophocles died at 90 ; Zeno at 98, Democritus at 99, Diogenes at 90, Isocrates at 98, and Hippo- crates was upwards of 100 years. The patriarch Jaceb died at the 42 744 ■ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. age of 147 years, and Joseph at the age of 110. The oldest man of whom history makes mention since antedeluvian times, was Peter Czartan, a Hungarian peasant, the term of whose natural life covered a period of 185 years. His, however, was an exceptional case. Mr. Gibson has already lived longer than any of these mentioned, except Jacob and the Hungarian peasant. He lived contemporaneously with Washington, Lafayette, Marion, Green, and all the Revolutionary heroes of '76, and is still living. He was ten years old when the first o-un of the Revolution was fired, and heard the drums and shrill whistle of the wry-necked fifes as they called the yeomanry of his native district to arms. He lived in Colonial days, when the American provinces were under British dominion, and is now, doubtless, the only survivor of those troublous times. He lived prior to the birth of our republic, and has seen our nation grow from 2,500,000 of people to 50,000,- 000. He has seen the increase of territory, beginning with the 13 original colonies bordering the Atlantic, and expanding until the galaxy of States numbers 38, and extending from ocean to ocean. He was 24 years of age when Washington was first chosen President of the United States, and has voted at every presidential election since Washington, the only man living or dead who has had that honor. Politically, Mr. Gipson was a Democrat prior to the war of 1861, and has cast his vote since that time for Republicans, except in the case of Gen. Hancock, for whom he voted in 1880. He was born be- fore Clay, Webster and Calhoun ; more than a quarter of a century has passed since they left the stage of action, and yet he still lingers upon the shores of time. Yes, this aged patriarch, this wonderful old man, whose life is verging so closely upon the 20th century, still re- mains among the living, unknown to fortune and to fame, quietly and cheerfully awaiting the moment when Time with silent sickle shall mow him down. NARROWS TOWNSHIP. This is in the south tier of townships, and borders upon Randolph county. It was one of the earliest organized and one ©f the earliest settled. It embraces a territory 36 miles square, more than half of which is covered with timber. The principal stream which passes through the township is the East fork of the Chariton river, which flows through the western portion of the same. The eastern portion of the township is good farming land, the principal products being hay and corn ; some wheat and oats are raised. The western part of the township is underlaid with coal, which seems to exist in great I HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 745 abundance. Apples and small fruit do well, and tobacco is to some extent, cultivated in the timbered regions. There are three churches and four school houses in the township. ' OLD SETTLERS. The old settlers of Narrows township were Joseph D. Butler, Isaac Goodding, Maj. John H. Bean, William C. Smith, Starling Coulter, John Coulter, Chesley Brock, Thomas Ryletree, John C. Powell, Edwin Bastim,^ Bennett Wright, Thomas Lamb, John G. Lamb, Lewis Vansickle, G. P. Holly, Thomas Gee, Aaron Gee, Thomas Waller, John Waller, Ignitus Noble and brother, John Ellis, Isam Walker, Daniel Simms, Collin Moore, Edwin Bastin, James H. Ray, Robert Vanskike, James Lamb, John King, Thomas King, Benjamin McGec and John Moore, all from Kentucky ; William Cochran, from Missouri ; Judge Frederick Rowland and Ellis Wilson, from Tennessee ; John Thompson and Joseph Thompson, from Virginia, and Charles Tuggle, William Chandler and A. P. McCall. SKETCH OF A, P. m'CALL, PREPARED IN 1871. A. P. McCall was born in Fayette county, Ky., nine miles east of Lexington, September 2, 1809, and moved to Missouri, and settled in Randolph county, in September, 1838. He was married in said county to Mary J. Rutherford, daughter of Archibald Rutherford, who re- sided near Huntsville, the county seat. Huntsville, at that time, 1838, although a small town was a good business place, being the center for the trade of all the upper tier of counties that have since been organized into counties. In 1843 Mr. McCall moved to Macon county, and settled in the neighborhood of what is now McLeansville ; at that time the settlers of that section were Sterling and John Coulter, Maj. J. H. Bean, Maj. J. D. Butler, Chesley Brock, Mr. Tuggle, the father of James H. Tusfofle, F. Rowland, William H. Rowland and others. At the time Mr. McCall settled in this county, there were from the Randolph county line north to Iowa but a few settlers on the Grand Prairie. The track on which most all the hunters and others traveled was known as the Bee Trace, and the settlements were generally made near the road. He remembers as settlers near this trace William Mc- Cann, Sr., H. McCann, Mr. Tuggle, Sterling and J. Coulter, Fred- rick Rowland, Chesley Brock, Maj. Joseph D. Butler, Maj. John H. Bean, Simeon Cannon, who lived at the Grand Cut Off at the Narrows,, » The tallest man in the county. 746 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. near the Excel lo post-office. It was at this place that the militia of the countj used to assemble to Diuster. North of this, on the Bee Trace, were Nathan Richardson, William Blackwell, John and Jipe Walker, Gideon Lyda and perhaps others that he did not know or does not now remember. It used to be the custom of Capt. William Goggin, who was an old settler of Randolph, to raise and fatten his hogs about one and one- half miles south-west of where Macon City is now located. The old captain would come up occasionally to see about his stock and spend a few days with his friends. These trips and raising stock gave that neighborhood the name of Goggin' s hog office, and as being the end of civilization — all north was the land of the Indian and trapper. These were the days of honesty, brotherly love and plenty ; when the earth yielded bountifully, all that man or beast required. When virtue was the ruling principle, and dishonesty was not known in this land. Oh ! that we had such a time again — when a man's word was worth whatever he promised in gold ; when neighbors helped and assisted such as were sick or distressed. The people for meal had to take their corn to Simms' mill, on the East fork, near McLeansville, and Rowland's mill (an inclined wheel) at what was afterwards called Georgetown. As to flour, the people did not seem to care particularly for it, and those who wanted it took their wheat to Goggin's mill, at Huntsville. He does not remember whether the other mills in that section of country ground wheat at that time or not. Mr. McCall o-ives as an evidence of the chano^e of the seasons in the last 30 years, the statement that in the early settlement of the county, wheat or rye could be raised by plowing it in between the corn rows. There were no chinch oran}^ kind of potato bugs or other insects to troublethe crops. The only trouble was from birds, turkeys, squirrels, deers, etc. Oats always turned out a good crop. Corn yielded much larger crops than now. In 1844, Mr. McCall farmed on what is now the town site of Mc- Leansville, and raised 18 barrels or 90 bushels of corn to the acre, about 500 bushels of potatoes to the acre, water melons that weighed many of them 50 pounds each. This may seem unreasonable, but the settlers in that neighborhood will substantiate it. Mr. McCall established at McLeansville atanyard, which was about the second or third one established in the county. Making leather at that day was different from the patent process now in use. It took HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 747 him about a year to change a hide into good leather ; now it is done by steam and chemicals in a very short time. On April 5, 1845, he moved and settled in Bloomington, the then county seat of Macon county, and established the first saddlery and harness shop in the county. He supplied Macon and a good portion of the adjoining counties. Among the first settlers in Bloomington were A. L. Gilstrap, S. S. Fox, T. G. Sharp and J. N. Brown, attorneys ; George A. Shortridge and W. E. Moberly, merchants ; John Wilken and Dr. Arthur Bar- ron, physicians; William Beard and John R. Watson, blacksmiths i. Benjamin Sharp kept a hotel ; George A. Shortridge was postmaster. There were no churches ; preaching was done in the court-house and the school-house. William Sears, James Eadlifi", Dr. Abram Still, Allen Wright, Dr. Shoots, Perry Davis, James Dysart, Samuel Davis and others did the preaching. The county officers were Campbell Hubbard, sheriff; G. M. Tay- lor, circuit and county clerk ; William Holman, treasurer. Col. R. L. Shackelford was the representative. There was a vast difference in the early days of the county and now in the taxes and expenses of running county affairs. The whole revenue of the county did not equal what is now required for county purposes of Hudson township alone. The county judges received $2 per day ; the treasurer $75 per annum. The county clerk did not receive one-fourth of what is now paid . There was a great scarcity of fruit and it demanded a good price. Most of the fruit was brought from Randolph and Howard counties. The first orchards in the county that he remembers of were those of Nathan Richardson at Moccasinville, now owned by William Jones ; and Elder William Sears and Elder James Radliff, now owned by Joseph Salyer. The first church built in Bloomington was the Cumberland Presby- terian. The Southern Methodists and the Masenic fraternity jointly built a two-story brick building about the same time. The price of pork was $1.50 per 100; meal 25 cents per bushel; coffee I2V2 cents; sugar 5 to 6 cents; calico and domestics 5 to 10 cents ; horses $35 to $50; cows $7 to $15 ; calves 75 cents to $1.50. Labor from 25 to 37V2 cents per day, and the hands worked from sun up until sun down. While these prices are low, it must be remem- bered that the people had comparatively no taxes to pay and lands were at government prices, $1.25 per acre. This was before the era of railroads. 748 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. The question of building the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad was first agitated by ex-Gov. Stewart about the year 1849 or 1850. The citizens of Bloomington were anxious for the road, believing that it would run through that town and donated money to defray the ex- penses of the preliminary survey by Gov. Stewart. Afterwards they took private stock in it and assisted in voting some $25,000 stock by the county, which was afterwards released by the company. Mr. Mc- Call took three shares in it, and paid $196 on it, and that was all the profit or pleasure he has ever realized from his assistance. As a friend to the enterprise, in 1851 he furnished his own team and took with him S. S. Fox and traveled to St. Joseph to attend a meeting to bring more favorably before Congress the necessity for a land grant to secure the completion of said road. In June, 1852, Congress passed the land bill, and the work was soon under contract, and the year 1859 witnessed the iron horse speeding its way from the Mississippi to the Missouri river. The location of that road built up Macon City and ruined Bloomington, which was finally crushed by an act of the Legislature passed in 1863, removing the county seat to Macon City. Politically, Mr. McCall was a Whig, and acted with that party as long as it had an organization. When it became disorganized after 1860, he acted with the Conservative or Democratic party. In 1860 Mr. McCall was elected sherifi'of Macon county, running as an independent candidate against the Democratic nominee. He has been a member of the Christian Church 48 years. He is now 62 years of age, lives a retired life on his farm, four miles west of Macon, and hopes to see the day when lower taxes and a greater regard for true republican government shall prevail through- out our country. SKETCH OF MAJ. JOSEPH D. BUTLER, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF IN 1871. Joseph D. Butler was born in Prince William county, Va., Septem- ber 2, 1792, and in his thirteenth year moved with his father's family to Fayette county, Ky., and in 1807 his father settled in Mason county, near May's Lick. In 1812 the war fever against Great Britain and the Indians was very high throughout Kentucky. The Governor called for volunteers, and Mr. Butler volunteered and became a member of Capt. John McKee's company. Fourth regiment of Kentucky volunteer infantry, commanded by Col. Robert Payne. The regiment was formed about the time of Hull's surrender of Detroit to the British. Col. Payne's regiment started for Newport, opposite Cincinnati, on the 27th of HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 749 August, 1812, and there drew its arms. From Newport the regiment moved on to Dajton, O., and from thence to St. Mary's, thence on to Auglaze river, and there built a Fort called Amanda. During the winter an order came for us to join Gen. Winchester, on the Maumee, but before we joined him, he was defeated at the River Raisin, with great slaughter, and the commander and a large number of prisoners captured. A large number of these prisoners were inhumanly butchered by the Indians, and a number were burned in an old block house. This defeat caused great lamentation in Ken- tucky, as Winchester's command was composed of many of its best citizens. From the Auglaze river, Mr. Butler's regiment marched to Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Auglaze and Miami rivers, called the Maumee of the Lake, thence down the Maumee to Fort Meigs. In March, 1813, the regiment marched to Lebanon, O., where the regiment was disbanded. This reg^iment was in no battle. For his services Mr. Butler received from the Government a 160 acre land warrant. On the 18th of January, 1818, Mr. Butler was married to EUenor Haydeu in Nicholas county, Ky., and remained in that county until 1835, when he moved to Missouri and settled in Marion county, six miles north of Palmyra. In the year 1839 he moved to Macon county, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He entered the land at Fayette in 1836. While at Fayette entering his land, the polls being open, he voted for Van Buren for President. At the time Mr. Butler settled in Macon county there were but few settlers on the Grand Divide. Among his neighbors were John Moore, Sim. Cannon, Charles Tuggle, Loyd Coulter, Chesley Brock, John H. Bean. East and west were settlements, and north to Moccasinville. Between the present town of Macon and Bloomington were Isaac and Alexander Goodding. The county was organized as alluded to by some of the other old settlers. Mr. Butler settled in Narrows township, which at that time embraced the present town of Macon. The voting was done at Sim. Cannon's residence, and the comj^any of Capt. Coulter paraded at that place. As to mills and stores, Ave had to go a considerable distance to get grinding or goods, but the early settlers were used to this, audit did not cause any great trouble. 750 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. There is no particular incident that he recollects of the first settle- ments that has not been already given. In 1851 Mr. Butler was appointed Swamp Land Commissioner, and with his assistants, John P. Walker and George M. Taylor, selected the swamp lands for the county, given by the Government to the State, and by the State to the counties in which they were situated for school purposes. This was hard labor, and it took them some three months to complete it. In 1854 Mr. Butler took the State census for this county. In 1858 the county was divided into five assessment districts, and Mr. Butler assessed all of range 14 to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. He is now within a few days of 79 years of age, and is living near his old home with his children. His health is good for his age, and he is now an applicant for a pension under the late law to the survivors of the soldiers of the War of 1812. MILLS. The first mill in the township was located in the north-eastern part of the same, and was built by Judge Frederick Kowland. It was operated by an incline wheel and ground about 100 bushels of corn and wheat per day. It was erected in 1840, and was run until 1850, when it was changed to a cardins; machine. The Missionary Baptists built a house of worship, about the year 1850, in the western part of the township, in the Brock settlement. Chesley Brock and wife, Green Moore and wife, Collin Moore and wife, Thomas Eyletree and wife and others constituted the early mem- bership. This church is still standinsf. John Thompson was the pioneer school teacher, and taught a school in 1836, near the center of the township. A. P. McCall had a tan- yard on the Grand Divide, about a mile from the south edge of the township. William Chandler operates a tan-yard at this time (1884). The early physicians were Drs. McLean and Petty. The first goods were sold by Starling Coulter at his residence in McLeansville in 1834. McLeansville was named after Dr. McLean, and was started about the year 1834. A post-office was kept there at a very early date. Starling Coulter was the postmaster. Judge Frederick Rowland sold goods in 1837, at Locust Grove, his residence. William Rowland sold goods at Rowland's mill and carding machine in 1847-48. James Lamb was also one of the early merchants of Mc- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 751 Leansville. Goods were at that time purchased in St. Louis and shipped to Hannibal, whence they were handled in ox wagons. Excello post-office is now the only business point in the township. It is located] in section 28, township 56, range 14, and contains two stores and a blacksmith shop. William Jones opened the first busi- ness house in the place. One of the most exciting elections that ever occurred in the county was the race between Col. Thomas H. Benton and Trustin Polk. Benton spoke at the town of Bloomington, which was the county seat. MIDDLE FORK TOWNSHIP. Middle Fork township lies in the south-east corner of the county, and is watered by the Middle fork of Salt river (after which the township takes its name) and its tributaries. Bordering upon Ran- dolph county, it was among the first settled, and many of its early settlers came from Hunt and Howard counties. Elias HoUiday, Humphrey Enyart, Eben Enyart, Worly Gay, William Ware, George Reynolds, Peter Blanchet, William Hofller, Newton Switzler, Wesley Halliburton, Ambrose Halliburton, Ashcraft Payton, John Hutton, Alfred Tobin, John J. Menifee, Dr. Hill, Dr. John Emery, Dr. E. E. Hand, James Landrow, William H. Rowland, Young W. Rowland and James Rowland were among the early settlers. Woodville, the oldest town in the county, is located in Middle Fork township. It was laid out in 1833, and called Centerville ; the name was changed by the Legislature to Woodville in 1850. There are at this time a post-office and two general stores in the town. John J. Menifee opened the first business house, and was the first postmaster. William H. Rowland put up the first dwelling-house. John Hutton kept a saloon and grocery. The first school-house was built in 1830. Thomas Thompson erected the first mill — water power — in 1834. CHAPTEE Y. Lingo Township — Callao Township — Bevier Township — Round Grove Township. LINGO TOWNSHIP. Lingo township occupies the south-west corner of the county, arid is the largest of the 24 municipal divisions, embracing 42 square miles. It was named after Judge Samuel Lingo, who came from Kentucky in 1835. The Muscle fork of the Chariton river, Brush and Puzzle creeks flow south through the township, and form a most admirable system of drainage, these streams being from two to three miles apart, and located in the extreme western, the middle and eastern portions of the township. Lingo is an excellent township for grazing purposes ; the surface of the country is generally rolling. About one half of the population is composed of Welsh settlers. EARLY SETTLERS. Among the early settlers were Gideon Lang, who emigrated from Kentucky in 1835, and settled on Brush creek, one and a half miles west of New Cambria; William Stanfield, from Lidiana, in 1835, and located between the Chariton river and Puzzle creek, three miles south of New Cambria ; Richard West, from Kentucky, about the same date, and opened a farm half a mile south of William Stanfield; William Johnson, from Kentucky in 1840, and settled on the ridge between the Chariton river and Puzzle creek ; Henry Harrison, from Kentucky in 1840, and opened a farm between the same streams ; Allen Edgar, from Kentucky in 1840, and settled south of New Cambria ; Isaac Bundrow, from Kentucky in 1838, and located about four miles south of New Cambria ; Willis Blair, from Tennessee, was perhaps about the first settler in the township ; H. Summers was from Kentucky. Drs. Thomas Moss and N. D. Stevenson were among the early physicians, and located at Jordan P. O. Jordan Chaffin was the first blacksmith and located at New Cambria. George Rodman was an early shoemaker and lived near Stockton. William Hammock, from Virginia, owned and operated a mill, which was built by Isaac Mill- (952) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 753 sap, about five miles south of New Cambria on the Chariton river, about 1850. The first church edifice was erected by the Catholics in 1860, and located at New Cambria ; it blew down a few years after- ward, but a new building was immediately erected. Lingo P. O. was settled in 1870 by George Jobson, who opened a coal mine at that place. The town contains one general store, one hotel, and one blacksmith shop. Jobson was the first postmaster. Thomas Craig was among the early citizens of the town. Jordan P. O. was located in 1 83 — by Jordan Hall and R. C. Mitchell. The place has one dwelling house, one store and one blacksmith shop. Hall was the first and is the present postmaster. The plat of New Cambria was filed for record October 1, 1861, by Cyrus O. Godfrey, and the town was located on a part of section 1. The place was originally called Stockton, in honor of James Stocks, who was a railroad contractor on the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad. The name was changed in 1861 to New Cambria by the Welsh, who compose about half the population of the town. Stocks erected the first business house. Joseph Willis, O. W. Jones and Judge W. D. Roberts were among the pioneer business men. E. A. Edmunds erected a steam mill in 1866, in the south-west part of the town. The business of the place is divided as follows : — Four dry goods and general stores, one weekly newspaper, two groceries, two drug stores, one livery stable, two hardware stores, three blacksmiths, three restaurants, three hotels, two millinery stores, two churches — Congregational and Presbyterian — Music and Good Templars' hall, two shoe shops, one furniture store, one har- ness shop, two saloons, one meat shop, one district school, one to- bacco factory, one fruit evaporating works, one hoop-pole factory, daily mail, telegraph, express. Population about 600. Beside the above business establishments, there is the Lingo and Southwiek Creamery, which was opened May 21, 1883, by Judge Lee Lingo and H. R. Southworth. It has the capacity for making 1,000 pounds of butter per day. New Cambria is a busy little town, and ships more produce than any other place of its size on the line of the railroad. The town was incorporated in 1870 ; O. W. Jones was the first chairman of the board of trustees ; he is now the postmas- ter, and has filled the ofl^ice for many years. The first district school was taught by William Mossbarger, who came from Kentucky in 1856. Before the last war, the town contained but one store and about five dwellinsfs. 754 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. SECRET ORDERS. Lodge No. 93, I. O. G. T. — Organized August 5, 1878, with the following members : E. A. Fletcher, J. S. BIythe, Lettie Bailey, Martin B. Moore, W. M. Bundrow, W. A. Hughes, G. W. Jones, E. H. Nor- toni, R. Healey, Anna Morman, Thomas Fletcher, Mrs. Clara Jones^ Mrs. Libbie Jones, Mrs. Mary Sundy, E. Gr. Davis, O. Boone, E. W. Davis, Willie Jones, C. Hughes, R. O. Jones, J. Reese, W. Hughes, Jennie Hughes, A. Jackson, J. Linn, J. Mclntyre, L. E. Davis, G. F. Brown, Mrs. Thurber, J. W. Lundy, Mrs. Libbie Fletcher, M. Good- son, Mrs. T. H. Hughes, Gracie Smith, H. Adams, G. W. Miller, W. W. Bailey, Lizzie Morgan, J. O. Jones. Lodge No. 402, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized October 13, 1871. The first three officers were: Lee Lingo, W. D. Stephenson and E. W. Nortoni. Lodge No. 337, I. 0. 0. i^. — Was instituted May 19, 1875, with the following constituent members: J. W. Bailey, A. J. Barton, E» A. Flether, T. H. Walker, J. A. Linder, and C. M. Wilkins. Post No. 113, G. A. i?. — Was organized Septembers, 1883, with W. W. Bailey, H. A. Sisson, J. Levett, J. M. Couch, W. Smoot, D. Kissor, J. F. Lotz, J. A. Rose, William Blake, C. Wright, E. Dowell, J.,W. Bacon, A. Mendenhall, F. Dowell and P. Dowell as charter members. CALLAO TOWNSHIP. Callao township is in the south-western part of the county, lying just north of Morrow township. It was originally, or when first laid out, no larger than Morrow, but is now about thirty-six miles square. It is Avatered by the Middle fork of the Chariton river. Stinking creek, and Chariton river. Within its territory are also located Fed, Swan, and Trestle lakes, the largest of which is Swan lake, which covers about 700 acres of land in sections 15, 16, 21 and 22. These lakes are within a half mile of each other, and are connected by a small stream. Swan lake was so named because it resembles a swan in shape. The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company constructed a trestle work through the north end of Trestle lake, hence the name, *' Trestle " lake. The township was named after the town of Callao, which is situated in the same, and the town of Callao was named by Samuel Kinney after a South American city. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 755' SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. Claiborne Wright, from Kentucky ; Jacob Lowe, from North Car- olina ; William Everhard, from Ohio; John Roe, from England; George Perry, William Perry and Henry Perry, from North Carolina ; Daniel Pillers, from Ohio ; Isaac Summers and Elza Perkins, from Kentucky; John Dameron, from North Carolina ; Samuel Marmaduke, John Brammar, John Gentle, George Gentle, Martin Wright, May Claybrook, David Freeman and Enoch Humphrey, from Kentucky ; Samuel Humphrey, James Mott, Mike Sweeney and John Sweeney, from Ireland ; L. P. Claybrook, Allen Wright and Allen Gunther, from Kentucky. The earliest religious denominations to organize churches in Callao township were the Baptists and Cumberland Presbyterians. Union Ridge Church (Baptist) was the first house of worship. Allen Wright (Christian) held meetings in the township quite early, so did James Ratcliff , a Baptist minister. The first school was taught in a log-house located on the farm of George Green. Dr. Park was the pioneer physician. CALLAO. Callao was laid out on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in 1858, by Samuel Humphrey and Samuel Kemm. Kenim erected the first business house in the town, which was used as a store and hotel. The first dwelling house was built by Humphrey. William Eberhard opened a blacksmith shop. The town contains three dry goods and grocery stores, two drug stores, one furniture store, one hotel, one harness shop, one restaurant, one hardware store, one livery stable and two blacksmith shops. About 10 cars of freight comprising stock, tobacco and grain, are shipped from here monthly. There are four churches : M. E. Church South, Presbyterian, and two colored churches — Baptist and Methodist. One flour mill which cost $8,000, and a woolen mill; the motive power of each is steam. The popula- tion of the place is 500. There is a daily mail and express. BEVIER TOWNSHIP. This township lies immediately west of Hudson township and con- tains 30 square miles. The Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad passes through its center from east to west. The water courses are few in number, and are confined to the north-western part of the township . 756 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. These streams include the Middle fork of the Chariton river and two or three small tributaries. OLD SETTLERS. William Green came from Kentucky and settled south of and near the present site of Bevier ; Wilburn Hughes, from South Carolina, .settled west of Bevier; Solomon Mullinax came from Kentucky; Daniel Barrow, from Virginia ; Phillip Gilstrap, from Kentucky ; Thomas and William White, from Tennessee ; George Parker, from Kentucky ; Lewis Cross, from Kentucky ; Daniel Johnson, from Ken- tucky. Among other early settlers were John Sneed, Col. Jacob Johnson, William Garrett, Jonathan Bremmer, Jefferson Patrick, Lewis Magee, John Terrill, Leroy Penton, Joseph Summers, Milton Cristial, Silas Cristial, Jeflerson White, Solomon Shoemaker, Ellison Miller, John Miller, Sr., Permenas Banta, Evans Wright, Elijah Mitchell, Timothy Cooley. The settlers above named include many of those who came to the township between the years 1832 and 1845. The Baptists erected the first house of worship about the year 1856. Kev. James Moody was an early minister of the gospel. The first school-house was built about 1838, one and one-half miles south of Bevier. William Mathews, from North Carolina, was the first school teacher. J. B. Winn, from Kentucky, was one of the first physicians. Lewis Cross opened the first blacksmith shop. BEVIER. Bevier was laid out in 1858, by John Dufi", and named after Col. Robert Bevier, from Kentucky. The land upon which the town was started was originally the property of Lewis Gilstrap, who entered 160 acres. The plat embraces the north-east quarter and the east half of the north-west quarter, of section 15, township 57, range 15, and was filed for record June 29, 1858. James McDermith, an Irishman, oi^ened the first hotel. The first board of trustees of the town were Daniel Rowland, chair- man; A. B. Goodale, Thomas Francis, David Jones and J. E. Frame. The first marshal of the town was P. C. Grimes. William Hardister opened the first store ; Col. Benjamin Shackelford erected one of the first business houses. The first dwelling house was built by Ar- bory Bower. John H, Kennedy was the first white child born in the town. Oscar Parker was the first postmaster. The first mill was erected in the township by Oliver Hughes, in 1880. John Skin- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 757 ner was the first mail carrier, his route extending from Huntsville to Bloomington. The first church was built in Bevier in 1862. SECRET ORDERS. Knights of Pythias, 7i — Was organized October 20, 1882, with the following charter members: Isaac Keith, R. Hern, J. S. Evans, D. Wright, J. D. Collins, G. W. Beal, D. J. Reed, T. R. Jones, O. D. Wallace, D. J. Jones, William Beale, J. Hickland, J. E. Jones, J. Richards, D. Jones, J. Meyer, D. R. Williams, E. Ruckman, J. Harris. Knights of Labor, 7i7— Was instituted June 22, 1878, but was discontinued in 1882. The original members were J. Owens, T. Richards, M. A. Davis, S. S. Evans, A. Cook, W. C. Gaston, D. W. Roberts, T. Rogers, J. T. Wright, J. Coulter, J. Ruch, R. X. Davis, D. Wright, D. Andrews, R. Morgan, F. Mussel, J. Reed, D. N. Williams, W. B. Thomas, O. D. Wallace. 1. 0. G. T., 314. — Was organized May 11, 1871, with the fol- lowing charter members : J. T. Evans, J. R. Hughes, J. Stirrup, E. Elias, T. Morgan, J. E. Evans, T. W. Davis, Lenora S. Hughes, Ruth Hughes, Sarah A. Hughes, Mary E. Davis, L. L. Coleman, Lavina Coleman, D. R. Hughes. /. 0. O. F., ^55. — Organized July 7, 1871, had as charter members J. T. Wright, O. Frederick, T. Pearson, J. Evans, J. J. Lewis. BUSINESS. Six dry goods and groceries, two livery stables, three meat shops, two druo- stores, three saloons, two confectioneries, one restaurant, one hotel, one public school, three shoe shops, three blacksmiths, two lumber yards, eight churches, three doctors, one private school. Daily mail. Thomas J. Reese, postmaster. The town contains about 1,200 population, and is the chief coal mining town in the county. *. ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP. Round Grove township was reorganized in 1872, and lies in the south-eastern portion of the county, bordering upon Shelby county. It contains an area of 36 square miles, about one-third of which is covered with timber. Its surface is veined by the Middle fork of Salt river. Bee branch and Winn creek. The land produces excellent corn, oats, timothy and clover; and a good quality of tobacco is 758 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. raised in the timbered portion of the township, but not much of the latter is grown. Wheat is also grown to some extent. Apples and small fruit do well. Among the large farmers are Judge Jno. D. Smith, Jacob Hendershott, S. P. Bronson, J. P. Vancleve, Pierce Bros. (James K. and John F.) and W. H. Whitcomb. Mr. Hendershott makes a specialty of short-horn cattle, Norman horses, Poland and China hogs, Plymouth Rock chickens, etc. He operates a saw and grist mill, and is prepared to manufacture sorghum molasses on a large scale. Mr. Bronson has the Holstein breed of cattle. Among the first settlers in Round Grove township were John C. Rowland, Thomas Winn, Sr., Henry Mathews and Levi Cox. Mr. Rowland located on the south-west corner of section 31, township 57, range 13. We have spoken of Rowland and Winn elsewhere in this history, and will now give a brief biographical sketch of Levi Cox, which we take from the Macon True Democrat. LEVI COX was born in North Carolina, on March 22, 1800. His father and family removed to Barren county, Ky., the year not recollected. Mr. Cox was raised in said county, and was married in 1828 to Miss Elizabeth Wade. She died in 1835, and in 1838 he was again married to Miss Lucy Wine, his present wife. In 1842 he moved from Bar- ren county, Ky., to Macon county, and settled on his present farm, in section 16, township 57, range 13, near Judge Smith's. At the time Mr. Cox settled in Macon county, the county in his immediate neighborhood was settling up faster than many other portions of the county. Still they were without public schools, mills and churches. They had to depend on subscription schools, and for preaching, traveling ministers held forth in groves and farmers' houses. For meal and flour the settlers had to go many miles in wagons. But when they went they took grain enough to lay in for bread for months. On April 16, 1850, Mr. Cox, in company with Joseph Snodgrass, Oliver Stewart, and Mr. Gee, started for the golden fields of Cali- fornia. Their train was hitched to horses. They made the trip through by the 17th day of August, or about 120 days. When the reader remembers the distance, the heat, the many streams and mountain defiles, and steep rocky ascents to be made with a wagon, he will think the trip quick enough. There is occasionally a sprinkling of fun mixed in with the hardships of such a trip. At times the traveling was very unpleasant, especially in the neighborhood of alkali water, burning sand, and hostile Lidians — at all times looking out for Indians, and every night having out sentinels watching that the stock was not stolen or stampeded by the murdering, thieving HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 759 plagues of the plains, the Pawnees and other devilish Indians. Game was plenty ; buffalo and antelope were numerous. His company killed some for fresh meat. Mr. Cox settled in Eldorado county, California, and commenced diojging for gold the first day he got there. His success was various. Sometimes he had a few thousand dollars ahead, when his luck would fail, and by the time he got to work again, it would be all used for something to eat. His life for the past 21 years has been one of varied fortune. When he left home he had no idea of being gone more than two years. From the accounts from California he thought he could, in that land of gold, made his fortune quickly and return home and live at ease the remainder of his days. He returned from Eldorado worse off than when he left the '* Old States." While a few suddenly made fortunes, and others made fair wages, thousands had no success — to-day making something, to-morrow nothing. This was not only California life, but it is to a great extent the life of the world. When mining failed, he would work at sawing lumber with a whip saw, and do such other work as presented. His life in California was one of constant hard labor, and after an absence of 21 years from home, he returned to his family many years older, and had to begin the battle of life again, with ever changing fortune. When Mr. Cox left Macon county in 1850 there was no kind of internal improvement. No railroad was even spoken of, much less any Macon City, La Plata, Oallao, Bevier, New Cambria, Atlanta, or the fine college at College Mound. Mr. Cox had not heard from his family for more than three years before he started for home. Nor had his family heard from him ; although he had written repeatedly. He wrote to other friends in the county, and none were received. At last one of his sons, while in Montana Territory, wrote to him. Mr. Cox concluded he would start for home, and took the cars at Sacramento City, on the Pacific Eail- road, and reached home in eight days, when 21 years before it had taken him 120 days to travel the same distance. What a change in the whole country ! When he passed over this same country 21 years before it was unsettled, and but few whites were known outside of the military posts. The whole country was infested with hostile and other Indians, with herds of buffiilo in every direction, with other wild game in great abundance. Now, this same Indian territory is not only settled up by whites, but States have been organized and entered the Union, and many others will soon be knocking at the door for admission. Railroads that were not thought of then have not only been built across the great plains and through the Rocky Mountains, but towns and cities have sprung up like mushrooms every few miles on these railroads and throughout the country. Not only this, but the great telegraphic system of Morse has connected the great Atlantic and 43 760 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Pacific oceans with electric power. Thus have the East and West been doubly united by rail and lightning. But there was something yet that had taken place, of greater polit- ical importance, since he had left the " States." The old States had been engaged in civil war. Large armies, North and South, had been marshaled under the greatest military leaders of the age, and engaged in some of the most terrible battles known since the beginning of the century. After a few years of carnage, the stars and stripes pre- vailed and the Union was declared indestructible. With the end of the terrible war came the freedom of the negro, and shortly afterward the right of suffrage to that race who were in bondage. When he began nearing home, oh, who can tell his feelings ! The country was changed — everything appeared new — he did not recog- nize his own native land. Would he know his wife, his children, his friends? — would they know him? These questions flashed through his brain. He hardly knew where to get off on the Hannibal and St. Joe Kailroad. Instead of getting off at Macon, he went on to Clar- ence, in the edge of Shelby county. There he had to inquire the way home. What did he know of Macon City and Clarence, when all around both places when he left was wild prairie, with scarcely a set- tlement in sight? When he came in sight of home, he saw the same old log cabin and recognized it. He had previously sent a neighbor to inform his wife and family of his arrival, and that he would soon be with them. They met him in the yard. His wife met him, but she did not look natural to him. Mrs. Cox said to him : " Come in ; you will find us in the same old cabin you left 21 years ago." Great was the rejoicing. The whole neighborhood came in crowds to welcome him home. Mr. Cox did not remember his children. From small boys and girls they had grown out of his memory. The yard was full of his children and grandchildren. Perhaps there never was such an event before. Mr. Cox said he felt highly gratified in meeting with so many of his old friends, and for their friendly visits. If the fatted calf was not killed, the hog was, and the dinner was eaten on the old style — *' eat and be merry." In passing from Macon to Clarence by rail, he passed within half a mile of his home, and did not know it. When lie saw Macon City, he felt satisfied there were more people in it than there were in the whole country when he left. Another thing, Mr. Cox says, surprised him — the great growth of the timber. A great many places that contained small undergrowth had grown into considerable timber. This he attributes to the settlers keeping the fire out. Other places in the prairie that had no timber when he left are now covered with undergrowth of considerable size. Mr. Cox is now in his seventy-second year, enjoying unusual good health for his age, and is surrounded by his children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends, and feels satisfied in enjoying the balance of his days at home. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 761 Among other pioneers were — Judge John D. Smith, from North Carolina; Joel Crain, Howard county, Mo. ; Joseph Kincade, Marion county. Mo. ; Benjamin Fur- man, from. Kentucky ; John Y. Lister, from Maryland; C. H. Lister, from Maryland ; Judge John B. Walker, from Virginia ; AYilliam Faulkner, from Virginia ; Johnson Whiles, J. G. Whiles, and Jona- than Eatcliff, from Kentucky; B. F. Grafford, Pike county. Mo. ; George W. Waddle, from Kentucky ; S. S. Winn, from Kentucky ; George B. Larrick, John A. Mackey, James Eichardson and William Mote, from Virginia ; James Smith, from North Carolina. George B. Larrick taught the first school that was kept in Round Grove township. The school house (log cabin) was located on sec- tion 21, township 57, range 13. Attending this schoool were the fam- ilies of James Smith, John T. and C. H. Lister, Thomas Winn, Sr., S. S. Winn, Joel Crain and others. The pioneer preacher was Dr. Abram Still, a Methodist. The early settlers went to Bloomington and Hunts ville to get their supplies, as well as to employ a physician. John T. and C. H. Lister put up a blacksmith shop in section 28, township 57, range 13. The first church building was erected about the year 1850, by the Methodists, and was located near Judge John D. Smith's farm, in section 28, town- ship 57, range 13. Judge Smith and wife, Thomas Winn, Sr., and wife, Joel Crain and wife, John T. and C. H. Lister and their wives were among the constituent members. A new church building has been erected by the same denomination on the same section. There are at present (1884) two churches, and four school-houses in the township. The new church above mentioned is called Bethlehem Church, and the other Ewing Church (a Cumberland Presbyterian), which was erected about the year 1860, on section 8, township 27, range 13. ROUND GROVE is the only trading point in the township, and contains a post-office and depot, and has daily mail and express facilities. It is located on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad and contains three stores, one blacksmith and wagon shop, and one drug store. E. G. Skinner is the postmaster. The first building was put up in the town by East- man Ryther and A. L. McBride, which was a business house. CHAPTEE VI. HUDSON TOWNSHIP. Its Location — Water Courses and Railroads — Early Settlers — Macon — Macon City the Original Town — The Town of Hudson — Early Business Men — Additions to Macon — City Officials — City Indebtedness — Banks and Bankers — Moot Legis- lature — Secret Orders — Band of Hope — Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Macon County Medical Society — Strong's Cornet Band — Macon Foundry and Machine Works — The Massey Wagon Company — Public School — School Boards — St. James' Academy — Johnson College — Hotels — Macon Association for the Distri- bution of Real Estate — Macon Elevator Company — The Macon Creamery — Wright's Opera House — The Old Harris House — Improvements in 1883 — Business Directory. HUDSON TOWNSHIP. Although not geographically centrally located, Hudson township contains the county seat of Macon county. It has a surface of 36 square miles, and is an average farming township. The east fork of the Chariton river flows through the western portion, and one or two small tributaries of the middle fork of Salt river, through the north- eastern part. The North Division of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad passes through the township from north to south, and the Hannibal and St. Joe Eailroad passes through it from east to west. William Fletcher, Simeon Cannon, Benjamin Catterton, Wilson Jones, Jacob Bell, Sterling Gee, James T. Haley, Broadwater Mat- ney, John Matney, William Holman, Felix Baker, Alexander Good- ding, Nicholas Guodding, William Scrutchfield, Jesse Hall, Peter Cummings, Andrew Chit wood, Robin Lockhart, John Vansickle, Jiidge William S. Fox, John M. Bryant and Rufus Kincaid composed nearly all of the early settlers of Hudson township. MACON. Macon is one of the handsomest towns in the State. It is located on a slightly undulating prairie. The town is especially attractive in summer, because of its numerous shade trees which adorn each side of all the streets. Many of the residences are tastefully constructed and are surrounded by large yards, which abound in flowers, shrub- (762) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 763 hery and shade trees. The inhabitants of the town are kind, courteous, hospitable and charitable, and are a reflecting, reading and moral people, as is evidenced by the existence of four newspapers, twelve church edifices and two elegant schools, each and all of which are well sustained. Macon is very truthfully called, the " City of Maples." In the spring of centennial year, Mr. James A. Terrill, who had a nursery near the city, gave all parties desiring them as many maple trees as they would plant, hence the great number of maple trees in Macon. Macon City (the original town) was laid out in 1856, the plat being filed March 12th, on the east half of the south-east quarter of section 16, township 57, range 14, by James A. Terrill, John M. Curless, Samuel H. Herndon and James Gillespie. The first settlement, however, was made in 1852, by James T. Haley. The house erected by him is still standing, and is now occu- pied by J. B. Howe in the south-east part of the city. The town of Hudson, west and adjoining Macon City, was laid out in 1857 ; the plat was filed July 1st by Thomas P. Kubey, H. L. Rutherford and G. B. Dameron, who were trustees of the Hudson Land Company, of St. Louis. In reference to the early history of Macon City, the True Democrat of April 18, 1884, has this to say : — Old Macon City was laid out in 1856, and the first sale of lots occurred during that year. Hudson was laid out the next year, and a sale of lots took place during that year or the next. Old Macon and Hudson stood as rival towns, adjoining each other, and as a nat- ural consequence the rivalry created a bad feeling and considerable trouble. Several meetings were held to obtain legislative action by which a consolidation might be brought about. Finally, in 1859, at the adjourned session of the Legislature, the territory of the towns was incorporated under the name of Macon City. The first mayor was Dr. A. L. Knight,^ now deceased. The first postmaster was Albert Larrabee, and his office was located on what is now Vine street, near Bourk square. The first place of voting was in old Macon, where elections were held until the division of the city into wards. The Legislature in 1863 passed a law changing the county seat from Bloominffton to Macon, and striking: out the word " Citv." In 1863 and in 1864, the election for State and county purposes was held at the academy, owned and established by Dr. Frank Allen, now of Morrow township. This academy was used and rented by the county for circuit and county courts and other public uses. 1 Albert Larrabee was the first mayor. 764 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. During the war, the soldiers at times took possession of the acad- 'emy, and the county court was held in a little school-house, near the Towner tobacco factory, and was so occupied until the comple- tion of the court-house, in 1865. Here the vote of Macon (City) and Hudson township was takjcn in June, 1865, on the adoption of the Drake Constitution, and the place also where the "Iron-clad oath" was first administered. Circuit and probate courts were held for several terms in the sec- ond story of the brick building now occupied by Doneghy & Bros. Soon after the completion of the court-house, the county court di- vided the city into wards, for State and county election purposes. The wards stand now as first created and numbered. It is not rec- ollected whether the city or county authorities first acted in this matter. An election before this change into wards, when Col, Clark Green was elected mayor, was held in a little frame building, on the corner where the Hagy brick building now stands, and which was afterward used as a post-office. The first merchants, grocers and other business men opened up in old Macon. In 1859, business houses on a large scale were erected just south of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, between Rollins and Rubey streets. The Harris House, a large three-story frame building, was put up. The lower story was used for dry goods and groceries. Johnson & Bagwell, Thompson & White are remembered as carrying larger stocks than are now kept by any house in the city. The reason for it is now plain. The North Missouri Railroad was then unfinished north of this place, and these firms furnished goods to the people as far as the Iowa line. The North Missouri Railroad track, as first laid down, ran to the Harris House. Up to the beginning of the rebellion, and for some time there- after, the Hudson portion of Macon, north of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, had but few settlements or buildings outside of Vine, Weed and a portion of Rollins streets. The lots were all covered with hazel brush and scattering wild cherry and pin-oak trees. South Hudson had scarcely a house outside of those in close proximity to the railroads. The first churches were Methodist. The M. E. Church South was a small frame building in old Macon, and the M. E. Church was the same as is now occupied by them, only that it has been enlarged and otherwise improved. The first lumber yard was established by Terrill and Reister in old Macon. The first attorneys were George S. Palmer, Col. R. J. Eberman and Col. A. L. Gilstrap. The first printing office was established by a young man named Raymond, and the first newspaper published was called the Republican, The town took a boom soon after the completion of the court-house and the close of the war, and now presents a beautiful appearance, with thrifty business men, large brick buildings, churches, school- HISTORY OF IVIACON COUNTY. 765 houses, academy, hotels and other public buildings, equal to other towns much older. In addition to the names of the early business men above men- tioned, there were a number of others, among whom were Dr. A. L. Knight, drugs ; Charles Jaeger, hardware ; George Turner, dry goods andVoceries; Littrell & Brooks, dry goods and groceries; Lamley Bros° dry goods and groceries ; Goldsberry & McQuay, James and Christopher Barnes, and a few years later, Joseph L. Baum. The first business house in old Macon was erected by John M. Curless, who came from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had a kind of general assortment, and sold tools of difi'erent kinds for railroad work. He now resides at Cedar Rapids. Wilson Jones built the first hotel in the town. Granville Draper put up the first planing-mill ; Daniel Patton, the first flour mill; Kughn Brothers, one of the first blacksmith and wagon shops. Dr. A. L. Knight was the first physi- cian. Hayden Rutherford & Bro. erected the first saw-mill. The first regular school was taught in a house built by James A. Terriil ; Dr. Frank Allen was the teacher. ADDITIONS TO MACON. Terriil, Curless and Caldwell's Addition, plat filed October 28, 1857 ; County Addition, by Isaac V. Pratt, filed November 12, 1870 ; Pratt's Sub-division, filed November 12, 1870; County Addition of sub-division of block 142, by Abner L. Gilstrap ; College Addition, by D. E. McKay, plat filed July 25, 1866. CITY OFFICIALS. The early records of the city were destroyed by fire, consequently we are not able to give the full list of officers, only since 1875. In 1860 Albert Larrabee was elected the first mayor. Associated with him as councilmen, were James Turner, George B. Turner, A. L. Knight, J. T. Reester, Benjamin White and D. E. Wilson. R. J. Eberman was city attorney ; Daniel Palmer was city marshal. MAYORS FROM 1862 TO 1874. Thomas Tibbs, from 1862 to 1863; D. E. Wilson, from 1863 to 1866; Clark H. Green, from 1866 to 1867; John M. Wilson, from 1867 to 1868 ; John T. Clements, from 1868 to 1869 ; Joseph Moon, from 1870 to 1871 ; John Dougherty, from 1871 to 1872 ; George P. Glaze, from 1872 to 1874. 766 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. City Officials since 1875. — Mayor — Isaac Hayes. Council- men— William F. Forcht, S. G. Brock, G. L. Towner, K. E. Melone, James Dodds, A. N. McGinley and H. S. Gordon. Treas- urer — Samuel J. Wilson. Kecorder — D. P. Dobyns. Attorney — Charles P. Hess. Clerk — S. E. Waggoner. Marshal — Charles J. Carlin. Officers of 1876. — Mayor — William Seager. Councilmen — R. Wright, B. F. Moore, I. N. Stewart, R. A. Melone, S. G. Brock, W. F. Forcht and G. L. Towner. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. Re- corder— D. P. Dobyns. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — F. S. Beeler. Marshal — C. J. Carlin. Officials 0/ i<97 7. —Mayor — P. M. Wright. Councilmen — B. F. Moore, A. H. Dysen, R. Melone, G. L. Towner, Joseph Brown, I. N. Stewart, Thomas Jobson. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. Recorder— E. J. Newton. Attorney — F. White. Clerk — T. S. Beeler. Marshal — W. H. Butler. Officials of 1878. — Mayor — F. A. Jones. Councilmen — B. F. Moore, A. H. Dysen, P. F. Leonard, J. G. Vancleve, Joseph Brown, J. P. Moore, C. R. Haverly. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. Recorder — F. Ames. Attorney — A. F. Foster. Clerk — T. S. Beeler. Marshal — John H. Clayton. Officials of i<97P. —Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — C. R. Haverly, B. F. Moore, J. G. Vancleve, A. S. Richardson, J. P. Moore, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. Recorder — F. Ames. Attorney — F. White. Clerk — Joseph M. Patton. Marshal — John H. Clayton. Officials of 1880. — Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — James Dodds, S. G. Brock, J. S. Vancleve, Joseph Brown. A. S. Richardson, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith. Treasurer — S. J. W^ilson. Recorder — John Farrer. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — Joe M. Patton. Marshal — John H. Clayton. Officials of 1881. — Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — R. W. Aikens, A. S. Richardson, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith, Jos. Brown, S. G. Brock, J. G. Vancleve. Treasurer — S. J. Wilson. Recorder — John Farrer. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — J. W. Moore. Marshal — John H. Clayton. Officials of 1882. — Mayor — J. G. Vancleve. Councilmen — H. A. Butler, S. G. Brock, W. H. Sears, B. F. Stone, Thomas H. Smith, Philip Reichel, N. S. Richardson. Treasurer — Samuel J. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 767 Wilson. Eecorder — John Farrer. Attorney — R. J. Eberman. Clerk — J. W. Moore. Marshal — J. H. Clayton. Officials of 1883. — Mayor — N. S. Richardson. Councilraen — T. H. Smith, J. W. Thompson, C. Eggleston, S. G. Brock, W. H. Sears, R. W. Aiken, P. Reichel. Treasurer — E. J. Demeter. Re- corder, George Bogert. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — J. E. Thompson. Marshal — John H. Clayton. Officials of 1884. — Mayor — N. S. Richardson. Councilmen — S. G. Brock, C. Eggleston, J. W. Thompson, T. H. Smith, T. A. H. Smith, William Magnus, William F. Forcht. Treasurer — E. J. Demeter. Recorder — George Bogert. Attorney — R. J. Eberman. Clerk — J. E. Thompson. Marshal — John H. Clayton. The city has no floating debt, but owes $5,500, $1,000 of which is due September 1, 1884. The balance, $4,500, is due November 1, 1891. BANKS AND BANKERS. The first banking institution established in Macon was that of George A. Shortridge & Co. (George A. Shortridge and James B. Malone). Shortridge was president and Malone was cashier. The bank continued to do business under this name until the death of Mr. Shortridge, which occurred in 1866, when Shortridge and Malone were succeeded by Malone and Epperson (Charles G. Epperson), who did business till 1872, when the bank was changed to Macon Savings Bank, Charles G. Epperson, president, and James B. Malone cashier. After running until February 14, 1882, the bank failed for $300,000. The assets will pay 20 per cent on the dollar, leaving $240,000 unpaid, or a loss of that amount. There were 525 deposit- ors, the largest of whom had $9,375 in the bank when it broke. When the failure of the bank was announced, it created a profound surprise, and consternation was written upon the face of all who had been so unfortunate as to lose their money in it. B. N. Tracy and John W. Henry started a bank in 1857, which ran until 1869 under the name of Tracy & Henry, when the firm was changed to Tracy & Son (N. B. Tracy, Jr.). This bank failed in September, 1876, its liabilities being at the time a little more than $125,000. It has since paid about 40 per cent to creditors. The Farmers and Traders' Bank was established January 1, 1877, by G. L. Towner, who was president, Solomon Wagoner, cashier, and Charles G. Epperson, James B. Malone and Theodore Kraus. This bank did business until February 14, 1882, when it failed, the 768 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. liabilities being about $33,000. Being connected with the Macon Savings Bank and under the same management, it closed its doors upon the same day that the Macon Savings Bank did. It has since paid about 25 per cent of its indebtedness. The failure of these three banks has retarded, to a considerable ex- tent, not only the prosperity of Macon and its business interests, but this loss has been felt by the farmers, traders and others throughout the entire county, and in a measure so crippled the community at large that, for a time, there was scarcely anything done in the way of business enterprises. Indictments were preferred against the chief officers of the Macon Savings and the Farmers and Traders' banks, but after one or two trials, which failed of conviction, the suits were dismissed. STOCKHOLDERS OF MACON SAVINGS BANK. J. B.Winn, $5,200; A. L. Shortridge, $5,000; E. C. Shain, $7,500; Jehu Teter, $1,500; K. A. Melone, $2,200; T. E. Sharp, $1,200; T. G. Sharp, $2,500; C. G. Epperson, $5,000; J. B. Me- lone, $10,000 ; G. A. Shortridge estate, $15,000 ; George L. Towner, $4,500; Orr Sanders, $200; Macon Savings Bank (exchanged real estate) $5,200. Total, $65,000. John Scovern, William Logan and S. G. Wilson opened a private bank in March, 1882, and ran until March 6, 1883, when the bank was changed to the First National Bank of Macon. The following is a statement of the condition of the First National Bank of Macon, at the close of business April 21, 1884: — LIABILITIES. Capital stock $50,000 00 Surplus fund 1,000 00 Undivided profits 2,428 31 Circulation 13,500 00 Deposits 167,191 05 ASSETS Loans and discounts Government bonds . Other bonds . . . Due from other banks Furnitui-e and fixtures Redemption fund . . Cash $234,119 36 891,889 56 15,000 00 30,620 00 75,456 84 778 90 675 00 19,6»9 06 $234,119 36 Officers — William Logan, President; S. G. Wilson, Vice-Presi- dent; John Scovern, Cashier ; C. D. Sharp, assistant cashier. Directors — Jeff. Morrow, Sr., James L. Tibbs, William Logan, S. G. Wilson, John H. Babcock, James G. Howe, P. Y. Hurt, John Scovem. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 769 The Exchange Bank opened November 20, 1 883, by Bairds & Wright. Official Statement of the Financial Condition of the Exchange Bank of Bairds & Wright, at the close of business on the 15th day of April, 1884. RESOURCES. Loans on personal security Loans on real estate security Other bonds and stocks Due from other banks . . Furniture and fixtures . . Checks and other cash items Bills of National Banks and legal tender U. S. notes . Gold coin Silver coin Exchange $16,019 42 8,450 55 700 00 15,931 99 485 85 741 04 7,848 90 2,507 50 320 03 1,041 95 Capital Deposits . Exchange LIABILITIES. «15,000 00 37,587 39 1,459 84 Total $54,047 23 Total $54,047 23 State of Missouri, > We, P. M. Wright, President, and Frank County of Macon. (Baird, Cashier, two of the partners in or owners of said banking business, and each of us, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of our knowledge and belief. P. M. Wright, President. Frank Baird, Cashier. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1884. Witness my hand and notarial seal affixed, at Macon, Mo., the date last aforesaid. (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring October 3d, 1885). [seal.] S. S. Wilson, Notary Public. moot legislature. The citizens of Macon organized a Moot Legislature in 1868, with the following members : John Mayer, J. B. Melone, J. G. Howe, John Fee, F. A. Jones, J. W. McKindley, R. W. Coles, G. W. Barnes, Thomas Proctor, Charles G. Epperson, S. P. Griffith, J. M. London, J. T. Clements, A. N. McKindley, J. F. Williams, J. H. Overall, E. C. D. Shortridge, T. A. Eagle, L. M. Trimble, A. P. McCall, James M. Love, D. K. Turk, P. M. Wright, J. L. Wood, J. E. Wilkerson, Charles P. Hess, Fletcher White, A. L. Shortridge, W. M. Rubey, H. P. Vrooman, D. C. McKay, W. A. Guyselman, B. R. Dysart, B. E. Tracy, Jr., L. G. Tracy, J. S. Curtiss, J. W. Henry, W. S. Larrabee, B. F. Stone, William D. Wright, Clark H. Green, A. J. Williams. SECRET ORDERS. Masonic Lodge, ISTo. 172. — Organized July 9, 1874. Charter members : James G. Howe, Sol. E. Waggoner, Thomas B. Howe, A. 770 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. L. Knight, E. S. Golclsberiy, George P. Glaze, Isaac C. Stephens, James B. Melone, William H. Farrar, E. B. Van Vleet, C. G. Epper- son, John Meyer, Alfred Farrar, Phil, T. Holman, John D. Howe, John P. Walker, Isaac Hayes, Thomas G. Thorp, George Ingels, Jas. L. Baum, James G. Howe, W. M. ; Sam Ebert, S. W. ; F. M. Winn, J. W. ; James L. Tibbs, treasurer ; A. A. Gilstrap, secretary ; A. W. Gilstrap, S. D. ; L. A. Rogers, J. D. ; T. A. H. Smith, T. ; Rev. R. H. Crockett, chaplain. Knights of Pythias Lodge, Ko. 74. — Was organized May 19, 1882. The charter members : C. P. Hess, C. Grahl, F. H. Murphy, M. C. Trew, Thomas A. Smedley, W. F. Forcht, W. B. Webber, George B. Reichel, J. O. Jewett, J. J. Ziglar, J. S. Miller, S. Ebert, R. W. Caswell, Hez. Purdom, James P. Kern, Theo. Gerry, J. W. Moore, W. C. B. Gillespie, Alfred Dyson, Chris. Maffrey, T. M. Sev- ern, John H. Clayton, L. A. Thompson, James H. Patton, W. H. Butler, J. C. Brookbank, A. R. Lemon, Thomas A. Craig, W. P. Howe, J. E. Thompson, H. H. Downing, John T. Jones, W. S. Her- man, T. L. Thompson, F. E. Williams, G. B. Krieter, J. D. Gatty, J. W. Wooldridge, E. B. Clements, J. G. Howe, W. B. Kunkel, M. J. Payne, E. A. Lee, Frank Reed. Officers : A. R. Lemon, P. C. ; Theo. Gerry, C. C. ; M. C. Trew, V. C. ; L. A. Thompson, P. ; C. Maffrey, M. E. ; J. S. Miller, M. F. ; W. B. Kunkel, K. of R. S. ; J. W. Moore, M. of A. ; J. J. Davis, I. G. ; S. Ebert, O. G. ; rep- resentative to grand lodge, C. P. Hess. Lodge No. 150, 1. 0. 0. i^. — Was organized July 15, 1865. Charter members: James H. Biswell, James M. Love, B. F. Clark- son, Henry Shaw, John M. Floyd, C. Otto, Clark H. Green, A. L. Ferguson. Present officers : H. S. Gordon, N. G. ; S. Ebert, V. G. ; W. J. Wright, R. S. ; J. K. Haverly, P. S. ; J. L. Baum, treasurer. Macon Lncampment iVo. 72, I. 0. O. F. — Was organized Jan- uary 8, 1874. Charter members : O. S. Bearce, D. P. Dobyus, C. R. Hutchins, A. L. Grain, H. S. Glaze. Present officers : J. A. Cook, C. P. ; W. H. Miller, H. P. ; S. Ebert, S. IV. ; F. L. Power, J. W. ; C. R. Haverly, S. ; J. W. Patton, treasurer. Lodge No. 4, Brothers of Philanthropy — Was organized April 10, 1881. Charter members: A. R. Lemon, R. W. Aiken, C. R. Haverly, B. O. Parker, T. F. O'Daniel, N. L. Bennett, F. H. Murphy, George W. Spreistersback, William Jones, G. H. Jones. Present Officers : Henry Renne, I. G. ; John Koll, O. G. ; B. O. Parker, C. K. ; William Dale, S. K. ; T. F. O'Daniel, R. ; C. R. Haverly, Rec. ; W. M. Jones, Treas. ; M. K. White, S. ; John C. Gab, O. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 771 Marvin Lodge JSfo. 325, I. O. G. T. — Was organized July 22, 1871. The charter members were: John M. Henry, A. K. Lemon, S. B. Weaver, James M. Turner, N. S. Richardson, R. J. Eberman, Fletcher White, W. H. Sears, A. M. Rogers, John A. Jackson. Present Officers: Thomas A. H. Smith, W. C. T. ; Maude Holt, W. V. T. ; Kate Richardson, Sec. ; William A. Smith, F. S. ; May Ben- nett, Treas. ; P. W. Gayer, Chaplain ; D. M. Oliver, Marshal ; Lillie Eggleston, Guard ; John C. Gade, Sentinel. . Lodge JSTo. 28, A. 0. U. TF. — Was organized October 6, 1877. Charter members : W. H. Goodding, B. J. Milan, J. A. Hudson, H. B. Marshall, William R. Sheen, J. F. Darling, T. E. Sharp, L. D. Walbridge, Hez. Purdom, R. A. Melone, S. J. Wilson, John Shep- herd, L. B. Williams, J. R. Little, C. E. Evans, E. J. Hawkins, T, A. Smedley, John H. Mason, W. O. Clarkson, L. W. Mitchell, John W. Sanford, R. W. Caswell, James F. Corby, J. D. Abell, T. S. Beeler, James M. Thrall, James B. Melone, J. P. Moore, Ethelbert Talbot, C. R. Hutchins, H. S. Glaze, J. O. Jewett, E. M. Baxter, Charles J. Borden, Chris Fritz. Present Officers : C. P. Hess, P. M. W. ; J. P. Moore, M. W. ; John J. Davis, Recorder; George P. Reichel, Financier ; William F. Forcht, Treasurer. Lodge 23, G. A. JR., Dep. of Mo. — Was organized August 18, 1882. Charter members : Frank M. Murphy, Morris True, Nathan S. Richardson, George Yuncker, B. F. Moore, H. S. Glaze, R. W. Caswell, C. J. Borden, R. M. Montgomery, A. R. Lemon, S. R. Dearing, A. W. Inman, J. M. Turner, Alois Steiner. Present Offi- cers: N. S. Richardson, Com.; S. G. Brock, I. V. C; C. R. Haverly, I. V. C. ; E. C. Still, Surgeon; A. R. Lemon, Adjt. ; D. E. Wilson, Chaplain ; George Yuncker, I. M. ; S. J. Wilson, O. D. ; H. A. Butler, O. G. « Band of Hope. — Organized in February, 1884, with 185 members. D. H. Payson, president; Mrs. J. T. Ridgeway, vice-president; Mollie Bennett, secretary ; Daisy Fletcher, treasurer ; Minnie Gerow, librarian ; Minnie Wisdom, assistant librarian. Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Was organized February 6, 1872. First Officers : Chief of Fire Department, A. Field. Assistant Chief of Fire Department, J. G. Howe. Foreman of Company, George P. Glaze. Assistant Foreman of Company, B. F. Moore. Secretary, Frank Smith. Treasurer, C. R. Hutchins. Engineer, H. A. Butlet-. Foreman of Hose, R. A. Melone. Assistant Fore- man of Hose, J. H. Clayton. Charter Members.- J. W. Henry, S. B. Hanley, John Talbot, S. Waggoner, C. G. Epperson, W. P. 772 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Beach, T. Wamsley, Frank Davis, J. P. Love, C. C. Butler, James Ingles, A. Miller, W. H. Goodding, S. Jackson, James Cook, W. W. Tory, Frank W. Henry, D. A. Patton, H. S. Allen, G. W. Barnes, C. J. Carlin, S. Ebert, George Fox, P. T. Holman, W. B. Hargis, J. M. London, James B. Melone, John W. Patton, Frank Palmer, A. W. Rogers, J. P. Sharp, J. D. Stephens, T. W. Shaw, G. L. Towner, Ed. Turner, Thomas Thompson, James Tibbs, W. F. Williams, D. E. Wilson, R. Wright, J. Dodds, John M. Easton, A. G. Dyson, W. S. Hughes. Fuel Cart Boys. — Foreman, F. Hobb. Assistant Foreman, J'. Epperson; E. L. Glaze, Tobias Thompson, Charles Fletcher, E. Thompson, Wm. Patton, B. Goldsberry, T. Hanley, Ben. Clayton. Present Officers: H. A. Butler, Chief of Fire Department; R. Davis, Assistant Chief of Fire Department; L. K. Davis, Foreman of Company ; Thomas Still, Assistant Foreman of Company ; J. H. Clayton, Foreman of Hose ; J. H. Jones, Assist- ant Foreman of Hose ; J. D. Gatley, Foreman of Hook and Ladder ; H. W. Choj^e, Assistant Foreman of Hook and Ladder; W. H. But- ler, Treasurer ; F. A. Rosevale, Secretary. The average number of tires per year is 15. Macon Count]/ Medical Society — Was organized April 16, 1879. — Officers of 1879 — T. J. Norris, President ; B. C. Mitchell, Treasurer ; D. H. Mathews, Secretary. Board of Sensors — G. W. Miller, W. F. Morrow, D. H. Mathews. 1880 — B. J. Milam, President; W. V. Yates, Vice-President; Mrs. Dr. Mary Towner, Treasurer; A. T. Levick, Secretary. Sensors — J. W. Proctor, J. M. Cully, T. Fred- erick. 1881 — W. F. Morrow, President; E. Jeserich, Vice-Presi- dent ; B. J. Milam, Secretary ; J. M. McCully, Treasurer. Sensors — J. W. Martin, A. T. Levick, J. W. Proctor. 1882 — W. V. Yates, President; A. C. Smith, Vice-President; R. C. Mitchell, Secretary; B. J. Milam, Treasurer. Sensors — T. J. Norris, A. T. Levick, Isaiah Frederick. 1883— J. H. Petty, President; F. Allen, Vice- President ; J. W. Moore, Recording Secretary; B. J. Milam, Treas- urer. Sensors — J. W. Martin, A. T. Levick, J. W. Proctor. 1884 — A. T. Levick, President; J. W. Proctor, Vice-President; J. W. Moore, Corresponding and Recording Secretary; B. J. Milam, Treasurer. Sensors — T. J. Norris, F. Allen, W. V. Yates. Present Members ; Isaiah Frederick, W. V. Yates, T. J. Norris, L. C. Mit- chell, James T. Casey, W. F. Morrow, A. J. Norris, D. H. Mathews, F. W. Allen, John McCollough, B. C. McDavit, J. W. Martin, George P. Benning, Evans Jones, B. A. Payne, A. L. Levick, B. J. Milam, R. N. Turner, J. W. Proctor, A. C. Smith, Richard Hayes, A. H. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 773 Nichols, B. L. Mixon, W. S. Sears, Willarcl Terrill, A. B. Miller, T. N. Thompson, J. H. Petty, J. W. Moore, T. H. Hughes, D. W. Dempsey, B. E. Moody. The Macon Medical Society — Was organized in September, 1869. The charter members were; A. L. Knight, J. N. Stewart, E. Hahn, J. J. Lyle, Isaiah Frederick, J. B. Winn, T. A. Eagle, Arthur Bar- ron, William Benny, N. S. Eichardson, J..C. Scroggin, T. W. Shaw. Its first officers were : A. L. Knight, President ; N. S. Eichardson, Secretary and Treasurer. At present the officers are : N. S. Eichard- son, President; Ed. B. Clements, Secretary ; Arthur Barron, Vice- President ; J. B. Winn, Treasurer. Stronr/s Cornet Band — Was organized about four years ago — 1879. Names of members : B. F. Strong, manager; Charles L. Far- rer, president; Thomas A. Craig, secretary; O. D. Clark, Treas- urer; Gus Strong, Eobert Smith, Edward 0'Daniels,W. S. Herman, Charles Gibbs ; Ed. Berry, Harry Berry, drummers. COLORED ORGANIZATIONS. Dane Lodge No. 13, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized February 1, 1871, by W. A. Dane and J. N. Triplett. Charter members — William Jones, Eeuben Barber, E. W. Morrison, Joseph Allen, Adam Braggs, John Jackson, John Washington. Present officers: E. W. Morrison, W. M. ; Craig Griffin, S. W. ; James Coleman, J. W. ; John Tyler, Treas. ; William Cross, Sec. ; Sam Davis, S. D. ; Will- iam Jones, J. D. ; Henry Dodd, J. S. ; Alfred Holliday, S. S. ; James Coleman, Tyler. There are also colored lodges of Good Templars, Knights of Ta- bor and United Brethren. MACON FOUNDRY AND MACHINE WORKS. The above establishment was started in 1880, by F. Palfrey, the present owner, who began with an investment of $5,000, and by in- dustry and economy has increased the amount to $15,000, with but little incumbrance. The castings made at this foundry compare favorably with those made at any foundry in the country. One of the specialties of this foundry is the making of the self-oiling coal car machinery wheels, of which Mr. Palfrey is the inventor. These wheels are made of chilled iron. Another specialty is the Eggelston & Patton patent adjustable racket bar and bracket stove shelving. From 15 to 25 men find constant employment at this foundry. 774 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. THE MASSEY WAGON COMPANY which was organized April 1, 1884, employs 25 hands, and has a ca- pacity of making 1,000 wagons per year. The firm, previous to the present one, known as the Macon Wagon Company, suspended oper- ations three years ago, and the building and machinery remained idle until the present firm, composed of John Massey and Son, started last April. The house is a large, commodious brick, and cost $20,- 000, including the machinery. PUBLIC SCHOOL. The Union Free School building was erected in 1866-67 at a cost of about $20,000. It is located in the eastern part of the city, and accommodates about 800 pupils. The school is graded in several different departments. The superintendents of the public schools of Macon have been S. P. Bonnson, J. M. Howard, G. P. Beard, D. H. Horns, G. L. Osborn, L. M. Johnson, A. E. Wardner, S. A. Taft, N. B. Henry, J. T. Ridgeway and S. F. Trammel. There is at present no colored school building, the former one having been destroyed by fire. The houses erected in 1871-72 cost $7,000. Colored children enrolled in the city number 243. SCHOOL BOARDS SINCE 1866. 1866 — H. P. Vrooman, Davis Stutzer, N. H. Patton , Thomas Proc- tor, Walker T. Gilman, J. J. Lyle. 1867 — L. M. Trumbull, J. W. Henry, Davis Stutzer, H. P. Vrooman, Thomas Proctor, A. H. Patton. 1868 — L. M. Trumbull, Philip Eeichel, Davis Stutzer, H. P. Vrooman, Thomas Proctor, N. H. Patton. 1869 — L. M. Trumbull, N. H. Patton, JohnH. Henry, Philip Reichel, Jacob Gilstrap, David Stutzer. 1869 — L. M. Trumbull, R. W. Coles, B. N. Tracy, J. W. Henry, N. H. Patton, Philip Reichel. 1870. — L. M. Trumbull, N. H. Patton, B. N. Tracy, R. W. Coles, W. C. Gilstrap, P. T. Holman. 1870— W. C. B. Gillespie, B. N. Tracy, Philip Reichel, N. H. Patton, R. W. Coles, E. F. Bennett. 1871 — B. N. Tracy, R. W. Coles, Philip Reichel, W. C. B. Gillespie, J. Jaeger, N. H. Patton. 1871 — N. H. Patton, R. W. Coles, Philip Reichel, W. C. B. Gilles- pie, N. S. Richardson, Samuel J. Wilson. 1872 — Philip Reichel, N. S. Richardson, Amos Field, Samuel J. Wilson, N. H. Patton, W. C. B. Gillespie. 1872 — H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, William Saeger, A. R. Lemon, N. S. Richardson, S. J. Wilson. 1873 — H. S. Glaze, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 775 Amos Field, W. Saeger, A. K. Lemon, N. S. Richardson, S. J. Wilson. 1874 — H. S. Glaze, William Saeger, Amos Field, J. Jaeger, H. S. Gordon, F. A. Jones. 1875 — Same board. 1876 — H. S. Glaze, William Saeger, Amos Field, J. Jaeger, F. A. Jones, H. S. Gordon. 1877 — Same board. 1878 — J. Jaeger, Amos Field, F. A. Jones, H. S. Glaze, H. S. Gordon, William Saeger. 1879 — Same board. 1880 — Benjamin F. Stone, H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, F. A. Jones, William Saeger, Joseph Jaeger, 1881 — S. J. Wilson, Web M. Rubey, H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, Benjamin F. Stone, Joseph Jaeger. 1882 — W. F. Forcht, Edwin McKee, T. W. Reed, Benjamin F. Stone, Web M. Rubey, S. J. Wilson. 1883 — C. P. Hess, B. E. Guthrie, William F. Forcht, Web M. Rubey, S. J. Wilson, Edwin McKee. 1884 — Edwin McKee, Web M. Rubey, B. E. Guthrie, Will- iam F. Forcht, C. P. Hess, N. S. Richardson. ST. JAMES ACADEMY. This school was opened in September, A. D., 1875. It had its origin in a desire to meet the local demands for a higher education than could be furnished by the public schools. It was not intended at first to make it diocesan in its character, but simply local. But the unexpected success of the school encouraged the rector to yield to the suggestions of his friends to receive pupils from various parts of the State who might be placed under his care. It has now a recognized position as the only boarding school for boys under the control of the Church in the Diocese of Missouri. The boarding department is open exclusively to boys ; though the daughters of the citizens of Macon are received as day scholars under certain restric- tions. This school had enrolled in 1883, 98 students. It is now in a prosperous condition, and is growing rapidly into favor, receiving patronage and encouragement, not only from the church under whose control it now is, but from the friends of education generally. JOHNSON COLLEGE. An institution bearing the above name was incorporated under the acts of County Courts, giving charters, in 1866, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North Missouri Conference, with the title of Macon Male and Female University. The petition was presented by D. C. McKay, D. E. Wilson, F. A. Jones, T. A. Eagle and nine others. An outlay of $40,000 was expended in the con- struction of a building, but it was never completed owing to a want 44 776 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. of sufficient funds. It was intended to make it a large, handsome building — large enough to accommodate 300 students. Edwin John- son, of Lynn, Mass., after whom the college was named, was the warm friend of the institution and its chief contributor, having donated the sum of $10,000. The College was located near the north-east edge of the city. It was taken down a few years ago and the brick were used in building a part of St. James' Academy. HOTELS. Macon has had a number of hotels, among which have been the Evans House, on Weed street; the City Hotel, the Macon Hotel, in the same vicinity; the Commercial Hotel, the Vine Street House, the Rollins House, the Wabash House and the Palace Hotel. The latter is the largest building of the kind in the city, and was erected in 1881, by B. F. Stone, at a cost of $30,000. MACON ASSOCIATION FOR DISTRIBUTION OF REAL ESTATE. This association was organized in 1868, with Col. C. H. Green, president; J. M. Love, general manager; J. B. Melone, treas- urer, and Capt. G. W. Bearnes. There were 3,149 certificates, worth $1 each, and 193 prizes. These prizes were to have been drawn on July 15, 1868, but failing to sell all the certificates, the drawing did not take place, and the money was refunded to the purchasers of certificates. MACON ELEVATOR COMPANY, is composed of J. G. Vancleve, W. H. Sears and W. M. Vancleve. These gentlemen recently purchased the valuable property of the old company. The elevator does a large business in handling corn, rye, oats and seeds, and in exchange of meal, etc. Its capacity for grinding is 500 bushels per day, and capacity for shelling 10 car-loads per day. The paid-up capital is $10,000, and the com- pany enjoys the confidence of the entire business community. THE MACON CREAMERY. The contract for building the Macon creamery has been let and work commenced. It is to be completed by the middle or last of May. Judge H. Vandeberg will have his son and J. J. Davis asso- ciated with him, under the firm name of Vandeberg & Co. The main building will be 46x24 ; the ice-house 24x36 ; boiler-room. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 777 10x18, and the fuel-room 10x18. The building complete will con- tain the following rooms and apartments: Cream-room, churn-room, butter-working-room, office, storage-room, coolmg-room, refrigerat- ing-room, wash-room, engine and boiler-room, fuel-room, and ice- house. The building is constructed with three air chambers in outside walls, double doors and windows, fitted up with steam and cold water coils for heating and cooling building, steam pipes, water pipes, steam jets, etc., and following is a partial list of machinery and fixtures used in their large plan : Two 300-galIon power churns ; three 400 or four 300-gallon cream vats ; 35 patent refrigerating hauling cans, power butter-worker, scales, cold and hot water wash- ing tanks, force pump in well, cream pails, thermometer, tryer, all necessary shafting, belts, pulleys, hangers, etc., office furniture and books, 10-horse boiler and engine, and all small articles needed in the business. The company has secured over 500 cows, and want 500 more. The building will be located on Vine street, one block east of Rubey, on the old brick-yard. weight's opera house was built by Nathaniel Hunt in 1874, and used as a tobacco ware- house for several years. The present owner, P. M. Wright, pro- posed to the city council that if it would make a market-house of the rooms below, and require the butchers of the city to open their stalls in the building, he would prepare the stalls and construct an opera house, which proposition was accepted. The building is being fitted up, and when completed it will be one of the handsomest buildings of the kind in the State. It will have an upper circle and seating capac- ity of 900, with private boxes. The roof is a suspension one, and no pillars or posts in the main hall, excepting the supports to circle above. The opera house will be nicely papered and decorated throughout ; the stage is 22x55 feet ; ventilation is good. The scenery for the stage and drop-curtain is beautiful in design, having been made by a first-class scenic artist. The building is 56x90 feet, and will cost when completed $12,000. The thanks of the people are not only due the city council, but more especially to Mr. Wright, for the convenient market-house and beautiful hall, which will be com- pleted about May 15, 1884. the old HARRIS HOUSE. [From True Democrat.] The Old Harris House is well remembered by the old citizens of Macon. During the Civil War it was headquarters for several Post 778 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Commanders, and the upper story was used as a military prison. After Porter's raid and defeat at Kirksville, the prison was pretty full of prisoners. They were put in for various reasons and causes. Some of the prisoners were from adjoining counties, but were mostly citi- zens of Macon county. They were confined for some time, and after examination as to charges, were generally released on oath of lo3^alty and bond. A few were sent to the militarj^ prison at Alton and St. Louis. It was from the Harris house prison that the notorious raider, Poindexter, escaped. He had been in prison as a noted rebel leader and organizer of rebel forces for some time. He was restless, and wanted to be up and working for his cause. One very dark and rainy night he managed to escape the sentinel at the prison, but had not gone far before he was missed, and the guard fired in the supposed direction. It was reported he was badly wounded. He got away all the same. During the year 1864, Gen. Guitar had his headquarters at the Harris House — sometimes called the Planters' House. Political excitement ran high. The Union men who were for Gen. McClel- lan — the Democratic candidate for President — were looked upon as no better than Copperheads of Vallandingham stripe, by the Kadical Unionists. Jim Lane, of Kansas, was the idol of many of the extreme Union- ists, and " Hurrah for Jim Lane " was constantly heard on the streets. It was the watchword among a large majority of Union at this place. Gen. Guitar was not that kind of a man. He was for the Union and Gen. McClellan. The name of Jim Lane was very obnoxious to him. It got out that he would punish any of his men hurrahing for Jim Lane in his presence. Several of them did. He knocked one over with his fist, caused another to carry a heavy stick of wood on his shoulder and march to and fro in front of headquarters, and others he put in prison. This was done in a military point of view to keep up military organization, and keep his men in proper subjection as soldiers. But he could not fully do it. The outside pressure was against McClellan — nearly all for Lincoln. The soldiers in prison would get in the window and yell for Jim Lane, so they could be heard for several blocks away. It was not a good time for Democrats, especially if they were for McClellan. These soldiers in prison kept up their yellling as long as they were confined. It is not now recol- lected whether they got out of their confinement, or whether they were further punished in any way. IMPROVEMENTS IN 1883. [From Macon Times of August 3cl.] A gentleman remarked the other day that Macon was not only the best trading point he knew of, but that in all his travels, he knew of no place in all North Missouri where so many improvements were going on. And when we come to think of it, much more is being (lone in way of improvements than is generally supposed. In fact, Macon, with the certainty of a heavy fall trade, is starting on a con- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 779 siderable boom. The following very incomplete list of improvements in this city, which does not include any rebuilding or repairs occa- sioned by cyclone or storm, will give some idea of what we are doing. It is safe to say that much more would be done in the way of erecting new buildings and improving others but for the fact that the recent cyclone required considerable time of mechanics making repairs. The following list of improvements, which is very incomplete, will give some idea of our progress ; — B. Edwards, two brick houses on Vine street, $6,500 ; B. Edwards, two brick houses on Eollins street, $3,750 ; Habberman & Soldan, wholesale beer warehouse, $1,000; E. J. Denieter, brick business house on Rollins street, $3,500 ; J. Jaeger & Co., two brick business houses on Weed street $3,500 : McKee & Smith, improvement of store- rooms, $550 ; Gen. Vancleve, rebuilding and erecting a large addition to house on Rollins street, $1,500; J. G. Vancleve, improving resi- dence, $500 ; Chris Maffry, new residence in south-west part of city, $1,200; Graham Wilson, improving residence, $600; Al. Miller, new residence on Crooked street, $1,200; Benjamin H. Stean, new residence north of court-house, $1,500 ; B. Powell, additions and improvement of residence, $200 ; C. H. Steele, improvement of premises, $350 ; Rev. H. R. Crockett, additions and improvement to residence, $200 ; A. Steiner, addition and improvement to residence, $250; Mrs. Roberts, improvement of residence (the Dr. Stewart property), $500; Stevens and Hail, improvement of store-room, $350 ; Al. Dyson, improvement of residence, $200 ; Myra Mont- gomery, improvement of residence, $150 ; M. Gieselman, improve- ment of business house, $200 ; Dr. Milam, improvement of residence, $200; Dr. Milam, new barn, $250; E.J. Demeter, new residence near park, $1,100; D. K. Turk, additions and rebuilding residence, $1,000; H. S.Gordon, additions and rebuilding residence, $1,000 ; J. E. Goodson, Jr., improvement of residence, $550 ; S. J. Waggoner, improvement of residence, $150 ; Catholic church, improvements, $300 ; W. F. Forcht, improvements of residence, $250 ; M. E. Church, repairs and improvements, $600 ; F. Palfry, foundry to be rebuilt and enlarged, $1,000; Second Baptist Church, colored, im- provements, $500. In addition to the above list, which is not complete, it does not include many improvements made which are small, of themselves, but aggregate a great deal and add immeasurably to the apjDearance of the city. Neither have we included many of the scores of houses which have been painted, among which we may mention : Stephens & Hail, store; E. S. Goldsberry, store; John Mayer, store; Milsted & Burns, store ; Odd Fellows hall ; W. C. Belshe, store ; Isaac Gross, store; Banta Bros., store; T. A. Craig, store; Mrs. Poole & Eggle- ston, store ; J.Jaeger &Co., store ; Saminett Bros., store ; D. K. Hagy, store ; Henry Stocking, residence ; Ezra Norris, residence, and many others we cannot call to mind in this hurried mention. This w^ill 780 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. suffice to show that Macon is pushing forward and would have done much more had it not been for unfortunate but unavoidable drawbacks. BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Adams & Garrison, blacksmiths; Robert W. Aiken, proprietor Wabash Hotel; J. W. Angus, music store; John A. Banta, proprie- tor Banta Roller Mills ; Thomas Banta, grocer ; Banta & Son, livery ; Rev. J. S. Barwick (Methodist); Joseph L. Baum, clothing; Mrs. Tillie Baxter, dressmaker; William P, Beach, real estate; Charles W. Belshe, restaurant ; William C. Belshe, dry goods ; James L. Beny, lawyer; Sidney G. Brock, editor and proprietor Republican; J. N. Brown, lawyer; Mrs. J. N. Brown, music teacher; Mrs. Mark Brown, dressmaker ; H. A. & C. C. Butler, grocers ; Mrs. Lillie Butler, dressmaker ; Rev. Patrick B. Cahill (Catholic) ; John H. Clayton, city marshal; Ed. B. Clements, physician; Thomas A. Craig, jeweler ; Miss Lou Dale, dressmaker ; John J. Davis, produce; Ed. J. Demeter, hardware ; William Denzler, harnessmaker ; Frank A. Dessert, harnessmaker ; T. T. Dodson, tailor; James Donovan, grocer and express agent; Downing & Williams, boots and shoes; Dysart & Mitchell, lawyers ; R. J. Eberman, lawyer; Samuel Ebert, cloth- ing ; Eichenberger & Trew, cigar manufacturers; Exchange Bank, Bairds & Wright ; Amos Field, druggist ; Fletcher & Gatty, tailors ; First National Bank, John Scovern, cashier ; William H. Forbes, ex- press agent ; W. F. Forcht, lumber ; James Fowler, horses and mules ; L. J. & G. J. Fox, jewelers ; Christian Fritsch, meat market ; John T. Gehaus, grocer ; Fred. W. Geiselmau, tailor; Moritz Geiselman, tailor.; Abner L. Gilstrap, lawyer; Henry S. Glaze, grocer; Good- son & Son, proprietors Messenger of Peace; Gordon & Moore, farm implements; Gray & Ford, livery; Grahl & Miller, saloon; E. A. Graves, proprietor Gem Hotel; Greene Bros., fruit evaporators; Harbin M. Greene, justice ; John H. Hartman, boots and shoes ; Mrs. Curtis R. Haverly, dressmaker ; Haverly & Parker, livery ; Michael Hornback, dry goods ; James G. Howe, county clerk ; London, Steau & Willis, real estate; Rev. Charles Jackal (Lutheran); Mrs. Susan Jackson, dressmaker; Dr. Thomas B. Jackson, druggist; J. Jaeger, hardware; Peter Jochims, meat market; John T. Jones, lawyer; William Jones, blacksmith; J. W. Kings worth, stair builder; Mrs. R. M. Kingsworth, dressmaker; Franz A. Koch, shoemaker; John H. Griffin, live stock; R. S. Griffith, shoemaker; Isaac Gross, gro- cer; Thomas Grove, grocer; Benjamin E. Guthrie, lawyer ; Haber- man & Soldan, saloon ; Daniel K. Hagy, grocer ; Miss Delia Haley, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 781 dressmaker ; Thomas Haley, constable ; Hail & Baker, dry goods ; Jasper Hammett, barber; J. F. Hawley & Co., boots and shoes; Miss Sarah E. Harkrader, millinery ; Miss Mary J. Harris, music teacher; J. Koechel, broom-maker; John Koll, builder; William B. Kunkel, proprietor Windsor restaurant; J. Larrabee, builder; Peter Larson, restaurant; John M. League, railroad agent; Kich- ard L. Lewis, carriage manufactory; Friederich Leubke, shoe- maker; Macon Brewery Company; — Teamer, proprietor Macon House ; Massey Wagon Company, John Massey, President ; David McCartney, barber; McCully & Smith, grocers ; John A. McDowell, wagon maker; Mrs. Martha McDowell, millinery; McKee & Smith, dry goods; Jesse McNutt, blacksmith; McMurray & Son, carriage manufactory ; Mason & Strong, painters ; Joseph L. Martin, circuit clerk ; William H. Martin, dry goods ; Richard S. Matthews, judge of probate ; John Mayer, hardware ; Mason House, — Alvoid, proprietor ; Merchants' Hotel, Mrs. Schiffeldecker, proprietor; Gabriel Meyer, shoemaker ; Benjamin J. Milam, coroner ; Miller & Milam, physicians ; A. J. Milstead, grocer; J. F. Mitchell, lawyer; Eobert G. Mitchell, school commissioner; Moore, McCuUough & Co., proprietors Macon roller mills; J. H. Morgan, sheriff; J. Morrow, Sr., county treasurer; E. J. Newcomer & Co. (William M. Vancleve), druggist; Eli J. Newton, lawyer ; Henry C. Noel, barber ; Thomas J. Norris, physician ; Thomas F. O' Daniel, marble works ; Frederick Palfrey, founder and machinist; Palace Hotel, M. B. Marcum, proprietor ; Dwight H. Payson, real estate; John W. Patton, bookseller ; Joseph M. Patton, news depot; Joseph Phillips, wagonmaker; John W. Pickett, physician ; Phil Pollard, stencil cutter and tinner ; Pool & Eggleston, milliners ; Algernon R. Pope, lawyer ; Thomaig W. Reed, dentist; George P. Reichel, furniture; Nathan S. Richardson, phy- sician ; Miss Alice Roberts, dressmaker ; James W. Roberts, recorder and justice; Robinson Bros., dry goods; Rollins House, Gustave C. Sauvinett, proprietor ; Frederick A. Roswell, photographer ; Webster M. Rubey, lawyer ; St. James Academy, Ethelbert Talbot, proprietor ; Sauvinett Bros., second-hand goods; Frank Sehweikhaus, saloon; William H. Sears, lawyer; Aaron R. Lemon, carpenter; Adolph Sippel, blacksmith ; Mrs. Smith, music teacher ; W. A. Smith, den- tist ; Thomas H. Smith, restaurant; Smith & Tory, dressmakers; Con Suavely, sewing-machine agent; John G. Spriesterbach, wagon- maker; Alois Steiner, tailor; Isaac C. Stevens, clothing; Ed. C. Still, physician; Thomas A. Still, carpenter; Stocking & Huntoon, vinegar manufacturers; Cyrus Strong, builder; Terrill & Bro., nur- 782 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. serymen ; J. E. Thompson, city clerk ; Lysander A. Thompson, law- yer; Thomas L. Thompson, painter; James L. Thrall, furniture; James L. Tibbs, grocer; Times Printing House, J. A. Hudson, pro- prietor; William E. Tomlinson, painter; Toole & Payton, grocers; Rev. John H. Townsend, Baptist; Trister & Co., saloon ; James M. Turner, meat market ; Horatio G. Tuttle, carpenter ; John Tyler, barber ; James G. Vancele, grocer ; William M. Van Cleve, proprietor Macon elevator ; Walker & Gilstrap, real estate ; Thomas Wardell, coal merchant ; Williams & Wooldridge, druggists ; Samuel J. Wilson, insurance ; James B. Winn, physician ; Lucian P. Wooldridge, insurance ; James W., Wright, florist ; W. J. Wright, grocer. CHAPTER YII. Ten Mile Township — Eagle Township — Liberty Township — Valley Township — Russell Township. TEN MILE TOWNSHIP. Ten Mile township is the central of the eastern tier of townships, and is 36 miles square. It is watered by a tributary of the Middle fork of Salt river, and two or three other smaller streams. The township took its name from a creek of the same name, which is just 10 miles in length. There are four churches and nine school houses in the township ; no other township in the county contains as many school-houses. EARLY SETTLERS. The first settler in the township was William Griffin, who was orig- inally from Kentucky. Mr. Griffin being the earliest settler, we shall present a brief biographical sketch of him, taken from the Macon True Democrat: — Capt. William Griffin was born in Lincoln county, Ky., on the 28th day of May, 1797, and was raised in Pulaski county, same State. He was married to Miss Susan Buster in September, 1821, in Pu- laski county. In 1828 he and family, in company with his brother, John Griffin, moved to and settled in Ralls county. Mo., near New London. In 1829 he moved to Marion county, near Hannibal. Hannibal then was in the brush ; there were only a few huts or log cabins ; there was only one two-story house in the place, and that was made of logs, and used as a tavern by Joseph Brazier, not far from the present steamboat landing. Occasionally a steamboat would make its appearance, but had very little business with Hannibal. There was a ferry kept by Samuel Stone & Bro., who also had a dray to haul goods from the landing to Draper's store. Zachariah Draper was the only merchant or store-keeper in the place. Capt. Griffin commenced an improvement in Macon county in 1838 in Ten Mile township, near Laporte. At that time there was no settlement nearer than Thomas Winn's, Henry Matthews and the Moccasinville settlement. The county was without roads, churches, school-houses, mills or blacksmith shops. In February, 1839, Capt. Griffin moved his family to his new (783) 784 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. home. The first sermon preached in his neighborhood was delivered under an oak tree near his house, by Elder James Satliflf, and Will- iam Sears, he thinks, in 1840. The first church established in his section of the country was in 1841, or 1842, by the Missionary Baptists. The first minister was Euphrates Stringer. The preaching, after a church organization, was done in a school-house for many years before a regular house was built for worship. He does not remember the year the first school-house was built. The first post-ofiice was established at the Captain's house, of which he was postmaster, but he does not remember the year, but sometime about 1845. It was about this time that the State road from Hannibal to St Joseph was established. The first store was established at Laporte by a gentleman by the name of Eutter, in a cabin. Mr. Rutter sold out to Edmond Ash, the year not recollected. The county seat was located at Bloomington, about 1837 or 1838. The first representative Avas Johnson Wright, and the first sherifiT was Jefferson Morrow. The courts were held in a double log cabin. The county was generally Democratic, though the Whig party sometimes elected their candidates on local questions. Following Mr. Griffin to this new land of promise were Wylie J. Patrick, Benjamin F. Combs, William G. Griffin and Jesse Richard- son, from Kentucky ; Daniel Cooper, from Marion county, Mo. ; John Nunly and Hiram Graves, from Kentucky; John C. Pierce, from Tennessee ; Jonathan Elsy and Delkin Elsy, from Virginia ; Thomas Gaines, from Kentucky ; John Shawber and George Byers, from Vir- ginia ; James Alexander, Elijah Barnes, John T.Hawkins, William Roberson, Charles Barnes, Tapley Long, Marvin Long, Charles Col- lier and James Griffin, from Kentucky ; William Garwood, Joseph Montgomery, Jackson Rambo and Pat Montgomery, from Indiana ; Stephen Tooley, from Kentucky ; Joseph Danner, from Illinois ; Daniel McKenzie, William James and Edmund Rutter, from Ken- tucky ; Campbell Watson, Solomon Atkins, Stephen Woodall, Henry Bates, Elijah Elder and George Lee. The first mill was built in the township in 1842, by Charles Collier ; the first steam mill in 1864, by John B. Griffin, and located on Billy's branch, south-west of Laporte. The first church was erected about the year 1841, by the Baptists — a small log house; the first school was taught in the same building, by Euphrates Stringer, who was also a preacher. He was from Kentucky. William Sears and James Ratliff, whom we have several times mentioned in this history, preached in the township as early as 1839, under some large shade trees. The church above referred to was located on section 23. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 785 Dr. Edmunds was the first physician, and came from Shelby county, Mo., about 1840. Edwin Walker was the pioneer blacksmith; he opened a shop near the town of Laporte in 1852. William Silvers was the first shoemaker. LAPORTE. This hamlet was laid out by a man (whose name we could not ob- tain) who came from Indiana. He owned the tract of land upon, which the .town is located. The town contains eight or ten houses — two general stores and a church edifice. William Griffin was the first postmaster appointed in the township. The ofllce was called Ten Mile, and was kept in a brick house two miles east of the present town of Laporte. The present postmaster of Laporte is Samuel Montgomery, who came from Ohio since the war of 1861. The town contains a population of 50, and has a Methodist Church and a dis- trict school. The business consists of two general stores, two shoemakers, one blacksmith, one wagon-maker, one hotel, one cooper, three physicians, one lawyer and two carpenters. EAGLE TOWNSHIP. Eagle township is north of Hudson township, and is 36 miles square. It was reorganized in 1872. The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad passes almost through the center of the township from north to south. The Little East fork of the Chariton river waters the township on the west, and the Middle fork of Salt river, with its tributaries, flows through the eastern part. About three-fourths of the land is in cultivation, and produces fine grass, corn, and some wheat. About one-fourth of the township is still covered with timber. FIRST SETTLERS. William Blackwell was the first white resident in the township. We have already briefly mentioned the name of the old pioneer, in the first chapter of the history of Macon county, but will now give it more fully by copying from the Macon Ti'ue Democrat: — William Blackwell was born in Madison county, Ky., January 13, 1797, and was married in the same county and State on the 18th of September, 1823, to Miss Elizabeth Lynch. About 12 months after his marriage he moved to Estill county, and lived there about three years, and from there started to Missouri, October^, 1827, and landed in Boone county, November 7,1827. He lived there about a year 786 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. and from there moved and settled in Howard county. On the 9th of April, 1831, he left Howard county, and on the 12th of April he reached the neighborhood where he now resides, about six miles north of Macon, on the Kirks ville road. At the time Mr. Blackweil settled in what is now Macon county, he remembers, as being older settlers, the Morrow ftimily — Maj. Will- iam J. Morrow, Joseph Morrow, Jefferson Morrow (who was a boy), John and Jesse Morrow, Archibald Chambers, Andrew Millsaps, and the Lowes. At that time Macon county was a part of Randolph county. In fact, Randolph extended to the Iowa State line. There was a settlement in the southern part of what is now Macon county, and is now known as Morrow township. The first settlers after this were Clem Hutchinson and Joseph Owen- by, who settled in 1832 where Bloomington is now located. There was no store, nor use for one at that day. The first store in the county was opened at Bloomington in 1836, by Dabney Garth. After this the county began to settle up, and the place which was afterwards Bloomiuijton was first called Box Ancle, from some unknown cause. It was a place where a great deal of liquor was drank and a good deal of fighting took place on every public occasion. Alexander Goodding settled the fiirm where his widow now resides, on the road between Macon and Bloomington, about the year 1836. About the same time, Mr. Blackweil don't remember whether be- fore 1836, the Wrights, James A. Terrell, William Sears, the Winns, D. C. Hubbard and the Holmans came. His settlement or neighborhood was afterwards called Moccasin- ville, because the settlers had no leather to make shoes and used moc- casins for their feet. When Mr. Blackweil settled in Moccasinville, he found there Nathan Richardson (who went afterwards to Texas), John Walker and the Walker boys, who had reached there a few days before him. James Myers and family accompanied Mr. Blackweil. Mr. B. first settled the Rene Goodrich place, and after staying there six 3'ears, settled the place he now lives on. Nathan Richardson set- tled the place where William Jones now lives. The Walkers settled the places where Robert Woodville and William Simpson lives. Up to 1838, when this county was organized, there was no voting, nor was there a justice of the peace within the present limits. At that day all the voting was done at the county seat. The first election was held in 1838 or 1839, at Box Ancle (afterwards Bloomington), of which William Blackweil was one of the judges. He does not remember the others. The first mill was established by Judge James C. Cochran, at Bloomington, in 1837 or 1838. The grinding was done by horses hitched to a sweep or lever. Before this mill was built, the people had to go to Huntsville, to Goggin's mill. The first water mill was built on the Chariton, by Howell Rose, the year not recollected. The first church or school-house he remembers was a log building HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 787 18 feet square, at Moccasinville, and the first preacher was Dr. Abra- ham Still, father of the present Dr. Still, of Macon. The first circuit judge was Thomas Reynolds. The first lawyers not recollected. The first physicians were Dr. Abraham Still, Dr. John Wilkin, Dr. Arthur Borron, Dr. William Proctor. The first school teacher in the upper part of the county was Oliver P. Davis. The first court was held at Box Ancle, in a log cabin, although some said the first session of the county court was held on a fence. The first mustering of the militia was held at or near what is now Excello P. O., four miles south of Macon. James Wells was the first colonel, and Abner Vickry was one of the captains. Lloyd Coulter was also a captain. The first Baptist preachers were William Sears and James Ratliff. In the early settlements the wolves were very troublesome, and the settlers frequently had to turn out and hunt them. Mr. Blackwell remembers going with Alexander Goodding, Jesse Walker and Benja- min Walker, catching three near where the mining town of Bevier is situated. The woods and prairies were thick with game, but more interest was taken in hunting bee trees. Every fall parties would go out with teams and travel northward many miles, and come home loaded with the richest honey. It was this continual travel up and down the Grand Prairie (on which Macon City is now built) that gave the trail the name of Bee Trail, but the settlements have now pretty much obliterated all traces of the hunter's track. Billy's branch, a creek between Macon and Laporte, was named after Mr. Blackwell by the boys, simply because in cutting a bee-tree, the tree fell and crippled his dog. On the 14th of July, 1829, Robert Myers, who now lives near Atlanta, came to Mr. Blackwell's house in Howard county, to inform him that the Indians were killing the stock and threatening the lives of the settlers on the Grand Chariton, west of where Kirksville is now located. James Myers, his brother, had sent word to his father to raise some men and come up there and protect the settlers viz. : James Myers, Nathan Richardson, Isaac Gross, Stephen Gross and Reuben Myrtle. On the 15th about 25 men, which number was after- wards increased, started. The first night they encamped on the Grand Narrows, where Sim Cannon afterwards lived. There the company chose Fields Trammel for captain and William Guess first lieutenant . On the 16th they took up their line of march, and that night they reached the settlement. Then a council was held. The Indians had left, and the question was whether the company should pursue them. The result was a determination to follow the Indians, which was done on the morning of the 17th. After marching about 10 miles the troops came to the Indian encampment. When the company came in sight of the Indians they became excited and rode forward in disorder. When they got to the camp they formed a partial line on the rear of the camp. 788 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Capt. Trammell rode up and called for their interpreter, when two Indians, one a chief called Pumpkins, came up and shook hands with the captain. He asked the chief what tribe they belonged to, and they said the Iowa. After that Mr. Blackvvell's attention was called to John Myers, who called to the Indians to lay down their guns. The Indians numbered about 50 warriors, and were loading and prim- ino- their guns. He next heard the squaws make a mournful yell or scream and then they broke for the woods. Mr. Blackwell then heard the report of a gun when he sprang off his horse and held him by the bridle. There was at this time a general flight or firing in every direction. He saw an Indian with a gun leveled at him, as he supposed, and he aimed to shoot the Indian, but his gun snapped. He then took his gun from his face and prepared to fire, when the In- dian stepped behind a forked tree. He then aimed to shoot him between the forks of the tree, but his gun snapped again. (This was the day of the flint locks.) After the gun snapped the second time he looked around and saw that his comrades had pretty much all retreated. He retreated, too, but leading his horse, about 100 yards, when he halted to see what the Indians were doing. In a moment James Myers came up and said he was wounded, and Blackwell gave him up his horse, which Myers mounted. Blackwell told him to go on and rally the men, that they could whip the Indians. They went on. The next thing Blackwell saw was James Winn trying to get up behind Myrtle, which he finally did after getting to a log. They then rode off. The next thing he saw was 'Squire John Myers, who ran into the brush and hid. He went on and overtook several of the men who had halted, among whom was James Myers, who hallooed that they had killed his father. Mr. B. remarked that he was mistaken. In a few moments a loud report was heard from a gun. He turned to look and saw several Indians standing where he had seen Myers stop. At this time the report of at least four guns was heard, and in a few moments several more shots were heard, at which time the mare on which Winn and Myrtle were mounted was shot. The men then broke and left Mr. B. on foot. He ran about 100 yards to where the mare had fallen with her feet upon some limbs of a fallen tree. Winn's leg was fastened under the mare. He asked Mr. B. to roll the mare off him, but he could not do so. Mr. B, then took him by the hand and assisted him in getting loose. Winn jumped up, when they both broke into a run. They kept close together for 70 or 80 yards, after which Mr. Blackwell turned and saw that Winn had left the trail and stopped and exclaimed, " Boys, I am gone ! " Black- well ran on about 100 yards further when he heard two more guns fired, and he supposed those shots had killed Winn. Blackwell ran on several hundred yards, when he came to a horse hitched for him by Robert Myers. The bottoms were very muddy and the nag soon gave out, and Mr. Blackwell footed it until he overtook a part of the company at the cabins or settlements, where Nathan Richardson and the others l)efore mentioned lived. He found at the cabins John Myers and John Asbell, who were each wounded in the hand, Myers with a HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 789 ball and Asbell with an arrow. Capt. Trammel (father of Philip Trammel) was wounded, and a portion of the company was with him. As the company retreated they took the women and children with them to Howard county. In a few days a company was orj^anized in Randolph, under Capt. Sconce, and proceeded to the battle-ground. Mr. Blackwell accom- panied them as a member. When they arrived there, they found Winn dead where Blackwell had seen him last. (James Winn was a brother of Thomas Winn, of Eound Grove township.) The Indians had mutilated his body with fire. They also found 'Squire John Myers dead where Mr. Blackwell had seen him last, shot with five balls. They went on to the encampment and found Powell Owenby dead on the ground, also two Indians. Another Indian was reported dead. Gen. Owens came out with a force the next day and found another dead Indian. The Indians were soon afterwards arrested by an Indian agent, and they were tried at Huntsville, but it being acknowledged by James Myers that he had fired the first gun, the Indians were released. There was no more trouble Avith the Indians in this part of the State, and everythins' was quiet on the Indian question until the Black Hawk War of 1832. Other old settlers were S. F. Blackwell, son of William Blackwell ; John Walker, from South Carolina ; Judge Isaac Goodding, from Kentucky; Erbin East, from Kentucky; William Brackin, Albert Apperson, John Bell, Sydney F. Blackwell and Nathan Richardson, from Kentucky. The first white child born in the township was James Blackwell, the son of William Blackwell, who now lives in Henry county, Mo. He was born in 1833. The first resident physician was Dr. Charles Atteberry. Dr. Charles McLean, however, of Randolph county, practiced in the township as early as 1838. Several years ago there was a post-office in the township called Sumner, located on section 21. This was discontinued and another post-office established about the year 1880 in the northern part of the township called Lyda. Wells Floyd was the first postmaster ; Maurice Maloney is the present one. The first religious services were held at Moccasinville in a log building which was erected for a school-house and church. Perry Davis was the earliest school teacher. John Floyd was the first blacksmith, and opened a shop in the north-east part of the town- ship about the year 1861 or 1862. S. F. Blackwell was the chairman of the first board of trustees. Porter Owenby and Lucinda Walker were the first couple married in the township, the ceremony being per- formed by Rev. Cook. 790 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JUDGE ISAAC GOODDING. [From Macon True Democrat.] Judge Isaac Goodding was born in Wayne oouuty, Ky., in 1813. His parents died when he was young. He came to Missouri in 1829, and first stopped in Randolph county with his brother Abraham, who had come to Missouri in 1816, and first stopped in Howard county, and afterwards moved out and built the first cabin north of where Huntsville now stands, where he entered the first land in his town- ship. Judge Goodding lived with him four years, and in the year 1832 came to Macon county and built him a shanty five or six miles south- east of where Macon now stands. He kept bachelor's hall in the winter of 1833, 10 miles from where any one but himself lived. That winter he trapped and killed six very large wolves, and was at the killing of one panther, three bears and a great many deer and other small game. The next fall he built his cabin on the place where Derett Peyton afterwards lived. This was the first cabin that was ever built in that neighborhood, and the help to raise it came from 10 to 15 miles. Mr. G. married and moved into that cabin in 1834, and soon had plenty of neighbors, for that part of the county settled up very fast that year and the next. Most of them were new beginners ; had but little and needed but little. The only trouble in raising hogs was to keep the wolves from eating the pigs. When they wanted venison they went out with their guns and Idlled the fattest ; when they wanted honey they went out and cut a bee-tree ; when they wanted preserves they gathered crab apples and made them ; when they wanted pies they cut a pumpkin and made them, and with all the im- provements the people have not improved much on the pumpkin pie and honey. They were all full of life, humor, friendship and sociability. Sometimes the men would have cabin and stable raisings; the women would have quiltings at the same time, then they would turn out for four or five miles round and have a nice time generally. Occasionally they took the babies along, then every mother had the prettiest baby ; every man had the best gun and dog. There were no little tricks to deceive any one. As Hon. A. P. McCall used to say: " These were the days of honesty." If any one was sick they were visited ; if his crop needed work, they worked it for him without fee or reward. After awhile the children were large enough to go to school, then the neighbors got together, selected a site for a school-house, and all hands turned out and soon had a comfortable school-house. A teacher (generally old men) would apply for the school. He would have his '* article of agreement " to teach a three months' school for $2.50 per scholar. Soon after they got their school-houses, the preachers of the gospel came and preached to them. Sometimes they preached in private houses. The Old Baptists came first in some places and the Methodists in others. These two denominations furnished the pioneer preachers. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 791 All hands and the cook turned out to preaching — some on foot, some on horseback, and some in ox-wagons, and all plainly dressed, mostly in their own manufacture. If some of our modern young ladies and gents had stepped into a church at that day it would have caused about as much excitement as a monkey. The young ladies would walk for miles barefooted to preaching. When they got near the house, they would stop, brush the dust off their feet and put on their shoes. They were governed by the whip-poor-will. When they sung in the spring they threw off their winter shoes, and had no more use for them until they ceased singing in the fall. Such things as boots w^ere hardly known in the land. The most of the settlers settled in and cultivated timber land for two reasons : — First, they were not able to open a prairie farm, having no wagons and teams to haul rails or break prairie. Secondly, they had some doubts about the prairie being fit for cultivation, as they were mostly from Kentucky, and had never seen prairie cultivated. In clearing his first field, Mr. Goodding killed upwards of twenty rattlesnakes. He never had a law suit in his life. He came to Mis- souri a poor orphan boy, without a dollar, and had to borrow the money to enter his first forty acres of land. He had been a member of the Methodist church 40 odd years, and was always very liberal in his views, giving the right hand of fellow- ship to any one that bore good fruit. He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for over 40 years. He served as a member of the county court with S. S. Lingo and John D. Smith for six years, be- ginning in 1856. At that time the county lev}' was only 20 cents on the hundred dollars. He was at that time, like Nimrod of old, "a mighty hunter," and wore buckskin pants and hunting-shirt. He once attended a neighborhood dance ; a majority of the young men were dressed in buckskin clothes. After dancing awhile before a large fire, they began sweating freely, and it is said they smelt very much like the fifteenth amendment. He traveled the " Grand Divide " when there was no sig:n of house or farm in sight of the road from the vicinity of Huntsville to the Iowa line. It was winter — the prairie all burnt over and the earth covered with snow. He said he thought it was the most dismal look- ing country he ever saw, and that he would not have given ten cents an acre for all the land on the route. He camped one night where the Wabash hotel now stands. The largest vessel that he had to hold water was a pint cup. The water was all frozen into ice. He went down the " branch " and got a cake of ice and propped it up before the fire and set his cup under the drip and had plenty of water. This ice water did not cost a cent. In 1838 he was appointed overseer to cut and open a road from Bloomington to Centerville. A part of the hands allotted to him lived 12 miles from any part of the road. While notifying the hands, he 45 792 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. went to an Indian encampment near where Vienna now stands. He had a good deal of fun trying to swap horses with the Indians. They offered him two ponies for his horse, but he would not swap, and they (lid not work the road. He once ran a couple of Indians a very tight race for 200 yards, but they could not catch him. He once came very near ending his life in the following manner : He had been in the habit, when a coon was treed, to cut and lodge sapplings against the coon tree, and climb and cut the coon out. In going for a coon tree once, after he had got up, in cutting the limb, he came very near cutting the very limb that he was standing on. If he had, the fall would have undoubtedly stopped his breath forever. Where the city of Macon now stands was at one time a great place to kill deer and other game. He was once hunting near there when a deer came running by him. He looked just behind him and there was a very large wolf after him. The wolf was gaining, and he shot the wolf and let the deer go. At another time he was running a deer near where Macon now stands, and his hat fell off, but he kept on and caught the deer, and when he went back the cows had eaten it up, so he had .to go home hatless. There are several living witnesses to this adventure. After the change in the township organization law, reducing the number of judges from 25 to five. Judge Goodding was elected a member of the county court from the first district, embracing Eagle, Ten Mile, Jackson, Liberty, Lyda, La Plata and Johnson town- ships. Judge Goodding died at his old home in Eagle township, on the 8th day of September, 1880, aged 57 years. He left a widow and a num- ber of children and firreat-o-randchildreu to lament his death. Per- haps no man in the county was better known or more universally beloved, or left a family so highly respected. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP occupies the central position of the county and was organized in 1837, during the sitting of the first county court. Its territory, however, has been greatly reduced in size, the township now embracing an area of only 36 square miles. It is admirably watered, its surface being veined by the East and Middle forks of the Chariton river and by Sweezer creek. It is a good average township, agriculturally, and has a great number of farmers, as shown by the vote, which reached 275 at the election of 1883. There are now four churches and five school-houses in the township, includino; the Bloominsfton Hisch School, all of which are in a flourishing condition. The people (the original settlers, at least), were Kentuckians generally, and the pres- ent population is steady, moral and industrious. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 793 FIRST SETTLERS. James Wells, Clement Hutchinson, George M. Taylor, George W. Green, W. T. Gilman, Absalom Lewis, Solomon Milam, Allen D. Green, A. L. Gilstrap, Jesse Gilstrap, Jacob Gilstrap, Joseph Griffin, Enoch Griffin, Charles A. Warfield, Bues Milam, Benjamin Milam, Willis E. Green, Warren C. Smoot, William Wiggans, Robert C. Armstrong, John Landre, Wesley Cherry, William H. Proctor, David Seney, James B. Wiggans, James B. Giddings, Canada Owenby, Mar- tin Humphreys, William Holman, David Wright, Armstead Smoot, Nathan B. Garrett, Mark Dunn, Enoch Johnson, Haley Andrews, John Smoot, Andrew Millsap. A few of the early business men of Bloomington were Roderick L. Shackelford, A. P. McCall, B. F. Sharp (hotel keeper) and Austin McKinney. In Liberty township was located the first seat of justice in Macon county ; here were gathered the pioneer lawyers, the judges, the doc- tors, the officials, and that heterogeneous class of adventurers who follow in the wake, but never in the forefront, of civilization. Here, for many years, was the seat of power and influence, and here were witnessed some of the first efibrts at farmina: and the buildino- of manufactories, which were but an earnest of what may be seen in the county to-day. Here, too, occurred some of the first marriages and first births and here, too, repose the ashes of some of the earliest dead. We are indebted to Dr. Arthur Borron for the following sketch and recollections of the town of Bloomington and Liberty township : — The prominent settlers in Bloomington in 1840 were Robert George, commissioner for building the court-house, which began the following year ; Westley Halliburton and A. L. Gilstrap were then contem- 13lating the study of law, in which they afterwards achieved an honor- able distinction ; D. C. Hubbard, then county clerk ; George M. Tay- lor, county surveyor; John W. Baird, afterwards county judge; George A. Shortridge, in charge of a store for his brother-in-law, Ab- salom Lewis, and some others. About a year or two after Jabez N. Brown moved to Bloomington, soon taking a prominent place as a good lawyer and an honest, relia- ble man, filling the office of county treasurer for several years with credit to himself. Some time afterwards Thomas G. Sharp moved in and commenced the practice of law, and here, also, Benjamin F. Dy- 794 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. sart began his professional career, who, for his ability and legal knowledge, stands high in public estimation. Of the medical faculty — in 1840 two young physicians of consid- erable promise were practicing — Drs. Wood & Baker — who sold their office to Dr. Borron, and, both moving to the Platte purchase, soon after died ; also. Dr. W. H. Proctor, who, after a residence of 12 years in Macon county, moved to Putnam county, in this State. For a few years several physicians settled in Bloomington, the prin- cipal of whom were Dr. Clarke and Dr. A. L. Knight, Virginians, both of whom, for education and moral character, stood high in the estimation of all. After that, Dr. James B. Winro, who had for many years done an extensive practice in the lower part of this county, located in Bloomington — a man of high standing as a physician and gentleman and who, after a residence of two or three years, removed to Macon City, where he at present lives. In Divinity — the Rey. James Ratliff and Rev. William Sears were the acknowledged leaders of the church of Old School Baptists. Mr. Ratliff was a man of strong, but rather uncultivated intellect ; positive in his religious views and not wanting in self-assertion, he was looked up to by a large sect of Christians. About three years after Bloomington Lodge of A. F. and A. M. was chartered, Mr. Ratliff made himself known to the members as a Mason of 25 years standing, stating that he had been waiting to see of what material the lodge was composed, and that now, being satisfied with the standing @f the members, he wished to be affiliated. Per- haps this declaration, though a great shock to his church, might have passed over, but, unfortunately, some too zealous members, after con- siderable difficulty, induced him to become orator at a public installa- tion. This brought things to a crisis. The church labored hard with him to renounce Masonry and withdraw from the lodge. He replied to them " that he was a Mason before he became a member of the church, and that he knew of nothing in Masonry that could not meet his conscientious approval." Finding him immovable, he was excluded from the township. The writer chronicles this as exemplifying the stern Puritan-like enforce- ment of the rules of their church, in parting with their ablest member, and the firm integrity of an honest man, ready to make any sacrifice rather than violate his conviction of right. The Rev. S. B. F. Caldwell afterwards moved to Bloomington, organizing a large and influential Church of Cumberland Presby- terians. He was a man of rather distinguished presence, gentle man- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 795 ners, and a fluent, forcible speaker, and was held in high esteem by his congregation and a large circle of admiring friends. The Rev. Walter Toole presided most acceptably over the Southern Methodist Church. He was an earnest minister and a devout Christian. Other ministers held meetings occasionally, but as they did not reside in Bloomington, mention will only be made of the Rev. Allen Wright, of what is termed the Christian Church, an eminent divine and an able preacher. These are included between 1840 and 1853. Of the business men of Bloomington may be named George A. Short- ridge, William E. Moberly, James H. Bagwill, John, Thomas and George Sharpe, John Medly and Alfred Tobin, all of whom did a good business and had many friends. Mr. Shortridofe put a bank at Bloomino;ton about the begfinuins: of the War of 1861 which was raided and, unfortunately, a large amount of money stolen which was never recovered. Mr. Shortridge moved to Macon City, where he removed the bank, and died soon afterwards, much regretted by a wide circle of friends as an honest man, and Chris- tian gentleman. The writer would deem this sketch incomplete with the names of Col. R. J. Johnson, of Virginia, and Howel Rose, omitted. The former was a man of considerable wealth, owning a valuable property near Bloomington. A true Democrat in feeling, esteeming a man not for his money, but for his honest worth, and ready to assist a poor man whom he knew to be honest, he was a man of rare good judgment, with the urbanity and ease of manner nature bestows only on a chosen few. Mr. Rose, who built a mill on the Chariton, died soon after it was completed. He was a good citizen and endowed with a remarkable engineering ability that, had his life been spared, would, under favorable circumstances, enabled him to have made his mark in the world. The writer can not close without noticins: the influence of a crood, true woman on the fortunes of her family. If in traveling through the country 40 years ago, you were to find a comfortable double log-house with plenty of stock, sheep, etc., and everything in order, you may know that farmer had a smart, manag- ing woman at the head of his domestic affairs. If you enter you will find the family-room clean and tidy. Large quantities of spun yarn, woolen and cotton arrano-ed alono; the walls. In an ante-room stands a loom, spinning wheels and all the implements of domestic industry. 796 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. A matronly, elderly lady, plainly but neatly dressed, welcomes you kindly and, if near raeal time, invites you to partake with the family. If towards evening, you are invited to stay over night. After supper is over, the things cleared away and the fire replenished, the mother quietly brings out her work and her daughters arrange for their several duties. The older daughters spin and perform the manipulations needed to fit the yarn for the loom ; a smaller one cards and a little one picks the wool. My host converses with you, but the kindly look he occasionally turns towards the partner of his joys and sorrows must show you that he appreciates her work. Occasionally she puts in a word, but all the time keeps her eye on the children to see that they properly perform their work. After a while you retire to your couch, and the husband and sons who assist on the farm, and the little ones follow your example; but the matron and her older daughters will continue their labors perhaps to 11 o'clock, and then be up before daylight for the tasks of another day. In the morning, after breakfast, you will find, on inquiry, you have nothing to pay, and if you have made yourself agreeable, claimed kin, however remote, or even acquaintance, with some old friend in Kentucky or elsewhere, you receive a kindly invitation to call again should you ever pass that way in future, and when given it is meant. And what is done with the product of the family labor? you may ask. It is made into mixed jeans for the Sunday clothes of the husband and sons, and bark jeans for every day wear ; flannel and linsey dress for the mother and her daughters, blankets, etc., and the balance goes to the store to barter for any little fancy articles they do not make themselves. And this an every-day picture of the olden time. A woman of this kind is a main factor in her husband's prosperity. A daughter- in-law told the writer that for many years at the outset of her married life she had, from the proceeds of her sheep, geese and poultry, kept in clothes her family and bought all their groceries, whereby her husband was enabled to lay out his earnings in increasing his stock and adding more land to his farm. Such a woman is beyond price, and if she does not bring a fortune she will save one. Like the mainspring of a watch, she keeps all the wheels running, and when she stops, it too often ends in a ruined, broken up family. During a long life, the writer has found that those who have distinguished themselves most have almost always had superior women for mothers. Bodily HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 797 vigor and constitution may come from the father, but the intellect of a child is due to its mother. The town of Bloomington was laid out on the south-east corner of the south-west quarter of the south-east quarter, and the south-west corner of the east half of the south-east quarter of section 27, and on the north-east corner of the north-west quarter of the north-east quarter, and the north-west corner of the east half of the north-east quarter of section 34, township 58, range 15, embracing 50 acres of land, deeded to the county in December, 1837, by James C. Cochran and C. C. Hubbard, in consideration that the seat of justice should be located upon it. The plat of the town was not filed until May, 1845. The town was laid out by James Ratlifi', who was appointed commis- sioner in June, 1838. A temporary court-house (wooden building) was erected on block 3 in 1838, under the superintendency of Joseph Owenby, which was 20x30 feet in dimensions. At the Nc)vember term of the county court, 1839, an order was made for the erection of another court-house to be constructed of brick. This, however, was not completed until about the year 1852. After the removal of the county seat, the court-house was torn down and made into a church and Masonic hall. It was the intention of the county court to name the county seat Bloomfield, but there being another town of that name in Stoddard county, Mo., it was, at the suggestion of Jefferson Morrow, called Bloomington, which name was approved and adopted by the court. Here was published the Bloomington Gazette, the first paper (a weekly) that was established in the county. The first number of this paper was issued May 28, 1850, by Love & Gilstrap. The name of the paper was afterwards changed to the Macon Legion, which was much enlarged and much improved. James M. Love was the editor and proprietor. In looking over one of the first issues of the Gazette^ we find the names of the following business and professional men among the advertisers: A. L. Gilstrap, Owen Wilson, Jacob Gilstrap, T. G. Fladeland & Co., M. H. Smith, A. P. McCall, M. J. Winn, A. T. Harper, G. A. & B. F. Shortridge. Among the professional men : T. G. Sharp, attorney ; Bright G. Barrow, attorney ; S. S. Fox, attor- ney ; W. H. Proctor, M.D. ; James Matson, M.D. ; W. M. Pulliara, nurseryman ; Stern & Brother, tanyard, five miles west of Bloom- ington. In 1856 the town was favored with the presence of Thomas H. Benton, who was at that time a candidate for Governor. The *' Jack- 798 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. son Resolutions" constituted the burden of his speech* The people, to the number of 1,000, met in a grove near the edo-e of the town, and here the great man entertained them for fully three hours. He also discussed the advantages and practicability of the Pacific railroad, not forgetting to pay his respects to his enemies, whom he compared to prairie hawks, who had been pecking at him all over the State. So strong was the anti-Benton feeling among some of the people of Bloomington that a store opened in that town was called the '< Anti- Benton Store." The early settlers of Bloomington and surrounding country were fond of the turf. A race track was opened near the town, and here until 1854 the h)vers of fine horses were wont to congregate, to test the speed of different horses. Bloomington grew and flourished as a place of business, until the location of the Hannibal and St. Joseph and the North Missouri rail- roads at Macon City, a place at that time of about 3,000 people, when it was thought that the best interests of the county demanded a change in the location of the county seat. ^ The removal of the county seat was effected by an act of the General Assembly, which was passed in 1863, thereby saving the citizens of the county a long and bitter fight, which would have ensued had an attempt been made to change the seat of justice by a vote of the people. Bloomington with its hopes and ambitions, containing a population at that time (18(33) of 500 inhabitants, has gradually declined from that time to this ; it is still a small business point, with less than 150 inhabitants. SECRET ORDERS. Old Bloomington Lodge I. O. 0. F. — Was organized in 1853. George M. Taylor, Wilson L. Fletcher, James W. Cook, George L. Tanner, Henry Shook, A. J. Seney, James M. Love, C. M. Pilcher, Carter M. Smith, William Burris, Isaac Summers, Jacob Gilstrap, Owen Wilson, William Ratliff, John T. Johnston, Daniel Nunley, John G. Wright, Thomas J. White, Rufus C. White, John A. Dale, Will- 1 Macon was at the time occupied by soldiers of the Union army. Everything was in an uncertain condition; the civil authorities were in a large measure subor- dinated to military rule, and it was thought that the county recgrds would be safer if they were at Macon than they were at Bloomington. In short, the county seat was brought to Macon City, as a kind of military necessity. Had the question been submitted to a vote of the people, the seat of justice would unquestionably have re- mained at Bloomington for at least a number of years longer. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 799 iam J. Dale, J^ H. Biswell, A. P. Linn, A. J. Marmaduke, Benjamin H. Weatherford and Harry Howard, were the charter members. Bloomington Lodge iVo. 102, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized in 1848, with the following charter members: A. D. Green, Samuel Davidson, Nathan Richardson, M. M. Towner, Charles C. McKinuey, S. B. F. Caldwell and W. D. Marmaduke. VALLEY TOWNSHIP •was originally named in honor of Jacob Loe, the first settler in Ma- con county, but was changed in 1872, by the county court, to Valley township. The Chariton river. Little Turkey and Painter ci'eeks, and other small streams vein the surface of the township. Among the early settlers were Richard Blue, William Ward, William Richardson, Temple Wendell, Howell Rose, John Southern, John Dennison, Isaac Millstrap and Daniel Hull. William Ward was the first settler, and came from Kentucky in 1835. Howell Rose built the first mill in 1840. John Dennison was a great bee and deer hunter. The first school was taught in the Temple Wendell neighborhood by John Richards about 1844. The first church services were held in the school-house above men- tioned, and were conducted by William Sears and James Ratlifi". No house of worship is at this time in the township. Gabriel Wendell opened the first blacksmith shop. No post-office is in the township ; the people get their mail at New Cambria. About one-half of the township is under cultivation. RUSSELL TOWNSHIP. Russell is one of the middle western townships of the county, con- taining 36 square miles. Its surface is permeated by the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, Brush creek and a few other smaller streams, which afford an abundance of stock water. The soil partakes very much of the nature of the land in Drake and White townships — hilly and not generally very fertile, excepting some of the bottom lands — which are productive, and good for agricultural purposes. EARLY SETTLERS. Jacob Epperly was possibly the earliest settler in the township, coming to the same from Kentucky in 1835, and locating on the Muscle fork of the Chariton river. John D. Pennell emigrated from Ohio and settled on Brush creek about the same year. George Green from Kentucky opened a farm on Brush creek ; James Roberson from Kentucky settled on the same creek. 800 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Andy Baker came from Ohio ; John Witt and Keuben Brown from Kentucky ; Ezra Wilson from Indiana ; James Owen and James Mc- Connell from Kentucky; James Epperson and A. Mendenhall from Indiana ; Joshua Lovett from Tennessee ; Davis Mendenhall from In- diana ; Gabriel Wendell from Virginia. Lovett was fond of hunting, and the township being a prolific field for game of all kinds, he indulged his desires to the fullest extent. He has had as many as 84 wild turkeys, dressed, and hanging up in his cabin at one time in the winter. He chopped wood for fifty cents a day, and paid one dollar and fifty cents for a bushel of corn meal. He walked seven miles each day, and received fifty cents for cutting and splitting one hundred rails. He was in the Civil War of 1861, and fought under Sherman and Thomas, remaining three years in the army and participating in seventeen battles. The first mill was erected in the township by Davis Mendenhall on the Muscle fork. Joseph King and Joseph Keese are now operating mills, the former on Brush creek, and the latter on Muscle fork. The first school was taught by George Jenks, who came from New York. Elias Bowman was the pioneer preacher. He was a Metho- dist and emigrated from Illinois. The Presbyterians (C. P.) built the first church in 1874, near Brush Creek. William Bagly was among^ the first practicing physicians, locating in the township in 1872. Ga- briel Wendell was the blacksmith. Mechanicsburg was a small place, containing a store, post-office and hotel. It was settled by Thomas Burke, who erected the first busi- ness house and hotel. The town was situated on the old stage route about five miles from New Cambria. Thomas Burke was the first postmaster. No post-office is now in the township. CHAPTER YIII. Jackson Township — Lyda Township — Independence Township — Walnut Creek Township — White Township. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. Jackson is one of the north-eastern townships, bordering on the line of Shelby county. It is 36 miles square, and is watered, principally, by Bear creek and its tributaries. The best soil for farming purposes is found in the north-western and south-eastern portions. No coal mines have as yet been develoiDed. About one-fourth of the town- ship is timber. The pioneer settler of the township was Benjamin Davis, who came in the fall of 1832, and built a small cabin in section 36, township 59, range 13. Davis came from Monroe county, Mo., and after living in Jackson township three years, he returned to Monroe county. He was the only settler in the township for three years. Before leaving the township, he sold his improvements to Samuel Goodson in 1836. Goodson came from Clinton county, Ky., and died in Monroe county, March 27, 1872, in the eightieth year of his age. During the years 1836-37, Joel Maxey and Andrew J. Darby came from Monroe county ; James M. Stowe and Solomon Blessing, from "West Virginia, in the spring of 1838 ; Oliver P. Lea, William and Daniel Saling, Preston Duckworth, Elizabeth Swinney and Isaac D. Goodson, in the fall of 1838. About the same time came Lacy Snow, William Kelly, Stephen Hail, William D. Hail, John Silvers, Leven Bristow and Thomas G. Poague. These were the first settlers. James McNutt built the first mill in section 36. James Griffin taught the first school in section 34. The Primitive Baptists organ- ized the first church in 1838, under James Ratlifi" and Archibald Pat- terson. The constituent members were William Saling and wife, John Silvers and wife, Isaac D. Goodson and wife, and Mrs. Elizabeth Goodson. There is and has never been but one post-oflicein the township, and it is called Nickellton. (801) S02 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. LYDA TOWNSHIP. Lyda township lies south of La Plata township, and is in the sec- ond tier of townships, south of the north line of the county. It was named after one of the early settlers — Gideon Lyda, who immi- grated from Tennessee. The township is well drained, and has a number of water-courses, the most important of which are the East fork of Salt river, Long Branch and the Middle fork of the Chariton. About three-fourths of the township is prairie. The western part of the same is hilly and rolling. Coal has been found in great abun- dance. The middle and eastern portion of the township is the most productive. William A. Miles, Joseph S. Newmyer, John Ketchum and others are large farmers and stock-raisers ; the last named makes a specialty of raising sheep. OLD SETTLERS. The southern portion of this township was first settled, the major- ity of the pioneers coming from Kentucky. George Lyda and E. L. Lyda were from Tennessee ; Kobert C. Armstrong, Rev. James Moody, Mike Moody and John Lynch, from Kentucky; Hiram Stone, from Tennessee; Col. Charles Hamilton, Henry Hardgrove, Hezekiah Hardgrove and Theodore Meredith, from Kentucky ; Alexander R. McDuffy, William McDuffy, Archibald McDuffy, Henry Clem and Joseph Ayers ; Bance Dunnington and Reuben Dunnington, from Tennessee ; John Kelso, John Dunnington and James Landry, from Virginia ; Pal. Dunnington, from Tennessee ; Jefferson Dabney, Jubal Dabney and Dr. Arthur Borron, from Scotland ; John Roan, Semen Atteberry, George Goodding, Bluford Dabney, William A. Miles, John Farmer, Frank Jones, James Farmer, Charles Buster, Martin Atterberry, Mike Buster, W. Sanders, Humphrey McQuarry and Na- than Dabney, from Kentucky ; John Jones and Gideon Lyda, from Tennessee ; Johnson Miles, Frail Myers and Robert Myers, from Ken- tucky. James Ayers, one of the pioneers above named, is said to have lived near the railroad many years ; has never been in a car, and never had a picture taken of himself. He does not think much of railroads and modern ideas of invention and improvement. The first church in the township Avas located near Vienna and erected about the year 1844. It was owned by the Baptists, and called " Mount Tabor." A man by the name of Aldrich was among HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 803 the early ministers of the gospel. Nathan and Jubal Dabney and James Black were great hunters. Long Branch aflforded a fruitful field for bears, panthers, wild cats, lynx, deer and small game. No such hunting grounds to-day are in all the country. Where the deer and the panther then roamed may now be seen the house and well- improved farm aud the evidences of refinement and civilization. Old Shiloh Church was built about the year 1845, by the Cum- berland Presbyterians, and was situated near Love lake. The same denomination built a new house of worship in 1867. S. Atteberry was among the early school teachers. ATLANTA. Atlanta was settled in 1858, by S. Atteberry. The original plat of the town embraced 30 acres of his farm. Mr. Atteberry was originally from Kentucky, but came from Davis county, Iowa, to Mis- souri in 1845. After his arrival he built a log house, and then came the "house-warming," his neighbors and friends coming to dine. Wild game was abundant, the hunters seldom going more than 500 yards from their cabins to get all they desired to kill. Wolves were numerous and ravenous, aud often deprived the settler of his last pig, lamb, or even calf. The first business house was made out of a portion of Mr. Atte- berry 's barn, and was opened by Dr. Daniels. Sy. Sigler erected a house which was used by him as a grocery store. SECRET SOCIETIES. Masonic Lodge, No. 268 — Organized in 1868; had the following as charter members: Arthur Borron, Z. Tate, E. M.Ford, Oliver Chatman, Martin Atterberry, Keuben Dunnington, J. S. Lyda, J. W. Dabney, George A. Lyda, Daniel Moody, A. M. Atterberry, J. R. Goodin and P. R. Goodin. /. 0. O. F. Lodge, JSTo. 411 — Was organized in 1881. The charter members were W. E. McCuUy, A. W. Collins, R. B. Snell, Thomas Thompson, John Cook, C. R. Haverly, Archie Atterberry, O. S. Burse. /. O. G. T., No. 274 — Was organized in November, 1868, with E. S. Bedford, Lottie Bedford, J. H. Babcock, Hugh McDonald, W. W. Babcock, Guy Tozer, Mary Tozer, William Wilson, as charter members. 804 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. BUSINESS. The business of this place embraces three general stores, two drug stores, one hardware store, one hotel, one saw and grist mill, one livery stable, one restaurant, two blacksmiths, one furniture store, two millinery stores, one shoe shop, two bakeries, two physicians, one meat market, two churches, daily mail and express. In 1883 a fire occurred in Atlanta, which destroyed nine buildings, the owners sustaining a loss of about $30,000. The citizens, how- ever, with characteristic energy and liberality, have erected in their stead larger and more substantial buildings. The post-office at At- lanta was originally called Ohio, but at the suggestion of Semen Atte- berry, it was changed to Atlanta after the Civil War of 1861. VIENNA OR ECONOMY POST-OFFICE. Vienna was settled by Col. Charles Hamilton in 1837. He built the first mill, opened the first store and laid out the first town in the township. Vienna is a small business point, located three miles east of Atlanta, and contains one general store. LOVE LAKE derives its name from a small lake on which it is located, 16 miles north of Macon City. Both town and lake were named after James M. Love. It is a station on the northern division of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway, and five miles south of La Plata. Ship- ments are hay, corn, live stock, sheep and grain. The population is about 50, with daily mail facilities. James M. Love laid out the town in 1868, and erected the first busi- ness house. J. L. Wood sold the first goods, and was also the first postmaster. The railroad company owns a large ice house which is located on the lake. The town contains one general store, one har- ness shop and one blacksmith shop. William A. Donald, of Macon City, is erecting a saw and grist mill at this place. Henry Newmyer makes large shipments of hay. INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP. Independence Township is one of the original municipal divisions of the county, and was organized in 1837, but embraced much more territory at that time than it does now. It is the central of the sec- ond tier of townships south of the north line of the county. About HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 805 one-third of its area is timber. Its surface is veined by a number of streams, among which are Sweezer creek, Middle fork of Chariton river, East fork df Chariton river and Licks branch. These streams have been admirably arranged by nature, affording not only ample drainage, but an abundance of water during the dry seasons. The best part of the township for agricultural purposes is in the cen- tral portion of the same. Corn, tobacco, hogs, cattle and hay are among the products. The township has three churches and six school houses. OLD SETTLERS. The early settlers to this township were generally from Kentucky. Many of them, however, came to Howard, Eandolph and Chariton counties. Mo., and lived there a short time before comins: to Macon. The list we present below is quite full : — Greenberry Burckhart, Philip Dale, Simpson Graves, Edmond Bur- ton, Samuel Blakely, Martin Lynch, William Williams, Charles Hatfield, Isaac Gross, George Gates, John Huffman, John Griffin, James Mays, Allen Erans, Jesse White, Elijah Faught, John D. Halstead, William Bunch, James Bunch, Abraham Still, Edward Still, David Steele, W^illiam Thurman, James Lovern, Noah Gross, James Elliott, James Wiggins, William Shane, Samuel Thurman, Henry Bunch, John Bunch, James Mathews, Abraham Dale, James Riley, William Hodge, Philip Trammel, William Lister, Mary Miller, Jere Huffman, Will- iam Haufler, James Sunderland, David Graves, Wesley O. Bristow, James Mason, John Blakely, Joshua Sena, James Richardson, Camp- bell Hubbard. Philip Trammel, in speaking of the early settlement of the town- ship, says the first mill that was operated was put up by Abraham Dale, in the northern part of the township. It was a horse mill, and was run by an incline wheel. After Dale's mill was discontinued, Isaac Gross erected another horse mill in the same neighborhood. Before the farmers were favored with regular mill facilities, and when the water was too high for them to go to Huntsville, or to Rose's mill, on the Chariton river, they went to James Richardson's house in the township, and ground their own grist on a hand mill, Mr. Trammel has seen upon different occasions as many as 25 men at Richardson's house at one time, waiting to take their turn at grind- ing. These occasions were always rendered agreeable to all present. Some one or more of these pioneers would kill a deer or a turkey on their way to the mill, and upon their arrival, these would be given to 806 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Mrs. Richardson, who would prepare a dinner and all were invited to partake. Richardson and his good wife have long since " crossed the river," but their kind-hearted hospitality and royal feasts of ven- ison, turkey, wild honey and corn bread, are still remembered. The original blacksmith was John Huffman, whose shop stood near the eastern line of the township. " Little Zion," was the name of the pioneer church, and was loca- ted in the vicinity of Dale's mill. It was a double log house, and was built by the Regular Baptists, about the year 1840. This prim- itive house of worship was constructed by the constituent members of the organization, which was formed at that early date. James Ratliff, William Sears, and other ministers of the gospel officiated in its rude pulpit for many years. Simpson Graves and wife, Isaac Gross and wife, Charles Hatfield and wife, William Shane and wife, James Riley and wife, Abraham Dale and wife, Philip Dale and wife, John Bunch and wife, and David Steele were some of the early mem- bers of *' Little Zion " Church. Abraham Still was the first physician to locate in the township. Between the years 1846 and 1855 the township was visited by two severe hail storms, which did great damage, to corn especially. The corn was young and tender, and the hail beat and broke the stalks down to the ear. Entire fields were destroyed in the track of the storm, which was a mile and a half in width, and for some dayb afterwards these fields of blighted and decaying corn emitted a very offensive odor. Cholera made its appearance in 1849 and James Wiggins took the disease and died. MAPLE p. o. This is a small business point, containing a store, 16 miles north of Macon City. The mail is a semi-weekly one. WALNUT CREEK TOWNSHIP derived its name from a creek which flows through the northern por- tion of the same. It is supposed that Fisher Rice was the earliest settler in the town- ship ; he came from Kentucky in 1834. Two or three years afterwards Gabriel Lunday from Illinois, Amos Williams from Kentucky, Nicho- las Gunnels from Kentucky, and A. B. Griffin from Kentucky, located in the township. A little later James L. Herron from Ralls county, Mo., Enoch Johnson from Kentucky, Ignatius Burnes, from Ralls I I HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 807 county, Mo., Moses Loveni from Kentucky, Charles W. Truitt from Kails county, Jeremiah Biswell from Kentucky, William Huckaby from Virginia, James Banning from Randolph county. Mo., Joseph Bailey from Ralls county, and John Bigsby from Kentucky, emigrated to Macon county and settled in Walnut Creek township. Walter Gilman erected the first mill on Rock creek about the year 1854 ; it was a steam saw and grist mill. The first church edifice was built in 1865 by the Welsh at Glasstown — Presbyterian. The first school-house was put up in 1845, and a school was taught therein by P. M. Richardson. E. C. Still was the first practicing physician; William Dunnels was the first blacksmith, and began work about the year 1848. Amos Williams and his seven sons were the Nimrods of the township. No post-office existed at that time. Not more than one-third of the land is in cultivation. The township is generally hilly and has an abundance of timber. WTIITE TOWNSHIP. White township is south of Drake township and embraces an area of 36 square miles. It was named in honor of Randolph White, who came from Randolph county, Mo., after 1850. White was a native of Kentucky. One of the earliest settlers in this township was John Devoid, who emigrated from Virginia about the year 1836 and located about 12 miles north of New Cambria, where he now resides. Mike Whistnan, Sol. Whistnan and Gabriel Lunday came from Vir- ginia ; William Sears, Thomas Bradley, King Smedley, Daniel Hull, James Robertson and John Denison came from Kentucky ; Samuel Michaels came from Illinois ; James Lile, J., P. Morris, Rev. William RatlifF, W. W. Green, William Stephens, Samuel Bland, D. D. Wright, Burrill Richardson , Harvey Richardson, Riley Mitchell ; Marion Bradley came from Kentucky ; John White came from Randolph county. Mo., as did also Thomas White, James White and Randolph White ; John Devalt, Elijah Lovett, Jesse Hull, Lemuel King, Lorenzo Bunch, Jonah Abbott and M. H. Abbott were all early settlers. Solomon Scott erected the first mill in the township about the year 1866, on the Muscle fork of Chariton river; it was a water mill. There is no mill operated at this time; no church edifice is in the town- ship ; religious services are held in the school-houses. Caleb Collier, a Baptist, was one of the first ministers. Meredith Davis taught one of the early schools in the south-eastern part of the township. John Devoid, above named, was the first blacksmith, his shop being located on his farm. John Michael was the shoemaker for the neighborhood. 46 808 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Dr. James Cantwell practiced medicine in this section of country before any other physician. The town of Goldsberry, located on section 2, township 59, and range 17, is the only business point, and has the only post-office in the township. The town was laid out by E. S. Goldsberry and P. J. Burton, in February, 1882, (the plat being filed February 3d). The town contains one general store, one drug store, two blacksmith shops and one shoemaker shop. P. J. Burton was the first and is the pres- ent postmaster. About one-half of the land of this township is in cultivation. The soil is like that of Drake township, generally poor and hilly, with some rich alluvial bottoms ; about one half of the area is prairie land. It is watered by the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, Brush creek and Little Turkey creek, with their tributaries. There are five school- houses in the township. CHAPTER IX. Johnston Township — La Plata Township — Eichland Township — Easley Township — Drake Township. JOHNSTON TOWNSHIP. Johnston is the smallest township in the county, containing about 18 square miles. It occupies the extreme north-eastern portion of the county, and is watered by the North fork of Salt river, the tributa- ries of that stream and Bear creek. It was reoro-anized in 1872 and named in honor of Col. Richard Johnston, who came here from Vir- ginia, in 1838, and settled upon the present site of Sue City. About four-fifths of the township is prairie, and is well adapted to agricul- tural purposes, and also to the growth of fruit. A immber of large farmers and stock-raisers reside in this township, among whom are John J. Powell, J. M. Norris, Lon Ray, J. M. and B. Collins, Joseph and Frank Spencer, There are three churches and three school- houses in the township. No coal has as yet been developed. The township is one of the best improved in the county. Among the early settlers were Logan Thompson, William Wears, Thomas Easly, George Billings, Joshua Davis, Peter Talbot, William Lee, Will-' iam Kelly, Lacy Snow, John J. Powell, Charles Johnson, Stephen Bradford, Joseph Spencer, Frank Spencer, William Barrow, Sr., Lon Ray, Elijah Turner, J. M. Collins, B. CqIIIus, nearly all of whom located near the present site of Sue City. The first mill in the town- ship was erected at Sue City by Henderson McCully. The first card- ing machine was operated by Col. Richard Johnston about the year 1841. The first school-house was built by the Thompson Bros, in 1866, about one mile north-west of Sue City. A man by the name of Duncan taught the first school. Jesse Kellogg opened the first black- smith shop at Sue City. Dr. T. J. Norris was the first resident phy- sician. Sue City is located partly in sections 29 and 32, in the south-eastern portion of the township. It was laid out in 1868 by Joseph T. Rys- ter, and was named after his wife Susan. At this time the town con- tains four general stores, one harness and one millinery store. It has mail facilities. Dr. L. Garrison being the present postmaster. The (809) 810 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. town has three churches, viz: M. E. Church South, Missionary Bap- tist and Christian Church, and also a steam saw and grist mill and public school. LA PLATA TOWNSHIP. This township is situated in the north-eastern part of the county, and has an area of 36 square miles ; about a third is in timber land. The Little East fork of the Chariton river runs through the western part of the township ; the Middle fork of Salt river and its tributa- ries, through the middle and southern part, and Titus creek through the north-eastern part. The township is well adapted to agricultural purposes, and is one of the foremost in the shipment of hogs, cattle and sheep. The farmers are in a good condition, the township is well improved and the people are happy and prosperous. EARLY SETTLERS. John Gilbreath came from Tennessee in 1826, to Cooper county, Mo., and resided there until 1838, when he removed to Newton coun- ty, and thence to La Plata township, in 1841. He had no such luxu- ries as coffee and sugar, and did not possess as much money as would amount to one dollar for two years after his arrival. He had to bor- row money enough to pay his taxes (87V2c), for several years. His table, as well as the tables of the settlers generally, were supplied with wild game and honey, which were in great abundance. John Holmes emigrated from Tennessee about the year 1835, and was one of the first settlers in the township. He moved to Iowa, where he now resides. William Titus came from Kentucky about the year 1836. Among other very early pioneers, were Joseph Owenby who came from Ken- tucky, as did John Beard, John Ellis and Steven Atterberry ; James Seavers, Lewis Shores and Enoch Bailey were from North Carolina ; Jesse Griffin and Richard Wright were from Kentucky, as was also Benjamin Wright ; J. J. Miller came from Illinois, and L. D. Miller from the same State ; Samuel C. Davidson was from Tennessee. William Titus erected the first mill in the township, locating it on Titus creek, about the year 1840 ; it was a horse-mill with no cogs, and was supplied with a band made of raw-hide. This mill was pat- ronized by farmers residing 10 and 20 miles distant. Samuel C. Davidson, from Tennessee, taught the first school in a loo" cabin which was located about three miles south-west of La Plata. James Seavers was the first blacksmith who opened a shop in the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 811 township ; it was situated about three miles south-west of La Plata, and was put up in 1838. W. B. Lillie was the first physician, and came from Boonville, Mo., in 1848, and settled near La Plata. Robert Houston was among the early shoemakers. The first church edifice was built in 1866 by the Baptists, the building committee consisting of L. D. Miller, W. N. Morris, A. M. Carpenter and J. J. Miller. The first minister was Rev. S. C. Davidson. LA PLATA. This town was laid out in 1855 by Lewis Gee and Thomas Sanders, on the south-west quarter of the north-west quarter of section 8, township 60, range 14. The plat was filed March 17, 1855. Among the early business men were Thomas Sanders and ■ Jex. Dr. Moore erected the first hotel. The La Plata Globe of July 20, 1871, said of the town : — . La Plata, Macon county. Mo., is located on the North Missouri Rail- road, near the junction of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, 188 miles from St. Louis. In 1870 a census was carefully taken, giving it a population of some 700, and this has largely increased during the past year. The location is peculiarly pleasant and healthful, being immediately on the Grand Divide, between the Mississippi and Mis- souri rivers. Four churches have been organized .in La Plata, and two of these have fine and comfortable houses of worship. The fol- lowing denominations are represented : Presbyterian, Northern and Southern Methodist, Baptist and Christian. The educational facili- ties of the place are found in one public school^ of high grade. A new school-house is under contract, and will be finished in December. When completed, it will accommodate from 600 to 800 pupils. The Masonic order is well represented here. The Odd Fellows also have a fine lodge, and the Good Templars have lodges. La Plata is not excelled in this section of the country as a manu- facturing town. Timber, coal and water are easily obtained in abun- dance and of the very best quality. Coal can be furnished here at 12 cents per bushel ; wood of the best quality from $2 to $3 per cord. Car-loads after car-loads of wood are annually shipped from this point, and nowhere would a woolen factory pay better than here. Our flour mill is not to be excelled in the West for quality and quan- tity of flour manufactured. We can boast of having one of the best nurseries in the West. J. E. Davis & Bro. are the proprietors. We give the following persons engaged in the various branches of trade: Dry goods — T. C. Campbell, Clark &* Cherry, J. Layman & Co., Swarthout, Barron & Ford, Phipps & Powell; groceries and produce, Clark & Cherry, T. C. Campbell, E. J. Merrill, Tibbs & 1 This school-house is an elegant brick structure. 812 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Bi'o., Phipps & Powell, Barron & Ford; furniture, J. M. Deer; drug stores, Campbell & McDevitt, E. J. Merrill, Sharp & Bro. ; jewelry, T. Kelly ; boots and shoes, B. C. Bernard, C. C. Wood ; hardware and farming implements, J. Jager & Co., W, Rynearson, Spencer & Ray ; millinery stores, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Moore ; black- smith shops, J. Ryner, John Wright ; wagon-makers, Holbert & Murphy ; stationery, Samuel Davidson, J. Swarthout ; lumber yard, Irving & Caldwell ; livery stables, Harrington & Haines ; harness shops, C. C. Wood, J. Hamel ; hotels, J. Gilstrap, J. H, Olds, B. F. Balch; physicians, Sharp, Campbell, McDevitt, Ball, Barrow; pho- tographer, J. Tompkins ; real estate agents, Sanders, Lilly, E. J. Newton ; notary public, E. J. Newton, T. Sanders, D. Lilly, S. Da- vidson ; nursery, Davis & Bro. ; billiard hall and saloon, Griffin & Bro. The town was incorporated as a city of the fourth-class April 5, 1881. Jacob Gilstrap was the first mayor. The aldermen were: From the first ward, W. F. Morrow and D. M. Griffin, and from the second, H. G. Reyner, C. C. Wood ; W. J. Biggs was treasurer ; W. W. Miller, clerk; J. F. Mitchell, attorney; John Chapman, marshal; Calvin Round, street commissioner ; N. W. Marquis, collector; L. C. Reyner, assessor, and James Round, sexton. The second and present mayor and city officers are ; John Hemel, mayor; alderman from the first ward, C. Owsley, John Fisher; sec- ond ward, J. B, Thompson, W. T. Oliver; E. L. Brown, treasurer; C. N. Mitchell, clerk; W. N. Rutherford, attorney; A. J. Miles, marshal ; Z. Kelley, street commissioner and collector, B. R. Win- ters, assessor, and John Owens, sexton. SECRET ORDERS. Lodge No. 237, A. F. and A. Jf — Was organized in 1858. The charter members were : Jake Miley, E. B. Dabney, S. C. Davidson and G. N. Sharp. Lodge JSFo. 27, A. O. U. PF— Was instituted in 1876, with E. A. Griffin, James Irvine, Joseph Spencer, T. J. Phipps, W. D. Powell, M. H. Howard, D. M. Griffin, J. M. Mason and others as charter members. Col. Forbes Post, G. A. i?. — Organized August 7, 1882, had as its charter members : C. S. Edwards, W. G. Saltmarsh, Barney Swarthout, B. R. Winters, Calvin Round, John Sampson, James Round, Daniel Caughlan, James J. Mcintosh, C. W. Johnston, W. R. Burch, Charles Westcott, W. J. O'Neal, W. H. Combs, John McClung, Thomas Harris, G. C. Saul, Hamilton Bonham, H. B. Foster, James A. Julian, J. H. Sanders, D. H. Barnhard, James Phillips, H. H. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 813 Sanders, U. J. Winn. The present officers are Calvin Round, com- mander ; C. C. Wood, adjutant; and J. N. Mcintosh, O. D. Lodge JSTo. 23,1. O. G. T. — Was organized June 12, 1869, with W. J. Biggs, S. K. Kellara, E. A. Caldwell, S. A. Edwards, Anna A. Walden, Josie Buck, Thomas R. Buck, J. R. Joslin, R. T. Davidson, E. C. Edwards, W. W. Berry, J. W. Campbell, Alexander Hart, Edwin Buck, Minerva Hart, E. A. Griffin, W. F. Sharp, C. S. Edwards, William Bratton, Mittie Lewis, Jennie Moore, B. C. McDavitt, B. Sharp, H. Sanders, Lizzie A. Berry, Maggie Buck, E. A. Fletcher. Lodge No. 139, 1. O. O. i^. — Was organized May 17, 1860. Its charter members were : Dr. W. W. Moore, Theodore Sanders, Dr. Atterbury, Dr. Jay and others. Lodge No. 63, A. 0. U. PT. — Was organized May 17, 1860. It had as charter members: Thomas J. Phipps, W. D. Powell, J. M. Irvine, J. B. Spencer, John F. Mitchell, W. J. Biggs, Josiah Gates, D. M. Griffin, E. A. Griffin and J. W. Mason. LA PLATA SAVINGS BANK. This bank was established as a private bank, November 16, 1876, by Dr. J. Gates as president and G. N. Sharp as cashier. The bank was chartered May 1, 1882, and became controlled by other parties. The following is the last official statement of the financial condition of this bank at the close of the business on the 15th day of April, 1884 : — RESOURCES. LIABILITIES. Loans on personal security. Loans on real estate security Due from other banks . . Real estate Purniture and fixtures . . Bills of National Banks and legal tender United States notes 6,177 00 Gold coin 1,000 00 Silver coin 493 02 #22,230 85 Capital stock paid in ... . $15,000 00 4,242 50 Surplus funds on hand . . . 3,386 II 17,415 38 Deposits subject to draft at 3,100 00 sight 38,826 89 1,554 25 Total $57,213 00 Total $57,213 00 SS. State of Missouri, County of Macon. We, W. T. Gilbreath, president, and William J. Biggs, cashier of said bank, and each of us, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to tlie best of our knowledge and belief. W. T. Gilbreath, President. Wm. J. Biggs, Cashier. 814 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23d day of April, A. D. eighteen hundred and eighty-four. r /^^— N ^ Witness my hand and notarial seal hereto affixed, at office < SEAL > in La Plata, the date last aforesaid. ( N^v^-/ J (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring March 23, 1887). Edwin L. Brown, Notary Public. Correct — Attest : J. Gates, , J. M. Irving, E. L. Brown, Directors. creamery. The officers and stockholders of the creamery at this place are J. B. Thompson, president; G. H. Hockensmith, vice-president and manager ; G. H. Branham, secretary ; E. L. Brown, treasurer ; B. F. Atteberry, B. C. McDavitt, Joseph Soddrel and J. C. Doneghy & Bro., stockholders. The creamery building cost $6,600, is 36x44 feet in dimension and is divided into cream-room, churn-room, butter-working room, pack- ing-room, cold storage room, office and engine-room. An ice-house adjoining is 36x44 feet, story 14 feet, and has a capacity for 400 tons. The creamery is supplied with all modern machinery and appliances, and has a capacity for making 2,500 pounds of butter per day. The company was organized in May, 1883, and ran successfully during that year, making an average of about 200 pounds of butter per day. Farmers are making extensive preparations, and the dairy industry for which this section is so well adapted, promises to be a leading feature of farm life and work. * newspapers. There have been four newspapers printed at La Plata. The first was the La Plata Globe in 1871 ; the second, the La Plata I^i^ee PresSy in 1871 ; the third, The Advocate in 1873, and the fourth and last, the La Plata Home Press in 1876, which is still in existence. These papers are more fully mentioned in our chapter on the press. LA PLATA WOOL GROWERS* ASSOCIATION. This association was organized in February, 1881, and have had one annual shearing at which premiums were awarded. The society was discontinued in 1882. The following were the officers ; J. F. Nor- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 815 folk, president ; B. F. Atterberry, recording secretary ; A. M. Earn- hardt, corresponding secretary and Joseph Lane, treasurer. SHIPMENTS FROM LA PLATA. The following account of shipments was compiled by A. G. Treg- meyer commencing January 1, 1881, and ending December 27, 1881 : Horses and mules, 10 car loads ; hogs, 208 car loads ; cattle, 134 car loads ; hay, 93 car loads ; shaved hoops, 21 car loads ; walnut lumber, 33 car loads ; sheep, 70 car loads ; oats, 42 car loads ; corn, 15 car loads ; wool, 12 car loads ; grass seed, 2 car loads ; ties, 309 car loads ; chickens, 5 car loads ; old iron, 2 car loads ; apples, 13 car loads ; total number of car loads 969 ; total number of pounds forwarded, 10,108,- 860 ; amount of freight collected on same, $25,154,037 ; total num- ber of pounds received, 9,722,040; amount of freight collected on same, $17,141.87 ; total number of tickets sold, 3,391 ; amount col- lected for same, $3,546.50 ; total number of W. U. messages sent and received, 1,820; amount collected on same, $635.42. The shipments of the town have gradually increased since that period. BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Swarthout Barnabas, postmaster; Brammer & Reed (George W. Brammer, Damon Reed), grocers ; Cahill & Powell (Miss Elizabeth F. Cahill, Mrs. J. M. Powell), milliners ; John Chadwick, barber ; Mrs. Marsh & Miss Hamel (Mrs. L. C. Marsh, Miss Lucy Hamel), milliners ; A. J. Miles, city marshal ; Davis & Chadwell (Jesse Davis, John K. Chadwell), proprietors city scales ; John Green, proprietor La Plata House ; Dudley W. Dempsey, physician; J. P. Phipps, jeweler; John M. Derr, furniture; J. C. Doneghy & Bro. (James C. and John), general store; John Fisher, general store; Thomas W. Flag, physician ; Josiah Gates, physician ; Jacob Gilstrap, justice of the peace ; Goodding, Williams & Wait (J. Benjamin Goodding, Will- iam E. Williams, E. M. Wait), general store; Griffin Bros. (Enoch A. and Daniel M.), grain and live stock; John M. Griffin, livery; John Hamel, harness-maker; Isaiah W. Herman, ca:i'penter ; J. B. Thompson, editor and proprietor Home Press; Fisher & Daugherty (John Fisher, S. W. Daugherty), stove and tinware; James M. Irving, lumber and grain ; William P. Johnson, meat market ; Zebe- dee Kelley, street commissioner and city collector ; Joel King, pro- prietor Farmers' hotel ; La Plata Savings Bank, W. T. Gilbreath, president, William J. Biggs, cashier; Llewellyn Bros., confectioners; 816 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Winfield S. Little, nursery; Dr. Brazwell C. McDavitt, druggist; C. C. Wood, harness-maker; Miles W. Marquis, insurance; Miller & Pennell (William Miller, Joseph Pennell), flour mill ; Moore & Llew- ellyn (Thomas H. Moore, Charles E. Llewellyn), lumber; Joseph Park, lawyer; Frank F. Reed, dentist; W. N. Rutherford, lawyer; John Reyner, blacksmith; James A. Julian, shoe-maker; Sanders & Miles (John H. Sanders, William Miles), hay press ; Saul & Reyner (George Saul & Harry Reyner), hardware; James J. Swarthout, blacksmith; Sears & Sears (James S. and Walker S.), drugs and groceries ; Joseph Soddrel, carpenter ; Joseph B. Spencer, farming implements; Augustus* G. Tegmeyer, railroad and express agent; James B. Thompson, real estate agent and deputy clerk of circuit court; Jacob F. Weaver, cooper and city clerk; James H. Wilson, general store ; H. H. Haller, baker and confectioner ; Hamis & Allen (E. C. Hamis, E. R. Allen), photographers; John Mairens, wagon- maker ; La Plata Creamery (incorporated), J. B. Thompson, presi- dent, George T. Hockensmith, vice-president, George H. Branham, secretary ; William Shalley, cigars and confectionery ; Josiah Gates^ drugs ; Daniel Caughlin, drays ; Benjamin F. Atteberry, boots and shoes ; Thompson & Rutherford (J. B. Thompson, W. N. Ruther- ford), general insurance ; William M. Hodge, shoe-maker ; B. R. Win- ters, restaurant; C. Owsley, groceries; Halbert Maus, blacksmith. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. Richland is the central of the northern line of townships, and con- tains thirty-six square miles. The East fork of the Chariton river and Richland creek are the principal water courses. The earliest settlers in the township were William Gross, James L. Barnett, Eben Enyart, R. A. Wright, Josiah Cannatcy, Ed. Hickman, John Sutter, Nicholas Duvall, George Edwards, James Riley, James R. Alderman, James Richardson, Robert Y. Ellis, Lewis Shores, Mat. Shores and James Hubbard. Among the pioneers above mentioned, we here copy a brief sketch of William Grj>ss taken from the True Democrat: — William Gross was born in Randolph county, Missouri, January 12,. 1822. His father, Abraham Gross, came from Cumberland county, Ken- tucky, and settled in the territory of Missouri in 1816, in what is now Randolph county, but he thinks it was then called Howard county. His father settled near the Goose pond, seven miles south-west of where Huntsville is located. He remembers of hearing his father speak of a few settlers in that section before he settled there ; among the names HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 817 recollected were the Kerbys and a family by the name of Sears. Will- iam Gross lived in Randolph county until he was 18 years old. The first time he ever was at Huntsville was about 1832, when he was about ten years old. There were but a few houses in the place — all built of logs. He does not remember whether there were any courts held then. He remembers one store kept by Daniel G. Davis. He remembers that William Goo;o;in had a mill. He does not remem- ber when a court-house was built, but remembers of hearing his father and others say a tax Avas to be raised to build one. The year he does not remember. The first preaching he ever heard was at the Goose Pond Church, Old School Baptist, by Thomas Frisco, James RatliflF and William Sears. This was about 1830. He thinks this was the first church built in Randolph county. This Goose pond at that time covered about 50 or 60 acres of land, and would swim a horse. It has long been dry and in cultivation, and yielding large crops. This pond land was cultivated for years by Wylie Sears. This is now called Silver creek neighborhood. The next church built that he remembers was a Methodist, and was on Silver creek. Afterwards there were several other Old School Baptist churches in other parts of the county. About 1839, Huntsville was a business place ; it had increased to a right good size for a new country. There were a number of stores and groceries (whisky shops). The court-house was built of brick, and of good size. He remembers the following persons engaged in business in Hunts- ville in 1839 : Dabney C. Garth, Coppedge Dameron and Alex Dam- eron, merchants. Dr. Herndon was the leading physician in the town, and Drs. Gorham, Fort and Head in the country. In 1839, William Gross entered a piece of land in township 60, range 15, now Richland township, Macon county, Missouri, now oc- cupied as a farm by two of his sons, Charles Martin and John Walker Gross. He entered this land at the U. S. Land office at Fayette, Howard county ; Boone and Sebree, officers. In 1840, William Gross came to Macon county and married Irena Hatfield, Elder William Sears officiating. He then settled on the land he had entered, then in Independence township, now called Richland. Macon county had been organized but a few years. The northern portion ©f the county had but few settlers. He remembers the fol- lowing persons when he first came to live here : Charles Hatfield, Abraham and Philip Dale, Stanton Carter, William Shain, James Riley, John and Armstead Smoot, George Gates, William Easley, Sr., — Scott, William Huchabee, Maxey Miller, Dr. Still, Sidney Swet- nam, John Mathis, Micajah Hull, John Bunch, Daniel and Jesse Hull, Jesse Griffin, James R. Alderman, Frederick Vaughan, Daniel Murry and Daniel Murley, William Mason and Col. Isaac Gross. There were two church organizations. One was the Old School Baptist at Little Zion, and the other Methodist, near Dr. Still's. 818 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. There was one water mill on the Chariton, called Rose's mill, and a horse mill at Abraham Dale's and a band mill at William Titus'. The militia mustered at Dale's mill. The colonel was Isaac Gross. There was no post-office north of Bloomington until about 1850. Mr. Gross has been one of the largest farmers and most extensive stock dealers in the county. He was the first man in the county who stall-fed cattle for market. In 1843 he had a lot of these kind of animals for sale, and sold them to Col. Dick Johnston at two and a half cents gross. He was the first man in the county who ever shipped fat cattle to New York. He drove them to Quincy, and then by rail sent them to New York at a cost of $22.50 per head. He made money in the oper- ation although the freight appeared exorbitant. Up to the rebellion he was in fair circumstances — independent. He was largely engaged in the cattle business and in 1863 had 300 head of fat cattle. He had sold 200 head to Alexander, the great cattle dealer of Illinois, and started to deliver them, when he was arrested at Macon as a rebel, and the delivery prohibited. He was put in con- finement in the Harris House Military Prison and kept there three months before he was released. He had received some pay for the cattle, and through Gov. Yates, of Illinois, the authorities here let cattle enough go to Alexander to settle what was paid for. Mr. Gross had $1,500 in the express office at Macon, which Gen. Merrill took possession of, and when he was released, to the credit of Gen. Merrill (who has many sins to answer for), he returned every dollar of the money. During his imprisonment, the militia took 60 head of his cattle, leaving nothing in return. But this is not all he suffered and lost. He delivered to the militia authorities here 500 tons of hay — worth $5,000 — and to this day has never received one cent. These misfortunes and great losses would have disheartened an ordin- ary man, but William Gross is one of the old-class pioneers, used to hard life — its ups and downs — and labors on, believing that all will be right when the great settlement day comes. He is now 62 years old, enjoying good health and bids fair for many more useful years. He still lives near his first land entry in Richland township, four miles south-west of La Plata. EASLEY TOWNSHIP. Easley Township is one of the north-western townships, and em- braces an area of about 32 square miles. It is the best drained town- ship in the county. Besides Walnut creek and Chariton river with their tributaries, there are three small lakelets, called respectively Eagle, Swan and Yankapin lakes, which are located in sections 15 and 22. The township was named after Judge William Easley, who emi- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 819 grated from Kentucky about the year 1838. He was one of the judges of the county court from 1852 to 1856, and is still a resident of the township. We reproduce here a brief sketch of Judge Easley's life taken from the TV-we Democrat: — William Easley was born in Grainger county, Tenn., near Rut- ledge, in 1806, and resided there under the same roof 21 years. In the fall of 1827 he immigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio; there he remained till the spring of 1829. He then traveled further west to Illinois, and settled in Sangamon county. In 1830 he was married to Miss Sophia Patrick, just from Clarke county, Ky. In 1831 there was great excitement throughout the West over the Indian question — Black Hawk and other chiefs were stirring up the Indians for war. On the 4th day of June, 1831, William Easley enlisted for the war, under command of Capt. Achilles Morris ; Gov. Reynolds was com- mander-in-chief. Other officers were Gen. John Dunkan, Col. James D. Henry, Maj. John T. Stewart and Adjutant John J. Harden, who subsequently fell while bravely fighting in the Mexican War with Henry Clay, of Kentucky. After his discharge in 1831, Mr. Easley settled in Morgan county, near Winchester. He lived there until the fall of 1836. The follow- ing spring he made a trip to Texas, and crossed the United States line March 6th, 1837, the day that Col. David Crockett and others were killed at the Alamo, by the Mexican soldiers under Gen. Santa Anna. The same spring he returned back to Illinois, and the same year he moved to Macon county. Mo., and settled in the present town of Newburg, which was once called Polkville. In 1840 he was elected a justice of the peace, and was continued in office until 1852. Newburg was then in Independence township, and it embraced at that time Richland, La Plata and Walnut Creek town- ships, as since organized out of its territory. At the general election of 1852 Mr. Easley was elected justice of the county court, and was made presiding justice afterwards, and served four years. After this he commenced the practice of law. When the rebellion broke out, in 1861, he took the side of the Federal Government. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Co. F, Eleventh Missouri cavalry, M. S. M., under the command of Capt. Ignatius Burns. A. L. Gilstrap was colonel aud J. B. Rogers was major. Col. Gilstrap was superseded by Col. H. S. Lipscomb, as good a man as Missouri could start. In a short time Mr. Easley was elected a lieutenant. He served until October, 1862, and tried to resign, but owing to some prejudice his resignation was not accepted. The Second and Eleventh regiments were consolidated when he was left out of the service. Sometime after he arrived at home, an order was issued (No. 107) to organize companies or plattoons as militia. His neighborhood made up a company and he was elected captain, without opposition. 820 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. That order was soon rescinded and another order issued that theState should organize into what was called the Missouri Militia. Capt. Eas- ley then organized another company, and was again elected captain. That was in 1864 or 1865, and he served until the close of the war, after which he resumed the practice of law. At the time Judge Easley settled in Macon county, there were num- bers of red men. There were but fcAv settlers in his section. He recollects the Dales, Shains, Hatfields, Ownleys, Smouts, Smiths, Lows, Shores, Sears and Wrights. There were others, but he does not now remember their names. Judge Easley is, religiously, a Missionary Baptist, and politically, a Democrat, greatly opposed to Grant and all the Dent family. Newspapers in the early days here were hard to get, and it some- times happened that important matters were long unknown to us, ow- ing to mail facilities. The first paper that he ever subscril^ed for was the Bloomington Gazette, published by James M. Love in 1850. Col. A. L. Gilstrap was part owner with Mr. Love. It was a small paper, but sprightly, and suited the people. When the Gazette was established, we thought we were making great strides and that everything else would soon fol- low. The next thing we had the Hannibal and St. Joseph Kailroad, and have since continued to advance. Judge Easley is still living. He resides on a farm in Easley town- ship, named after him. Among other old settlers were David Williams and Thomas Will- iams from Kentucky, George Cook, James Cook and Leo McDavitt from Kentucky, James Broyles from Tennessee, John McDavitt and Joseph Sears from Kentucky. At a later date came Milton and Marion Truitt, John Roan, Dr. William B. Lilly, Colton B. Sears, J. Hen- drickson and others. The Truitts above mamed built the first mill in the township, and located it at Mercy ville in 1854. It was a grist and saw mill, and is still running. Thomas Truitt erected the first house of worship in 1858. The first services were conducted by Rev. John Roan, who was a missionary Baptist. The pioneer school-house was built in 1854. J. W. Cook taught the first school. Dr. William B. Lilly was the first physician ; Colton B. Shears was the first blacksmith. Not more than one-fourth of the township is under cultivation — much of the remainder is timber. There is a post-office in the township, located at Mercyville, a small town situated in sections 35 and 36, in the south-east corner of the township. This town was named after "Pap" Williams' wife, Mercy, and was laid out in 1865. The land upon which it was located HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 821 was owned by Allen Fletcher and Thomas Truitt. The town contains three general stores, one steam mill, one blacksmith shop and two saloons; no churches. The first postmaster wasC. T. Shirely. James L. Miller was the chairman of the first board of trustees and still holds that position. The first store was put up by Henry Cook, the first dwelling-house by Robert Vanskike. D. T. Galyen is the present postmaster. DRAKE TOWNSHir. Drake township ^ lies in the extreme north-west portion of the county and embraces an area of 36 square miles. The land is com- paratively poor and hilly, much of it (fully one-half) remaining un- cultivated. The streams are the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, with its confluents and Walnut creek. The township contains a less population than any other in the county and but little progress was made towards its settlement until about the year 1855. The fact that wild turkeys, wild cats, a few lynx', and a few deer are occasionally seen in the township shows that portions of it are still sparsely settled. Much of the unsettled part of the township is owned by the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad Company. OLD SETTLERS. George Naigles came from Kentucky and so did E. Williams, Preston Todd, William Ratlifi", James Ratlifi", Cyrenius Helton, Ham- ilton Helton, R. O. Swink, James Carter, Stephen Ratliff, W. H. Abbott and Caleb Colgear ; Amos Williams was an old settler ; Joseph Messenger was from Connecticut ; William Pates, ^ from Texas; Kerry Hobson, from New York; James Drake, from Iowa; John Messenger, from Connecticut ; Mathew Crowder, from Ken- tucky ; James Cantwell, from Iowa ; Meredith Davis was from Kentucky, as was also John Graybeal ; Joseph Morris came from Ohio ; James Williams, from Kentucky ; Martin Abbott, from Ken- tucky; John Murry, from Kentucky. John Messenger opened the first business house on the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, in 1846. James Drake had a store at Tullvania, and operated the first steam mill that was run in the township. It was located on Walnut creek. The first mill, however, was put up by Mathew Crowder, on the Muscle fork, and was run by water power. Religious services were first held at a place called New 1 Township named after James Drake, who came from Iowa in 184:9. ' Raised in Indian Territory. 822 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Boston, by James Eatliff , a Baptist minister. Meredith Davis taught the first school in a little log house, about three miles west of what is known as the site of New Boston. The first physician to settle in the township was Dr. James Cantwell. John Graybeal was the pioneer blacksmith. Joseph Morris opened the first hotel. Among the most noted hunters was James Williams, who followed it for a livelihood, and so successful was he, that he disposed of a greater number of hides and peltries at New Boston and other towns in the county and adjoining counties, than any other man in that region of country. NEW BOSTON. This town was named after Boston, Mass., and was laid out in 1846. It contained about 30 houses, 5 general stores, 2 black- smith shops, 2 saloons and 1 hotel. The town was moved west one and one-half miles into Linn county about the year 1872. All that remains at the present time to mark the site of the old town is the brick residence of James Morris. The town was originally called Robinson, after the first post-oflBce. The first store and dwelling was built in New Boston by John Messenger. TULLVANIA. Tullvania is a small business point situated in section 14. James Drake at one time erected a mill near this point. The place was named after Nicholas Tull. There are several school-houses, but no church edifices in the town- ship. No railroad and no post-office facilities are as yet within her boundaries. \m^mm^' CHAPTEE X. EAELY BENCH AND BAR — CRIMES AND INCIDENTS. Thomas Reynolds — Robert T. Pruitt — William H. Davis — Alexander L. Slayback — John V. Turner — James M. Gordon — J. R. Abernathy — Amusing Incidents — Suing a Bull — Drinkard Case — Harris Case — Keller Case — Walter Tracy Shot and Killed by Charles Stewart. Among the early members of the Bench and Bar of Macon county, including those who resided in the county, as well as those who at- tended circuit court from other counties, were James M. Gordon, John B. Clark, Sr., C. W. R. Vanarsdale, J. W. Minor, Robert Wil- son, ClowOxley, William A. Hall, W. J. Howell, Wesley Hallibur- ton, A. L. Slayback, Abner Gilstrap, T. G. Sharp, George H. Burck- hartt, William Y. Slack, B. F. Farr, Philip Williams, J. V. Turner, A. J. Herndon, Abraham McKinney, S. G. Wadkins, Samuel S. Fox, E. B. Lowe, J. N. Brown, B. F. Stringfellow, J. R. Abernathy, C. F. Bowen, Josiah Fisk, D. C. Tuttle, Samuel Gloom, William S. Davis. The sketches following include the names only of some of the most prominent attorneys, who are now dead, beginning with THOMAS REYNOLDS, who was the first circuit judge of Macon county. We copy from Judge Bay's " Bench and Bar of Missouri : " — *' Many of our readers will recollect the deep sensation produced upon the public mind by the announcement of the tragic death of this gentleman, who took his own life while Governor of the State. He was not only one of the profoundest jurists of the West, but possessed a versatility of talent that would enable him to adorn any position to which he might be called. '♦Gov. Reynolds was born March 12, 1796, in Bracken county, Ky. But very little is known respecting his early education ; but it was, no doubt, as good as could be obtained in the schools where he resided. He certainly was not a classical scholar, though he had some knowledge of Latin. He was admitted to the bar in Kentucky 47 (823) 824 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. about the time he became of age, but iu early life he removed to Illi- nois, where he filled the several offices of Clerk of the House of Rep- resentatives, Speaker of the House, Attorney-General and Chief Jus- tice of the Supreme Court. "In 1829, he moved to Missouri and located at Fayette, Howard county. He brought with him a high reputation as a jurist, and soon secured a good practice. It was not long before he was chosen to represent Howard county in the Legislature, and became Speaker of the House. After leaving the Legislature, he was appointed judge of the judicial circuit comprising the counties ot Howard, Boone, Calla- way, et al. " In 1840, the Democratic party met in convention at Jefferson City, to nominate a ticket for State officers, and Judge Reynolds was nominated for Governor, almost by acclamation. " It was at this time we made his acquaintance, and formed a very high estimate of him, as not only a man of ability, but of undoubted integrity and honesty of purpose. As a delegate in the convention, we gave him our support, and had occasion frequently, afterwards, to meet and transact business with him, as we were in the Legislature during: most of the time he was Governor. He was elected over J. B. Clark, by a handsome majority. "No very important event transpired during his administration. He was the first Governor who strongly urged the abolition of impris- onment for debt, and probably to him, more than any other person, are we indebted for this humane enactment. Gov. Reynolds had few superiors as a jurist, and hence it is that most of his life was spent on the bench. There was nothing superficial in his law learning. He drank from the lowest depths of the legal well, and there secured the gems which can be nowhere else found. " * Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow; He who would search for pearls must dive below.' " He studied the law as a science, and we have heard him say, on several occasions, that he had read Coke, Bacon and Blackstone sev- eral times. His mind was as clear as a bell and his power of analysis very great. As a forensic speaker few excelled him, and in canvass- ing the State for Governor but few were willing to encounter him. At the time of his death his prospects for distinction were greater than those of any man in the State — for his genial habits, pleasant de- meanor and unquestioned integrity had made him exceedingly popu- lar — and it was a mere question of time as to his election to the Fed- HISTORY OF' MACON COUNTY. 825 eral Senate. He had a dread of being thought disloyal to his party, which often induced him to appoint men to office unfit for the position. "Shortly after breakfast on February 9, 1844, a report of a gun was heard from the Executive Mansion in Jefferson City, and some persons passing by at the time went into the Governor's office to as- certain the cause of it, and there found the Governor weltering in his blood, with the top of his head blown entirely off, and of course he was dead. He just before sent for a rifle, the muzzle of which he placed against his forehead, and by the a^d of a strong twine tied to the trigger with one end wrapped around his thumb he discharged it. On the table near where he fell was found a letter addressed to his most intimate friend, Col. William G. Minor, in the following words : — " ' In every situation in which I have been placed, I have labored to discharge my duty faithfully to the public ; but this has not protected me for the last twelve months from the slander and abuse of my enemies, which have rendered my life a burden to me. I pray God to forgive them and teach them more charity. My will is in the hands of James L. Minor, Esq. Farewell. Th. Reynolds.' '* ' Col. W. G. Minor.' " Here we might stop and throw a mantle over this mysterious and tragic event, but truth and candor force us to state that many of Gov. Reynolds' friends attributed the suicide to a very different cause from that designated in his letter to Col. Minor. To be more explicit, they believed it grew out of his domestic troubles. It is certainly a very great draft upon our credulity to suppose that a man who had been a quarter of a century in public life, and who was an old and experienced politician, would take his owia life because of the ill- natured squibs of the oj^position press which every public man has to encounter. No greater truism was ever uttered by man than was uttered by Dean Swift when he said, ' Censure is the tax a man pays for being eminent.' That he may have been more than ordinarily sensitive in this respect is not improbable, but the comments of the press respQcting his administration were no more uncharitable than those which had been aimed at the Governor who preceded him. He should have found some consolation in the words of Pope : — •"The villain's censure is extorted praise.'" ROBERT T. PRE WITT. Mr. Prewitt was another early attorney who practiced at the Macon bar. In 1862, while holding a term of the Supreme Court in Jefferson 826 HISTORY OF MAOON COUNTY. City, we became acquainted with Mr. Prewitt, who was then a lawyer in full practice, residing in Fayette, Howard county. He attended the terras of court at Jefferson City regularly, and delivered several oral arguments which made a favorable impression, both as to his ability as a lawyer and his pleasant and gentlemanly demeanor. He was the son of Rev. Joel Prewitt, a Christian or Campbellite minister, of Kentucky, and was born in Bourbon county in that State, August 1, 1818. His father brought his family to Missouri about 1824, and settled on a farm within a few miles of Fayette. After receiving a good academic education, he commenced the study of the law in 1840 with Abiel Leonard, one of the most eminent law- yers in the western country. After remaining with Mr. Leonard about two years, he went to Kentucky and completed his studies with his uncle, Judge John Trimble, of the Supreme Court of that State, a noted jurist. He then returned to Missouri, took a desk in the office of Gen. John Wilson at Fayette, and entered upon the practice. His opportunities for a legal education could not have been better, and he improved them well, for he became thoroughly grounded in the principles of the law. He soon obtained a reasonable share of busi- ness which gradually increased through life. In 1832 he was appointed circuit attorney for the second judicial district, and dis- charo-ed the duties of his office with marked ability until the latter part of 1856. He necessarily had to encounter some of the ablest lawyers in the State, for his circuit embraced some of the oldest and wealthiest counties, such as Howard, Boone and Callaway. He was a member of the constitutional convention called in 1861 to deter- mine upon the relations of the State towards the Federal Govern- ment. His district comprised the counties of Howard, Randolph and Chariton, and was represented in part by Gen. Sterling Price. In 1863 Gen. Price was expelled for disloyalty, and Mr. Prewitt was elected in his place, and took his seat June 17. One of the main questions then to be decided was in reference to the emancipation of the slaves. Mr. Prewitt took strong ground in favor of the Union, but was very conservative in his course, and while he admitted that slavery was doomed, he thought that sound policy dictated that loyal slave-holders should to some extent be compensated for the loss of their slaves. Mr. Prewitt was a man of noble impulses and of the highest integ- rity, and was much beloved by all who knew him. He was a fine- looking man, and his genial disposition and happy temperament brouo-ht him a large number of devoted and attached friends. He HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 827 was a fluent and impressive speaker, but not an orator. His style of declamation was more conversational than otherwise. He was, more- over, a close student, and never neglected the interests of his client. In 1844 he married Martha A. Williams, daughter of F. E. and M. A. Williams, of Howard county, a most estimable lady, who with five daughters survives him. He died at Fayette in September, 1873, at the age of 55. WILLIAM H. DAVIS. That portion of Missouri known as the North Grand River country possessed, at an early day, many lawyers of ability, among whom was William Harrison Davis, of Keytesville, Chariton county. Mr. Davis was born in Nelson county, Ky., on November 29, 1811. He came with his parents to Missouri Territory in 1820 and settled in Chariton county, which then had a very sparse population ; but the country was in a rapid state of improvement and presented many inducements to the emigrant. Like all countries just opening to settlement, it con- tained but very limited means to educate the young. Now and then some enterprising Yankee would stop and teach school for one or two terms, and then push on to parts unknown. Frequently they would be without a teacher for six months at a time. It was this system of itinerant teaching that young Davis had to rely upon to obtain the rudiments of an English education ; but he improved it better than the average run of boys, for, though addicted to frolic and mischief, he was studious and fond of his books and always stood well in his class. There is a story of his boyhood worth relating : There were two rival schools in the neighborhood ; young Davis went to the one that was taught by Rev. Ebenezer Rogers, who was raised among the Quakers, and had imbibed their antipathy to war and bloodshed. On several occasions he cautioned the boys to avoid all disputes and con- tentions with the boys of the other school ; but young Davis was a Kentuckian, delighted in the manly art and could not see the necessity for his teacher's admonition, so he occasionally measured his strength with the rivals of the champions of the other institution. On one oc- casion the facts reached the ears of the Rev. Ebenezer, who never spared the rod when advised of any violation of the rules. As young Davis came into the school-room with a face not much improved by the rencounter, the teacher, with a raised ferule and an angry coun- tenance, demanded to know if he had been in a fight, and, receiving an affirmative answer, was about to chastise the offender, when Will- iam said, looking at him squarely in the eye : " I met one of their big 828 HISTORY or macon county. boys, sir, and he said you was a toryand an ass, and I couldn't stand tliat : so I o-ave liim a o-ood threshino-." In a moment the ferule was 7 O O Cj quietly laid upon the table and William pleasantly directed to take his seat. Such quickness of perception and consummate strategy are very rare in a boy of that age. When but 16, young Davis entered as an apprentice in a printing office at Fayette, Howard county, and soon learned the trade. In the fall of 1833 he and a man by the name of Kelly established a paper in Liberty, Clay county, called the Enquirer^ and at the end of the year he sold his interest to his partner and commenced the study of the law in the office of Gen. John Wilson, at Fayette, with whom he remained about two years, when he was licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of the State and located at Keytesville, where he re- sided till his death, which took place on June 21, 1845, at the early age of 33. Mr. Davis belonged to the old Whig school of politics, and, though he often indulged in political discourses, never became a candidate for any office. The State was Democratic and no one of his faith could hope for political distinction ; hence he applied himself very diligently to his profession, never relinquishing his studious habits, and soon took high rank at the bar — no empty compliment when he had to contend with such men as Leonard, Clark, Wilson, Adams and Joe Davis, all of whom attended the Chariton court and the courts of the adjacent counties. Mr. Davis was a vigorous, earn- est and logical speaker and at times quite eloquent. As a jury lawyer, in particular, he had but few equals, for he rarely made a mistake in his estimate of men. He seemed to divine the peculiarities of each juror and shaped his argument accordingly. At the time of his death he was rising very rapidly and, had life been spared to him, must have attained a very enviable position in the profession. " The world's a bubble and the life of man less than a span." ALEXANDER L. SLAYBACK. Those of the early inhabitants of Marion, Shelby, Macon and La- fayette counties, in this State, who still survive, must retain a pleas- ant recollection of the gentleman whose name is above, for he was not only one of those genial spirits who never fail to secure many warm and attached friends, but was a man of learning and promise, and bade fair to make a high reputation in his profession. Death, however, " who loves a shining mark," cut him down in the morning of life, and at a time when fortune was responding to every wish of his heart. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 829 He was a son of Dr. Abel Slayback, of Cincinnati, and was born in that city in 1817. When he was but 15 years of age, he was sent to Marion College, in Missouri, an institution of learning under the di- rection and control of the Presbyterian donomination, and conducted on the manual labor plan. It was then regarded as the best college in the State. Young Slayback pursued his studies with much dili- gence, and during his vacations entered upon a course of reading, under the direction of his father, which it was supposed would be ad- vantageous to him when he commenced the study of the law, for at an early period he had fixed upon the legal profession as best suited to his order of mind and personal inclinations. In this he was en- couraged by his father, who discerned in his son mental traits that, in his judgment, fitted him for a professional life. In June, 1838, he was admitted to the bar by Judge McGirk, of the Supreme Court. Judge McGirk congratulated him upon the good ex- amination he had passed, and gave him some good advic© with refer- ence to his future course, which the young claimaint for legal honors fully appreciated. In July, 1837, he married Miss Annie M. Min- ter, eldest daughter of I. A. Minter, Esq., of Philadelphia, and opened a law office in Shelbyville, the county seat of Shelby county. He soon obtained a fair amount of business, but to a young practitioner without fortune, and solely dependent upon his own exertions, it was neces- sarily a life of toil and privations ; but he was greatly encouraged by the reception he received from the people, and by the womanly devo- tion of his good wife who ever made his home happy and cheerful. He practiced in Shelby, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Macon and Audrain counties, and on special occasions attended courts in other counties. In May, 1847, he concluded to change his residence, and moved to Lex- ington, Lafayette county. Lexington was growing rapidly in popu- lation and wealth, and not only aflbrded a larger field in which to prosecute his profession, but presented greater facilities for educating his children. His great probity of character, close application to bus- isness, and fine oratorical powers, readily attracted the attention of the people of Lafayette, and he was soon retained in many prominent cases pending in the courts of that circuit. Though a public spirited man, he took but little interest in politics, and never would permit his name to be used for a public office. He was a very ardent Mason, and labored hard to secure the location of the Masonic College at Lexing- ton, and in 1848, delivered the address at the laying of the corner stone of that institution. He died August 19, 1848, very suddenly, in his thirty-first year, leaving a widow and five children, the youngest of 830 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. whom survived him but a short time. The three sons — Alonzo W., Charles E. and Preston T., became residents of St. Louis; the former was killed in 1882. The subject of our sketch did not live long enough to obtain that distinction in his profession which his talents, practical Christian hjibits and great personal integrity entitled him to, and no doubt would have secured to him. We have made no reference to his cheerful and genial disposition, which made him a favorite, particu- larly with his co-laborers at the bar. He was the life of every com- pany in which he entered ; had a copious fund of good humor and was never wanting in a good anecdote to amuse others. He was an ex- ceedingly fluent and ready speaker, and his discourses abounded in pathos and dignified wit, and his manner was wholly free from the appearance of labored preparation. His unexpected death was not only a terrible blow to his confiding family, but proved a serious loss to the profession, which has not many such men to spare. Mr. Slayback was a practical and true Christian, having united with the Presbyterian Church when only 16 years of age, and his life furnished a contradiction to the commonly conceived opinion that a successful lawyer cannot be a sincere Christian. It is said Mr. Slayback, in his youth, exhibited many of those traits of character for which he became noted in manhood. It was Milton who said ; — " The childhood shows the man As morning shows the day." He was slender in person, and about six feet four inches in height, and had light brown hair. He was fond of music and played well on the flute and violin. JOHN V. TURNER, who in early days visited the Macon bar, was born in Carroll county, Ky., on December 16, 1816. His early education was confined to the common schools of that day, but as he approached manhood he en- tered Hanover College, Indiana, where he made considerable progress in his studies, but did not remain long enough to graduate. He, how- ever, continued his studies, and by diligence and close application became a good classical scholar. He pursued the study of law several years in Kentucky, and in 1842 came to Missouri and settled in Boonville, Cooper county. While practicing law there he frequently wrote for the Boonville Observer, a sheet that acquired considerable celebrity through its terse and vigorous editorials, most of which were from Mr. Turner's pen, and he soon became the recognized editor. As the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 831 Democratic party was iu the ascendant the paper received little or no patronage from the State government, and had to rely chiefly upon the local advertising, but the ability with which it was edited gave it a large circulation, and Mr. Turner's reputation as a writer became well established. Many of his articles were republished in the leading Whig papers in St. Louis. Mr. Turner was a very decided Whig, and like all Kentuckians who belonged to that party was a great admirer of Mr. Clay, and supported him for the presidency with much zeal. Wishing, however, to retire from the editorial chair and apply himself more closely to his profession he removed to Keytesville, in Chariton county, where he practiced with fair success many years ; but in 1858 again changed his residence and permanently located in Glasgow, Howard county, where he remained till his death, which occurred July 10,1874. As a lawyer Mr. Turner was better known to his profes- sional associates than to the community at large, for his extreme modesty and retiring disposition unfitted him for public display, and in respect to political preferment kept him in the back ground ; Hbut those who knew him well placed a high estimate upon his legal attainments, and eagerly sought his opinions and his advice. For office he never manifested any inclination, and refused time and again to permit his name to go before the public. The only public position he ever filled was that of treasurer of his county, and in that case the office sought him, and he proved most worthy of the trust. It must not be supposed that his retirement proceeded from a want of interest in the public welfare, for he was a zealous advocate of in- ternal improvements by both State and Federal Governments, and never failed to lend his aid to all projects tending to promote the public good. From what has been said of Mr. Turner it might be inferred he was wanting in social qualities; but such was not the fact, for he had considerable humor, and upon all festive occasions added greatly to the life and zest of the company. He was, moreover, a man of generous impulses and warm attachments ; his taste for general litera- ture and scientific research fitted him for the head of some institution of learning, and had his life taken that direction he must have obtained no little celebrity. Mr. Turner had a fine poetical taste, which often led him to hold converse with the muses. JAIMES M. GORDON. James M. Gordon was one of the first circuit or prosecuting attorneys that attended the early courts of Macon county. With but little education, he commenced the study of the law in 832 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. the office of his brother John, in 1833 or 1834, and the first book that his preceptor placed in his hand was " Paley's Moral Philosophy." This he literally devoured and then took up Coke, Blackstone and other standard authors. Having a fine constitution he devoted nearly 16 hours a day in close study. He read nothing but law, not even the newspapers of the day. He was licensed to practice law in August, 1836. He had been previously elected judge of the county court, and served in that capacity two years. He was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, and prosecuted in his circuit for a term of 12 years, and gave great satisfaction to the people, for he was a most vigorous prosecutor, and a terror to evil doers. He mastered the criminal law and few criminals in his district escaped punishment. Having no literary taste his reading was confined to the law, and in the law he became very profound. In 1852 and 1860 he was elected to the Lower House of the General Assembly, and in 1862 to the State Senate, the district embracing Boone and Callaway counties. He retired from the practice of the law in 1865, and having amassed a competency, settled upon a farm and devoted the remainder of his days to agriculture. He died suddenly from heart disease February 21, 1875. He was never married. He was the legal preceptor of several of the ablest lawyers of Missouri ; among them, Gov. Charles H. Hardin, who studied with him two years, and who entertains the highest reverence for his memory. J. R. ABERNATHY. J. R. Abernathy was a school-teacher, and while he was conducting his school, in true pedagogue style, and never dreaming of the dull principles inculcated by Coke and Blackstone, some one of his patrons — perhaps the host with whom he boarded — had a bee-gum taken from him rather unceremoniously. He was in trouble, and in his extremity applied to "Abbey," as he was familiarly called. He took the statutes and turned to the index and looked first for '* bee- o-ums." Seeins: nothino;, he turned to " bees," and beino; still unsuc- cessful, he next looked for " honey," but his search was a vain one ; and thus mocked by everything, but being a man of resolution, he began to turn leaf by leaf and page after page. He had not pro- ceeded far until he came to " forcible entr}'^ and detainer." *' Ah ! " said he, "I have it," and he instituted an action for forcible entry and detainer for the bee-gum. This was his first case in court, from which he afterwards branched out, and he was so well pleased with his success that he read law and applied for a license. His case was HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 833 referred for examination to Judsje Jack Gordon. It is said Mr. Gordon, who was himself a fine hiwyer, though a little eccentric, only asked him if he conld sino; and dance, and these questions being satisfactorily answered, he was ready to report. He presented him- self at the bar, and the judge asked him if he were ready to report. His answer was that Mr. Abernathy did not know much of the com- mon law, but was h — 11 on the statute, and he recommended that the court grant him a license. The following persons constitute the present bar of Macon : Ben Eli Guthrie, William H. Sears, J. N. Brown, Benjamin R. Dysart, Robert G. Mitchell, Reuben J. Eberman, Abner L. Gilstrap, John T. Jones, J. F. Mitchell, Eli J. Newton, A. R. Pape, Webster M. Rubey, L. A. Thompson, M. C. Tracy, J. F. Williams, George W. Stephens, Charles P. Hess. AMUSING INCIDENTS. Among the many stories told of the proceedings of the early courts of Macon county, as well as of modern times, are the following : — In 1857, when Judge J. W. Henry was on the bench, a jury had been impaneled in the forenoon to try a case. The Judge dismissed the jury at noon with the usual instructions, and requiring them to return promptly at two o'clock. One of the jurors who had been in the habit of imbibing freely of " red-eye," every time he came to town, took several drinks before court was called, but was on time when court convened. The court-room was warm, the juryman was resting in a good and comfortable seat, and feeling the eflects of his too fre- quent potations he was soon in the land of dreams. He had been sleeping in his seat some minutes before court opened. When the Judge came in, the sherifi" called court, which of course created some little commotion as the jurors, witnesses and by-standers were taking their seats. Our sleeping friend, who had for several years previous to this time, been one of the judges of election in his township, was doubtless dreaming of some election through which he had passed, and hearing a buzzing noise or commotion in the court-room, thought that a fresh supply of voters had been brought to the polls, and cried out in a loud, distinct tone of voice — " M-o-r-e vo-ters ! M-o-r-e vo- ters ! " The Judge had just taken his seat, and instantly looked about him to see what it meant. Casting his eye in the direction of the jury box, he saw the sleeping man, and told the sheriff to take " that man out of the court-room," and told the clerk to enter a fine of Another juror was selected and the trial proceeded with. 834 HISTORY or ma con county. A man by the name of Timothy Divine, who resided in the county west of the Chariton river ^ was arrested for selling liquor without a license. He was not only a very poor man, but had lost the fingers of one hand entirely. He was brought into court, and when his case was called, he got up and told the Judge (Henry) that he was a poor man, and did not have a cent in the world. The Judge asked him if he had sold the liquor? Divine said "yes Jedge, I sold the liquor." His Honor then told him that he could not fine him less than $40 and costs. Divine, after gravely meditating upon the amount of tlie fine a moment, looked toward the Judge and said in a soliloquizing manner— '^ Well ! Don't it beat h— 11 ! " A man on the witness stand about the year 1875 had been kicked in the mouth by a mule, and the consequence was that he could not articulate distinctly. Judge William A. Hall was then occupying the bench, and had a great contempt for a witness whom he thought was trying to prevaricate. The opposing attorney was asking questions, and the witness owing to the maimed condition of his mouth could not answer them very readily or distinctly — in fact the Judge thought he was prevaricating, and finally became a little impatient and asked the witness if he did not know that he should not prevaricate when giving his testimony. The witness thinking the Judge had reference to the imperfect manner in which he spoke, turned around and said "Judge, since the mule kicked me in the mouth, I can't help it." The Judge commanded the witness in a peremptory tone to "Go on." SUING A BULL. Soon after the close of the late war, a strange, breachy bull, came into the neighborhood of Richard Whitehead, a justice of the peace in Hudson township. Although an entire stranger to the community, it appears that he cared nothing for his reputation and acted in such a disreputable manner that the farmers upon whose pastures and upon whose corn he had rioted without a license, became highly incensed. So much aggrieved were they, that his majesty, the bull, was chased into a tobacco barn and there confined until the proper steps were taken to dispose of him. After numerous consultations the justice finally issued a summons and had all parties served with a copy, including the bull — the sum- mons being served upon the latter in the barn. Upon the day of trial the parties to the suit all appeared except the bull, and all were represented by counsel except the bull. The case was, however, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 835 heard and judgment taken against the bull by default for $28 and costs. The justice issued an execution for the amount and the bull was sold. Before the sale occurred, it was ascertained that the bull was the property of Milt Houston living in the county. A man by the name of Briggs bought the bull at the sale. The owner paid back the money to the purchaser and took possession of his bull. CRIMES. It is simply designed here to give only a brief account of a few of the important criminal cases which have been tried in Macon county. drinkard's case. In 1879, B. F. Drinkard, a man who had mostly been raised in the county, had leased of the widow McVickar her large farm in Callao township, for a term of years, and in that year had taken a man, Nichols, as a cropper (Drinkard being a cripple from wounds received in the war). The three, Mrs. McVickar, Drinkard and Nichols, lived in separate residences within a quarter of a mile, and there were numerous outhouses, lots and fences, all connected, more or less to- gether. There had sprung up some ill will between Drinkard and Nichols, and on the morning of August 28, 1879, Nichols undertook to take a load of sorghum cane to the mill in the wagon of James Mott, a neighbor, who was with him. As they passed out of the field through Drinkard's lot, the latter forbid it, with some threats. Nichols, however, went on, and on his return secured a small pistol, and as they approached Drinkard's lot, Mott got out of the wagon and took the road to his own house. Nichols proceeded through Drinkard's lot, and as he checked his team for his little son who had seen him coming and ran to the gate, close to Drinkard's house, lead- ing to the field, to open the gate, he was shot in the back with a rifle, the ball ranging upward. He slid down from the seat to the bottom of the wagon-bed, and when found by his wife, Mrs. McVickar, and Mott, who had heard the shot and the scream of the boy, was lying doubled up. He said but little ; said he did not think Frank was that kind of a fellow to shoot him from the bush. After the shot the boy saw Drinkard run into the house with his rifle. Nichols died within a few hours. Drinkard eluded the officers, and after four or five days gave himself up to 'Squire Amos, of Macon ; was indicted at the September term of the circuit court, and tried at the May term following. The State, in addition to the above facts, with many 836 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. others, relied on the evidence of county surveyor, W. G. "Walker, and his deputy, J. W. Riley, illustrated with carefully prepared plates of the ground, houses, fences and gates, showing accurately the respect- ive distances and elevations and depressions of objects and the ground in connection with accurately and scientifically drawn plates of the human trunk, showing the exit and entrance of the ball, with its range through the body, prepared and fully explained by the testi- mony of Drs. Norris, Jeserick and Milam, and the attending physi- cian. Dr. Campbell ; and, also, the fact that when the little boy looked up at the crack of the gun, he saw the smoke just passing beyond his father's head. The mathematical deduction from the angle of range of the ball, the height of the wagon-seat, and declina- tion of the surface of the ground, was that Drinkard must have been from 17 to 20 feet to the north and rear of Nichols when he fired, which would place him in the corner of the fence, among some tall jimson weeds. Nichols' pistol was found in his pocket. The de- fense was self-defense ; that Nichols came driving down with his pis- tol presented, threatening Drinkard, who reached in the door for his rifle and stepped out in front of his door on high ground and fired. The evidence on both sides was very voluminous. The verdict of the jury was guilty of murder in the second degree, and assessed his punishment at 99 years in the penitentiary. While an appeal was being perfected, Drinkard escaped from jail, and still remains at large. The State was represented by the prosecuting attorney, Ben Eli Guthrie and Col. John F. Williams. The defense by Dysart & Mitch- ell, W. H. Sears, Col. R. J. Eberman and Capt. John M. London. HARRIS CASE. In 1879 Charles H. Harris lived on 80 acres of land he had pur- chased of Daniel Morgan, and on which he had given a deed of trust to Morgan to secure the unpaid purchase money. The land was adjoining the farm of Morgan, who had in the meantime died, and his widow, Margaret Morgan, was administrating the estate, and had foreclosed the deed of trust on the 27th of May of that year, buying in the land. On the 28th, her son Thomas, a young man of 20 years, with his brother-in-law, Morris, went with a wagon to get a load of timber, cut by Harris and lying in the public road near his fence, for stove wood. They had loaded the wagon and gone about 100 yards toward home, when Harris (who claimed he was starting out looking for a cow) made a detour from his house and met them HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 837 in the road with a double-barrelled shot-gun, halted them, and after a warm altercation with young Morgan (in which he claims Morgan threw his hands behind him, and Morris drew a revolver from the wagon, all of which Morris denies), shot him in the left breast. Morgan made a few steps and fell dead on the roadside. Harris escaped to the woods, but was captured on the second day, in the neighborhood; indicted June 4th, tried January next following, and found guilty of murder in the second degree and sentenced to 10 years in the penitentiary. His attorneys appealed the case to the Supreme Court, which reversed the judgment, and he was brought back from the penitentiary, retried and found guilty as before, and sentenced to 20 years in the penitentiary. On a second appeal the Supreme Court reversed the judgment, and Harris was again brought back from the penitentiary for trial. By this time Morris, the only witness of the killing, had moved to Vancouver's Island, and the case was continued for a term or two to secure his attendance, failing in which the case was dismissed in January, 1884, and Mr. Harris, who had always borne an excellent reputation for peace and good order, is now leading a very quiet and industrious life at Bevier, in Macon county. On the first trial in the circuit court the pros- ecuting attorney, Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, was assisted by Col. R. J. Eberman, and on the second trial by Col. John F. Williams. Messrs. Dysart & Mitchell, assisted by James W. Roberts at the first trial, defended Mr. Harris in the circuit and Supreme Courts and stuck to him until his discharge, notwithstanding his poverty. KELLER CASE. Jimmie O'Neil, a young man of about 20 years of age, was in 1881 the night operator at the telegraph ofiice at the Hannibal depot, in Macon City, and was highly respected by his employers and acquaint- ances. Wilbur F. Keller, a young man something near 30 years of age, of a good Illinois family, and with many natural and acquired accom- plishments, had on several occasions stopped for a few days at Macon, putting up at the Merchant's Hotel, where O'Neil boarded, and they were acquainted. There were some circumstances indicating that at some time tacit but not expressed dislike occurred between them. Keller was stopping at the Merchant's in January, 1881, and on the — th day of said month, had been drinking about town and was somewhat boisterous, when the marshal disarmed him and made him promise to behave. In the evening, Keller having received his pistol, started for the 838 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Wabash depot to take the train. In going he had to pass the Hanni- bal depot, where, at the time he struck the platform, O'Neil was leaning out of the window talking to James Sweeney, the section boss, on business. Sweeney observed to O'Neil, without intending Keller to hear, " There comes that fellow who was making a fool of himself up town." Keller, somewhat under the influence of liquor, wanted to know what they were talking about, and an altercation followed between him and Sweeney, the latter turning around and moving toward him. O'Neil called Sweeney back or cautioned him, and going on to the platform put his hand on the shoulder of Sweeney who began to step back toward the wall of the depot, when O'Neil moved some six feet toward the out edge of the platform as if to get out of the way, Keller having in the meantime, with a threatening oath, drawn his revolver, which either by design, as claimed by the State, or accidentally, as claimed by the defendant, went off, and struck O'Neil in the abdomen. Keller turned and fled, throwing away, as soon as out of sight, his plug hat. He came back in the night and took a south bound train on the Wabash, on which he was captured by Marshal Clayton. He was tried at the May term follow- ing and found guilty of murder in the second degree and sent to the penitentiary for 19 years, where he now is, notwithstanding vigorous efforts have been made for his pardon. On the part of the State, Prosecuting Attorney Guthrie was assisted by W. H. Sears, of Macon, and M. M. Crandall, of Brook- field, and the defense was conducted by Dysart & Mitchell, assisted by Mr. Phipps, of Illinois. A motion for a new trial was withdrawn. WALTER TRACY SHOT AND KILLED BY GEORGE STEWART. [From the Times.] Walter Tracy and George Stewart lived in Ten Mile township, this county, as neighbors. They became involved in trouble over Stew- art's sister, a woman 40 years old, and Friday, August 24, 1883, Stewart shot and killed Tracy. The details are related so clearly in the following testimony of an eye-witness, who appeared before the coroner's jury, and who is corroborated by others who were present, that we give his evidence in full ; and also publish the full evidence of the woman, as will be found below : Bazzle Griffin, sworn : Myself, James P. Powell, David Miller, Clay Hubble and Day Griffin were at the bridge across draw between my house and David Miller's about 10 :30 o'clock a.m., to-day. I looked up the road and told them there comes George Stewart ; he rode within about 30 steps of bridge, hitched horse and got off of horse, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 839 and came right down to the bridge ; he stopped in about 12 or 15 feet of where Mr. Tracy was fixing block in end of bridge at north-east corner; J. P. Powell was behind Tracy's back, being to the north- west; Dave Miller and Clay Hubble were south-east of Tracy. I was south-west of Tracy across the bridge, about 15 feet from him. Mr. Stewart said: "Every d — d one of you get out of the way; I have nothing against any of you except Tracy ; when he married my sister he agreed to treat her like a lady, and he has not done it." Walter Tracy raised up and started across the bridge, bent over, and just as Tracy started from Stewart the latter fired, and when he got across on the south side about 10 feet he fired the second shot from gun. Tracy staggered and got into a tree top that was lying 20 or 25 feet from the bridge, then Stewart fired first shot from pistol ; Tracy crossed on west side of branch and Stewart followed across and fired second shot from pistol; this shot hit him in the back; Tracy at this time was throwing up his hands ; Tracy stopped, staggered and fell on left side, and Stewart followed right on up and put revolver in about one foot of his neck and fired twice, each shot taking effect in his neck. Then Stewart turned, walked back across bridge, and Miller said, *' You will be sorry for what you have done," and he said, "Boys, I am already sorry, but I had to do it, and I done it." He then got on his horse and went slowly on out east towards his home. Tracy lived, in my opinion, about one and a-half or two hours after he was shot; all the words Tracy uttered was as Stewart was firing second shot with revolver; while Tracy was crossing toward me he called, " Help me, help me," and after Stewart had fired last shot and started away, he said in a whisper, " Raise me up." I helped to raise him up, went to my home after water, and gave him a drink about 30 minutes after he was shot; I went to my house and got hay to prop him up with, and then, by this time there being several there, I went home, and in about 15 minutes came back and they said he was dying. Last Wednesday, August 22, 1883, Stewart said in presence of Powell Griffin and my- self, "When Tracy married my sister he agreed to treat her like a lady, and has not done it." This is all I heard him say. Stewart did not seem angry or excited when he killed Tracy, and went away cool and quiet. [Signed] Bazzle Griffin. Cory Tracy, age 40, December 25, 1883, being sworn, said: I am the wife of Mr. Tracy, deceased. Married at home. May 4, 1883, by Methodist minister, who resides at Clarence (may be A. P. Linn), j had known Mr. Tracy little over two years ; first met him at my home next morning after we moved, 7th November, 1881. He asked me to marry him in January — first part of the month — 1883, at my house ; no one else present in house ; my brother was at the lot ; I never con- sented ; I told him I didn't want to marry him, and I told him I didn't believe it would be any account ; he begged and plead with me ; by saying I didn't think it would amount to anything, I meant that I thought he just wanted to marry me because he had treated me as 48 840 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. he had. When I was married there were present my mother, brother, minister and ourselves. He (Mr. Tracy) forced me to marry him ; George H. Stewart is my brother — is the name of party that did the shooting ; he was at our home this morning, and went to the black- smith shop this morning about eight o'clock and came back about nine or 9 :30 ; he went to shop after wagon tongue ; I didn't see him leave the house after that ; he said that he wanted to fix the wagon to go to Clarence ; when he came home the second time he had a whip, stick or something in his hand ; he has a gun ; I don't know what kind of a gun it is ; I don't know one kind of a gun from another ; my brother did not speak to Mr. Tracy before this ; soon after we were married they had some kind of settlement, since which time they have not spoken. Question: Do you know what they fell out about? I don't know what they fell out about ; I know of no difficulty except difficulty between me and Mr. Tracy ; I never heard my brother make any threats against Mr. Tracy ; the reason I married Mr. Tracy was because he treated me bad about a month before we were married ; no one else was about the house ; our family consists of my mother and this one brother and myself; they were in Clarence to see brother Will, who was lying low with typhoid fever ; they are not in the habit of leaving me alone ; they went on Thursday and at night I went to Brown Creekman's and stayed all night; brother and ma came home about 10 A. M. Friday ; I didn't tell them about what had happened because Mr. Tracy said it would ruin both of us ; I never told this until we were married in the presence of Mr. Tracy and my mother and brother, the morning before they went to Macon after license ; what I told them was I said: "Mr. Tracy, you have treated me badly." " I know I have," he said ; " I did it to make you marry me." I said I would rather be buried alive than marry him under these circumstances, and he said : " If you will marry me, I will make you a lady all your life." Before this I had never told my brother or mother about Tracy's bad treatment of me ; this was the only time I ever told them of this until I went home, after I had lived with him at his house 25 days ; there was no indication of anger in my brother after I told this, and Tracy proposed to go after a license to Macon, and they went of Mr. Tracy's own free will ; no angry words passed, and they went from Macon to Clarence after a minister, and about two hours by the sun that day we were married ; my brother never asked me to marry Mr. Tracy ; I married him just because he begged me to, and because he had treated me the way he had ; Mr. Tracy told me after we were married that the house was his, but his parents said it was not, and I don't know whose it is ; I was not living with Mr. Tracy at this time, that is, the time of the killing of Tracy, and have not since the first 25 days after we were married ; the reason I did not live with him was, his mother and father treated me so badly when he was gone, and I had no pro- tection ; when he was here they were good, but when gone, they would let in on me ; they never touched me, but just threatened me ; the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 841 night I left, the old man said he would kill me ; me and Mr. Tracy got along well together ; when my brother came back home this morn- ing he said: «< Jack, " this is what he always called me, "I have killed Tracy." He was at our house door at this time; he just turned and went off, and I haven't seen him since ; when he told me this I said: "Why, brother George!" We moved from Logan county, Ky. ; Middleton, in Simpson county, was our post-office ; we lived two miles from Middleton ; John Ballouw was our near neigh- bor ; my brother never had a difficulty before this that I know of; he did strike Frank Bloodworth over the head with the end-gate of a wagon, but they were good friends five minutes afterwards ; never gets intoxicated ; he is mighty high-tempered ; mother heard George say he had killed Tracy. Her (Signed) Cory X Tracy. mark. Following is the verdict of the jury : — We, the undersigned jury, summoned to inquire of the death of William W. Tracy, in Ten Mile township, Macon county. Mo., do find that he came to his death by means of three pistol shot wounds, in- flicted at the hands of one George H. Stewart, and further, that said shooting was done without any provocation or just cause. (Signed) A. J. Ashbury, W. J. Greenley, Gee Jones, Joseph Neff, Landreth Massey, N. B. Gault. We deeply regret that Stewart was not arrested. It seems that those present, if they had possessed presence of mind, could have prevented the killing, and could certainly have secured Stewart. But they were, no doubt, dumbfounded at Stewart's action, not expecting anything of the kind. These citizens and others of the community, assisted by Sherifi" Morgan, have done all they could, we learn, to capture Stewart, but thus far to no avail. EXPLOIT OF A ST. BERNARD DOG. [From the Kepublican, April 16, 1874.] Dr. Berthier, county physician, has, at the county hospital, situated about a mile and a half east of this city, a dog of the Saint Bernard breed. This dog is not yet fully grown, but, it would seem, has the instincts of his breed strong within him. One Saturday night, about 8 o'clock, he rushed about the hospital acting in a strange and excit- ing manner. It soon became evident that he wanted some one to follow him. Dr. Berthier ordered " old Uncle Jimmy," who used to make his headquarters at the station house, but who is now "man Friday " at the hospital, to go with the dog and see what the trouble might be. Finding that he had made himself understood, and that Uncle Jimmy was prepared to follow, the dog led the way across the 842 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. country through the snow in the direction of the city. At a distance of over a quarter of a mile from the hospital, the dog, who rejoices at the name of " Major," descended into a ravine. Phniging through the deep snow that filled the ravine, the dog went to a big drift and began tugging and hauling at some object buried therein, lifting his head occasionally and uttering a bark to encourage Uncle Jimmy, who was wading to the spot as fast as he could. Marveling greatly, Jimmy plowed his way down the ravine, and reaching the spot where Major was at work, saw before him a human being — a woman. He at first tried to beat the dog away, thinking — as he was rather cross at nights about the hospital — that he was hurting her. He soon saw, however, that he was careful to lay hold of nothing but the woman's clothing, and that he was doing his best to drag her out of the drift. Jimmy managed to lift the woman — whom he found was still alive — out of the hole, but was unable to move her from the spot, she being so near chilled to death as to be unable to stand. Assistance was called from the hospital, and the doctor turned out with his nurses and all the convalescents about the place. It required the exertions of six of the strongest men that could be mustered to carry the woman to the hos- pital, and after she was housed the doctor and nurses worked over her for some hours before she could be placed in bed. The husband of the woman is in the hospital, and it appears that she left the city late in the evening to visit him. Dr. Berthier says that had she remained in the snow 20 minutes longer she would have perished. The next day when she came to her senses she was so much ashamed of the affair that she left the hospital without going to his room, begging that he might be told nothing of her perilous adven- ture. She owes her life to " Major," the noble and sagacious St. Bernard dog. CHAPTER XL Newspapers, Public Schools and Post-Offices. The first paper published in Macon county was the Bloomington Gazette. The first issue of this paper appeared May 28, 1850, and was owned and published by James M. Love and Abner L. Gilstrap. The prospectus for this paper was printed in Quincy, 111., as early as the month of March. Mr. Love, who now resides at Macon, says that he had great difficulty in getting out the first number. The type was purchased at St. Louis and in shipping, all the lower case g's were omitted and the figure 9 had to be used to supply the deficiency, after exhausting italics, etc. The Gazette had 500 subscribers and gave employment to several hands. There was no job press and all work was done on the newspaper press. The Gazette was independent in politics. The Bloomington Register was the next paper and was started in 1852 by Thomas B. Howe and Francis M. Daulton. It was Whig in politics. During the same year the Bloomington Republican, a Democratic paper, was established by Abner L. Gilstrap. In 1854 Rufus C. White started the Bloomington Messenger, Demo- cratic. Thomas B. Howe and James E. Sharp commenced the publication of the Bloominpton Journal in 1855. Democratic. The Bloomington Messenger was again started in 1856 by R. C. & D. C. White. Democratic. James M. Love and Harry Howard published the Macon Legion in 1859. Democratic in politics. The Legion was the last paper pub- lished at Bloomington. The Republican, a Democratic paper, was the first paper published in Macon. It was established in 1860 by A. L. Gilstrap. D. E. H. Johnson published the Register in 1861 ; after he left, at the besfinning of the Civil War, the Third Iowa regiment of infantrv took the material of the office and issued a paper called the Union. A man by the name of Wilkes was the editor. The Argus, Republican in politics, was edited by Thomas Proctor and published in 1863. (843) 844 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. The Express, an independent journal, was started in 1870 by R. H. Griffith. Then followed the Greeiibacher, by John M. London, in 1877, and was consolidated with the Standard. The Independent, by C. H. Steele, in 1874, The Standard, by F. T. Mayhew, in 18 — ; consolidated with the Greenbacker and called the Greenback- Standard in 1877. Free Press, by Steele & Mayhew. The Enterprise, by Steele &, Mayhew. The Examiner, by B. F. Stone, in 1875. The Journal, by John M. London and J. T. Clements, in 1867, and consolidated with the Examiner in 1875. The Daily Pilot, by J. T. Clements, in 1875. The Daily Examiner, by London & Steele, in 1875. The Macon News, in 1879, by J. M. Love. [By J. A. Hudson.] The Times was started at Fayette, Howard county, in about the year 1840, by Green & Benson, the late Col. Clark H. Green being the head of the firm, the paper then being called the Boonslick Times. Mr. Benson died shortly afterward, when Col. Green became sole proprietor. In the year 1844 or 1845, Col. Green moved the paper to Glasgow, and changed the name to Glasgow Times. Col. Green continued its publication until in 1862, when it was suppressed on account of its Union proclivities. In 1865, Col. Green removed to Macon and resumed the publication of the paper under the name of the Macon Times, and continued its publication until the time of his death, in the fall of 1871. The paper was then sold to the firm of Gillespie, Purdom & Howe, composed of W. C. B. Gillespie, Hez. Purdom and John N. Howe, who published the paper till the sum- mer of 1872, when Gillespie purchased Purdom's interest. Gillespie & Howe published the paper a few months, when, in the winter of 1872-73, T. A. H. Smith associated himself with Mr. Howe, and they purchased the interest of Mr. Gillespie, and published the paper a short time, when the paper was consolidated with the Macon Demo- crat, under the name of the Democratic Times, and passed into the hands of James M. Love and Edward C. Shain, who published the paper until the fall of 1874, when it was sold at trustee's sale to B. F. Stone and Walter Brown. Soon afterward Mr. Stone purchased Mr. Brown's interest. In August, 1875, a wholesale consolidation of Macon newspapers occurred, in which the Times was a central figure, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 845 but ill which move it lost its name for a time. The Democratic Times, published by B. F. Stone, the Macon Journal, by John M. London, and the Macou Daily Pilot office, by Baxter & G-reen, three distinct establishments, were consolidated, the proprietors organizing the Examiner Printing Company, with a capital of $10,000. In this combination Mr. Stone held a controlling interest, and a written con- tract that the paper should be continued as a Democratic journal. The company did business in the rooms now occupied by the Times. A daily and weekly were published, known as The Examiner. After a few months the publication of the daily was suspended. This com- bination gave the paper an immense local circulation and strong pres- tige. It was an early advocate of the nomination of Samuel J. Til- den, and after his nomination gave him ardent and effective support, the county giving a Democratic majority of over 1,000, the largest Democratic majority ever obtained in the county. Before the close of this canvass the entire stock passed into Mr. Stone's hands, who sold the establishment, in the summer of 1877, to Purdom & Hud- son, the firm composed of Hez. Purdom and J. A. Hudson, the pres- ent proprietor. In February, 1878, Mr. Hudson sold his interest to I. J. Buster. Purdom & Buster then published The Examiner till the office vvas burned in the spring of 1879, about the first of April. Shortly afterward the business, good will, and what was saved of the material, were sold to W. C. B. Gillespie and C. H. Steele. Again the name was changed, this time to North Missouri Register. The first of February, 1883, Gillespie & Steele sold the paper to J. A. Hudson, the present proprietor. Mr. Hudson reorganized the office, put in steam presses, and restored the paper to its former name, the Macon Times. In May, 1883, the Missouri Press Association, at its annual convention, held at Carthage, Mo., awarded the Times a large, handsome gold medal, as being the best printed paper in the State of Missouri. The Macon Times has been, and is, a firm supporter of the Democratic party, its measures and its nominees. It has a circu- lation of 2,200. In reference to the papers published in Macon in 1875, Mr. Ab- ner L. Gilstrap in The Illustrated Historical Atlas mentions the following : — The Macon Democratic Times, established in 1873, by James M. Love & Co. ; now published by B. F. Stone & Co. The Macon Journal, established by J. T. Clements, John M. Lon- don and K. W. Caswell in 1867 ; now published by John M. London. 846 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. The Macon Republican,^ established by Gen. F. A. Jones, S. G. Brock and Dr. W. A. Wilson in 1870, and is still published. The Missouri Granger, established in 1873, and now published by C. H. Steele & Co. The Baptist monthly publication, Messenger of Peace, established in 1874, published by E. M. Baxter & Co. ; Elder John E. Goodson, editor and proprietor. Western Herald, a monthly publication of the colored .Baptist Church, is edited by Rev. Amos Johnson, colored. [Contributed.] The Macon Republican, now the oldest newspaper in Macon county, was started by Gen. F. A. Jones and S. G. Brock, March 2, 1871. Previous to this time these gentlemen had been in the active practice of the law, and engaged in the newspaper enterprise because they be- lieved that the community needed a paper of the true policy and politics which they assured the Republican would represent. At the same time they continued their law practice, giving their intervals of time to the newspaper work. Both being gentlemen of literary tastes, having graduated at one of our best Eastern institutions, the Republi- can won the esteem and warm support of the community regardless of political differences. While distinctly Republican in its political senti- ments, it never allowed these sentiments to enter into any business relations or effect its earnest advocacy of every enterprise or all affairs that related to the progress, social reforms, county or state enter- prises. It has always zealously advocated the interests of its town, county and state. It has endeavored to lead and educate public senti- ment in all moral reforms, rather than go with public sentiment, and has been fearless and independent in advocating what they considered good public measures and worthy enterprises. Year after year it has obtained a stronger hold upon the esteem and respect of its readers by its straightforward consistent course. As an evidence of its stand- ing we quote the remark often made : " We can always depend on the Republican and we always find it a clean sheet." It would never suffer any slighting jest upon good morals, or in- uendoes at Christianity to appear in its columns. Hence it has always been a safe and desirable paper for the family. Gen. F. A. Jones, the senior of the firm, died January 7, 1882, and since then it has been under the sole control and management of S. G. Brock, who is its 1 Gen. Jones died in January, 1882; his interest was purchased by S. G. Brock, who is now the sole owner of the Republican. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 847 present proprietor. The Republican has clone a good work for Macon county in frequently publishing its resources, the inducements it offers to immigrants, in giving strong encouragement to its citizens in times of adversity and misfortune, and its earnest words of hope and strong arguments for a future of prosperity and good success. The last paper started in Macon is the True Democrat. The first issue appeared October 26, 1883. James M. Love and Harry How- ard are the proprietors. The papers now published at Macon are the Republican, the True Democrat, the Times and the Messenger of Peace; the latter is a re- ligious paper, and published in the interests of the Baptist Church. N'ew Cambria Enterprise, an independent paper, was started in 1876, by Martin Moore. In 1878, F. Theodore Mayhew published the Standard, a Greenback paper. The Herald was established in April, 1881, by R. P. Thompson. It is still in existence, and is in- dependent in politics. The Reflector was published at Bevier by J. J. Smith in 1883. The La Plata Free Press was started May 4, 1871, by Frank H. Newton and T. B. Marmaduke. The La Plata Globe was published (first issue) July 20, 1871, by W. Y. Bruer, independ- ent. The Advocate was started in 1873 by W. H. Howard and H. C. Caldwell. It lived about three years. The last year of its existence it was published by Joseph Park. The La Plata Home Press was established August 18, 1876, by its present editor and proprietor, J. B. Thompson. From the first itkas been and still is uncompromisingly Democratic in politics, yet cour- teous in its discussion of all questions. Its main feature is its local news, however, and in this regard it has always aimed at excellence. And to this fact may be attributed its success, as it has a circulation of over 1,000 copies. In 1882 its editor was honored by his brethren of the press of the State by being chosen as its chief officer. The paper was established at La Plata without a " bonus " being oftered by the citizens, as is the custom in Western towns and villages, its publisher coming into the community an uninvited stranger, without the promise of a single subscriber or a line of advertising. It is now a well established, prosperous country newspaper, with a large and steadily increasing circulation and a liberal patronage otherwise. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The public schools of the county were organized under the new law soon- after the close of the Civil War. There was much prejudice ex- isting in the minds of the people, generally, against the public school 848 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. system, but as time passed and the practical utility and great benefits arising therefrom were fiiirly demonstrated, this prejudice gradually wore away, and now the public schools are regarded with great favor by all. From a few, straggling, log-cabin school-houses, which were poorly supplied and equipped with conveniences for instruction, and poorly patronized, the number has increased to 130, many of which are first-class in appearance and appointments, and all are neat and comfortable, and during the year are filled with as bright and intelli- gent a class of pupils as can be found anywhere. The location and number of school-houses in the county are as fol- lows : — Ten Mile township, 9, white; Lingo township, 7, white; Hudson township, 7, white; Narrows township, 8, white; Easley township, 6, white ; Middle Fork township, 6 white, 1 colored ; Liberty town- ship, 6, white ; Independence township, 6, white ; Eichland township, 6, white ; White township, 5, white; Morrow township, 5, white; Callao township, 5 white, 1 colored ; Chariton township, 5, white ; Bevier township, 5, white ; Lyda township, 5, white ; Walnut town- ship, 5, white ; Jackson township, 4, white ; Eagle township, 4 white, 1 colored ; Round Grove township, 4, white ; La Plata township, 4, white ; Drake township, 4, white ; Valley township, 4, white ; Russell township, 4, white; Johnson township, 3. Total, 130. To take charge of these schools, 172 teachers are employed, 77 of whom are males and 95 are females. These teachers are paid an aver- age salary of $31.33 per month — the males receive $34.49 and the females $28.18. There are in the county, according to present enumeration, children of school age, white males 4,702 ; white females, 4,326 ; colored males, 198 ; colored females, 187 — making a total of 9,413. The county has a magnificent school fund which now reaches the sum of $86,304.39, which is exceeded by only two or three other counties in the State. The amount loaned from swamp-land funds is $51,831.20; amount loaned from fund of sixteenth section, $23,769.31 ; amount on hand not loaned, $10,703.88. For the year 1883, there was paid out to teachers $24,892.46 ; for fuel, $1,523.63; for repairs and rents, $1,063.98. The schools are under the superintendance of Prof. S. F. Trammel, who is the school commissioner of the county. Mr. Trammel is also principal of the public schools of the City of Macon, and although young in years, he brings to the work considerable experience, and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 849 being energetic, ambitious and thoroughly qualified, the public schools, through his instrumentality, have attained a degree of excel- lence of which the people of the county may well feel proud. There are two fine public school buildings in the county — one at Macon and the other at La Plata. POST-OFFICES. Atlanta, Beverly, Barnesville, Bloomington, Barryville, Callao, TuUvania, Excello, College Mound, Economy, Ettle, Goldsberry, Love Lake, Macon City, Lingo, Seney, Walnut, Maple, Mercyville, La Plata, Lyda, Narrows Creek, New Cambria, Nickellton, Kaseyville, Ten Mile, Woodville. CHAPTER XII. DIFFERENT WARS. Mormon Difficulty — Mexican War — California Emigrants — The Civil War of 1861 — Kesolutions — Extracts from the Macou Legion — Companies and Captains — Occu- pation of Macon City by Union Troops — Military Execution at Macon — Confeder- ate Soldiers Review of Macon County Men — Confederate Officers Hanged. MORMON DIFFICULTIES. Two companies were raised in Macon county to aid in the suppres- sion of the Mormon diflSculties in the counties of Jackson, Caldwell, and Daveiss. One of these companies was commanded by Captain Lewis Gilstrap and the other by Capt. John H. Kose. MEXICAN WAR. At the call of President Polk for volunteers for the Mexican War, quite a number responded from Macon county. No regular company, however, was organized ; those who went united with Capt. Han- cock Jackson's company, which was at that time forming in Randolph county. The following comprises the names of two-thirds of the men who went from Macon county to the Mexican War : J. B. Clarkson, Robert Myers, T. A. H. Smith, O. P. Magee, Benjamin F. Heater, Pleasant Richardson, Samuel Love, Thomas Barnes, John Peyton, Daniel G. Sweeney, Hardin Butner, Wilson Fletcher, Dennis D. Wright, Ellis Wilson. CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS. No doubt the desire for gold has been the mainspring of all progress and enterprise in the county from the beginning till the present time, and will so continue to remote ages. Generally, however, this desire has been manifested in the usual avenues of thrift and industry. On one occasion it passed the bounds of reason and assumed the character of a mania. The gold fever first broke out in the fall of 1848, when stories began to spread about of the wonderful richness of the placer mines in California. The excitement grew daily, feeding on the mar- velous reports that came from the Pacific slope, and nothing was talked (850) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 851 of but the achievements of gold diggers. The papers were replete with the most extravagant stories, and yet the excitement was so great that the gravest and most incredulous men were smitten with the con- tagion and hurriedly left their Ijomes and all that was dear to them on earth to try the dangers, difficulties and uncertainties of hunting gold. Day after day and month after month were the papers filled with glow- inoj accounts of California. Instead of dying out, the fever rose higher and higher. It was too late in the fall of '48 to cross the plains, but thousands of people in Missouri began their preparations for starting in the following spring. The one great subject of discussion around the firesides that winter (1848) was.the gold of California. It is said at one time the majority of the able-bodied men of the county were unsettled in mind, and were contemplating the trip to California. Even the most thoughtful and sober-minded found it most difficult to resist the infection. Wonderful sights were seen when the emigrants passed through — sights that may never be seen again in Macon county. Some of the emigrant wagons were drawn by cows ; other gold hunters went on foot and hauled their worldly goods in hand-carts. Early in the spring the rush began. It must have been a scene to beggar descrip- tion. There was one continuous line of wagons from the Orient to the Occident, as far as the eye could reach, moving steadily westward, and, like a cyclone, drawing in its course on the right and left many of those along its path. The gold hunters of Macon crowded eagerly into the gaps in the wagon trains, bidding farewell to their nearest and dearest friends, many of them never to be seen again on earth. Sadder farewells were never spoken. Many who went left quiet and peaceful homes only to find in the " Far West " utter disappoint- ment and death. Just how many persons went to California in 1849-50 from Macon county cannot at this date be ascertained. It is supposed that the parties named below composed the majority of the emigrants from this county : — Dr. Al. Ray, Daniel Cornelius, Jeptha Banta, S. S. Lingo, M. M. Turner, Aleck Sichols, Levi Cox, J. J. West, Col. Thos. Pool, Mat Halley, R. S. Halley, Lewis Cox, Hardin Butner, Hugh McCann, John Murphy, Jas. Landrum, Carter Landrum, James Banning, D. D. Fowler, J. B. Hutchinson, Burrell Griffin, Enoch Griffin, John Tilley, John Fisher, Nathaniel Brogles, Wm. Gates, Wm. StanfieW, Wm. Belmear, John Melone, John Midley, James M. Stone, Thos. Hale, Daniel C. Hubbard, Wilson Fletcher, Lewis Smith, Carter Wil- 852 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. kin, Thos. Bourk, Joseph Bourk, A. Mendenhall, S. Mendenhall, W. Surbur, Washington Surbur, Geo. W. Anderson, Benton Surbur. THE CIVIL WAR .OF 1861. Were we to undertake to write the full history of what occurred in Macon county, either upon the eve of the Civil War or during its con- tinuance, such a history would more than fill this volume. We shall, therefore, give only such facts as are most important, or rather the most salient features connected with the war history of Macon county. The people of the county were warm in their attachment to the Union of the States until the bombardment of Fort Sumpter, and until the attack made at St. Louis by the Federal Government upon the State troops under Gen. D. M. Frost. The latter event precipi- tated their final decision, and caused them to take sides with their Southern brethren, and the excitement was of such a character that the citizens of the county met at Bloomington, the county seat, and passed resolutions expressive of their sentiments in regard to the political status of the country at that time. [From the Macon Legion of May 17, 1861.] Saturday, May 11, 1861, a very large number of persons met at the court-house at Bloomington for the purpose of indorsing the Gov- ernor's course in refusing to furnish troops to President Lincoln to make war on the South. At an early hour the people began coming in by scores and hun- dreds, until the large crowd was estimated at from 2,000 to 2,500. The Macon City delegation was headed by a brass baud and a Southern flag of 15 stars. Next in order were 15 young ladies on horseback, each bearing a flag representing a particular Southern State, the name of the State being in large letters. The banners were followed by a large number of horsemen in double file. The marshals were Ben E. Harris and Thad Davis. The ladies and the flags were loudly and repeatedly cheered. About this time a large and splendid Southern flag with 15 stars was run up a pole 93 feet in height, on the public square, amidst loud huzzas and waving of hats. Ben R. Dysart made a neat and appropriate speech on the occasion, and welcomed the ladies bearing the Southern banners. Three loud cheers were given at the conclusion of his speech. The meeting was organized by calling Capt. William Griffin to the chair and appointing Web. M. Rubey, secretary. Mr. E. C. McCabe, of Palmyra, was introduced to the meeting, and addressed the audi- ence at length in an able advocacy of " Southern Rights," which was well received by the people. Hon. James S. Green addressed the peo- ple for two hours in an able and eloquent manner. He took extreme HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 853 Southern ground, and declared that a State had the constitutional right to secede ; he denounced an " armed neutrality" as worse than nonsense, and that its advocates had " wooden heads and iron hearts." " That neutrality was an impossibility; and that the people would be ready and willing to secede as soon as they were armed. Mr. Green's speech seemed to suit the crowd, for he was vociferously and constantly cheered. As nearly everybody in this section was present it is unecessary for us to give the minute details, and to allude farther to the proceedings. The chairman appointed the following committee to report resolutions : T. G. Sharp, Thomas McCormick, A. J. Mar- maduke, J. N. Brown, G. A. Shortridge, W. G. Griffin, James A. Terrell, K. T. Johnston, W. J. MorroV, P. M. Stacy, Jacob Loe, Kobert T. Ellis, Benjamin E. Harris, W. W. Moore and Louis Robion, who made the following report, which was unanimously adopted : — " Whereas, Civil War, with all of its horrors, is upon us, brought on by the Black Republican Abolition Administration (at the head of which is Abraham Lincoln), by using low, cunning and base treachery to deceive the people of what was lately the United States of America ; and then in violation of solemn pledges, attempting to reinforce Fort Sumpter, at a time, too, when the border States, deceived by Lincoln's treachery, were hopeful of a peaceable settlement of our national troubles, and were using every patriotic means for that end. There- fore be it ^^ Resolved, That we loathe and abhor the rulers of a nation who can stoop to such base hypocrisy as has marked this Abe Lincoln Black Republican Abolition Administration. '■'■Resolved, That we regard the civil war into which the country is precipitated as being the result of the " irrepressible conflict" doc- trine as preached and advocated by Beecher, Greeley, Lincoln, Seward & Co. for years past. ^^Resolved, That the sites of Federal forts, arsenals, etc., within the limits of the States of this Union, were acquired by the Federal government, and jurisdiction over them ceded by the States, as trusts for common purposes of the Union during its continuance, and upon the separation of the States such jurisdiction reverts of right to the States respectively by which the jurisdiction was ceded ; whilst a State remains in the Union the legitimate use of such forts, etc., are to protect the country against foreign force and to aid in suppressing domestic insurrection. To use or to prepare them to be used, to intimidate a State or constrain its free action, is a perversion of the purposes for which they were obtained. Xhey were not intended to be used against the States in whose limits they are found in the event of Civil War. ^^Resolved, That in our worthy and excellent Governor, C. F. Jack- son, we have a true patriot, and one who will stand by the rights of Missouri and of Southern rights at all hazards. That in refusing ' aid and comfort to the enemy,' when called upon by Secretary 854 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Cameron for troops to aid in subjugating our Southern brethren, he will receive the unanimous approbation of Missourians. ^^ Resolved, That in the hmguage of Gov. Jackson, " Missouri has at this time no war to prosecute ; it is not her policy to make aggres- sions on any State or people, but in the present state of the country, she would be faithless to her honor and recreant to her duty, were she to hesitate a moment in making the most ample preparation for the rights of her people against the aggressions of assailants. ^'■Resolved, That Missouri ought with all possible speed put herself upon a war footing, so as to be fully prepared for any emergency. ^'Resolved, That Missouri ought to co-operate with the slave States in such measures as may be necessary for our mutual protection as slave States." We make further extracts from the same paper : — Macon county is alive with excitement and military enthusiasm. Since the attack on the State troops at St. Louis, and the rumor that an army of Federal troops intended taking possession of Macon City, hundreds are volunteering for the defense of the State. The men are here by thousands, but they are poorly provided with arms. On Monday last there were 300 men drilled the greater part of the day in this place. The men seemed anxious to learn military exer- cises, and having experienced leaders, learned very rapidly many of the evolutions. ** SILVER GRAYS." This company of "Home Guards " will parade here on next Saturday at 10 o'clock, for the purpose of drilling and electing officers. "MACON RANGERS." This fine company, numbering 96 good and true men, met here on Monday and elected William D. Marmaduke, captain ; G. M. Taylor, first lieutenant ; James Lovern, second lieutenant ; and C. M. Smith, third lieutenant. COMPANIES AND CAPTAINS. Two companies of volunteers were first raised, mostly in Macon county. Captains William Forbes and C. R. Haverly. About the same time Capt. Cupp raised a company of Home Guards. In the winters of the years 1861 and 1862 six companies of Missouri State Militia Cavalry were recruited and organized at the City of Ma- con, four of which were from Macon county, commanded by Captains I. N. Burnes, G. W. Bearnes, Jacob Gilstrap and H. E. York. A. L. Gilstrap was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and a few days aft- erwards Henry S. Lipscomb brought in six additional companies, and formed the Eleventh Regiment of M. S. M., of which Lipscomb was appointed colonel. Lieut. -Col. Gilstrap remained in command un- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 855 til the consolidation of his reojiment with the Second Regiment M. S. M., about the 2d day of October, A. D. 1862, when he and Col. Lipscomb were mustered out as supernumerary. Many companies of militia were in service during the war, and in 1864 three or four companies of Missouri volunteers were raised in Macon county for the Forty-Second regiment, commanded by Col. William Forbes. These troops were all in the service of the Federal Government. On the side for the Confederate States, six companies were re- cruited, mostly from Macon county, commanded b}^ Captains William D, Marmaduke, Robert Bevier, Ben Eli Guthrie, Carter M. Smith, Michael Griffin and Theodore Saunders. The following are the names of the men who entered the Union army : — Co. *'^" Tenth Missouri Infantry. — Charles Anderson, Z. M. Atterberry, L.J. Atterberry, George W. Abeling, M. E. Buster, James Buster, L. G. Cook, Joseph Cook, Pinkney Cook, D. W. Chambers, John S. Davis, William K. Davis, William Forbes, John W. Farmer, Robert C. Gaines, Abner George, Bunel C. Hart, C. R. Haverly, J. P. Higginbottom, Robert Hubbard, William H. Johnson, Jonathan Kimmel, W. E. Kimmel, David Kimmel, Samuel Ketchum, William S. Lea, William Lea, William B. Lea, James R. Lea, Alphius Land, John L. London, J. A. McQuary, James O. McNamis, Welcome McNamis, Ellis R. Nichols, John B. Newmyer, Peter Peterson, James M. Patrick, J. H. Rubeson, James R. Ramsey, F. R. Ruckraan, Benjamin F. Stone, Robert Seaton, Jonathan Scritchfield, John C. Scott, James M. Stacy, Jacob Walker, A. B. Youngblood, William C. Nichols, N. D. Nichols, John W. Whittaker and Thomas Pleas- ants of the Twenty-third Missouri ; Walker Lucas, Isaac Lucas, John McDaniel, Silas Titus, John Titus, Marion Hines and Hezekiah Edwards of Co. E, Twenty -fourth Missouri; George Young- blood, William Vestal and Frank McGuire of the Sixteenth Illinois; Thomas Walters, George D. Walters, James Stitt, Tim- othy Terrill, Philip J. Atterbery of the Seventh cavalry; John M. London, W. W. Jennings, G. L. Green, James Trant, E. F. Baugh, G. M. Dexter, James M. Hewell, James E. Bridewell, Claiborn Vestal, William Hagg, O. P. Bramball, John Cummings, J. W. Butler, W. W. Wixon, Peter Richmore, James M. Thomas, Robert M. Verden, Thomas E. Painter, H. C. Woodson, James A. Painter, William Satterfield, Redmond Whitehead, William M. Brogles, Benjamin F. Clark, Wylie Harris, Samuel Boston, J. F. 49 856 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Eodgers, Joel Cook, A. H. Means, Israel Jennings, Henry Buchanan, William J. Lawson, Frank G. Lester, Thomas J. McCall, H. G. Stephens, A. W. Porter, Terry Carter, John G. Carter, James W. Hitchcock, Nelson Lewellan, E. H. Lawson, A. h. Gray, Francis H. Berry, Samuel G. Davis, Herman Kemper, Levi D. Bradley, William H. Centers, A. E. Kockwood, Peyton Y. Hurt, John Vail, Thomas L. Nicherson, Thomas A. Smedley, Robert L. Turner, John C. White, John Witt, Peter M. Heaton, Isaac Whisenand, John L. Jones, Preston Helton, John Lane, William B. Shuffitt, George Burks, Charles Miller, C. R. Haverley, Thomas J. George, James D. Barn- hart, Hayden A. Butler, Jackson Botts, Thomas J. Combs, William R. Coiner, Robert L. Craig, John T. Crawley, Andrew J. Call, Joshua Carney, A. N. Dunn, Rhodes Davis, John W. Ellis, William V. Evans, B. F. Everhart, James F. Evans, Benjamin F. Fields, JohnM. Fields, William Forcht, John Frye, Thomas J. Garrison, Thomas M. Groves, Robert Gardner, Joseph Hewlett, Lawrence Hewlett, Joseph M. Henry, Daniel J. Hoagland, James T. Hunt, Thomas P. Hunt, Hiram G. Hunt, William J. Hunt, Melvin B. Hogden, James Inman, Oscar L. Jennings, Alexander L. Kale, Hiram Lucas, Daniel E. Livermore, Thomas Milledge, Thomas H. McKay, William H. McKay, Nathaniel Minks, Richard R. Minks, William Moody, John W. Patton, H. N. Parberry, John Pates, David S. Roberts, George W. Rice, Peter F. Rowland, George H. Stover, R. H. Smith, George A. Shirley, Henry Sulhoof, Dabney Stevenson, Joseph Smith, Anthony Samuels, John W. Stevens, M. T. Shelton, J. B. Shoemaker, A. N. Shelton, Nathan M. Smith, Charles Turley, McDonald Turley, Isaac Underbill, William T. Van Meter, Robert Vass, Thomas Wingfield, Patrick Waddle, William H. Wright, Milton C. Wright, William H. Wilcher, James F. Wilson, John L. Wilson, Thomas P. Whiteaker, A. H. Will- iams, F. M. Stice, Hardin Cornelius, John T. Hudson, Lewis Campbell, James W. Davis, Edward Huchshorn, Elijah C. Harp, John P. Ramsey, D. A. Shoemaker, Jonathan Kimmel, H. C. Shoe- maker, James Shoemaker, Milton Shoemaker, Richard Shoemaker, James E. Moorehead, Reuben Dowell, William Forbes, Temple F. Lundy, Richard West, William T. Shain, William S. Burk, Josiah Stanfield, Benjamin F. Arisman, Nicholas T. Green, JohnW. Lundy, George D. Walters, Thomas A. Vestal, John Dowell, William Holman," William T. Atwell, William Mendinghall, John S. White, William M. Fletcher, James W. Banning, Calvin Chopin, Harvey Richardson, John O. Lucas, Armistead Shain, John Sears, Isaac Murry, B. B. Richardson, Joseph Dennison, John A. Wilks, John Ballenger, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 857 Tavender W. Wilks, Marvin Stanfield, John H. Smith, John B. Cook, Allen Penton, Martin Coulson, Charles A. Daun, Elijah Dowell, George W. Kinney, William Adams, Alexander Mendinghall, James N. Fletcher, James H. Riley, James W. White, James K. Woodruff, William G. Sullivan, William F. Troutman, Aaron Liter, William J. Summers, Francis M. Rhodes, Isaiah E. Rhodes, Thomas W. Turner, William W. Turner, William Hardisty, Jacob Dixon, John A, Dale, David Bradley, Ed. G. Blankenship, John C. Love, Joseph Murphy, Lorenzo Medley, Mordecai McDonald, James W. Washburn, M. M. Underbill, A. Underbill, William Tbompson, James W. Shoemaker, Andrew W. Taylor, George W. Johnson, R. H. Terrell, J. B. J. Phipps, H. N. Burk, William F. Haines, Ed. C. Shain, James H. Brudlove, Jacob Vestal, William H. White, Allen Vestal, John J. Corley, Henry Smith, Andrew Agee, Edward Swink, M. H. Abbott, John W. Bailey, Nathan T. Bailey, Joseph Bailey, Francis M. Bradley, Thomas B. Burk, John A. Brown, Isaac N. Burk, John S. Butler, William T. Buchanan, William H. Cantwell, James Darrell, Peter Ful- ton, Robert W. Green, John Greenstreet, Thomas J. Green, Jepe Hall, John H. Hill, Thomas Kerby, John Kerby, Joseph F. King, John L. King, John K. Luster, John L. McCandless, Jepe Mitchell. George W. Dougherty, William C. Hall, A. R. Graves, John M. Carter, Samuel Henderson, A. T. Armstrong, A. J. Dabney, Benja- min Attebery, Harrison Able, John P. Attebery, M. V. Attebery, Theodore Attebery, George H. Ashlock, James W. Barnes, W^. D. Baity, B. P. Bernard, Robert Coiner, G. B. Cunningham, G. E. W. Cook, Thomas M. Cooley, Wijliam P. Clark, William H. Combs, John C. Cook, Hiram Conkling, D. S. Dauner, Jerry Dauner, Jacob Downey, William T. Dunington, O. P. Davis, J. B. Emmons, L. G. Emmons, Jonathan Ford, N. G. Farmer, Thomas L. Griffin, Howell Gee, B. F. Grisham, John H. Gilbreath, D. T. Galyer, William G. Hunt, William H. Hardgrove, George W. Johnson, Simon Kiper, James O. Lew, John S. Lew, Elijah Long, A. W. McDavitt, Basil McDavitt, William J. Milts, Burt Marten, John C. Mickells, James Meeks. Jonathan May, John S. Miles, A. J. Miller, A. J. Mathews, Henry A. Pulliam, Granville PuUiam, F. A. Patrick, W. R. Payne, R. E. Patrick, John M. Plummer, Hiram Robinson, George A. Red- mon, David T. Robinson, Benjamin Roberts, Alfred Shares, William Shares, Henry Sanders, William Simmons, William J. Saltmarsh, James H. Saling, Elijah S. Tate, William P. Tiller, Cyrenus Thomp- son, James W. Truett, A. G. Wilson, J. P. R. Yorenly, Albert Easley, J. B. Williamson, W. T. Williamson, C. H. Malone, Joseph R. Sum- 858 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. iners, C. W. Watts, James W. Gunnells, S. H. Shuett, George Lee, Levi M. Gunnells, Eobert Draper, Thomas J. Saunders, W. H. Pal- mer, A. C. Hajden, J. D. Thompson, George W. Gates, William Miller, Jacob C. Teter, John G. Dean. OCCUPATION OF MACON CITY BY UNION TROOPS. The first Union soldiers that reached Macon City Avere composed of Iowa and Illinois regiments, under the command of Brig. -Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut. They reached Macon City in June, 1861, on the Hanni- bal and St. Joe Railroad trains. Among the first acts was the cutting down of the Secesh pole that stood near the Harris House. The camp was just south of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad depot. A company of the sixteenth Illinois, under Lieut. Wilson was sent to take all the guns from the citizens of Bloomington. This was done early one Sunday morning, every citizen being arrested and placed under guard. They were all shortly released but the arms were taken to Macon City. Macon City was regarded by the Federal authorities as a good point for concentration of troops and as a strategic key to North Missouri from its railroad facilities. The arrival of Federal soldiers gave encouragement to the Unionists, and soon many compa- nies and regiments were organized and stationed at that point. Breastworks were thrown up in the eastern part of the town and occu- pied by the State M. S. M. The greatest number of soldiers at one time stationed at this place was 7,000, all under the command of Brig.- Gen. Hurlbut. Their stay was brief. Other troops from Iowa, Illi- nois, Wisconsin and other North-western States took their places. The Generals in command at different times were Merrill, Fiske and Guitar. The Colonels in command at different times were Foster, Gilstrap, Williams, Forbes and Eberman. The town presented at all times a military appearance. Soldiers were seen everywhere. The drum and fife and cavalry bugle kept the martial spirit in its proper bounds and discipline in good order. It was sometime after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox before Macon City was entirely relieved of troops. MILITARY EXECUTION AT MACON. On the 25th day of September, 1862, 10 Rebel prisoners were ex- ecuted, on the triple charge of treason, perjury and murder. On the day previous 144 prisoners, who had been confined in the " Har- ris House," in Macon, were sent by railroad to St. Louis, for im- prisonment during the war. The 10 retained had been condemned by HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 859 Gen. Lewis Merrill, or by a drum-head court-martial, to be " shot to death," because, as it was claimed, " each one of them had for the third time been captured while engaged in the robbing and the as- sassination of his own neighbors," and, therefore, were the most de- praved and dangerous of the gang. It was also charged, that " all of them had twice, and some of them three, and others had four times made solemn oath to bear faithful allegiance to the Federal Govern- ment, to never take up arms in behalf of the Kebel cause, but in all respects to deport themselves as true and loyal citizens of the United States." And it was further charged that "every man of them had perjured himself as often as he had subscribed to this oath, and at the same time his hands were red with repeated murders." The names of the condemned men were, Frank E. Drake, Dr. A. C. Rowe, Elbert Hamilton, William Searcy, J. A. Wysong, J. H. Fox, Edward Riggs, David Bell, John H. Oldham and James H. Hall. The ceremonies attending their execution were exceedingly impressive. On the morning of the 25th the condemned men were sep- arated from their comrades and confined in a freight car on the Han- nibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and were at the same time informed of the doom that awaited them. The next day the Rev. Dr. R. W. Landis, chaplain of the cavalry regiment known as " Merrill's Horse," was present to attend to the spiritual interests of the condemned. He called on them on the evening of the 25th and found them all deeply penitent and apparently making earnest preparations for death. They confessed they had Avronged the Government, wronged the State, wronged their neighbors and themselves : yet they declared they were not wholly responsible for their own acts. They had been led into evil — so they pleaded — through the influence of others. The prisoners spent most of the night in prayer. Next morning urgent appeals were made to Gen. Merrill, who was present in Ma- con, to spare th^r lives : to have them tried by civil courts ; to imprison them till the end of the war ; but he did not modify their sentence. One of these appeals came in the shape of a letter written by the youngest of the 10 — about 20 or 21 years of age — and simply claimed mercy for the writer. It was received early on the morning of the execution, and as the General was still in bed, the note was placed in the hands of his adjutant. The following is a verbatim copy : — general for god sake spare my life for i am a boy i was perswaded to do what i have done and forse i will go in service and figt for you and stay with you douring the war i wood been figting for the union if it had bin for others. J. A. Wysong. 860 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. At 11 o'clock, A. M., the procession was formed and the silent mul- titude, civil and military, moved at the signal of the muffled drum toward the field of execution near the town. The executioners were de- tailed from the Twenty-third Missouri infantry, and numbered 66 men. They marched six abreast with a prisoner in the rear of each file. A hollow square, or rather parallelogram was formed on a slightly declining prairie, a half mile south of the town. The executioners formed the south line of this square ; the balance of the Twenty-third Missouri, the east and west lines, and Merrill's Horse the north. The executioners were divided off into firing parties of six for each prisoner, leaving a reserve of six that was stationed a few paces in the rear. General Merrill and staff were stationed close within the north-east angle of the square. The firing parties formed a complete line, but were detached about two paces from each other. Each prisoner was marched out 10 paces in front and immediately south of his six executioners. This order having been completed, the prisoners were severally blinded with bandages of white cloth, and then required to kneel for the terrible doom that awaited them. At this time every tongue was silent and nothing was more audible than the heart- throbs of the deeply moved and sympathizing multitude. At a sig- nal from the commanding officer. Rev. Dr. Landis stepped forward to address the Throne of Grace. His prayer was the utterance of a pitying heart, brief and impressive. It was an earnest appeal for pardoning mercy for those who were about to step into the presence of God and eternity. And then followed the closing scenes of this bloody drama. The prisoners remained kneeling while 60 muskets were pointed at their palpitating hearts. The signal is given and the fatal volleys discharged, and the 10 doomed men make a swift exit from time to eternity. The bodies of five of the deceased were claimed by their respective friends ; the balance were interred by military direction.^ CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS. Capt. George W. Elliot, Capt. Isaac Gross, Lieut. B. T. Snod- grass, George Goddard, killed at Wilson creek ; William Goddard, John Goddard, James F. Gross, Capt. Thurman, John B. Trammel, died; James P. Cook, Asa Combs, Andrew Higginbotham, Perry Gross, Thomas Howard, Dr. Dil. Howard, Jerry Huffman, Joseph Huffman, James A. Huffman, William Lester, Frank Lester, Jackson 1 Switzler's History of Missouri, pp. 417, 418, 419. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 861 Cosby, Eobert Woods, D. Bunch, Perry Bunch, Thomas Bunch, Henry Fuught, Amos Morris, Maj. James Lovern, Abram Riley, Jacob Dixon, Bluford Engart, Dr. James D. Sparrow, John Sunder- land, Thomas Halstead, killed; Thomas Thurman, John H. Morsran, Zach. Miller, William Belmear, A. A. Shain, William Shain, Ben. B. White, Malin Hatfield, George Hatfield, James Hatfield, John Dri- ver, Ed. Lindsey, Abram Lindsey, Jacob Downing, Thomas Payton, John T. Banning, May Burton, William Burton, Charles Leathers, John Edgar, Clark Meadows, Frederick Switzer, Martin Poe, R. J. Guthrie, Ben Eli Guthrie, Thomas Moore, M. M. Carter, John Dale, Walker Catterton, Catterton, James Fletcher, James Palmer, Peter Heaton, Newton Switzer, Jr., Frederich Switzer, Eben Engart, Sr., Humphrey Engart, William Wilson, John Wilson, Green Bolman, James Bolman, Robert Bolman, John Reynolds, Eben Rey- nolds, James Reynolds, John Harris, Green Groves, Wesley Halli- burton, Logan Daniels, Jacob Johnson, Cyrus Halderman, Alfred Roberts, George Roberts, J. C. Hutton, John Grimes, Richard Grimes, William Nunn, James Menefee, Logan Hardiston, Thomas Hardiston, Spuce Cox, Carter Landison, Thomas Clark, John Deiner, Amos Lewis, W. D. Marmaduke, Thad. Marmaduke, J. B. Trammel, Thomas Halstead, James Huffman, Joseph Huffman, B. B. White, William Laister, Frank Laister, George W.Elliott, J. H. Morgan, X. J. Pindall, Horace Miller, Dudley Tobin, Jerry Huffman, John C. Love, Theodore Saunders, W. W. Moore, Carter M. Smith, Perry M. Stacy, James Lovern, George L. Turner, Isaac Gross, George God- dard, Benjamin R. Dysart, Ed. Coal, James D. Sharron, W. W. Palmer, Shad Davis, Fairbanks Larrabee, W. H. Terrell, James Rich- ardson, Edward Lindsey, Hiram Lindsey, John Holman, William Holman, James Holman, Richard Mott, William Mott. About 700 men went into the Union array from Macon county, and about 600 into the Southern army. Many of those who entered the Southern army were enrolled in the militia after their return home. They did this for protection. The people of the county were largely Southern in their sentiments. [By Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie.] A brief review of the Macon county men who went out in the com- pany of Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, in the State Guard, which company afterward became Co. I, of the Fifth Missouri infantry, pro- visional army of the Confederate States of America : John T. Banning, May Burton, William Burton, Charles Leathers, John Edgar, Clark 862 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Meadows, Frederick Switzer, Marion Poe, R. J. Guthrie, Thomas Moore, M. M. Carter, John Dale, Walker Catterton, James Fletcher, James Palmer, Peter Heaton and many others whose names have escaped the writer's memory, as well as others I'rom the adjoining counties of Randolph, Monroe and Chariton. This company left the county August 12, 1861, crossed the Missouri river at Brunswick in company with the company of Capt. William M. Neilson, of Chariton, and joined Col., afterwards Gen. Edward Price, at Marshall, and afterward was organized with the companies of Capts. James Lovern and Theodore Sanders into Bevier's battalion of Clark's division, M. S. G., and was engaged in the battle of Dry Wood, September, 1881, then with Gen. S. Price returned to Lexing- ton, where, with the companies of Capt. William H. Johnson, Isaac Groves, J. B. Griffin and James Hamilton, was organized into the Fourth regiment, third Clark's division, with R. S. Bevier, colonel ; F. X. Pindall, lieutenant-colonel ; James Lovern, major; Capt. J. P. Leeper, assistant-adjutant; and Thad. Marmaduke, sergeant-major; Capt. Thomas Rider, commissary ; Benjamin G. Dysart, surgeon ; and Henry Rider, hospital steward. This regiment took part in Price's Missouri operations during the fall and winter of 1861-62. In December, 1861, Col. Bevier took such of this regiment as he could get and went into the Confederate camp on Sac river, where he con- tinued to recruit until Price fell back to Springfield, where the recruit- ing continued, and large numbers of the Macon county men joined him until he had several companies, when the retreat from Springfield to Arkansas, in February, 1862, commenced, in which Bevier's battalion took part, being a part of the reserve to the rear guard. They also took a prominent part in the advance in March of that year, and the battle of Elk Horn Tavern. After the retreat from Elk Horn, these companies were consolidated with a battalion of Col. James McCowen, of Johnson county, into the Fifth Missouri infantry, provisional army, C. S. A. James McCowen, colonel.; R. S. Bevier, lieutenant; Col. Waddell, major; Lieut. Suppen, assistant-adjutant; Thad. Marmaduke, sergeant-major; Capt. Mildell, quartermaster; Dr. B. G. Dysart, surgeon ; Dr. Goodwin, assistant-surgeon ; and Dr. Wolfe, hospital steward. This regiment was then taken, with the rest of Van Dorn's army, to Corinth, Miss., marching from Frog Bayou to Des Arc, and then transported by boat to Memphis, and then by rail to Corinth, and were in Gen. Little's division of Price's corps, Beauregard's army, and participated in the operations around Corinth, and were in several important skirmishes and covered the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 863 retreating column on the east side of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad on the evacuation. They took part in the battle of luka in September, and the battle of Corinth in October, and covered Van Dorn's retreat down the Mississippi Central Railroad to Grenada, before Grant, in November and December. Spent the winter in Camp Rodgers, on the Yallabusha, 15 miles west of Grenada, and in January, 1863, were moved to Jackson, and in February to the Big Black, and afterwards to Port Gibson and Grand Gulf to meet Grant's advance on Vicks- burg. Took part in all the operations around these places, even making a brilliant reconnoissance across and up the west side of the river, and when pressed to retreat, the Third and Fifth Missouri made a brilliant dash through a cane-brake through McPherson's corps, and that gave time to burn the brido^es and move the train across the Bayou. It should be stated, after Gen. Little was killed at luka. Gen. Bowen (whose merits as a soldier, scarcely second to none, have been sadly overlooked) commanded the division. The command then took a prominent part in the battle of Baker's creek, cutting the Federal lines and saving Pemberton's army when they were falling back all along the line. An incident will serve to show the spirit of the Macon county boys. When Pemberton's lines began near its center to be pressed back, steadily and surely, he sent for Bowers' Missourians, who were to the right; they came marching in fours by the left flank, and arriving at the place where desired, so pressing was the necessity they were ordered to form by right into line in the midst of the flying'Confederates, and under the fire of the advancing and triumphant enemy. This maneuver, as a matter of course, doubled them up, and the line being long, those first formed were for a long time much exposed and pressed, and had to fall slowly back while the others formed. The Fifth regiment formed the center of the brigade, and Co. I was color company of the regiment, and just as it got on the line, the right gave way and fell back behind a fence, and the com- pany was compelled to do likewise, and the whole line was in that tremulous condition when no one could tell whether it would stand or run, when John Dale, suddenly jumping back over the fence, sang out at the top of his voice, "Come on Company I, we can whip the Yankee of ," and suiting the action to the word, advanced, the company following with a shout. The line to the right took it up, the left was given room and chance to form, and they cut their way through the enemy, and Pemberton got behind his works at Big Black. This is simply one of many instances of the daring of 864 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Macon county boys. The command was in the engagement at Big Black next day. They also constituted the reserve during the siege of Vicksburg. After the surrender they were placed in the camp, at Demopolis, Ala., wheue they became lions in the social world for miles around. In the fall they had their arms restored to them and were reviewed in the streets of Demopolis by Jefferson Davis and Joseph E. Johnston. They spent the winters in quarters at Meridian, Miss., attached to the headquarters of Gen. Johnston. It should be stated that Gen. Bowen died at Vicksburg, soon after the surrender, and few commanders have been more sincerely mourned than he. Gen. Cockrell became his successor. In January the com- mand was ordered from Meridian to Mobile, to meet a threatened attack, when under the command of Gen. Dabney H. Maury, an old friend-adjutant of Gen. Van Dorn, who had often commanded us about Corinth when Gen. Little was sick. He received us warmly, treated us most courteously, and provided for us bountifully and took great delight in exhibiting our soldierly bearing and capacity in fre- quent reunions and parades on Government street, where we won the admiration of the beauty and chivalry of the city. The command remained in Mobile until the spring when Sherman commenced his movement eastward from Vicksburg ; it proceeded to Brandon, Miss., to reinforce Gen. Johnston, and fell back with Johnston to Demop- olis, Ala., from where it was ordered to Lauderdale, Miss. ; thence in April to Tuscaloosa, Ala., whence it was in May ordered to join Gen. Johnston in Georgia, which it did at Eome on the evening of the night of the evacuation. In this grand campaign it was attached to Polk's (afterwards Stewart's corps) and took an active part in all the movements of Johnston's and Hood's army, to the close of the campaign at Jonesboro, Ga., in September, during which time it did not have a warm meal, all the provisions being cooked miles away and usually issued and sold to the men in the line of battle. The command was with Hood in his movement back through North Georgia and Tennessee to Nashville, and helped to tear up the railroad. Fought the battle of Altoona, Ga. ; was in the attack on Columbia, Tenn., and the battle of Franklin and the investment of Nashville by Hood. After the investment, marched to the mouth of Duck river, and then up to Bainbridge on the Tennessee river to rejoin Hood on his retreat out of the State. The company then marched to West Point, Miss., thence was sent by rail to Mobile, where in the spring it was a part of a garrison of Fort Blakely, across the bay from the city, and was captured by Gen. Canby on the evening of the day HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 865 Gen. Lee surrendered. The men and line and field officers were sent to Ship Island; in the Gulf, and the general officers were kept in the forts in Mobile Bay. Afterwards they were taken to New Orleans and thence to Vicksburg to be exchanged, and were put across the Big Black into the lines of Gen. Dick Taylor, on the evening of May 4, 1865. Gen. Taylor had on that day surrendered his department to Gen. Canby. The command in a few days afterwards was regu- larly paroled at Jackson, Miss., and turned loose, ragged and penni- less, in a country having only chimneys and a very few houses. But the Macon boys went to work with the same determination that characterized them as soldiers, and as a consequence they are all doing well and are good and upright citizens. CONFEDERATE OFFICER HANGED. fFrom the True Democrat.] The first and only execution by hanging in Macon county by official authority was that of a Confederate officer executed in Macon City in the fall of 1864. The officer was tried by a military court on sev- eral charges ; the only one now recollected was that of intercepting the United States mails within the Federal lines and examining the same. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hung at Macon City. The place of execution was in the south-western portion of the city. On the day of the execution thousands of citizens and soldiers assem- bled to witness the hanging, and to hear what the condemned officer had to say. As the hour drew near, the prisoner, properly escorted, arrived in a wagon, sitting on his coffin. He got out and rapidly ascended the ladder to the platform. Major McKay, provost marshal, read the order of execution. The prisoner asked and obtained leave to make a short address. He said: "lam a Confederate soldier, and have been tried and found guilty of intercepting the United States mails and have been sentenced to death by hanging. I think as an officer in the military service of the Confederate authorities, that in time of war I had the right to intercept anywhere any information that would be of service to me or my government. A soldier does not fear death. But a soldier prefers the bullet to the ignominious death of hanging." He then took the rope and put it around his neck and observed : *' I die a true Confederate soldier." The name of the Confederate officer is not recollected. He was a fine-looking young man and appeared to have no more fear of death than the greatest hero or Christian martyr recorded in history. CHAPTER XIII. EEUNIONS. There have been but two reunions of the old settlers of Macon county ; the first occurred in July, 1879, and the latter in September, 1883. OLD settlers' reunion AND PICNIC. [From the North Missouri Eegister of June 6, 1879.] The undersigned old settlers of Macon county, Mo., hereby call a meeting of the old settlers and the public, at Bloomington, on Friday the 4th day of July next. The object is a grand reunion of the old settlers of Macon county, and to organize an old settlers' society or association, and to hereafter to have annual reunions and talk of old things: Jacob Loe, Jeff Morrow, Sr., Kobert Green, Lewis Green^ William Blackwell, Robert M. M^^ers, Thomas Winn, Isaac Goodding, William Holman, Felix Baker, Moses Taylor, W. T. Gilman, Frederick Rowland, Robert Gibson, Sr., N. H. Tuttle, Sr., A. L. Giistrap, Isaac Gross, William Gross, Abraham Gross, Joseph Griffin, Bird Posey, W. S. Fox, John R. Watson, N. Switzer, John P. Walker, N. E. Walker, D. G. Buster, William R. Brock, John C. Pierce, William H. Jones, James O. Siltum, E. S. Gipson, A. J. Marshall, William Brammer, Claiborn Wright, Perry M. Stacey, Charles Barnes, R, S. Goodson, D. G. Sweeney, J. M. Ston, Sr., James Sears, Jacob Bell, O. Hattler, George A. Lyda, F. D. Dougherty, L. D. Miller, B. G. Barrow, William A. Miles, R. Dunniugton, B. F. Combs, Jesse Hall, William S. Crutchfield, Evans Wright, H. K. Smedley, A. J. Davis, Beverly Bradley, Thomas Bradley, Thomas G. White, John McDuff'ee, John Devoid, John A. Dale, G. H. Hindle, A. Mendinghall, Moses Burnett, Haz Snead, J. D. Penland, Willis Blue, M. H. Terrel, William Easley, Sr., B. Landre, James Landre, M. H. Abbott, Joshua Sency, A. Landre, James Johnson, Arthur Borron, J, P. Powell, S. C. Hamilton, John B. Griffin, E. C. Still, James Dysart, James Lovern, David Freeman, William King, J. N. Brown, Walter Owens, James Mott, Sam Humphreys, George Truitt, Thomas G. Sharp, James W. Cook, Joseph Stone, Hiram Stone, Bues Milam, John E. Ellis, C. P. Ross, Wesley Seney, Sid Skinner, Joseph Claybrook, Sr., James K. Linn, W. W. Wiggins, Phil Trammel, S. Atteberry, Mark White, Thomas Moody, John Vansickle. A committee consisting of the following old citizens will meet at Bloomington on Saturday, June 14, to select the ground and prepare (866) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 867 the same for the picnic, viz. : Judge Isaac Goodding, William Holman, A. Landre John McDuffee, Joseph Griffin, Green Posey, James K. Linn, W. Y. Seney and S. C. Hamilton. [From the Times.] At a meeting of a large number of citizens of Macon county, as- sembled at Bloomington on the 4th of July, 1879, to celebrate the National anniversary of Independence and for a reunion of the old settlers of Macon county, T. G. Sharp was elected chairman and J. H. Dameron, secretary. The chairman explained the object of the meeting. Prayer was offered by Rev. E. Talbot, after which the fol- lowing speakers were introduced by the chairman : W. S. Fox, Will- iam Blackwell, Jeff. Morrow, John McDuffee and Thomas Pool, all of whom made short and appropriate speeches, at the conclusion of which an adjournment for diimer was had, at which was found bounti- ful supplies and invitations to all to partake. After an hour of so- cial conversation and the reunion of old friends, the meeting was again called to order, when the following speakers were introduced : Isaac Goodding, G. H. Dameron, F. T. Mayhew, Rev. R. Dysart, G. H. Holderby, Felix Baker, W. T. Gilman and A. L. Gilman, and a few remarks were made by the chairman. The speeches were inter- esting, and the circumstances referred to filled many a heart with the recollection of the good old days past and gone. The rending of the Declaration of Independence, and the occasion being the anniver- sary of freedom, added to the enjoyment of the day. The reunion of the old friends was happy, indeed, to those who had not seen each other for years, and when reminded that some were there who would never meet again, many hearts were filled with sadness. This reun- ion at old Bloomington will long be remembered by many. The peo- ple are under many obligations to the good people of Bloomington and vicinity who so kindly made arrangements for their accommoda- tion. There is a general desire that these reunion meetings may be kept up. At 4 o'clock, p. m., after benediction by Rev. E. Talbot, the meeting adjourned. OLD SETTLERS. [Prom Macon Times, July 20, 1883.] At a meeting of the old settlers of Macon county held at the court- house in Macon City, May 26, 1883, it was unanimously agreed to hold a general reunion of the old pioneers of Macon county at Steele's Park, Macon City, Mo., on Saturday, the first day of September next. It was the desire of said meeting that an invitation be extended to all citizens of Macon and adjoining counties to attend and participate in this reunion of old settlers, and the undersigned was directed to appoint a committee consisting of one old citizen from each township and ward as a general committee on arrangements and invitations. I have therefore selected the following named persons to act as said commit- 868 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. tee, and would request them to meet at the court-house in Macon on Saturday, August 4, to make arrangements for the reunion, to wit: Middle Fork township, Newton Switzer ; Round Grove township, John D. Smith ; Ten Mile township, John B. Griffin ; Jackson town- vship, Daniel J. Sweeney ; Johnston township, James Johnson ; Nar- rows township, William P. Chandler; Hudson township, James A. Terrell ; Eagle township, S. F. Blackwell ; Lyda township, William A. Miles ; La Plata township, John Gilbreath ; Chariton township, Lewis Green ; Bevier township, Timothy Cooley ; Liberty township, Joseph Griffin ; Independence township, Jacob Low ; Richland town- ship, William Cross ; Morrow township, D. J. Buster ; Callao town- ship, Samuel Humphreys; Valley township, William King ; Walnut township, James R. Hull ; Easley township, William Easley ; Lingo township, Lee Lingo ; Russell township, Alexander Mendenhall ; White township, H. K. Smedley ; Drake township, Thomas Ratliff; Macon — 1st ward, J. N. Brown; 2d ward, Walter Toole; 3d ward, William C. Smith. [From the Times, August 10, 1883.] The various township committeemen appointed to make arrange- ments for the meeting of the old settlers of Macon county assembled at the court-house on Saturday, August 4th, and were called to order by Hon. Jefferson Morrow at 2 o'clock p. m. On motion, Maj. Nor- ton Brown was chosen chairman and J. G. Howe secretary. The invitation to hold the reunion at Steele's Park Saturday, September 1, 1883, was accepted. A general discussion of the nature of the exer- cises and a free interchange of views were had between the members, and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee of arrange- ments and programme : J. A. Terrell, W. P. Chandler, Jefferson Mor- row, Jacob Bell and Philip Trammel. This committee was duly instructed to make arrangements for the meeting of old settlers and prepare a programme, and also to secure a band of music if prac- ticable. Committee of Speakers, — J. G. Howe, G. W. Kinchloe and D. J. Swinney. It was the sense of the meeting, however, that the speaking be confined mostly to the old settlers, who would give their recollections of early life in Macon county. A motion was made and carried that every citizen of Macon and adjoining counties be cordially invited to come with baskets well stored with provisions, so that all might eat and be filled, and have a grand old reunion. On motion Gen. William M. Vancleve, J. T. Jones and James G. Howe were appointed a committee to secure reduced fare on railroads, and make suitable arrangements for the care of visitors from abroad who may remain over night. On motion the committee then adjourned. The greatest interest and enthusiasm were manifested by all to make the reunion a grand success. i HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 869 After the general committee had adjourned, the committee of ar- rangements met and organized by electing J. A. Terrell, chairman, and Phillip Trammel, secretary. The committee then adjourned to meet on Wednesday, August 8th, at 1 o'clock, p. m., at the park, to give directions for the preparation of the grounds, and prepare a pro- gramme to carry out the views of the general committee. J. N. Brown, Chairman. J. G. Howe, Secretary. The committee of arrangements met at the appointed time and pro- ceeded to arrange a programme. A large number of citizens of Macon City having expressed a de- sire to the committee to be allowed to participate in the reunion and aid in its labors, the following gentlemen are hereby appointed a committee on behalf of Macon Cit}-^ to procure a band and make such other demonstrations of welcome and entertainment as in their discre- tion they may desire ; John Scovern, William H. Sears, Ben Eli Guthrie, Frank Dessert and Eli J. Newton. On motion the committee adjourned. J. A. Terrell, Chairman. Philip Trammel, Secretary. [Taken from the Macon Times of September 17, 1883.] The old settlers' reunion for 1883 is a thing of the past, but was an event in the history of Macon county and Macon City to be remem- bered down through years and years to come by thousands who were present. The day was beautiful — all that could have been desired, except that it was a little warm and dusty. The business houses and many residences w*re profusely decked with flags and streamers, and the entire city and population put on their holiday attire to welcome the old settlers and make their visit to the capital city pleasant. By 10 o'clock the streets were thronged with people, many having arrived in the city the previous evening. About 10 : 30, Gen. Vancleve, chief marshal, and his assistants, W. H. Sears, Esq., and Dr. E. B. Clements, formed the procession, which began at once to move in the following order: Macon cornet band; carriage containing Mayor Richardson and Congressman Hatch ; car- riages containing old settlers ; carriages containing city and county officers ; citizens generally. After going through the principal streets, the procession passed out Rollins street to Steele's park, where the meeting was called to order by Gen. Vancleve and prayer offered by Rev. Walter Toole. The old settlers were then welcomed to the capital in a happy and pleasing address by Mayor Richardson. Rev. Walter Toole responded in behalf of the old settlers in very appropriate terms. Among those honored with seats upon the stage we noticed old Uncle Bobbie Gipson, 117 years old; Lewis Green and wife, both 77 ; W. T. Gilman, 73 ; John W. Lewis, 70 ; Jeff' 870 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Morrow, 70; Mrs. Jeff, Morrow, 64; James D. Eichardson, 64; W. T. Holraan, Col. Hatch, Rev. Walter Toole and Gen. Vancleve. Noon having arrived, dinner was announced, which had been brought in baskets and found to be in abundance. Many of the people of the city spread tables upon the ground. The afternoon was taken up in speech-making by the old settlers and awarding the presents made by the citizens of the city of Macon. The following letter was read by Ben E. Guthrie, which explains itself : — "August 31, 1883. " William S. Crutchfield was born March 3, 1820, in Howard county, six miles from Glasgow. His parents remained there until he was six years old. They then removed to Randolph county near Huntsville. I remained there till 1837, and then came to Macon county, near old Bloomington. In the year 1840 I went back to Randolph county, and was married the 17th of December ; thence, the 10th of January, I moved back to Macon. I then built a log shanty, split out puncheons and floored it with them. I had one two- year-old filly and a heifer to begin on. This was on the place Will- iam Holman lives on now. In the spring I cleared six acres, and it being in timber, I carried the most of the rails to fence it. We had no wagons here then. I went to the woods, cut a tree and sawed wheels and made a wagon to do my hauling on. That is what you call fogy ; you do better, but I thought it was fogy. There was plenty of game here then; deer, turkeys and some panthers were killed after I came here. I now give you the names of my neigh- bors that were here when I came : Felix Baker, Eli Goodding, Nich- olas Goodding, Isaac Goodding, Nathan Richardson, Johnny Walker, Jesse Walker, John, Bell, Urban East, WiUiam Blackwell and old man Penick. The only house between here and Huntsville was Simeon Cannon's, three miles south of Macon. We lived easy here then ; we all kept plenty of deer and turkey in our smoke-houses. Our nearest mill was at Huntsville, kept by old Uncle Billy Goggin. When we got out of meal, and corn was hard enough to grit, we made gritters, and when it got too hard to grit, we burnt out the end of a log and made a mortar, put in what we called a pestle and made hominy. I guess some of the people here would call that old fogy, but I wish we could have such old fogy again. W^e killed deer, dressed their skins and made our pants and hunting shirts out of them. We lived easy, did not work much; our hogs fattened on the mast, so there was no need to work much. Some had clapboard ills were broke in two. Loss on property about $2,000. Three hundred yards west of Mr. Clarkson's the buildings and lrees of Esq. Joe Burris were swept away, his family being saved in the cellar. Esq. Burris had a fine place, and it is thought $4,000 will not replace his improvements. Burris' school-house near by was razed to the ground and his wife seriously hurt. A quarter of a mile this side of Mr. Burris' the place of Mr. Rigger, a German, was damaged, but no particulars learned. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. - 889 Still further north-east a quarter of a mile, William Shunk's house was unroofed and a girl injured. A half mile north, the buildings on the place of John Blankenship were riddled. Loss $1,500 to $2,000. A half mile still further to the north-east is the place of Charley Buster, whose buildings were all destroyed. When the shock came the family ran into the smoke-house, but just as they entered it it was carried off. The house belonged to James Banta. Loss oi) buildings about $500. Mr. Buster's loss is about $150. In the same neighborhood Mrs. John Miller's barn was unroofed and wrecked. A half mile this side of Buster's the house belonging to Evans Wright and occupied by Evans Summers was blown down and burned catching fire from the stove. The house was not valuable — worth perhaps $300. Mr. Summers lost everything in his house. In the same neighborhood the Imildings of Mrs. Jane Rower were unroofed, but could not get particulars. The chimney on Allen Miller's house was torn down and his barn wrecked. Damage about $400. All the buildings on Allen Banta's place, still further north-east, were razed to the ground, but the family, fortunately, were not at home. The loss is put at $2,500. Three-fourths of a mile or so north-east the barn of Thomas Roberts was unroofed and his house wrecked. Damage about $1,500. Next north-east, less than a mile, the house of Wes Banta was razed to the ground, but the barn still stands, though wrecked. Damage about $()00. In same neighborhood the house of Thomas Banta was lifted up, the end carried around 40 or 50 feet and set down entirely away from the foundation, the east front turned directly north. Part of the roof was torn off, but it did not look to be otherwise greatly damaged. Some of Mr. Banta's out-houses were razed to the ground. The above two gentlemen compose the firm of Banta Bros., grocers, on Rollins street, this city. The next house in the line of the storm was that of Elijah Banta's, where quite a number of the relatives and friends had assembled to see Mrs. Banta and Mr. James, Mrs. Banta's father, both of whom were confined to their beds in the house with illness. There were in all 17 persons in the house, but (me of whom escaped entirely un- hurt, and not a stick of a single building on the place was left stand- ing. Of those in the house, Mrs. Elijah Banta was fatally injured, living about half an hour, and Mr. Mordecai Harp and his son Alonzo were seriously and perhaps fatally injured. The old gentleman was bruised about the stomach, and the young man had a frightful hole — large enough to admit of three fingers — torn into his side under the arm-pit, extending into the hollow of the body. The bedstead on which Mr. James Avas lying was carried away, and he left lying on the ticking on the floor where the bed 890 , HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY stood, and was not seriously hurt. Dr. Jackson, who was then attending him, was carried out with the debris and lodged under a part of the building, but was saved from perhaps fatal injuries by the wind under the timbers raising them up, and every time the timbers thus loosened he would straighten out. Twice the pile upon him was thus lifted, when the current carried it otf, releasing him. As it was, his ankle was dislocated, and he was sorely bruised. He got up and inquired if any one was killed or seriously hurt. He was told there was not, and soon started for Mr. Thomas Miller's, accompanied by Alonzo Harp, who was wounded in the side, but he did not know he was so seriously hurt. At Miller's Dr. Jackson did Avhat he could for Harp, and securing a horse, his own escaping unhurt from the stable at Banta's, rode home. It is remarkable how the Doctor got home, crippled as he was. In addition to those already mentioned as being in Mr. Banta's house were Mrs. Mordecai Harp, Elijah Banta, William Barnes and wife, Stephen Smith and wife, Arthur Cooley and wife and C. L. Barrow. We did not get names of the others. Some strange things were noticed at Mr. Banta's place, among others, two chickens and a turkey that came out of the storm minus many feathers, places on then! being entirely bare. They seemed to be otherwise serene. Just how the storm tore the feathers from these fowls we do not attempt to explain, but it is certain it did it. Next in the path of the cyclone was the splendid improvements of T. B. Miller, which were entirely destroyed and scattered through the woods. Fortunately his family were unhurt. Some of their barn was left standing. The trees about the place were torn up by the roots. The damage is perhaps $2,500. A quarter of a mile west William Burton's house was unroofed. North-east half a mile Charles Ross had recently built a small box house, which he and his family occupied. Nothing was left standing on the place, and Mr. Ross was killed, thougb we could not learn details. In fact, in each case it was simply a shock, and all was laid in ruins, and the storm had practically subsided or passed on by the time those present recovered from the jar. In the same neighborhood Mr. Smith's house and barn were destroyed and Mr. S. slightly hurt. Along the path of the storm as it crossed East fork, great damage was done to timber, and where the hills were struck on this side the grass was peeled otf. It was also plain that when the cyclone struck these hills it was at least partially scattered and turned up the little valley, or else it would have passed along the west or north-west side of town. This course was plainly indicated by a lot of flour scattered some distance in that direction from Elijah Banta's house, and was also indicated by the effect on the hills where the cyclone struck. The next damage was to Mr, Jurgensou's barn, on the edge of the town, which was damaged about $300. Near by Mr. William Magnus* barn was destroyed, and two rooms to his house torn away. Damaged about $1,300. ■ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 891 A Strange incident in this locality is found in the fact that about three feet of water in Capt. Bill Smith's pond, on the old Lyle place, was taken out. It is hard to tell where the storm first struck, or the direction it took, for boards were scattered in every direction. The wind first struck the large frame house of Charles Lawrence, east of town, tear- ing off a portion of the roof, scattering shingles and fragments of bo^irds in every direction, tearing down fences, moving his stable about six feet and twisting large trees from their roots. It next struck the house of Joseph Guy, colored, injuring Lizzie Guy in the side, seriously. Next it struck the house of Shadrack Fray, colored, tear- ing down outhouses, fences, trees and partially unroofing his resi- dence. Several little shanties in the track of the cyclone were demolished, and the debris scattered for miles across the country. The ice house and stable of Maurice O'Brien were partially torn down, both unroofed and house slightly damaged. It struck the residence of Jerry Allen, colored, in the eastern part of the city, tearing out windows, sending large timbers through the weather-board- ing and plastering, moving the house eight or ten feet and demolish- ing everything within. The house of Walker Tidings, colored, next followed", the^roof falling in on the inmates, who were in the act of retiring for the night. Here the great strength of the seething, whirling, destroying monster was fully portrayed. A large safe, or cui)board, filled with dishes, was carried a distance of 75 yards and dashed to the ground, demolishing everything. Mrs. Tidings and a little girl were injured by timbers falling on them. A large two-story house, owned by G. Steiger, Chicago,"in the south-east part of the town, un- occupied, was crushed to the earth like an egg shell, and is a total wreck. In its track was the public school building for the colored people, a commodious brick structure, leveling it to the ground, the walls falling in every direction. The building is a total wreck. The house of Anthony Haley, colored, was next demolished, the inmates sustaining slight bruises and cuts. J. W. Riley's fences and out- buildings were blown down, a shed falling on his buggy and smashing it. Thomas Hanrahan, adjoining Riley's, had his house whirled around ofl^the foundation and kitchen turned over. Charles Soldan's residence was partially unroofed, stable and fence blown, and large mai)le trees torn up by the roots. The house of George Houser suffered considerable damage by being partially unroofed, and the property of W. C. Belshe, adjoining, had all the outhouses and fences blown down. The house of a colored w^oman named Smith was moved about three feet. L. P. Woodridge's fence, two or three out- buildings blown down and shade and fruit trees torn up by the roots, and twisted off as one would twist a blade of grass. Shade trees ruined at the residence of Otto Habbermann, Mrs. Troester, William Trister and the porch of the residence of Mrs. C. Brown was carried awav, as were all the fences and other appurtenances thereon. The African M. E. Church was struck from the south-east and 892 HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. toppled over, partly fiiliing on the side of the house owned and occupied by Jesse McNutt, colored, moving the house about three feet. Luckily there is a tornado risk on the church for $1,000. Other and minor buildings were demolished, and to attempt to enumerate the extent of damage done to trees, fences and other smaller items would be too lengthy for our time and space. The devastater struck the two-story frame house of Willis Turner, a colored man, tearing it down, the timbers falling on George Turner, father of Willis, injuring him it is supposed fatally. The old agricultural works building was partially unroofed. The building on the south-east corner of Vine and Ruby streets, occupied by D. K. Hagy as a residence and place of business, also felt the power of the cyclonic destroyer; the upper portion of the east wall for 15 or 20 feet south of Vine was blown out. Joseph and J. H. Patton had their outbuildings and fences scattered, and the residences of Mr. N. Hunt and Dr. Still suffered in like manner. Mrs. Jennie Barrow's fine residence, just beyond the southern limits of the city, was considerably damaged, but the loss is fully covered by a cyclone policy. The residence of Mr. Hornback was partially unroofed, and Mr. C Strong's property suffered somewhat also. Although the damage to the eastern portion of the town was great, excepting the school-house and church, the damage done in the western part was equally as great. Everywhere one went the marks of the cyclone's terrible work were plainly visible. Mr. Phil. Reichel's property sustained serious damage, outhouses and fences being blown away, and the roof of his residence being damaged greatly. The residence of Mr. Chope was seriously injured, the fences were torn down, and his stable was lifted completely ofi' the ground from over his horses, leaving them standing tied in their places, one of them receiving only a slight scratch on the side. The stable was carried a short distance and then dashed to the ground and de- molished. A house, unoccupied, owned by D. H. Pa3^son, was partially blown away, the fences being blown down and the wind twisting up a huge silver-maple tree by the roots. The house occupied by Mr. Ballon, near the old Catholic Church, was damaged, the large trees and outbuildings torn down and scattered. In some places the limbs of trees that were verdured with the richness of spring were stripped clean of their foliage, as if one had taken a knife and trimmed the leaves off. The stable of Thomas Bledsoe blew down upon his horses, and he and his wife rushed out in the hail and wind and heroically threw the boards and heavy rafters off the poor brutes, thereby saving their lives. The house of Fred. O'Neil, colored, was completely gutted, both ends being blown out, the wind sweeping through, taking everything out of the house and scattering them over the prairie and yards. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 893 George Sherman had his stable, fences and other buildings torn down. The residence of Benjamin Woodson suffered next, the roof being partially torn off, fences and outbuildings being torn down. The house of William Forcht was damaged, outhouse and fence carried away, a small meat-house being lifted up and carried a dis- tance of 50 feet or more, and thrown up against the house of Anthony Roan (colored), mashing in the end, and knocking it from its foun- dation. Houses owned by Mrs. Smith, Wherley Patton, Phoebe Watts, Mahala Austin, Joe Allen, John Washington, Margaret Allen, were all damaged, Mrs. Patton being slightly injured by flying boards. The property of A. R. Lemon suffered extensive damage. Mrs. Vaughn, a colored woman, was in bed at the time the cyclone struck, and was picked up, bed and all, and was carried out into her garden, and was gently let down, receiving no injury. Her house, a two-story, was mashed into match-wood. Her escape can be regarded as mirac- ulous, as well as providential. There were quite a number of other buildings blown down and an immense lot of property destroyed, but the manner in which we escaped was simply wonderful. There is not a house that is standing in the track of the cyclone, but what is more or less damaged. The blacksmith shop of Ab. Bohannan was unroofed and the front end blown out, and the bill boards of both circuses smashed into pieces and distributed promiscuously over the common and street. Two freight cars on the Wabash Railroad were blown over, while the old hay press structure, standing within 25 or 30 feet, that three men could push over, was left standing. There were several very narrow escapes of individuals with their lives, which were marvelous. Henry Braggo, a colored boy, was struck by a flying tree and picked up and carried a distance of 75 yards into a yard, sustaining no further in- jury than a few bruises on the face and about the ribs. Paul Walker, a colored man, was lifted by the wind and carried a distance of 100 feet over the railroad track, receiving severe injuries. A large barrel half filled with mortar, was blown up into the air a distance of 100 feet, striking edgeways on the roof of a house, cutting a hole therein and knocking out the end of the barrel. In the busi- ness part of town but little damage was done, excepting to Hagy's building, A few window glass were blown out of the stores of J. W. Angus, J. T. Gellhaus and E. J. Newcomer & Co. ; and a portion of the front of Jackson & Raines' livery stable and the fronts out of two small buildings on Weed street. There are other incidents so wonderful that they are hardly credit- able, that could be told but space forbids. • We have endeavored to give as minute an account of the terrible work of the cyclone as could be obtained. The wind evidently came from every quarter, as frag- ments of buildings, etc., could be found in all directions. Macon has had her long-looked-for cyclone, and the terrible work it has wrought will long be remembered by the people whom it visited. 894 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. The colored people suffered mostly, and some are in very distressed circumstances, as they have lost everything. The scene of tlie wreck is a distressing one. Men with resolute faces are working faithfully, silently, to gather about them all that is left for them to gather. Women and children, some weeping, others more courageous are helping their husbands and friends to erect a place of shelter from the rain of another night. The work is a terri- ble work, but 'tis done. [From Macon Times.] In our extra we overlooked the misfortune visited upon our neigh- bor the Republican. The roof was blown from the building occupied by J. G. Vancleve, the upper story of which is occupied as a part of the Republican printing office. This part of the office was flooded with water making matters unpleasant and inconvenient for a time. NOTES AND INCIDENTS. Numbers of the citizens sought refuge in cellars, and thus escaped the fury of the wind. A large barn of Mr. F. Jurgenson was lifted from its foundation and carried over a smaller building and then torn to pieces. Household goods, wearing apparel, pieces of furniture, cooking utensils and other articles were found scattered for miles over the prairies and fields. One old darkey, who lost heavily by the cyclone, remarked the next day, " That he wouldn't have cared much, but it blowed de finest chicken I had into de well." A colored wOman named Irving was hung up in a large oak sapling, where she remained for an hour, so badly frightened that she was unable to come down or help herself. A darkey named Tidings had his house lifted clear ofi* of the ground and a portion of it carried over 20 feet with its occupants and then dropped to the ground, falling to pieces and injuring the inmates. Tuesday morning some gentlemen were trying to hire some negro men to go out into the country, and put up fence. One negro replied, " No, sah ; my house was injured, and I'se lookin' fur de 'lief committee now." Alonzo Harp, the young man who was injured in the cyclone last Sunday evening, was one of the most highly esteemed young men of the county, and his death, which occurred Wednesday morning, was sad indeed. He was to have been married the next day, Thursday. An infant, five months old, belonging to a negro woman named Mc- Kenny, was lifted by the wind, carried over 300 yards and dropped into a field owned by Charles Lawrence, where it was found in the morning uninjured, though drenched to the skin. When found the little one was laughing and contented. A negro child, three years old named Murphy, was found near the Barrow house, south of town. How she got there, she cannot tell, and no one knows, but she was found in her night clothes, at a dis- tance of nearly a half mile from the house in which her parents lived, which was totally wrecked. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 895 The remarkable fact was demonstrated by the cyclone Sunday, that wearing apparel, bed clothhig, etc., with which it came in contact, when found, were completely rotten, appearing to be nothing but a mass of ashes, but retaining their shape until handled, although the articles looked sound to eye, and did not have any of the marks of fire about them. Another remarkable feature of the cyclone is, that through the for- ests where it passed, the leaves on the trees turned completely black as though a heavy frost had fallen upon them. These two features, taken in connection, strengthens and goes a long way towards proving the electrical theory of Prof. Tice, in regard to these phenomena, to be correct. Mr. John Blankenship, who was seriously damaged by the cy- clone, was standing looking directly at the storm as it approached. When the torrent was within 300 yards of his house, a large ball of fire shot down to the o-round and at almost the same instant the house was riddled. Where the ball of fire struck the ground the earth is packed very hard, as though it had been beaten down with a maul. Elijah Banta, whose buildings were swept away and wife killed by the cyclone Sunday evening, says the shock sounded like the discharge of a single cannon at a distance, and that for a moment after the shock he knew nothing except that a great torrent of mud and trash poured upon him. He could not see a particle, and when he at- tempted to rise it seemed he was submerged in steam from a boiling kettle. The kindness displayed by the citizens in turning out Tues- day and rebuilding the fences blown down, speaks volumes for the community. About 400 men were on the grounds, coming from the towns west as far as Chillicothe. The noble sons of Bevier turned out to the tune of near 100, with a liberal number from Summit. Several gangs went out from Macon, notwithstanding losses here which demanded attention. Although some objects to the spectators who witnessed the terrible work of the cyclone were pitiful and dis- tressing, there were also some incidents which were ludicrous as well as amusing. Our paragrapher was amazed at the lightness of heart with Avhich some people bore their losses. One old colored woman weighing over 250 pounds was somewhat amusing to the bystanders as she recounted her experience of the terrible situation. On being questioned, she told her story : — "1 was stan'in' by de doah," she said, "an' I seed de sto'm comin'. It looked like two race bosses on de rampaige. I got in de house an' got all de chillern an' de ole man in de house. De ole man an' fo' ob de chillern got agin' de back doah and I an' five ob de chillern got agin' de front doah. I was holdin' Mary Ellen's baby which is five months ole. Den de wind struck ; de doah begin to gib wa3^ an' I sed to de ole man, ' Lawdy, Joe, I dun tole you I kent hoi' dis yar doah no longer, ' an' de doah busted in. Fo' God, chile, you'd orter see de chillern an' de res' ob de firniture fly ! " Another old colored lady, whose house had been swept away, and 896 . HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. who weighed over 300 pounds, was completely overcome by her situ- ation. Although she was fat — not fair — and fifty, she wept. "Chile," she said, between her sobs, "I heerd it comin' and I fought dat de shoutin' time, an' I begin to pray, chile ; I prayed, an' ebery time dat house shuk I yelled an' prayed. Den I begin to sing, but w'en dat house, floo' an' all begin to crawl from under me I fouo-ht the kingdom had come, shuah ; an' ebery crawl dat house took I'd yell, Lawd, she's a comin'. Den de house was lifted clean up, floo' an' all, ober dat little shed ober dar, an' we'n I woke up I war layin' ober dar, wid my head in de flou' ches' ; oh, honey, dis am terrible." HURRICANE, JULY 13, 1883. [From Macon Times] . Never before, perhaps, in the history of Macon were her citizens in o-reater despair than during the hour in which the storm raged over the city with such frightful aspects. It was a time when strong men were weak ; it was a time when it were arrant cowardice to say one was not afraid. It was an hour of terror to every heart waiting, watching and fearing that every mo- ment the worst would come. It was a time when they thought little of personal bickerings ; but turned in vain to those nearest with ap- pealing eyes, only to join each other in shuddering and scringing at each succeeding gust of wind that swayed and rocked everything in its path. It was a time when the heavens seemed filled with clouds that had no "silver lining;" but when they had cleared away all seemed grateful that the damages resulting were no worse. The storm began, at a little past three o'clock, and made earth hideous for more than an hour. At one time it was so dark that one could scarcely see in a room, and during a great time of the storm it was difficult to tell whether houses were down or standing across the street, the water, which fell so fast, being blown in such blinding sheets. The heaviest loss in the city was that of St. James' Academy, prized by all as the pride of the city. After a hard struggle, a large and imposing three-story wing to the old building was nearing com- pletion. It was to have been finished in five weeks, but the storm laid the new addition in ruins, leaving the original building standing. The walls of the academy fell upon a portion of the residence of the rector. Rev. Mr. Talbot, and crushed it to the ground ; but, fortu- nately, no one was in the house at the time, the family being at Fayette. CHAPTER XYI. Agricultural Societies — Granges — Coal and Fruit Interests — Official Record. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. The people of Macon county, feeling the need of a county fair, effected an organization in 1859. The benefits of such an organiza- tion, when rightly conducted, are varied and manifold. The society placed right ideals before the people, and by various incentives, called them to a higher plane of thought and action. The best thoughts of the world, the results of much study, experiment and investigation, are transferred from all lands and brought into the homes of the people. The premium list covers the whole circle of human industries, and every family in the county feels the benefits incident to emulation. The gathering of people in masses and the annual display of the best products for examination, comparison and study, carries higher ideals and new thoughts to every home. Farm- ers discuss these matters around the fireside and their farms begin to show improvements in every way. Improved breeds of stock are introduced, better seed is sown, and new cereals tried, improved implements are bought, farm-houses are constructed on better plans, and the home is furnished with many comforts and luxuries which would never have been thought of, without the fair. It may be con- ceded that conductors of fairs have fallen below the true ideals, and have not used all the forces placed in their hands by these organiza- tions for human improvement, but the Macon county fairs have never fallen below the average. The Macon County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was incor- porated June 6, 1859, with the following members: Frederick Eow- land, Thomas Pool, Joseph D. Butler, William Griffin, James Parker, J. H. Bean, William T. Griffin, B. T. Grafford, William Henry, Jesse Hall, William Holman, Samuel P. Brown, William Palmer, Georgi' S. Palmer, S. S. Winn, Thomas Winn, Sr., Franklin Hord, William S. Fox, W. D. Bean, J. W. Lamb, John Hoyne, B. F. Coulter, B. E. Harris, M. P. Haley, Thomas Winn, Jr., Thomas P. Eubey, W. C. Smith, S. Davis, R. S. Bevier, A. P. McCall, Albert Larrabee, E. A. (897) 898 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Matiiey, Charles Parker, B. F. Stokes, J. H. Petty, W. R. Brock, Thomas L. Gorhara, H. B. Menfey, James A. Terrell, D. H. Cald- well, J. M. Burk, A. T. Turry, Ludwell Evans, J. B. Rodgers, Adin Atteberry, W. C. Phelps, R. S. Rally, Harry Taylor, J. S. Boice, Alfred Ray, N. H. Patton, W. P. Chandler, R. D. Summers, R. T. Johnson, W. D. Bartle, R. T. Ellis, W. M. Rubey and Isaac Goodding. The second fair was organized in 1868, April 6th, with the follow- ing officers : — Old stockholders in new organization, with others — Isaac Good- ding, president ; James A. Terrell, vice-president ; Isaac Goodding, John P. Walker, Dermenas Banta, J. Hendershott, James A. Terrell, William C. Smith, A. P. McCall, N. H. Patton, William Holman, directors; R. E. Eggleston, secretary; J. M. Bourke, treasurer. The last fair was held in 1874. GRANGES. There were 18 lodges of Patrons of Husbandry in the county, num- bering fully 1,000 members. COAL AND FRUIT INTERESTS. It has been estimated that about two-thirds of Macon county is un- derlaid with coal of the best quality. The most important of the workable mines are those which are located at and near the town of Bevier, five miles west of Macon. At this point Loomis and Snively operate mines numbers one, three and four. The firm is composed of W. H. Loomis, L. J. Loomis and S. V. Snively. These mines were opened before the late Civil War by the Central Coal Mining Company. Loomis and Snively mine their coal by machinery without picking it into screenings. Their shafts are sunk from 60 to 70 feet below the surface of the earth. They own 2,000 acres of coal land. In the winter of 1883-84 they shipped from 800 to 900 car loads of coal per month, and employed from 300 to 400 men. In the summer th'ey shipped from 600 to 700 cars per month. The coal veins average about four and one-half feet in thickness. Thomas Wardell, of Macon, owns three mines at Summit in the vicinity of Bevier ; only two of these are now worked. He employs about 200 men in the winter, and from 80 to 100 men in the summer. He ships upon an average about 257 cars of coal per month ; the vein is four feet in thickness, and the shafts run to a depth of 100 feet. Mr. Wardell owns 2,800 acres of coal lands. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 899 The Ouk Dale Company, composed of J. W. Atwill and H. J. Seip, located at Bevier, employ about 75 men upon an average, and ship 200 cars of coal per month. This company works mine number two, which was opened during the late war. The coal is about four feet thick ; 60 foot shaft. This company owns 120 acres of coal land. The Watson Coal Mining Company is also located at Bevier, and is operated by W. S. Watson & Sons. The mine was opened in 1882; four and one-half foot vein and 75 foot shaft. About 80 men are em- ployed ; 300 cars of coal are shipped in winter per month and about 125 in the summer. The Emmerson coal mines are in Narrows township and are owned and operated by William H. Jones & Co., the members of the com- pany being William H. Jones, P. Y. Hurt, Jefferson Morrow, C. M. King, George King, William King, John King, Henry Vanskike. These mines work about 50 men, and ship about 75 cars of coal per month. The richest coal fields in the county, so far as they have been de- veloped, are in Bevier and Chariton townships. The fields occupy the country lying below the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, between the Wabash Railroad and Middle fork of the Chariton river, and cover an area of about 70 square miles. Coal is found in sections 21, 22, 4, 8 and 9 in Chariton township. In section 22 the vein is about seven feet in thickness. The mines in Chariton township have no railroad facilities ; they belong to J. G. Richmond, E. S. Gipson, P. M. Tuttle, J. M. Burris and others. Much of the coal in Chariton township crops out on the banks of the streams. The oldest coal mine in the county was opened at Carbon, east of Macon, in Hudson township ; this, however, has been abandoned for some time. Thomas Jobson operates a mine at Lingo. He supplies coal to the local trade and also to the railroad. This mine has been opened about 12 years. From 40 to 75 men are employed and from two to four car loads of coal are taken from the mines per day. The coal supplied by Macon county is most excellent in quality, and is classed as the very best of steam-making coal. There are but few counties, if any, in the State that are more highly favored in re- gard to coal — both as to quality and abundance — than Macon. From the foregoing it will be seen that nearly 2,000 car loads of coal are shipped from Macon county every month, or 24,000 car loads per annum, saying nothing of the quantity used for home consumption. 900 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. FRUIT. Macon county is one of the best fruit growing counties in the State, antl will in a i'ew years equal if not surpass any other county in the production of apples. The apple crop for the winters of 1882-83 amounted to 105,000 barrels that were shipped to Chicago and the Northern markets, saying nothing of the thousands of bushels that were sold to the local trade and used at home. Edward and N. H. Green (brothers) cultivate the largest apple orchard in the county — they having an orchard of 80 acres of bearing trees. J. W. Patton is putting out an orchard of 40 acres, as are also H. S. Gordon and J. P. Moore. The apple crop for 1884 promises a greater yield than for any preceding year. The Ben Davis takes the lead ; then comes the Genitan, Jonathan, Wine-sap, Baldwin, Willow Twig, Yellow and White Belle Flower, Parmain, Maiden's Blush, Milan, Newtown Pippen, the Northern Spy and a few other kinds. Small fruits, such as cherries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries do well, and are not only raised by the farmers, but these fruits are to be seen in the yards and gardens of those who live in the towns and villages throughout the county. Grapes, especially the Concord, thrive well, and could be produced in great abundance if there Were any market or demand for them away from the county. Pears hit occasionally — once every two or three years ; peaches do well when they are not injured by cold weather ; an ordinary hard winter, however, will kill the trees. OFFICIAL RECORD. State Senators — John H. Bean, 1846 ; Frederick Rowland, 1854; William S. Fox, 1858 ; Abner L. Gilstrap,i 1862 ; Web. M. Rubey, 1874; H. F. Caldwell, 1878. Representatives — Johnson Wright, 1838 ; William Griffin, 1840 ; R. S. Shackelford, 1844 ; W. E. Moberly, 1846; George A. Shortridge, 1848 ; Frederick Rowland, 1850; Ab- ner L. Gilstrap, 1854 ; George M. Taylor, 1857 ; Thomas L. Gorham, 1858 ; B. H. Weatherford, 1860; Thomas Moody, 1862 ; Thomas A. Eagle, 1864 ; John Saylor, 1868 ; John E. Goodson, 1870 ; Amherst P. McCall, 1872 ; John E. Goodson, 1873 ; James D. Humphreys, 1874; John F. Williams and P. Y. Hurt, 1876; William M. Vancleve, B., and W. D. Powell, G., 1878; Walker S. Sears and L. A. Thompson, 1880 ; Walker S. Sears, 1882. Judges Circuit I Served two years; others four years. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 901 Court — Thomas Reynolds, James Clark, Biirch Clark Leland, William A. Hall, George H. Biirckhartt, John W. Henry, Andrew Ellison. Judges Common Pleas Court — At New Cambria, William A. Guysel- man ; at La Plata, William A. Guyselman ; at Macon City, H. P. Vrooman. Judges Probate Court — A. L. Gilstrap, John T. Johnson, Benjamin Sharp, M. B. Eskridge, A. T. Harper, John M. Gilstrap, D. E. Wilson, H. P. Vrooman, E. W. Knott and R. S. Matthews. County Recorders — The recording was done by the circuit clerks, ex officio, until the year 1868, when the recorders have been William A. Guyselman, 1868, two years ; B. F. Stone, 1870, four years ; Thad- deus Marmaduke, 1874 ; Marmaduke in 1878, died in 1882 ; Hezekiah Purdora, 1882, appointed; Jno. H. Griffin,^ 1882.. County Treasur- ers — George W. Green, William Holman, Jabez N. Brown, Andrew J. Marmaduke, George W. Beams, B. F, Stone, Strander Crum, Thomas G. Sharp, William H. Goodding, elected in 1876 ; Phillip Tram- mel, in 1878 ; Phillip Trammel, in 1880; Jefferson Morrow, Mn 1882. Sheriffs — Thomas Jefferson Morrow, 1837 ; Archibald Shoemaker, 1842 ; Daniel C. Hubbard, 1844 ; Wilson L. Fletcher, 1848 ; William J. Morrow, 1850 ; Charles C. McKinney, 1854 ; Robert T. Ellis, 1858 ; Amherst P. McCall, 1860 ; William Holman, 1862 ; Jacob Gilstrap, 1864 ; William Forbes, 1866 ; Thomas A. Eagle, 1868 ; Ed. C. Shain, 1870 ; William H. Terrill, 1874 ; Terrill, re-elected, 1876 ; A. J. Davis, 1878; John S. Lyda, 1880; and John H. Morgan,^ 1882. County Clerks — Daniel C. Hubbard, 1837; George M. Taylor, 1844; George A. Shortridge, 1856 ; James M. Love, 1862 ; John Farrar, 1866 : Mathew Hockensmith, 1870 ; James M. Love, 1874 ; James G. Howe, 1878; James G. Howe, 1882. Circuit Clerks — Daniel C. Hubbard, 1837; George M. Taylor, 1844; George A. Shortridge, 1856; Walter T. Gilraan, 1862; John M. London, 1866 ; E. B. Van Vleet, 1870; Thomas A. Smedley, 1874; Thomas A. Smedley, 1878; J. L. Martin, 1882. County Court Judges — 1837 — John S. Mor- row, Joseph Owenby, James C. Cochran. 1838 — Summers Wright, Philip Dale, Joseph Owenby. Elected in October, 1838 — Philip Dale, Elvan Allen, Tyre Dabney. 1840 — Wesley Halliburton, Lyre Dabney, Walker Austin. 1841 — Tyre Dabney, Archibald Shoe- maker, Walker Austin. 1842 — Tyre Dabney, Walker Austin, F. Rowland. 1843 — F. Rowland, Jefferson Morrow, Walker Austin. 1844 — Walker Austin, Jefferson Morrow, J. H. Graves. 1845 — J. H. Graves, D. F. Myers, Jefferson Morrow. 1845-46 — William 1 Present incumbent 902 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Griffin, D. F. Myers, J. H. Graves. 1846— D. F. Myers, William Griffin, S. B. Beebe. 1846-48 — P. M. Stacy, S. P. Beebe, D. F. Myers. 1848-50 — S. P. Beebe, P.M. Stacy, W. S. Fox. 1850-52 — Nathan Barrow, John Banta, W. S. Fox. 1852-55 — Nathan Bar- row, William Easley, John Banta. 1855-57 — William Easley, Silas Barnes, Samuel S. Lingo. 1857-63 — Samuel S. Lingo, Isaac Good- ding, John D. Smith. 1863-65 — John D. Smith, Andrew Dodson, Samuel S. Lingo. 1865-67 — Samuel S. Lingo, Andrew Dodson, A. C. Atterberry. 1867-70 — J. R. Alderman, William D. Roberts, Charles P. Hess. 1870-71 — Samuel S. Lingo, John M. Wilson, John Gilbreath. 1871 — James R. Alderman, Samuel S. Lingo, Charles P. Hess. 1872 — Charles P. Hess, T. C. Campbell, Samuel S. Lingo. In 1872 the several municipal townships elected supervisors to act as a county court. The whole number of supervisors elected were 25. The names of the supervisors were E. W. Norton, Lingo township; James M. Randall, Callao township ; Ezra Lamkin, Ten Mile town- ship ; P. Y. Hurt, Morrow township ; C. E. Griffith, Eagle township ; George Sherman, Hudson township ; E. J. Demeter, assistant super- intendent, Hudson township ; A. B. Vincent, White township ; Andrew Dodson, Lyda township; William M. Neilson, Chariton township; E. Banta, Bevier township ; S. C. Powell, Narrows township; F. M. Cox, Middle Fork township ; John P. Walker, Round Grove town- ship ; A. E. Stephens, Jackson township; G. W. Nagle, Drake town- ship ; John A. Brown, Walnut Creek township ; Daniel Murly, La Plata township ; Thomas W. McDavitt, Easley township ; George W. Elliott, Independence township; J. P. Powell, Johnston township; John Gross, Valley township ; Solomon Melam, Liberty township ; A. Mendenhall, Russell township; W. J. Saltmarsh, Richland town- ship. William M. Neilson was chosen president; A. L. Shortridge was made president in 1873. 1875-76 — John P. Walker, Isaac Goodding, P. M. Stacy and Theodore Krauss. 1876-77 — John P. Walker, Isaac Gooding, George W. Elliott, P. M. Stacy and Theo- dore Krauss. 1877-79 —J. P. Walker, G. L. Towner and Lee Lingo. 1879-81 — John H. Osborn, Evans Wright and Charles R.Perry. 1881-82 — John H. Osborn, Charles R. Perry and James W. Paine. 1882-84 — Lee Lingo, Charles R. Perry and R. J. Owens. Macon county was Democratic until 1865, when it became Repub- lican under the Drake constitution, and remained so until 1872 when B. Gratz Brown was elected Governor, and when the disfranchised were permitted to vote. Since that time the county has been Demo- cratic ; the majority for that party at the present time is about 800. CHAPTER XYII. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. "You raised these hallowed walls, the desert smiled, And Paradise was opened in the wild." The settlement of the county and the organization of the first churches were almost contemporaneous. The plow had scarcely begun to turn the sod when the pioneer preachers commenced to labor in the new field. In the western country, as well as in the Orient and the isles of the sea, marched the representatives of the Christian religion in the front ranks of civilization. Throughout the centuries which comprise this era have the Christian missionaries been taught and trained to accompany the first advance of civilization, and such was their advent in Audrain county. In the rude cabins and huts of the pioneers they proclaimed the same gospel that is preached in the gorgeous palaces that, under the name of churches, decorate the great cities. It was the same gospel, but the surroundings made it appear different, in the effect it produced at least. The Christian religion had its rise and the days of its purest practice among an humble- minded people ; and it is among similar surroundings in modern times that it seems to approach the purity of its source. This is the best shown in the days of pioneer life. It is true, indeed, that in succeed- ing times the church has attained greater wealth and practices a wider benevolence. Further, it may be admitted that it has gained a firmer discipline, and wields a more genial influence on society; but it remains true, in pioneer times we find a manifestation of Christianity that we seek in vain at a later period, and under contrasted circum- stances. The meek and lowly spirit of the Christian fiiith — the placing of spiritual things above vain pomp and show — appears more earnest amid the simple life and toil of a pioneer people than it can when surrounded with the splendors of wealth and fashion. But we may take a comparison less wide, and instead of contrast- ing the Christian appearances of a great city with the Christian appearaces of the pioneers, we may compare the appearances of 40 years ago, here in the West, with those in the present time of moder- 52 (903) 904 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ntely developed wealth and taste for display, and we find niuch of the same result. The comparison is perhaps superficial to some extent, and does not fully weigh the elements involved, nor analyze them properly. We simply take the broad fact, not to decry the present, but to illustrate the past. So looking back to the early religious meetings in the log cabins we may say : " Here was a faith earnest and simple, like that of the early Christians." German Lutherans at ifacou.- The first and original house ot worship erected by this denomination was put up in 1865 — a frame building and cost $1,000. The church divided in 1882, and the mem- bers withdrawing erected a new church edifice called Zion's Church, a frame building which cost about $2,000. The membership num- bered originally 125. Among the early members were Henry Mag- nus William Magnus, Charles Magnus, Sr., Charles Magnus, Jr., William Gille, Frank Sweikhaus, Charles Essler, Ferdinand Jurgen- sen, John Myer, Henry Ruhrup, Pete Lesser, John Koecher. The first minister who officiated in the old church was B. Meissler ; suc- ceedincr him were M. Gross, L. Pfeiffer, A. Claus, C. Jaeckel. The new church was dedicated April 27, 1884, by Rev. P. W. Myer. CatJwlic Church at Macon. -The Catholic Church buildmg was purchased from the Presbyterians (Old School) in 1875, it having been built in 1864, and is a large and substantial brick structure, which cost $6,000. The first services were held on Easter, 1875, by Rev. P B Cahill, who has officiated for the church ever since. About 200 families attend the church services. There are five Catholic churches in the county, located as follows : Macon, Bevier, La Plata, New Cambria and in Richland township. First Congregational Church at Macon — W^s organized June lb, 1866, by Rev. S. R. Rasborro, John Smith, Jr., Ruth Smith, Thomas Proctor, Lydia Proctor, S. R. Rosborro, M. C. Rosborro, Viola Rosborro, Sarah Vrooman, Arminda Moore, Maria Fry. There have been no regular services in the church (a good brick building which cost $6,000) for seven years. Rev. Albert Bowers and A. b. McConnell have been the ministers in charge. [By Rev. G. W. Gaines]. The African Methodist Episcopal Church — Was organized in Macon, Mo., January 20, 1866, by the Rev. William A. Dove, mis- sionary The following named members composed the organization, viz • Reuben Barbour, Jordan House, Nancy Maxwell, Mary Jackson, An-eline Coleman, Milla Fullington, Jane Smith, Caroline Barbour, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 905 Lucinda Collier, Rachel Martin, Harriet Humphry, Lewis Martin, Richard Goodridge, Margaret Jones, Kitty Snell. The membership now numbers 150. Reuben Barbour was appointed leader and Lewis Martin was appointed steward. The church was organized in the house of Mr. Lewis Martin, in the town of Macon. The society erected a temporary board structure for a place of worship. In 1874 th& society erected a brick house for worship on lots nine (9) and ten (10), block fifty-one (51), in that part of the city of Macon formerly called Hudson. The dimension of this house was 36x64, cost $3,000 (three thousand dollars). This building was razed to the ground by a terrible cyclone on the 13th day of May, 1883. The congregation barely escaped dire destruction, having quit the house only about one hour before it fell. The building was insured against storms for $1,000 (one thousand dollars). The willing workers at once resolved to clear away the debris and rebuild. The pastor called out the Sabbath- school help of all ages, from three years old up to 50 years old, and went to work with a will. The brick was cleaned and hacked, so that in August, 1883, the third house was erected. It exceeds by far the former house in strength, beauty and convenience ; its cost is $4,000 (four thousand dollars). There is a prosperous Sunday-school, which has existed ever since the church was organized, with membership of 150. The present superin- tendent is J. C Brown, and he is assisted by Mrs. M. W. Coleman. The secretary is eT. O. McNutt ; treasurer, Miss M. A. Angell. The value of the property is $4,000.00. The present indebtedness is $400.00. The pastors who have served as such are : T. W. Hender- son, 1865-1868, three years ; I. N. Triplett, 1868-1870, two years ; Schuyler Washington, 1870-1871, one year; J. H. Hubbard, 1871- 1873, two years; J. P. Alexander, 1873-1876, three years; W. B. Ousley, 1876, six months ; B. F. Watson, 1877, six months ; J. C. C. Owens, 1877-1879, two years; W. A. Dove, 1879-1881, two years; G. W. Gaines, 1881-1884, three years. Macon Association. — The constitution and articles of faith of the old Cumberland River Association of Kentucky, were adopted, and the association took the name of " Mt. Tabor Association of United Baptists." Michael Buster was elected moderator and Walker Aus- tin was chosen clerk. Correspondence was solicited from the Bethel and Mt. Pleasant Associations. In 1844 James Moody was added to the list of ministers as a licen- tiate. The session this year was cheered by the presence of William 906 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Duncan, Benjamin and Jesse Terrill from Mt. Pleasant Association, and P. N. Haycraft and James F. Smith from Bethel Association. In the fall of this year Euphrates Stringer, the leading minister of the association, moved to Texas. His loss was very much felt by the feeble churches of this new interest, among whom he was held in high estimation. Being a man of fine exhortational powers, he was regarded as a revivalist in that day. Not meeting with his expected success in Texas, he moved back to Pulaski county, Ky. (where he was born and grew up), and died not long afterwards. Messengers from only three churches, Big Spring, Ten Mile and Mt. Tabor, were present at the meeting in 1848. Joseph Oliver appears in the list of preachers. Licentiates: James N. GriflSn, Colby Miller and William May. William H. Vardeman, from Salt River, Jesse Terrill, of Mt. Pleas- ant, and William Barbee, of North Grand River Association, were present as corresponding messengers. Mt. Salem Church, from Mt. Pleasant Association, was received into the association this year. This, too, was the beginning of a new era in what is now the Macon Association. For the first time, per- suant to a resolution of the body, a public demonstration was made in behalf of missions, by making a collection therefor on the Lord's day, amounting to $12.50. On Monday following the work was con- tinued by the appointment of an executive board of missions, the raising by special pledges from individuals and from churches of $87, and the election of J. G. Swinney to itinerate in the destitute parts of the Association, at a salary of $12.50 per month. At this session also the name of the association was changed from Mt. Tabor to ''Middle Fork," under which title it continued until the present name, " Macon," was adopted in 1866. In 1849 Elder William Ratliff preached the introductory sermon. Says Elder J. G. Swinney, " My recollection is that this is the last meetine: this eccentric minister ever attended. He died some few years after, very suddenly, from apoplexy, having become very fleshy and helpless. He was a man of a good mind and of some doctrinal ability, but somewhat speculative, which, doubtless, in a measure impaired his usefulness." Blanket Grove Church, now, La Plata, was admitted into the asso- ciation this year on a letter from North Union Association. The aggressive policy, which characterized the meeting in 1848, continued, and by 1852 the number of churches had grown to 10, with 327 members. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 907 J. G. Svvinney, James Moody and Joseph Oliver performed mis- sionary labor durins^ this period. Revivals were not unfrequent. From the close of session in 1849, at Mt. Salem, the meeting was continued by James Moody and J. G. Svvinney, resulting in a large accession to the church, doubling its membership. A case of open communion interrupted the harmony of the association at its meeting in 1855. James Moody, an elder and a member in Blanket Grove Church, avowed open communion sen- timents. The church considered his case and called in his creden- tials ; but he refusing to give them up went and united with the Bethlehem Church. In 1854 the association appointed a committee to visit and look into the action of said Bethlehem Church, but she refused to give them any satisfaction whatever. In 1855 the committee reported the facts in the case, and the Beth- lehem Church was excluded for "violating the principles on which the association was organized (Minutes, 1855). This action of the asso- ciation settled the communion question which had been agitating the churches and creating a division. During this discussion, however, brethren had said hard things of one another, and this session of the association closed with very considerable excitement, the minority claiming that the association had treated the church and Brother Moody badly. The Bethlehem Church never afterward enjoyed any prosperity, and in a few years became extinct. Elder Moody studied the com- munion question, saw his error, abandoned his position, and subse- quently became a landmark Baptist ; and the churches generally became more firmly settled on doctrines of the primitive churches than ever before. This restored quiet in the Macon Association. The business of this session (1855) was considerably increased by the ap- pointment of committees on periodicals, colleges, temperance, Bible societies and Sunday-schools. The entire strength of the association at this time was nine churches and 427 members. Seventy-seven baptisms during the year indicated a good degree of interest. In 1860, at Mt. Tabor, letters and messengers were present from all the churches, now increased to 14 in number. Ministers — James Moody, Joseph Oliver, J. A. Clark, G. C. Spar- row, John Roan, John Estes, J. G. Swinney, S. K. Kellum — who afterwards became a wreck, and G. W. Simmons, five of whom only were in any measure active in the ministry. The missionary reported 49 days' labor and $68.95 collected. At this session some discussion arose on the motion to strike out the sixth article in the constitution 908 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. as follows : "Giving or refusing to give money for missionary pur- poses shall be no bar to fellowship." The motion was lost by a large majority. The association (it took the name of "Macon" this year) met in 1866 at Rock Creek Church, Knox county, September 8. It consisted of 13. Churches — Novelty, 15; Bethlehem, 19; Blanket Grove, 86; Mt. Tabor, 109 ; Rock Creek, — ; Chariton Grove, 51 ; North Fork, 75 ; New Salem, 41; Union Grove, 16; Macon, 26; Mt. Salem, 167; Charlton Valley, 25; Dover, — ; total membership, 630; baptisms, 84. The following additions had been made to the ministerial force : J. B. Johnson, B. F. Powers, William Johnson and T. M. Colwell. The latter, an active and efficient preacher, was pastor at Macon City, a railroad junction and the principal town in the bounds of the asso- ciation. By way of promoting education, the association pledged its support to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist College at Huntsville. The year preced- ing the session at Mt. Tabor in 1867 was one of prosperity. Four churches — Pleasant Grove, Richland, Ebenezer and Bear Creek — formerly belonging to the North Union Association, were on applica- tion added to the list this year. The association was now somewhat in debt to its missionary, and had to appeal to the churches to con- tribute to pay off the old claim. This is an uncommon occurrence in the State, and is, we feel confident, a bad method of doing busi- ness. It very generally happens that while a church or an association is raising funds to pay off old debts, but little is accomplished for anything else. We have known church work clogged for years, simply with a debt of a few hundred dollars. This fact of itself in- dicates very clearly the evil of church debts. We have, however, known glorious exceptions to this rule. Ministers in 1870 — James Moody, Joseph Oliver, James Morris, G. C. Sparrow, J. A. Clark, A. R. T. Brown, T. M. Colwell, M. H. Abbott, J. Wood Sanders, G. D. Brock, J. W. Cook, W. Johnson, J. Roan, E. W. Wisdom, R. K. Basket and L. D. Lamkin. Whole number of churches, 26; total members, 1,602. The proposition of Mt. Pleasant Association to consolidate on Mt. Pleasant College — Macon to have half the trustees of said institu- tion — was discussed at this meeting, and finally referred to the churches. The following year (1871) the proposition was accepted, whereby Mt. Pleasant College became the school of Macon Association as well as of Mt. Pleasant. The following were nominated trustees HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 909 to fill vacancies as they might occur : Stephen Connor, G. W. San- ders, E. H. Larkin, James Moody, Sr., John Vansickle, G. D. Brock, John A. Brown, Andrew Baker and G. C. Sparrow, and Eev. T. M. Colwell became financial agent of the coUeoje. The churches of Macon Association, 27 in all, are located in Macon, Adair and Shelby counties. Macon City, the county seat of Macon, and Kirksville, the county seat of Adair, and seat of one of the State Normal schools, are in this association, both of which are important centers. The largest church in the association, in 1879, was Friendship, with 226 members ; the next was Mount Salem, with 215 ; then Union Grove, Shelby county, 178, and Macon City, 115. No others exceed 100. At that session nearly one-half (21) the churches reporting had enjoyed revivals, and 179 converts had been added to the churches by bap- tism. The numerical strength was 1,568. Ministers in 1879 — Allen Parks, J. C. Eckle, D. R. Evans, G. C. Sparrow, W. R. Skinner, J. F. McClellan, R. J. Mansfield, J. C. Shipp, William Johnson, John Roan, G. W. Jones, E. H. Sawyer, D. D., C. N. Ray and J. G. Swinney. In 1881 the association was held at Union Grove, Shelby county. John H. Thompson, pastor at Macon, had been added to the minis- terial corps. The 23 churches reported an aggregate membership of 1,401, and a moderate degree of prosperity for the preceding year. L. P. Wooldridge was moderator and R. N. Lyde, clerk. Big Spring Church. — The first settlement in what is now Macon county was made in 1831, located 4 miles north of Macon City, and was called Moccasinville. The first Baptist Church organized in the county Avas Big Spring, in July, 1839, by Thomas Fristoe, aided by A. T. Hite, a licentiate. It was composed of 8 or 9 members, and located in a neighborheod near the northern limits of the county, westward from the present town of La Plata. A. T. Hite was the first minister, having been ordained at the church immediately after its foundation by Elder Friscoe. This church first joined the Mt. Pleasant Association, and afterwards (in 1843) became a constituent of the Northern Association. Blanket Grove Church. — The second church organized in Macon county was not far from the present town of La Plata, in December, 1840, of 11 members, by A. T. Hite, called "Blanket Grove." In 1868 this church built a new house of worship in La Plata, since which time it has been called by the name of the town. A. T. Hite was pastor for the first 10 months, and was succeeded by William T. Barnes, and he by O. P. Davis, for about two years, when he joined 910 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. the ** Current Reformation." Davis was ordained by this church in 1843. Mount Salem Church — Bears date from November 13, 1841. It has been a prolific vine. Elders William Duncan and Benjamin Terrill were present and aided in its organization with 11 members. For a number of years the church met from house to house and in groves, until in 1854 it built a frame structure 30x50 feet, which has been replaced by a very neat frame building, well proportioned, finished and comfortable, within the last 10 years. In all, from the beginning, there have been 394 names on the church roll. In 1882 the church numbered 210 members, with M. F. Will- iams as pastor. Benjamin Terrill was the first minister. This church has sent forth by ordination two ministers — Samuel Mays and G. D. Brock. Bethlehem (noio Sue City) Church. — This church was first organ- ized March 3, 1850, of 12 members, and located in the edge of Knox county, near the present town of Sue City. For two years it seemed to prosper. Then heresies crept in, much wrangling ensued, many left the church, and the rest went into open communion, first abolish- ing of the leading articles of Baptist faith, then restored it and finally dissolved. Some time after this a new organization was effected by the same name, which was dissolved in 1869 and organized as the Sue City Baptist Church, of 23 members, and in 1882 had 52 members on the list. Rock Greek Church — Once a member of Macon Association, is in Knox county, five miles west of Edina. It originated May, 1857, with 24 members. J. W. Roe was their minister. Chariton Ridge Church. — On the fifth Saturday in January, 1864, 16 persons covenanted together, formed this church and chose Will- iam Caldwell as their minister. Its present numerical strength is 75, worshiping in a house 25x40 feet, one-half only of which it owns, the other belonging to the Methodists. W. R. Skinner was pastor in 1882. The former name of this community was Chariton Valley, from the Chariton river, near which it was organized, and met for one or more years. Macon City Baptist Church — Though neither the oldest nor the largest in the association, is one of the most efficient. In 1882 J. H. Thompson was pastor, the church numbering 103 members. This church contributes statedly to home and foreign missions and to Bible and Sunday-school work. Kirksville Church — Situated in Adair county, numbering 65 mem- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 9H bers in 1879, has struggled for many years and is in a decidedly im- proved condition. In 1881 J. C. Shipp was pastor, and it has been gradually gaining in numbers and efficiency. The time of organiza- tion of neither of these last named churches was furnished us. Second Baptist Church, Bevier. — This church was organized April 10, 1870, with five members. The same meeting continued 15 days, resulting in 48 additions to the church. In 1882 it had 64 members. Friendship Church — Once the largest in the association, was organized September 28, 1867, by T. M. Colwell and Joseph Oliver, with 55 members, and is located seven miles south-east from Macon. W. P. Elliot was pastor in 1879 ; Joseph Oliver was the first pastor. Joseph Oliver was born in Clark county, Ky., April 14, 1804. He professed religion and joined the Baptist Church called Cave Spring in May, 1823. ^William OHver, his father, and all the family moved to Missouri and settled in Howard county in 1825, and united (five members of the family) with Mount Moriah Church, some four miles from Fayette. In 1828 young Oliver moved to Randolph county and became a member of Dover Church, soon after which he was elected writing clerk and also singing clerk. When the trouble on missions was aofitatino; the churches of Mt. Pleasant Association Mr. Oliver found himself alone at Dover Church, it having declared non-fellowship for " missions and the institutions " of the day. He finally got a letter from and moved his membership to the Huntsville Church. Here, too, he was a church clerk, and was generally sent as a messen- ger to his association. On the third Saturday in September, 1843, upon the call of Huntsville Baptist Church, he was ordained to preach the gospel by Elders William Duncan and William Mansfield. The first meeting he held was one in his own neighborhood. A revival followed and 25 converts were baptized. He continued in the field of his early labors for five or six years. Elders W. Duncan, Jesse, Benja- min and J. W. Terrill and William Mansfield being his co-laborers. In 1849 he moved to Macon county, identified himself with the inter- ests of Macon Association, and continued in this field as long as he lived. Here he labored as pastor of churches, as missionary in pro- tracted meetings, etc. His gift was mainly exhortational, which classed him among what we sometimes call revivalists. During his ministry he baptized over 300 persons and married 90 couples. He died on the 4th of August, 1877, being 73 years 3 months and 20 days old. His remains were interred in the graveyard at Mount 912 HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. Tabor Church, near AUanta, Macon county, on Sunday, the 5th of the same month. Little Zion Baptist Church — Formed itself into an organization on the second Saturday in July, 1836. The following constituted the original membership : Elder William Sears and Jane Sears, his wife, Abraham Dale, Eveletta Dale, Philip Dale, Nancy Dale, John Smoot, Elizabeth Smoot, Charles Hatfield, Sarah Hatfield, William Sham, Catherine Sham, James Riley, Susan Riley, Thomas Williams, James Cauchhorn and Annie Cauchhorn. Among those who have served the church as pastors are Elders William Sears, James Rat- liff, William Skaggs, Maston Doty, J. E. Goodson, Silas W. Sears. The structure in which services are now held was erected at a cost of about $700. The land upon which it stands was originally pur- chased from James Meeks. It comprises five acres. During the war no services were held in the church. # Hopewell Baptist Church — Was organized with William Tate, John R. Graves, William T. Gilmore, Melvina Tate, George W. Gates, Mary A. Gates, McDonald Lyda, Syrene Trammel, Lora O. Gilmore, Nancy Halsted, Mary R. Tate and Sarah M. Tate as constituting the original membership. Revs. S. C. Davidson, R. H. Wills, James Dysart, David Walker, Jesse Wilson, W. H. Johnson, N. A. Langston, D. Armstrong and R. Whitehead have served the congregation as pastors. The present frame church building, which was erected in 1861 at a cost of $1,500, was dedicated in 1866. The ground upon which it is located was donated (one-half acre) by Phiietus May. Mt. Tabor Baptist Church — Located on section 26, township 59, range 14, was organized December 4, 1840, with J. L. Arthur and wife, Logan Thompson and wife and John Silvers and wife as the original members. The church was built of hewed logs in about 1848, and the present church, built of brick, 35x55, cost about $1,700 in 1867. The first preacher was Rev. James Oliver, followed by Rev. James J. M. Johnson, Rev. Colwell, John A. Clark, J. Wood Saund- ers, James Oliver, Rev. Baskett, John A. Clark and William R. Skin- ner. The membership at present is about 100. The First Baptist Church of Atlanta — Was organized in June, 1876. The church house, a frame structure, was built the same year in Atlanta at the cost of about $2,000. It was dedicated by Rev. C. N. Ray. The first pastor was John A. Clark, he being succeeded by C. N. Ray, M. F. Williams, Robert J. M. Sansfield and J. L. Cole. The original members were Robert Myers, Woodward Saunders and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 913 wife, D. p. Doggett and wife, J. F. L. Branliam and wife and two daughters, George Goodding and wife, R. P. Goodding, J. Lyda and wife, E. L. Lyda, wife and two daughters, Perry Armstrong, William Clarkson and wife and Seman Atterberry. The present membership is 62. /Second Baptist Church of Macon City, Mo. — Was organized Oc- tober 27, 1866. The first deacons were Harry Higby and Jacob Baset, and the first trustees were Isaac Burton, Charles Tolson and James Smith. The present church (brick), 64x50 feet (the third structure built), cost $6,000, the first being valued at $800 and the second at $2,950. It was dedicated in the spring of 1872 by Eev. Amos Johnson, pastor, and Rev. W. W. Steward. The first pastor after organization was Rev. Thomas Clark, the second Rev. J. B. Hawkins, followed in succession by Rev, Amos Johnson, Rev. D. S. Sawyers, Rev. H. H. White and Rev. William Gray, the present pas- tor. The number of present membership is 253. The first building was not lara;e enouo;h and it was torn down and rebuilt with the ma- terial of the old building and with what was added cost $2,950, and that building was burned down, being all paid for except $25. The present church, which is the third one, cost $6,000. Second Missionary Baptist Church — Was organized April 10, 1870. The names of the original members were John C. Skinner, Reuben Simpson, Ann Abbot, Sarah Abbot and Caroline D. Bnchan- non. This church was organized by Revs. Joseph Oliver and J. Roan, in Miner's hall, just west of the village of Bevier. The present church was built in 1879 (a frame building) at the cost of $800. It was dedicated in 1879 or 1880. The names of the pastors who have served the church are : Joseph Oliver, who served two years ; Will- iam R. Skinner, three years ; John Roan, three years ; Daniel R. Evans, one year; J. E. Eckel, nearly two and a half years, and Charles Dodson, who is now the pastor. The number of the present membership is 63. First Baptist Church. — The original members of this church (which was organized in 1872) were James Hier and wife, George Harris and wife, G. G. Watts and wife, D. J. Evans and wife, Lewis Williams and wife, William Lewis and wife, Levi James and wife, Caleb Edwards and wife, Roland Thomas and wife, John Thomas and wife, Mrs. Hannah Evans, Mrs. Hopkin Evans, J. C. Williams and wife. This church was built in 1872 (a frame structure) at a cost of $800, and was dedicated in the same year. Sue City Baptist Church. — The original members of this church 914 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. were Burton Sailing, wife, two daughters and one son, Logan Thomp- son and wife, William Kelly, wife and daughter, John Thompson, Al- bert Norris and wife, Samuel Wares and wife, William Wares and wife. The present frame church building was erected in about 1870, and cost in the neighborhood of $800. Those who have served as pastors of the congregation have been Rev. William Johnson, John A. Clark, G. C. ijarron and W. R. Skinner, the present pastor. At this time the membership numbers 52. The names of the pastors who have been in charge are Shadrack James, Samuel C. Pierce, John W. Thomas and H. C. Parry. G. G. Watts presented the church with a baptistry at a cost of $25. First Baptist Church nt La Plata — Was organized on the first Saturday in December, 1840, Robert T. Ellis, Virgin M. Ellis, Ste- phen Attebery, Martha J. Attebery, James H. Morris, Elizabeth W. Morris, Oliver P. Davis, Eliza J. Morris, Jeremiah Davis and William L. Morris being its original members. The church was built in 1867-68, and is a brick structure, being erected at a cost of $2,782.72. The names of the pastors are A. T. Hite, William T. Barnes, O. P. Davis, James Moody, J. G. Sweney, Joseph Oliver, John A. Clark, John M. Johnston, J. A. Pool, William Johnston, John R. Terrill, J. Wood Saunders, G. C. Sparrow and Aura Smith. The present num- ber of membership is 93. The Sabbath-school was organized as a Union school in 1869 with an attendance of about 120. The present superintendent is W. N. Rutherford. New Harmony Gwnheiiand Presbyterian Church — Was first organ- ized in September, 1860, by Rev. R. H. Willis. Some of the origi- nal members are as follows : G. W. Daugherty and wife, Elijah Turner and wi-fe, Velinda J. Collins, Elizabeth Collins and M. G. Standeford and wife. The present membership is about 40. The house of wor- ship was built in the fall of 1867 on section 9, township 60, range 13, ut a cost of about $1,000, it being frame. The names of the different preachers who have had charge are Revs. R. H. Wills, at different periods about 15 years; Jesse Wilson, D. Walker, Jesse Wilson again, Lorance, George Burns, G. W. Sharp, John Neff and Clayton Kelso. Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This church was or- ganized in 1843 by Rev. S. B. Col well, the original members being Reuben Dunnington and Tabitha C, his wife ; Joseph Daugherty and wife ; Janjes Mills and wife, and Hendley Dunnington and wife. The church house was built in the summer of 1865, it being a frame structure, and its cost was $1,200, located on section 5, township 59, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 915 range 14. The names of the pastors who have had charge are Revs. S. F. Colwell, S. C. Davidson, R. H. Wills, Franklin Man- ning, Matthew Patton, David Walker, David Loranceand William H. Johnson, who is the present pastor. The church was dedicated by S. F. Colwell. The present membership is about 106. John M. Ketcham is superintendent of the Sunday-school, assisted by Jackson Trobridge, with about 60 pupils in attendance. Ewing Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This church was oro-an- ized August 21, 1855, by Rev. S. C. Davidson. The original mem- bers were B. F. Graftord and wife, Alfred Ray, Thomas Winn and wife, S. S. Winn, William GrafFord, John Grafford and wife, Leah Richardson and Adeline Winn. The present frame church buildino- was erected in 1860, costing about $1,000. The present member- ship numbers about 30. The preachers who have presided since its organization are Revs. R. H. Wills, William C. Patton, Nicholas Langston, Jesse Wilson, W. H. Johnson, David Armstrong and R. Whitehead, the present pastor being Rev. John Winn. This church is located on section 8, township 57, range 13 (Round Grove town- ship). Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Macon. — The original mem- bers of this church were N. H. Patton and wife ; Rev. M. C. Patton and wife ; J. B. Melone, R. A. Melone, and Rev. J. S. A. Henderson and wife, it being organized in 1865. The original church was built in 1867-68, a frame, and the new structure was erected in 1875, at a cost of $4,000. The old church was dedicated soon after its comiDle- tion, and the new one in 1875, by Rev. J. B. Mitchell, D.D. Revs. M. C. Patton, J. S. A. Henderson, S. F. Colwell, W. H. Eagan, W. Benton Farr, D.D., Walker Schneck, D. H. Ouyett and H. R. Crock- ett are the names of the pastors who have presided in this church. The present membership numbers 90, and the church is entirely out of debt. Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Was organized July 19, 1841, by Rev. Matthew Patton. The names of the original members are William R. Calfee, Athelie Calfee, Anderson Scrutchfield, Nancy Scrutchfield, William Scrutchfield, Barbara Scrutchfield, Nicholas Goodding, Nancy Goodding, William Brachen, Harriet Brachen, Eliza Belsher, Nathaniel Richardson and Lyda Richerson ; the Revs. Sam- uel B. F. Colwell, Samuel Davis, Nathan Patton and James Dysart being instrumental in its organization. The present church was erected in 1860, a frame structure, its cost being $1,200, and was dedicated in October, 1881, by Rev. James E. Sharp. Those who have 916 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. served the congregation as pastors have been Eevs. Matthew Patton, James Dysart, S. C. Davidson, S. B. F. Colwell, E. H. Wills, Jesse Wilson, W. H. Eagen, Prof. Nason, J. B. Lawrence, T. G. Poole, W. H. eTohnson, David Armstrong and T. J. Pool. The present pastor of the church is G. H. Duty. At this time the membership numbers 36. Salem Presbyterian Church — Is a branch of the New Cambria Church, its original members being John T. Davis and wife, John P. Powells, William D. Williams and family, W. W. Lloyd and wife, John J. Williams and wife, William Howells and wife, Peter McKin- ney and wife, and Mrs. Hugh Lloyd. The present frame church building was erected in about 1878 and cost in the neighborhood of $320. Rev. Thomas H. Jones has served the congregation as pastor. There was a Sabbath-school organized in 1869, and prayer meeting and preaching were held once a month. La Plata Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This congregation was organized by Rev. David Walker in about 1876. The names of the original members are Mrs. Dr. Gates, Dr. G. N. Sharp and wife, John Chapman and wife. Rev. S. C. Davidson and wife, Mrs. W. J. Sutt- marsh, R. T. Davidson and wife and William Patton and wife. The present house of worship was built in the summer of 1880, a frame structure, at a cost of $2,000, and was dedicated by Rev. Dr. J. B. Mitchell. Rev. W. H. Johnston is now serving the church as pastor. At this time the membership numbers 100. The Sunday-school is superintended by W. W. Rutherford, the number of scholars being 125. Atlanta M. E. Church. — The original members of this church were J. D. Parks and wife, J. A. Croy and wife, Angeline Croy, Sarah McManamy, S. D. Ayers, Susana Craig, Rebecca R. Parks, Verina G. Parks, J. Buchanan, Emeline Dixon and Sarah Parks. It was organized in 1866. The present frame church building was erected in 1881, costing in the neighborhood of $1,500. The present mem- bership is 50. The pastors who have have had charge since its organ- ization are Rev. Chapman, who followed Rev. Martindale, Revs. J. C. Myers, H. White, S. Enyart, L. H. Shumate, A. H. Ketrow,Rev. Olp, William Stammer and Z. S. Weller. Fair View M. E. Church. — This church organized a class before the war, but was broken up, and reorganized in 1876. The house of worship was built in the fall of the same year, it being a frame struc- ture, located on section 2, township 59, range 14, Lyda township. Its cost was about $800. It was dedicated by Rev. Mumpower, of Macon City, in the fall of 1877. The first preacher was Rev. William HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 917 Warren, the others being Revs. Cleveland, A. L. Brewer, L. Rush and J. N. B. Heplcr, who is the present pastor. The original mem- bers were G. A. Redraon and wife, Elijah Thompson and wife, Joseph Harrison and wife, Mrs. Mary E. Harrison, Jerusha Farmer, Susan Farmer, John R. Morrow and wife, Maria Anderson, John Hutchison and wife, John Martz and wife, and Charles Martz and others. Bethlehem M. E. Churchy South. — This church was built at a cost of $1,500, it being a frame structure, and was organized in an old log school-house in about 1843, bv Rev. Dr. Still. Some of the orioinal members were Mrs. Crane, C. H. Liston and wife, John D. Smith and wife, Amy Harris and John Lister and wife. Some of the preachers who have presided here are Revs. Aldbridge, Hawkins, Tool, Ellis, Saxton, Henry Turner, Dockery, Blackwell, Wood, Hatton, Shackel- ford, Jordan and Rev. Linn, he being the last pastor. The present church consists of about 125 members. There are no regular services held in this church. The first church building was built in 1853, and the present house of worship in about 1874. It is located on section 28, township 57, range 13. Macon City M. E. Church, South. — This church was organized in the summer of 1866, with William Thompson, Sarah Thompson, C. G. Epperson, George Wells, Amanda Shortridge, T. W. Reed, Sarah A. Reed, A. Tinsley, Mrs. H. Tinsley, J. T. Reister, Dr. J. J. Lyle and wife, Mrs. D. C. Benedict, Miss Annie Lyle and others, as its original members. The house of worship was built in 1867, a brick structure, at a cost of $6,000 ; and was dedicated in September, of the same year, by Bishop E. M. Marvin, The names of the pastors who have served this congregation are Revs. John D. Vincil, E. R. Hendrix, G. W. Horn, W. A. Tarwater, J. R. A. Vaughn, H. D. Groves, J. A. Mumpower and M. M. Hawkins. At this time the membership numbers 108. The 'church has been recently repaired at an expense of nearly $700, and is now neat and comfortable, with an interesting and growing Sunday-school. Woodville M. E. Church, South — Was organized in 1870, by Rev. Walter Toole. The names of the original members are Maleeney Wood, Benjamin F. Wright, Elias Sanner, Elizabeth Sanner, J. W. Foster, Martha F. Foster, Albert M. Wedding, Rilda Wilds, Ellen Wilds, Angelina Albright, James M. Albright, Samuel R. Wilds, Perry Wilds, Martha Wilds, Sarah Albright, Mary Myers, Sarah Wilds, Lucy A. Sumpter, Samuel Wilds, Susan J. Lilley, Amanda Sumpter, Matilda Reynolds. The names of the pastors who have served are Revs. L. Rush, Shackelford, Baldwin, Carney, Brewer, 918 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Quinby and Rev. Todd, who is the present pastor. This congrega- tion now consists of 10 active members, many having become con- nected with the Holiness Association. Antioch Christian Church. — This church was organized on the third Lord's day in May, 1850, with the following as its original mem- bers : Jefferson Morrow, Mr. England and wife, Thomas B. Harris, D. H. Cornelius and wife, Huffman Tuttle, Evan C. Wright and wife. Pleasant Wright and wife, Miss Jane Tuttle, Mayton Burham, Clay- born Wright, E. H. Lawson and wife, Patience Lawson, Joseph Sum- mers, Martin Wright and wife, Martha Terrell, Marion Terrell and wife, Barbara Terrell and Johnson Summers and wife. The house for worship was built in 1858 and rebuilt in 1879, a frame building, the first at a cost of |800, it being dedicated by Elder J. C. McCune, now of Chariton county. The dedication of the second church was by Elder Joseph Penton, assisted by Theodore Franklin. The preach- ers who have served this congregation are Elder E. H. Lawson, Elder J. C. McCune, T. F. McHue and Joseph P. Penton, who is its present pastor. The present membership is 83. There is a burying ground in the church-yard, where there are many of the old settlers of Bevier township and Macon county buried. The Church of Chi-ist at La Plata — Was organized in the fsill of 1868, the house of worship being built the same year, a frame build- ing, at a cost of |1,600; and was dedicated after its completion by Elder Perry Davis. The names of the ministers who have served this church are Elders Browning, J. N. Wright, C. P. Evans, Hartly, C. P. Hollis, H. A. Northcut, C. P. Evans and J. W. Davis. At this time the membership numbers 45. Since the formation of this church, 142 persons have been connected with it. Ehenezer Welsh Congregational Church. — This church was or- ganized September 9, 1864, with David Humphreys, Thomas D. Evans, Daniel Rowland, John H. Jones, David Richards and Hopkin Evans as its original members. The present ' frame structure was built the same year of its organization, costing in the neighborhood of $1,500, and was dedicated in May, 1866, by George M. Jones. The preachers who have served this congregation are as follows : Revs. George M. Jones, Griffith Jones, R. Matthews, Hughes and J. O. Jones. Eighty-five persons form the membership of this church. Rev. George M. Jones preached the first sermon in this church June 20, 1864. The present officers are David Humphreys, Thomas S. Jones and Robert J. Davis, deacons; Daniel Rowland, treasurer; HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 919 David William, secretary; Hopkin Evans, Daniel Rowland and Rich- ard Davis, trustees. St. Jatnes Protestant Episcopal Church — Was organized in 1865, the 4th of September. The original members were Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Knight, Mrs. Giles Cooke, Mrs. Mary Hubbs, Mrs. G. C. San- vindt and Mrs. Gage. The present frame structure was built in 1871, costing $2,300, and was dedicated April 23, 1871. The names of the pastors who have served this congregation are Revs. Dr. George Worth- ington, L. H. Strycker, F. B. Schutz, William H. Charles and Ethelbert Talbot. The present membership consists of 77 com- municants. The parish has been frequently depleted by removals, but it is at present in a flourishing condition and with a fair promise of usefulness and growth. 53 CHAPTEK XYIII. MACON COUNTY OF 1884. FAUNA AND TLORA OF MACON COUNTY. The names and a carefully prepared list of the animals of a country, State or county are always of interest to the inhabitants, especially so to the scientist and student of natural history. After inquiring into the political and civil history of a country, we then turn with pleasure to the investigation of its natural history, and of the animals which inhabited it prior to the advent of man ; their habits and the means of their subsistence become a study. Some were animals of prey, others harmless, and subsisted upon vegetable matter. The early animals of this portion of the State ranged over a wide field, and those which inhabited the prairie and timbered regions of the Missouri river, and its tributaries, differ but little materially as to species. Of the ruminating animals that were indigenous in this territory, we had the American elk and deer of two kinds ; the more common, the well known American deer, and the white-tailed deer. And at a period not very remote, the American buffalo found pastures near the alluvial and shaded banks of the Missouri river, and the plains and prairies of this portion of the State. The heads, horns and bones of the slain animals were still numerous in 1820. The black bear was quite numer- ous, even in the memory of the older settlers. Bears have been seen in the country within the last 30 years. The gray wolf and prairie wolf are not unfrequently found, as is also the gray fox, which still exists by its superior cunning. The panther was occasionally met with in the earlier times, and still later and more common, the wild cat, the weasel, one or more species ; the mink, American otter, the skunk, the badger, the raccoon and the opossum. The two latter species of animals are met with in every portion of the United States and the greater part of North America. The coon skin among the early settlers was regarded as a legal tender. The bear and otter are extinct in the counties, and were valuable for their furs. Of the squirrel family, we have the fox, gray, flying, ground and prairie (920) HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 921 squirrel. The woodchuck and the common muskrat were numerous here. The bats, shrews and moles are common. Of the muridac, we have the introductory species of rats and mice, as also the native meadow mouse, and the long-tailed jumping mouse, frequently met with in the clearings. Hares, commonly called rabbits, are very plentiful. Several species of the native animals have perished, being unable to endure the presence of civilization, or finding the food con^ genial to their tastes appropriated by stronger races. Many of the pleasures, dangers and excitements of the chase are only known and enjoyed by most of us of the present day through the talk and tradi- tions of the past. The bufialo and the elk have passed the Rocky mountains to the westward, never more to return. Of birds may be mentioned the following : Among the game birds most sought after are the wild turkey and prairie hen, which afi'ord excellent sport for the hunter, and have been quite plentiful ; primated grouse, ruffled grouse, quail, woodcock, English snipe, red breasted snipe, telltale snipe, yellow legs, marbled godwin, long-bitted curlew, short-bitted curlew, Virginia rail, American swan, trumpeter swan, snow goose, Canada goose, brant, mallard, black duck, pintail duck, green-winged teel, blue-winged teel, shoveler, American pigeon, summer or wood duck, red-headed duck, canvas back duck, butter ball, hooded mug- anser, rough billed pelican, the lorn, kildeer, plover, ball head, yel- low legged and upland plover, white heron, great blue heron, bittern,, sandhill crane, wild pigeon, common dove, American raven, common crow, blue jay, bobolink, red-winged blackbird, meadow lark, golden oriole, yellow bird, snow bird, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, gwamp sparrow, indigo bird, cardinal red bird, cheewink, white-billed nuthatch, mocking bird, cat bird, brown thrush, house wren, barn swallow, bank swallow, blue martin, cedar bird, scarlet tanager, sum- mer red bird (robin came less than 40 years ago), blue bird, king bird, perver, belted kingfisher, whippoorwill, night hawk, chimney swallow, ruby throated humming bird, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, red headed woodpecker, golden winged woodpecker, Carolina parrot, great horned owl, barred owl, snowy owl, turkey buzzard, pigeon hawk, swallow-tailed hawk, Mississippi kite, red- tailed hawk, bald eagle and ring-tailed eagle. Many of the above-named animals and birds are no longer to be found within the limits of these counties, — we may say within the limits of the State. Some of them are now extinct, and some disap- peared|with the Indian, upon the advance of civilization. The bald eagle was often seen by the early settlers on the Chariton river, 922 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. along the banks of which, in the tallest timber, it built its nest, and brooded its young for many years after the first settlements were made, and even of late years, eagles have been killed in the county. FLOEA. God might have bade the earth bring forth Enough for great and small, The oak tree and the cedar tree, ' Without a flower at all. He might have made enough, enough For every want ©f ours : For luxury, medicine and toil. And yet have made no flowers. Our outward life requires them not — Then whyfore have they birth? To minister delight to man. To beautify the earth; To comfort man — to whisper hope, Whene'er his faith is dim ; For whoso careth for the flower, Will much more care for Him. In speaking of the flora it is not our purpose to treat exhaustively on the plants of this county, but rather to give a list of the native trees and grasses found within its limits. "Mere catalogues of plants growing in any locality/' says a learned writer, " might, without a little reflection, be supposed to possess but little value," a supposition which would be far from the truth. The intelligent farmer looks at once to the native vegetation as a sure indication of the value of new lands. The kind of timber grown in a given locality will decide the qualities of the soil for agricultural purposes. The cabinet-maker and the wheelwright, and all other workmen in wood, will find what materials are at hand to answer their purpose. Upon the flora of these counties, civilization has produced its inevitable efiect. As the Indian and buflalo have disappeared before the white man, so have some of the native grasses been vanquislied by the white clover and the blue grass. We have treated particularly of the more valuable woods used in the mechanic arts, and the grasses, plants and vegetables and flowers most beneficial to man, and particularly those which are natives of this county. The plants are many and rare, some for beauty and some for medicine. The pink root, the columbo, the ginseng, bone- set, pennyroyal and others are used as herbs for medicine. Plants HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 923 of beauty are phlox, the lily, the ascelpias, the mints, golden rod, the eyebright, gerardia and hundreds more that adorn the meadows and brooksides ; besides are climbing vines, the trumpet creeper, the bitter sweet, the woodbine, the clematis and the grape, which fill the woods with gay festoons and add grace to many a decaying monarch of the forest. Here are found the oak with at least its 20 varieties, the hickory with as many more species, the 30 kinds of elm, from the sort that bears leaves as large as a man's hands to the kinds which bear a leaf scarcely larger than a man's thumb nail ; the black oak, so tall and straight and beautiful, is here; the hackberry, gum tree (black and sweet), the tulip, the giant cottonwoods, and 100 more attest the fertility of the soil and mildness of the climate. The white oak is much used in making furniture and agricultural implements, as are also the panel oak, burr oak and pin oak. The blue ash is excellent for flooring. The honey locust is a very durable wood, and skrinks less than any other in seasoning. In the above list some plants may be omitted, but we think the list quite complete. GRASSES. In speaking of these we purposely exclude the grain plants, those grasses that furnish food for man, and confine ourselves to those val- uable grasses which are adapted to the subsistence of the inferior ani- mals. Timothy grass, or cat's tail, naturalized; red-top, or herbs grass, nimble will, blue joint (this is a native, and grew upon prairies to the height of a man's head on horseback), orchard grass, Ken- tucky blue grass, true blue grass, meadow fescue, cheat chess, the reed, the cane, perennial ray grass, sweet scented vernal grass, bud canary grass, canary grass, crab grass, smooth panicum, witch grass, barnyard grass, fox-tail, bottle-grass, millet and broom-beard grass. Macon county is one of the most favored localities in the State for the successful growing of forest trees, evergreen trees, apple trees of all varieties, together with peaches, plums, pears, apricots, grapes and small fruits. All kinds of ornamental and shade trees, flowers and hedges grow and flourish, with only reasonable care and with a certainty that is not known east or west, north or south. If we go much further south the apple will not flourish, if further north the peach is liable to blight ; but here, all are almost sure to do well although the peach crop does not hit more than once every two or three years. 924 HISTOPY OF MACON COUNTY. HEALTH. As to health fulness, Macon county may claim to be highly favored. In the first place it has but a few of those great natural sources of disease, such as low lands, swamp, stagnant pools, etc. It has a number of streams of medium size, together with smaller branches, affording abundant drainage ; whilst its population is indus- trious, thrifty and intelligently watchful against local causes of dis- ease ; still, it is not free from those "ills which flesh is heir to." Ordinary diseases, such as fevers, pneumonia, bronchitis, diarrhea, flux, etc., prevail to some extent. At an early day the prevailing disease was chills and fever. The patient, after shaking for an hour or two with the chill, then blazing for an hour or two with the fever, could often get up and attend to business as usual, and perhaps repeat the process for days or even for weeks ; but with increasing population and advancing development of the country, the chill, or congestive feature of the disease, has nearly subsided, whilst the fever element has increased in intensity and duration. We now have chiefly intermittent, remittent and continued fevers, with an increasing tendency to the latter type. We are beginning to have frequent cases of what we call typho- malarial fever ; a fever having all the regular periodicity and other symptoms of malarial, or remitting and intermitting fevers, with the obstinate persistence of typhoid fever. This change is probably due to the fact that at an early date in the history of the county the grass, weeds and underbrush grew thick and undisturbed, and, fall- ing down, covered the ground with a thick matting which held the moisture and furnished an immense amount of decaying vegetation, which produced malaria. Now, a larger amount of land being cleared up and cultivated, and a larger amount of stock being grazed on the lands, this source of malarial poison is in a great degree re- moved, whilst those local and endemic influences, consequent upon increasing population, tend to the production of enteric or continued fevers. Even these, however, are not very prevalent. There has never been an epidemic of cholera or small-pox in the county. Occasionally, flux, dij)theria and scarlet fever prevail in some town or neighborhood, in an endemic form, an event common to any long- settled community ; and there is probably no county in the State, of anything like equal population, which can claim any advantage over it in the way of health. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 925 AGRICULTURAL. A magnificent country, with a great destiny, is this beautiful cen- tral Missouri, whose fortunate location, charming landscape, equable climate, versatile and generous soils, fruitful orchards and vineyards, matchless grasses, broad grain fields, rich coal measures, noble forests, abundant waters and cheap lands, present to the capitalist and immi- grant one of the most inviting fields for investment and settlement to be found between the two oceans. During the unexampled Westeril migratory movement of the last six years, which has peopled Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and other regions with an intelligent and enter- prising population, this remarkably rich and productive country has, until recently, remained a terra incognita to the average immigrant, the new States above named getting accessions of brain, heart, muscle, experience and capital that have given them a commanding position in the Union. And yet it cannot be denied that Missouri offers to intelligent, enterprising and ambitious men of fair capital more of the elements of substantial and enjoyable living than any country now open to settlement. In one of the fairest and most fertile districts of this division of Missouri is Macon county. Macon county is admir- ably located within the productive middle belt of the continent, a strip of country not exceeding 450 miles wide, lying between the latitudes of Minneapolis and Richmond, reaching from ocean to ocean, and within which will be found every great commercial, financial and rail- way city, 90 per cent of the manufacturing industries, the great dairy and fruit interests, the strongest agriculture, the densest, strongest and most cosmopolitan population, all the great universities, the most advanced school systems, and the highest average of health known to the continent. Scarcely less significant is the location of the county in the more wealthy and productive portions of the great central State of the Union, which, by virtue of its position and splendid aggregation of resources, is bound to the commercial, political and material life of the country by the strongest ties, and must forever feel the quickening of its best energies from every throb of the national heart. Macon county is in the right latitude, which is a matter of primary interest to the immigrant. Lying squarely in the path of empire and transcontinental travel, in the latitude of Washington and Cincinnati, it has the climatic influence that has given to Northern Kentucky and North Virginia an enviable reputation for equable temperature. The 926 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. climate is a benediction. A mean altitude of about 800 feet above the tides gives tone and rarity to the atmosphere and the equable mean of temperature. Most of the typical short winter is mild, dry and genial enough to pass for a Minnesota Indian summer. The snowfall is gen- erally light, infrequent and transient. The long, genial summer days are tempered by inspiriting breezes from the south-western plains, and followed generally by cool, restful nights. The annual rainfall is from 28 to 40 inches, and is generally so well distributed over the growing season that less than a fair crop of grains, vegetables and grasses is rarely known. The annual drainage of the county is excellent, the deep-set streams readily carrying off the surplus water from the generally undulating surface, only a limited area being too flat to quickly shed the surplus rains. The water supply of this county is alike ample and admirable. More than a score of deep-set streams traverse almost every portion of the county, and with numerous springs, hundreds of artificial ponds, and many living wells and cisterns, furnish pure water for all domestic uses. The markets are well supplied with hard and soft woods at $2 to $3.50 per cord, and there is a good supply of building and fencing timber. A good portion of the county is underlaid with coal, whose frequent outcroppings along the streams and ravines expose veins which are easily worked by "stripping" and "drift- ing." Explorations made by shafts disclose well-defined veins, and there is not a doubt of very extensive deposits of the best bitumi- nous coal. The supply of good building stone, too, is equal to all present and prospective needs, massive deposits of well-stratified limestone being found frequently outcropping along the streams and ravines. The cost of fencing is materially lower here than in most of the new or old prairie States. In the wooded districts the fences are cheaply made of common posts or stakes and rails. In the prairie districts the older and abler farmers do a large amount of fencing with the osage orange hedge, which is an unqualified success in this county. There are miles and miles of fine hedge in this country, and with proper care a farmer can grow a mile of stock-proof hedge in four years, at a cost of $1.25 in labor. The newer farms are being uni- versally fenced with barbed wire, which is esteemed the quickest, most reliable, durable and cheapest fencing now in use here. The stock farmers are especially friendly to barbed wire fencing, some of them having put up as many as five and six miles in the last three years. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 927 The soils of Macon county are developing elements of productive wealth as cultivation advances. The prairie soil is a dark, friable al- luvial, from one to three feet deep, rich in humus, very easily handled, and produces fine crops of corn, oats, flax, rye, broom corn, sorghum, vegetables and grasses. The oak and hickory soil of the principal woodlands is a shade lighter in color ; is rather more consistent ; holds a good per cent of lime and magnesia, carbonate of lime, phosphate, silica, alumnia, organic matter, etc., and produces fine crops of wheat, clover and fruits, and, with a deep rotative culture, gives splendid re- turns for the labor bestowed. The valleys are covered with a deposit of black, imperishable allu- vial, from three to eight feet in depth, and as loose and friable as a heap of compost, grow from 60 to 80 bushels of corn to the acre, and give an enormous yield to anything grown in this latitude. While these soils present a splendid array of productive forces, they are supplemented by sub-soils equal to any known to husbandry. The entire superficial soils of the county are underlaid by strong, consist- ent, silicious clays and marls, so rich in lime, magnesia, alumnia, or- ganic matter, and other valuable constituents, that centuries of deep cultivation will prove them like the kindred loess of the Rhine and Nile valleys, absolutely indestructible. Everywhere, about the railway cuts, ponds, cisterns, cellars and other excavations, where these clays and marls have had one or two years' exposure to frost and air, they have slacked to the consistency of an ash heap, and bear such a rank growth of weeds, grass, grain, vegetables and young trees, that in the older and less fertile States they might readily be taken for deposits of the richest compost. After three years' observation in Central and North-western Mis- souri, we are prepared to believe that a hundred years hence, when the older Eastern and Southern States shall have been hopelessly given over to the artificial fertilizers of man, and a new race of farmers are carry- ing systematic and deep cultivation down into this wonderful alien deposit of silicious matter, the whole of North and Central Missouri will have become the classic ground in American asfriculture, and these imperishable soils in the hands of small farmers will have become a very garden of beauty and bounty, and these Macon county lands will command splendid prices on a strong market. The lands of Macon county are nearly all available, because they are nearly all good. The lowest bottoms are free from swamps and lagoons, and the highest elevations are comparatively free of rocks and impediments to cultivation. It is safe to say that these soils, to- 928 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. gether, give the broadest range of production known to American husbandry. It is the pride and boast of the Macon county farmer that he can grow in perfection every grain, vegetable, grass, plant and fruit that flourishes between the northern limits of the cotton fields and the Red river of the North. Both the surface indications of the soil and its native and domestic productions indicate its remarkable versatility and bounty. But a few years ago much of the outlying commons was covered with a luxuriant growth of wild prairie grass, of which there were more than 50 varieties, all of more or less value for pasturage and hay. Nearly all the natural ranges are now enclosed and under trib- ute to the herdsmen, and it is safe to say that their native herbage will put more flesh on cattle from the beginning of April to early autumn than any of the domestic grasses. With the progress of set- tlement and cultivation, however, they are steadily disappearing be- fore the tenacious and all-conquering blue grass, which is surely making the conquest of every rod of the county not under tribute to the plow. Blue grass is an indigenous growth here — many of the older and open woodland pastures rivaling the famous blue grass ranges of Kentucky, both in the luxuriance of their growth and the high quality of the herbage. Now and then one meets a Kentuckian so provincial in his attachments and conceits that he can see nothing quite equal to the blue grass of old Bourbon county ; but the mass of impartial Kentuckians, who constitute a large per centum of the pop- ulation here, admit that the same care bestowed upon the blue grass fields of Kentucky gives equally fine results in Macon county, whose blue grass ranges are certainly superior to any in Illinois. This splendid " king of grasses," which, in this mild climate, makes a luxuriant early spring and autumn growth, is appropriately supple- mented here by white clover, which is also "to the manor born;" and on this mixture of alluvial, with the underlying silicious marls and clays, makes a fine growth, especially in years of full moisture, and is a strong; factor in the sum of local o-razins; wealth. With these two grasses, followed by orchard grass for winter grazing (orchard grass makes a very heavy growth here), the herdsmen of fortunate Macon county have the most desirable of all stock-growing condi- tions — perennial grazing — which, with the fine grades of stock kept here, means wealth for all classes of stock-growers. There is another essential element of grazino; resource here, and it is found in the splendid timothy meadows, which are equal to any in the Western Reserve or the Canadas. These meadows give a heavy growth of hay HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 929 and seed, both of which are largely and profitably grown for export. Red clover is quite as much at home here as timothy, and its cultiva- tion is being very successfully extended by all the better farmers for mixed meadow pasturage and seed. Here, too, is found a luxuriant growth of herds' grass (red top), which, during the past summer, has made fine showing, the low "swale" lands and ravines presenting grand, waving billows of herds' grass, almost as rich and rank of growth as the "blue stem" of the wild Western prairie bottoms. With this showing for the native and domestic grasses, it is almost needless to pronounce Macon county a superb stock country. With hundreds of thousands of bushels of corn grown at a cost of 16 to 18 cents per bushel ; an abundance of pure stock water and these matchless grasses ; the fine natural shelter afibrded by tho wooded valleys and ravines ; the superior facilities for cheap trans- portation to the great stock markets ; the mildness and healthfulness of the climate, and the cheapness of the grazing lands, nothing pays so well or is so perfectly adapted to the country as stock husbandry. Cattle, sheep, swine, horse and mule raising and feeding are all pur- sued with profit in this county, the business, in good hands, paying net yearly returns of 20 to 40 per cent on the investment, many sheep-growers realizing a much greater net profit. Cattle growing and feeding, in connection with swine raising and feeding, is the leading industry of the county. High grade short horns of model types, bred from the best beef-getting stock, are kept by many of the growers and feeders, the steers being grazed during the warm months, after which they are " full-fed " and turned oS during the winter and spring, weighing from 1,200 to 1,700 pounds gross at 2 and 3 years old, the heavier animals going to European buyers. The steers are fed in conjunction with model Berkshire and Poland China pigs, which fatten perfectly on the droppings and litter of the feed yard, and go into market weighing from 250 to 400 pounds at 10 to 14 months old. These steers and pigs are bred and grazed by the feeders of their grass and corn-growing neighbors, and will average in quality and weight with the best grades fed in any of the older States. Horse and mule raising is a favorite industry with many of the farmers, and has been pursued with profit for years, a large surplus of well-bred work horses and mules going mainly to Southern mar- kets each year. Sheep raising has for several years been a favorite and highly profitable branch of stock husbandry here, many growers realizing a 930 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. net profit of 40 to 60 per cent on the money invested in the busi- ness. The wool produced in 1880 amouuted to 62,348 pounds. This county is remarkably well suited to sheep growing, the flocks increasing rapidly and being generally free from disease. There are many small flocks that give a higher per cent of profit than the figures above given, but even the larger herds make a splendid showing. Merinos are mainly kept by the larger flockmasters, but the hundreds of smaller flocks, ranging from 40 to 300 each, are mainly Cotswolds and Downs, the former predominating, and the wool clips running from 5 to 9 pounds per capita of unwashed wool. Sheep feeding is conducted with unusual profit here, the mild win- ters, cheap feed and the very cheap transportation to the great mutton markets especially favoring the business. The extent of the industry in this county is only measurably indi- cated by the table at the end of this chapter, which gives the number of cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, mules, and the value of each class. This statement, which is unquestionably 15 or 20 per cent below the real number of animals kept in the county, shows a large increase over the report of 1870. The live stock exports of the county last year exceeded 1,500 car loads of fat cattle, sheep, swine, horses and mules, worth in the home market at present prices considerably more than $2,000,000, and yet the business is comparatively in its infancy, not more than half the stock growing resources of the county being yet developed. Dairy farming might be very profitably pursued here, the grasses, water and near market for first-class dairy products all favoring the business in high degree. In 1880, there were 567,502 pounds of butter made. Macon county could be made a stock breeder's paradise, as the demand for all classes of well-bred stock is always in excess of the supply. In former years the local growers have mostly depended on the breeders of the older neighboring counties for their thoroughbred stock animals, but of late many fine short horns have been brought in, and superior stock horses have been introduced, and there are a dozen of good breeders of sheep and swine, whose stock will rank with the best in the country. Stock breeding, grazing, and feeding under the favoring local con- ditions, is the surest and most profitable business that can be pur- sued in the West, or, for that matter, anywhere in *' the wide, wide world." Not a single man of ordinary sense and business capacity in this HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 931 county, that has followed the one work of raising and feeding his own stock, abjuring speculation, and sticking closely to the business, has (or ever will) failed to make money. It beats wheat growing two to one, though the latter calling be pursued under the most fav- orable conditions in the best wheat regions. It beats speculation of every sort, for it is as sure as the rains and sunshine. What are stocks, bonds, <« options," mining shares, merchandise, or traffic of any character besides those matchless and magnificent grasses that come of their own volition and are fed through all the ages by the eternal God, upon the rains and dews and imperishable soils of such a land as this? If the writer were questioned as to the noblest call- ing among men, outside of the ministry of " peace and good will," he would unhesitatingly point to the quiet and honorable pastoral life of these Western herdsmen. Stock growing in Macon county, as everywhere, develops a race of royal men, and is the one absorbing, entertaining occupation of the day and location. If it be eminently practical and profitable, so, too, it is invested Avith a poetic charm. To grow the green, succulent, luxuriant grass, develop the finest lines of grace and beauty in animal conformation, tend one's herds and flocks on the green, fragrant range, live in the atmosphere of delicate sympathy with the higher forms and impulses of the animal life in one's care, and to be inspired by the higher sentiments and traditions of honorable breeding, is a life to be coveted by the best men of all lands. By the side of the herds and grasses and herdsmen of such a country as this, the men of the grain fields are nowhere. These men of the herds are leading a far more satisfactory life than the Hebrew shepherds led on the Assyrian hills in the old, dead centuries ; they tend their flocks and raise honest children in the sweet atmosphere of content. They are in peace with their neighbors, and look out upon a pastoral landscape as fair as ever graced the canvas of Turner. The skies above them are as radiant as those above the Arno, and if the finer arts of the old land are little cultivated by the herdsmen of these peaceful valleys, they are yet devoted to the higher art of patient and honorable human living. The lands are cheap, the location exceptionally fine, and the other advantages over the older States so great that the question of compe- tition is all in favor of this country. This country is admirably suited to "mixed farming." The versatility and bounty of the soil, wide range of production, the competition between the railways and great rivers for the carrying trade, and the nearness of the great markets all favor the variety farmer. With a surplus of capital, sheep, pigs. 932 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. mules, horses, wool, wheat, eggs, poultry, fruit, dairy products, etc., he is master of the situation. The farmers of Macon county live easier and cheaper than those of the older States. The labor bestowed upon 40 acres in Ohio, New York or New England, will thoroughly cultivate 100 acres of these richer, cleaner and more flexible soils. Animals require less care and feed and mature earlier ; the home re- quires less fuel ; the fields are finely suited to improved machinery, and it is safe to say that the average Macon county farmer gets through the real farm work of the year in 150 days. Nature is so prodigal in her gifts to man, that the tendency is to go slow and take the world easy. Nor is this at all wonderful in a country where generous Mother Nature does 70 per cent of the productive work, charitably leaving only 30 per cent for the brain and muscle of her sons. It is only natural that this condition of things tends to loose and unthrifty methods of farming, and that the consequent waste of a half section of land here, would give a comfort- able support to a Connecticut or Canadian farmer. It is in evidence, however, from the experience of all thorough and systematic farmers here, that no region in America gives grander sections to good farming than this county. There is not one of all the thorough, systematic, rotative and deep cultivators of the country who has not and does not make money. No soils give a better account of themselves in skilled and thrifty hands than these, and it is greatly to their honor that they have yielded so much wealth under such indifferent treat- ment. These Macon county lands will every time pay for themselves under anything like decent treatment. They are near the center of the great corn and blue grass area of the country, where agriculture has stood the test of half a century of unfailing production, where civilization is surely and firmly founded on intellectual and refined society, schools, churches and railways, markets, mills and elegant homes. The lands of the county will nearly double in value during the next decade. Nothing short of material desolation can prevent such a result. Everywhere in the older States there is more or less inquiry about Missouri lands, and all the indications point to a strong inflow of intelligent and well-to-do people from the older States. Does the reader ask why lands are so cheap under such favorable, material conditions? Well, the question is easily answered. Up to a recent date, little or nothing has been done by the people of the State to advertise to the world its manifold and magnificent resour- ces. Still worse, Missouri has, for two decades, been under the ban of public prejudice throughout the North and East, the people of HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 933 those sections believing Missourians to be a race of ignorant, inhos- pitable, proscriptive and intolerant bulldozers, who were inimical to Northern immigration, enterprise and progress. Under this impress- ion, half a million immigrants have annually passed by this beautiful country, bound for the immigrants' Utopia, which is generally laid in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. This mighty army of reso- lute men and women, with their wealth of gold, experience and cour- age, have been lost to a State of which they unfortunately knew little and cared to know less. Under such conditions there has, of course, been a dearth of land buyers. Happily Macon county has been advertised by her local newspapers, her enterprising real estate men and other agencies, and has, perhaps, suffered less at the hands of ill-founded prejudice than many other sections. The people of Macon county — 28,000 strong — are as intelligent, refined and hospitable as those of Ohio or Michigan ; and a more tolerant, appreciative, chivalrous community never undertook the subjugation of a beautiful wilderness to noble human uses. We have passed a number of years in Northern and Central Missouri, visiting the towns, looking into the industrial life of the people, inspecting the farms and herds, reviewing the schools and carefully watching the drift of popular feeling, and are pleased to affirm that there is nowhere in the Union a more order-loving and law-respecting population than that of Macon county. " The life they live " here is quite as refined and rational as any phase of the social and political life at the North. Whatever they did in the exciting and perilous years of the war, they are to-day as frank, liberal and cordial in their treatment of Northern people, and as ready to appreciate and honor every good quality in them, as if they were " to the manor born." A strong Union sentiment is everywhere apparent. Many persons were strong Union Democrats during the war, never swerving in their fealty to the Union, and the old flag floats as proudly in Central and North Missouri as in the shadows of Indeijendence Hall. All parties are agreed that slavery is dead, and that its demise was a blessing to every prime interest of the country. There is not a man of character in the county who would restore the institution if he could. A good majority of the first settlers of this county hail from Kentucky and Virginia, or are descended from Kentucky or Virginia families, and have the deliberation, frankness, good sense, admiration of fair play, reverence for woman and home, boundless home hospitality and strong self-respect, for which the average Kentuckian and Virginian is pro- 934 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. verbial. They have a habit of minding their own business that is refreshing to see. The new-comer is not catechised as to social ante- cedents or politics, but is estimated for what lie is and does. They don't care where a man hails from, if he be sensible and honest. They take care of their credit as if it were their only stock in trade. When a man's word ceases to be as good as his bond, his credit, busi- ness and standing are gone, and the loss of honorable prestige is not at all easy of recovery. About half of the present population of the county is from the Northern and Eastern States. Sterling character finds as high appreciation here as in any country of our knowledge. The visitor-is impressed with the number of strong men — men who would take rank in the social, professional and busi- ness relations of any community in civilization. Macon county has evidently drawn largely upon the best blood, brain and experience of the older States. In every department of life may be found men of fine culture and large experience in the best ways of the world, and the stranger who comes here expecting to place the good people of this county in his shadow, will get the conceit effectually taken out of him in about 90 days. They are not a race of barbarians, liv- ing a precarious sort of life in the bush, but a brave, magnanimous, intelligent people, who, if their average daily life be sternly realistic in the practical ways of home-building and bread-getting, have yet within and about them so much of the ideal that he is indeed a dull observer who sees not in their relations to the wealth of the grain-fields and herds, and the poetry of the sweet natural landscape, a union of the real and ideal that is yet to make for them the perfect human life. They find ample time for the founding and fostering of schools, the love of books and flowers and art, a cultivation of the social graces, and the building of temples to the spiritual and ideal. Macon county raises horses and mules and swine, fat steers, and the grain to feed the million, but is none the less a generous almoner of o-ood gifts for her children. She has 127 free schools for white and colored children. Public morals are guarded and fostered by the presence and influ- ence of churches, representing nearly all the denominations, and are nowhere displayed to better advantage than in the general observance of the Sabbath, and in the honest financial administration of county affairs. There are no repudiators of the public credit and obligation here. They have in a high measure that singular and inestimable vir- tue called popular conscience, and make it the inexorable rule of judg- ment and action in all public administration. It is as unchangeable HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 935 as the law of the Medes and Persians, and though public enterprise has impelled the expenditure of a great deal of money, large sums have also been voted for the building of railways, for county build- ings and appointments, and for bridges, with a liberal expenditure for incidental uses, all within little more than a decade ; nobody has had the hardihood to even talk repudiation, and Macon will, we hope, soon be out of debt and the last do'llar of her bonded indebtedness be paid. It is clearly no injustice to other portions of Missouri to pronounce Macon one of the model counties. She has an untarnished and envi- able credit, excellent schools, light taxes, a brave, intelligent popula- tion, and presents a picture of material thrift which challenges the admiration of all. There are a score of men in the county worth from $30,000 to $50,000. Half a hundred more represent from $20,000 to $50,000, and a large number from $15,000 to $20,000, while after these come a good-sized army whose lands and personal estate will range from $10,000 to $15,000. This wealth is not in any sense spec- ulative, for it has been mainly dug out of the soil, and, in a modest degree, represents the half-developed capacity of the grasses and grain fields. It is not in the hands of any speculative or privileged class, but is well distributed over the county in lands, homes and herds. It is one of the pleasures of a lifetime to ride for days over this charming region of fine old homes, thrifty orchards, green pastures and royal herds, and remember that the fortunate owners of these noble estates have liberal bank balances to their credit, and are well on the road to honorable opulence. Many of our readers will be inclined to wonder if it is an over- colored sketch of the country and people, and ask for the shady side of the picture. "Are there no poor lands, poor farmers, or poor farming in Macon county — nothing to criticise, grumble about or find fault with in the ways of the 28,000 people within the range of the latter?" Yes, there is a "shady side" to the picture, and it is easily and quickly sketched from life. The scarcity of farm labor is apparent to the most superficial observer. The negroes, who did most of the farm labor under the old compulsory system, have gone almost solidly to the towns, and are no longer a factor in the farm labor problem. The average farm hand has acquired the easy, slip-shod habits of the slave labor system, and is at best a poor substitute. Four-fifths of the farmers undertake too much, ex- pending in the most superficial way upon 200 or 400 acres the labor which would only well cultivate 100 acres, and the result is seen in 54 936 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. shallow ploughing, hurried seeding, slight cultivation, careless har- vesting, loose stacking, wasteful threshing and reckless waste in feeding. The equally reckless exposure of farm machinery in this county would bankrupt the entire farm population of half-a-dozen New England counties in three seasons. The visitor in the country is always in sight of splendid reapers, mowers, seeders, cultivators, wagons and smaller implements,* standing in the swarth, furrow, fence-corner or yard where last used, and exposed to the storms and sunshine until the improvident owner needs them for further use. The exposure of flocks and herds to the cold, wet storms of the winter, without a thought of shelter, in a country were Nature has bountifully provided the material for, and only trifling labor is re- quired to give ample protection, is a violation of the simplest rule of economy and that kindly human impulse that never fails to be moved by the sight of animal suffering. The astonishing waste of manures by the villainous habit of burning great stacks of straw and leaving rich half-century accumulations of manure to the caprice of the ele- ments, may be all right in bountiful old Missouri, but in the older Eastern country would be prima facie evidence of the insanity of the land -owner who permitted the waste. The waste of valuable timber is equally unaccountable, if not really appalling. While economists in the older lands are startled at the rapid approach of the timber famine, and are wondering where the timber supply is to come from a dozen years hence, the farmers of Macon county and all north Missouri have until recently been split- ting elegant young walnut and cherry trees into common rails to enclose lands worth $10 to $25 per acre ; cutting them into logs for cabins, pig troughs and sluiceways, and even putting them on the wood market in competition with cheap coals, complaining the while of the cost of walnut furniture brought from factories a thousand miles away. There are too many big farms here for the good of the overtasked owners or the country. No man can thoroughly cultivate 600, 1,000 or 1,500 acres of land, any more than a country of homeless and landless tenants can be permanently prosperous ; and the sooner these broad, unwieldly estates are broken into small farms, and thoroughly cultivated by owners of the soil in fee simple, the better it will be for land values, schools, highways, society, agriculture, trade and every vital interest of the country. Such a consummation would vastly add to the wealth and attractions of this beautiful and fertile region, giving it the graces of art, manifold fruits of production, and univer- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 937 sal thrift that attend every country of proprietary small farmers. There is too much speculation and too little work for the benefit of farming or economic living. Everybody is trading with his neighbor in live stock, grain, lands, town lots, options, or anything that prom- ises money without work, forgetting that the country is not a dime the richer for the traffic. Nothing surprises the Eastern visitor as much as the want of appreciation for their country, expressed by so many of the old and substantial farmers of this region. They get the Texas, Kansas or Colorado fever, and talk about selling beautiful farms in this f\iir and fertile county for the chances of fortune in one of these regions of the immigrant's Utopia, as if they were unconscious of living in one of the most favored lands upon the green earth. A six weeks' tour of some of the older and less favored States, followed by a trip of critical observation into some of the newer ones, might give these uneasy and unsettled men a spirit of happy content with their present homes and surroundings. Macon county has productive capacity great enough to feed a fourth of the population of Missouri, but before its wonderful native resources are developed to the maximum, it must have 20,000 more men to aid in the work. Men for the thorough cultivation of 40, 80 and 120 acre farms ; for the modern butter and cheese dairy ; skilled fruit growers to plant orchards and vineyards and wine presses ; hundreds of sterling young men from the Northern States, the Canadas and Europe to solve the farm labor problem in a country where reliable labor is scarce and wages high, and skilled artisans to found a hundred new mechanical industries. All these are wanted, nor can they come a day too soon for cordial greeting from the good people of Macon county, or the precious realization of a great destiny for one of the most inviting regions on the green earth. Horses, 10,644; mules, 2,505; cattle, 32,207; sheep, 24,123* hogs, 34,280 ; acres of land, 518,150,050, valued at $2,744,802 ; town lots, 5,249, valued at $638,394; personal, $2,147,058; real, $3,382,196. Total taxable wealth, $5,530,254. La Plata township leads off in the production of horses, the number being 770 ; Liberty being next, 668 ; Liberty produces more mules,. 233; Lingo more cattle, 2,325; Drake following with 1,979; Lyda more sheep, 2,206; Narrows following with 1,772; Jackson more hogs, 2,010; Liberty next, 1,923. There are in the county 3,202 dogs, Hudson township having 372, or 121 more dogs than any other township ; this of course includes the City of Macon. These dogs are taxed, male, $1 ; female, $2. 938 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Macon county produced in 1880, 3,222,875 bushels of corn ; oats, 272,902 bushels; wheat, 64,270 bushels ; Irish potatoes, 79,508 bush- els; buckwheat, 3,548 bushels; rye, 13,702 bushels; hay, 27,000 tons ; tobacco crop, 1884, 728,584 pounds. Chariton is the only county that raised more tobacco than Macon. In 1884 there were in cultivation 3,465 farms in the county, or 268,375 acres. There was a wool clip of 123,048 pounds ; butter produced, 567,502 pounds ; cheese, 13,298 pounds. Only 14 counties in the State raise more corn than Macon. Six counties produce a greater number of sheep. BIOGRAPHICAL. LA PLATA T0W:N^SHIP. ZEPHEMIAH E. ATTEBERY (Retired Farmer aud Stock-raiser; Post-Office, La Plata) . No worthy history of La Plata township can ever be written which fails to include among the names of those of its citizens who have contributed a leading and honorable part to the improvement and development of the township and to the high character and personal worth of its people, the name that heads this sketch, a name borne by one of the best men of the township, a man who has lived within its borders for nearly 40 years, and one whose life has been an unbroken chain of usefulness to his family, his chnrch and the community, and who, b}^ industry and the sterling qualities of his own character, accumulated a comfortable fortune, which, with the liberality of his generous nature, he has distributed among his children. So far as unassumed and unassuming worth is con- cerned, that quality which prompts one to go plainly and modestly forward in the performance of his duty through life, turning neither to the right nor to the left, but living faithfully to family, society and to the laws of God — so far as this is concerned no name in the history of this township or of any community deserves a more respectful consideration than the name of Z. E. Attebery. Let us then present a brief sketch of this good and worthy man's life. He came down from two old and respected Virginia families, the Atte- berys and the demons. His father, Thomas Attebery, came out to Barren county, Ky., after his marriage to Susanna Clemons, where the parents made their permanent home. They were among the first settlers of Barren county. Zephemiah E. was born there June 14, 1817, and was reared on the farm. In 1840 he came to Missouri, and located in Monroe county, having prior to this made two trips from Kentucky to Illinois. After living in Monroe county two years he went again to Illinois and resided in Woodfoi'd county until 1847. While there, September 4, 1845, he was married to Miss Eliza J. Moore, a daughter of John and Prudence Moore, formerly of Virginia. Returning to Missouri, Mr. Attebery settled in Macon county, in which he has since resided. Here he bought a small tract of land and began making himself a home. He worked with untiring (939) > 940 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. industry from that time forward and was quite successful. In time he became the owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land. This, however, he has divided up among his children, and now owns no real estate at all, except a residence and some lots in La Plata. Until recent years, however, he was regarded as one of the most thorough-going, energetic farmers of the township and was esteemed to a high de- gree by all who knew him, as he still is so far as the estimation of his neighbors aud acquaintances is concerned, but as to farming he has retired from that in order to spend the remaining years of his life in comparative ease and comfort. His good wife, after having stood by his side through sunshine and shadow for nearly 40 years, is still spared to accompany him on down the long and happy journey of life. They have reared a family of four children, namely: Susanna P., widow of John M. Plemons ; Benjamin F., of La Plata; Sarah F., wife of James Moody; and Josephine A., wife of George W. Brook. Mr. Attebery has long been an elder in the Christian Church, but has always avoided making himself officious or conspicuous either in church or politics, preferring to be considered what he really is, a plain, honest man, striving to do only his duty as he sees it as best he can and in a modest, unassuming way. AMBROSE M. BARNHARDT (Farmer and Breeder of Thoroughbred Horses, P. O. La Plata). Mr. Barnhardt, who is a representative of an old and respected family of Randolph county, and is a man of college education, and who prior to engaging in the breeding of fine horses had given his attention to teaching for several years and then to merchandising, was born and reared in Randolph county, and was a son of George W. Barnhardt, a well known citizen of that county. • Mr. Barnhardt's mother was a Miss Rebecca Phipps before her marriage, but is now deceased. Am- brose M. was born February 4, 1848, and after taking a course in the common schools concluded his education at Mount Pleasant College, in which he spent two years. He then taught school in Chariton, Randolph and Macon counties for about four years. Following this he eno^aged in merchandising. In 1873 he was in business at La Plata in partnership with T. J. Phipps, where he continued for about three years. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Barnhardt located on his present farm, about half a mile east of La Plata, a neat little place well im- proved, and engaged in farming, but more particularly in breeding fine horses. He has had excellent success in his business, and has some of the finest stock in his line to be seen in this section of the State. In 1881 he bought a fine, pure-blood Clydesdale horse, and since that he has added two more fine horses to his stud. These are horses well worth a day's journey to see, and they have the name of being the best stock throughout the country. April 29, 1875, Mr. Barnhardt was married to Miss Ella Caldwell, a daughter of Hon. H. F. Caldwell, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. They have two children : Wilfred and Madire. Mr. Barnhardt is a member of the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 941 Cumberland Presbyterian Church and of the A. O. U. W. lodge at La Phita. Personall}'^ he is a gentleman of pleasant address and is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends. WILLIAM J. BIGGS (Cashier of the Savings Banlt at La Plata) . Mr. Biggs, who has been connected with the above named bank since its first organization and whose business tact and personal popularity have contributed no inconsiderable part to its success, is a native of Ohio, born near Newark, in Licking county, January 23, 1846. His parents came originally from Maryland and New Hampshire respect- ively. They met for the first time in Ohio, where they were married. The father, John Biggs, died in the latter State in 1861, and the mother, whose maiden name was Louisa Atwood, in 1865. William J. was reared in his native county, or rather in Seneca county, to which his parents removed from Licking county in 1854. His youth was spent principally at school, and in 1860 he entered the Wesleyan University of Ohio, which he attended for three years, confining his studies principally to the higher English branches and advanced mathe- matics. Subsequently he took a commercial course at Cleveland, where he graduated in 1864. Two years after the war Mr. Bi^gs came West and located in the vicinity of La Plata, where he was en- gaged in farming for about four years. He then obtained a position as clerk in a store. He continued clerking for some five years, at which time the La Plata Savings Bank was organized and he was offered a position as clerk in the bank, which he accepted. It was at first a private bank, but later along was incorporated under the laws of the State. This was in the spring of 1882. The bank was organ- ized with a capital of $15,000. Since then a surplus has been accu- mulated of about $3,500. In the meantime, after a year's service as clerk, Mr. Biggs was appointed assistant cashier, and in 1880 he was made cashier of the bank, since which he has continued to hold that position. A thorough business man and well acquainted with the people with whom he has to do business in the territory tributary to La Plata, he is peculiarly well qualified to discharge the duties of cashier. Urbane of manners and polite to all, he is a gentleman with whom the community takes a pleasure in transacting business. February 28, 1878, Mr. Biggs was married to Miss Rosa Miller, a daughter of L. D. Miller, of this county. Mrs. Biggs was educated at Kirksville. They have two children : Anna L. and Bennie. Mr. Biggs is a member of La Plata Lodge No. 237, A. F. and A. M., and also of the Macon Chapter and Kirksville Commandery. EDWIN L. BROWN (Assistant Cashier of the Savings Bank of La Plata) . Mr. Brown, who has held the position of assistant cashier of the bank with which he is at present connected since it was incorporated 942 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. under the laws of the State, in the spring of 1882, at which time he was elected to this position, is a native of Illinois, born in Mercer county, February 5, 1862. His father, Norman P. Brown, was orig- inally from Vermont, but his mother, whose maiden name was Mary P. Biggs, was from Ohio. The father was a prominent citizen of Mercer county and filled various local offices, including that of circuit clerk. However, in 1871, he removed to Missouri and located at Pleasant Hill, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. There^ he resided for about four years and until his death. He was quite suc- cessful in business and accumulated a comfortable estate. After his death the mother with her three children, Edwin L., Louie D. and Walter J,, went to Kansas City, where they resided for two years. They then removed to Toledo, Ohio, where the mother still resides. Edwin L. remained at Toledo until the winter of 1880-81, when he returned to Missouri. He received a good education as he grew up and became well qualified for business pursuits. He makes a most efficient assistant bank cashier, and is highly popular with all who know him. He is a young man of sterling character, untiring indus- try and unquestioned personal worth, and according to all indications has a most promising future in the banking business. He is a mem- ber of the A. F. and A. M., at La Plata. GEORGE W. BRAMMER. (Of Brammer & Reed, Grocers, La Plata). Mr. Brammer, who was born and reared in Virginia, and has trav- eled over the country considerably, considering that he is still com- paratively a voung man, believes that when one leaves Macon county to look for a better country he is pursuing an ignis fatuus, and being a man of intelligence and close observation, his opinion is entitled te no inconsiderable weight. He thinks that we have here all the con- ditions for a thrifty and prosperous country, and that while our agri- cultural resources are unsurpassed, our business opportunities are not less favorable. His own experience seems to fully justify this opin- ion. He came to Macon county in 1868 and clerked at La Plata until 1874. He then traveled in the far West, but came back in a few years afterwards and resumed clerking. He soon became able to engage in business for himself and is now one of the stirring, substantial business men of La Plata. He commenced in 1879 in the grocerj^ bus- iness in the firm of C. Owsley & Brammer, but finally bought out Mr. Owslev and afterwards Mr. Reed became his partner. They have a first-class stock of groceries and everything ordinarily found in a grocery store. Their trade already large is increasing with rapidity, and Mr. Brammer feels that he has every reason to look to the future with hope by no means unflattering. February 2, 1881, he was married to Miss Beatrice Sears, a daughter of Rev. William Sears, of this countv, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr, Brammer was a son of Capt. Jonathan Brammer and wife (Maria Layman), both of Virginia, and was born in Patrick county of that State. He was reared HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 943 and educated in West Virginia to which State the parents removed. Mr. and Mrs. Brammer have one child, Walter S. HON. HENRY F. CALDWELL (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-offlce, La Plata). Mr. Caldwell, who served four years in the State Senate from this district, his term expiring in 1882, and who was one of the prominent leaders and organizers of the Grange movement in North Missouri, has long been regarded as one of the most enterprising and business- like farmers and stock-raisers in this jDart of the county, and is a man who stands as high in general esteem as the best in his community. On his father's side he is of Irish parentage, but his mother, whose maiden name was Margaret 1. Fesler, was a native of Pennsylvania. His father, Alexander Caldwell, came to America with his parents when he was a mere boy, and was reared in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He was married in Ohio, and Henry F., the subject of this sketch, was born in Athens county, of that State, July 1, 1825. He received a good general English education, having a course in the common schools and one at Guysville Seminary. He remained on the farm with the family until about the time of his marriage, which was in the winter of 1846-47. He then engaged in farming in his native county and continued it there with success until his removal to Missouri in the spring of 1866. During all this time he was on the old family homestead and carried on the farm for his parents. On coming to Missouri Mr. Caldwell bought some 400 acres of land in Richland township, of Macon county, where he engaged in farming until 1868, when he sold out and removed to La Plata. In connection with Mr. Irving he built a warehouse here and enoao-ed in the grain and lumber business. He was identified with this business at La Plata for about five years. In the spring of 1873 he resumed farming, however, and has since followed it, combining with that handling stock, in which he has had good success. Mr. Caldwell early took an active interest in the Grange movement and became an active organizer of lodges in this part of the State. He organized nearly all the Granges in Macon county and a large number in other counties. He also helped to organize the State Grange and served for some time as Grange deputy. In 1878 Mr. Caldwell was nominated on the National-Greenback- Labor-Reform ticket for State Senator, from the district composed of the counties of Macon, Adair and Schuyler, and was triumphantly elected. He served his constituents with marked honor and ability in the upper branch of the State Legislature, and was recognized as one of the most influential members of that body, a body dis- tinguished for the ability of its members. Mr. Caldwell is a man of great public spirit, and takes an active interest in all movements de- signed for the general good, and particularly the agricultural classes with whom he is identified both by sympathy and interest. A man of wide general information and well posted in the political and economi(i afiairs of the times, he is able to form clear and just and well defined 944 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. views of the policies and tendencies of parties, so that he naturally takes the position of a leader among those around him. Feeling that organized capital and monopolies were too influential in both the old parties for the people and the agricultural classes to obtain justice from either of them, he believed in meeting organization with counter- organization, and consolidating the votes of the farmers and all laboring elements in one solid body, so that the people could demand and extort such legislation and remedial measures as were necessarv, which, before, had only been petitioned for and treated as petitions usually are — with silent contempt. So believing, he went into the Grange movement with all earnestness and honesty, and with a noble zeal to do all in his power for the best interests of the people. And although prosperous times may stay for a time the day of reckoning with capitalists and monopolists by the people, it is bound to come sooner or later, and delay will only make it more thorough when it does come. The people's rights and interests are bound to triumph — no power in this free country can keep them down. The philosophy of modern civilization teaches that individuals will ulti- mately resume all power, of which they were for a long time deprived by despots and other oppressors, except such as is absolutely neces- sary to be possessed by Government for the common good. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have a family of two children : Amanda, wife of M. H. Howard, of La Plata, and Ella, wife of A. M. Earnhardt. They have lost two, Henry and Bertha E., both of whom died in childhood. Mrs. Caldwell, whose maiden name was Laviuna Pierce, was a daughter of Nathaniel Pierce, of Adams county. 111., but formerly of Athens county, Ohio. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. C. is a member of the La Plata Masonic lodge and the I. O. G. T. — the latter since he was 19 years of age. Mr. Caldwell has filled several local oflSces. ANDREW M. CAEPENTER (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-ofRce, La Plata). Mr. Carpenter's father, Samuel Carpenter, was one of the pioneer settlers of Missouri. He came to Cooper county from Kentucky as early as 1819, and in the winter of 1821-23 was married there to Miss Sarah Langly, whose parents were from Tennessee and were among the first settlers of that county. They made their permanent home in Cooper county, and the father died there in 18H8, one of the respected citizens of the county. In 1849 he went to California, making the trip there overland and returning the following year by the Isthmus and New Orleans. Except during that absence and one year in Ben- ton county, he lived in Cooper continuously until his death. Andrew M. was born on the farm in Cooper count}^ December 20, 1822. He was reared to habits of industry on the farm Imd received a common school education. After reaching his majority he carried the mail between Jefferson City and Versailles for about 10 months. October 28, 1847, he was married to Miss Mar}' A. Gilbreath, a daughter of HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 945 Hugh Gilbreath, of Cooper county. He then moved to his present farm, the land of which he had previously bought. Here he went to work to make himself a home and establish himself in life. Industry and good management have prospered him. He bought and entered land from time to time until he now has nearly 400 acres, over half of which is under fence. His place is comfortably and substantially improved, and he is otherwise well situated in life. On the 26th of September, 1866, Mr. Carpenter had the misfortune to lose his wife. At her death she left him six children: Flora A., wife of Daniel Coates ; James C, Samuel C, George A., John H. and William L. To his present wife Mr. Carpenter was married February 28, 1867. Mrs. Carpenter, whose maiden name was Leah D. White, was a daughter of Jesse White, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. They have six children: Jesse W., Oscar S., Mattie B., Hattie E., Gabriel B., Lucy C. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Baptist Church at La Plata, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. at that place. Mr. Carpenter has served for nearly five years as justice of the peace. JAMES CHRISTIE (Farmer, Post-office, La Plata) . Mr. Christie, who has resided in Macon county since 1869, and is a neat and thrifty farmer of La Plata township, was born in North Carolina, May 14, 1837, and was a son of David D. and Rachel (Westville) Christie, both also natives of that State. James, who was reared a farmer, and received a good common school education as he grew up, came West when he was 16 years of age with his parents, who located in Lee county, 111. There the father bought a farm of 300 acres, on which he lived until his death, and the mother still resides on the old homestead. July 3, 1860, James Christie was married to Miss Melvina Swarthout, a daughter of Joshua Swarthout, formerly of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Christie is a lady of excellent educa- tion and taught two terms of school in Illinois prior to her marriage. Mr. Christie continued farming in Illinois until 1869, when he came to Missouri, settling in Macon county. Here he has a neat farm of over 100 acres and a fine orchard of several hundred trees. His place is otherwise well improved. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have six children: Frank B., a popular teacher of the county; IraD., Eva May, David S., and Gertie and Bertie, twins. JESSE DAVIS (Public Weigher, La Plata.) Mr. Davis comes of an old Kentucky family. His grandfather, Col. Henry Davis, was a gallant officer under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. His (Jesse's) father, George W. Davis, was born and reared in Kentucky, and still resides in that State, a well-to-do and respected citizen of Owen county. Jesse Davis' mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Pris- 946 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. cilia Caldwell, also a native of Owen county. Jesse, the subject of this sketch, was the second son in their family of seven children, and was born in Owen county, February 28, 1847. He received a good common-school education as he grew up, and having been reared on a farm, he naturally turned his attention to that as his regular occu- pation on reaching manhood. He came to Missouri in 1868, when 21 years of age, and located in Adair county, where he followed fiirm- ing and shipping stock for some time. In March, 1879, Mr. Davis removed to La Plata and en2;a2red in the hotel business, buvins; the La Plata House, to which he made addition, and conducted that house with success until the fall of 1883, and is said to have carried on an excellent cosmopolitan hostlery. In 1881 he was elected city marshal,, and tilled the office one year, when he resigned the position. Mr. Davis now has two good public scales, and does the principal part of the weighing of La Plata and this vicinity. March 16, 1869, he was married to Miss Tempie Chadwell, a daughter of Daniel Chad well, of Adair county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children : Allen A. and Frankie P. Mr. D. is a member of the Masonic lodge. DUDLEY W. DEMPSEY, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, La Plata). Dr. Dempsey was born and reared in Ohio, and comes of a respected family of Athens county. His opportunities for the improvement of his mind being good as he grew up, he availed himself of them with commendable spirit, and secured an excellent education. It is an aphorism that what one thinks of himself has much to do in shaping the opinions of others concerning him. Without one has some self- appreciation and an ambition to accomplish something in life, he can never amount to much. Indeed, Mill says that the varying fortunes of men are not so much due to great ditferences in their natural pow- ers of mind, aside from ambition, as to their differences of ambition. The aspirations of one lead him to higher efforts, and, therefore, to higher achievements than to those to which another is led b}' his less exalted purposes. Young Dempsey to-day might have been a jour- neyman artisan, or a lease-holding tiller of the soil, if he had set his mark in life no higher. But, determined to accomplish something in the world at least above that of the common substratum of men, he has already risen to a position of consideration, and the path on which he has entered leads up higher and to a still more advanced place, if he but follow it faithfully, untiringly and resolutely — in the same spirit that he has pursued it thus far. He was born in Nelsonville, near Athens, Ohio, September 4, 1852, and was a son of Joseph and Eliza (Sampton) Dempsey, both natives of this State. Young Dempsey was reared on the farm in his native county, and, being of studious habits, by the age of 17 he had acquired a good, common English education in the schools of the county. He then began to teach school, and for the next six years alternated between teachino; and attending school. Durinsj this time HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 947 he took a course in the High School of Atliens, and also in the Uni- versity of Ohio. Long previously decided to become a physician, he had educated himself with that object in view, and in 1874 began the study of medicine under Dr. A. B. Frame, a leading physician of Athens. Continuing his studies, he took a course of lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, in Cincinnati, during the session of 1878-79. Following his course at Cincinnati, he went to Kansas, and located at Bennington, where he practiced during the remainder of the year 1879, and most of the year 1880. He then entered upon a second course of lectures in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from which he graduated in 1881. Returning to Bennington, Kan., he continued there until the spring of 1882, when he came to La Plata, Mo., where he has since resided and pursued the practice of his pro- fession. A gentleman of fine intelh'gence, thorough general and med- ical training, and urbane and popular in manners, he has accumulated a practice with unusual rapidity, and has already taken a prominent position as a capable physician and useful citizen. In December, 1881, he returned to Ohio, and was married at Guysville, to Miss Addie C. Pickett, daughter of Dr. John Pickett, a leading physician of Athens county. Mrs. Dempsey is a lady of superior culture and refinement, and was an accomplished teacher of Athens county before her marriage. She has taught one year at La Plata snice their mar- riage, and with great satisfaction to the public. Dr. and Mrs. Demp- sey have one son, Leroy. She is a member of the M. E. Church. Dr. Dempsey is a member of the Macon County Medical Society. JOHN M. DERR (Dealer in Furniture, Etc., and Undertaker, La Plata). Mr. Derr, who has made his way up in life by his own industry and good management, and is now one of the responsible business men and respectable citizens of La Plata, is of sterling old Pennsylvania German stock, a class of people who rarely ever fail to succeed in life. He was born in Lycoming county, March 15, 1826. His father was George Derr, also a native of the Keystone State, and his moth- er's maiden name was Jane, nee Sweeny, likewise born and reared in Pennsylvania. Her father was a gallant old soldier of the Revolution. John M. commenced labor in his father's saw mill, and at the age of 14 took charge of the mill himself, which he ran with success 6 years, until his father's death, after which he engaged in the mer- cantile business until a few months before his marriage. In 1850 he was married to Miss Rachel, a daughter of Ben F. Atkinson, of Harrisburg, Pa., and the following year removed to Illinois, locating in Lee county, about 75 miles west of Chicago, where he followed the business of making and repairing wagons, etc., for about 7 years, and was justice of the peace 5 years. He also farmed and did carpentering work there for a number of years. In 1868, however, he removed to Missouri and located at La Plata, where he has since resided. Here he engaged in the furniture business, and has con- 948 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. tinuecl it with increasing success. He carries a neat stock of furni- ture, carpets, window shades, oil cloths, etc., and also a complete line of undertaker's sfoods. He has a oood trade and is considered an upright business man and a valuable citizen in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Derr have two children, Hannah M., wife of J. P. Phipps, and Frank C, a jeweler at Harper, Kansas. Mr. Derr and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is member of the Ma- sonic order. He has served two terms as mayor of La Plata. CAPT. CHARLES S. EDWARDS (Post-ofHce, La Plata) . This retired farmer of La Plata township, who was one of the gal- lant soldiers in the ranks of the Union during the late war, and who is now commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Re- public, whence he received his honorary pronomen, " Captain," for he was a brave private in the war — one of the million whose gleam- ing bayonets opened the way for the old flag to float in triumph from the Ohio to the Gulf, and from the Atlantic to the fountain-waters of the Rio Grande or wherever treason attempted to bar the way — is a native of the Blue Grass State, but was reared in loyal and ever brave and true Illinois. He was born in Jefierson county, Ky., January 25, 1880. His father was Capt. William Edwards, originally of Maryland, and his mother before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Floyd, a native of Virginia. When Charles S. was in childhood the family removed to the Cumberland Valley of Tennessee, but a few years afterwards, in about 1831, came West to Illinois, where Capt. William Edwards, the father, entered the land now forming the site of the city of Plymouth, in Hancock county, on which he improved a farm, and where he lived until his death. He was a successful farmer and highly esteemed citizen, and was captain of militia in old muster days. Charles S. Edwards was reared in Schuyler county, and in 1849 was married to Miss Serena A. Pendarvis. Like his father he became a farmer and followed farming in Schuyler county without interruption and with success until the second year of the war. By this time it had become manifest that the struggle for the preservation of the Union was bound to be one requiring all the strength of the government, and that therefore it was the duty of every patriotic citizen who could do so to put aside his private affiiirs and shoulder his gun for the cause for which Washington fought — the life of the Republic. Capt. Edwards, patriotic to the last degree, accordingly ofiered himself as a volunteer for the Union. Every consideration of duty and patriotism prompted him to this course. His grandfather, William Edwards, was a soldier in the Revolution under Washington, and the grandson came by his patriotism by inheritance. His grand- father was for a long time personally associated with Washington — was the old Pater Patrae's tailor, in fact. He traveled with him and made all of Gen. Washington's clothes, and Capt. Charles S. Edwards' sister, Mrs. P. L. Wingo, of Rushville, III., now has in her possession HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 91^ as an heiiiooni of the family, the " goose " that the grandfather used in pressing: Gen. Washington's clothes, which was exhibited at the Phihidelphia Centennial in 1876, and a suit that Grandfather Edwards made for the General may to this day be seen on exhibition in the patent office at Washington. Capt. Charles S. Edwards enlisted in Co. B, Ninety-first Illinois volunteer infantry as a private sol- dier and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged in the summer of 1865. He was in the battle of Bacon's Creek, in Kentucky, December, 25, 1862, and was taken prisoner, but was paroled and exchanged 6 months after and resumed his place in the ranks. He served about 14 months in Texas, and afterwards served in Mississippi and Alabama. He participated in the battle of Mor- gancy, Mississippi, and in the siege of Spanish Fort, in Alabama, which lasted 13 days and in which many of his regiment were killed. He himself was slightl}'^ wounded. He was also in the battle of Whistler, near Mobile, in the spring of 1865, the last one in Avhich he participated. Besides these he was in numerous engagements we cannot take the space to mention. Discharged at the close of the war, at Mobile, Ala., Capt. Edwards returned to Illinois, and the following spring came to Missouri, locating at La Plata. Here he bought a farm adjacent to town and engaged in farming, which he continued up to a short time ago. He still owns his farm, a place of nearly 400 acres, one of the handsomest and best in the town- ship, and he also owns valuable town property, including a good two- story brick business house, two excellent dwellings, etc. His life as a farmer has been one of excellent success, and he is comfortably sit- uated. Having lost his first wife some years before, on the 24th of October, 1882, Capt. Edwards was married to Miss Lucinda Ross, a daughter of George Ross, Esq., of Carroll county, Ky. By his last marriage he has one child, Ethel L. Mrs. Edwards is a mem- ber of the Christian Church and he is a member of the Presbyterian denomination. By his first marriage Capt. Edwards reared two chil- dren, Elmas, wife of William Rynearson, of Abilene, Kan., and Serena A., widow of C. R. Tibbs, late of Denison, Texas. Capt. Edwards is a charter member of the I. O. G. T., and is commander of the La Plata Post of the G. A. R. He is a man highly esteemed in his community. JOHN FISHER (General Merchant, La Plata) . Mr. Fisher, who has been engaged in merchandising at this place since 1880, and who, prior to that time, had had a number of years' experience in merchandising, was born and reared in Missouri, but is of Scotch parentage, his parents, Andrew and Isabelle (Young) Fisher, having come from Edinburgh, Scotland, in about 1830. They first lived in Canada after landing on this side the Atlantic, but soon removed to Illinois, and then, in about 1835, to Knox county, Mo., where they were among the earliest settlers of that county. The father died there in 1842. John Fisher, his son, and the subject of 950 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. this sketch, was in infancy at the time of his father's death, having been born in Knox county, near Sue City, on the 31st of May, 1841. He was reared in that county and at the age of 21, in the spring of 18(53, went West, spending about three years in Colorado and on the Phiins, and engaged principally in mining. Returning in 1866, hav- ing married in Nebraska the fall before, he followed farming for about eight years, and in 1874 engaged in merchandising at Sue City, carrying a general stock of goods. He continued at Sue City with success until 1880 when he removed a part of his stock to La Plata, and has since been in business at this place. His business at La Plata has proved a complete success, and he now has one of the substantial business houses of La Plata-. He carries a full line of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, glass-ware, queen's-ware, etc., etc. November 15, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha E. Phipps, a daughter of Silas Phipps, formerly of Kentucky, and a sister to T. J. Phipps, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three children: Lee E. (now attending the Kirks- ville State Normal School), Robert E. and Mamie Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Christian Church and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of the school board and the city council, and Mr. Fisher owns the business house which he occupies, a good brick structure, 25x75 feet in dimension. Re- cently he has purchased the stock and business property of Mr. M. H. Howard, in the hardware business (which joined his store), and in this new house intends carrying a complete line of hardware, stoves, tin-Avare, groceries and glass-ware, pumps, barb and smooth wire, etc. The two establishments will be run in connection. Mr. Daugherty, Mr. F.'s former clerk, is a partner in the hardware department. ALEXANDER D. GALLOWAY (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). Mr. Galloway's farm contains 200 acres, or rather his tract of land contains that many, over half of which is under fence and in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Galloway came to Missouri in 1873 and bought the farm where he now resides. He is an industrious, go- ahead farmer and well respected citizen, and is making steady progress in situating himself comfortably in life. He is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born January 3, 1833, and a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Adams) Galloway, both born and reared in the Keystone State. When Alexander D. was five years of age, in 1838, the family removed to Illinois and settled in Cook county, near Chicago, where the j)arents lived until their death. Alexander D. was reared in Cook rounty and November 2, 1859, was married to Miss Affie Warren, a daughter of C. R. Warren of the adjoining county of Lake, who came fi-om Vermont. Mr. Galloway bought a farm in Lake county after his marriage and continued to reside there until he came to Missouri in 1873. His wife died September 14, 1876, leaving him three chil- dren : Cora, wife of Peter Wolf, of Adair county ; Jessie, wife of Ed. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 951 Biiiley and Edgar A. Mrs. G. was a member of the M. E. Church for ten years prior to her death, and is therefore especially mourned by her brethren and sisters in the church as well as by the loved ones of her own hearthstone. JOSIAH GATES, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon and Druggist, La Plata). Dr. Gates began the practice of medicine in Macon county 28 years ago, and has since either been practicing his profession or en- gaged in the drug business, or both, continuously, but principally the former. He was born in Scott county, 111., May 1, 1832, and eight years afterwards his parents, George W. and Sallie (Stanfield) Gates, came to Missouri, locating in Macon county. The father was from North Carolina, but was reared in Kentucky. He went to Illinois when a young man, where he was married, and lived there until Josiah was seven years of age. Coming to Macon county in 1839, he bought a claim here in the north part of the county and after- wards entered the land on which he resided until his death, in August, 1879. Josiah Gates began the study of medicine under D. B. H. Weatherford, of Old Bloomington, in September, 1854. In the win- ter of 1855-56 he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio. Keturning home in March, 1856, in May of the same year he moved to New Boston, in the western part of the county of Macon, where he remained until March, 18.57. He re- moved back to Bloomington and engaged in the drug business and practice of medicine with Dr. B. H. Weatherford. They continued together until November, 1858, when by mutual consent they dis- solved, or, rather, sold their drug store to Mr. White. Then Dr. J. Gates moved to his father's 12 miles north of Bloomington, and there commenced the practice of medicine and continued up to Feb- ruary 1, 1859, when he went to Cincinnati and remained four months and graduated in the Eclectic Medical Institute, and returned back to his old vicinity and began business and remained in the practice of that neighborhood until May 6, 1874. He then moved to La Phata, Macon county. Mo., where he has since resided. In 1881 he estab- lished a drug store here and has conducted it with good success up to the present time. Dr. Gates has a large practice and is one of the most popular and skillful physicians in this part of the county. In 1860 Dr. Gates was married at Belleville, 111., to Miss Ellen Taylor, daughter of J. M. Taylor of that place. She died, however, August 6, 1861. To his present wife Dr. Gates was married on April 26, 1863. She was a Miss Marietta C. Linzee, daughter of Jacob Linzee, formerly of Wisconsin. She came to Missouri with her parents when she was 15 years of age. The Doctor and his wife have three chil- dren: E. M., Sallie S. and William J. Mrs. G. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the Masonic lodge, including the Blue lodge, the Chapter and the Com- mandery. 55 952 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JUDGE JOHN GILBREATH. (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). Among the old and useful citizens of Macon county whose lives have been identified with its best interests from the pioneer days of the county, the subject of this sketch will always be prominently associa- ted, both in the memory of all who are familiar with the past of the county and in its history. Judge Gilbreath came to Missouri with his parents, Hugh Gilbreath and his second wife. Flora (nee) Macduffee, away back in 1826. His father was a native of North Carolina, but his mother was originally from Kentucky. Their home after their marriage, however, until her death, was in Tennessee, and there, in Maury county, where they resided, John Gilbreath, the subject of this sketch, was born on the 8th of December, 1817. His mother, Hannah (nee) Conover, died in Tennessee when he was only 12 years old. On coming to Missouri the family settled in Cooper county, where the father entered and bought large tracts of land, on a part of which he improved a farm where he resided until his death, which occurred in about 1851. He had been a gallant old soldier in the War of 1812, and was one of the highly esteemed and venerated citizens of Cooper county. John Gilbreath was nine years of age when his parents removed to Missouri. Growing up in Cooper county, he was married there to Miss Martha Clayton, a daughter of John Clayton, formerly of Mary- land, on the 18th of February, 1840. The following May after his marriage Mr. Gilbreath removed to Newton county, where he lived, however, less than a year, coming back as far as Cole county. In the spring of 1841 he came to Macon county and settled where he has been since residing. His farm is three miles south of La Plata. A man of strong natural intelligence, sufficiently educated for all the practical needs of farm life, industrious to the last degree, frugal and a good manager, he of course succeeded here as he would have sue- ceeded any where with any sort of fair opportunity. In his younger manhood he was a hard worker, and relied only on his own honest toil and economy for success. He entered and bought land as his labor and the seasons prospered him, until he became one of the large landholders of the county. At one time he had over 1,100 acres of as fine land as a crow would wish to see waving and ripe with corn ; but with that generosity which is characteristic of the honest-hearted, industrieus man, he has given of his possessions to his children, to whom he has also given an honored name and an honest bringing up, so that now he has only a comfortable homestead of 400 acres left for himself. But he is rich in the love and reverence of those whose affection is of more value and consolation to him than all the worldly possessions that cover the earth. Showing how time has approved, in the opinion of his neighbors and acquaintances, his long and useful life, it is worthy of mention that in 1872 he was elected to the office of county judge, a position he held with great credit and to the satis- faction of all until his term was cut short by a change in the law, which HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 953 brought about a new order of things. For many years Judge Gil- breath was extensively engaged in raising and handling stock, at which he was abundantly successful ; but of late years, since the shadows of old age have begun to fall around him, he has quit the stock business to some extent, handling now only short-horn cattle, and is leading something of a life of ease and retirement. Having well improved the harvest time of the years of his activity, he has not been deprived of an abundance of the fruits of industry, and now he can contemplate the approach of the frosts of winter with that satisfaction v/hich the good farmer feels who has profited by the season of summer showers and fruitful soil, and whose granaries and whose larder are well filled. No citizen of La Plata township stands higher in the general esteem of those around him than Judge Gilbreath, and the good opinion held of him is only just, for no one has led a life more untarnished or less blameful than his has been. One of the men whose brawn and brain have built up the county and made it what it is, all that he has done has been for its good, and nothing for its hurt. The usefulness of his life will not cease for the good of the county when he shall have passed away, as his name will not be forgotten, for he will have left children whose characters he has made such that both will be per- petuated. Blanqui says that one of the greatest services a citizen can perform for the State is to give to it a family of worthy children, and this Judge Gilbreath has done. He. and his good wife, one of the best of women, whom all that know her love and respect, have reared several children : John H., Nancy C, wife of George Roan ; William T., now president of the La Plata Bank; James C., Charles C, Lo- renzo D., who died in 1878 at the age of 23, leaving a family. Three others are deceased. Judo;e G. is a member of the La Plata Lodg^e of A. F. and A. M., and has tilled several chairs in the order. WILLIAM T. GILBREATH (President of the La Plata Savings' Bank and Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Gilbreath is a son of Judge John Gilbreath, one of the early settlers and highly esteemed citizens of the northern part of. the county, a sketch of whose life appears on a former page of this volume. William T. Gilbreath was born on the old family homestead in this county, March 26, 1849. He was reared to a farm life, and received a good common school education as he grew up. Success in life depends not so much on the circumstances in which one is placed as in the manner in which one improves his opportunities. In the individual there must be an ambition to succeed, to rise in life as the years come and go, with an intelligent appreciation of conditions, and a practical, clear understanding of how these conditions can be best utilized. Herein lies the secret of success, and it is this that forms the touchstone of men's career. One may be given a collegiate education and favored with ample capital or other means upon which to embark in life for himself, with, perhaps, a business training in addition and a business already established, yet fails to succeed — 954 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. make a complete failure, in fact, and sink even below the common level of those who float through the world without accomplishing any- thing of vahie either to themselves or to society ; while another, with none of these advantages, but possessing the innate instinct of success, that quality of mind which enables one to perceive as by intuition what is necessary to be done in any circumstances and how to do it, will steadily improve in fortune and position in life until he rises, either above an}^ around him or to a place iunong the most prominent and successful of his community. These reflections are induced by glancing over the record that the subject of this sketch has made. He was reared as other sons of farmers are reared — with no special advantages or opportunities ; yet to-day, although still comparatively a young man, mainly by his own mental force and clearness, and by his own strength of character and by his industry, he is one of the prominent property holders and wealthy men, and one of the leading, influential citizens of the county. It is unnecessary to say that there are others and many in every community whose chances in life were no worse than his, but whose positions now are far from as enviable as is his. Mr. Gilbreath is one of those clear-headed, thorough-going men for whom nature has done more than all the schools and all that factitious circumstances could equal in not a few others. In a word, he is one of those men who would succeed anywhere — with some means to begin on, only the soon-er ; but with no start at all, not the less certain. Many are brought up on farms, but never make success- ful farmers ; many are brought up in l)anks, with every opportunity education and wealth can furnish to fit themselves for the business, but never make successful bankers. Nature must have laid the foundation stone, otherwise all that is built up is labor lost. Mr. Gilbreath was reared on a farm and has become a successful farmer, as he would have become if he had turned his attention to agriculture though previously he had never seen a farm, for he possesses to a marked degree those general qualities for success which rarely fail in any channel in which they are directed. As a banker he has been quite as successful as he has been as a farmer, yet previously he had had no bank experience. It is less than might with truth be said to say that he is generally regarded in banking circles where he is known, and by all acquainted with him as a banker, as one of the soundest, most clear-headed, intelligent bank presidents throughout this section of North Missouri. He is a man of broad and clear ideas, who sees and understands general principles at a glance, and who, looking to the reason of these things, comprehends their operation. Albert Gallatin and John Sherman doubtless had many nine-hundred-dollar clerks who understood the details of banking, the bird-headed minutioe of it, the figures up one column and down another, better than they did, but there were few men in their times who possessed that broad and comprehensive understanding of the philosophy of financier- ing that characterized their administration of the treasury department of the Government. So, to a measure, the same quality is required HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 955 of the successful bank president. Clerks can do the detail work, but there must be a pilot to direct the general course of the institution, one who has a full view of the entire situation and who can see the shallows and danger points ahead. Such a banker Mr. Gilbreath is by all conceded to be, and it is to his wise and clear foresight in directing the aftairs of the La Plata Savings' Bank that is mainly due its unusally rapid success. This bank is one of the best institutions in the country, and possesses a high character for stability, good management and fair dealing. It has accumulated a large surplus of funds, besides paying a handsome dividend ©n its stocks, and is one of the prosperous banks of North Missouri. On the organiza- tion of the bank, in 1882, Mr. Gilbreath was elected its president and has since filled that position. Prior to this he had been actively engaged in farming and stock-raising and had achieved a gratifying degree of success. He is still engaged in these pursuits and has one of the neatest and best farms in the township. He is a man highly esteemed for his character and many estimable qualities as a neighbor and citizen, and his name stands as a synonym for honor and integrity. On the 14th of November, 1871, Mr. Gilbreath was married to Miss Sarah M. Gates, a daughter of George Gates, one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county, from North Carolina via Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. G. have one child, a daughter, Olive May. Mr. G. is a member of the La Plata Masonic lodge and of the Chapter and Commandery at Kirksville. He has filled most of the important stations in the Blue Lodge except Worshipful Master. JAMES C. GILBREATH (Farmer and Stockman, Post-offlee, La Plata). Mr. Gilbreath, one of the active and enterprising agriculturists of La Plata township, is a son of Judge John Gilbreath, whose sketch precedes this, and was born on the old parental hoiuestead, June 22, 1853. He was reared on a farm and received a g-ood common school education. Under his father he was brought up to those habits of in- dustry and learned those lessons of economy, frugal habits and good management so important to success in any department of life. The father a successful farmer, the son naturally chose the same occupa- tion as his permanent calling, and inheriting many of the stronger qualities of his father's character, he has already given assurances by his experience thus far that he will follow in the footsteps of his father as a successful man in life, and a worthy, useful citizen. February 24, 1874, he was married to Miss Fannie M. Gates, a daughter of George Gates of this county, but formerly of Illinois. After his mar- riage he settled on his present farm where he went to work to carve out his future as a farmer and citizen. He has 400 acres of good land, nearly all of which is under fence and most of it either in active culti- vation, pasturage or meadow. He has a new two-story frame resi- dence, good stables and other buildings, a fine orchard of over 70() trees with other fruits, large and small, and his place is otherwise well 956 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. improved. He makes a business of handling stock and is quite suc- cessful. He ships from two to three car loads of cattle and about a car load of hogs annually, and mainly of his own feeding. Mr. and Mrs. G. have a family of two children, Minnie P. and Irvin W. Mr. Gilbreath is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and is one of the well respected citizens of the township. CHAELES C. GILBREATH (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). By no means the least value which the life of that old and respected citizen, Judge John Gilbreath, has been to Macon county, valuable as it has been in other respects, is in the worthy family of children whom he has given to the county. His four sons and only daughter, as well as himself, are represented in this volume, all the heads of fami- lies deserving recognition in any worthy history of the county. Charles C, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the family living, and although still a young man, by his industry, business man- agement and energy has already shown that he is fully worthy of the name he bears and the lineage of which he comes. The Gilbreath family, as all know, is one of the best in the county, and Charles C. possesses to a marked degree the qualities that have given the mem- bers of this family so enviable a position in the community. He was born January 25, 1860, and was brought up to know that success in life is to be achieved, a success that is honorable to the one who wins it, only by personal industry and individual worth. He had good educational opportunities and did not fail to improve them to the best advantage. Besides passing through the common schools, he had the benefit of a course at the La Plata High School, where he obtained a valuable knowledge of advanced studies. He, like his brothers, be- came a farmer and he has since continued to follow that occupation. On the 22d of August, 1880, he was married to Miss Mandana Morris, a daughter of William M. Morris, an early settler of this county. After his marriage, Mr. Gilbreath settled on his present farm. He has 120 acres of good land, a farn\ neatly improved, and he has made it one of the comfortable homes of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Gil- breath have one child, Martha E., and have lost one, W. Irving, who died in infancy. Mrs. C. is a member of the La Plata Baptist Church. JOHN H. GILBREATH (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. G. has a farm of 200 acres where he resides, all under fence and nearly all in cultivation, and has his place in a good state of improve- ment. It is one of the comfortable homesteads of the township. Mr. Gilbreath also has other lands, but not improved. He is a thorough- goinof farmer and raises some stock, and is reo;arded as one of the better class of farmers of the northern part of the county. That he is a son of Judg-e John Gilbreath is suflicient assurance that as a citi- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 957 zen and man his name and character are without reproach. Mr. Gilbreath is the oldest son of his father's four sons, and was born March 1, 1841. Eeared on the farm, on the 11th of August, 1860, when 19 years of age, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Tate, a daughter of William Tate, an old citizen of the county. Mr. Gil- breath eno;ao;ed in farmino; for himself about the time of his marriage and continued it without interruption up to the second year of the war. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, mainly for home protection against marauders. Later along, in 1864, he enlisted in the regular service, Forty-second Missouri infantry, under Col. Forbes, and served until honorably discharged in 1865. After he was discharged he resumed farming and has since devoted his whole attention to that industry and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbreath have been blessed with 11 children : Lavara, John W., Mattie, wife of T. J. Dodson ; Lucy, Jesse T., James C, H. F., L. D., Lillie, Aura and Charles. Mrs. G. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. JUDGE JACOB GILSTRAP (Mayor of La Plata). .Tuge Gilstrap has been identified with the history of this section of the State from the early days of the country. He has lived in this and neighboring counties from boyhood, and his father, Jesse Gil- strap, was one of the early settlers. Jesse Gilstrap was originally from Tennessee, and came to Kentucky, where he was married to Miss Isabella Lee, originally from Virginia, who was a descendant of the distinguished Lee family of the Old Dominion. After their marriage they removed to Indiana, settling in Lawrence county, when that section of the State was almost a trackless wilderness. There Jacob, Judge Gilstrap, was born April 20,1828. In 1835 they removed to Missouri locating in Randolph county, but the following spring set- tled near Old Bloomiiigton in Macon county. There he entered about 600 acres of land and improved a large farm. Some eight years, later, however, in 1844, he went to Putman county, where he entered more land and improved another place. He died there in 1847. Jacob Gilstrap was seven years of age when his parents re- moved to Missouri, and 16 years old when they settled in Putman county. Coming up in pioneer times, he had but little opportunity to obtain an education, but improved his chances to the best advant- age. He was occupied with farming pursuits until after his marriage, which occurred October 12, 1851. He then engaged in merchandis- ing in Putman county, and sold goods for a short time, but soon resumed farming and continued it for about five years. In 1857 he established a store at Wilsontown and sold goods there until 1860, when he went into the grain and saw milling business. In 1861 Judge Gilstrap came to Macon county, but soon afterwards removed to White Cloud, Kansas. January 18, 1862, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, under Col. Lipscomb, who commanded a cavalry regi- 958 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ment. Later along this was consolidated with Col. John McNeal's regiment. Judge Gilstrap enlisted as a private, but was afterwards elected captain of his company. He participated in numerous fights during the war and was honorably discharged in 1863. After his discharge he located at Macon City, but in 18*34 returned to Adair county, and resumed milling. Selling out, however, soon after- wards, he came back to Macon City and in the fall of the same year was elected sheriff of the county on the Republican ticket. He dis- charged the duties of the office of sheriff and also engasfed in the implement business, but the latter, however, not until after his term of sheriff. In 1869 Judge Gilstrap removed to La Plata, where he has since resided. Here he sold goods for about a year, and then built the La Plata House, which he run for about 10 years. In the spring of 1883 he was elected justice of the peace, and is now discharging the duties of that office. He has also served as township trustee and assessor, as well as in other offices. While in Adair county he was judge of the county court, and wherever he has resided he has been regarded as a worthy and valuable citizen. In 1882 he was elected mayor of La Plata, the office he still holds. Judge Gilstrap's wife is still spared to him to comfort and brighten his home. Her maiden name was Miss Sarah J. Wilson, a daughter of Ellis E. Wilson, one of the pioneer settlers of Adair county. Mo., and came from Kentucky. The Judge and Mrs. Gilstrap have four children : Sarilda, the wife of Charles W. Thomas of Holt county; Louella, the wife of W. W\ Miller, and Nancy I. and Martha G. The Judge is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. JOHN B. GOODDING (Of Goockling, Williams & Wait, General Merchants, La Plata). Mr. Gooddino; stanJs at the head of one of the largest and most popular business houses throughout the northern part of Macon and southern part of Adair and the south-eastern part of Knox counties. This firm occupies two large business rooms and carries a heavy and well selected stock of dr}^ goods, clothing, queen's-ware, groceries, glassware and other kindred lines of goods. Mr. Goodding came to La Plata in the summer of 1881 and engao-ed in business here as a member of the firm of T. J. Phipps & Co., since which he has con- tinued the same business, the firm having in the meantime undergone different changes of partners. He has continued at the old stand, however, and retains all his old customers. He is a business man of thorough qualifications, and is justly popular with all who know him. The Goodding family is one of the pioneer families of Missouri. Mr. Goodding's grandfather, Abram Goodding, came to this State from Kentucky as early as 1817. He settled with his familv in Howard count}' where he lived until his death. Mr. Goodding's father, Andrew L. Goodding, was quite , young when the fiimily came to Missouri, and he grew to manhood in Howard county. In 1846 he was married to Miss Miiry J. Dameron, formerly of Ten- HISTORY OF MACON COUMTY. 951* nessee, of another family of early settlers. Her parents lived, how- ever, in Randolph county. The following year Andrew L. Gooddinoj removed to Macon county, settling near Atlanta, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1859. John B. Goodding, the subject of this sketch, was born on the farm near Atlanta, August 2, 1847. He completed his education at the high school and then engaged in farming, locating in Randolph county. Four years later, however, in 1868, he came back to the old family homestead in Ma- con county and farmed there with success for about 11 years. Born and reared in the county, and a man of good education and pleasant, popular address, he became widely acquainted and favorably known throughout the county, and his influence was sought after by those anxious for political preferment as well as by others. In 1879 he was appointed deputy collector and filled that office for two years and until he came to La Plata in the spring of 1881. Mr. Good- ding is a man of high standing and recognized influence. January 22, 1874, Mr. Goodding was married to Miss Melissa Wills, a daugh- ter of Rev. R. H. AVills, an old citizen of this county and a highly esteemed Presbyterian minister, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Goodding have three children : Roscoe E., Alma M. and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Goodding are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is overseer of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Goodding has been clerk of Lyda township for two years. JOHN M. GRIFFIN (Proprietor of the La Plata Livery Stable) . Mr. Griffin possesses to a marked degree the four necessary qualifi- cations for a successful liveryman — a thorough knowledge of stock, business tact, good taste and popular manners ; and it is not surpris- ing, therefore, that his success in this line has been most satisfactory. He has a large brick stable, 160 feet deep by 40 feet wide, facing immediately on one of the best streets of La Plata, and he carries an exceptionally excellent stock of buggies, carriages, etc., and driving and riding horses. Letting his rigs out at reasonable prices, and only to responsible parties who will not only pay for their use but take good care of them, he always has them in good shape so that they can be depended upon by both the traveling and local public, with each of whom his stable is more than ordinarily popular. Nothing is better for digestion and longevity than a ride in one of his " fly " rigs, and the more rides one takes the better his digestion becomes "and the longer and happier he lives. The result is that, like Glagg's relief, everybody takes it — that is, in this case, the ride — maids pine for it and chil- dren cry for it, while Mr. Griffin's business registers a degree of success higher for ever}'' ride taken. In a word, he is a polite, affiible, popular liveryman, and is doing a thriving business. He was born in this county July 26, 1853, and is a son of J. M. and Telitha (Murley) Griffin, both originally from Kentucky. John M. was reared on a farm, and after he grew up continued farming until he came to La 960 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Plata and engaged in his present business in 1881. He had previously dealt in stock and had handled stock all his life. April 13, 1873, he was married to Miss Maggie, daughter of William Hatfield of this county. They have two children: Deloma and Carl. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. ISRAEL W. HERMAN (Contractor and Builder, La Plata). Mr. Herman is one of the leading men in his line in the northern part of the county, and comes of that sturdy old Pennsylvania Ger- man stock whose representatives rarely ever fail to succeed in what- ever pursuit they engage, for they are industrious and economical, the qualities more important than all others to a prosperous life. Mr. Herman's parents were William and Elizabeth (Sheffer) Herman, both of Pennsylvania German lineage and nativity. Israel W. was born in Tioga county, of the Keystone State, July 2, 1835, and when he was 12 years of age his parents removed to Stephenson county, 111., where they still reside, and where he grew to manhood. He was reared on the farm, but at the age of 17 commenced the carpenter's trade, which he learned thoroughly in three years. In the fall of 1856 he went to Washington county, Minn., and worked there two years, but returned to Illinois and continued his trade in Stephenson county, combined much of the time with farm- ing up to 1867, when he came to La Plata, Mo. Here he has followed carpentering and contracting and building exclusively for the last 17 years, and has long held a prominent position in that line. He has put up many and perhaps most of the better class of buildings at La Plata and throughout this entire vicinity. An honest and upright man, and understanding his business thoroughly, he has the confidence of all and commands a large patronage. July 2, 1867, his twenty-second birthday, he was married to Miss Jane A., a daughter of Cornelius Ellis, of Washington county, Minn., but formerly of Stephenson county. 111. They have three children: Ida C, wife of S. M. Gibson, a^ent of the Wabash Railway, of Brunswick, Mo. ; Adda Asenath and Wesley S. Mr. H. is a member of the I. O. O. F. OLIVER HOWARD (Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-offlce, La Plata). Mr. Howard, whose ancestry in the agnate line includes some of the most distinguished men in Kentucky and Virginia and in England, comes of the Kentucky branch of the family, but was himself born in the State of Indiana, his natal day being the 10th of March, 1829, and the county of his birth. Dearborn. His father, Hon. Samuel Howard, came to that State from Kentucky when a young man, hav- ing been reared and educated in the Blue Grass State. In Indiana he was married to Miss Louisa Livingston. He resided in Switzer- land county and became a leading man of that county, representing HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 961 the people in the State legislation for a number of years. In 1844 he returned with his, family to Kentucky, and afterwards served in the State Senate. He died in Kentucky in 1876. Oliver Howard, the subject of this sketch, was principally reared in Indiana and re- ceived a good common-school education. After he grew up, May 11, 1854, he was married in Carroll county, Kentucky, to Miss Elizabeth Keene, a daughter of Charles Lake Keene. Two years after his mar- riage Mr. Howard removed to Missouri and located at La Plata, where at first he engaged in the furniture business, which he con- tinued until after the war. He then worked at the cabinet maker's trade and made a large percentage of the furniture sold at this place. In 1867 he settled on his farm, which he had bought on first coming to the State. This farm is a mile and a half from La Plata and con- tains 120 acres, all in a state of cultivation or otherwise improved. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have eight children : Lucian, now of Monroe county ; Nanette, wife of Arthur Runkel, of Cedar county ; Louisa, Roona, Charles, Alice, William and Lizzie. Mr. H. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W. WILLIAM P. JOHNSON Proprietor of the La Plata Meat Market). Mr. Johnson engaged in his present business at La Plata in 1870, and has since continued it. He had been raised on a farm and had followed farming some eight years and handling stock before he came here, so that he was an excellent judge of cattle and other farm animals before he commenced the butcher business. He commenced this business with a determination to furnish his customers good meats if they could be had, and never to deceive them if he knew it. The result was that his shop soon obtained a deserved popularity, a popu- larity which it has ever since retained and which he has shown himself entirely worthy of. If good meats can be had in the country they can be had at his market, and at prices which cannot be justly complained of, a fact the public very well know. Mr. Johnson also carries on farming during the cropping seasons in addition to his butcher busi- ness. He was born on his father's farm near Old Bloomington, December 10, 1842, and was a son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Griffin) Johnson, the former from South Carolina and the latter from North Carolina. His parents met and married in Kentucky, and came to Missouri in 1838, settling near Old Bloomington ; both are now deceased. William P., after he grew up, followed farming in the county for about eight years, and then came to La Plata, when he engaged in his present business. January 29, 1863, he was married to Miss Martha Huckabay, a daughter of Thomas Huckabay, of this county. They have four children : Rosella, wife of William R. Park, of Bloomfield, Iowa ; William H., Enoch and James T. The mother of these died January 1, 1872, and on the 15th of October, 1874, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Amanda Chadwick, a daughter of Abner Chadwick, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. She died Jan- 962 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. iiary 15, 1881, leaving three children : Emmett, Berry C. andJohn A. Two, besides, are deceased. To his present wife Mr. Johnson was married November 17, 1882. She was a sister to his second wife, and her maiden name was Miss Anna Chad wick. They have one child, an infant, a little boy, Frank B. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. J. is one of the elders of the church. JAMES B. LEE (Post-office, La Plata). Mr. L. is a son of Oliver P. Lee, one of the early settlers and time-hon- ored citizens of Macon county, who was born June 5, 1807, and died on his farm in this county on the 7th of March, 1880. He was for a number of years a magistrate of Jackson township, and held other local offices. 'Squire Lee was a native of Kentucky, as was his wife^ whose maiden name was Polly Griffin, and they came from Pulaski county of that State, to Macon county. Mo., as early as 1834. He entered land here and improved a farm. He became a well-to-do farmer, and died leaving a comfortable estate of nearly 300 acres of land and considerable personal property. James B. was born on the farm April 2, 1852, and was married December 28, 1876, to Miss Sarah, a daughter of Peter Mingus, a sketch of whom appears on a subsequent page of this work. They have one child, a boy baby, Charley Allen Lee, born January 22, 1884. After his marriage young Mr. Lee settled on a farm, where he has since resided. He has a neat place of 120 acres, comfortably improved, and being a man of industry, enter- prise and sterling intelligence, he is steadily coming to the front as a farmer. W. SCOTT LITTLE (Brick Manufacturer, Nurseryman, and Coal Dealer, La Plata). Mr. Little is one of that class of stirring, enterprising men who are ready to engage in any honest business pursuit and qualified for almost any occupation of a business nature, to which he desires to turn his attention, which is calculated to prove successful or produce substan- tial results. He is, in the main, a self-made man, for he had no extra advantages in youth and started out for himself without anything to succeed on but his own brain and muscle. He is now less than 34 years of age, yet he has long been regarded as one of the substantial citizens of La Plata. He owns and carries on a large brickyard here, running several kilns, and manufactures about 1,000,000 brick per season. He has made most of the brick, and, indeed, all that have gone into buildings at this place and vicinity since he began the busi- ness. He also has practically a monopoly of the coal business at La Plata, supplying from his mine the coal consumed at this point, and a few years ago he established a nursery here which proved an abundant success, and is one of the leading nurseries of the county. In a word, he is ready and qualified to engage in any business which can be made successful, and with these characteristics he can hardly fail HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 963 of becoming a man of ample means in the course of not many years. Mr. Little is a native of Illinois, born in Hancock county, November 16, 1850, but was reared in Adams county of that State, to which his parents removed. His father, Joseph Little, was originally from Washington county, Pa., but his mother, whose maiden name was Mary White, was from Tennessee. They were married in Illinois. W. Scott Little learned the brick-makino; business in Adams county, and afterwards worked at it until coming to La Plata in 1868, when he engaged in the business at this place. He was married December 21, 1868, to Miss Amelia Wright, a daughter of Benjamin Wright, formerly of New York. They have one child : Clarence A. Mr. Little went to Kirksville in the spring of 1869, but returned in 1871, working part of the time while he was absent at the brick business, and the rest of the time traveling for a nursery. His first wife died October 2, 1872, and he was married to his present wife May 3, 1876. She was Miss Carrie McKinstrey, a daughter of Sabert McKinstrey, of this county, but formerly of Ohio. They have two children: Carl L. and a girl baby, Stella May. Mr. and Mrs. L. are active members of the Good Templars lodge, and he is at present lodjje and district deputy G. W. C. T. CHAELES E. LEWELLIN (Of Moore & Lewellin, Lumber Dealers, La Plata). Mr. Lewellin, born in Lynchburg, Va., May 15, 1826, and reared in Fleming county, Ky., came to Missouri in 1849, after having trav- eled extensively and worked at various occupations, as well as having served in the Mexican War, and located at Woodville, in ^lacon county, where he engaged in teaching school. From that time up to 1855 he continued to teach in Macon, Randolph and Monroe counties, except one year, during which he worked at the blacksmith's trade, at Woodville, when he located at Patton's mill, now Levick's mill, and engaged in merchandising, selling goods at that point for about four years. He then went to Petersburg, 111., where he was engaged in the grocery trade for about 18 months. Selling out in Illinois, he located at Cairo, in Randolph county. Mo., where he was engaged in merchandising until 1870. He then settled on a farm, and soon after- wards bought an interest in the lumber yard at Cairo, continuing only one year in the lumber interest, but farming until the fall of 1881, when he came to La Plata. Here, during the following winter, he engaged in his present business, and in the summer of 1882 he and his partner established a branch yard at Millard, which they still con- duct. They have an exceptionally fine stock of lumber and building material of all kinds, and are doing a thriving business. Low prices and cash payments is their motto, and, living up to this closely, they have succeeded even beyond their expectations. Accommodating and honorable in their dealings, they are more than ordinarily popular with the trade. December 4, 1851, Mr. Lewellin was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph Ridings, one of the pioneer settlers 964 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. of Eandolph county and formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Lew- ellin have four children: James C, Charles, Joseph F. and Major. Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order. He served for eight years as justice of the peace, in Randolph county. Mr. Lew- ellin is a son of John A. and Lydia Hart Lewellin, who made their permanent home in Fleming county, Ky. Charles E. served two years' apprenticeship, from the age of 15, at the blacksmith's trade; he then went to Arkansas and worked on a cotton farm one year. Returning to Kentucky, he worked in a carriage factory, at Louisville, about 12 months. Following this, he worked in Arkansas another year at cotton planting, and then worked in a plow factory at Madison, Ind., then went to Bloomington, Ind., and worked in the foundry and clerked. In 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican War and served for 18 months, being honorably discharged at the expiration of that time. He then ran a restaurant about a year at Bloomington, Ind., and after that attended' high school at that place. Prior to enlisting in the Mexican War he worked in a foundry at Blooming- ton and clerked in a store. After quitting the restaurant business he learned the daguerreotype business and took pictures in Indiana for some three months. He then went to New Harmony and engaged in flatboating walnut logs down the Mississippi to New Orleans. After that he came to Missouri and began teaching school in Wood- ville, in Macon county, as stated above. LEWIS M. LYDA (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. L., one of the enterprising, thorough-going citizens of La Plata township, besides being a successful farmer, takes an intelligent and active interest in local political matters, being quite a leader among the Greenbackers in his township. He is a man of solid intelligence, good general education, and possessed of pleasant, agreeable man- ners, so that he is well calculated to become a leader in his party. Mr. Lyda is a brother to J. S. Lyda, a sketch of whom appears on an- other page of this volume, in which an outline of the family history is given. Lewis M. was born on the old family homestead, in the county, December 2, 1844, and remained at home until he was 19 years of age. He then crossed the Plains to Virginia City, M. T., where he was engaged in mining some six years. While working in the mines there, October 25, 1869, he met with an accident that came nearer than a hair's breath of being fiital, for it even got the hair : A blast went off prematurely, and by the explosion one of his eyes was destroyed, his left shoulder and eight ribs broken and his skull frac- tured in several places, burnt powder and stone particles being driven in through the crevices. By this he was laid up for two months, after which he returned home, but did not recover entirely for several years. Mr. Lyda immediately engaged in farming, which he has since followed. January 9, 1870, he was married to Miss Melissa C. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 9G5 Saunders, daughter of George W. Saunders, of this county, an early settler from Kentucky. On the 27th of January, 1874, Mr. Lyda met with an accident far more serious in its result than the first one and sad- der than any that could have befallen him. He and his wife and child were in a wagon, crossing the east fork of the Chariton river, and when in the middle of the stream, which was very swift, though not past ford- ing, the wagon became uncoupled and all three of its occupants were thrown into the water. Mr. Lyda caught their child from his wife's arms and told her to cling to him, so that all three might be able to get out alive. She lost her hold, however, and was quickly carried down the stream by the force of the current, and drowned, Mr. Lyda being barely able to escape with their child. Her body was recovered soon afterwards from the river. The child, a bright little boy. Wood- ward L., is still living with his father. To his present wife Mr. Lyda was married October 29, 1874. Mrs. Lyda's maiden name was Miss Zelpha A. Thompson, a daughter of Logan Thompson, a pioneer set- tler of the county from Virginia via Kentucky. By this union there are four children: James L., Mary R., Effie A. and Nora M. Mr. L3^da located on his present farm in the fall of 1875. His place con- tains 265 acres, all under fence and otherwise substantially improved. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. DE. BASIL C. McDAVITT (Physician and Druggist, La Plata). Dr. McDavitt is a native Missourian, born in Randolph county, April 24, 1843, and was a son of Lee and Ira (Kerby) McDavitt, both natives of Kentucky. They were married in Randolph county and the father was one of the early settlers of that county. Dr. Basil C. was reared in Macon county, to which the family removed when he was quite young, and he was educated in the schools of this county. In 1867 he began the study of medicine under Dr. E. Keith, a leading physician at the time, of La Plata. His collegiate educa- tion in medicine was acquired in the Rush Medical College of Chi- cago, where he concluded his course in the spring of 1869. He then began the practice at La Plata with Dr. Keith, and has since contin- ued it, being alone in the practice, however, for a number of years. For the last year or two he has given the principal share of his atten- tion to his drug store at this place, which he has conducted since 1869. He still docs considerable practice in the town of La Plata, however, and when required, goes to the country. He has an excel- lent druo; store, including a full line of drugs and medicines, paints Tx TV r and oils, school books and stationery, notions, etc., etc. Dr. Mc- Davitt's drug business has been quite successful, and his store is one of the leading establishments of this kind in the northern part of the county. March 12, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. William- son, a daughter of Arthur Williamson, of Macon county, but form- erly of Illinois. They have two children : William A. and Lee W. Mrs. McDavitt is a member of the M. E. Church South, and the Doc- tor is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge. 9G6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. WILLIAM MILLEE (Of Miller & Penuell, Proprietors of the 0. K. La Plata Mills). Mr. Miller, a native Missourian and of Southern tamilv and sympa- thies, being a young man of military age when the war broke out, very naturally identified himself with the South, and promptly offered himself as a volunteer to uphold Southern rights and institutions. He was in Texas at the outbreak of the war, and early in 1861 en- listed in Co. A, Eleventh Texas cavalry, under Col. Young. After the battle of Pea Ridge, he went east of the Mississippi river and was under Kirby Smith at the time of his campaign in Ken- tucky, and under Gen. Wheeler most of the time after the battle of Stone river until surrendering at Charlotte, N. C, April 26, 1865. These few lines taken from Gen. Wheeler's farewell address to his command are worthy of a place here : " You are the sole victors of more than two hundred sternly contested fields. You have partici- pated in more than a thousand conflicts of arms." In one of them he was severely wounded and Avas confined to the hospital for about a month. Amono; the great battles of the war in which he took i)art were those of Chickamauga, Stone river and Pea Ridge. He returned to Macon county after the war and soon after went into the milling business in Chariton county. In 1869 this mill was moved to Richland township, Macon county. In 1879 he traded mills with A. Weakly, who erected and named their present mill O. K. La Plata mill, and he has since been identified with this mill. They have an excellent grain mill (he and his partner) and are doing a good busi- ness. On the 14th of Februar3s 1869, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary E, Pennell, a daughter of William D. and Delilah A. Pennell, formerly of Pennsylvania, but old and respected residents of Chariton county, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller's father, Maxey Miller, is a native of Kentucky, as was also the mother, whose maiden name was Susannah Tate. They removed to Missouri in about 1830 and settled in Howard county. In about 1845 the father removed to Macon county and settled in Independence township. The mother died in 1873, and Mr. Miller, Sr., subsequently broke up house- keeping and died in 1879. William Miller, the subject of this sketch, was principally reared in Macon county, but was born in Howard county, October 24, 1836. He received a good common-school edu- cation and taught school for a time after growing up. In 1858 he went to Texas, and was there when the war began in 1861, as stated above. PETER MINGUS (Farmer) . Mr. M. was born in Union county, Penn., February 26, 1819, and was a son of Peter Mingus, pere, and wife, Barbara Carnes, both born and reared in that State. When Peter, fils, was seven years of HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 967 age the family moved to Venango county, of the same State, where he grew to manhood. In 1842, then 23 years of age, he went to Adams county, Ohio, where he entered land in the wilderness and im- proved a farm. Two years later, August 27, 1844, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Bars, a daughter of -William Bars of that county, but formerly of Pennsylvania. Eight children are the fruits of this union: Mary J., wife of Martin Hizer ; William A., Samuel C, Martha A., wife of William H. Lee; Sarah E., wife of A. B. Lee; George W., Charles and Carrie E., now a young lady. In 1855 Mr. Mingus removed to Iowa, Avhere he was engaged in farming for 15 years. In the spring of 1870 he came to Missouri and bought land where he now resides. He has a farm of 200 acres, comfortably and substantially improved, and besides this he has another tract not far distant, also improved. Mrs. Mingus is a member of the Cumberland Presliyterian Church at La Plata. Mr. Mingus is a hard-working, honest man, a man who has made all he has by the sweat of his own brow and a man of solid intelligence, generous heart and good im- pulses. J. LOUIS NORFOLK (Fai'mer and Fine Sheep-raiser). Mr. Norfolk, who up to six years ago knew nothing of farming, so far as practical experience is concerned, having been brought up to and always previously followed other pursuits, but who, nevertheless, has shown himself to be one of the most clear-headed, enterprising and successful farmers in the township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington county, June 5, 1850. In youth he took a thorough course in the Monongahela public schools, and possessed of a bright, active mind, and given to habits of close and attentive studiousness, he completed his course at the early age of 13, gradu- ating in the common and higher English branches and in mathematics, including geometry, surveying, etc. He then went on the river and was steamboating up to the age of 20. Tiring of the unsettled life of a riverman he quit the water and learned the paper-making trade, which he followed in Elk Horn, in Alleghany county, of his native State, for about seven years. But this was too confining and was gradually making inroads on his health, so, having by industry and economy saved up some means, he decided to try the life of a farmer. But of course he hadn't gotten alono; all this time without a wife. He was married January 29, 1871. His wife was previously a Miss Barbara Cowan, a daughter of George Cowan, of Washington county, Penn. Therefore, in quitting the paper business in 1878, he brought his family and what means he had out West, locating in Macon county. Here he bought a farm and went to work, not with gloves either, but in dead earnest, as a regular old-fashioned to the manor born granger. In fact, he worked with a good deal more energy than a great many farmers do. Working hard and managing well he has of course be- come successful. He has a handsome farm of 200 acres, and has it improved with all modern conveniences, including an ice house, a fine 56 968 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. orchard and everything that is calculated to make home comfortable and pleasant. Believing there was money in the sheep business he embarked in that as a' specialty, but not the raising of scrubby, distempered stock. He got the best Spanish Merino sheep he could find and now has 200 head of as fine bovines as one would wish to see of a summer's day, — in fact as fine sheep as there are in the county. Most of his stock are thoroughbred and can't be beat on this side of the Mississippi. He breeds for healthy constitution and heavy shearing of fine wool. Mr. Norfolk fattens his sheep for the wholesale markets and has found it a profitable business. Mr. and Mrs. N. have three children: Harry A., Kachie and Franklin. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and he of the I. O. G. T. Their residence is a commodious two-story brick and is one of the better houses of the township. CHRISTOPHER OWSLEY (Dealer in Groceries, La Plata). Mr. Owsley's father. Noble Owsley, was a native of East Tennessee and there married Neoma Cook. They subsequently removed to In- diana, then in about 1844 to Henderson county, III., where they made their permanent home. Christopher Owsley was born in In- diana, February 9, 1837, and was reared in Henderson county. III. He was reared a farmer and had only limited school advantages. After he grew up he went to Pike county, III., where he followed farming and the saw-mill business until about 1859. From Pike county. 111., he came to Macon county. Mo., but returned to Illinois, locating in Henderson county. In 1864 he went to Idaho City, and was out there two years. Returning to Illinois, he was in Pike county, of that State, until he came to La Plata in 1868. Here he worked at carpentering for about six months, and was then elected marshal and constable of the township in which he served until 1871. In February, 1870, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Reed. She died three years afterwards, however. After his marriage he engaged in farming near La Plata, but in 1874 came to this place and opened a grocery store. He has been in this line of business almost constantly ever since, although he has sold out at two different times, remaining out of business, however, only a short time (when he made one trip to Carson City, Nev., and San Francisco, Cal.). He carries a neat, well selected stock of groceries and has a profitable custom. His busi- ness is one of the solid houses of the place and he is making some money besides a good living. He takes quite an interest in local political matters and has served as alderman several terms. He is now a rep- resentative of La Plata township on the Democratic County Central Committee. May 1, 1878, he was married to Mrs. Mary C, the widow of Charles Evans, and a daughter of Walker Paul, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. O. have three children : Effie B., Elsie D. and Myron P. Mrs. O. is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. O. is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the I. O. O. F. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 969 THOMAS J. PHIPPS (Dealer in General Merchandise, La Plata). Last January Mr. Phipps had been engaged in general merchandis- ing at LaPhita for 18 years continuously, and he is still in business here with every prospect of adding 18 years more to his honorable and successful record as a merchant of this place. If it is true that *' Time tries all things," then Mr. Phipps may be said to have been tried, fully and well tried in that unerring crucible — to have been weighed in the balance, in fact, and not found wanting. No one could have continued business here as long as he has without business capa- city and personal honesty, for both are absolutely necessary to endur- ing success ; the one to carry on affairs properly, and the other to win and retain the confidence of the public. These qualities Mr. Phipps has proved himself to possess, qualities the possession of which is alone the highest eulogy that can be spoken of one's character. Mr. Phipps was born in Randolph county May 3, 1836, and was a son of Silas Phipps. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Jane Burk, formerly of Kentucky. Silas Phipps came out to Kentucky when a young man, where he was married to Miss Burk. The two then came to Missouri, and located in Randolph county as early as 1820. They lived there for nearly 25 years, finally settling in Macon county, near McGee College, in 1844, where the father lived 38 years, dying in the fall of 1882, in his eighty-ninth year. He had seen service in one of the Indian wars and helped drive the Indians from this then wilderness. Thomas J. Phipps was principally reared in Macon county, and received a limited education in the common schools. In 1855 he went into a store in Shelby county, where he clerked for two years. He then went to Wilsontown, in Adair county, and engaged in business for himself, which he continued for about four years. The war hav- ing come on in the meantime, he closed out business and went on the mountains, where he engaged in the hotel business for two years. He then returned to the plains and engaged in the freighting business. He continued that business with excellent success durmg the entire war. In 1865 he came back to Missouri, and the following year opened out a store at La Plata, beginning in January, and enlarging his business until two large store-rooms were required for his exten- sive business, and finally reaching nearly the enormous figures of $100,000 per year, in the retail business. Closing out this business in 1882, with an invoice of $15,000, he again opened in La Plata, in Oc- tober, 1883, with a fine and complete stock of dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes and furnishing goods, with a good patronage, and a steadily increasing trade. March 6, 1862, he was married to Miss Nancy Wilson, a daughter of Judge Ellis Wilson, of Adair county. They have three children: Edgar L., now at Oak Lawn College, in Knox county ; Claude A. and Floy T. Mr. Phipps is a member of the A. F. and A. M., including the Knight Templar Chapter and Commandery lodges. 970 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JOHN p. PHIPPS (Jewelry Merchant, La Plata) . Mr. Phipps, one of the enterprising j^oung business men of this phice, has been identified with trade at La Phita on his own account, either in one line or another, since 1878, having clerked, however, for awhile during this period ; and he was also engaged in farming and stock trading for a short time. He engaged in his present busi- ness in November, 1883, having bought out the jewelry store of Ber- ton Derr. Mr. Phipps carries a superior assortment of clocks, watches and jewelry of all descriptions. His progress in his present line has been steady and substantial, and he is rapidly coming to the front as a business man. On the 14th of June, 1879, he was married to Miss Emma, a daughter of J. M. Derr, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have two children : L. Alma and M. Alta. Mr. Phipps is a member of the Farmers' and Merchants' As- sociation. He was born in Eandolph county, September 21, 1851. His father was Joshua R. Phipps, and his mother's maiden name, Jane Phipps. The father came to Missouri with his family when but a child, and the ftimily were among the pioneers of Randolph county. After he grew up he helped to lay out the county-seat of Randolph county, and still resides in that county, being one of its leading farm- ers and highly respected citizens. John P. was reared in Randolph county and was educated at Mt. Pleasant and McGee colleges. He then came to La Plata in the spring of 1875, and clerked for T. J. Phipps & Bro. for about two years. After this he engaged in the grocery trade with C. Owsley, but sold out after two years. Follow- ing this he clerked again, and finally farmed and dealt in stock before , who was born March 4, 1843, had grown to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1876 purchased 220 acres of the homestead. To this he has since added, and now owns 294 acres of fine land. He devotes his attention to corn, hay and the handling of stock, as is customary among farmers, and while, perhaps, no " massive deeds or great " have been given him to do, yet, as the architect of his own fate, and remembering that "Our to-days and yesterdays Are the blocks with which we build," he has done his work well, and leaving no yawning gaps between, has " Wi'ought with greatest care Each minute and unseen part, For God sees everywhere." Thus, with a firm and ample base, the structure is a noble one, which, when complete, must tower from some lofty pinnacle to the very gates of the Golden City. Mr. Richardson's wife, to whom he was united November 3, 1867, was Miss Mary A. Newmyer, who was born October 16, 1845. She was of Macon county, and a daughter of J. S. Newmyer. They have five children : Marshal M., Henry H., Austin A., Lulu M. andHattie C. Cora B. died November 24, 1878, at the interesting age of four summers. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church. MIDDLE FORK T0W:N^SHIP. JOHN H. BROWNFIELD (Merchant, Woodville).. Mr. Brownfield, post-master at Woodville and part owner and pro- prietor of the establishment known by the firm name of Walker & Brownfield, was born in Fayette county. Pa., November 1, 1847. His father, Thomas Brownfield, and mother, Miss Eliza Johnson, were natives of Pennsylvania, where Mr. Brownfield occupied a po- sition of prominence. He served for several years each as sheriff, com- missioner and judge in his native county. He came to Missouri in 1865, and locating near Madison, in Monroe county, he devoted him- 1022 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. self exclusively to farming. He accumulated considerable property, leaving, when he died, September 14, 1881, a landed estate of 320 acres. John H. grew up in Pennsylvania and was partly educated at the Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa. At the age of 17 he began to teach school and continued to do so for 10 years. In 1878 he left Monroe county and settled in Macon, where he has ever since been enoao-ed in business at Woodville. He is now one of the two mem- bers of the firm of Walker & Brownfield. They do a flourishing trade and their house is one of the most solid in the county. Sep- tember 28, 1871, Mr. Brownfield led to the altar Miss Virginia A., daughter of William and Sophia Walker, of Monroe county. By this marriage there are five children : Virgil M., Asa B., Emma C, Shirley and Beulah K. Mr. Brownfield belongs to no secret order and never P. will, but he and his wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church South. Mr. Brownfield is quite a young man, the greater part of whose life lies before him, but he is steadily toiling upward, and as the child shows the man, so his past foretells his future. ANDREW S. COX (Section 29). Lewis A. Cox, father or Andrew S., was a native of Kentucky, as was also Carolina P. Baird, his wife. They moved to Macon county, Mo., in the year 1842. Mr. Cox was a brick and stone mason and continued to follow his trade after his change of residence until 1850, when he went to California, remaining 15 years. In 1865 he returned to the county and made it is home until the year before his death, which took place in New Mexico in May, 1879. Mrs. Cox still lives in Macon county. Andrew S. was born in Barren county, Ky., Oc- tober 11, 1836, but has been for most of his life a resident of Macon county. He is one of the leading and reliable farmers of this section of the country. He is a man of the strictest integrity and has been since 1878 a magistrate of the township. Mr. Cox married March 9, 1869, Mrs. Susan M., widow of Walton Durham, of Randolph county. They have 5 children: Anna Cora, Minnie C, Ernest E., Jimmie McCoy and Nora O. One child, Omar P., died November 25, 1874, in his third year. FRANCIS M. COX (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Cox was born June 22, 1816, in Barren county, Ky., whither his parents, Moses Cox and Hannah Baird, had emigrated from their native soil of North Carolina. Mr. Cox the elder died in Kentucky in 1826, his wife surviving him by many years and finally breathing her last in 1852, in Macon county. Mo. Francis M. came to Macon with his mother in 1842, and settled in Middle Fork township, not far from where he now resides. He married Mrs. Sarah E., widow of Thomas Halliburton, of Randolph, and by her had seven children, of whom four are now living: Martha J., now the wife of James P. Robuck; HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1023 Scarah E., wife of Jerome D. Albright; Moses L. and Mary Louisa. Tliose deceased are Francis M., Jr., John C. and an infant son. Mr. Cox is a man of weight and influence in the community and in 1872 was elected one of the associate judges, an office which he filled for one term with much dignity and ability. He has also served as mag- istrate for a number of years. Mr. C. owns 440 acres of land, and is one of the wealthy and progressive farmers of the township. His place is well improved with substantial buildings, etc., and he is en- gaged in all kinds of stock-raising and dealing. GEORGE W. GRAVES (Farmer and Stock-raiser). This energetic and enterprising farmer and extensive stock-raiser of Middle Fork township, is indigenous to the county, having been born here April 27, 1846. His mother, nee Miss Permelia Reynolds, was a native also of Macon, while his father, William R. Graves, was cradled in the waving blue grass of Kentucky. Mr. Graves came to Macon in 1839, and settled first in Woodville, but after remaining a short time moved to a small fiirm in the vicinity, and finally bought land farther north upon which he still lives. He has accumulated a handsome portion of worldly goods, owning, all told, 785 acres. George W. grew to maturity on his father's farm, and adopted that pursuit as his own means of subsistence. He owns 240 acres of land and is a stable farmer. He is in the strictest sense of the word a self- made man. Of brisk, active habits of thought and deed, he is not like " dumb driven cattle," but a "hero in the strife," and his ex- ample of wide-awake go-ahead-ativeness is of incalculable benefit in the township. Mr. Graves handles all kinds of stock and of the best grades. This man of strong calibre has filled several offices within the gift of the people. He served as magistrate for two years, deal- ing out justice with an impartial hand, and in 1882 was appointed col- lector. To this position he was re-elected in 1883 for a term of two years. Ad interim, while money and worldly advancement certainly seem to be the end and object for which most men live, there are few who do not, at some time in the course of their toilsome journey, lin- ger for a moment by the wayside to pluck some of the sweet-smelling blossoms of love. Mr. Graves proved no exception to this rule, and has twice languished a captive in the silken chains of beauty. His first choice was Miss Mary W. Patton, of Macon. They were mar- ried April 15, 1866. The three children born of this union, Permelia E., Robert H. and an infant son, were early laid to " rest in the quiet earth's breast," while Mrs. G. herself, in 1879, filled an untimely grave. Mr. Graves married the second time Miss Mary H. Judy, of Macon. His home is blessed by five charming children: William A., Ida M., Oliver F., Pearly G. and George L. Mr. Graves is inclined to the Christian Church, while his wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. 1024 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ROBERT M. MENEFEE (Merchant) . Mr. Menefee is oAvner and sole proprietor of a mercantile house at Woodville, and was born in Culpeper county, Va., April 31, 1835. His father, John J. Menefee, was a native of the .same county, while his mother, Lousia B. Burch, was from Connecticut. They first moved to Missouri in 1837, remaining for five or six years in Marion, but finally located at Woodville, then called Centreville, where Mr. Menefee be- gan merchandising on quite an extensive scale. He continued in the business until his death, April 25, 1877. Robert M., breathing from his earliest childhood a commercial atmosphere, naturally inclined to the life when his destiny was committed to his own guidance, though he has also engaged to some extent in farminoj. He owns 80 acres of good farming land in the township, which brings him a nice income. In November, 1881, he embarked in business at Woodville, and having a full and carefully selected stock of general merchandise, as well as being of good commercial acumen and obliging disposition, he has built up a fine trade. His house is considered one of the staunchest in the town. Mr. Menefee is a married man, his wife having been Miss Iberah S. Shirley, of Livingston county, Mo. Of this union were born seven children, of whom five are now living, viz. : Albert S., Maurice B., John R., Orlena H. andMattie. Mary E. and Losia B. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee are both members of the M. E. Church South at Woodville. JOHN B. MERRILL (Saddler and Harness-maker, Woodville). Mr. Merrill was born in Louisville, Ky., June 21, 1851. His parents, Andrew and Julia A. (Davis) Merrill, originally from Vir- ginia, came to Macon county in 1854, and lived near Woodville until their demise. Mr. Merrill, Sr., was a farmer and left an estate of 220 acres, now known as the J. M. Albright place, beside other lands ad- joining. John B. grew up on his father's farm and was given a good education. Upon attaining his majority he learned the trade of sad- dlery and harness-making, at which he now makes his living. He is hard working and deserving, and is excelled by none in his chosen vocation. He married September 15, 1875, Miss Drucilla Vansickle, of Macon county, who was to him amid the turmoils and vexations of this troublous world, ever a fresh flowing fountain of delight ; but such joy was not for this life, and this tender flower was transplanted to a fairer garden in Paradise. Mrs. Merrill died April 20, 1880, after a lingerino^ illness of four months' duration, and leavins: three little ones to mourn that which nothing earthly can replace, a mother's love. They are named respectively, Daisy D., John L. and Maretta. Mrs. Merrill was a devoted member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, to which Mr. Merrill also now belongs. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1025 JOSEPH F. WALKER (Post-office, Woodville). William Walker, father of Joseph F., was a farmer and millwright of Botetourt county, Va., and married Miss Sophia C. Kirby, of Kentucky. He moved to Monroe county, Mo., in the year 1836, and assisted there in the building of one of the first water mills, known as the Kirby mill. He also biiilt several other mills in the early settlement of the adjoining counties. Later on in life he turned his attention to ftirming and raising stock, and is now one of the most prominent farmers in the county. Mrs. Walker, who died May 16, 1883, was connected with the M. E. Church South, and, al- though her husband is not a member of any church, he might put to the blush many of those who are. He is of the most upright character, and his boundless hospitality and Christian charity to the poor and needy are beyond praise. He owes " no man anything but love," and has never engaged in any lawsuit or contention of any description in his life. His son, Joseph F., of whom this sketch more particularly treats, was born in Monroe county, July 19, .1842. He was brought up on a farm, given a good education and became in time himself a tiller of the soil. He is now the owner of 160 acres of land on sec- tion 6, Woodlawn township, Monroe county. Mo., upon which he set- tled in the year 1876. His property is well improved and he has amassed considerable wealth. In November, 1883, he entered in partnership with the firm alluded to in a previous sketch, that of Walker & Brownfield, at Woodville. As before remarked, this firm is doing a thriving business. Mr. Walker married September 28, 1871, Miss MattieE. Manpin, daughter of Lilbourn and Martha A. Manpin, of Monroe county. They have six children : Ida E., Enoch M., Lillie, Lavenia, Fannie M., Clara E. and Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the M. E. Church South, Monroe Chapel, Leesburg, Mo., and Mr. W. belongs to the A. F. and A. M., Wood- lawn Lodge, No. 223. RICHLAND T0W:N^SHIP. HIRAM B. FOSTER (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. F., a native of Clark county, Ky., was born near Winchester, July 30, 1832. His father was a farmer, and served under Gen. Har- rison in the War of 1812, being one of the heroes of Lundy's Lane. Hiram B. lived in Illinois until he was 20 years old, was educated at Spring Creek Academy, and also attended a college at Jacksonville, where he studied principally mathematics. In 1852 he came to Mis- 1026 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. souri, and until 1855 was engaged in mercantile enterprises at Kirks- ville and Newburg, then for three years was U. S. Deputy Surveyor in Kansas and Nebraska, and after that was elected county surveyor of Adair county, Mo. This office he retained until 1861, when he resigned and entered the U. S. army. He was adjutant of the Twenty-second regiment Missouri volunteers for a year, and was then mustered out at St. Louis. After remaining in private life until August 2, 1864, he once more took up arms, this time commanding Provisional Co., Eigthy-sixth regiment of enrolled militia, in which he served until December 14, 1864, and was again mustered out. He first began to farm in Adair county, but at the end of a year moved to his present home. He has 520 acres of land, 420 of which are under fence and about 350 in cultivation ; one-third of his farm is in grain and the rest in grasses. He also deals in graded cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. As will be seen Capt. Foster is a man of means. His place has every appearance of smiling plenty. He was at one time quite prominent in political affairs. Capt. Foster was married September 4, 1860, to Miss Martha J., daughter of John and Louisi- ana Ferguson, of Macon county. There are six children : James M., John P., Jeanette, William B., Emmet, Everett and Oscar. Capt. F. is a Universalist, while his wife belongs to the Christian Church. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and of the G. A. K. SAMUEL LOOS HERTZLER (Section 32). Mr. H. was born March 30, 1849, at Lebanon county. Pa., and is the son of Levi Hertzler and Lavinia Loos, daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Loos, of Berks county. Pa. The mother grew up in Leb- anon county. Pa., and was nine years old when she left Berks county. Her parents read both English and German. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Kalbach. Mr. Hertzler, pere, was in early life a farmer, then a merchant and a trader in cattle. He was a man of fine education, and could read and translate German and English, besides being of large general information. The family first moved to Illinois, but in 1865 came to Missouri and settled on section 33, Richland township, where the father of the family died December 24, 1870. The mother is still living. Samuel L. lived in Pennsylvania until he was 15 and then came West. He has a splendid general education, obtained chiefly in the Myerstovvn Academy. When arrived at years of discretion, he began farming, and now has 160 acres of land, 120 in cultivation and 40 in timber, grass and corn. April 5, 1870, Mr. H. led to the altar Miss Icyphenia, daughter of J. R. and Icyphenia Alderman. The former was once presiding judge of Macon county, but was originally from Ohio. Mrs. Alderman was born in Kentucky, but was reared in Howard county, Mo. The grandfather of Mrs. Hertzler emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky where he married. Mr. and Mrs. H. have four children : James L., aged 12 ; Samuel A., aged 10; William E., aged eight; and Charles H., a HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1027 manly little fellow of three. Mr. H. belongs to the German Reformed Church. REV. JAMES HUBBARD (Farmer and local preacher in the M. E. Church South). Mr. Hubbard was born in Gurrett county, Ky., May 23, 1825. His parents came to Missouri the same fall and settled in Silver Creek township, Randolph county. They remained there until 1847, and then moved to Prairie township in the same county. James H. was reared and educated in Randolph county where he lived until 1861, at that time coming to his present place, section 16, township 60, range 15, in Macon county. Mr. Hubbard has devoted most of his life to farming and at one time was engaged in feeding, buying and shipping stock. In 1869 he was ordained deacon at Chillicothe by Bishop Pierce, and has preached ever since. Mr. Hubbard is an earnest and forcible speaker and shows forth in his life the precepts which fall from his lips. Mrs. H. is also a member of the church. Mr. Hubbard has been thrice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Goodding, daughter of Abraham Goodding of Randolph county, a man of some note. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, was at the battle of New Orleans and on the Southern frontier. He built the first cabin north of Huntsville in Randolph county. Of this marriage were born three children, two of whom are living, Alice C, married to Reuben Kirby, a carpenter in Deadwood, Dakota, and James Willard, a freighter in Arizona territory. He went to Texas for his health in 1878, engaged in herding stock and took a thousand head to the head waters of Col- orado, from there to New Mexico and then to Arizona prospecting gold. Richard L. died in 1858, aged two years old. His second marriage was to Mrs. Missouri Ann Gorham of Randolph county, a daughter of Hardy Sears, and by this marriage Mr. H. has five chil- dren all living, named respectively: Maggie A., wife of M. M. Self, a farmer at Atlanta ; John H., of Nodaway county, a preacher on the Oxford circuit; Mollie E., Edgar T. and Emma M. Mr. Hubbard was married the third time July 25, 1870, to Miss Martha S., widow of James H. Holderby and daughter of Jesse and Margaret White, of Macon county. They have one child, Walter, aged four years. Mrs. H. has one son by her first husband, James M. Holderby, a yoimg man of 19 who lives with his mother and goes to school. Mrs. Hubbard's people were from Kentucky, her father being a relative of Daniel Boone. His great-grandfather was in all the early I^idian wars. Mr. H. belongs to the A. F. and A. M. and was delegate to the Grand Lodge. ASA WOODFORD McDAVITT (Post-Office, La Plata). Mr. McD. is a representative of one of the best known families in Macon county. Dr. B. C. McDavitt, of La Plata, especially being prominently identified with its material interests, as is also Thomas Waller McDavitt and others. Sketches of the lives of several mem- 1028 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. bers of this family will be found on other pages of this History. Asa first saw the light in Randolph county, Mo., and his natal day was August 13, 1845. While young he was brought to Macon county, where his youthful days were passed, remaining peacefully engaged in the pursuit of farming until roused to military action. He was mus- tered into the service of the United States at Macon City as a member of Co. H, Forty-second Missouri volunteers, and was in the Eastern Department, principally in Tennessee. After a gallant service, he was mustered out during the first days of March, 1865. After having re- covered from the efiects and ravages of war, Mr. McDavitt was united in marriage July 19, 1868, to Miss Mary M. Murray, daughter of Fielding and Katie Murray, whose maiden name was Dale. The com- plement of their family circle consists of four children, as follows: Nora K., aged 11 years; Fred, Araminta and Arthur W. One is deceased, Evan L., who died while in infancy in this county. Mrs. McDavitt was born on the 20th of August, 1849, in Macon county, and here her entire life has been spent. She is quite well educated in the English language. In their religious preferences they are both Universalists. Mr. McDavitt moved to Nebraska in the spring of 1873, and was there occupied in farming and stock-raising, but he became satisfied with Macon county as a satisfactory place to follow agricul- tural pursuits, and accordingly returned here on the 28th of Feb- ruary, 1883. He is now one of the most respected citizens of the township. THOMAS WALLER McDAVITT (Farmer, Section 29). Mr. McDavitt was born in Randolph county. Mo., January 6, 1840. His father was a native of Woodford county, Ky., and was a man of broad intellect and careful cultivation. Among other branches of knowledge, he read theology extensively, being himself a Universalist. His regular occupation was farming, but he also wielded the ferule in Macon and Randolph counties. He married the first time Miss Ara- minta Kirby, of Kentucky, and his second wife was Miss Parthenia Broyles, of Easley township, Macon county, Mo. He had nine chil- dren : Sarah Margaret, Nancy, Ellen Elizabeth, Mary Jane, B. C. Mc- Davitt, M. D. ; Asa Woodford, William Harrison, Thomas W. and Daniel Alsley, deceased. Thomas W., the subject of this sketch, came to Macon county at the age of four. He has always been a farmer and now resides in Richland township. He owns 131 acres of land, 95 un- der cultivation and the rest in timber ; has three acres of orchard and every improvement and convenience for carrying on his farm. He is one of the best informed men in the township ; is blessed with an abun- dance of worldly goods, and not taking credit to himself, his *' soul liangeth upon Him whose right hand hath upholden him." "As for him and his household, they serve the Lord." Mr. McD. and his wife have been for six years, Universalists. He married, August 26, 1860, Miss Ellen S., daughter of James and Parthenia Broyles, of Macon. She was born in the county June 12, 1844, and was raised in Easley HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1029 township. Her father was from Tennessee, and her mother from Virginia. Of this union were born three children, of whom two are living: Emma Frances, wife of William Gash, a farmer of Easley township, and mother of two children : Freddie, aged three, and Waller, a little cherub of one year; and Mary Lozetti, wife of Em- mett Ellis, also a farmer of Easley township. Mr. McDavitt was for- merly a Whig and is now a Republican in politics. He served during the war in the Enrolled State Militia. CHARLES R. PERRY (Judge of County Coui't). Judge Perry was born November 23, 1828, in Fairfield county, Conn., the birthplace also of his father and mother, nee Mary A. Judson, and, indeed, of his ancestors on both sides of the house, for several generations back. They were all slaveholders. His father was a man of learning and his grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, at the battle of Long Island. Charles R. Perry was educated in the public and high schools at Birmingham, New Haven county, completing the course in the English branches. At 16 he left home and went into a shoe establishment at Hilford, New Haven county, where he remained four years, afterwards going to New York, to Ohio, to Indiana and finally in 1851 back to his old home in Fair- field county. Conn. During his wandering, at Columbus, Ohio, he was married to Miss Alvira E. Heaston, daughter of John and Alice Heaston, of Franklin county, Ohio, but originally from Virginia. She accompanied her husband to Connecticut where they lived for 18 months and then returned to Ohio. Mr. Perry came to Macon county in 1858, moving on his present place February 28, 1859. He has been a good deal in politics. He has filled several offices of pub- lic trust with notable ability and infinite satisfaction to the commu- nity. He was constable for eight years, trustee of the township for four years, and has now worn with conspicuous grace for five years the judicial ermine. During the war the Judge served in the Enrolled State Militia. He was always a Democrat. There are seven children : Andrew J., married to Miss Elvira McClum, of Macon county ; Mary A., wife of Marshal Markey of Adair county; Emeline H., George W., Martha J., Elizabeth E. and Charles M. "^Two children, Franklin and Cora A., died in infancy. Mrs. Perry belongs to the M. E. Church. JAMES SEARS (Farmer and Stock-Raiser). Mr. Sears was born in Warren county, Ky., near Bowling Green. His father and mother came to Missouri in 1819, when he was over a year old, and settled on Silver Creek in Randolph county, where they peacefully ended their days, the father in 1861 and the mother in 1867. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary War. His parents built the first house that far north then known, and has since made 1030 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. farming his occupation in life. He is in comfortable circumstances, own- ing 80 acres of land, 45 of which are in cultivation. He is a Demo- crat from principle and has for 7 years been justice of the peace. He was in the Mormon war at Far West and Diamond. Amid the graver cares of this world Mr. Sears has found comfort and repose in the love of such a wife as but few men are blessed with. She was Miss Mary Gross, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Gross. Mrs. Sears was born and reared in Randolph county, and with unheard of perseverance and thirst for knowledge taught herself. By the light of the scale-bark hickory gathered by her own hands from the woods, this rara avis would literally devour the contents of her books. She is a devoted Bible reader. There are three living children : Sarah D., wife of Nathan Baker of Kentucky, now living near Huntsville and the mother of three children; Martha E., widow of Daniel H. Bunch; Martha E. has two children, and Mary I., wife of Virgil Goodson of Mono county, Cal. ; George W. was under Sterling Price and was killed October 4, 1863, at Corinth, Miss. " Like the day-star in the wave Sinks the hero to his grave, Midst the dew-fall of a nation's tears ! " Mr. and Mrs. Sears are both devoted members of the Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church, and mid the " manifold changes and chances of this mortal life, their hope and trust are surely fixed where true joys are to be found." Mrs. Sears joined the church in her fifteenth year. JACOB NORRIS STANLEY (Section 9). On the 8th of September, 1837, there was born in the State of Ohio, Athens county, Jacob N. Stanley, the subject of this sketch, his parents being Isaac Stanley and Sarah Norris. The former was a native of Virginia, and the latter came originally from Vermont. His youthful days were spent like that of most boys of the vicinity, part of his time being occupied in attending the common schools, while he was engaged in working about the home place at other times. In 1865, leaving the place of his birth, he went to Ross county, Ohio, and three years later, in 1868, took up his location in Macon county, Mo., his first choice of residence being in Richland township. Having been brought up to the life of an agriculturist, it was but natural that he should choose this same calling when it became necessary for him to start out in life for himself, and to this occupation he has strictly adhered. His farm now contains 400 acres of land, — one of the most desirable places in this part of the county. It was not to be supposed that a man of. Mr. Stanley's intelligence and worth would go through this world without a partner, one who would be willing to be a help meet in all his transactions, and accordingly, on the 4th of August, 1860, Miss Millie Gudgeon, of Athens county, Ohio, became his wife. Her parents were A. M. Gudgen and Mary Gudgen. She HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1031 was fiiirly educated in the schools of her native county, and by close observation and study since has become a lady of more than ordinary ability. To this family have been born four children, viz. : James Elmer, aged 20 ; Angle Annetta, 18 years old ; Augustus Dickey, aged 16, and Viola Daisy, aged seven. Mr. Stanley has never been an aspir- ant for political honor, preferring the peace and quiet of home life to the strife and turmoil of public position. Nevertheless he has served as road overseer for several years and has many times been school director. During the late war he was on the side of the Union, fight- ing for the maintenance of the principles for which Washington so long and desperately fought. He is now a member of the g! A. R. Post at La Plata. JOH:NrsTON^ TOw:^rsHip. GEORGE W. BILLINGS. (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-offlce, La Plata). Mr. Billings is a native of Illinois, born in Pike county, November 16, 1838. His father was George Billings, originally froim Kentucky, and his mother's maiden name was Jane'Carr, formerly of Tennessee.' They were married in Kentucky, and removed to Illinois in about 1828. They settled in Pike county of that State among the first set- tlers, and lived there for 25 years. In 1853 they came to Missouri and located on Bear Creek, in the northern part of Macon county. The father bought and entered land here, on which he improved a farm, and lived here for 12 years. In 1865 he returned to Illinois, making his home at Alton, where he died soon afterwards. Georo-e' W. Billings attained his majority while the family lived in Macon county, and did not return with them to Illinois. In Adair county, in March, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha A., a daughter of Jefi'erson Easley, and afterwards located on a farm on the west side of Bear Creek, where he followed farming for about five years. During the war he bought land contiguous to "his present farm, which he im- proved and still owns. He moved on that in 1864, and resided there for 10 years, when he bought his present place, on \fhich he settled and has since resided. His two farms contain 240 acres of land, all under fence, and either in cultivation or pasturage. Mr. Billings has a comfortable home, and is one of the stirring, energetic formers of the township. His first wife died July 27, 1871, leaving four chil- dren : William H., Thomas J., Sarah L. and James. To his present wife Mr. Billings was married February 28, 1873. Before her mar- riage she was a Miss Mary E. Hall, a 'daughter of Presley Hall, of this county, but formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Billings have two children : Joseph and George S. They have lost three, all in tender years. Three of Mr. Billings' children by his first marriacre 60 1032 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lire also deceased — two in infancy, and one at the age of 11. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of tlie New Harmony Presbyterian Cliurcb, ill whicli be is an elder. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. at La Plata. JOHN M. COLLINS (Farmer and Stockman). Mr. Collins came to Missouri from Tennessee, where he had been born and reared, in 1853, when a young man, and settled in Macon county, and in the township where he now resides. He had been brouglit up to a farm life, and that naturally became his permanent calling. He commenced here with but little to start on, and by his industry and intelligent ^nanagement has come to be one of the suc- cessful farmers of the township, and has been quite as successful in winning and retaining the confidence and esteem of those around him as he has been in agricultural life. He is looked upon by all who know him as a man of character and worth, and exercises a whole- some influence upon those among whom he lives. Mr. Collins has an excellent tract of 240 acres of land, most of which is improved and either in cultivation or otherwise used in connection with his farm and stock operations. His improvements are of a good class, and he has an excellent orchard on his place. February 14, 1861, he was mar- ried to Miss Virginia Stowe, a daughter of James Stowe, one of the early settlers of Macon county. They have four children : Virlinda M., James K., Augusta B. and Creola V. They have lost four, George W., Bertha J., Fannie B. and Louisa E. Mr. Collins makes a business of feeding cattle and hogs for the wholesale markets, and feeds annually about two car loads of the former and one of the lat- ter. He was born in Giles county, Tenn., June 29, 1830, and was a son of Roswell K. and Virlinda J. (Johnson) Collins, both natives of Virginia. His parents removed to Tennessee, where he was born and reared. In Tennessee, as has been stated, he was brought up to a farm life. There he learned those habits of industry and those les- sons of economy and good management so important to success in every honest employment. Profiting by this training, he has become a successful farmer and useful citizen. , JAMES M. COLLINS (Farmer and Stock-raiser and Dealer) . Mr. Collins is a brother to John M., a sketch of whom is published just above this one. Like his brother, he, too, was born in Giles county, Tenn. His natal day was the 3d of November, 1835. When 18 years of age, reared in Tennessee, he came to Missouri in company with his mother, his father having died in the mean- time, and located in Macon county, in the neighborhood where he now resides. Four years afterwards, January 22, 1857, he was married to Miss Amelia A. Daugherty, a daughter of Joseph Daugherty, an early settler of Macon, from Kentucky. Mrs, Collins was born and reared HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1033 in Macon county. Mr. and Mrs. C. have eight children : V. J. Snell, William P., Mary A., James A., John J., Mattie L., Charles and Thomas C. After his marriage, Mr. Collins, who has followed farm- ing all his life, lived on the i^lace where he now resides, about a year. He then removed to another farm, but came back later along, and has continued to reside on this place. He has about a section of good land, nearly all of which is contiguous, which belongs to himself and brother. Most of it is under fence and is otherwise well improved. Since 1864 he has been engaged almost continuously in trading in stock, much of the time in connection with James Johnston, and ships annually about 100 car loads. He also has a neat herd of short horn cattle, with Gold Dust at the head, a fine three-year-old. Most of Mr. Collins' short horns are recorded and are all elligible. Mr. C. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Collins died January 20, 1883. She had been the companion of his life for over 26 years, and was one of the truest and most devoted of wives. A kind and gentle mother and a good neighbor, her loss was deplored with a depth and sincerity, in both the family and neighborhood, rarely shown by loved ones and acquaintances, however profound and touch- ing their grief. SAMUEL F. COMBS (Dealer in General Merchandise, Sue City) . Mr. Combs is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Macon county. His father, Capt. Benjamin F. Combs, came here from Kentucky as early as 1830. He entered land and improved an excel- lent farm, on which he still resides. He was a captain of militia during the old muster days and has always been regarded as a man of high character and great personal worth. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Combs, a distant relative of his, also born and reared in Kentucky. ' Samuel F. was the second son in their family of children and was born January 18, 1848. After reaching his majoritv Samuel F., who had been reared to a farm life, engaged in that occupation for himself, and continued in it with success until 1872. In the sirring of that year he went to Clarence, in Shelby county, and eno-ao-ed in mer- chandising. While there, July 29, 1872, he was married to Miss Creola B. Stow, a daughter of Maj. J. H. Stow, of Macon county, another early settler of the county, who came here from Virginia. In the spring of 1873 Mr. Combs came to Sue City and engaged in the grocery business. In 1880 he also put in a general stock of merchan- dise and has had good success. He is upright, attentive to business and deals fairly, so that he has succeeded in building up a good trade. He commenced in a small way in the first place according to his limited means, and as his business increased he steadily increased his stock, so that now he has a fine stock of goods and is one of the leading mer- cliants of the place. He is doing business on his own capital and owns everything he has in his own name. Mrs. Combs, with true wifely spirit, helps him in the store to save at least that much extra expense. 1034 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. She is a lady of superior intelligence and a most pleasant disposition, and is quite popular for her many estimable qualities with all who know her. Mr. and Mrs. Combs are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows' order. He has filled all the chairs in the lodge. GEORGE W. DAUGHERTY (Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata) . Among the self-made and successful farmers of Johnston township who are not only farmers in the common acceptation of the term, but are progressive agriculturists, men who take the lead in the improve- ment of stock and are active and progressive in all agricultural mat- ters, the subject of the present sketch holds an enviable position, and is justly entitled to more than a passing notice in any worthy history of Macon county. Mr. Daugherty commenced a poor man and after his marriage was able to buy only 40 acres of raw prairie land and 40 of timber, which he obtained partly on time, and on which he went to work with industry and resolution. Continuing a hard worker and proving himself a good manager, he added to his place from time to time and kept improving it until he now has one of the choice farms of the township, haying over 200 acres in his home fiirm, which is neatly and comfortably improved, being provided with everything to make home desirable. Having the acumen to see that the stock busi- ness offers better profit than any other branch of agriculture, he turned his attention to that, and determined to be no laggard in the business as he is in nothing in Avhich he engages. He procured the best stock that could be had. His principal line of the stock business is in breeding and raising fine thoroughbred, short-horn cattle, of which he has a hand- some, small herd. Several of these are worthy of special mention. At the head of his herd stands Mayberry, a fine, red short-horn of registered stock, his record appearing in Herd Book No. It), in which also the record of the others appear. Among these is Zephyr, a fancy bred two-year-old heifer of the Rose of Sharon family. Mr. Daugh- erty also has some fine Berkshire and Poland-China hogs. He has had excellent success in the stock business and is steadily enlarging it. Mr. Daugherty is a native of Kentucky, born in Pulaski county, three miles north of Somerset, July 5, 1833. When he was six years of age, in 1839, his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Lee) Daugherty, came to Missouri and located in the north-east part of Lyda town- ship, Macon county, where the father entered land and improved a farm. He died there June 8, 1864, and his mother on the same place nine years before, November 7, 1843. There was a family of eight children, George W. being the fifth, and one of the only three sons, the other two beinoj deceased. Three of the five sisters are'livino:. George W., after he grew to manhood, was married July 2, 1855, to Miss Eliza Poage, a daughter of Thomas Poage, of La Plata, but formerly of Kentucky. He then bought the 80 acres of land referred to above and commenced work for himself. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1035 have four children : J. Thomas, Mary E., wife of H. E. Needham, a public school teacher; William W. and Joseph W. Mr. D.'s first wife died September 29, 1863. His present wife was formerly Miss Jane Beatie, a daughter of Thomas Beatie, of Macon countj^ but pre- viously from Peoria county, 111. She received an advanced English education in Illinois, and taught both in that State and Missouri prior to her marriage. They were married July 27, 1864. By this union there are four children : Eliza M., Charles E., Parthenia B. and Oliver L. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the New Harmony Presbyterian Church. In July, 1864, Mr. Daugherty enlisted in Co. H, Forty-second Missouri infantry, and served until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was in eight States during his service, and most of the time was on detail as hospital steward and nurse. He was re- marked by all for his kindness and attentive care of the sick and wounded. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at La Plata. GEORGE W. HALLADAY (Dealer in General Merchandise, Sue City). Mr. Halladay, a business man of life-long experience, established his present store at Sue City in January, 1882, and, bringing on a good stock of goods in the first place, by understanding the business thoroughly and treating every one with fairness and accommodation, he has succeeded in little more than two years in building up a large and profitable trade and has made his store one of the leading houses in this line in this section of the county. His motto is, "once a custo- mer, always a customer," for he so deals with his customers as to make this as true as it is trite. Mr. Halladay is a native of Canada, as were also his parents, Samuel Halladay and Sarah, nee Judd. He was born in the Dominion, June 28, 1848, and at an early age entered a store as clerk. He received his education principally in the store, and by study during leisure hours. Brought up to a mercantile life, he thus learned those principles of business transactions and came to understand those ideas of frank, honorable, fair dealing without which enduring success in business life is impossible. In 1868, then 20 years of age, young Halladay came to Missouri, locating at Kirks- ville, where he clerked for two years. He then engaged in com- mercial traveling for a Quincy boot and shoe house, for which he worked until 1871, when he accepted a similar position under a boot and shoe firm of St. Louis. After a year with the St. Louis house he went to Canada on a visit, but came back in the fall of 1873 and clerked at Kirksville for nearly two years. He then engaged in the boot and shoe business for himself in Kirksville, which he continued with excellent success for about four years. Selling out, however, in 1879, he traveled for a boot and shoe house of Chicago until he came to Sue City in January, 1882. On the 24th of December, 1874, Mr. Halladay was married to Miss Lyda Van Horn, a daughter of Isaac Van Horn, formerly of Zanesville, Ohio, where Mrs. Halladay 1036 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. was born and reared. Mrs. H. is a lady of culture and refinement and highly prized in the society of this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Hal- laday have one child, Albert E., and have lost one, Jessie May, who died November 15, 1881. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. H. is a member of the Odd Fellows order. He has filled all the chairs in the Kirksville lodge. Mr. Halladay is com- monly called 'Squire Halladay, having been elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1883. CHAELES M. JOHNSTON (Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Breeder and Dealer in Short-horn Cattle). Mr. Johnston, one of the prominent citizens in agricultural and business affairs in this section of the county, was born in "Smyth county» Va., August 6, 1837. His father was Richard P. Johnston, and his mother's maiden name, Mary A. Wares. When Charles M. was yet in infancy, in 1838, the family removed to Missouri and located in Boone county, but the following year came over into Macon county, settling on the land which now forms the site of Sue City. They lived in this county until 1865, when they removed to Howard county where the father died two years afterwards. However, in the meantime, Charles M. had grown to manhood, having been brought up to a farm life. He was educated in the common schools and at Central College in Fayette. After his college course he engaged in stock dealing and also clerked for a time at Bloomington. But stock dealing and farm- ino- he has followed continuously from early manhood. Mr. Johnston came to his present farm in 1859. This is the old family homestead on which he was reared. He has a fine tract of 320 acres, about three-fourths of which is fenced and either' in cultivation or meadow. His place is excellently improved and he is otherwise comfortably situated. He also has 160 acres of good land under fence in Jackson township, and a half-interest in 160 acres in Adair county. In 1871 Mr. Johnston engaged in mercantile business at Sue City, in partner- ship with Mr. GooddingjUnderthe firm name of Johnston &GoGdding. They continued business with success for about 10 years, during which Mr. Johnston also carried on his farming operations and his stock business. In 1880 he began to make a specialty of raising short-horn cattle, of which he now has a neat herd of registered stock, each of which is recorded in the herd book. His herd is headed by Grace Duke, a fine two-year old red roan, weighing about 1,200. Septem- ber 15, 1859, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Eliza A., a daughter of William and Martha Pennick. Mrs. Johnston was born and reared in Macon county, but her father was from Indiana, and her mother originally from Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. J. have three children : Edward C, Emmett and Ernest. Mrs. J. is a member of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. J. is a member of the Masonic Order at At- lanta. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. , 1037 JAMES JOHNSTON (Farmer and fine Stock-raiser). Mr. J. is a younger brother to Charles M., whose sketch precedes this, and was born while his parents were in Boone county, Novem- ber 20, 1838, but was reared on the farm now the site of Sue City, where they settled soon afterwards. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died in Macon county in 1867. James Johnston became a farmer after he grew up, the occupation to which he was reared, and in 1869 settled on the place where he now resides. Three years afterwards, June 20, 1872, he was married to Miss America, a daughter of Z. L. Sprinkle of this county, but formerly of Virginia. Mrs. Johnston was born and reared in Virginia. Mr. Johnston has followed farming continuously since 1869, and has also been engaged in the stock business during all this time. Indeed, he has been en- gaged in stock raising for over 25 years, or since he was 20 years of age, and has dealt in stock all this time. He now handles and ships about 100 car loads of stock, cattle and hogs annually, and himself feeds from three to four carloads. He also has a herd of short-horns, about 20 in number, all of which are recorded in the herd book. His herd is headed by Lord Marquis, a fine four-year-old of a deep red color. Mr. Johnston's mother is still living and finds a welcome and pleasant home in his household. He is one of the enterprising and successful stock-men of the county and has the reputation of being one of the best judges of stock throughout this section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. J. have four children : Thaddeus M., James M., Mary E. and Virgil. Mrs. Johnston is a member of the M. E. Church South, as is also Mr. Johnston's mother. After Mr. Johnston's father's death he lived with his mother in Howard county, carrying on the farm there for some years, until he came to this county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternfty. JOHN R. McQUAY (Farmer, Stock Dealer, and Proprietor of Harness Shop, Sue City^. Mr. McQuay's family, on his father's side, came originally from Maryland, his father, William McQuay, having been born and reared in that State, about 40 miles from Baltimore, in Talbot county. He came to Missouri in 1838, and located in Macon county. He was subsequently married here to Miss Emeline Swinney. He died, how- ever, a few years afterwards, in 1842, still in the prime of life. John E.. grew up in the county, and in 1860 went to California, crossing the plains with Capt. McFarland, Charles Collier and others. He assisted in taking stock to California, and was nearly six months on the trip. He remained in the Pacific Coast State for about six years, and was principally engaged in mining and freighting, having, upon the whole, substantial success. After returning in the fall of 1866, he located in Jackson township and went to farming, at which he continued for 1038 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. about two years. He then removed to La Plata township and farmed there on his father-in- hi w's phice until 1870, when he returned to Jackson township, where he has since followed farming and stock dealing. In 1852 he opened a harness and saddle shop at Sue City, which he has conducted with good success. Mr. McQuay, while a goed business manager, is a man of more than ordinary mechanical aptitude. The trades come natural to him, almost, and but little jDractice or experience in them is necessary to render him quite skill- ful. He is an expert blacksmith, and also understands the harness- maker's trade, at which he is now working. He has been quite successful in his several occupations, and is one of the substantial citizens of Jackson township. January 1, 1867, he was married to Miss Barbara E. Roan, a daughter of Jester and Elizabeth Roan, formerly of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. McQuay have three children: Fannie, William B., and John M. They have lost two, Elizabeth, the eldest, dying at the age of eight, in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. McQuay are members of the M. E. Church South. Mr. McQuay is a member of the I. O. O. F. JAMES W. MARTIN, M. D. (Of Martin & Mitchell, Physicians and Surgeons, Sue City) . Mr. Martin, of the above-named firm, a physician of thorough and advanced professional education, and a popular and successful prac- titioner, is a native Missourian, born in Randolph county, November 19, 1854. Like most of the people of Missouri, he is of Kentucky antecedents and originally of Virginia. His father, William B. Mar- tin, was brought to Missouri by his parents when a lad, away back in 1836. They located south of the Missouri river, but 10 years after- wards his father came to Randolph county, and there was married to Miss Sarah M. Goodding, whose parents were among the early settlers of the county. He continued to reside in Randolph until 1860, when he removed to Macon county, locating at College Mound. James W., the subject of this sketch, grew up at College Mound and was educated in the common schools and at McGee College, taking a course in the hio;her English branches and such other studies as were thought to be of value to him in preparing himself for the medical profession. He had, at a comparatively early age, decided to devote himself to the practice of medicine, and took his course at college with that object in view. In 1876 he began the study of medicine under Dr. William V. Yates, a leading physician of Macon county, located at College Mound. During the winter of 1876-77 he took a course of lectures at the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, and completed his second course at that institution in the spring of 1879, graduating with honor. Dr. Martin now at once entered upon the practice of his profession, locating at College Mound. He continued in the practice at that place until 1880, when he came to Sue City, where he has since been engaged in the practice. The Doctor has built up an excellent practice here, and is highly thought of, both professionally HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1039 and personally. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs in that order. He is also a member of the county and district medical societies. In the latter part of the winter of 1883-84 he took a supplementary course of lectures at the above- mentioned institution (Missouri Medical College). ROBERT C. MITCHELL, M.D. (Of Martin & Mitchell, Physiciaus and Surgeons, Sue City). Dr. Mitchell's father, Robert C. Mitchell, is a native of Virginia, and came to Missouri when a young man in 1833. He first located at St. Louis, where he followed the milling business for a short time. While there he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Wright, formerly of Kentucky. In 1834 he located on a farm in Randolph county, but six years afterwards returned to St. Louis, and continued there en- gaged in milling for many years. Finally, however, he sold out at that city and located on a farm in 1869 in Audrain county. Nine years later he removed to Macon county, where he still resides, and is engaged in farming. Dr. Mitchell was born while his parents resided in St. Louis, August 7, 1849. He was therefore principally reared on the farm. His education was received in the common and high schools, and he has had the benefit of a commercial course at McGee College. After completing his studies he engaged in teaching school, but at the same time commenced the study of medicine. He taught one term of school and soon afterwards entered on the regular study of medicine under Dr. William Yates. This was in 1875, and in the winter of 1876-77 he took a course of lectures at the Missouri Medical Colleo-e, o-raduatins: with distinction after his second course in the spring of 1878. Following his graduation, Dr. Mitchell entered upon the practice of his profession at New Cambria. He continued the practice there with success until the spring of 1882, when he bought out Dr. McCully, former partner of Dr. Martin at Sue City, and be- came a partner with the latter in the practice at this place, with whom he has since continued. Dr. Mitchell is a man with marked natural aptitude for the medical profession, sympathetic, humane and kind, with a keen sensitiveness to the sufiering of others and the clear insight into the causes and nature of diseases. A man thoroughly de- voted to his profession because he believes it the field of greatest use- fulness to humanity, he has studied it with that zeal and ambition to understand it thoroughly which have resulted in making him a physician of more than ordinary information and skill. An industrious practitioner, he is not less an assiduous student and is steadily ad- vancing in the knowledge of his chosen calling. Dr. Mitchell has been quite successful in the practice and is most popular as a physician with those who have known him longest. October 30, 1881, he was "married to Miss Cecil Briot, daughter of Francis Eugene Briot, for- merly of France. Mrs. M. was born and reared at Green Bay, Wis. They have three children : Allie, Theodore and Cecil A. Mrs. M. is a member of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a member of the 1040 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. County Medical Association, and also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has recently taken the degrees in the Sue City Lodge No. 344, I. O. O. F. ; he also has his certificate from the Maryland State Board of Health, before whom he passed a creditable examination. JOHN P. POWELL (Farmer, Stock-raiser and Piscatorist, Post-office, Sue City). Mr. Powell, principally reared in Macon county, has made this county his home from boyhood and has lived to reach, by his own in- dustry and good management, an enviable position among it best agri- culturists and most respected citizens. He was born in Caswell county, near Yanceyville, in North Carolina, February 16, 1830. When he was seven years of age his father, Bazillia (his mother, Mary E. Poteate having died in North Carolina in 1833) Powell, came to Missouri, stopping for a year in Chariton county, and then settled permanently near College Mound, in Macon county. There the father bought and entered land and improved a farm on which he lived until his death, which occurred in January, 1875. He was a highly re- spected citizen of the county and %vas for years an elder in tlie Pres- byterian Church. John P. Powell, after he grew up, being brought up to a farm life and having received a good, common school educa- tion, married in the county, March 13, 1856, to Miss Virginia Johnston, a sister to C. M. and James Johnston, whose sketches appear elsewhere in this volume. After his marriage Mr. Powell settled on a farm near College Mound, where he remained until 1859. He then removed to the neighborhood where he now resides, and commenced the improvement of his present farm, or rather he commenced improv- ing it before removing to it, and settled on the place in 1860. He now has 440 acres of excellent land, including 360 which are well im- jDroved and in a good state of cultivation. His farm is one mile north of Sue City, and is one of the best improved in the vicinity. His residence is a commodious, tastily built two-story house, and he has a good barn with sheds and cribs, a good smoke-house, a substantial ice house and a fine orchard of 325 bearing apple trees, besides a large number of cherry and plum trees, and a choice selection of grapes and other small fruits. Mr. Powell has two fine ponds on his place, one that covers two acres of ground and is 14 feet deep, the other includes an area of an acre and is about eight feet deep. He has stocked both with German carp fish, and is having excellent suc- cess in pisciculture. He stocked his ponds about two years ago with minnows, and now they are about 24 inches long. Pisciculture will doubtless prove a profitable industry, and he has every advantage to carry it on with success. On the 23d of August, 1882, a heavy afflic- tion fell upon his home and heart. The wife of his bosom, who had brightened his home for over a quarter of a century and made his life, through all these years, one of singular domestic comfort and happiness, fell to sleep in the cold embrace of death. She was one of those good and true and noble women, loved in her family as wife and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1041 mother, and prized among all who knew her as friend and neighbor, who leave a void when they are taken away which no one else can fill, and from whose place, when they are gone, no echo comes, but all is silent, sad and sorrowful. A vvoman of gentle mind and tender heart, devoted to her family, and always careful of the feelings and sensibil- ities of others, she was at the same time an earnest and faithful mem- ber of the church, one who strove to do her duty, not only to her family, to society and to her church, but to her Maker, zealously and sincerely, as she saw her duty in the light of the noble teachings of the Scriptures ; and now that she is gone, although her absence here seems a misfortune to her loved ones too hard to bear, yet it is the consolation of consolations that she so lived, that she is not lost be- yond hope to those who knew her, but that she has only gone before to light their pathway to Heaven where she now abides, and where all will meet again in a home eternal, where partings are no more and happi- ness is unending. She left eight children to mourn her loss and cherish her memory. Their names are : Mary E. , Sophronia F. , James M., Susie L., Richard B., Martha I., Augusta M. and John P. Mr. Powell is a meml)er of the M. E. Church at Sue City, and is one of its leading and active members. He is a charter member of both the McGee and La Plata lodges of the A. F. and A. M. and has filled all the stations and places of the Blue Lodge. He became a member of the Masonic order in 1852, at Old Bioomington. EAGLE TOWNSHIP. JUDGE ADEN C. ATTEBERRY (Section 28). This old and respected citizen and substantial farmer of Eagle town- ship was born in Barren county, Ky., October 1, 1816. His parents were William Atteberry and wife, nee Mary Miller, both natives of that State, and the Judge was the eldest in their family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom but three sons and one daughter are now living. The Judge was only a year old when his parents came to Missouri, locating in Howard county, but 10 years later they removed to Monroe county, 12 miles north-west of Paris, where the parents made their permanent home. The father was a man of strong character and sterling intelligence, and contributed his full share toward building up the community in which he lived. He died about 1839. His wife survived him until 1862. Judge Atte- berry grew to manhood in that county, and was there married November 24, 1842, to Miss Sarah Ann Combs, formerly of Bourbon county, Ky. Judge Atteberry lived in Monroe county until 1852, when he moved to Macon county. He is a farmer in the lat- ter county and has continued that occupation with good sue- 1042 . HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. cess. The Judge has a fine farm of 220 acres, situated on section 28 in Eagle township, and is otherwise comfortably situated. A man of character and intelligence, he has always exercised a wholesome and considerable influence on those around him, and has been regarded as one of the leaders' in his part of the county in public affairs. In 1863 he was elected a judge of the county court in that office and served with ability and credit alike to the county and to himself until the expiration of his term. He was then solicited to accept the office again, but fol- lowing the example of the most illustrious men, preferred to retire to the quiet and comforts of private life, and thus free himself from all the perplexing duties and responsibilities of official station. The Judge and Mrs. Atteberry have had a family of four children : John J. Crittenden, born October 9, 1853, who died February 8, 1863, a young man of bright promise and whose loss was deeply mourned ; Samuel Caldwell, born Octolier 5, 1848, who died September 20, 1862, a youth of many estimaljle qualities of head and heart, and much beloved in his own family and by those who knew him ; Mary T., now the wife of Rev. Eri Edmonds, a minister of the M. E. Church, of Gentry county, Mo., and Lou, born August 15, 1855 ; she is residing at home with her parents. The Judge and Mrs. Atte- berry are worthy and consistent members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. CHARLES ATTERBURY, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, and Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser). Dr. Atterbury is a younger brother to Judge Aden C. Atteberry, whose sketch precedes this. Their father, William Atterbury, was born in South Carolina, December 11, 1785, and their mother in the same State, August 10, 1795. They early came to Kentucky and were married in Hardin county of that State, November 10, 1811. Their subsequent removals have been noted in the sketch of Judge Atte- berr3^ The father died September 28, 1839, and the mother August 12, 1862. Of their family of 11 children, but four are living : the Judge, the Doctor, Thomas J. and a daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Bur- ton, of Randolph county. Dr. Atterbury was reared to a farm life, and on the 15th of June, 1856, was married to Miss Sarah C, a daughter of Rev. S. C. and Isabella Davidson, of this county. Her mother's maiden name was McClanahau , and both her parents were from Tennessee. They came to Cooi)er county. Mo., in 1835, and 10 years afterwards came to Macon county, where both lived until their death. Dr. Atterbury followed farming for some years after he attained his majority and then studied medicine. He commenced the practice at La Plata in 1856, and took a course in the Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1858. He continued practice at La Plata with a single year's absence while practicing in Putman county, until 1864, and then removed to Greenview, Meiiard county, 111., where he continued the practice for eight years. In 1872 he returned to Macon county and located on his present farm. Here he has continued practicing medicine and farming up to the present time. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1043 He has a o-ood tarra of nearly 900 acres and makes a specialty of rais- ino- fine sfock. He has a small herd of fine short-horn cattle, a lot of Cotswold sheep and a stock of Poland-China hogs. He also has some fine English Park colts, and has commenced raismg Clydesdale colts. In a word, he is one of the progressive, enterprismg fine stock men of the county. Dr. Atterbury and wife have four chddren, but one of whom is now living, Alice, born February 22, 1857. Bernice and two infants are deceased. He and wife are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. . JULIUS M. BOURK (Farmer). This substantial citizen of Eagle township is a native of Maine, born in Lincoln (now Kennebec )''county April 8, 1818. His father, Cyrus Bourk, was born in Lisbon, of that State, in February, 1793, and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Ham, was born in Bath, of the same State, February 8, 1795. They were married in , 1815, and were blessed with a family of nine children, of whom eight are living: Martha A., the wife of Nathan Frost, of Stillwater, Me. ; Julius m"^, the subject of this sketch ; Asenath C, the wife of W. C. Whitmore, of Chicago ; Henrietta H., the wife of Peleg Hall, of this county; Charles T., of Wyoming; Hannah N., the wife of Albert Darable, of Chicago ; David F., of Carroll county. Mo., and Sarah R., the wife of James S. Mitchell, of Macon City. The father was a farmer in Maine, and durins: the War of 1812 was a soldier in the American army. He died March 11, 1848. The mother died Sep- tember 10, 1875, at Macon City. JEROME F. BRICKELL (Sections 33 and 84). Mr. B. is one of the neatest and most progressive tanners in Eagle township. He is a Northerner by family and bringing up, and illus- trates in his methods of farming, the characteristics which have made the farmers of the North famous throughout the Union as the best farmers in the country. Mr. Brickell came to his present place in the fall of 1869, and bought his land unimproved. He has improved it in first-class style, having an excellent class of buildings, good ponds, hedo-e fences both outside and cross, good fields, pastures, meadows, etc. It is called the " Model Farm," and is well entitled to the appellation. He makes a specialty of raising fine short-horn cattle and other good stock, including Cotswold sheep and PolandChina hoo-s etc. Mr. Brickell is a native of Michigan, born near Niles, in Ben-ien county, July 11, 1841. His father, Thomas J., has for many years been a successful business man of Niles, and still resides near that city. His mother was a Miss Elizabeth Brickell, originally of Viro-inia He, however, was from Ohio. Both are still living. Je- rome F. was reared at Niles, and educated at the Baptist College at 1044 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Kalamazoo. In 1858 he went to California, and remained there for six years. While there, April 12, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary A. Collier, of Sacramento. Returning to Michigan in 1864, he came to this State live years afterwards, as stated above. Mr. and Mrs. Brickell have had a family of three children: Edgar J., Gertrude S. and Fred L. They also have an adopted daughter, Cora V. Mr. and Mrs. Brickell and the three older children are members of the First Baptist Church of Macon, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Mr. Brickell has been elected township treasurer for four terms in succession, and is one of the most highly-respected and prominent citizens of the county. His wife's family was originally from Boston, Mass. JOHN M. BUNCH (Farmer aucl Stock-raiser) . The Bunch family is one of the old and respected families of the county. Mr. Bunch's father, Col. »John Bunch, was a native of Ken- tucky, born November 26, 1800, and in 1823 he was married to Miss Mary Oliver, who was born in the same State in 1805. They came to Missouri in 1825 and located in Howard county, but some years afterwards they removed to Randolph county, and a little later along to Macon county, settling in Independence township, where they made their permanent home. Col. Bunch became one of the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of the county, a successful farmer and widely and well known as a man of high character and intelligence. He died on his farm, in Independence township. May 15, 1883, hav- ing been a resident of the county for nearly half a century. His widow, the mother of our subject, still survives, and is on the old homestead, one of the venerable old mothers of the county. Both were members of the Old School Baptist Church from an early period of their lives. They had a family of eight sons and five daughters, of Avhom ten are living : Sarah, widow of James Morris ; Lucy, the wife of John B. Epperson ; Joseph, Lucinda, the wife of John W. Bunch; Eliza, the widow of Eld. A. Balmear ; James, of Paris, Tex. ; Nancy, the wife of James C. Miles, of Adair county ; Thomas B., of Kirksville, and Benjamin F., of Sticklerville, Sullivan county, a practicing physician. John M. Bunch, the subject of this sketch, was born in Randolph county, June 11, 1838. He was reared on a farm in Macon county, and, of course, became a farmer. On the 29th of January, 1863, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ratliff. She survived her marriage 11 j^ears, dying October 16, 1874, leaving two sons and two daughters:, Mary H., Hardee, Annie L. and Elvin. Hardee died in infancy. March 16, 1875, Mr. Bunch was married to Mrs. Martha F., the widow of Benjamin W. Oliver and a daughter of William and Mary McGee, of this county. A sketch of William McGee, her father, appears in this volume. Mrs. Bunch was born December 3, 1835. By her former union there are three sons and two daughters: Edward E., Luther, Emma, Joseph and BeLtie. Mr. and Mrs. B. have one daughter, born June 4, 1877. HISTORY OF BIACON COUNTY. 1045 Mr. Bunch settled on his present farm in 1875, and is eno-aofed in raising grain and stock with good success. He is a man of industry and an enterprising disposition, a wortliy representative of the old and respected family of which he is a member. THOMAS A. EAGLE, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Miller). Prominently among those whose names occupy a deservedly hon- orable place in the history of Macon county, stands that of the sub- ject of this sketch, a man who has been identified with the county for a generation, and who has ever taken a leading part in all movements, whether industrial or otherwise, calculated to promote its best inter- ests. For years he has been regarded as one of the ablest physicians in the county, and has been one of its most successful farmers and stock-raisers ; he was the first citizen to advocate the broad and en- lightened doctrine of free labor and human rights, regardless of race or color, which now prevails from one end of the Union to the other ; and he has served his county in the legislative branch of State gov- ernment, and has hold the ofllce of sheriff and other positions; the township in which he lives new bears his name, which was given to it by the county in honor of his long and useful life within its borders, and in appreciation of the value of his services as one of its best and foremost citizens. Thomas A. Eagle was born in Wayne (now Ash- land) county, Ohio, April 5, 1819. His parents were natives of Vir- ginia, and were representatives of old and respected families in that State. William Eagle and Rachel Anderson wer^^ married in 1805, and came to Ohio, locating in the southern part of that State in 1807. Two years afterwards they removed to Wayne county, and settled on the Mohegan river, where they lived for nearly half a century, and reiyed their family. Of their seven children, Thomas A. was the youngest. The others were : Isaiah, who died August 2, 1839 ; Ed- ward B., who died April 23, 1826; Mary, the wife of Jonathan Montgomery, of Macon City, Mo. ; Elizabeth, the widow of John Culbert^on, of Jefferson county, Iowa; Nancy, who died December, 28, 1873, was the wife of Samuel Nayland, of Ohio, and Amelia M., who died January 20, 1875, whilst the wife of Adam Gwinner, of this county. The father was a substantial farmer of Wayne county, but in 1856, with his wife and daughter, Amelia, came West with his son, Dr. Eagle, the subject of this sketch. They came to Missouri, * and stopped for a while at Kirksville, until they could get possession of the land which he had previously Jt)ought. While at Kirksville the father died, February 24, 1857. Dr. Eagle soon afterwards settled on his present farm about the 1st of April, 1857, where he has since resided. Dr. Eagle received his primary education in Wayne county, Ohio, where he attended the common schools during the winter seasons, but during the summer months worked on the farm. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. G. "W. Howe, of Ashland, Ohio, and in 1842, having, in the meantime, also studied at 1046 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Mansfield, he entered the medical college at Willoughbj, where he at- tended a course of lectures. In 1842 he emigrated to Fairfield, Iowa, and began the practice of his profession, where he practiced with succe&s for two j'^ears. Dr. Eagle then returned to Ohio and entered the Medical College of Cleveland, from which he graduated with honor in the spring of 1847. Immediately following this Dr. Eagle located at Mohegansville, Ohio, and followed his profession therefor about five years. Meanwhile, the California gold excitement broke out and he decided to try his fortunes in the distant Midas-land on the Pacific seas. Accordingly, in 1852, he shipped for the Golden coast, taking passage at New York on the steamship Brother Jonathan to the Isthmus, and from Panama on the sail vessel Clarissa Andrews, of which he was appointed surgeon. Landing at San Fran- cisco after a voyage of 65 days, he engaged in the practice of med- icine on the Pacific coast, but becoming dissatisfied, returned to Mohegansville, Ohio, the following year. He remained at that place engaged in his profession until 1856, when he came to Missouri, as stated above. On locating in this county, Dr. Eagle entered at once upon the practice of his profession, and also had the improvement of his present farm commenced. From that time to this he has contin- ued in the active practice of medicinle without interruption, except while occupied with public duties, and with success and increasing reputation. From the beginning he has commanded an extensive and lucrative practice, and still permits nothing to interfere with his pro- fessional duties. In farm and business affairs he has also been abund- antly successful. One of the best evidences of this is his large and handsome farm, which contains over 700 acres of fine land and is ex- ceptionally well improved. He has been quite successful in stock- raising, and has also, from time to time, been identified with the milling business. He and Mr. Gwinner will shortly put up a large grain and saw-mill, which will be the fourth one with which he has been connected. Dr. Eagle has also taken an intelligent and active interest in public affairs. From the beginning he was a free-soiler, believing that slave labor was not only an outrage on humanity itself, but was even injurious to the white race and the slave owner. He was therefore in favor of the abolition of slavery by peaceable means, and on the basis of just compensation to those who had come honestly by their slave property. If the advice of such men as Dr. Eagle had been followed by the Southern people, the war with all its attendant horrors would have been avoided, and the South would not have been reduced to poverty and misery as it was. Dr. Eagle thus be- lieving, advocated his principles in Macon county manfully and hon- estly, whenever occasion called for their expression. He made the first free-soil speech ever delivered in the county. This was at Rambo school-house, in Ten Mile township, in the fall of 1857. In 1860 he canvassed the counties of Macon, Sullivan and Adair for the Lincoln electoral ticket, and held joint political discussions with John Foster, of Kirksville, and Albert Gilstrap and Henry Beveir, of Bloomington, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1047 at clifFerent points. In 1868 Dr. Eagle was elected to the office of sheritf, and in 1864 he was elected to represent the county in the State Legislature, both of which offices he filled with honor alike to him- self and the county. Dr. Eagle has always been a strong temperance man, and, in fact, has been a teetotaler from boyhood, both as to the use of liquors and tobacco, as well as to profane language. He has long been a member of the M. E. Church. Dr. Eagle has been twice married. His first wife was previously Miss Pauline New- brough, a daughter of William Newbrough, a prominent citizen of Ashland county, Ohio. They were married September 21, 1858. She died July 1, 1866, wdiile on a visit to her parents in Ohio. She had borne him five children, but one of whom is now living, namely : Paulina Oddissa, the youngest, who is now a young lady and at home with her father. The others, Rachel, Rowenna, Jessie F. and William C, died at tender ages. To his present wife, previously Mrs. Hattie B. Morey, the widow of Robert C. Morey, who lost his life in the service of the Union, he was married May 12, 1868. She was a daughter of Jesse J. Hall, of Washington county, Ohio. Mrs. Eagle is a member of the M. E. Church. DAVID A. FOSTER (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Foster, a worthy citizen of Eagle township, was born in Nich- olas county, Ky., September 12, 1825. His father, David Foster, was also a native of Kentucky, but the family, by way of Tennessee, was originally from South Carolina. Mr. Foster's mother was a Miss Priscilla G. Piper, whose parents came from the Old Dominion. They had five children : James L., now of Illinois ; Asberry, of California ; David A., Tabitha, the wife of O. L. Edwards, of Illinois, and Alex- ander, of Kentucky. David A., the subject of this sketch, whose parents in the meantime had removed to Illinois, was married in that State to Miss Angeline Brown. This union was consummated on the 4th of April, 1848. By this marriage there were four daughters and two sons, of whom but two are living: Docia E., the wife of Martin Muff, and Lewis R. The mother of these died March 30, 1860. Mr. Foster consummated his second marriage July 23, 1860. To this union were born three sons and two daughters, of whom there are three living : Lou W., now of Portland, Ore. ; Martha L. and Clara M. Mr. Foster came to Missouri from Macoupin county. 111., and settled on the farm where he now resides in the spring of 1866, where, in the language of the well known Baptist minister. Rev. Mr. Cox, " he has since constantly resided." Mr. Foster has a good farm of 80 acres and is comfortably situated on his place. During the war he served three years under the broad aegis of the Union. He enlisted under Capt. Ben Lee, of Girard, 111., in Co. H, One Hundred and Twenty- second infantry, August 10, 1862. He was in many engagements during the war, the last one being the battle at Mobile, after which he was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. Mr. Foster is a worthy, 61 1048 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. good farmer, and is well respected by the community at large and the generality of those who know him as Avell as all who have had dealings with him. CHRISTIAN FULMER (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. Fulmer is one of those sturdy German characters, honest, in- telligent and industrious, so many of whom are to he found in Missouri and throughout the country, men who have done their full share towards developing the resources of the country and making the com- munity of which they are members prosperous and progressive. Like most of our worthy German fellow-citizens, Mr. Fulmer has been successful in life and now has 350 acres of fine land, the fruit of his own toil and good management. He was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, September 13, 1806, and received a good German education as he grew up. He was one in a family of three sons and two daughters of John Fulmer and wife, Mary Mulbach, both now deceased. Chris- tian Fulmer, at the age of 26, in 1832, came to America, landing at Baltimore, and here he worked for three months at the butcher's trade. He then went to Marietta, Penn., where he remained for two years and then removed to High Spire, in the same State, going from there to Cumberland county two years later, and after a year at the latter place he went to Cambria county, making that his home until the fall of 1868. From Cambria county, Penn., Mr. Fulmer came to Macon county, Mo., where he has since resided. Here he has followed farming for a number of years and with the success indicated above. Mr. Fulmer has been twice married. Once before leaving his native country to a young lady who died some years afterwards. One son, Frederick, by this marriage is now living in Somerset county, Penn. April 18, 1833, he was married to Miss Rebecca Heister, of Lancaster county, Penn. There are five children living from this union : John G., of Colfax county. Neb. ; Elizabeth, the wife of Will- iam Day, of this county; Margaret, the widow of Elbridge Stiles, of Shelby comity; Jacob, of Oil City, Penn., and Isaac, of this county. Mr. Fulmer and his son Isaac are eno-ao-ed in farmino; together. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presl)yterian Church. Isaac Fulmer is a member of the Brothers of Philanthrophy. JOHN S. GOODDING (Section 20). This substantial and industrious farmer of Eagle township is a brother to James R. Goodding, whose sketch is found elsewhere, and was born September 28, 1847. After he grew up, on the 11th of Feb- ruary, 1873, being then in his twenty-sixth year, he was married to Miss Martha E., a daughter of Solomon C. and Matilda S. Milam. A sketch of the Milam family appears in the biography of Dr. Milam on a previous page of this book. Mrs. Milam's father. Judge Baker, was for many years a prominent citizen of the county. For HISTORY. OF MACON COUNTY. 1049 two terms he was judge of the county court and held other local offices. Mr. Gooddhig settled on his farm soon after his marriage and has since resided on this place. He has a good farm of 160 acres com- fortably and substantially improved. He also has 160 acres on the west side of the Chariton river. He handles stock to quite an extent and has been satisfactorily successful. In a word, he is one of the substantial citizens of the township and is well respected. Mr. and Mrs. Goodding have had a family of five children : James E., Isaac C, deceased; Samuel B., Nellie M. and Laura B. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the M. E. Church South at Belleview, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. SAMUEL A. GOODDING (Farmer aucl Stock-raiser). Mr. G., a brother to J. S. Goodding, whose sketch precedes this, was born on the old family homestead, in this township, on a part of which he now resides, March 7, 1850. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. May 27, 1880, he was married to Miss Mary E. Meadows, a daughter of Lewis and Johanna Mead- ows, who resided near College Mound. She Avas born April 4, 1854. Ml', and Mrs. Goodding have two children : Mary J. and Julia M. Mrs. Goodding has a good farm of 213 acres and is one of the intelli- gent, go-ahead young farmers of the county. He and wife are mem- bers of the M. E. Church South and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. The history of his father's family has been fully given in the preceding pages of this book. Young Mr. Goodding has shown him- self to be one of the coming farmers of the county. With the excellent start he has and with his industry and intelligent system of management, he can hardly ftiil to take a position among the lead- ing farmers in the course of a few years. His wife is a lady of many estimable qualities and is much esteemed among her neighbor friends. ADAM GWINNER (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Gwinner is a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, August 21, 1824. He was reared in his native country and received the education common to the youths of Bavaria of his station in life. At the age of 21 he entered the German army, in which he served a term of six years. In 1853 he came to America, and having friends at South Bend, Ind., proceeded directly to that place. He remained in South Bend about three years, but his health failing on account of the se- verity of the climate, he concluded to come to the South-west and locate in Kansas. Finally, however, he settled in Macon county, Mo., where he has since resided. Here he rented land and farmed for a year, but after that engaged in milling with Dr. Thomas A. Eagle, which he continued up to 1860. Resuming farming, he has since followed it almost continuously and has been quite successful. He has an excellent 1050 HISTORY OF MACON. COUNTY farm of nearly 300 acres, which he has well improved. Mr. Gwinner is one of the industrious, enterprising farmers of the township. He and Dr. Eao-le are now making arrangements for the erection of a grain and saw mill, which they will soon put up. On the 15th of April, 1855, Mr. Gwinner was married in Indiana to Miss Margaret Gottsman, formerly of Germany. She survived her marriage, however, less than a year, dying January 18, 1856, having been preceded to the ijrave by an infant daughter. Mr. Gwinner's second wife was previ- ously Miss Amelia M. Eagle, who died in 1875, without issue. To his present wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Roemer, he was married March 16, 1876. They have one daughter, Resia A., born July 12, 1881. Mr. Gwinner's parents were Peter J. and Catherine (Human) Gwin- ner. They had six sons and two daughters, of whom four are living: Mary, the widow of Hoboken Feight, of Wisconsin ; John, of this county ; Adam, the subject of this sketch ; and George, of Eagle township. SAMUEL C. HAMILTON (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. H. is a man who, though as Mr. Cox says, boasts no classical education, is yet a man of sound intelligence and a fair knowledge of books, and possesses that clear insight into affairs which never fails to make one successful and influential in whatever pursuit he engages. Born January 7, 1820, in Wayne county, Ky., he received a good common English education and became a farmer, a calling in which he has been satisfactorily successful, and he has also obtained some prominence in his part of the county, having served as township clerk, 'and is now township collector. He is a substantial, good citi- zen, respected b}^ all who know him. His farm contains 240 acres and his improvements are of a good class. His father, Joseph H. Hamilton, born March 13, 1799, is still living and makes his home with his son, Samuel C. His wife, Samuel C.'s mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Kiggin, born January 10, 1802, died March 2, 1864. They were married December 31, 1818, and came to Macon county, Mo., in 1846, Samuel C. having preceded them to this county three years. He was married February 20, 1845, to Miss Sarah A.. Blackwell. They have had eight children : Nancy A., now the wife of J. S. Hogue ; William J., now of Macon county ; James H., now of East Portland, Ore. ; Sidney F., now of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Charles L., now of Washington Teri:itory ; Samuel C. R., now of Montana; Mary E. and Robert E., now of Macon county. Elizabeth Black- well, the mother of Mrs. S. C. Hamilton, born in Henrico county, Va., August 22, 1800, is now living with her daughter, Mrs. S. C. Hamilton. STEPHEN B. HANNA (Farmer). Alexander Hanna, Stephen B.'s tather, was a native of Harper county, Md. He married Mary Wilson, of Beaver county, Penu., HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1051 and settled in the latter county, where he followed ftirming. They had six sons and six daughters, of whom but four are living : Stephen B., Lee R., of Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, of Ohio county, Ind., and Cynthia, of the same county. The mother died in Ohio county, Ind., in 1873, to which they had removed, and the father died there three years later. Stephen B. was born in Beaver county, Penn., March 1, 1826. He was reared to a farm life. August 5, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, Thirty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry for three years, or during the war. For 48 days he was in the siege of Vicksburg and was there at the time of the surrender of the place. He was also at the capture of Jackson, Miss., both times, being retaken by the Confederate and recaptured by the loyal soldiers of the Union. January 5, 1865, he was discharged on account of physical disability upon the surgeon's certificate to that effect, having, however, nearly served his time out. Since that time he has drawn a pension regu- larly from the Government ; up to 1883 at the rate $8 per month ; and since 1883 at the rate of $24. October 1, 1868, Mr. Hanna, was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Blackwell, of this county, he having previously removed to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have no children. Mrs. Hanna was a daughter of Charles Blackwell, of this county, who died July 20, 1882. Her mother still resides on the old Blackwell home- stead. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church South, and he of the G. A. R. His farm contains 60 acres. OLIVER HATLER (Post-offlce, Atlanta). Mr. H. is one of the old citizens and well-to-do, successful farmers of Eagle township. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Allen county, February 16, 1824. His father was Michael Hatler, origin- ally of South Carolina, but his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah E. Bracken, was a native of Kentucky. Of the family of four son* and three daughters, only Oliver, the subject of this sketch, is now living. Both parents are also deceased. Oliver Hatler came to Mis- souri in 1841 and located in Eagle (then Liberty) township. Here, six years afterwards, February 7, 1848, he was married to Miss Susan Z. Belmear. Mr. Hatler's first wife died April 18, 1867, leaving him two children : Harriet Z., the wife of Wilhelm VanTilberg, of Col- orado, and Martin L., of this county. September 22, 1857, Mr. Hatler was married to Miss Nancy D. Lyda, a daughter of Gideon Lyda, for whom Lyda township, in this county, was named. By his last marriage Mr. Hatler has four children: Celia A., the wife of Lewis R. Foster; Leonard P., Elvina C, resident of the town of Home Circle, and Isaac L. Mr. Hatler has followed farming in this township from the time he first settled here, away back in 1841, for a period now of 43 years. He has long lived on his present farm, which is known as the Hatler farm, containing 340 acres. His life has been such with regard both to industry and upright conduct that he is now comfortably situated and enjoys the esteem and confidence 1052 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church at Shiloh ; he is also a member of the A. F. and A. M. WILLIAM J. HUGHES (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. H. is the owner and proprietor of 100 acres of good prairie land and 10 acres of timber, all in Eagle township, on the former of which he has his farm and homestead, where he is successfully engaged in farming. Mr. Hughes has a good farm on which he raises annually about 30 acres of corn and cuts some 15 acres of meadow. He handles from 15 to 20 head of cattle and from 10 to 15 head of hogs, besides having a flock of about 60 head of fine sheep. He is identi- fied with the Belleview M. E. Church South. He is a brother to Jerome Hughes, whose sketch has already been written, and in that the genealogy of the family has been given, so that it is unnecessary to say anything on that score in this article. Mr. Hughes, the subject of this sketch, was born August 9, 1844, and was reared up a farmer, an occupation he has ever since followed. On the 24th of December, 1865, he was married to Miss Rebecca Willis, a daughter of George and Sarah Willis, of Morrow county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have a family of four daughters : Gertrude Maude, Mabel L., Clara M. and Kate M. Mrs. Hughes is also a member of the Belleview M. E. Church South. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are well thought of by their neighbors and acquaintances and are earnest in the interest they take in the church. They are hospitable neighbors and kind to all with whom they come in contact. JEROME HUGHES (Section 22). One of those industrious, intelligent Northern farmers, so many of whom have settled in this county since the war, is Mr. Hughes. He was born in the Buckeye State, May 29, 1854, and came to Missouri with his parents in 1859. His father, Thomas L. Hughes, and his mother, Adeline Roberts, were both born and reared in Ohio, in which State they were married and lived until their removal to Macon county, Mo., in 1869. They settled in Eagle township, where the father died. May 5, 1878, and the mother December 31, 1882. Both were members of the M. E. Church South at Bellview. The father was an enterprising farmer and had a good farm in this county. They had a family of six children : Louisa J., William, Margaret, the wife of John Love; Jerome, Elmer, a teacher at Macon City, and Thomas H., the latter of whom died from being accidently shot. Jerome Hughes, the subject of this sketch, was 15 years of age when the family settled in Macon county, and completed his majority in the county. December 30, 1875, he was married to Miss Jeanette Stone, a daughter of Hiram S. and Lean Stone, of this county. Mr. Hughes, who had already engaged in farming on his own account, continued HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1053 in that occupation, and has since followed it with good success. He has 120 acres of land, 20 of timber and the balance in prairie, which is mostly in cultivation. He raises grain and stock in a general way, and is makino- o-ood progress as a farmer. Mr. and Mrs, Huo:hes have two children living : Inez and Blair. Two are deceased : John N. and Leannie. Mrs. Hughes is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. WILLIAM McGEE (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. McGee, whose father was also named William, and whose mother's maiden name was Sarah Low, both originally of North Carolina, was born in Kentucky, December 14, 1813, and was the youngest in a family of four children, the others being Nancy, Andrew and Sarah, who are now deceased. The father died when our subject was in infancy, and the mother afterwards married Herman Reed, of Kentucky. She died there in 1828. William McGee grew up in Kentucky, and December 4, 1833, was married to Miss Mary J. Moore. He continued to reside in Kentucky for 16 years after his marriage, but in 1849 came to Missouri, locating in Eagle township of Macon county. He has since continued to reside in this township, and is highly respected. Some years ago he was elected magistrate, but declined to serve. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Macon City. They had a family of 10 children, six daughters and four sons, of whom but five are living, namely : Martha E., wife of John Bunch; Anna T., wife of A. J. Terrell; William J., public administrator of the county; Isaac M. and Ermine, wife of J. M. Day. The deceased were: Sarah S., who died while the wife of James Ashurst ; Caroline, who died whilst the wife of John Quinn ; Aden C, who died at the age of 24; Emma, Election P. and Mary S., who died in infancy. DANIEL MELVILLE (Section 21). Mr. M., one of the most intelligent citizens and industrious farmers of Eagle township, has been a resident of this township since 1870, prior to which time he had been engaged in the manufacture of cloth, being a master spinner by trade, one of the best of his craft in the country. He retired from work in the factory on account of failing health, which resulted from close confinement and impure air incident to his business. Mr. Melville is a native of Scotland, born in Glas- gow, April 23, 1826. His father, Alexander Melville, was a native of the same country, and his* mother, whose maiden name was Mary Clark, was from the Highlands of Scotland by descent. There were six sons and three daughters in their family, of whom five are living. Both parents died at Glasgow. Daniel Melville was reared in his native citv, and in 1845 came to Canada with his uncle by marriage, 1054 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. John Wallace, He lived in the Dominion until 1848, when he located at Troy, N. Y., where he worked in the iron works of Peter Burton for nearly two years. He then entered the Ogden Cloth Mills, and for seven years had charge of what is termed a pair of " spinning mules " or ** jenneys," having previously learned the spinner's trade in his native country. While there such was the superiority of his skill that he was selected to spin the yarn which was to be exhibited at the World's Fair in New York. Mr. Melville worked at his trade almost continuously up to 1870, when he came to Macon county. He has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Mary A. Lackey, of Cohoes Falls, N. Y. She survived her marriage but a short time, leaving a son, Robert, now of this county. His second wife was Miss Davidson, of the same place. She died in 1875. The only child living of this union, a daugher, Julia, who is married, now resides in Iowa. Mr. Melville's present wife was formerly Miss Lizzie Dimick, of Macon county. They have no children. Mr. Mel- ville's farm contains nearly a quarter of a section of land and is substantially improved. He is a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. JOSEPH GATES (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . This country was settled originally by the people of England mainly, and it was English blood and brain and English patriotism and love of liberty transplanted into the New World, that won Amer- ican Independence and established here the best government the world ever saw. It is therefore gratifying to see amid the flood-tides of foreign immigration that are crowding upon our shores. English- men have not ceased to come. They are the nationality that we most want. Mr. Gates is a worthy representative of the sterling English race who first colonized this country. He came to America in 1867, and settled in Macon county in 1869. Mr. Gates has since resided in this county, except for a period of four years, during which he was in Illinois. He purchased his present farm in 1881. Here he has 320 acres of fine land. He raises grain principally, but also has con- siderable stock. Mr. Gates is one of the thorough-going farmers of the township, and is steadily advancing in the accumulation of prop- erty. He was born in Yorkshire, England, March 24, 1842, and was a son of Thomas and Ann (Torry) Gates, both of old English families. There were five daughters and three sons in their family, but four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are living; but none of them, except the subject of this sketch, left England. After coming to this county Mr. Gates was married Gctober 20, 1870, to Miss Mary C. McWilliams, of Macon county. She died of consumption, November 8, 1880, leaving him a son, Thomas J., now seven years of age. Mr. Gates has not since remarried. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1055 J. BRADLEY THOMPSON (Section 28). Mr. T., who owns an excellent farm of 360 acres, and is one of the respected citizens of the township, was born in Christian county, Ky., July 31, 1807, and was a son of Samuel Thompson, born in North Carolina, February 24, 1784, and Matilda S. Thompson, whose maiden name was Bradley, born in Virginia, October 8, 1785. They were married October 2, 1806, and J. Bradley was the eldest of their ftimily of 11 children, six daughters and five sons, of whom five are living, the others besides the subject of this sketch being Richard D., now of Cass county, III. ; Samuel B., of the same county; Sarah J., the widow of William Boston, also of that county; Matilda J., the widow of Thomas Richardson, of Kansas. The father died April 26, 1835, and the mother October 5, 1851. They removed to Cass county, 111., in an early day. J. Bradley continued to reside in that county until 1876, when he bought his present farm in Macon county, Mo., and removed to this place. He has been twice married; his first wife was Rosanna, the widow of Benjamin Canby, of Illinois. She died January 28, 1858. There were three sons and one daugh- ter by this union, of whom three are living : John L., now of South- ern Missouri; Lucy H., now the wife of John Baird, of Ohio, and Francis M., of Washington Territory. To his present wife Mr. Thompson was married May 14, 1858. She was Mrs. Mary Carper, the widow of John M. Carper. By this union there have been three sons and three daughters, of whom four are living: Samuel T., at home with his father ; Robert McC, of Dixon, III., now attending the University ; Emma D., at home, and Abraham L., also at home. Mr. Thompson, in his time, has been a farmer of extraordinary energy and industry, and quite successful. Though 77 years of age, he is still well preserved, and would hardly be taken to be more than 60. He is a man who is respected by all who know him, for in character he is upright, he is kind and accommodating, and his good name has ever been without a breath of reproach. RICHARD WHITEHEAD (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. W., who owns a good farm of 140 acres in Eagle township, comes of an ancient and respected English family. His grandfather, John S. Whitehead, was, for many years, clerk of theDimm Church, in the shire of Kent, England, of the Established Church of that country. There were, in his family, five boys and five girls. He lived to the advanced age of 108. Mr. Whitehead's father was John S. Whitehead, born in l^ent, England, March 2, 1796. In 1819 he was married to Miss Charlotta Law, a relative of the- celebrated John Law, of French assignat fiime. By this union there were 10 children, four boys and six girls, of whom but five are living. The parents, 1056 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. with their fiimily of chiUlren, caine to America in 1827, and settled in the State of New York. The father afterwards returned to England with his family, but became dissatisfied with his native country and came back to America, spending the remainder of his days on this side of the Atlantic. He died atUtica, N. Y., July 8, 1875. His five sur- viving children all live in this country, namely: John S., in Macon county, Mo.; Jeremiah at Albany, N. Y. ; Richard, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, the widow of Henry Barby, now in Chicago, and William, of this county. Richard Whitehead, the subject of this sketch, was married June 7, 1842, to Miss Stazzie Sears, of New York City. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Penn- sylvania. Both died in Oneida county, N. Y. In 1855 Mr. Whitehead came to Missouri and located at Palmyra, and in 1858 removed to Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he first filled con- tracts with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company, for supplying timber for bridges and telegraph poles. Afterwards he en^acjed in farmino;, which he has since followed. He has held the offices of magistrate, township treasurer and school director, and is highly respected. He and his good wife have had 13 children, namely : Mary E., who died in 1880, whilst the wife of S. S. Greer, leaving a family of five children ; Redman, now living with his father, was a student of McGee College, and is a minister of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church of Kirksville Presbytery ; Charlotte, the wife of Samuel W. Allen ; Rachel S., the wife of Rev. John Wilson, of Oberlin, Kan., minister of the Old School Presbyterian Church ; John S., of Montgomery county, Ohio ; William, a farmer in Macon county; Charles H., studying for the ministry at Park College, of Platte county. Mo. ; Stazzie A., Ermine A. P., the wife of B. H. Wiggans ; Abram L., Sallie A. A., Richard L. and George W. Mr. Whitehead and wife and eight of their children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Stazzie A., their fourth daughter, who was for fiv« years an invalid, and whose recovery was despaired of for nearly four years, was suddenly restored to health on the 3d of February, 1881, by the prayers of faith, as promised in James, v: 14, 15, which say: "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church ; and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord : and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up ; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." Whatever Mill and Tyndall and Darwin and Spencer, and all the rest, may say about miracles, this shows that the power of faith is still potent for good on the earth. The following is a true statement of the facts as they took place, stated in a letter to his children in Kansas : — Macon, Mo., Feb. 6, 1881. Dear Children: We are all well. We will seud you good news which will be to you ^reat joy. We are holdiag a protracted meeting at Liberty Church. It commenced the fourth Sabbath in January, conducted by Bros. Pool, Blosser and Redmou Whitehead. The Lord has been in our midst and is still with us. We can not And words to express our gratitude to him for what he has done for Adah. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1057 At our morning meeting on the 2d of this month, also at the evening meeting of the same day, I made a request that every child of God would, to-morrovF morn- ing at 8 o'clock, join with us in prayer to God with faith believing that he would restore Adah to health again. On February 3d we deferred family prayers till after breakfast. While at the table Uncle William came in; asked if we had said anything to Adah about the request I had made for prayer. I said no, you go and tell her. He did so while we were eating aud we soon left the table. T then took all the family with me in the middle room. I then stated to them the request that I had made for special prayer for Adah that she might be restored to health. I then called the attention of all to the reading of the 13th, 14th, loth and 16th verses of the fifth chapter of James. We felt that God was with us. We all with one accord knelt in the presence of God, feeling that He would grant the request, Uncle William at the foot of the bed, mother at the head, I in the middle near the stove, the rest close at hand. Uncle William led in prayer, then my- self, then mother continued, and Adah was praying earnestly that God would help her to believe that he would heal her now. Here she bounded out of bed embracing me, saying, "Jesus has healed me right now." She ran from one t© the other, em- bracing and saying, " I am healed — Jesus has healed me." I then looked at the clock and it was 10 minutes past 8 o'clock. She took her place at the table for dinner the same day, and has ever since enjoyed her food and mingling with the family around the house. There is a large number already come to see her. She meets them at the door and says, " I am healed. The Great Physician Jesus has healed me. Give your heart to him; he will save you from all sins." Lo ! I have these many years prayed that she might mingle with us around the family altar. The next morning we realized that our prayer was answered. She led us in prayer. She received your letter yesterday. The two doctors who treated her last have seen her and say she is sound. For the last year she has kept her bed all the time. From your father and mother, who are thankful to God for this great blessing. Richard Whitehead. LYDA TOWJ^SHIP. ALBEET M. ATTEBERY (Farmer and Stock-raiser.) f Miv A. was born in Woodford county, III., November 9, 1841. His parents, William P. Attebery and Susanah A. Glazebrook, were na- tives of Kentucky, but removed to Woodford county. III., in about 1828. In 1856 they moved again, settling in Macon county, near Vienna, where he owned a very fine farm of about 600 acres. In 1868 Mr. A. bought a farm in Knox county, upon which he lived until his death, April 27, 1877. A. M. spent his youth on the farm, and received a good education, first at the common schools, and afterwards at the Eureka Academy and Eureka College, in Eureka, Woodford county. III., at which institution he remained about eight years. At the age of 19 he began to teach, but after two years studied photog- raphy, and in 1861 went into the business at Macon. The next year, the air being full of the alarms of war, Mr. Attebery went to Illinois, and enlisted in Co. E, One Hundred and Eighth Illinois infantry. He was detailed almost at once to the commissary department, and served for a few months as assistant regimental commissary, was then 1058 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. promoted, and shortly afterward again promoted to the first lieuten- ancy of Co. K, same regiment, in which capacity he served until he was mustered out, July 27, 1865. He took part in the following fights: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Guntown Raid, Siege of Mobile, and many smaller engagements and skirmishes. After his discharge Mr. A. returned to Macon county and entered the arena of mercantile life. He Avas engaged in business both at Vienna and Atlanta for about 18 months, then sold out and went to farm- ing. He came on his present farm January 25, 1870, and owns 330 acres of land one mile east of Atlanta, 280 fenced in meadow, pasture and cultivation. His farm is well improved, containing good buildings, including tenant house and a fine orchard. Mr. Attebery married, January 19, 1870, Miss Jennetta, daughter of Martin Attebery, for- merly from Kentucky, and one of the pioneers of Macon county. There are two children : Phradie and Claudie. Mr. A. is a Democrat, and has held several offices in the township. He was for eight 3^ears assessor, and has been, since 1881, township collector. He has been chosen many times as delegate to the county convention, and has been secretary of the Atlanta lodge A. F. and A. M. for about 15 years. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of tlie Christian Church, and have the cordial respect and good will of all who know them. L. J. ATTERBURY. (Post-offlce, Atlanta). Mr. Atterbury was born on the farm where the town of Atlanta, Macon county, Mo., is now situated, on the 12th of May, 1845. His father, Seaman Atterbury, a native of Kentucky, moved with his pa- rents when a child of eight years, to Illinois, and passed his early life near Galesburg. At the age of 18 the family removed to Monroe county. Mo., ^here he formed the acquaintance of a charming young lady by the name of Nancy G. Weatherford, of Kentucky, to yvhom he was married. After living there several years he moved to Iowa, settling in Davis county, near the present site of the town of Bloom- field, where he lived six years. Not satisfied, he returned with his family to Missouri in 1845, and bought land and improved a farm in Macon county, and there he still lives. He lost his first wife in 1852, and subsequently married Miss Mary C. Dabney, also from Kentucky. By the first mariage there were seven children : two girls and five boys ; of these L. J. was the fifth child, all now married. There were three boys by his deceased wife, there being 10 children. All are living ; the youngest is 25 years old. L. J. grew up in the county on a farm, and was educated partly at the common schools and partly by himself. When the war began he was but a boy of 16, but enlisted in the ser- vice of the stars and stripes in the Twenty-second Missouri infantry, afterwards consolidated with and known as the Tenth Missouri in- fantry, under the brave Col. Samuel A. Holmes, of St. Louis. He served until 1864, part of the time as musician. He was in many fights, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lOoi) the principal of wliich are luka and Corinth, Miss., Yazoo Pass Ex- pedition, Siege of Vicksburg, Raymond, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion's Hill, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and Stony Point, Tenn., this being his last general engagement of any consequence. At Cor- inth he received a slight gunshot wound in the hip, but served his country until his term of service expired, and then was discharged and went home. The war not being over, he remained home two months, and re-enlisted in an independent company for scouting purposes, in Avhich he was quartermaster sergeant. When the war was over he clerked for his father in a store in Atlanta, but in little more than a year went on a farm. His next step, farming being a lonely life for a bachelor, was to choose a wife, whom he found in the person of Miss Julia A., daughter of Judge M. G. Clem, of Adair county, but formerly from Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Atterbury continued to farm for 14 years, devoting some time, also, to the raising and feeding of stock for general markets. In Sep- tember, 1881, he moved to Atlanta, sold his farm, and engaged in the drug and grocery business. He has since sold out his business and is living at ease. Mr. and Mrs. A. have one child, M. Theron, one, Eddie, having died in infancy. Mr. A. is a member of Atlanta Lodge No. 411, I. O. O. F., and is vice-grand of the order. Mrs. A. belongs to tiie M. E. Church. BENJAMIN C. ATTERBERRY (Railroad Agent and Postmaster, Atlanta) . Mr. Atterberry, son of Seman Atterberry, was born in Macon county, near Atlanta, January 20, 1849. The greater part of his life has been spent in the county, and he was raised a farmer. He re- ceived a good education, partly at the common schools- and partly at the Kirksville Normal, Kirksville, Mo. During the last year of the war he fought for the Union in Co. H, Forty-second Missouri infantry, under Col. Forbes. Though his health compelled him to be much of his time in the hospital, yet he took part in several minor engagements, was in pursuit of William Stephens west of La Plata and Atlanta, and was an eye-witness of the scene on the day after the massacre at Centralia. After his discharge Mr. Atterberry re- turned to the farm for several years and continued his studies both at home and at select schools. He learned telegraphy under E S. Bed- ford, who was agent at the time, and after proficient knowledge was acquired worked on the road as extra, and subsequently was operator and agent at Millard, Glen wood Junction, Moulton, Queen City and Huntsville. He has been agent and operator at Atlanta since 1875. Two years after that time he was appointed postmaster, which office he still holds, to the entire satisfaction of the public. Mr. Atterberry married Miss Alva E., daughter of Mr. William Carroll and Mrs. M. J. Davies, formerly from Baltimore, Md., where their daughter re- turned for her schooling. Mrs. Atterberry was born at Carbondale, Pa. The marriage was solemnized September 16, 1880, by Rev.'R. 1060 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. C. McKinney, at the residence of her mother at Norton, Kan. Two children, Archie C. and Bernice, are the fruits. Mrs. A. is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. Around this family cluster much of the most refined society in Atlanta. WILLIAM W. BABCOCK (Farmer aucl Slock-raiser). Mr. BabcGck is one of those.enterprising-, thorough-going men who o-enerally succeed wherever they are and in whatever business they engage. Some men never succeed and are always complaining of their misfortunes, while others go to work and force success out of the most unfavorable surroundings. Mr. Babcock is one of this latter class. He had no means left him to begin on, but had to learn by his own industry and intelligence business affairs, and then get his own start to begin on. This he did most resolutely and with more than ordinary success. He is now one of the prominent business men of his section of the county, and has a most promising future before him. Mr. Babcock, though born in Toronto, Canada, July' 4, 1847, was born of American parents and reared in the United States, so that he is by birthright and residence an American citizen. A sketch of the history of his father's family has been given in the biography of his brother, J. H. Babcock, on a subsequent page of this volume. After the birth of William W. his parents, in 1848, moved back to the United States, locating in Orleans county. New York, where he grew to manhood. His father was engaged in farming in Orleans county, and to that occupation William was brought up. Everyone knows that New York always had a fine system of com- mon schools, and young Babcock had access to these schools as he grew up, thus securing a good, practical English education. In 1866, then 19 years of age, he came to Missouri with his parents and fol- lowed farming with his father in this State for several years. In 1870 he engaged in clerking with his brother, thus learning the prac- tical part of business life. He continued it for some 10 years. In 1881 Mr. Babcock opened a lumber yard at Atlanta, the only estab- lishment of the kind in the place. There had previously been one here, but the business had been abandoned for the reason that the custom did not justify it. Mr. Babcock first started with a small stock of lumber, and as the trade increased he steadily increased his stock. Keeping a good stock of goods and selling at fair prices, as well as treating every one fairly, have proved the secret of his suc- cess. The result is that he now has a large and complete stock of lumber and other building material, and is doing a thriving business. In the summer of 1882 he also eno:ai>:ed in the o-rain trade, and has since handled the grain that ha^ been shipped from this place. In February, 1882, Mr. Babcock established a harness shop at Atlanta, which he is also conducting. He carries an excellent as- sortment of harness, saddles, etc., and is doing a good business. March 6, 1871, Mr. Babcock Avas married to Miss Drue Atterberrv, a HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1061 daughter of Martin Atterljerry, one of the pioneer settlers of the county from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have two children, George A. and Frank L. Mr. B. is an active member of the Good Templars lodge. JOHN H. BABCOCK (Atlanta) , Among the leading merchants of Atlanta is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Bristol, England, December 10, 1843, and is the sou of John and Eliza (Anthony) Babcock, both English. His parents emigrated to this country in 1843 and settled in Orleans county, N. Y. Here John H. grew up on his father's ftirm. He was w^U educated in the common schools and at the Albion Acad- emy. His war experience was varied and thrilling. He enlisted in 1863 in Co. L, Second New York mounted rifles as a private, but was soon promoted. He took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, North End, Methesta Church, and siege of Petersburg, and from June 17, 1864, to July 30th was in a general engagement. In the latter part of the war Mr. Babcock was in the cavalry with the army of the Potomac ; was in several raids in Virginia, and had a horse shot at Farmville on Lee's retreat, April 8th. The next morning, just half an hour before Lee's surrender, he received a gun shot wound in the thigh at Appomattox station. After his recovery and discharge he went back to New York and s=[3ent several months recuperating. The next spring Mr. Babcock traveled awhile in Can- ada, Pennsylvania and Illinois, and in 1866 came to Missouri and worked on the survey of a railroad in the northern part of the State. His father's family followed him to Missouri in about a year, settling in Macon county, and in 1870 J. H. began merchandising for himself. He has a large and select stock of general merchandise and has built up an extensive trade. Mr. Babcock also makes a business of buying and shipping apples, and has handled in the last year about 5,000 barrels. He owes his success to his fine business ability and strict attention to hisafiairs. He owns his store, which is a large building, well lighted and filled with goods. Mr. Babcock chose his companion for life from his old home, Orleans county, N. Y., in the person of Miss Mary Cochrane, daughter of William Cochrane, of Waterport, N. Y. By his marriage there were two children : Gracie K. and Daisy, the latter fading like a flower touched by the frost ere she reached her fifth year. Mr. Babcock is a member of Truth Lodge 268, at At- lanta, A. F. and A. M., also of Emmanuel Commandery, K. T., No. 7, and has been for three terms master of the lodge. ARTHUR BORRON, B.A.,M.B., TRIN. COLL. CANTAB. (Post-office, Economy). Some philosopher has said that the lightest circumstance often directs and controls the whole future of one's life. And illustrations of the truth of this we see dailv in the lives of those among us. Here 1062 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. we may see a man who has come clown to us through a certain series of surroundings occupying a given position in life, but who, if his course had been directed through other conditions, would doubtless be in a far different station from the one he now holds. The direction that the waters of the fountain take on the heights of the Andes con- trols the course of the mighty Amazon. Here is a man, an Englishman by birth and bringing up, educated, both generally and professionally, in the finest schools of Great Britain — a man who had every hope and prospect of becoming eminent in his profession, the science of medicine, in his native country, but whose fortunes by a single circum- stance were cast in the then wilds of the Western States of America, and whose life, to old age, has accordingly been spent amid the scenes and duties and responsibilities of this new country-. He has not made the high-sounding name here that perhaps he would have realized in other surroundings, but he has led a useful and upright life, and has won and held the good will and esteem of the honest, worthy people among whom he has lived. What is there in this life higher and greater and better than to acquit one's self fully and faith- fully of his duties, according to the circumstances in whjch he is placed? Heaven asks no more — and is not all else vanity? On such a one the shroud will rest as lightly as on the greatest of earth, and the reward beyond the grave will be at least as great. Arthur Borron, the subject of this sketch, was born September 26, 1808, and was the eldest son of tJohu Arthur Borron, of Lancashire, England, and Mary Geddes, of Leith, Scotland. His parents were married in 1807. John Arthur Borron, the father, was a representative of an old and respected family of Lancashire, a family settled there for many gener- ations, and he himself made that county his permanent home. He was for over thirty years a magistrate of the county and stood high in the esteem of the public. Dr. Borron's mother was the third daughter of Archibald Geddes, of Leith, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Her father was a man of sterling character and superior intelligence, a represent- ative of one of the best families of the vicinity of Leith. Young Borron's parents being in easy circumstances, he had excellent oppor- tunities to fit himself for the higher activities of life, having access to the best institutions of learning in both England and Scotland. He was early intended for the medical profession, and was educated Avith that object in view, receiving such an education as was thought proper in that country. From early boyhood up to the age of 15 he was under the instruction of a private tutor. In 1823 he entered the Free Grammar School of Manchester, where he continued until he became well grounded in the studies usually taught in the best class of the higher schools in this country, taking also a course in the higher branches of classical literature. From the Manchester Grammar School, after commencing his eighteenth year, he matriculated at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in which he also attended the medi- cal lectures delivered by the professors of that eminent institution. Li 1828 he entered the University of Cambridge, England, one of the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1063 most famous institutions of learning in Europe, in which he took a course of tliree and a half years, graduating with distinguished honor and receiviusr the deo-ree of Bachelor of Arts. After this he continued his medical course, and two years later was honored with the degree of M.B., or Bachelor of Medicine. In 1835 Dr. Borron was married to Miss Adriana Dewindt Mills, youngest daughter of William Maynard Mills, a lady of superior culture and refinement. Meanwhile reverses of fortune in pecuniary affairs had overtaken him, and he decided to come to America. Accordingly in 1836 he emigrated to this country Avith his wife and came directly to the interior, or the West, locating in the first instance in Cooper county. Mo. Four years afterwards, however, he removed to Bloom- ington, then the county seat of Macon county. Here he enteral at once actively upon the practice of his profession. On the then fron- tier of America, Dr. Borron found a far different state of afiairs from that to which he had been accustomed in his native country. Speak- ing of the condition of things at that time in this county in a recent letter, he says : "Macon county was then but sparsely settled. A few were in moderate circumstances, but the majority were young people whose wealth was in rapidly increasing families. But they had strong arms and willing hearts, and were not discouraged by the hardships they were compelled to endure. Many were embarrassed by having to borrow money at 25 per cent interest with which to enter their land. From these and other causes the practice of medicine for several years was not remunerative. Being myself the only physician, with one exception, in the county, continued riding was very arduous. Bridges were few, necessitating the swimming of horses over the streams when in flood, or ' cooning ' it on fallen trees. Often after a ride of 20 miles through deep snow a puncheon floor has served for a bed and pill- bags for a pillow. Crossing the Chariton when in flood was usually eflected in a dug-out canoe, sometimes far in the night, the horses swim- ming across behind the canoe. ' ' Thus Dr. Borron continued the practice of his profession, visiting the sick and administering to the suffer- ing whenever and wherever called for years. In 1853, having a family growing up around him and desiring to rear his sons in the country, he removed from Bloomington, locating on a farm in the county, on which he has since resided. Here he has continued to practice medicine, and has also carried on farming. For nearly half a century Dr. Borron has gtood in the front rank of his profession in this county. His services as a physician have been of inestimable value to those among whom he has lived, and the influence of his high character and of his learning- has ever been exerted for the best interests of those around him. No one was ever more highly esteemed, and justly so, by his neighbors and acquaintances than he. In 1876 the heaviest misfortune that can befall one in this life Dr. Borron was called upon to bear. His good wife, who for 41 years had stood by his side "through sunshine and shadow " one of the truest and best of women, was taken from him by death. She left him five sons. To his present wife, a most estimable 62 1064 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTT. and worthy lady, Dr. Borron was married in 1877. She was the widow of Josiah M. James, of Laclede county. Mo., who died whilst in the Union service. Her maiden name was Nancy Ann Terrell. Of her affection- ate kindness and unremitting attentions as a faithful and devoted wife he is deeply sensible. Dr. Borron has been a member of the Masonic order for over 40, years, and for many years of the Chapter. For several years he served as Master of Atlanta Lodge No. 268. Speaking of his past in Macon county, Dr. Borron bears this noble testimony to the character of the people among whom he has lived ; " I do not regret the experiences through which I have passed, rough though they have been, for I have been of some service I trust to the community and have learned to appreciate the old settlers, though plaiij in manner and speech, among whom I have lived. In their hearts I have found a true and noble humanity — men capable of the warmest and best friendships ; men who would go 10 or 15 miles to help one another in their log-raisings without fee or reward ; who would go on each other's errands, and unite to put in, tend and gather the crops of a sick neighbor. And the women, ' gentle sisters of charity,' ever ready to wait on the sick, by night or by day, and to give the last delicacy they had to comfort and relieve the suffering. Few of these old settlers now remain, and the remark of the com- panion of my earlier life often occurs to me, as she said with tears in her eyes : ' God bless the old settlers of Missouri ; they have been kind, good friends to us.' " JOHN W. BEOCKMAN (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. B., one of the leading farmers and thoroughly good men of the township, was in Randolph county, near Renick, March 4, 1840. His father, Stephen H. Brockman, was born in Keutucky, came to Missouri at the age of 14, and lived near Renick until his death in 1883. He enlisted in the Black Hawk War, but was in no engagements. J. W. grew up in Randolph county on the farm with common-school educa- tion. In 1862 he was for a few months in the militia. On the 16th of January, 1863, Mr. Brockman was married to Miss Sarah ^., daughter of Bevel Hamilton, formerly of Randolph. Mr. B. lived on the home place until 1865, when he moved to Macon and bought the farm where he now resides. He first bought 220 acres with about 90 in cultivation. As his means permitted he added to his land, and now owns 450 acres, 390 fenced and nearly all in cultivation, meadow and pasture. His residence is large and handsome, his buildings new and his orchard fine. Mr. Brockman makes a specialty of feeding stock for the wholesale market, and ships a large number annually. Mr. B. has raised a large family of children, eight in number, viz. : Alice, Mary F., Tabitha M., Wilber H., Stephen B., Ida May, Thomas and Nellie Pearl. Besides these he has had under his care and pro- tection no less than five orphan children. Mr. B. and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Love Lake, and he is a deacon in the church. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1065 GEORGE W. DODSON (Of the Firm of LydacsSb Dobson) . Mr. Dodson is a native of Macon county, and was born near Atlanta, August 17, 1849. His father, Judge Andrew Dodson, Avas from Vir- ginia, and his mother, Sarah Ingram Mathis, from North Carolina. They came to Missouri at an early day and first settled in Eandol^Dh county, but after living there a few years they moved to Macon, where the jmfer famiUas heciime one of the most influential citizens. He was a farmer and also county judge for several terms. He died No- vember 2, 1880. G. W. grew up on the ftirm, and his early education was obtained at the public schools ; he had in addition the advantao-e of several years' tuition at McGee College. After completing his studies he returned to the farm, but his taste leanins; in another direc- tion, he, in 1874, embarked in mercantile life at Atlanta, in Lyda township, where he is still in business. On Christmas Day, 1873, Miss Mary E., daughter of J. S. and Arminta D. Lyda, became his beloved wife. They have two children : Zula M. and Jessie R. Mr. Dodson was elected during the same year constable of his township, which office he held for a year. In 1880 he was elected justice of the township ; in 1882 was re-elected, and is still in office. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Dodson belongs to the I. O. 0. F., Atlanta Lodge 411 and is secre- tary of the order. ROBERT H. DUNNINGTON, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon). This young physician is one of the eminent and successful practi- tioners in the county. He was born in Macon county, February 25, 1847. His father, Reuben Dunnington, moved from Virginia to Ten- nessee with his parents when a lad, growing up in Knox county. When he arrived at man's estate he moved to Cooper county, Mo., there married Miss Tabitha Davidson, from Tennessee, and in 1839 settled in Macon county, at Love Lake. He entered land and improved a farm, upon which he still resides. .In this locality was spent the Doctor's boyhood. He attended the common schools, but also took a course at the Normal school at Kirksville, after completing which he began the study of medicine at Love Lake, under Dr. Gates, one of the leading physicians of the county. Dr. Dunnington took his first course at the Cincinnati Eclectic College in the winter of 1870-71, and in the spring commenced to practice his pro- fession with Dr. Gates at Love Lake. In 1872 he located at Atlanta, and has now a large, pleasant and ever-increasing practice. In 1873 the Doctor took another course of lectures at Cincinnati, graduating in the spring. Two years later, never weary in the pursuit of knowl- edge, he took a course of lectures at St. Louis American Medical College, and received a diploma from that institution. In 1880, Dr. 1066 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. D. engaged also in business, but sold out after one year, the demands of his profession being too exacting to admit of his attending to any- thing else. The Doctor was married at Monongahela City, Pa., March 5, 1875, to Miss Sarah H., daughter of Joel Ketcham, of Pennsyl- vania, but only one and a half years of connubial bliss were vouch- safed to him. In July, 1876, Mrs. Dunnington departed this life. In 1880 the Doctor sought in the tender heart of a new bride to bury all thoughts of woe. He married Miss Sarah M., daughter of Dr. E. C. Still, a native of Macon county. This fair lady was richly endowed with every grace of mind, heart and person, and she made her home a paradise, but, December 24, 1883, her sainted soul fled to realms of celestial glory, and life is once more to her bereaved spouse a lone and loveless waste. Mrs. D. was a member of the M. E. Church. She left one child: Carl S., born April 1, 1882. Dr. Dunnington is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Atlanta, in which he has filled all the offices. EEUBEN DUNNINGTON (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. Dunnington is a native of Virginia, born in Mecklenburgh county, January 26, 1810, and a son of Reuben Dunnington, Sr., and wife, whose maiden name was Mary Wright, both born and reared in the Old Dominion. In 1810 they removed to Anderson county, Tenn., where they lived for about 10 years. While there the second war with Great Britain occurred and the father joined the American army. He was with Gen. Taylor and was at Mobile at the time of the battle of New Orleans. Some years after his return from the war he removed to Morgan county of that State, where he settled permanently and lived until his death. Reuben, Jr., grew to manhood in Morgan county and came to Missouri in 1837 with John Davidson, locating in Cooper county, near Boonville. Two years later he came to Macon county and entered the land on which he now resides, where he im- proved his present farm. He first entered 80 acres, but added to it afterwards. He now has about 160 acres, having sold off the rest or divided it among his children. About 100 acres of his land is in cultivation and Mr, Dunnington has a good homestead which is com- fortably and substantially improved. On the 18th of July, 1838, Mr. Dunnington was married to Miss Telitha C, a daughter of Rev. Samuel and Catherine (Hope) Davidson, formerly of Tennessee, where Mrs. Dunnington was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Dun- nington have six children : C. Ellen, wife of Thomas Lyda ; William T., whose sketch appears in this volume; Isabelle D., the wife of John Ketcham, whose sketch is also in this work ; John C, Emeline, wife of A. C. Goodding. They have lost two, Mary E., wife of Henry Williamson, and James C, who died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Dunnington are both members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, in which Mr. Dunnington is a ruling elder. He is also a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Dunnington took no part in the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1067 war and never locked his door during the entire time, answering all calls in person without fear whether day or night, for he had no enemy on earth that he knew of and therefore had no fear of any one doing him hurt. ALPHEUS B. FOSTER (Proprietor of the Atlanta Hotel and Contractor and Builder). The wonderful change wrought in the appearance and condition of North Missouri since the war is, without a doubt, more largely due to the spirit of enterprise which the people of the North and East settling here have infused into life in this section of the State than to any other cause, and perhaps to all other causes combined. They build up a country wherever they go. Farms are opened, railroads built, school-houses erected, churches established and villages spring up on every hand. When Mr. Foster came to Atlanta in 1865 it was noth- ing more than a mere stage station. Now it is one of the most thriving railroad trade centers in the county and is steadily advancing in population and wealth as well as in business importance. To the Northern and Eastern people who have Settled here and in this vicinity, is largely due the credit for this change. Mr. Foster is a native of New York, born in Orleans county December 17, 1829. His father, Alpheus Foster, was from Vermont to that county and was one of the pioneer settlers of Orleans county. He was there married to Miss Sarepta Langdon, born and reared in New York. They continued to live in Orleans and reared their family there. Al- pheus B. grew up on his father's farm and was educated at the common-schools and also had the benefit of a course at the Albion High School. Subsequently he learned the carpenter's trade and fol- lowed that business continuously until 1865. March 10, 1853, he was married to Miss Lydia Atwell, a daughter of Joseph Atwell, of Orleans county. This has proved a union of singular congeniality and happiness and remains unbroken up to the present time. On coming to Missouri Mr. Foster engaged in the hotel business at At- lanta, his principle custom at that time being from travelers on the stage line between Macon City^ and Bloomfield. Later along the North Missouri Railroad reached Atlanta and business steadily increased. Mr. Foster enlarg-ed his hotel buildino; and has from that time to this improved his house until he now has one of the best cos- mopolitan hotels in this section of the State. His house is especially popular with commercial travelers by whom it is largely patronized. Mrs. Foster does her full part in keeping up the popularity of their house. A lady of fine business qualifications and refinement, she is at the same time genial and unassuming and makes herself pleasant and agreeable to her boarders and the public generally. Indeed, she mainly manages and conducts the hotel herself. Mr. Foster is occu- pied during the building seasons especially with contracting and building. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have had a family of three children, two of whom died in infancy. The other, Anna S., is also deceased, having died January 14, 1875, at the age of 16. She was just enter- 1068 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ing young womanhood and was a young lady of rare grace and sweet- ness of disposition. Tlie only loved one of her parents, she was held by them in the tenderest affection. Great care had been taken in bring- ing her up both with regard to her health and education, and she fully appreciated all that was done for her. No daughter was ever more worthy of the atiection of her parents. Gentle in thought and word, she so always bore herself to those around her that she invariably won their respect and esteem ; and of quiet, studious disposition, she had stored her mind with knowledge, so that she was not only a young lady of more than ordinary amiability and personal charms, but was possessed of superior intelligence and culture, not the less attractive for her conversation, always entertaining and instructive, than for the modesty of her manner. It seemed too sad to bear that one so loved as she was by her fond parents and so much esteemed by all, one so well fitted for life and whose future seemed so fraught with happi- ness to herself and loved ones and so bright, should be thus ruth- lessly taken away by the messenger of death. But the ways of Providence are mysterious and past finding out ; yet we know that God is good and merciful and all-wise, and that all he does is for the best. So that if the happy home-circle is broken up here by the loss of one most loved, we can but feel assured that that sorrow is en- dured only that all may the more certainly meet in Heaven, there to be re-united in ties of happiness and bliss that can never be broken. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Good Templars lodge. FINLEY B. GARDNER (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Dealer and Feeder). Mr. Gardner was born in Allegheny, Penn., February 13, 1851. His father, Joseph S. Gardner, and mother, Mary J. Neal, were both natives of the same county and State, where the former served for six or more years as township collector. He came to Missouri in April, 1865, and settled on a farm that is still owned and occupied by the family. He bought first 320 acres of land and afterwards more from time to time until the two brothers now own 320 acres in partnership, besides 120 each personally. The old people live with William, who owns the old homstead. F. B. received a careful education in the common schools and now lives on his farm of 120 acres, which he has carefully improved and cultivated. He married in Shiawassee county, Mich., February 4, 1874, Miss Florence E., daughter of Albert Rann, of that county. Mrs. Gardner was well educated at the Normal and high schools and was for several years a successful teacher in Michigan. In October, 1871, Mr. Gardner went to Pioche, Nev., where he spent about two years in mining and lumbering. He was quite fortunate in his speculations, and is now making a decided success in his present occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have four children : Albert Rann, Benjamin F., Clyde Finlev and Ellen Estell. Mr. G. is a member of the I. O. O. F. HISTOEY OF MACON COUNTY. 1069 RICHARD p. GOODDING (Farmer aud Stock-raiser). Mr. G. was born in Randolph county, December 27, 1826. His father, Capt. Abraham Goodding, was born in East Tennessee, but was raised in Kentucky, where he married Miss Nancy Rogers, a na- tive of that State. Mr. Goodding came to Missouri in 1816, and lived for six years in Howard county. In 1823 he moved to Ran- dolph, entered land and built the first cabin on the east side of the East fork of the Chariton river, north of Huntsville. After the death of his wife he left the place and lived near Renick with his son-in-law until his death. May 26, 1877. Mr. G. served in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. He was also captain of a com- pany in the Black Hawk War. He filled several local offices with much credit. R. P. grew up in Randolph county on a farm and attended the common schools. He came to Macon county in the spring of 1860, and married, in June of that year. Miss Nancy J., daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Shelton) Ayers, formerly from Tennessee, and among the earliest settlers of the county. Mrs. Goodding was born in Mor- gan county, Tenn., and came to Missouri with her parents at the age of 11. Mr. G. had previous to his marriage bought and made some improvements on the place upon which he has since resided. He owns 260 acres fenced and well cultivated. His place is well improved and in first-class trim. Mr. and Mrs. Goodding have six children : John R., married and resident of the county ; Isaac Wilhird, Mary Belle, Lucinda Frances, Edward F. and Herschel M. Mrs. G. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and her three oldest children follow in her footsteps, while their father belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. G. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. GEORGE R. GOODDING & SONS (Proprietors of Livery and Feed Stable, Atlanta, Mo.) Mr. Goodding is the son of Abraham Goodding and Nancy Rogers, his wife, both from Kentucky. Mr. Goodding, Sr., came to Missouri about the year 1818 and settled in Randolph county ; he was the first white settler north of Huntsville on the east side of the East fork of the Chariton river. It was here that George R. was born, December 13, 1828. He grew up on the farm, and was trained to agricultural pursuits, which he followed for many years. After Mr. Goodding's marriage, October 10, 1850, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Maj. Drury Davis, formerly from Virginia, he moved to Macon county, where his wife had grown up; he farmed in the county until 1881, when he moved to Atlanta and built the stables where he and his sons carry on the livery business. His sons are four in number: Alexander D., Andrew W., Drury O. and Joseph A. One son, Abraham W., died in infancy, and a daughter, Nancy E., in her tenth year. Mr. and Mrs. G. belong to the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. G. is a 1070 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. prominent member of Atlanta Lodge A. F. and A. M. ; he is a worthy and valuable citizen. JOHN W. HARDGROVE (Merchant and Stock Dealer, of the Firm of C. W. Hardgrove & Brother, Vienna). Mr. H. is the son of Henry Hardgrove, of Pulaski county, Ky., who came to Missouri in 1840 and settled in Macon county ; here he married Miss Polly Farmer, also of Kentucky, and here John W. first saw the light September 14, 1844. He grew to manhood on the farm, receiving a common-school education. December 26, 1876, he led to the altar Miss Frances Winn, daughter of Joseph Winn, of Sangamon county, 111., but who was reared in Ottumwa, Iowa. They have one child, Joseph Henry, born July 10, 1880. Since May, 1877, Mr. Hard- grove has been a dealer in general merchandise at Vienna ; he has a large, carefully selected stock of goods, and has a flourishing trade. He and his brother buy and ship stock, cattle and hogs, to the whole- sale markets. In the last year they have shipped 12 car loads. Mr. H. was appointed postmaster at Vienna, Economy post-office, in 1877, and has held the office ever since, giving universal satisfac- tion. WILLIAM B. HOLBECK (Of the firm of Landree & Holbecls, Dealers in Hardware, at Atlanta). Mr. Holbeck was born near Canton, in Fulton county. 111., May 11, 1851. His father, William Holbeck, emigrated to this country from Germany when a boy of 16, He first made his home in Chicago, but afterwards in Fulton county, where he married Miss Amanda John- son, from Kentucky. In 1853 he moved his fiimily to Henry county, Iowa. In 1869 they made another move to Macon county. Mo., and here they have remained, the old man dying in July, 1871. W. B. was siven a good common-school education, and then went into a blacksmith and repair shop and worked as apprentice for five years. Previous to his father's death they opened together a shop at Vienna, and the son continued the business at that point until 1883. He then sold out and moved to Atlanta, and engaged in his present enterprise. The firm built the house they occupy and opened it to the public August 1, 1883. They have a fine stock of hardware, glass and queen's-ware as well as wagons and agricultural implements. They are doins; a rushing trade, and no young men deserve it more. Mr. H. married in Macon, October 29, 1871, Miss Josette, daughter of James Landree, formerly of Virginia. They have one child, Anna MyVtle. Mrs. Holbeck is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. H. is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Atlanta Lodge No. 411, of which he is Secretary. THEOPHILUS JONES (Farmer and Stock-raiser). In about the year 1820, Thomas Jones, a young man from Wales, came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He shortly after mar- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1071 ried Miss Eleanor Williams, also a native of Wales, and to them was born February 21, 1844, Theophilus Jones, the gentleman a rough outline of whose life is here given. He was well educated, partly at the public schools and partly at the Lewisburg University. When his studies Avere completed, Mr. Jones took a position as clerk in a dry goods house in Baltimore. In 1867 he came west and was for two years in partnership with his brother, a merchant at Belpre, Washington county. In 1869 he came to Macon county. Mo., and for a year or so was engaged in the same line of business at Vienna. He then became a farmer, and has since devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He has a farm of 200 acres, with 160 fenced and 140 in meadow, pasture and cultivation. His surroundings indicate his prosperity and thrift. Mr. Jones is identified Avith the Republicans and was their candidate for re^jresentative at the last general election. In 1878 Mr. J. was elected justice of the peace, and still holds that ofSce. He is a man of fine business qualifications and possesses the entire esteem and confidence of the community. January 1, 1876, Mr. J. married Miss Edna E., daughter of Orson Snow, who is else- where spoken of in these pages. Mrs. Jones was born in Kalamazoo county, Mich., and came to Missouri with her parents at the age of 14. Mr. and Mrs. J. have two children, Owen W. and Edith. JOHN M. KETCHAM (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. K. was born in Allegheny county, Pa., December 28, 1833. His parents, Joel Ketcham and Elizabeth Menown, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and Mr. K. was a man of prominence. He owned a large quantity of land, and amassed quite a fortune. He died in his native State in 1867. In the spring of 1866.J. M., who until that year had lived in Pennsylvania, moved to Macon county, Mo., and bought an improved place of 262 acres, on which he lived until 1880, then moving to his present farm about three miles distant. In his home place Mr. Ketcham has 160 acres, all in a good state of cultiva- tion, a large and tasteful residence and all other necessary buildings, and also an unusually fine orchard. He still owns the old place, which occupies 80 acres of timber and the balance fenced and in cultivation. Mr. K. makes a business of raising and dealing in sheep. He owns some fine Spanish Merino and good graded Cotswold, and has a flock that averages about 325 head. Mr. K. was married October 6. 1869, in Macon county, to Miss Bell A., daughter of Reuben Dunnington, and sister of Dr. Dunnington, of Atlanta. There are four children in the family : Ula Franklin, Wilmer Harvey, Clarence Nason and Ora Belle. In 1882, Mr. Ketcham was the Republican candidate for county judge. He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyte- rian Church, in which Mr. K. is a ruling elder. 1072 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JOHN S. LYDA (Of the firm of Lyda & Dodson). Mr. Lyda is one of the leading mercliants of Atlanta. He was born in White county, Tenn., January 1, 1835, his father, Gideon Lyda, being from North Carolina, while his mother, Miranda Defrese, was a native of North Carolina also. The family moved to Missouri in 1836, and after two years in Cooper county, settled in Macon county, 10 miles north of Macon City. Mr. Lyda improved a farm there and made it his home until his death, January 4, 1870. He was one of the survivors of the War of 1812. J. S. grew up in the coun- try on the farm and attended the common schools, but principally ob- tained his education by the fireside at night. In his twentieth year, November 23, 1853, Mr. Lyda was married to Miss Aramantha, daughter of John Y. Huffman, a girl of 15. This youthful couple settled on a farm four miles west of Atlanta where they lived until 1866. Mr. L. then moved to Atlanta and went into mercantile busi- ness, carrying on a farm at the same time. Li 1880 he was elected sheriff of Macon county and sold out his interest in the store. Mr. Lyda is identified with the Democratic party, and has since been elected constable of his town. In 1882 he returned to Atlanta and re-purchased his interest in the store, the firm having a good brick building and a full line of general merchandise, in which they^are do- ing a good business. Mr. L. owns besides a handsome town residence and the store, a. farm of 135 acres of good land near Atlanta. It is well fenced and nicely improved, and in general good shape. Mr. and Mrs. L. belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Lyda is a member of Truth Lodge, No. 268, A. F. and A. M. There are seven children : Mary E. wife of George W. Dodson ; Miranda F. wife of James Lanigan ; George T., married ; Nancy, wife of William Alexander; Lou Alice, Laura and Homer. Though Mrs. Lyda is not yet 44, she has a grand-child, 10 years old. E. L. LYDA (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. L. is a brother to J. S. Lyda, of Atlanta, this county, whose sketch precedes this, and in which an outline of the family history has been given. E. L. Lyda, the subject of this sketch, was born in White county, Tenn., July 24, 1832, and came to Missouri with his parents when a boy five years of age. As stated in the sketch of J. S. Lyda, they first located in Cooper county, but two years after- wards came to Macon county, where they made their permanent home. E. L. Lyda grew up on the farm in this county, and had but limited school advantages. Still, by improving his opportunities, he succeeded in acquiring a sufBcient knowledge of books for all ordinary purposes in farm life. June 27, 1854, he was married to Miss Frances J. Burton, daughter of Elijah Burton, of Kandolph HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lo: county, one of the pioneer settlers of that county from Kentucky. Mr and Mrs. Lycla have been blessed with four children : Merinda E., wife of James W. Surber ; Mollie E., wife of Andrew Craw- ford; Araminta T., wife of John H. Powell, and Gideon C, now taking a course at St. James' Academy, in Macon City. After his marriage, Mr. Lyda bought land and located on his present farm. His career as a farmer has been one of satisfactory success. He has 300 acres of good land, 160 acres of which are fenced and all but about 10 acres in cultivation. Mr. Lyda has good, substantial improvements, and is comfortably situated. Mr. and Mrs. Lyda are members of the Baptist Church, at Atlanta, and he is a member of the Masonic lodge, and has filled all the chairs in the lodge. WILLIAM A. MILES (Farmer and Breeder of Thoroughbred Stock) . Mr. Miles was born in Franklin county, Va., November 7, 1825. His father, Armstead J., served a few months in the War of 1812. He was born in Virginia, October 15, 1796, married Miss Elizabeth A. Arthur, and moved, iu 1830, to Pulaski county, Ky. In 1839, he changed his residence to Macon county. Mo., entering land and im- provfng a farm in the vicinity of the present residence of William A. Miles. ° He lived there until the death of his wife, in May, 1857, broke up his household, and then spent his time in visiting alternately with his' children until his death, which occurwed July 13, 1880, at the home of his son, James C. Miles, in Adair county. William A. Miles was 14 when his parents left Kentucky ; the remainder of his youth was passed on the farm in Macon county, where his educational advan- tages were but limited. A man in those days seemed scarcely to feel secure in his own " grown-upness " until the clinging dependence of a wife brought it home to him. Mr. Miles was no exception to this rule, and, August 5, 1847, he espoused Miss Nancy, daughter of Jos- eph Daugherty, of Macon county. Of this union were born 12 children :°Fouutain A., now married and living in Oregon; Joseph D., also married, and a resident of the county; Madison L., Mar- garet L., William N., Charles H. and Arthur B. Five children have been taken from them — two in infancy and three grown ones. James C. died March 31, 1875, in his twenty-seventh year, Thomas A. died July 19, in his nineteenth year and Melissa F. died January 21, 1882, also in her nineteenth year. After his marriage, Mr. Miles bought land in the north-east part of the county'^and improved a farm. He made one or two changes before he finally (in September, 1853,) settled on the land upon which he now resides. He has in his home place 360 acres, fenced: 60 in timber, used for grass and pasture, 220 in meadow and grass and 80 under the plow. He has a comfortable residence and all other neces- sary buildings, also a fine bearing orchard. Besides this farm, Mr. Miles has two other pieces of land, an 80 and a 40-acre tract, unim- proved . He makes a specialty of breeding and raising for the markets 1074 ' HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. thoroughbred short-horn cattle. He has a herd of 24 females and five males with Pioneer Duke, No. 44,564, recorded in the American Herd Book. His farm is also completely stocked with thoroughbred Cots- wold sheep and thoroughbred Berkshire hogs. He has some fine Plymouth Kock chickens. Mr. Miles started in the short-horn busi- ness in February, 1877, with two cows. He owes his present pros- perity to his own unaided business ability and hard work. He has a nice pond covering an acre of ground and stocked with German carp. Mr. Miles is a member of the Atlanta lodge A. F. and A. M., in which he has filled many of the offices. Such men as this are the mainspring of the prosperity of the country. JOSEPH D. MILES CSection 14) . Mr. M. is a son of W. A. Miles, whose biography appears before this, and is a native of Macon county, born on the home place, January 9, 1854, He was educated at the common schools, and trained for a farm. March 24, 1881, Mr. Miles led to the hyme- neal altar a blushing bride in the person of Miss Anna, daughter of P. Dunnington, from Tennessee, and one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county. Mrs. Miles was born, reared and educated in the country, and is one of its fairest ornaments ; young, beautiful, charm- ing, and withal of a gentle, loveable nature, she reminds one of Long- fellow's happy expression, "A smile of God thou art." After his marriage Mr. M. settled on the place upon which he now lives. It comprises 200 acres of land, all fenced, all in meadow, 13asture and cultivation. The farm is well improved, with good buildings and nice orchard. Mr. Miles is a young man of fine prom- ise in every way. He is a member of Atlanta Lodge, Truth No. 268, A. F. and A. M., and is senior deacon of his lodge. JOSEPH S. NEWMYER (Farmer and Raiser and Feeder of Stock). This gentleman Avas born in Fayette county, Penn., June 8, 1821, and is the son of Mary Strickler and Jonathan Newmyer, of the same county. The latter lived in Fayette until the death of his wife in 1866, and then broke up housekeeping and went to live with a daughter in Westmoreland county, and there died in 1879. J. S. was raised on the home farm, and obtained such education as his limited opportunities afforded. In November, 1842, he took for better or for worse, Miss Margaret Lipincutt, a young lady of Westmoreland county, and daughter of Samuel Lipincutt. Two years after his marriage Mr. Newmeyer moved to Adams county, III., where he made his home for 10 years. In the s-ummer of 1856 he came to Missouri and settled on his present farm. He just bought 320 acres HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1075 of laud, of which 100 was improved. To this he has added exten- sively, and now owns 1,100 acres, all fenced, and about 750 in meadow pasture and cultivation. He has also bought 360 acres in Drake township, and 40 in Walnut, all unimproved. Mr. N.'s property is in good shape, and shows the master-hand; he has a comfortable residence and all necessary buildings. He makes a business of stall feeding, and averages yearly from one to three car loads of cattle, three of sheep and about 100 hogs. He is considered one of the most reliable men in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Newmyer have nine children: John, a man of family, and living in Kirksville ; Mary Ann, wife of John Richardson ; Katie, now on t^he tapis; Henry C, George, Hattie, William Lincoln, Grant and Joseph. Mrs. N. is a member of the Baptist Church. LEANDER O. PL ATT (Post-office, Atlanta). » Mr. Piatt was born June 19, 1840, in Kalamazoo county, Mich. His father, B. R. Piatt, was a native of New York, and married in 1835 Miss Fidelia Hammond, also of New York. He then moved to Michigan, being one of the first settlers of Kalamazoo. He was su- pervisor of his township for a number of years and lived there until his death, in 1849. L. O. grew to manhood in his native county, and attended the common school. He farmed on the old homestead until 1866, when he moved to Macon county. Mo., and at once established himself on his present farm. He owns 280 acres of land, all fenced, and nearly all in meadow, pasture and cultivation. His farm is well improved, and bears every mark of careful management and success. His orchard is particularly fine. In Kent county, January 1, 1863, Mr. Piatt was united in marriage to Miss Helen, daughter of Thomas and Catherine Blain, formerly from Orleans county. Mrs. P. is a native of Kent. There are three children in the family: Oscar B., now of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Ollie, wife of John R. Goodding, and Euofene Delano. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt belong to the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church. GEORGE A. REDMON (Farmer and Stock-feeder). Mr. Redmon, who has followed farming practically his whole life, has thus far been quite successful, and is comfortably situated. He has a good farm of 200 acres, besides other lands, and has his place more than ordinarily improved. His residence is a neat and com- fortable one, and his fences are substantial, while his stables and other buildings are of an excellent class. He has a good orchard on his place, and has most of his farm in meadow, which he finds a profitable product. He is now feeding about 50 head of cattle and 100 head of hogs for the wholesale markets. Mr. Redmon is a native of Iowa, born in Van Buren count}"-, November 27, 1837. His parents, Dr. Solomon Redmon and Rebecca, nee Williams, were both natives of Kentucky, 1076 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. and removed to Morgan county, III., in an early day. They subse- quently removed to Van Baren county, la., as early as 1837, a few months before George A.'s birth. The father was the pioneer physi- cian of VanBuren county, as well as one of its first settlers. In 1849 he went to California, going in a large train of Argonauts across the plains, and being the only physician in the train. He died in Cali- fornia soon after reaching his destination. George A. grew to man- hood in Van Buren county, and had but limited opportunities to obtain an education. He learned enough, however, to manage his own aflairs successfully, and has picked up much information by reading since. He first started, out as clerk in a store at Birmingham, la., where he clerked for 18 months. He then came to Missouri, and settled in Macon county in 1858. Here he bought raw land, and improved the farm where he now resides. January 18, 1859, Mr. Redmon was married to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, a daughter of William Harrison, one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county from North Carolina. Mrs. Redmon was born and reared in Jones county of that State. Mr. Redmon continued to reside on his farm in this county until 1866, when he sold it and went back to Van Buren county, la. ; but having to take his farm back for non-payment of the purchase money, he came back to his place in 1869, and has since resided on it. Mr. and Mrs. R. have been blessed with 13 children : Ella M., deceased at the age of 20; Solomon L., John G. V., Thomas E., Josiah H., Mary S., James H., Benjamin F. and Alger A. They have lost four be- sides Ella — William E., Winefred E., Alma R. and Nellie, all of whom died at tender ages. In 1861 Mr. Redmon enlisted in the M. E. M., and served two years under Col. Eberman. August 3, 1864, he enlisted in Co. H, of the United States Forty-second Missouri in- fantry, and served until honorably discharged in March, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fair- view, of which he is the steward and a trustee. He is also a member of the G. A. R. EDWIN O. SNOW (Of Snow & Co., Merchants, Atlanta). Mr. Snow has been engaged in his present business since the fall of 1883. His firm carries an excellent stock of general merchandise and has a substantial and steadily increasing trade. They keep a good class of goods and sell them at prices which protect them from injury by competition, for they can not be undersold by any other house in the countv. Dealing fairly with their customers, they retain their confi- dence and make their house one of growing popularity. Mr. Snow is, himself, a man of good education and business experience, and be- ino- a man of popular manners and address, he could hardly fiiil of success in any ordinary circumstances. He is a native of Michigan, born in the county of Kalamazoo, December 26, 1853. A sketch of his father's family appears on a former page of this work. Edwin O. was 13 years of age when they came to Macon county, and the re- mainder of his youth was spent on the fiirm in this county. Besides HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1077 a good common-school education which he acquired, he attended busi- ness college, after which he returned to the farm and remained there until 1878. He now removed to Kansas and was engao-ed in farmino; and stock-raising there for about four years. From Kansas, in the fall of 1882, he went to Nebraska and engaged in the grocery business at Hastings. The following year, however, he sold out at Hastings and came back to Macon county, and engaged in his present business at Atlanta. On the 29th of December, 1876, Mr. Snow was married to Miss Cora M. Davies, a daughter of William Davies, of this county, but formerly of Baltimore, Md. Mrs. Snow was reared and educated at Baltimore, where she received an advanced education. She made a specialty of the study of instrumental music, and became highly ac- complished in that department. She taught instrumental music for several years, and was regarded as one of the finest pianists in the city. Mrs. Snow is a lady of superior musical talent and culture, and is highly prized in the best society of Atlanta and this vicinity. Mr. and Sirs. Snow have two children : Milo Herbert and Gilbert E. Mrs. Snow is a member of the Baptist Church. ORLA SNOW (Of the Firm of Orla Snow & Co., Dealers in General Merchandise, Atlanta, Mo.). Mr. Snow is a native of Michigan, and was born in Kalamazoo county, September 27, 1841. His father, Ansel Snow, from Massa- chusetts, when starting out in life went first to New York. He there met, loved and married Miss Arbelia Wilmouth, and continuing his travels, finally landed in Kalamazoo county, Mich. Here Orla S. re- ceived his first lesson in farming, as well as other branches of educa- tion. He attended the public schools, and remained in the county of his birth until 1865, which year he began, on the first day, by marrying Miss Marilla, daughter of Arden Beckley, formerly from Ohio, though Mrs. S. was born and reared in Lenawee county, Mich. The year after his marriage Mr. Snow moved to Macon county, Mo., bought a farm and was engaged in farming and stock-raising. It was not until September, 1882, that he embarked in his present business. He dwns his building which is handsome, new, and of brick, and con- tains a full line of general merchandise; Mr. S. has the confidence of his fellow-citizens and has secured a flourishing trade. He has a lovely family, numbering six children: Clara E., Lora Effie, Carey E., Orson E., Arthur M. and Ruby. Mr. Snow is a member of At- lanta lodge. No. 411, I. 0.0. F., has filled all the offices of the lodge and is now the Noble Grand. He holds the position of trustee of his township. ORSON SNOW (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. S. is the son of Ansel Snow and brother of Orla Snow, of At- lanta, whose sketch appears in this history. Mr. Snow was born in Oswego county, N. Y., January 19, 1827. In 1837 he went with his 1078 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. parents to Michigan, Kalamazoo county, and here spent most of his youthful years. He was given a good education at the public schools. Mr. Snow lived in Kalamazoo county until after the war, making farmino- his profession. In 1866, after a previous prospecting trip to Missouri, he moved to the State and bought a partially improved farm in Lyda township. This he subsequently traded for the one he now owns which contains 480 acres of land, 400 fenced and in culti- vation and meadow pasture. He has also given each of his sons a farm, for, of course, Mr. Snow is a married man. His first wife, to whom he was united October 22, 1848, was Miss Kosella, daughter of Timothy Ward, formerly from Ohio. By this marriage there were six children: Edgar G., now married in the county; Edna, wife of Theophilus Jones ; Edwin O., married and in business at Atlanta with Orla Snow; Julia, wife of J. J. Butler; Estella Ettie, a teacher, and Charles T. Mrs. S., who for 31 years had been a true and faithful companion to her husband, departed this life June 29, 1879. She was a woman of manifold excellencies and was adored by her husband and family as well as beloved by all who enjoyed the pleasure of her acquaintance. Mr. Snijw's second marriage was celebrated in Wap- pello county, Iowa, on the 17th of May, 1883, the fair lady being Mrs. Jane, widow of Jesse Lane, and daughter of John P. Still well, of Ithica, N. Y. Mrs. Snow has by her former marriage three chil- dren : Ella E., in Watertown, N. Y. ; Burritt S., telegraph operator at Creston, Iowa, and Everett C, also aii operator in Wyoming and agent at Farrel Station. Mrs. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. This family is one of the most prominent in the township. ORANGE WARD (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. W. was born in Akron, Summit county, Ohio, June 7, 1827, and was the son of Col. Timothy H. Ward, who was a native of Vermont, and married Miss Rosella Ross, from N. Y. After his mar- riao-e he removed to Ohio, where he took a position of much promi- nence among men, standing always at the head of the advance to civilization and education in his day. He served as magistrate fbr a p-ood many years, and also as colonel of militia. Orange W. grew up in Summit county, and received a good common-school education. At the ao-e of 14 he was apprenticed in a carriage factory at Talmage, and remained there four years. He then worked for several years at Middlebury and Akron, and in 1847 was married to 'Miss Ann, dauo-hter of John Spellman, of Ohio. Directly after taking this im- portant step in life, Mr. Ward moved to Michigan, and was, until 1866, eno-aged in buying raw land, improving and selling it. He lived successively in Kalamazoo, Barry, Kalamazoo again, and Oceana counties, and in the year above mentioned he moved to Macon county, Mo., in company with about 30 families, nearly all from Kalama- zoo. He bought the place upon which he now lives. It contains 210 acres of land, in which his son has an interest, a comfortable house, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1079 good buildings, and orchard, etc. Mr. W. has sold 160 acres, as he did not need so much. He has served as justice of the peace, and was for a time collector of Oceana county, and has been for more than 20 years school director. He is one of the progressive men of the township. Mr. and Mrs. W. have two children : George C, now a man of family, at Vienna, Macon county, and Mar}', wife of George Parsons. BENJAMIN H. WEATHERFORD, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon). Dr. Weatherford was born in Howard county, Mo., December 16, 1824. His father and mother, David and Elizabeth (Grogan) Weath- erford, were natives of Virginia, and after their marriage emigrated, first to Tennessee, then, in 1819, to Howard county. Mo., and in 1829 to Monroe county, and there the Doctor grew up on his father's farm. He attended the common schools of the county, and at the age of 21 went to Shelby ville to study medicine under Dr. McCord, an eminent physician of that county. He took his first course of lec- tures in the winter of 1848-49, at the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, to which he returned to complete the course after prac- ticing for some years both at Shelby ville and Bloomington. He then practiced in various places ; Kinmundy, Marion county. 111., Moberly, Mo., Kirksville, La Plata, and finally, in 1881, settled in Atlanta, and there has since remained. Though his health has interfered to some extent with his medical duties, Dr. Weatherford has been very successful in his profession, and has been of incalculable benefit to suffering mankind. He has the entire confidence and affectionate regard of a boundless circle of friends. The Doctor married in Shel- byville, in April, 1848, Miss Lucy Marmaduke, daughter of J. B. Marmaduke, of Shelby county, but after a few years she faded away, having lost in infancy both of her children. In 1854 Dr. Weather- ford chose for her successor Mrs. Julia Ann, widow of George W. Sharp, by whom she had two sons : the Rev. James E. Sharp, a very talented speaker, now in charge of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Moberly, and the Rev. George W. Sharp, also a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a preacher of more than ordinary ability. He has been working in the interest of the American Sunday School Union for three or four years past, but does a great deal of preaching while establishing Sunday Schools. He has the reputation of being one of the most active and efficient workers in the cause. Dr. W.'s wife died in July, 1880, and he is still a widower. He has been a life-long Democrat, and in 1860 represented the county with much brilliancy. In 1861 the Doctor went into the Confederate services as a surgeon, which experience has been invaluable to him in that branch of his profession. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, and Royal Arch Chapter, and is also an Odd Fellow, in both of which orders he has filled all the offices. 63 1080 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JAMES L. WOOD, M.D. (Physician and Merchant). Dr. Wood was born in Knox county, Ky., December 9, 1809. His father, Capt. John Wood, was the first settler of what was known as the wilderness of Kentucky, and built a block house at the Hazle- patch for protection against the Indians. He also had command of a company. He married Miss Margaret Mane, of Pennsylvania, and lived in Kentucky until his death. The Doctor grew up in his native county on a farm and received a good English education. He com- menced the study of medicine in 1844, under Dr. Bartlett, of Louis- iana. He took a course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College in the winter of 1845-46, also in 1846-47, and graduated in the spring. On receiving his diploma Dr. Wood went into partnership with Dr. Bartlett and continued to practice at Louisiana until 1854. He then lived in various places, viz. : St. Charles county. Mo., Moro, 111., and in 1865 moved to St. Louis, Mo. He practiced there for a year, at- tending at the same time the Eye and Ear Infirmary, next lived for four years in Macon City, and finally in 1870 settled at Love Lake where he now lives. The Doctor has given up the practice of his pro- fession and become a merchant. He carries a good stock of general merchandise. He was for 12 years railroad agent at this station. Dr. Wood occupied several positions of trust while in Louisiana. " He was recorder and treasurer, was examiner of teachers, and filled several minor local offices. He was postmaster at Love Lake for 12 years, and was deprived of the position because he would not contribute to the election of Garfield. In 1880 the Doctor married in Knox county, Ky., Mrs. Susanna Logan, daughter of Luke Watkins, one of the old pioneers of Kentucky, from Virginia. Mrs. W. died in Louisiana in about 1847. There were three children, two of whom reached years of discretion. But one now survives, viz. : Henderson Wood, in the railroad business at St. Joe. In 1849, in Louisiana, the Doctor chose a second wife, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Fentum, an English- man by birth. Mrs. Wood was born in Lincoln county, Mo. Eleven children vi^ere born of this union, of whom on^ only is now living : Margaret Ann, wife of B. F. Atterberry, of La Plata. Dr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the M. E. Church South, and the Doctor has been for 35 years a Mason. VALLEY TOWISrSHIP. DANIEL C. JONES (Farmer, Section 19). This gentleman was the son of Thomas and Jane Jones, natives of Wales, where Daniel C. was born, August 9, 1835. He was raised on a farm, and received a common-school education. Upon coming to America, he adopted farming as his calling, and settled in Macon HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1081 county. He owns 106 acres of land, and raises principally hay, though he has some good stock. Mr. Jones married, in 1866, Miss Jane Jones, of Chicago, daughter of Peter and Benedict Jones, from Wales. There are three children living and one deceased ; the first are Benedict D., Thomas T. and David Francis. Jane sleeps in the bosom of her God. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Presbyterian Church at New Cambria. They are worthy and deserving people. EDWAED C. LLOYD (Farmer, Post-office, Callao) . The large number of the better class of citizens of Macon county who old Virginia has contributed to the county, is shown by a mere glance at the names and nativity of the subjects of the bioo-raphical department of this work. The Old Dominion has given to Macon county more of its residents than have been furnished by any other State except, perhaps, Kentucky, and nine out often Kentuckians are either themselves originally from Virginia or the representatives by descent of old Virginia families. In common with many of our best citizens, Mr. Lloyd also is a native of Virginia. He was born in Bedford county, of the Old Dominion, January 8, 1829. His father was Henry C. Lloyd, and his mother, before her marriao-e, was a Miss Temperence Meadow. The father was a former by occu°3ation, and Edward C. was brought up to understand all about farming. At the age of 21 he made his home in Kentucky, and as that State is famous for its fair women, he was not many years in the Blue Grass Commonwealth until he met one of whom he thought as Lorenzo de Medici thought of La Nencia da Barberino : — " Beyond all noble fortunes, fortunate He'll be who takes her to his happy bosom. Well might he call his stars glorious and great Whose lot it is to wear this heavenly blossom! Well may he take his peace thenceforth with Fate, And lightly bear whatever ills should cross him. Who clasps fair Nencia as his wedded wife, White as wild wax and with love's honey rifel" He devotedly paid his fair one court, and his suit resulted as they usually result where the suitor is worthy of a true woman's regard. Accordingly, on the 24th of March, 1853, he was married to the' one he loved more than all others on earth, and Miss Martha Wilson became his happy bride. She was a young lady of singular attractive- ness of person and manners, and rare sweetness of disposition. She was a daughter of M. K. Wilson, of Meade county, Ky., but afterwards of Macon county. Mo. This union proved a long and happy one, and was blessed with several children. Meanwhile, in'l855, Mr. Lloyd moved to Missouri, and located first in Lewis county, but two years later came to Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he has followed farming and stock-raising with great industry, and has not only brought up his family in comfort, but has aceumu- 1062 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. latecl a comfortable property. He has a good farm of 160 acres, one of the desirable homesteads of this part of the county. August 26, 1874, Mr. Lloyd had the misfortune to lose the wife of his early manhood days, the one who for over 20 years had been by his side, his solace and comfort through all the vicissitudes of life, and who, it mattered not how the storm of misfortune or adversity raged without, made the sacred confines of his home one of singular peace, and encouragement and happiness. She was a rare woman in many respects, and in every respect a true and loving wife and devoted mother. She died buoyed in the last hour and last moment of life by that supreme and happy faith in the promise of the Redeemer that the grave shall be but an entrance to a life eternal. Of their family of children eight are living. Mr. Lloyd has no children by his present wife. She was a Mrs. Martha M. Beers before her marriage to him, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Davis, formerly of New York. Mrs. Lloyd is a most excellent and amiable lady, and is highly thought of by all her neighbors and acquaintances. Her first husband, Daniel Beers, to whom she was married in 1840, died in the Union army at Columbus, Ga., in 1865. She has four sons by her first marriage: James B., of Colorado ; Lyman A. of Illinois ; Henry W. and Charles N., who died in January, 1884, at the age of 22. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. in Kentucky. DANIEL OWEN (Farmer, Section 31). Mr. Owen is of Welsh birth, and the son of Stephen and Sarah Owen, and first saw tiie liglit October 16, 1810 ; his parents were both born in Wales. Daniel was raised on a farm in his native coun- try and lived there until 1876, when he emigrated to America, coming directly to New Cambria, Macon county. He is here engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising; he owns a fine farm of 100 acres and is well-to- do in the world. Far from the scenes of his childhood he has made a new home as fair and almost as dear, and in this strange land his vir- tues find ready acknowledgment, his sturdy worth ungrudging admir- ation. In 1836 Mr. Owen married Miss Maria Morris, daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Morris, all of Wales. They have three children : Alexander, Margaret and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the New Cambria Baptist Church. RICHARD C. PHIPPS (Post-office, Callao). Mr. Phipps, the son of J. W. and Anna (Crystal) Phipps, natives of Kentucky, was born in the Blue Grass State October 21, 1829. When he was but one year old his parents emigrated to Randolph county, Mo. He grew up on the farm and was educated at the com- mon schools of the county. When he reached the age of 24 he went HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1083 by himself to Macon county and bought a farm in what was then Liberty but is now Valley township, and branched out into a full fledged farmer and stock-raiser. Of the latter he makes a specialty, and still resides in Valley townshi^D. His farm is very far above the average of those in the county and has all the newest and most mod- ern conveniences and improvements. Mr. Phipps is in every sense a progressive farmer, and believes in keeping up with the times. In the year 1855, on the 25th of October, Mr. P. led to the altar a blush- ing bride. Miss Catherine Humphreys, a daughter of Martin and Eliza- beth (Staufield) Humphreys, natives of Kentucky. They have six children : William Pay, born August 31, 1856, now married to Miss Mattie Goodson, daughter of John E. Goodson; Mady Morella, born October 12, 1858, wife of John M. Burton ; Lizzie Martin, born June 27, 1861, now the Avife of Paul Burton ; Charlie Lee, born May 4, 1864, married to Miss Mary Fletcher; Effie Ann, died in 1869, and interred in Callao cemetery; and Carlos Bual, born September 22, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps are members of the Old School Baptist Church. Mr. P. was for two years assessor for the township. JOHN KEES (Farmer, Section 30). Mr. Rees was born March 1, 1818, in Wales. He was raised on the other side of the ocean and taught the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1854. He then determined to try his fortune in this " land of the free and home of the brave. " He landed in New York with a light purse, but a strong spirit. He followed his trade for a few years in Schuylkill county. Pa., and then in 1866 came to Macon county. Mo. His pluck brought him safely through, and he is now one of the most flourishing farmers in the township. He owns 300 acres of land, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. His name is the synonym for honesty iind integrity, and serene in the consciousness of a life well spent, he now basks in the sunshine of prosperity. Mr. Rees was married in Wales, in 1845, to Miss Mary Williams, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Williams, natives of this soil. Of this marriage were born 10 children, viz. : Joseph, Han- nah, now Mrs. Evans; Mary, now Mrs. Phillips; Jeanette, John, Thomas and Maggie. Ann, Sarah and Rees are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rees belono- to the Consiireo-ational Church at New Cambria. EVAN W. ROBERTS (Section 29). Among the oldest and best citizens of Valley township is the sub- ject of this sketch, the son jof William and Mary Roberts, of Wales. Evan W. was born in that country May 10, 1831. He came to Macon county in March of the year 1858, and has been here ever since. He owns 160 acres of pleasant lying land which he has in first-clnss order. He has some good graded stock. October 3, 1851, Mr. Roberts married Miss Jane Roberts, but after giving birth to several 1084 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. children, two of whom, Kobert E. find Mary Jane, are living, this gentle ladj slipped quietly away to dwell forever in a heavenly man- sion, where no harp of gold makes sweeter music than hers. Decem- ber 11, 1867, Mr. R. was again married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Kev. Edward and Maria Meredith, natives of Wales. He and his family are Presbyterians. During the war Mr. Roberts belonged to the Forty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served at intervals for three years. He has been for a number of years acting agent for the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad. WILLIAM D. ROBERTS (Post-office, New Cambria) . Mr. R. was one of the first of the Welsh settlers in New Cambria. He was born December 31, 1826, in Wales, and came to this country with his parents, David W. and Miriam Roberts, when a child. They lived for a number of years in Oneida county, N. Y., then removed to Waukesha county, Wis., where the old people died, the father in 1857, the mother in 1881. In 1854, in Lewis county, N. Y., William D. was married to Miss Catherine Williams, daughter of Daniel and Eleanor Williams, of Wales. Mrs. Roberts herself was born in Oneida county, N. Y. Four children were born of this marriage, Miriam Ellen, now Mrs. Baldwin; David A., Minnie, now Mrs. Bun- dren ; and Margaret C. The movement in favor of a Welsh colony was first agitated in 1863 by a gentleman from New York, and during the two following years it was established in Macon county, Mo. The family of Mr. Roberts was the first t© arrive. They settled in what was then called Stockton, but is now New Cambria ; and Mr. R. built the first house in the place, which was a hotel for the accommodation of all who should come. He is therefore identified with all the best interests of the town, and none of the citizens have its welfare more at heart. Mr. Roberts is a farmer, owning 500 acres of land well cultivated, and with good buildings, etc. ; his stock is specially fine. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are connected with the Congregational Church at New Cambria, and Mr. R. is a member of the I. O. O. F. at that place. JAMES M. SENEY (Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Callao, Mo). Mr. S.'s father, Ira Seney, was born April 12, 1807, in Kentucky. He married Miss Susan Sluth, a native of Ohio, in the year 1827, in Shelby county, Ind., and continued to live in that locality until 1835 ; he then removed to Randolph county, Mo., but after a residence of a few months again moved to Macon county, and settled in Valley town- ship, then Liberty, on the same farm the son James now owns and lives on. He was one of the pioneers of the county, there being only two families in it at the time of his emigration. Mr. Ira Seney raised a family of 11 children, all living except two, who died in infancy. They were respectively : Nancy Ann died in 1832 at the age of two years ; HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1085 Averrilla, wife of Alexander Steadraan, of Macon ; Mary Ann, at home ; Lucinda, wife of J. W. Cavender ; Albert G., who married a daughter of A. T. Steadman, of Iowa, and living in Macon county; Robert M., who fell on Red river under Price while bravely battling for the rights of the heroic but doomed South ; a nation not less no- ble though vanquished remembers with tears the fate of this one of her departed heroes; Wilbur J., who married Amanda, daughter of William Knight, now a widower ; Caroline, wife of John Bohers, of Macon county ; James M., at home, and John L., who married Laura Raines, daughter of Robert Raines, of Macon county. The father of this family met with his death in March, 1847, through an accident. He was killed by a fall while building a house. James M., the sub- ject of this sketch, was born February 20, 1844. He was educated in Missouri at the public schools and has lived always in Macon county ; indeed, has never left it except for a few months at a time in search of health. He is a farmer and has 60 acres of as good land as ever smiled beneath the sky; his improvements are first-class. Mr. Seney was a soldier in the late war under Gen. Price ; he enlisted in Sep- tember, 1861, in the Third regiment of Missouri State Guards, and was in the battles of Lexington, Mo., and Pea Ridge. At the latter he re- ceived a wound in his hand, of which he still bears the mark. Mr. S. belongs to the Good Templars of Liberty township, and took part in the Grange movement of 1873. He is an unmarried man, and Many an eye marks his coming Ami shines brighter when he comes. He is one of the finest young men in the township. MOKROW TOWlSrSHIP. I WILLIAM M. EPPERLY (Section 24), Mr. E., a native of Randolph county. Mo., was born February 5, 1839. His father, David Epperly, was from Wayne county, Ky., as also his mother, who has since died in Randolph. William M. grew up on a farm and attended the county schools, finally taking a course in English, Latin and German at Mount Pleasant College. About the time he reached manhood war was declared between the North and South, and he enlisted in Sterling Price's army. He was under Van- dorn, Hindman and Holmes. When the soft voice of peace prevailed over the thunders of war, Mr. Epperly took up the ferule in place of the musket, and for 10 years his battles were waged with the ignor- ance, stupidity or obstinacy, as it chanced, of unruly urchins. He taught in Randolph and Chariton counties. Mr. E. is now a farmer. He owns 180 acres of land which is all in good order, and among other 1086 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. improvements contains a line orchard of apple and peach trees. Mr. Epperly is a married man, having taken to wife on the 13th day of January, 1876, Miss Sarah E. Somers, daughter of Weimer Somers, now of Macon county, Morrow township, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. E. is a native of Macon, and was educated at the public schools of the same. She has been for nine years a member of the Mission- ary Baptist Church. They have two children : Elmer and Mollie; one not of the earth, earthy, has soared to that heavenly realm "where all is peace and joy and love." Mr. Epperly is much respected by all, and occupies the responsible oflSce of justice of the peace. PEYTON Y. HURT (Post-office, Callao). Mr. Hurt was born in Howard county. Mo., March 28, 1838. His father was a Virginian by birth, moved to Kentucky and there mar- ried Miss Jemima Winn, daughter of John Winn and s-randdauirhter of Col. Winn, of South Carolina. He then came to Missouri and settled in Howard county, near Glasgow, and here Peyton Y. was reared. He attended the common schools first and finished his edu- cation at the Glasgow Academy. In his younger days he was a farmer. In 1845 he removed to Chariton county, and for five years was superintendent of a tobacco factory. There he met, loved and married November 28, 1848, Miss Eliza F. Harrelson, daughter of James M. Harrelson, of Caswell county, N. C. By this marriage there are seven living children, viz. : Olivia F., wife of John L. An- derson, of Macon county, formerly of Kentucky; Elizabeth J., wife of William J. Powell, of Morrow township, formerly of North Caro- lina; Grizzella A., wife of Dr. W. F. Morrow, of Kirksville, Mo. ; Leonidas Bascom, who married Miss Ella Lyles, of Macon county ; Luther A., Ida Alice, wife of Thomas C. Cravin, of Randolph county, and Martin Leftridge. Those deceased are Isabella, Eleanor, Monroe and Eliza J., all of whom died in infancy. In 1849 Mr. Hurt moved to Macon county, still engaging in farming. The fol- lowing year he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for 13 years. In 1872 he was elected one of the judges of the county court, and was chosen to represent the Western district of Macon county in the Twenty-ninth General Assembly of the State. He has also been trustee of the township for a number of years. The Judge was left a widower July 9, 1878, and on the 15th of January, 1879, he led to the altar a second wife in the person of Mrs. Mary A. Ter- rill, widow of Keeling L. Terrill, formerly of Henry county, Ky., and daughter of James Perrin, of Breckinridge county, Ky. Mrs. H. has three children by her first marriage: Mattie C., wife of M. C. Burns, of Macon City; Luther L., just home from Central College, and Julia A. There is no family by the second union. Judge Hurt's family on the mother's side sprang from the Hampton fiimily. He is one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the township. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, in which he has been HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1087 since his youth steward and class leader. He also belongs to the A. F. and A. M. Mrs. H. when she was 17 years of age, joined the Baptist Church, but after her second marriage became a member of the M. E. Church South. SINGLETON LYLE KASEY (Post-office, Kaseyville). Mr. Kasey is the son of Singleton Lyle Kasey, Sr., who was born October 1, 1796, near Liberty, in Bedford county, Va. He was a farmer, raising principally tobacco. He first emigrated to Kentucky, and in 1868 to Missouri, where he has since died. His wife was the daughter of James Boatright, a farmer on the Cumberland river, Va., who also moved to Kentucky. Mr. Kasey' s grandfather, Alexander KaSey, Sr., was also a native of Bedford county, Va., while his great- grandfather, James Kasev, Sr., was from Ireland. The latter fouffht in the Revolutionary War, and was in the battle of Guilford Court House, Gate's Depot, and at Yorktown. Mr. Kasey himself was born June 8, 1838, in Breckinridge county, Ky. He received a liberal edu- cation in the hiofher Eno-lish branches as well as in Latin and French at a high school at Big Spring, in Meade county. In 1866 he moved to Missouri and settled at Kaseyville, Macon county. He is a farmer and also a merchant. Since 1867 he has held the office of postmaster, with which he combines the duties of notary public. On the 6th of November, 1878, Mr. Kasey married Miss Octavia Stanley Hall, dauo-hter of Judo-e William Ausnstus Hall. The Judo^e was born in Maine, but was taken when a child to Virginia. He was raised at Harper's Ferry and educated at Frederickstown, Harvard [Cam- bridge] and Yale. At the latter place he studied law, and moving in 1835 to Missouri, settled in Randolph county. He was a representa- tive in Congress for two terms. For 15 years he, with marked ability, graced the office of circuit judge. Mrs. Kasey 's grandparents on both sides by her father were from England ; her mother. Miss Octavia Stanley Sebree, was one of the fairest flowers of that land of gorgeous bloom, Florida ; she was a native of Pensacola, but left it when a girl of 16. She was married July 29, 1847. Mrs. Kasey, a lady of fine natural gifts and brilliant accomplishments, was educated with unusual care. She first attended Mt. Pleasant College, in Randolph, and afterwards the Convent of the Visitation, at Frederick Cit}^ Md. She took a thorough course, including music and French, and gradu- ated with the highest honors. Mr. and Mrs. Kasey have two children, a son, James Singleton, aged three years, and a daughter, Sebree Preble, aged two. This is one of the most cultivated, polished and in- teresting families in the township. Mr. Kasey is jDossessed of fine mind, charming address and a boundless stock of information. But few men have more influence. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and in 1877 was a delegate to the grand lodge. Mr. Kasey's grandmother, wife of A. Kasey, was Lurana Shaon, of Virfrinia. His^ great-grand- mother, wife of James Kasey, Sr., was Mary Kennedy. Mrs. Kasej's 1088 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. grandmother, mother of Hon. William A. Hall, was Statira Preble, of Maine. Her grandmother, wife of Capt. William Sebree, was Miss Ann Brickell, of North Carolina. CHARLES CURTIS PIERCE. (Farmer and Stock-Raiser). This young farmer, of brilliant mind and more than ordinary ac- quirements, is a native of Marion county, Ky. In that county he spent the first nine years of his life, then moving to Daviess county, of the same State. Immediately afterwards his father died, and he went to live with a cousin also in that county. At the end of a year he moved to Muhlenburgh county, and was there educated at the high school. He received a thorough training in all the higher English branches as well as in Latin. When Mr. Pierce first came to Mis- souri, in 1859, he settled in Randolph county, near Huntsville, where he was engaged until 1864 in farming and milling with his step-father. For the next few years he was agent in Kentucky and Indiana for a fan-mill factory. In 1867 Mr. Pierce returned to Missouri and for 10 years taught in the public school. The quickness of his intellect and his varied store of information eminently qualified him to lead the impressionable mind of youth into the most fertile fields of knowl- edge. Mr. Pierce is now a farmer, in which vocation he distinguishes himself no less than in that of preceptor. WILLIE VILEY YATES, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon) . Dr. Yates, a popular young physician of Kaseyville, was born No- vember 3, 1839, in Randolph county. Mo. He is on his father's side of Scotch-Irish descent, on his mother's, of Welsh. Both branches were in the colonies before the Revolutionary War. The head of the Yates family came to America and settled in Maryland, having lost an arm in the British service before he left his native country. He raised two sons, one of whom had 20 sons, who married and scattered all over the colonies. The other had two sons, who settled in Vir- ginia, and of this branch springs the representative of the family of whose life this sketch treats. His father was born in Caroline county, Va., on the 29th of August, 1796. He moved to Kentucky first, and afterwards in 1833 to Randolph county, Mo., where he died in 1872. He was educated for a lawyer in Latin, Greek and English literature at a college in his native State. His wife, to whom he was married in Kentucky, was also a Virginian. Dr. Willie Yates was raised and educated in Randolph county. He was taught principally at the public schools, but attended Mt. Pleasant College one term. He spent his boyhood chiefly on a farm, where his father raised a large number of negroes. The Doctor studied medicine first under his brother Paul C. Yates, at Jacksonville, Randolph county, after- wards with Dr. Terrell of Darksville. He also attended the Missouri HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1089 Medical College, from which institution he received his M. D. in 1871. He first practiced for five years in Macon county at College Mound, but since 1877 has been at Kaseyville. Dr. Yates has been twice married, the first time in 1872 to Miss Mary Rebecca "Wright, a daughter of John G. Wright of Jacksonville, and a most lovely and accomplished lady. But death loves a shining mark, and after three years of happy life claimed her for his own. She left one child, a little girl now eight years old, called Laura Elma. In 1876 Dr. Yates espoused Miss Laura Marston Wright, a sister of his first wife, by whom he has one son, John Edward, aged six years. Mrs. Yates is a graduate of McGee College. Her grandfather, a Virginian by birth, moved to Kentucky before the War of 1812, of which he was a pen- sioner ; he took part in the battle of New Orleans. At the time of his death six years ago he had reached the advanced age of 93. Her mother was born in Tennessee, but was of German parentage. Her father was a preacher in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the movement for the development of which he was conspicuous. It was to his (Willie Yates') great grandfather on his mother's side, a Mr. Sutton, that a transfer of land between Crab Orchard and George- town was made by Patrick Henry. Dr. Yates is one of the most em- inent physicians in this section of the county. His winning manner brings him a large practice, which his wonderful skill and success make it easy for him to keep. For him life v/ears her brightest smile and the future beckons him on with rosebud finger. Kaseyville, the scene of the Doctor's triumphs, was built in 1867. ^Its post-office and lodge-room however were not completed until 1874. Lodge No. 498, A. F. and A. M. was chartered in 1877. The lodge-room is over the church. The present officers are : D. D. G. M., David Baird of Kirksville; Past W. M., W. D. Singleton, J. J. Buster and Single- ton Kasey. Dr. Yates fought long and well for the lost cause. He was at the battle of Dry Wood, Warrensburg, Lexington and Oak Hill. At the last-named place he received a severe wound through his right lung and was afterwards until the close of the war a hos- pital steward. He was in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and was under Price, McCulloch, A. S. Johnson, Beauregard, Polk, J. E. Johnston and Hood. Dr. and Mrs. Yates are both member's of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. BEYIER TOW:>^SHIP. JAMES E. BURGE (Farmer) . James R. Burge's ftither was a native of England, who emigrated to America, marrying a lady from Pennsylvania and begetting five boys and five girls, of whom James was born January 3, 1837, in Car- 1090 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. roll county, O. He remained with his parents on their farm until 1857, when he spent a year visiting Iowa, finally locating at Granby, New- ton county. Mo., working in the lead mines for two years. There he met Mary Harris, a native of Illinois and daughter of Timothy Harris. His courtship ripened into a happy marriage, of which came eight children: May, George H., Emery E., Thomas H., Charles C, Anna R., Louise and Mary. He removed with his wife to the Pacific coast, embarking in gold mining on Pistol river, Curry county, Oreg. For a year he followed ranching, then left for Nevada Territory, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to California for a year, and then returned East, mining for eight years at Bevier, Mo. In 1882, he purchased 200 acres of excellent land in Liberty township. At present he resides on a rented place, having rented his farm. His family attend Bevier Congregational Church. W. A. CLYMANS (Of Watts & Co., General Merchants, Bevier). Mr. Clymans is a native of Pennsylvania, born in that State, December 22, 1837. He was reared in his native county and educa- ted in the common schools. At the age of 21 he began teaching school, and followed that occupation in Pennsylvania until coming West in 1865 — that is, except while he was in the army. During the war he enlisted in Co. K, Two Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania in- fantrj^ and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment, or until he was honorably discharged. He was in a number of hard- fought battles durino- that long and terrible struo;orle. On comins: West, during the last year of the war, Mr. Clymans located in Colon, in St. Joseph county, Mich., udiere he followed blacksmithing, a trade he had previously learned. Three years afterwards he came to Mis- souri, stopping for a short time in Shelby county, and in February, 1869, located at Bevier. Here he engaged in merchandising with T. D. Thomas, under the firm name of Clymans & Thomas. Mr. Cly- mans continued merchandising at Bevier for several years, after which he was engaged in farming for two years. In 1879 he went to Colo- rado, and followed freighting on the plains for al^out 12 months. Returning to Macon county, he now resumed farming, which he fol- lowed with success up to 1881. Having, however, a controling inclination for business pursuits, he re-engaged in merchandising at Bevier three years ago, and has since followed it. Messrs. Watts & Co. carry a full line of general merchandise, and have an excellent trade, which is steadily increasing. Both are gentlemen well known in the community, and are justly popular, not less personally than as business men. Mr. Clymans has held the office of township clerk, and has also occupied the position of school board treasurer. A man of good education and business qualifications, he was well fitted for these positions, and discharged his official duties with efficiency and entire satisfaction to the public. Mr. Clymans is also a member of the M. E. Church, and a member of the Bloomino;ton lodsre A. F. and A. M. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1091 Of course Mr. Clyraer is not unmarried ; he is too true-blooded a man to be a maledict. September 18, 1862, he was married to Mrs. Har- riet Bland, a widow lady, and a daughter of George and Susan fetrunk, of Mifflin county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Clymans have had two children : Willie, a young man now 19 years of age, and Mattie E., deceased. Mrs. Clymans had one child by her first husband, Watson Bland. She is also a member of the M. E. Church. THOMAS EDWARDS (Dealer in General Merchandise, Bevier). In 1865 Mr. Edwards took up his location in Macon county, Mo., being then 16 years of age. His birthplace was Meigs county, Ohio, where he was born in the year 1850, being the son of Robert and Catherine Michael Edwards, who owed their nativity to the north of Wales. Young Thomas, during his early youth, received good ad- vantao-es for acquiring an education, which he did not fail to improve, andwiiich have been of no ordinary benefit to him in later years. Brouo-ht up to the occupation of coal mining, he followed it untd 16 vears°old, when, as above stated, he found a home in this county, comincr here with his parents. Farming, mining and merchandismg each claimed his attention until 1875, at which time he removed to Osao-e county, Kansas. Owning a mine there, he of course engaged in the coal business, and continued it until 1881, when he returned to Macon county. Mr. Edwards soon resumed the business of a general merchant, and subsequently became the proprietor of the establish- ment which he still conducts. This is filled with an excellent stock of o-oods, and as Mr. E. is well and ftivorably known throughout the entire vicinity of Bevier, he is in possession of an excellent trade, his peculiar fitness for the business and his popular manners adding not a little to his success. In 1873 Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Jones, a native of Vermont. This union has been blessed with three children : Lulu Bell, Robert Lindon, and an infant. HOPKIN EVANS (Post-office, Bevier) . Mr. E. is a distinctive coal prospector, operator and miner. In all of Northern Missouri it is doubtful whether there is another man more widely known and more highly respected than the subject of this sketch. He was the first man who opened a coal bank in Bevier township, and was thus the magnet that has made Bevier City what it is, one of the leading coal towns of Missouri. Mr. Evans is a native of South Wales, born at Swansea, Glanmorganshire, April 13, 1822. He was educated in South Wales, having the benefit of a comnion- school education. He has been engaged in mining and about mines all his life, beginning at the age of eight years at his birth-place m his native county. He worked there until 1849, then came to Amer- ica, and settled in St. Louis county, leasing the mines at Blue Ridge. 1092 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. In 1855 he was chosen by the great French merchant and specuhitor, Mr. Van Phool, of St. Louis, to make a prospecting tour through Monroe, Marion, Shelby and Macon counties for coal. He set out, foUowino- the ideas elaborated by the geologist. Swallow, in the work just then completed on the minerals of Missouri. When he had finished this job, Mr. Evans returned to Macon county and began operating in coal at Carbon, he being OAvner of the mines and super- intendent of the works. In 1860 he moved to Bevier township, open- inor the first mine in the township, about three-quarters of a mile from the present site of Bevier, on Col. Kobean's farm. Later he organized a joint stock company, he being manager, and has ever since engaged in operating the coal mines at Bevier. He is now also interested in the Oakdale mine, commonl}^ known as " Bevier No. 2." He is what is called " pit boss " in the works, which employ about 70 men. Mr. Evans is the best known man of Bevier township, and is con- sidered the coal miner of the country. He was appointed Railroad Brigadier in the late war, but was always in Bevier township. Mr. Evans was married in 1845 in his native country, to Miss Mary Ed- wards, and two children were born to him, of whom Mary is deceased and Anna living. He became a widower in 1874, and the following year married Mrs. Leah J. Evans. This marriage is childless. Mr. Evans is a member of the Knights of Templars Lodge No. 7, of Macon county, Mo., and is also a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 102, of Macon City, Mo., and Chapter 22 of the same place. He belongs to the Welsh Congregational Church, of Bevier township, in which he is one of the trustees. There is no citizen of the township, or of the county, who has it in his power more materially to benefit the general public than Mr. Evans. His acquaintance is boundless, his popular- ity and influence almost without a precedent. Upright, straightfor- ward and gifted with a wonderful knowleds-e of men and things, he is invaluable to the community. SAMUEL EVANS (Farmer and Stock -raiser). Mr. Evans, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Bevier township — section 2, range 15, — Avas born in Caermartenshire, South Wales, De- cember 28, 1826, and lived on his father's farm until he was 20 years of age. His educational advantages were poor, his father being in rather straightened circumstances, he attended only a weekly school held every Sabbath day. His first venture in life was in a rolling mill (iron works), in Glanmorganshire, South Wales. He worked there in the puddling department for 17 years. In 1858 Mr. Evans came to America, but after working for about 18 months in the iron works of Phoenixville, Penn., he returned to the Old Country. In 1862, however, he tried it once more, this time locating at Pittsburg, Penn. He was first engaged in farming, then went to coal mining, in which occupation he was employed for 18 years, in different sections of the United States. At the end of that time Mr. Evans gave up mining I HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1093 and determined to become a farmer, which he did, first in Osage county, Kas., and in April, 1881, in Bevier township. Mo., on his present farm. This comprises 60 acres of beautiful land, which he has in fine condition, ^Ir. Evans was the son of Thomas and Marga- ret Evans, natives of South Wales. His wife, to whom he was mar- ried November 16, 1846, was also from his old home. She was Miss Ann Thomas, daughter of John and Charlotte Thomas. There were born seven children: John, born May 5, 1848, now married to Miss Mary Eosser, a native of South Wales, and residing iu Ohio ; Ruth, born Jannary 26, 1850, died May 12, 1856 ; Moses, born August 10, 1852, died March 2, 1882; Aaron, born May 27, 1855; Miriam, born January 26, 1857, died May 21, 1864; Abraham, born Feb- ruary 2, 1861, died December 6, 1882, and Isaac, born July 11, 1864. The eldest son, John, was in the late war. He served for one year in the heavy artillery, and was stationed at Fort Anderson, on the Potomac. Mr. Evans is a worthy citizen and consistent Chris- tian. He is a member of the Welsh Congregational Church at Bevier. S. S. EVANS (Superintendent of the Oakclale Coal Company's Works, Bevier). Mr. Evans, a young man of superior business qualifications, good education and thorough energy and enterprise, is a native of the Em- press Isles of the seas, but was partially raised in the United States. He was born in Dowlais, South Wales, England, April 31, 1857, and when 12 years of age his parents, Roger and Hannah (Williams) Evans, came to America, pushing on out directly to Missouri and lo- cating at Bevier. Here the father engaged in the hotel business, which he followed until his death in 1878. S. S. was one in a family ©f two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are still at Bevier. He was educated in the common schools and also took a course at Olathe (Kan.) College, graduating in 1873. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Elvira Collins, a daughter of John Collins, of Bevier, Mo., but formerly of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have two children : Bertha and Secondus, the younger being only six months old. Mr. Evans has served as a member of the town board, and is one of the popular young men of Bevier. He makes a most efficient and capable superintendent of the coal works of which he has charge, and is conducting them with success and with the entire satisfaction of the company. ISAAC R. GREEN (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32). Mr. G. is the son of Lewis and Nancy (Gross) Green, both natives of Kentucky, and was born September 9, 1833, in Chariton township, Macon county, Mo. Mr. Green was educated and has long lived in the county, and, it is a fact worthy of mention, that he was never in his life out of the State. He lived with his parents on the farm until his marriage, June 20, 1859, after which event he began farming for him- 1094 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. self. A large portion of his income is derived from raising and dealing in stock, cattle and mules, in which trade he is a proficient. He owns 200 acres of good land which he keeps in beautiful order, and in which he is encouraged by the ftict that the country is steadily im- provino; in every way. Mr. Green was for five years constable of the township, and is in politics a Democrat. His father was a large slave- holder. Mr. G. married Miss Mary Ann Summers, daughter ©f Nevia and Jane Summers, and they have one daughter, Nancy Jane Lowry Green, a young lady of many charms, who has been for a year the wife of James L. Love, son of William Love. Mr. Green is a member of Concord Christian Church of Callao township. MORDECAI HARP (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36) . Mr. Harp was born March 7, 1823, in Kentucky, of which State his mother, Elizabeth Winter, was a native, as also, were her remotest forefathers. His father, James Harp, was a Virginian, and thence sprang all his ancestors. Up to the age of 25, the date of his mar- riage, Mr. Harp lived with his parents on the farm in Kentucky,- hav- ing the advantage of a common-school education. After his marriage he managed a plantation until 1851 when he moved to Macon county, Mo., and has ever since farmed in Bevier township, of which he is also road supervisor. Mr. H. is a strong Democrat, and during the war served in the State Militia. In February, 1848, he was married to Miss Nancy James and she has borne him eight children, viz. : Elijah, now married and living in Hudson township ; Deborah, wife of Thomas Wright, of Callao township ; Lizzie, wife of Monroe Powell, of Char- iton township ; James Thomas, living in Buffalo, New York ; Luella, wife of W. W. Bricker, of Callao township ; Alonzo, deceased ; Wil- lard and Reggie. Mr. Harp was so unfortunate as to be directly in the main path of a cyclone through whose terrible agency his son was hurled into eternity in a moment's time, and his own health and prop- erty received serious damage. He is one of the leading citizens of the township. JOHN R. HUGHES (Dealer in General Merchandise, Bevier). Mr. H. was born December 4, 1837, in Monmouthshire, South Wales. He was the son of John and Ruth (Rowland) Hughes. His education was partly acquired in his own country, which he left, how- ever, at the age of 12. He came to America in 1849, and was for 15 years a miner in Ohio. In 1865 he gave up mining and went into the grocery business near Youngstown, Ohio. Two years later Mr. Hughes moved to Bevier township, and accepted a clerkship in Row- land's store. Though he had run through with most of his means, his reputation was so good that he was offered several positions of trust. He continued, however, to act as general manager of Rowland's store until 1870, when he launched into business for himself. At the time HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1095 there was strong competition in Bevier township, and he had at first rather a tough struggle with the central store, an establishment then doing business there, which attempted to drive him from the field, but, in the end, his shrewdness and superior tactics prevailed, and he was left master of the field. He used the profits of his trade to en- large the same, and finally built the store he now occupies. Durino- the panic of 1874 all the houses of this place closed with the excep- tion of that of Mr. Hughes. Though deeply in debt, he safely weathered the storm. He was never pressed by his creditors, thouo-h they voluntarily ofiered him 50 per cent, discount. Mr. H. preferred, however, to pay in full, and did so without being forced by the col- lecting attorney or sued in court. These facts speak for the character of this upright and honorable man more loudly than any words. Mr. Hughes has been clerk of the township for about three years. He is a member of Eskridge Lodge No. 253, and has filled all its offices. He has been, since he was 17 years of age, a devout and con- sistent member of the Welsh Congregational Church. Mr. H. married in 1863, Miss Elizabeth Reese, of Pomeroy, Ohio. Their children have numbered 13 in all, seven of whom are dead; six are living: their names are Daniel, Edward, John, Elizabeth, Jane and Joseph. JOHN P. JONES (Farmer and Stock-raiser), Mr. Jones*, a prosperous farmer, stock-raiser and stock dealer, of Sec- tion 11, was born August 10, 1832, in Wayne county, Ky. His parents, George Jones and Gracie Ann (City) Jones, were both natives of Kentucky. John P. was raised on the farm and educated at the com- mon schools. At the age of 23 he committed matrimony and farmed for himself for the five years following, in Clinton county, Ky. In 1857 he and his father both emigrated to Missouri, the father settlino- in Putnam county, the former in Bevier township. John P. rented a place for the first few years ; then in 1864 bought the farm he now works and resides on. It is one of the finest places in the county, containino- 100 acres of splendid land, which is beautifully improved. Mr. J. has also the genuine satisfaction of feeling that his possessions were obtained by his own honest labor, than which nothing can give more satisfac- tion. To look over his smiling fields, his neat and tidy buildings, his bursting barns, and realize that all this he has earned by diligent in- dustry and patient perseverance, it is worth all the years of privation, of toil and, sometimes, of dark discouragement. Who has the rio-ht thus to feel, has gained the sweetest happiness known to man. Mr. Jones was married October 20, 1853, to Miss Minerva, daughter of Dennis and Sallie (Davis) Hopkins, of the old and distinguished fam- ily of that name, who occupy such a conspicuous place in the history of Kentucky. Of this marriage were born nine children, all of whom are living. They are : George, who married in 1879 Miss Minerva Trenary, daughter of R. C. Trenary ; Dennis H., now living in Mon- tana Territory ; Sadie E., at home ; Gracie A., wife of Thomas Jones, 64 1096 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. of Pennsylvania; Johnny B., William M., Mary E., Minnie V. and James L. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. J. has been for many years an elder. LEROY PENTON (Deceased). This lamented gentleman, late a respected farmer and stock-raiser of Bevier township, Macon county, Mo., was born November 13, 1803, in Mississippi. His parents, Leroy and Jane (January) Penton, were natives of Georgia, but moved to Mississippi before the State was divided into counties. At the tender age of three years Leroy, Jr., was bound out to a blacksmith of the name of Closson, who lived in the neighborhood of Baton Rouge, his mother's home. He lived with Mr. Glosson, working at blacksmithing until he was 14 years old. He then went in search of his mother, who in the meantime had mar- ried Mr. John Moreland, and was living in East Tennessee. Having reached her, he supported himself by hiring out on the farms in the vicinity until he was 20 years of age, when he and his stepfather moved to Monticello, Ky., and went to farm in partnership. In 1823 Mr. Penton married Miss Delilah Summers, and after a few years' additional residence in Kentucky moved to Randolph county. Mo., still pursuing agriculture as a profession. In 1834 he located finally in Macon county, Bevier township, and began farming on the Allen Banta farm, which he owned. Mr. Penton has eight childen, all of whom are de- ceased, except twcT sons. Two children died in infancy. Jane was born in Kentucky, December 21, 1826, and died February 8, 1876, wife of Jefferson Patrick ; Elizabeth, born January 17, 1831, died February 17, 1862, wife of John McGee ; John, born November 30, 1833, married Miss Ida Tuttle, and died November 9, 1867 ; Allen, born March 16, 1834, married Miss Nancy White, died December 31, 1881 ; Joseph P., born March 30, 1838, married Miss Amelia Blankin- ship, and William, born July 5, 1842, married Miss Eliza Williams. The two latter are still living. Mr. Penton was a very successful farmer, and before his death divided his land between his two sons, Joseph and William. On the 14th of January, 1884, Mr. Penton re- ceived the dread summons which must some day sound in every mortal ear, and serene in the consciousness of a life well spent he tranquilly passed away. Of rare religious feelings and governing his conduct by the example laid down by his blessed Master, Mr. Penton 's life was one of ever opening vistas of beauty. Honest, honorable, kind and gener- ous, his memory will be ever kept green in the hearts of his friends. He was an earnest and faithful member of Antioch Church, where he was buried. JOSEPH P. PENTON (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32). Mr. Penton was born March 30, 1838, and is the son of Leroy and Delilah (Summers) Penton, of whom previous mention has been made. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1097 His mother died September 7, 1865, and his father January 14, 1884. Mr. Penton was reared on his father's farm, and now owns 200 acres of land in Bevier township. He is supplied with all the latest im- provements in farming, and is a well informed, broad-minded man. He possesses the esteem and high regard of all his neighbors, and is one of the most interesting citizens of the county. Mr. Penton is a devoted Christian and is an elder in the Antioch Church, also superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school. Mr. Penton was married March 16, 1865, to Miss Amelia Blankinship, daughter of William Blankinship and Chancy Ballinger, his wife. This marriage is one of unusual con- geniality and happiness, but to them has been denied that sweetest of all moments, when those who love bend together over the cradle of their child, that purest of all joys, to watch, as the lily unfolds her leaves, the pure, young mind open and expand in the warmth of dawn- ing intelligence. But if they knew not the joy of parenthood, neither do they experience its terrible disappointments, its griefs that will not be comforted. Who shall say which is best? S. J. O. TOMPKINS (Bevier.) Mr. Tompkins is a native of this State, having been born in Pike county January 8, 1818. His father, William Tompkins, was born in old Virginia, and his mother Martha (Gilbert) Tompkins, was a Ken- tuckian. Both are now dead. Mr. Tompkins attended school but one year, his parents giving him the rest of his education at home. He lived always on the farm, until 1841, when he married Miss Cassandre Kizie Clark. There were born four children : Anna M., Virginia died at the age of four years ; Kizie and Nancy C. In 1846 Mr. Tompkins moved from Pike county, Mo., to Pike county, III., and in 1855 to Ralls county. Mo. There he lived for 11 years, farming and mer- chandising. He carried on his business in connection with his farm until the breaking out of the war. All of Mr. Tompkin's relatives as well as his property and other interests were in the South, and he naturally sided with that section. Though he took no active part in the hostilities, his sympathy with the Southern cause cost him dear. Not only was he financially ruined by his property being carried off by Federal soldiers, but he was himself taken prisoner, and incarcer- ated at Hannibal, and on two occasions was tried for his life before Col. Tyler, provost marshal. He was also disfranchised and not allowed to vote for 10 years. He cast his first vote in 1871. Mr. T. moved in 1866 to Bevier township, Macon county, Mo., and has been interested since that time in operating coal mines in Iowa and Mis- souri. At present his health being somewhat impaired, he does no business worth mentioning, but lives on the interest of his money. He is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the county. Mr. Tomp- kins lost his first wife August 12, 1866, and married in May, 1869, Miss Sarah Waterbury, by whom he has no children. He is a mem- 1098 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ber of Antioch Christian Church in which he is an elder. He also belongs to the Masonic lodge of Bloomington, Mo. ALLEN J. VICKREY (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . This valuable citizen was born in Wayne county, Ky., August 18, 1829. His parents, Abner and Nancy Vickrey, were respectively from Virginia and Kentucky, and moved to Missouri the year of his birth. They went first to Randolph county, but in 1832 located in Macon in what is now known as Bevier township, building a cabin in section 34, where the house now stands. Allen J. was educated in Callao township, and though his opportunities were limited, managed to secure a fair share of learning. In 1859 Mr. Vickrey married Miss Mary Gaines, daughter of Jefferson and Emily Gaines, of Randolph county. They have nine children: Francis M., John J., Abner, Emily C, George, Addie, Nellie M., Wilson S. and Elmer J. Mr. V. has been a member of the Grange lodge of Bevier township, and was at one time tax collector of that township. He also was in the path of the memorable cyclone of May 13, 1883, but, by the mercy of God, escaped with comparatively little injury, and is now in prosperous circumstances and of great service to the public. Mr. Vickrey is a man of liberal views and large mind, and a good example to those around him. He is a member of the Christian Church. WILLIAM S. WATSON (Coal-operator and Merchant). Mr. Watson is an influential and wealthy citizen of Bevier town- ship. He was born May 2, 1829, at New Castle, England, of William and Jane (Scott) Watson. He was educated at the public schools, and when a young man was apprenticed to a grindstone maker, at the conclusion of which period, being 22 years of age, he set sail for America. He went at once to New Haven, Conn., and thence to Middletown, working at stone work, a branch of grindstone making. In the latter part of 1851 he got work in the coal mines of Coshocton, O., but in a few years moved to Knoxville, Marion county, la., and until 1861 was engaged in farming and coal operating. He then moved to Macon county and locating in Bevier, opened one of the first coal mines in the county, known then and now as Shaft No. 3. Mr. Watson worked this mine until 1867, doing a profitable business. At that time all the mines consolidated into a joint-stock company, known as the Central Coal and Mining Company, the capital stock being $400,000. In 1868 Mr. W. withdrew from the company, and for several years thereafter busied himself with various speculative enterprises in Missouri and Iowa, prospecting for coal in both States. In 1881 he opened a coal shaft east of Bevier and has ever since con- tinued to operate the mine known as Watson's mine. Mr. Watson HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1099 was married in England, in 1849, to Miss Isabella Wardell, and has seven children : Isabella, Jane Ann, John W., Mary, Thomas, Edward and Anna. His two sons, Edward and Thomas, are interested with him in his mercantile house in Bevier. They carry a general stock, which they propose enlaro^ing, making it one of the most extensive establishments of the kind^in the county. The mine pays from $5,000 to $8,000 monthly. Mr. Watson is endowed with rare personal and mental graces. His manners stamp him as an elegant gentleman, while hfs brilliant conversational powers enchain his listeners and render his society a valuable addition to every social gathering. CALLAO TOWNSHIP. HARDIN P. BENNING, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon). Dr. Benning, one of the largest practitioners in Macon county, has been a resident of Callao, Missouri, since 1868, excepting a few years spent in Livingston county. His parents, both now dead, were na- tives of Virginia. They were John W. and Jane (Forsey) Benning. Hardin P. was born October 17, 1826, in Montgomery county, Mo. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Pike county, and in 1833 his father died. ^He lived on the farm with his mother until he was grown and then went to Ralls county, Mo., where he studied medicine under Dr. George E. Frazier, an eminent physician of that county. Dr. Benning received a fine education at Louisiana, Mo., in the Pike County Seminary. When his medical studies were completed he began practicing his profession in Monroe county, but as has been said before, moved in 1868 to Callao where he is still es- tablished in partnership with Dr. Campbell. He has a large and lucrative practice and is one of the most skilled physicians in the county. The Doctor, knowing that to no man is the tender comfort and care of a good wife more necessary than to a physician, chose as the sharer of his joys and woes Miss Lucy E. True, their marriage taking place in 1856. To them were born seven children, four of whom, Mary J., James, Edgar S. and Maggie J., died in infancy; those now surviving are John H., Lucy V. and Ruth A. Mrs. Ben- nincr died in April, 1872, and in December, 1872, Dr. Benning espoused Misl Mary E. Collier, bv whom he has had five children: Olive J., Hardin L., Bessie L., Anna S., and an infant who "climbed the o-olden stair" ere the little tongue had learned to lisp its mother's name. Dr. Benning is very popular in the community. He is a member of the Triple Alliance Lodge No. 38. 1100 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JOSEPH M. BROWN (Post-offlce, Callao). Joseph M. Brown is a wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of section 3. He was born March 22, 1834, in Randolph county, Mo., the son of Reuben Brown and Elizabeth Brown, natives of Kentucky. He resided on his parents' farm until 13 years of age, when they removed to Russell township, Macon county. At 24 he married Elizabeth Jones, of Macon, March 6, 1863, by whom he had four children: Lenora E., Minnie B., Ada L. and Norah E. His wife died January 24, 1870, and in June, 1872, he married Elizabeth Mott, daughter of D. O. and Elizabeth Miner, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Brown's parents are still living with her. They have been residents of this county for the past 36 years. Mrs. B. departed this life, without issue, April 30, 1879, and was buried in Callao cemetery. Mr. Brown wedded his third wife December 7, 1879. She was a widow with one child (Arena) at the time of her marriage, Mrs. Martha Julinta by name, daughter of D. O. Spicer. There were no children by the last marriage. Mr. Brown was a soldier in the Civil War that so lately distracted this American country. He was in Co. G, Third regiment of Missouri State Guards, and fought in the bat- tles of Lexington and Pea Ridge. He is a prominent Mason of A. F. and A. M. Lodge No. 38, of Callao, Mo. Though not an office- seeker, Mr. Brown is a man of such correct habits of life, and further- more, of that adaptability upon which success so largely depends, that his fellow-citizens have a unanimous respect and regard for him. He is an industrious and intelligent farmer, and has a place with com- fortable buildings and every necessary improvement. He is justly regarded as one of the very best men in the community. JOHN F. CAMPBELL, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Callao). Dr. Campbell, one of the leading physicians of Macon county, and a man of advanced general and professional education, as well as a citizen who stands as high in public esteem as any one in this part of the county, is a Pennsylvanian by nativity, born in Somerset county March 14, 1840. He was reared in Pennsylvania, and was educated after taking the course of the common school, at Somerset Normal Institute. Subsequently, removing to Iowa, he attended Fairfield College, and also McElroy's Academy, the latter of Ottumwa, Iowa. Completing his general education, Dr. Campbell then began the study of medicine, placing himself under the preceptorate of Drs. Weir and Parker, leading physicians of Iowa, located at Agency City. Pre- paring himself for the medical college under these physicians, he then matriculated at the College of Physicians at Keokuk, Iowa, in which he took a thorough course. Dr. Campbell now came to Missouri and engaged actively in the practice of his profession in Morrow township. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1101 of Macon county. He was successfully engaged in the practice at that location for three years, and then came to Callao in order to com- mand a wider territory in his i3rofession. Here his career as a physician has been one of uninterrupted and steadily increasing success. As the years have come and gone, he has grown into an extensive practice, which now covers an area of 10 to 20 miles square. He is conceded by all to be one of the most capable and skillful physicians, as his experience has shown him to be one of the most successful, in the treatment of patients throughout this section of North Missouri. Personally, he is highly esteemed, and is one of the most influential citizens of Callao. January 2, 1873, Dr. Campbell was married to Miss Fiedelia Green, a daughter of Hardin Green, Esq., of Macon City. They have had three children : Ethel May, now 10 years old ; Herbert and Frankie Cecil, both of whom died at tender ages. The Doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Callao. He and his wife are highly prized in the best circles of society, wherever they are known, and are esteemed by all who have the pleasure of being acquainted with them. MARION CLAYBROOK (Merchant). Marion Claybrook, a partner in the firm of Claybrook Bros, Callao, was born August 2, 1832, in Randolph county. His father, Joseph Claybrook, was a native of Kentucky : his mother, Mary Humphreys,' of North Carolina. The subject of the sketch, after having received the advantage of a common-school education, at the age of 23 left home and located in Callao, of which he has ever since been an hon- ored citizen. After farming for a time he became a clerk in Samuel Kern's store, where he remained for three years, until he accepted a more lucrative employment with Jeff. Morrow & Co. Within a year he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business on his own account, establishing the popular firm of Claybrook & Smith. He sold out his interest in this house to embark, in 1860, in the tobacco business. He prospered as years succeeded, and in 1875 entered into partnership with his brother, Joseph Claybrook, establishing the pres- ent firm. They now occupy their own building, and have become one of the largest firms in the county, employing two salesmen besides the proprietors. He married, December 18, 1864, Margaret Lobban, daughter of W. P. Lobban, who is now an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. His wife possesses all those graces which make the frugal and happy wife. Six children are the result of the happy union, of whom Stella died September 13, 1880 : Elba, May, 13, 1875, those remaining and living being John, Mittie and Joe. Mr. Claybrook is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of Callao. 1102 HISTORY OF IVIACOX COUNIT LYMAN L. COLEMAN (Section 13). Lyman L. Coleman, a prominent stock-raiser and farmer of this township, was born in Aurora, 111., June 13, 1846. His parents, Enos Coleman and Frances M. Andrews, are living with their son on the farm. The one is a native of Massachusetts, the other of New York. The}^ have besides three children, a son and two daughters, who are still alive. Mr. Coleman was a close student at Clark's Seminary, now known as Jennings' Institute, Aurora, 111., from which he removed with his parents in 1858 to Hannibal, Mo. ; but owing to dissatisfac- tion there during the war they returned to their former home, leaving their son successfully engaged in the wood trade. He took the con- tract in 1866 to furnish the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad with wood, which he continued to do for five ^^ears. Then he became a conductor on the same road, removing after two years to Kansas City to work for two more years in the machine shops as a machinist. Thence he engaged with the Union Pacific road as superintendent of the tie cutting force, but afterwards went to Huntsville, Mo., working for the Huntsville Coal and Mining Company as engineer. In 1876 he removed to Bevier township, settling upon a farm of 240 acres which he had purchased several years previous. By assiduous toil he has converted this property into a fine stock farm, with elegant im- provements, his business having become extensive until recently, w^hen he reduced the herd hy sale. He was married May 12, 1878, to Miss Annie Winn, daughter of J. R. Winn, of Macon county. He has two children: Alice and Louisa. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 78, of Macon City, and also of Eskridge Lodge No. 328, of Bevier. His family attend the Congregational Church of Bevier. NICHOLAS DECKER (Farmer and Stock-raiser and Dealer, Section 36). Mr. Decker was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., December 27, 1822, of Peter P. and Elizabeth (Jacoby) Decker, natives of N. Y. Nicholas D. had every advantage of education, attending the finest classical schools in New York. When he was 21, however, he learned carpentering under Jesse Van Ness, then a noted carpenter and builder of New York, and w^as in that and the lumber manufacturing business until 1860, when he embarked in the wholesale milling enter- prise in Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y. He was thus engaged for six years ; then for 10 more at Grand Rapids, Mich., was again in the carpenter and building trade. In 1876 Mr. Decker sold his interest in the business and also his city property, and bought a farm in Kent county, Mich. After three years' residence he again moved. Pur- chasing a farm in Callao township, Mo., he took up his abode upon it and it is still his home. The farm comprises 210 acres of land in fine shape. It is almost all seeded down, which is the best method of HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1103 farming in Missouri. Mr. Decker married in 1859 Miss Margaret Tradenburgh, and has four children : Peter, Ehner, Carrie and Emma, all of whom are at home, except Elmer, who is au engineer in Michigan on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Eailroad. Mr. D. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the most valua- ble citizens of the township. ENOCH HUMPHREYS (Post-office, Callao) . Enoch Humphreys is a well known farmer and stock-raiser residing in section 7, of this township. He was born February 6, 1825, in Scott county, 111., of Samuel Humphreys and Margaret Stanfields, both of whom died in Callao township between 1861 and 1862. He first came to Randolph county, Mo., but shortly afterwards removed to Macon. Se^Dtember 21, 1857, he married Mary Harrison, nee Crabtree, widow of Benjamin Harrison and daughter of E. Crabtree, a native of Kentucky. They have had six children : Charles H. Har- rison, a son of Mrs. Humphrej^s ; John W. Humphreys, Maggie, who died in 1863 ; Lulu, and two that died in infancy. His farm consists of 120 acres of first-class land, well improved. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. DANIEL W. PILLERS (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Daniel W. Pillers was born in Carroll county, Ohio, April 24, 1839, of Albert Pillars, of Pa., and Sarah Buck. He came west with his parents at the age of 18 years and located in Macon county, 16 miles north of Callao. After remaining there a short time, he removed to the place now occupied by him in Callao township. He w^orked at the farm until the spring of 1861, and then went to Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, being absent about four and one-half years. He was in the army four months during this time in Co. I, One Hundred and Fifty-seventh regiment, under Col. George W. M. Cook. He served most of the time at Fort Delaware, 40 miles below Philadel- phia, and was honorably discharged September 2, 1864. After his travels, he attended schools at New Hagarstown, Ohio, during a year, located for a period in the oil region of Pennsylvania, and fi nally re- turned to Missouri in 1865, teaching school in Macon county two years. Eliza Osborn, of Bevier township, became his wife October 8, 1867, by whom he has four promising children: Edith J., born September 5, 1868; James H., born December 30, 1870; Elva, born October 20, 1873, and Willard E., born November 29, 1877. The young couple settled down in Callao township, the husband cultivating 160 acres of fine farming land, upon which he has placed many valu- able improvements and an excellent breed of stock. He is a member of the G. A. R., Wright Post No. 52, of Callao, a highly respected at- tendant of the Cumberland Presb3^terian Church, and has filled for a number of years with honor the office of justice of the peace. 1104 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. WILLIAM M. PERRY (Post-office, Callao). William M. Perry, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 1, Callao township. He was born September 12, 1831, in North Caro- lina, of James Perry and Martha Griffith, natives of North Carolina. He possesses the advantages of a common-school education. In 1844 he removed to Macon county, Mo., with his parents and lived on the farm until 21 years of age, at which time he began to work upon farms in the neighborhood. When 23 years old he married Eliza Mont- gomery, a native of Missouri. The worthy couple have 11 chil- dren; George W., Missouri B., Martha L., who died June 3, 1882 ; John W., who died August 18, 1869 ; Gallic A., Mary F., who died August 18, 1869 ; Mozella, Madie M., Ottie C, who died December 30,^1880; Thomas L., who died July 12, 1880, and Henry C, who died July 6, 1881. He located after his marriage in Callao township upon a farm of only 40 acres, which by steady labor and diligence and ability he has increased to 150 acres. It is a beautiful place with a number of advanced improvements. Mr. Perry is an intelligent citi- zen in every sense of the word. He is member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. JAMES M. RANDALL (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26). Mr. Randall is descended, through his mother, nee Jane Putnam, from the family of the famous old General of that name, and by his father, Ora P. Randall, from the old Randall stock of Vermont, than which there was none of more honored standing. He received a good education at the common schools of New York and Wisconsin, and from the age of 13 worked on a farm and clerked in stores. Oc- tober 5, 1861, he entered the U. S. army, as a private of Co. B, Four- teenth regiment, Wisconsin infantry. He was afterwards transferred to Co. G, Twenty-first regiment, Wisconsin infontry, and at the end of six months was promoted to the rank of captain. He served until the first of April, 1865, and participated in the following battles : Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Re- saca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Benton- ville, at which later engagement he Avas seriously wounded. He marched Avith Gen. Sherman to the Sea, and from Savannah, Ga., to Goldsboro, N. C. At the close of the war Mr. Randall went to Wal- worth county, Wis., but in 1868 moved to Macon county. Mo., and settled in Callao township, where he has since been one of the lead- ing farmers and stock-raisers. December 25, 1863, he espoused Miss Martha M. Pollard. Her father and mother were natives, respectively, of New Hampshire and Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. R. have four chil- dren : Lena R., aged 17; Linden M., aged 15; Clinton L., aged 10 years, and Myrtle M., a charming little maid of two years. Mr. Randall is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1105 has been a senior vice-commander of the Post No. 52, CaUao. He belongs also to the Masonic lodge No. 38 of Callao, Mo., and has been succeSjively master of the Lodge, senior and junior warden. He is a member of the Concord Christian Church of Callao township. Mr. Kan- dall is considered one of the most intelligent men in the county and in 1876, when there was an arrangement to do away^with county iudo-es and have supervisors instead, he was chosen by Callao as their representative. Mr. Randall has one of the largest and finest farms in the township, comprising over 400 acres. JUDGE P. M. STACY (Section 18). Judo-e P. M. Stacv, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, is a na- tive of Pulaski county, Ky. He was born February 10, 1814, his parents, Simon Stacy and Elizabeth Hull, being from Ohio. At the ao-e of 12 he removed with his parents to Wayne county, Ky., re- si°ling on the farm and receiving an excellent common-school educa- tion.^ When 21 years old he accompanied a brother and sister to Saline county, Mo., afterwards removing to the Platte and finally settling on section 18 of Callao township. In 1854 he drove a herd of cattle across the plains of which he disposed in California, return- in^ from a most profitable journey. He has once since visited the Golden State. He wedded January 18, 1826, Elizabeth Cofi'en, the lovely daughter of Joel Coffen, of Kentucky. She died in 1849, at Callao. By her were born : Elizabeth, who died in 1852 ; Mary Ann, married to Joseph Glum ; James L., born August 27, 1840, and Jackson, Charlie, Union, two babies unnamed, all of whom died. Judo-e Stacv re-married, the lady being Elizabeth Powell, daughter of Henry A"". Powell, native of North Carolina. The union resulted in 12 children : Henry P., who died March 5, 1859 ; Martha, married to John Melon ; William F. ; Cornelia, married to John Smith ; John A , died in 1873; Thomas S. ; Mittie E., married to John Allison; Susan E., Franklin S., Henry L., Perry M., died September 5, 1873. He was county judge from 1854-55, which position he filled with such dignity and justice that he received a re-election in 1866, servincy until 1870. He holds a high place in Lodge No. 38, A. F. and A°M., of Callao, and is a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. During the late war he served in the Confederate armv, in Co. F, under Col. Clark for six months, and was a strong sympathizer with the South. His farm of 325 acres is in fine condi- tion and his residence is among the most elegant of the vicinity.- JAMES H. TAYLOR (Post-office, Callao). James H. Taylor, a business farmer and stock-raiser of section 6, was born in Virginia, Februarv 13, 1824. His parents, natives ot that State, emigrated in 1838 to Jefferson county, Iowa. There he 1106 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. received a good common-school education and at the as^e of 24 was married December 31, 1847, in Jefferson county, Iowa, to Miss Mar- garet Stewart, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stewart. They have had 12 children : Calvin S., married ; Rachel E., who died May 20, 1861; Mary, who died February 6, 1860; Sarah R., married; Abi, who died November 4, 1863 ; Calista, George W., Alia J., William H., who died October 18, 1873; Thomas C, Emma and Eva May. He removed to La Plata, Mo., in 1868, and began farming, but in 1882, having purchased 100 acres of land in Callao township, he settled there. He was a worthy member of the Grange movement, treasurer for two years of La Plata township and a number of years held the position of school director. In politics he is of the Green- back party, but was born and reared a Democrat. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Callao. CAPT. JOHN VAIL. (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Capt. John Vail is a well-known and wealthy farmer and stock- raiser of section 14, Callao township. Mr. Vail's grandfather on his mother's side, James Copus, was one of the seven pioneers who set- tled in Ohio, six of whom were killed by the Indians. He was born March 8, 1818, in Richland county, Ohio. His father, James Vail, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Sarah Copus, of Penn- sylvania. He has two sisters and one brother living. His father died, leaving John at the age of seven and a half years, and Mrs. Vail, now 84 years old, still residing in Ohio. After receiving the advan- tage of a good common-school education, he remained in Ohio until 1860, when he removed to Macon county. Mo., locating just north of Macon, following the avocation of a farmer and stock-raiser in Lyda township. In October, 1882, he came to his present residence in Callao township, possessing 120 acres of home farm and 60 acres in Jackson township. The improvements in the former are more than the average of the county. During the late war he was captain of Co. H, Forty-second Missouri infantry volunteers. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbj-terian Church, and has, at various times, filled a number of important county positions. He married, April 29, 1840, Miss Fanny Kisling, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has 10 chil- dren : Joseph F., Elizabeth, Sarah, Ellen, Samantha, Henry, Cetta, John C, William, Fanny and Cyrus, Avho died November 21, 1849. C. WRIGHT (Section 30) . This worthy citizen and experienced farmer and stock-raiser moved to Missouri in 1829, from Wayne county, K3^, where he grew up on a farm and received his education. Both he and his parents, Evan and Rebecca Wright, were natives of Virginia. Young W. was born April 8, 1800. On coming to Missouri he settled in Randolph county, but in HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. . 1107 1834 moved to Calluo township, which he has since made his home, with the exception of one year spent in Texas in 1854. He owns a farm of 260 acres, which presents a most attractive appearance, and gives substantial evidence of the care and trouble that has been ex- pended upon it. January 11, 1821, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of John Vestal. .They had 10 children ; Elizabeth, born February 23, 1823, married James White ; Thomas C, born May 11, 1824 ; he was assassinated by bushwhackers in Callao township, on account of his Southern sympathies ; Evans, born December 22, 1825, died at the age of five, in Kentucky ; Allen, born June 22, 1829, married first to Miss Nancy Humphreys, the second time. Miss Patience Gilstrap ; Telitha L., born March 12, 1831, died in 1845 ; Sarah, born December 29, 1832, married Moses Burnett; Martha E., born Feb- ruary 15, 1839, married B. H. Gilstrap; William C, born February 6, 1841, married Sarah Perkins; and Nancy C, born February 5, 1845, married E. R. Nichols. The first Mrs. Wright died in March, 1852, and in 1855 Mr. W. married Miss Martha Trimble, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Trimble, natives of Montgomery county, Ky., who moved to Randolph in 1835. By the second marriage there are two children: George C, born August 31, 1858, married September 5, 1852, to Miss Alice Sisson ; and Margaret A., born March 9, 1860, now the wife of James Mason. Mr. Wright was, for many years in the early history of the county, justice of the peace and constable, and also tax collector. He is also a member of Concord Christian Church of Callao, as are also all his children, grandchildren and rela- tives, of whom he has a goodly host. In his family he has had 20 marriages, and has 12 children, 55 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchil- dren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is spending in peaceful repose the closing years of his life, and, amidst his numerous descend- ants, the moments glide gently by, until he shall hear the welcome words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; rest thou in the joy of thy Lord." MARTIN WRIGHT (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30) . Mr Wright, like others of the family, was born in Wayne county, Ky. The date of his birth was October 22, 1806. He grew up and received his education in Kentucky, and moved with his parents to Missouri in 1829. He lived a short time in Randolph county, and then located in Bevier township, Macon county, in 1832. In 1840 he again changed his residence, choosing Callao township as his stopping place. He has since that time been engaged in farming and stock- raising. Mr. Wright has been a large land owner, but retains only about 120 acres. He is a married man, having been first married to Miss Elvira Coffee, daughter of Joel Coffee and Mary, his wife, na- tives of the Old Dominion. There were born 12 children : Martha J., born June 22, 1830, who died September 12, 1849, whilst the wife of J. D. Banta, ; James G., born January 2, 1832, who married Miss Sarah Palsegrave ; Sarah V., born March 13, who died September 1108 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2, 1883, whilst the wife of J. D. Banta ; Henry B., born August 13, 1836, who married Miss Lucinda Summers; Newton H., born No- vember 22, 1839, who married Miss Mary J. Trimble ; Evan C, born June 15, 1841, who married twice. Miss Ann Mary Stinson and Miss Elizabeth Wright ; Joel, born July 18, 1844, who died in 1845 ; Allen L., born July 21, 1847, who married Miss Marinda Music; Elvira, born March 28, 1850, who married T. B. Cavanaugh ; George F., born December 20, 1854, who married Miss Ella Curry, and two children, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wright died September 7, 1869, and Mr. W. married a widow Mrs. Susan Jessup, with one child, Calvin Jessup. Mrs. Wright's first husband was assassinated bv bushwhackers durins; the war, while servins; in the Missouri State Militia. He was a resident of Chariton county, and a farmer by oc- cupation. Mr. Wright took the side of the North in the late struggle, and had one son, Evan C, in the Twenty-second Missouri infantry. He served faithfully until discharged, in 1863, for disability. Mr. W. has a large family, including 24 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren. He is an influential citizen and a devout member of the Concord Christian Church, of Callao township, and all of his fam- ily are members of Concord Church. ALLEN WRIGHT (Farmer, Section 30). Mr. Wright was born June 22, 1829, in Wayne county, Ky., and came with his parents to Randolph county. Mo., in 1829. He lived with his parents at home on the farm until he was 22 years of age. He then started in life for himself, his first step being to take unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Nancy Humphreys. Four children were born unto them, of whom one, Dora E., is living, and Leutia is dead, as are also Lydia and an infant. Mr. Wright has lived since 1854, with the exception of one year, in Macon county, and in this township. He tried Texas for one yeaf, but soon re- turned. He has a fine farm of 110 acres with good improvements of every kind. Losing his first wife in 1866, he married in 1867, Miss Patience Gilstrap, by whom he has two children : Willard Oscar and Joel I. Mr. Wright being a natural good manager, has been eminently successful in farming, and is now as prosperous and independent a citizen as the township possesses. charito:n' towi^ship. REV. JAMES DYSART (Pastor in Presbyterian Church) . Mr. D., who has been for 40 years an earnest and successful preacher in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and whose name will be handed down to future ages as the founder of McGee College, HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1109 is one of tHe most prominent self-made men in this section of Missouri. His father, who was the first man to settle in Randolph county, was originally from North Carolina. His mother, nee Martha Cowden, came of an ancient Irish-Scotch family, and was born in Saulsbury, S. C. James Dysart was born in Maury county, Tenn., September 18, 1807, and came to Missouri in the glowing- month of June, 1818. He lived first in Howard county, then in Eandolph, and for six years had a stock farm on the Chariton. In 1837 he married Miss Betsy James, of Randolph, and moved into College Mound. His wife lived but a few months, and Mr. D. married the second time Miss Mary Dameron, daughter of George B. Dameron, of Huntsville. By this marriage there were 12 children, of whom only four are living, one daughter and three sons : Fannie, wife of Richard M. J. Sharp, a merchant at College Mound ; F. J. Dysart, owner of a store in Moberly ; J. W., also in a store in Moberly, and G. William, a preacher at Arrow Rock, Saline county, Mo. All of the children were educated at McGee College, of which Mr. D. was regent of the board of trustees and founder. In 1879 Mr. D. contracted a third alliance with the widow of J. S. Harlan, of Randolph. Her maiden name was Mary S. Lockridge, and she was the daughter of Capt. William Lockridge, of the Black Hawk War. Her father was from Rockridge county, Va., and her mother, Ruth Davis, from the same county, her grandparents on her father's side being of Scotch-Irish origin. Mrs. D., who is a remarkably attractive woman, was edu- cated at the public schools of Roanoke, and married, the first time, Mr, E. D. Atterbury, of Randolph. By her second marriage she had two children : Minnie D. and Josiah S. Harlan, who are at the McGee College. Mr. Dysart belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and has been all through the degrees, including the council. He also passed through all the degrees of the I. O. O. F. and the encampment. He served in the Black Hawk War. Of giant intellect and indomitable energy, Mr. D. has made himself what he is — a man of whom the State should feel proud. He still labors with unflagro-ino: zeal in the cause of Him who " died that Ave might live." ' STEVEN GIPSON (Farmer and St©ck -raiser) . Mr. Gipson was born in North Carolina January 22, 1813. He moved when a boy to Wayne county, Ky., and after he was grown to Missouri. When he came to the State it was filled with Indians, lowas and Sacs, among whom he spent the first years of his residence here, oc- cupying himself in hunting, farming and taking care of stock. He first settled in Randolph county near the present site of Huntsville, though at that time the town was not built. Many times he bore arms against Ihe Indians, and served in the Black Hawk War under Gen. Clark. Mr. Gipson is one of the wealthiest men in Chariton township, and much of his money was made as a tiller of the soil. He still owns land to the amount of 1,700 acres, though since 1863 he has been en- 1110 HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. gaged principally in the tobacco and dry goods business. A man of unflinching integrity, he was yet ambitious to the highest degree, and his youthful dreams have become a rapturous reality. In these days gold is omnipotent, and with this magician's wand Mr. G. finds every door, so hopelessly closed against so many eager ones, fly noiselessly back on its hinges. Life pours at his feet her choicest offerings, and time floats to strains of sweetest music through the scented air. When it is remembered how much of courage, industry, perseverance and solid capacity Mr. Gipson's success represents, it cannot be said that his reward is greater than, his deserts. " The way of the transgressor is hard," then his pathway must blossom thickly with the pure flowers of virtue and truth. Mr. Gipson was married in 1837 to Miss Lucinda Somers, daughter of Abraham Somers, of Eandolph county, originally from Kentucky. By this marriage there were seven children, viz. : Jane, wife of Philip Teters, of Macon county ; Daniel, who married Miss Catherine Teters ; Columbus, married Miss Gates ; Annie, wife of John Vada, of Macon county ; Jasper, who married Miss Jane Yorkum ; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Manning, and Joseph, still at home. Losing his first wife, Mr. Gipson married Mrs. Virginia Man- ning, daughter of Mr. Province McCormick, formerly of Virginia. The second marriag-e was crowned bv three children : Lucinda, Fannie and Kichard. Mr. Gipson's family were educated at McGee College. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Blue Lodge at College Mound, and is an exemplary follower of the faith of the Christian Church, to which his first wife also belonged. The present Mrs. Gipson is a Presbyterian . LEWIS GREEN (Post-office, College Mound). This venerable gentleman comes of mixed Virginia and Tennessee parentage, and was himself born in Wayne county, Ky., in April, 1806. He grew up on a farm, and received a common-school education. At the age of 19 he left his boyhood's home and sought in Randolph county. Mo., a new field for the gratification of his hopes and ambitions. In a few years he removed to Macon, where he still lives. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns 110 acres of land, 100 under good fence. He raises grass, corn and tobacco. Mr. Green owes his possessions to his own unaided efforts, and now enjoys in peaceful tranquilij^y the fruits of his toil. He has been presented by the old settlers of Macon county, as a token of respect to the oldest housekeeper in the county, with a cane, cup and saucer and silver. Mr. Green was married in 1828, to Miss Nancy Gross, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Gross, of Randolph county. Mo. They have had nine children, six of whom are living: Isaac, who married Miss Polly Somers, daughter of Nineveh Somers, of Macon county, is a well-to-do farmer ; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Johnson ; Reynolds, married to E. Morrow, daughter of Jesse Morrow of Macon ; Christine, wife of Grub Banning; Wilson R., who married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James Kitchen, of Macon, and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1111 John, married to Miss Louisa Foster. Those deceased are: George W., Celia, wife of Mr. Somers ; Nancy, wife of Albert J. Graife. Mr. Green is a member of the Christian Church, as his wife has been for 45 years. In politics he was a Whig, and is now a Democrat. ROBERT CRAIG MITCHELL (Farmer). Mr. Mitchell, an influential farmer of Chariton township, is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born, as his parents before him, in Washington county, W. Va. He had the honor of having the natal day, 22d of February, of the great father of his country, George Washington. In the year 1811 began the career of Mr. Mitchell. He grew up in Virginia where he attended the common schools and in time became a farmer. In 1839 he moved to Randolph county, Mo., and settled on Dark creek, five miles north-west of Huntsville, but in a few years again moved, this time to St. Louis, where he em- barked in the steam-mill and lumber business. This he continued for 16 years, then went to Mexico, Mo., where he lived until 1869. Since that time he has been farming near College Mound, Macon county. He owns 52 acres of land, well improved and in a good state of cultivation. In 1838 Mr. Mitchell chose for the precious partner of his bosom, Miss Elizabeth Wright, who moved from Ken- tucky to Missouri with her father, Walter Wright, when she was three years of age. There were 10 children born of this marriage, of whom seven are living: James Waller, who married Miss Emily Turner and lives in Mexico ; Susan Ann, wife of Ben Eli Guthrie, a prominent lawyer of Macon City ; Marie Louise, wife of Lloyd Mcin- tosh, a farmer in Audrain county ; Robert Craig, a physician of Sue City, Macon county, who was educated at College Mound and gradu- ated at the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis ; Leonidas Mathias, in a store in Macon and married to Miss Lavinia Harris ; Sarah Har- riet, wife of L. H. Moss, attorney-at-law at St. Josepli ; and Edmond Thomas at home. All of Mr. Mitchell's children were educated at McGee College. Mr. Mitchell was formerly in politics a Whig, and is now a Democrat. Honest in his convictions and unswerving in his adherence to what he knows to be right, Mr. Mitchell's utterances are esteemed of the profoundest value by his neighbors, and a word from him goes a long way toward forming their opinions. He be- longs to the A. F. and A. M., including the Chapter. He is also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM POWELL, SR. (Farmer, Section 10). Mr. Powell, Sr., an old settler and a farmer widely connected throughout the county, is a native of North Carolina. His father was a Virginian by birth, but emigrated to North Carolina, married a na- 65 1112 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. live of Caswell county and there raised a family. He subsequently moved to Chariton county, Mo., and died at College Mound. Mr. Powell was born in Caswell county, January 27, 1814, and received his education at the common schools of the county. When he ar- rived at man's estate he farmed for some years in his native State, and then moved to Missouri, lived for two years in Chariton county, came to Macon and settled about half a mile from McGee College, and in 1857 moved to his present farm three miles north of College Mound. He has always Ijeen a farmer. " Kemote from towns he runs his race, Nor e'er has changed, nor wished to change his place." Mr. Powell has 160 acres of land upon which he raises tobacco, cattle, grass and timothy. He is successful in his chosen career, and no man can do more. He was three years justice of the peace. Mr. Powell is a married man, having wedded on the 31st of Decem- ber, 1843, Miss Nancy Banning, daughter of Thomas W. Banning, of Macon, Mo. There were 10 children born, six still living : Peter Polk, who married Miss Mary Stone, of Macon, daughter of Joseph and Malinda Stone ; Thomas W. ; William Basley, married to Miss Re- becca Kneedler, daughter of Seymour and Sarah Kneedler ; Lou, a portrait painter, educated at McGee College and at Kirksville ; James Henry, a farmer, married to Miss Isabella Penton, daughter of John and Sarah Jane Penton, of Chariton township, and with one daughter, Leola ; and John Franklin, a bright youth of 20, still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Powell belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. DR. RUFUS YANCY POWELL (Physician and Surgeon). Dr. Powell, a physician of large practice in Chariton township, was born in Macon, Noxubee county. Miss., April 17, 1839. His fjither, John Powell, was born January 12, 1812, near Yanceyville, Caswell county, N. C. He was a farmer and died on his farm near College Mound, October 5, 1865. His mother was born in Nash county, N. C. She was born March 15, 1815, and is still living. Many years of her life were spent in her Southern home in Mississippi. When the family came to Missouri, in 1843, the boat upon which they w'ere passengers was the ill-fated steamer *' Emblem," which struck a snag and sunk near Herman, on the Missouri', and they lost all their property and narrowly escaped with their lives. They reached Glasgow by another boat, the *' West- Wind," and made the rest of the journey on returning wagons in which the farmers of Macon county had hauled tobacco to that point. They settled near College Mound, and R. Y. was educated in McGee College. He graduated with the degree of Ph. B. in 1861, and next went out with a class- mate, Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, under Gen. Sterling Price, in the Con- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1113 federate army. He was in the battles of Dry Wood, Lexington, etc. After his return from the war he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University at Keokuk, and graduated in 1864 with the degree of M.D. He practiced 12 months in Kansas at Iowa Point, and then returned to College Mound. The Doctor owns 240 acres of land, 160 acres under fence and principally in grass. He raises thoroughbred sheep, cattle and hogs, fine geese and fowls. He has a fine young orchard, and his land is rendered more valuable by the veins of coal underlying and running through it. Dr. Powell's father raised tobacco and one year raised with four hands and hauled 19,740 pounds and sold it at $5.00 a hundred, at Brunswick, a distance of 45 miles. Dr. Powell was married June 4, 1867, to Miss Mary G. Dawkins, of Darksville, Randolph county. In that county Mrs. Powell was born March 13, 1841, and was educated at McGee College. She has borne 10 children, four of whom are living: George W., Kufus Ernest, Charles A. and Mary Eoxana. The Doctor belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and in 1867 was representative to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He was postmaster and conducted the money order at College Mound for several years in a business-like manner. He has served as notary public for many years, being commissioned by the Governor of the State of Missouri. He is a man of universal popularity and carries the warm affection of half the county in the grasp of his hand. JEHU TETER (Farmer, Section 26) . Mr. Teter, a prosperous farmer of Chariton township, was born in Randolph county, now Barbour county, Va., on the 29th day of August, 1827. His parents were natives of the same State. He left Virginia at the age of 10, and coming to Missouri settled in Macon county, on the farm adjoining which he now lives. All of his early life was spent on a farm, and upon reaching manhood he taught school for some time in the county. He then learned the blacksmith's trade, though he has continued to farm. He now owns 280 acres of land all fenced, and all in grass with the exception of 75 acres. His ftirm is richly veined in every direction with coal. Mr. Teter is in politics a Democrat. He served in the enrolled State militia. He is possessed of the esteem and confidence of the township, as proof of which he filled for many years the trustworthy office of postmaster. Mr. Teter belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and was a delegate to the ffrand lodge. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was united in 1851, was Miss Juletta Jackson Kitchen, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Kitchen, natives of North Carolina. There were six children born to this union, of whom but two survive: George Lee, attending school at Pauline Holiness College, and Minta Berilla at home. Being a lonely widower, on the 16th of September, 1877, Mr. Teter married Miss Frances Lewis, daughter of James Lewis, of Chariton county. This has proved a happy union, and he has two children by this mar- 1114 HISTORY OF aiACON COUNTY. riage. Mr. Teter and wife are members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. ME. AARON TETER (Farmer and Stock- raiser). Mr. Teter, a well-to-do farmer, is of old and illustrious stock, and can look back with pride to a long line of men sajis peur et sans re- proache and women virtuous and beautiful as only sangre azul can make them. He preserves as priceless treasures a saucer of rare china that has been handed down through several generations, and a cup, saucer and plate bequeathed to his wife by her ancestors. Mr. Teter' s forefathers belonged to the old German aristocracy, than whom no prouder grandees ever graced a court. The family came to America when the county was first discovered, and Mr. Teter 's father was born in Pendleton county, Va., in 1790. He was 47 when he came to Mis- souri and settled the farm upon which his son now lives. His wife, Amelia Graham, was also a Virginian. Aaron Teter was born Novem- ber 11, 1829, in Randolph county, W. Va. He was about eight years of age when he came to Missouri, and was educated partly in the latter State, partly in Virginia. He lived always on a farm and was by every tie of early association wedded to the life. Naturally he chose it as his field of operations. He now owns 280 acres of land, all fenced, 100 in timber and the rest in grass, and under all lies a rich vein of coal. His farm is beautifully improved, and he has two acres in apple and peach orchard. During the war Mr. Teter served in the Federal army, Co. K, Forty-second Missouri volunteers, under Col. Forbes. He was in the Department of the East in 1864-65, and was in Ten- nessee, Kentucky and Alabama. Mr. Teter was township collector and school director under the township organization. In 1854 he married Miss Emeline Grimes, daughter of Henry Grimes and Eliz- abeth Clark, his wife, of Randolph county. Sugar Creek township. Mrs. Teter was born in Virginia, of which State her parents were natives, but was brought to Missouri when an infant. Her father and mother settled in Moberly and lived there until their demise. Mr. and Mrs. Teter have two children : Willard Hall, now farming at Moberly on his grandfather's old farm, and Cora, who is now the wife of Dr. B. E. Moody, who was educated at home. One child is lying in " the quiet earth's breast, her soul at home with God." Mr. Teter and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to the A. F. and A. M. and G. A. R. He has several times been chosen a delegate to the grand lodge. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1115 RUSSELL TOWJN'SHIP. JOHN W. EVANS (Section 36). Mr. E., a leading farmer of Russell township, is also a country-man of that immortal Paddy who was chosen by one of the ancient poets as the theme of his inspired song. Mr. Evans was born August 16, 1834, in South Wales, the first of the union of William and Mary Evans. In 1861 he went to England and a few years later came to America. He first located in Pennsylvania and lived successively in Pittston, Scranton and Bradford counties. It was in the first named place that he wedded, on Christmas day, 1864, Miss Hannah Roberts, all of North Wales. This happy couple have two children : Sarah Anne and Mary Elizabeth. In 1877 Mr. Evans moved to New Cambria, Macon county. Mo,, and has ever since made it his home. He owns a snug little farm of 40 acres and has it- well improved and pretty as a picture. He is a careful farmer, and fulfils to the best of his ability every duty in life. Mr. E. and his wife are members of the M. C. Church North, and he belonged formerly to the I. O. O. F. Encampment. ALAMANDER MENDEHNALL (Farmer, Section 27) . This noble representative of the State of Indiana was originally from Tippecanoe county, of that State, one of several children born to Stephen and Jane Mendenhall, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter a Pennsylvanian by birth. Alamander's natal day was July 3, 1830. His father was one of the pioneers of Kentucky and a respected citizen of that Commonwealth, having gone there with Dan- iel Boone and other early settlers of that then new country. The sub- ject of this sketch passed his younger days in working upon the farm, where were instilled into his youthful mind the habits and principles of industry and energy which have characterized his whole life. His education was received in the common school. In 1845 he came to Ma- con county and ever since then has made his home at or near his present place of residence — a period of 39 years. He has been more or less in- timately identified with the material interests of the county from that early day and has become well acquainted with its progress and develop- ment, as well as with its inhabitants. After his removal here, on the 28th of February, 1850, Mr. Mendenhall was married, Miss Lena Elizabeth Penland, daughter of John and Lydia Penland, of Kentucky, becom- ing his wife. Their family consists of 10 children, viz. : John Davis, James B., Stephen M., Jefferson, Nancy Jane, Howard Francis, Mary Emma, Charlotte F., Annie Ellen and Louisa Josephine. During 1116 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. the war Mr. Mendeuhall responded to the call for troops, and enlisted in the Forty-second Missouri infantry, under Col. Forbes, being mus- tered out, after having well discharged his duties as a soldier, at Nash- ville, Tenn. Recently he has turned his attention to shaving hoops, in which he is meeting with good success, and though he owns 147 acres of land, he does but little farming himself. He belongs to the G. A. R. Post at New Cambria. For 28 years he has served as justice of the peace, by reason of which he is well and favorably known as 'Squire. Mrs. Mendeuhall is a member of the M. E. Church. DAVID D. MORRIS (Farmer, Section 36). Mr. Morris was born in South Waks, August 12, 1819. His pa- rents were Daniel and Dinah Morris. He grew up in his own country and was married there in 1838, to Miss Rosamond, daughter of David and Mary Hughes James, all natives of South Wales. Mr. Morris did not emigrate to America for some years after his marriage. In 1851 he landed in New York, thence he found his way to Ohio, where he lived in different counties until 1876, when he went to the Indian Territory, McCalister, Choctaw Nation. After remaining there four years he came in 1880 to Macon county. Mo. Until his last move Mr. Morris was a shoemaker, but since he has been in Macon has turned his attention to farming. He owns 83 acres of land and de- votes himself chiefly to the raising of stock. He is a man of much energy and go-aheadativeness, and contemplates going extensively into the dairy business. Mr. and Mrs. M. have had nine children, of whom seven are living ; these are : Mary J., now the wife of Frederick Will- iams ; Theotlis J., James, Sarah, now Mrs. Williams; Rosatta, now Mrs. Jones; Daniel, and Lizzie, now Mrs. Simmson. David died in 1851, and Isaac in 1861. Two sons fought in the Union army under Gen. Kelley. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. M. belongs to the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Rapids City, 111. EILERT SIEMENS (Farmer, Section 36). Mr. Siemens is the son of Gird and Maria Siemens, and was born in Germany, July 1, 1842. He was raised on a farm and educated at the public schools. He came to this country in 1869, and settled first in Fond du Lac, Wis. In 1871 Mr. Siemens came to New Cambria, and has been a resident up to date. He owns 140 acres of land, prin- cipally cultivates grass and raises stock. He is a thrifty, industrious citizen, and commands universal respect. Mr. S. was married in his native land February 12, 1827, to Miss Sophia Luntkim, a comely maiden of Germany. They have six children : Annie Mary, Johanna Catherine, Gorna Anna, Seamon Rino, Alea Sophia and Gracie. Mr. and Mrs. Siemens are consistent members of the German Lutheran Church and live up to the doctrines they profess. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. IH^ MOSES WILLIAMS (Farmer, Section 35, Post-office, New Cambria), On the 1st day of May, 1814, in Wales, there was bora to David and Catherine Williams, natives of the same country, a son, whom we now take as the subject of this sketch. He was brought up to learn the practical details of farm life, and during his youth received the elements of a good education, which have been very materially added to since that time, not only by observation but by sell application. Becomino- satisfied that in this country better opportunities could be had for Advancing one's self in life, he emigrated to America, and choosino- Ohio as the site of his future labors, he settled there and made it^'his home for 20 years. . In 1864 Macon county. Mo., became his place of residence, and here he has since resided, having accumu- lated a comfortable homestead of 150 acres, evidences of the improve- ment of which denote thrift, prosperity and perseverance in the cultivation of the soil. In 1848 Mr. Williams, upon clioosmg a partner for life, married Miss Mary Evans, whose parents, Evan and Maro-aret Evans, also came originally from Wales. The complement of their family circle embraces Evan L., Maria A., Josiah and Harriet. Mr and Mrs. Williams have long been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in this denomination Mr. W. has mimstered to the cono-rea-ation at New Cambria in the capacity of a preacher ot the o-ospel. During the war he remained entirely neutral, o^t ^^'^^ nevertheless subject to no little inconvenience by soldiers of both factions. Since locating here, both Mr. and Mrs. Williams have enjoyed the highest respect and confidence ot the citizens ot the community. TEI!^ MILE TOWKSHIP. JAMES A. BANT A (Post-office, Ten Mile). This thrifty farmer of Ten Mile township, who has a neat place of 140 acres, widely known as '« Maple Grove Farm," is a native Mis- sourian, and was born January 21, 1856. His father was AltredBanta, and his mother's maiden name was Martha A. Terrill, both trom Kentucky. James A. was reared on a farm in Chariton township, and when 18 years of age was married to Miss Fannie White, a daughter of Mark White, of this county. After his marriage Mr. Banta located in Ten Mile township, and has since resided here. Mr. and Mrs. B. have had four children : Clara, Mark, Nellie, died in August, 1879, Charles, died January 29, 1884. Both parents are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Banta, although still a young man, has already shown 1118 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. by his industry and good management, that he possesses the qualities to make a successful farmer and useful citizen. Upright and enterprising, he commands the respect of all who know him, and is not only steadily coming to the front as a farmer, but is gradually pursuing a position of influence in the community. Of agreeable manners and accommo- dating disposition, as well as being tvell qualified for ordinary official duties, it is not improbable that with the concatenation of years he will be called upon to serve the people in some station of public trust. BENJAMIN F. COMBS (Retired Farmer aud Stock-raiser, Post-office Clarence, Slielby County) . This old and highly esteemed citizen of Ten Mile township is the only one surviving of the first four settlers of this township, the other three, William Griffin, English Richardson and John Silvers, having all gone the way of all thiugs earthly. Mr. Combs ate his Christmas dinner on the floor of his cabin, which was bare ground, in this town- ship in 1839, since which he has been a continuous resident of the county. At that time nearly the whole country was in the primitive state of nature, and although the Indians had generally disappeared, wild game of every kind was perhaps more plentiful than when the red men of the forest were here. He relates many interesting stories of his early experience in this part of the country, which are fully worthy of a place in the history of the county, but which can not be given in this connection. One of these, however, should not be omitted from this sketch. He says the deer were so plentiful here that in the fall of 1840 his wife killed one with an ax in their own dooryard. Since then he has seen all the prairies taken up by set- tlers and transformed into fine farms, and much of the timbered land cleared and put in cultivation, or fenced for pastures. In a word, he has seen Macon county come up from a condition of a wilderness to that of one of the first counties in the State. His father, Fielding Combs, was one of the pioneer settlers of Missouri. He came here with his family away back in 1819. Benjamin F. was then a child three years of age, having been born in Clark county, Ky., in 1816. The mother was a Miss Mary Foreman before her marriage, a daughter of Aaron and Rachel (Fry) Foreman, originally of Virginia. The family lived in Ralls county for 16 years after they came to this State, and then removed to Monroe county, where the father died September 4, 1879, at the advanced age of 83. The mother had pre- ceded him to the grave hy four years, also at a ripe old age. Benja- min F. Combs, however, went to Shelby county in 1834, but the following year returned to Ralls county, where he resided for four years or until 1839, as stated above. Meanwhile, in 1832, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Combs, a daughter of Samuel and Cladora (Holder) Combs, and the granddaughter of the well-known Col. Holder, of Ky. Mr. Combs has followed farming and stock-raising continuously in this county since his first settlement here, for a period now of 45 years. He early succeeded in situating himself comforta- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1119 bly in life, and has reared a worthy family of children. There were nine children originally in their family, namely: Mary T., now the wife of Jacob Ford, of Henry county ; Sarah S., the present wife of R. F. Briimback; Thomas J., who died whilst a soldier in the Union army, at Ft. Donelson, 1864 ; Rachel,, the wife of James M. Combs ; Samuel F., married and a resident of this county ; Margaret A., who died after she became the wife of F. M. Stowe ; Benjamin C, who is married and resides in this county ; Commodore, who died two years ago, and Ernest B., who is still unmarried. During the war Mr. Combs was a gallant soldier of the Union, enlisting in Co. H, Second Missouri State militia, of which company be was a sergeant, and in which he served from 1861 to 1865. He is now a member of Paddy Shield's post, G. A. R., at Clarence. Mr. C. is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Combs has a fine homestead of 240 acres, which is carried on by his son-in-law, R. F. Brumback, he himself having retired from hard work on the farm, and from the duties and responsibilities of conducting the place, though he is quite active, and takes a live interest, not only in the affiiirs of the farm, but in all matters usually of interest to an intelligent and public- spirited citizen. WILLIAM H. EAGLE (Farmer, Post-office Ten Mile) . Mr. Eagle came to Missouri in 1870 and located in Ten Mile town- ship of Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he bought his present place, which is an excellent ftirm of 200 acres, and which he has made one of the choice places of the township. A man of enterprise and industry, he is recognized as one of our best farmers, and has been quite successful in handling stock, though he is not ex- tensively engaged in that business. Mr. Eagle is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland county, October 24, 1837. His parents were Ed- ward Eagle, also a native of Ohio, and Eliza, nee Everetts, formerly of New York. They now reside in Franklin county, Kas., but did not remove lo that State until after the war. William H. was reared in his native county and brought up to the occupation of farming, which he has continued from boyhood. January 18, 1864, he was married to Miss Elvira Naylor, of Ashland county, Ohio. Mr. Eagle continued farming and handling stock in Ohio until his removal to Missouri. During the war he served for some time in the enrolled militia, of Holmes county, Ohio, and was first lieutenant of his company. Mr. and Mrs. Eagle have three children: Delia A., wife of Benjamin F White, of this county ; Lycurgus E. and Naylor. Mr. and Mrs. Eagle are members of the M. E. Church. ELIJAH ELDER (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6) . Mr. Elder is the son of Jacob and Nancy (Collier) Elder, of Ken- tucky ; his maternal grandfather, Charles Collier, being 73 years of 1120 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. age, and living in Castle county, Ky. Elijah was born July 20, 1811, in East Tennessee, and lived there with his parents until they moved to Kentucky, at which time he came to Missouri and settled in Macon county (in 1842), on the same farm he now occupies. In January, 1837, Mr. Elder married Miss Jane Craig, daughter of William and Mary Cniig, of Kentucky. By this marriage there were seven chil- dren : Joseph C, Mary, who died when one year old, in 1840 ; William C, died in 1838 in infancy ; Nancy, Margaret, James A., Melissa A. His first wife died October 10, 1871, and was buried at Mt. Tabor Church, Mo. He was married a second time, April 9, 1873, to Mrs. Daniel Walker, widow of Daniel G. Walker. Mrs. Elder's maiden name was Mary J. Surber. She was a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Wagoner) Surber, of Virginia, and at the time of her marriage was a widow with seven children: John W., George W., Charles G., Sarah M., Martha N., Mary E. and Louisa J., all of whom are mar- ried. Amanda E. died January, 1879. Mr. Elder has 220 acres of extraordinary land in Ten Mile township, and is a model farmer. He and his wife are members of the Christian and Baptist Church. JOHN W. GREENLEY (Physician and Surgeon, Post-office, Ettle). Dr. Greenley, a regular graduate of medicine of the allopath school of physicians, has been engaged in the active practice of his profes- sion for over 33 years and nearly all of this time in Missouri. He is a physician of long and enviable standing in this part of the county and has a large and eminently respectable practice. Dr. Greenley is a native of Maryland, born November 29, 1825. His father, James Greenley, was also a native of that State, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Brady, was of Scotch descent, being of the old and well known Brady, or Broedy fiimily of Scotland, as the name is pro- nounced in that country. Dr. Greenley received a good general education, and, after studying medicine, entered the University of Ken- tucky, at Louisville, from which he graduated as a doctor of medicine in the medical department of that institution March 2, 1851. He then located in Hardin county, Ky., and practiced there for two years, but in 1853 came to Missouri and settled at Newark, in Knox county, where he practiced for 12 years. This brought him up to the first year of the war, and it being suspected that his loyalty was a little off in color, he found it safest to decamp and go to Illinois, where he could get it ebonized to the requisite sableness. He prac- ticed medicine in Adams county, 111., for some years, but came back to Missouri in 1872, and located at Clarence, in Shelby county. Three years later he purchased a farm in Ten Mile township, Macon county, and came to his present location. Dr. Greenley has a good farm and comfortable home, and, being well thought of and having a large practice, is pleasantly situated. March 21, 1851, he was mar- ried to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Able, the widow of Hannibal T. Able, and a daughter of Moses Davis, of Kentucky. She died January 17, 1856. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1121 Dr. Greenley was married to Miss Mary E. Anderson, a daughter of Willis Anderson, November 12, 1856. They have been blessed with 12 children: John A., Alexander W., deceased; Willis J., Rob- ert E. Lee, Joseph E., Ida May, deceased ; Richard G., Mary E.,Kate E., Nannie H., Anna E., Thomas W. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. and A. M. JOHN B. GRIFFIN (Retired Farmer and Miller, Post-offlce, Ten Mile). Mr. Griffin was born in Pulaski county, Ky., February 1, 1824. His parents, Capt. William and Susan (Buster) Griffin, both originally of Virginia, came to Missouri in 1828, when John B. was but four years of age. They located in Ralls county, but in 1839 came to Macon county and settled in Ten Mile township. When John B. was 16 years of age he went to Howard county to learn the millwright's trade, under his uncle, John Griffin, where he worked for two years. He then went to Hannibal, where he was engaged in milling until 1844. From Hannibal he located near Madisonville, and carried on the milling business near that place until 1852. In 1850 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gregg, a daughter of Nelson and Mary (Hayden) Gregg, formerly of Virginia. In the fall of 1861 he en- listed in Co. E, Third Missouri regiment. Southern service, under Gen. John B. Clark, and served until the expiration of his term of service in 1863. He was in the battle of Lexington, and numerous minor engagements and skirmishes. He then removed to Illinois, and there his wife died in 1864. Afterwards he returned to Missouri and located in Macon county, where he engaged in milling and farming. Here he continued to follow these occupations until a short time ago, when he retired from all laborious and business pursuits. In 1867 Mr. Griffin was married to Miss Mary C. Gresham. She, too, how- ever, was taken from him by death. She died in 1877. His second wife was a daughter of Waller and Sallie (Nelson) Hayden, formerly of Kentucky. To his present wife Mr. Griffin was married in 1877. She was previously Mrs. Sarah E. Ellis, and sister to Mr. Griffin's scQond wife. By his first wife there were eight children: Alice, de- ceased; Willie, deceased ; Edgar, deceased ; Mary Nelson, deceased ; Ida, Ella and Willie, still living. By his second wife there are five children: John A., deceased; Mary E., deceased; Robert E. Lee, deceased; Effie Lee and Mutee H., living. Mr. Griffin has been quite successful. He is in easy circumstances, owning over 1,600 acres of good land in the county, besides a large amount of personal property, etc. He is one of the highly respected citizens of the county. Po- litically he is a Southern Democrat, not perceiving any difference between war Democrats and Republicans only in name ; believing States made the Government, not Government the States ; reserving all rights to themselves not especially delegated, even to secede, if they thought proper. 1122 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JAMES H. HODGIN (Post-office, Clarence). Mr. H. was a man of a family of his own when the war broke out, and was a resident of Holt county, where he was peacefully and indus- triously engaged in the pursuit of farming. But when the life of the Union was threatened with destruction, the Union which the heroism of Washington and his immortal compatriots had founded, he did not hesitate as to his duty. He threw by the plow and hoe, and shouldered his musket and marched off like a brave and honest man to the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Missouri State militia, under Gen. Prentiss, and served in the North Missouri department for a period of six months, the term of his enlistment, a service then more dangerous and trying to men's courage than in almost any other part of the country, for here neighbor was against neighbor, and the country was full of men in arms, brave and determined, to crush out every spark of loyalty in the State. After the expiration of this term, he enlisted in Co. H, Twenty-ninth Missouri, U. S. A., under Gen. Blair, the pioneer abolitionist of Missouri, and one of the bravest and most chivalrous officers that flashed his sword under the standard of the Union. He served through the remainder of the war, and was honorably discharged at Washington City, June 24, 1865. He was in many of the great battles of the war, and now bears a number of honorable scars, the proudest decorations a soldier can wear, to attest the heroic part he took in the colossal conflict of modern times, the struggle for the pres- ervation of the life of the nation and for the principles of liberty and self-government throughout the world. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold (Ga.), Rasaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Altoona, Atlanta, Sheep's Gap, seige of Savannah and numerous others, besides small engagements and skirmishes without number. In fact, the rattle of musketry and the thunder peals of cannonading became as common with him as the moaning of the winds through the pine forests of the sunny South is to the languid habitat of that enervating country. Mr. Hodgin was born in Washington county, Ind., October 19, 1836, and was a son of Nathan and Martha (Richards) Hodgin, the father from the old North State and the mother from the land of blue grass lawns, sleek cattle, fleet-footed horses, liquid-eyed maids and gallant chevaliers. Mr. Hodgin was reared on a farm in Indiana, and came to Missouri when 21 years of age. He located in Holt county and followed farming there until the outbreak of the war. In 1867 he came to Ten Mile township and bought his present farm, nearly a quarter-section of land, where he has since resided. September 15, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary E. James, a daughter of John James, of Shelby county. Mo., but formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgin have had five children : John Logan, Martha A., deceased ; Alice, deceased ; Bertie Carla, William H. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Christian Church. -HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1123 DAWSON B. HODGIN (Farmer, Post-office, Clarence) . Mr. Hodgin, born and reared in Indiana, one of the loyal States of the Union, was 19 years of age when the second year of the war opened and, like a true son of his native commonwealth, he went as a volunteer to carry the flag of the union in triumph to the South Atlantic seaboard and to the sunlit waters of the Mexican gulf. He was a brave soldier in the war and did his duty faithfuly until the old flag was unfurled in victory throughout the length and breadth of all the revolted States, and until for every star that studs its cerulian field there was a State restored to the Republic, even f>righter and more glorious than the con- stellation that illuminates the meteor-like folds of the irresistible ban- ner of the union. Mr. Hodgin enlisted in Co. E, Fifth Indiana cavalry and served until the close of the war, carrying his gleamino" bayonet bravely in the front ranks through many of the bloodiest death-duels of the war. On the 29th of June, 1865, he was honora- bly discharged as a soldier who had faithfully and bravely performed his duty. Two years afterward he came to Missouri and settled in Ten Mile township, of Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he has a farm of 160 acres, and is one of the industrious farmers and respected citizens of the township. In 1870 he was mar- ried to Miss Mary I. Macy, a daughter of Newton D. and Ruth Macy, of Indiana. Mrs. Hodgin is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Hodgin is a member of the G. A. R., No. 26, Paddy Shields' post, at Clarence. He was born in Washington county, Ind., February 18, 1843, and was a son of William Hodgin, formerly of North Carolina, and consort, nee Susana Brown, a native of Pennsylvania. He was reared on his ftither's farm in Washington county, and, as stated above, joined the irresistible army of the Union in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgin have two children : Elvira M. Hodgin, born October 31, 1873, and'^William N. Hodgin, born November 13, 1877. ADOLPHUS R. HUET (Farmer, Section 12). Among the progressive farmers and enterprising Northern men who have made their homes in Macon county since the war, it would be an inexcusable omission not to mention the name of the present sketch. This being pre-eminently an agricultural country, it is to the ftirming classes that we owe the prosperity of the country and its rapid pro- gress in material development and civilization. It is, therefore, eminently proper that in preparing the present history we should give at least short biographical notices of the better class of farmers of the county. It will be conceded by all that our Northern farmers who have come in here since the war have contributed an important part to the improvement of the county. Them, therefore, it is proper to sketch, giving them full credit for whatthey have accomplished. Mr. 1124 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Huet came to Macon county in 1868 and settled in Ten Mile township. Goino- to work at once with that energy and intelligence usually char- acteristic of Northern men, he has been entirely successful at his new home as a farmer and stock-raiser, and has won an enviable name in the community where he resides for neighborly and useful citizenship. He has been called to serve as president of the township board of edu- cation for a number of years, also as district school director, and has shown commendable zeal for the best interests of education in the com- munity. He has a good farm of 330 acres, and is in a prosperous condition as a farmer. Mr. Huet is a Pennsylvanian by nativity, born in Beaver county, September 2, 1838. But when she was quite young(six years)his parents, Andrew and Nancy (Heman)Huet, removed toIUinois in 1846, Jo Daviess county, moving to Lafayette county, Wis., in 1853, where the father died in 1855. The mother died in 1847. Adolphus R. was reared on the farm in Wisconsin and remained there engaged in farming until his removal to Missouri in 1868. On the 7th of May, 1857, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Ingersoll, a daughter of Gar- rett and Mary (Metts) Ingersoll, formerly of Illinois. Her father now lives, however, in Macon county, her mother having died here some years ago. Mr. Huet's wife died June 18, 1879. She left him eight children : John A., George W., Mary J., William G., Nancy M., Ella E., Harry A. and Manly N. The youngest, Irving E., is deceased. Mr. Huet is a member of the M. E. Church, having joined the church in November, 1854, and is a trustee of the church at Mt. Zion, and also class leader and Sunday-school superintendent. MORRIS JONES (General Merchant and Farmer, La Port). Mr. Jones, who has led a life of more than ordinary activity and been identified with various industrial and business pursuits, has, however, been settled at La Port for nearly 20 years, or since 1866. He comes of two old Massachussetts families, both his parents, Amos and Roxanna (Brockway) Jones, having been natives of that State and of families resident there for generations. They were among the pioneers of Trumbull county, Ohio, however, and Morris Jones was born there January 10, 1812. From an early day Ohio has had good public schools, and young Jones had the benefit of these as he grew up in Trumbull county. About the time, or a short time before, reaching his majority, he engaged as a traveling salesman of goods in something near the same line followed now by those who (m11 themselves commercial travelers, which is a hi' falutin' name for t he line of business that is a good deal older than the young men now (-ngaged in it on the road with log-chain watch chains and ox-yoke seal rings. He continued as a traveling salesman until he was 24 years of age, and on the 24th of January, 1836, was married to Miss Elizabeth W. Winters, daughter of and Elizabeth Winters, formerly of New Jersey. After his marriage Mr. Jones was engaged in various pursuits, including the operation of a tan yard and the HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 1125 manufacture of wagons and other business and industrial enterprises. On the 24th of August, 1852, Mr. Jones had the misfortune to lose his wife. In the meantime he had resumed selling goods and did business at various points in Ohio, having also ran store boats on the Ohio river. He also conducted other lines of business in different States and finally came to Missouri in 1865. The following May he came to Macon county and a year later located at Ten Mile township. Here he has since been engao;ed in merchandisins^ and farminsf. Mr. Jones was married to his present wife July 29, 1864. She was a Miss Eliza C. Reid, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Reid. By his present wife Mr. Jones has one child. There was also one child by his first wife, Stewart A., who died January 9, 1874, at the age of 29 and is buried at the cemetery in Quincy, 111. Mr. Jones has 160 acres of land, which includes a neat and well improved farm. He has done a good, substantial business at La Port in the general store line from the be- ginning, and is widely and favorably known as a capable and upright business man. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. E. S. MADDOX (Farmer; Post-office, Beverly). • Mr. M., an industrious, respected citizen of Ten Mile township, who has a farm of 160 acres, which is substantially and comfortably improved, is a native of Missouri, born in Monroe county, February 4, 1836, but came of Tennessee parents. His father was Jesse Mad- dox, and his mother's maiden name was Lucinda Simmons, both of whom are now deceased. They were among the early settlors of Monroe county, coming there from the Rhomboid State, which has 13roduced such men as Jackson, Polk and Johnson, three presidents of the Republic, as early as 1834. Ezekiel S. was reared on the farm in Monroe county and when 23 years of age was married to Miss Melissa Wright, daughter of Sumner Wright, formerly of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox have been blessed with six children. Melissa J., the wife of Mr. Maddox, has been a resident of Macon county for many years. He is a man who stands high with all who know him, for his life has been such that no reproach attaches to his name, but, on the contrary, he has ever striven to make himself of some value to the community as a neigh- bor and citizen by favoring law and order and bv setting an example of industry and faithful discharge of all duties through his own con- duct. Mr. Maddox is conceded to be one of the upright and valuable citizens of Ten Mile township. CHRISTOPHER MEISNER (Farmer; Post-office, Ettle). Among the thrifty German-American farmers and worthy citizens of Ten Mile township, the name of the subject of the present sketch is fully entitled to mention, for he is a self-made man and in winning 1126 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. his own success in life, has contributed his full share to the material development of the country and its general prosperity. Mr. Meisner was born in Germany on the 6th day of October, 1841, and on both sides of his ancestry came of long lines of worthy families in the Fatherland. His parents were Lewis and Mary (Thomas) Meisner. In 1855, when Christopher was 14 years of age, he came to America without his parents, landing in Canada, but soon crossed over into the United States, and lived for the next 14 years in Lorain county, Ohio, where he followed farming. In 1869, having married the year before, he came to Missouri and settled in Ten Mile township, where he has since been farming and stock-raising ; here he has 200 acres of o-ood land and is one of the substantial agriculturists of the town- ship. On the 23d of November, 1868, he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Wenig, a daughter of John and Eva (Miller) Wenig, of Lorain county, Ohio, but formerly of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Meisner have three children: Dora, Morton and Johnny. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Meisner's farm is one of the best improved places in the township. WILLIAM J. MITTS (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Clarence, Shelby County) , Mr. Mitts has a farm of 240 acres, 40 acres of which are in Shelby county, one of the best improved places in the vicinity. He has been a resident of this county since 1859, and of Ten Mile Township since 1860. He has remained here continuously since that time, engaged in farming and stock-raising, except for nearly a year during the war, whilst he was in the army. He enlisted in Co. H, Forty-second Mis- souri Volunteer infantry, in August, 1864, and served with fidelity and courage until he was honorably discharged about the close of the war. Mr. Mitts is a member of Paddy Shields' Post, G. A. E., at Clarence. Mr. Mitts is a native of Illinios, born in Sangamon county, August 15, 1832. His parents were both Kentuckians by nativity — James and Eachel (Drening) Mitts. They came out to Illinois in an early day, and when William was three years of age removed to Iowa, settling in Henry county, where they were among the first pioneers of the county. There they made their permanent home, and the father is still living ther§, though the mother has been dead for some years. William grew up and was married in Henry county, la., April 6, 1842, to Miss Julia A. Hume, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Moore) Hume, of Iowa, but formerly of Virginia. Mrs. Mitts' father is deceased, but her mother resides in Macon county, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Mitts have had 11 children, namely : Eachel I., the wife of John Sackette, now of this county ; Alice E., deceased ; John S., who died January 9, 1882; James E., married, and resident of Ma- con county; William G., deceased in tender years ; Ella, the wife of Henry Scott, of Shelby county; Franklin E., who died in infancy; Albert U., also died in infancy ; and Osbert L., who died in boyhood. Two, besides, died in infancy. I HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1127 CALVIN PIXLEY. (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. P., one of the later residents of Ten Mile township, resides in Section 5. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and also works a little at the cooper's trade. He was born in Orleans county, July 7, 1834, of Calvin and Jennette (Lucas) Pixley, natives of New York and Con- necticut. He moved with his parents from New York to Michigan when a small child, and was educated at the common schools in the latter State. In 1858, Mr. Pixley being 23 years of age, went to California, where he was mining and speculating until 1863, making a great deal of money. 'After his return he lived a few years in Michigan, a short while in Quincy, and finally in 1868, in Ten Mile township. He has devoted himself to farming and stock-raising ever since. His farm comprises 80 acres, and has good buildings and other improvements. Mr. Pixley married September 8, 1864, Miss Delia Tinckelpaugh, daughter of Adam and Harriet (Ailing) Tinckelpaugh, of New York. There are two children, Alida J. , wife of Elmer Hughes, of Ohio, and Charlie, now at school in Macon. Mr. P. is a member of the M. E. Church, in which he is a class leader. CAPT. JAMES P. POWELL (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Beverly) . Capt. Powell, now in his seventieth year, and for the past 16 years a resident of Ten Mile township, and one of its best citizens, was for 30 years on '* old ocean's gray and melancholy waste" as a sailor, and began as an ordinary shipman, but by his courage, efficiency and character, rose to the position of captain and ship owner, and was for a long time commander of the "Mary Powell," one of the fleetest and handsomest schooners that sailed the waters of the Atlantic. Capt. Powell was devotedly attached to seafaring life, but after a long service on the sea, having a large family of children growing up, to whom he was even more attached, and seeing the shadows of old age beginning to approach, he decided to quit the ocean and settle down on a farm in order to spend the remainder of his days in the bosom of his own family, and in that ease and comfort which a quiet, con- tented home life invariably brings. He therefore left the sea in 1865, and soon afterwards adopted country life and farming. He came to Missouri in 1868 and bought his present place. Here he has a comfort- able homestead of 200 acres fairly improved, and is engaged in farm- ing and raising stock in a general way. As a farmer, his aspiration has not been and is not to accumulate a fortune, but rather to make a comfortable support tind to enjoy the retirement and rural scenes and surroundings of farm life. Capt. Powell is a native of " Maryland, my Maryland," famed the world over for its fair women and brave men, and for the culture and refinement of its people. He was bora in Worcester county, February 11, 1815, and was a son of John 66 1128 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Powell and consort, nee Hester Purnell. Eeared on the farm, he received a limited common-school education, and it is worthy of remark, by way of digression, that Maryland had the first free common school ever opened on this continent, and at the age of 20 he went upon the waters of the sea. He served on various schooners and ships ; first, and for a number of years, in coastwise navigation and then in trans- Atlantic shipping. During the last half or quarter of his service on the sea he had an interest in different vessels, but sold out on quitting the ocean in 1865. On the 12th of-December, 1843, Capt. Powell was married to Miss Mary J. Gambling, a daughter of Thomas H. Gambling, who came originally from England. The Captain and Mrs. Powell have had eight children: Joseph T., deceased; James H., deceased; John S,, deceased; William G., deceased; Georgia, de- ceased; Kobert H., Frank E. and Thomas H. Capt. Powell has served as justice of the peace of Ten Mile township, and is a member of Mt. Abraham Lodge No. 20, A. F. and A. M., in New York City. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Knickerbocker Lodge No. 22, in New York City. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. JOHN B. KICHAEDSON (Farmer and Stockman, Post-office, Beverly). Mr. Richardson, though born in Kentucky, was principally reared in Macon county, and by industry and sterling intelligence has become one of the most substantial farmers and stockmen of Ten Mile town- ship. He was born in Kentucky, December 29, 1834, and was the son of Jesse E. and Sarah (Griffin) Richardson, who came to Missouri in 1837 and first located in Ralls county. In 1841, however, they settled permanently in what is now known as Ten Mile township, of Macon county, where they lived until their deaths. The father died in 1866, but the mother preceded him in 1844. John began farming on his own account when he reached the age of 21 and continued it up to 1859, when Pike's Peak gold excitement having broken out, he crossed the plains, bound for the land of gold and silver in the South Park country of Colorado. He remained in Colorado for a year, and returned home in the summer of 1860. In less than a year afterwards the war broke out, and he enlisted in the State guard, under Gov. Jackson's call. Soon after the expiration of his six months' service, he went to Montana and was in that territory, and Washington and Idaho, for about seven years. He was engaged in mining and had good success. Returning in 1869, the following January he was married to Miss Mary E. AVhite, a daughter of Mark and Sarilda (Wright) White, who has blessed him with seven children, three of whom, however, aje deceased, namely: George W., Martha, Mark, deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; John R., Jr., William E. and an infant that died unnamed. Mr. Richardson has followed farminsc and stock- raising uninlerruptedly since 1879, and has also traded in stock to a considerable extent. He has 400 acres of fine land, which is ex- ceptionally well improved, including a handsome residence and other HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1129 buildings and improvements to correspond. Mr. and Mrs. Richard- son are church members. During his service in the Southern army, Mr. Richardson participated in numerous engagements, including those of Lexington, Dry Wood, Wilson Creek and Silver Creek. LESLIE P. RILEY (Farmer aud Stock-raiser). Mr. Riley is a man well qualitied by education and habits of thought to take an enviable position in the most cultured society. He is a native of New Jersey, born in Burlington county, October 27, 1827, but was reared in Allen county, Ohio, to which his parents removed whilst he was in boyhood. His father was Rev. George Riley, a minister of the M. E. Church, and a man of profound learning, great eloquence and sincere piety. Speaking of this learned and able man, his biographer, in Ohio, saj^s : " He was one of the pioneers of this (Allen) county, and lived to see three generations of men come and go. He saw this country pass victoriously through three wars, and this State rise from the cradle to the position of one of the foremost States of the Union. He saw all this beautiful land transformed from a wilderness into the homes of a prosperous and happy people. Rev. George Riley was united with the M. E. Church 67 years ago, and was licensed to exhort while yet in New Jersey. He was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Lima circuit, Mt. Vernon dis- trict, and by the Michigan Annual Conference, August 24, 1829. He was ordained for the office and work of a deacon at the session of the Delaware Conference held at Lima, Ohio, in the fall of 1856, at the hands of Bishop Waugh. Father Riley was one of nature's noblemen, and his face wore the impress of moral excellence. He was a man of fine mental qualities. Reasoning was his strongest characteristic. The writer (his biographer) visited him over a year ago, and found him writing an essay on Mental Philosophy. ^ He was quite familiar with the writings in this department of learning, and equally at home with the leading theological works of his church. He was especially fond of reading the Bible, and loved the Word of God with the devo- tion of a true Christian. He was a man of constant prayer ; to pray without ceasing was the rule of his life. His Testament is marked with his own hand, as having been read through at the family altar 28 times. He died in 1882, at the age of 91 years. So this good man departed in a full age, like a ' shock of corn garnered in its season.' " Leslie P. Riley was reared in Allen county, Ohio, and finished his education at Lima Hif>h School. He remained on the farm until he was 20 years of age — learning, however, in the meantime, *the car- penter and joiners' trade. On the 27th of October, 1848, he was married to Miss Susana, a daughter of Henry Cupp, of Ohio, but formerly of Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Riley went to Delphos, Ohio, where he lived until 1865, and taught school at that place for some six years. Coming to Missouri during the last year of the war, he first located in Clark county, but the following year, in 1866, 1130 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. came to Macon county and settled in Ten Mile township, where he has since resided. Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and also dealing in stock. Capt. Riley has a farm of 160 acres, well im- proved, and he is comfortably situated. He has been quite successful in farming and handhng stock, and is steadily accumulating property. In 1863 he was commissioned captain of Co. B, First regiment Ohio militia. He served a regular term of officers' drill at Camp Chase, Toledo, and discharged his duty, wherever sent, until the close of the war. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church since 1853. He held the office of circuit steward a long time, and was chorister for several years. He believes in being progressive in every worthy calling, and is willing and always ready to help build up the community in which he lives. He has held the offices of township clerk and township assessor, and is now district school clerk. Capt. and Mrs. Riley have had a family of nine children: Henry F., de- ceased ; George W., postmaster at Ettle ; Mary E., wife of Stephen P. Hopper, of Chillicothe, Ohio; Charles R,, teaching in Macon county ; James S., Martha E., wife of John S. Grisham ; Ida A., de- ceased ; Andrew E. and Meribah, music teacher. The children are all temperate ; not one of them uses liquor or tobacco. Capt. Riley, as has been said, is a man of superior education and wide general in- formation, having always been a diligent reader. He also has a taste for literature, and, like his ftither, is himself something of a writer. He is, now correspondent for several prominent newspapers, and his letters are greatly prized both by the proprietors of the paper and by the general public. HENRY C. SHEETZ (Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-office, Ettle) . Mr. Sheetz, one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of Ten Mile township, is a native Missourian, born in Shelby county May 4, 1849. His parents were Henry T. and Rebecca (Van Dever) Sheetz, who immigrated to Missouri in about 1832, settling in Shelby county, near Shelbyville. They lived near Shelbyville a short time and then moved to the north-west part of the county where the father was successfully engaged in farming for about 15 years. He then came to the vicinity of Shelbyville again, where he bought a farm and carried it on for about five years, at the expiration of which time he sold his place and engaged in merchandising in the town of Shelbyville. He followed that until his death, which occurred in January, 1865. His wife died in April, 1883. They had a family of nine children, namely: Walter T., Anna M., Susan T., Sallie E., Laura L., Henry C. and Julia J., all of whom, except the subject of this sketch, reside in Shelby county. Henry C. Sheetz was reared in Shelby county, and, brought up to a farm life, on starting out for liimself adopted that as his regular occupation. Three years later, however, he engaged in merchandising at Shelbyville, where he con- tinued for some time and then removed to Macon county and began farming in this county and raising and dealing in stock, which he has f HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1131 since continued. He has a good farm of 135 acres which he has well stocked. On the 19th of October, 1872, Mr. Sheetz was married to Miss Lillie E. Huston, a daughter of Erastus M. Huston of Shelby- county. Mr. and Mrs. Sheetz have had four children : Robert C, Leta P. and Edith M., the other, an infant, being deceased. Both parents are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Sheetz is highly es- teemed in the township and quite popular. He has held several local offices including that of township collector, and also the office of township trustee. WILLIAM SINCLAIR (Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-office, Ten Mile). Among the thorough-going and intelligent agriculturists of the eastern part of Macon county is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Sinclair has a fine farm of 280 acres, and his place is well im- proved. He is a self-made man, having commenced without means and accumulated all he possesses by his own industry and good manage- ment. As a farmer and citizen he is highly respected in the commu- nity. Mr. Sinclair is a native of New Jersey, born in Hunterdon county, December 8, 1820, and was a son of William and Mary (Zear- foos) Sinclair, the father born and reared in that State and of German ancestry, but the mother a native of Pennsylvania and of German de- scent. The father was a farmer and plasterer and stone mason by oc- cupation, and William was brought up to these pursuits. He received a good common-school education, and after reaching majority took up the trades of plastering and mason work aijd followed them continu- ally and with good success until he went to Ohio and then to Mis- souri. Mr. Sinclair immigrated West in 1854 and settled in Macon county in 1865. Here he engaged in farming and raising stock, and has since followed these pursuits with excellent success. On the 8th of December, 1842, he was married to Miss Margaret Trauger, a daughter of Abraham Trauger, of Bucks count3S Pa. After a happy married life of 41 years Mr. Sinclair's good wife was taken from him by death. She is buried at Mt. Zion cemetery in this township. She had borne him eight children: Anna A., wife of A. T. Mood}^ of Texas; Mary J., wife of W. F. Townsend, of Ohio; Ferman F., who died in the Union army during the late war; Sarah C, wife of Seldon Trott, of Missouri; George W., of this county; David R., William T., deceased ; and Cora Belle, also deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Ewing Church in Round Grove township. EZEKIEL B. VAN VLEET (Attorney at Law) . Mr. Van Vleet, a retired attorney living on section 8, Ten Mile town- ship, a former member of the bar in Macon county, was born in Yates, N. Y., April 17, 1819. He is descended of one of those old Dutch families, who comprise the proudest aristocracy of New York^tate. 1132 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. His parents were Peter P. and Louisa (Swartwoiit) Van Vleet. His maternal great-grandfather was born in Holland, and his Grandfather Swartwont was one of the first settlers of Seneca county, N. Y. ; he was a young man at the time of the War of the Revolution, in which he was a soldier. His Great-Grandfather Halsted was one of the pris- oners on the Jersey prison ship, during which his only food for some time was horse flesh. E. B, Van Vleet was educated in the public schools of New York and Michigan, and continued to abide on his father's farm until his marriage, which occurred March 31, 1841, the fair bride being Miss Matilda Miller, daughter of Oliver Miller, of New York. Five children blessed this union: Helen O., wife of C. P. Pendall, a lieutenant in the U. S. Army and living in Michigan; Sarah L., wife of Mr. Quinn, of Kentucky, now living in Macon county; Cass, died August 6, 1850, aged three years and 11 months ; Louisiana, died August 9, 1850, aged one year; Mary Eliza, wife of Burdine H. Rogers, living in Buffalo county, Neb, The first Mrs. Van Vleet passed away on the 18th of July, 1857, and on the 15th of March, 1859, Mr. Van V. married Miss Mary F. Steele, daughter of David and Eliza (Page) Steele, both natives of Pennsylvania. Miss Mary was educated partly in Franklin, Ohio, at Franklin Academy, and partly at the Richland Seminary, Mich. Mrs. Van Vleet's mother was a Miss Eliza Page, of Philadelphia, and her grandmother on the mother's side was of the old family of Bells in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Van V. has a number of family heirlooms which she prizes be- yond any price ; among these are a large mirror 108 years old, a Bible 118 years old, a candle-stick 140 years old, a silver sugar tongs 108 years old and a silver mug 118 years old, beside many other articles of great antiquity. Mr. Van Vleet has had five children by his second marriage: Byron E., Ella May, Charles W., died October 17, 1866; Francis P., died October 29, 1873, and Clara Bell. Mr. Van V. is the owner of 120 acres of fine land ; his improvements are first-class; he moved to his present farm in 1863. He .was a soldier in the recent war between the North and South ; he was a captain in the Cumber- land army, Wood being division commander and Harker and Garfieldf brigadiers. He was in the following battles : Shiloh, Corinth, the chase of Bragg, from August to October ; was over the ground made famous by Sherman's raid and in the fight at Perryville. He was discharged on the 28th of February, 1863, on account of his health. While in Michigan he was township clerk, justice of the peace and su- pervisor ; in 1864 was elected county assessor of Macon county. Mo., and in 1870 clerk of the circuit court, holding the latter office four years. Mr. Van Vleet was .one of the members of the Macon bar. The family are members of the M. E. Church. WILLIAM YUTZ (Farmer; Post-office, Ten Mile) . Among the many good citizens which the Fatherland has given to Mis- souri, the subject of the present sketch deserves a worthy place. He HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1133 was born in Germany, January 12^,, 1840, and was a son of George and Justinia (Cramer) Yutz, whose ancestors have been settled in the land beyond the Rhine from time immemorial. In 1852 the family came to America and settled in Easton, Penu., where the father still resides and is a carpet weaver. William remained at Easton until after the outbreak of the war, and then enlisted in the Union service and was honorably discharged June 1, 1865. He was under Gen. Sheridan and participated in the celebrated march down the Shenan- doah Valley. Mr. Yutz was in numerous engagements during the war. March 16, 1863, he was married to Miss Chistiana Heckman, a daugh- ter of Conrad Heckman, of Pennsylvania, but formerly of Germany. In 1874 he came to Missouri and located in Macon county, where he has since resided and followed farming. He has a neat place of 120 acres and is getting comfortably situated in life. Mr. and Mrs. Yutz have had 10 children : George W., Edward H., Charles M., EmmaE., John G., Anna S. and Ella S. Mr. Yutz is school director and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. LIBERTY T0W:N^SHIP. STEPHEN DRINKARD (Farmer and Stock-raiser). Mr. D., a farmer and stock-raiser, is the son of Stephen and Min- erva (Collett) Drinkard, from Kentucky. He was born in Itandolph county. Mo., July 13, 1838. When he was three years of age his pa- rents moved to Monroe county and there his youth was passed. He was educated at the public schools. At the i\ge of 15 he began farm- ing for himself, and three years later he embarked in the cement and plaster trade, working at this in connection with his farm ever since. In 1864 he moved to Randolph county and in 1871 to Macon, and has been in business in that section of the county up to the present time. Mr. D. was a soldier in the Southern army, serving in Price's forces, under Capt. Majors. He was in the battles of Lexington and Dry Wood. For several years Mr. D. was justice of the peace of John- ston township, being first appointed by the court and afterwards elected to the office. He was married October 29, 1858, to Miss Amanda E. Halliburton, daughter of John and Elmira Halliburton, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. They have 10 children : Ar- milda F., who died at the age of four ; John W., Minerva, Sarah E., William Carroll, Nanora, Naomi, Charles A., Minnie and Estella B. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, Liberty township. 1134 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. JOHN J. DYE (Farmer and Stock-raiser), Mr. Dye, postmaster of Seney post-office, Liberty township, also a farmer and stock-raiser, of section 4, is from Ohio. He was born September 4, 1834, in Washington county. His parents, Samuel and Lucinda Dye, were also natives of Ohio. John J. had excellent edu- cational advantages, having attended a first-class high school at Mari- etta, Ohio. He lived on the home farm until he was 31 years of age and then emigrated to Missouri, settling in Liberty township on the farm he still cultivates. He has always been a farmer and stock- raiser, and the first seven years of his residence in the county he also taught school. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster, and still holds the office. On the 6th of October, 1859, Mr. Dye was married to Miss Emma A. Brown, daughter of Walter Brown, a native of Vir- ginia, but a resident of Ohio at the time of the marriage. There are six living children : Hattie A., Mary E., wife of Thomas Hayner, of Macon county; Nora E., at present at school in Ohio ; Walter S., John J. and George C. ; William W. died in March, 1880, and one child in infancy. Mr. Dye was left a widower in 1879, and December 4, 1881, he led to the altar a new bride in the person of Miss Susan Esther Bronson, a native of Iowa, and daughter of David Bronson, of Macon county. Mo. Mr. Dye has a fine farm of 120 acres of jorai- rie land, and has surrounded himself with every comfort of life. Among other improvements he has a splendid orchard of 400 trees. He is a substantial farmer, considered one of the best. The family attend the M. E. Church. JAMES H. FORD (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. Ford, a leading farmer and stock-raiser, section 6, is an in- stance of what good, sound, common sense, joined to an energetic temperament, will do for a man's advancement in life. Mr. Ford was born in Benton county. Ark., on September, 4, 1838, and was the son of William and Rebecca (Tippitt) Ford, of Tennessee. He was edu- cated in Arkansas, at the public schools. He lived on the home farm until he became of age, and then moved to Missouri, and settled in Walnut Creek township, Macon county, finally purchasing 160 acres of land in Liberty, where he has lived ever since, an independent farmer. He now owns a farm of 236 acres, lying in four different townships. Liberty, Walnut, Valley and Independence. The portion in Liberty, 135 acres, is fine farming land in splendid cultivation. The farm contains good buildings and comfortable residences. Mr. Ford only came to Missouri in 1860, and the progress he has made in that time is astonishing. There is no better agriculturalist in the county and he owes his present position largely to his shrewd, keen sense and observant mind. He would never miss the flood of that HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1135 tide in the affairs of men that leads onto fortune. Of strong individ- uality, tbe high character of his moral worth and the subtle quickness of his intelligence entitle Mr. Ford to a front rank among his contemporaries, and it is readily conceded him, though he is not a man to push himself into notice or rush after office. He was a mem- ber of the Grange movement of 1873. Mr. Ford has been twice mar- ried. The first time August 12, 1860, to Miss Margaret Munley, daughter of Sandford Munley, of Missouri. By this marriage there were seven children : Mary Ella, died in August, 1863 ; Olive, wife of John King, of Missouri ; Matilda J., William A., John M., Oscar and an infant, deceased. The first Mrs. F. died in August, 1879, and the following year Mr. Ford wedded a young school-teacher. Miss Addie Hayner, daughter of James Hayner, formerly of Scott county, Ky., but now a farmer of Independence township, Macon county, Mo. Two children, Maggie S. and James Victor have blessed this union. The same good judgment that governs Mr. Ford's actions has been displayed in the choice of a life partner and the management of his family. Like all men of quick perceptions and powers of observa- tion, Mr. F. enters with entire understanding into all the feelings and thought of those who look to him for guidance, and like a goodly ship under the experienced hand of a skilled pilot, they keep a steady course amid the perilous shoals and snags of life. JACOB V. GliOVE (Section 36, Post-office, Blooraington). There is no citizen in Macon county who is of more value to the welfare of the public than he whose name heads this sketch. Prom- inent in politics, deeply interested in the schools of the county, of which he has been director in his district for eight years past, he uses every means at his command for the advancement and prosperity of the county. He is a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, and devotes himself to the making of sorghum, at which he has met with marked success, and also a molasses manufactory, which turns out annually from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons. Mr. Grove was born Novem- ber 8, 1843, in Westminster, Md. His father, Jacob Grove, was a Virginian, and his mother, Mary Humboldt, was from Pennsyl- vania, and one of the old Humboldt stock who were nearly related to William Penn. He attended the Westminster Academy at Westmin- ster, Md., and also at the Thad. Stephen's College at Gettysburg, Pa. When Jacob V. was 17 vears of ao-e he went to Baltimore, Md., arriving just in time for the Baltimore riot, April 19, 1871. His youthful heart inflamed with patriotism for the old flag. He straight- way, even on the following day, went to Gettysburg and enlisted in Co. E, Second Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, in Gen. Patterson's command. After four months' service, during which he was in the battles of Falling Waters, July 1, 1861, he re-enlisted in Co. A, Sixth regiment of Maryland volunteer infantry, his regiment and corps forming part of the Potomac army (Third corps). He was in 1136 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. the following battles : Obegnaii Creek, June 13, 1863 ; Winchester, June 14, 15, 1863; Ft. Royal, July 25, 1863; Wapping Heiohts, June 25, 1863; Bristow Station, October 14, 1863; Kelly's Ford, November 7, 1863; Brandy Station, November 8, 1863; Locust Grove, November 27, 1863'; Mine Run, November 28, 1863, and Wilderness, May 5-11, 1864. In the latter bitter conflict Mr. G. was wounded — disabled by a gunshot wound in his right shoulder. He was until July, 1864, in the Patterson Post Hospital in Baltimore, then rejoining his regiment, he took i)art in the disastrous battle of Monocacy and also the following engagements : Charlestown, August 21, 1864; Smithfield, August 29, 1864; Winchester, September 19, 1864; Flint Hill, September 21, 1864; Fisher's Hill, September 21, 1864; Pebbles' Farm, September 30, 1864; Middletown, October 9, 1864; Sheridan's great ride at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, and the siege of Petersburg, April 1, 1865. The color-sergeant of Mr. Grove's regiment was the first man who got inside the works and lived in the last named siege. Mr. Grove had two brothers in the Southern army, one of whom was wounded at this battle. After further par- ticipating in the fights at Sailor's Run, April 6, 1865, and Appomat- tox, April 9, 1865, Mr. Grove was discharged June 25, 1865, after four years of as gallant and faithful performance of duty as any man in America can boast of. The war-broken soldier returned to Gettys- burg, Pa., and for a year rested from his labors. In 1866, shoulder- ing once more the burden of life, he went West, located at Elkhart, 111., and took up the drug business. Two years later, on account of ill health, he discontinued this, and receiving an appointment in the Indian Bureau of the Interior Department, he went to Washington City. Finding, however, on his arrival, that the position was one he did not care to accept, he returned to the West and settled in Macon county, which he has ever since made his home, excepting during one year when he traveled through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mr. Grove married, November 8, 1871, Miss Annie M., daughter of Hon. George M. Taylor, of Macon county. There are six children by this union: Mary Belle, Jennie, Jacob V., Jesse Fremont, Peter Cooper, Huldah and Maggie. His tamily belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. G. is a member^of the I. O. O. F., No. "184, of Gettysburg, Pa. He was secretary of the Grand Lodge of Bloomington. Mr. Grove is of unprecedented popularity, as was practically shown when he made a canvass for sheriflTof his county. JOHN McDUFFEE (Farmer and Stock-dealer, Section 26, Post-office, Bloomington) . Mr. McDuffee was born in Monroe county, N. C, November 26, 1813. His parents were Duncan and Nancy (Bine) McDuflee. John McD. was educated in Tennessee, whither his father emigrated Avhen he was but four years of age. He was partly educated in the common schools, but finished his studies at Hoke College, at Mt. Pleasant, Maury county, Tenn. At 23 years Mr. McDuflee embarked in va- HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1137 rious branches of mercimtile life, and in 1839 emigrated to Missouri. He located in Cooper county, where he lost his heart to Miss Lucinda Harris, a daughter of Thomas Harris, of Missouri. The married twain were made one on the 28th of June, 1845, and soon after Mr. McD. moved to what was then Jackson, but is now Lj'^da township, of Macon county, Mo. Here he and his little wife began to prepare a home, he engagins; in fannino; and stock-raisinij. In the latter he dipped quite extensively, buying and selling cattle, horses, mules and some hogs. This was before there were any railroads, or even any settlement ©f any consequence in the county. Mr. McDuffee owns 160 acres of land at present, though his property at one time amounted to at least 600 acres. He has sold off a portion of his land, and has also given largely to his children. His farm has every improvement that could be desired, and he is considered one of the most exper- ienced farmers in the township. Mr. McDuffee is a man of immense personal popularity, and several times has been implored to allow his name to be brought before the public as a candidate for county treasurer. He steadily declines the honor, however, though he has served for two years as township collector. He was a member of the Grange move- ment, and belongs to the A. F. and A. M. No. 102, of Bloomington, Mo. During the war Mr. McD. took no sides, but following the in- junction of Holy Scripture, to be at war with no man, treated both armies with equal kindness. Mr. and Mrs. McDuffee have seven children: Barbara J., who is the wife of J. J. McDaniel, of Bloom- ington; William F., who is married to Miss Lucy Garvin, and living in Liberty township ; Louisa M., who is the wife of John Taylor, of Hudson township; Nancy C, wife of E. P. Goodding, of Eagle town- ship; Sarah F., wife of James A. AVright, of Eandolph county; Mary E. and George R. The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of Bloomington. WILLIAM McCULLY (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 19). Mr. McCully is an active and energetic farmer and stock-raiser. No man reflects more credit on the county than he. He is the son of Sam- uel and Mildred (Maho) McCully. His father was born April 15, 1805, in Tennessee, and emigrated to Missouri when a young man. His mother was also born in Tennessee on the 15th of March, 1805, There was a large family of children, consisting of five girls and eight boys ; of these four are deceased. The others are all married, and are as follows : Mary J., wife of John Osborn, farmer in Randolph county ; Mildred F., wife of Thomas, Colly, farmer in Chariton county; Ardella, wife of James Ball, farmer in Randolph; Valentine, living in South-west Missouri ; John A., in Randolph; Samuel J., Walter H., both in Randolph, and Tolman G., in Audrain county. William, the subject of this memoir, was born November 17, 1829, in Randolph county. Mo. He grew up on the farm, and was educated at the com- mon schools. • When he came of age he moved for a year to Howard 1138 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. county, but returned to Randolph, and there, January 25, 1853, mar- ried Miss Margaret A., daughter of Wm. McCully, a farmer. After four years farming Mr. McCully moved to Macon county and settled in Liberty township, on his present farm. He owns 160 acres, which he has converted into a little Paradise by his industry and good man- agement. Mr. and Mrs. McCully have had seven children. Arzelia, who died January 29, 1860; William S., died January 28, 1860; Henderson E., Tyson W., Minnie M., James *T., and Ira, who died August 6, 1875. Mr. McC. is a member of the A. F. and A. M. No. 102, Bloomington, Mo., of which lodge he has been treasurer for six years j)ast. He is a thriving farmer, and an enterprising and public- spirited citizen. DE. BENJAMIN L. MIXON (Physician and Surgeon) . Dr. M., a physician of extensive practice and wide reputation, sec- tion 4, Liberty township, was born in St. Helena parish, Louisiana, June 26, 1839. His father, George J. Mixon, was a native of South Carolina. His mother, Elizabeth (Barksdale) Mixon, was born in Georgia, but belonged to that talented family of the name in Missis- sippi, one member of which is in the United States Senate, and one of whom recently shot Mr. Dixon, in Yazoo City, in some political quarrel. Both were prominent politicians. Benjamin L. was raised in Louisiana and educated for a physician. His studies were partly conducted in Chicago. He remained at home until 20 years of age, and then went to Calhoun, Ala. ; after two years moved to Escambia county, Fla., and there enlisted in the Confederate army in 1864, par- ticipating in the Battle of Perry ville, Mumfordsville, Ky., George- town, Stone River, Chickamauga, Jackson, Miss., and was in all the engagements from the beginning of Dalton, Ga., until his capture by Sherman at New Hope Church, near Atlanta, on the 28th of May, 1864. Dr. Mixon was taken to Rock Island prison, and after a close incarceration of nine months, in order to regain his freedom, he joined the Union army. He was, however, still kept in prison, and after a year's service was discharged November 29, 1865, at Ft, Leavenworth. After his discharge the Doctor settled in Macon county. Mo., and be- gan the practice of his profession in Walnut Creek township. In 1877 he moved to Liberty township, where he has since lived. His success has been most brilliant, his practice extending over five town- ships. He is a fine surgeon as well as a physician, and the value of his services to his fellow men is incalculable. The'Doctor is a farmer, also, and has 300 acres of land, all pasturage, and divided into three separate farms. The one on which he lives is an unusually fine place, with the best of improvements His residence is one of the finest in the county. December 24, 1865, Dr. Mixon was married to Miss Martha A., daughter of P. F. Agee, of Missouri. Of this union were born five children, three of whom are living: Volta Edwin, Carlisle and Freddie. Walter Trent died July 18, 1867, and Roswell Duard HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1139 died June 10, 1875. Dr. M. has been treasurer of the township for two years. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church. CRAVEN P. ROSS (Farmer aud Stock -raiser, Section 20). Mr. Ross was ©ne of that steadily flowing stream of emigrants from Kentucky who settled in Missouri in the early days of the coun- try. His parents, John and Nancy (Peyton ) Ross, were natives of the Blue Grass State, where Craven P. was born, in Madison county, December 17, 1816. In 1817 the family removed to Howard county, Mo., and there the subject of this sketch reached manhood. He had married in the meantime, in Howard county, Mo., December 17, 1847, Miss Margaret Elizabeth Posey, daughter of Bird and Sarah Posey, formerly of Kentucky. She was born September 25, 1833, in Howard county. After his marriage Mr. Ross emigrated to Liberty township, Macon count}', March 20, 1851, and there still lives. He has always followed his present pursuit of farming and stock-raising, in which he has been eminently successful. His exam- ple of frugal toil and upright independence has been of no small value to those around him, and he is enjoying the fruits of his labors in a life comparatively free from earthly care. His obliging manners and truly kind heart have won for him an enviable position in the estima- tion of his fellow-citizens. His farm contains 260 acres of as good land as there is in the county, the natural value of which has been enhanced ten fold by the assiduous care and attention he has bestowed upon it. His improvements are first-class, and he is preparing to build a fine barn in place of the one recently destroyed. Mr. Ross has been for 25 years a member of the A. F. and A. M, of Bloomington Lodge No. 102. Mrs R.'s father is still living in the beautiful and healthful vigor of a green and hale old age. He is now 78 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have had five children : George W., was born in How- ard county, Mo., May 20, 1849; William B., was born in Macon county May 21, 1851, and died August 14, 1853 ; John W., was born in Macon county August 28,1853, and died December 4, 1882 ; Alex- ander Ross, was born in Macon county on the 1st of April, 1855, and married Miss Annie E. Weakly on February 19, 1874 — she is the daughter of Absalom Weakly ; Birdrick Ross, was born July 4, 1857, and died the 21st of September, 1858. GEORGE ALLEN RYALS (Teacher) . Mr. Ryals, a talented and handsome young school-teacher, of section 7, south-east corner of Liberty township, was born July 10, 1862, in Macon county. Mo. He has attended for the past two years the Kirks- ville State Normal school, and proposes to complete the course. He has always taught in Macon county, with the exception of one year he .had charge of the Brush Creek district, Randolph county. Mr. Ryals, 1140 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. though only 22 years of tige, has taken a foremost place among those of his chosen calling. So pronounced is his genius that should he con- tinue to wield the ferule, the professor's chair must ere long claim him as an occupant. With manners of most pleasing grace and a physique of remarkable beauty, this gifted young man is a general favorite, and has within his grasp those coveted joys and honors of life for which most men sigh in vain. Mr. .Ryals belongs to the order of Good Templars. William Ryals, ftither of George Allen, is a farmer and stock-raiser, of section 7. He was born January 26, 1828, in Sangamon county. 111., but emigrated with his parents in 1831 to Missouri. They lived first in Randolph county, then in Monroe, then in Putnam, and finally in 1859 settled in Liberty township, Macon county. Mr. Ryal's father was John Ryal, his mother Mary (Sears) Ryals, daugh- ter of Harry Sears, a member of the old and prominent f amil}^ of Sears in Kentucky. William R. had a good common-school education, and has followed the vocation of farmer ever since his residence in Mis- souri. He took no part in the late war. He served for a time as road overseer of his district, and was also a member of the Grange move- ment. He owns now but 60 acr6s of land, but has been a large land holder. His farm is pleasantly situated and well improved. Mr. Ryals has been three times married. His first wife, to whom he was united March 13, 1850, was Miss Lucinda Sears, daughter of Wiley Sears, of Kentucky. There were two children : Mary F., wife of W. P. Early, merchant and stock dealer of Callao township, and Luther W., merchant, of Callao, Mo. Mrs. R. laid down to an eternal rest Decem- ber 13, 1856, and was interred in the family burying ground in Ran- dolph. November 29, 1857, Mr. Ryals married Miss Martha J. Sears, daughter of Hardy Sears, of Kentucky ; but a second time his dreams of bliss were destined to a rude awakening, his beloved consort after a few brief years being snatched from his clinging arms, leaving two children: Isom L. and George A., as pledges of her devotion. One child breathed its little life away when an infant. In February, 1866, Mr. Ryals a third time entered the marital relation with Mrs. Lucinda W. Payne, daughter of Avington Simpson, of Kentucky. Mrs. Payne had one daughter, Permelia Payne, who is still unmarried. Mr. Ryal's third marriage is childless. He and his wife are members of the Old School Baptist Church in Valley township. COLUMBUS G. TAYLOR (Farmer aud Stock-raiser, Section 35). Mr. Taylor is the son of George M. Taylor, who was one of the most important citizens of Blooraington. From his earliest youth he ■was entrusted with positions of responsibility, in which he ever ac- quitted himself with the most brilliant credit. He was successively surve3''or, sheriff and representative of the county, besides holding numerous other ofiices, and at the same time owning a farm where the family resided, except when in Bloomington. Columbus G. was born February 11, 1844, in Macon county. Mo. He was educated in the HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1141 public schools, and up to the age of 10 lived in Bloomington. He then moved to the farm where he has lived ever since. In 1865 Mr. Taylor took a trip across the plains ; he was absent a year, engaged in no particular business, hut seeing life generally. After his return he lived on the farm with his parents until his marriage, December 7, 1869. The fair lady of his choice was Miss Emma Cunningham, dauo-hter of Francis and Mary Cunningham, natives of Kentucky, from which fxict may be guessed, as a matter of course, the beauty of the bride, no State in the Union being more noted for her beautiful Avoraen than that of Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Taylor moved first to Bevier township, then in 1880 to Liberty, of which township he is at present justice of the peace. He was a worthy member of the Grange movement of 1873, and belongs to the A. F. and A. M., Lodge No. 102, of Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have a family of six children : Georgia Anna, born November 24, 1870 ; Francis Markley, born July 27, 1872 ; Ida May, born May 8, 1875 : Edgar Russell, born March 27, 1827 ; Ora, born April 1, 1880, and Florence, born August 11, 1882. hudso:n^ township. EGBERT W. AIKIN (Proprietor of the Wabash Hotel). Mr. Aikin is a son of Daniel Aikin, farmer, and was born in Co- lumbus, Ind., in 1832. Before he came to Macon he was a commer- cial traveler. After settling in Macon City he ran the City Hotel for three years, and the Mercliants' two years, and then took charge of the Wabash, which he now has. Mr. Aikin is a Republican in poli- tics, and has twice been elected councilman at large of Macon City. He is now city engineer. He has twice been married. His first wife, Miss Elizabeth Hendrickson, of Indiana, to whom he was married in 1856, died in 1863, leaving one daughter, Ida, now the wife of John M. Reed, farmer. In 18^78 Mr. AUdn made a second matrimonial venture, which has proved a most fortunate one. His present wife was Mrs. Mary, widow of John Cook, who died in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. A. have two sons, ®ne a telegraph operator in the employ of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad,"and the other a printer, until two years ago foreman in the Repuhlican office in Macon, but now work- ing on the Brookfield Gazette. Mr. Aikin is an experienced hotel keeper, and has one of the best houses to be found in the country. First-class accommodations and assiduous attention are the fate of all the traveling -pubhc who favor him with a visit. His wife is a lady possessed of many noble qualities of mind and heart, and by her su- perior aid and counsel materially assists her husband in the manage- ment of his house. 1142 HtSTORY OF MACON COUNTY. WILLIAM F. ANDERSON (Merchant Tailor, Macon City) . Dr. John J. Anderson, the father of William F., came of one of the most respectable untitled families of Scotland. His parents were hioiily cultured and in easy circumstances, and gave their children advanced educations. Dr. Anderson received a thorough classical education, and was graduated from the ancient and famous University of Dublin, both in a general educational course and in medicine. After this, whilst still a young man, he came to Charleston, S. C, then the most strictly aristocratic city on the continent, bringing with him the highest recommendations both as to his social standing and professional abilities, for the purpose of practicing his profession at the metropolis of the Palmetto State. His success at Charleston was prompt, and his clientele represented many of the best families of that city. After a residence of a few years at Charleston, he was married to Miss Isabella McCuUoug^i, of South Carolina, a young lady of the hio-hest culture and refinement, and of rare beauty and personal grace. William F. was born of this happy union in Charleston, October 8, 1836, but on account of the great torridity of the climate during the summer seasons, and the constant strain of a large practice. Dr. An- derson's health failed, and he was advised to seek rest in the mountains. Accordingly he decided to remove to the mountains of Tennessee, and in 1848 he located in that State ; but becoming thoroughly dissatisfied in Tennessee, for the practice amounted to little or nothing there, and after the loss of two years and considerable means, practically all he had, he located at Helena, Ark. In the meantime (illustrating the adage that troubles never come single) death had robbed him of his wife. At Helena his success in his profession was as good as could have been expected of a place like that in those days, when there was a sreat deal more sickness in the country than money. The result was that he was unable to educate or bring up his children as he him- self had been educated and brought up. His health was never good and his means limited, so that William F., who had intended to be- come a physician himself, and had studied several years under his father with that object in view, was compelled, at the early age of 17, to seek some employment that would bring in an immediate income. He accordingly went to work to learn the tailor's trade at a small salary, and was at work at that when the war broke out ; thereupon he and two brothers promptly enlisted in the service of the South, he in the Fortieth Tennessee infantry. His two brothers were killed at Port Hudson, and he was severely wounded at the bombardment of Island No. 10, being struck by two pieces of a bomb, one in his side and one on the foot, thus disabling him from further field service. After this he was in the quartermaster's department, but was finally compelled to leave the service, on account of bad heath, entirely. He returned to Memphis and resumed his trade, working there until 1865. He then came to St. Louis, and worked a year or two. From St. HISTORY ''OF MACON COUNTY. 1143 Louis- he came to the interior of the State, and was in the drug busi- ness at La Plata for about two years. Excepting this, however, he continued to work at his trade and following the business of merchant tailoring until he came to Macon City, where he has since continued in the same lines. He has one of the leading establishments in the merchant tailoring business at Macon City, and has a large custom. December 2, 1869, he w^as married at Shelbina to Miss Sarah M. Green, a daughter of John and Elizabeth E. (Tuttle) Green, of Macon county. Mrs. Green's father, Nicholas Tuttle, was one of the early settlers of Macon county, and his ftither was a gallant soldier in the American army during the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. An- derson have seven children : James W., Joseph S., Lena E., Dr. John J. , Eugene, Charley Mark Twain and Francis Marvin. Mrs. Anderson and her mother are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Knight of Pythias, an L O. O. F. and the Triple Alliance. FEANK BATED (Cashier of the Exchange Bank, Macon City). Mr. Baird may be said to have been bred to the banking business, having been brought up from boyhood in the bank with which his father is connected at Kirksville, the First National Bank. His father, William T. Baird, is a Keutuckian by nativity, from Carroll county, and came to Missouri when a young man in 1857, locating in Adair county. He taught school there for a short time and was married to Miss Mattie C, a daughter of Mathew P. Hannah, one of the first set- tlers in Adair county, and an old and respected citizen of that county. Engaging in other pursuits subsequent to teaching, he finally became identified with the banking business at Kirksville, with which he has since been connected, a period now of nearly 26 years. He is one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Kirksville. Frank Baird, the eldest in his father's family of children, was born at Kirksville July 8, 1859, and as he grew up had the benefit of the excellent schools of that place as well as practical experience in the banking business. He also took a term at Kemper's School in Boon- ville in addition to his course at the State Normal School. It is thus seen that his advantages and opportunities have been ample to fit him for business life, and particularly for the banking business. Nor has his experience since he began life for himself failed to show that he fully improved his time when young. At the age of 20, such was the proo:ress he had made in learnin2: the l^ankino- business and such his efiiciency and the confidence in wdiich he was held, that he w^as made assistant cashier of the Exchange Bank of William T. Baird, now the First National Bank at Kirksville. The duties of this position he per- formed with entire acceptability and he continued assistant cashier of that bank until he became identified with the bank with which he is now connected at Macon city. He came here in 1883, and since that time has been cashier of the present bank — the Exchange Bank of Bairds & Wright. His thorough knowledge of the bankins; business 67 1144 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. is so well recognized and his character such that the success of this bank was assured from the time he first became identified with it. Its career has fully justified the expectations of those interested m it, and of the community at large. It ranks among the substantial, solid, banking houses of this section of the State, being intelligently and soberly managed and conducted on sound business principle. Per- sonally, Mr. Baird is popular with all who know him. He is aifable, courteous and accommodating, and perfectly reliable in business as in everything else. On the 1st of September, 1880, he was married to Miss Bessie Hunt, a daughter of N. Hunt, a prominent citizen of this city. ALFRED BANTA (Of Banta & Son, Livery and Sale Stables, Macon City) . Alfred Banta, pere, was born in Henry county, Ky., July 29, 1829. His parents, John and Nancy (List) Banta, came to Missouri in 1844 and located in what is now Bevier township, three miles south of the town of Bevier, where the father entered quite a tract of land, and engaged in farming, which he followed until his death, some years before the war. Alfred was next to the youngest in the family of seven children, and was reared partl}'^ in this county. At the age of 20 he was married to Miss Martha A. Terrell, a daughter of John Terrell, an early settler of the county. He thereupon located on a tract of land near his father, where he continued farming up to the fall of 1882, meeting with good success. He grew tobacco quite extensively and also raised and bought stock, shipping them to the wholesale markets. For four yeavs he ran the Banta mill. He still owns his farm in Chariton township which contains some 200 acres, and which he superintends. In November, 1882, he came to Macon City and in company with his son, Alfred, Jr., established their present business. They have the leading livery and sales stables of the place and are doing an excellent business. They carry a fine stock of buggies and horses, and their rigs are justly popular for their appearance and serviceability. Alfred Banta, Sr., and wife have had a family of five children, John, Martha J., who died whilst the wife of Thomas L. Morrow; James A., Emma, now the wife of Robert Gant, and Alfred. Luther died in infancy. Alfred Banta, Jr., was born July 2, 1860, and was educated at the Kirksville Normal School. He engaged in farming with his father in 1878, and February 3, 1881, was maiTied to Mattie E. Ruby, a daughter of Dr. William Ruby. They have one child. Evert C. Mrs. Banta is a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church. Young Mr. Banta is an industrious and energetic man and has all the qualities for a successful business career. BRIGHT C. BARROW (deceased) (Late an attorney-at-law, Macon City) . Mr. Banta was an ornament to the bar, which has sustained an irreparable loss in his death. He was the son of Daniel Barrow and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1145 Jane Gillstrap, natives of Kentucky, and was one of nine children : George, Jane, Louise, Melissa, Weltha, James Robert, Marietta and Bright G. Daniel D. came to Macon in 1834, and farmed until his death, in 1865. His wife survived him but a few 3'ears ; in 1870 the ftiithful pilgrim reached her journey's end. Bright G. Barrow was born in Lexington, Ky., October 10, 1826; was raised on a farm, where he worked and attended school until he was 18, when he began teaching, and, at the same tmie, reading law. At the age of 21 he was admitted to the bar, and soon after married Miss Margaret Ferguson, a native of the county, from whom he was lawfully divorced in 1860. To them were born eight children, all except two of whom died in infancy ; John C. and Daniel B. are still living. In 1863 Mr. Barrow married a second time ; the present Mrs. B. was Miss Jennie Downing, daughter of Joel and Jerusha (Knapp) Downing, originally of Ohio, who came to Macon county in 1861 with his five children : Hannah, Riley, Henrietta, Calista and Jennie. Mr. Downing was born in 1810, and was a farmer. He is still living in sound health, with his daughter. His w^ife died in 1852 in Van Buren county, Iowa. By his second marriage Mr. Barrow had seven children, of whom three are living: Everett J., Frankie G., and Sueella T. Mr. B. was one of the brightest of the legal luminaries of the county and sat on the bench as probate and county judge. He had a large and lucrative practice and thus upon his death, November 6, 1880, was enabled to leave those he loved above the grinding cares which so often fall to the lot of the widow and orphan. They have a handsome home in the suburbs of Macon City. Mr. B. was a prominent Mason and an earnest member and zealous worker in the Christian Church. For those who die in Christ, the Bible declares we shall not mourn, but joyfully sing — Where is thy victory, O grave? And vrhere, O death, thy sting? JACOB BELL (Farmer), Jacob Bell was one of the earliest settlers of Macon county. He was born in Virginia, March 22, 1809, and is the son of Daniel and Catherine (Wiseman) Bell, both natives of Maryland. They had 12 children, only three of whom survive. Daniel came to the country in 1840 and worked at the hatter's trade until his death in 1845. His wife lived until 1865. Jacob was educated in his native State and was a farmer there until after his marriage in 1839. The next year he accompanied his father to Missoiiri, and entered his present farm. His first wife, who was Miss Virginia Mc^Yilliams, of Vir- ginia, died November 20, 1865, leaving no children, and Mr. Bell married September 18, 1866, Miss Virginia Shepherd, who was born in Ohio in 1843. By this marriage there were four children : Robert L., Mary V., Jacob W. and Ellie Maud. J\lr. Bell has a fine prairie farm of 240 acres situated one mile north of Macon City, and is a man of k 1146 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. strictest integrity and steadiest habits. He is noted for the absence of those vices most common to the age. He never took a drink in a saloon in his life, never treated a person to liquor and never used tobacco. It is very interesting to listen to Mr. Bell's account of life in the county when he first made it his home. The clothing they wore was woven by his wife in a loom which he made for her, and they had to market in Hannibal. They went 40 miles to mill, and »oing to church Mrs. Bell rode her husband's saddle while he used a sack of straw thrown across the horse. At first he wore a coat, but finding himself thought proud in consequence, he left his coat at home and went in his shirt-sleeves like the rest. Mr. Bell is a fine speci- men of vigorous old age and is a consistent member of the Presby- terian Church. MAJ. SIDNEY G. BROCK (Editor and Proprietor of the Macon Bepublican, Macon City). Among the prominent citizens of Macon county the subject of the present sketch has long occupied an enviable position. A resident of the county for the last 18 years, his career here from the beginning has been characterized by continuous efibrts to promote the best in- terests of the county, material and otherwise. As a citizen no man has shown greater public spirit, or evinced a more intelligent appre- ciation of the conditions around him and of the requisites to the country for advancement in population, wealth and intelligence, than he. A man of ability and culture, and trained in the law and an accomplished journalist, a close student of public afiairs and thor- oughly-conversant with the principles of material progress, every quality of his mind and every qualification, every energy that could be made of use or value to the people have been generously exerted whenever and wherever possible for the common good. As a jour- nalist no man has labored more earnestly and disinterestedly for the prosperity of his locality, and, indeed, of the State, than he. A man of irreproachable character, both for his personal worth and for his services as a citizen of the county he is held in the highest esteem. Maj. Brock is a native of Ohio, born at Cleveland, April 10, 1837. His father was Hon. Eleazer A. Brock, a prominent manufacturer of that city and for a number of years a leading member of the city council. His mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Margueretta Piatt, originally of New York. Sidney G. was reared at Cleveland and after completing a course in the common schools he entered the high school of that city, from which he was o^raduated in 1853. Followino; this he matriculated at Alleghany College, of Meadville, Pa., where he took a thorough En- glish and classical course, and graduated with the highest honors in 1859. He carried off' the prizes in both Greek and English literature. Young Brock was educated for the bar, and after his graduation at Al- leghany he at once entered upon the study of law, placing himself under the instruction of Hon. Hiram Griswolcl, one of the ablest lawyers of Ohio. Studying under Judge Griswold, he also soon entered the Law HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1147 College of Cleveland, in which he took a regular course of study. In 1861 he was admitted to the bar Avith the highest expressions of confidence from the bench in his future. He now entered upon his career as a lawyer and opened an office in Cleveland. Soon after his admission to the bar, on the 1st of December, 1861, he was married to Miss Louisa O. Williams, a lad}' of superior culture and refinement, a daughter of Vice-President L. D. AVilliams, of Alleghany College, Pennsylvania. But by this time it had become evident that the war was to be one in which would be required the united eff'orts of the whole people of the loyal States to maintain the integrity of the Union, and young Brock felt that above every personal consideration stood his duty to his country. He, therefore, four days after his marriage, was ordered to the front, having previously volunteered and organized a company. Taking leave of his young wife, and giving up for the time at least all thought of his future at the bar, which had been the dream of his life, and for which he had long and faithfully prepared himself, he marched ofi" to the perils of the conflict. His enlistment was in Co. H, of the Sixty-seventh Ohio infantry, of which he was commissioned first lieutenant, and afterwards elected captain. The Sixty-seventh served principally in Virginia and South Carolina and participated in some of the severest campaigns and battles of the war. By his ability as an officer and his conspicuous bravery, Capt. Brock rose to the rank of major in which he was honorably mustered out of service at the close of the struggle. During the latter part of his service he was principally on detached duty. Returning to Ohio after his discharge with feelings of just satisfac- tion for the honorable part he had borne in the struggle for the integrity of the Union, he remained in his native State but a short time, for he had already decided to make his future home in Mis- souri. Maj. Brock removed to this State in 1866 and located at Macon City, where he formed a partnership in the practice of law with Gen. F. A. Jones, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. This partnership continued for five years during which they were engaged in cases principally in the United States courts, though they also did considerable business in the State courts. In 1871 Maj. Brock and Gen. Jones established the Macon Repuh- licariy with which he has since been connected. Since the establish- ment of theHepublican Maj. Brock has given little attention to the law practice, in fact none at all in recent years, the duties of his newspaper office requiring his undivided time and attention. Gen. Jones continued with him in the Republican until the former's death, since which Maj. Brock has conducted it alone. By their ability and good management and by their manifest concern for the best interests of the public, they made the Republican one of the leading interior journals of the State, a rank it has ever since held. Maj. Brock possesses many of the stronger qualities for a success- ful newspaper man. As all know who are acquainted with him, he is 1148 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. a man of superior general business qualifications. For intelligent and economical, though by no means parsimonious management in jour- nalism, he is looked upon by newspaper men as having few equals and not a superior ; whilst as a writer his education is such and his general mformation and experience in affairs, as well as his habits of thought and natural strength of mind, that he has taken a high rank among the able and influential editors of North Missouri. The Republican, as it name indicates, is Republican in politics, and Maj. Brock has always been actively identified with that party, be- lieving that its principles and policies are most conducive to the wel- fare and prosperity of the whole country and of every section and locality of the country. Politically, therefore, he has always labored earnestly and zealously for the success of the Republican party, and difficult as it is to build up a local [)aper where the party it represents is in the minority, such is the ability he has shown as a newspaper man that he has succeeded in making the JRepublican one of the val- uable pieces of newspaper property — one of the most popular and in- fluential journals outside of a large city in the State. Financially and in a Ijusiness point of view it is on a solid basis, and as a popular journal of the interior it holds a place amongst the first. One of the leading influences that have contributed to the success of the Repuhlican is the earnestness and fidelity with which it has labored for the material and general prosperity of the county and surrounding country, regardless of politics. Whilst it has never faltered in its devotion to Republicanism, yet, when it came to ques- tions involving the business or social interests of the community, it has ever shown the good sense to put politics aside and labor for the common good. This has given it great popularity with all classes and has made it respected and esteemed by all. Republican in politics, even as a partisan journal it never goes to undue extremes, but stands up for its co-partisans only when it honestly believes they are in the right, and never fails to denounce them, when they have incurred public censure, in terms quite as bitter as it would use against its op- ponents in similar circumstances. In a word, the Republican is a broad-gauged, fair-minded Republican newspaper, believing in Re- publican principles and policies, but, above everything else, believing in and laboring for the general interests of the community in which it circulates and of the whole country. As a citizen and outside of his newspaper oflice, Maj. Brock takes an active interest in every movement for the benefit of Macon City and the county, and is especially active in advocating the introduction and encouragement of manufacturing industries. He believes with Carey, the greatest of American political economists, that, " Wher- ever manufactories go, population, wealth and intelligence — advanced civilization — soon follow." In railroad enterprises and in all kinds of public improvements Maj. Brock contributes his full share for their encouragement and promotion. Personally, as is the case with most men of culture, he is a man of somewhat retiring disposition — perhaps too unassuming for his own HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1149 advancement. But he is a pleasant, agreeable companion, genial and considerate of the feelings of others, an entertaining conversa- tionalist — rather instructive, however, than amusing, which perhaps comes of the predominence of the serious cast of his mind and of his habits of study and his manner of thought. As a neighbor he is highly esteemed, accommodating to the last degree and always hos- pitable and kind. Maj. and Mrs. Brock have three children: Alson W., Sidney L. and Benjamin B. He and wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and he has been superintendent of the local Sunday-school for the last 17 years. In 1876 he was a delegate to the General Confer- ence of the M. E. Church at Baltimore, and is also a prominent mem- ber of the Masonic order and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1883 he was one of the two delegates from Missouri to the National Encampment at Denver. In 1884 he was presidential elector from the First Congressional District on the Republican ticket. J. NORTON BROWN (Attorney at Law, Macon City). Mr. Brown is the oldest living member of the Macon county bar, and one of the oldest attorneys in duration of practice in the circuit. He was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., February 22, 1812. He was educated at Hamilton College, and took a course in the classics. When 21 years of age he began the study of law in Oneida county under Timothy Jinkins, Esq., and was admitted at Utica in 1836. After practicing in Oneida county for about four years he came West and located at Liberty, in Clay county, but in 1844 re- moved to Bloomington, in this county, and began his career here as a member of the Macon county bar. For a period of 20 years Mr. Brown continued the practice^ in the courts of Macon and adjoining counties with uninterrupted success, and built up a large practice. He was not only successful in the courts but also in the accumulation of property, and became comfortably situated. He was a large stock- holder in the bank at Bloomington, and was president of that institu- tion. He was also a partner in the mercantile firm of Tobin & Co. at that place, and was one of its most public-spirited and influential citi- zens. He was one of the leaders against the removal of the county seat to Macon City, and contributed both his time and means lil)erally and zealously to maintain the right. However, still residing at Bloom- inoton during the progress of the war, times became so critical that neither life nor property was safe in this section of the State. In 1864, fearing that the bank at Bloomington would be robbed, he took a large part of its funds, about $50,000rto St. Louis for safe keeping ; and sure enough three weeks afterwards the bank was robbed, Mr. Brown losing $2,600 of his own money. He now decided to remove to St. Louis, on account of the unsettled condition of aff'airs in the country, and in order not to be idle, having of course no professional clientage in that city, he engaged in merchandising there. But he 1150 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. was unfortunate in his business, and lost about $20,000. In 1868 he returned to Macon county and resumed the practice of law, locating at Macon City. For about seven years he and B. I. Dysart, Esq., were in partnership in the practice. He continued the practice, doing a strictly professional business up to about two years ago, since which he has been living in retirement. Mr. Brown was once a candidate for circuit judge against Judge Henry, now of the Supreme Court, but was defeated. Otherwise than this he has had but little to do with public affairs, so far as elections are concerned. He has served several terms as county attorney, but has filled no other official posi- tion to speak of. Before the war he was a Whig in politics, but since the demise of that party has acted with the Democrats. October 9, 1849, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Sheckells, of Randolph county, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Harris) Sheckells, originally of Frederick county, Va., but who came to Missouri in 1836, locating, first, at Palmyra, then at Shelbyville, but finally in Randolph county, near Huntsville, where the father died in 1849. Mr. Brown and wife were married at her father's death-bed a few hours before his demise. She was born June 4, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have reared a family of four children : Walter, now engaged in the abstract busi- ness at Macon City; Lillie, a teacher at Shelbyville, Ky., and Eddie and George, at home. No man in the county is more highly respected and esteemed than Mr. Brown. His parents were Jabez and Sophia (Babcock) Brown, both natives of New York State. RUSSELL W. CASWELL (Postmaster, Macon City). Mr. Caswell is a native of New York, born at Troy, February 3, 1842, and was a son of Edmond and Lucy (Goodell) Caswell, both also natives of that State. When Russell W. was but 13 years of age his father died, and he came out to Illinois to make his home with his uncle at Oquawka, where he lived until 1862. During the early part of the second year of the war he enlisted in the Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer infantry, and was made adjutant with the rank of first lieu- tenant. He served in the Eighty-fourth Illinois until the close of the war, participating with his regiment in all the campaigns and battles of the Army of the Cumberland. At Franklin he was wounded in the neck with a musket ball and was laid up for two months. After the war, in November, 1865, Mr. Caswell came to Missouri and engaged in the book and stationery trade at Macon City. In 1873 he was ap- pointed postmaster at this place, by President Grant, and he has since been re-appointed by Presidents Hayes and Arthur, and still holds the office. He has made an efficient and popular postmaster, as the above facts show. Under his administration the business of the office has greatly increased, and the income from stamps now amounts to about $6,000 a year. On the 3d of February, 1866, Mr. Caswell was nuirried at Oquawka, 111., to Miss Arvilla Matthews. They have three children : Lucy, Charlie and Flora. Mr. and Mrs. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1151 C. are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the K. of P. and of the A. O. U. W. COL. EEUBEN J. EBERMAN (Attorney at Law, Macon City). Col. Eberman descended from two old and respected Pennsylvania families, both of German ancestry — the Ebermans and Schuckers. His parents, Jacob M. and Sarah (Schuckers) Eberman, were both reared in their native State and were there married. Reuben J. was born at Lancaster City, in that State, November 22, 1824. Subse- quently the family removed to Wooster, Ohio, where the father fol- lowed merchandising. Young Eberman was educated at a private school, and at the age of 17 began the study of law under Judge Levi Cox. In 1846 he was admitted to the bar, and subsequently prac- ticed law at Wooster until 1859. During part of this time Hon. A. J. Williams, present State Senator in Ohio, and who nominated Sen- ator Payne for the United States Senate, was his partner. From Ohio Col.i Eberman came to Missouri and located in Macon City. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at this place, except while in the army during the Civil War. Early in 1862 he was appointed colonel of the Sixty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, by Gov. Gamble, a commission he accepted and in which he served until the close of the war. Prior to this he had been actively en- gaged in enlisting troops for the Union service, and had been mainly instrumental in forming the Second and Eleventh regiments. In 1864 he recruited the Forty-second regiment, which he turned over to the command of Col. Forbes. During the war he was stationed at Ma- con City much of the time, where he constructed block houses for the defense of the place and the protection of the railway. He was afterwards detailed provost marshal for North Missouri and master of ordinance for his district. In 1864 he was relieved of his commis- sion as provost marshal and resumed the active command of his regi- ment. From this on he commanded the post at Brookfield, Mo. At the close of the war he was honorably mustered out of the service and thereupon resumed the practice of his profession at Macon City. Col. Eberman is now city attorney of this place, and has previously held the same office. He takes no very active part in politics, but devotes almost his exclusive attention to legal business. In 1846 he was married to Miss Sarah Spencer, a daughter of Rev. Spencer, a well known minister of the M. E. Church. They have reared only one daughter, Mary A., now Mrs. E. F. Bennett, of Macon City. Col. E. is a member of the G. A. R. AMOS FIELD (Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, etc., Macon City). Mr. Field, hardly yet a middle-aged man, is at the head of the largest drug house, outside of St. Joe, in Northern Missouri, of which 1152 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. he is the owner and proprietor, and he has risen to his present envi- able position in business life by his own energy and intelligence. He is a native of Maine, born at Lewiston, September 14, 1842. His parents are Isaac G. and Olive Field, both still residents of Lewiston. Amos was reared at that place up to the age of 20. In youth he entered upon a regular college course, but did not continue in it long, being impatient to prepare himself for business life. At the age of 14 he entered a drug store, and was four years connected with the business at Lewiston. He then came West to Henderson county. 111., where he was connected with the drug business for two years, coming thence to Macon City in 1864. Here he has been in the drug business continuously for 20 years. He was first with O. S. Bearce and R. W. Caswell, but for the last 10 years has been in business alone. His career has been one of uninterrupted success, and he now does a large jobbing trade over eight or 10 counties. He deals extensively in glass, paints, oils, etc., of which he carries a heavy stock. He is a man of extraordinary enterprise and business acumen and makes every edge cut to the best advantage, always preserving, however, the con- fidence of his customers by fidr and honest dealing. On the 30th of November, 1865, he was married to Miss Olive A. Decker, then of Henderson county. 111., but originally of New York. They have two children : Frank D. and Bessie. Both parents are members of the Baptist Church. L. G. FOX (Of L. G. & G. J. Fox, Jewelers, Macon City). Mr. Fox is a native of the old Keystone State, born at the City of Brotherly Love, September 21, 1842. His father's name was Samuel Fox and his mother's maiden name Susan George. L. G. was reared in Philadelphia and there learned the jeweler's trade. In 1861 he en- listed in a Pennsylvania infantry regiment and served for four years, principally in the Virginia campaigns. Returning home after the war, he then came West to Illinois, and finally located at Lewiston, where he lived until 1869, coming thence to Macon City. His brother, James P. Fox was his partner until the hitter's death and then his other brother, George J., succeeded him in the firm. He is now also de- ceased, having died December 25, 1883, but the name of the firm has not been changed. Mr. Fox carries a large stock of jewelry and is doing an extensive and steadily increasing business. He has con- tributed his full share to making Macon City the prosperous trade center it is, for in his line he has always been liberal and enterprising. He sells his goods at the lowest prices the state of the markets will allow,* considering their quality. MAJOR W. C. B. GILLESPIE. (Macon City) . No history of Macon county purporting to reflect the more import- ant events in its past and an outline of the lives of those of its citizens HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1153 who have been actively and more or less prominently identified Aviih the county, would be complete without including u sketch of the lile of Major Gillespie. He is not a man who has accumulated wealth or risen to eminence in affairs, but he is a man whose head and heart are believed to have ever been right, and whose greatest fault, as the world measures men, is that his altruistic qualities bear too large a proportion to his egoism, or, in other words, he prizes the common- weal more than his own welfare. Every one who knows Will Gilles- pie well, knows that he is better to others than to himself. Hence, while his life has been one of uninterrupted activity and untiring in- dustry, and directed by a mind equal to the general average, he has not succeeded in accumulating that which the world prizes most nor has he with " unbashed forehead," as Orlando would say, thrust him- self forward to the hurt of others, to high station in life. He is one of those men, too soulful to be sordid and to regardful of others to advance himself. But, if the lives of men are not to be judged by the selfish success they have achieved, but by the sincerity and intelli- gence of their efforts to make themselves useful to those around them, then the name that heads this sketch is entitled to a favorable place in the record of those of the county in which he has so long lived. William C. B. Gillespie was born in Cumberland county, Pa., Decem- ber 3, 1830, and came of one of the worthy and respected families of that county. In 1835 the family removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where young Gillespie grew to manhood. He received a common school education, and by his fondness for study became more than ordinarily proficient in the common English branches. A young man of good address and popular manners, being led into politics by his public spirit and his zeal for his party, for he was reared a Democrat, he at once took a prominent position in local political affairs. In 1853 he represented his county as a delegate in the Senatorial Convention, and in January following was a delegate to the Democratic State Conven- tion of Ohio, in which he had the honor to represent the Muskingum Congressional district as a member of the Committee on Kesolutions. In the meantime Mr. Gillespie had been engaged in the profession of teaching, and later along had engaged in business pursuits, having taught two years prior to 1850 and been engaged in selling goods after that time up to 1854. During that time also he had married on the 6th of January, 1852. In 1854 he removed to Illinois and located in Christian county, where he resumed the profession of teaching and continued in that calling in Christian and Sangamon counties most of the time up to 1861. He became widely known as a capable and popular teacher. However, he united with teaching newspaper work, and was for some time a correspondent of the Chicago Times. He also took an active interest in local politics and, going up to Spring- field in 1857 at the meeting of the Legislature, his letters to the Times and his other services to the party had given him such prominence thiit he was elected first assistant clerk of the House of Eepresentatives. 1154 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Gillespie, a Douglas Democrat and an ardent Union man, promptly enlisted in the service and became a member of Co. G, Forty-first Illinois volunteer infantry. In April, 1862, he was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of his regi- ment " for meritorious and efficient services at Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862," as his commission expressed it. Soon afterwards he was de- tached and made acting assistant quartermaster of Col. Pugh's brigade, in which capacity he served with credit until August, 1864. He then returned home to Illinois with the non-veterans, and was hon- orably mustered out of the service. After this Mr. Gillespie went to Washington City, and on the recommendation of Gov. Yates and the generals of the army under whom he had served, he was commis- sioned captain and commissary of subsistence by President Lincoln, and was ordered to report for duty to Gen. Sheridan, near Winches- ter, Va. From there, he was ordered to report to Gen. Custer, and he remained in the latter's division of cavahy until the close of the war, being in April, 1865, promoted to the rank of major by brevet, without his asking or seeking therefor, and was finally mustered out of the service in August, 1865, and was then tendered a Government position to go South, which he declined to accept. Returning to Illinois in September of that year, he immediately made arrangements to move to Missouri, and, September 28, 1865, landed in Macon City, where, barring a short absence, he has since resided. In the fall of 1866 he was appointed U. S. Assistant Asses- sor of Internal Revenue, having in his district the counties of Macon, Linn, Adair and Schuyler, and he held that office during the remain- der of the administration of President Johnson, by whom he was appointed and until November, 1869, when he resigned on account of not being in accord with Gen. Grant's administration or the party iu power. Following this he engaged in the insurance business at Macon, becoming the local agent for the ^^tna, Hartford and several other leading companies. In December, 1870, Maj. Gillespie and Mr. G. C. Lyda, now deputy- sheriff of Macon county, bought the office of the Kirksville Tribune, which they changed from a Liberal Republican paper to a Democratic journal, and the name also they changed to the North Missouri Regis- ter. In a short time Maj. Gillespie bought Mr. Lyda's interest in the Register, and afterwards conducted the paper alone. In the fall of 1871 he, with Hez. Purdom and John Howe, bought the office of the Macon Times. From this time until January, 1873, he edited both the Register at Kirksville and the Times at Macon City, and also con- tinued the insurance business. Less than a year after becoming a partner in the Times office, he bought Mr. Purdom's interest in that paper, which he owned until he disposed of his entire interest in the Times, January 1, 1873. Miijor Gillespie continued to run the Register at Kirksville, though residing, himself, most of the time at Macon City, until the spring of 1879, when he sold the Register to Mr. Felix Lane. Shortly HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1155 afterwards he purchased the Macon Examiner office, or rather what was left of it, for a large portion of the office had been destroyed a short time before by fire. In the publication of the Examiner he took in a partner, Mr. Charles H. Steele, who had a newspaper at Clarence and a small job office at Macon, which were consolidated with the Ex- aminer, and the paper thus established was called the North Missouri Register. They continued to run the Register until February, 1883, when they sold the office to Mr. J. A. Hudson, who changed the name of the paper to the Macon Times, which it still bears. Since July, 1883, Major Gillespie has been engaged as a traveling salesman for the St. Louis Type Foundry. In 1866 he was chosen a delegate to the Democratic State conven- tion from Macon county, and was also a delegate in the State conven- tions of 1868, 1872, 1878 and 1880. He was also enrolling clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives in 1871-72, and in 1872 was a delegate to the National Democratic convention at Baltimore, which nominated Greeley for the Presidency. From 1878 to 1880, he was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee. He has also al- ways been an earnest and faithful worker in his party, and consider- ino- the services he has performed has received less reward in official promotion than any other Democrat of more than local prominence in the State. But with him office has never been the price of party fealty or public duty, but he has always contributed both his time and means, when necessary, to the best interests of his party and, as he believes, of the country. As a citizen he has ever been public spir- ited, and has striven with generous zeal for the good of Macon and the countv as he sees it. DR. J. E. GOODSON (Of Elder J. E. Goodson & Sou, Editors and Proprietors of the Messenger of Peace, Macon City) . This old and respected citizen of Macon county, long engaged in the ministry of the gospel, for over 30 years in the active practice of medicine, and threetimes a member of the Legislature, twice from this county and once from Carroll county, came to Macon county while yet a youth, away back in the pioneer days of the country — indeed, before the county of Macon was organized. The Goodson family was originally from Virginia. Dr. Goodson's father, Samuel Goodson, a son of William Goodson, was reared in Montgomery county, of the Old Dominion, and when a young man, before the be- o:innino- of the present century, crossed over into the then wilds of East Tennessee. But not satisfied with the Canaan of the Tories, as they called East Tennessee after the Revolutionary War, he pushed on north-westward, in a few years, to what is known as Clinton county, Ky., locating on the head of Indian creek, in that county, in about 1799. Of course there were no roads in the country then, and he was compelled to make his way over the mountains and throitgh the wilderness by pack horses. Subsequently, in Montgomery county, Ky., he was married, in 1813, to Miss Elizabeth Beck, of another 1156 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. pioneer family of the then futnre Blue Grass State of the Union. Dr. J. E. Goodson was born of this union at a place in that county called Seventy-Six, on the 30th of September, 1819. The father, a hatter by trade, followed that occupation in Montgomery county, and also farming until 1836, when he became a pioneer settler in Missouri, coming with his family in white-covered movers' wagons through Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana and Illinois to what was aft- erward known as the Bear creek settlement, in the north-eastern part of Macon county, being the founder of that settlement. His nearest neighbor then was 10 miles to the east, and the nearest one on the west was 12 miles distant. His post-office was Paris, 40 miles to the south-east. On the north there were no neighbors nearer than the North fork of Salt river and there were but few families on the Chari- ton river. Joel Maxey came with Dr. Goodson's father's family to Bear creek, moving out from Paris, in Monroe county. The next spring A. J. Darby moved out to the settlement, but the following year pushed on northward. However, in 1838-39, settlers began to come into the Bear creek or Goodson settlement, and after awhile a small loo; school-house was built, being erected on a site given by James W. Stowe. James Griffin taught the first school, consisting principally of small children, but he also gave vocal music lessons and the young folks attended his music school throughout all the surrounding coun- try, for what would now be called a great distance. Dr. Goodson says that while they did a great deal of singing at these schools, they were not entirely free from expressions of even tenderer sen- timents of the heart than music, and he himself has some very happy recollections of Prof. Griffin's music school. About this time also Elder Archibald Patterson, a Primitive Baptist minister, came through the settlement and preached for the neighbors at the house of Dr. Goodson's father, and soon afterwards Bro. Chambers, an aged and devout minister, of blessed memory, came along and preached. Meanwhile, in 1839, Elder Patterson and Elder James Eatliff organized a Baptist Church, the meeting place being at the house of Dr. Goodson's father, where many interesting meetings were held and much good done for the cause of religion in the neigh- borhood. But the following year a difference occurred between the members on some question of doctrine or church discipline, and two parties were formed, one of which organized again and kept up the meetings. Dr. Goodson remained with his father's family until the winter of 1842-43; but having married the preceding fall, the 9th of October, 1842, at which time Miss Mary C. Elsea became his wife, he soon afterwards established himself in a home of his own. His wife was a daughter of Jonathan Elsea, who came out from Warren county, Va., in 1839. In December, 1843, Dr. Goodson removed to Buchanan county and settled near the present site of Rushville. In February, 1844, he and his wife joined the Primitive Baptist Church at El Bethel. In his own experience he soon had an illustra- tion of the great truth that every true Christian must bear his cross. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1157 His came to him in tlie shape of a destructive flood, in the summer of 1844. He had worked hard and had put in a good crop, but all was swept away by the avalanche of waters that came sweeping down the Missouri. He lost everything he had ; but his loss in the end proved a benefit to him and to humanity, for he now decided to devote himself to the medical profession, at which he subsequently made a success, and for over 30 years was instrumental, day in and day out and week in and week out, in alleviating the sufi'er- ing of his fellow creatures. He began the study of medicine under Dr. A. B. Auerum, an able and long experienced physician, formerly from Ohio. After a due course of study under Dr. Auerum, and upon the hitter's cordial recommendation, Dr. Goodson began the practice of mediciue, and in 1847 he removed to Carroll county, where he bought a farm. He there followed farming and the practice of his profession, and attained to prominence both as a physician and repre- sentative citizen. In 1850 he was elected to the Legislature from Carroll county and served with marked distinction in that body through both the regular and adjourned sessions. There were no railroads in those days and, in common with nearly all the members of the Legislature, he made his journeys to and from Jefierson City on horseback. Meanwhile, Dr. Goodson had come to feel that it was his duty to preach the gospel, and before the next election he was licensed to preach by the Primitive Baptist Church. Although the people of the county wanted him to serve another term in the Legis- lature, he was ineligible on account of being a minister, and, indeed, preferred to confine himself to the pulpit work and the duties of his profession as a physician. He now entirely withdrew from politics and in 1857 removed to Linn county, Kas., settling near the present town of Pleasanton. While there, entirely without his solicitation or desire, he was appointed deputy marshal by the Governor of Kansas, and this involved him in the "Kansas troubles." The Territory was infested with outlaws, horse thieves, negro thieves, robbers and cut- throats, and it was made his duty to arrest them from time to time, as warrants were placed in his hands for that purpose. He was with U. S. Marshal Russell at the time the latter and posse, consisting of 100 men, were taken prisoners by a band of Kansas Red-legs, 400 or 500 strong, and disarmed. Dr. Goodson, for whom they seemed to have considerable respect, was the only one not disarmed, but was re- tained a prisoner with the rest for about two weeks. About a year after this a band of these marauders came to Dr. Goodson's house, in Linn county, at about 11 o'clock at night, for the purpose of robbery, supposing that he had considerable money. They were headed by a notorious robber and murderer, afterwards a prominent officer in the United States army and a high dignittiry in the State of Kansas. While plundering the house with the courage characteristic of rob- bers, they became frightened at the wind slamming the barn-door and ran away, taking, however, the Doctor's watch, a gun and a valuable suit of clothes, of which each of them was sorely in need. One of 1158 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. them the Doctor afterwards identified and prosecuted, but upon being found guilty he was turned loose by the sheriff, who was in sympathy with the thieves and a sort of " captain of the crowd " among them. Dr. Goodson then left Kansas in disgust and came back to honest old Missouri, but from soon after the Kansas troubles, for some years fol- lowing, the "Philanthropists," who couldn't stand to see a negro work for a man who reared or bought him, but could murder a peace- able, unarmed citizen in the night time, drive his wife and children out and burn his house and steal his horses, had everything pretty much their own way. Dr. Goodson was again robbed in 1862, his personal property carried away and his house burned, inflicting a loss of about $15,000. After this, in 1863, he returned to Macon county and resided for a year at La Port. He then settled on Chariton Ridge. Always a man of liberal, conservative views, and of spotless character, as well as of recognized ability, in 1870 he was nominated and elected to represent Macon county in the Legislature. Many of the best citi- zens of the county were then disfranchised because they had objected to having their negroes taken from them without compensation. But a few liberal Republicans, who had no sympathy with the disfran- chising element in their own party, united with the few Democrats who had escaped proscription and thus carried the State for the principle for which Washington fought — "Representation with Tax- ation." Dr. Goodson was elected on this ticket. He was again elected to fill an unexpired term in 1872. In 1874 he established the Messenger of Peace at Macon City, which he has since con- tinued to publish. This is a religious journal representing the Prim- itive Baptist Church, and is one of the ablest conducted papers of that denomination. It has a wide circulation and a potent influ- ence for good in church matters. In 1876 Dr. Goodson' s wife besan to fail in health, and at last, on the 21st of February, 1878, she was relieved of her sufferings by death. After this Dr. Goodson made his home with bis son in Macon City. During the years 1879 and 1880 he traveled extensively in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington Territory. In November, 1880, he was married to Miss Mary Conger, of Knox county, Ohio. He and his excellent wife have a neat home at Macon City and are much prized in the church and in the best social circles of this place. Dr. Goodson has reared a family of nine children — six sons and three daughters — all of whom but two are married and well settled in life. On the 24th of January, 1884, Dr. Goodson was a victim of a rail- road accident, which produced concussion of the brain, from which he is still (in May) a sufferer. Otherwise he is well preserved and would be quite active in his business affairs. CAPT. BYRON D. GRIFFITH (Macou City). Mr. GriflSth, who, by industry and good management, succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competency, is now and has been for some HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1159 time past living rather a retired life. He is a man of large general information, sterling intelligence and irreproachable character, and is highly esteemed in the community. He was for some years after the war a successful- railroad contractor and accumulated w^hat he has largely in that business. Mr. Griffith is a native Ohioan, born in Lorain county October 25, 1837. His parents, Michael and Rachel (Greenman) Griffith, came originally from New York, settling in Ohio in 1827. When Byron D. was three years of age they removed to Hancock county, III., but shortly afterwards went to Wisconsin, and from there, in about 1853, to Lee county, Iowa. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that in Iowa from the time of his removal to that State until his death, which occurred in 1864. Byron D. Griffith also adopted farming as his pursuit when he grew up and continued it until the outbreak of the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Second Missouri cavalry, commanded by Col. John McNiel, which was a Missouri State militia regiment. After Col. McNiel' s promo- tion to a brigadier-generalship, the regiment was commanded by Col. Rodgers. In 1862 Mr. Griffith was commissioned Capt. of Co. D, in his regiment. He served mainly in South-east Missouri, and was Capt. of the provost guard at Cape Girardeau. He participated in the battle of Cape Girardeau and served with credit until the expiration of his term in 1864, when he was honorably mustered out of the service at St. Louis. It is due to the good name of an honest and humane man to say that Capt. Griffith took no psLYt in, and did not sympathize with the well known murder of non-combatant prisoners at Palmyra, known as the Palmyra massacre. In 1865 Capt. Griffith engaged in merchandising at St. Francisville in Clark county, but soon afterwards became a railroad contractor on the N. & M. road, and later along, on the Omaha, the St. Louis and Keokuk and the I., N. & M. He fol- lowed this business for about ten years and was quite successful. Since then he has been engaged in no active business, though he has money invested in various interests and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of this city. During the war he contracted a disease technically known as locomoto ataxia, which has practically disabled him for active pursuit during the past few years. He is now unable to walk without assistance. On the 3d of July, 1866, Capt. Griffith was married to Miss Nettie Haywood, a daughter of William H. Hay- wood, of Clark county, mentioned in the sketch of John Scoveni in this volume. The Capt. and Mrs. Griffith have had two children, Florence, who died in tender years, and Mable, now 11 years of age. Capt. Griffith came to Macon City in 1866, and has since resided here. He has been quite active in local politics, being an ardent Republican, but has held no office nor has he asked for any. JOHN H. GRIFFIN (County Recorder, Macon). Mr. Griffin is one of the remarkable men of Macon county. When but 18 months of age he was stricken with paralysis, and he has never 68 1160 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. been able to walk a step in his life, even with crutches. He gets about on his hands and knees, and notwithstanding this apparently insur- mountable misfortune, he has accomplished more in life than the aver- a since February, 1883, and on the first year's introduction his sah's were $20,000, and he is now vigorously pushing the business, which has thus far proved very profitable. On the 1st of March, 1870, Mr. Patton was married to Miss Emma J. Bearce. They have two chil- dren : Mabel and Hall. Mrs. Patton is a member of the Baptist Church and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. THOMAS W. REED, D.D. S. (Maeon City Mo.). Dr. Reed, a leading dentist of Macon county, is a native Missour- ian, born in Boone county, near Columbia, July 8, 1832. His pa- rents were John and Prudence (Waller) Reed, who came to Boone county from Union county, Ky., as early as 1825. The father is a farmer by occupation and is still living. Thomas W. was reared on the farm and remained at home until he was 19 years old. He then went to Shelby ville. Mo., and began the study of dentistrj^ which he continued at Shelbyville and at other points for about four years. However, during this time and after a year or two of study, he be- gan the practice of dentistry, following the practice of that profession in Boone, Audrain, Howard and Macon counties, locating at Macon City in 1865. After coming to Macon City he entered the St. Louis Dental College in which he took a thorough course, graduatmg from that institution in 1867. Returning to Macon City immediately after his graduation, he resumed the practice of his profession and has since continued it. His practice has steadily increased and he now em- ploys, and for some time past has had an assistant, in order to meet the wants of his patrons. As these facts show his career has been quite successful. He is a member of the Macon Medical Society and also of the State Dental Society. On the 7th of July, 1857, he was married to Miss Addie Luckey, a daughter of John Luckey, of Audrain county. They have a family of six children: Waller L., now a den- tist at Mexico, Mo. ; Frank P., a dentist at La Plata ; Addie, now Mrs. J. R. Blackwell ; Frederick M., Leslie and John. Dr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the M. E. Church South. Dr. Reed is an affable, pleasant gentleman. NATHAN S. RICHARDSON, M.D. (Physician and Surgeon, Macon). Dr. Richardson, a leading physician of North Missouri, and for three years prior to the fall of 1880, the Orand Worthy Chief Temp- lar of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars for the State of Missouri, as well as one of the most gallant men in the ranks of the Union during the late war, has been a resident of Macon for nearly 20 years, actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, and during all this time, as well as previously, his life has been such as to chal- lenge the esteem and confidence of all who know him. As a citizen he has ever striven for the welfare of the community and for the best 1200 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. interest, of all, not only locally, but generally, and every movement calculated to promote the common good, whether of a material, polit- ical, moral or benevolent nature, or otherwise, has received his earnest and zealous support. He has been active in school affairs, and is now a member of the school board of Macon. He has been a member of the city council of Macon four years, and in January, 1883, was elected mayor of the city by all but a unanimous vote, receiving 517 of the 529 votes cast at the election, and was re-elected mayor, Jan- uary, 1884. He was elected on the Temperance issue, and being recognized as the head and front of the Temperance movement, not only in this county, but throughout the State generally, the majority by which he was elected speaks a more eloquent eulogy for his influ- ence at home and his high character where he is best known than any sentiment we could indite. Dr. Richardson is a native of Ohio, born in Warren county, August 24, 1830. His father, Nathan Rich- ardson, was a prosperous farmer of that county, and highly esteemed and respected. His mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Boosby, was a lady of rare strength of mind and character and singular sweet- ness of disposition, and was loved by her neighbors for her many estimable qualities only less than in her own family. She was a lady of culture and refinement with a marked taste for study, and from her young Richardson largely inherited that thirst for knowledge which has ever been one of his conspicuous characteristics. At the age of six he entered the neighborhood district schools, where he continued for nine years, and even during these early years of his life he was noted for the avidity with which his mind grasped all the learning within his reach. From the district school he advanced to Lebanon Acad- emy, Ohio, his father apjjreciating his talents and ambition for learning, and desiring to give him every opportunity to advance himself in his power. Here young Richardson continued an indefatigable student for five years, and graduated with honor at the age of 20. A graduation from Lebanon Academy at that time was considered, as it has ever since been, a great distinction, for it was regarded as one of the ablest institutions in the country, and has since become a distinguished Normal University of Ohio. Still not satisfied with his acquirements, though well qualified for the activities of life, young Richardson now entered Bacon's Commercial College of Cincinnati, in which he remained until he acquired a thorough business education. Returning home from Cincinnati, he remained on the farm with his father, assisting in the duties of carrying on the place until 1852, thus not only obtaining an excellent practical knowledge, of farm affairs, but by the out-door exercise and physical activity incident to farm work, greatly improving and strengthening his physical consti- tution. Possessed of large humanity and warm sympathies, he had come to the conclusion that the medical profession offers the best field for the practical and beneficient exercise of these qualities. Certainly the life of no one can be more useful than that of one who devotes himself intelligently and faithfully to administering to the sick and suffering. Accordingly, he began the study of medicine, earnestly HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1201 and zealously, and in due time, in 1853, entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he remained two years. Dr. Kichard- son now came farther West and located at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where his attainments as a physician and surgeon, and his culture and high character as a man, were at once recognized. He was soon in the possession of a large and steadily increasing practice. He continued the practice at Council Bluffs for several years. During this time im- portant advances had been made in medical science as taught by the schools, and Dr. Richardson determined to avail himself of the higher instruction they now afforded. In 1859 he re-entered the medical college and took a second thorough course, graduating in March, 1861? This was from the Ohio Medical College. The war was by this time close to hand, and having no sentiment with regard to pub- lic affairs but that of loyalty to the Constitution and the Union, soon after his graduation he promptly offered himself as a volunteer to the cause of his country. He was appointed assistant surgeon in the Union army, and placed in charge of the field hospital service in the West, serving in the Western branch of the army with credit and distinction until the fall of Atlanta. He was now transferred to the Army of the Potomac, under Grant, and made surgeon of the famous Thirteenth Ohio cavalry. Here he quickly gained the confidence and respect of the regiment, and won the esteem of every officer in his division. No danger deterred him from the performance of his duty, and by his fearlessness on the field of battle he won the sobriquet of the " Unterrified Doctor." His gallantry on the field of battle is mentioned more than once in history. Among the other notices, the following is taken from Whitelaw Reid's history: ''Ohio in the War:" " The Thirteenth Ohio cavalry was placed on picket duty, and in Lee's immediate front. In this position it stood all the night through, and until about daybreak, April 9, when Gen. Lee's forces made an impetuous dash on the National army. Lieutenant Cooper, of the Thirteenth Ohio, fell from his horse, mortally wounded, and was about to fall into the hands of the enemy. This danger caught the quick eye of Surgeon Nathan S. Richardson, who rode through the lines, exposing himself to the fire of the enemy, reached the place where the Lieutenant lay bleeding, and, assisted by his orderly, took the dying young hero upon his saddle and carried him off the field." This was on the morning of Gen. Lee's surrender. During Dr. Richardson's service he was noted for his uniform kind and tender treatment of all the soldiers placed under his care, whether from the Union or the Confederate army. At the close of the war he returned to the West, thoroughly imbued with its enterprise and the magnifi- cence of his future, "and located at Macon, in Missouri, where he has since resided, and quietly and fiiithfully pursued the practice of his profession. Such is his recognized ability and learning as a physi- cian and surgeon that he has long held the position of one of the ablest members of the medical profession in this section of the State. Dr. Richardson has been actively identified with every Temperance or- ganization since the Washingtonians. He became a Good Templar 1202 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. in the fall of 1855, and has held an nnbroken membership in that order ever since. He never tasted a drop of intoxicating liquor as a beverage in his life. In July, 1877, he was elected Great Worthy Chief Templar of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and was twice after- wards re-elected. By his ability and zeal in the cause of Temperance, he increased the numerical strength of the order from less than 13,000 to over 28,000 within a period of three years following 1878. He has three times represented the Grand Lodge of Missouri in the Eight Worthy Grand Lodge of the World. At the last session of the Grand Lodge of Missouri he was again re-elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar of the State. In 1856 Dr. Richardson was married to Miss Rebecca F. McFadden, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. They have but one child, Miss Kate, a young lady of rare grace of presence and super- ior endowments. FRED A. ROSWALL (Proprietor of Roswall's Photograph Parlors and Studio, Macon City). Mr. Roswall, still a young man, less than 30 years of age, occupies a position in his profession, that of photography, among, the first in this section of the State. He studied his art in the city of New York, where he took a thorough novitiation, both theoretic and practical, and became by certification a regular maitre es art in photography. After his licenciation in New York, he came West and located at Clarence, in Shelby county, where he established a gallery and studio, which he conducted with success for three years. From Clarence he came to Macon City, and has since been engaged in photography at this place continuously, except for a short time during which he was connected with Mullett's well known wholesale house in the line of photograph materials at Kansas City. Mr. Roswall is the leading photographer in Macon county and one of the leading artists in his profession in North Missouri. He has his appartments handsomely furnished, and has a full supply of all the latest outils es arts in pho- tography, so that, being thoroughly educated both by study and ex- perience in his profession, he is prepared to do as fine work as can be had in the country. In his gallery are to be seen specimens of work which would compare favorably with any in the larger cities. As has been said, he acquired his art in New York, which, in photography, is surpassed by no city on the globe, and he there learned it thoroughly, familiarizing himself Avith all the principles as well as the details of the practice of his profession, so that he is in fact, as well as in name, a master of his art. Mr.. Roswall has $2,000 invested in his parlors, gallery and studio, and the presentment they make shows that he is an artist in conception as well as in practice. He was born in Got- land, Sweden, July 31, 1856, and was a son of J. P. and Gertrude (Emgrall) Roswell, of Sweden. In 1873 he immigrated to America, and located at the city of New York, where young Roswall learned photography, as stated above. On the 2d of July, 1879, he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah M. Hall, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth E. Hall, proprietor of the Olive Hotel at Clarence. Mr. Roswall is a HISTORY OF IVIACON COUNTY. 1203 gentleman of education, polished manners and pleasant address, and is quite popular personally among those who know him, as he is professionally, which is saying not a little. His future in the art d' photographique seems one of more than ordinary promise. ERNEST HENSY RUHRUP (Deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia July 1, 1836. He came to this country in 1858, and went at once to Macon City, where he established himself in business. He worked up a good trade, and after ten years retired to take a farm upon which his family now re- side. Mr. Ruhrup was united, on the 5th of October, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Gallner, daughter of John and Barbara Gallner, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1854, and located first in Wiscon- sin, but in 1859 moved to Macon county, Mo., to the farm now owned by Mrs. Ruhrup. There the old couple lived until called home. Mr. Ruhrup' s marriage proved a happy one, and six blooming children were its fruit. Their names are respectively Henry, Minnie, Charles, Albert, Clara and Ida. But happiness in this world is but a gleam from a brighter one, and is ever fleeting, and this family are now mourning the loss of their protector, their shield, the tender father, the loving husband, who, on the 10th of January, 1884, laid down the burden and the mystery of this weary and incomprehensible life. He left his family well provided for, willing all his property to his wife. They were both members of the German Lutheran Church. JOHN SALTER (Farmer and Stock-raiser; . John Salyer was born October 2, 1830, and was the son of James und Elizabeth (Arnett) Salyer, natives of South Carolina. James emigrated with his parents when in his sixth year to the State of In- diana in a one-horse cart, which contained all their goods and chat- tels. His wife (Elizabeth) died when 38 years old. He emigrated to this country in 1858, and went back to Indiana in December, 1863, to finish settling up his business there, and when at Logansport in that State he was taken sick, and in the dark went out at a door, which was five feet from a pavement, and fell, his head striking first, which caused Concussion of the brain, and he died December 6, 1863. John was educated mostly at a Quaker school in Indiana, to which he walked daily a distance of five miles, and at the age of nineteen he became himself a teacher. Coming to Missouri in 1858, he engaged in farming, and in 1867 in distilling on his farm, and occasionally teaching school during winter. He had previously, in 1852, taken to himself a wife in the person of Miss Martha J. Bonham, of Indiana. In 1858 he was left a childless widower, and the following year was again married to Miss Merica A. Smith, daughter of Jonathan and Nancy (Cole) Smith, formerly of Indiana. He came to this county 1204 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. in 1857. Mr. Smith was a Republican, and the only man in Liberty township who voted for Lincoln for President in 1860. He is since deceased, but he will ever be remembered as the only Lincoln man in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Salyer have three children : Charles, who married Mary Fletcher in 1879 ; Annie, who married Charles W. Belshe in 1882, and James, who is 11 years of age. During the war Mr. Salyer was captain of a company of State militia, and in 1868 he was elected to the Legislature, where he assisted in getting a consti- tutional amendment through the House permitting disfranchised people to vote, and amendments to town charters. Since that time he has been occupied in farming and distilling. In 1880 he moved to Macon City, and distilled spirits from grain for three years. At present he has charge of the county farm. Mr. Salyer was one of the 13 in all the county who voted for McClellan for President in 1864. Three besides himself were all that were in Liberty township, and on account of having no printed tickets, he wrote the four voted at Bloomington. Mr. Salyer was made a Mason in Indiana, and has been a member of Old Bloomington Lodge No. 102, for 26 years, and its worshipful master for 13 years. JOHN SCOVERN (Cashier of the First Natioual Bank, Macon) . Mr. Scovern engaged in the banking business at Macon City in the spring of 1882, when he became a member of the firm of Scovern, Logan & Wilson, of which he became the cashier. This firm carried on the banking business with success until March, 1883, when the members, at the solicitation of Mr. Scovern, deciding to avail them- selves of the advantages of the National banking laws, organized, with others, their present bank — the First National Bank of Macon City, of which Mr. Scovern is cashier. Before he engaged in the banking business, Mr. Scovern had established an enviable reputation as a capable and successful business man, and had accumulated con- siderable means. Known as a man of character and business ability, the banking firm of which he became a member at once commanded the confidence, and the business in their line, of Macon City and vicinity. The career of the firm of Scovern, Logan & Wilson was one of exceptionally gratifying success, and the First National Bank, the successor of this firm, has continued the success which the former inaugurated. Mr. Scovern is looked upon in banking circles as a cashier of more than ordinary ability and efiiciency, and in the com- munity at large is highly esteemed for his affable manners, accommo- dating disposition and thorough business qualifications. He is a native Missourian, born in Clark county, March 7, 1845. His parents were Samuel G. and Elizabeth (Gillins) Scovern, both originally of England. They were married in Ohio and settled in Clark county, Missouri, in 1844. The father is still a resident of that county and has been for forty years. He is a farmer by occupation and, a suc- cessful one. John Scovern, the subject of this sketch, was reared on HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 1205 the farm up to the age of twelve when he entered the office of the Alexandria Reveille^ the first Free Soil paper ever published in Mis- souri, to learn the printer's trade. He remained in the printing office for about eight years and learned the printing business thoroughly. At the age of twenty, he established the True Flag, which he pub- lished for about four years, from 1865 to 1869, having for a partner during the last two years, N. L. Prentiss, now of Atchison, Kansas. Selling out his interest in the True Flag, he removed to Kirksville and engaged in mercantile business. In 1870 he was married to Miss Emma Haywood, of Clark county, and the following year he and George W. Browning established the North Missouri Register at Kirksville, with which Mr. Scovern was connected for about a year. He then removed to Glenwood and was successfully engaged in mer- cantile pursuits for about ten years, or until he embarked in bankino- at Macon City. Mr. and Mrs. Scovern have one child, Lula May, born July 20, 1872. He and wife are both members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Scovern is a prominent member of the Masonic order. Mr. Scovern' s wife is a daughter of William H. Haywood, who set- tled in Clark county as earh' as 1832, and is still living there, one of the venerable and highly respected citizens of that county. WILLIAM H. SEARS (Of Guthrie & Sears, Attorneys at Law, Macon City). Mr. Sears, one of the successful and prominent young lawyers of the twenty-seventh judicial circuit, and who was for four years prior to 1876 prosecuting attorney of Macon county, was born and reared in this county and was a son of Eev. William Sears, a pioneer settler and for many years an Old School Baptist minister, widely known and universally esteemed for his sterling character and earnest piety by all who knew him. William H., born August 8, 1848, was the eldest son by his father's third nnarriage. His mother's maiden name was Dru- cilla Ratliff, of the well known and highly respected family of that name, long settled in this section of the State. William H. received a good common school education as he grew up, and in 1869 began the study of law under Col. A. L. Gilstrap, of Macon City. As a youth he was remarked not only for close application to his studies, but for the rapid progress he made. Possessed of an active, quick mind, he seemed to grasp the principles involved in his studies almost at a glance, and was thus soon able to master the information afforded by the curriculum of common school studies. Practical in ideas and going directly to the point of everything with which he had to do, he felt that he had no time to lose, even if had the means to spare, neces- sary to enable him to take a course in the " upper air and solar walk ';' studies, such as Sopho(3les, Quintilian, Abstract Mathematics, etc. These he regarded as mere ornamental accompaniments of the average thin-haired, dyspeptic, spectacled "professor," who generalljMjelieves in spiritualism, than as necessary to a successful Western lawyer, and he therefore brushed them aside as Ben Butler did Sunset Cox, on the 1206 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. " shoo-fly " principle. Anyhow, continuing his legal studies under Col. Gilstrap until 1870, he was then admitted to the bar by Judge Burckhartt, having passed a most creditable examination. And although he did not have a course of college training, he has succeeded in his profession much better than many who have had such a course. He entered at once into the active practice of his profession. Of a vi<^orous mind and industrious almost to a fault, he attended closely and faithfully to the business entrusted to him, and was generally suc- cessful in his cases. Thus he grew gradually into a good practice, and soon won the confidence of the public in his ability and qualifica- tions as a lawyer, a confidence that had always been reposed in his character as a man. Genial in mind and conversation and agreeable and popular in manliers, in 1872, two years after his admission to the bar, he had come to be regarded as the proper man for prosecuting attorney of the county. Accordingly he was nominated by the Demo- cratic party for that oflice, being himself an ardent and active Democrat, and at the November election was triumphantly elected. The confidence of the public in him, neither professionally nor per- sonally, was misplaced. He made a faithful and efficient public prosecutor, one of the ablest, as many claim, whom the county ever had. In 1874 he was re-nominated and re-elected, and filled the office with honor and abihty until 1876. Illustrating the truth of Carlisle's saying, that " the ambition of man is as boundless as space," he was still not satisfied ; but now his ambition took a nobler and happier direction — matrimony. And he was successful in this also. On the 12th of October, 1876, he was married to Miss Jennie Thatcher, a re- fined and accomphshed daughter of W. S. Thatcher, of Atchison, Kan. Mr. Sears has been as happy in his domestic life as successful in his profession, and has, to add an additional charm to his home, a bright little boy, Charley T., now two years of age. After retiring from the office of prosecuting attorney he continued the practice of law, and has steadily advanced toward the front in his profession. He does a general practice and is quite successful with every class of cases, but especially so in the trial of criminal causes, the latter being a depart- ment of the law for which he is peculiarly well fitted, both by the natural qualities of his mind and by his experience and attainments. He is justly regarded as one of the best criminal lawyers in the circuit. On the 1st of January, 1883, Mr. Sears became associated in the prac- tice with Mr. Ben Eli Guthrie, a partnership that has proved entirely agreeable to both and to the mutual advantage of each. They have a large practice in the courts of this county, and also do considerable business in the neighboring circuit courts. Mr. Sears has always taken a public-spirited interest in politics, and is regarded as a sound and safe leader by his party in the county. He has served as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, and has repeatedly represented his party in different conventions. He has served one term as a member of the city council, and has held other positions of local prominence. Mr. Sears is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and stands high in the esteem of a'tl who know him. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1207 GEORGE SHERMAN (Section 35) . Mr. S., a leading farmer and stock-raiser of tlie county, comes of one of the most distinguished families of America. He is a descend- ant of a family which has gained an enviable reputation by its records as soldiers, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He was brought to Ohio when an infant, the family having previously decided to locate in that State. The father, George Sherman, Sr., was a teamster and farmer, and bought provisions and grain for the Ameri- can army in 1812. It was while engaged in delivering the same that he came to his death by drowning while crossing the Licking river in Muskingum county, Ohio. George grew up in Ohio and worked for several years at a nominal salary on the Ohio canal, and after- wards for a year at Moore's furnace. In 1865 Mr. Sherman moved to Macon county. Mo., and settled on the farm where he still resides. This comprises 340 acres of good prairie land, all except 80 acres of which is under cultivation. He has excellent buildings and other im- provements, and is to-day one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the township. He is much looked up to by the community, and has received unmistakable proofs of the esteem felt for him in the positions to which he has been elected. He served for some time as justice of the peace and at one time discharged the duties pertaining to the office of a judge of the county court. On the 26th of April, 1834, Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Matilda A. Barick, whose father, Philip Barick, was the first white settler on the Licking river. Of this union were born six children : Philip, George, James, who fought through the war ; Louise, William and Elizabeth. Mr. Sherman is a prominent Mason. Coming of such a family as he has, one known the world over for the part they have taken in the public affairs of this country, it was not unnatural to believe that Mr. George Sherman would distinguish himself if no more than in a local way ; and that he has done this, all will be willing to admit who are favored with his acquaintance. BARTLEY SMITH, M.D., (Physician and Surgeon, Macon City.) Dr. Smith comes of two old and highly respected Pennsylvania fami- lies, but is himself a native of Ohio, where his parents settled in an early day. His father, Rev. Walter Smith, was an able Baptist min- ister of Ohio, and his grandfather, Rev. Charles B. Smith, is known in the early Baptist histories of that State and Kentucky as one of the ablest preachers of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Smith's mother was a Miss Rachel Whitlatch, and she and his father were married in Ohio and came out to Ohio in company with the families of her father and father-in-law. Rev. Charles B. Smith. Dr. Smith was reared in Ohio, and received a good common school education. At the age of 71 1208 HISTORY OF JNIACON COUNTY 19, he joined the Diiukard Church, and at once began to prepare himself for the ministry in that church. Three years afterwards he began preaching, being duly elected a minister in the Dunkard de- nomination, and continued preaching in the Dunkard Church for 25 years. However, at the age of 23 he also began the study of medicine, and took a thorough course in allopathy, but the ministry occupied the principal part of his time up to 1862, when he entered the P. M. Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, in which he took a complete course. Dr. Smith graduated in 1867. After this he prac- ticed medicine in Ohio for about 10 years, and then came to Missouri and located at Wellsville, continuing the practice from that point in the neighboring vicinities of Montgomery, Audrain and Callaway counties. In the meantime he had severed his connection with the Dunkard denomination and become a member of the Christian Church. He was also licensed to preach in that church, and while at Wells- ville filled the pulpit for his denomination. In January, 1882, he removed to Macon City, and has since been engaged in the practice here and also occasionally preaches for his church at this point as well as at adjoining towns. December 31, 1846, Dr. Smith was married to Miss Deantha M. Abraham, of Ohio. They have two children, Walter, in the drug business at Macon City, and Mary L., now Mrs. D. C. Meltner, of DeWitt, Missouri. The Doctor is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Triple Alliance. FRANK SMITH (Of McCulloush & Smith, Grocers, aucl Moore, McCullough & Co., Millers, Macon City). Mr. Smith, of the above named firms, who is a successful business man and respected citizen of Macon City, is a native of the State whence the next President of the United States will come, and was born in Auburn, Me., October 11, 1853. His parents were John and Ruth (Vickery) Smith, and when Frank was 12 years of age, they removed to Missouri, bringing their family and settled in Macon City. His father is now engaged in the hotel business at Stanberry. Prior to engao-ino- in the hotel business, however, he had been in the gro- cery trade at Macon City, since his removal to this State. Frank Smith o-rew to manhood in Macon, and was educated in the common schools of this place. As he grew up he also learned the printer's trade, at which he worked for about two years. In 1876 he began in the grocery business, and has since been engaged in this line of trade with Mr. McCullough. In 1881, as stated in the sketch of Mr. Mc- Cullough, he bought an interest in the milling firm of Moore, McCul- louo-h & Co., with which he has since been identified. The business of their mill and grain trade of the grocery store have already been fully spoken of in the sketch of Mr. McCoullough, so that it is un- necessary to add anything further in that regard. December 29, 1875, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lizzie Titus, formerly a teacher HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1209 in the public scliook at this phice. They have one child, Waldo F. Mr. and Mrs, Smith are members of the Congregational Church. ISAAC C. STEPHENS (Dealer in Gent's Furnishing Goods, Macon City). Mr. Stephens has had many years' experience in his present line of business, and now conducts the leading house in his line in Macon City. He is a man of thorough business qualifications, irreproachable character and popular manners, and is highly esteemed both person- ally and in business. Proficiently conversant with the clothing and gent's furnishing goods line, he keeps everything in his stock to be found in a first-class store, in the branch of business Avith which he is identified, and, considering quality, sells at prices which can not be cut under by competition. He has thus built up a large trade, a trade which is steadily increasing with the progress of population and wealth throughout the territory tributary to Macon City. Mr. Stephens is a native of the Blue Grass State of Kentucky, born in Wayne county, January 8, 1839. His parents were Gordon C. and Sallie (Crockett) Stephens, and his father was a successful merchant of Monticello. In 1844 the family came to Missouri, locating in Macon county, near Macon City, on a farm, where the father subsequently^lied. Isaac C. was then about 14 years of age, and two years later he took charge of the farm and conducted it for about four years, when, his mother dying, he crossed the plains and went to Colorado or Pike's Peak. Returning, however, soon afterwards, he attended school at Mexico and then attended the Macon High School at Bloomiugton. On leav- ing the hiffh school he eng-ao-ed in teaching and taught about three terms of school. At the expiration of his last term he came to Macon City and became a clerk in the store of Goldsberry & McQuie (which was about 23 years ago), remaining with them five years. At the ex- piration of this time, he commenced in business for himself, which he continued for another five years, afterwards forming a co-partnership with E. S. Goldsberry, his former employer, under the firm name of Goldsberry & Stephens. This relation existed until about 20 months ago when the firm dissolved, since which period Mr. S. has been en- gaged in dealing in clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, with the exception of about 10 months, when Mr. Hail was associated with him, having charge of the dry goods store. This was sold tO' Messrs. Hail and Baker last August (1883). Mr. Stephens took for a wife Miss Anna Cravens, of Randolph county, a daughter of Owen Cravens. She is a graduate of Mount Pleasant College and is a lady of fine intelligence and attainments. They have five children: Ow^en Gordon, Mollie Knott, Lulie Pearl, Lethia and Howard Wendall. They have lost six : Cora Letitia, dying in 1883, at the age of 12 ; Walter Crockett died at about the age of six years. Both parents are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and he is a Master^ Mason. 1210 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, Dr. EDWARD C. STILL (Physician and Surgeon, Macou City). Dr. Still's father, Abram Still, who was a minister of the Gospel and also a physician, was the pioneer of the M. E. Church in this county, and of the medical profession. He preached the first sermon ever delivered in Macon county from his denomination, and adminis- tered the first dose of medicine ever given by prescription from a physician in the county. He was from North Carolina, and then came to Virginia, and his wife, whose maiden name was Martha P. Moore, was a daughter of James Moore, whose name is familiar to every one acquainted with the history of the Old Dominion. The Moores were early settlers neai' the Natural Bridge (called Rock Bridge), celebrated to all our Sabbath school readers of the Old School Presbyterian Sal)bath School Library, by the pen of the gifted Dr. Brown, son of one of the captives, and not less, but more sadly, noted in Virginia his- tory as the scene of the Abb's Valley Indian Massacre. In that massa- cre by the Shawnee Indians, young Moore's father, or the greatgrand- father of Dr. Still, Capt. James Moore, as he was at that time a military officer, 'was murdered. A tradition is that the great-grandmother was taken to the present site of the City of Detroit and burned at the stake. Young James, himself, when 14 years of age, had been captured and taken into captivity by the savages, three years prior to the massacre and capture of the family. He remained with the Indians for seven years, and having become a universal favorite in the camp, especially with the squaws, he was by these protected from any harm which might have come to him through the effects of drunken disturbances of their lords. Satisfied with his condition, young Moore would prob- ably not have returned to the white settlements had it not been on account of the ill-treatment of his sister at the time of the capture of the family. For her sake, and by the entreaties of friends, he returned to the old homestead where his sister Mary, or " Polly," as she was generally called, and other captives had gone. Soon after he was married to Miss Taylor, who bore him three children, two sons and a daughter, Martha, who, upon reaching womanhood, married Rev. Dr. A. Still, at that time a member of the Holston M. E. Church Conference. They raised a large family of children, all now living and themselves the heads of families. The subject of this sketch, Dr. E. C. Still, is the oldest one of his father's family. His parents lived after their marriage for a time in Tazewell county, Va., where he was born, January 15, 1824. Shortly afterwards they removed to Jeffer- son county, Tenn., where they resided for some years on what became the scene in our late war of the battle of New Market. There young Still attended the Holston Seminary, founded by the M. E. Church. Rev. Dr. Still, the father, preached in that State for some years and* practiced medicine with success, in the vicinity of New Market. In 1837 the family immigrated to Missouri, settling near Old Blooming- ton, in Macon county. The day they entered Bloomington, the com- i HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1211 missioners located the county seat of Macon county at that place, which then included tli^ present counties of Macon, Adair, Schuyler and Putman. The Commissioners had just driven the first stake locating the county seat at Bloomington an hour before the wagons of Rev. Dr. Still appeared upon the scene. Some years afterwards he removed to Schuyler county, where he resided for five years, return- ing thence to Macon. He lived in this county from that time forward until about 1850, when he was sent by his church as a missionary to the Shawnee Indians, then settled in Kansas. Thus became the grandson-iu-law of the ancestor who was massacred by the Shawnees, nearly a century before, the messenger of Christ, with the tidings of good will and mercy to their descendants. This was perhaps not poetic justice, but it was poetic humanity, and it brings out in clearest and purest light one of the grandest and most glorious attributes of humanity. A code of faith that can produce results like this can spring only from the conscience of God and cannot fail to bring about the universal brotherhood of man in one sympathy, one faith and one hope. Rev. Dr. Still was an active minister and a practicing physician during his entire residence in Macon county and he con- tinued both callings among the Indians. He died in Kansas about the year 1870. His widow, the mother of our subject, still survives, a resident of that State at the advanced age of 85 and well preserved, with a fair possibility of celebrating her centennial birthday. Dr. Still, the son, discovered a decided taste for the medical profession at an early age, and for 15 years applied himself to medical study almost constantly. In this he had the encouragement and instruction of his father, and he made such progress that at the age of 17 his father took him out with him in the practice. He was of necessity, owing to the condition of the country and surrounding circumstances, almost compelled to make medicine and surgery his leading lifetime thouo^ht, so that at a very early age it gave him such a knowledge of medicine that he readily won the confidence of the public in his skill and ability in the practice, and his father often being absent in pulpit work, the son was frequently compelled to take upon himself the responsibility of managing cases. Thus, at the age of 20, young Dr. Still found himself in possession of a good practice with increasing reputation and popularity. He soon fell heir to his father's whole practice. On the 20th of April, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary S. Powell, and he continued the practice, residing on the farm near Bloomhigton, until the time of the war. Conscientiously a Union man, he was made assistant surgeon of the Eleventh Missouri State militia, which was stationed most of the time at Macon City. He therefore removed his family to this place and has since resided here. Since the war he has been connected as examining surgeon with the pension business and is still a member of the examining board of this county. Dr. Still has always had a good practice, and by his upright life has ever challenged and had the respect and confidence of those among whom he has lived. On the 20th of October, 1882, he had the mis- fortune to lose his good wife, with whom he had spent nearly 34 years 1212 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. of happy married life. They reared three children : Sadie, wiio became the wife of Dr. E. H. Dunnington, of Atlanta, Macon county, Mo., and is now deceased ; Thomas A., of Macon City, and with whom the Doctor still resides ; and John J., who is a practicing physician, and now resides in the State of Kansas. Dr. Still is a member of the order of Royal Arch Masons. REV. ETHELBERT TALBOT (Rector of the Episcopal Church, Macon City). Rev. Mr. Talbot is a native Missourian, born in Howard count}^ October 9, 1848. He was a son of Dr. John A. Talbot, of that county, for many years one of its leading physicians, and a man of marked ability and learning. Dr. Talbot was originally from Erie county, Pa., and completed his medical education at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which he graduated with dis- tinction. After practicing a short time in Virginia, where he was partly reared, he came to Howard county in 1832, and located at Fay- ette. He practiced his profession in that county until his death, which occurred in 1859. Rev. E. Talbot was the sixth in his family of nine children. After taking a preparatory course in the Central College, at Fayette, young Talbot matriculated at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, where he spent four years in study, graduating in 1870. He then entered the General Theological Seminary, at New York City, where he received a thorough course of training in theol- ogy, graduating in 1873. The same year he was ordained Deacon at New York, and in the following November was consecrated to the Priesthood. Meanwhile, in July, 1873, he had come to Macon City and taken charge of St. James Parish. After he had been rector of the parish some two years, he established St. James Academy, now one of the leading institutions of learning, under the patronage of his church, in this section of the State. On the 5th of November, 1873, Rev. Mr. Talbot was married to Miss Dora Harvey, of Howard county, a daughter of John Harvey, Esq., a well known and highly respected citizen of that county. CAPT. WILLIAM H. TERRELL (Of W. H. Terrell & Bro., Macou City). So far as Macon City is concerned, Capt. Terrell can very justly claim to be one of its original inhabitants. His father, James A. Terrell, came here in 1845, and entered the land on which the town is now situated. The town of Macon City was laid off 11 years after- wards, and Oftpt. Terrell, then a youth 15 years old, carried the stakes for the surveyor, John P. Walker, on the 3d of March, 1856, when the place was surveyed. Young Terrell grew up here, and in 18(il, then 20 years of age, he joined the Confederate army and served until the fall of Vicksburg, when he ])ecame a prisoner. He was afterwards pardoned by President Lincoln, through the influence of Judge W. A. t HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1213 Hull and Hon. J. S. Rollins, and came home. Capt. Terrell feels under lasting obligations to Hon. William A. Hull and Hon J. S. Rollins for their many acts of kindness, not only to himself but to his father's family. After his return to this place he started the Ma- con nursery, and has since been in the business, except for the years from 1874 to 1878, when he was serving as sheriff of the county, hay- ing been elected in the fall of the first-named year, and re-elected in 18"76. His brother, Allen H.Terrell, became his partner in business in 1878, and they have since conducted the business together. They have one of the largest and best nurseries in this part of the State. Their trees, plants, etc., occupy 20 acres of ground and embrace every variety of samples usually found in a first-class nursery. Theirs is the only nursery in the county, except one at La Plata'. In 1870 Capt. Terrell and Col. London organized a company of militia under the State laws. Col. London was the first paptain of the com- pany and Capt. Terrell was its lieutenant. After a while the former resigned and Capt. Terrell became captain of the company. On the 21st of September, 1871, Capt. Terrell was married to Miss Caroline A. McCall, a daughter of Hon. A. P. McCall, who died in the Legis- lature in 1873. The Captain and Mrs. Terrell have two children : ' Arlotta and Adolphus. Capt. Terrell's parents were from Kentucky. His mother's maiden name was Rebecca J. AVright. His f\ither came here in 1828, and they were married in about 1837. They subse- quently removed to what is now Adair county. Capt. Terrell was born in that county, August 16, 1841. But, as stated above, the family came back to Macon in 1845. , CAPT. FIELDS TRAMMEL, 'SQUIRE PHILIP TRAMMEL and PROF. S. F. TRAMMEL (Macon City) . The subjects of the present sketch, father, son and grandson, rep- resent three of the four generations of this family that have been set- tled in North Central Missouri. The founder of the family in this section of the State was Philip Trammel, a native of Virginia, but who came to Missouri from Kentucky. He settled in Howard county among the earliest pioneers of that county, in 1814, and was a friend and associate of the Boones, Coopers, and most of the pioneers of the Boone's Lick country. Of this family of children was Fields Trammel, who was in youth when the family came to Missouri. Fields Trammel married Miss Mary Hardin, whose father's family were pioneer settlers, from Kentucky, in Boone county, and related to the Hardins of Kentucky and this State. Fields Trammel became one of the sturdy and brave-hearted frontiersmen of the country, a leader of those "^among whom he lived, by reason of his courage, character and strong intelligence, — as little afraid of the stealthy, murderous savage as he was ready-handed to clear away the forests and to assist by his brain and muscle in the establishment of civiliza- tion in this then trackless wilderness. He became a noted Indian 1214 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. fighter and his very name was used in the wigwam to make the pap- pooses nestle in fear quietly on their mother's breast. He at last lost his life while gallantly leading a company of Howard county volun- teers, of which he was captain, in a tight with the Iowa Indians, which occurred in what is now Adair county, July 14, 1829. Mor- tally wounded in the tight, he died at his home in Howard county, shortly afterwards. No braver man ever contributed his life to the great cause of carrying civilization across this continent than Capt. Fields Trammel. He left a widow and four children, the children be- mg Philip, Samuel, Fields and Susan. Philip Trammel was born in Howard county, Mo., July 26, 1822. Seven yeai's of age at the time of his father's death, he remained with his mother on the family homestead in Howard county, until he was in his nineteenth year, when he was married to Miss Sirena Blak- ley, February 25^ 1841. About this time he removed to Macon county and began to establish himself a home. He was one of the first settlers of this county, and, as has been pertinently remarked, came here Avhen the Avolves were in the country, and the Indians and the deer and every variety of animals fer(E natures, indigenous to this part of the country. 'Squire Trammel still resides in Macon county and has long held the position of one of its most successful farmers and highly respected and influential citizens. By sturdy industry and broad-gauged, liberal-minded good management, he has accumulated a handsome estate, and achieved his success without doing any man a wrong, but on the contrary by his own brain and muscle, and the soil and seasons which God has given. Without an enemy, and esteemed for the many strong and excellent qualities of his character, as well as his excellent business intelligence and qualifications, he has frequently been called into positions of public trust and service. For many years he was justice of the peace of Independence township, and in 1875 he was appointed public administrator of the county by Gov. Hardin. The following year he removed to Macon City, in order to be near the situs of his official duties. In 1876 he was elected to that office, and two years later he was elected county treasurer, and in 1880 was re-elected county treasurer. No man in the county stands with a name more spotless or is more highly esteemed than he. He has reared seven children : John B., James S., Anna M., Bethilda, Susan E,, Samuel F, and Sarah E. Samuel F. Trammel, the sixth of these, was born in Macon county, December, 13, 1854, and was reared on the farm in Independence township, where he made his home until he was 20 years of age. He studied the hi of mathematics in the St. James Academy. In the sprmg of 188.-> Prof. Trammel was elected school commissioner of the connty, the office he now holds. A young man of irreproachable habits, marked intelligence and superior education, his future seems more than ordi- narily bright with promise. WILLIAM TRISTER (Of Trister & Dyson, Retail Dealers in Liquors, Cigars, Etc., Macon). Mr. Trister, who commenced for himself when a young man without a dollar, and by industry, intelligence and enterprise, is rapidly coming to the front as one of the substantial property holders of Macon City, is, as it is almost supererogation to say, a native of Germany. He was born in the Fatherland January, 27, 1851, and was brought to America by his parents, John and Caroline Trister, who emio-rated to this country in 1855. They came to Macon City four yeai°s afterwards. The father died here in 1862, but the mother is still living. William was reared on a farm, and afterwards served six years on the police force at this place. He then engaged in his present business, which he has since followed. For two years Mi\ Dyson has been his partner. They carry a full line of liquors and keep constantly on hand good beer and other refreshing beverages including wines, etc., etc. They also have a fine assortment of cigars and tobacco, and, in fact, everything necessary to enable^ one to°spend an hour of leisure with comfort and pleasure. Mr. Trister also has charge of the Macon brewery, where they make the best beer to be had in this section of the State, and he and partner also own a large soda factory at Macon City, where they manufacture the dnnk tha^ cools one of a hot summer's day. Hence, they have the drinks tliat heat, the drinks that cool and the drinks that come between the two, so that by investing a small sum any honest citizen can enjoy any degree of temperature that he desires, regardless of wind or weathe?, while to cap the climax he can have a smoke fragrant and delicious enoucrh to make even a Turk think that he is in his ideal heaven of houri and niobes. August 16, 1872, Mr. Trister was married to Miss Caroline Kraul, originally of Germany. They have two children: John and Eddie. Mr. Trister is a member of the PJiilanthrops d' Fraternite. ^ t^ \ e Alfred Dyson, is of Trister & Dyson, proprietors of the "Board ot Trade," Macon Citv. Mr. Dyson is a native of the Empress Isle of the seas, born in Hudderstiekl, Yorkshire, March 11, 1846. Reared in his native county, in the tall of 1869 he came to America, coming soon afterwards to Macon City. In the spring of the following year be besan work in a wholesale liquor house and had charge of the soda water^'factory, and continued in the same until January 1, 1883, when he and Mr. Trister formed their present partnership. Their business, has been spoken of at large in the sketch of Mr. Trister, thus render- ing further notice of it in this connection unnecessary. March 29, 1871, Mr. Dyson was married to Miss Jessie C. Hogen, of this place, 1216 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. whose parents were formerly of England, and she was the youngest of a family of 11 children, all the rest of whom were born in the Mother country. Mr. and Mrs. Dyson have three children : John M., Fred E. and Horace M. They lost their oldest, a daughter, in infancy. Mr. Dyson is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Messrs. Tiister & Dyson have $2,000 invested in their saloon, and also over $2,000 in their soda water factory. They have two shares of a $1,000 each in Macon brewery, which has a capital stock of $9,000. Mr. Dyson was a member of the city council at the time the city ordi- nances were revised. FREDEEICK A. TUCKEE (Macon City). Mr. T., until recently of the firm of Tucker & Marcum, late propri- etors of the Palace Hotel, is the son of Geo. L. and Caroline Tucker. Mr. Tucker, Sr., was a member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, London. He also practiced his profession in New York previous to his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife is still living in New York, in which State Frederick was born in July, 1857. He grew up in New York and was educated at the common schools. Coming to Missouri in 1875, he first clerked in the Browning House, Chillicothe, and afterwards in several different places, finally came to Macon City and took part in the management of the Palace Hotel until disposing of his interest to Mr. Marcum. Mr. Tucker married, March 29, 1883, Miss Martha E. McMuUin, one of Indiana's fairest and most charming daughters. Though in this free land Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman blood, — yet when we can so thoroughly unite both, as does the subject of this sketch, the effect is beyond measure pleasing. Mr. Tucker is every inch a gentleman, and his obliging disposition, his modest but solid worth of character and winning manners lend him a fascination that in his profession is invaluable. Mr. T. is a member of the I. O. O. F. HENEY VANSICKLE (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . Mr. V. is the son of Louis Vansickle and his wife, nee Brookey McKee, of Ohio. He is one of a family of 10 children : William, Euth, John, Henry, Sarah, Charles, Louis, Mary Ann, Anthony and Nicholas. His father came to Macon county and farmed for several years, but afterwards moved to Kansas, where he died in 1872. His wife is still living in Kentucky. Henry Vansickle was born in 1838, in Elkhart county, Ind., and was reared on a farm, receiving such education as could be obtained at the common schools of the county. He began life without any help, but by frugality, economy and HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1217 unflagging labor, joined to a clear head, natural talent for manage- ment, he has now accumulated a beautiful farm finely improved of 320 acres ; 160 acres he is desirous of selling, $25.00 per acre being the exceedingly low figure at which he offers his land. It is equal, if not superior, in value to any in the county. Mr. Vansickle deals largely in stock, horses and cattle. He has been twice married. His first wife to whom he was united, December 17, 1845, was Miss Mary A. Shell. By her he had eight children : Ruth, John, Francis, Mary J . , Nancy A., Sarah M., Andrew and Elisha. He was left a widower in 1866, and the following year married Mrs. Mary Stoops, widow of Tervis Stoops, of Kent county, Md. Of this latter union wei^e born six children: Brookie D., Etha M., Maudie M., Mattie L., Grantie A. and Henry B. Mrs. Vansickle had four children by her first marriage : William J., Jessie B., E. E. and Alpha O. In all, the children of the family number 18. This good man has faith- fully discharged his duty to his family, and of him it may truly be said that "His children rise up and call him blessed." JOHN VANSICKLE (Tarraer and Dealer in Stocky. Mr. Vansickle is the brother of Henry Vansickle, a sketch of whose life has been already given. He was born in Elkhart, county, Ind., on the 1st of March, 1826. His early youth was passed in Indiana, and when about 14 years of age he came to this county, thereafter farming with his father until his mairiage in 1848. The fair lady of his love was Miss Nancy Murphy, daughter of Gabriel Murphy and Mehitable, his wife, whose father was John Fletcher, of South Carolina. Gabriel Murphy rode pack horses for the British in the Revolutionary War. Mr. V. now has a beautiful farm of 290 acres of tillable land, upon which is a handsome brick house and other substantial buildings, and also a fine orchard. Mr. V. deals extensively in stock and devotes all his time and attention to his business. He never was an office-seeker, but has always found it sufficient pleasure and honor to be the guide and counselor of his interesting family. He has three children : Brookey, born September 5, 1849 ; William, born March 13, 1851 ; and Louetta, born October 22, 1861. In this little world, cheerful, self-possessed, independent, he conducts his life with sound judgment : A narrow compass ! and yet there Dwells all that's good and all that's fair. Mr. and Mrs. Vansickle are members of the Baptist Church. THOMAS WARDELL (Coal Exploiter and Dealer, Macon City) . Mr. Wardell, a native of England, now has $100,000 invested in the coal business in Macon county, and mines and ships about 48,000 1218 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. tons, or 3,000 car loads a year. His coal lands number 2,500 acres, 250 acres of which are now being worked. He has three different shafts, and employs regularly during the coal season about 160 men, and during the summer season over 100 men. He has been identified with coal mining ever since he was 10 years of age, and has achieved his whole success in this industry, coming up from pennilessness to comparative wealth by his own industry and good business manage- ment. Such a record is not to be blushed at except for the credit it reflects, and is well worth}'' a place in this volume. Thomas Wardell was born in County of Durham, England, near New Castle, July 4, 1835, and went to work in the coal mines when 10 years of age. Seven years later, while still a youth, he braved the buffetings of the stormy Atlantic, and took passage for America. Landing in this country, he came direct to Coshocton county, Ohio, and soon afterwards pushed on out to Kewanee, Illinois, where he shortly became interested in coal raining. In 1861 Mr. Wardell came to Missouri and began operations in Macon county. He opened the second coal mine ever worked in the county, John Clifton having worked one previously from 1855 to 1860. He came to this county at the instance of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railway Company, and afterwards supplied that company with coal. He came to Macon City in 1879, where he has since resided. WILLIAM B. WEBBER and WALTER SMITH (Or Webber & Smith, Manufacturing Druggists, Macon City). These gentlemen, besides having one of the best drug stores in Macon City, are largely engaged in the manufacture of Dr. Kessler's family medicines. The following are the medicines which they manufacture and of which they are the proprietors : Dr. Kessler's German Cough Balm ; Dr. Kessler's Comp. Syr. Blackberry ; Dr. Kessler's Malarial Antidote; Dr. Kessler's German Worm Treatment; Dr. Kessler's German Corn Cure ; Dr. Kessler's Toothache Drops ; Hoffman's Canadian Condition Powders; Swan's Peruvian Elixir; Swan's In- stant Hair Dye ; and Anderson's Sure Death to Rats. Both gentle- men are practical pharmacists of long experience and understand their business thoroughly. They have been engaged in the manufacture of these medicines less than a year and their business has grown with wonderful rapidity. They now have a large, laboratory and have already established a large and growing trade for their goods. Their medicines are intrinsically valuable and their use is their best recom- mendation. ADOLPH WILL (Section 10) . Mr. W. is a leading farmer in the county, and was born in Bavaria, August 13, 1823. His father, Guenther Will, was a military officer. Adolph was educated as a civil engineer and painter, but dissatisfied with the monotony of the life in his native country, he came to seek his fortune HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1219 in America. On the vessel in which he crossed the ocean, he met a Miss Helena Seebich, to whom, on Christmas Day of the same year, 1851, he was married. For several years in Baltimore, Pittsburg, and South Bend, Indiana, he followed the painter's trade. In 1857 he started in a wagon to Kansas, but the team giving out when he got as far -as Macon County, he concluded to stay there. He settled and im- proved two farms, and then sold them, always realizing some profit, until finally he located where he now lives, on 80 acres of land, to which he has added from time to time. He now owns 560 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, and has the best improvements in his neighborhood. He has a vineyard and orchard (and also raises stock, horses and cattle, etc.). Mr. Will takes much pride in his lovely home, which can be seen from Macon City, lying as it does, about two miles to the north-east. He brought the first cooking stove and bushel measure to the county. Mr. Will and his wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. They have six children : Solomon, Henry, Louis, Otto, John and Hugo. Mr. Will is a citizen of whom any community may feel justly proud. JUDGE DANIEL E. WILSON (Of Wilson &Co., Dealers in Groceries, Macon City). Judge Wilson was born at Salona, Centre county. Pa., Febru- ary 27, 1880. His father was Mark Wilson, and his mother's maiden name was Harriet Hartman. In 1836 they removed to Ohio, and settled in Wayne county, where the father bought a farm. Daniel E. was reared in Wayne county, and received a good district education as he grew up. In young manhood he engaged in teaching school, and' taught several terms with success. He then turned his attention to farming, and followed it Avith energy and enterprise until his re- moval to Missouri three years before the now not very "late" war. September 30, 1856, he was married at Berea, Ohio, to Miss Abbie M. Bevans, and two years later he came to Missouri, locating at Macon City. Here he took charge of the public school, which he conducted Avith satisfaction to all concerned until 1869. He now retired from the schools to engage in the tombstone business, which he carried on at Macon City until the war put a stop, practically, to all business in this section of the State. He was a staunch Union man during the war and became a Lieutenant in the Sixty-second E. M. M. Later along, however, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and in 1863 he was elected mayor of Macon City, a position which he held until 1806. After the war in 1867-68 he was general assignee in bankruptcy for several counties. He was also a Division Assessor of Internal Kevenue from 1869 until that office was abolished or rather the law creating it was changed, and was the U. S. Ganger for several counties. These offices, however, he did not hold simul- taneously, but rather in the order named. The office of U. S. Gauger he held from 1876 to 1879, prior to this he was appointed pro- bate judge, and filled the position with marked ability and efficiency. 1220 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Since 1879 he has been engaged in various lines of business, and es- tablished his present business in the summer of 1882. The firm of which he is a member, carries a well-selected stock of groceries, and quite a large one, and is building up a good trade. November 13, 1880, Judge Wilson had the misfortune to lose his beloved wife, who died, leaving him two children: Ada E. and Harry B. MAJOR SAMUEL J. WILSON (General Insurance, Macon City). Major Wilson came by descent from two States famous in history for the gallantry of their sons — Virginia and Kentucky. His father, Samuel Wilson, was a native of the Old Dominion, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah McCrosky, of the Blue Grass State. Her family, however, was also originally from Virginia, as, indeed, Kentucky herself is a daughter of the old Mother of Presidents. Judge Wilson's parents settled in Illinois as early as 1836. His father was an able Presbyterian minister, and died at Monmouth, 111., in 1847. The mother survived to 1878. Samuel James, their third son, was born at Rushville, in Illinois, November 27, 1838, and was principally educated at Monmouth. He graduated from Monmouth College, including a thorough classical course in 1860. He thereupon began school-teaching, but in the spring of 1861 en- tered the Tenth Illinois infantry for the three months' service. After the expiration of this term he enlisted for three years. In the three months' service he was second lieutenant, but in the three years' service he was made first lieutenant of Co. E, of the Tenth Illinois infantry. For meritorious service he was commis- sioned captain, and was afterwards promoted to the position of Major. After the expiration of his three years' term he enlisted in the veteran service, and continued until the Old Flag floated in triumph from the Lakes to the Gulf and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He led his company at the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, on the Nashville campaign, at the battle of Chattanooga, on the march to Atlanta, and at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. At Peach Tree Creek he commanded his regiment, but was severely wounded in the thigh and carried off" the field in a critical condition. As soon as he was able to travel he was furloughed for a visit home and accordingly returned to Illinois, and was discharged. After his recovery he be- gan the study of law at Oquawka, 111. In 1865 he came to Mis- souri and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until 1870, when he began the practice of law at Macon City, being ad- mitted by Judge Burckhartt. Meanwhile he had baen appointed clerk of the common pleas court, a position he filled until his admis- sion to the bar at this place. In 1877 he engaged in the insurance business, which he has since followed. He represents many of the leading companies of the country — life, fire, etc., — and does a large business. Judge Wilson has also served in the office of county HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1221 judge with ability and satisfaction since coming to this county, and has been a member of the school board since locating at Macon City. He was also city treasurer for about 15 years, and has ever been looked upon as one of the public-spirited, highly esteemed citizens of the place. November 27, 1866, he was married to Miss Stella M. Buffington, of Port Huron, Mich. They have four children: Fred, Jessie, Nellie and Charlie. The Judge and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the K. T. fkan:^<: e. williams (Of Downing & Williams, Dealers in Boots and Shoes, Macon City). Mr. Williams, of the above-named firm, is a son of Col. John F. Williams, well known by all Missonrians as one of the prominent men of this State, and was born in Howard county, September 16, 1860. In 1865 the family removed to Macon City, and Frank E. was reared at this place. He was given a liberal general English education, and early deciding to devote himself to business pursuits, he took a course at business college. In 1878 he entered the Gem Cit}'' Business College, of Quincy, 111., where he completed his business education. Returning to Macon City in 1879, he began clerking with Goldsberry & Stephens, and the following year he clerked with Kem & Downing. He continued with that house until the fall of 1882, although it under- went different changes of partnership, when he bought an interest in the firm, which was then the Long, Gooding & Kem Mercantile Com- pany, Mr. Williams buying Mr. Long's interest, and the name of the company was changed to the Macon Mercantile Company. This com- pany continued in business until June, 1883, when they closed out. Until the following January Mr. Williams was engaged in clerking and then formed his present partnership with Mr. H. H. Downing. Mr. Downing was from Scotland county. Mo., and came to Macon City a number of years ago. He was clerking here for some time and was also in business for himself some six or eisfht v^ars, most of the time in partnership with others. He is now a traveling salesman for a wholesale boot and shoe house of Chicago, and Mr. Williams gives his special attention to the business at Macon City. They carry one of the best and most complete stocks of boots and shoes to be seen in Macon City or at any other point even much larger than this in North- central Missouri. Both being comparatively young men and full of life and enterprise, and being business men of long experience and superior taste and judgment in buying goods, they are able to meet the wants of customers in every instance, and at prices in which they have but little or no rivalry. Their business at Macon City thus far has been one of gratifying success, and they have built up a large custom which insures them a prosperous future in the boot and shoe trade. Both gentlemen are well known in and around Macon City and are highly popular with the public. 1222 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. CHAELES FKEDERICK WRIGHT (Deceased). The subject of this sketch, an old citizen of Macon City, died at his residence in this place on the Ist of September, 1882, at the age of 74, having been born March 3, 1808. He was a native of New Haven, Conn., and Avas a son of William Wright, originally of England, a sailor by occupation. Charles F. went to sea when a boy and lost his leo-, off Cape Hatteras. It was amputated three times before he recovered. He then came ashore and learned the tailor's trade, locat- ino- at Richmond, Va., where he worked for some time. He there met mTss Zelean Dean, to whom he was married in 1837. From Richmond they went to Galveston, but came to St. Louis in 1838, removing the same year to Glasgow, settling soon afterward at Roanoke, where Mr. Wright followed his trade for 30 years. From there he came to Macon City, where he followed merchant tailoring for some 14 years and until his death. For many years before the war he was a slave auctioneer and was known far and wide as such, being regarded as the best auctioneer who ever knocked a coon from the block. He sold and hired negroes under the hammer throughout Howard, Chari- ton, Macon and other counties. His widow still survives him, a venerable silver-haired old lady, respected by all who know her. Her father dying when she was quite young, she was reared by her uncle, Isum Puckett, who ran the Eagle tavern at Richmond, Va., and was proprietor of the Broad Rock Race Course, a four-mile track. Mr. and Mrs. Wright had a family of four children : Christopher, Rucker, a merchant-tailor at Ft. Scott ; Adelia, now Mrs. Willis Worner ; and Martha, now Mrs. Evan C. Wright. The mother with her eldest son and youngest daughter reside at the old Palmer homestead in Macon. Christopher Wright was born at Roanoke, Howard county. May 19, 1840, and as he grew up he learned the mason's and plasterer's trade, which he now follows. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Four- teenth Illinois inlantry, under Col. John M. Palmer. He participated in Fremont's campaign in this State and the Mississippi River campaign. He was also in the North Georgia campaign and was honorably dis- charo-ed in 1864. In 1865 he became first lieutenant of Co. F, in Pharo Denny's regiment of Missouri State Militia, and served until disbanded by the Government. He is a member of the G. A. R GEORGE YUNCKER (Township and City Collector and Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Macon) . Mr. Yuncker, one of the popular citizens of Macon City, and who was one of the bravest of the brave men who fought to uphold the Union and the old flag during the late war, is of Teutonic-French stock, and was himself born in the Land of Vines, in the province of Alsace, July 13, 1833. His parents were Nicholas and Christine Yuncker, and his father through several generations was originally ftlSTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1223 from the other side of the Rhine. The mother died when George was a lad about 10 years of age and soon afterwards the father, bringing his children, came to America, landing at New Orleans, but thence proceeded up the river into Ohio. George grew up in Ohio and learned the shoemaker's trade at Freemont. Subseqnently he worked as journeyman in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, including the city of Chi- cago. In 1859 he engaged in business at Kankakee, Ills., and was there when the war broke out. Early in 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-first Illinois volunteer infantry, and served until honorably dis- charged, a period of two years and nine months. He Avas sergeant of his company and participated in many of the hardest-fought battles of the war. At the battle of Chickamauga, but seven of his company escaped unhurt, the balance being either killed or wounded, and he, himself, was wounded no less than seven times, being as he was though shot all but to pieces. But he was placed in the hospital and in due time recovered. Following this he received his discharge. Returning to Kankakee, he came from there to Missouri in the fall of 1865, and to Macon City the year following. Here he worked for some time at his trade and then established his present business, which he has since continued. He is now serving his third year as city collector and his second as township collector. He is quartermaster of the G. A. R. at this place, and votes the way he shot, the Republican ticket, though in local afiairs he votes for the man, a sort of go-as-you-please ballot. His first vote was cast for John C. Fremont. January 2, 1872, he was married to Miss Libbie Trew, a native of Ohio. They have three children : Marion, Minnie and Lizzie. He and wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. 72 A Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: iBBKKEEPER PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. L.P. 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township. PA 16066 (724) 779-21 1 1