v. HISTORY OF Cooper County MISSOURI W. F. JOHNSON ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, TOPEKA CLEVELAND 1919 > <; THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER. \ ^ 1 o FOREWORD. I readily undertook to write the history of Cooper County. Until I had begun to gather the material and data, I did not comprehend the work involved, nor the difficulties to be encountered. One who from afar looks upon a mountain towering high, which he must approach and ascend by a devious, winding way, cannot afford to weaken his courage by vain repining, or dissipate his energies by fretful anticipations. Starting at once upon his journey, he reaches the foot- hills, and to his surprise, the mountain seems not nearly so high. Pur- suing his way by a gradual incline up the foot-hills, he leisurely keeps his course around and up the mountain, and arrives at the summit. As he stands there, comfortably wearied, and inhaling the fragrance of the wild flowers, which he has gathered on his way, he looks back over his journey as a summer outing. Having completed my undertaking, though not to my satisfaction, I look back upon my labor as one of love and pleasure. No literary merit is claimed for this story of Cooper County. It has not been written but merely spoken, and at night, extending often into the small hours of the morning. The Ediphone has been used, and from the records the typist has transcribed the spoken words. This has been at a saving of labor, but doubtless at the expense of diction. It is hoped, however, that it has the merit of being in the parlance of the street and home, and that the average citizen, with even a limited vocabulary, can read and understand, without the frequent use of the lexicon. History is but a selection of happenings and events. Each individual, every family, house and farm has its history. I have therefore attempted to give only those events which have been of some importance to the county or a particular neighborhood. Of that which has been prepared, I have been compelled to eliminate much by reason of want of space; and it may be that many things of interest to some will not be found in these pages. Errors have doubtless occurred, by reason of transcribing, typesetting and proof-reading, as it is too much to expect perfection. Again, much of the history that has been written herein has been handed down by word of mouth; and real- izing the frailty of human memory, I have attempted to arrive at the truth as best I could. Especial attention is directed to the biographical sketches which form a large part of this volume. In these sketches will be found much inter- esting and valuable reading, from which the future historian may well compile a history of Cooper County. It is to be regretted that many others have not availed themselves of this opportunity to perpetuate the history of their families for the benefit of those who come after them. However, this is no fault of the editor, as the pages of this volume have been open to all who cared to respond to the invitations of the solicitors. I have followed the rule of saying the pleasant things, rather than the evil, because the good can be found with more pleasure to the seeker. W. F. JOHNSON. Boonville, Mo., July 12, 1919. ILLUSTRATIONS Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Henry 480 Andrews, C. E. 388 Andrewls, /David 396 Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. C. W 936 Barron, Walter 512 Bell Air Rural School 240 Bell, Charles C. 372 Blank, Frank N. 552 Boonville, Main Street 256 Bowmer, George E. and Family 688 Brandes, John A. and Wife 616 Brandes, Theodore and Wife 576 Bridge, M. K. & T. 128 Bridge, Vine Clad 208 Bunceton, High School 224 Bunceton, Residence Scene 224 Bunceton, Patriotic Parade 240 Burrus, John and Amanda 504 Carey, Geo. W. and Matilda 556 Carlos, H. D., Sr. 540 Case, H. Earl 1008 Cochran, O. W. and Wife 548 Cochran, W. J. 680 Cook, C. C. and Family 684 Cosgrove, John 364 Court House, Old 48 Court House, Present 33 Davin, Andrew 888 Davin. Family Residence 888 Davin, Michael 888 Debo, P. L., Family Residence 720 Derendinger, Mr. and Mrs. Edward 432 Doerrie, Charles 400 Drechsel, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H._. 744 Drennen, Mrs. E. E 440 Eager, Charles L. 492 Eager, Mrs. Charles L. 492 Eldridge, Charles C. and Wife 544 "Elrod of Greenbush" 288 Fahrenbrink, C. W. and Family 696 Fairfax, C. P. 1048 Ferry Boat, Boonville 112 Fricke, Henry 464 Friedrich, Charles A. and Family 648 Friedrich, H. C. and Family 408 Gerhardt, Joseph and Family 660 Gmelich, J. F. 354 Gorrell, Amos and Family 788 Grathwohl, Charles T. 624 Gronstedt, Heinrich 472 Groom, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. 484 Harlan, George C. 976 Harriman, Robert L. 1040 Harris, Edward H. 824 Harris, Thomas A. 756 Harris, Judge T. A. 560 Haun, William H., Residence 816 Hazell, J. I. 452 Hickam, Samuel L. 564 Hickam, Mrs. Samuel L. 564 High School, Boonville 192 Hite, Ernest L. and Family 904 Howlett, Robert E. 984 Jacobs, A. C. — 508 Jaeger, Albert and Family 428 Jeffress, Mr. and Mrs. James 1088 Jeffress, John W. and Family 1092 Johnson, C. B. 728 Johnson, Mrs. C. B. 728 Johnson, Newton H. 728 Johnson, Mrs. Newton H. and Chil- dren 728 Johnston, T. A. 360 Johnson, W. F. Frontispiece Kaiser, Herman and Family 488 Kemper Military School 176 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Kickashear, Joseph 484 Kickashear, Mrs. Margaret 484 King, John 448 Krohn, John F. 652 [Crohn, Mrs. John F. 652 Krohn. Residence of John F. 652 Leonard, N. Nelson 928 Lohse, Mrs. Annie 468 Lohse, Fred 468 Lieber, Joseph 416 Lone Elm School 272 McCarty, M. M. 1064 McFarland. A. W. 516 McFarland, Mrs. Mary 516 McNeil, Peter P. 992 Mann, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. 440 Marshall, F. M. 800 Mayfield, William A. 896 Mayfield. Mrs. William A. 896 Meisenheimer, Peter G. and Family___ 840 Melkersman. Ed and Wife 632 Mellor, Mr. and Mrs. George W. 760 Mellor Homestead 764 Mellor. Thomas 764 Meyer, George H. and Family 460 Meyer Homestead 456 Meyer, William and Family 708 Missouri Pacific Depot 144 Moehle, E. L. and Family 412 Muntzel, Christian and Wife 780 Muntzel, Robert J. 664 Neef, Philip P. and Family 748 Nelson, A. W. 920 Nuckols. Powhatan C. 524 Oerly, Ernest C. and Wife 496 ( leriy, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Fam- ily _-- 500 Ohlendorf, Christ 568 O'Neal, Amos — 796 Parrish, John S. 856 I'atriotic Parade, Boonville 336 Patterson, Ed 536 Pens, From Oscar Spieler's 304 Pilot Grove, View of . 160 Potter, Abraham 1000 Putter, Mrs. Nancy 644 Prairie Home Fair 304 Prize Herd. A 288 Ravenswood Farm 288 Reavis, W. W. 584 Renken, Henry A. 520 Renken, Mrs. Henry A. 520 Rissler, William B. 848 Robertson, John 644 Robertson, Mrs. Mary 644 Roe. Robert S. 1032 Roe, Mrs. Robert S. 1032 Rossen, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. 432 Rudolph, John W. 420 Schlotzhauer, Christopher 880 Schlotzhauer, James H.. Residence 864 Schlotzhauer, John 836 Schlotzhauer, John W., Residence 832 Schupp, Mr. and Mrs. George 872 Schuster. Mr. and Mrs. Adam 792 Schuster, August R. and Family 772 Schuster, Benjamin E. 776 Schuster, Mrs. Benj. E. 776 Schuster. Mr. and Mrs. Henry 1056 Schuster, William 808 Sieckman, Mr. and Mrs. Fritz 480 Sites. L. T. 948 Smith. Christ and Wife 532 Smith, George W. 944 Smith, Jeremiah and Wife 608 Smith. John H. and Wife 608 Sombart, C. A. 356 Sombart, Henry E. 368 Spieler, Mrs. Elizabeth 404 Spieler, Frederick E. 404 Steamboating on the Missouri 64 Starke, John D. 960 Steigleder. Andrew and Family 640 Stephens, J. M. - 912 St. Joseph's Church and School 272 St. Joseph's Hospital-- 208 Taliaferro, George T. and Family 700 Tevis. Nestor C. 740 Tevis, Mrs. Xestor C. 740 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Tevis. Robert S. 740 Tevis, Simeon P. 740 Thornton, Samuel Y. — 784 Tornado, Devastation of a 320 Transportation, Overland 80 Turley. William H. and Wife 752 Wear, George H. and Wife 592 Weekley. Martin Luther 768 Wendleton, David and Wife 676 Weyland, George A. 384 Williams, William M. 380 Windsor, Eugene A. 736 Windsor, John H. 732 Windsor, Horace G. 656 Windsor, R .L. and Family 424 Wyan. Robert F. 528 Wyan's, R. F., Residence 256 Zollinger. Augustus L. 968 CONTENTS CHAPTER I. ARCHEOLOGY DIVISIONS OF HISTORY— CONTENTS OP MOUNDS — ORIGIN OF MOUNDS— PROBABLE RACE OF MOUND BUILDERS 33-39 CHAPTER II. EXPLORATIONS THE NEW WORLD — PONCE DE LEON — DE SOTO — CORONADO — MARQUETTE AND JOLIET— LA SELLE— FRENCH SETTLEMENTS— TREATY OF ILDEFONSO— PURCHASE OF LOUISIANA TERRITORY— ORGANIZATION OF TERRITORY — VARIOUS CLAIMS TO MISSOURI 40-51 CHAPTER III. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. DANIEL BOONE — BOONSLICK COUNTRY — FIRST TEMPORARY SETTLEMENTS — LEWIS AND CLARK— NATHAN AND DANIEL BOONE MAKE SALT— CHRISTY AND HEATH— BENJAMIN COOPER— FIGHT WITH INDIANS^INDIANS MEET GENERAL CLARK — COOPERS AND COLES SETTLE PERMANENTLY— FIRST SETTLERS SOUTH OF RIVER — CONDITIONS MET — FIRST SETTLERS IN BOONS- LICK COUNTRY— OTHER SETTLERS SOUTH OF RIVER— ENGLISH STIR UP INDIANS— FIRST DEEDS RECORDED 52-69 CHAPTER IV. PIONEER LIFE FIRST DWELLINGS — THE HOMINY-BLOCK — SPIRIT OF HELPFULNESS — EARLY FARMING IMPLEMENTS — PIONEER WOMEN— EARLY PIONEER DESCRIBED, HIS HABITS, HOME. BEE-HUNTING 70-78 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY CHAPTER V. TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS EARLY RIVER TRANSPORTATION— COUREUR DE BOIS— PIONEER ROADS AND TRAVEL— FIRST FERRIES— FIRST STEAMBOATS — ARRIVAL AT FRANKLIN- ARRIVAL OF SECOND STEAMBOAT— DESCRIPTION— GREATEST ERA— PRIMI- TIVE BOATS — GROWTH— COST — WRECKING — SANTA FE TRAIL — BOONSVILLE ACTIVE MART — USE OF OXEN — FIRST RAILROADS — REBUILDING OF BRIDGES —ROAD IMPROVEMENT 79-98 CHAPTER VI. THE WAR OF 1812 AND INDIAN TROUBLES. ERECTION OF FORTS— KILLING OF SMITH— CAPTURE COURSAULT— TODD AND SMITH KILLED— DISCOVERY OF INDIANS— CHASED BY INDIANS— SETTLERS TAKE UP TRAIL— CAMPBELL KILLED— SETTLERS MOVE TO SOUTH SIDE OF RIVER— BRAXTON COOPER, JR., KILLED— JOSEPH STILL KILLED— KILLING OF WILLIAM McLEAN — ATTEMPT TO KILL AUSTIN — GREGG KILLED AND DOUGHTY CAPTURED — NEGRO "JOE" KILLED — COURSAULT KILLED — MURDER OF RAMSEY FAMILY — CAPTAIN SARSHALL COOPER MURDERED — TWO NE- GROES CAPTURED — RANGERS COME TO RELIEF — DODGE AND COOPER CONTROVERSY — LETTER TO GOVERNOR — SAMUEL McMAHON AMBUSHED — BUILDING OF HANNAH COLE FORT— INDIAN TREATY— ADDITIONAL INCI- DENTS -1 99-122 CHAPTER VII. FROM 1815 TO 1819. IMMIGRATION — ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES — EARLY COURTS — PROCEEDINGS — OFFICERS — ELECTIONS — "NEW COMERS" — LAND SPECULATION — SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS— PREEMPTION CLAIMS— SAMUEL COLE'S EXPERIENCES — EARLY CHURCHES— A. FULLER'S LETTER 123-140 CHAPTER VIII. FROM 1819 TO 1821. cooper County formed— first circuit court— first record of circuit court— march term, 1819— first judge of election— first con- stable — july term, 1819— first letters of administration — first jury case— proceedings to divide property on which boonville is located 141-153 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY CHAPTER IX. FROM 1821 TO 1834. SIZE OF COOPER COUNTY REDUCED— FIRST COUNTY COURT— FIRST OFFICERS- COUNTY SEAT LOCATED— FIRST COURT HOUSE— FIRST WILL PROVED— JOHN V. SHARP— ELECTIONS — PARTY LINES— FALL OF OLD FRANKLIN 154-159 CHAPTER X. FROM 1834 TO 1847. NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLITICS— VIGOROUS CAMPAIGNS — CLAY AND POLK— "O. K." —INDIAN ALARM— MORMON WAR— FLOOD OF 1844— MEXICAN WAR— COOPER COUNTY COMPANY 160-171 CHAPTER XL CONTINUATION OF 1834-1847 AND UP TO 1861 RISE OF BOONVILLE — ERA OF PROSPERITY— KEMPER SCHOOL FOUNDED— COUNTY SEAT PERMANENTLY LOCATED— EFFORTS TO CHANGE COUNTY SEAT— MILI- TARY COMPANIES— TROUBLE BETWEEN COMPANIES— MAJOR FORSYTHE KILLED — SECOND COURT HOUSE ERECTED — DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALI- FORNIA AFFECTS COOPER COUNTY— McCULLOCH'S COMPANY— TEMPERANCE EXCITEMENT — SLAVERY AGITATION — PRO SLAVERY CONVENTION— CONTRO- VERSY IN KANSAS— COOPER COUNTY PRO SLAVERY— ELECTIONS OF 1856-1860. 172-184 CHAPTER XII. CIVIL WAR PERIOD CIVIL WAR A MEMORY— BATTLE BELOW BOONVILLE— HOME GUARDS IN COOPER COUNTY— PRICES RAID— SHELBY'S RAID— PRICE'S RAID INTO COOPER COUNTY 185-202 CHAPTER XIII. INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. JOSEPH SIFERS KILLED— RELIGIOUS SERVICES INTERRUPTED— PETER MITZEL AND OTHO ZELLER MURDERED— JOHN DIEHL, NICHOLAS AND THOMAS COOPER KILLED— MURDER OF ELLIS AND GRAVES— KILLING OF WILLIAM MAYO BY BILL ANDERSON— THOMAS BROWNFIELD'S EXPERIENCE— McDEAR- MON AND A SOLDIER KILLED— OTHER DEPREDATIONS AND MURDERS BY BUSHWHACKERS— KROHN AND BASS KILLED— ANDERSON'S MEN AND HOME GUARDS CLASH— JOHN BALLINGER KILLED— TRAGEDIES IN CLARKS FORK AND PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIPS 203-213 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY CHAPTER XIV. PERIOD OF READJUSTMENT PREJUDICE— CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION— RADICALS— "DRACONIAN CODE"— "IRON CLAD OATH" — CONSTITUTION ADOPTED — LATER AMENDED AND RADI- CALISM DEFEATED— BROWN ELECTED GOVERNOR— UNPOPULARITY OF DRAKE— PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DURING AND AFTER THE WAR 214-217 CHAPTER XV. TOWNSHIPS BOONVILLE TOWNSHIP— BOONVILLE AS IT IS TODAY— BLACKWATER TOWNSHIP- CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP— PILOT GROVE TOWNSHIP— KELLY TOWNSHIP— LAMINE TOWNSHIP— NORTH AND SOUTH MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS— PALESTINE TOWNSHIP — PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIP — CLARKS FORK TOWNSHIP— SALINE TOWNSHIP — LEBANON TOWNSHIP — OTTERVILLE TOWNSHIP 218-249 CHAPTER XVI. SCHOOLS. PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS, FIRST SCHOOLS IN COOPER COUNTY— DAVIS SCHOOL— COOPER COUNTY SCHOOLS— BOONVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS — SCHOOL DIRECTORS — SUPERINTENDENTS — FACULTY— SUMMER S C H O O L— CATHOLIC SCHOOL, — COOPER COUNTY INSTITUTE — OTTERVILLE ACADEMY — McGUIRE SEMINARY— KEMPER MILITARY SCHOOL— PILOT GROVE COLLEGIATE INSTI- TUTE 250-264 CHAPTER XVII. CHURCHES. BAPTIST — METHODIST — PRESBYTERIAN— CHRISTIAN— GERMAN EVANGELICAL- LUTHERAN— EPISCOPAL— CATHOLIC 265-277 CHAPTER XVIII. AGRICULTURE. NATURAL ADVANTAGES— PRODUCTION— SURPLUS PRODUCTS— CORN PRIZE WIN- NERS—ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS— LIVE STOCK— SHORTHORN HERDS- HOGS— HORSES— MULES— MARKET PRICES FROM 1886 TO 1915— LIVE STOCK PRODUCTS— SHEEP— SOILS 278-308 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY CHAPTER XIX. THE PRESS FIRST NEWSPAPER— SECOND NEWSPAPER— "THE COON HUNTER"— OTHER PIO- NEER PAPERS— BOONVILLE ADVERTISER FOUNDED— BOONVILLE EAGLE — CENTRAL MISSOURIAN— TOPIC— WESTERN CHRISTIAN UNION— PILOT GROVE BEE— SHAVE TAIL COURIER— BLACKWATER NEWS— OTTERVILLE MAIL- CENTRAL MISSOURI REPUBLICAN— BUNCETON EAGLE 309-314 CHAPTER XX. BANKING AND CURRENCY. EARLY CONDITIONS— FIRST BANKS— DR. TRIGG ESTABLISHES FIRST BANK IN BOONVILLE— BRANCH OF BANK OF ST. LOUIS ESTABLISHED— CENTRAL NA- TIONAL BANK— COOPER COUNTY BANKS— BOONVILLE NATIONAL BANK- FARMERS' TRUST COMPANY— COMMERCIAL BANK OF BOONVILLE— BANK OF BUNCETON— COOPER COUNTY BANK OF BUNCETON— FARMERS' STOCK BANK OF BLACKWATER— BANK OF BLACKWATER— PILOT GROVE BANK— BANK OF WOOLRIDGE— BANK OF PLEASANT GREEN— FARMERS' AND MERCHANTS' BANK OF OTTERVILLE 315-322 CHAPTER XXI. FLOODS AND STORMS. FLOODS OF 1785, 1811 AND 1826— FLOOD OF 1844— GREAT DAMAGE CAUSED — DEVAS- TATING FLOOD OF 1905— REBUILDING OF BRIDGES IN THE COUNTY— BUILD- ING OF NEW COURT HOUSE— BONDS ISSUED— TORNADO 323-329 CHAPTER XXII. THE WORLD WAR. UNITED STATES ENTERS THE GREAT WAR— COOPER COUNTY'S FINANCIAL CON- TRIBUTION—LOYALTY OF CITIZENS — COUNCIL OF DEFENSE— PROCLAMATION —ARMISTICE SIGNED— LIST OF COOPER COUNTY SOLDIERS— COMPANY B, THIRD REGIMENT, CALLED— CASUALTY LIST— SUMMARY 330-343 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY CHAPTER XXIII. MISCELLANEOUS. MEXICAN BORDER TROUBLE— GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— UNITED VET- ERANS OF THE CONFEDERACY— OTTERVILLE TRAIN ROBBERY — SHERIFF CRAMER MURDERED— A. B. THORNTON KILLED — THE PROHIBITION QUES- TION 344-353 CHAPTER XXIV. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY INDEX Allen, Henry A 480 Ambrose, Ernest H. 1097 Amick, Eugene E 370 Anderson, Benjamin F 663 Anderson, Rollie L 447 Andrews, Charles E 388 Andrews, David 396 Apperson, W. F 1081 Armour and Company 959 Atkinson, Clarence W 936 Bail, George 950 Bane, James S 907 Barnert, Edgar L. 1020 Barnett, John A. 451 Barnhart, George 894 Barnhart, John C 535 Barron, Walter 512 Bates, A. B. 986 Baughman, Charles A , 1084 Bauman, Edward L 443 Bechtold, Frank 1145 Bechtold, William 1151 Beck, Anton 910 Bell, Charles C. 372 Bernard, Louis D 1158 Bestgen, L. A 1113 Betteridge, Frederick C 790 Betteridge, William A 871 Biltz, H. C 1106 Black, Frank N 552 Blakey, Albert G 570 Blank, Frank N. 552 Blank, Nicholas J 1091 Blythe, James N 886 Bodamer, Arthur 1089 Bodamer, Charles H 786 Boiler, Gustav F 821 Boonville Mercantile Company 629 Bomhauser, F. H. 1060 Bowmer, George E. 688 Boyce, George T 1043 Bozarth, Alvin J. 650 Bozarth, J. W 1022 Brandes, Albert 1073 Brandes, Chris J 751 Brandes, Christian 631 Brandes, H. G 1066 Brandes, John A 616 Brandes, Theodore 576 Brandes, Theodore L 1071 Braun, Louis 1083 Brengarth, Albert 1095 Brickey, Frank C 938 Brickey, Paul A 941 Brickner, William L. 499 Broe, Morgan 876 Brokamp, Henry 723 Brokmeyer, C. H 940 Brosius, Frank C 379 Brownfield, David 865 Brownfield, George D. 925 Brownfield, Gideon A. 450 Brubaker, Daniel R 890 Brubaker, Elmer J 956 Brueckner, August 487 Brummel, Henry E 1144 Bryan, William L 965 Buescher, Hugo H 1050 Burge, Robert P 1139 Burge, William O 823 Burrus, John M 504 Burrus and Sons, T. J 1090 Byler, Robert T. 666 Carey, George W 556 i "airy. Robert A , 557 Carl, George W 713 Carlos, H. D. — 540 Carlos, Jr., H. D. 540 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Carpenter, S. Alvin - 738 Carpenter, Edgar A 742 Carpenter, George A 1159 Carpenter, Homer L. 1070 Carpenter, James F 717 Carpenter, Warren E 733 Carpenter, William F 765 Carpenter, William H 735 Cartner, Charles R 588 Case, Hiram D 1008 Case, Oscar F 987 Chamberlin, Albert S 575 Chamberlin, George W- 1152 Chamberlin, Homer L 526 Chamberlin, Homer L 518 Chilton, Joseph W 635 Chilton. Louis L 635 Chrane, Curtis E 918 Cleary, Matthew 489 Clark, Joseph M 1140 Clayton, James A 625 Cochran, O. W 548 Cochran, William J 680 Cole, George T 1103 Cole, William D 878 Coleman, John 1151 Coleman, Stonewall J 853 Coleman, Walter L 561 Collins, Findlay A 1094 Collins, Howard B 797 Cook. Charles C 684 Cordry, Joseph C. 897 Cordry, Leslie F 879 Cordry, Oliver L 953 Cordry, William F 887 Cordry. William H 898 Cordry, W. L 436 Corson, James M 899 Cosgrove, John 364 Crain, J. D 1066 Cramer, Otto H. 567 Cramer, Ray P. 934 Crawford,' George K 971 Creagan, Harry A 943 Crutchfield, William E 410 Cully. David R._ 794 Darby. Patrick 1027 Dauwalter, Fred 523 Davin, Andrew 888 Davin. Michael 888 Davis. Dan G 597 Davis, Jeff L 430 Davis, John T 847 Davis, Joseph A 726 Debo, Grover E. 1060 Debo, Luther C.._. 693 Debo, P. Lee 720 Deck, Jacob 427 Deck, William H 827 Derendinger, Edward 432 Derendinger, John E 1098 Deuschle, Fred 966 Deuel, Frank H 994 Devine, Peter J 913 Doerrie, Charles 400 Donahew, Ace O 549 Downing, Robert E 881 Draffen, James W. 391 Draffen, Robert T 754 Drechsel, Charles H 744 Drennen, Elizabeth E 441 Dugan, Walter L 469 Dunn. Robert L 857 Dunnavant, Charles H 1026 Durr, Charles 409 Eager, Charles L 492 Eager, Clarence L 773 Edson. D. L. - -1017 Edwards, Louis S 378 Eldredge, Charles C. 544 Elliot. John S 473 Elliot, William H 1150 Ellis. Roy H 457 English, Henry H 589 Eppstein, Viet C 578 Ervine, L. R 802 Evans, Robert L 463 Fahrenbrink, Christian W 696 Fahrenbrink. Henry 702 Fahrenbrink, Herman H 737 Fairchild, S. Hamilton 628 Fairfax, Commodore P 1048 Fairfax, Thomas L 951 Farris, Archie L 1051 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Farrjs, W. A 1011 FassM M. J 1013 Felton, Frank J 471 Felton, Michael J. 537 Fischer, John A. 642 Fitzpatrick, Patrick F 1154 Fluke, George F 972 Fray, Henry G 821 Fray, John H 1137 Fredmeyer, Benjamin F 525 Fricke, Henry 464 Fricke, William 689 Friedrich, Charles A 648 Friedrich, Henry C 408 Frost, Aubrey W. 449 Fulton, Samuel T... 1007 Funkhauser, James S 1131 Fuser, Henry E 1160 Gantner, Edward 1020 Gantner, Joseph 1020 Gantner, Louis 988 Garthoffner, Edward J , 455 Gehringer, Calvin 911 Gentry, Amos B 687 Gentry, M. K 789 George, Elmer 724 George, Frank 413 Gerhardt, Joseph 660 Gibson, Henry C 509 Gibson, Thomas B 815 Gibson, William T 459 Gilbreath, W. G 932 Gilman, J. R 1035 Glasgow, Clayton S 893 Glasgow, William H 891 Glazier, John P. 609 Gmelich, Jacob F. 354 Goodman, John H 434 Gorrell, Amos 788 Gott, John N 437 Gramlich, Andrew F. 1129 Grathwohl, Charles T 624 Grathwohl, Thomas F 558 Green, Joseph M 505 Gronstedt, Heinrich 472 Groom, Colbey C 484 Groom, Joseph H 1006 Gross, Charles E. 1165 Gross, George 846 Gross, Jacob 1123 Groves, Samuel H. 1107 Gunn, James H 900 Guyer, Williamson 1078 Hack, John F 466 Hagemeier, Emil mi Hale, C. E 773 Hale, Edgar T 481 Hale, Frank I 787 Hale, O. M 773 Haley, James M 860 Haller, John M 502 Hanna, C. S 982 Hansberger, Alfred G 908 Harlan, George W 976 Harned, Benjamin 791 Harned, Edwin P 901 Harness, George C 582 Harriman, R. L. 1040 Harriman, William P 962 Harris, Edward H 824 Harris, Judge T. A 560 Harris, Thomas A 756 Harris, William P 814 Hasenbach, Edward 1047 Haun, William H 816 Hawkins, Herbert L 563 Hays, Jesse T 926 Hazell, Joseph I 452 Heiberger, John J 511 Hem, John 607 Herfurth, H. F. 980 Hesel, A. H 655 Hews, Abe L. 633 Hickam, James T. 613 Hickam, Samuel L. 365 Hickman, Crockett 383 Higginbotham, John R 826 Hilden, Everett 539 1 1 in-, Ernest L 904 Hockenberry, Aaron T 714 Hoefer, William A. 986 Hoff. Frank J H24 Hoff. Herbert J 852 Hoff. Louis N 1130 Hoflander, John G 975 Hoflander, Paul .1164 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Hogan, Thomas 518 Holman, Riley S 806 HoiK'rbrink, George C 1037 Honcrbrink, H. C 1055 Hooper, W. E 989 Hopkins, Farris B 626 Hosford, J. L 461 Howlett, Robert E. 984 Huber, E. J 405 Hudson. Charles P 803 Huffman. M. R 1121 Hurt, Acrey B 1047 Hurt, Boone 1136 Hurt. B. F 671 Hurt, D. D 1102 Hurt, Henry G 961 Hurt, James M 716 Hurt. T. Edgar 1082 Hurt. William A 604 Hurt, Willis 990 Hutchison. Thomas G 894 Immelc. John B 841 Irvin, V. S 804 Irvine. George T. 1025 Jacobs, Mark 508 Jaeger, Albert 428 Jaeger, P. R. 1029 Jeffress, James T 1088 Jeffress. John W 1092 Jeffress, Robert H 862 Jenry, Henry 993 Jewett, Gilman W 774 Johnmeyer, William F. 514 Johnson, William F 728 Johnson, William M 421 Johnston, Col. T. A 360 Johnston, H. C. 1045 Johnston, Rea A. 957 Jones, Caleb C 1072 Jones. George C 915 Jones, George C, Jr 828 Jones, James W 402 Jones. Woodson T 946 KnemptYr, Robert 778 Kahle, William 701 Kaiser Sr„ Herman 488 Kaiser. John 1086 Kalvelage, F. J. 950 Karm, William 777 Kehr. Irvin J 1015 Kinisey. Jackson W 1077 Kincaid, A. L 813 Kincheloe. Jesse L 820 King. Christian F 725 King, H. M 1069 King, Henry O 672 King. John 448 King, John W 673 Kirchner, John E 546 Klekamp, Frank 582 Knosp, Henry 1100 Knosp, Henry H 1101 Koenig, William L 482 Koonse, Theodore 837 Koontz, Joseph R 884 Kramer. Henry B 974 Kraus. Henry 858 Kraus. Walter J 854 Krohn, John F 652 Kuhn. Herman F 1005 Kussman. Theodore 399 Lacy. William J 759 Lammers, Clemens A. 835 Lammers, H. G. 855 Lang, Belthasar 538 Langkop. Daniel 1115 Langkop, Leonard 699 Lauer, Chas. F. 1046 Lauer. William G. 1030 Laws. Luther B 1087 Layne, Benjamin F 593 Lebing, Theodore F 942 Lee, Holman 622 Leonard. Nathaniel N 928 Lester. B. M 923 Lieber, Joseph 416 Lionberger, Frank E 1143 I.oesing, Peter W 719 Loesing. William 1068 Lohse. Fred 468 Lohse. Fred G 401 Lohse. Henry 683 Lohse. John C 1052 Lovell, Thomas J 757 I.usk. Hamilton 830 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Lusk, Sid A 623 Lymer, James 668 McCarty, Milton M 1064 McClain, Peter D. 1128 McCoy, J. J. 1166 McFarland, A. W 516 McFarland, William J 675 McGuire, Archibald 836 McGuire, Homer 943 McMahan. William E. 809 McNeil, Peter P 992 McPhatridge, Henry P 739 Manger, Julius 917 Manger, William \ 917 Manion, Harry T 419 Mann, F. Joseph 440 Marshall, Fleming Miles 800 Ma>el, Sylvanus 1 861 Mauck, Sam T 615 Mayfield, William A 896 Meisenheimer, Peter G 840 Melkersman, Edward 632 Mellor, George W 760 Mellor. John P - 764 Menefee, Charles N 731 Meredith, A. L 997 Meredith, George 659 Meredith, Louis M. 998 Meredith, Walter 659 Mersey, Henry 685 Meyer, C. C 1023 Meyer. Daniel J 1125 Meyer, F. A. 1036 Meyer, George A 1126 Meyer. George H 456 Meyer. George H 460 Meyer, J. H 1036 Meyer, Lawrence C. 679 Meyer. William 708 Miller. Charles G 379 Miller, Harry J 973 Miller, James R 454 Miller, Robert L 1138 Miller. William R 423 Million, Guy C 939 Mills. Erie S 677 Mills, Robert W 1054 Mills, Vivian H. 678 Minter, Joseph 905 Mittelbach. William 386 Mitzel, Charles P 868 Moehle, Ernest L. 412 Moore, Boz L 627 Moore. George H 550 Moore, Lafayette M 585 Moore, Lorenzo H 574 Morgan, Harry C 612 Morris, Benjamin L i 746 Morris, George W. 761 Morris, John W 1118 Morris, Truman H 749 Morris, W. H 1075 Morton, Wallace L 1028 Mueller, Emil H 486 Muessig, Jacob F. 859 Muntzel, Edward J 637 Muntzel, Frederick H. 975 Muntzel, Harry J 1059 Muntzel, Henry L 780 Muntzel, Herman P 664 Muntzel, John C. 949 Muntzel, Peter L 868 Myer. Albert H 931 Myer, Michael 870 Myers, Henry Lee 1001 Neal, William W 643 Neal, Z. R. 618 Neef, Philip P 748 Nelson, Arthur W 920 Nelson, Clyde T 1157 Nelson, Edgar C 1016 Nelson, Joseph O 1110 Nelson, Lewis B 991 \ Nelson, Thomas A 598 T Nelson, William I 1024 Niebruegge, Henry J 595 Nixon, A. F. 978 Nixon, Charles 397 Norris, Homer E 1134 Nuckols, Powhatan C 524 Nurseries, The Boonville 101S Oak, George 577 Odneal, G. C 995 ( lerlv, Ernest C 496 \ HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Oerly, Henry W 782 Oerly, Samuel 500 Oerly, W. A 654 Oglesby, Charles W 874 Ohlendorf, Christ 568 O'Neal, Amos 796 Oswold, Joseph A 1141 Painter, James L 867 Parrish, John S 856 Patrick, N. D 1093 Patterson, Ed 536 Pealer, Rolla D 924 Pendleton, Thomas O 831 Pendleton, William G 493 Peyton & Sons, T. R 979 Phillips, Charles S 885 Phillips, William R 889 Pigott. John T 395 Poage, William S 1133 Poertner, William F. 722 Popper, Joseph 562 Potter, Abraham 1000 Putnam, John M 883 Quigg, H. D 533 Reavis, Walter W 584 Reed, Benjamin F 1122 Renfrow, W. C 651 Rethemeyer, J. H 697 Renken, Henry A. v... 520 Reynolds, George 1109 Richey, Henry L 863 Richey, John W 863 Richey, John W 1116 Rissler, William B 848 Ritchie. Andrew A 769 Roberts, Elijah H. 646 Roberts, Samuel W 541 Robertson, Charles E 644 Robertson, Warner W 644 Robien, Henry P 555 Robien, William G 545 Rodgers, E. H 927 Roe, Robert S 1032 Roeschel, William E. 522 Rossen, Sonneck C. 433 Roth, Charles E.— 947 Rothgeb, Richard 955 Rowles, W. H. H. 782 Rudolph, John W 420 Ruskin, Harry 429 Russell, George A 470 Sappington, John C. 649 Sauter, Augustus H 406 Sauter, Frank S 473 Sauter, Joseph L 639 Schaumburg, LaRoy O 371 Schieberl, Martin 638 Schilb, Enslie I 839 Schilb, Fred L 1010 Schilb, Frederick 766 Schler, Antun H 970 Schleuter, William 600 Schlotzhaucr, Christopher 880 Schlotzhauer, George H. 879 Schlotzhauer, James H. 864 Schlotzhauer, John 836 Schlotzlmier, John W. 832 Schmalieldt, William F 704 Schmidt, Herman A 495 Schmidt. Maximillian E. 418 Schmidt, Otto G 617 Schnack, Herman 475 Schnuck, John H 1034 Schnuck, H. E 519 Scholle, George H 941 Schrader, Henry 534 Schubert, Charles W 690 Schubert, Irene 658 Schupp, Curry 1080 Schupp, George 872 Schuster, Adam 792 Schuster, August R 772 Schuster, Benjamin E 776 Schuster, Frank 822 Schuster, Henry 1056 Schuster, William 808 Schwitzky, Robert 606 Scott, Edward G 4<>2 Scott, Joshua B 1112 Scott. William A 829 Scott, William R 981 Sells. Joseph 794 Shannon, Eliza B 661 Shannon, Fleming 930 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Shannon, Robert A 1053 Shears, Clarence 653 Shepherd, Charles M 833 Shepherd, James B 1042 Shirley, Charles D 692 Shouse, Charles Q 805 Shouse, Walter H. 799 Sieckman, Fritz 476 Simrall, Thomas S 922 Sims Brothers 1122 Sims, John N 807 Sites, L. T 948 Sloan, Marie R. 1155 Smith, Andrew C 706 Smith, Anthony 477 Smith, Benjamin N 1062 Smith, Chris 532 Smith, Edward D 819 Smith, Edwin K 695 Smith, Fountain D. 818 Smith, Francis M. 426 Smith, Henry 709 Smith, John H 608 Smith, John R 743 Smith, Peter 596 Smith, Peter F 944 Smith, Robert B 712 Smith, Thomas H 770 Smith, Urban A 636 Smith, William A 1003 Snider, Robert 967 Sombart, Charles A ; 356 Sombart. Henry E. 368 Spahr, Andrew J 645 Spahr, Lawrence 1105 Spahr, William L 1104 Sparkman, James M 958 Spieler, Oscar 404 Spillers, John L 903 Staebler, J. Louis 554 Stahl, William H 1132 Starke, Dryden L 952 Starke, H. Roger 906 Starke, John D 960 Steele, Charles E 798 Stegner, August 566 Stegner, Edward 630 Stegner, Feoder 963 Stegner, Frank C. 877 Stegner, Fred C 1148 Stegner, Marion 589 Stegner, Otto ^.1153 Steigleder, G. H 640 Steigleder, W. F 640 Steinmetz, George T. 1148 Stephens Jr., A. H 937 Stephens, Henry S 1012 Stephens, John M 912 Stites, Charles A 866 Stoecklein, John 1127 Stoecklein, Otto 1126 Strickfaden, Peter J 99g Stretz, J. H. 1038 Swap, Charles 445 Sweeney, John 914 Talbott, William B 515 Taliaferro, George T 700 Talley, James P 844 Tally, William T 849 Tanner, William L 498 Tevis, Robert S 740 Thomas, Charles L 954 Thomas, Millard E 1135 Thornton, Samuel Y 784 Toellner, Christ 1157 Toler, Grover C 710 Toler, O. K 710 Torbeck. Ernest W 591 Torbeck, Henry F 964 Trigg, William W 601 Tucker, Martin 502 Turley. William H 752 Tutt, Charles P 669 Underwood, John S 466 Victor, Felix 935 Viertel, George 1057 Vieth, Berend 755 Viertel, John F. 611 Vollmer, Anthony 852 Vollrath, Charles L 850 Wagner, Charles F 641 Walden, Charles J 359 Wallace, Wilbur B 1146 Wallery, Joseph W._ 1147 Walker, James W 909 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Walther, John J. 507 Walterscheid, John E. 491 Walz, John E. 444 Waterman, Henry 530 Wear, Emmett E 600 Wear, George H 592 Weekley, Martin L 768 Wendleton, David 676 Wendleton, Lon V. 553 West. Walter C 873 Weyland, George A 384 White, A. J 703 White, Arthur F 778 White, Frank B 1120 Whitlow, John N 706 Whitlow. R. W 1161 Williams, Harry 1119 Williams, Porter E 917 Williams, Roy D 382 Williams, William M 380 Wilson, Charles E 871 Windsor, Andrew H 1067 Windsor, Edward B 875 Windsor, Eugene A 736 Windsor, John H 732 Windsor, Horace G 656 Windsor, Richard L. 424 Windsor, Richard N— 425 Windsor, Walter B 393 Wing, Henry M 811 Winterbower, T. H 937 Wolfe, William E 762 Wolfrum, John G. 1014 Wood, Arthur H. 1127 Woodroof. Charles E 810 Wooldridge, William J 621 Woolery, Joseph W. 1147 Worts, Willard A 812 Wyan, Robert F 528 Yancey, Henry J 745 Yancey, L. C 1076 Zeigle, Lester O 845 Zollinger, Conrad M 968 - V, History of Cooper County CHAPTER I. ARCHEOLOGY DIVISIONS OF HISTORY— CONTENTS OF MOUNDS— ORIGIN OF MOUNDS— PROBABLE RACE OF MOUND BUILDERS. History is speculative, inferential, and actual; speculative when it records conclusions based on hypothesis founded on facts, far removed; inferential when conclusions are reasonably based on facts; actual, when facts alone are recorded. The historian deals with all three, more or less, in combination one with the other. This chapter is purely specula- tive. The editor is not an archaeologist, and does not attempt herein to arrive at, or lead the reader to a conclusion. Houck, in his "History of Missouri," claims to have located through investigators something like twenty-eight thousand mounds in the state. These mounds are usually called Indian mounds, and he does not assert that all that existed in the state were discovered by his investigators. He mentions nine in Cooper county. There are doubtless more than ninety and nine, and probably many more leveled with the plow. The only purpose to be conserved throughout this chapter is to open up the vista to inquiring minds, that their observations and discoveries may be preserved for the future. The casual observer sees an elevation of ground. The geologist, or archaeologist, if you please, by close and careful examination, determines to a certainty, or thinks he does, that (3) 34 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY this is not caused by erosion, or by an internal upheaval of the earth. He concludes, therefore, that it has been raised by man. Here geology, paleontology, and archaeology, the three sister sciences, begin their labors hand in hand, "And the mind recoils dismayed when it undertakes the computations of thousands of years which have elapsed since the creation of man." As our feet grope in darkness, irresistably down the ages to the night of the unknown, these three sister sciences hold aloft a torch that illumi- nates, in part at least, our darkened pathway through the dim vista of the vanished past. Contents of Mounds. — By excavating these mounds we find peculiar instruments of the chase and hunt, vessels, bowls and statuary, some with peculiar markings and engravings. Such mounds have been dis- covered throughout the country in almost countless thousands, and they were here when the white man first set foot on American soil. The articles found in them were unlike those used by the Indians, known at the time of the first white men. The same Indians lay no claim to having built these peculiar structures of earth, and hold no tradition that those who preceded them had built them, and some of the tribes claim tradi- tions running back thousands of years, prior to their acquaintance with the white man. Origin of Mounds. — The scientists reason thus: first, the mounds are not of natural formation ; second, they were built by man ; third, the white man did not build them; fourth, the Indians did not build them; there- fore, it follows as a logical conclusion that they were built by a race inhabiting our country long before the red man. This, in fact, is the consensus of scientific opinion, yet not all agree. Dr. C. A. Peterson, former president of the Missouri Historical Society, and a student of Missouri antiquities, uses this forcible language: "Credulity has been taxed to the utmost, and columns of crude ideas and inane arguments have been published by half-baked archaeologists, who established great antiquity for the mounds and an advanced civilization for their builders, and the extreme and ridiculous flights which the imagination has been allowed to take in building up the stories of the mythical mound builders may be well illustrated by this case. About, thirty years ago an amateur archaeologist in exploring quite a modern Indian mound reported that he had found the skeletons buried beneath it to be a proper complement in numbers and arranged in proper order and position to represent the three principal officers of the Masonic Lodge at work, each officer being equipped HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 35 with the implement and insignia of his respective office. To those at- tracted to a contemplation of mystery, and to revelers of the occulet, it was the most marvelous and entertaining discovery ever reported in American archaeology, but there were a few incredulous, unfeeling scof- fers, who would not accept the story as true, because the discoverer did not produce the bones of the candidate and the goat. In conclusion, let it be reiterated that there was never an iota of evidence in existence tending to establish the contention that some people, other than the American Indian, erected the mounds and other earthworks found in connection with them, and the physical condition of the abandoned works and their contents could not justify a belief that any of them were erected more than one thousand years ago." The Indian mounds are especially numerous along the Missouri River, in the townships of Saline, Boonville, and Lamine, and are found in vary- ing numbers in other sections of Cooper County. It is to be regretted that more attention has not been paid to them in the past to the end that what found therein would have been preserved for investigation and study. It is said that on the old Hopkins farm in Saline township there are five of these mounds. It is related on reliable authority that in the early seventies a young physician, fresh from college in Kentucky, and with budding honors, debonair and faultlessly attired, located in Saline township. He was smaii of stature, willowy in form, a Beau Brummel, polite and obliging. Visiting at the Hopkins home one Sunday, a balmy spring day, where were gathered a few of the local beauties of the neigh- borhood, his attention was directed to a large mound of earth in the yard. He thought it strange, and had never before seen such an elevation of earth in a yard. Being deeply interested, he asked one of the youn? ladies present what it was for. She replied that it was an Indian mound, and that an Indian who had been killed was buried there. The young doctor was greatly interested. She told him that if he would stand on top of the mound, and say in a loud voice, "Indian, poor Indian, what did they kill you for?" the Indian would say, "Nothing at all." The doctor valiantly essayed the mound, ascending to the top, and in a stentorian voice cried, "Indian, poor Indian, what did they kill you for?" He waited a few minutes for the response, and finally realized that the young lady was right, for the Indian said nothing at all. The young doctor felt completely sold out. Following his motto of evening up old scores, he set out energetically to do so. He courted the young lady, and eventu- ally married her, thus evening the score. The following, which is a collation of authorities and brief com- 36 HISTOEY OF COOPER COUNTY ments of scientists, pro and con, we take from Houck's "History of Missouri." "The pre-historic works of Missouri attracted attention from the earliest settlement of the country. Stoddard says, 'It is admitted on all hands that they have endured for centuries. The trees in their ram- parts, from the number of their annulae, or radii, indicate an age of mort than four hundred years.' Holmes says that the manufacture of the pottery-ware found in the mounds 'began many centuries before the advent of the white race.' The Indians found by the first white explorers did not recognize these mounds as belonging to them, either by occupying them or using them, or by their traditions, although the surprising number of such mounds in some sections of the country, many of them very large, singular in form, and conspicuous in the landscape, must have attracted the attention of the most thoughtless of them. Marquis de Nadailic says that these 'mounds in North America are among the most remarkable known.' Featherstonehaugh was so im- pressed by these historic remains in Missouri that he concluded that they were to the tribes that built them what the pyramids were to the ancient Egyptians. Probable Race of Mound-Builders. — To what particular race the mound-builders belonged has been a subject of much discussion. Abbe Brasseur de Bourbourg declares that the pre-Aztec Mexicans and Toltecs were a people identical with the mound-builder. It is also said that the mound-builders were of the same cranial type as the ancient Mexicans, Peruvians, and the natives of the Pacific slope as far north as Sitka; that is to say, brachycephalic ; and Winchell thinks that 'the identity of the race of mound-builders with the races of Anahuac and Peru will become generally recognized. 'Squier supposes that they belonged to an 'extinct race.' Atwater gives it as his opinion that the 'lofty mounds' — ancient fortifications and tumuli — 'which cost so much labor in their structure.' owe their 'origin to a people much more civilized than our Indian' ; and Atwater was familiar with the capabilities and characteristics of the American Indian. Others, again, suppose that they were the same people who afterward came from the northeast into Mexico. Bancroft says that the 'claims in behalf of the Nahua traces in the Mississippi region are much better founded than those which have been urged in other parts of the country.' He asserts that the remains in the Mississippi valley 'are not the works of the Indian tribes found in the country, nor of any tribes resembling them in their institution, and that the 'best HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 37 authorities deem it impossible that the mound-builders were even remote ancestors of the Indian tribes.' In his opinion, there was an actual con- nection, either through origin, war, or commerce, between the mound- builders and the Nahuas. This he infers from the so-called temple mounds, a strongly resembling the pyramids of Mexico, implying a simi- larity of religious ideas; the use of obsidian implements; the Nahua tra- dition of the arrival of civilized strangers from the northeast. And Baldwin, in reviewing the various traditions recorded by many of the earliest Spanish chroniclers of Mexico, concludes by saying that it seems not improbable that the Huehue, or 'Old Tlapalan' of their tradition, was 'the country of our mound-builders' on the Mississippi. Albert Gallatin thinks that the works erected indicate 'a dense agricultural population,' a population 'eminently agricultural,' a state essentially different from that of the Iroquois or Algonquin Indians. Yet, he also expressed the opinion that the earthworks discovered might have been executed by a 'savage people.' Brinton also thinks that these earthworks were not the production 'of some mythical tribe of high civilization in remote antiquity but of the identical nations found by the whites residing in these regions.' Schoolcraft says that the Indian predecessors of the existing race 'could have executed' these works. Lewis Cass believed that the forefathers of the present Indian 'no doubt' erected these works as places of refuge and security. Jones is of the opinion that the old idea that the mound-builders were a people distinct from the Indians is 'unfounded in fact, and fanciful.' Lucian Carr in an elaborate article says there is no reason 'why the red Indians of the Mississippi valley, judging from what we know historically of their development, coukl not have thrown up these works.' Dr. C. A. Peterson, in a paper read before the Missouri Historical Society in 1902, concludes that 'there never was an iota of evidence in existence tending to establish the contention that some people, other than the American Indian, erected the mounds and earthworks found in connection with them ; and the physical condition does not justify the belief that any of them were erected more than one thousand years ago. In support of this view he says, 'an immense memo- rial earthwork over the body of a popular Osage chief was erected by his tribe, citing Beck's Gazeteer. But J. F. Snyder asserts that the Osages 'built no earthen mounds,' and that the mound mentioned by Dr. Beck as having been built by them near the head-waters of the Osage was the result of glacial action. Snyder also quotes Holcomb, who states that 'the mysterious races of beings, termed mound-builders never dwelt 38 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in Vernon County,' and that no fragments of pottery have ever been found there, nor noteworthy archaeological specimens,, and few, if any flint, arrow-heads, lance-heads, stone-heads, etc., although he admits that the Osages erected stone heaps occasionally over the bodies of their dead to preserve them from the ravages of wild beasts. One remarkable discovery made by Mr. Thomas Beckwith, who has devoted many years to the careful and intelligent exploration of the mounds of the Mississippi country, would seem to tend to support the contention that the more ancient mound-builders of the Mississippi valley, at least, belonged to the Nahual race of Mexico. It should be observed that in making his explorations Mr. Beckwith always proceeds with the greatest circumspection, not, like so many others, hastily digging and burrowing into mounds, looking only for perfect pottery ware, carelessly overlooking and throwing everything else away; on the contrary, nothing is too small for his notice, and it is his invariable practice to gather up and preserve every fragment, small and insignificant though it may appear. The exploration of the mound does not always satisfy him. In some instances where the surrounding country seems to warrant it, he also explores the soil for several feet below the surface at present sur- rounding the mound. In making such sub-surface explorations Mr. Beck- with, at a depth three feet below the present surface, in a number of instances, found pottery balls imbedded in the clay, near mounds ex- plored by him. During his various explorations of mounds, he has col- lected in this way perhaps a half-bushel of such pottery balls of various forms, some ovoids, some round, about the size of a walnut, others again lenticular; the ovoids being in the form of Roman glandes, as described by Evans ;that is, fusiform, or pointed. Such pottery balls of various shapes were in use as sling-stones among the Charrus of South America. The Marquis de Nadailicc says that the Chimecs, who were of the Nahuatl race, in their wars used bows and arrows and 'slings with which they flung little pottery balls which caused dangerous wounds.' Such artificial pottery sling-stones, being uniform in size and weight, gave a greater precision of aim, an advantage which is recognized by the barbarous tribes of New Caledonia today, where sling-stones made out of steatite are used by the natives. The sling was an offensive weapon of the Aztecs, and the stones thrown with great force and accuracy. Among the Mayas of Yucatan slings were also extensively used. But as an offensive weapon it was unknown among the North American Indians." The chroniclers of the past, delving into ancient lore, have pronounced HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 39 Egypt to have the oldest written history. Man, calling to his aid the hieroglyphic records of Egypt, as well as the inscribed bricks and cylin- ders of Assyria, can trace back the annals of man's history no further than fifty centuries. Egypt was schooled in the sciences and nobler arts, and rich in knowledge when Remus and Romulus were unborn and Italy inhabited by uncouth and barbarous savages, when Athens was not spoken, nor Greece begun ; when Europe, now teeming with her millions, was wilderness and sparsely inhabited by races unlettered and unlearned, yet Egypt has her ruins of unnamed cities where a people of a forgotten civilization trafficked and traded, pushed and jostled. The prehistoric remains of Egypt are a never-ending source of his- torical revelation to the student of archaeology. Even the supposed myth of Troy vanished in the face of these established facts ; yet more wonder- ful — beneath the ruins of discovered Troy, the excavator has found the ruins of another city. It would seem that wherever the soil would sup- port and the climate permit, there man has lived and had his being, and that practically every country produces evidence of a forgotten and pre- historic race. In the Dark Ages, a few centuries back, ruthless might, with its accompanying wreck and ruin, effaced much of the world's gems of art, literature and architecture, and even the torch of learning was kept but faintly burning in the cloisters of the monk. The world is littered with the devastations of war; and ever, man has built and destroyed. The years, as we know them in written history, may be but as a day in the eons upon eons of man's development. Generation after genera- tion of men in a ceaseless flow have passed, and the earth is filled with the graves of the forgotten, above which we "strut and fret our brief hour upon the stage." Our country's history is the history of the white man. We have but filmy traditions of the Indians, and if another race preceded it, it must be discovered in what is commonly termed the Indian mounds. CHAPTER II. EXPLORATIONS THE NEW WORLD— PONCE DE LEON— DE SOTO— CORONADO— MARQUETTE AND JOLIET— LA SELLE— FRENCH SETTLEMENTS— TREATY OF ILDEFONSO— PURCHASE OF LOUISIANA TERRITORY— ORGANIZATION OF TERRITORY — VARIOUS CLAIMS TO MISSOURI. When the new world was discovered and had wonderfully revealed itself to the adventurers and daring men of the Old World, the enterprize of Europe was startled into action. Those valiant men. who had won laurels among the mountains of Andalusia, on the fields of Flanders, and on the battlefields of Albion, sought a more remote field for adventure. The revelation of a new world and a new race, and communication between the old and the new, provided a field for fertile imagination. The fact was as astounding to the people then as it would be to us should we learn that Mars is peopled and that communication could be established between that planet and the earth. The heroes of the ocean despised the range of Europe as too narrow, offering to their extravagant ambition nothing beyond mediocrity. Am- bition, avarice, and religious zeal were strangely blended, and the heroes of the main sailed to the west, as if bound on a new crusade, for infinite wealth and renown were to reward their piety, satisfy their greed, and satiate their ambition. Amei-ica was the region of romance where their heated imagination could indulge in the boldest delusions, where the simple ignorant native wore the most precious ornaments, the sands by the side of the clear runs of water, sparkled with gold. Says the historian of the ocean, these adventui-ous heroes speedily prepared to fly by a beckoning or a whis- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 41 pering wheresoever they were called. They forsook certainties for the lure and hope of more brilliant success. To win provinces with the sword, divide the wealth of empires, to plunder the accumulated treasures of some ancient Indian dynasty, to return from a roving expedition with a crowd of enslaved captives and a profusion of spoils, soon became ordinary dreams. Fame, fortune, life and all were squandered in the visions of wealth and renown. Even if the issue was uncertain, success, greater than the boldest imagination had dared, was sometimes attained. It would be an interesting story to trace each hero across the ocean to the American continent, and through the three great gateways thereof, through which he entered the wilds of the great west. The accounts of the explorations and exploitations into the great west read like a romance. The trials through which the explorers passed were enough to make the stoutest hearts quail and to test the endurance of men of steel. Juan Ponce de Leon, an old comrade of Christopher Columbus in his second voyage across the Atlantic, spent his youth in the military service of Spain, and shared in the wild exploits of predatory valor in the Granada. He was a fearless and gallant soldier. The revelation of a new world fired within him the spirit of youth and adventure. He was an old man, yet age had not tempered his love of hazardous enterprise to advance his fortune by conquest of kingdoms, and to retrieve a repu- tation, not without blemish. His cheeks had been furrowed by years of hard service, and he believed the tale which was a tradition, credited in Spain by those who were distinguished for intelligence, of a fountain which possessed the virtue to renovate the life of those who drank of it or bathed in its healing waters. In 1513, with a squadron of three ships fitted out at his own expense, he landed on the coast of Florida, a few miles north of St. Augustine. Here he remained for many weeks, pa- tiently and persistently exploring and penetrating the "deep, tangled wildwood," searching for gold and drinking from the waters of every stream, brook, rivulet, and spring and bathing in every fountain. The discoverer of Florida seeking immortality on earth, bereft of fortune and broken inspirit, found the sombre shadow of death in his second voyage in 1521. Contending with the implacable fury of the Indians, he died from an arrow wound received in an Indian fight. He was laid to rest on the island of Cuba. Thus began the Spanish claim to that vast territory west of the 42 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mississippi, which included the Louisiana Province from the Mississippi west to the Rocky Mountains (including Missouri). Hernando De Soto, who had been with Pizarro in his conquest of Peru in 1533, inspired with the same hopes and ambitions as Ponce de Leon, and undismayed by his failure, and inspiring others with confidence in his plans, collected a large band of Spanish and Portuguese cavaliers. In 1538, his splendidly equipped six or seven hundred men, among whom were many gentlemen of position and wealth, set sail in nine vessels for the wonderful Eldorado. In addition to his men, he carried three hun- dred horses, a herd of swine, and some bloodhounds. It would be inter- esting to follow this expedition in its hazardous wanderings, but to do so in this sketch, would be going "far afield." His route was in part through the country already made hostile by the cruelty and violence of the Spanish invader, Narvaez. On April 25, 1541, De Soto reached the banks of the great Mississippi, supposed to be near the Lower Chickasaw Bluffs, a few miles below Memphis, thus achieving for his name immortality. Here he crossed the river and pursued his course north along its west bank into the region in our own State now known as New Madrid. So far as the historian can determine, he was the first European to set foot on Missouri soil, and thus he strengthened the claim to the vast wilds of the far west. He reached a village called Pocaha, the northern- most point of his expedition, and remained there forty days, sending out various exploring parties. The location of Pocaha cannot be identified. He explored to the northwest, but if he did really penetrate what is now the central part of the state, how far he went is but speculation. The country still nearer to the Missouri was said by the Indians to be thinly inhabited, and it abounded in bison in such numbers that maize could not be cultivated. We have in this story no further interest in De Soto's exploration and wanderings, save to say that the white man, with his insatiable greed, injustice, and cruel adventure, was made known to the red man of the far west. Because of the white man's traits, a hatred arose on the part of the Indians, which by succeeding outrages ripened in after years to a venom that cost the lives of thousands of harmless settlers. Other explorations followed in succession, and though the ex- periences would read like a romance, the scope of this work precludes an account, even of the wonderful exploits of Coronada about the same period. Upon the result of these expeditions Spain based her claims of the Louisiana Province, afterwards acknowledged by European precedent, to be justly founded. While De Soto pierced the wilderness from the southeast, another HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 43 Spanish cavalcade under Francisco de Coronado, at practically the same time, invaded it from the southwest. Coronado. — The expedition consisted of three hundred Spanish ad- venturers, mostly mounted, thoroughly armed, richly caparisoned, and well provisioned. They started their march with flying colors and bound- less expectations. The Vice-roy of Mexico, from whence they started, accompanied them for two days on the march. Never had so chivalrous adventurers gone forth to hunt the wilderness for kingdoms. Every officer seemed fitted to lead an expedition wherever danger threatened or hope lured. More young men of the proudest families of Spain, than had ever before acted together in America, rallied under the banner of Coronado. An Indian slave had told wonders of the seven cities of Cibola, the land of buffaloes that lay at the north between the oceans and beyond the deserts. He represented this country as abounding in silver and gold beyond the wildest dreams. The Spaniards, in what was then called New Spain, trusting implicitly in the truth of this story and hundreds of others equally mythical, burned with ambition to subdue the rich provinces. Several historians who were participants in this expedition have preserved the events of the adventurous march, and it would seem that with so much written evidence based on what the participants of the expedition saw and experienced, at least the course pursued, the routes followed, and the distances traveled by Coronado and his army, ought to be free from doubt. This, however, is far from being the case, and the entire matter is left largely in doubt. It seems to be well authenticated, however, that Coronado entered Missouri in the southern part, but how far north he went, we do not know. Some have claimed, and with some reason, that he reached the Missouri River in the central part of the State. Cruelty of Spanish Explorers. — Coronado and De Soto both treated the Indians with barbarous cruelty. Their great hopes of limitless riches and conquered province became as ashes in their hands. Their men, after long marches for months through the wilderness, became tattered, disgruntled and surly. They were burdens upon the red men whom they visited in the different villages, and consumed their maize. The Indians were distrustful and suspicious, and an inborn hatred for the white man insistently grew in their breasts, and was handed down by tradition with growing rancor, to future generations. The fabled cities of Cibola were found to be miserable mud huts. Indian guides lured them from place 44 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to place with wonderful stories in order that the white men might be held from their own country. It is related that a heroic young Zuni brave represented that he was not a Zuni, but an enemy of that tribe, and belonged to the country of Quivera far to the north. In a glowing word picture he described his country and insisted that the Spaniards visit there, in these words: "Come with me, mighty chief, to my country, watered by the mighty river Quivera. wherein are fishes as large as the horses you ride, and upon whose currents float large and beautiful boats with many colored sails, in which rest the lords of the country at ease, on downy couches and canopies rich with gold. Come, see our gardens of roses, where our great ones take their siesta under the spreading trees that pierce the very heavens in their towering height. There gold and silver are but as stones on a rocky way. Precious jewels and riches beyond the dreams of avarice, mighty chief, is yours for the asking. What you can take is but as a cup of water from the great lake. Come. mighty chief, and follow me, for I will guide thee to the land of riches and plenty." Tradition has it that Coronado, arriving near the Missouri, the Zumi brave said to him, "I have lied to you. I am a Zumi. I witnessed your cruelties to my people, and I have brought you here. I hope you will perish before you reach your home. I am satisfied, and now I am ready to die." The young Zumi suffered the direst penalty, and gave his life for his tribe. Coronado remained at this point about 25 days. The French claim to the Louisiana Province was based on the dis- coveries of Marquette and Joliet in 1673. Marquette was of the patrician "Marquettes of Laon", thought to have been descendants of Celtic nobles whom Rome, in her wise policy, attached to her standard by leaving them in possession of their ancestral territory, but nominally dominated by the "eternal city." Father Marquette and Joliet. — Father Marquette was 29 years of age when his feet first touched American soil. From all the con- temporary accounts of the expedition it is evident that Father Marquette was its leader, its very soul. But as an ecclesiastic he could not take command of an army, however small; as an ambassador of Christ to foreign heathen nations, he could not act as the agent of a king of France. It was accordingly arranged that Sieur Joliet, a native of Canada, should HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 45 command the expedition, and that Marquette should accompany it as its missionary. The choice of Joliet was a wise and happy one. They left the connecting strait between Lakes Michigan and Huron on the 17th day of May, 1673. In the language of Marquette, "We were embarking on a voyage the duration of which we could not foresee. Indian corn, with some dried meat, was our only provisions. With this, we set out in two bark canoes. M. Joliet, five other men and I firmly resolved to do all and suffer all for a glorious enterprise." On the 17th day of June, 1673, they, with their attendants in two bark canoes, reached the Upper Mississippi. They followed in their frail barks the swift current of the river to the mouth of the Illinois, and thence into the mouth of the Missouri, called by Marquette, Pekitonoui, that is, Muddy Water. Shea in his "Discovery of the Mississippi Valley", says that Pekitonoui, or "Muddy Water", prevailed until Marest's time (1712), when it was called Missouri, from the name of a tribe of Indians known as Missouris, who inhabited the country at its mouth. More than 100 years after DeSoto discovered the Mississippi the claim of the French was founded. Until 1762 these two great nations contended for the right of sovereignity of the wilderness west of the Mississippi. The limits of this work forbid following the varying fortunes of any of the explorers, and reference is made to them sufficient only to show the claims of France and Spain to that expanse of territory of which the present Cooper County was a part. La Salle. — Continuing these references we must advert to La Salle. On the 14th day of July, 1678, with Tonti, an Italian, and about 30 other men, he arrived in Quebec. In September, he sailed from Rochelle, France, and was joined by Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan friar. After leaving Frontenac, in Nov., 1678, they spent about 18 months among the Indian tribes exploring the northern lakes and rivers. They experienced many hardships. After returning to Canada for addi- tional supplies, La Salle, with about 20 Frenchmen, 18 Indian braves and 10 Indian women, descended the Illinois to the Mississippi, which they reached on the sixth of Feb., 1662. On the fifth of April, La Salle accom- plished the purpose of his expedition, which was to discover the three mouths of the Mississippi through which its great volume of water is discharged into the Gulf of Mexico. By ceremony of great pomp, La Salle took possession of the country 46 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in the name of Louis XIV of France, in whose honor the country was named Louisiana. And here on an elevation La Salle, amid the solemn chants of hymns of thanksgiving, planted a cross, with the arms of France ; and in the name of the French king took possession of the river, of all its branches, and of the territory watered by them. The notary drew up an authentic act, which all signed with beating hearts. A leaden plate upon which were the arms of France and the names of the dis- coverers, was, amid the rattle of musketry, deposited in the earth. The plate bore this inscription, "Louis le Grand Roi de France et de Navarre, Regne; le Neuvieme Auril, 1682." Standing near the planted cross, La Salle proclaimed with a loud voice, that in the name of the most high, mighty, invincible and victorious Prince, Louis the Great, by the grace of God, King of France and Navarre, 14th of the name, this ninth day of April, 1682, he took possession of the country of Louisiana, comprising almost indefinite limits and including, of course, the present territory of Missouri. The colonial policy of the Spaniards was not based on theory or fancy, although at this period, less enlightened than the French, they had the advantage of larger experience. The English by reason of their indom- itable perseverance and fixedness of purpose had, in these respects, an advantage over their rivals. Yet the French, by their superior attitude in assimilating with the savages, and adroitness in winning confidence, had a clear advantage over both. French Settlements. — The only settlements at that time in what is now Missouri, were Ste. Genevieve and St. Louis. There were at least five settlements in what is now Illinois. These settlements were situated along the east bank of the Mississippi, for about 75 miles extending from near the mouth of the Missouri river to the mouth of the Kaskaska. They were Kaskaskia, with a white population of about 400; Prairie View Rocher. with about 50 inhabitants; Fort Chartres. about 100; Philippe, about 20; Kahoki, about 100, making a total of 670 whites. The negro population was about 300, which brings the total up to nearly 1,000. These settlements were made by the French. It seems unreasonable to assume that these adventurers, seeking fame and fortune, did not explore the Missouri River far beyond the limits of Cooper County. Early in the 18th century the French sent men into what is now Missouri to search for silver, and although they failed, they did a great deal of exploring in this region. Again the French settlers in Kaskaskia, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 47 and other Illinois settlements, which were established in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, soon made their way on hunting and exploring expeditions up the Missouri. Naturally this activity on the part of the French aroused the fears of the Spanish at Santa Fe, which resulted in their fitting out an expedition in 1720 for exploration. This expedition is popularly known as the "Great Caravan." It consisted of a large num- ber of soldiers, artisans, and farmers, together with their families, flocks and herds. But Houck in his "History of Missouri", says that recent investiga- tions seem to make it clear that there were not more than 50 soldiers in the expedition, and while there may have been helpers they were not intending settlers. However that may be, the expedition failed com- pletely, owing to an attack made by hostile Indians. Only one man belong- ing to the ill-fated expedition escaped with his life to relate the story of the disaster. It is claimed that this attempt of the Spanish to establish a post on the Missouri in 1720, led directly to the founding of Fort Orleans by the French in 1723. De Bourgmont, who previously spent some years trading with the Indians along the Missouri, was captain and commandant of Missouri in 1720. The exact site of Fort Orleans cannot be definitely determined. It has been claimed that it is on the south bank of the Missouri near what is now Malta Bend in Saline County. Recently the ruins of an old fort, and the remains of French weapons, have been unearthed near Malta Bend. These finds are taken by some as evidence supporting the claim that Fort Orleans was on the south bank of the Missouri at that point. These facts ?ra important because they establish a foundation upon which a reasonable inference can be drawn that what is now Cooper County was invaded by the white man, and that trade had been carried on with the Indians long years before we have positive record of exploration by the white man. Treaty of Ildefonso.— From 1763 to 1800, Spain held undisputed sovereignty over the Louisiana province. In 1800, Europe was a seething caldron of contention and diplomacy. There were wars and rumors of wars. Napoleon Bonaparte was at the zenith of his glory. With the iron hand of power, guided by a wily diplomatic policy, and jealous ot the growing sovereignty of Spain and England in the New World, Napoleon forced Spain into the treaty of Ildefonso, Oct. 1 , 1800, by which she ceded 48 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to France all the territory known as Louisiana, west of the Mississippi in consideration that the son-in-law to the King of Spain should be estab- lished in Tuscany. This treaty took its name from the celebrated palace of St. Ildefonso which was the retreat of Charles V of Spain when he abdicated his throne in favor of his son. It was situated about 40 miles north of Madrid in an elevated ravine in the mountains of Gaudarruma. Purchase of Louisiana Territory. — Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803, for- seeing that Russia, in conjunction with Austria and England, was pre- paring to send clown her Muscovite legions into France, realized that he could not hold his possessions in America and determined to dispose of them to the disadvantage of England. The treaty of Ildefonso, in 1800, whereby Spain ceded to France all of the Louisiana Province, had been kept a profound secret until 1803. Thomas Jefferson, then president of the United States, was informed of the contents of this treaty. He at once dispatched instructions to Robert Livingston, the American minister to Paris, to make known to Napoleon that the occupation of New Orleans by the French government would bring about a conflict of interest between the two nations, which would finally culminate in an open rupture. He urged Mr. Livingston not only to insist upon the free navigation of the Mississippi, but to negotiate for the purchase of the city and the sur- rounding country, and to inform the French government that the occupancy of New Orleans might oblige the United States to make com- mon cause with England, France's bitterest and most dreaded enemy. Mr. Jefferson, in so grave a matter, appointed Mr. Monroe, with full power to act in conjunction with Mr. Livingston in the negotiation. Before taking final action in the matter, Napoleon summoned his ministers and addressed them as follows : "I am fully aware of the value of Louisiana, and it was my wish to repair the error of the French diplomats 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 whom I sell it. The English have despoiled France of all her northern possessions 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 vexa- tion they have manifested on seeing it return to the power of France, I am certain that their first object will be to gain possession of it. They will probably commence the war in that quarter. They have twenty il. li COURT HOUSE, SECOND ONE AT BOONVILUE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 49 vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and our affairs in St. Domingo are getting 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 attack upon it. Such a measure would be in accordance with their habits ; and, if I were 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 conciliate. 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 Napoleon's ministers agreed with him, and the other dis- sented. Ever quick to think and to act, the next day he sent for the minister who agreed with him, and thus expressed himself: "The season for deliberation is over. I have determined to renounce Louisiana. I shall give up not only New Orleans, but the whole colony, without reservation. That I do not undervalue Louisiana, I have suffici- ently proved, as the object of my first treaty with Spain was to recover it. But though I regret parting with it, I am convinced that it would be folly to try to keep it. I commission you, therefore, to negotiate this affair with the envoys of the United States. Do not await 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 commence it by levying new taxes. For the last century France and Spain have incurred great expense in the improve- ment 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 the terri- tory 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. I would rather make some desperate effort to preserve this fine country." The negotiations were completed satisfactorily to both parties to the contract. Mr. Livingston said, "I consider that from this day the United (4) 50 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY States takes rank with the first powers of Europe, and now she is entirely escaped from the power of England." Napoleon Bonaparte, seemingly as well pleased said, "By this cession of territory, I have secured the power of the United States, and given to England a rival, who in some future time will humble her pride. How prophetic were the words of Napoleon. Not many years after in the very territory of which the great Corsican had been speaking the British met their signal defeat by the prowess and arms of the Americans. On Dec. 20, 1803, the Stars and Stripes supplanted the tri-colored flag of France at New Orleans. March 10, 1804, again the glorious banner of our country waved at St. Louis, from which day the authority of the United States in Missouri dates. The great Mississippi, along whose banks the Americans had planted their towns and villages, now afforded them a safe and easy outlet to the markets of the world. Organization of Territory. — In the month of April, 1804, Congress, by an act, divided Louisiana into two parts, the territory of Orleans, and the district of Louisiana, known as Upper Louisiana. Upper Louisiana embraced the present state of Missouri, all the western region of country to the Pacific Ocean, and all below the 49th degree of north latitude not claimed by Spain. On March 26, 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. Harrison, then governor of Indiana, afterwards pres- ident of the United States. In this he was assisted by Judges Jacob, Vandenburg and Davis who established in St. Louis what was called Courts of Common Pleas. On March 3, 1805, the district of Louisiana was organized by Con- gress into the territory of Louisiana, and President Jefferson appointed General James Wilkinson, governor; and Frederick Bates, secretary. The legislature of the territory was formed by Governor Wilkinson, Judges R. J. Meiger and John B. C. Lucas. In 1807, Governor Wilkinson was succeeded by Captain Merriwether Lewis, who had become famous by reason of his having made the expedi- tion up the Missouri with Clark. Governor Lewis committed suicide in 1809, under very peculiar and suspicious circumstances, and the President appointed General Benjamin Howard of Lexington. Kentucky, to fill his place. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 51 Governor Howard resigned Oct. 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 General Howard ; he remained in office until the admission of the state into the Union in 1821. For purposes of purely local government, the settled portion of Mis- souri was divided into four districts. Cape Girardeau was the first, and embraced the territory between Pywappipy Bottom and Apple Creek ; Ste. Genevieve, the second, embraced the territory of Apple Creek to the Merri- mac River ; St. Louis, the third, embraced the territory between the Merrimac and the Missouri ; St. Charles, the fourth included the settled territory between the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers. The total population of these districts at that time, including slaves, was 8,670. The population of the district of Louisiana when ceded to the United States was 10,120. Various Claims to Missouri. — The soil of Missouri has been claimed or owned as follows: First, from the middle of the sixteenth century to 1763, by both France and Spain. Second, in 1763, it was ceded to Spain by France. Third, in 1800, it was ceded from Spain back to France. Fourth, April 30, 1803, it, with other territory, was ceded by France to the United States. Fifth, October 31, 1803, a temporary government was authorized by Congress for the newly acquired territory. Sixth, October, 1804, it was included in the "District of Louisiana." then organized with a separate territorial government. Eighth, June 4, 1812, it was embraced in what was then made the "Territory of Missouri." Ninth, August 10. 1821, admitted into the Union as a state. When France, in 1803, vested the title to this vast territory in the United States, it was subject to the claims of the Indians. This claim our government justly recognized. Therefore, before the government of the United States could vest clear title to the soil in the grantees, it was necessary to extinguish title by purchase. This was accordingly done by treaties made with the Indians at various times. When Missouri was admitted as a territory in 1812 by James Madison, it embraced what is now the state of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, west of the Mississippi, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, Nebraska. Montana, and most of Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. It has therefor. 1 been truly said that Missouri is the mother of all the great west. CHAPTER III. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. DANIEL BOONE— BOONSLICK COUNTRV— FIRST TEMPORARY SETTLEMENTS— LEWIS AND CLARK — NATHAN AND DANIEL BOONE MAKE SALT— CHRIST V AND HEATH— BENJAMIN COOPER— FIGHT WITH INDIANS— INDIANS MEET GENERAL CLARK— COOPERS AND COLES SETTLE PERMANENTLY— FIRST SETTLERS SOUTH OF RIVER— CONDITIONS MET— FIRST SETTLERS IN BOONS- LICK COUNTRY— OTHER SETTLERS SOUTH OF RIVER — ENGLISH STIR UP INDIANS— FIRST DEEDS RECORDED. While the preceding chapters deal with history, largely speculative and inferential, leading up to the year 1804, when the United States took possession of Upper Louisiana, the present chapter is the story based on actual facts from 1804 to 1812, of the Central Boonslick country, and particularly that portion of the same on the south and north banks of the Missouri, in what is now the northern part of Cooper County and the southern part of Howard. So intimately correlated are the events on both banks of the river, that the story of one is the story of the other. Over a century of time has elapsed since the first hardy pioneer built his cabin in the wilderness which is now known to the world as Cooper county. During the period which has passed since the first settler braved the hardships and privations of the unknown and undeveloped country bordering upon the shores of the mighty Missouri, a wonderful trans- formation has taken place. Cooper County has risen to become one of the wealthiest in Missouri and is one of the leaders in value of farm crops and farm wealth. It has become famous for enterprise and industry, and ranks among the first counties of the great state of Missouri in the prosperity of her citizens. All this has been accomplished by the men and women who HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 53 have delved into its rich soil and developed the limitless resources of the county. It has furnished to the state and nation men eminent in the councils of both and famed in statesmanship. Its citizens have won distinction in the professions and in letters, have been in the van of advanced agri- culture, horticulture and stock-breeding, and have in remote sections of our great country, carried with them the vigor of mind and body that shed luster in their adopted homes. Schools have multiplied and towns have been built upon the broad expanse of her territory ; the old trails have given away to well-kept highways; steam locomotives haul palatial trains where once the slow moving ox-teams transported merchandise to and from the Missouri. Even the buggy and carriage, once the evidence of prosperity, have been superceded lay the more elegant, more comfortable and speedier means of travel, the automobile. The telegraph, the telephone and the wireless have bound together distant communities. Distance has been eliminated and time conserved. The history of Cooper County, from t^he time of the red men and the first hardy adventurers and pioneers, involves a wondrous story which is well worth preserving. States and nations preserve their history, but the story of a county and its creation and development touches a chord of home life and home making which is dearer and nearer than that which is purely informational. Danie! Boone, whose name is so intimately connected with the early pioneer history of Kentucky, when an old man, lost his holdings in that state by reason of defective land titles. Though learned in wood- craft and versatile in Indian lore, he knew little of man-made laws. Chagrined and baffled, but with never quailing heart, he determined to move farther west where he would not be elbowed by a crowding civil- ization. He secured a grant of land on the Femme Osage, in what is now St. Charles County, in the state of Missouri, and eventually located there about 1797. He was strong and vigorous, and for several years thereafter hunted and trapped up and down the Missouri River, depend- ing solely and alone upon nature and his trusty rifle for all his wants. When Hunt, in his expedition across the continent, on Jan. 17, 1811, touched with his boats at Charette, one of the old villages founded by the original French colonists, he met with Daniel Boone. This renowned patriarch of Kentucky, who had kept in advance of civilization and on the borders of the wilderness, was still leading a hunter's life, though then in 54 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY his 83d year. He had but recently returned from a hunting and trapping expedition, and had brought nearly 60 beaver skins as trophies of his skill. This old man was still erect in form, strong of limb and unflinching in spirit. As he stood on the river bank, watching the departure of an expedition destined to traverse the wilderness to the very shores of the Pacific, very probably his pulse beat the faster and he felt a throb of his old pioneer spirit impelling him to shoulder his rifle, and join the adven- turous band that was to travel lands heretofore unexplored, again braving the wilderness and the savage. Boone flourished several yeai-s after this meeting in a vigorous old age, the master of hunters and backwoodsmen, and he died full of sylvan honor and renown, in 1820, in his 92d year. John Peck, that noted pioneer Baptist preacher, in his memoirs of the Louisiana Territory, thus describes Boone: "His high, bold forehead was slightly bald, and his silvered locks were combed smooth, his countenance was ruddy and fair and exhibited the simplicity of a child, a smile frequently played over his countenance; in conversation his voice was soft and melodious; at repeated interviews an irritable expression was never heard ; his clothing was the coarse, plain manufacture of the family, but every thing denoted that kind of com- fort that was congenial to his habits and feelings, and evinced a busy, happy old age. His room was a part of a range of log cabins kept in order by his affectionate daughters and grand daughters. Every member of the household appeared to take delight in administering to his comforts ; he was sociable and communicative in replying to questions, but did not intro- duce incidents of his own history. He was intelligent, for he had treas- ured up the experience and observation of more than fourscore years "not moody and unsociable as if desirous of shunning society and civil- ization." This was in 1816, four years before the death of Boone. This brief mention of Daniel Boone is but a small tribute to the man from whom, because of his noble traits and unique career, the Boonslick Country. Boone County, and Boonville take their names. Boonslick Country. — In one of his many hunting and trapping expe- ditions, Boone came into Hov/ard County and discovered certain salt ings, about eight miles northwest of what is now Now Franklin. These springs were for many years thereafter known as Boonslick, from them this section of country took its name. All of the present state of Mis- souri lying west of Cedar Creek and north and west of the Osage river, and extending practically to what is now the state line on the west and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 55 north, was for many years known as the Boonslick Country. The first settlers who came to this section knew it only by that name, as at that time no counties were formed in the central part of the state. There is no reliable evidence nor substantial tradition that Boone ever permanently resided at this Lick, but it is certain that he camped near there, prob- ably on many occasions. Nor is there substantial evidence that be ever resided in the present county of Cooper, yet it is very probable that he frequently crossed to the south side of the Missouri river, and trapped and hunted along the Missouri in what is now Cooper County. Samuel Cole, a member of one of the first white families which settled in the present limits of Cooper County, has been positive in his statement that Daniel Boone never lived farther west than St. Charles County. The conclusion, therefore, is inevitable that those who have assumed that Boone ever resided permanently in either Howard or Cooper County are in error. However, John W. Peck, who in the early days traveled in this section, gives a very interesting account of his observations and experi- ences. A few years before the old hunter's death, Peck visited him in his home in what is now St. Charles County. He states that Boone pitched his tent for one winter at the salt springs, afterwards known as Boone's Lick, and later put up a cabin there. Mr. Peck does not give the date. The presumption is that he got his information from the lips of the old hunter himself, and we would further suppose that Boone camped there between the years 1797 and 1804, likely nearer the former date than the latter for the reason that he was at that time younger and more robust, and more inclined than he was later to enjoy sylvan sports, the chase and the hunt. First Temporary Settlements. — Joseph Marie, in the year 1800, set- tled upon lands situated near what is known as "Eagle's Nest", about one mile southwest of where Fort Kincaid was afterward erected, in what is now Franklin township, Howard County, and erected improvements thereon. This has been controverted, but we give it again for what it is worth. The" first authentic record we have dealing with any settlement is a deed executed in the year 1816, transferring the above lands by this same Joseph Marie to Asa Morgan, whose name is so intimately connected with some of the first land deals in this section, and who with Lucas laid out the town of Boonville. We give this deed at the end of this chapter. Also in the year 1800, the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Louisiana, 56 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Charles Dehault Delasus, granted to Ira P. Nash, a large tract of land in what is now Howard County. This land was surveyed on Jan. 26, 1804, and certified to on Feb. 15th of that year. We also append at the end of this chapter a copy of the deed transferring this land. In the latter part of February, Ira P. Nash the above named, a Deputy United States surveyor, together with Stephen Hancock and Stephen Jackson, came up the Missouri River and located a claim on public lands nearly opposite the mouth of the Lamine River, north of Cooper County. They remained there until March, of the same year, employing their time in surveying, hunting and fishing, and during that month returned to their homes, on the Missouri River, about five miles above St. Charles. In July of the same year, Ira P. Nash, with James H. Whiteside, William Clark arid Daniel Hubbard came again into what is now Howard County, and surveyed a tract of land near the present site of Old Franklin. On this trip, it is stated, Mr. Nash claimed that on his former trip when he came up the river in February, he had left a compass in a certain hollow tree. He and two other companions started out to find it, and agreed to meet the remainder of the company the next day at what was known as "Boone's and Barkley's Lick." This he did, bringing the compass with him, thus proving beyond a doubt that he had visited the country before. This incident is remembered as having been important, in the early days, in bearing on the title of Nash's land. Lewis and Clark Expedition. — When Lewis and Clark in their won- derful exploring expedition across the continent to the Pacific Ocean, came up the Missouri river, they arrived near where the Boone Femme flows into the Missouri river, on the north side, and camped there for the night. This was on June 7, 1804. < When they arrived at the mouth of the Big Moniteau Creek, they found a point of rocks covered with strange heirog- lyphic paintings that deeply aroused their interest, but this place was infested with such a large number of rattlesnakes, that a closer examina- tion was rendered hazardous and practically impossible. As they traveled up the river they arrived at the mouth of the Lamine on June 8th and on the 9th they reached what is now Arrow Rock. This expedition re- turned from its journey in 1806, after thrilling experiences, having suc- cessfully accomplished all the purposes for which it was sent out. In passing down the Missouri River, on Sept. 18th, the expedition camped on the north side of the Missouri river, opposite the mouth of the Lamine. Passing up the Missouri in 1804, and down on their return trip HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 57 in 1806, they passed the present sites of Boonville and Franklin, and doubtless made short explorations on both sides of the river. The next positive evidence that we have of any white person being in the country is the following: Nathan and Daniel Boone Make Salt at Boonslick. — In 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of old Daniel Boone, who lived with their father in what is now St. Charles County, about 25 miles west of the city of St. Charles, on the Femme Osage Creek, came up the Missouri River and manufactured salt at Boone's Lick in what is now Howard County. After they had manufactured a considerable amount of salt they shipped it down the river to St. Louis, where they sold it. It is thought by many that this is the first instance of salt being manufactured in what was at that time a part of the territory of Louisiana, now the state of Missouri, however soon after this sale was manufactured in large quantiitiies, salt licks being discovered in many parts of the state. These were the first white persons who remained for any length of time in the Boonslick country, but they were not permanent settlers. They came only to make salt or hunt, and left soon thereafter. So far as authentic records give us light, the foregoing were the first white settlers who came to this section of the Boonslick country. Thus we see that prior to 1808 three parties had entered it while on exploring and surveying expeditions. Two parties had been to its fine salt licks to make salt. It must not be assumed, however, that these were the first white men who came into this section of the state. There had been for many years settlements in the eastern part of the state and especially on the Mississippi River. Doubtless many of these hardy pioneers, on their hunting expeditions, tracked the forest to the Boonslick country. Many years before 1800, French traders and Spanish voyageurs were wont to trap, hunt and traffic with the Indians, up and down the Missouri River. Suffice it to say that these white men who came to this section were not looked upon by the Indians in surprise and wonder. They knew the ways of the white man, and gave evidence of having had previous dealings with him. Christy and Heath Make Salt in Cooper County.— William Christy and John J. Heath came up from St. Louis in 1808, and manufactured salt in what is now Blackwater township, Cooper County, at a place now known as Heath's Lick. For years afterwards, Heath made salt at the same place every summer and shipped it to St. Louis, in hollow logs closed at 58 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY each end by chunks of wood and clay. The salt springs where Heath's salt works were located is known as Heath's Creek, named after him, as was also Heath's Lick. In 1804, when the United States took formal possession of the province of of Louisiana, it became the territory of Louisiana, and was afterwards divided into the Upper Louisiana Territory, and the Orleans, or Lower Louisiana Territory, to the former of which this section belonged. It was then that the rugged American pioneer looked with longing eyes towards the West, seeking cheap lands, a new home and adventure. Soon there started a stream of immigration from the south, east and north, but the first settlers were principally from the southern states. Benjamin Cooper First Settler in Boonslick Country. — Benjamin Cooper was the first permanent settler in the section. In the spring of the year 1808, he and his family, consisting of his wife and five sons, moved to the Boonslick country, about two miles southwest of Boonslick in the Missouri River bottom. Here he had sought cheaper lands and a new home, together with the necessary adventures second to his sturdy nature. He built a cabin cleared a small piece of ground and began the preliminary work for a permanent home. However, he was located so far beyond the protection of the government that Governor Merriweather Lewis, then governor of the territory issued an order directing him to return below the mouth of the Gasconade River. Cooper was so far ad- vanced in the Indian country, and so far away from the protection of the government, that in case of Indian wars, he would be without other aid and unable to protect himself against the depredations of the ruthless savages. So he returned to Loutre Island, about four miles below the mouth of the Gasconade River, and remained there until the year 1810. This precaution was perhaps due to the fact that Indians were being stirred and exploited by our then quandam friends, the English, in some cases being supplied by them with guns and ammunition. As Stephen Cole and Hannah Cole and families were the first perma- nent settlers in Cooper County, it may be of special interest to the reader to learn something about them. Stephen Cole ;ind William Temple Cole Fight With Indians. — Stephen Cole and William Temple Cole were bora in New River, Wythe County. Virginia. There they married sisters named Allison, and emigrated to the southern part of the Cumberland, Wayne County. Kentucky. In 1807, they came to Upper Louisiana, and settled on or near Loutre Island, about the same time that the Coopers settled on that island. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 59 In 1810, a roving band of about eighteen Pottowattomies, led by a war chief named Nessotingineg, stole a number of horses from the settlers of Loutre Island on the Missouri. A volunteer company consisting of Stephen Cole, William Temple Cole, Sarshall Brown, Nicholas Gooch, Abraham Potts, and James Mordock, was formed with Stephen Cole, then captain of the militia of Loutre Island, as leader. The company proposed to follow the Indians and recapture the stolen property. The volunteer company followed the Indians up the Loutre Creek, about 20 miles, and came to a place where the Indians had peeled bark, evidently to make halters, there the white men stopped for the night. The next morning they followed the Indian trail about thirty miles across Grand Prairie, just as they emerged from a small patch of timber, sud- denly discovered the Indians with the horses. William Temple Cole and Sarshall Brown, on the fastest horses, started in pursuit, the others following them. So hard did they press their pursuit upon the Indians, who did not know the number of whites chasing them, and who were apprehensive that they might be captured in their wild flight, that they threw their packs into a plum thicket near a pool of water, and they scattered in the woods. These packs, consisting of buffalo robes, deer skins and partly tanned leather, they had stolen from Sarshall Brown. Night overtaking the party, they went into camp on the Waters of Salt River at a place known as Bonelick, 65 miles from the Loutre settle- ment, and about a mile or two northwest of the present city of Mexico, in Audrain County. Here contrary to the advice of their leader Stephen Cole, they without posting any sentinels, tied their horses in the thicket. After broiling some meat for supper, they went to sleep, with the excep- tion of Stephen Cole, who with the sagacity of the experienced frontiers- man, was apprehensive of an attack. They had not been asleep long, when Cole thought he heard the cracking of a bush. He told his bi-other to get up, for he believed the Indians were near. However everything remained still, and solemn quietude prevailed. Stephen Cole pulled his saddle against his back and shoulders, and sought again his repose after the hard day's chase, but still impressed with impending danger. The Indians, who had crawled up so near that, by the light of the little camp fire, they could see the faces of their unsuspecting victims, waited but a short time till all was quiet then they opened a volley upon the party, instantly killing Gooch and Brown, wounding William Temple Cole and another one of the men. A hand-to-hand struggle between the Indians 60 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and Stephen Cole then took place in which Cole killed four Indians and wounded a fifth ; the remaining members of the Indian band disappeared. Stephen Cole then went into a nearby pool and squatted in the water to wash the blood from the many wounds which he had received. After a little while the Indians returned, found Temple Cole and killed him. Patton, who had managed to get off some distance, also was found dead near a little sapling. Stephen Cole, after stanching the flow of blood from his wounds left the scene of the bloody encounter. The next morning, after he had gone about two or three miles, he sat down on a small gopher hill to rest, when he discovered two mounted Indians some distance away. They eyed him for a few minutes, then wheeled their horses and disap- peared. He reached the settlement on the third day nearly famished, having had not a morsel to eat during all this time. James Moredock escaped unhurt, and it is said that if he had acted with one-half the bravery of Stephen Cole, the Indians would have been defeated. Samuel Cole, a son of William Temple Cole, says that the Indians did not scalp the whites in this encounter. Peace was supposed to prevail between the Indians and settlers. This skirmish proved to be the begin- ning of the Indian troubles on the Missouri River. It is possible that this band of Pottowattomies had been on the war path against the Osages, and since the war trail from the Pottowattomies' led to the mouth of the Gasconade, near which Loutre Island is situated in the Missouri River, the temptation to steal some of the horses of the settlers had been too great for the Indians to forego. At any rate, so far as we know they did no personal injury to the settlers, except yielding to their penchant for stealing. If they had been bent upon more serious mischief, they undoubtedly could and would have perpetrated it. James Cole, a son of Stephen Cole, says that in this fight Stephen Cole received 26 wounds, and that on his way home he chewed some elm bark and placed it on his wounds. Stephen Cole was killed by the Indians on the banks of the Rio Grande near El Paso in 1824. Cole was a strong, virile, robust, uneducated, but sagacious frontiersman. On one occasion he was present at a session of the legislature, says Houck, when two mem- bers who had been opponents in a spirited debate during the session, engaged in a fight, after adjournment for the day and clinched. This was a common occurrence in those days when physical strength and prowess were so greatly esteemed. Governor McNair, who happened to be pres- ent, tried to separate them, but Cole seized the governor and pulled him HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 61 away, saying, "In sich a scrimmage a governor is no more than any other man." Saukees and Renards Meet with General Clark. — It was shortly after the Loutre Island incident that a delegation of the Saukees or Sacs, and the Renards or Foxes, had a meeting with General Clark in St. Louis and assured him that they were peaceably inclined. Quashquama, in a speech to Clark, said: "My father, I left my home to see my great-grandfather, the president of the United States, but as I cannot proceed to see him, I give you my hand as to himself. I have no father to whom I have paid any attention but yourself. If you hear anything, I hope that you will let me know, and I will do the same. I have been advised several times to raise the tomahawk. Since the last war we have looked upon the Amer- icans as friends, and I shall hold you fast by the hand. The Great Spirit has not put us on the earth to war with the whites. We have never struck a white man. If we go to war it is with the red flesh. Other nations send belts among us, and urge us to war. They say that if we do not, the Americans will encroach upon us, and drive us off our lands." This was fine-sounding and very romantic speech in light of what fol- lowed. In the war that started in 1812, and from then until its close, in 1815, these same Saukees and Renards, some of whom lived in this sec- tion, committed atrocious deeds, and gave the early pioneer settlers much trouble. But all the tribulations of the settlers at this time cannot be attributed to these tribes alone, as other roving bands of savages infested 'the country. This section of the Boonslick country was not destined to be left long to the reign of the wild beasts and the savage Indians. It was attractive and presented advantages which those seeking homes where they could find the richest of lands and the most healthful of climates, could not and did not fail to perceive. Its fertile soil promised, with little labor, the most abundant of harvests. Its forests were filled with every variety of game, and its streams with all kinds of fish. It is no wonder that those seeking homes looked upon this section as a "promised land", where pro- visions could be found, and that they should select and settle the rich lands here, accomodating themselves to the scanty fare of the wilderness, and risking all the dangers from the wild beasts and the Indians who lived in great numbers nearby. Two years after the first settlement of Benjamin Cooper and after his removal to Loutre Island, the first permanent and abiding settlement 62 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was made in this section this was but a forerunner of the stream of emi- gration which soon followed. Coopers and Coles Settle Permanently. — On Feb. 20, 1810, Benjamin Cooper with several others returned to what is now Howard County. They came up on the north side of the Missouri from Loutre Island, and all of ' them, except Hannah Cole, the widow of William Temple Cole, and her family and Stephen Cole and his family, settled in Howard County, north of the Missouri River. Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole, together with their families, settled in what is now Cooper County; Stephen Cole settled about one and one- half miles east of Boonville, at what is now called the old "Fort Field" once owned by J. L. Stephens ; and Hannah Cole, in what is now East Boonville, on the big bluffs overlooking the river at a point of rocks where the old lime kiln was located. Benjamin Cooper settled in Howard County, at the same pmce and in the cabin which he had built two years before. This cabin had not been disturbed by the Indians, although they had occupied all the adjacent country, and doubtless had passed it many times. When the families of Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole, settled in what is now Cooper County, there was no white American living in Missouri west of Franklin and south of the Missouri. Those who came with them and settled north of the Missouri were their nearest white neighbors, but most of these were two or three miles distant from them. Names of First Permanent Settlers South of River. — The families' that were the first settlers south of the river were composed of the follow- ing members: Hannah Cole, the widow of William Temple Cole, and her children Jennie, Mattie, Dickey, Nellie, James, Holburt, Stephen, William and Samuel ; Stephen Cole, and Phoebe, his wife, and their children, James. Rhoda, Mark, Nellie and Polly, making seventeen members in the two families who made the first settlement in what is now Cooper County, but what was then a wilderness, untrodden save by savages. Here they were surrounded on all sides by the Indians, who pretended to be friendly, and who stoically camouflaged their malice, but sought every opportunity to commit petit larceny and other depredations upon the settlers. All of these have gone beyond the Great Divide. They have passed their brief hour upon a stage, filled with thrilling adventures. Each lived in his own limited sphere, has passed on and is seen no more. Their memories are perpetrated; their noble deeds and self-sacrifices are cherished. Their HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 63 descendants are many and are scattered throughout the different counties of this state, and the west from the Mississippi river to the Pacific coast. Conditions Met. — When the Coopers and the Coles came to this sec- tion, there was neither road nor path for them to pass through the wilder- ness, save here and there the trail of the savage or the path of the wild beast. They had to take care as the course in which to travel any open- ing which they could find in the thickets or through the forest, that would permit the passage of their wagons and animals, and frequently were com- pelled to chop their way through with the axe, an essential accouterment of the early pioneer. When they arrived where old Franklin now stands, Hannah and Stephen Cole looked with longing eyes to the beckoning forests on the south side of the river, and desiring to cross the river with their families, were compelled to use a large canoe or perogue, as it was then called, compelling their horses to swim behind them. At this time throughout Cooper County up and down the south side of the Missouri, the land was covered by a vast forest, extending several miles inland. The Saukee, or Sacs, and Renards, or Foxes, were their only neighbors. The Saukee under their leader, Quashquami, lived on the Moniteau Creek in the south part of Cooper County. They were in a measure nomadic, and moved from place to place seeking the easier and better hunting ground. When these brave settlers first came here, the Indians professed to be friendly to them, and gave apparent evidence of desiring to live in peace and amity, but as is generally true with all savages, they were petty thieves, stole horses and committed various other depredations. During the war of 1812, these Indians took sides with the British against the Americans. After the conclusion of the war the Saukee Indians were ordered off to the Grand River, and from thence to Rock River. Other chiefs with whom the early settlers came in contact during this time, were Keokuk and Blundo, the latter one, half French, the other a full blooded Indiana. The whites of that day, although they well knew the treachery of the Indians, were accustomed to hunt and fish with them and at times to visit them at their villages. When in the presence of the whites, the Indians were kind and accomodating, yet the settlers always endeavored to guard against the wary savage and his treachery. In the Indian war of 1832. known as the Black Hawk War. Blundo was really and according to the Indian law and tradition chief of the tribe, 64 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY but Black Hawk, a wily and restless agitator, seemed to sway his fellow savages and became in this war the leader of the Saukees and Renards, sometimes called the Sacs and Foxes. When the first settlers came to what is now Cooper County, wild game of all kinds was very abundant, and was so tame as not to be easily fright- ened at the approach of the white man. This game furnished the settlers with all their meat, and, in fact, with all the provisions that they used for most of the time they had little else than meat. There were large numbers of deer, wild turkeys, elk, and large ani- mals, and to use the expression of an old settler, "They could be killed as easily as sheep are now killed in our pastures." The settlers spent most of their time hunting and fishing, as it was a needless waste to plant crops to be destroyed by the wild game. Small game, such as squirrels, rabbits and the like swarmed so abundantly around the homes of the settlers and in such numbers that when the men attempted to raise a crop of any kind they were forced to kill the small game in large numbers in order to save a part of it. But these inoffensive animals, dangerous only to their crops, were not the only ones which filled the forests. Such terrible and blood thirsty wild beasts as the bear and the panther could be seen very often lying in wait for any unwary traveler who ventured near their lairs. Where the present residences of E. A. Windsor and M. E. Schmidt now stand in the city of Boonville, a panther which measured eleven feet from the end of its nose to the tip of its tail, was one day killed by Samuel Cole. This panther was thought to be one of the largest ever killed in the state of Missouri. Thus were the early settlers and their families abundantly provided with meat and food by nature. Their menu was brief, but it was enough to supply with vitality the red corpuscles that coursed through their veins and gave them rugged health, vigor and strength of body. The domestic animals also were furnished with everything necessary to their well-being. The grasses were so good during the whole year that the stock lived with- out being fed by their owners. Even when the ground was covered with snow, the animals, taught by instinct, would in a few minutes claw from under the snow enough grass to last them for the day. The only use for corn, of which the settlers planted very little, was to make bread. Bread made from corn was the only kind they had. These first settlers of what is now Cooper County, remained here nearly two years without any neighbors nearer than those on the opposite ■ mi i i 1 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 65 side of the Missouri. For nearly two years they encountered alone the dangers of the forest, and lived in peace and quietness, although at times they feared an attack from the Indians who lived south and west of them. The treacherous nature of the Indian as well as because Cooper was in fact trespassing upon the lands of the Indians, was the reason that Merri- weather Lewis, then governor of the territory, issued the order directing Benjamin Cooper to return below the mouth of the Gasconade River, from his first settlement in what is now known as Howard County. The Indians with which our early settlers had to contend were idle, shiftless, vicious and treacherous. In the presence of the white settlers they were apparently frank, accomodating and kind, yet they nursed the tradition that the white man was their natural enemy, and would event- ually dispossess them of their "happy hunting grounds." Names of First Settlers in Boonslick Country and Whence They Came. — Those who settled in the Central Boonslick country in 1810 are as follows: From Madison County, Ky., Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Cooper. Francis Cooper, William Cooper, Daniel Cooper, John Cooper, Capt. Sar- shall Cooper, Braxton Cooper, Sr., Joseph Cooper, Stephen Cooper, Brax- ton Cooper, Jr., Robert Cooper, James Hancock, Albert Hancock, William Berry, John Berry, Robert Irvin, Robert Brown, Joseph Wolfscale, William Thorpe, John Thorpe, Josiah Thorpe, James Thorpe, Gilead Rupe, James Jones, John Peak, William Wolfscale, Adam Woods. From Estill County, Ky., Amos Ashcraft, Otho Ashcraft, Jesse Ashcraft, James Alexander. From Tennessee, John Ferrell, Henry Ferrell, Robert Hancock. From Virginia, James Kile. From South Carolina, Gray Bynum. From Georgia, Stephen Jackson. From Ste. Genevieve, Peter Popineau. Previous resi- dence unknown, John Busby, James Anderson, Middleton Anderson, Will- iam Anderson. From Wayne County, Ky., Hannah, Jennie, Mattie, Dickie, Nellie, James, Holbert, Stephen, William, Samuel, Stephen, Phoebe (Stephen's wife), James, Rhoda, Mark, Nellie, and Polly Cole. Those from Wayne County, Kentucky, settled south of the river. The women belonging to some of these families on the north side of the river did not arrive until the following July or August. There may have been others, but the above list is all that we are able to trace. There can be no doubt that a daring Frenchman had even prior to the year 1800 explored this section lying contiguous to the Missouri River, several years before its settlement proper and before there existed within (5) 66 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the present limits of this county a trading post. The names of the streams, such as Bonne Femme, Moniteau, etc., attest the fact that they were of French origin, and had been seen and named by the French traders and explorers. Levens and Drake, in their condensed but carefully prepared history of Cooper County say: "While Nash and his companions were in Howard County (1840), they visited Barclay's and Boon's Lick, also a trading post, situated about two miles northwest of Old Franklin. This trading post was kept by a white man by the name of Prewitt. The existence of the trading post, and the fact that Barclay's and Boone's licks had already received their names from the white men who visited them, show con- clusively that this portion of the country had been explored by Americans even before this. But no history mentions this trading post, nor does any give the name of Prewitt, hence, we are unable to determine when he came to the Boonslick country, how long he remained, or where he went; he evidently left before the year 1808, as Benjamin Cooper, who moved to Howard county in that year, said there was then no settlement in this part of the state. Other Settlers Move South of River. — In the latter part of the year 1811 some more adventurous spirits moved to the south side of the river, and began to settle around and near the present site of Boonville. They were Joseph Jolly, Joseph Yarnell, Gilliard Rupe, Mike Box, Delaney Bolin, William Savage, John Savage, Walter and David Burriss and families. They settled near one another, so that in time of danger they could readily gather at one place. This timely arrival revived the spirits of the set- tlers, for already could be heard the dim mutterings in the distance, which foreshadowed a long and bloody conflict with the Indians who had been induced by the emissaries of the British government to take sides with that country against the United States of America. English Stir Up Indians. — Several years before the War of 1812, the British along the lakes and in the Northwest industriously fomented dis- satisfaction among the Indians; consequently they were restless even before the declaration of war; dissatisfied and openly hostile. Frequently these Indians, between 1809 and 1812, visited the British agents on the lakes, and by them were generously supplied with rifles and fusils, powder and lead, and liberally with almost everything else that they needed. As early as 1808 the subagent on the Missouri wrote General Clark, Superintendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis, that the Indians had fired HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 67 upon one John Rufty about six miles above Fort Osage and killed him. Nicholas Jarret, in 1809, made an affidavit that the British agents were stnring up the Indians at that place and on the frontiers of Canada, but this statement was denied by these British agents. The Osages and the Iowas also were on the warpath in 1810 and in that year some of the Osages were killed not far from the present city of Liberty. The first blacksmiths in the Boonslick country were: William Canole, Charles Canole and Whitley. The first marriage was that of Robert Cooper and Elizabeth Carson, in 1810, at the home of Lindsay Carson, the father of "Kit" Carson, the great Indian scout. Thomas Smith was the. first shoemaker, his wife being an adept at making moccasins. Dr. Tighe was the first physician. These people lived on the north side of the river from what is now Boonville, and the settlers on the south side were for some time served by them. Lindsay Carson apprenticed his son "Kit" to David Workman, a saddler, to learn that trade, but this vocation did not suit "Kit's" roving and adventurous nature, and 1826, he literally shook the dust from his feet and sought the Rockies, gaining national renown as an Indian scout. He died in 1869. First Deed Recorded. — The first deed executed and recorded in the Boonslick country was as follows : "Know all men by these presents that I. Joseph Marie, of the county and town of St. Charles, and territory of Missouri, have this day given, granted, bargained, sold and possession delivered unto Asa Morgan, of the county of Howard, and territory afore- said, all the right, title, claim, and interest, and property that I, the said Joseph Marie have or may possess or am in any legally and equitably entitled to in a certain settlement right on the north side of the Missouri River, in the aforesaid county of Howard, near a certain place known and called by the name of Eagle's Nest, and lying about one mile, a little west of south from Kincaid's Fort, in the said county of Howard, which said settlement was made by me sometime in the year 1800, for and in con- sideration of value by me received, the receipt whereof, is hereby acknowl- edged, and him the said Asa Morgan forever discharged and acquitted. And I do by these presents, sell, transfer, convoy and quit-claim to the aforesaid Asa Morgan all the claims and interest which I might be entitled 68 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to either in law or equity from the aforesaid improvement of settlement right, together with all and singular, all the appurtenances to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining to have and to hold free from me, or any person claiming by or through me. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the 13th day of April, 1816. (Seal, JOSEPH MARIE. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Urh. I. Devore, A. Wilson. Second Deed Recorded. — The second deed we also give because of its peculiar phraseology and terms. It will be noted that the word "arpent" is used instead of "acre." An arpent is practically five-sixths of an acre. "To all to whom these presence shall come greeting; — Know ye that we, Risdon H. Price, and Mary, his wife, both of the town and county of St. Louis, and territory of Missouri, for and in consideration of the sum of four thousand eight hundred dollars, lawful money of the United States to us in hand before the delivery of the presents well and fully paid by Elias Rector of the same place, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and thereto, we do hereby acquit and discharge the said Elias Rector, his heirs and assigns forever. Have given bargained, granted, and sold, and do hereby give, grant, bargain and sell unto the said Elias Rector, his heirs and assigns forever, subject to the conditions hereinafter ex- pressed, one certain tract and parcel of land, containing one thousand six hundred arpens, situate in the county of Howard, in the territory of Missouri, granted originally by the late Lieutenant-Governor Charles De- hault Delassus, to one Ira Nash, on the 18th day of January, 1800, sur- veyed on the 26th day of January, 1804, and certified on the 15th day of February, of the same year, the reference being had to the record of said claim in the office of the recorder of land titles for the territory of Mis- souri, for the concession and the boundaries thereof as set forth in or upon the said certificate or plat of survey thereof will more fully, cer- tainly, and at large appear, and which said survey is hereto annexed and makes part and parcel of this deed, and being the same tract of land which the said Risdon H. Price claims as assigned of the sheriff of the county of St. Charles, who sold the same as property of said Ira Nash, as by deed thereof dated the 15th day of October, 1815. reference thereto being had will more fully and at large appear. To have the said granted and bargained premises with the appur- tenances and privileges thereon, and thereunto belonging unto him, the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 69 said Elias Rector, his heirs and assigns forever. And it is hereby declared to be the agreement, understanding and intention of the parties afore- said, that should the said tract of land be finally rejected by the United States within three years from this date, or should the same not be sanc- tioned and confirmed by the government of the United States at or before the period last mentioned, or in case the said Elias R. Rector, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, shall by due process and judgment at law, be evicted, dispossessed, and finally deprived of said tract of land, then and in that case, the said Risdon H. Price, his heirs, executors, or administrator, shall only pay or cause to be paid to the said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, the said sum of four thou- sand eight hundred dollars, lawful money of the United States, with the lawful interest thereon, at the rate of six percentum per annum, from the date of this deed, until the time of such rejection, not being sanc- tioned as aforesaid, or until such eviction as aforesaid, with the legal cost upon such suit or suits at law, and which shall be in full of all dam- ages under any covenants in this deal, and if such claim be rejected as aforesaid or not confirmed as aforesaid, or in case the said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors or assigns, shall be evicted therefrom as aforesaid, that then, and either of these cases, the said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors, or assigns, shall by proper deed of release and quit-claim, transfer to said Risdon H. Price, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, the claim of said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors, and assigns, said premises at tte time of receiving the said consideration money, interest, and costs tforesaid. In witness whereof, we have hereto set our hands and seals, this 22nd day of June, 1816 Risdon H. Price (SEAL) Mary G. Price (SEAL) Elias Rector (SEAL) Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Jerh. Connor, M. P. Laduc." CHAPTER IV. PIONEER LIFE FIRST DWELLINGS— IHE HOMINY-BLOCK — SPI&IT OF HELPFULNESS— EARLY FARMING IMPLEMENTS— PIONEER WOMEN— EARLY PIOXEER DESCRIBED, HIS HABITS. HOME, BEE-HUNTING. In the preceding chapter, the history of the Central Boonslick coun- try has been traced from the year 1804 to 1812, with special reference to its initial beginning between the years 1810 and 1812. The settlers mentioned by name in that chapter, who blazet! the way through the wilderness for us and advancing civilization, have kuilded wiser than they knew. They were experienced pioneers with hearts of gold. With ruddy health and hardy sinews, they coped with and conquered the wilds. They despised the coddling ease of luxury and the wintiy winds, sleets and snows, had no terrors for them. They determined the time by the shadows, and guided their paths at night by the stars. They knew the approaching storm. Tho oky was to them an open look. Schooled in ffrwAi-cran and learned in Indian lore, they tracked thtir game and fol- lowed the trail of the savage. They read the story of the broken twig and fallen leaves. Their vision was piercing, and their hearing acute. Accountered with rifle, hunting knife and axe, they cont?sted with the forest, and wrested from it food, shelter, and raiment. Their first care was to protect themselves from the basts of Feb- ruary, the month in which they arrived. The first shelter they erected was a cross between a hoop cabin and an Indian bark hut. Soon after, however, the men assembled for the real cabin raising. The forest fur- nished the timber, and from it the strong arm of the pioneer with his axe, fashioned logs. The earth supplied the clay. None of these first cabins is now in existence, but the following is a fair description: First Dwellings.— "These cabins were of round logs, notched together HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 71 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 was made, a window was opened by cutting out a hole in the side or end two feet square, and finished without glass or transparency. The house was then "chinked" or "daubed" with mud, and the cabin was ready to go into. The household and kitchen furniture was adjusted, and life on the frontier was 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 for the bed, in which were inserted poles. "Upon these poles the boards were laid, or linn-bark was interwoven consecutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure the bed was laid. The convenience of a cook-stove was not thought of, but in- stead, the cooking was done by the faithful housewife in pots, kettles and skillets, on and about the big fire-place, and very frequently 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 deer hunt on the Missouri River or some of its small tributaries." "The acquisition of glass windows was impossible for these first settlers. When white paper could be secured, it was greased and used for window panes, through which the light could come. The doors were fastened with old-fashioned wooden latches, and the latch-string always hung out for friends and neighbors. These humble domociles sheltered happy hearts, while palaces, with all their splendor and riches many times have been but the resting place of misery. "True it is, that Home is not four square walls, Though with pictures hung and gilded, Home is where affection calls, Around the hearth that love hath builded." The Hominy-Block. — Those pioneers were home builders, the very foundation of a nation, the true root of patriotism and love of country. They appreciated the frufEs of their own industry, and manufactured or made most of their own utensils. The home-made hominy-block is doubt- 72 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY less not within the memory of our oldest citizens. This they made some- thing in this manner: A tree of suitable size, say from 18 inches to two feet in diameter, was selected in th eforest 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 firmly, when ready for use. If there was no cross-cut saws in the neighborhood, strong arms and short 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 by a com- mon chopping axe. Sometimes a smaller one was used. When the cavity was judged to be large enough, a fire was built in it, and carefully watched until the ragged edges were burned away. When completed, it somewhat resembled a druggist's mortar. Then a pestle or something to crush the corn was necessary. This was usually made from a suitable sized piece of timber, with an iron wedge attached, the large end down. This com- pleted the apparatus. The block was ready for use. Sometimes one hominy-block accommodated an entire neighborhood. It was a means of staying the hunger of many months. Spirit of Helpfulness Among Pioneers. — A person not many years ago in contrasting the social and moral status of his latter years with those of his early pioneer days, said, "Then if a house was to be raised, every man turned out, often the women too, while the men piled up the logs, and fashioned the primitive dwelling-place, the women prepared the dinner. Sometimes it was cooked over big fires near the site where the cabin was built. In other cases it was prepared at the nearest cabin, and 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, every 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 our lives. But today, if you lean against a neighbor's shade tree, he will charge you for it. If you are poor and palsied, you may lie and suffer unnoticed and almost unattended, and will probably go to the poorhouse, while just as likely as not, the man who reports you to the authorities as a subject of county care, charges the county for making the report." Thus our early settlers, burdened with what we deem today, untold HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 73 hardships and deep privations, looked back, in the latter days of their lives, to the good old days; and even in our own generation, we may find many, who decry the great progress of the present and long for other clays. It is ever thus, and ever will be. Even the reader, should he search his memory, will recall as a pleasing recollection some trial or danger or experience through which he has successfully passed and even our failures are not necessarily unpleasant to recall. Much has been written regarding the log house of the early pioneer. It furnished an inexpensive and convenient shelter, and around it clus- ter many pleasant recollections that are even yet dear to those of us who had the good fortune to have been reared within its sacred portals. Unpretentious, uniform in size and architecture, the log house of the early pioneer was the greatest democratizing agent of the early day. !•&> social lines could be drawn based on the grandeur of dwelling places, and consequently each and every one was valued at their true worth, de- termined solely by their every day life and character. The era of the log house is a space of time as distinct from others in its peculiar cus- toms as is the Paleozoic or the Stone Age. There is a song which ends, after trailing through innumerable verses reciting the trials of the log house bachelor, which runs as follows: "Oh, the hinges are of leather, and the windows have no glass And the board roof lets the howling blizzard in, And I hear the hungry coyote as he sneaks up through the grass Near my little old log cabin on the hill." Early Farming Implements. — The farming implements of the pioneers were crude affairs, adapted, however, to the conditions that surrounded them and to their circumstances. The bull-plough, the mould-board of which was generally of wood, was adapted to the fields abounding in stumps and roots. Occasionally the mould-board was part iron, and; possessor of such a bull-plough was looked upon as real progressive. Other implements and utensils were of like character. When the clothes the settlers brought with them began to wear out, the wild nettle furnished them a substitute material. This, by process of drying and stripping, they would weave into a cloth, sufficient for their needs until the coming of the wintry blast. Then the furs of the wild animals were requisitioned with which the pioneers braved the snows and sleets in the coldest weather. The prairies were not often settled until after the first pioneer 74 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY period, therefore the forests of the timbered lands in small tracts were cleared, leaving the fields prolific in stumps and roots. Hence the cradle and the bull-plough were well suited to the cultivation thereof. The Pioneer Women. — Of the women, we adopt largely the words of Solomon: "The heart of her husband did safely trust her. She did him good all the days of her life. She rose while it was yet night and gave meat to her household. She girded her loins with strength and strength- ened her arms. She laid her hands to the spindle and her hands held the distaff. She knew little of fashion plates, yet fashioned her raiment from the material at hand to meet the approbation of those she cher- ished. She was nature's child. The sun kissed her cheeks and painted thereon the bloom of health. She filled her lungs with the pure and fragrant air, and reveled in the beauties of nature. Hearty, healthy, happy, she met with unflinching fortitude the perils of her situation, and complained not of privations. Strength and honor were her clothing, and she rejoiced in the time to come. She looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness. She gave of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. She was indeed the helpmate of the pioneer, his help in time of need, his solace and his comfort. Resolutely and cheerfully she bore her burdens, and laughter was in her heart. We do not think the picture is overdrawn. Early Pioneer Described. — The male pioneer and head of the family fias been described by one who sojourned in the Boonslick country for several years as follows: "You find that he has vices and barbarism peculiar to his situation. His manners are rough. He wears, it may be, a long beard. He has quantities of bear or deer skin wrought into his household establishment, his furniture and his dress. He carries a knife, or a dirk in his bosom, and when in the woods has a rifle on his back and a pack of dogs are among his chief means of support and profit. Re- member that all his first days here were spent in dread of savages. Re- member that he still encounters them, still meets bears and panthers. Enter his door and tell him you are benighted, and wish the shelter of his cabin for the night. The welcome is, indeed, seemingly ungracious: T reckon you can stay,' or T suppose we must let you stay.' But this apparent ungraciousness is the harbinger of every kindness that he can bestow, and every comfort that his cabin affords. Good coffee, corn bread and butter, venison, pork, wild and tame fowls, are set before you. His wife timid, silent, reserved, but constantly attentive to your comfort does not sit at the table with you, but like the wives of the patriarchs, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 75 stands and attends you. You are shown the best bed that the house can afford. When his kind of hospitality has been extended to you as long as you choose to stay, and when you depart and speak about your bill, you are most commonly told, with some slight mark of resentment, that they do not keep a tavern. Even the flaxen-haired urchins will run away from your money." Along about the year 1823, a gentleman of culture and refinement, Gottfried Duden, of Germany, came to the United States, and finally located in Montogomery County, Missouri. He wrote many interesting letters to Germany, describing the country, and recounting his experi- ence. These letters were finally printed in book form, known as "Gott- fried Duden's Report, 1824-1827." This book was circulated extensively in Germany, and was read by thousands. It had much to do with en- couraging emigration from Germany to this country and is graphically descriptive of the period. We take excerpts from one of his letters writ- ten in September, 1825, which have been but recntly translated into Eng- lish, which describes the immigrants of this particular time, the houses in which they lived, and the manner of their construction. "During this season of the year, there arrive daily numbers of immigrants from Ken- tucky, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, etc. If these people had to travel in European manner, their desire for emigration would soon vanish. However, all that is done differently here. "A large wagon (and if the needs of the family require it, several) are loaded with the household goods, which are stored away in such a manner that a part of the covered space of the wagon is reserved for the travelers. In addition to the household goods, tents and provisions such as smoked pork, beans, peas, rice, flour, cheese and fruit are taken along, and, for at least the first few weeks, bread for the passengers and maize for the work horses. Thus the migration is begun. Sometimes the owner rides with his wife and children in a separate wagon, sometimes in a coach, or he may ride on horseback. If he owns male slaves, one of these acts as driver, otherwise he himself or some other member of his family attends to this. On the entire journey, which may extend over 1,200 miles they never think of stopping at an inn. At noon, while the horses are being fed, the operations of the kitchen also begin. The vicinity of a spring or a brook is usually selected as a stopping place, and the travelers sit in the shade or in the sun, just as the weather conditions may invite. A fire is quickly made and the operations of preparing a meal proceed just as they would at home. In the evening more attention 76 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY is paid to the selection of a camping place. If there is need of cooking utensils or of victuals, halt is made near a farm house. Tents are pitched, especially when the weather is rainy. Some of the party busy themselves with the animals, for if the journey is not too great, cattle are taken along too, others are busy with the kitchen, and finally the night's lodg- ing is prepared. Wherever the wagon-train stops the people obligingly grant whatever is asked for. Household utensils are loaned, provisions are sold cheaply, and to the horses and cattle pastures are assigned, unless the owner should prefer to leave them in the open. The latter plan rarely offers any difficulties. Usually it is only necessaxw to put a bell on the leader of the herd and to hobble his feet so as to make walking somewhat difficult. The animals are tired and hungry and will not easily leave a good pasture, moreover, a well trained dog would soon find their tracks. Nevertheless there are instances where such animals have taken advantage of a moment of freedom to run back to their old home. No distance and no stream can hold them back, and straight on, even through great forests, they know how to find their old homestead. In my neigh- borhood are two oxen which have come back 100 miles and have swum through the Missouri to get home. A horse came back from Franklin, a distance of 120 miles. Horses are not as ready as cattle to swim through great streams. For this reason ownerless horses are always to be found on the point where the Missouri and the Mississippi join. These horses have run away from the plantations on the upper course of the river and are trying to get back to their old homes in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, etc. "As soon as the migrating family has arrived at the site of he new homestead, they stop near the spot where the buildings are to be erected, and build an enclosure for the temporary protection of the household goods and tents, which are now pitched for a longer time. The enclosure is necessary to keep the cattle of other settlements away. In this in- closure the young calves are also kept, in order to cause the cows, which graze out in the open to come home regularly. These cows supply the family with milk and cream without requiring the least attention or care. For the house a site near a good spring or brook is preferably selected. Over the spring a small house is at once constx-ucted, in order to prevent the pollution of the water, and to afford a place to keep milk, butter and meat cool. "The next concern is the building of a dwelling house, which is done in a manner already described by me in an earlier letter. The timbers are not hewn, however, for at first only a barn-like structure is intended. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 77 for a temporary shelter. For the negroes a similar building is erected, then a barn and a small building to serve as a smoke-house. The trees are felled near the building site, to which they are dragged by horses or oxen. The raising of the house is done with the aid of the neighbors, if the hands of the family are not sufficient for this purpose. Buildings 01 this nature, however, do not require more than four or five workmen. Boards are cut for the doors and the floors. For the latter trees are sometimes split in two, for which purpose the ash and hackberry trees (celtis crassifolia) are especially suited. The hearth together with the chimney are made, in the simplest manner possible, of wood, which is lined with stones on the lower, inner side and daubed with mud in the upper portion. When the chimney is half a foot higher than the gable of the house, the smoke will not bother in the least. Danger of fire de- pends entirely upon the condition of the rock lining and the clay coating. "He who despises such a. dwelling does not know the nature of the local climate. I have been in many such dwelling, where cleanliness and good furniture afforded an extremely pleasing effect. Many families de- sire no other house, although they live in easy circumstances, indeed in affluence. What I have to criticise about these houses is the fact that they usually have no cellar, so that in the summer time the humus earth under the rough floor gives out a mouldy odor, which, though it is rarely offensive, nevertheless is manifestly not conductive to good health. A floor constructed by a carpenter removes this inconvenience completely. He who does not wish to go to this expense can attain practically the same end by first removing the humus entirely from the building site, or by burning wood of the clearing on the spot and thus baking the ground. "When the work of building is ended, which required hardly more than two or three weeks, the family already feels much at home, and then the clearing of farm land is begun. Usually they begin by fencing in a selected tract, in order to use it as a temporary pasture for the horses and oxen which must be kept in the vicinity for work." The hunting of bee trees by the settlers was both pleasant and profit- able, and bee hunters were common. In a letter written in June, 1826, Duden describes bee hunting in these words: "When I, according to my custom, wandered through the woods yes- terday, I found two bee-hunters. The mode of procedure of these people, which is so new to the European, had been described to me long ago, but this time I was to learn to know it from a practical standpoint. You 78 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY must know, first of all, that in the woods of Missouri also there are many wild bees which have their hives in hollow trees. If the method of find- ing these trees is well understood, a great deal of honey and wax can be gathered in a short time. It is generally said that America originally had no bees, and that the wild bees are the descendants of swarms brought from Europe to the eastern coast. Be that as it may, the Indians under- stand the bee-hunt even better than the whites. The two bee-hunters of yesterday were white men and live in Missouri. They proceeded as fol- lows: On the ridge of a hill between two valleys, they chose their first stand. On a place, free from trees, they built a small fire and laid some honeycomb on it, so that the wax melted, without being consumed by the fire. In this manner a pronounced scent of honey was distributed, which in a short time attracted all sorts of flying insects and also a few bees. Now it was the duty of the hunters to watch the bait fixedly, in order to be able to follow the bees with their eyes, when they took flight. By and by three of them took flight, and all of them flew in the same direc- tion, which direction was carefully noted, knowing that a laden bee flies straight to its swarm. One of the hunters thereupon took a burning coal and walked about two hundred paces away on the same ridge, leaving his companion at the first stand. He proceeded in the same manner as before, and anew distributed a strong scent of honey. Here, too, the bees soon came. Some of them went off in exactly the opposite directions. The hunter noted both and called out to his companion to follow the first indicated direction. He found himself started in the direction which was practically the one which his companion took. I accompanied him. We had hardly gone three hundred paces through the woods when we met the other hunter. Now they looked about for a while, and in a dry oak, about fifty feet above the ground, we saw a small opening, where bees swarmed in and out. The cleverness of these two natural mathematicians surprised me, and I felt more pleasure in the discovery of the tree than they them- selves. Since the hunters surmised that, because of the earliness of the season, not much honey had been gathered, the hive was not robbed. The bee-hunters designated their find by blazing the tree, which is universally regarded as the inviolable right of possession, and then proceeded in pur- suit of the third direction noted above." In concluding this letter, Duden tells about having seen a negro boy who robbed such a bee tree with the intention of selling the honey, a practice which owners of slaves generally permitted. CHAPTER V. TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS EARLY RIVER TRANSPORTATION— COUREUR DE BOIS— PIONEER ROADS AND TRAVEL— FIRST FERRIES— FIRST STEAMBOATS— ARRIVAL AT FRANKLIN- ARRIVAL OF SECOND STEAMBOAT— DESCRIPTION— GREATEST ERA— PRIMI- TIVE BOATS— GROWTH— COST— WRECKING— SANTA FE TRAIL — BOONSVILLE ACTIVE MART— USE OF OXEN— FIRST RAILROADS— REBUILDING OF BRIDGES —ROAD IMPROVEMENT. Advanced transportation and good highways are indices of a people, certain . evidences of their culture, progressiveness and prosperity. As are these so are the people. Good transportation, advanced civilization; or advanced civilization, good transportation; either way one follows the other as certainly as the night the day, or the day the night. Transportation has been, is, and will be a process of evolution. Could we turn back the scroll of time and witness the primitive methods of the early pioneer, great would be our astonishment; could we project our- selves into the future one hundred years, and observe the method of transportation then, doubtless it would be beyond our comprehension. Early River Transportation. — When our first settlers arrived at the Missouri River, the routes of commerce and travel were largely the water courses. For this reason the settlements made were on the banks of the Mississippi and the Missouri. At this time there was neither steamboat nor railroad. The pirogue, the canoe, the bateau, the mackinaw, the bull- boat and the keelboat were the means of all river transportation. The pirogue was a small type of canoe. The canoe was the most commonly used, and was the simplest of all river crafts. It was usually made from a cottonwood log, hollowed out, and was usually from 15 to 18 feet long, and was generally manned by three men, one to steer and two to paddle. It was used chiefly for local use, though occasionally employed for long 80 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY trips. The mackinaw was a flat boat, pointed at both ends, and was of varying lengths, from 40 to 50 feet. Its crew usually consisted of five men, one steersman and four oarsmen. The bullboat was usually used on shallow streams because of its light draft. It was constructed of buffalo bull hide sewed together, and stretched over a frame of poles, and required two men to handle it. The keel boat was the aristocratic craft, and the largest, from 60 to 70 feet long, with the keel running from bow to stern and the latest improvements in river transportation prior to the steamboat. It was capable of carrying a larger cargo than any of the others mentioned. It was usually propelled by means of a cordelle. The cordelle was a line practically 1,000 feet long, one end of which was fastened to the top of the 30 foot mast in the center of the boat, well braced from this mast the rope extended to the shore. At the shore end of the line, some twenty or thirty men walking along the river bank, would pull the boat up stream. Cordelling was never used except in breasting the current of the stream. It was more or less difficult, and in some places it was absolutely impossible by reason of the cliffs on the river bank. At such points poles were used. Sails were also used very effectively at times in this manner of transportation. Not- withstanding the difficulty with which this type of boat was propelled, it was employed prior to the invention of the steamboat more extensively than any other kind for long distance voyages up stream. In fact it continued to be used along with the steamboat for many years after the appearance of the latter. Coureur de Bois. — An average day's voyage for the keel boat was from twelve to fifteen miles. It was the means of transportation used by the coureur des bois. It is claimed that as early as 1700, there were not less than one hundred coureur de bois, or trappers, domiciled among the tribes along the Missouri River. The coureur de bois was a French Canadian, sometimes a half-breed, and in his habits were blended the innocent simplicity of the fun-loving Frenchman and the wild traits and woodcraft of the Indian. Born in the woods, he was accustomed from childhood to the hardships and exposures of the wild life of the wilder- ness, and was a skillful hunter and trapper. His free and easy manners, peaceful disposition, and vivacity quali- fied him for associating with the Indians, whose customs he adopted, and often marrying into the tribe, himself became a savage. It was the ceureur de bois as he wandered up and down the Missouri River who gave o < H w r > •z HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 81 the poetical and musical French names to its tributaries and prominent localities which they bear to this day, as follows: Bonne Femme, good woman; Lamine, the mine; Pmeem de terre, apple of the earth, the po- tato ; Moreau, very black ; Niangue, crooked ; Gasconade, turbulent ; Aux Vase, very muddy; Creve Couer, broken heart; Cote sans Dessein, hill without a cause; Petit sas Prairie, little cradle of the prairie; Marias des Cygnes, river of swans; Roche Percee, pierced rock; Petit Saline, little salt. The history of the Missouri for more than two hundred years is the history of the country through which it flows. On its muddy waters the Indians paddled their canoes for centuries before the advent of the white man. Then came the French voyageur and his pirogue, canoe, bateau, his mackinaw and his keel boat, without which the fur trade, the principal commerce in the early day, could not have attained its great proportions. Pioneer Roads and Travel. — In 1815, the tide of immigration, which had been halted by the War of 1812, began with increasing force to flow steadily to the Boonslick country. The settlers brought with them wagons, horses and mules, and by degrees they began to mark out roads and to cut their ways through the forest. Oxen were also used for transporta- tion, and continued to be so used for many years thereafter. The prairie presented few obstacles to travel, but to penetrate a primevial forest was an entirely different matter, and necessitated a wise selection of a route else arduous labor in felling trees and fording streams. No public roads were laid out in what is now Cooper County until 1819. No work was done upon the roads nor were they thought of for a number of years thereafter. The first petition for a public road in Cooper County was presented by B. W. Levens. It asked for the location of a road leading from Boonville to the mouth of the Moniteau Creek. The second petition, for the location of a public road was by Anderson Reavis, presented on the same day. The road petitioned for ran from the mouth of the Grand Moniteau to the Boonville and Potosi road. Cooper County was then organized as a county. The stream of immigration then to the south side of the river was great. Travel was greatly increased and highways needed. However, prior to this, when what is now Cooper County was a part of Howard County, which was organized July 8, 1816, the first court held in Howard County was on the south side of the river in what is now Cooper County, at Cole's Fort, at which time the first road laid out by (6) 82 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY authority of the court in what is now Cooper County, was the route from Cole's Fort on the Missouri River, to intersect the road from Potosi in Washington County at the Osage River. First Ferries. — Also at this same term of court and on the same day Hannah Cole was granted a license to conduct a ferry on the Missouri between Boonville and Franklin. This was the first licensed ferry in what had been known as the Boonslick country, although, for some time prior thereto, the Cole boys had operated one on this part of the Mis- souri. At the same term of the court, Stephen Turley was granted the right to keep a ferry across the Lamine River. B. W. Levens, Ward, and Potter, and George W. Cary were also granted a license to keep a ferry across the Missouri at the present site of Overton. However, for some years prior to this, a ferry had been operated across the Missouri River from Boonville to Franklin. The rates charged at the Levens ferry were as follows: For man and horse, fifty cents; for either separately, twenty- five cents ; for four horses and four wheeled wagon, two dollars ; for two horses and four wheeled carriage, one dollar; for horned cattle, four cents each, and for polled cattle, two cents each. First Steamboats. — Coincident with the opening of the first roads in Cooper County by the Cooper County Court, was the arrival at Franklin of the steamboat Independence, the marvel of marvels, and what seemed to our first settlers the acme of the evolution of transportation. Prior to this, however, and leading up to the navigation of the Missouri River, coincident with the first Anglo-American settlement on the Missouri in 1807 was the first successful application of steam as a motive power, the trip of the North River steamboat up the Hudson from New York to Albany; and again, coincident with the first Anglo-American settlements in what are now Howard and Cooper counties in 1810, was Fulton's and Livingston's proposition to the legislature of Upper Louisiana, of which St. Louis was the seat of government, to operate steamboats on the Mississippi and Ohio. The proposition, however, was not acted upon. It seemed a visionary dream. It was not until seven years afterward, in 1817, that the first steamboat, the Zebulon M. Pike, landed at St. Louis. Its hull was built like a barge. It had but one smokestack, its engine was of low pressure, and when the current was swift, the crew used poles to furnish additional power. The trip from Louisville to St. Louis took six weeks. Arrival of First Steamboat at Franklin. — The trip of the Indepen- dence from St. Louis to Franklin and return deserves more than ordinary HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 83 mention. The Independence left St. Louis May 15, 1819, and reached Franklin opposite Boonville on May 29th. Captain John Nelson had charge of the steamboat. Among the passengers were Col. Elias Rector, Stephen Rector, Captain Desha, J. C. Mitchell, Dr. Stuart, J. Wanton, and Major J. D. Wilcox. The settlers on both sides of the river were wild with excitement and elation on the arrival of the boat at Franklin. A public meeting was held at which Asa Morgan who with Charles Lucas, laid out Boonville, on the first day of August, 1817, was chosen president and Dr. N. Hutchin- son vice-president. The "Franklin Intelligencer," May 28, 1819, speak- ing of that event says : "On Friday last, the 28th ult., the citizens of Franklin, with the most lively emotions of pleasure, witnessed the arrival of this beautiful boat, owned and commanded by Captain Nelson, of Louisville. Her approach to the landing was greeted by a Federal salute, accompanied with the acclamations of an admiring crowd, who had assembled on the bank of the river for the purpose of viewing this most novel and interesting sight. We may truly regard this event as highly important, not only to the commercial but agricultural interests of the country. The practica- bility of steamboat navigation, being clearly demonstrated by experi- ment, we shall be brought nearer to the Atlantic, West India and Euro- pean markets, and the abundant resources of our fertile and extensive region will be quickly developed. This interesting section of country, so highly favored by nature, will at no distant period, with the aid of science and enterprise assume a dignified station amongst the great agricultural states of the west. "The enterprise of Capt. Nelson cannot be too highly appreciated by the citizens of Missouri. He is the first individual who has attempted the navigation of the Missouri by steam power, a river that has hitherto borne the character of being very difficult to and imminently dangerous in its navigation, but we are happy to state that his progress thus far has not been impeded by any accident. Among the passengers were Colonel Elias Rector, Mr. Stephen Rector, Capt. Desha, J. C. Mitchell, Esq., Dr. Stuart, Mr. J. Wanton, Maj. J. D. Wilcox. "The 'day after the arrival of the Independence, Capt. Nelson and the passengers partook of a dinner, given by the citizens of Franklin, in honor of the occasion.." The trip of the Independence from St. .Louis to Franklin was the beginning of a stupendous river traffic upon the Missouri, and was the 84 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY chief factor in the development of Boonville and Cooper County. How- ever, prior to 1831, only an occasional steamer ventured up the dangerous Missouri. The steamboat arrivals ascending the river at Boonville, in 1831, were only five. Arrival of Second Steamboat. — The second steamboat to arrive at Franklin was the "Western Engineer," a small boat constructed for scien- tific purposes. It carried an expedition projected by the United States to ascertain whether the Missouri River was navigable by steamboat and to establish a line of forts from its mouth to the Yellow Stone. The vessel reached St. Louis, June 9, 1819, and proceeding on the voyage, arrived at Franklin June 13, of the same year. Its progress up the river excited the greatest fear among the Indians, many of whom flocked the river banks to see it, while others fled in fear to the forest or prairie, thinking it an evil spirit, a very devil with horned head, and breath of fire and steam. The St. Louis "Inquirer" of June 16, 1819, gives this description of it: "The bow of the vessel exhibits the form of a huge serpent, black and scaly, rising out of the water from under the boat, his head as high as the deck, darted forward, his mouth open, vomiting • smoke, and apparently carrying the boat on his back. From under the boat, at its stern issues a stream of foaming water, dashing violently along. All the machinery is hid. Three small brass field pieces, mounted on wheels, stand on the deck; the boat is ascending the rapid stream at the rate of three miles an hour. Neither wind, nor human hands are seen to help her; and to the eye of ignorance the illusion is complete, that a monster of the deep carries her on his back smoking with fatigue, and lashing the waves with violent exertion." Description of Early Steamboat. — Captain Joseph Brown, in a paper before the Missouri Historical Society, wrote what he had seen and known, as boy and man, of the primitive steamboat: "They had but one engine, and no 'doctor' or donkey engine. The boats themselves, and particularly those for the upper rivers, were small, sometimes made like a flat boat, with broad bow and stern, and a stern wheel. There was nothing above the boiler house deck but the pilot house and chimneys, or rather one chimney, for they had cylinder boilers ; that is, there were no flues in the boilers. Having but one engine, the shaft ran entirely across the boat, and when at a landing the engine bad to run the pump to supply the boilers with water, the wheels had to be uncoupled to let the engine work. As I said before, the donkey engine HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 85 had not been invented, and I do not doubt but that many explosions oc- curred for the lack of it. "The cabin was a very primitive affair. It was on the lower deck, back of the shaft, in the after part of the boat. There were no state- rooms then, but, like a canal boat, there were curtains in front of th"e berths. It was quite common to see a bowsprit sticking out in front of the boat, such as are seen on ships, but, being useless, they were soon dispensed with. Stages had not been invented then. Two or three planks were used, if need be, tied together. Whistles were unknown, but bells were rung, and the captains were very proud of the big bell. For a num- ber of years there was no signal for meeting or passing boats, which resulted in many collisions. "There were no packets then. A boat started for Pittsburg was just as likely to go to St. Paul as anywhere, or up any of the other rivers, and they had no regular or even days of starting. I have known boats to have steam up for a week, telling people and shippers the boat was going in an hour, and even have their planks all taken in, all but one, and then launch out their planks again. All this was done to decoy people on board. The clanging of bells, the hurrah of agents and the pulling and hauling of cabmen and runners were most confusing, more particularly to unsophisticated emigrants. There was no fixed price for anything ; it was all a matter of bargaining, and very often deception was practiced. The engines being small and very imperfect in those days, the boats were very slow. I have known some boats in the case of a sudden rise in the river and consequently strong current, to be unable to stem it at the old waterworks point, which was at the foot of Carr Street. They would have to go over to the other side of the river and fight it out there, sometimes for hours, in sight of the city. * * * "In 1849, when the gold fever was at its height, there were fifty- eight fine steamers plying regularly on the Missouri River; on the Upper Mississippi, about seventy-five ; on the Illinois, twenty-eight fine steamers ; to New Orleans, about one hundred ; on the Ohio, about one hundred and fifty ; on the Tennessee, about fifteen. Owing to the rush of immigration at that time, boats could not be built fast enough. It was said of a cer- tain boat-yard at Freedom, Pennsylvania, that they kept a lot of straight bodies of boats put up. When a man wanted a boat, they took him down to the yard and asked him how long he wanted her; then just put two ends onto a body and he had a boat. But a really fast and fine boat cost 86 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY v about $100,000 to $150,000 and took about eight months to build. The average life of a boat was about five years. After that they were com- pelled either to build a more modern boat, or raise and rebuild the one that had sunk or blown up. Need I tell you that in one bend of the river there lie the wrecks of one hundred ^nd three steamboats, between St. Louis and Cairo?" Greatest Era of Steamboating. — Steamboating reached its highest prosperity in the year 1858. There were then not less than sixty packets on the river, besides probably 30 or 40 transient boats called tramps, which came on the river from other streams and made one or two trips during the season. The packets carried the United States mail, express, freight, papers, both semi-weekly and daily, and their arrival was looked forward to along the Missouri River with a great deal of interest and people flocked to the wharves at the time of their arrival. So numerous were the boats on .the lower river during this period, that it was no unusual sight to see as many as five or six lying at the landing at the same time ; and during the boating season, which continued from March to November, at no time was a boat out of sight. These were prosperous days for the river towns. During this banner year of prosperity for steamboating on the Mis- souri River, some of the finest and most popular boats were : Kate Howard, John D. Perry, David Tatum, Clara, Platte Valley, Asa Wilgus, Alonzo, Child, F. X. Aubrey, Admiral D. S. Carter, Emigrant, E. A. Ogden, Em- pire, State, Isabella, James H. Lucas, Meteor, Minnehaha, Polar Star, Peerless, Spread, Eagle. War Eagle, Southwestern, C. W. Sombart, Twi- light, Thomas E. Tutt, White Cloud and Edinburgh. Those which came later were the R. W. Dugan, D. H. Dui-fee, Phil E. Chapel, Montana, Da- kota, A. L. Mason, State of Missouri and State of Kansas. These boats were built for some special trade. Some ran as late as 1888. when steam- boat navigation on the Missouri ceased. The Missouri is one of the most difficult streams in the world to navigate because of its shifting channel, its swift current and its many bends which with the innumerable snags therein were a continual menace to life in the days of the steamboat, and no pilot approaches one, espe- cially at night, without trepidation and fear. Primitive Boats, Canoes, Etc. — The pirogue, as used by the early French fur-trader, was really a double pirogue, or a double canoe, built in the shape of a flat-iron, with a sharp bow and a square stern. Two canoes, or pirogues, were securely fastened together a short distance HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 87 apart, the floor being formed by boards, or puncheons, laid across. On the floor was placed the cargo, which was protected from the weather by hides. The boat was propelled upstream by oars or line, steered by an oarsman, who stood on the stern. A square sail was also resorted to going upstream, when the wind was in the right quarter, and a distance of from ten to fifteen miles could be made under favorable conditions. Such boats were usually from 30 to 40 feet long, and from six to eight feet beam, and being light, were good carriers. They were much safer than the canoe, because of their width they could not be easily upset. The bateau, used by the French trader, was a flat bottomed, clumsily constructed boat, especially adapted to transporting a cargo of fur down- stream, and did not differ materially from the flat bottomed boat. It was usually from 50 to 75 feet long, and 10 to 12 feet deep. Gunwales were hewn from cotton logs, and the bottom was spiked into cross beams running lengthwise of the boat. The bow and stern were square with a sufficient slant toward the bottom to make easier the progress of the boat through the water. The oars, the pole, the line and the sail were the appliances relied upon for motive power in ascending the stream, but in going down the boat was allowed to float with the current, being kept in the channel by the steersman. The flat-boats, when they reached their destination going downstream, were usually sold for lumber. Growth of Steamboating. — In the year 1836, on the 30th day of September, the arrivals at the same port had amounted to more than 70. The population along the Missouri River had increased so rapidly along about 1840, that there was demand for additional transportation facili- ties. This brought about the building of a better class of boats. They had full length cabins, double engines with a battery of boilers in place of the single engine. Great improvements were also made in the hulls, and they were so constructed as to have the same carrying capacity as before but to draw much less water. The same genius that had invented the steamboat was continually making improvements, both in the machinery and the hull, so as to add to the speed of the boat and also increase her carrying capacity. There were 26 steamboats engaged regularly in the lower river trade during the year 1842. They were generally from 140 to 160 feet long, about 30 feet beam and six foot hold, and were a much better class of boats than those formerly built. They had side wheels and the cabins were full length. We have been unable to secure information concerning the arrivals 88 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and the departures of boats from Boonville during that year, but at Glas- cow there were 312. The years between 1850 and 1860 are popularly termed by some as the "Golden Era" in steamboat navigation on the Missouri River, but Capt. .A. J. Spahr thinks the period from 1866 to 1868, inclusive, to be the most prosperous. The improvements which had been made both in the machinery and in the construction of the hull, the adaptation of the state-room cabin, and the systematizing of the business all tend to lessen the danger of navigation and to increase the profits. The advance made in navigation on the Missouri River had kept pace with the march of commerce in other parts of the world. Phil E. Chappel says in a "History of the Missouri River:" "The first navigator on the Missouri River was the little blue-winged teal ; the next the Indian, with his canoe ; then came the half -civilized French voyageur, with his pirogue, paddling up stream or cordelling around the swift points. At a later day came the fur-trader with his keel-boat; still later there came up from below the little "dingey" — the single engine, one-boiler steamboat, which has been described. At last the evolution was complete, and there came the magnificent passenger steamer of the '50's, the floating palace of the palmy days of steamboat- ing, combining in her construction every improvement that experience had suggested or the ingenuity of man had devised to increase the speed or add to the safety and comfort of the passenger. "The fully equipped passenger steamer, in the heyday of steamboat- ing on the Missouri River, was a magnificent specimen of marine archi- tecture. She was generally about 250 feet long, 40 feet beam, and had a full-length cabin, capable of accommodating from 300 to 400 people. The texas, occupied solely by the officers, was on the hurricane roof. In addition to her passenger accommodation, she had a freight capacity of 500 to 700 tons. She was well proportioned, symmetrical, trim, fast and sat on the water like a thing of life. Her two tall smoke-stacks, with ornamental tops, between which was usually suspended some gilt letter or device, added much to her beauty. The pilot, on top of the texas, was highly ornamentel with glass windows on every side; a fence railing of scroll work surrounded the guards of the boiler deck and texas. The entire boat except the smoke-stack, was painted a dazzling white. "The cabin of the boat, a long, narrow saloon, was a marvel of beauty in its snow white splendor. The floors of the cabin were covered with the softest of Brussels carpets, and the state-rooms were supplied with HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 89 every convenience. Indeed, the bridal chambers were perfect gems of elegance and luxury. The table was elegantly furnished, and the menu unsurpassed by that of any first-class hotel. Each boat had, in the ladies' cabin, a piano, and generally a brass band, and always a string band was carried. After the table was cleared away at night a dance was always in order, the old Virginia reel being the favorite dance. The social feature of a trip on one of these elegant boats was most charming." Costs of Steamboats. — The estimated cost of one of the boats above described, during the period between 1850 and 1860 was from $50,000 to $75,000. The captains received about $200 per month, clerks $150, mates $125, engineers about the same as mates. These wages included board, and were based on the size of the boat, labor and danger as well as the profits of the business. The pilot, however, received princely wages, sometimes as much as $1,600 per month. He was the autocrat of the boat, and absolutely controlled her navigation. It was for him to deter- mine when the boat should run or "lay by." However, piloting on the Missouri River was a science, demanding of the pilot great skill and a wonderful memory of localities. The river channel, its bends, cliffs, bars and obstructions were visualized in his mind as well in the darkest night and densest fog as if seen on the clear- est day. The weal or woe of the floating palace, with its rich cargo of merchandise and human freight, depended upon his skill and ever alert vigilance. Locally Owned Steamboats. — Capt. A. J. Spahr, known in the pros- perous river days as "Bud" Spahr, was one of the leading pilots on the Missouri. It is his opinion that the most prosperous period in steam- boating on the Missouri were the years 1866, '67 and '68. He tells of a certain pilot on the Missouri who entered into a contract to pilot at $1,600 per month for eight months, "work or play." Also that Capt. C. H. Brewster of Boonville, who was clerk on the "Cora," a boat of about 5,000 tons, on his return from St. Louis to Fort Benton, turned over to the owner of the "Cora," Capt. Joe Kinney, the sum of $45,000 — profits of the trip. From Captain Spahr, we gather the following information: Capt. Joe Kinney, who lived on the opposite side of the river from Boonville, was the owner of the following boats at different times: Kate Kinney, a side wheeler and a fine boat ; Kate Kinney, stern wheel ; St. Lake, Bacon, Fannie Ogden, Cora, stern wheel ; Cora, side wheel ; R. W. Dugan and Alice, and a large interest in the W. H. H. Russell, Twilight and Omaha. 90 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Among those of our local citizens engaged and interested largely in steamboating were: Capt. Joe Kinney, as above stated; Capt. Henry McPherson, owner of, or largely interested in, the Jennie Lewis ; J. L. Stephens, Cavier, Lieut. Girard D. Allen, Captain St. John; Capt. Dave Kaiser, Wm. Linge, pilot; "Bud" Spahr, pilot; Geo. Homan, pilot; Jesse Homan, pilot; "Billy" Young, pilot; Capt. C. H. Brewster, C. W. Sombarts (owner of C. W. Sombart) , and Capt. D. DeHaven, captain of South West- ern owned by a company of Boonville citizens. There were doubtless others but we have been able to get information concerning only the foregoing. Wrecking of Steamboats. — Space will not permit us in this chapter to give the names of the boats wrecked and destroyed on the Mississippi, nor to give an account of any of these unfortunate events. Suffice it to say that the list of lost boats contains the names of over 300. Of those names, 193 were sunk by coming in contact with snags, 25 by fire, and the remainder by explosions, rocks, bridges, storms and ice. As most of the boats ran in the lower Missouri, more than three- fourths of the number were wrecked between Kansas City and the mouth of the river. It has been stated on authority that there are buried in the lower bends of the river the wrecks of more than 200 steamboats, covered with the accumulated sands of more than a half century. Santa Fe Trail, William Becknell Founder. — Next in importance to the magnificent steamboat traffic which so directly added to the growth and prosperity of Cooper County, was that of the Santa Fe trail. The first concerted organized effort to reach and open up trade and commerce with Santa Fe. New Mexico, was inaugurated by William Becknell, who lived on the north side of the Missouri, not far from Boonville. Becknell published an advertisement in the Franklin "Intelligencer" "to enlist a company destined to Santa Fe for the purpose of trading for horses and mules, catching wild animals of every description that might be for the advantage of the company." It was emphasized that all men joining the expedition were to bind themselves by oath to submit to such orders and rules as the company when assembled might adopt. The num- ber of men sought to be enlisted in this expedition was limited to 70, and applications were to be received up to Aug. 4, 1822. These applicants were directed to meet at the home of Ezekiel Williams, known as the "lost trapper," on the Missouri River, five miles above Franklin, to secure a pilot and appoint officers. At this meeting, however, only 11 men assembled, and Becknell was chosen captain. It was then determined HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 91 that 30 men would be the number sufficient to undertake the expedition, and that the company as organized should cross the Missouri River at Arrow Rock on September the first. The expedition was highly successful, and the men returned in Jan- uary, 1822. William Becknell became the founder of the phenomenal Santa Fe Trail, of which Franklin, for a number of years, was the thriv- ing center. But, alas, for more than 80 years the treacherous waters of the Missouri have eddied the shifting sands of the treacherous stream and have covered the places where the restless, indomitable and adven- turous early settlers met and jostled, traded and trafficked, fitted and equipped the caravans for the great trade of the wilderness; and who on their return from successful trips, boasted of exploits and adventures, and displayed the evidences of their prosperity and wealth. Boonville Becomes Active Mart. — A few years after 1826, the year in which the waters of the turbulent Missouri commenced encroaching upon the beautiful city of Franklin, Boonville assumed its dominant posi- tion on the Santa Fe trail. Steamboats began to land in increasing num- bers along the river front, especially at the foot of what is now Main street, and there continued for years a wonderful activity. The hum of activity; the loud and strident voices of mates, frequently punctured with oaths as they drove the stevedores to greater activity ; the monotonous songs of the negroes chanting the river melodies, as they strove, heaved and perspired; the long line of prairie schooners with teams of patient, plodding oxen loading for the great trail of the wilder- ness ; the flare of the torches at night reflected in the waters ; and the indescribable grace of the steamboat as she gently pressed the wharf and lowered her gang-plank and the hurly-burly; the passengers crowd- ing the rail eagerly gazing on the shore scene, or with sparkling eyes ready to pass the gang-plank; all are now but sweet memories of halcyon days, .obscured by the sands of more than half a century. Use of Oxen. — Experience demonstrated along about 1821 that oxen were better adapted to the Santa Fe trail than mules, and from this time on the oxen were more generally used than the mules. When oxen were used, the day was divided usually into two drives of six or eight miles each day. As soon as early dawn approached, the first drive started and its termination was in a measure decided by the most favorable camping place where grass and water were to be found in plenty. About midday the wagons were corraled and the cattle were given food. In very hot weather the afternoon drive was not ordered 92 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY until about three or four o'clock in the afternoon. On such days the drive continued until nine or ten o'clock at night. When the oxen were unyoked, they were turned over to the night herder, who kept watcn over them as they moved about seeking the best grass. As it was only necessary for the herder to keep track of the leader of the herd, one man could easily watch over as many as 300 or 400 head of oxen at night. In the herd on the trail, there developed, very soon after the start on the trail, one animal which all the others recognized as a leader. Wher- ever the leader of the herd went, the rest of the herd followed. The night herder always kept track of the leader, and frequently got off his mule, drove a peg in the ground to which he attached a long rope, that allowed the mule some range, rolled himself up in his blanket and went to sleep. Moreover, when the grass was scarce, the leader would wander about the plains, and all the herd would follow, thus requiring the night herder to follow and keep awake. If the grass was plentiful the herd would often obtain a sufficient supply in three or four hours, and would then lie down until morning. At the first appearance of dawn, the night herder rounded up the oxen, and started for the corral. When in close proximity, he would shout "Roll out, roll out, roll out." This was the signal for the men to prepare breakfast and be ready to yoke up. When all was ready, each teamster answered, "All set." Then came the order, "Fall in." The second order, "Stretch out." Then with creaking yokes and rattling wheels, the train moved on with the dignified pace of oxen. First Railroads. — The building of railroads in Missouri, commenced in 1859; this year marked the completion of the Hannibal & St. Joseph railroad, the first railway extending to the Missouri river. This sounded the death knell of steamboat traffic on the Missouri, and by the same token, there passed into the dimly remembered past, the trials and thrills of the Santa Fe trail. The first rail of the first railroad built in the United States was laid on July 4, 1828, by Charles Carroll, who was at the time the only surviv- ing signer of the Declaration of Independence. For a year or two, cars and coaches were drawn by horses, but after that the locomotive engine was introduced. Fifteen miles of this road had been completed by 1830. Other railroads had been planned, and in a few years were under construction, so that by 1850, a little more than 9,000 miles of railroad had been built in the United States. Notwithstanding this progress in railroad building throughout the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 93 country, not one mile was constructed in Missouri until 1851. However, a peculiar i*oad was started in 1849 or 1850, which extended to a point on the Missouri opposite Lexington, was operated by horse power, and its rails and cross ties were built entirely of timber. Missouri was fortunate in having great natural highways of Commerce in the Mississippi and Mis- souri rivers and their tributaries. The steamboats then coming into gen- eral use made these natural highways all the more important and profit- able to Missouri by establishing connections not only with the outside world, but also between different parts of the state. Along the Mississippi and Missouri and their tributaries were thriving and prosperous towns, and these seemed well satisfied with the conditions, as they then existed. Eastern capitalists either were not able to take up railroad building in Missouri, or did not consider it to their advantage to do so. However, agitation for railroad building began as early as 1836. A railroad con- vention was held on April 30, of that year, at St. Louis. Delegates to the number of 59, representing 11 different counties, including Cooper, assembled at St. Louis at this time, and passed various resolutions in which the advantages of railroads were set forth. It seems to us at this day, rather strange that they recommended two lines of railroads running out of St. Louis, one to Fayette, by way of St. Charles, Warrenton, Fulton and Columbia, for the purpose of opening up an agricultural region, the other to the valley of Bellvue in Washington County, with a branch to the Merrimac Iron Works in Crawford County, for the purpose of developing the mineral region. Congress was also petitioned by this convention to grant 500,000 acres of public lands to encourage these enterprises, and it was also urged that the state of Missouri place its credit at the disposal of the companies that would undertake to build these roads. Governor Boggs, in the fall of the same year, in his message to the Legislature, strongly urged a general system of railroad construction. Doubtless, inspired by this convention of railroad delegates,, and the recommendation of the governor, the Legislature proceeded to incorporate, during the months of Jan. and Feb., 1836, at least 18 railroad com- panies whose aggregate capital stock amounted to about $7,875,000. The early thirties were a period of general speculation throughout the United States, and the Missouri Legislature in granting franchises to rail- road companies so freely and generously, was only following the example of many other states. However, little progress was made, in railroad building by these companies, due doubtless, in a large part, to a panic in 94 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1837, and for 10 years thereafter, failing to do so, the public lost interest in railroad enterprises. The 500,000 acres of land granted by Congress to assist in internal improvements in Missouri, were divided among the various counties of the state, to be used in the construction of roads. It was not until 1850 that the people again became interested in rail- road building. At this time the population of the state had increased to 682,044. This increase in population was not confined to the older settled portions of the state, that is along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, but also in the more inland sections. The country had recovered from the panic of 1837, and the spirit of enterprise was aroused throughout the country. St. Louis became roused. In 1850, her population was 80,081, and she was the leading manufacturing center in the Mississippi valley, but Chicago was rapidly gaining upon her. Missouri was being roused. Governor King proposed to the legis- lature in his message in 1850, that the state should lend its credit to the railroad companies by issuing bonds, and lending them the money realized from the sale of these bonds. The companies were to pay an annual interest at the rate of six per cent, and to pay off the principal in 20 years. On Feb. 22, 1851, a law was passed by the Legislature, granting aid to two railroad companies, the Hannibal & St. Joseph, and the Pacific. The first was granted $1,500,000, and the latter $2,000,000. The Hannibal & St. Joseph, which had been incorporated in 1846 was to build a road which would connect Hannibal, on the Mississippi, with St. Joseph, on the Missouri. The Pacific, which had been incorporated between 1847 and 1851, was to construct a road which would run from St. Louis to Jefferson City, and from thence to the western boundary of the state. We shall follow the history of railroad building no further in the state of Missouri, save only where it directly affects Cooper county. It was in the building of the Missouri Pacific railway, that Boonville, and Cooper county, in all probability, lost her great opportunity. Boon- ville had the advantage of water transportation, and was the most im- portant and most popular town or city in this section of the state, and some of its business men, though farsighted and prosperous, thought that any railroad coming west from St. Louis through a region of country sur- rounding Boonville, or within 20 or 30 miles of its proposed route, would naturally deflect from its course, and take in Boonville. Efforts to secure the road was not characterized by that activity and enthusiasm usually manifested by men who were attempting to avail themselves of an enter- prise, the success of which would greatly and grandly enure for the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 95 benefit of their town, and the speedy building up of its material interest, as well as the interest of the county. The golden prize (the Missouri Pacific), with all its promised for the future, was really to be given to the Vine-clad city, upon certain condi- tions but, through the lukewarmness, indifference and tardiness of those who believed the Missouri Pacific road would come to Boonville whether solicited or not, it was bestowed upon another and far less pretentious raval and claimant. Had they acted upon the advice of the poet, who said: "Shun delays, they breed remorse," they would have taken the instant "by the forward top", and would have had no cause for repentance and regret. The citizens of Boonville had a meeting and instructed Dr. Wm. H. Trigg, one of their most wealthy and prominent business men, to go to St. Louis and confer with Mr. Allen, who was at the time manager of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The doctor waited upon Mr. Allen at his office in St. Louis, and had an extended interview with him in reference to bringing the road by way of Boonville. Nothing definite, however, was arrived at or agreed upon. The road was chartered Feb. 21, 1857, to run from a point between Jefferson City and Round Hill, in the direction of Topeka, Kansas. The first meetings of the company took place before the war. In 1860, the charter was amended, so as to permit the construction of the road north to Boonville. The county of Cooper then subscribed $150,000 in bonds to the road. During the war the road bed was graded, and after the close of the war the county subscribed the additional sum of $100,000 in bonds. The road was finally completed through Cooper County in the spring of 1869. The road was commenced in 1870. Cooper County subscribed $100,- 000 toward its construction through the county ; Boonville township, $100,000; Pilot Grove township, $40,000; and Clear Creek township, $30,000. The road was completed in 1873. Previous to 1870, a railroad bridge had been talked of by such prom- inent citizens of Boonville as Captain Jo L. Stephens, H. Bunce, J. L. O'Bryan, and others of Cooper County, Colonels Elliott and Estill, of Howard County, and Messrs. Marvin and Barrett, of Sedalia but no steps were taken to secure the building of the same until the months of October and November of that year. During these months a preliminary survey was made by General Wm. Sooy Smith, which fully demonstrated the 96 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY practicability of constructing a bridge at moderate cost. The work, how- ever, did not begin in earnest until the road bed and franchise belonging to the Tebo and Neosho railroad passed into the hands of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad company. That powerful corporation infused new life into the enterprise and determined to push the work to rapid completion. A charter was obtained, and an act of Congress passed authorizing the construction of the bridge. A proposal was made by the American Bridge Company, and accepted by the Boonville Bridge Com- pany for the building of the bridge. Men and machinery made their appearance about the middle of Sept., 1872. During the fall and winter following, cribs and caissons for the foundations were framed, the abut- ments built, quarries opened, and machinery and materials got in a gen- eral state of readiness for the spring and summer work. The bridge was completed about Jan., 1874. Rebuilding of Bridges — Road Improvement. — In Sept., 1905, the local rains were so heavy that all the streams within Cooper County were swollen beyond precedent. They overflowed the banks and covered much of the adjoining land in many places. Most of the bridges of the county were washed away or wrecked. Iron structures of which the county felt proud were but straws in the way of the surging waters in what were in ordinary times small streams. This was an unfortunate occurrence and seemed to be a severe blow to the county. A difficult problem faced the county court. There was nothing like sufficient money in the treasury nor funds to be anticipated to rebuild and reconstruct these bridges necessary to the traffic of the county. Necessity is truly the mother of invention, and the county court was compelled to pursue an ingenius course. All were clamoring for bridges in their respective localities. Being unable to meet the demands the county court informed those petitioning for bridges that as soon as the money was available the court would at once build the bridges but that it was impossible to construct all that were needed at once. In determining what bridge or bridges would be first constructed they informed the petitioners in the immediate locality of the bridges that they would construct first the bridge in the locality where the greatest subscription was raised and sent the court for such purpose. This at first met with some opposition, but the people realizing the wisdom of the court's action and that those in the immediate locality of the particular bridge would be benefited more than those further removed, they re- sponded to the court's suggestion and soon thereafter the action of bridge building across the streams of Cooper County began. Much sooner than had been hoped by the most optimistic. Every bridge in Cooper County HISTORY OF COOPEE COUNTY 97 was restored. This also was the beginning of an aroused interest in bet- ter roads and a few years after bridges were constructed the court adopted a policy with reference to cutting down hills and establishing better grades for roads, in other words, it offered to the people for the purpose of reduc- ing the grade of any road as much from the county treasury as the local people would subscribe. This action on the part of the court met the hearty approval of the people and many bad grades throughout the county were greatly improved. About this time was also established and marked out the Santa Fe trail from Boonville through Cooper County to the Cooper County line on the road to Arrow Rock. This entire stretch of road was graded in the best and most approved manner. Drag districts were established. This highway was kept in the best condition for travel. Many tourists passing over it from other states pronounces it to be the best dirt road in our country. In different portions of the county the people then began to form special road districts and adopted the extensive use of drags. The automobile made its appearance among the farmers and every owner of an automobile became a "good roads" booster. It will be remembered that upon the first appearance of the automobile in our county the farmers were antagonistic to its use and so bitter and unrea- sonable was the opposition on the part of some that various and numerous obstructions were placed in the roads to make hazardous and impede the use of this, then, new mode of travel. However, it is now the farmer who owns the automobile. It is, to him, a necessity, as it in a measure eliminates space and time. There is at this time a strong sentiment and agitation for hard surface roads. In 1918 the Boonville special road dis- trict voted bonds to the extent of $100,000 which together with a like amount that will be received from the government, to-wit, another $100,- 000 will go far to further improve our roads. No prophet of the present day, however great his vision, can foretell the transportation and mode of travel of the future. Even now man prac- tically dominates the air and, in speed and distance of flight, puts to shame its feathered inhabitants. It was but the other day that Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant A. W. Brown, in a bombing areoplane crossed the Atlantic from New Foundland to Ireland, a distance of l.TJOO miles in 16 hours and 12 minutes. Our government is at the present time arranging for a flight around the world and mail routes by aeroplane are being estab- lished. Less than half a century back Jules Verne in his story of how the (7) 98 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY imaginary Phileas Fogg had encircled the globe in 80 days, set the world to talking and marveling about the accelerated speed of life, yet less than 20 years after or about 30 years ago Nellie Bly, a reporter for a New York paper, in actual travel, clipped eight days off the record of the marvelous trip of Phileas Fogg. In 1911 Andre Jaeger-Schmidt made the planetary loop in a trifle less than 40 days. Thus from 1872 when Verne calculated Phileas Fogg record-setting tour until 1911 only a matter of 39 years, mankind had come a half nearer the flying heels of time. Thus the imagination and vision of Jules Verne has been discounted by actual facts. What we may yet expect we would not hazzard a conjecture. CHAPTER VI. THE WAR OF 1812 AND INDIAN TROUBLES. ERECTION OF FORT,S— KILLING OF SMITH— CAPTURE COURSAULT— TODD AND SMITH KILLED— DISCOVERY OF INDIANS— CHASED BY INDIANS— SETTLERS TAKE UP TRAIL— CAMPBELL KILLED— SETTLERS MOVE TO SOUTH SIDE OF RIVER— BRAXTON COOPER, JR., KILLED— JOSEPH STILL KILLED— KILLING OF WILLIAM McLEAN— ATTEMPT TO KILL AUSTIN— GREGG KILLED AND DOUGHTY CAPTURED— NEGRO "JOE" KILLED— COURSAULT KILLED— MURDER OF RAMSEY FAMILY — CAPTAIN SARSHALL COOPER MURDERED — TWO NE- GROES CAPTURED— RANGERS COME TO RELIEF— DODGE AND COOPER CONTROVERSY— LETTER TO GOVERNOR— SAMUEL McMAHON AMBUSHED— BUILDING OF HANNAH COLE FORT— INDIAN TREATY— ADDITIONAL INCI- DENTS. In time of profound peace, a British man-of-war of superior force, made a surprise attack upon the Chesapeake in the waters of the United States, and in consequence thereof, President Jefferson, in July, 1807, issud a proclamation of embargo. This caused much excitement among the people and fomentation among the Indians of the Northwest and on the borders of the territory. It naturally filled the minds of the settlers on the frontier with anxiety. The difficulties between England and the United States remaining unadjusted, and becoming greater with the lapse of time, war was declared in 1812. Erection of Forts. — The settlers in the Boonslick country began the immediate erection of forts. The largest fort of the settlement was Cooper's Fort, a stockade flanked by log houses erected in a bottom prairie near the present town of Glascow, near the Missouri River. About 150 yards between it and the river, a common field of 250 acres was worked 100 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY by all the inhabitants of this fort. Twenty families and a number of young men resided in the fort. McLean's Fort, afterwards called Fort Hempstead, was erected on a high hill near Sulphur Creek, on the bluff about one mile from the present town of New Franklin. Fort Kincaid was near the river, about one and one-half miles from the present site of Old Franklin; the first was so named in honor of David Kincaid. Then, there was Head's Fort, four miles above Rocheport on the Big Moniteau, near the old Boonslick trail from St. Charles, not far from what was then called the Spanish Needle Prairie. It was the most easterly fort of the settlement. These forts were on the north side of the river. On the south, the first fort erected was Cole's Fort, which was located in the "Old Fort Field", about one and one-half miles east of the present site of Boonville, north of the Boonville and Rocheport road. The second fort erected on the south side of the river, was the Hannah Cole Fort, located on a bluff overlooking the river, at a point of rocks, where a lime-kiln once stood. This last fort, however, was not erected until 1814. This place was selected by the settlers as the most suitable for defense, being located at the edge of a very steep bluff and easily defended, and also affording facilities to obtain a good supply of water. In order to make the supply of water ,secure during an Indian attack, the settlers ran a long log over the edge of the bluff, and attached to it a rope and windlass to draw up the water. McMahan's Fort also was located on the south side of the river, sup- posed to be about five miles from Cooper's Fort, but we have been unable to determine its exact location. When Stephen Cole, assisted by his neighbors, had completed the erection of the first Cole fort, all the families living around, especially on the south side of the river, gathered at this fort for protection from the savages. The Cole fort consisted of a stockade flanked by log cabins, and here lived all the families south of the Missouri, during a greater part ot tne War of 1812. Many mouths were to be fed, and they were hearty feeders. Their meat consisted entirely of wild game, which they killed and secured from the forest, or fish caught from the river. For this purpose they sent out hunting parties from day to day. At this time all was not ease and comfort within the fort, and the white men were denied the freedom of the forest bv the wily savage. The hunter who sallied forth, as it was necessary for him to do was like Argus with his hundred eyes, and Briar- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 101 eus, with his hundred hands, first to watch and then to guard. When chased or surrounded by the Indians, figuratively speaking, he put on the helmet of Pluto, which made him, invisible. Killing of Smith. — A few months after Cole Fort was completed, Indians were reported in the neighborhood. The Indians consisting of a band of about 400, made, their appearance before the fort. At this time there were two hunting parties in the forest after game, in one of which were two men by the names of Smith and Savage, who on their return to the fort were espied by the Indians. Smith and Savage endeavored to break through the cordon of Indians surrounding the fort. They were pursued by the Indians, and the savages shot at them several times. In the first fire Smith was severely wounded, but struggling, he staggered on to within 50 yards of the fort, where the Indians again fired, two balls taking effect and felling him to the ground. Only Savage succeeded in attaining the fort. As soon as Savage saw his companion fall he ran to his assistance, but Smith, realizing that he was mortally wounded and that his end was near, handed Savage his gun and told him to flee and save himself. The Indians were in close pursuit, and in order to save himself, Savage was compelled to leave his unfortunate companion and make his escape. Although he was shot at perhaps 25 times, he succeeded in reaching the fort unhurt. The Indians scalped Smith, and barbarously mutilated his body, as was then their custom. They then withdrew to the adjacent woods and laid seige to the fort. The Indians, who pursued Savage in his successful endeavor to escape to the fort, came into full view of the settlers in the fort, and several of them might have been killed had the settlers deemed it wise and expedient to do so. Indeed, it is said that Samuel Cole, who was in the fort at the time, begged his mother to let him shoot an Indian. Samuel then was but a little shaver about twelve years of age. Doubtless he burned with ambi- tion and his little heart throbbed by reason of his eager and earnest desire to kill the red men, thinking not of the consequences. However his mother, Hannah Cole, with wisdom born of experience, forbade him to shoot. The Indians had as yet shown no disposition to fire upon the fort, and the inmates, there being but six men in the fort, did not wish to rouse their anger by killing any of them. They also hoped that before an attack 102 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was made by the Indians, that those settlers who were yet out hunting would arrive and thus augment the forces within the fort. They realized that against such overwhelming forces they could not long maintain themselves, and that their only hope was escape. During the following day the remaining settlers who were outside the fort evaded the vigilant cordon of savages, and doubtless following the route up or down the river reached the fort. However dire their straits, aid came fortuitously, or by act of Providence. On the following day a boat loaded with Indian goods and containing 25 kegs of powder, 400 pounds of balls, and a keg of whiskey, in charge of Captain Coursault and belonging to French traders of St. Louis, was going up the river for the purpose of trading these articles with the Indians. Capture of Coursault — Escape of Settlers. — This aroused the indigna- tion of the settlers, and Benjamin Cooper admonished Coursault of the danger and impropriety of supplying the Indians with ammunition under existing conditions, for with the ammunition the white settlers would be slain. Coursault seemed to see and appreciate the danger of this and promised to return down the river. It seemed to the settlers, however, that he agreed with reluctance, and as they were in doubt whether or not he would descend, they established a guard on the river. Their suspicion was well founded, and their caution well taken, for a day or so afterwards, about two o'clock in the morning, Coursault was intercepted attempting to go up the liver, the oars of his boat muffled. He was commanded to run his boat ashore, but he did not stop, and refused to obey the com- mand. Then Captain Cooper fired, but Captain Sarshall Cooper knocked the gun up, thus saving Coursault's life. Coursault, realizing that the settlers were in deadly earnest, brought his boat to the shore. The ammunition and whiskey were confiscated by the settlers and Coursault himself held captive for a short time.- He was finally allowed to return home with his goods, except the ammunition and the large keg of whiskey. After this, however, Coursault proved himself loyal to the Americans in the War of 1812. He bravely assisted in the defense of Cotesans Des- sein, when it was attacked by the Indians, and during the war he loyally aided in the defense of the country against the Indians. He was captairt of the Cote sans Dessein Company. In this engagement, an account of which is given in this chapter, Coursault lost his life. By reason of the capture of this boat, the settlers were enabled to make their escape from Fort Cole. They crossed the river in this boat to HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY. 103 Fort Kincaid or Fort Hempstead, which was located about one mile from the end of the great iron bridge over the Missouri River at Boonville. They succeeded in taking with them their families, all their stock, furni- ture and belongings of other nature. The fort was surrounded by savages on all sides, save on the river front, and yet, in the face of all this, the white men saved not only themselves, but all their personal property in the fort, as well as their live stock. After they had crossed the river, the Frenchmen and their leader, Coursault, were permitted to return down the river with their boat, with the strong admonition that if thev ever dared come up the river again with supplies for the Indians they would handle them with "short shrift". The ammunition captured and confiscated at this time, was sufficient to last the settlers for a long time. Previous to this, Joseph Jolly had supplied them with powder, manu- factured by himself from saltpeter found in a cave near Rocheport. Whence came the saltpeter? "If true," as Houck says in his history of Missouri, "it is a fact also to be noted." Smith was the first man killed within the present limits of Cooper County. All the settlers on the south side of the river had now moved to the north side. Todd and Smith Are Killed. — In the early spring of 1812 prior to the killing of Smith on the south side of the river, Jonathan Todd and Thomas Smith started down the Missouri either to pick out a piece of land on which to settle, or to find a stray horse, possibly both. Todd and Smith lived on the north side of the Missouri. They had gone as far as the present line between Howard and Boone Counties, when they were unex- pectedly attacked by the Indians. The struggle was long and hard, and several Indians were killed, but Todd and Smith eventually paid the forfeit of their hardihood with their lives. The savages, after killing them, cut off their heads, and literally cut out their hearts and placed them on poles by the side of the trail. Soon the news of the killing of Todd and Smith was brought to the fort, and a party of men was sent out to recover their bodies. After they had traveled several miles, they captured an Indian warrior, who seemed to be spying on their movements, and they started to the fort with their captive in order to secure information from him. On their return, when they arrived within two miles of the fort, the Indian prisoner suddenly broke away from them, and attempted to make his escape. The Indian was fleet of foot, and although the settlers pursued 104 • HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY him about one-half a mile, they found that they could not overtake him and capture him alive. Then with unerring aim they shot him, killing him instantly. The killing of these white settlers happened before the settlers on the south side had moved to the north side of the river. Immediately the settlers on both sides of the river organized and began to act with one accord. They sent out scouting expeditions in different directions to ascertain the lay of the ground, whether the Indians were in the neighbor- hood and whether they were really upon the warpath. Discover Indians. — James Cole and James Davis were sent out upon one of these scouting expeditions. After scouting around for some time, they were unable to discover any trace of the savages in the neighborhood, or to find out anything about their plans. They were preparing to return to the fort, when they discovered a large band of Indians in pursuit of them, and directly between them and the fort, in which were their fam- ilies and friends, unconscious of their danger. They could not withstand the attack of the large body of Indians in the open woods, and they knew that they would soon be surrounded. Their return to the fort was seem- ingly cut off. However, they started for what then was called Johnson's Factory, a trading post kept by a man named Johnson. It was situated on the Moniteau Creek, in what is now Moniteau County, about two hun- dred yards from the Missouri River. They reached the factory or trad- ing post that afternoon, and the Indians immediately surrounded the place. Cole and Davis knew, as true scouts, that it was their duty to warn their friends and neighbors, and that unless they received the warning they would easily fall prey to the savages. That the forts might be warned of their danger in time to prepare for the attack, which seemed certain, these hardy rangers and scouts determined at all hazards to escape and bear to them the tidings. As long as they remained at the trading post, they were safe from the shots of the enemy, at least for a time. To leave the fort, they ran the hazard of the scalping knife, and mutilated bodies. They resolved upon a daring method. At about midnight, with the utmost caution as to noise, they took up a plank from the floor of the factory, crawled through the floor, and with stealth and cunning reached the creek. Fortunately, there they found a canoe, and silently floated down to the river, evading the vigilance of the savages. But just as they reached the river, an unlucky stroke of the paddle against the side of the canoe, revealed them to the Indians, who at once started in pursuit in canoes. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 105 The Indians pursued them to what is known as Big Lick, in Cooper County, where being closely pressed, Cole and Davis turned, and each killed an Indian. The Indians then left off pursuit. The two settlers reached Cole's Fort in safety, and announced to the astonished settlers that they were indeed on the verge of a long and blood war, with Indians on the war path in the immediate vicinity. From there the tidings were conveyed to the other forts. The hearts of the bravest were filled with dismay. They knew that their numbers were few, and that to withstand the attack of the great Indian nations living around them would try the courage and the sagacity of the stoutest. However, no attack was made by the band of Indians who had pur- sued Cole and Davis. Doubtless because they knew that their presence was known in the neighborhood, and they well knew that the forts would be prepared and expecting to receive them. Chased by Indians. — Nothing being seen or heard of Indians for some time, in the summer of the same year, Samuel Cole, Stephen Cole and Muke Box started from Kincaid's Fort on a hunting expedition and crossed the river where Boonville now stands, penetrating the forest t6 the Petit Saline Creek. They hunted and fished for two days and were preparing to return upon the third, when they heard the sound of shooting in the direction of the river, where they had left their canoe. Knowing that there were no whites on the south side of the river, except themselves, they concluded that the shots were fired by Indians. However they im- mediately started by a circuitous route to the river, to gain possession of their canoe. When they arrived at the residence where once lived Delaney Belin, they discovered that a band of Indians was in pursuit of them. Not knowing the number in pursuit, but supposing them to be numerous, they immediately separated, and took different routes through the woods. They agreed to meet at the place where they had left their canoe. Here they met, but the Indians had stolen their canoe. As the Indians were still in hot pursuit of them, they hastily lashed three cotton- wood logs together, placed their guns, clothing, equipment, etc., upon this small but hastily constructed raft, and swam over the river, pushing it before them, and landed on the north side of the river, about two and one-half miles below the present city of Boonville. They reached the fort in safety that evening, and reported their adventure with the Indians. The settlers then made their preparations against any attack by the savages. Next morning tracks of Indians were discovered around and 106 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY near the fort, and it was found that the fort had been reconnoitred during the night by a band of eight Indians. At this time there were very few men in Fort Kincaid. They, there- foi'e, sent to Cooper's and McLean's Forts for reinforcements, as they supposed that this band of eight was but the scouting party of a large number of Indians. Settlers Take Up Trail of Indians. — The other forts sent reinforce- ments to the number of forty-two, which soon arrived, and together with the men belonging to Kincaid's Fort, they started in pursuit of the Indians of whom by this time they had discovered to be but a small band. They found their trail, pursued them for some distance, and surrounded them finally in a hollow within about four miles of the present site of New Franklin. The Indians concealed themselves in the brush and thickets, and behind timber, not being able to see the Indians, the fire of the settlers at first was very much at random. The fight continued for a long time. However, four Indians were killed, and the remaining four, though badly wounded, escaped. None of the settlers were killed and only one, a man named Adam Woods, was severely wounded, but he afterwards recovered. Night came on and the pursuit was deferred. The next day the rangers again took up the trail of the surviving four Indians, which was plainly marked with blood. They followed it to the river, and there found the canoe, which the savages had two days before stolen from Samuel Cole and his companion. In this canoe the Indians had hoped to make their escape. The sides of the canoe were covered with blood, showing that the Indians had attempted to push it into the river, but on account of being weakened by loss of blood, could not do so. After hunting them for some time in vain, the party returned to the fort. In August a band of eight Indians was followed by a party of 25 or 30 men from Cooper's and Kincaid's Forts. These Indians had killed some cattle and had stolen about 10 or 12 horses. They drove the horses away to the high ground not over three or four hundred yards from the bottom to a place about three miles from the present town of Franklin, where they tied the horses in the thicket. Captain Cooper, with 25 or 30 men, among them Lindsay Carson, the father of Kit Carson; David Boggs, Stephen Jackson; William Thorpe, afterward a Baptist preacher; and James Cole, who in 1867 gave Draper this version of the affair, found the horses in the thicket, and then fol- lowed the trail of the Indians into the hollow below. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 107 After going not much more than a quarter of a mile, they divided into three parties ; Captain Cooper, with one party, going up to the left, another party going direct up the hollow, and the third party up the eastern bank, skirting the hollow. After entering the mouth of the hollow, five of the men, whose feet had become blistered from long and hot pursuit, remained behind and sat down on a log, some one hundred yards above where the hollow commenced at the river bottom. Among them was James Barnes, whose horse had given out. As the three parties of whites advanced, the Indians, who as the event proved were in the hollow, seeing that the approaching settlers were too numerous for them, hid in the bushes till they passed. Then they ran out and came unexpectedly upon the men on the log, who when they saw the Indians fired on them. The Indians returned the fire and wounded Francis Woods through the thigh; they also wounded Barnes' horse. Both parties then sought the protection of the trees; this was about mid-day. When the three parties heard the firing they quickly re- turned, being but a short distance away, arrived nearly simultaneously and surrounded the Indians before they were aware of it. Captain Coop- er's party was on the high point skirting the western side of the banks, twenty or thirty feet above the Indians and fired down on them. The Indians concealed themselves in the thick fern grass which was three or four feet high and they would rise up and shoot, then drop down and reload their guns. Captain Cooper then oi-dered a charge and the whole party being near enough to hear, suddenly ran down upon the Indians. One Indian who had his ball about half way down his rifle was knocked down by Lindsay Carson, and David Boggs shot off his gun between Carson's legs, the muzzle close to the Indian's head, shattering his head beyond recognition. Just then, Lieutenant McMahan with savage ferocity ran up and plunged his knife into the Indian's dead body, broke off the blade and made a flourish of the handle. In this encounter five Indians were killed, all shot to pieces. A few days afterwards another dead Indian was found on the river two or three miles above the scene of Conflict. He had attempted to leave there, but was too feeble to do so, and had died on the bank of the river. Unquestionably he was one of the band Captain Cooper had encountered. The above account we take from Honck's History of Missouri. The party of whites then took possession of the horses and the Indians' guns and carried home Woods, who though badly wounded, recovered. 108 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY It is not known to what tribe these Indians belonged. However, it is thought that they were affiliated with the Saukees and Renards, or they may have been, as General Dodge supposed, Miamis. Campbell Killed.— In July, 1812, a man by the name of Campbell, com- monly called by his associates, "Potter", because of his trade, was killed on the north side of the river, about five miles northwest of the present site of Boonville. He and a man named Adam McCord went from Kin- caid's Fort to Campbell's home to tie some flax. Savages, who were in ambush, concealed in some underbrush, fired upon them and shot Campbell through the body, but he ran about a hundred yards, climbed the fence, and pitched into the trunk of a tree which had blown down and there expired. The Indians, though they hunted for the body, did not succeed in finding it. Adam McCord escaped without injury, and going to the fort, reported the death of Campbell, and the circumstances under which he had been killed. The fact that later in 1814, Campbell's gun was found in the possession of the Miamis, by Colonel Cooper, when he had his altercation with General Dodge, on the south side of the river opposite Arrow Rock, leads us to believe that the savages that killed Campbell were a party of Miamis. The finding of Campbell's gun in the camp of the Miamis led up to the memor- able quarrel between Colonel Cooper and General Dodge. Settlers Move to South Side of River. — Not having seen any Indians for several months, in the spring of 1813 the settlers from the south side of the river who had gone to Kincaid's Fort in the previous spring, returned to their homes on the south side. The year before, no crops had been raised, and they were anxious to put in their crops for the coming year. In order that they might put in their crops with safety, and be advised of the approach of the Indians, they stationed a guard in each corner of the field in which they were at work. From this time on, even after the establishing of peace in 1815, the settlers were kept continually on the watch against the savages, tor every month or two, some small band of Indians would suddenly attack and slay some unsuspecting settler who had for the moment forgotten his usual caution, and who feeling secure from attack, because the Indians had not appeared for some time, suffered the severe penalty of his negligence. The Indians, from this time on, never marched in large bands against the settlements, but came in small scouting parties, with the hope of way- laying and shooting down some unsuspecting, unwary settler, or murder unprotected women and children. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 109 Several men of the Boonslick country were killed by the Indians during the two or three years following the return of the settlers from Kincaid's Fort to this side of the river. There may have been others of whom we can gain no trace, or find any record. Braxton Cooper, Jr., Killed. — Braxton Cooper, Jr., was killed in Sept., 1813, two miles north of the present site of New Franklin. The Indians attacked him as he was cutting logs to build a house. He was a young man of much physical strength and courage. He was armed with rifle and hunting knife. The trampled condition of the ground and broken bushes gave certain evidence that the fight had been fast and furious. The howling of young Cooper's dog attracted attention from the fort, and this faithful friend of his master stood watchful sentinel until David Boggs and Jesse Turner crawled out during the night to the place. There they found Cooper dead, lying on his face. By his side lay his gun, and in his clenched right hand was his knife, bloody to the hilt: He was not scalped nor mutilated, positive evidence that the savages were put to flight before Cooper succumbed to his wounds. Not far from him was found an Indian buckskin shirt, with two holes in it, saturated with blood. How many of the Indians were killed or wounded the settlers could not determine, for the savages had removed all that might have given information, except the hunting shirt. The Indian trail was followed for a short distance, but was soon lost, and the settlers abandoned the pursuit as useless. Joseph Still Killed. — Joseph Still and Stephen Cooper, the latter a youth of sixteen years, both belonging to the rangers of Fort Cooper, were sent up the Chariton River on a scouting expedition. On their return, when within about twenty miles of the fort, a band of one hundred Sac Indians intercepted them. The course that seemed most feasible was for them to break through the savage band and make for the fort. So the two rangers with cocked rifles unswervingly rode forward toward the waiting enemy. When within one hundred yards of the band, both fired and putting spurs to their horses charged furiously upon the Indians. Cooper killed one Indian brave and Still wounded another, but Still on reaching the Indian line was shot dead from his horse. Cooper, however, was more fortunate, and with waving rifle and strident battle cry suc- ceeding in escaping the shower of bullets, arrows, and missiles aimed at him. He rode a fleet horse, and thus soon outdistanced his pursuers and reached the fort. This was in October, 1813. Killing of William McLean.— William McLean was killed in Oct., 1813, by the Indians in what is now Howard County near the present site of 110 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Fayette. William with Ewing McLean and four other men went to Mc- Lean's Fort, to pick out a piece of land, on which some one of them ex- pected to settle. When they arrived at a short distance southwest of the present site of Fayette, they were attacked by a band of about 150 Indians. As soon as McLean and his companions saw them, McLean retreated towards the fort, and just as the white men were ascending a slant lead- ing from a long, deep ravine, to the Moniteau Creek, the Indians fired a volley at them. One shot struck William McLean in the back of the head and he dropped dead from his horse. After satisfying themselves that he was dead, his remaining companions left his body, and continued their retreat to the fort, which they reached in safety. The Indians scalped McLean, cut out his heart, and literally hacked him to pieces. Attempt to Rill Austin. — Not long before the negro "Joe" was killed, a man by the name of Austin, who was stopping at McLean's Fort, while coming around the corner of a fence about two miles from the fort, dis- covered an Indian in the act of firing upon him. He suddenly reined up his horse and the ball passed through his horse's head. The horse fell upon Austin. One Hough and Nicolas Burckhardt, who were some distance in the rear, saw what had happened, and Hough shot and wounded the Indian as he was jumping over the fence to kill Austin. Austin soon extricated himself, and reached the fort; so did Hough, but Burckhardt, who ran into the woods, did not come in until the next morning. This man Hough remained temporarily in the Boonslick country. He was a hunter and trapper on the Upper Missouri. Gregg Killed and Daughter Patsy Captured. — Jesse Cox, and his son- in-law, William Gregg in 1814 made a settlement on the south side of the river above Arrow Rock. There they built a block house, a sort of family fort, and called it Cox's Fort. They began to make improvements, hunt- ing also for subsistence. Gregg and Cox killed a bear on the twenty-third of October, and the next day Gregg went out on his horse to get it. He subsequently went to feed his hogs, and while doing so, was shot by an Indian lying in ambush. Gregg ran to the blockhouse, a hundred yards off, got inside the stockade, grasped his gun, and fell dead. It is said that seven bullets hit the gate-post of the stockade. It is said that after the Indians killed Gregg, they made an attack on the cabin and captured his daughter Patsy, and took her away as a prisoner. A party was immedi- ately organized among the settlers to pursue the Indians. The girl was riding on horseback behind an Indian brave. One of her hands was tied HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 111 to the Indian's hand. The horse, on account of this double load, lagged behind the others. She in the hope of seeing some of the settlers fol- lowing to rescue her, constantly looked behind. At last she discovered horsemen approaching, and prepared to escape, waiting until the white men were within 50 yards of her, when with her unbound hand, she sud- denly seized and extracted the Indian's knife from its sheath, and cut the thong which bound her hand to his. She sprang to the ground and rushed into the brush on the side of the trail and disappeared. The pursuing party then fired on the Indians, who fled precipitatly. Jesse Cox and William Gregg were members of Sarshall Cooper's company. According to another account, the Indians tomahawked their prisoner and fled, but she recovered. It is also said that Patsy Cox was the name of the young woman captured and that it was not Gregg. Negro "Joe" Killed. — A negro named Joe, belonging to Samuel Brown, was killed by the Indians near Mr. Burkhard't farm about three quarters of a mile from what is now Estil's Station on the M. K. & T. railroad. Coursault Killed. — Captain Coursault was killed in 1814 at Cote-sans Dessein in the attack on Roy's Fort. Cote-sans Dessein, now Bakersville, Callaway County, was a village of considerable importance and was located at the mouth of the Osage River. It is said that but for a Spanish land claim the capital of Missouri would doubtless have been located near this place. It was settled by French families about 1810. Several block houses were erected there. One was called Tebeau or Tebo's Fort and one Roy's Fort. These forts were about three hundred yards apart; between them was a log house that served as a powder magazine for both forts. One day Baptiste Roy went out to kill some venison, but when he had gone about a mile, he discovered that the Indians were hidden in the bushes, grass and weeds, so he immediately turned his horse and fled, and when nearing Tebo's Fort, he cried, "Indians, Indians." All the men of the fort who were armed, hastened at once to meet the enemy, leaving only a few old men and a half dozen unarmed and par- tially grown negroes in the fort. Louis Roy was at his block house which was some two or three rods from Roy's Fort, which was vacant at the time. When the others rushed forth to meet the Indians, Louis Roy excused himself by saying that he was fixing his ramrod, and kept busily at work scraping it. About a mile or two below the fort, the settlers met the Indians, and 112 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY there the fight continued nearly all day, all fighting from behind trees. Finally the Indians were apparently driven away, but not before Captain Coursault and four or five others were killed. The number of Indians slain was never known. In the meantime, the Indians divided their forces and sent a band to attack Roy's Fort. They at once began the attack upon the block house in which were, at the time, Roy, his wife, Francois, and several other women. t Only two guns were to be had in the block house. These, however, Roy used effectively, the women keeping them loaded as fast as he fired. So accurate was his aim that he killed 14 Indians. The Indians disappeared, but warily returned, creeping up under the river bank. Sud- denly they emerged between the two forts and made for the log house, which was used as a magazine. They took dry cedar which they had found, split it with their knives and tomahawks, and piled it around the log house magazine and set fire to it. There were perhaps 40 or 50 Indians in this band. They were armed for the most part, with only bows and arrows. They yelled and capered with fiendish glee around the building as the fire spread. Soon, however, the flames reached the powder and their merriment and glee was changed to consternation. A tremendous explosion sent timbers and rafters flying into the air; Indians and parts of Indians were hurled in every direction; according to one account, about 20 of them, including those who ran and jumped into the river to soothe their anguish, were killed. The remainder of the party quickly disappeared. Murder of Ramsey Family. — The most horrible incident of this war was the atrocious murder of the Ramsey family. Although it happened on the Femme Osage in St. Charles county the news of the atrocity spread far and wide, and stirred the indignation and resentment of the settlers of the Boonslick country. Mrs. Ramsey having gone out to milk, was fired upon by the Indians and shot through the body. Her husband was a cripple, having but one leg. He saw his wife fall and managed to get her to the house, but as he reached the door, he received a wound in the thigh. At this time his three children were playing a short distance from his cabin. The Indians chased them around the house, and finally caught them and scalped them in the yard before the eyes of their parents. Ramsey and his wife both died from their wounds. Capt. Sarshall Cooper Murdered. — One of the saddest events of the war was the tragic death of Sarshall Cooper, after whom Cooper County a o HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 113 was named. His death touched the hearts of the frontiersmen as had no other death in this section. He was, in fact, the beloved and acknowl- edged leader of the settlers north of the Missouri River. The night of April 14, 1814, was dark and stormy, and the watchful sentinel could not see an object six feet in front of the stockade. Captain Cooper lived in one of the angles of the fort, and one day while sitting at his fireside with his family, his youngest child on his lap, and the others playing around the room, his wife sitting by his side sewing, the storm raging without, a single warrior crawled up to the fort, and made a hole just large enough for the muzzle of his gun through the clay between the logs. The noise of his work was drowned by the howling storm; he dis- charged the gun with effect fatal to Cooper, and Sarshall Cooper fell from his chair to the floor, a lifeless corpse, amidst his horror-stricken family. Sarshall Cooper was a natural leader; he was about five feet 10 inches tall, of fine physique, a superior horseman, cool and deliberate. His wife was Ruth, a daughter of Stephen Hancock, the Boonsboro pioneer with Daniel Boone. The muster-roll of Capt. Sarshall Cooper's company, dated April, 1812, is not without interest, and gives the names of the following officers and men: Wm. McMahan, 1st lieutenant ; David McQuilty, 2nd lieutenant ; John Monroe, 3rd lieutenant ; Ben Cooper, ensign ; John McMurray, 1st sergeant ; Sam McMahan, 2nd sergeant; Adam Woods, 3rd sergeant; David Todd, 4th sergeant; John Mathews, 5th sergeant; Andrew Smith, corporal; Thomas Vaugn, corporal; James McMahan, corporal; John Busby, cor- poral ; James Barnes, corporal. Private Jesse Ashcraft, Jesse Cox, Sam Perry, Solomon Cox, Henry Ferrill, Harmon Gregg, Wm. Gregg, John Was- son, Josiah Higgins, David Gregg, Robert Cooper, Gray Bynums, David Cooper, Abbott Hancock, Wm. Thorp, Wm. Cooper, John Cooper, Jos. Cooper, Stephen Cooper, Wm. Read, Stehen Turley, Thos. McMahan, Jas. Anderson, Wm. Anderson, Stehen Jackson, John Hancock, Robert Irvin, Francis Cooper, Benoni Sappington, Jas. Cooley, Nathan Teague, Jas. Douglass, John Sneathan, Wm. Cresson, Jos. Cooley, Wm. McLane, Jas. Turner, Ervin McLane, Wm. Baxter, Peter Creason, David Burns, Price Arnold, John Smith, John Stephenson, Alfred Head, Gilliard Roop, Daniel Durbin, Jas. Cockyill, Jesse Tresner, Mitchell Poage, Townsend Brown, John Arnold, Robert Poage, Francis Berry, Lindsay Carson, David Boggs, Jesse Richardson, Robert Brown, John Peak, John Elliot, Jos. Beggs, (8) 114 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Andrew Carson, John Colley, Reuben Fugitt, Seibert Hubbard, John Berry, Wm. Brown, Francis Woods, Wm. Allen, Robert Wells, Jos. Moody, Jos. Alexander, Amos Barnes, Daniel Hubbard, Harris Jamison, Abraham Barnes, Wm. Ridgeway, Enoch Taylor, Matbew Kinkead, John Barnes, Henry Waedon, Otto Ashcraft, John Pursley, Wm. Monroe, Isaac Thorn- ton, Stephen Feils, Dan Monroe, Giles Williams, Henry Barnes, Wm. Sav- age, Thomas Chandler, John Jokley, Stephen Cole, Wm. Robertson, Wm. Bolen, Mixe Box, Sabert Scott, John Savage, Jas. Cole, Stephen Cole, Jr., John Ferrill, Delaney Bolen, Jas. Savage, Jos. McMahan, Braxton Cooper, Robert Hancock. Every enlisted man furnished his own equipment and an order was promulgated so ,that "citizen soldiers may not be ignorant of the manner in which the law requires him to be equipped, he is reminded that it is his duty to provide himself with a good musket, with bayonet and belt, or fusil, two spare flints and a knapsack pouch, with a box thereon to contain not less than 24 cartridges ; or a good rifle, knapsack, powder- horn and pouch, with 20 balls and one-quarter of a pound of powder." Two Negroes Captured — Indians Chased. — Two negroes, belonging to James and John Heath, while cutting wood for making salt, were captured by the Indians in May. A party of fully 60 men assembled and on horse- back pursued these Indians, in a northerly direction 50 or 60 miles far up the Chariton. However the Indians escaped with their prisoners. Rangers Come to Relief of Settlers. — So great had been the depreda- tions of the Indians, so inhuman the murders committed by them in their predatory war in the central portion of the Boonslick country that Gen. Henry Dodge was ordered to take command of 350 mounted rangers and proceed to the relief of the settlers. This -was in September, 1814. There were in Dodge's command companies under Capt. W. Compton of St. Louis, Capt. Isaac Vanbibler of Loutre Island, Captain Daugherty of Cape Girardeau, and a company of the Boonslick settlers under Capt. Benjamin Cooper. Nathaniel Cooke and Daniel M. Boone were majors. In this campaign, Dodge carried with him blank commissions, and it was at this time that he appointed Benjamin Cooper, an elder brother of Sarshall Cooper, a major. According to Draper's "Memoirs" there were with Dodge's company forty friendly Indians, but John M. Peck says there were 50 Delawares and Shawnees. They were under four Indian captains: Na-kur-me, Kisk-ka-le-wa, Pap-pi-pua, and Wa-pe-pil-le-se. The two latter were fully 70 years old and both had served in the early Indian wars. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 115 Dodge marched to the Boonslick country, and arrived on the north side of the Missouri opposite Arrow Rock, close to Coopers' fort, where he was joined by Captain Cooper and his company. Dodge and his men crossed the river to the southern bank by swimming the stream. The crossing was effected by selecting for the advance, six of his most active men, good swimmers on horseback, the others following flanked on both sides by canoes, and with a vanguard of canoes above and below the main body, stemming the swift current. About half way across, the men struck the current, which soon carried them to the southern bank in safety. Only two hours were thus consumed in crossing the river with horses and baggage. Having arrived on the south side, Dodge sent out his Indian allies as scouts. They soon located the hostile Mi-am-mis, and found that they had thrown up a small entrenchment. Dodge's men pushed forward sev- eral miles up the river, and surrounded the Indians at a point in what is now Saline County, since known as Miami's Bend. The Indians, seeing that the whites were in overwhelming force, proposed to the Shawnees to surrender themselves as prisoners of war. General Dodge called a council of his officers for the purpose of seek- ing their advice, and after explaining the whole matter to them, they all agreed to receive the Indians as prisoners of war, and agreed that the prisoners' lives should be sacredly preserved. The Coopers and other Boonslick officers assented. General Dodge then told all the officers that he would hold them personally responsible not only for their own conduct, but also for that of their men, particularly in their treatment of the sur- rendered Indians. Dodge understood quite well his responsibility. He was well acquainted with the disposition, temper and peculiarities of the western settlers. He knew that they had been harassed, and those near and dear to them slaughtered in ambush. He feared that something might occur to arouse their anger and stir them to reciprocal vengeance, should any untoward event occur, and in order to prevent a massacre, he exacted an explicit pledge from the officers of the several commands. Dodge and Cooper Controversy. — The Indians, consisting of 31 war- riors and 122 women and children, surrendered to him and were received under his protection as prisoners of war. The following morning, Cooper and other settlers under his command, began looking through the Indian camp, purposing, if possible, to find stolen property. In this search, the well known rifle of Campbell, whose murder, in the Boonslick region, we 116 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY have previously referred to, was found. This discovery greatly infuriated Cooper and the settlers. They construed the finding of the gun evidence that these Miamis had perpetrated the killing of their friend and neighbor. They came galloping up to General Dodge and demanded the surrender of the Indian who had killed Campbell, their purpose being to make an example of him. This demand General Dodge peremptorily denied. Cooper, feeling outraged, threatened that his company, who surrounded him with cocked rifles, would kill the Indians unless his demand was acceeded to, and his men assumed a shooting attitude, Dodge, with commendable cool- ness, without even turning to the men, drew his sword, and thrusting it within six inches of Cooper's breast, reminded him of his pledge to protect the Indians on their surrender and treat them as prisoners of war. He then cautioned Captain Cooper that should his threat be carried out, he, Cooper, would be the first to feel the consequences. At this juncture, Major Boone rode up, and took his position at Dodge's side and announced that he would stand by him to the end. He also reminded Cooper of their pledge, and that the execution of his, Cooper's, threat would be an act of treachery. By this time Cooper's temper had abated, and he reluctantly yielded to superior authority, and with his company rode away. Cooper and his men took the position that Campbell had been treacherously mur- dered, and that the perpetrator of the deed was not entitled to the protec- tion afforded prisoners of war, but should be summarily dealt with as a murdered according to the custom of the west. It is said that by reason of this incident a strong attachment sprang up between Kish-la-lewa and Dodge, and that long afterwards at Fort Worth in 1835, there was an affecting recognition between the two men. Dodge is said to have looked upon his conduct in saving these prisoners as one of the happiest acts of his life. However, for many years, General Dodge, by reason of his magnani- mous conduct on this occasion, was exceedingly unpopular in the Boons- lick country. Dodge was afterwards governor of Wisconsin Territory, and twice United States senator from the state of Wisconsin. Cooper was a fearless man, and just, according to his standards. He and the settlers had been too long beyond the boundaries of civilization to yield readily to the reasoning of Dodge and Boone. They had been accustomed to rely solely upon themselves for protection and to adminis- ter justice according to western traditions, considering only the right and wrong in every instance. Their comrade and friend had been shot from ambush, and it was clear to their minds that these Miamias should pro- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 117 duce the murderers, or they should not be entitled to the privileges of prisoners of war. Letter to the Governor. — When at the outbreak of the war the gov- ernor of the Territory wrote Benjamin Cooper advising him and the settlers to move nearer to St. Louis to receive protection against the Indians, Cooper wrote in reply the following characteristic letter. While its literary merits are subject to criticism, yet it breathes in every word, whether correctly or incorrectly spelled, the brave spirit of the pioneer, and evidences a stamina and heroism of the soul superior to polite erudition : "We have maid our Hoams here & all we hav is here & it wud ruen us to Leave now. We be all good Americans, not a Tory or one of his Pups among us, & we hav 2 hundred Men and Boys that will Fight to the last and have 100 Wimen and Girls that will tak their places wh. Makes a good force. So we can Defend this Settlement wh. with Gods help we will do. So if we had a flew barls of Powder and 2 hundred Lead is all we ask." David Barton, afterwards United States senator, was a volunteer in Compton's company, refusing any rank, but offering General Dodge any service he was able to render him. Samuel McMahan Ambushed. — Samuel McMahan, who lived in what is now Lamine township in Cooper County was killed on Dec. 14, 1814, near Boonville. McMahan had been down to the settlement at Boonville. As he was returning home, he came upon a band of Indians who were lying in ambush for some of the settlers who were cutting clown a bee tree not far away. McMahan was on horseback and unsuspectedly rode into the midst of the Indians. The savages fired upon him, wounding him and killing his h6rse. He jumped when his horse fell, and though severely wounded, succeeded in reaching a ravine leading to the river. The savages soon overtook and killed him, sticking three spears into his back. They afterward cut off his head, and scattered his entrails over the ground. The Indians then scattered, and, pursuing different routes, made their way out of the countiy. The settlers, not knowing the numbers of the Indians, since roving bands of savages, large and small, had so frequently passed through this section, sent for reinforcements from the opposite side of the river, and on the following day sent out a party of men to secure McMahan's body, and get all information possible of the Indians. James Cole, the son of Hannah Cole, and the brother of Samuel Cole, secured the body and carried it before him on his horse. David McGee brought the head 118 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY wrapped in a sheepskin. The body of McMahan was buried under the Linn tree, which formerly stood in the center ring at the old fairground. The child of David Buness who was burned to death, was also buried under this tree. Building of Hannah Cole Fort. — The next day after the killing of McMahan, all the settlers living near the present site of Boonville, assem- bled at the house of Hannah Cole which stood on the bluff in what is now- East Boonville. This was considered by the settlers as the most suitable and available place for strong defense against attacks of the Indians. All the men came with their teams, cut down trees, dragged logs to build the fort and were continuously at work until it was completed. It required them one week to finish the building. During the time that they were at work, it was necessary for them to keep men stationed around the fort at some distance to guard against the approach of the enemy, whom they expected to appear at any hour. As soon as the Hannah Cole Fort was completed, the old fort of Stephen Cole's situated on the bluff above the river, one mile above the new fort, was abandoned. All the families gathered into the new fort, so. as to be a protection one to the other. The treaty of peace between England and the United States was signed at Ghent on Dec. 24, 1814, nevertheless the Indians, emboldened by Black- hawk's repulse of the forces of Maj. Zachriah Taylor on Rock River al- though advised that peace had been declared, thought themselves able to cany on an independent warfare. Indian Treaty. — All treaties with the Indians which had been made regarding the cession of Indian lands prior thereto were ratified at this conference. It was not, however, until 1833 that every Indian claim to land title in the state of Missouri was eliminated. Major Stephen Cole was the acknowledged leader of the settlers living south of the Missouri River, and he survived the war. Having made every effort to protect his loved ones, and his neighbors, during the trying period of the War of 1812, when peace was declared in 1815, the love of wild adventure led him to become a pioneer in the trade with Santa Fe, in 1822. He was killed by the Indians about 60 miles southwest of Sante Fe, on the Rio Grande River. With and associated with him at the time, was Stephen Cole, the son of Hannah Cole. Cole was also killed at that time. We have endeavored to give the names of all the men of whom we have been able to secure any record who were killed in the Boonslick HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 119 country during the Indian War, from 1812 to 1815, together with a brief account of how they came to their death. The peculiar atrocities attend- ing the killing of some of them make even the stoutest shudder. During the war the Indians stole so many horses from the Boonslick settlement, that for two or three years after the declaration of peace, they were compelled to plow their corn with oxen, and even milch cows. The reader should remember that the Indian was a savage and was intellectually dwarfed. In the eyes of our forefathers, the Indians had no rights, at least none to impede the onward march of civilization. We had not then adopted the benevolent policy of treating the Indians as wards, the modern colonial policy affected by our government in the Philippines. The Indians were continually driven back, giving ground before the oncoming white colonists, until they retreated far inland. Through war, liquor and disease, their numbers have decreased. How- ever, amalgamation and benevolent assimilation have wrought a wondrous change. A humane policy has preserved them from extinction, and has changed once implacable, treacherous and cruel enemies into loyal friends, citizens and staunch allies in the cause of liberty and justice. In the World War, just ended, 1,000 Indians enlisted in the navy. In the army, 6,500 Indians enlisted. They now hold a $50 Liberty Bond for every man, woman and child of their race. The romance of the American Indian is not ended. He is a striking, living illustration of what a humane policy will do to bury racial hatred in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Additional Incidents of the Period. — James Davis was an intimate companion and associate of Daniel Boone in many of his hunting expedi- tions. On this occasion to which we refer, Boone, by reason of infirmities of age, or disability, did not accompany Davis. It was in the winter of 1813. None but a hardy and adventurous character would venture alone through the wilderness at this time. Davis was intrepid and experienced, and fearlessly started upon his expedition, and arrived near the western boundaries of the territory, where he was captured by the Otoes Indians. The Otoes were said to be the most civilized as well as the most sanguinary and cruel of all the tribes west of the Mississippi River. They lived in substantial log houses with roofs of dirt and sod, and were so fearless and warlike that no satisfactory treaty was ever made with them until the latter part of 1828. After having captured him, they stripped him of everything that he possessed, took his gun and ammunition and turned him loose as naked 120 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY as he was when he came into the world. However, as if in mockery, they gave him an old English musket with one load. They did not torture him, but turned him loose to meet his fate. None but the most vigorous con- stitution could have stood successfully the trial. He traveled until about nightfall, and while seeking shelter in some place where he could protect himself from the winter winds, he saw a bear taking his winter sleep. With the cunning and caution of the frontiersman, born of experience, he approached the bear, and placing his old musket within a few inches of its head, fired the charge into the bear's brains, and killed it instantly. Necessity to him was the mother of invention. With the flint of his old musket he succeeded in skinning the bear. Having done this, he fashioned it as best he could, and before the heat had left the hide, he clothed him- self therewith, placing his feet and arms where the legs of the bear had been, and drawing the head well over his own head and face, he lay down by the side of the bear and slept through the night in the skin that he had appropriated. At daylight, feeling refreshed, he set out on his long journey to the settlement, taking enough of the meat to last him through the toilsome journey. He had more than a hundred miles of snow and wilderness to traverse, and no implement with which he could make a fire, but his fur suit kept him warm, and raw bear meat furnished him nutriment. It took him several days to make the journey, but finally he arrived at the house of Jonathan Bryan in the Boone settlement late in the eve- ning. Davis grasped the latch-string, which usually was hanging on the outside, and pushed the door open. Sitting alone by the fire was an old Scotch schoolmaster, who had evidently stopped at Bryan's for a few days. The opening of the door attracted the schoolmaster's attention, and by the light of the fire, he could plainly see the rough outlines of this weird figure, which to his excited imagination was transformed into an evil shape. Filled with fear, he jumped from his chair, and fled from the room, crying, "Devil, devil, devil." However, Jonathan Bryan, hearing the disturbance, rushed into the room, and recognizing Davis, soon quieted the apprehensions of the schoolmaster. The bear's skin had become so dry and hard that it required considerable effort to restore the old hunter to human shape. This story is said to have been handed down by tradition by Jonathan Bryan himself. James Davis was an eccentric and picturesque character. He was the first man indicted by grand jury that assembled in the Louisi- ana Territory under American auspices for the murder of William Davis. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 121 However as the evidence showed, it possessed none of the elements of murder, and Davis was acquitted by the jury that tried him. In an account of the expedition from Pittsburg to the Rocky Moun- tains in the years 1819 and '20, by order of Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, and under the command of Maj. Stephen H. Dong, compiled by Edward James, we take the following: "A Mr. Munroe of Franklin related to the party that in 1816 he found on a branch of the Lamine, (4) the relics of the encampment of a large party of men, whether of whites or of Indians he did not know. Seeing a large mound nearby, which he believed to be a cache for the spoils of the party, he opened it and found the body of a white officer, apparently a man of rank, which had been interred with extraordinary care. The body was placed in a sitting posture, upon an Indian rush mat, with its back resting against some logs, placed around it in the manner of a log house, enclosing a space of about three by five feet, and about four feet high, covered at top with a mat similar to that beneath. The clothing was still in sufficient preservation to enable him to distinguish a red coat trimmed with gold lace, golden epaulets, a spotted buff waistcoat, furnished also with gold lace, and pantaloons of white nankeen. On the head was a round beaver hat, and a bamboo walking stick, with the initials J. M. C, engraved upon a golden head, reclined against the arm, but was some- what decayed where it came in contact with the muscular part of the leg. On raising the hat, it was found that the deceased had been hastily scalped. To what nation he belonged, Mr. Munroe could not determine. We ob- served, however, that the button taken from the shoulder, had the word Philadelphia moulded upon it. The cane still remains in the possession of the narrator, but the button was taken by another of the party." Leven's and Drake, in their "History of Cooper County," written in 1886, gives the following interesting incident: "In the year 1818, Joseph Stephens, who died in 1836, Maj. Stephen Cole and William Ross, the hatter, started west on a hunting and exploring tour, and traveled as far as Knob Noster. At that time, all the country west of the present boundary line of Cooper County, was a wilderness, no person living in it. About six miles southeast of the present site of Sedalia, in Pettis County, on a farm now owned by a man by the name of Warren, near Flat Creek, they discovered what appeared to be a large, high and peculiarly shaped Indian mound. They examined it pretty closely, and found on one side that the wolves had scratched an opening into it. After enlarging it, so as to admit them, they beheld a remarkable sight. 122 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY They found themselves in what resembled a room, about eight feet square, with a ceiling of logs, just high enough to permit' a tall man to stand erect. On the side opposite where they had entered, sat an officer dressed in full military uniform, with gold epaulets upon his shoulders, gold lace fring- ing every seam of his coat, cocked military hat, knee breeches, lace stock- ings and morocco slippers. As he sat erect upon a seat hewed out of a log, nothing but the ghastly hue and leathery appearance of his skin would have suggested but that he was alive. By his side stood a heavy gold-headed cane. His features were complete, and his flesh free from decay, though dried to the consistency of leather. The place in which the body was found, was very peculiar. A place about eight feet square and two feet deep had been dug in the earth. The sides had been walled up with sod, until it was high enough for the purpose, reaching several feet above the surface of the ground. The. top was then covered with poles which ran up to a point in the center like the roof of a house. Then the poles and the surrounding walls were covered with sod two or three feet deep, cut from the prairie nearby, thus excluding entirely the rain and air. When they left the place, William Ross, being the eldest man of the party, took the cane as a momento, but nothing else was touched. "Who this officer was, from whence he came, what he was doing in this part of the country, what was the cause of his death, and when and by whom he was thus singularly entombed, has not, and perhaps never will be known. But he was supposed, by many, to have been a British officer, who, during the War of 1812, passed around by way of Canada into the Indian country, to incite the Indians against the whites; yet this is only conjecture, though those who discovered his body, account for him in that way. "Soon after this, Joseph Stephens, Sr., now living near Petersburg, on the 0. V. & S. K. Railroad, in company with James D. Campbell, went into that part of the country bee hunting, and visited the burial place of this officer. They found that part of the roof had fallen in, and that the wolves had eaten all of the flesh off the body, so that nothing but the skeleton and clothes remained. Joseph Stephens took the epaulets, as a momento, but nothing else was disturbed. As his mother objected to his keeping the epaulets, he melted them into a large ball, which was worth $15 or $20, as it was solid gold. This description of the burial place, &c, was obtained from the last mentioned Joseph Stephens, and is correct, although several different accounts have been published." CHAPTER VII. FROM 1815 TO 1819. IMMIGRATION — ORGANIZATION' OF COUNTIES — EARLY COURTS — PROCEEDINGS — OFFICERS— ELECTIONS— "NEW COMERS"— LAND SPECULATION— SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS— PREEMPTION CLAIMS — SAMUEL COLE'S EXPERIENCES — EARLY CHURCHES — A. FULLER'S LETTER. During the War of 1812, more properly called the "Second War with Great Britain," there was some immigration into the Boonslick country. When peace was established with England, and the treaty of peace was finally entered into with the Indians in 1815, a steady and ever in- creasing stream of immigration poured into the Boonslick country, and continued in an unending flow for many years thereafter. But even during the war with the Indians, some hardy and brave settlers settled in the Boonslick country, though few ventured to locate except near enough 'to reach the forts at the first approach of the Indians. Organization of Counties. — When the territory of Missouri was estab- lished in 1812, the eastern portion of the state was at once organized into counties, and the territorial law, by means of territorial courts, was ex- tended over them. But the Boonslick country had not been sufficiently settled to justify its organization, and the expense of holding terms of court within its limits. Now, however, conditions were different. With increasing immigra- tion the demand became strong and loud for organized courts. It will be remembered that from 1804 until Oct. 1, 1812, the territory of Missouri was divided into four districts. At that date, in accordance with an act of Congress, requiring him so to do, Governor Clark issued a proclamation, reorganizing the four districts into the five following coun- ties: St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, and New Ma- 124 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY drid. In 1813 the county of Washington was created from a part of St. Geneveive. In 1814, the county of Arkansas was formed, and during the winter of 1814, and 1815, the county of Lawrence was organized from the western portion of New Madrid. Under an act of the General Assembly of the Territory of Missouri, approved Jan. 13, 1816, the county of Howard was created, being the ninth organized county of the territory, and was taken out of the counties of St. Louis and St. Charles. It included among other counties what is now Cooper County. Its territory was more than one-third of the present state of Missouri. It was almost an empire, presenting an area of nearly 23,000 square miles. It was larger than Vermont, Massachusetts, Dela- ware, and Rhode Island. Missouri at that time had not been admitted into the sisterhood of states. From its territory have since been organized the following counties: Adair, organized Jan. 29, 1841. Called after Gen. John Adair, of Mercer County, Kentucky, who was elected governor of that State in 1820 and died May 19, 1840. Audrain, organized Dec. 17, 1836. Called for James S. Audrain, who was a representative from St. Charles in the Missouri Legislature in 1830, and who died in St. Charles, Nov. 10, 1831. Bates (part), organized Jan. 29, 1841. Called for Frederick Bates, second governor of the State, who died Aug. 4, 1825, before the expiration of his term. Lieutenant-Governor W. H. Ashley, having resigned, Abra- ham J. Williams, of Columbia, president of the Senate, became Governor until the special election in September, same year, when John Miller was elected. Williams died Dec. 30, 1839, and an old fashioned box-shaped limestone monument marks his grave in Columbia Cemetery. Benton (north part), organized Jan. 3, 1835. Called for Thomas H. Benton, United States Senator, 1820-1850. Died April 10, 1858. Boone, organized Nov. 16, 1820. Named for the old pioneer and Indian fighter, Daniel Boone. Died in St. Charles County Sept. 26, 1820. Caldwell, organized Dec. 26, 1836. Called for Capt. Matthew Cald- well, commander of Indian scouts and a hunter of Kentucky. Joseph Doniphan, father of Gen. A. W. Doniphan, belonged to his company. Gen- eral Doniphan was chiefly instrumental in having the county named in honor of his father's old comrade. Camden (part) , first named Kinderhook, after the home of Martin Van Buren, organized Jan. 29, 1841. On Feb. 23, 1843, name changed to Cam- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 125 den, in honor of Charles Pratt Camden, an English statesman who was a warm advocate of the American colonies. Carroll, organized Jan. 3, 1833. Called for Charles Carroll, of Carroll- ton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Died Nov. 14, 1832. Cass, organized Sept. 14, 1835. First called Van Buren ; changed to Cass Feb. 19, 1849, in honor of Lewis Cass, United States Senator from Michigan. Died June 17, 1866. Chariton, organized Nov. 16, 1820. John Chariton was the name of a leader of the French fur-traders who at an early day located on the Missouri River at the mouth of the creek which was ever afterwards called Chariton. Hence the name of the creek and county. Clay, organized Jan. 2, 1822. Called for Henry Clay, of Kentucky. Died June 29, 1852. Clinton, organized Jan. 15, 1833. Called for Governor DeWitt Clinton, of New York. Died Feb. 11, 1828. Cole, organized Nov. 16, 1820. Called for Capt. Stephen Cole, an old settler, who built "Cole's Fort," near Boonville. Cooper, organized Dec. 17, 1818. Called for Sarshel Cooper, who was killed by an Indian in Cooper's Fort opposite Arrow Rock and near the present village of Boonsboro, Howard County, on the night of April 14, 1814. Daviess, organized Dec. 29, 1836. Called for Col. Joe Hamilton Daviess, of Kentucky. Killed in the battle of Tippecanoe, Nov. 7, 1811. De Kalb, organized Feb. 25, 1845. Called for Baron John De Kalb, a Frenchman of Revolutionary fame, who was killed in the battle of Cam- den in 1780. Gentry, organized Feb. 12, 1841. Called for Gen. Richard Gentry, of Columbia, who was killed in the battle of Okeechobee, Fla., Dec. 25, 1837. Grundy, organized Jan. 2, 1843. Called for Felix Grundy, United States Senator of Tennessee. Died Dec. 19, 1840. Harrison, organized Feb. 14, 1845. Called for Albert G. Harrison, of Fulton, Mo., member of Congress from 1835 to 1839. Died Sept. 7, 1839. Henry, first named Rives in honor of William C. Rives, of Virginia, organized Dec. 13, 1834. Changed to Henry in honor of Patrick Henry, who died June 6, 1799. Jackson, organized Dec. 15, 1826. Named in honor of Andrew Jack- son. Died June 8, 1845. 126 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Johnson, organized Dec. 13, 1834. Called for Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky. Died of apoplexy, Nov. 19, 1850. Lafayette, first called Lillard and organized Nov. 16, 1820, after James Lillard, an old citizen. Changed to Lafayette, Feb. 16, 1825, who died at Paris, May 20, 1834. Linn, organized Jan. 7, 1837. Called for Lewis F. Linn, United States Senator from Missouri, 1830-1843, who died at St. Genevieve, Oct. 3, 1843. Livingston, organized Jan. 6, 1837. Called for Edward Livingston, Secretary of State under President Jackson. Died May 23, 1836. Macon, organized Jan. 6, 1837. Named in honor of Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, of the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Congresses and United States Senator in the Nineteenth and Twentieth. Died June 29, 1837. Mercer, organized Feb. 14, 1845. Called for John F. Mercer, a soldier of the Revolution from Maryland. Died Aug. 30, 1821. Miller (north part), organized Feb. 26, 1837. Called for Gov. John Miller, of Missouri ; was Governor from 1825 to 1832. Died March 18, 1846. Moniteau, organized Feb. 14, 1845. An Indian name, and doubtless a corruption of Manito, an Indian name for Deity or Great Spirit. Monroe (part), organized Jan. 6, 1831. Called for James Monroe, President. Died July 4, 1831. Morgan, organized Jan. 5, 1833. Called for Gen. Daniel Morgan, of the Revolution, who displayed great bravery at the battle of the Cowpens in the defeat of Tarlton and died in 1802. Pettis, organized Jan. 26, 1833. Called for Spencer Pettis, member of Congress from St. Louis from 1829 to 1831, who was killed in a duel by Maj. Thomas Biddle, Aug. 27, 1831, aged 29 years. Putnam, organized Feb. 28, 1845. Called for Gen. Israel Putnam, of Bunker Hill fame, 1775. Died, 1790. Randolph, organized Jan. 22, 1829. Called for John Randolph, of Roanoke, Va. Died May 24, 1833. Ray, organized Nov. 16, 1820. Called for John Ray, a member of the constitutional convention of 1820 from Howard County. St. Clair (north part), organized Jan. 29, 1841. Called for Gen. Arthur St. Clair, of the Revolution. Saline, organized Nov. 25, 1820. Named because of its salt springs. Shelby (part), organized Jan. 2, 1835. Called for Gov. Isaac Shelby, of Kentucky. Died July 18, 1826. Sullivan, organized Feb. 16, 1845. Called for James Sullivan, of Revo- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 127 lutionary fame, a member of the Continental Congress of 1782. Died Dec. 10, 1808. Worth, organized Feb. 8, 1861. Called for Gen. William J. Worth, of the Florida and Mexican Wars. Died at San Antonio, Texas, May 7, 1849. Also the following counties in Iowa: Parts of Taylor and Adams, Union, Ringgold, Clarke, Decatur and Wayne, and probably parts of Lucas, Monroe and Appanoose. Its boundaries were established as follows: Beginning at the mouth of the Osage River, which is about 10 miles below the city of Jefferson and opposite the village of Barkersville in Callaway county, the boundary uprsued the circuitous course of said stream to the Osage boundary line, meaning thereby the eastern boundary of the Osage Indian Territory, or to the northeast corner of Vernon County, where the Osage River, two miles east of the present town of Shell City, runs near said corner ; thence north (along the western line of St. Clair, Henry, Johnson and Lafayette counties), to the Missouri River, striking that stream west of and very near Napoleon, thence up said river to the mouth of the Kansas River (where Kansas City is now located), thence with the Indian boundary line (as described in. the proclamation of Gov. William Clark issued the 9th day of March, 1815), northwardly along the eastern boundary of the "Platte purchase" 140 miles, or to a point about 36 miles north and within the present county of Adams, in the state of Iowa, near the town of Corning in said county, on the Burlington and Missouri River railroad; thence eastward with the said line to the main dividing ridge of high ground, to the main fork of the river Cedar (which is the line between Boone and Callaway counties in Missouri) ; thence down said river to the Missouri; thence down the river Missouri and in the middle of the main channel thereof, to the mouth of the Great Osage River, the place of beginning. Howard County was reduced to its present limits by an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 16, 1825. The history of what is now Cooper County is inseparably connected with that of Howard County until the organization of Cooper County in 1819. Early Courts. — The act under which Howard County was organized located the seat of justice at Hannah Cole's Fort. The first circuit court of Howard County, which was the first Court held in this section of the State, was held at the house of Joseph Jelly in Hannah Cole's Fort, which was situated in what is now East Boonville. The Court opened on the eighth day of July, 1816, and discharged under the territorial laws all 128 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the duties of the Circuit, County and Probate Courts of the present day. Hon. David Barton was the presiding judge; Nicholas T. Burkhartt, the sheriff; Gray Bynum, the clerk; and John G. Heath, circuit attorney. The attorneys who attended this term of court were Edward Bates, Charles Lucas, Joshua Barton, and Lucius Easton. Few in number, but their names became intimately and prominently associated with the fu- ture development of the state of Missouri.. The following are the proceedings of this term of court: — John Munroe was appointed coroner of Howard County, and Benjamin Estil, David Jones, David Kincaid, William Head and Stephen Cole were appointed commissioners to locate the permanent county seat, which was temporarily located by the territorial legislature at Hannah Cole's Fort as above stated. The following persons composed the first grand jury: Stephen Jack- son, foreman ; Adam Woods, Sr. ; Asaph Hubbard, John Pusley,' George Tompkins, Isaac Drake, William Anderson, Samuel Brown, Robert Wilde, Davis Todd, William Brown, Robert Brown, John Snethan, Ezekiel Wil- liams, William Monroe, Jr.; John O'Banon, James Alexander, Muke Box. The first license to operate and run a ferry was issued to Hannah Cole. The charges were fixed by the Court, and will be found in the chap- ter on "Transportation and Highways." Harper C. Davis was licensed to conduct a tavern at Kincaid's Fort. The first road laid out by the authority of the Court in the county was a route from Cole's Fort on the Missouri River to intersect the road from Potosi, in Washington County, at the Osage River. Stephen Cole, James Cole, and Jumphry Gibson were appointed commissioners to mark out this road. The first indictments returned by the grand jury were United States vs. Samuel Heirall, and United States vs. James Cockrell, both endorsed a true bill. At the first election held in the county, the electors voted at Head's Fort, McLean's Fort, Fort Cooper and Cole's Fort. The first civil action was styled Davis Todd vs. Joseph Boggs. The following amusing incident and example of retributive justice happened at this term of court: Maj. Stephen Cole was fined, by Judge Barton, one dollar, for con- tempt, for misconduct in the presence of the court. Cole objected to pay- ing the fine, but supposing he would be able to retaliate some time, at last paid it. And his time for retaliation came sooner than he expected. That afternoon, Cole, who was a justice of the peace, organized his court on a - - HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 129 log in front of the fort. As Judge Barton was returning from dinner, he stopped in front of Cole and leaned against a tree, watching the proceed- ings of the justice and smoking his pipe. Cole looked up, and assuming the stern look of insulted dignity, said, "Judge Barton, I fine you one dollar for contempt of my court, for smoking in its presence." Judge Barton smilingly paid his fine, and went to open his own court, acknowl- edging that he had been beaten at his own game. The following order established the rate of taxation at that time: "Ordered by the court that the following rates of taxation for county purposes for the year 1816 be established in the county of Howard, to-wit: On each horse, mare, mule or ass above 3 years old $ .25 On all meat cattle above 3 years old -0614 On each and every stud-horse, the sum for which he stands the season -0614 On every negro or mulatto slave between the ages of 16 and 45 — .50 For each billiard-table 25.00 On every able-bodies single man of 21 years old or upwards not being possessed of property of the value of $200 .50 On water, grist-mills, and saw-mills, horse-mills, tan-yards and dis- tilleries in actual operation 40 cents on every $100 valuation." Five marriage certificates were recorded in the year 1816. We give verbatum copies of four. I do hereby certify, that on the 27th day of March last, I celebrated the rights of matrominy between Elijah Creason and Elizabeth Lowell, both of the county of Howard and territory of Missouri. Given under my hand, this 12th day of April, 1816. JAMES ALCORN, J. P. Territory of Missouri, Howard County, To-wit: Be it known, to whom it may concern, that on the 26th day of April, 1816, by virtue of the power and authority vested in my by law, a preacher of the Gospel, I joined in the holy state of matrimony Abraham Barnes, and Gracy Jones, of the said territory and county, as man and wife, satis- factory proof having been given of the legal notice as requested by law and parents' consent obtained. Witness my hand, the 22nd day of April, 1816. DAVID McLAIN. Territory of Missouri, (9) 130 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY County of Howard, To-wit: Be it remembered to all whom it may concern, that on the 10th day of May, 1816, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by law a preacher of the Gospel, etc., I joined in the holy state of matrimony Judiah Osmond and Rosella Busby, of the said territory and county, as man and wife. Witness my hand, this 3d day of July, 1816. WILLIAM THORP. I hereby certify, that on the second of June last passed, I celebrated the rights of matrimony between John Cooley and Elizabeth White, both of the county of Howard and territory of Missouri. Given under my hand, this 12th day of April, 1816. JAMES ALCORN, J. P. The first election held in Cooper County after its organization was on the second day of August, 1819. It was held to elect a delegate to Congress from the territory of Missouri. John Scott and Samuel Ham- mond were the candidates. The townships which voted at said election were, as heretofore stated, Arrow Rock, Miami, Tebo (sometimes in those early days spelled Tabeaux, and Tabeau), and Lamine. The latter town- ship included the town of Boonville. The votes cast in Tebo township were thrown out because the poll-book of said township did not state for whom the votes were cast, and this poll-book was not put on file with the others; thei'efore the only votes counted were those cast in the other three townships. John Scott received 127 votes, and Samuel Hammond 21 votes, making the total count, 138. We infer, and on a reasonable hypothesis, that this was nothing like the total vote of the county at that time. The county was sparsely settled and there was then no newspaper published in Cooper County. News of the election, in the main, had to be spread by word of mouth, and it is very probable that many of the voters 'did not know the day of the same; and again by reason of the distance from their voting places, failed to record their votes. Robert P. Clark, county clerk, called to his aid James Brufee and Benjamin F. Hickox, two justices of the peace, to assist him in counting the votes. The next election hold in the county was to select delegates to the state convention, called by proclamation of the Governor to frame a con- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 131 stitution for the state of Missouri, and was held on the first, second and third days of May, 1820. The following was the result in the county: Robert P. Clark, William Lillard and Robert Wallace were elected. The townships in which this election was held and the votes cast were as follows: Arrow Rock township, 120 votes; Lamine township, 408 votes; Tableaux township, 150 votes ; Moreau township, 101 votes ; Miami town- ship, 40 votes. Total vote of Cooper County, 819. At the time of this election, Cooper County was bounded on the east and south by the Osage River, on the west by the Indian Territory, and on the north by the Missouri River. Lamine township then included about all within the present limits of Cooper County, and some territory not now included in its limits. The next and third election was held on the 28th day of August, 1820, to elect a member of Congress, and State and county officers. The follow- ing townships voting at this election, and the votes cast, were as follows: Arrow Rock township, 57 votes; Lamine township, 503 votes; Jefferson township, 110 votes; Osage township, 78 votes; Miami township, 28 votes; Moreau township, 71 votes; Tableaux township, 125 votes. The vote of Cooper County, 972. Thomas Rogers, Thomas Smiley and William Lillard were elected representatives ; William H. Curtis, sheriff ; and Bryant Saunders, coroner. Immigration. — In writing of the immigration at this period, Dr. John Mason Peck has this to say: "The 'new-comers,' like a mountain torrent, poured into the country faster than it was possible to provide corn for breadstuff's. Some families came in the spring of 1815. But in the winter, spring, summer and autumn of 1816, they came like an avalanche. It seemed as though Kentucky and Tennessee were breaking up and moving to the "Far West." Caravan after caravan passed over the prairies of Illinois, crossing the 'gi^eat river' at St. Louis, all bound to the Boonslick. The stream of immigration had not lessened in 1817. Many families came from Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, and not a few from the Middle States, while a sprinkling found their way to the extreme West from Yankeedom and Yorkdom. Following in the wake of this exodus to the middle section of Missouri was a terrific excitement about land." Land Speculation. — This was a period of some wild and hazardous land speculations ; not only by reason of the large immigration into the Boonslick section, or rather into Howard County, but because of the earth- quake in New Madrid in the years 1811 and 1812. In 1815, Congress passed an act affording liberal relief for the suf- 132 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ferers from the earthquake. The land owners were permitted to give up their present holdings and to locate with the certificates received for their New Madrid possessions on other public land. This opened a wide door for fraud, speculation and litigation. The actual sufferers were in nearly every instance defrauded. Before they had knowledge of the pass- ing of the act of Congress, the New Madrid country was filled with speculators from St. Louis, who purchased their property at a rate of from $40 to $60 per claim, a claim sometimes embracing as much as 640 acres. After acquiring the rights to the injured land, certificates of dis- location were issued by the St. Louis land office to the purchasers of these injured properties. The owners of these certificates, of course, hunted around for the most valuable property and located their certificates on it. The demand for certificates became very great, the more unscrupulous and dishonest New Madrid settlers would sell their claims several times to new speculators anxious to buy. All this led to endless litigation. Under New Madrid certificates so issued much valuable property was located in the Boonslick country. Sale of Public Lands. — Dec. 6, 1816, marked the setting for the first time of the Jacob Staff, to survey the public lands of this state, prepara- tory to placing the lands on the market for sale for home-makers. Prior to that time, nothing had been surveyed by legal authority, except those lands known as the old French and Spanish claims. The survey, however, progressed slowly and intermittently, and it was not until Aug. 3, 1918, when by order of the President's proclamation the land sale was held at St. Louis. The President also issued a proclamation that the land sales at Franklin. Howard County, would begin Sept. 7, 1818, but there was quite a spirited controversy about the legality of offering the lands for sale, as they were thought yet to be within the boundary lines of the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation, and one officer to conduct the sale resigned. The sales, in consequence thereof, were continud to Nov. 2, 1818. at which day the land sales began, Gen. Thomas A. Smith being receiver, and Charles Carrol, register. The crowd in attendance upon these sales was said to have numbered thousands of well-dressed and intelligent men from all parts of the east and south. At the first public sales, there seems to have been quite a spirit of competition among the bidders, but this was evidently caused by those from a distance, for the settlers had a tacit understanding not to bid against each other for the land they wanted, and in after years there seems to have been no competition for the lands at public sales. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 133 Preemption Claims. — At this time there arose the very interesting question of preemption claims. The settlers in the Franklin, or Howard land district, had given notice to the officers of the land office of the pre- emptions. So universal was the preemption right claimed, that the settlers there were called "preemptioners." This disputed question was of such deep interest and import to the settlers and was so much discussed, that it became the all-absorbing question, to the exclusion of every other. On March 3, 1819, Congress passed an act confirming the right of preemption, to the people of this district. It is said that many of the most illustrious men of our state were among the preemptioners, and they in after years became potent factors in the evolution and progress of our great state. Levens and Drake, in their "History of Cooper County," give some amusing interesting incidents of this period: "Sometime during the year 1817, William Gibson, now living a short distance east of the city of Boonville, was appointed by the Territorial Court, constable of that part of Howard County lying south of the Mis- souri River. His jurisdiction extended from the Missouri, on the north, to the Osage River on the south. Soon after his appointment, there being some trouble down on the Osage, he was sent there with a warrant for the arrest of the man who had caused the trouble. The distance was between 60 and 70 miles. After arresting the man, he returned to Boon- ville with his prisoner. As he was on his journey back, having an execu- tion against- a man who lived on the road, he stopped at his house and proceeded to levy on the feather beds, as nothing in those days was exempt from levy under execution. But, as soon as he made his purpose known, four women, who were the only persons at home, threatened to give him a thrashing, so he was forced to retire as fast as he could, and return the execution unsatisfied. To add to this, the court only allowed him, for his journey of 140 miles, which occupied four days, the magni- ficent sum of 25 cents. Mr. Gibson thinking the office not quite lucrative enough to justify him in devoting his whole time to its duties, arid not wishing to risk his life at the hands of angry women, quietly sent in his resignation, thus establishing the precedent that officers should resign when not paid a living wage. "While Samuel Cole was living at his mother's fort in East Boonville, in the year 1817, there was a dance at William Bartlett's boarding house, on the flat near the ferry landing, at the mouth of Rupe's Branch. Al- though Samuel wished very much to attend, his mother refused to permit 134 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY him, as his wardrobe at that time, was entirely too limited to permit him to associate with the "elite." He had no pants, his sole garment consist- ing of a long tow shirt, which reached entirely to his heels. But Samuel, though always, from his own statement, an obedient son, was not to be deprived of so great a pleasure, by this, to him, a very trivial excuse. So he determined to attend that dance, and then make the best arrangement he could to meet the "wrath to come." Not having any horse, he bridled a tame bull, which was at the fort, and thus mounted, rode up to the door of the house in which they were dancing. After looking in for some time, and by his strange looking steed and attire, attracting a large crowd about him, he drove his bull down to the river, and riding in, he slid back over its haunches, and caught hold of its tail. In this way they swam down the river to Hannah Cole's fort, when he and his strange companion came out of the water and sought their homes. This story has often been pub- lished, but never correctly, as all former accounts represented him as swimming the river to attend a wedding, but our version is correct, as it was obtained directly from Samuel Cole himself. "About the 15th day of November, 1817, Joseph Stephens, with his large family and several friends, crossed the river to where Boonville now stands, and camped near the foot of Main street. The next day after they crossed Samuel Cole, who was then a boy of sixteen years of age, appeared at their camp and asked Mrs. Stephens if she would like to have some venison. Upon her replying that she would, as she was nearly out of meat, Samuel shouldered his gun and marched off into the woods, tell- ing her to wait a few minutes and he would kill her some. Samuel Cole, at that time, although there was a slight snow on the ground, was bare- footed and bare-headed, his breeches reached only to his knees, the collar of his shirt was open, and he carried an old flint lock rifle. About fifteen minutes after he left the camp, Stephens and his family heard two shots in the direction in which he had gone. Pretty soon Samuel appeared, and told them that he had killed two deer, that they must go out and bring them to the camp, as he could not by himself bring in even one of them. So they started out and found the two deer lying on the side of the hill just north of the present residence of William H. Trigg. After they had skinned them and cut them up, the party brought them to the camp and presented them to Mrs. Stevens. This shows what little exertion was necessary at that day to obtain meat. A few days afterwards, Joseph Stephens moved, with his family, to HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 135 the farm which he had bought about one-quarter of a mile north of the present site of Bunceton. About Christmas, in the same year, Samuel Cole rode up to Joseph Stephen's camp, and Mrs. Stephens asked him to alight and take dinner. He asked her whether she had any honey, and she told him she had not. He said he could not eat without honey. And although she insisted that he remain, he still refused. In the meantime, Larry and Joseph, two of her sons, and a negro named Basil, who had been cutting wood, came up to the camp carrying their axes. Samuel turned to them, and told them to go with him and get some honey for dinner. They at first, supposing him to be joking, refused to go. But as he still insisted, they consented. After going some two hundred yards east of the camp, Samuel suddenly stopped, and pointing to a tree, told them to cut it down. The others not seeing anything about the tree that would induce anyone to think that it contained honey, yet willing to accom- modate company, cut it down, and it was found to be filled with nice honey. While they were cutting down this tree, Samuel found another a short distance away, and having cut down this one also, they returned home with six buckets of fine honey, having taken nothing but the clear part. Before he left, Samuel taught them the way in which he found the trees. He told them, that if they would examine the ground around the tree, they would find small pieces of bee-bread, and occasionally a dead bee. This was an infallible sign of a bee tree. Then afterwards, following his direction, they searched and found, in a small space, thirteen trees which were filled with honey; and as they had no sugar, this was a great help to them. They sometimes had as much as four hundred pounds of honey on hand at one time." Early Churches. — It has been stated with authority, that on the 8th day of April, 1812, Mount Pleasant Church was organized in a log house, doubtless at Kincaid's Fort, situated a short distance from Old Franklin in Howard County. In the year 1817, there came renewed activity of church-building. Of the five churches in central Missouri: Mount Pleasant, Bethel, Concord, Mount Zion and Salem, all Baptist, which in 1818 united to form the Mount Pleasant Baptist Association, three had organized the previous year. The Concord Church was organized in 1817 by Elders William Thorpe, Edward Turner and David McLain, and was located in the settlement south of Boonville. In 1823, the church gave its name to the Concord Baptist Association. Elder Luke Williams was chosen pastor, at the second meet- 136 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ing of the church in 1817, and continued in this capacity until his death six years later. The second pastor was Elder Kemp Scott, who moved to the little settlement a year or two after the death of Elder Williams. Among the pioneers who helped to organize the church and who con- stituted its first membership, were: Luke Williams, Polly Williams, Wil- liam Savage, Mary Savage, Delaney Bolen, Judith Williams, Absalom Huff, Susanna Savage, Joseph Baze, Lydia Turner, Charles Williams, Patsey Bolen, Sally Baze and Elizabeth Williams. Judge Phillips, of imperishable memory, gives the following vivid de- scription of the old Bethel Church, typical of the church of the period, as he recalled it, after a lapse of more than seventy years: "Built of heavy, flawless ash logs, it did, indeed, stand 'four cornei'ed to every wind that blew.' Measured by the conception of its architects it was quite capacious, but in fact it was not over 24x34 feet. It had one door and two small windows in front, one window in each end, and a two pane window back of the pulpit. "That pulpit when the door of ingress and egress was shut, made the preacher look as if he were forted against assault from without; and it might be aptly termed a ministerial sweat-box. The men and women were entirely separated as they sat in church, the men on one side and the owmen on the other side of the single aisle. * * * It never oc- curred to the church committee in charge that to enable the occupants of the rear seats to see the speaker in front, the floor should be con- structed on a rising scale. Instead they made the pews on an ascending scale, so that the rearmost pew was about four feet from the floor, and the occupants had to vault or climb into them like getting into the upper berth of a Pullman sleeper without a step ladder. "The pastor of Bethel Church during the greater part of his attend- ance there, known as 'Father Jimmie Barnes,' was recalled by Judge Philips as a man 'powerful in exposition and fervid in delineation.' He seldom spoke less than an hour and it seemed to me that the hotter the day the longer the sermon. The seasons have their time to change and the leaves their time to fall, but Father Barnes never changed his garb of home made blue jeans, autumn, winter, spring or summer. He wore invariably the conventional high, stiff black stock, over which timidly peeped a fringe of shirt collar. "About one hundred yards to the northwest of the church was the camp ground. I can see the log huts, with bed quilts for partitions and straw for beds, covered with sheets and quilts. I can almost catch the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 137 aroma of roasting beef, chickens and sweet potatoes in the barbecue ditches. There was one figure about that camp ground indelibly fixed in my memory. It was 'Uncle Billie Street', the leader of revival songs. He was a mountain of flesh, weighing, when in good singing condition, about three hundred pounds. He had a voice that out-bellowed the bulls of Bashan, and when sinners were to be called to the mourner's bench, the very air vibrated with his Olympian verberation. I do not exaggerate in saying that I heard him one day from a pasture three quarters of a mile away singing his favorite revival song with the refrain, 'When this world is all on fire, glory Hallelujah.' " One hundred years ago a gentleman by the name of A. Fuller, who had been in the Boonslick country a few months wrote to his chum the following descriptive letter, which will doubtless be read with interest. "Franklin, Mo., Dec, 1819. Dear Tom : You need not scold; I have had too much to do to write to you fel- lows that live in civilized society. Here I am, on the extreme frontier of the settlements of our country, but would not exchange places with you for all your boasted luxuries. I can, within a mile or so, kill as many prairie chickens as I choose, and all other game of the season. The settlers of the country moved out of the forts last spring, and are about as happy a set as you can find on the earth to think that the Indians are to let them alone hereafter. I have become acquainted with most of the citizens of the town. The Hon. Judge Todd and family arrived here last summer, one of the most agreeable families that I have ever met. He is too liberal and kind for his own good; also Dr. Hutchinson, Dr. Lowry and General Smith. I do not think that you can understand the nobleness of such minds, as it is only here in the extreme west, where all have been accustomed to facing dangers every day, that they can be appreciated. We have three stores in this thriving place, an old gentle- man, Mr. Gaw; Stanley and Ludlow; and Sanganette & Bright, all doing fair business. We had two arrivals of steamboats during the summer, one a government boat. Western Engineer, on an exploring expedition. In place of a bowsprit, she has carved a great serpent, and as the steam escaped out of its mouth, it runs out a long tongue, to the pei-fect con- sternation of all Indians that see her. They say, "White man bad man, keep a great spirit chained and build fire under it to make it work a boat." The other was a boat loaded with government supplies, for the troops in the forts above here, also two hundred thousand dollars in specie. A 138 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY large portion of her cargo was Monongahela whiskey. It looks like a dispensation of Providence that she should be sunk soon after leaving. The officers and visitors were desecrating the Sabbath by card playing and drinking. She left here and ran up to the head of the first island above here when she struck a snag and sank immediately, without the crew being able to save anything out of her. There she lies with all her silver and freight on her. There are in the neighborhood several forts, that were used by the people during the Indian difficulties. Fort Hempstead, about three miles back from the river; Cooper's Fort, ten miles above here, where were many of the hairbreath escapes of the wild west. At one time, when it was besieged by a large body of Indians, and they needed to communicate with the fort here, not having men to spare, a daughter of Colonel Cooper ventured to run the gauntlet, and mounting a fleet horse dashed through the Indians, reached the fort here, got the assistance needed, and was back in time to relieve her friends. Is there one of your city belles who could accomplish a similar feat? I guess not. I tell you, Tom, there is an independence and nobleness in the bearing of the young folks here, dressed in their home-made clothing, — the ease of gait and carriage, — that puts affectation and fine dresses in the shade. I am not carried away entirely by the nobleness of the wild frontier people, but there is a frank generosity with them that you in the east know nothing of, therefore you cannot appreciate it. There is also a fort across, the river from here called Cole's Fort, that had its share of trouble ; also one above the La Mine River. One of them, Mr. McMahan, from there, was coming down to Cole's Fort on business, when about two miles above here he was fired upon and killed by the Indians. One of the young Coles and one of the Roups were cutting a bee-tree in the woods near the path, and it is thought the Indians were crawling upon them, when Mr. McMahan, passing, was fired upon and killed. The men, Cole and Roup, hurried back to their fort for aid, and went to see what mischief the redskins had' been doing. Mr. McMahan was shot through the body. He ran his horse toward the river for about a quarter of a mile when he fell dead. The Indians, it is thought, saw the two men running for the fort and thought it safest to leave, which they did without following the flying men. I believe I could have set till this time, hearing of the hairbreadth escapes of the early settlers. They have laid out a town opposite here on the river, called Boonville, which they expect to eclipse this place, but the traders think Franklin will eclipse any town out west. I think likely it will if the river will let it alone. I went over the river last summer to HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 139 attend the first sale of lots, intending to purchase some to build on, but they were run up to a fabulous price, away beyond my reach. There were some of the voters who appeared to be affected by patriotism acquired at the only (what was termed) tavern in the place, kept by a hard looking old fellow named Reames, who bowed politely to all who came in and asked for something to drink, and I was told the whiskey had actually not had time to cool before it was dealt out to the customers, having been brought all the way from a Mr. Houxe's where there is a horse mill and distillery ; so the people of Boonville, cannot only have liquor, but can have their corn ground ready for sifting. The mill and distillery are about a mile from the town. Adieu." CHAPTER VIII. FROM 1819 TO 1821. COOPER COUNTY FORMED— FIRST CIRCUIT COURT— FIRST RECORD OF CIRCUIT COURT— MARCH TERM, 1819— FIRST JUDGE OF ELECTION— FIRST CON- STABLE— JULY TERM, 1819 — FIRST LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION— FIRST JURY CASE— PROCEEDINGS TO DIVIDE PROPERTY ON WHICH BOONVILLE IS LOCATED. Two years after the organization of Howard County the immigration began to flow so steadily into the southern part of the county that there was a great demand for the division of Howard County and for the formation of another county south of the Missouri River. Yielding to and in compliance with this demand the territorial Legislature on Dec. 17, 1818, formed the new county of Cooper which included all of Howard County south of the Missouri River or, in other words, that territory included between the Missouri River and the Osage River extending west- wardly to the western territorial boundary. This territory embraced what are now eleven whole counties and five parts of counties. However, the limits of Cooper County were gradually decreased by the formation of new counties and in 1845 the boundaries of Cooper County were as they are today. The counties formed from the original territory of Cooper and when organized are as follows: Bates County, Jan. 29, 1841; Benton County, Jan. 3, 1835; Camden County, Jan. 29, 1841; Cass County, Sept. 14, 1835 ; Cole County, Nov. 16, 1820 ; Henry County, Dec. 13, 1834 ; Jack- son County, Dec. 15, 1826; Johnson County, Dec. 13, 1834; LaFayette County, Nov. 16, 1820; Miller County, Feb. 26, 1837; Moniteau County, Feb. 14, 1845, being the last county organized from the original Cooper County; Morgan County, Jan. 5, 1833; Pettis County, Jan. 26, 1833; St. Clair County, Jan. 29, 1841; Saline County, Nov. 25, 1820. leaving the present Cooper County with its present boundaries. Only parts of the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 141 counties of Bates, St. Clair, Benton, Camden and Miller were included in Cooper. Although the act of the territorial Legislature creating the county was passed and approved in Dec, 1818, it was not, in fact, fully organized as a county vested with all the powers, privileges and immunities of a separate and distinct political subdivision until March 1, 1819, when the first Circuit Court was held in the county. The commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat were Able Owens, William Wear, Charles Canole, Luke Williams and Julius Emmons. First Circuit Court. — The act of organization provided, that "the courts to be holden in the said county of Cooper, shall be holden at such place in said county as the commissioners of said county, or a majority of them, shall adjudge most convenient, until a place be fixed on by such commissioners, and a court-house and jail erected thereon; provided, that the first court for said county or Cooper be held at Boonville," and in accordance therewith, the first court of the newly organized county of Cooper, was held in the present limits of the city of Boonville, on the first day of March, 1819. It was held at the boarding-house of William Bart- lett, called the Boonville Tavern, which was situated on the flat just east of the mouth of Rupe's branch, and south of the Missouri Pacific passenger station. This court under the territorial laws of Missouri, exercised the present duties of the county, probate and circuit courts. The duties of these three courts continued to be exercised by this one court until the year 1821, when the duties of the probate and county courts were separated from those of the circuit court, and a new court, called the "county court", was organized. First Record of Circuit Court — March Term 1819. — Be it remembered that on the first day of March in the year 1819 at the house of William Bartlett in the town of Boonville, in the County of Cooper, the place directed by an act of the Legislature of the Territory of Missouri entitled "an act to establishing a part of Howard County into a separate county by the name of Cooper, the Honorable David Todd produced a commission from the governor of this territory appointing him Judge of the North- western Circuit of the said territory, as also a certificate of his qualifica- tions which are in the words and figures following, to-wit: Frederick Bates, Secretary of the Territory of Missouri and exercising the govern- ment thereof, to all who shall see these presents — Greeting! Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, ability and diligence of David Todd, I do appoint him Judge of the Court of the North- 142 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY western Circuit, composed of the counties of Cooper, Howard, Montgom- ery, Lincoln and Pike, and empower him to discharge the duties of the said office according to law: To have and to hold the said office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same, of right appertaining from and after the first day of February next. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said territory. Given under my hand at St. Louis the first day of January in the year of our Lord 1819 and of the Independence of the United States, the forty-third — FREDERICK BATES. Territory of Missouri, County of Howard, ss: Be it remembered that on the first day of February in the year of our Lord 1819 personally came David Todd and took the following oath, to-wit: An oath to support the constitution of the United States, and an oath to discharge the duties of Judge of the Court of the Northwestern Circuit in Missouri Territory to the best of his abilities and understanding and without fraud or partiality. Given under my hand and seal at Franklin the day and year written above. AUGUSTUS STORES, Justice of the Peace. Who then proceeded to open and hold a court for the said County of Cooper. William McFarland produced in court his commission from the gov- ernor of this territory appointing him sheriff of Cooper County in the following words and figures, viz: Frederick Bates, Secretary of the Tei tory of Missouri and exercising the government thereof. To all who shall see these presents, Greetings! Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, ability and diligence of William McFarland, T do appoint him sheriff of the County of Cooper and to administer oaths of office, within and for- the said county and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to law. To have and to hold the said office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same of right appertaining for two years from first day of February next unless sooner removed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the territory. Given under my hand at St. Louis the first day of January in the year of our Lord, 1819 and of the independence of the United States the forty-third. FREDERICK BATES. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 143 as also certificate of his qualification in the words and figures following, to-wit : Territory of Missouri, Northwestern Circuit, To-wit : This is to certify that on this 17th day of Feb., 1819, William Mc- Farland personally appeared before me, David Todd, the judge of the said circuit aforesaid including the County of Cooper, and took the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and faithfully to discharge the duties of his office of sheriff of said County of Cooper, according to law. Certified under my hand and seal the date above named. DAVID TODD, Judge of the Northwestern Circuit. And also a bond executed by him in vacation the words and figures following, to-wit : Know all men by these presents that we William McFar- land, Robert Wallace and Jacob McFarland, of the County of Cooper in the Territory of Missouri and held and firmly bound unto William Clark, the governor of the Territory of Missouri, and his successors in office in the penal sum of $5,000, current money of the United States, to which pay- ment well and truly to be made, we and each of us bind ourselves and our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed and dated this 17th day of February in the year 1819. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound, William McFarland hath been appointed and commissioned sheriff of the county of Cooper. Now the said William McFarland shall faith- fu'ly discharge the duties appertaining to his said office of sheriff of the said county of Cooper, according to law during his continuance in office, then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue. William McFarland, Robert Wallace. Witness, David Todd, J. N. McCart. March Term, 1819. — John S. Brickey produced his commission from the governor of this territory appointing him prosecuting attorney for the Northwestern Circuit, in the words and figures following, to-wit: "Fred- erick Bates, Secretary of the Territory of Missouri, and exercising the government thereof. To all who shall see these presents, Greeting. Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, abilities and diligence of John S. Brickey, I do appoint him Circuit Attorney for the Northwestern Circuit, composed of the counties of Cooper, Howard, 144 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Montgomery, Lincoln and Pike and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to law. To have and to hold the said office with all the power, privileges and emoluments to same of right appertaining during the pleasure of the Governor of the Territory. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Territory. Given under my hand at St. Louis the first day of January in the year of our Lord 1819 and of the independence of the United States the 43d. FREDERICK BATES. As also certificate of his qualification as following, to-wit: Missouri Territory, Northwestern Circuit : ss: I do hereby certify that the within named John S. Brickey appeared before me this first day of March, in the year 1819 and took the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and also to discharge the duties of prosecuting attorney for the Northwestern Circuit of Missouri Territory according to law. Given under my hand and seal the day and date above written. DAVID TODD, Judge of Northwestern Circuit. Samuel Peters foreman and Muke Box, John Savage, James Cham- bers, Britan Williams, John Roberts, Carroll George, John Davis, James Savage, Clatian Hurt, Joseph Smith, William Gibson, Eliot Henry, Fred- erick Haux, Thomas Twentyman, William Noland and Delaney Bolin were sworn a Grand Jury of inquest for the body of this county and having received their charge retired and after some time returned and having nothing to present were discharged. Ordered that process issue against John Cathy, Zephmiah Bell, Henry Geiger, George Cathy, Daniel Doogan and James Campbell, to cause them to appear at our next term to show cause if any they have or can say why the court should not proceed to fine them for not attending at this term as Grand Jurors returnable here at the next term. Ordered that court be adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. DAVID TODD. "Tv MM rWfww^SsKsS^HBHB^KBr* * , t r Mtm- c&fc — * * ShI , ifleg a -• b #- * iHh 8^1 -Ibib^i JUa ft ' Jfl IN J ^H"^j^ wVw^B^Hb •f'ffli Itffl •,,.luju mu» 5hHB? ,«Kg|| • - 1 ■I^B ..',.._. » ^^■^■^■T '!■■■ Bi' K^H HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 145 Tuesday, March 2, 1819. Present the Judge. Ordered that county be laid off into five townships as follows, to-wit: Moreaa Township: Beginning at the mouth of Saline Creek thence up the creek till the range line between ranges 15 and 16 strikes it, thence with that line south to the River Osage down the same to its mouth and up the Missouri River to the beginning. Lamine Township: Beginning at the mouth of Saline Creek thence up the Missouri River to the mouth of Lamine River, thence up the same and its south fork, to where the range line between ranges 21 and 22 strikes the same thence south with said line to Osage River and down the sarrte to range line between 15 and 16 ranges will strike it, thence north with the line to the Saline Creek and down to its mouth, the place of beginning. Arrow Rock Township: Beginning at the mouth of the Lamine River up the Missouri to where the range line between ranges 20 and 21 strikes the river, thence with said line south to the south fork of Lamine River and down said river to its mouth, the place of beginning. Miami Township: All that part of Cooper County, bounded on the north by Missouri River, on the east by range line between ranges 20 and 21, on the west by the range line, between ranges 24 and 25, and south by the Osage River and county line. Tebo Township: All Cooper County bounded north by the River Missouri, east by range line between ranges 24 and 25, west by county and territorial line, and south by Osage River and county line. First Judge of Election in Cooper. — Ordered that William Weir, John Vertain and John Alexander be appointed judges of the election in Moreau Township and that said elections be held at Paul Whitneys in said town- ship. Ordered that James Bruffey, Robert Wallace and Benjamin F. Hicock be appointed judges of election in Lamine Township and that said election be held at the house of William Bartlett in said township. Ordered that William Lillard, Benjamin Chambers and James Ander- son be appointed judges of election in Arrow Rock Township and that said election be held at the house of William Cooper in said township. Ordered that Col. Jno. R. Thomas, Paul Eastes and John Evans be appointed judges of election in the township of Miami, and that such election be held at the house of Andrew Rupels in the said township. (10) 146 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Ordered that Julius Emmans, Gilliad Rupe and Abel Owens be ap- pointed judges of election in the Tebo Township and that such elections be held at the house of Mathew Coxe in the said township. First Constable Appointed. — This court appoints Paul Whitley constable in the Moreau Township upon his entering into bond and security in the clerks office in the penalty of $500 conditioned according to law. This court apoints John Potter constable in Lamine Township upon his entering into bond with security in the clerk's office in the penalty of $1,000 conditioned according to law. This court appoints Jacob Ish constable in Arrow Rock Township upon his entering into bond with security in the clerk's office in the penalty of $800, conditioned according to law. This court appoints Elisha Eva constable in Miami Township upon his entering into bond with security in the penalty of $400, conditioned as the law directs. This court appoints Green McCofferty constable in Tebo Township upon his entering into bond with security in the clerk's office in the penalty of $500 conditioned as the law directs. On the motion of Stephen Turley a license is granted him to keep a public ferry across Lamine River from the north side thereof, in the northeast quarter of section 10 in range 18 and township 48, to the south side of the river and it ordered that he charge and receive only the follow- ing rates for transportation, to-wit : For man and horse, 25c ; for each of either, 121/oc for wagons and teams of four horses, if loaded, $1.00; for wagon and team if empty with four horses, 75c; for each 2 wheel carriage with horse, 50c ; for horned cattle, 3c one head ; for meat cattle, 2c per head, and it is further ordered that he pay a tax therefor of five dollars who together with Henry Terrell his security entered into and acknowl- edges bond in the penalty of $400, conditioned according to law. On the motion of Bazadeel W. Leving, a license is granted Bazadeel W. Leving, Ward and Parker and Georgia Karr to keep a ferry from the south bank of the Missouri River in section numbered 33 of township numbered 49 of range numbered 15 west — to the opposite bank of the said river and it is ordered that he pay therefor a tax of five dollars and charge and receive only the following rates for transportation, to-wit: For man and horse, 50c; for either, 25c; for four wheeled loaded wagon and team of four horses or more, $3.00 ; if unloaded, $3.00 ; for 2 wheeled HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 147 carriage and load, $1.00; for homed cattle, 4c per head; for meat cattle, 3c per head — who together with Andrew Reaves their security entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of $500, conditioned as the law directs. On the motion of William McFarland, high sheriff of this county, ordered that Williamson H. Curtis be appointed under sheriff for this county, who took the oath as required by law for an under sheriff. On the motion of Bazadeel W. Leving who presented a partition for the same therefore' ordered that Richard Stanford, David Troller, William George and Benjamin Clark or any three of whom being first sworn do proceed to view and mark out a way for a road proposed to be opened from the town of Boonville to the bank of the Missouri River opposite the mouth of Moniteau Creek which enters into said Missouri River on the north side and make report to this court as the law directs. Bird Lockhart and George Tompkins who were appointed to examine the qualifications of the applicants for the office of surveyor, for the County of Cooper made their report, therefore this court doth nominate to the governor of this territory, William Ross as a fit and proper person to discharge the duties of the said office to be commissioned according to law. On the motion of Andrew Reaves who filed a petition therefor, ordered that Francis Travis, William Lewis and John Savage or any three of whom being first sworn do proceed to view and mark a way for a road beginning on the Missouri River, opposite the mouth of the grand Moniteau from thence in the most direct way towards Potosi so as to intersect the pro- posed road from Boonville to Potosi, near where it crosses little Moniteau Creek, and make report as the law directs to the court. John Potter with Ada Morgan and William Ross his securities entered into and acknowledged bond as constable in Lamine Township in the penalty of $1,000 conditioned according to law and also made law as directed by law. This court appointed James Bruffer, Benjamin F. Hicock and Robert Wallace commissioners to superintend the building of a court house and jail for this county and to perform all other duties as required by the act establishing Cooper County. On the motion of Peyton Thomas who filed a petition, therefor — Ordered that William Savage, David Reaves, Frederick Haux and Halbert Cole or any three of whom being first sworn do proceed to view and mark 148 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY out a way for a road from Boonville to Turley ferry on Lamine River and reoprt the same to this court as the law directs. Ordered that court be adjourned until court in course. DAVID TODD. July Term, 1819. — At a court held within and for the county of Cooper, at the house of William Bartlett in the town of Boonville on Mon- day, the fifth day of July, in the year 1819. Present, the Honorable David Todd, Esq. Robert P. Clark produced in court a commission from the governor of this territory appointing him clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Cooper. Peyton R. Hayden, Esq., produced in court a license and certificate of qualification as an attorney and counselor at law in this territory which was examined by the court. He is therefore allowed to practice as such in this court. James Bruffer, foreman ; Peter Stephens, Henry Small, Mansfield Hat- field, Stephen Tate, Joseph Biler, Benjamin F. Heckcose, James Turner. Joshua W. Butcher, Spear Fort, William Savage, Humphrey Gibson, Edward Robison, John Brock, Ephraim Elison, John Ross. David Burris, Joseph Westbrook and James D. Campbell were sworn a grand jury of inquest for the body of this county and having received their charge retired and after some time returned an indictment against Stanley G. Morgan for assault and battery, a true bill and having more business to consider of, retired. United States, plaintiff vs. John Cathey, defendant, for contempt. This day came as well the prosecuting attorney as the defendant in his proper person and after hearing the defense of the defendant it is con- sidered that he pay the cost herein expended, therefore it is considered that the United States recover against the said defendant the cost herein expended and defendant may be taken, etc. Same, plaintiff vs. Henry Geyer, defendant, for contempt. This day came as well the prosecuting attorney as the defendant in his proper person and after hearing the defendant it is considered by the court that he make his fine to the United States by the payment of one dollar and the cost hereof and may be taken, etc. United States, plaintiff vs. George Cathey, defendant, for contempt. This day came as well the prosecuting attorney as the defendant in his proper person and after hearing the defendant it is considered by the court that he pay the cost hereof and may be taken, etc. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 14!) United States, plaintiff vs. Zephimah Bell, defendant, for contempt. This day came as well the circuit attorney who prosecutes for the United States as the defendant in his proper person and after hearing the defend- ant it is considered by the court that the said defendant make his fine to the United States by the payment of one dollar and pay the cost herein expended and may be taken, etc. First Letters of Administration. — On the motion of Joseph Irwin, letters of administration is granted him on the estate of Joseph Irwin, deceased, who made oath and together with David James and William McFarlin his securities entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of $4,000 conditioned as the law directs. On the motion of Joseph Irwin, administrator of the estate of Joseph Irwin, deceased, ordered that Littleberry Estes, John Evans and Anthony Thomas, who being first sworn do inventory and appraise the personal estate and slaves (if any) of the estate of Joseph Irwin, deceased and make return thereof to this court as the law directs. First Case Tried Before a Jury. — United States, plaintiff vs. Stanley G. Morgan, defendant, case. This day came as well the defendant in discharge of his recognizance as the prosecuting attorney, whereupon the said defendant being arraigned upon the indictment in this cause plead not guilty and for his trial put himself upon God, and his country, and circuit attorney also, whereupon came a jury, viz: William Burk, William Black, Gabriel Titsworth, William Dillard, Michael Hornbeck, Nicholas Houck, William Reed, Alexander Dickson, David Reavis, Frederick Houk, David McGee, and Samuel Peters, who being elected, tried and sworn the truth to say, of and upon the issue joined upon their oaths do say that the defendant is guilty of the assault and battery whereupon it is considered by the court that the said defendant make his fine to the United States by the payment of the sum of five dollars and pay the cost hereof and be taken, etc. Proceedings to Divide Property on Which BoonviHe is Now Located. — Ada Morgan, plaintiff vs. Mary Gillman and the representative of Charles Lucas, defendant. Petition for division of land. The commissioners ap- pointed by an order of the Howard Circuit Court on the petition of Ada Morgan, to divide the land held jointly between said parties above named returned this day a report of having in part executed said order, and a majority of said commissioners, to- wit: Gray Bynum and Augustus Storis appeared in court and acknowledged the said report to have been signed and executed by them which being examined was approved of by 150 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the court and together with the plat of the town of Boonville the lots of which were divided and which plat was returned by them as a part of their report is ordered to be recorded. William Ross produced in court a commission from the governor of this territory bearing date the 28th day of April 1819, appointing him surveyor of the county of Cooper, who made oath as the law directs, and who together with William Gibson and Stephen Cole his securities entered into and acknowledged bond in penalty of $2,000 conditioned according to law. At the July term, 1819, the Grand Jury shows activity. The offenses were trivial. The early settlers were gradually learning obedience to written statutes. The Grand Jury impanelled and sworn this court returned again into court, presented an indictment against John H. Moore and Churchwell Box. Stephen Cole, Jr., Stephen Cole, Sr., and John Roberts "a true bill" and then they retired and after some time returned an indictment against Stanley G. Morgan "a true bill" also an indictment against William War- den "a true bill", also an indictment against Jesse Mann, "a true bill" also an indictment against Isaac Renfro "a true bill" also an indictment against William Bryant, "a true bill", also an indictment against Williamson H. Curtis, "a true bill" also an indictment vs. Samuel Potter, "a true bill" and having nothing further to present, were discharged. Further reproductions of the records of the court would doubtless be wearisome to the reader. There were a number of petitions for roads presented and as one would judge from the licenses issued for the estab- lishment of ferries across the Missouri River and other streams it would verify the fact that immigration south of the Missouri River was increas- ing from day to day. That the settlers were beginning to feel the force and effect of written statutes and courts is evidenced by the fact that at the March term, 1820, the following men were indicted by the Grand Jury for swearing: Jesse Mann, Isaac Renfro, William Warden, William Bryant, Thomas Brown, Stephen Tate, John S. Moreland, David Fine. This action, however, seemed to be more to caution than to punish. These indictments were afterwards dismissed by the court for want of jurisdiction. Up to Jan. 23, 1821, the following attorneys were enrolled and prac- ticing in this coui't: Peyton R. Hayden, being the first enrolled; George Tompkins, John S. Brickey, Cyrus Edwards, John S. Mitchell, Hamilton R. Gamble, Andrew McGirk, Robert McGavock, Abiel Leonard, John F. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 151 Ryland, Arinstedd A. Grundy, Dabney Carr, William J. Redd and John Payne. Among these we find the names of many who afterwards occu- pied offices of trust in the state of Missouri. Indeed, all of them are noted as being fine lawyers and honorable men. The records of the court show that during the year 1819, there were but four peddlers and six merchants within the limits of Cooper County, and that the total amount of revenue on the tax-book for 1819, as charged to William Curtis, sheriff, at the July term of this court, 1819, was $488.34. All these terms of court were held at William Bartlett's boarding house called the Tavern of Boonville. This was but a crude log cabin but answered well the purpose of those early days. During the year 1819 there were but seven marriage certificates recorded. We herewith give some of the (jrst marriages. On the 11th day of February, 1819, John Turner and Nancy Campbell were united in marriage by Benjamin Proc- ter, a minister of the gospel. On the 3d day of May, 1819, Peyton Newlin, M. G., joined together in the bonds of matrimony, John Smith and Sally McMahan. William Weir, on the 28th day of June, 1819, solemnized the nuptials of Jeremiah Meadows and Anne Music. The same William Weir, Justice of Peace, on the 8th day of July, 1819, performed the ceremony uniting Henry Cowin and Honor Howard. On the 6th day of May, 1819, Benjamin F. Hickcox, Justice of Peace, performed the marriage ceremony between John Green and Nancy Boyd. On the 12th day of Sept., 1819, James Bruffee, J. P., joined together in the holy state of matrimony, Charles Force and Betsy Connor. On the 13th day of April, 1820, David Coulter and Eliza Stone were united in marriage by William Weir, J. P., and on the 17th day of July, 1820, Finis Ewing, M. G., who was the father of Cumberland Presbyterianism, performed the marriage ceremony between Larkin Dewitt and Hannah Ewing. Beginning in 1817 the settlers of the territory of Missouri were clamoring steadily and strenuously for statehood. In Jan., 1818, a memorial was presented to Congress by the Hon. John Scott, the delegate from the territory. In this memorial the petitioners gave potent reasons why the new state should be organized. Other petitions were sent up from various sections of the state and many of the settlers of Cooper County were signers of the petitions, and active in the movement to have the territory admitted as a state. All these petitions § have been lost except one. A few years ago Representative Bartholt, of St. Louis, acci- dentally discovered one of these petitions, said to be the only one in exist- ence, in the capitol, at Washington, and had it sent to the M. S. S. Division 152 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of the Library of Congress where it has been framed and is thus perm- anently preserved. In Dec, 1818, the territorial Legislature of Missouri took up this subject and also adopted a memorial praying for the estab- lishment of a state government, supplementing the original petition. This agitation at this time marks the beginning of the great contest between the advocates of slavery and those who opposed that institution. The controversy in Congress was bitter and the admission of the territory into the union as a state was delayed by reason of slavery restrictions sought to be placed upon the admission of the Missouri territory as a state into the union. The admission of the territory into the union as a state thus became a national question, eliciting the deepest interests and energies of the greatest intellects of our nation. The anti-slavery move- ment was strong, especially in the east. So vital had beconfe this ques- tion which was involved in the formation of the new state of Missouri that Thomas Jefferson, erudite, scholarly and a deep student of governmental affairs, expressed the fear that it would eventually disrupt the Union. Cooper County at this time was a slave holding county and its citizens largely from the southern states, were deeply interested in the terms upon which the state would be formed. However, a bill was passed by the House and Senate generally known as the "Missouri Compromise" author- izing 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 limiting slavery in other territory. This act was approved the 6th day of March, 1820. The state of Missouri had at this time been organized into 15 counties. An election was held on the first Monday and two succeeding days of May, 1820, to choose representatives to a state convention which was to meet at the seat of government (then St. Louis), on Monday, June 12th of the same year. Cooper County sent, as its representatives, Robert P. Clark, Robert Wal- lace and William Lillard. Forty-one representatives met at the designated time in St. Louis at the Mansion House on the corner of Vine and Third streets and con- cluded their labors by signing the constitution that was framed on the 19th day of July. David Barton was the president of the convention. Barton was one of the ablest and most remarkable men that Missouri has ever produced. On the admission of the state into the union, he was unanimously elected to the United States Senate and it was through his influence that Benton, at the same session of the legislature, was elected to the Senate as his associate. He served in the United States Senate HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 153 from 1821 to 1831, was afterwards elected to the State Senate while a citizen of Cooper County, and finally ended his brilliant career by depart- ing this life, demented, at the house of William Gibson, one mile from Boonville. His remains are interred in Walnut Grove cemetery at Boon- ville. It would be going too far afield for us to go farther into the history of the admission of our state into the Union. Suffice it to say that on the 26th day of July, 1821, the territorial Legislature of Missouri in special session adopted a solemn public act declaring assent of the state to the fundamental condition of admission and forthwith transmitted to the president a copy of same. On Aug. 10, 1821, President Monroe proclaimed the admission of Missouri into the Union to be complete and the state took its rank as the 24th of the American Republics. CHAPTER IX. FROM 1821 TO 1834. SIZE OF COOPER COUNTY REDUCED— FIRST COUNT V COURT— FIRST OFFICERS- COUNTY SEAT LOCATED— FIRST COURT HOUSE— FIRST WILL PROVED— JOHN V. SHARP— ELECTIONS — PARTY LINES— FALL OF OLD FRANKLIN. The territory of Cooper County was considerably decreased in size in Nov., 1820, by the formation of the counties of Saline, Lafayette and Cole. The first county court held in the county was on the 8th day of Jan., 1821, and its first session was held at the house of Robert P. Clark, on High street, in the city of Boonville. This court then exercised the powers and performed the duties of the present county and probate courts. Here- tofore these duties had been performed by the Circuit Court. The County Court continued to perform the duties of both County and Probate Court until the year 1827, when by act of the Legislature, the Probate Court was separated from the County Court, and invested with separate powers and prerogatives and was required to perform certain duties, and so continues separate till the present time. James McNair, the governor of the Territory of Missouri, appointed as the justice of the County Court, James Bruffee, James Miller and Archi- bald Kavanaugh. Robert P. Clark was appointed by the court as its clerk, and William Curtiss as sheriff. On the 9th day of April, 1821, Robert P. Clark produced his commis- sion from the governor, as clerk of the County Court, "during life or good behavior." After Missouri entered into the sisterhood of states, and these officers became elected, it would seem that the people confirmed the judg- ment of Governor McNair, for they kept Clark in office during life and determined that his behavior was good. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 155 George Crawford was appointed assessor and Andrew Briscoe col- lector of Cooper county. On the same day the will of Thomas McMahan, deceased, was probated, this being the first will proved before this court. Also constables were appointed for the different townships of the county as follows: Boonville township, John Potter; Lamine township, Bryant T. Nolan ; Moniteau township, Martin Jennings ; Clear Creek township, James C. Berry. George C. Harte was appointed commissioner to run a dividing line between Cooper and Cole Counties. When Messrs. Morgan and Lucas laid out the town of Boonville, they donated fifty acres to the county on condition that the commissioners selected to locate the county seat would locate the same at Boonville. The commissioners, named in the preceding chapter, located the county seat at Boonville, deeming it the best place to hold the courts. A part of the land donated by Morgan and Lucas was sold by the county, and the County Court thereupon commenced the building of a court house, which was located on the land donated to the county. It was adequate for the courts of the period and sufficient for the needs of the officers of the court. It was a small two-story brick building, very much the style of the one recently torn down by the present generation, although much smaller. It was completed in 1823. It was torn down at the time the second court house was built, and some of the brick were used in the construction of the second court house. It will be remembered that the present court house is the third one erected by Cooper County. The second court house, which was situated on the same spot on which the old one was located, was completed in the year 1840. It was a large and commodious two-story brick building, and was situated on a high piece of ground overlooking the river, from the cupola of which an excellent view could be had of Cooper and Howard Counties. The present elegant court of justice occupied prac- tically the same location, being somewhat further west of the site of the second building. The first will proved in the County Court, which then had jurisdiction in probate matters, was that of Thomas McMahan, Sr. Its quaint phrase- ology, as well as the time it was made, may interest the reader, and we here reproduce it. "In the name of God, Amen, I, Thomas McMahan, Sr., of the Arrow Rock township in Cooper County and State of Missouri, being weak in body, but of sound mind and memory, thanks be given unto God, calling unto mind the mortality of my body, etc., do make and ordain this my last will and testament. That is to say principally and first of 156 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God, who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the descretion of my friends. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. First, I lend to by beloved wife, Diana McMahan, during her natural life, the whole of my estate, real and personal for her own proper use and benefit. Under the care of my executors hereinafter named. Second. At the death of my wife, I will that all my personal estate be equally divided amongst my four children hereinafter named or their representatives. (That is) I will that all the children of my daughter, Elizabeth McGee, deceased, have one childs part equally divided amongst them. I will that my daughter, Mary McMahan, have one child's part, which I give to her and her children forever. I give to the children of my son, Samuel McMahan, deceased, one child's part of my personal estate to be equally divided amongst them as their property forever. I will that my daughter, Susannah McMahan, shall have a child's or fourth part of my personal estate to her and her heirs forever. Third. After the death of my said wife I give and bequeath unto my son, Thomas McMahan, my negro man, Samuel, instead of giving him any part of my personal estate, which negro Samuel, I give to him and his heirs forever. Fourth. After the death of my said wife, I give and bequeath to my son, James McMahan, my negro woman, Edey, instead of giving him any part of my personal property, which negro woman and her increase after the death of my wife, I give to him and his heirs forever; but in case either of the aforesaid negroes, Samuel or Edey, should die or lost before the death of myself and wife then, and in that case I will that my son, Thomas or James, or both, as the case may be should have an equal child's part of my personal estate with the afore named children that are to share my personal estate, or if my negro woman, Edey, should have any living children in the lifetime of myself or wife aforesaid, I leave it with my said children to divide such increase amongst them as they may think fit and proper, or should the personal estate amount to more by valuation at the time of the division, to each share than the value of one of the said negroes then my will is that after each sharer getting the value of one of said negroes the over plus, if any, be equally divided amongst all my children or their representatives as aforesaid. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my two sons, Thomas McMahan and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 157 James McMahan executors of this my last will and testament, requesting and enjoining it on them to faithfully execute every part of this my will and make all such dividend with the other heirs as are herein mentioned. And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke, and disannul all and every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests and executors by me in any wise before named, willed, or bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament — IN WITNESS whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-first day of January in the year of our Lord 1821. P. S. — Should myself or wife, or both, become helpless and dependent on our children, I also will that them that takes care of us should be paid for their trouble out of my personal estate before any division is further made. THOMAS McMAHAN. Signed and sealed in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in presence of each other have hereunto set our names. Peyton Nowlin, Bryan T. Nowlin, Pewton W. Nowlin." During the year 1821, John V. Sharp, a soldier who had served in the Revolutionary War, and who was living in Cooper County, became paralyzed and as helpless as a child. He soon, not having any means of his own, became a charge upon the county. The cost of to the County Court was two dollars per day for his board and attention to him, besides bills for medical attention. After having endeavored in vain to raise sufficient funds to take care of him, the County Court, in the year 1822, petitioned the General As- sembly of this state to defray the expenses of his support, stating in the petition, that the whole revenue of the county was not sufficient for his maintenance. This may sound strange to a person living in a county in which thousands of dollars are levied to defray its expense. But the whole revenue of the county for 1822, as shown by the settlement of the collector, was only $718, and the support of Mr. Sharp, at two dollars per day, cost $730 per year, besides the cost of medical attention, which left the county, at the end of the year 1822, in debt, without counting in any of the other expenses of the county. The petition not having been granted by the General Assembly, the court levied, for his support, during all the years from 1823 to 1828, a special tax of 50 per cent, of the state revenue tax, being an amount equal to the whole of the general county tax ; and in 1828, ten per cent, of the state revenue was levied for the same purpose. He must have died some time during the year 1828, as no further levy for his support appears upon the records of the county, thus 158 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY relieving the county of a burdensome tax. If these facts were not matters of record, they would seem too incredible to be believed. In the heated contest for the presidency, between Clay and Jackson in the year 1824, Cooper County cast her vote for Clay. It was to pay a debt of gratitude to Henry Clay for his great services as a member of Congress in the struggle of the state of Missouri for admission into the Union. The vote of the county for President at this election cannot be found. Only four books of this election are obtainable. They show that Henry Clay had 136 and Andrew Jackson 53 votes according to these four poll books. Of course this was but a small part of the vote cast by the county at that election. On the eighth day of December, 1825, there was held a special elec- tion for governor, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Frederick Bates. David Todd, the first circuit judge of Cooper County and holding that office at this time, John Miller, Wm. C. Carr and Rufus Easton were the candidates. David Todd received a large majority in Cooper County. At the election on the first Monday in August, 1826, John Scott and Edward Bates were candidates for Congress. Scott had a majority of 124 in the county. Michale Dunn, Jordan O'Bryan, James L. Collins and John H. Hutch- ison were candidates for representatives. Michale Dunn and Jordan O'Bryan were elected. W. H. Anderson and David P. Mahan were candi- dates for sheriff. Anderson was elected by 53 majority ; and Hugh Allison was elected coroner. This was the first election in which party lines were closely drawn, for before that, men had voted for the man whom they considered best qualified ; and not because he belonged to any party. The poll books of the presidential election could not be found, but the August election for Representative in Congress and county officers, having the same principles at issue, will show pretty clearly how the presidential election went. There were two tickets, viz: Adams and Jackson, and the tickets on which the men were, who were elected is marked opposite their names. At the election in Nov., 1828, the county voted for Jackson over Adams, by a majority of about 230 votes ; and also in 1832 Jackson was re-elected, and received a large majority in this county. It should be remembered that up to 1826, Franklin was the mart of commerce and the thriving metropolis of that section of territory formerly known as the central Boonslick country. It had sprung into opulence on the banks of the turbulent Missouri as if a magician had waved his magic HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 159 wand over the wilderness. It became the center of a great trade, and here the caravans destined for Santa Fe and the great southwest were equipped and supplied for that trade. Its local trade reached out for many miles in every direction, and settlers of Cooper traded and bartered there. Boonville was then but a hamlet of log cabins of the period plain, unadorned, but comfortable. In 1826, Franklin had a population variously estimated at from 1,800 to 3,000, a substantial population in part. Some of whom, however, were of the shifting, adventurous, speculating element. It numbered among its residents wealthy, enterprising and cultured men, mostly from Tenn- essee, the Carolinas, Virginia and Kentucky, and some from the eastern states, many of whom rose to prominence, and left their ineffaceable impress upon our state. In the spring of that year, the Missouri river overflowed its banks. Franklin was built upon shifting sand and because of its low and flat loca- tion, suffered greatly from the high water, and as well from the malaria which followed. The constant falling in and washing away of the river banks inun- dated the buildings. This occurred to a great extent in 1826, many houses going into the river. Its citizens became satisfied that every future effort to protect the banks from the river would be futile upon their part, and thus believing, many residents and business men left the place, some of them settling in the town of New Franklin, two and a half miles back from the river in Howard County, just in edge of the hills; some in Fayette, then the county seat of Howard; and some came to Boonville, a few of the latter bringing not only their goods, but their houses. This marked the beginning of the rapid growth of Boonville, and the time when she became the supply center for the Santa Fe trade and of the great southwest territory. Franklin had been greatly shorn of its influence. The county seat had been moved to Fayette. Much of the business which had been trans- acted by its merchants and tradesmen had been withdrawn and turned into other channels. James L. Collins, William Harlin, Andrew Adams and others, had located at Boonville and were conducting a successful and extensive trade with the Santa Fe country a trade which had heretofore contributed to the business of Franklin and the wealth of those who were thus engaged. This year also marked the beginning of a rapid settlement and de- velopment of Cooper County. CHAPTER X. FROM 1834 TO 1847. NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLITICS— VIGOROUS CAMPAIGNS— CLAY .VXD POLK— "O. K." —INDIAN ALARM— MORMON WAR— FLOOD OF 1S44— MEXICAN WAR— COOPER COUNTY COMPANY. The county gave a small majority to Martin Van Buren, in 1836. The county remained Democratic until 1840, when the Whigs made a clean sweep, electing their full ticket. Reuben A. Ewing, a Whig, was elected State Senator over David Jones, Democrat; and Jno. G. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan and Lawrence C. Stephens, Whigs, over John Miller, B. F. Hickox and Henry Crowther, Democrats, by an average majority of about 75 votes. There was great excitement during this election and politics ran very high. The Whigs held public meetings in regular order on each suc- ceeding Saturday in each township, until the full rounds were made. They had a band of music engaged for the occasion, flags and banners, with mottoes inscribed thereon also with songs appropriate for the occasion, and eloquent speakers, the prominent ones among which were John G. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan, John C. Richardson, Robert C. Harrison and others. The Democrats, however, made little or no display, condemned the tactics of the Whigs as noisy, boisterous and unseemly; pronounced the Whigs as deceivers and humbuggers and taunted them with using cain efforts to win votes by exciting the people. The Democrats held their meetings and had frequent public speakings without any display or show. Their candidates for the Legislature were John Miller, Benjamin F. Hickox and Henry Crowther. The campaign was lively, vigorous, stormy and frequently the personal element entered bitterly in the discussion. The county remained Whig as long as the Whig party remained in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 161 existence. The last candidate on the Whig ticket was General Scott, who was succeeded by Franklin Pierce. The campaign of 1844 was lively with more parade and ostentation on the part of the Whigs than was exhibited in 1840 or the years before. For President, Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was the nominee of the Whig party, and James K. Polk, of Tennessee, of the Democratic party. During this exciting campaign, many songs were written, but none was more popular than the following, which was the effusion of some Boonville poet. It was written for the Boonville Register during the cam- paign of 1843. Henry Clay and James K. Polk. "The whigs call Henry Clay a coon, And say he'll be elected soon; But James K. Polk will got it alone, And make old Henry walk jaw-bone. So get out of the way, old Kentucky, And clear the track for one more lucky. "The whigs cried out for 'home perfection,' And think to gain old Clay's election. They hold conventions, shout and sing, 'Huzza for Clay!' he is our king. But get out of the way, old Kentucky, etc. "The whigs of '40 did invent All schemes to elect their president, And were successful, it is true, But now 'humbuggery will not do. So get out of the way, etc. "Their coon-skins and barrels of cider Have opened the people's eyes some wider; They cannot now be gulled so soon By this very same old coon. So get out of the way, etc. (11) 162 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY "The squatters on the public land Will all unite into one band; Then will the 'lawless rabble' say, You cannot come it, Henry Clay. So get out of the way, etc. "The people of this mighty nation Will not submit to coon dictation ; So Mr. Clay may rest content, He never can be president. So get out of the way," etc. Not long ago the following query appeared in the "Evening Post" of Indiana: "People constantly write the letters '0. K.' to say all right. How did this practice originate?" The Post gave the following answer: "The practice got its start in the days of General Jackson, known to the men of his time as Old Hickory. It was said that General Jackson was not as proficient in spelling as in some other things, and so in the abbre- viating which he practised, '0. K.' stands for 'all correct' ('Oil Korrect.') This is as near as our data at present allows us to come to the origin of the now wide practice. Reading this answer, a gentleman who signs his initials J. W. D., addressed the editor of the "Evening Post," the following: "I note what you say about the origin of the practice of using the letters '0. K.' to signify 'correct' or 'all right.' It seems to be that your informant is wrong. I am quite sure that this practice originated during the Clay and Polk campaign. At that time the writer was a boy, living in Boon- ville, Mo. You all know what a lively campaign the Clay and Polk cam- paign was. Mr. Clay was the idol of the Whigs, and was affectionately called 'Old Kentucky.' Those who favored his election put up their flags on ash poles, at all the cross-roads, country taverns and wood yards on the river, while the Dmocrats put up hickory poles with poke bushes at the top, the Whigs using for a flag a square of whole cloth with the letters '0. K.' signifying 'Old Kentucky.' The Democrats used a streamer with 'Polk and Dallas,' Oregon and Texas.' "The town of Boonville boasted two newspapers, one the 'Observer,' a Whig paper, conducted by one Caldwell, a very brilliant young man, the other the 'Boonville Register,' conducted by one Ira Van Nortrick. Toward the close of the campaign the editor of the 'Register' came out HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 163 in a very salty editorial, denouncing the ignorance of the Whigs and demanding to know 'What does "0. K." mean anyhow?' Caldwell came back at him with the information that he would find out '0. K.' meant 'Oil Korrect' in November. The expression took like wildfire; the boys yelled it, chalked it on the fences. Like other slang, it seemed to fill a want, and upon the inauguration of the telegraph, in '46, the adoption of '0. K.,' I was informed by one of the first operators in the country, Mr. E. F. Barnes, introduced to the business public, as he was one of the parties organizing the system of signals used by the company. Then it passed into general use. Of course Missouri was not the only place where Mr. Clay was called 'Old Kentucky.' A favorite song of the Whigs, both in Missouri and Kentucky, only a line or two of which I can now recall to mind, sung to the tune of 'Old Dan Tucker,' ran about thus : " 'The balky hoss they call John Tyler, We'll head him soon, or bust a biler !' "Chorus : " 'So get out of the way, you're all unlucky. Clear the track for "Old Kentucky" !' " An incident of this campaign, illustrative of the attendant excite- ment, and doubtless bitterness engendered among the thoughtless and reckless class, is referred to in an article we take from the "Boonville Observer." It will be noted that the "Observer" in no mincing or apolo- getic words condemns the rowdyism mentioned, though evidently com- mitted by one or more persons of its political persuasion: "One of the most shameful acts that we have ever known perpe- trated in any community or on any occasion, was committed in this city on last Friday night, at the Whig gathering in the court-house, where a part of the convention had assembled to hear speaking. Some debased ' tch during the evening cut the Howard and Lafayette banners which had the portraits of Mr. Clay on them. They were cut about the throat of the picture, and also in other places. If a Democrat used the hand and knife that slit those banners, we do not know that it would be much too severe a punishment upon him to be served likewise. No prudent Democrat can object to the Whig party's emblem or banners. It is the privilege of all parties in this country to have them, and an uplifted voice of indignation should chase the wretch who will molest the banner of his opponent when exercising only the same privilege that our insti- 164 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY tutions guaranteed to him. As a Democrat, we sincerely regret that so mean an act could have been committed here on that occasion. The Club here, we understand, has offered a reward of $100 for the detection of the man who committed this foul stain upon our community ; and the Democrats will do their utmost also, to detect him. In the political point of view it will do no harm, but good citizens want no man who is capable of such a deed among them." We will at this time continue no further the political history of Cooper County, but will revert to the year 1836. In that year, wild reports and rumors were circulated that the Indians had broken out, and were attacking the settlers living within the present limits of Pettis County, then part of Cooper and Saline counties, and were slaying men, women and children as they went. The excitement was great, and men began to assemble in that portion of the county to aid in the defense of the homes of their neighbors. The place of rendezvous for those who went from Cooper County was Wooley's Mill, on the Petit Saline Creek. Here they organized and elected their officers. After doing so, they marched to the supposed seat of war, but on their arrival, they found no Indians had been there, and that it had been entirely a false alarm. It was a practical joke. It seems that some men, for their own amusement, dressed themselves as Indians, and went down to a cornfield where some men were at work, and giving the Indian yell, shot off their guns, pointed in the direction of the settlers. They, supposing that the disguised men were hostile Indians, endeavoring to slay them, took to their heels, and spread the alarm, which, like a tale of scandal, traveled from mouth to mouth, and gathered momentum and new versions as it went from lip to lip. It is stated that a wealthy farmer of Cooper County, catching the alarm, buried his bacon to save it from the bloodthirsty savages. Then going to a field in which a large number of his negroes were at work waved his hand and shouted at the top of his voice, "Run. run, the In- dians will be upon you, the Indians will be upon you." The negroes tak- ing the alarm, stood not on the manner of their going, but scattered in every direction as though the frightful savages with tomahawks and hunting knives were close upon their heels. The Mormon War, in 1838, created considerable excitement in the State and roused to action the citizens of Cooper County. When the Mormons first came to Missouri, they located in Jackson County, and the citizens, liking neither their doctrines nor their customs, forced them to leave. They then settled in Caldwell County, Missouri, but the citizens HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 165 in that part of the State, favoring them no more than did the citizens of Jackson County, determined to expel them from the State. They called upon Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs for assistance, and to furnish troops. Governor Boggs called for 7,000 volunteers to assist in driving the Mor- mons from the territory over which he had control. In response to this call three companies were raised in Cooper Coun- ty. One, called the "Boonville Guards," composed entirely of citizens of Boonville this, under the existing laws of the State, was a standing company, and equipped at the expense of the State government. The second, a volunteer company raised at Boonville, composed of citizens of Boonville and the surrounding neighborhood. Of this company, Jessie J. Turley was captain, Marcus Williams, Jr., first lieutenant, and J. Logan Forsythe, second lieutenant. The third was raised at Palestine, the offi- cers of which are not known. Of the forces raised in Cooper County, Joel E. Woodward was brigadier general, Joseph Megguire, inspector general, and Benjamin E. Ferry, aide-de-camp to Gen. Henry W. Crowther. These companies marched twice towards the Mormon settlement and the seat of war. The first time they marched as far as Jonesborough, Saline County, where the commanders, supposing from reports which reached them that there were sufficient troops already at the scene of war to conquer the Mormons, ordered them to return. They were shortly afterwards again ordered to the seat of war, and marched to Lexington, where they crossed the Missouri River. They then advanced about two miles into the prairie, and there camped for two days. The Mormon troops having in the meantime surrendered to Gen. John B. Clark, Sr., these companies returned home without having the pleasure of meeting the enemy or having the opportunity of testing their valor. On their arrival at Boonville these troops were disbanded. The Mormons during this short war were commanded by General Weite, an old British officer, who fought against General Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. The Mormons, after the conclusion of this war, left the State and located at Nauvoo, Illinois, where they remained for several years. Having had a difficulty with the authorities of the State of Illinois, and their prophet and leader, Joseph Smith, having been assassinated, they again "pulled up stakes" and emigrated to the shores of the "Great Salt Lake." where they have ever since remained, believ- ing and feeling that they are a persecuted people. The prisoners taken and retained in jail as the leaders of the Mor- mons were Joseph Smith, Lyman Weite, Hiram Smith, Sydna Regdon, 166 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Roberts, Higby, and two others. These men were first imprisoned in the jail at Richmond, Ray County, and were afterwards removed to the jail at Liberty, Clay County, where they broke jail, escaped pursuit, and were never tried. The unprecedented and most disastrous rise in the Missouri, Missis- sippi, and Illinois Rivers occurred in 1844. About the tenth of June, the river at St. Louis commenced to rise rapidly, while intelligence was received of the rising of the Illinois and Missouri Rivers, and by the six- teenth, the curbstones of Front street were under water, and the danger to property and business became quite alarming. At first it was thought along the Missouri to be merely the usual June rise but the continued expansion of the flood soon convinced the inhabitants of its unprecedented and alarming character. All the bottom lands, or lowlands of the Missouri River overflowed and many farms were ruined, many being as much as 15 feet under water. Houses, barns and fences were swept away, and in many instances human lives were lost. In others, human beings clung to floating dwellings, or immense piles of driftwood, and some of them were rescued by passing boats, and devices improvised especially to save them. The front streets of many of the towns along the river were completely submerged. Between 400 and 500 persons in St. Louis, and vicinity were driven from their homes, and great distress prevailed. At St. Louis the river reached its greatest height on the 24th of June. It was seven feet seven inches above the city directrix, and in its abatement the water did not reach the city directrix until the 14th day of July. A farmer who lived in the bottom about a mile south of New Frank- lin by the name of Lloyd, waited during the rise, thinking every day that the river would reach its highest point, and did not leave his cabin, until he was compelled one morning to make a hasty exit through the roof. While getting out some of his household plunder, he spilt some corn meal on the roof of this cabin. The third day after leaving, Lloyd returned, and found to his surprise that the roof of his cabin had been transformed into a menagerie of birds and animals. Among these were a cat, a dog, a coon, a fox, a rat, two chickens, and a turkey. He ob- served that the meal was gone and was greatly surprised to find these animals living together in amity and perfect harmony. A common mis- fortune had created among them a sympathetic feeling. The presence HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 167 of the great flood had seemingly overawed and overpowered their antag- onistic natures, and like the lion and the lamb, of prophetic history, they were dwelling together in peace. Another farmer who resided in the bottoms, lost a very valuable horse. The day he left his cabin, this horse was driven, with other horses, and stock, to the hills for safe keeping. Some days afterwards the horse was missing, and was not found until the waters had receded, when he was discovered, or at least such portions of him as were left, hanging by one of his hind feet in some grape vines fully fifteen feet above the ground, having on the same halter that he wore when he left. The rise of 1844 obtained a greater elevation. History records three great disastrous floods prior to this one. The great flood of 1785, known as "L'anee des Grandes Eaux,' and the floods of 1811, and 1826; the latter being that which set the seal of fate upon the future prosperity of Franklin, now referred to as Old Franklin. Again the tocsin of war was sounded, in 1846. In the month of May of that year, the President of the United States called for volunteers to assist in the Mexican War. One company from Cooper County was called upon to join the troops in Mexico. The alleged cause of the declaration of war by Mexico against the United States in April, 1846, was the annexation of Texas, but the more immediate cause was the occupation by the American army of the dis- puted territory lying between the Nueces and Rio Grande River. On the 21st day of May, of that year, the "Boonville Observer" issued the following bulletin, or "extra," which we give verbatim: "Volunteers. — A proper spirit seems to animate the citizens of our country and especially the young men. The call for one company from the fifth division has been promptly responded to. Forty-three volunteers were raised by General Ferry on Monday in Boonville, and on Tuesday, at Palestine, under the direction of Generals Ferry and Megguire, the number was increased to 61. They then elected their officers, and the following gentlemen were chosen: Joseph L. Stephens, captain, without opposition, who delivered to the volunteers on that occasion a spirited and handsome address; first lieutenant, Newton Williams; second lieutenant, H. C. Levens; first ser- geant, 'John D. Stephens; second sergeant, William T. Cole; third ser- geant, Richard Norris ; fourth sergeant, James S. Hughes; first corporal, Tipton Prior; second corporal, A. B. Cele; third corporal, Wesley Amick; 168 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY fourth corporal, A. G. Baber. The company, thus organized, assembled in Boonville on Wednesday, where they were exercised in military duty by their accomplished and gallant young captain. The following is a list of the privates: Thomas Bacon, Samuel D. Burnett, Jacob Duvall, Charles Salsman, Ewing E. Woolery, Heli Cook, Joel Coffee, Joel Epperson, Jesse Epperson, Hiram Epperson, John Mc- Dowell, J. R. P. Wilcoxson, T. T. Bowler, William Sullans, Horatio Bruce, William J. Jeffreys, James M. Jeffreys, Hiram Burnam, Edward S. D. Miller, John Whitley, Benjamin P. Ford, Philip Summers, George W. Campbell, Samuel R. Lemons, John R. Johnson, Thompson Seivers, Charles F. Kine, Jesse Nelson, John Colbert, Robert Rhea, Edmond G. Cook, John B. Bruce, James P. Lewis, Benjamin C. Lampton, Oliver G. Ford, U. E. Rubey, W. B. Rubey, W. H. Stephens, John M. Kelly, George Mock, Samuel , Elliott, Alpheus D. Hickerson, Edmond Eubank, Henderson C. Martin, Sprague White, William Woolsey, Martin Allison, Henry Francis, Robert H. Bowles, Justinian McFarland, Nathaniel T. Ford, James H. Jones, James C. Ross, Richard Hulett. They departed today (Thursday) on the steamer L. F. Linn for St. Louis, where they will be armed and equipped, and immediately trans- ported to the army of occupation on the Rio Grande. Our best wishes attend them. May victory ever perch upon their banners, and may they all return to their friends full of honors, with the proud reflection that they have served their country faithfully. When the steamer Louis F. Linn, Eaton, captain, Jewell, clerk, ar- rived in Boonville, on her downward trip, the company formed in line on the upper deck and many friends passed along the line, bidding fare- well and shaking each volunteer by the hand. The landing was crowded with people. The boat soon started, with cheers from the multitude, and waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies. The steamer laid up for the first night at Nashville, which is about fifteen miles below Rocheport. The members of the company were all jolly fellows, and jest and laughter made the time pass pleasantly and quickly. The most of them, had never been from home, and longed, with the anxiety of children, to see new countries and to take part in other than every day affairs of their lives. Lieutenant Levers being on watch the latter part of the night after they had left Boonville, heard a terrible splash in the water, and on inquiring for the cause discovered that one of his men had fallen over- board. The deck-hands rescued him, and soon afterwards one of the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 169 company folowed the example of his comrade, and was rescued by the same men. The lieutenant becoming alarmed for the safety of the men of the company, waked up the captain, informed him of what had hap- pened, and told him that if he did not take measures to prevent it he might have his company considerably diminished before they reached St. Louis, if the men continued to fall overboard as rapidly as they had commenced. The captain was greatly surprised at such unexpected acci- dents, and placed out a strong guard, which prevented any more occur- rences of the kind. The trouble was that some of the men before leaving Boonville had imbibed rather freely of intoxicants, and having never been on board of a boat before, imagined they were on land and walked off without being aware of their changed circumstances. They arrived at St. Louis without further accident, and were quar- tered at the court-house without any blankets to cover them, or any place except the naked benches on which to sleep. Most of the company expecting to draw their clothing and blankets at Jefferson barracks, had nothing but the shirt and pants which they had worn from home. Captain Stephen's company was mustered into service by Gen. Robert Campbell. General Taylor, having gained an important victory over the Mexicans, and it being thought that he would be able to conquer his enemies without any further reinforcements, Captain Stephens' company was ordered back, and directed to report to Adjutant General Parsons at Jefferson City, whither they hastened on the same boat, expecting orders from him to join Doniphan's expedition to New Mexico. General Parsons informed the captain that he had no f requisition for Cooper County, but to hold his company in readiness to march when called on. The members of the company were very much disappointed at being thus summarily dismissed to their homes, and felt very indignant at what they considered such shabby treatment; and though the company was ready and willing, during the whole of the war, to go to the field of battle on the shortest notice, it was not called upon. Some of the members of the company were so determined to go that they joined other companies of General Doniphan's command. The company, although gone from home only a short time, had a rough introduction to military life, having been forced to live on "hard tack" on the trip to St. Louis and return, without bedding of any kind, and many of the men without a change of clothes. Mrs. Andrews, an estimable lady of St. Louis, treated the company to as many pies as the men could eat, for which they felt always grateful to her. But very few of the company had ever seen St. Louis, or any other 170 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY city, and it was a pleasing and wonderful sight to these men, who had, during all of their lives, been accustomed only to the quiet scenes of their every-day life. The company, as it passed through the streets, seemed, from the numbers who stopped to gaze at it, to attract as much attention as a fantastic company, on account of the queer costumes, arms and manners. As the company expected to draw its uniforms at the "Great City," and as the men expected to throw their citizen's suits away, they were not particular what they wore when they started from home. Most of them, being dressed in backwoods style, without uni- form or arms, made a rather ludicrous appearance to city folks. But the men cared little for that, and some of the city gents were made to meas- ure their lengths upon the pavement for their uncalled-for remarks in regard to the personal appearance and manners of the strangers. Some of the men of the company, while in St. Louis, had a row with some merchants on Water street for insulting one of their number. After some little quarreling, the merchants threatened to have them arrested and confined in the calaboose; but they were told if that threat was executed, they would level the calaboose, and if that was not sufficient to show their power, they would level the whole city, and that they had sufficient men to accomplish that undertaking. So, the merchants, be- coming alarmed, did not attempt to have the threat executed, and the difficulty was finally arranged without any serious consequences. On their return up the Missouri River, on the same boat on which they had gone down to St. Louis, a finely dressed "gentleman" unthoughtfully made the .remark that "these soldiers were a» rough set." The officers of Captain Stephens' and Captain Reid's companies demanded that he should be put ashore, and at the next landing he was made to "walk the plank," amidst shouts and cheers from the crowd. They thus gave him an opportunity of traveling on the next boat, where, perhaps, he might meet with pas- sengers more congenial to his nature, and where he would not be forced to associate with those whom he considered beneath him in the social scale. After this they proceeded without further incident to Boonville, where they were met by crowds of their friends and acquaintances, who, with loud cheers, welcomed them home. Soon after they arrived, the company was disbanded by the captain, with orders to be ready to as- semble and march to the seat of war on very short notice. From that time to the close of the war the members of the company were prepared at all times to march to the front, whenever their services should be HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 171 required, but they were never ordered forward to take part in the great struggle which had then been transferred to the enemy's country. This is the only part the citizens of Cooper County took in the war of 1846, and though they did not partake directly in the struggle, they showed their readiness to do so, by organizing and keeping in readiness to march a company composed of some of the best citizens. CHAPTER XL CONTINUATION OF 1834-1847 AND UP TO 1861 RISE OP BOOXVILLE— ERA OP PROSPERITY— KEMPER SCHOOL FOUNDED — COUNTY SEAT PERMANENTLY LOCATED— EFFORTS TO CHANGE COUNTY SEAT— MILI- TARY COMPANIES — TROUBLE BETWEEN COMPANIES — MAJOR FORSYTH 10 KILLED— SECOND COURT HOUSE ERECTED— DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALI- FORNIA AFFECTS COOPER COUNTY— McCULLOCH'S COMPANY— TEMPERANCE EXCITEMENT — SLAVERY AGITATION — PRO SLAVERY CONVENTION— CONTRO- VERSY IN KANSAS— COOPER COUNTY PRO SLAVER V— ELECTIONS OF 1856-1860. It is not our intention, nor have we attempted to chronicle the events, that make the history of Cooper County, in absolute chronological order. Frequently historical data are so closely correlated, one with the other that we are forced to pass through a series of years to follow the logical chain of events, and are then compelled to "roll back the scroll of time" to take up another line of equally important facts. The preceding chap- ter deals with the history of Cooper County from 1834 to 1847, yet there are events of that period worthy of historical preservation not recorded therein to which we will now revert. The period between 1830 to 1847 marks a rapid and increasing tide of immigration to Cooper County. Large wholesale establishments were established at Boonville for the purpose of supplying the great trade of the southwest as well as to outfit and provision the great caravans bound for the Santa Fe trail. Among those who located here at that time are recalled A. L. and C. D. W. Johnson, who, in addition to their mercantile establishment operated a large grist mill which was perhaps the 'first flouring mill erected at Boonville ; J. Mansker and Company ; N. \V. Mack ; Thomas M. Campbell ; Charles W. Smith ; Caleb Jones ; Walter and H. B. Benedict, who were engaged in the sale of dry goods and groceries, etc. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 173 Also Allen Porter, the druggist; H. and J. Rhea, tobacconist; H. W. Crowther, the rope-maker, which at that time seemed to be a profitable and necessary vocation; Jeremiah Rice, tanner; W. P. Roper, a saddler; Hook, a gunsmith; David Andrews, a tinner; George W. Caton, a tailor. John Dade and James Patton were among the principal hotelkeepers, yet at this time there were several others whose names we are unable to give. Isaiah Hanna was one of the blacksmiths yet there were several others at that time in Boonville and Cooper County. George C. Hart, John W. Martin and J. McCutchen are mentioned in the early records among the physicians who were then at Boonville, yet there were a number of other physicians in other sections of the county. The first newspaper in Cooper County was also established during this period, about the year 1834 and was called the "Boonville Herald," reference to which will hereafter be made in the special chapter on newspapers. The foregoing, located at Boonville, as above stated, between the years 1830-1840. From the years 1840-1850 the county enjoyed an era of prosperity that had not been known "in its prior history. The census of Boonville in 1840 gave the population as 1,660. Other newspapers were established and a number of educational institutions sprang up in different sections of the county. A number of new hotels were erected among which may be recalled the City Hotel, Peter Pierce, proprietor; The Union Hotel, Lewis Bendele, proprietor; The Virginia Hotel, John Dade, proprietor; and Baley's Mansion House. These were located in Boonville. The latter house was the central office of the stage line running from St. Louis to Independence, Mo. At this time Boon- ville was the most prosperous and flourishing town west of St. Louis and the prosperity and trade of Boonville materially effected and added to the thrift and enterprise of other sections of Cooper County. Business men were attracted and among those who came to Cooper County and settled in Boonville may be mentioned E. F. Gillespie, whole- sale and retail dealer in drugs and medicines ; Bremermann and Cuno, forwarding and commission merchants ; Dr. William H. Trigg, forward- ing and commission merchant, extracts from whose interesting diary will be found in the preceding chapter; Moseley and Stanley, forward- ing and commission merchants ; Hammond and Judd, lumber merchants ; N. Hutchison, wholesale druggist; S. D. Falls, dry goods; Thomas B. Veasey, hardware merchant; Aehle and Kuechelhan, wholesale druggists; Walter and Keill, liquors, dry goods and clothing; Nelson Jones and Com- 174 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY pany, dry goods, groceries, etc. ; Peters and Hill, forwarding and commis- sion merchants; and Talbot and Lanny, clothing. In the year 1844, Prof. F. T. Kemper arrived in Boonville and estab- lished here a private school laying broad and wide the foundation for the Kemper Family School which through years of prosperity and to meet changing conditions became the Kemper Military School under the super- intendency of Col. T. A. Johnston. This prosperous military school has just closed the year and celebrated its 75th anniversary with about 500 pupils and a graduating class of 77. It was during this period, at different times, that great interest was taken by the citizens of Cooper County in changing the county seat. It will be recalled that Boonville was made the county seat and the first court house was completed in 1823. Asa Morgan and Charles Lucas, when they laid out Boonville, agreed to donate 50 acres of land to the county provided that Boonville was made the permanent county seat. Lucas, however, did not live to carry out his agreement. He was killed in a duel with Thomas H. Benton on Sept. 27, 1817, on Bloody Island near St. Louis. However, on Aug. 13, 1819, in compliance with this agree- ment a deed was executed by Asa Morgan and Mary Gilman as the executrix of Charles Lucas, deceased, conveying to the commissioners of Cooper County 50 acres of land bound on the north by the Missouri River, on the west by the west line of Main street, and on the south by Chestnut street, on the east by a line 30 feet west of Eighth street, parallel with Eighth street. This tract of land embraced all of lots num- ber 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, also what was known as , the Court House Square, being that land lying and situated between Main and Fifth streets and Sixth street and High and Court streets, and also the following lots: 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 145, 146, 147, 1 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177 (being the lot upon which the jail is located), 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 211, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, and a strip 60 feet wide off of the west side of lots 8, 63, 78, 129, 144, 183, 198, 247 and 248, all in the city of Boonville, Cooper County, Mo. The commissioners to locate the permanent county seat were Robert Wallace, Benjamin F. Hickcox, and James Bruffee. The property above donated to the county is at this time the heart of Boonville and its value would run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 175 Four distinct efforts were made to change the county seat from Boonville. The first attempt was made in 1832, the second in 1838, the third in 1842 and the fourth in 1844. These attempts to change the county seat resulted in spirited campaigns and aroused some temporary bitterness which is usually the result of county seat removal contests. The third campaign (in 1842) is of some historical interest and was very bitter. The bitterness arose largely from an unfortunate occur- rence that gave soul and life to the desire to change the county seat from Boonville. It had its origin in the intense excitement existing be- tween the militia and an organization known as the "Fantastic Com- pany," of which we here give an account. From the organization of the government of the state until the year 1847 there existed a militia law, requiring all able-bodied male citi- zens, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, to organize into companies and to muster on certain days. They had, during the year, at different times, a company, a battalion, and a general muster. A company muster was the drilling of the members of one company ; a battalion muster consisted in drilling the companies of one-half of a county ; and a gen- eral muster was a meeting of all the companies of a county. Muster day was, for a long time after the commencement of the custom, a gala day for the citizens, and was looked forward to with con- siderable interest, especially by the different officers, who appeared in full military dress, captains and lieutenants with long red feathers stuck in the fore part of their hats, and epaulettes upon their shoulders. The held officers mounted on their fine steeds, with continental cocked hats, epaulettes upon their shoulders and fine cloth coats ornamented with gold fringe, rode around among the men and gave orders, making themselves the "observed of all observers." Also the venders of Avhiskey, ginger- cakes, apples and cider took no small interest in the anticipated muster clay, for on that day, every person being excited, bought more or less of these things. Always on muster days, after the muster was over, the rival bruisers of a neighborhood tried their strength upon one an- other, thus furnishing a great deal of amusement for those who attended. The little folks were also happy in the anticipation, if not in the enjoy- ment, of being presented with a ginger-cake and an apple upon that day. But after a lapse of time these musters became tiresome to a por- tion of the citizens, as they were obliged to lose so much of their valuable time in order to attend them, or were compelled to pay a fine of one dollar for each failure to attend on muster day; besides they could see no real 176 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY use in continuing the organization, as there seemed no prospect soon of the state requiring any troops, as all was peaceful and quiet within its borders. Also, at the elections for officers, many of them were chosen on account of their personal popularity, instead of their qualifications to fill the office for which they were elected. Musters, after their novelty had worn off, became very unpopular, the citizens believing them to be an unnecessary burden upon them. Therefore, some time before the battalion muster, which was to take place at Boonville, during the year 1842, a company, the existence of which was known only to its members, was formed at that place, among the members of which were some of the best citizens of the city. This company was styled the "fantastic company," on account of the queer costumes, arms, etc., of its members, they being dressed in all manner of outlandish costumes, carrying every conceivable kind of a weapon, from a broom-stick to a gun, and mounted upon horses, mules and jacks. The company was intended as a burlesque upon the militia, and to have some fun at their expense. The regiment of the state militia which was to be mustered out at the above mentioned time was commanded by Col. Jesse T. Turley and Maj. J. Logan Forsythe, and was composed of all the companies then in the north half of the county. On the morning of the muster day Colonel Turley formed his regiment in front of the court house. After they were organized and ready for muster and drill, the fantastic company, which was commanded by John Babbitt, each member dressed in his peculiar costume and carrying his strange weapon, marched up into full view of Colonel Turley's command, and commenced preparations to drill. Colonel Turley, feeling indignant that his proceedings should be inter- rupted by such a "mob," and believing that it was intended as an insult, ordered his command to surround the fantastic company. There was a high fence on the eastern side of the vacant lot on which they were mustering, and Colonel Turley's command surrounded the "Fantastic Company." by approaching on High street, on the alley between Fifth and Sixth streets, and on Sixth street, thus hemming them in on the vacant lot. The latter, being closely pressed, retreated back across the fence, and then commenced a fight by throwing brickbats. The fight immediately became general and promiscuous, and resulted in seri- ous damage to several members of the State militia. Col. J. J. Turley was struck in the side by a stone, and two or three of his ribs broken. Maj. J. Logan Forsythe was struck by a brickbat in the face, just below •Jl O - O O a o o v. < r H S : HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 177 his right eye, and died the next day of his wounds. The members of the fantastic company then dispersed and scattered in every direction. The death of Major Forsythe caused great excitement throughout the county, and great indignation was felt against the citizens of Boon- ville, so much so, that a- petition was immediately circulated, asking that the "county seat of Cooper County be removed from Boonville," to a more central point of the county." So great was the excitement that some persons living within three miles of Boonville signed this petition. But the county seat, after a severe struggle before the County Court, was retained at Boonville. The death of Major Forsythe was greatly regretted by all parties, for he was an excellent citizen and a very popular officer. It produced an ill-feeling throughout the county, which lasted many years. After the fight was oVer, the militia went through with their usual exercises, under the command of their subordinate officers, as Colonel Turley and Major Forsythe were unable, on account of their wounds, to drill them. The last effort was as stated, in 1844, by the people of Palestine township. The citizens of that township held a meeting in March of that year, and agreed to submit the question of changing the county seat to a vote of the people, which was accordingly done at the succeeding August election. The question was decided adversely to those who favored the change. The second court house erected was completed in the year 1840. The County Court at its May term ordered that the public square be laid off into lots and sold to raise money to build a new court house and at the same time it was ordered that the old court house (the first court house) be sold. The money, however, realized from the sale of these lots and the sale of the old court house was not sufficient to erect the new build- ing. The first appropriation made in money for this purpose by the court was the sum of $10,800. Other appropriations were made from time to time until the completion of the building, the entire amount appro- priated being about $30,000. This building, now wrecked and upon whose site stands the present handsome court house, was the scene of many political gatherings of the past and spirited legal contests by the best legal minds of the state. It will be cherished in the memory of the pres- ent generation. A picture of this building appears in this volume, as well as one of its successor, the present elegant structure. We can but wonder how those that come, after us will look upon our last effort in (12) 178 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY erecting a court of justice. In 50 years will they consider it as inade- quate, as antiquated, as dangerous and unsanitary, as we of today con- sidered its predecessor? Doubtless more so, for the human race, not with mincing steps but with giant strides, is moving forward. There are few living at the present time who recall the intense excitement of the years 1849 and 1850 caused by the discovery of gold in California. At this time, the period of its greatest excitement, the people generally throughout the American Union became deeply inter- ested and thousands upon thousands were filled with the lust for gold. It would be strange indeed, if this mania did not penetrate Cooper County and arouse to action the hardy and adventurous settlers of that day. While it may not be a beautiful sentiment, yet in a measure mankind responds to the expression of the poet, "Gold is the strength, the sinews of the world ; The health, the soul, the beauty most divine." Cooper County sent forth to the gold fields of California many of her sons, some of whom were past the middle age with silvered locks, others were boys still in their teens, all animated with the hope and strong desire that their labors, their sacrifices, their dangers, and their bravery would be rewarded with an abundance of the glittering and precious ore. The desert plains over which they traveled to reach the gold fields were littered with broken wagons and carcasses of beasts of burden and here and there the mouldering remains of men. Joaquin Miller, the poet of the Sierras, has said, "The coward never started and the weak did not arrive." We are unable to give the names of all those hardy seekers after gold who left our county at this time, however, we here give the names of a portion of the companies of Capt. Robert Mc- Culloch and Solomon Houck: Robert McCulloch's company: Spotswook McCulloch, Joseph McCul- loch, John McCulloch, Robert Douglass, Charles Lewis, Merriweather Lewis, Nicholas Lewis, Abraham Weight, John Simmons, Joseph Potter, Nelson Potter, John Hornbeck, Perry Taylor, Alfred Hornbeck, C. W. Sombart, Julius Sombart, Robert Allison, Love Wadly, Erhart, Sr., Au- gust Erhart, Albert Erhart, William Hardcastle, Reuben Stevens and James Humes, of Moniteau County; Ewing Kelly, Joseph Hess, John Kelly, Peter Kelly, Bear, Sr., Frank Bear, John Carey, William Son, George Kelly, Oldhausen and son and Richard Bidel, of St. Louis County; Louis Brant, Dr. Antrim, and Abraham Reidmeyer, William Reidmeyer and John Hahn, from Ohio ; Joseph Byler, Calvin Wilson, Simon Boyd, Doctor HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 179 Cooper, Universalist preacher; C. B. Combes, Thomas Chambers, Charles Mitchell, Absalom Meredith, John Baldwin, Jacob Gype, John Mars, Cal Mason, John Oglesby, Thomas Mitchell, Jacob Harrier, Horace Hutchin- son, William Samuels, William Wheatley, Samuel Row, John Porter. Upon the eve of his departure for California, one of the Cooper County boys thought to be the late Col. Horace A. Hutchison penned the following beautiful and touching farewell: Farewell, farewell, my native land, I leave thee only with a sigh, To wander o'er a foreign strand, Perchance to live, perchance to die. Adieu, my friends, whom kindred ties Unite, though distant we may rove, • How ardent as time onward flies, Fond memory clings to those we love. O'er the broad plains, far away, Beyond the Rocky Mountain's crest, Our wayward feet awhile shall stray, And press the gold-besprinkled west. But 'mid the gaudy scenes of strife, Where gold to pride enchantment lends, We'll ne'er forget that boon of life — Companions dear and faithful friends. And in the lapse of coming years, Should fortune be not too unkind, We'll hope reward for parting tears, In smiles from those we left behind. We go — yet hoping to return, Friends of our youth, to home and you, For these do cause our hearts to yearn, E'en when we sigh Adieu — Adieu. There are few now living in Cooper County who were old enough in 1853 to remember the intense excitement and the bitterness incident thereto, caused by the temperance movement inaugurated by the Crystal Fount division of the Sons of Temperance in that year. 180 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Sixty-six years ago saloons were common in Boonville, and in all probability, there were four times as many as at the present time. Whiskey was cheap, and its use was common. The "worm of the still" could be found wherever the thirst demanded. As a rule drug stores, grocery stores, general merchandise stores, dry goods stores, and nearly all mercantile establishments carried their barrel or barrels of whiskey. Although a merchant may have depreciated the sale of intoxicating liquors, he was practically forced to yield to the common custom by reason of the practise of his competitors. The Sons of Temperance secured the services of Rev. William Ross, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch of Missouri, who delivered a number of stirring lectures in the Methodist, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in this city. The Reverend Ross was pugnacious, possessed of fervent eloquence, and used a trenchant tongue. Like the woodman he cared not where the chips flew. He was more belligerent than dis- creet, but withall, his methods were well calculated to arouse intense interest and excitement in his hearers. He was radical in his views, and by the bold and denunciatory manner in which he spoke of the liquor traffic, and those who drank, incurred the resentment and displeasure of the saloon-keepers of the town, as well as those who patronized them. The interest in his subject by his listeners deepened and continued to increase from day to day until it reached its culminating point on July 17, 1853. Upon that Sunday, a meeting of the friends of temper- ance was advertised to be held at the Presbyterian Church, where Rev. William Ross would deliver one of his interesting lectures. H. D. Benedict was the mayor of the city of Boonville at that time. Fearing serious results from the bitterness manifested on both sides, on the 16th of July, the day preceding the day of the lecture, he had published the following proclamation, which speaks for itself: "Whereas, a certain itinerant lecturer, calling himself "Billy Ross," has been disseminating discord and dissention in this community, by vituperation and abuse, under the guise of temperance lectures; and, whereas, it is said that sundry persons have armed themselves and threatened to assemble for combat — some to encourage and others to stop said Ross in his course — these are therefore to forbid all such riotous and unlawful assemblages. And the police of this city are hereby re- quired to suppress and disperse all riotous and unlawful assemblies in this city. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 181 In testimony whereof, I, H. B. Benedict, mayor of the city of Boon- ville, have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the seal of the city, at office, this 16th day of July, 1853. "H. B. BENEDICT, Mayor." Following his proclamation by action, the mayor immediately organ- ized a force numbering 62 men, of which he was the leader, and marched to the Presbyterian Church on the 17th of July, where he took posses- sion of the church and premises. Many came to the church, at the ap- pointed hour, but were prevented from entering the building by the mayor and his force, and the assembled crowd was quietly dispersed. No resistance was offered nor was there any riotous demonstration. The partisan of the respective parties to the controversy commended and condemned in turn the action of the mayor, according to the respective inclinations, and their interest in the imbroglio. However, a committee was appointed by the temperance organiza- tion of Boonville, and in the following language., gave vent to their feel- ing, and thus expressed their views of the action of the police force: "Who made up that (so-called) police force? Everybody in Boon- ville knows. Whisky traders, grog-shop keepers and their bloated cus- tomers, black-legs, infidels — some known long and truly, to be infidels alike towards all that is divine in Christianity, and pure and sacred in the principles of a well-ordered domestic and social life. When Mr. Ross together with his peacable, forbearing, but deeply outraged audience, assembled at the church-yard gate, around the church enclosure, and looked over, they saw men who for weeks before had been breathing "threatenings and slaughter" against Mr. Ross (for no other reason than this only; that he had assaulted within the walls of the churches of this city, the Hydra monster whisky), herded together, all who heart- lessly trade in, and fatten upon the profits of the poison. "Large numbers of ladies, with the general multitude, lingered around the gate, and gazed with mingled feelings of pity, suppressed indignation and contempt upon the motley mass of disgusting, animan and moral putrescence that made up almost the entire number of the legalized mob that invested, by barbarian, bacchanalian authority the peaceful premises of that deeply dishonored sanctuary." From the past, we often learn the present. Thus it is seen that in those years long past, the men and the women who passed their brief hour upon the stage, and whose memory we honor and revere, gave vent 182 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to their feelings and convictions, in language at times virile, vigorous and bitter, much as we today are wont to do, losing sight of the senti- ment and the poet's vision, "Life is too brief Between the budding and the falling leaf, Between the seed time and the golden sheaf, For hate and spite. "Life is too swift Between the blossom and the white snow's drift, Between the silence and the lark's uplift, For bitter words." As heretofore stated, the admission of Missouri into the Union aroused such intense and bitter agitation throughout the whole country that it was feared by some of the wisest statesmen of the day that it would disrupt the Union. Thi-oughout the years succeeding the admis- sion of Missouri until the close of the Civil War, the pro-slavery and anti-slavery agitators were busy and active. In 1855 the feeling became intensified. Cooper County at that time was settled mostly by people from the southern states and their deep sympathy was with the pro- slavery cause. At this time the German population of Cooper County was not large, yet not being slave holders nor attached by tradition to the slave holding cause, they were not in sympathy with the pro-slavery movement. At a meeting of the citizens of Cooper County, held at Bell Air, on Saturday, June 30, 1855, for the purpose of appointing delegates to attend the pro-slavery convention to be held at Lexington, Mo., on the 12th day of July, 1855, the following delegates were appointed: Boonville town- ship. J. L. Stephens, W. Douglass, A. W. Simpson, J. M. Nelson, J. W. Torbert, W. N. Ragland, Isaac Lionberger, John Combs, T. V. Hickox, Benjamin Tompkins; Lamine township, Freeman Wing, Jesse B. Tiuiey, S. W. McMahan; Saline township, John L. O'Bryan, W. T. Thorton, J. K. Ragland, A. W. Lucky; Clarks Fork township, Robert McCulloch, Henry Mills, A. Greenhalgh, Charles Q. Lewis; Moniteau township, A. K. Longan, D. Jones, D. P. Swearingen, J. Baughman, Dr. William H. Ellis: Kelly township, W. McCurdy, A. Nelson, Dr. E. Chilton; Palestine township, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 183 William Bradley, R. L. Bradley, B. C. Clark, R. H. Menefee, James L. Bell, L. C. Stephens, R. A. Ewing; Clear Creek township, James B. Harris, George S. Cockrill, Samuel B. Mahan; Pilot Grove township, Dr. W. W. Harriman, Dr. J. K. McCabe, W. M. Taylor, John Miller; Blackwater township, N. Sutherlin, Thomas L. Williams, Richard Marshall, John A. Trigg; Lebanon township, Richard Willis, Thomas McCulloch, Dr. Sam- uel H. Saunders, H. W. Ferguson, Geo. Harland. L. C. Stephens, presi- dent; William Bradley and J. M. Nelson, vice-presidents; Bennett C. Clark, secretary. About this time great efforts were being made by both the contend- ing forces in the slavery controversy to settle the State of Kansas with their respective adherents. It would be difficult and it is not the purpose in this volume to portray the unreasonable bitterness arising therefrom, but that our old citizens of Cooper were active in the controversy and the Kansas troubles of 1856 is evidenced by the fact that on Aug. 20, 1856, a call was made in Boonville for men and money from the citizens of Cooper County to aid the pro-slavery party in Kansas. One of the posters announcing the call is as follows: "A meeting of the citizens of Cooper County will be held at the court-house, in Boonville, on Satur- day, the 23rd, for the purpose of raising men and money to aid the law and order men in Kansas. Let every pro-slavery man attend. Bring your guns and horses. Let us sustain the Government, and drive back the abolitionists who are murdering our citizens." The above was signed by some of the prominent citizens of the town, who sent men and money to Kansas. The practical unanimity among the citizens of Cooper County as to the slavery issue was manifested in the elections of 1856 and 1860. In 1856 there were three candidates for President in the field, namely: James Buchanan, Democrat; Millard Fillmore, American; and John C. Freemont, Republican. There was no ticket in Cooper County for Free- mont. Millard Fillmore carried the county over James Buchanan by about eight votes, so nearly even were the two parties, but so small the adherents of the Republican pai'ty that no ticket was in the field. At the next presidential election in 1860 the candidates were Stephen A. Douglas, Union Democrat; John C. Breckenridge, Southern Democrat; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; and John Bell, Union. Douglas carried Cooper County by a small majority, Bell running him close. Breckenridge had a small vote and Lincoln but twenty votes. 184 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY So strange it seemed at that time that any one should vote for Lincoln that the names of those who voted for him were afterwards published in the newspapers as an item of curiosity. The result of the foregoing elections demonstrates that while the citizens of Cooper County were for slavery, yet they were against secession and loyally in favor of the Union. CHAPTER XII. CIVIL WAR PERIOD CIVIL WAR A MEMORY— BATTLE BELOW BOOXVILLE— HOME GUARDS IN COOPER COUNTY— PRICE'S RAID— SHELBY'S RAID— PRICE'S RAID INTO COOPER COUNTY. The novelist will take the most fragile thread of fact, and from this, with cunning skill, weave a fabric of romantic and surpassing beauty. The historian in comparison must be prosy, eschewing all of the myths, and avoiding legends, the essence of poesy and songs. As one has said, he must "nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice." History is a skeleton of the past. It is not in the power of man to visualize it with flesh and blood, make the dead past the living present. After the lapse of more than half a century, the bitterness of the Civil War is but a memory, and with the younger generation, only a tradition. It is not intended in this chapter to discuss the causes and long chain of events that led up to the sanguinary and internecine war of 1861-65. Suffice it to say that human slavery is abolished. Who can now regret it? The Union is established, one and inseparable. The hand of God has fashioned a nation. In the time of need, He has been the giant of strength, to stay the ruthless onward rush of might. To the peoples of the earth, and the powers of the world, our country pro- claims the doctrine that the right of man must prevail over the might of kings and classes. To give a detailed account of all that transpired here in the war of rebellion, or the Civil War, would require a much larger volume of space than we have at our command. The following pages only profess to give without comment, some of the facts as they occurred. Cooper County suffered a great deal during the war. Her territory was nearly all the time occupied by either one party or the other, and 186 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the citizens were called upon to contribute to first one of the contending forces and then the other. Again, some of the most inexcusable crimes and murders were committed within the territory of Cooper County, which, while not a part of the war proper, will be given in another chapter. Battle Below Boonville. — Governor Jackson and General Price, on June 11, 1861, left Jefferson City, where the Legislature was in session, sought an interview with Generals Lyon and Blair, and made proposi- tions for a compromise, on the basis of neutrality, etc. The two last mentioned generals refused to make any compromise whatever. They claimed the "unrestricted right to move and station the troops of the United States throughout the State, whenever and wherever, in their opinion, they thought it to be necessary, either for the protection of loyal citizens of the Federal Government, or for the repelling of an invasion. Governor Jackson and General Price, after this unsuccessful en- deavor to bring about peace, returned to Jefferson City, and the Governor issued a proclamation, calling into the active service of the State 50,000 men. General Lyon, a few days afterwards, issued a counter proclama- tion, in justification of his course in refusing to compromise with Gov- ernor Jackson and General Price. General Lyon then moved his troops to Jefferson City, and on his arrival at that place, he found that Governor Jackson had moved his forces 50 miles above, to Boonville, cutting the telegraph lines, and destroying the bridges on the railway as he proceeded. General Lyon, leaving Colonel Boernstein in command of a small force at the capital, on the afternoon of the 16th day of June, 1861, embarked his forces on three steamers, and ascending the Missouri River, they arrived at Roche- port about six o'clock on the following morning. There he ascertained that the State troops, under General Marmaduke (Price at that time being sick), were in full force a few miles below Boonville, and that resistance might be expected from them 1 , should he attempt to reach Boonville by that road. Leaving this place, and taking the steam ferry- boat, Paul Wilcox, General Lyon's command ascended the river to the island, eight miles below Boonville, which was reached at about seven o'clock a. m., and on the southern shore of which the command disembarked. No enemy being in sight, and the scouts reporting no sign of any, the troops at once marched up the Missouri River towards Boonville, and followed the road about a mile and a half, to the place where it ascends the bluffs, from the river bottom. At this place, several shots from HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 187 General Lyon's scouts announced the driving in of General Marmaduke's pickets. General Lyon then advanced for nearly a mile, and found Gen- eral Marmaduke well posted at the brow of the ascent. Captain Totten opened the engagement by throwing a few nine pound bombshells into the entrenchments of the State troops, while the infantry commenced a heavy volley of musketry, which was well replied to, the balls flying thick and fast among the ranks of the troops, and wounding several on both sides. The State troops, under the command of General Marmaduke, were posted in a lane running from the Rocheport road in the direction of the river, and west of the residence of William M. Adams, on the north- west corner of the junction of the two roads. During the fight a couple of bombs were thrown through the east wall of Mr. Adam's house, caus- ing the inmates to retreat to the cellar for protection. A heavy fire from Colonel Shaefer's German infantry, General Lyon's company. of regulars, and part of Colonel Blair's regiment which were stationed on the left of the road, compelled the troops of General Marmaduke to retreat. His force then clambered over the fence into a field of wheat, and again formed in line just below the brow of the hill. They then advanced some twenty steps to meet the Federal troops, and for a short time the artillery of Captain Totten was worked with great rapidity. Just at this the State troops opened a galling fire from a grove just on the left of the Federal center, and from a shed from beyond and still farther to the left. What had been before this a skirmish now assumed the magnitude of a battle, which continued only about a half hour. The State troops finding the Federals too strong and too well armed and drilled to be successfully opposed by raw recruits (most of them had never been under fire) and having no artillery with which to return the fire from General Lyon's batteries, abandoned the fight and retreated. Captains Cole and Miller took possession of "Camp Bacon," where the State troops had been encamped for two days. General Lyon continued his march towards Boonville. He was met on the hill near the residence of T. W. Nelson, by James H. O'Bryan, acting mayor of Boonville, Judge G. W. Miller, and other prominent citi- zens, who formally surrendered the town to him, and he immediately marched into and took possession of it. General Marmaduke commanded the State troops on this occasion. General Price was in ill health, and on the day on which the battle 188 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY occurred he left Boonville on a steamboat for Lexington. Governor Jack- son was on the battleground in the forenoon, but left Boonville on the Georgetown road about 11 o'clock of that day. In this engagement two of Lyon's men were killed and nine wounded. Among the State troops, three were killed and several wounded, but the number of these is unknown. Kelly's was the only well organized and well drilled company under the command of General Marmaduke, and it did not participate in the battle. It is said that General Price was opposed to making a stand against General Lyon at the time, as all of his troops, except Kelly's company, were raw recruits and very poorly armed and drilled, having rallied at Boonville during the preceding three days. There was consid- erable controversy among the officers and men, whether, considering the circumstances, a stand or retreat should be made; but some of the most enthusiastic, whose counsel prevailed, said that they had come to fight and they intended to do so. There were several prisoners taken by Gen- eral Lyon, but they were afterwards released on parole. The next day after the battle, General Lyon issued a proclamation, offering full pardon to all who would lay down their arms, return to their homes, relinquish their hostility to the United States Government, and persons who did this were assured that they would not be molested for past offenses. Many w'ho had taken part in this battle availed them- selves of the opportunity offered by General Lyon, and some of them never took up arms again during the war. General Lyon remained at Boonville for several weeks, during which time he purchased a large outfit of wagons, horses and mules, paying fair prices for them, no pressing or forced sales being made. He a] captured every steamboat that passed down the river. On the third day of July, having received reinforcements of an Iowa regiment, he took his departure for the southwest, his objective point being Springfield. A short time before, General Blair left for Washington, to take his seat in Congress, he having been elected a representative from St. Louis. This being the first battle of the Rebellion which was fought on land, the taking of Fort Sumter having occurred only a short time before, produced great excitement throughout the United States, and General Blair on his way to Washington was met by great crowds of his friends, and lionized, feasted, and toasted, as the "hero of the hour." Before General Lyon left Boonville, Maj. Joseph A. Eppstein organ- ized two companies of home guards, composed entirely of Germans, which HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 189 were commanded by him. They thi-ew up fortifications at the old fair grounds. When he moved to Springfield, he left Major Curly, who was shortly afterwards succeeded by Col. John D. Stephenson, in command at the fortifications. Doctor Quarles was among the killed of the State troops. His body was found in the wheat field late in the evening after the battle, he hav- ing been severely wounded in the thigh, and not being discovered, bled to death. Young McCutchen was also wounded in the thigh, and although properly cared for, all their efforts could not save him. He died a few days after the battle. The death of these two gentlemen, so young, so .remising and kindhearted, cast a gloom over the entire community, and their loss was universally regretted by all parties. The other gentle- man killed, who was from Pettis County, was shot in the head, and his name is not remembered. General Parsons, with the artillery belonging to the State troops, arrived too late to engage in the Battle. He came in on the Boonville and Tipton road, via Wilkin's bridge, and halted at the top of the hill, south of Boonville, near Dr. William Trigg's present residence, where, learning that General Marmaduke had been defeated and was retreating, he took the road leading from Boonville to Prairie Lick in a southwest direction, and soon formed a junction with Governor Jackson's state troops. General Lyon, two days after the battle of Boonville, sent a detach- ment of his force southwest, by way of Syracuse, as far as Florence, Morgan county, in pursuit of Governor Jackson. But finding that the state troops had moved still farther south, the command returned to Boonville without meeting any of Jackson's command. Home Guards in Cooper County. — General Nathaniel Lyon, on the 20th day of June, 1861, organized and mustered into service a company of German home guards, consisting of 135 men. Of this company Joseph A. Eppstein was elected captain ; Emil Haas, first lieutenant ; Ernest Roeschel, second lieutenant; and John A. Hain, orderly sergeant. This company was, on the fourth day of August, ordered to Jefferson City for the pur- pose of aiding in the protection of the capital. They together with Colonel Brown's 7th Missouri regiment, wei-e, a short time afterwards, ordered to Otterville. They went by rail to Syracuse, and marched on foot the bal- ance of the way to Otterville, which they immediately occupied. A large number of southern men living in the vicinity had organized a company, and under the command of Captain Alexander, James B. Harris, and others, were camped near by. These two commands for some reason 190 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY not wishing to attack each other, made the following compromise which was suggested by the southern commanders, and after some parley, ac- cepted by Colonel Brown. It was agreed that if the Federal troops would withdraw from Otterville, Captain Alexander would disband his forces, and Colonel Brown ordered his command back to Jefferson City. Afterwards, the home guards, with part of Colonel Worthington's command, were ordered to Boonville. They ascended the Missouri River in a steamboat, and arrived at Boonville very early on the morning of the day following their start from Jefferson City. The morning was very foggy, so that the boat could hardly be seen from the shore. It passed Boonville under cover of darkness and the fog, and landed at Haas' brew- ery, situated about one-half of a mile west of the city. Here the home guards disembarked, and from thence marched around and surrounded the town before the citizens were aware of their presence. Colonel Worthington, with the men of his command, dropped down on the steam- boat landing at the foot of Main street, and marched up into the town. He then took a number of prominent citizens prisoners, and confiscated the contents of two tin stores and one shoe store, the owners of which were charged with selling goods to the Confederates ; he also took posses- sion of the Observer printing establishment, then owned by A. W. Simp- son and had the presses, type, etc., boxed up and shipped to Jefferson City. This was all done under the orders of Colonel U. S. Grant afterwards president of the United States, who was then in command at Jefferson City. The home guards, together with Colonel Worthington's command, on the afternoon of the same day, took with them the prisoners and the property which they had confiscated. The prisoners were afterwards released, and returned home; but most of the property, except that be- longing to the printing establishment, was never seen again by its owners. Aug. 28th, in the same year, Gen. Jeff C. Davis ordered the home guards to reinforce Colonel Mulligan at Lexington, Missouri. Two days before the 2d Illinois regiment of cavalry had been ordered to the same place, and had started. When Colonel Eppstein, the commander of the home guards, arrived at Tipton, he heard that a part of the 2d Illinois cavalry was at Boonville, and concluded to go there also, and reported to headquarters, that if they had any orders for him, to forward them to him at that place. Colonel Eppstein was ordered by Gen. Jeff C. Davis, then stationed at Jefferson City, to remain at Boonville and occupy the breastworks, which he did. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 191 Sept. 1, 1861, the troops around Boonville formed themselves into a battalion, consisting of two and one-half companies; companies A and B, infantry, and one-half a company of cavalry. The officers of the battalion were Joseph A. Eppstein, major; Emil Haas, surgeon; and John A. Hayne, adjutant; of company A, infantry, were John B. Keiser, captain; John Roterd, first lieutenant; Charles Koch, second lieutenant; of company B, infantry, were Charles Beihle, captain; Joseph Weber, first lieutenant; John Fessler, second lieutenant. The half company of cavalry was com- manded by Peter Ostermyer. About four days afterwards, this battalion received information that it would be attacked by the Confederates from several surrounding counties. Colonel Eppstein immediately arrested a number of the most prominent southern men in Boonville, viz: N. H. Ells, Rev. H. M. Painter, William E. Burr, J. W. Draffen, James Harper, and Joseph L. Stephens, and held them as hostages, hoping thereby to prevent the contemplated attack. But about six o'clock on the morning of the 13th day of Sept., 1861, while Eppstein's command was at breakfast, the pickets having all come in, the breastworks were attacked by a force of about eight hun- dred men under the command of Colonel Brown, of Saline County. The fortifications were attacked on the west, southwest and southeast sides. The first attack was from the southwest, the next through Lilly's field on the southeast, and finally extended around to the west side. At first, the firing was very rapid from the southwest and southeast, and soon afterwards from the side of the fortifications, the balls falling thick on every side. Colonel Brown led the attack on the southeast, and made two charges upon the breastworks, but was compelled to fall back each time under the heavy fire from the intrenchments. In the second attack Colonel Brown was mortally wounded, and fell within 50 feet of the breast- works. A short time afterwards, his brother, Captain Brown, was also mortally wounded, and fell about ten feet behind him. The Browns were both brave men, and fought with desperation and with utter disregard of their own safety. After the two Browns had fallen mortally wounded, and Major Poindexter been left in command of the Confederates, Mr. Burr, who was one of the prisoners at the breastworks, having become satisfied that the entrenchments could not be taken, asked, and was granted pel-mission to visit the Confederates, under a flag of truce, in order to see what arrangements could be made so as to bring about a cessation of hostilities. The two commanders finally agreed upon an armistice for seven days, Major Poindexter's troops to be withdrawn from 192 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the breastworks and city, a distance of three miles, and were not to enter town only for medicine during that time; Poindexter was to return all horses taken from Union men, and surrender the arms of the men who had fallen in the engagements. If the terms of the armistice were broken by Poindexter, then Rev. H. M. Painter was to be shot. The home guards numbered about 140 effective men. Their loss was two killed and seven wounded. The names of the killed were John A. Hayne, adjutant, and Kimball, a private. The number of Colonel Brown's command who were killed and wounded is not known. Colonel and Captain Brown were, after the battle, taken to a hospital at Boonville. The colonel died of his wounds the same evening; the captain lingered until the next day, when he too died. Their bodies were taken to Saline County for burial. At the commencement of the battle, messengers were dispatched by three different routes, viz: by way of Tipton, Jefferson City road and down the river in a skiff, asking for reinforcements. Of these messengers, none reached Jefferson City except Joseph Read and Joseph Reavis, who went down the river. Those who went by the way of Tipton and the Jefferson City road, were captured by Colonel Brown's men while they were on the way. On the 14th, at 10 o'clock p. m., the force at Boonville was reinforced by the 5th Iowa regiment, under the command of Colonel Worthington, which came up the river on a steamboat. After the armistice had ex- pired, Major Poindexter drew off his men and marched up the river to join General Price, at Lexington. In Nov., 1861, a scouting party of three men belonging to the home guards, started out to gain information in regard to a band of bush- whackers, who were thought to have their headquarters somewhere in Clark's Fork township, in this county. While approaching the house of William George, in said township, they were fired upon from the house, and one of their number killed. The scouts then returned to Tipton, and having obtained reinforcements, returned and burned William George's house. On Sept. 16, 1861, Colonel Eppstein's battalion was commanded by Colonel Worthington to take possession of and guard the bridge across the Lamine River, on the road from Boonville to Arrow Rock. Before their arrival at the bridge, they heard the firing of several minute guns behind them, which were intended to warn the. state troops of the approach of Colonel Eppstein's men. They reached the bridge in the night, and were > o n o o HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 193 fired upon from the opposite side of the river by the state troops, who seemed to have taken possession of the bridge. Colonel Eppstein returned the fire, and mortally wounded a young man named Herndon, who lived in Lamine township, in this county. He was taken to the house of Mr. William Higgenson, where he soon afterwards expired. The state troops soon retreated and left Colonel Eppstein's troops in possession of the bridge, where they remained, until Sept. 19th, when they were ordered to return to Boonville. Soon afterwards, Colonel Worthington ordered Colonel Eppstein to take his command with him and burn this same bridge, it having been reported that General Price's army was marching towards Boonville from that direction, and would probably cross the Lamine at this point. Colonel Eppstein endeavored to dissuade him from this purpose by telling him that this would only delay Price a single day, as he could cross a short distance above; but Colonel Worthington replied that it must be done, as he deemed it to be a military necessity. So the bridge was burned according to his order. This proved to be a false alarm, as Price was not on his way to Boonville, and did not attempt to march in that direction. Under a special law of congress, passed on account of a general dis- satisfaction among the home guards all over the state, Colonel Eppstein's battalion was reorganized, and became a part of the Missouri state militia. Six companies were raised and organized at Boonville, and to these were added two companies from St. Louis, thus forming the 13th regiment of the Missouri state militia cavalry. The company of infantry which was commanded by Capt. Charles Biehle, joined the 1st Missouri state militia infantry. Afterwards the 13th infantry was consolidated with four com- panies of the 12th regiment, and Schofield's "hussars", and from that time formed the 5th regiment, the old 5th having previously been dis- banded. The officers of this regiment were Albert Sigel, colonel ; Joseph A. Eppstein, lieutenant-colonel; John B. Kaiser, major; and John Fetzer, surgeon. This regiment after being thoroughly organized and fully drilled and equipped, was ordered to Waynesville, in the Rolla district, where they remained and from which place they operated during the war. Part of this regiment was under the command of Colonel Brown during his pursuit of Shelby, when in October, 1863, he made his raid through the state in the direction of Boonville. Price's Raid. — Six companies of the 5th regiment, under the command (13) 194 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of Colonel Eppstein, composed a portion of the forces of General Sanborn during his operations against General Price in his raid through Missouri in the fall of 1864. General Sanborn, at first supposing that General Price would march in the direction of Rolla, concentrated his forces at that place, but finding that General Price was making for Jefferson City, he moved his command to the latter place, on the way marching nearly parallel with the Confederates ; for while he was crossing the Osage River at Castle Rock, General Price was crossing the stream eight miles below. Colonel Eppstein's command had a slight skirmish with the Confederate advance guard between the Osage and the Moreau creek, but he succeeded in reaching Jefferson City first. General Sanborn had concentrated at that place, 3,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry, most of them regulars, and all of them well-armed and drilled. General Price's army numbered about 20,000 men, yet there were thousands of them who had no arms, and had never seen anything like a battle. Neither had his troops been organized and placed under com- manders, as many of them had flocked to his standard as he had marched through the state. As he was continually on the march, he had no oppor- tunity to effect organization in the ranks at this time although shortly afterwards he had them under perfect control. Price only made a slight attack on Jefferson City with a small por- tion of his forces, then withdrew without a general battle, and marched across the country in the direction of Boonville. General Sanborn, as soon as he learned the true state of affairs, started his cavalry in pursuit of the Confederates. The cavalry had skirmishing with the Confederal e rear guard, which was commanded by General Fagan at Stringtown, Rus- selville, and California, on the 10th clay of Oct., 1864. During these skirmishes, three of Colonel Eppstein's men were killed and 13 wounded. The loss of the Confederates is unknown. Price camped, on the night of the 10th, on the Moniteau creek just within the limits of Cooper County, and on the next day marched to Boonville. The P'ederals moved west and camped on the upper Tipton road, about eleven miles south of Boonville, at Crenshaw's farm. On the 12th of Oct., Colonel Graveley, with about four hundred mounted men of San- bora's command, advanced by way of the Tipton road to within about one-half of a mile of Boonville, to test the strength, and if possible, to find out the contemplated movements of General Price's command. At what is known as the Vollrath place, about one-half mile south of Boon- ville, Colonel Graveley came upon some Confederate companies in camp, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 195 and some lively fighting ensued, but finding the Confederates too strong for them, the Federals retreated to the main army. On the 12th, Colonel Eppstein with about 350 men of his command, moved toward Boonville, and camped at Bohannon's farm, about seven miles south of Boonville. Early on the morning of the 13th, he was ordered to advance as far as he could in the direction of Boonville, and reconnoitre General Price's position. Immediately upon receiving this order he commenced his march with the above mentioned number of men and two mountain howitzers, and on arriving at Wilkin's bridge, across the Petite Saline creek, his command was fired upon by a band of about 400 men under the command of General Fagan, who were guarding the bridge. Colonel Eppstein returned the fire, and ordered four mounted companies to dismount and deploy as skirmishers. After some little skirmishing along the banks of the creek, General Fagan, leisurely re- treated toward Boonville. After going north about one-half of a mile, to where a lane crosses the main road, south of Mrs. McCarty's house, Colonel Eppstein, who was in pursuit, found that General Fagan had barri- caded the road with trees, etc. Here Miller's and Murphy's companies had a close fight with the Confederates, even using swords and bayonets. These two companies were surrounded at one time and ordered by the Confederates to surrender but the other two companies of Colonel Epp- stein's command coming up to their aid, General Fagan again fell baei,\ At this place two of the Federals were wounded, but none hurt upon the other side. General Fagan next made a stand at Anderson's branch, and here the two forces had a more severe battle. Three of the Federals were killed, and seven wounded. The killed were: Fred Hoecher; a man named Jones ; while the name of the other is not known. The loss of the Confederates, as was afterwards learned, was considerable. General Fagan by this time had brought up four pieces of artillery, and commenced shelling the woods .-".long Anderson';, branch in which cnel Eppstein was stationed. The Federals then received orders to f?.ll back, and retreated to California, Moniteau County, to obtain supplies. They soon afterwards returned to Crenshaw's farm, and there halted and took dinner. Here General Sanborn learned that Price had left Boon- ville, so marching west he camped for the night at New Nebo church. The next morning he continued his march in the direction of Georgetown. In. Aug., 1864, Captain Parks with two companies, of which Franklin Swap was first lieutenant and provost marshal, being a part of the Iowa 196 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY cavalry, had command of the post at Boonville. Finding but little to do on this side of the river, they crossed over into Howard County, in search of Anderson's bushwhackers — passed through New Franklin, and took the road east leading to Rocheport. Although warned by the citizens of his danger, as Anderson was known to be in full force 'in the neighbor- hood, Captain Parks marched on. When about one mile east of > T Franklin, his command was suddenly attacked by Anderson's men, and cut into two parts, seven of them being killed by the first fire. The greater part of his command retreated to a house in the Missouri River bottom, and kept Anderson at bay by firing through the cracks of the house. Captain Parks, at the outset, became separated from his men. and retreated towards Fayette until he met Major Leonard's command, which happened to be marching in that direction. With this he returned to the relief of his company, and Anderson having learned of his approach, drew of his men and retired. The part of Captain Park's company which had been besieged in the house, finding that Anderson had drawn off his men, mounted horses, came back to Old Franklin in the night, and crossed the river in safety, although several men were missing. This part of the company knew nothing of Captain Parks until the next day, when he made his appearance. They then recrossed the river, and having recovered the bodies of their companions who had ben killed, buried them in one grave at the city ceme- tery, in the southwest part of Boonville. In the winter of 1862 and 1863, Colonel Pope was the commander of several companies of home militia, with headquarters at the fair grounds at Boonville. They disbanded in 1863, and Colonel D. W. Wear formed a battalion and was commander of the post at Boonville. The battalion did considerable scouting, the details of which are not sufficiently known to be given. Lieutenant-Colonel Reavis, while under Colonel Pope, learning that some Confederate recruiting forces had crossed the river, making their way in a southern direction, immediately started in pursuit and overtook them while in camp in the brush, near Thomas Tucker's house, about two miles east of Bunceton in Cooper county. He fired upon them, killing two men and wounding one. The recruits then separated and made their way out of the country by different routes. The names of the Confederates who were killed were Joshua Lampton and Jones, from Boone County. They were buried at the "Vine" or Concord church. The wounded man, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 197 after recovering, was paroled by Colonel Pope, and l-eturned to his home in Boone County. Shelby's Raid. — General Joseph Shelby, of the Confederate army, made a raid into Cooper County during the month of Oct., 1863. He passed through Otterville on the night of the 9th of said month, and burned the Pacific railroad bridge near that town. On the night of the 10th, he camped near Bell Air, in a pasture belonging to Mr. Nathaniel Leonard, and on the next day he marched to Boonville. His movements becoming known in Boonville the night before, a meeting of the citizens was called by Mayor McDeramon. After some delay, the conclusion was reached that the only alternative was to surrender the city to General Shelby. Citizens were sent out to meet him, who returned without being able to gain any information as to his whereabouts, and they conveyed the impression that he would not pay his compliments to the city during this expedition. Therefore, his arrival at Boonville on the 11th day of October, was quite a surprise to the citizens. Several of the citizens had crossed the river into Howard County the night before, having concluded that dis- cretion was the better part of valor, that their presence in Boonville would accomplish no good, and that there would be more safety in making them- selves scarce. J. L. Stevens, R. F. O'Brien, A. H. C. Koontz, Alex Frost, D. C. Koontz, Leonard Ware and D. S. Kcontz were in this party. Just as General Shelby marched into Boonville from the south, Major Leonard, with about 250 Federal troops, appeared on the north side of the river and commenced crossing his men. The first boat load had almost reached the Boonville shore, when some one called to those in the boat that the town was full of Confederates, and that they had better retreat. The pilots immediately turned the boat around and made for the Howard shore. At this time some of Shelby's men appeared and commenced firing upon the boat with muskets. But the boat, having gotten out of reach of this fire, the Confederates brought up some artillery and opened fire on the boat, two shots striking it before it reached the shore. As soon as Major Leonard landed his forces, the artillery was turned upon them, and they were soon forced to retire beyond the reach of the shells. At the same time, Colonel Crittenden, with about one hundred men, was seen steaming up the river in a boat, but on learning the situation of affairs at Boonville, he droped down the river and landed a short dis- tance below, in Howard county. 198 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY General Shelby remained in Boonville the balance of the afternoon of that day, and encamped for the night west of the city on the George- town road. He came here to obtain supplies, such as clothing and pro- visions, which they found in great abundance, and which they took, wherever found. M. J. Wertheimer and Messrs. Lamy & McFadden were the greatest sufferers, each losing about $4,000 in clothing. The Con- federate troops did not molest any person during their stay ; not a single man was killed or wounded, and they were very polite and gentlemanly to every person. While the Confederates were in Boonville, the Federals, under Gen- eral Brown, were close behind them, and on the 11th day of October, were within eight miles of Boonville, on the Bell Air road. On that day Gen- eral Brown moved a portion of his troops west to the junction of the Sulphur Springs and the Boonville and Georgetown roads, which is about seven miles southwest of Boonville. But during the night he marched his command back again to the Bell Air road, and camped near Billings- ville. The next morning after General Shelby had left, the Federals passed through Boonville in pursuit, their advance just behind the Con- federate rear guard. Two of General Shelby's men who had stopped at Mr. Labbo's house, about one and one-half miles west of Boonville to get their breakfast, were killed by some Federal scouts as they appeared at the front door, in order to make their escape. A running fight was kept up at intervals, all along the route from Boonville to Marshall. The fight became pretty spirited between the Sul- phur Springs and Dug Ford; and at Dug Ford two Federals were killed and fell from their horses into the water. During the long running fight there was quite a number killed on each side, but the number is not known. At Marshall, a battle took place, in which a number were killed and wounded on each side. But General Shelby succeeded in escaping from his ursuers with the loss of only a small portion of the stores which he had obtained at Boonville. This raid, of course produced great excitement, and in the heat of passion, considerable censure was heaped upon the commanding officer, whether justly or unjustly, is left to the reader to determine. General Shelby succeeded in getting back to the lines without any great loss, but whether his entire anticipations in regard to obtaining supplies and rein- forcements were fully realized, is not known. Major Leonard and Colonel Crittenden crossed their commands over the river to Boonville about ten o'clock on the morning of the 12th, and after stopping for dinner, they HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 199 started in the direction of Marshall. Boonville, then was once more clear of troops, and the citizens had time to gather together provisions to feed the next lot of hungry soldiers who happened to land whether Federals or Confederates. Thus ended the famous "Shelby's Raid," as far as Cooper county was concerned. Price's Raid Into Cooper County. — The Federal troops in the fall of 1864, having all abandoned Boonville, three companies of home guards were organized for the protection of the city against what were known as the bushwhackers. Two of these companies were composed of men belonging to both parties, who had joined these companies with the understanding that they would only be required to protect the city against bushwhackers and plunderers, and would not be compelled, against their wills, to fight against the regular southern troops. Although there were frequent alarms, the bushwhackers never attacked Boonville, but often during the war made raids through the county, in which many citizens were killed. They always took anything they wished, no matter in whose hands it was found. There were also bands of robbers moving continually through the county, who cared noth- ing for either party, and who robbed and killed without discrimination or regard to party. During the year 1864, many good citizens, belonging to each side, were shot down, first by one party and then by another, and many citizens abandoned their homes, seeking places of more security. The details of these murders and robberies are too disgraceful and sicken- ing to enumerate in this brief history. On the 11th day of October, 1864, scouts brought information that a large hostile force was approaching Boonville. These three companies, being under the impression that these were Andersons bushwhackers, immediately erected a strong barricade across Fifth street, at Thespian hall, in Boonville. They were strengthened in the belief that these were bushwhackers from the fact that they had received a dispatch that after- noon from Mexico, Missouri, stating that General Price had been repulsed at Jefferson City, and was retreating by way of Tipton. So these companies of home guards, expecting no quarter from Ander- son's men, prepared to sell their lives as dearly as they could, thinking anyway, that it would be certain death to fall into the hands of Bill Ander- son. Soon afterwards Shelby's command entered the town with a dash, killing a German scout near Mrs. Muir's residence, about one mile east of Boonville. The home guard fired one round at the advance guard of Shelby's command as they advanced along Vine street near the Baptist 200 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY church, but their fire injured no one. Learning that this was but the advance guard of General Price's large army, and that resistance would be useless, the home guards surrendered as prisoners of war. These prisoners were quartered at the court house and closely guarded, but the commissioned officers were paroled. General Shelby, with his command, entered about sundown on the above mentioned day. General Price and his staff made their headquarters at the City Hotel, on Morgan street. On Tuesday, the 13th day of October, the prison- ers were marched in front of the city hall, ranged in line, and General Price made them a speech and gave orders for their parole, on the condi- tion that if they were ever found with arms against the south they would be shot. Price had about 20,000 men, many of them late Missouri recruits, without arms. Some of his command were well armed and drilled, but the greater part were very poorly armed. Their general conduct toward the citizens during their stay in Boonville was good. On the night of the 13th, while Captain Shoemaker, who was on parole, was going from Capt. John Porter's house to his residence, on the corner of Central avenue and Sixth streets, he was captured by some men who were afterwards discovered to be Anderson's men, taken to the fair grounds, killed and his body thrown into the river. Two men, named Neef and Boiler, were killed near their homes about four miles west of Boon- ville also a negro man who was concealed in a corn-shock on the farm of J. M. Nelson, situated two miles west of Boonville. These were all the persons killed in this part of the county, who were not slain in battle, whose names are now recollected. Thousands of volunteers in Missouri flocked to the standard of Gen- eral Price, believing that he would be able to hold the state. The rear guard of General Price's army and the advance guard of General San- born's command, skirmished, at intervals, from Jefferson City to Boon- ville. General Sanborn's command consisted of about 4,000 mounted men. The infantry command under Gen. A. J. Smith, was also in pursuit, but never came within fighting distance of the Confederates. There was considerable skirmishing and some hard lighting south and southeast of Boonville, during Price's three day's sojourn at that place, in which a number were killed and wounded on both sides. The Arkansas militia, under the command of General Fagan, who were left to protect HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 201 the rear of General Price's army, were the greatest sufferers among the Confederates. A dash was made upon General Price's outposts by a few companies of Federals, who came so near Boonville that the firing could be heard and the smoke of the battle seen from the city. General Price's artillery was brought into requisition and soon compelled the Federals to retire. The greater part of Price's regulars was then called out, and a general charge having been made all along the line, the Federal army fell back on the road leading from Jefferson City to Georgetown, via Bell Air and following that road, camped about four miles west of Bell Air, near the farm of A. J. Read. Price's army left Boonville during the night of Oct. 14th, having remained three days. His army took all the horses in the northern part, and the Federal troops all in the southern part of the county. Both parties foraged upon the people of the county for the support of their respective armies, and left the county pretty destitute, especially of horses, hardly a good one being left. This was virtually the end of the war as far as Cooper county was concerned, no more battles being fought in it between organized armies. Tompkin's Inn was known in the early days as a hostelry of some importance. The stage coach that used to run between Boonville and Jefferson City in the very early days, during the Civil War times, made a stop at Tompkin's Inn. This inn was situated just below Prairie Home and was known as the Albert G. Tompkins Inn, and was located on the site of the residence of W. F. Carpenter. Here were not only the stage coach horses changed, but the hungry travelers were fed from the substantial fare of the times, and frequently were bedded for the night. During the Civil War, a squad of Federal troops came from Boonville, and lodged at this inn one night. Captain Boswell, who lived at the time on the Henry Kuhn farm, west of Prairie Home, in command of a squad of Confederates made an attack upon these Federal troops, and in the fight Captain Boswell was wounded. A few days thereafter, he died from the effects of the wound. The Union troops had guards out, one of them being Felix Imhoff, who after faithfully patrolling his beat, until relieved, lay down on the ground, weary, and went to sleep. So sound and peaceful were his slumbers, during these war times, especially on this particular 202 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY occasion, that the fight above referred to was all over before he came from slumberland. He was aroused from his sleep by one of the men, and told of the fight. The story goes that he was intensely indignant because he had been thus neglected, and it was several years before he was restored to good humor. It seemed to be a matter of deep regret to him that he had missed the fun. Captain Boswell was buried in the Pisgah cemetery and Albert G. and Tompkins, who was the proprietor of the inn, is buried about 150 yards south of the Carpenter residence. CHAPTER XIII. INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. JOSEPH SIFERS KILLED — RELIGIOUS SERVICES INTERRUPTED — PETER MITZEL AND OTHO ZELLER MURDERED— JOHN DIEHL. NICHOLAS AND THOMAS COOPER KILLED— MURDER OF ELLIS AND GRAVES— KILLING OF WILLIAM MAYO BY BILL ANDERSON— THOMAS BROWNFIELD'S EXPERIENCE— McDEAR- MON AND A SOLDIER KILLED— OTHER DEPREDATIONS AND MURDERS BY BUSHWHACKERS— KROHN AND BASS KILLED— ANDERSON'S MEN AND HOME GUARDS CLASH— JOHN BALLINGER KILLED— TRAGEDIES IN CLARKS FORK AND PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIPS. The following narration of the incidents and killing during the Civil war, of the citizens of our county, by lawless bands, upon either side, is doubtless correct in the main, yet in view of the considerable lapse of time since the occurrence of these events, the fallibility of the human memory, and many other circumstances which would have their effect, it would not be strange should error exist in some of the more minute details. Considering in the order of time in which it occurred, we mention first the killing of Joseph Sifers, two miles north of Pilot Grove, which took place about the beginning of the war. He was a Union man, whose house was surrounded at night by unknown men, who demanded of him his fire- arms. Purporting to have them hidden upon the outside of his dwelling, he went out intending to discover who they were, when, doubtless, under the belief that his life was in danger, he ran, endeavoring to reach a corn- field adjacent, but in the attempt was shot down by a sentinel of the party. It was never known who perpetrated this outrage. In the summer of 1864, during a revival meeting in the Southern Methodist Episcopal church at Pilot Grove, Captain Todd, one day during the hour of service, surrounded the building with a company of about sixty savage looking bushwhackers, who rudely entered the sacred house, stopped 204 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the services, and uncermoniously ej'ected the worshipers. Aftei refresh- ing themselves with the eatables prepared for the occasion, and selecting such horses as they desired, from the many secured to the trees near by, they departed, taking with them two citizens, Peter Mitzel and Otho Zeller as hostages, as they called them, whose safety would depend on the good conduct of the citizens, in not pursuing, intercepting or informing on them, there being at that time, state militia stationed at various places around. These two unfortunate men were that night barbarously butchered some miles east of Pilot Grove, near Lone Elm Prairie, and their bodies found a day or two later. Zeller had belonged to the state militia, which fact, to those who knew the character of the guerrillas, accounts for the reason of his being killed. Mitzell was loyal, though a very quiet and inoffensive man he had a short time previous, met a squad of guerrilas and mistaking them for militia, had doubtless, indiscreetly expressed his sentiments, for which offense, in a time when men were killed for opinion's sake, he paid the forfeit with his life. The same party of bushwhackers, returning a day or two later, passed through the German settlement three miles west of here, and killed two citizens, John Diehl and Vollmer, who, it seems, unfortunately fell into the same error as Mitzell, of mistaking them for Federal troops, as a number of them were dressed in blue. A Mr. Nichols was killed near Bell Air, in this county, during the same summer of 1864. This act was committed by a band of Hall's state militia. Mr. Nichols was a Kentuckian, a conservative Union man, and very quiet and peaceable. The provocation of this crime, if any, was never known. Thomas Cooper, of this vicinity, was arrested in the fall of 1864, in James Thompson's store, in Boonville, by militia, taken to a secluded spot, near the fair grounds, and brutally murdered and his body mutilated. Cooper was a southern man, and known to his neighbors as quiet, tolerant and inoffensive. In 1861, a number of horses were taken from Mr. Richard P. Ellis, by Mulligan's men. Mr. Ellis was then living in Cooper County, on land entered by him in 1839, in Lebanon township, near Syracuse. Some time after the horses were stolen, a soldier in citizen's garb was seen to possess one of the animals, and upon it being recovered from him by Mr. Ellis, he reported to certain soldiers at Syracuse, and a squad made their appear- ance and committed some depredations in the neighborhood. The family HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 205 of Mr. Ellis were not at home, but Mr. Ellis, deeming it unsafe to be around, started to Lexington, and placed himself under the protection of General Price's army at that place. His deepest sympathies were with the south, but he did not enter the army, as age and other matters pre- vented him. He had a son, however, who was in the Confederate army. This was in October, 1861. Matters assuming a more peaceful stage, made it safe for him to return; which he did in 1862. Upon the order calling upon all citizens to apear at the various military headquarters to enroll, he went with his neighbors to the Lamine bridge to obey. Having enrolled, he was returning with his nephew, Mr. Graves, his son, and a Mr. Veulesman, when about a quarter of a mile from the bridge, they were met by a squad of soldiers who ordered them into the woods ahead of them. They did not like either the appearance or the manner of these men, and feeling well satisfied that it was their intention to shoot them, Mr. Ellis objected. When, after some parley, the squad fired into them, killing instantly Mr. Ellis and Mr. Graves, and severely wounding Mr. Ellis' son. Mr. Veulesman escaped unhurt. Thus died Richard P. Ellis, shot down without a cause and without a moment's warning. His untimely death struck sorrow to the hearts of his many friends. He was very popular and great sympathy was felt for his grief-stricken family. Mr. Edward H. Harris, of Pilot Grove, Missouri, has given the writer the facts relative to the killing of William Mayo. It will be seen from the account to follow that Mr. Harris had a very good reason to remember the details of this incident, though nearly eighty-eight years of age, Mr. Harris' mind is strong and active, and his memory especially good. It was in the spring of 1864. There was no town or village of Pilot Grove at that time, yet the post-office had been given the name Pilot Grove. Samuel Roe served Uncle Sam as postmaster, and received and distributed the mail at his log residence on his farm, in what is now Pilot Grove. William Mayo was a polished gentleman, a man of considerable means, who came from Kentucky, and located within a few miles of Pilot Grove. On a beautiful spring morning, he passed by Mr. Harris' house about a mile from Samuel Roe's residence, and together he and Mr. Harris started for the mail at Samuel Roe's. They were horseback. Mr. Mayo told Mr. Harris that a few days before, a man had come to his house and demanded a horse from him, which he refused to give. Mayo seemed to think little of the incident at the time. Mr. Hams said that he thought at the time it might be some of Bill Anderson's men, and that trouble might arise therefrom. Arriving at the postoffice, they joined other 206 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY neighbors, who had gathered upon that bright day sitting on the front porch, awaiting the arrival of the mail, and discussing the events of the day, as neighbors then did when gathered together on such occasions. Presently some one called attention to about twenty men on horse- back, beyond where the M. K. & T. depot is now located. At this time where the depot is now located was but a pond, or small lake. Mr. Harris remarked that they did not appear to be Union soldiers. Union soldiers, however, were not far from the neighborhood. Presently the horsemen rode up, and then it was discovered that they were Bill Anderson and his men. Those sitting upon the porch were ordered out and lined up. Anderson then called upon them for their valuables. Mr. Harris says that he remembers distinctly that a boy about fifteen or sixteen years of age passed down the line to relieve them of their possessions. When he came to him, Mr. Harris said to him, "Son, don't take that money, I had to work for it." The boy imme- diately responded, taking his pocket-book, "Well, you can work and get some more." Mr. Harris said then, "Do not take my papers." The boy then returned the papers, and at the same time handed him a dollar, saying, "This will give you a start." William Mayo wore at that time upon his person, a gold watch and chain. This he objected to giving up, when Bill Anderson fired at him with his pistol, or rather fired at his feet, evidently not intending to hit him. At this, Mayo turned, and im- mediately fled, running behind Roe's house, where he was joined by Thomas Brownfield, who had been hiding, and had not lined up with the others. Bill Anderson and another man on horseback pursued them, and when Anderson got to the rear of the house, he asked an old nei woman which direction they went, and she, waving her hand, said, "T way." Anderson, then on horseback, started in pursuit of Mayo, who was going in the direction of what is now known as Robert Ma farm, evidently attempting ot reach a thicket of plum tret-s. Brownfield, however, veered off to the right, and went towards Mr. Hai i ;• ' farm, seek- ing some brush, and low shrubbery to hide in. When Mayo had reached the point about where, or a little beyond Otto Kistenmacher's present residence, he turned his head, at which time Anderson, in close proximity fired at him, and shot him in the middle of the forehead, killing him instantly. The other man in pursuit of Brownfield was not so successful. After having emptied his revolver at Brownfield's fleeing figure, Brownfield immediately turned, and with HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 207 cool courage, pointed his pistol at the trooper, which caused him to nalt. Brownfield did not shoot, knowing full well that the other men would search the country, and wreak their vengeance upon him. Instead, he fled for his life, and in the meantime, the man who was pursuing him, reloaded his revolver, and started in pursuit. When Brownfield was climbing over a fence into Mr. Harris's farm, the pursuing horseman shot at him several times, and finally wounded him in the hand. Brown- field, however, succeeded in reaching the brush, and in its friendly shel- ter, concealed himself. Anderson, in the meantime, joined the other man, and together they sought to find Brownfield, but Anderson, being apprised by his compan- ion that Brownfield was nervy, and was well-armed, they desisted from further search, and returned to their men. This band had evidently been operating in the county several days, despite the presence of militia or Union soldiers. A day or so before the killing of Mayo, this same band appeared at Nathaniel Leonard's, the father of the late Capt. Charles E. Leonard, near Bell Air, and had it not been, for the timely intercession of Miss Minnie Corum, who was known to be of southern sympathies, would have doubtless have done much wanton damage, if not committed worse crimes. Capt. C. E. Leonard belonged to the State militia. Mr. Harris thinks that this band came direct from Leonard's to Pilot Grove with purposes of robbing those whom they knew were accustomed to gather at the postiffice at Samuel Cole's. The facts of the following incident were given by Dave Brownfield, the nephew of Thomas Brownfield. This is the same Thomas Brownfield that escaped Bill Anderson's ire, on the occasion .iust above related. At the close of the war, Thomas Brownfield was living where one of the Wittmans now lives, in a three room log cabin with a loft. His half-brother, Abraham Brownfield, was with him on this occasion, and was sleeping in the front room, whereas the family was sleeping in the room to the rear. It was in the winter time, and after all had retired, Thomas Brown- field thought he heard some men in front of his cabin. After listening a while, he concluded that they were there for no good, and he judged that they were marauders bent on mischief. Stepping into the front room, he climbed a ladder into the loft, and -with his gun, from the open- ing of the loft, commanded the door leading into the room from the outside. Presently admission was demanded, bill no one answered. Then 208 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the door was forced, and as a man entered, who proved afterwards to be a Mr. Brownlee, Mr. Brownfield from the opening of the loft, shot him, and he fell to the floor. He struggled to get out of the door, but Abraham Brownfield seized him, and pulled him back, and slammed the door. Thinking their leader was dead, the others upon the outside set fire to the house. Brownlee, however, was not dead. Realizing his condition, and that he would be burned, rather than to save the house and lives of others, he shouted to his men to put out the fire — not to burn him up. This they did after some difficulty. Then Thomas Brownfield entered into a parley with the men upon the outside, and promised them if they would leave, that he would send for a doctor, and have Brownlee properly attended to, would not turn him over to the authorities, and when he had recovered would release him. This agreement was entered into. Brownfield was not only cool and courageous, and a man of great discretion, but of rectitude as well. As soon as possible, he sent for Doctor Pendleton, who came and dressed the wounds of Brownlee, and in every respect, Thomas Brownfield faithfully carried out his agreement. A few days after the tragic event of the death of Peter Mitzel and Otho Zellar at the hands of rebel bushwhackers, who took them from the old Pilot Grove Methodist Church during a "protracted" revival meeting in the summer of 1864, and killed them at camp near Old Palestine the same night, Thomas Cooper and Robert Magruder, citizens of Pilto Grove neighborhood, were in Boonville together. Cooper and Magruder were at the church the day Mitzel and Zellar were taken from the congregation, but it happened that they were not in the house but were lying together under the shade of a tree in sight of the open windows, when the squad of bushwhackers rode up. They were surrounded by the squad, who engaged them in conversation, which fact was observed by some persons in the congregation. It seems that this incident led to a report which had come to the ears of the Home Guard militia of Boonville, that Cooper and Magruder informed the bushwhackers that Mitzel and Zellar were in the church, thereby implicating them in the apprehension and killing of the latter. Cooper was shot and killed in a drug store on Main street in Boon- ville by members of the Home Guard, and diligent search was made for Magruder, who would have met the same fate, if they had found him. Magruder's life was saved by the effort and presence of mind of Colonel VINE CLAD BRIDGE BOONVILLE. MO .■Jb^. VINE CLAD BRIDGE. BOONVILLE. MO. ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, BOONVILLE, MO. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 209 Pierce, who kept the Pierce Hotel (now Powell's Rooming House), on High street. Magruder was lying on a lounge in the office of the hotel when sev- eral militiamen entered and inquired of Pierce whether a man named Magruder had been there. Having heard of the shooting of Cooper a little while before, Pierce, with rare presence of mind, assured the soldiers that Magruder had been there, but had gone away. Not knowing Ma- gruder personally, the soldiers were deceived, and left to continue their search. After they were gone, Pierce searched Magruder and later smug- gled him on board of a river steamboat bound down the Missouri River, and he left Cooper County to return only after the end of the war. Our fellow county man, Walter Barron, gives us the following inci- dent in the killing of a soldier whose name he does not now recall, and Frank McDearman: In the winter of 1861, the 37th Illinois Infantry was then stationed near Boonville. The regiment to which the infantry belonged, and to which our friend, Mr. Barron, was a member, was located on the Lamine River near Otterville, during the winter of 1861. Mr. Barron knew the soldier well, although at this time he does not recall his name. He was reputed to be reckless, and of a desperate char- acter. He was also well acquainted with and was a friend of Frank McDearmon, who then lived in Boonville. In the winter of 1861, a dance was given, in a two story frame build- ing, in east Boonville, known as the Ainsle house, although Ainsle was not occupying the house at the time, he having been drowned in the Missouri River many years before. The elite of the city and surrounding country were not invited nor expected to attend this dance. The attendance was rather made up of those who desired a jolly, reckless and rip-roaring time, rather than the refinement of a gathering of the best society. The character of those who attended was not closely scrutinized. There were whisky and liquor in profusion, and many participated in the flowing bowl until they be- came not only loquacious, but argumentative, jealous and pugnacious. Frank McDearmon and the soldier had some controversy, and heated argument. After the same, when Frank McDearmon entered the room where the dance was being conducted, he met the soldier, and at once with a pistol, shot him, inflicting a wound that proved fatal. However, before expiring, the soldier, with a knife, cut McDearmon nine times, (14) 210 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY from which wounds McDearmon also expired. Both parties died on the scene of action. In the fall of 1864, numerous small bodies of men, supposed to be guerillas from the north side of the river, made incursions into Cooper County, committing many depredations, and in some cases, murdei-s. During this year a small body of men attempted to capture Tom Mercer, and followed him to the Widow Careys' home. Mercer and some five or six men were in the house at the time, and seeing the approach of these marauders, Mercer called upon the men to defend the house. They were well armed. As the marauders approached the house, Mercer picked out one, and told one of the other men to pick out another. Aiming their guns they fired. Mercer succeeded in killing his man, but the other, so far as known, was not as successful. Mercer and the men in the house then made their escape through a cornfield. On Aug. 31, 1864, a tragedy occurred seven or eight miles south of Boonville on the farm known as the Major Moore place, in which then lived Christian Krohn. Krohn was assisting his wife and little ten months old son to dismount from a horse when a party of horsemen, supposed to be guerillas, rode up. Mr. Krohn was commanded to go into the house. He turned the child over to its mother and started to do as he was bid when a volley was fired into him and he fell dead at his own threshold. In innate brutality the men proceeded to set fire to the house and the widow was commanded to get what articles she wanted to save. Tom with grief and desperate, she replied, "You have killed my husband so you might as well burn my house too." At this some pity must have touched the heart of one of the men for he returned to the house and extinguished the fire, whereupon they rode away. The ten months old infant mentioned in this incident has grown to manhood and is now our popular county man, John F. Krohn. Radford Bass, a Southern sympathizer, was killed in the fall of 1864, near the Lutheran Church, two and one-half miles southeast of Gooch Mill. He was captured by a band of men and held in captivity a short time according to one version, and was turned loose. After he had left and traveled but a short distance he was followed by a boy, who belonged to the capturing band, of about 17 years of age who came upon him and shot him in cold blood. Another vei*sion is that a rope was put around his neck and he was dragged by a man on horseback until he was exhausted and was practically choked to death and shot. Another man by the name of Hill was killed in the fall of 1864, on the day of Bass's murder, northeast of Prairie Home. He was captured HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 211 by a squad of men who left him in charge of one of their number. A short time afterwards this man joined the squad and upon being asked what had become of his prisoner, said that he objected to being held in captivity and that he had disposed of him. Different versions have been given of this affair, one is that the man who had charge of this prisoner, desiring to join the squad, had killed the prisoner, as the easiest method of ridding himself of an unwelcome charge. On the same day that Radford Bass was murdered the same squad, consisting of nine men, killed Squire Handshaw. Squire Handshaw was a man of about 80 years of age. This gang of men went to his home about two and one-half miles southeast of Gooch Mill and called him out of his house, made him get upon a fence and then shot him. He imme- diately expired. It will be noted that most of these crimes and depredations were committed during the end of the Civil War and the excuse as given in many instances was that of reprisal. On the north . side of the river were Anderson's men under various captains. In the earlv fall of 1864 it was reported, whether true or not, that numerous crimes had been com- mitted by the Home Guards upon Southern sympathizers in Saline town- ship. At this time the sentiment of the people on both sides of this cause were as seething cauldrons and men seemed to have lost their reason. Rumors were not thoroughly investigated and irresponsible talk was plen- tiful. In any event, Captain Todd, with a squad of Bill Anderson's men swam the Missouri River on horse-back and entered Cooper County in Saline township in quest of the Home Guards. About noon on Oct. 7, 1864, they saw coming up the hill by Granville Smiths, about one and one-quarter miles south of Gooch Mill, a squad of men of the militia under command of Capt. Bernhardt Deidrich, consisting of the following: Frank Hafferburg, Henry Weaver, Erhardt Blank, John Blank, Jacob Blank, Mr. Deil (grandfather of Theodore Deil, of Wooldridge), Mr. Hute (grandfather of Peter Hute of Prairie Home), Mr. Ader, Ernest Speiler and Otto Speiler. Todd's men were upon the brow of the hill and as these men approached coming up the hill got in close proximity, they at once attacked them and succeeded in killing Capt. Bernhardt Deid- rich, Frank Hafferburg, Henry Weaver, who was said to have been scalped and brained. He was an old man. Erhardt Blank, Deil, Hute, Ader, were also killed. Ernest Speiler, who was shot through the arm. Otto Speiler, John Blank and Jacob Blank escaped. John Henry Boiler, the father of our fellow townsman, Fred J. Boiler, was murdered on June 15, 1864, near Boonville. We get the details of 212 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY this incident from Mr. Fred J. Boiler. On the day above mentioned, John Henry Boiler was coming to Boonville, on the public road riding in a buggy when he passed what was then known as the Miller place. Three men, to-wit: Bill Stewart, Carter and Sloan, were resting under the shade of a tree. When Mr. Boiler had passed, one of the men asked Sloan who he was. Sloan told him. The three men then followed Boiler to near what was known as the Ripley place, and stopped him and demanded his money. Mr. Boiler complied with their demand by showing them his watch, but evidently not anticipating trouble, drove on. When he did so, they immediately began to fire upon him, shooting him four or five times. After they had robbed him, old man Kiele came along and they robbed him. Mr. Boiler came to Boonville and as he neared the Missouri Pacific station, Mr. Back, noticing his bloody and weakened condition, took him into his house to administer to him. Mr. Boiler died immediately. The militia was then stationed at Boonville. It was notified of the killing of Boiler, and started at once in pursuit of the murderers. In the Labbo neighborhood, they came upon Sloan, whom one of the militia succeeded in shooting in the side of the head. Although Sloan recovered from this wound thereafter he was blind. Carter and Stewart were not found at the time, and it is not known what became of Carter. Bill Stewart, however, was killed in 1865 at Franklin, north of the river. A cattleman had stopped at a hotel at Franklin and the landlady in charge of the same, seeing Bill Stewart approaching, told the cattleman that the notorious desperado, Bill Stewart, was coming to the hotel, and for him to be on his guard. The cattleman closed the door, Stewart came and being unable to open the door, demanded admittance. Not receiving the same, he broke open the door, and as he entered, the cattleman, who was; armed with a revolver, shot him dead in his tracks. As illustrative of the conditions that existed in the county during and at the close of the Civil War, the following incident is given: Ross Montgomery, a bad negro lived in Saline township during the war. and was formerly a slave belonging to the late H. B. Hopkins. He was right- fully accused of burning several barns and residences of Southern sym- pathizers and threatening the lives of several prominent Southern men. At the close of the war, the boys returned home. This negro was engaged in cutting cordwood near Overton on a certain day. When quit- ting work on the evening of that day, he started home by way of an aban- doned well in the woods. He disappeared, no one knew where. Several HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 213 years afterwards, John Wainwright, having built a cabin in the woods, went to this well to clean it out to supply water for his family, and after getting a lot of stumps out of the well, he found the skeleton of a man, and by the shoes and clothing, which were identified by Ross' wife as belonging to the negro, they solved the mystery of his disappearance. In Clarks Fork township on the farm where Henry Schubert now lives, in the fall of 1864, Chris Fricke, uncle of Henry F. Fricke and Henry Schultz were killed by a small band of four or five men supposed to be querillas. In the winter of 1861 and 1862, two members of the Home Guards, seeking to impress wagons to haul soldiers to Tipton, rode up to William George's house in Clarks Fork township on their mission. Mr. George was not at home at the time. John Oakman, however, was there, and doubtless mistaking their purpose, shot and killed one of the Home Guards. The other, the late Albert Muntzel, was not injured. A man by the name of Charles Wagner was killed near Pisgah in the early part of the war. We are unable to give any further details of this incident. At the time of Price's raid, Captain Shoemaker was the head of a Provisional Militia company. When Price's- army left Boonville and vi- cinity, Shoemaker could not be found and was never heard of again. His disappearance has never been accounted for. The supposition, however, is that he was killed, although the body was never found. Jeremiah Good and father were killed between Big Lick and Prairie Home shortly after the Civil War. A small party of four or five men were approaching the house. When the Goods started from the barn to the house they were immediately shot down. It is stated that a small boy of about fifteen, a Good, was in the house at the time, and shot one of the men. It seems that John Good, a brother of Jeremiah Good, during the war had shot a man at a blacksmith's shop at Big Lick and it was supposed that these men were seeking John Good when they approached the Good house. John Good, however, was not here at the time when his father and brother were killed. CHAPTER XIV. PERIOD OF READJUSTMENT PREJUDICE— CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION— RADICALS— "DRACONIAN CODE"— "IRON CLAD OATH"— CONSTITUTION ADOPTED— LATER AMENDED AND RADI- CALISM DEFEATED— BROWN ELECTED GOVERNOR— UNPOPULARITY OF DRAKE— PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DURING AND AFTER THE WAR. The time intervening between the close of the Civil War in 1865 and the early seventies, was properly called in the South the "period of recon- struction," but in Missouri, the "period of readjustment." Prejudice was inflamed to a high pitch, and in Cooper, the inevitable result of the many oturages committed during the war was calculated to leave scars on the very souls of many that the soothing unction of time alone could eradicate. In times of intense excitement, when passions are aroused, whether in state or more local matters, the reason seems dethroned, and the evil in man comes uppermost. At such times, those of light mentality, who "tear the tatters" most, and feed with vehemence upon passions, preju- dice and malice, too often rise to prominence for a brief time, yet long enough to stab and wound. Robespierr was such a one, who wept at the death of a pet bird, yet with his guillotin drenched the streets of Paris with blood. When a stagnant pool is stirred, and its waters violently agitated, the sediment rises to the top, only to sink again to its proper place at the bottom when the calm succeeds the agitation. A Constitutional Convention assembled in St. Louis on Jan. 6, 1865, and continued in session until April 10th of that year. The Radicals of the state were in the saddle, and like a beggar astride, rode violently. This convention was composed of 66 members, three-fourths of whom were of the radical element. These men were known but little throughout HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 215 the State, and at the close of the convention, when their work had been completed, most of them went back into immediate obscurity, and were heard of no more. The great dominating figure of this convention was Charles Drake. He was the radical of radicals. His career had been kaleidoscopic, and in politics, he was a regular turncoat. He was first a Whig, a Know Nothing, a Democrat, and then the radical of radicals. At this time, he became easily the leader of the extremists. The constitution adopted became known as the Drake constitution, and because of Drake's leading part in framing this constitution, and because of the severities of many of its sections, it called to the minds of many people, the laws of Draco of ancient Greece, which were noted for the heavy penalties that were levied for their violation. For these reasons the constitution of 1865, was fre- quently called the "Draconian Code." The test oath provided by this constitution disfranchised at least one- third of the electors of the State. It soon became intensely unpopular, even with members of the Radical party. Not only were elaborate disquali- fications for voting provided, but in another section, the religious, chari- table, social and business relations were invaded, and a provision was made for an "expergatorial" oath, for ministers of the Gospel, attorneys, and teachers. Under that section, no person was permitted to practice law, or be competent as a preacher, priest, minister, deacon or clergyman, of any religious persuasion, sect or denomination to teach, or preach, or solemnize marriages, unless such persons should first take, and subscribe, and file the prescribed oath of loyalty. So comprehensive in details was the test oath that was required to be taken by those who sought to vote, or practice any of the above pro- fessions, that it was known as the "Iron-Clad Oath." This constitution was submitted to the people for their adoption or rejection June 6, 1865, but only those who could take the oath of loyalty prescribed, by the con- stitution itself, were allowed to vote upon its adoption. The fight was bitter from beginning to end, especially in the Missouri River counties, including Cooper, of course. The constitution was adopted by a majority of less than two thousand. The votes stood 43,670 for, and 41,808 against. The advice of loyal Union men, such as Hamilton R. Gam- bel, Frank P. Blair, B. Gratz Brown, and a short time afterwards Carl Schurtz, prominent and leaders in the cause of the Union, true men and patriots, went unheeded. The election of 1868 marked the high tide of Radical success. Under 216 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the leadership of such men as Blair, and others, many patriotic Union men throughout the State, were arrayed in violent opposition, and protested against the indignities of the test-oath. Under the leadership of Carl Schurtz, a Liberal Republican ticket was nominated with B. Gratz Brown, as candidate for Governor. The Radicals renominated McClurg. Brown was elected by a majority of nearly 42,000. But more significant and important than the political success of the Liberal Republican ticket, was the adoption of the several constitutional amendments, the one abolishing the test-oath, being carried by a vote of 137,000 to 16,000. With the election of the Liberal Republican ticket in 1870, or rather the defeat of the radicals, their most prominent leader, Drake, passed from the stage as an actor in the public affairs of the State. In all probability no other political leader ever left Missouri politics with greater unpopu- larity than Drake. While this chapter may in a measure be discoursive, it shall bear the merit of being brief. Its purpose has been simply to state a general con- dition without making specific and local applications. We have mentioned no local incidents of this period, for fear that in doing so, or mentioning names, we might open some sores of which the editor himself is not in- formed. Those strenuous times are passed, passion and prejudice have vanished, and amity and friendship now prevail. No good could be accom- plished by going into specific incidents that might have a tendency to arouse in part a bitterness that has long disappeared. The Presbyterian Church During and After the Civil War. — These matters, of difficult adjustment and mutual agreement, grew out of cer- tain declarations • made by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, during the war period, and bear- ing upon the questions which vitally concerned the people of both the North and South. They were deliverances of the General Assembly, made when intense feeling ran high, and brotherly love was at low ebb. The Presbyterians, living south of the Mason and Dixon line, promptly re- sented these deliverances of the General Assembly. Later on they with- drew and established what is now known as the Presbyterian Church of the United States. During this volcanic eruption in the church, the Presbyterians of Mis- souri stood neutral. Harmony and usefulness of the church was the para- mount question. The Synod of Missouri met in the Boonville Presbyterian Church in the autumn of 1866. The all engrossing subject of the ecclesi- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 217 astic union was there ably and vigorously debated. Rev. Dr. Nicolls and Rev. Dr. James H. Brooks, both of St. Louis, led the party standing for union with the northern branch of the church. As no agreement could be reached by this Synod as then organized, Doctor Nicolls and his adherents withdrew from the church building, and held their meeting of Synod in the parlor of the Home of Mrs. Pauline E. Rush on Main street, and carried the churches they represented into the northern branch of the church. The remaining members of the Synod of Missouri in the church build- ing concluded their meeting by adopting what was known and termed a "declaration and testimony" deliverance. This action, on the part of the declaration and testimony party held the Presbyterian Churches in Mis- souri of southern trend, neutral for several years, when they formed a union with the southern branch, known as the Presbyterian Church of the United States. Those were trying days to church people. The drastic deliverance of the General Assembly were gradually modified or withdrawn. Now the question of organic union of these two great branches of one great church, is being urgently advocated and growing in favor, both in the North and South. It is most unfortunate that political differences should ever enter into any church discussion or action. The Boonville Presbyterian Church has been free from this error. Christian fellowship and co-operation should ever be the ruling spirit. CHAPTER XV. TOWNSHIPS BOONVILLE TOW NSHIP— BOONVILI.E AS IT IS TODAY— BLACKWATER TOWNSHIP- CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP— PILOT GROVE TOWNSHIP— KELLY TOWNSHIP— LAMINE TOWNSHIP— NORTH AND SOUTH MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS — PALESTINE TOWNSHIP— PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIP— CLARKS FORK TOWNSHIP— SALINE TOWNSHIP— LEBANON TOWNSHIP— OTTERVILLE TOWNSHIP Boonville Township evidently took its name from Boonville, and Boon- ville was thus named in honor of the great hunter, pioneer and Indian- fighter, Daniel Boone. When it acquired this name is not known, but it has been so-called from "time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." Boone was intimate with the Coles, and visited at Ste- phen Cole's Fort and at Hannah Cole's Fort, and being a man of much repute and fame among the early settlers they honored him by calling this settlement Boonville. The history of Boonville and Boonville township is the earliest history of Cooper County, much of which has heretofore been given in this volume. Hannah Cole, who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, located and took a preemption claim in 1810, which included what is now Boonville and afterward sold the same Jan. 25, 1819, for a mere trifle to Bird Lock- hart and Henry Carroll. Aside from the Coles, if indeed they were located in the limits of old Boonville, was Gilliard Rupe, who built his cabin near the corner of Spring and Third streets, and on the south side of Spring street near where was located the old cement factory. Rupe next erected a building as a ferry house at the mouth of the branch which today bears his name. Mrs. Hannah Cole operated the first ferry. Soon thereafter several log cabins were built on the bottom land below this branch, extending south as far HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 219 as the cornel* of Morgan and Second streets before the < town was laid off. The pioneer business house was kept by a Frenchman by the name of A. Robideux. This was located in the flat of the Rupe branch. RobideUx came from St. Louis, and was doubtless an Indian trader before settling in Boonville. Soon after Rodideux commenced business, a man named Nolin opened a grocery near the mouth of Rupe branch. It is said his store in trade consisted mostly of whisky and tobacco. Their houses were log and pole cabins and were erected along about 1816 and 1817. During the same period, Mrs. Reavis and William Bartlett kept boarding houses in the same locality and Thomas Rogers built a cabin at the corner of High and Second streets, and used it as a residence, hotel and store. Mrs. Margaret Stephens, who was the wife of Judge Lawrence Ste- phens, and the daughter of William Moore, was one of the early pioneers of Cooper County. In the fall of 1816, after her father had settled in this county she went to Boonville with her uncle, Mr. McFarland, and after looking around she asked where Boonville was. She thought she was com- ing to something of a town. Her uncle pointed to Robideux's store, a round log cabin with bark on the logs, and said, "there is Boonville." They then dismouunted, and after making some purchases, returned home. Boonville was laid out by Asa Morgan and Charles Lucas, and plat filed on Aug. 1, 1817. It was surveyed by William Ross. The first lot sold was before the filing of this plat. The deed was made on the 16th clay of July, 1817, by Asa Morgan of the county of Howard and Charles Lucas of the town of St. Louis, both in the territory of Missouri, conveying to Rob- ert Austin of the county of Howard in said territory for and in considera- t ; on of $75, one lot or parcel of ground in the town of Boonville, containing 90 feet front on Water street and 150 feet more or less in depth, being lot number 43, on the plat of said town of Boonville. The first lot sales were held in 1819. A donation of 50 acres was made by Morgan and Lucas to Cooper County for a permanent county seat. The first donation lots were sold in 1821. The first houses built after the town was laid off were two brick structures on Morgan street, one east of the jail and the other east of and near the Central National Bank, both built by Asa Morgan, after whom Morgan street was named. From the history of Howard and Cooper Counties, written in 1883, we take the folloiwng: "Some old houses now standing are Doctor Trigg's on Morgan street and a log house on the north side of High street on the comer of Seventh, 220 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY now occupied by a colored woman by the name of Carter. Also a brick house on High street northeast of the court house built by T Ion. R. P. Clark, and owned by Joseph and William Williams." The next merchants after Robideux and Nolin were Jocab and Wyan and Archie Kavanaugh. Their store and residence was located north of the court house square. Other early merchants were McKenzie, Bousfield, Colonel Thornton, Mrs. Dobbins, Thomas M. Campbell and Judge C. H. Smith. Justinian Williams built the next hotel, and afterward sold it to John Dade, a part of which is still standing and is used as a hotel known as the Santa Fe Inn. This building of course has been added to, and greatly modi- ged. There was also a hotel on the lot north of the jail, once occupied as the residence of Judge C. W. Sombart, and is now a portion of the yard of the present residence of C. A. Sombart, son of the judge. Boonville up to 1826 was but a hamlet of straggling log cabins and its growth had been slow. However, in the summer and fall of IS26 it entered an era of prosperity never known before in its brief history. This was the year in which the angry waters of the Missouri sapped the foun- dations and forever put an end to the future prosperity of the thriving town of Franklin on the north side of the river, reference to which has heretofore been made. From this time Boonville began to assume import- ance and in a few years the wholesale and supply center for the great southwest territory. Many merchants from Franklin moved to Boonville as also did business men from other sections of the country. The first macadamized street was Main street, laid in 1840. During the year 1843, Moseley and Stanley operated a brewery. Between the years 1840-1850 real estate in Boonville commanded a better price than it ever had before or has since, except within the last few years. Luke Williams is celebrated as being the first preached in Cooper County, having located in Boonville several years before the county was organized. He was a farmer and a Baptist. Justinian Williams deserves special mention in the history of Cooper County. He was born in Virginia, and while young, emigrated to Ken- tucky, and there married. He then moved to Howard County, Mo., and from there to Cooper County, and settled in Boonville in 1818. In this year he located the first Methodist Church in Cooper County. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and followed that business for several years and organizing churches at intervals. He was also the local preacher at HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 221 Boonville for several years. In 1834, he built a steamboat called "The Far West," about two miles above the mouth of Bonne Femme Creek in How- ard County, and was the commander of the same for some time. During that year he emigrated to Tennessee, where he died. He was a unique and forceful character in the time in which he lived. We have been unable to trace the local records of Boonville further back than Feb. 3, 1836. On that day there was an organization of the trustees of the town of Boonville, of which body, C. P. Powell was chair- man, and Charles G. Lewis, Alexander Hanna, David Andrews, and John Rea, were trustees. Washington Adams, who afterwards became one of the prominent lawyers of the State, was secretary. At the succeeding town election, Edward Lawton was elected chair- man, and Richard B. Holeman, secretary. The city was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly approved Feb. 8, 1839, and the first organization thereunder was affected May 3, 1839. The following officers were elected by the people, under the charter, to-wit: Marcus Williams, Jr., mayor; J. Rice, president of the board; Wil- liam Shields, J. L. Collins, Jacob Wyan, David Andrews, Charles Smith, J. S. McFarland, and J. H. Malone, councilmen. Marcus Williams, the first mayor of Boonville, was a brother of Jus- tinian Williams, both of whom were uncles of the late lamented Judge William M. Williams. Marcus Williams was a brick mason, and manu- factured the first bricks ever made in Cooper County. He opened a lime kiln in the western part of Boonville. At the Vollrath place, in 1840, he made the first stoneware ever manufactured in western Missouri. He emi- grated to California at the time of the gold excitement in 1849, and settled in San Jose, and died about the year 1860. It is related that just before he left Boonville, he had an altercation with one of the prominent citizens of Boonville. This altercation resulted in an assault upon his part. lie was arrested, and a small fine placed upon him. It seems that he had had some trouble about a mortgage this citizen held upon some of his property. He felt that he had been badly treated, and determined to shake the dust from his feet, and leave the town. Having loaded all his remain- ing possessions in a wagon, with his team he drove down Main street, and stopped. Then called together a crowd of citizens and from his wagon, made them a speech, in which he told them that he had cast his lot among them, endeavoring to build up their town and country, but that he had not been appreciated, but instead had been mistreated. He told the as- 222 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sembled crowd that he proposed to shake the dust from his feet, and raising one foot, he literally shook the dust from it, then lashed his horses with his reins, and started on his trip to California. The year 1840 was distinguished as being the time when the first steamboat built and successfully launched at Boonville. It was constructed under the superintendence of Captain McCourtney, and was intended for the Osage. It was called the "Warsaw." As a port of entry at this time, Boonville excelled any other town on the river except St. Louis. As many as five or six steamboats would often land during the day and night, for the purpose of taking on and discharg- ing freight. During the year 1850, the whole number of deaths that had occurred in Boonville was 45, as shown by the sextons report. Thirty-eight of these were white persons, and seven were negroes. Eleven of these were strang- ers who had just arrived in the city, or who were passing through. The population of the city at that time was estimated at about 2,800. During the decade between 1850 and 1860, several newspapers were established and discontinued. Notably among these were the "Central Mis- sourian," and the "Boonville Missourian." The Missouri State Agricultural Society held the first fairs at the Fair Grounds near Boonville in 1853 and 1854. In 1855 the foundations were laid for Thespian Hall, which was begun during that year. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the largest and most magnificent buildings to be found west of St. Louis. It was erected by a number of stockholders and occupies the northeast corner of Fifth and Church street, now called Vine street. The building is constructed of brick, 50x100 feet, with 10 feet open space in front, supported by four brick colums, 4x4 feet square. The Thespian Hall is four feet above the ground, and 20 feet high in the clear. The second story was divided into three apartments, two halls originally for use of Masonic and Odd Fellow s' Associations, fronting on Fifth street, 23i/2 x 43 feet, a town hall fronting Vine street, 35x47 feet. The basement story was designed for reading rooms. This building has since been remodeled, the basement room and first story being converted into an opera house. The second story is used entirely by the Masonic Fraternity. The first bank established in Boonville was the William H. Trigg, in 1847, particular reference to which will be found in the chapter on banking. In May, 1883, the Boonville Water Company was organized with the following stockholders : John Elliott, John Cosgroye, Speed Stephens, Lon HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 223 Stephens, Henry McCourtney, W. Whitlow, T. B. Perkins, W. C. Culwey- house and J. H. Johnson. Perkins was the promoter, and took the contract for building the system. The plan pursued in the construction of this im- portant enterprise was known as the Perkins system. July 1, 1905, the city of Boonville, after negotiations covering a period of two years, acquired all the property, rights and franchises of the Boon- ville Water Company. The price paid for the property totaled $52,500, and was based upon a valuation made by engineers employed by the city in 1903, to which was added the investment by the company up to the time the purchase was consummated. The property consisted of some 31,000 feet of distribution mains, about 20 acres of land, and some buildings and reservoirs, pumping station and equipment, and a brick tower with wooden tanks. Of the original prop- erty, only the distribution system and land are still in service. All build- ings have been added to and improved since the purchase. This applies similarly to reservoirs which have been enlarged. The purchase was made possible by the authorization and issue of a bonded debt of $75,000 bearing interest at the rate of four per cent per annum. By Dec. 31, 1918, all the $4,000 of this issue had been returned. The city has acquired and operated a property which represents a gross invest- ment of $121,000 in 14 years, and paid therefor with a net tax assessment of about 17 cents per $1,000 valuation in excess of that, which would have been necessary to pay for fire hydrant service under private ownership. The first board of public works which had charge of this system were appointed in March, 19 — , as follows: W. F. Johnson, president; M. E. Schmidt, secretary ; S. H. Stephens and W. A. Sombart. The present board is Jeff L. Davis, president; Fred Dauwalter, secretary; George A. Weyland, Clarence Shears. At our request, Mayor C. W. Journey has prepared a short article on Boonville as it is today, which we herewith give : Boonville as It is Today. — The present population of the city of Boon- ville is about 6,000 ; the assessed valuation of property in the city for the year 1918 was $2,300,000. The city revenue for the same year from all sources was about $26,500 ;' and the city indebtedness is only $29,000. The tax rate for 1918 was $1.10. The rate for this year of 1919 will be reduced from that of 1918. The city has, since 1905, in fourteen years, purchased and paid for the water works plant, together with 27.82 acres of land acquired, by the original purchase, all representing a gross investment of $121,000 (this 224 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY does not include advanced value of real estate) ; has set aside $33,000 for depreciation, has accumulated $6,000 surplus, made all necessary additions and betterments, and today, the plant is in first class working order, giving us as good and pure water as is to be found anywhere. Of the $75,000 bonded indebtedness 14 years ago in the matter of the purchase of ths water plant, on July 1, 1919, only $3,000 of the same will remain unpaid. Boonville now has three banks, and another practically organized and ready for business. Boonville now has, among other things, the following : A large public school building, the high school building (a magnificent and beautiful structure), Kemper Military School, a large and splendid in- stitution, and with a larger attendance this year than ever before in its history, the new Sumner school for colored people, the Missouri Reforma- tory, and Dunkle's Business School, nine churches, one large flouring mill, a beautiful new court house, a pipe factory employing 150 or more people, a large shoe factory now in course of construction, its estimated cost when completed is $110,000, and will employ 300 workers, a large ice plant and laundry employing 30 persons the year round, the Armour packing plant, employing 30 to 40 persons, a large brick plant, sand-works and a lime kiln. There are now fifteen grocery stores ; three large and up-to-date cloth- ing stores ; four dry goods stores, not counting combination dry goods and grocery stores ; four millinery and three drug stores ; one large tin, glass- ware and notion store ; one dealer in books ; one fruit store, and two com- bination fruit and stationery stores; two furniture stores; two hardware stores ; two exclusive boot and shoe stores ; one second hand store ; two restaurants, and numerous eating booths; three ice cream parlors, and numerous tailor, blacksmith and tin shops ; two large wholesale houses, both under the same management. Boonville also has eight garages. The paved streets in the city are as follows: Main (or Fifth) street, from High to the top of Trigg Hill in the southern limits of the city ; High, from Second to Eighth streets ; Morgan, from First to Tenth ; Spring, from Main to Tenth, and from First to the Boonville and Sedalia road; Sixth, from Locust to the Boonville and Jefferson City road ; Chestnut, from Sixth to Third ; Third, from High to Pine street ; Court, from Fifth to Sixth ; Locust, from Main East to the Catholic Cemetery, thence south to the southeast corner of the Cooper County Infirmary Farm, being practically to the city limits; Shamrock Heights, from the north part of Shamrock Heights to what is known as the "New-Cut Road" ; Eighth, from High to Morgan; Second street, from Spring to Water street, and there is now RESIDENCE STREET, BUXCETON, MO. IIIHII SCHOOL, BUNCETON, MO. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 225 under construction the paving of Walnut street from Sixth street, west- wardly to Shamrock Heights. At this writing, the city council has made arrangements to call a spe- cial election to decide on the proposition of issuing bonds for $35,000 for the purpose of laying a new water main from the water works to the city. This is not only to guard against serious damage by fire and great public inconvenience in case the single line now existing should break, but to give water service to new territory, and improve and extend the water service gnerally ; and to issue bonds in the sum of $12,000 for constructing an addi- tional sewer main, and serve the new addition in the western part of the city, now an assured fact; and to issue bonds for $10,000 for the purpose of improving the City Park. Walnut Grove Cemetery, one of the most beautiful in the State, had its inception in 1852. In that year Charles F. Aehle, Robert D. Perry, Dr. A. Keuckelhan and others purchased a piece of ground containing two acres from William S. Myers to be used as a cemetery. Upon this ground was a beautiful grove of walnut trees, hence the name Walnut Grove Cemetery. This tract has been added to from time to time. The first body interred in the cemetery was that of Mrs. Sarah Ann Quarles, who died Aug. 24, 1852. Others buried about the same time were Mrs. H. A. Massie, James McDearmon, and Ida Aehle. Also the remains of David Barton, first United States Senator of Missouri, was removed from the City Cemetery and buried here, where now stands an appropriate monument erected by the State. Up to 1880 this cemetery was under the care of Mr. Aehle, in which year the cemetery was made public under certain rules and restrictions by the purchase of the same from Mr. Aahle by and through a corporation organized for that purpose. The charter, however, was not issued until June 7, 1881. The people of Boonville and Cooper County are justly proud of this beautiful cemetery where rest the remains of their loved and lost. It has grown from year to year and its management has been such as to add to its beauty with years. While not all but much of the credit due to the superb management of this cemetery is credited to Dr. William Mittlebach, who for years has been superintendent and secretary of the same. The present board of dirctors are T. A. Johnson, president; W. W. Trigg, vice-presi- dent; R. W. Whitlow, treasurer; William Mittlebach, superintendent and secretary; Hilliard Brewster, Fred G. Lohse, Starke Koontz, and Charles Doerrie. The executive committee consists of William Mittelbach, W. W. (15) 226 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Trigg, and Fred G. Lohse. Lawrence Geiger, Sr., is the present sexton. Blackwater Township. — Blackwater is bounded on the north by Lamine township ; on the east by Pilot Grove and Clear Creek township, and on the west by Saline and Pettis Counties. It is practically surrounded by water, the Blackwater River on the north and the Lamine on the east and south. The soil is rich and very productive. It has much bottom land which is especially adapted to the growing of corn, wheat and alfalfa. Lead and iron ore are found in abundance. Springs are very numer- ous, some of which are salt. Salt was manufactured in this township as early as 1808 and from that time until 1836 it was manufactured pretty extensively by Heath, Bailey, Christie, Allison and others. William Christie and John D. Heath settled here in 1808 temporarily. James Broch was the first permanent settler, arriving in 1816. Enoch Hambrich came in 1817. David Shellcraw in 1818, George Chapman, the father of Mrs. Caleb Jones, came in 1818; Nathaniel T. Allison in 1831, Cleming Marshall and Robert Clark in 1832, Nathaniel Bridgewater in 1835. The village of Blackwater is the metropolis of Blackwater township and is surrounded by fertile and enterprising country and thrifty farmers. The town has a population of about 500 and the mercantile business repre- sents practically every line of business found in a village of that size. It has one newspaper, two banks, and an electric light plant. The merchants are prosperous and enjoy a good trade. Blackwater is one of the oldest trading points in Cooper County. It takes its name from the stream Blackwater, from which also the township takes its name. Clear Creek Township. — Clear Creek is bounded on the north by the Lamine River; on the east by Pilot Grove and Palestine townships; on the south by Lebanon and Otterville townships, and on the west by Pettis County. Some rough land is found in this township in the north and west part but in the east and south are found some of the best farms in Cooper County. James Taylor and sons, William, John, and James were the first settlers. They came from Georgia by the way of New Madrid and settled here in 1817. The farmed a large tract of land and were the early corn kings of Cooper County. At one time when com was very scarce throughout the county, and very little could be had for love or money, two men came to Mr. Taylor's house asking to purchase some corn, of which he had a large quantity, on credit, as neither of them had any money with which to pay. One was very poorly dressed, with his pants torn off below his knees, and what HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 227 there was remaining of them patched all over. The other was almost elegantly dressed. Mr. Taylor sold the poorly dressed man, on credit, all the corn he wished. He told the other one that he could get no corn there, unless he paid the money for it, and that if he had saved the money which he had squandered for his fine clothes he would have had sufficient to pay cash for the corn. He had a large number of negroes, and required them during the day to perform a great deal of work. Shovel plows were mostly used in his day, and the wooden mole board just coming into use. It is related that the shovels of Mr. Taylor's plows had, at one time, worn off very blunt, and he was averse to buying new ones, so that one negro man plowed once around a field before he discovered that he had lost the dull shovel to his plow, the plow running just as well without as with it. He was a leader in the Baptist Church, and was a devoted member, a kind neighbor and a strictly honest man. Jordan O'Bryan, son-in-law of James Taylor, settled here in 1817. He represented the county in the State Legislature in 1822, 1826, 1834 and 1840 and in the State Senate 1844 to 1848. He was an orator, a man of great ability and an uncompromising Whig. Charles R. Berry, the father of Finis E. Berry, Isaac Ellis and Hugh and Alexander Brown, are among the oldest citizens ; others of a later date were Herman Bailey, William Ellis, Samuel Walker, A. S. Walker, H. R. Walker, Finis E. Berry, James and Samuel Mahan, the Rubeys, Jeremiah, William G. and Martin G. Phillips, Samuel Forbes, Ragan Berry, Hiram Dial, Samuel and Rice Hughes and Willis Ellis. Pilot Grove Township. — Pilot Grove is bounded on the north by La- mine ; on the east by Boonville and Palestine ; on the south by Clear Creek and Palestine, and on the west by Clear Cleek and Blackwater. It is a very irregular in shape and offers quite a variety in surface features. The township derived its name from the following facts : When travelers were passing on the route from Boonville to Independence, or in the neighbor- hood of this route, as it led through the township, they were enabled at once to determine their position by the small grove of trees which was plainly visible for miles around. Very little of the present timber was in existence except as low brush, so that the group of trees standing promi- nently above all the rest proved a pilot to the traveler in his journey across the then extensive prairie. Hence the name "Pilot Grove." It was settled about 1820. Among the early settlers were John Mc- Cutchen, John Houx, Jacob Houx, L. A. Summers, James McElroy, Samuel 228 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Roe, Sr., Samuel Woolridge, Enoch Mass, Absalom Meredith, Azariah Bone, who was a Methodist minister; John Rice, a blacksmith; a Mr. Magee, after whom "Magee Grove" was named, and Samuel Gilbert, whose success in after life as a cancer doctor was a surprise to all and a familiar theme of conversation among the old settlers. There were also William and James Taylor, Jr., who were among the pioneers. This township was distinguished in the early times by the number and variety of camp meetings which were held within its borders. The Metho- dists and Presbyterians were rivals for the honor of conducting the biggest and best camp meeting each year. People attended from great distances. Thomas P. Cropper was the first noted teacher in this township. He taught in 1828 and 1829. The first mill erected in this township was by a man named Hughes. It was a horse-mill and stood on one of the branches of the Petite Saline. Pilot Grove is located in the northeast quarter of section 5, township 47, range 18 in Pilot Grove township and surrounded by large and beautiful farming country. The town and township take their name from the post- office called in the early day Pilot Grove. The town was laid off in 1873 by Samuel Roe and is situated on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad twelve miles southwest of Boonville. As early as 1836 the Government located a postoffice about one mile from the present town site and called it Pilot Grove. In those days freighters and travelers to the great south- west guided their course across the broad prairies by a beautiful grove of hickory trees that stood on what is now known as the Coleman farm and within the present limits of the town of Pilot Grove. This grove of trees became known as the Pilot Grove, hence the name of the postoffice, Pilot Grove, which gave the name to the town. Pilot Grove is a city of the fourth class and has a population of be- tween 800 and 1,000 inhabitants. There is one newspaper, five churches, two elevators, two banks, a good public school conducted in a new and up- to-date school building, stores in which are found large stocks of goods and representing every line of the mercantile business, garages, blacksmith shops, lumber yard, telephone system, electric light system, and in fact every enterprise usually found in the most up-to-date town of similar size. Kelly Township. — Kelly township is bounded on the north by Palestine and Clarks Fork, on the east by Moniteau, on the west by Lebanon, and on the south by Moniteau County. It is named in honor of John Kelly, one of its oldest and most respected citizens. Its surface is comparatively regular, consisting of prairie diversified HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 229 with timbered portions. It is thought to have been settled first in 1818. The first settlers were: John Kelly, William Stephens, James D. Campbell, James Kelly, William J. Kelly, Caperton Kelly, William Jennings, Gen. Charles Woods, Philip E. Davis, Rice Challis, Hugh Morric, Jesse White, Hartley White, Jeptha Billingsley, Joshua Dellis, and William Swearingen. James Kelly was a Revolutionary soldier and died in 1840. John Kelly, Charles Wood and James D. Campbell served as soldiers in the War of 1812. The Kellys came originally from Tennessee the Campbells from Ken- tucky. William Jennings, the first preacher, came from Georgia in 1819. He was a wealthy slave owner and was for many years pastor of "Old Nebo" Church. Campbell was for many years justice of the peace, a prominent politician, and a noted Democrat. Gen. Charles Woods was for many years the leading Democratic politician of the township. He was a forceful speaker, a gentleman in every respect. He died in 1874 at the age of 78 years. Joseph Reavis with his sons, Lewis, William T. Jackson and Johnston, settled in this township in 1823 and for many years were manufacturers of wagons, at which trade they attained quite a good deal of prominence. Joseph S. Anderson was probably the first schoolmaster in this town- ship. He settled here in 1824. He taught a very successful school for four years when he was elected sheriff of Cooper County, 1828, re-elected in 1830. Previous to his death he was elected to the Legislature. He became a large land owner and very wealthy. His residence was on a hill north of Bunceton. His schoolhouse was near the ground on which Hopewell Church is located. William Robertson, a Baptist minister, continued this school for a number of years. Robert McCulloch operated the first mill in the township. Rice Challis, a carpenter, was a prominent Whig and in respect to his politics stood al- most alone in his neighborhood. The soil of Kelly township is very fertile and some of the best farms in the State of Missouri are to be found within its borders. Bunceton was laid out in 1868 by the late Harvey Bunce, from whom it derives its name. It lies almost in the geographical center of the county and is surrounded by a great trade territory of fertile and highly improved farms. The population of the town is now about 1,000. Sam T. Smith is mayor and the city council is composed of W. E. Harris, Frank Gholson, Joe C. Stephens and Edgar C. Nelson. F. C. Betteridge is city clerk. Bunceton has about 20 stores, representing all lines of business. It 230 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY also has two banks with resources of $1,000,000, a modem garage, a tele- phone system, an up-to-date hotel and a cafe, an ice plant and an electric light plant furnishing a 24-hour service, two grain elevators, a barber shop, a newspaper with the largest circulation in the county, a fine theatre, a grist mill, a splendid accredited four-year high school, four churches, three lodges.. The business section of the town is composed of modern brick build- ings, while in the residence sections are to be found many modern and attractive homes. Sunset Hill, a new addition to the town, promises to attract many new home-owners. A building and loan association organized in 1914 has been very successful in supplying funds for many new homes in the town. The streets of the town are well kept and the town has many blocks of concrete sidewalks. Beautiful shade trees and well kept lawns are a feature of the town. Two county farmers' organizations, the Cooper County Farmers' Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company and the Farmers Live Stock Insurance Com- pany, maintain offices in Bunceton. The Bunceton Fair, now the county fair, organized more than a quarter century ago, is famous for its motto, "For Farmers, not Fakirs," which it has lived up to. The Cooper County Shorthorn Breeders' Association also has headquarters in Bunceton. Bunceton is the shipping point for much live stock, hundreds of cars of cattle, hogs, sheep and mules going to market from the town each year. It lies in the center of a great pure-bred stock community and attracts many buyers from a distance. The Bunceton postoffice serves four rural mail routes which cover a big territory. Miss Mary Shackleford is postmistress. The people of Bunceton are cultured. They seek and enjoy the better things of life. Schools and churches are well supported. Its citizenship is high. The present Bunceton Fair had its inception at a meeting of farmers and stockmen held in the office of the "Bunceton Eagle" on March 21, 1896, when plans for an agricultural fair were discussed. The actual organiza- tion was perfected on May 9, 1896, when a board of 13 directors were elected. They were E. H. Rodgers, Henry Fricke, John G. Burger, N. A. Gilbreath, A. B. Alexander, A. A. Wallace, T. A. Nelson, E. F. Lovell, J. U. Starke, J. R. Conway, T. V. Hickox, Theo. Brandes and Dr. P. E. Williams. E. H. Rodgers was the first president; John G. Burger, first vice-president : Henry Fricke, second vice-president; T. A. Nelson, treasurer; W. I,. Nelson. secretary, and E. F. Lovell, assistant secretary. Thirty-seven acres belonging to W. L. Allison and lying a half-mile HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 281 west of Bunceton, was selected as a site for the fairgrounds. It was at first leased and later bought. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1896, the gates were thrown open to the first meeting ever held by the association. The association has held a successful meeting every year since its organization. It adopted in its early history for its motto, "For Farmers and Not Fakers," and has consistently lived up to the motto. The present board of directors (1919) is composed of F. C. Betteridge, Ben Harned, S. H. Groves, H. L. Shirley, Joseph Popper, George Morris, Ben Smith, Clyde T. Nelson, and G. A. Gilbert. F. C. Betteridge is presi- dent and Edgar C. Nelson is secretary and treasurer. During its existence the following men. have served the association as president: E. H. Rodgers, 1896; T. A. Nelson, 1897-8-9 and 1907; J. E. Burger, 1900-01 ; Henry Fricke, 1902-03 ; P. E. Williams, 1904-05 ; G. W. Morris, 1906; George A. Carpenter, 1908; Ben Harned, 1909-10-14; S. H. Groves, 1911-16-17-18 ; J. A. Hawkins, 1912-13 ; F. C. Betteridge, 1915-19. During its existence the fair has exerted a great influence on the agri- cultural and live stock interests of the county. It has always been con- ducted on a high plane and has been clean in every particular. It has become known over the corn belt as a model country fair. Lamine Township. — Lamine township is located in the northwest part of Cooper County and is just across the river from Howard. It is bounded on the east by Boonville township, on the south by Pilot Grove and Black- water and on the west by Saline County. The surface is rolling and was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber. The soil is rich and very productive. It was settled first in 1812 by David Jones, a Revolutionary soldier, Thomas and James McMahan, Stephen, Samuel and Jesse Turley, Saunders Townsend. Those who arrived later were John Cramer, Bradford Lawless, John M., David and William Reid, Hezekiah Harris, Elijah Taylor, John, Peter, Samuel and Joseph Fisher, William and Jesse Moon, Rudolph Haupe, Isaac Hedrick, John Smelser, William McDaniel, Wyant Parm, Harmon Smelser, Samuel Larnd, Pethnel Foster, Julius Burton, Ezekiel Williams, and some others at present unknown. "Fort McMahan" was built in the year 1812 or 1813 but it can not be exactly located. Lead has been found in paying quantities in bygone days and lumber and cord-wood were for many years shipped extensively from the town- ship. In the early days, fish from the Blackwater and Lamine Rivers were sent regularly to Boonville. Samuel Walton erected a business house in the village of Lamine 232 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in 1869. Redd and Gibson opened a store in November, 1871, which was broken into in February, 1881, the safe blown and about $700 in money taken. North and South Moniteau Townships. — These two townships, origi- nally one, are separated by the Moniteau Creek. They are bounded on the north by Clarks Fork and Prairie Home townships, on the east and south by Moniteau County and on the west by Kelly township. The surface near the Moniteau Creek tends to be rough, which gradually gives way to prairie both in the north and south. Mr. Shelton, a blacksmith, settled near where the town of Pisgah now stands in 1818. He was. quite a noted "artificer in metals" and was the only blacksmith in the county outside of Boonville. Among other early settlers were Thomas B. Smiley, Seth Joseph, Waid and Stephen Howard, William Coal, James Stinson, Hawking Bur- ress, David Burress, Charles Hickox, Samuel McFarland, Carroll George, James Snodgrass, Martin George, Mathew Burress, Jesse Martin, Alex- ander Woods, William Landers, Jesse Bowles, James Donelson, William A. Stillson, Samuel Snodgrass, James W. Maxey, Job Martin, James Jones, David Jones, Augustus K. Longan, Patrick Mahan, Valentine Mar- tin, John Jones and John B. Longan. Thomas B. Smiley, who represented Cooper County in the Legisla- ture in 1820, was a man of considerable information and a good historian. He reared a large family of children and died in 1836. David Jones settled at Pisgah prior to 1820, since his vote was re- corded in that year. He, with Archibald Kavanaugh, was elected to the State Legislature in 1830, 1832, 1834 and in 1836 he was elected State Senator, re-elected in 1848. He died in 1859. Pisgah and Mount Pleasant churches were built by the Baptists in an early day and were presided over by John B. Longan and Kemp Scott. The first school in this township was probably taught by James Donelson. He only professed to teach arithmetic as far as the "double rule of three". A man named Howard erected the first mill at what was afterwards known as "Old Round Hill". An Englishman by the name of Summers. and Judge C. H. Smith also kept a store in this place. Patrick Mahan later built a tread-mill which was a considerable improvement over the old fashioned "horse mill". Richard D. Bonsfield at a very early date erected a store at Pisgah. Palestine Township. — Palestine is bounded on the north by Pilot Grove and Boonville townships; on the south by Kelly and Lebanon; on HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 233 the west by Clear Creek and Pilot Grove, and on the east by Clarks Fork township. It is generally prairie, but a bit rough on the east side and the soil is of the most excellent quality. The first settlers of this township were William Moore, and Joseph Stevens. William Moore came from North Carolina with his family which consisted of seven sons and three daughters. Margaret married Judge Lawrence C. Stephens in 1818 ; Sally married Col. John G. Hutchison and Mary married Harvey Bunce. Mrs. Margaret Stephens told of the first church she attended in the neighborhood, which was held at the house of one of the settlers. Luke Williams, the preacher, was dressed in a complete suit of buckskin, and a great many of his audience was dressed in the same style. She was so dissatisfied with the appearance of things in this county that she cried during the whole of the services, but soon became accustomed to the new order of things, and was well contented. At that meeting grease from the bear meat, stored in the loft above the congregation, dropped down and spoiled her nice Sunday shawl, which was a fine one, brought from North Carolina, and which could not be replaced in this backwoods country. Joseph Stephens, Sr., and family settled in Palestine in 1817, being piloted to their new home by Maj. Stephen Cole. In 1818, Samuel Peters settled two miles farther north at a place now called Petersburg. When Samuel Peters raised his dwelling he invited his neighbors to come and help him, stating that he would, on that occasion, kill a hog and have it for dinner. As this was the first hog ever butchered in this part of the state, and as very few of the settlers had ever tasted pork, it was no little inducement to them to be present and assist in disposing of such rare and delicious food for the settlers, previous to that time, had sub- sisted entirely upon wild game. Always, on such occasion, they had a little "fire-water" to give life to the occasion. Colonel Andrew and Judge John Briscoe settled in the same township in 1818. They were both very prominent men, and prominent leaders in their respective parties, Andrew being a whig, and John a democrat. Some of the other early settlers were Henry, Hiram, Heli and Harden Corum, Mr. Tevis, the father of Capt. Simeon Tevis, Thomas Collins, Jacob Summers, Michael, James and Williamson, John and Joseph Cathey, James, David and John H. Hutchison, Nathaniel Leonard, John and Andrew Wal- lace, Henry Woolery, Holbert and Samuel Cole, James Bridges, James Simms, Russell Smallwood, Thomas Best, Greenberry Allison, William C. 234 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Lowery, Anthony F. Read, and others. No better citizens than those mentioned above ever settled in any community. The first schools in Palestine township was taught by Lawrence C. Stephens, Dr. William H. Moore and a young man from Virginia by the same name. The latter was considered the best scholar in this part of the country in the early days. A dancing school was opened at the resi- dence of B. W. Levens in 1832 by a man named Gibson. He was the first to introduce cotillions in this part of the country. Mr. Gibson also had schools at Boonville and Arrow Rock, teaching two days at each place. It is presumed that he rested on the Sabbath. Prairie Home Township. — Prairie Home township is bounded on the north by Saline, on the east by Moniteau County, and on the west by Clarks Fork township, and on the south by Moniteau township. Prairie Home was carved from the territory of Clarks Fork, Saline and Moniteau townships and organized in 1872. The surface is generally level being mostly prairie. The soil is very fertile and some very excellent farms are to be found within its boundary. The oldest settlers, according to the best information that can be obtained, were James McClain, Lacy McClanahan, Adam McClanahan, Jacob Carpenter, Absalom McClanahan, Michael Hornbeck, Samuel Car- penter, William N. McClanahan, William G. McClanahan, and Jeremiah Smith. The early history of this township cannot be dissociated from that of the parent townships enumerated above. Prairie Home, one of the best inland towns in this section of the country had its beginning at a very early date when James Boswell erected a store. John Zimmerman established a business here in 1874. The Prairie Home Institute was organized in 1865 by the Rev. A. H. Misseldine. Prairie Home has a population of about 300. It has one bank with a capital stock of $12,000, two churches, the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Baptist, a good school with three teachers, electric lights, eight stores, one hotel, one mill and one blacksmith shop. The present mayor is Dr. R. L. Meredith. Clarks Fork Township. — Clarks Fork township is bounded on the north by Boonville township; on the east by Prairie Home and Saline; on the south by Moniteau and Kelly, and on the west by Palestine. The township derives its name from Clark's Fork which with its tributaries drain it. It is practically all prairie land. John Glover was probably the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 235 first settler in this township locating here in 1813. He built his cabin near where Rankin's Mill now stands. John C. Rochester settled here shortly afterwards. He was a grandson of the founder of Rochester, New York. Having lost a large fortune, he sought seclusion by emigrating to the frontier country where people required nothing save honesty and industry to admit a person into their social circles. He married Miss Sally Kelly, the daughter of James Kelly, who was a honored soldier of the Revolution. Some of the old citizens of this township were Joshua H. Berry, William Read, William and Ruben George, Clayton Hui't, Samuel Car- penter, Edward, Andrew and Charles Robertson, James, Robert and John Johnston, Samuel, Robert and William Drinkwater, Gabriel Titsworth, William Shipley, Acrey Hurt. Peter Carpenter, George Crawford, George W. Weight, Martin Jennings. George Crawford was Cooper County's first assessor, afterwards a member of the legislature from the county. Judge George W. Weight was born in New York, Feb. 27, 1784. Left an orphan he emigrated to West Virginia and from thence to Ross County, Ohio, where he married Miss Elizabeth Williams. He came to Howard County, Mo., with his family in 1820, and in 1822 he settled in Clarks Fork township and lived there until his death, Feb. 29, 1857. He was a school teacher, a good violinist, and in his early day taught dancing school. He was county judge, county surveyor and later state representative. Clarks Fork township is strictly a farming community. Practically every acre of it is devoted to the production of grain and hay, which in turn was converted into finished meat producing animals which find a ready market in St. Louis and Kansas City. Saline Township. — Saline township lies in the northeastern part of the county. It is bounded on the north by the Missouri River; on the east by Moniteau county ; on the south by Prairie Home township, and on the west by Clarks Fork and Boonville townships. It contains quite a good deal of hilly territory and much bottom land. Joseph Jolly, with his two children, John and William, settled in this township as early as 1812. He set out the first apple orchard and built a mill which would grind a bushel of corn an hour. William Jolly was a gunsmith, a wheel wright, a blacksmith, a cooper, a miller, a distiller, a preacher, a doctor and a farmer. John kept a ferry across the Lamine. Some of the other early settlers were William Lamm, James and John Turner, Joseph Pursley, Levi Cropper, Henry Levins, B. W. Levins (the 236 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY grandfather, and father of Henry C. Levins of Boonville), Josiah Dickson, Charles Force, John Farris, Thomas Farris, Jesse Wood, David Fine, Joshua and Lacy McClanahan, George Dickson, Frederick and James F. Connor, John Calvert, Adam and Absalom McClanahan, Elverton Caldwell, Noding Caldwell, Joseph Westbrook, Alexander Woods, Robert Givens, Leonard Calvert. August McFall, Alexander R. Dickson, William Calvert, Jr., James Farris and Robert Dickson. Big Lick church, of which John B. Longdon was the first pastor, was built at a very early date. John M. Stilman (1820) taught the first school at a place now occupied by the Highland school. A town by the name of Washington was laid out by B. W. Levens near the Missouri River a'oout one mile below Overton. Lots were sold, houses built, businesses estab- lished and quite a rosy future promised but in time it disappeared and the spot on which it was located cannot be designated by any living man. Another town was promoted on the banks of the Missouri River opposite Rocheport. It was called Houstonville. It was laid out by B. W. Levens and John Ward. The site on which it stood now forms a part of the bed of the Missouri River. Woolridge was incorporated Feb. 5, 1904, with A. F. Nixon as mayor, who through the years has held and now holds that office. The town has a lumber yard, grain elevator and flour mill, also an ice plant. It also has two general merchandise stores, two restaurants, one grocery, one drug store, one hardware store and one furniture store. It also has one harness shop, one blacksmith shop and one garage. Lebanon Township. — Thomas J. Starke, who has imperishably pre- served the early history of Lebanon and Otterville townships, has joined "the innumerable caravan that moves to that mysterious realm where each must take his chamber in the silent halls of death." He departed this life at Otterville on Saturday, June 27, 1903, at the ripe age of eighty years. He had spent almost three score and ten years in Cooper County where he grew to manhood, married and died. He was the father of Mrs. D. S. Koontz of Boonville. Thomas J. Starke was an admirable man of lovable traits and Cooper County had no better citizen. "About the fall of 1819 and the spring of 1820, the following named persons moved to New Lebanon, and into that neighborhood embracing a portion of the territory now known as Lebanon township, in Cooper county. Rev. Finis Ewing, Rev. James L. Wear, John, James H. Wear, who was the father of William G. Wear, of Warsaw, and Samuel Wear, now of Otterville; Alexander Sloan, Robert Kirkpatrick, Colin C. Stoneman, Wil- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 237 Ham Stone, Frederick Casteel, Reuben A. Ewing, Jas. Berry, Thomas Rubey, Elizabeth Steele, sister of Alexander Sloan's wife, a man named Smiley, Rev. Laird Burns and his father, John Burns, John Reed, Silas Thomas, James Taylor, Hugh Wear, who was a brother to James L. and John Wear, James McFarland and Rev. William Kavanaugh. This country then extended south to the Osage River. The Rev. Finis Ewing was a distinguished minister of the gospel, and one of the original founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was from Kentucky ; was ordained a minister in the year 1803, and in conjunction with Samuel McAdam and Samuel King, founded that church in 1810. The cause which gave rise to the establishment of the branch of the Presbyterian church was, that the mother church required her ministers to possess a classical education before ordination, which was by the new church not regarded as absolutely indispensable, though its ministers were required to cultivate a knowledge of the elementary branches of the Eng- lish language. At New Lebanon these early pioneers pitched their tents, and soon began the erection of a rude building as a sanctuary, which, when com- pleted, they called New Lebanon, in condistiction to the house in which they had sung and worshipped in the state from which they had formerly emigrated. It was built of hewed logs, and the settlers of this little colony united in the project of building, each furnishing his proportionate quota of the logs requisite to complete the building. These logs were double ; that is, each log was twenty-four feet in length, being joined in the middle of the house by means of an upright post, into which the ends were mortised, thus making the entire length of the church forty-eight feet, by thirty feet in width. This building served as a place of worship for many years, until about the time of the war, when the new and neat brick church of the present day was erected on the site of the old one, which was torn away. The members of this church constituted the prevailing religion of the neighborhood for many years, and most of the characters portrayed herein were connected with this denomination. The Rev. James L. Wear was also for many years a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. He was a good man, and lived close to New Lebanon, where Frank Asberry now lives. He died at the old mansion in about 1868. He was a brother of John Wear, who first lived at New Lebanon at the place now owned by Mr. Majors and afterwards at Otter- 238 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ville where Mr. Anson Hemenway now lives. The first school taught in Otterville, or in Otterville township, was taught by his son, known by the sobriquet of Long 'George.' They were originally from Kentucky, moved to Howard County in 1817, and afterwards to New Lebanon at the date above indicated. Samuel Wear, Sr. and James H. Wear were brothers, and came from Tennessee, the latter being the father of William G. and Samuel Wear, Jr., as before stated, and lived in the place now occupied by William Walker. He was a successful fanner and died in good circumstances. Samuel Wear, Sr., lived where Wesley Cook now lives and sold a large farm there to Samuel Burk, late of this county. Alexander Sloan was from Kentucky and settled the place now owned by Peter Spillers. He was the father of William Sloan, who died at Otterville several years ago, and also of the Rev. Robert Sloan, who was an eminent minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and who married a daughter of the Rev. Finis Ewing. Robert Kirkpatrick was a Kentuckian and lived near the New Leb- anon graveyard. He died many years ago. He was a revolutionary soldier, and had a son named David, who was an able minister of the Cumberland Church. David met his death by accident; he was thrown from a carriage, severely wounded and afterwards died from the ampu- tation of his leg. Colin C. Stoneman was from Kentucky and lived at the old cabin still to be seen standing near Andrew Foster's place. He was a practitioner of medicine of the Thomsonian school, and died a good many years ago. William Stone was a Kentuckian, a plain old farmer, and lived on the farm now owned by the Rev. Minor Neale. He was a good man and died at an advanced age. Rev. Frederick Casteel was a minister of the gospel of the Methodist church and lived near the place now owned by Mrs. Abram Amick. Reuben A. Ewing and his brother, Irving Ewing, were Kentuckians, and lived east of Lebanon. The former was a successful farmer, a good man and died at an advanced age, honored and respected. James Berry was also a Kentuckian and one of the oldest settlers of this new colony. He lived where his son, Finis E. Berry now lives. Thomas Rubey was from Kentucky and lived at Pleasant Grove. Henry Small lived at the Vincent Walker place. Mr. Smiley was also a Kentuckian and settled where Mr. Thomas Alexander now lives. Rev. Laird Bums was a Cumberland Presbyterian HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 239 preacher and lived where Mr. John P. Downs now lives, in what is known as the Ellis neighborhood. John Burns was his brother and lived close to New Lebanon. He was a soldier in the war with Britain, was present at the battle of New Orleans and would often with pride talk about that great event, of the fearful roaring of the cannon, of the sharp whistling of the bullets and the thrill- ing echoes of martial music, which stirred the hearts of the soldiers to deeds of valor, and enabled the brave army of General Jackson to achieve the glorious victory which ended the war with 'Old England'. Rev. John Reid was also another minister of the Cumberland Presby- terian church, a Kentuckian ; he first lived at Honey Creek and afterwards at so many different places, that for want of space in this brief sketch I dare not undertake to enumerate them. Suffice it to say, that he set- tled more new places in the neighborhood than any half dozen pioneers of the infant colony. He was a very eccentric character in his younger days, would fight at the 'drop of a hat' and was never known to meet his match in a hand to hand combat. The writer of this sketch was intimately acquainted with him for many years, during the latter period of his life, however, and can truly say he never knew a man of steadier habits, nor one more remarkable for strict rectitude of conduct, or exemplary piety. Reid was driving a team for some man who was moving to this county with Mr. Ewing, who had ear bells on his six horse team. The young man liked the jingle of these bells so well that he begged Mr. Ewing to allow his teamster to divide with him, in order that he might share the music, but Mr. Ewing 'could not see it' and refused to make the division as re- quested. Whereupon Reid bought a number of cow bells and hung one on each horse of his team, which soon had the effect of bringing the preacher to terms. He was so much annoyed with the discord produced by these coarse bells that he soon proposed a compromise by giving Reid his sleigh bells, provided he would stop the cow bell part of the concert. Silas Thompson was another Kentuckian and lived on Honey creek near where Lampton's saw mill stood a few years ago. James Taylor, better known as 'Old Corn Taylor', lived in an old log cabin which may still be seen standing a short distance west of the Anthony place. He was another remarkably eccentric character. He had a host of mules and negroes; always rode with a rope bridle and raised more corn and kept it longer than any half dozen men in Cooper County. This he hoarded away in pens and cribs, with as much care as if every ear had been a silver dollar, in anticipation of a famine, which. 240 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY for many years he had predicted, but which, happily, never came, though the neighborhood was several times visited with great scarcity of that valuable commodity. Although he was miserly in this respect, yet during these times of scarcity, he would generally unlock his granaries, and like Joseph of old, deal it out to his starving brethren, whether they were able to pay for it or not; that is, if he thought a man was industrious, he would furnish him with what corn he considered necessary; but tradi- tion inform us that he invariably refused the required boon to a man who was found, on examination, to wear 'patched breeches', especially if the patch happened in a particular locality, which indicated laziness. Hugh Wear was from Kentucky, and lived in the Ellis neighborhood. He was the father of the Rev. Wm. Bennett Wear, another Cumberland Presbyterian of considerable distinction. When his father, who was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisted, Hugh, although too young to enter the army, was permitted to accompany his father and served during the war as a soldier notwithstanding he was under the age prescribed for military duty. This was done to prevent his falling into the hands of the tories. Rev. Wm. Kavanaugh was a Kentuckian and another Cumberland Presbyterian preacher of considerable note. It was said of him, that he could preach louder and longer than any of these old worthies. William Bryant was a Kentuckian and was with General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. He first settled at New Lebanon, on the place which he afterwards sold to Finis Ewing; the old brick house where Mr. Kemp now lives. He then moved to the farm now occupied by William B. Harlan. Samuel Miller was from Kentucky and settled on the place now owned by Green Walker. He was a farmer and afterwards moved to Cold Neck. There yet remains but one other man to notice who belonged to New Lebanon. He was a member of the numerous family of Smith, whose Christian name I cannot now recall. He settled at a very early period on what is known as Cedar Bluff, at a nice, cool, clear spring, not far from the place where Mrs. John Wilkerson now lives. Here he erected what was then called a 'band mill', a species of old fashioned horse mill, so com- mon in those days. It was connected with a small distillery at which he manufactured a kind of 'aqua mirabilis' with which the old folks in those days cheered the drooping spirits in times of great scarcity. But Mr. Smith never 'ran crooked.' He paid no license, and sold or gave away his delicious beverage without molestation from revenue agents, iust as he PATRIOTIC PARADE. BUNCETON, MO. t i 1 ^^^1 !^, << ^mwrs' H '■**? ! J '^7 m wm K «| 41 ■ ■ BICLL AIR RI'RAL lIKill SCHOOL HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 241 i deemed fit and convenient. Revenue stamps and revnue agents were un- known then, and good whiskey (there was none bad then) was not only considered harmless, but drinking hot toddies, eggnog and mint juleps was regarded as respectable, as well as a pleasant and innocent kind of amusement, and quite conducive to good health." Otterville Township. — "I have thus briefly glanced at the early settle- ment in the vicinity of New Lebanon, and come now to treat of the colony which was planted south and west of the Lamine and which was peopled at a subsequent period, known as the Otterville township, and which will perhaps embrace a portion of the adjoining territory included within the limits of Morgan and Pettis counties. Thomas Parsons was born in the state of Virginia in the year 1793, moved to Franklin, the county of Simpson, Kentucky, about 1819, emi- grated to this county in the fall of 1826, and settled at the place now owned by James H. Cline, northwest of Otterville. About the last of October of that year, Parsons sold his pre-emption right to Absolom Cline, the father of James H. Cline. In 1826, the time Mr. Parsons came into this neighborhood, there were only three families living west of the Lamine in this vicinity. These were James G. Wilkerson, William Reed and Wil- liam Sloan. Mr. Parsons established the first hatter's shop south of Boonville, and was an excellent workman in that line. He was an honest, upright citizen, lived to a ripe old age, and was gathered to his fathers honored and respected by all who knew him. At the time of his death, which occurred on the 7th day of Sept., 1768, he was the oldest Free Mason in Cooper county, having belonged to that institution nearly three score years. William Reed, mentioned above, was, perhaps, the first white man who settled in this neighborhood. He was a Tennesseean, and lived near the old camp ground, a little west of what was then known as the Camp ground spring, in the old field now owned by George W. Smith, a short distance southwest of the old graveyard. He was the grandfather of A. M. Reed, now of Otterville. He was remarkable for his strict integrity and exemplary piety. James G. Wilkerson was from Kentucky and settled the farm now owned by George W. Smith, one mile west of Otterville. The old mansion stands, although almost in a complete state of dilapidation, to remind the passer of the perishable quality of all human labor. He sleeps, with sev- (16) 242 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY I eral other members of his once numerous family, on a gentle eminence a few yards south of the decayed and tottering tenement in which he spent many years of honest toil. William Sloan, the son of Alexander Sloan (mentioned in the notes pertaining to New Lebanon), was the last of the three mentioned above. He first settled the place where Charles E. Rice now lives, in 1826, but afterwards lived, until his death, at the place now owned by Joseph Minter. He was always noted for his scrupulous honor and piety. Elijah Hook was from Tennessee and settled near where Henry Bender now lives in 1827. He was a hunter and trapper and obtained a subsistence for his family like Nirmod, his ancient predecessor, mentioned in the Bible as the 'mighty hunter.' James Brown was a Kentuckian, a farmer, a hard working man, and settled where T. C. Cranmer lives in 1827. He was also a 'Nimrod', and hunted with Daniel Boone. James Davis was a Tennesseean and settled the place now known as the McCullough farm, in 1827. He was an industrious farmer and a great rail splitter. James Birney was a Kentuckian and married the daughter of Alex- ander Sloan, of New Lebanon. He was a farmer and a man of some note. He settled in 1827, the farm where John Harlan now lives. He had a grandson, Alexander, who was formerly a lawyer at Otterville. Frederick Shurley, the mightiest hunter in all the land round about Otterville, in 1827, settled the place now owned by his son, Robert Shur- ley, southeast of Otterville. He was with General Jackson in the Creek War, and was present at the memorable battle of Horse Shoe Bend, where the Indians, by the direction of their prophet, had made their last stand. He used to recount with deep interest, the thrilling incidents connected with this muzzle to muzzle contest, in which over half a thousand redskins were sent by Jackson and Coffee to their happy hunting grounds. Nathan Neal was a Kentuckian and settled the old place near Lamine, two miles north of Otterville, in 1827. He was an orderly, upright and industrious citizen. George Cranmer was born in the state of Delaware in 1801, moved to near Paris, Kentucky, while young, and Boonville, Missouri, in the year 1828. He was a millwright and a very ingenious and skilful mechanic. He settled at Clifton in about 1832, and shortly afterwards he and James H. Glasgow, now living on the Petite Saline creek, built what was then HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 243 known as Cranmer's, afterwards Corum's mill, precisely where the Mis- souri, Kansas and Texas railroad now crosses the Lamine. Cranmer named the place Clifton. The principal mechanics who helped to build this mill were Benjamin Gilbert, James Kirkpatrick, Nathan Garten, son- in-law of William Steele, Esquire, a blacksmith named John Toole, Noah Graham, and the renowned 'Bill' Rubey, known to almost all the old settlers south of the Missouri River. Cranmer lived first at the milli and after- wards at what was known as the John Caton place, where Thomas C. Cranmer was born in 1836. The old log cabin is still standing, as one of the few old landmarks yet visible, to remind us of the distant past. Cran- mer died at Michigan Bluffs, California, in 1853. Another man will perhaps be remembered by some of our old citizens. He was crazy and although harmless, used to wander about to the great terror of the children of those days. His name was John Hatwood. Clifton was once a place of remarkable notoriety. In those early days it was not unfrequently called the 'Devil's Half Acre.' There was a grocery store kept there, after the people began to manufacture poisoned whiskey, which had the effect of often producing little skirmishes among those who congregated there. It was not uncommon for those fracases to end in a bloody nose, a black eye, or a broken head. Happily, however, these broils were generally confined to a few notorious outlaws, whom the order-loving people would have rejoiced to know had met the fate of the cats of Kilkenny. There are many amusing incidents connected with the history of the place, but space forbids allusion to only one or two. A man by the name of Cox, who was a celebrated hunter and trapper in this neighborhood, was known as a dealer in tales, connected with his avocation, of a fabulous and Munchausen character. There is a very high bluff just below the old mill ; perhaps it is nearly five hundred feet high. During one of his num- erous hunting excursions, Matthew met with a large bear,*which, being slightly wounded, became terribly enraged, and attacked the hunter with his ugly grip before he had time to reload his rifle. This formidable con- test between bruin and Matthew occurred just on the verge of the fearful precipice above described and every struggle brought them nearer and nearer, until they both took the awful leap, striking and bounding against the projecting crags every few feet, until they reached the bottom of the terrible abyss. You will naturally say, 'Farewell, Matthew,' but strange to relate, he escaped with a few slight scratches. The bear had, fortun- ately for Matthew, been on the under side every time they struck, till they 244 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY reached the bottom, when he loosed his hold of the hunter and closed his eyes in death. Matthew Cox's tales were generally much like this, almost always terminating favorably to himself, and fatally to his adversaries. This anecdote gave rise to the name 'Matthew's Bluff,' well known to everybody in this neighborhood. Sometime during the year 1832, the people of this neighborhood became alarmed by the report that the Osage Indians were about to attack and massacre all the settlers in this vicinity. This report started first by some means at old Luke Williams on Cold Camp creek. The people became almost wild with excitement. They left their plows in the fields, and fled precipitately in the direction of the other settlements towards Boon- ville. Some of them took refuge in a fort at Vincent Walker's, some at Sam Forbes', and others at Collin Stoneman's and Finis Ewing's. Hats and caps, shoes and stockings, pillows, baskets and bonnets might have been seen along the old military road to Boonville, lying scattered about in beautiful confusion all that day and the next, until the excitement had ceased. Fortunately the scare did not last long, as it was soon ascer- tained that the alarm was false, and that the Osage Indians had not only not contemplated a raid on the white settlements, but that they had actually become frightened themselves and fled south of the Osage River. But the panic was complete and exceedingly frightful while it lasted. A fellow by the name of Mike Chism lived near the Bidstrup place. Mike had a wife and two children. They were already preparing for a flight. Mike's wife was on horseback and had one child in her lap and one behind her and Mike was on foot. At this moment, a horseman came galloping up in great trepidation, and informed the little family that the Indians were coming by the thou- sands and that they were already on this side of Flat creek. On receiving this intelligence, Mike, in great terror, said to his wife, "My God, Sallie, I can't wait for you any longer', and suiting his actions to his words, took to his scrapers in such hot haste that at the first frantic jump he made, he fell at full length, bleeding and trembling on the rocks. But the poor fellow did not take time to rise to his feet again. He scrambled off on 'all fours' into the brush like some wild animal, leaving his wife and children to take care of themselves as best they could. He evidently acted upon the principle that 'It is better to be a live coward than a dead hero.' Reuben B. Harris was from Kentucky. He was a country lawyer, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 245 had no education, but was a man of good natural ability. He settled the place where Montraville Ross now lives, on Flat Creek. He settled here in 1827. He was also a great hunter. Hugh Morrison was a Kentuckian. In 1827, he settled the place where the widow of Henderson Finley now lives. John Gabriel was also from Kentucky and settled at Richland, at a place two and one-half miles east of Florence. He moved there at a very early period, in 1819, or 1820. He had a distillery, made whiskey and sold it to the Indians. He was a rough, miserly character, but honest in his dealings. He was murdered for his money in his horse lot, on his own plantation. He was killed by a negro man belonging to Reuben B. Harris. The negro was condemned and hung at Boonville. Before his execution, this negro confessed that he had killed Gabriel, but declared that he had been employed to commit the murder by Gabriel's own son-in-law, a man named Abner Weaver. This villain escaped punishment for the reason that the negro's testimony was then, by the laws of the United States, excluded as inadmissible. Justice, however, overtook him at last. His crime did not stop at the instigation of Gabriel's murder. He was after- ward found in possession of four stolen horses somewhere in Texas. In endeavoring to make his escape, he was shot from one of these horses, and thus ended his villainy. The first church erected in this neighborhood was built by the Cum- berland Presbyterians. It was of logs, and stood near the old graveyard. It was built about the year 1835. Here, for many years, this denom- ination annually held the old-fashioned camp-meetings, at which large numbers of the old citizens were wont to congregate and here many of them would sometimes remain for days, and even weeks, on the ground in camps and tents, engaged in earnest devotion. But this order of things and this manner of worship have long since gone into disuse. Not a hawk's eye could discern a single mourners track, and every vestige of the old church and camp have vanished like the mist before the morning sun and the primitive religious customs have been entirely abandoned. In the foregoing sketches, I have briefly glanced at the characters of most, in fact, nearly all of the older citizens who figured in the history of New Lebanon settlement, which then comprised our own township, and included the country between the Lamine and Flat Creek. Most of them belonged to a class of men which have since passed away. It is not my purpose to make invidious comparisons between them and those of the present day. It is but justice, however, to say, that with 246 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY few exceptions, they were men of great moral worth, of true and tried patriotism and scrupulous integrity." Otterville.— "I come now to take a brief survey of matters connected with a later date. The town of Otterville was first called Elkton. It was laid out by Gideon R. Thompson, in the 1837. The first house built, stood where Judge Butler's now stands. The public square occupied the space ground now lying between Butler's and Geo. W. Smith's, extending east to a line running north and south, near the place where Frank Ami's house formerly stood. William G. Wear entered the forty acres on which Elkton was built, in the year 1836, and sold it to Thompson in 1837. About that time, H. Thompson built the first house as before stated, and he and George Wear built a storehouse directly east of Thompson's dwell- ing, and little George Wear built a dwelling house on the present site of Colburn's house. James Alcorn built on the north side of the square about the same time. 'Long' George Wear built the first house within the present limits of Otterville proper, where W. G. Wear's house now stands. The town of Otterville was regularly laid out by W. G. Wear in 1854, though several houses had been built previous to that time within its present limits. There was no postoffice at Otterville until about 1848. The mail for this neighborhood was supplied from Arator postoffice, kept by General Hogan, where Van Tromp Chilton now lives. W. G. Wear was the first postmaster. He held the office until 1851, when the writer of these sketches was appointed, who held office about ten years. The mail route was a special one from Arator and was carried on horseback. W. R. But- ler was the first contractor and employed James H. Wear, son of W. G. Wear, to carry the mail twice a week. The mail carrier — then a small boy — now one of the leading merchants of St. Louis, made the trip twice a week, riding a small grey pony called 'Tom', which had been bought of Tom Milham, who was then a well known character of the neighborhood. About the time the town was first established, several houses were built on or near the public square. Among these were the Masonic hall ; the dwelling house built by George Embree, north of the hall ; one by Samuel Wear, now occupied by John D. Strain ; one by Harrison Homan, in which he now lives ; and about this time Robert M. Taylor built an addition to the Taylor house. The HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 247 brick store house known as the Cannon & Zollinger store house, was not built until about the year 1856. The Masonic lodge, called Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 142, A. F. and A. M., was established on the 15th day of July, A. D., 1854, A. L. 5854. The dispensation was granted by the M. W. G. M., of Missouri, L. S. Cornwell, on the 6th day of November, 1854. This dispensation was granted to the following named persons : Wm. E. Combs, Harrison Homan, S. H. Saund- ers, Wm. Devine, Tarleton E. Cox, Strawther O'Rourke, Moses B. Small, Aaron Hup, Wm. A. Reed, Wm. R. Butler, Robt. M. Taylor, and George W. Embree. The charter was granted May 31, 1855, and signed by L. S. Cornwell, G. M., Oscar F. Potter, D. G. M. ; J. W. Chenoweth, D. G. E. ; Henry Van Odell, J. G. W. The first officers were as follows : S H. Saund- ers, W. M. ; Aaron Hupp, S. W. ; H. Homan, J. W. ; R. M. Taylor, treasurer ; W. R. Butler, secretary ; George W. Embree, S. D. ; Strother O'Rourk, J. W., and R. J. Buchanan, tyler. The Odd Fellows lodge was established in October, 1856, under the name of the Otterville Lodge No. 102, I. 0. 0. F. The first officers were as follows : W. G. Wear, N. G. ; H. A. B. Johnston, V. G. ; Samuel M. Homan, secretary, and John S. Johnston, treasurer. The present Cumberland Presbyterian church was built by Milton Starke, in the year 1857. The old Presbyterian church was built by John D. Strain, in 1866, and is now owned by the Baptists. The Mehtodists and Christian churches were built about the same time, in the year 1872. The former was built by M. C. White, and the latter by T. C. Cranmer and T. M. Travillian. They are both neat brick buildings, and an ornament to our village. The public school building was erected in 1869, costing $6,000. The Pacific railroad was completed to Otterville from St. Louis in 1860, and this place for a short time became the terminus. Whilst the road remained here, and in fact for a long time previous, Otterville com- manded quite a brisk trade, presenting a very active and business-like appearance, and, indeed, for a time it flourished like a "green bay tree." But it was not destined to enjoy this prosperity long. The railroad com- pany soon pulled up its stakes and transferred its terminus to the then insignificant village of Sedalia, which, -at that time, being in its infancy, 248 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY had scarcely been christened ; but, though young, it rose like magic from the bosom of the beautiful prairie, and in a few years Sedalia became the county seat of one of the richest counties in the state, and a great railroad centre, while truth compels me to say that Otterville sank back into its original obscurity. The town of Otterville was incorporated by an act of the Legislature of Missouri, on the 16th day of Feb., 1857. About the year 1860, for a short period, a considerable wholesale business was done here. Among the wholesale establishments were the following: W. G. Wear and Son; Cloney, Crawford & Co., from Jefferson City ; Clark & Reed ; Concannon ; The Robert Brothers ; Lohman & Co., etc., etc. About this time the Mansion house was built by a man named Pork, the Embree house by George Embree and Chris. Harlan. The latter was quite a large hotel near the depot, and was afterwards moved to Sedalia by George R. Smith, and about the same time several houses were moved by different parties to that place. There was, after this time, a consider- able business done in a retail way around the old public square. Among the most prominent merchants here were W. G. Wear & Son, and Cannon & Zollinger, who carried on a large and profitable trade for many years. But having already extended these notes far beyond what I had first anticipated, I am admonished to close them rather abruptly, lest they become wearisome. They were prepared at a very short notice, and might have been made more interesting had sufficient time been given the writer to arrange them with some regard to order. I hope that due allowances will be made by an appreciative public for this defect in this hastily-written memorandum. In conclusion, I will take occasion to say, that one hundred years ago, where we meet now to rejoice together at the happy coming of our first centennial, this part of Cooper County, nay, even Cooper County itself, was a howling wilderness. The hungry wolf and bear; the elk and the antelope; the wild deer and the buffalo roamed about undisturbed, save by the feeble arrows of the red man. Today, through the little village of Otterville, within a very few yards of this spot, a double band of iron, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, connects San Francisco with the city of New York. Over these lines of metal rails ponderous trains are almost continuously passing to and fro, freighted with innumerable articles of the rich merchandise of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 249 the east ; the varied productions of the west ; the teas and silks of China ; the silver of Arizona, and the gold of California. Otterville contains at this time about four hundred population. It has three general stores, one hardware and grocery store, two drug stores, one confectionery, one furniture store, two blacksmith shops, one saloon, two hotels, four churches, one school." The town of Otterville at this time has a population of 500. It has two banks with a capital stock of $30,000, a good system of schools with an enrollment of 160 and eight teachers. It has five churches, electric lights system, twelve stores, one hotel, lumber yard, one newspaper, two blacksmith shops, and one elevator company. While Otterville has not grown rapidly in population, it is and has been substantial through the years and its population is made up of an excellent citizenship. The inauguration of rural delivery has a tendency to decrease the number of postoffices and there are not so many in Cooper County now as there were several years ago. The following are a list of the postoffices as they exist today: Boonville, Billingsville, Blackwater, Bunceton, Clif- ton City, Lamine, Otterville, Overton, Pilot Grove, Pleasant Green, Prairie Home, Speed, Vermont, Wooldridge. CHAPTER XVI. SCHOOLS. PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS, FIRST SCHOOLS IN COOPER COUNTY — DAVIS SCHOOL-COOPER COUNTY SCHOOLS— BOONVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS— SCHOOL I >l RECTORS— SUPERINTENDENTS— FACULTY— SUMMER S C H O O L— CATHOLIC SCHOOL— COOPER COUNTY INSTITUTE— OTTERVILLE ACADEMY— McGUIRE SEMINARY— KEMPER MILITARY SCHOOL— PILOT GROVE COLLEGIATE INSTI- TUTE. The history of the schools of Cooper County would be the history of its people. For whenever and wherever Americans have been thrown together there has invariably been a school established. The first schools of Cooper County were rude, crude affairs, with dirt floors and split log benches. And the teachers were picturesque characters who were pos- sessed with more cunning than brains, and preferred this easy method of eking out a precarious existence to one of hardship and toil incident to the work in the frontier country. The teacher "boarded out" among the families lie served and received as wage often as much as ten or fifteen dollars per month which was collected as tuition. All schools prior to the year 1839 were strictly private affairs, since it was not until this year that any adequate provision was made by the state for the establishment of public schools. At this time the common school fund, the county school fund, and the township school fund were constituted, by legislative enactment, and the money derived from the sale of the sixteenth section to be invested and the proceeds be used for the advancement of the public schools of the state was again reaffirmed. The first school in the present limits of Cooper County was taught by John Savage in the year 1813, about one mile east of Boonville, on Lilly's Branch. There were fifteen pupils, as follows: Benjamin, Delany and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 251 William Bolin, Hiram and William Savage, Hess and William Warden, John and William Yarnall, John and William Jolly, Joseph and William Scott, John and William Rup'e. John and William seem to have been choice names for boys in this early day, and unless girls were named John and William they were evidently in the minority at this time or else their education was neglected. The pupils sat upon one log in the open air and the teacher upon another log facing his pupils. The tuition was one dol- lar per month, payable in anything the settler had that was worth one dollar. This school continued only one month. Fear of an attack by the Indians who commenced a series of depredations about this time caused the settlers to keep their children under the protecting walls of the fort. During the period from 1813 to 1820 Judge Abiel Leonard, William H. Moore, Dr. Edward Lawton looked after the education of the boys and girls of the early settlers of Boonville. The first school house in Boonville was a brick building located near the residence of Dr. M. McCoy. In the early schools of Cooper County the subjects taught were read- ing, writing, arithmetic, geography and English grammar, their import- ance indicated by the order in which they are enumerated. As the population increased and the desire for more and better facil- ities for education became general, the academy grew up in answer to the demand for "higher education". The academy that flourished in Mis- souri from 1820 to 1890 was an outgrowth of the old English grammar school that very early put in its appearance in New England embellished with the ideas that permeated the "Aristocratic" private schools of the south prior to the Civil War, notably those that flourished in Virginia and Kentucky. Among the early schools of Cooper County outside of Boonville was a subscription school taught by Henry Severns. It met in an old log house which was located across the road from whei-e the home of Mr. R. S. Roe, of the Bell Air neighborhood, is now located. This school was main- tained during the early forties, and prospered until the public school of Bell Air was established. It is asserted, on good authority, that Prof. Severns' salary was sixty-five dollars, but whether this means for the month or for the year I have found it impossible to ascertain. The following history of the Davis school is typical of many schools in Cooper County. Davis School.— By D. R. Culley.— "Prior to the close of the Civil War no public school organization existed as we now have it in this district. The people in this and adjoining territory had emigrated largely 252 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY fiom the states of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, bringing with them the educational plans that prevailed in those states. A teacher desiring a school would canvass a neighborhood and have the parents subscribe so many pupils for a specified term at so much per month. Hence, schools were then known in the country as subscription schools. About the year 1854 the Baptists erected a church building about a mile southwest of the present school building and some two miles east of Vermont. It was built in the southeast corner of the farm now owned and occupied by W. H. H. Rowles and family. This was known as Hope- well Baptist Church and was used for both church and school purposes. It was a typical building of those days. It was built of hewed walnut logs and was about twenty feet square; there was a small window in the mid- dle of the east wall and one in the west wall; batten doors were in the middle of the north and south sides ; a high, home made pulpit in the west end, and home made benches fronting west. It was here that the resi- dents of the community and those for miles around congregated once a month, in large numbers, to get the news as well as to hear the preacher. Whole families were present and the good ladies served dinners that could not be surpassed anywhere. During the year 1859, the citizens erected a good, modern building about three-quarters of a mile to the west and a mile east of Vermont. This was known as Vermont Academy. D. R. Culley was employed as teacher for a term of ten months at a salary of $60.00 per month. This was probably the first time a teacher was employed in this dis- trict at a fixed salary. This school continued for five years when condi- tions growing out of the Civil War caused many families to move else- where and the community as known prior to 1860 was almost entirely broken up. In the fall of the year 1858, D. R. Culley opened a school in the church building and it was intended to serve the purpose of an academy as well as to meet the demands of what would now be termed the graded course in our district schools. The term continued for ten months. The larger boys attended for the full term and were not taken out of school as now, to assist with the farm work. It was also observed that the pupils were more advanced in years than now. There were no grades. If a pupil could make two grades during the term well and good, and many of the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY £06 pupils did this ; no pupil was held back on account of the weakness or slowness of others. The first year of school closed with oral examinations and an address by Prof. John W. Sutherland of Boonville. Pupils from other counties came here and boarded with families near by. Young men walked a distance of four or five miles and of those now living are our best and most prominent citizens. The late Rev. A. E. Rogers, D. D., attended this school for three years and he often remarked, that it was here that he received the best training that which was of the most worth in after life. Rev. Rockwell Smith, D. D., for many years a missionary to Brazil, was an unusually bright young man who began his literary career here. Those who in after life became bankers, civil officers, financiers, the best of farmers and the best and most useful citizens as well, received their early school training here. After the close of the Civil War, the regular organization of what is now termed our public school system as observed in our district schools, took place." A subscription school was maintained before the war, in the Green- wood district, in a small house erected by Mrs. William Guyer for a Meth- odist church. It was used as school and church both until it burned sev- eral years later. Pisgah was formerly a part of the Greenwood district. About 1887 an effort was made to divide the district. The Pisgah people insisted that they did not want to send their children to Greenwood because the children carried ticks, and the Greenwood vicinity came back at them with the argument that the Pisgah children had fleas. The fight between the factions became so heated that in the latter part of the year 1887 the district was divided. This shows the length to which neighborhood quar- rels may be carried. There were enumerated in the Cooper County schools for the year ending June 30, 1918, 4,307 white children and 741 colored, a grand total of 5,048. The enrollment shows a total of 3,802 white pupils and 651 colored. These pupils attended school 439,673 days, and there was spent on them during the year $100,230, of which $71,921.51 was spent for teachers' wages, $16,176.32 for incidentals, and $12,132.17 for building purposes. The assessed valuation of taxable property was $11,556,679 and the 254 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY average levy for school purposes was 57 cents on $100 valuation. In the spring of 1918 there were 203 pupils finishing the common school course of study, and there were all told throughout the county 141 teachers in the public schools, teaching in 76 districts. The average salary of these teachers was $67 per month. Although Missouri ranks thirty-second in the matter of education and although little progress has been made in the rural schools in the state as a whole, Cooper County, however, has made marked progress in the building up of a system of up-to-date school with modern buildings and competent teachers. It has been said that should a Rip Van Winkle wake up in a modern barn he would realize that he had slept 150 years, but should his waking take place in the average Missouri rural school he would turn over to finish his nap. Be this as it may. Cooper County is fast forging to the front among the counties of Missouri in the matter of efficient rural schools and when this spirit of improvement and progress permeates the whole of its citizenship, Cooper County schools through the generosity of its people and because of their pride in the boys and girls, will be made the best possible, and the rural community will offer to its children the same advantages now enjoyed by the city children. COOPER COUNTY SCHOOLS 1918-19. -iJ o >> 03 0> 5 Name of District ->-> £ < < Overton 15 Woodland 32 Bluffton 12 Westwood Clear Spring Locust Grove_. Pleasant Grove. 8 Oakwood 9 17 33 18 2 40,083 Chas. Windsor Overton 109,438 B. J. Boillott Boonville R. D. 96,976 J. B. Hickam Boonville R. F. D. 52,589 H. E. Fuser Boonville R. F. D. 108,200 A. H. Moehle Boonville R. F. D. 125,200 J. H. Turley Lamine 160,275 G. R. Kelly Blackwater 91,275 E. R. Schuster Blackwater HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Zoo 9 Oakwood No. 2_ 21 105,025 10 Willow Grove__ 15 97,400 11 Sappington ___ 000 8,575 12 Cotton Patch__ 18 109,678 13 Shackleford ___ 15 39,227 14 Buffalo Prairie. 16 100,875 15 Franklin 9 48,073 16 Peninsula 15 57,438 17 Becker 19 44,550 18 Chouteau 36 68,225 19 Simmons 12 71,600 20 Prairie View— 22 109,875 21 Hickory Grove. 21 83,946 22 Billingsville ___ 13 126,700 23 Mt. Sinai 7 119,810 24 Stony Point ___ 9 68,524 25 Concord 18 111,450 26 Crab Orchard. _ 19 122,006 27 Hail Ridge 15 88,460 28 Pleasant Valley 12 42,361 29 Fair View 17 62,287 30 Oak Grove 28 91,963 31 Highland 16 105,164 32 Lowland 13 44,683 34 Woolridge 64 104,780 35 Liberty 17 116,925 42 Washington ___ 23 115,558 44 Lone Grove 5 183,613 45 Lone Elm 14 160,125 46 Independence . 15 60,610 47 Palestine 43 111,318 48 Bell Air 32 191,575 49 Mt. Nebo 18 136,205 50 Cottonwood ___ 18 53,576 51 Oakland 13 97,225 52 Mt. Vernon 14 65,125 53 Harriston 11 83,775 54 Pleasant Green_ 33 89,500 55 Reinhardt 15 70,750 Jesse Kincheloe Blackwater J. Roy Jeffress Blackwater Noland Taylor Nelson C. W. Racy Nelson Chas. McLaughlin Nelson Louis N. Hoff Pilot Grove W. B. Kella Blackwater A. H. Alley Blackwater A. H. Hartman Pilot Grove H. E. Brownfield Pilot Grove A. W. Tally Pilot Grove L. M. Immele Boonville R. F. D. M. C. Johnmeyer_ _Boonville R. F. D. A. S. Chamberlain__Boonville R. F. D. M. R. Sloan Boonville R. F. D. W. A. Whitehurse Speed R. F. D. Clark E. Bower Boonville R. F. D. J. P. Reiser Boonville R. F. D. T. B. Robertson___Boonville R. F. D. L. M. Swarner Boonville R. F. D. Theo. Lebbing Boonville R. F. D. T. H. Swanstone. .Boonville R. F. D. Clay Groom Boonville R. F. D. Lee Eager Woolridge F. B. Hopkins Woolridge H. H. Warmbrodt Woolridge E. L. Shirley Boonville R. F. D. Walter Toellner_._Bunceton R. F. D. F. H. Muntzel Boonville R. F. D. Geo. Chamberlin__Boonville R. F. D. Wm. Walje Speed Chas. P. Mitzel Bunceton R. E. Downing Pilot Grove John Dwyer Pilot Grove H. J. Meyer Boonville R. F. D. E. E. Tavenner__Pilot Grove R. F. D. W. A. Straub Pleasant Green J. S. Parrish Pleasant Green Frank Clevorn Pleasant Green 256 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 56 Oakland 10 81,862 57 Vollmer 14 93,455 104 Lamine 36 28,650 59 Clifton City___ 42 113,963 62 Rockland 20 30,126 63 Oak Hill 22 76,408 64 Lebanon 27 51,972 65 Mt. Zion 18 72,500 66 West Fork 7 106,375 67 Bethlehem 20 134,941 68 Gillroy 19 108,794 69 Glendale 21 98,925 70 Franklin 000 132,986 71 Davis 15 139,850 72 Baxter 27 73,688 73 Dick's Mill 28 29,313 74 Keener 15 34,539 78 Whitlinger 15 30,638 79 Felder 23 46,482 80 Martin 000 8,150 81 Mt. Pleasant... 15 31,677 82 Gill 15 35,988 83 Cross Roads___ 000 24,675 84 Excelsior 000 24,600 85 Lone Elm 15 41,550 87 Byberry 15 441,172 (1) Consolidated __ 98 509,387 (2) Consolidated __ 195 378,490 (3) Consolidated __ 150 459,366 Boonville 556 2,255,613 Bunceton 176 457,820 Pilot Grove 108 358,700 Blackwater ___ 111 302,605 P. G. Meisenheimer_ -Pleasant Green Frank Vollmer Pleasant Green G. H. Bidstrup Beaman J. E. Potter, Jr Clifton City G. W. Tomlinson Bunceton S. L. Willis Pleasant Green C. L. Thomas Bunceton A. A. Strickfadden_Otterville R. F. D. J. S. Funkhouser Bunceton D. C. Grove Otterville R. E. Hutchison Syracuse R. F. D. Elmer Fry Tipton R. F. D. F. C. Betteridge Bunceton Ben M. Draff en Bunceton R. F. D. A. N. Pedego Tipton R. F. D. J. B. Hodges Bunceton R. F. D. F. D. Williams Clarksburg Luther Moore Clarksburg E. J. Roedel Jamestown R. F. D. A. F. Zey California R. F. D. Wm. Hess Clarksburg J. A. Birdsong Clarksburg L. J. Stephens Clarksburg Stephen H. Martin Tipton P. J. Knipp Tipton A. L. Gochenour Byberry T. W. Howard Bunceton J. L. Spillers Otterville Wm. H. Byler Prairie Home Wm. Mittlebach Boonville G. H. Meeker Bunceton Otto Kistenmacher Pilot Grove C. Q. Shouse Blackwater The Public Schools of Boonville.— The Missouri Legislature during its session passed March 12, 1867 an act authorizing cities, towns, and vil- lages to organize for school purposes. On the 29th of the same month the following notice was issued: R. F. W VAN'S RESIDENT E MAIN STREET. HOOXEYIEEE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 257 "The undersigned resident free holders of the city of Boonville re- quest an election of the qualified voters of said city at the mayor's office on Tuesday, April 9, 1867, to determine whether they will accept the pro- visions of an act authorizing any city, town or village to organize for school purposes, with special privileges, approved March 16, 1867 ; and organize said city in accordance therewith. — C. W. Sombart, H. L. Wallace John Bernard, Thos. Plant, J. L. Stephens, Nicholas Walz, Stephen Weber, J. P. Neef, Jacob Zimmer, E. Roeschel, J. F. Gmelich, John Fetzer. The election was held April 9, 1867, at which 30 votes were cast, 29 for and one against organization for school purposes. On the 23d of the same month the following citizens were elected to constitute the Board of Education: Jos. L. Stephens, Jos. A. Eppstein, C. W. Sonbart, John Bernard, H. A. Hutchison, Franklin Swap. The schools were opened Sep. 23, 1867, with Joseph C. Mason, prin- cipal, and Mrs. Clara Atkinson, Mrs. Mary E. Schaefer, and Miss M. E. McKee, assistants in the school for white children, and S. G. Bundy and wife teachers in that for colored pupils. A building 22x60 feet and located on Sixth street was purchased of C. H. Allison for $5,250, and used as a school for white children. The enrollment during the first year was as follows: White chil- dren, 377 ; colored, 199 ; a total of 576. But the average attendance of white children was only 207, and of the colored only 77 — making a total average attendance of only 284. It is interesting to note that the enum- eration at this time was 1,302. Two wings were added to the original building in 1870, which con- stitute the north and south wings of the building at the present time. In 1896 the original center of the building was torn down and a new center erected. The high school from this time on developed rapidly and soon out- grew the cramped quarters afforded at the Central school. So a special election was held March 2, 1914 and $65,000 voted for the erection of a modern high school building, 587 votes being cast for and 219 against the bond issues. The new building was completed Sept. 1, 1915 at a cost (including furniture and equipment) of about $85,000 and is recognized as one of the finest in the state. The building was named "The Laura Speed Elliott High School" in honor of and as a memorial to the deceased wife of Col. Jno. S. Elliott who presented to the Board of Education and through them to the citizens of Boonville the site on which the building stands. (17) 258 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY The lot was valued at $10,000 and is an ideal location for such a building. The Laura Speed Elliott High School building consists of 25 rooms including auditorium, gymnasium, library, cooking room, sewing room, commercial department, laboratories, class rooms and offices. It has modern heating, ventilating and lighting systems, and is used by various organizations as a community center. Following the modern trend in education, Boonville is adapting the curriculum of her schools to meet the twentieth century demands. Courses that have been added in recent years are agriculture, bookkeeping, type- writing, stenography, cooking, sewing, general science, teacher-training, Spanish, French and vocational home economics. The trend in education is away from the strictly classical course to the more practical, but none the less cultural, semi-vocational course, which has for its aim the making of better citizens, better able to take their place in the complex modern society and earn an honest living. If the school does not develop better men and women, a higher type of citizen, out of the material it takes in, then it is a failure. Modern education looks to the development of a healthy body along with a trained mind. Too often in the past we have ignored the health of the child in our endeavor to educate him, as a result the present genera- tion is only about sixty per cent, efficient physically. A large share of the blame for this condition must be assumed by the schools. Statistics obtained by the army in the recent draft show that prac- tically one-third of the young men were physically inferior and that seventy-five per cent, of this inferiority could have been overcome had the right training been administered at the proper time. The schools, therefore, must wake up to the necessity for adequate physical training, which is of even more importance than mental training. Because the first requisite for a sound mind is a sound body. Mental development at the expense of physical well-being is not only undesirable but nonsensical. Physical training in the school need not interfere with mental training but should rather supplement it. The universal criticism of athletics in the past has been that it is administered to the five per cent, rather than the hundred per cent. In the modern school the health of the pupil is of first considei-ation and each is given the training best calculated to fit him for a vigorous, healthy, successful life. Thus have the Boonville schools developed through the years, until today we have a system that ranks among the best in the state, and of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 259 which we are justly proud. It may be of interest to review the list of citizens who have served on the Board of Education, and the superin- tendents who have come and gone. School Directors from 1867-1919.— Jos. L. Stephens, 1867-1881 ; Jos. A. Eppstein, 1867-1870; C. W. Sombart, 1867-1895; John Bernard, 1867- 1882; H. A. Hutchison, 1867-1870; Franklin Swap, 1867-1881; John Fet- zer, 1870-1873 ; John O'Brien, 1870-1873 ; John B. Holman, 1871-1881 ; J. F. Gmelich, 1873-1876; George Sahm, 1876-1879; E. Roeschal, 1877-1895; D. D. Miles, 1880-1884; C. H. Brewster, 1881-1882; John N. Gott, 1881- 1882 ; Sam Acton, 1882-1885 ; W. W. Taliaferro, 1882-1894 ; John Cosgrove, 1882-1884; W. Speed Stephens, 1884-1917; Chas. J. Burger, 1884-1887; S. H. Stephens, 1885-1894 ; *R. W. Whitlow, 1887-1919 ; *Wm. Mittlebach, 1894-1919 ; W. A. Smiley, 1894-1897; J. T. McClanahan, 1895-1898 ; Richard Hadelich, 1895-1898 ; C. P. Gott, 1897-1903 ; R. L. Moore, 1898-1904 ; Win. Gibbons, 1898-1901; C. C. Bell, 1901-1904; *Wm. F. Johnson, 1903-1919; F. R. Smiley, 1904-1913; John C. Pigott, 1904-1913; *M. E. Schmidt, 1913- 1919; T. F. Waltz, 1913-1916; John Cosgrove, 1916-1919; A. C. Jacobs, 1917-1918; *Wm. B. Talbott, 1918-1919. *Still members of the board. Superintendents, Boonville Public Schools From 1867-1919.— J. C. Mason, 1867, 1868, 1870; E. A. Angell, 1869; R. P. Rider, 1871, 1872; Wm. A. Smiley, 1873; S. H. Blewett, 1874-1875; R. R. Rogers, 1876; D. A. McMillan, 1877-1883 ; H. T. Norton, 1883 ; G. W. Smith, 1884-1889 ; F. W. Ploger, 1889-1895 ; D. T. Gentry, 1895-1899 ; W. A. Annin, 1899-1903 ; M. A. O'Rear, 1903-1913; C. E. Chrane, 1913-1919. The high school enrollment during the past year was 204. This is a 15 per cent, increase over the year previous. Sixty-four of these pupils were from the rural districts. There were enumerated in the Boonville school district May 1, 1919, 795 white children and 194 colored— a total of 989, and the total enroll- ment during the school year was 728. The Boonville Board of Education employs 23 teachers to run its schools. The faculty for the coming year 1919-20 is as follows : High School Faculty.— C. E. Chrane, superintendent; E. H. Johnson, Principal High School, Science; Edna Ginn, History; Alberta Cowden. Home Economics; Helen Dauwalter, Latin, Mathematics; Grace Graves, teacher-training; Pauline Holloway, English; Leota Moser, French, Music; Mildred Amick, Commercial. 260 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Grade School Faculty. — Emma Stegner, principal, 7, 8 grades, Vergna Hopkins, Gladys Brown, Lilia Dritt, Emmorie Holtman, Hazel Moore, Helen Gantner, Elizabeth Hayden, Dora Hennicke, Elizabeth Varnum. Sumner School, Boonville. — The Sumner school for colored children was established in 1868 and has been open continuously since that time at the corner of Fourth and Spruce streets. The following statistics that are taken from the 1910 census of the United States will give some idea of the effectiveness of the work of this school. The census of 1910 gives the colored population of Boonville, 910. The number of illiterate is given as 124, which shows that illiteracy among the colored people in our city has been reduced from 100 per cent, in 1869 to less than 12 per cent in 1910. Following the same line of investigation, the Boonville colored people compare favorably with those of the other cities and towns of the state. The motto of the school is "Grow or Go," and every one is so busy that the loafer or laggard so inbibes the spirit of work from the atmos- phere surrounding him, that sooner or later he takes up the work with a hearty good will. All children old enough to help the family and themselves are encour- aged to work outside of school hours, because it is found that the child who is kept busy makes a better scholar than the loafer or idler. In other words, it is more of a help than a handicap to be forced to work. The Sumner High School was established in 1884. The first pupil graduated in 1886. This pupil afterwards attended Oberlin College and is now one of the prominent teachers in the state. Since this time some thirty-eight classes have finished the two-year high school course. More than 50 per cent, have gone to the higher institutions of learn- ing, where they finished courses in medicine, law, pharmacy, nurse-train- ing, teaching, theology, engineering, commercial business course, etc. But one of the greatest benefits has been received by the rank and file of the race, as shown by the improved conditions of the colored people of our city. The number of taxpayers has increased from none in 1869 to 161 at present; besides, the colored people own two good churches, two parson- ages and one lodge hall valued at $5,000. A new six-room building, modern in every respect, was completed in 1916. Courses in cooking, sewing and manual training have been added to the curriculum. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 261 Faculty of School. — C. G. Williams, principal ; Ida Hill, Millie Proctor, Josie E. Williams. Catholic Parochial School, Boonville, 1848. — The Catholic church was built in Boonville in the year 1848, and the school was started soon there- after. It is an elementary school teaching only the first eight grades of school work. Examinations are given twice each year by the priest. There are at the present time two teachers and one housekeeper in charge of the school, and they have sixty-seven pupils enrolled. Cooper County Institute, 1863. — The Cooper County Institute was established at Boonville in 1863, by the Reverend X. X. Buckner, a Baptist minister. It was sold in 1865 to Q. W. Marston who had charge of it until the year 1868. It was discontinued from 1868 to 1870 at which time Professor Anthony Haynes took charge and. moved it to a suite of rooms over the Stephen's Opera House. Later it was moved to the building now known as the Quinly apartments. In addition to the conducting of a suc- cessful day school Professor Haynes had a boarding department which proved very popular to the people of Cooper County who were at a distance from Boonville and out of touch with educational advantages. The school was maintained until the year 1877 when Professor Haynes was forced to give up his chosen work on account of ill health. Prairie Home Institute was founded at Prairie Home in 1865 by Rev. A. H. Misseline. In the fall of 1869 it was sold to the public school dis- trict by Washington A. Johnston. In May, 1871, it was converted into a co-educational boarding school. The building with its contents was destroyed by fire in 1874. A new building was substituted for the old and school reopened April, 1875, and continued until 1880. After 1880 the school had a precarious existence, being alternately opened and closed, and was finally forced to close altogether a few years later. The Otterville Academy was organized in the year 1891. Prof. Wm. Curlin was employed as the first principal. He stayed with the school two years. The school closed in 1907. McGuire Seminary was established in Boonville, Mo., in 1892, by Mrs. Julia McGuire. This was a very select school for young ladies and offered an exceedingly fine course in music. Mrs. McGuire died in 1902. Mrs. Roller took charge of the school and attempted to keep it up to its former high standard of excellence and enrollment, and she suc- ceeded until 1905, when discouraged because of the lack of interest that was manifest in private schools and academies, generally, at this time, it was closed. 262 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Kemper Military Schools. — This large enterprise and distinguished school, like all other affairs worthy of growth and development, had a small and humble beginning. In 1844, Professor F. T. Kemper located in Boonville and started a private school which in the course of years became known as the Kemper Family School. This school opened with but five students, only one of whom, D. C. Mack, was a Boonville boy. The school was conducted in a humble frame building that stood on the corner of Morgan and Spring streets, on the present site of the Citizen's Trust Company building. A little frame house situated a little farther west was the residence of the school family and another small house served as an office to piece out the scanty accommodations. Mr. Kemper did all the instructing himself and by the end of the year the enrollment of students had increased to 35 and a portion of the second story of the building now known as the Green Hotel was secured for the school. The next year a location for a permanent home for the school was secured where it and its famed successor, the Kemper Military School, has ever since remained. Professor Kemper was a ripe scholai% an elegant gentleman, and possessed of a strong personality which he impressed upon his pupils. During the years the Kemper Family School became noted for its discipline and thoroughness. Soon after founding the school, Kemper associated with himself the brothers Tyre C. and James B. Harris. This association, however, continued but a short time. In the early his- tory of the school there were also associated with Kemper, James and John Chandler, William and Roberdeau Allison and J. A. Quarrels; and again during the Civil War the school was under the joint management of Mr. Kemper and Edwin Taylor, brother of Mrs. Kemper. During the years from 1867 to 1868, Mr. R. Allison was associated in the manage- ment. It was in the year 1867 that T. A. Johnston, now the superintendent of the Kemper Military School, entered this family school as a student and continued thus until 1871 when he entered the State University of Mis- souri where in 1872 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later receiving the degree of Master of Arts, and at once returned to Boonville and became associate principal of the Kemper Family School. The man- agement of the school was thus continued until the death of Professor Kemper in 1881. The school then passed to the management and control of T. A. Johnston and continued under this management to prosper with an ever widening patronage. Yet its growth was not phenomenal as has HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 263 been that of the Kemper Military School. From 1865 until 1890, 50 was the average enrollment. Col. T. A. Johnston with a far sighted vision realized the changing conditions, and gradually converted the institution into what now is known throughout the length and breadth of the land as the "Kemper Military School." It was not until 1904 that the enroll- ment of 100 was reached, and in 1909, 150 students appeared at Kemper while in 1916 saw an enrollment of 217 ; and this year, 1919, a total enroll- ment of 527. The Kemper Military School represents an investment of half a million dollars. It occupies 30 acres of ground and has five modern barracks, two study halls, an auditorium that will seat 500, a gymnasium, library, manuel training and machine shops and employs 29 teachers and officers. For the last five years it has been among the 10 Honor Military Schools of the United States and this year ranks second among the 10, and is the first in rank of the military schools west of the Mississippi River. The Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute is but a memory, dear to the students and instructors who once occupied and spent pleasant and in- structive days within its walls. This institution had its beginning in the establishment of a private school by the Rev. Geo. Eichelberger, in 1878 in a two story frame building located where are now the residences of J. A. Thompson and R. A. Harriman, in the city of Pilot Grove, Missouri. In 1879, Prof. Charles Newton Johnson organized a company and pur- chased this building from Mr. Eichelberger. He had associated with him his mother, Mrs. C. B. Johnson, and the school flourished from the begin- ning. It was chartered in 1881 as the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute and during this year he had also associated with him W. F. Johnson, the author of this volume. Prof. Chas. N. Johnson died in the summer of 1882. The management of the school then fell into the hands of Prof. Chas. B. Johnson (the father of C. N. and W. F. Johnson) and W. F. John- son and under this management it was continued until 1887, or 1888 in- creasing in enrollment year by year. At this time Prof. Chas. Foster and D. L. Roe purchased and became the proprietors of the school and conducted the same for several years when Prof. Foster retired and Prof. Roe continued the management. Prof. Roe was eventually succeeded by Prof. Taylor and he in turn by Prof. Buckmeister who conducted a private school in the college building for two or three years when he gave up teaching. The property has been 264 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY recently wrecked and two residences built upon the site of the old institu- tion. This school drew its patronage not only from many counties in the state but from other states especially Kentucky and Tennessee and had pupils from a distance varying 1 from sixty-five to eighty and an enroll- ment in all averaging from 150 to 175 pupils. CHAPTER XVII. CHURCHES. BAPTIST — METHODIST — PRESBYTERIAN— CHRISTIAN— GERMAN EVANGELICAL- LUTHERAN— EPISCOPAL— CATHOLIC. Churches have ever been established coincident with settlement, and the pioneer considered his church of primary importance. In that early day, "A church in every grove that spread A living roof above their heads," formed their only place of worship and to them, "No temple built with hands could vie In glory with its majesty." Thus in nature's magnificent cathedrals, and with hearts in tune with the simplicity of the Gospel, the early settlers worshipped their Creator, and felt the quickening power of duty done. They lived humble and devout lives and consistently prac- ticed the precepts, and tenets of their faith. It was Alexander Pope who said, "Honor and shame from no condition rise, Act well your part, there all the honor lies." And it was the pioneer who, above all else, exemplified this truth. In rude cabins and huts the early preachers proclaimed the same gospel that is preached today in the magnificent palaces, that, under the name of church, decorate the cities of our fair land. Since it was impossible to obtain information regarding each indi- vidual church in the county we thought it best to confine our discussion of churches to those of the early day. Not that a discussion of the more recent churches would not be profitable and interesting to a majority of 266 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY our readers, but because it is almost an impossibility to get accurate information on such a subject. The number of churches in Cooper County has increased with amazing rapidity during the past few years, until today there is probably not a community in the county that is not served by one or more church houses, and there is not a family in Cooper County who cannot, if they so desire, worship in the church of their choice any Sunday, with but little effort. BAPTIST. The Baptists were probably the first to become active in Cooper County. Concord Church was organized May 10, 1817 by Elders Edward Tur- ner, William Thorp, and David McLain. The following were the first fourteen members : Luke Williams, Polly Williams, William Savage, Mary Savage, Delaney Bolen, Judith Williams, Absalom Huff, Susanna Savage, Joseph Baze, Lydia Turner, Charles Williams, Patsey Bolen, Sally Baze and Elizabeth Williams. Concord Church was located in the settlement south of Boonville and was called Concord Association in 1823. Elder Luke Williams was pastor for six years, beginning in June, 1817. After his death which occurred at the end of his pastorate, Elder Kemp Scott was chosen pastor. The church had a membership of about 45. Dec. 26, 1846, Concord church united with a neighboring church known as "The Vine" which strength- ened materially the old church. The charter members of this church were Luke Williams, Polly Williams, William Savage, Mary Savage, Delaney Bolen, Judith Williams, Absalom Huff, Susanna Savage, Joseph Baze, Lydia Turner, Charles Williams, Patsey Bolen, Sally Baze and Elizabeth Williams. Mount Nebo Church is located about one mile north of the present site of Bunceton and it was organized in 1820. An early list of members contains 63. names. Rev. A. P. Williams was the first pastor. The first church building was erected in 1838. The present building was erected in 1856. Earliest members were, Lydia Corum, Jordan O'Bryan, Abra- ham and Nancy Woolery. Big Lick Church was a constituent of the Concord Association and was organized Aug. 24, 1822, under an arbor, one mile north of where the present church now stands. John B. Longan and Jacob Chism com- posed the council. There were sixteen in the original membership. John HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 267 B. Longan (822-845), Tyre C. Harris (1845-1851) were followed as pastors by Robert H. Harris, D. G. Tutt, J.' B. Box, J. D. Murphy and J. S. Palmer. In 1847, the membership was 350. Pisgah Baptist Church was organized at a meeting held at the resi- dence of Lewis Shelton on June 19, 1819, with the following charter mem- bers: The Rev. William Jennings, Rev. Jacob Chism, Priseilla Chism, David Jones, Tabitha Jones, James Maxey, William Howard, Leven Savage, Pollie Savage, Joseph McClure, Elizabeth McClure, John Bivian, Mary Bivian, Rhoda Stephens, Isabella Pontan, Sarah Woods, the Rev. John B. Longan, John Apperson, Sela Apperson, Jesse Martin, Mary Martin and Pollie Longan. The first meeting house was erected not long after the congregation had effected an organization and was situated at a point a half mile east of the present edifice. This somewhat primitive church building was in time supplanted by a brick building, which in 1871 gave way to the much larger frame building which has since then supplied the needs of the congregation. Mrs. Jane York, who died on March 15, 1919, joined this church in 1849 and at the time of her death was the oldest continuous member of the church, her connection with the same having covered the long span of 70 years. Providence Baptist Church was organized in Nov., 1879, at Prairie Home by Rev. B. T. Taylor. The church building was erected in 1881 at a cost of $1,000 by Rev. J. B. Box, the first pastor. Charter members were Miss E., Miss R. and Miss J. McLane, A. Slaughter, Mrs. L. W. Slaughter, Mrs. M. Simmons, W. E. Watt, Mrs. L. F. Watt, William Sim- mons, Mrs. Lizzie Simmons, Mrs. Saline Smith, A. J. Hornbeck, Jeremiah Hornbeck, Mrs. E. Hornbeck, Mrs. Josie, Miss Sallie, Miss Nevada, Miss Fannie, Miss Minerva, Miss Nannie, Miss Henrietta and C. C. Don Carlos, Miss M. J. and Mrs. Mary Adair, Mrs. Mary, Miss Laura, Miss Lillie and Miss Mattie Taylor, Thomas F. and Mrs. Sallie B. Hall, Gabriel, Miss Sarah Stemmons, Miss Sudie and Miss Nannie Stemmons, George W., Mrs. Mary and Clara Carey, Mrs. Melinda Dungan, Miss Jennie and Amanda Max- well and Bettie Hudson. First Baptist Church, Boonville, was organized Dec. 30, 1843, by Rev. A. M. Lewis and A. B. Hardy. A brick building was erected in the sum- mer of 1847. Some of the early pastors were Tyra C. Harris, Robert Harris, John W. Mitchell, Spencer H. Olmstead, X. X. Buckner, M. M. Paderford, Charles Whitting, J. L. Blitch. Original members were, Reuben E. McDaniel, Alfred Simmons, David Lilly, Lawrence B. Lewis, Jordan O'Bryan, Elizabeth Dow, Sarah Gates, Maria Elliott, Eliza Ann 288 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Hickman, Susan D. Conner, Delia McDaniel, Elizabeth N. Richardson, Jane E. Richardson and Francis B. Major. The present pastor is C. Rus- sell Sorrell. First Baptist Church, Otterville, was organized in 1866, by J. W. Williams and Brother Parish. The church building was bought in 1874 from the Cumberland Presbyterians for $360. Some of the early pastors of this church were William Pastors, John K. Godby, T. V. Greer, W. N. Phillips, E. F. Shelton. Original members were George I. Key, James Shackelford, Samuel Swearingen, William H. Bowdin, Martha L. Key, Sarah Willard, Catherine L. Key, Angeline Cook, Mary C. Golladay, Josephine Butler, Mahala Price, Jane Trimble, Margaret A. Shackelford, Temperance E. Swearingen, Mary A. Bowdin, Sophia Cook and Sarah Ellixon. Mt. Herman Church is located in Clark's Fork township. It was or- ganized Jan. 3, 1868, by Jehe Robinson who was its first pastor. The church building was erected in 1879 at a cost of $1,800. Charter mem- bers were Mrs. Margaret Reid, Sarah Cartner, Lucy Brown, Margaret Cartner. Pilot Grove Baptist Church was organized in 1876 by Rev. N. T. Alli- son. A frame church building costing $1,000 was built in the same year. Original members, Rev. N. T.- Allison and wife, J. R. Jeffress, A. N. Spencer, J. Tomlinson, B. F. Chamberlain and wife, L. L. Chamberlain and wife, Miss Rebecca Massie, Miss Millie White and Mrs. Sarah Kaley. Second Baptist Church, Colored, is located on Morgan Street, Boon- ville. It was organized in 1865 by Rev. W. P. Brooks. A building was erected in 1870 at a cost of $1,600. There were 216 members in 1883. Original members were: Richard Taylor and wife, William Jackson and wife, Dilcey Thomas, Rebecca Sharp, Hannah Alexander, Washington Whittleton, Minerva Smith, Jane Smith, Duke Diggs and wife, G. Fowler and wife, Jane Douglass, Ellen Woods, Abbey Smith, Green Smith, Cvnthia Nelson, P. Watkins, P. Wilson. Sixth Baptist Church, Colored, is located in Boonville and was organ- ized in 1874 by Rev. S. Bryan. A building was erected in 1876 at a cost of $1,000. This church had a membership of one hundred in 1883. Orig- inal members were: Green Wilson, William Jackson, David Watson, Paul Donaldson, Smith Barnes, Rebecca Sharp, Martha Tibbs, Clacy Waller, Esther Rollins, Clara Johnson, Dilcey Thomas, Sarah Jackson, Arrena Watson. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 269 METHODIST. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. — The first religious service ever held in Boonville of which we have any record was held in a private house by Reb. John Scripps, a pioneer preacher in 1817. A church was organized by Rev. Justinian Williams who was a brother of Marcus Wil- liams, the first mayor of Boonville and who was a great uncle of the late Judge W. M. Williams. The charter members were Justinian Williams and wife, Frederick Houx and wife, and Allen and Louisa Porter. From 1818 to 1834 the church was a part of the Lamine circuit, but in 1844, it was called the Boonville circuit. In 1840 it was made a station and was the first station outside of St. Louis made in the state. The first church building was begun in 1832, and dedicated by Bishop Soul in 1838. The second building was erected in 1880 during the last year of the four years pastorate of C. H. Briggs, and was dedicated by C. C. Wood. A modern church edifice was erected in 1917, at a cost of $40,000, and is known as the Nelson Memorial Church. Rev. O. E. Vivian is the present pastor. The Bell Air Methodist Church, South, was organized in 1850. James Bell and wife, Thornton Bell and wife, and Jacob G. Shutler and wife, were among the oldest members. The building was erected in 1870, and was dedicated by D. K. McAnally. Prairie Home Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1881, by Rev. Vandiver. The church building was dedicated and organized in 1881 by Rev. Phillip. The original members were Sarah Tompkins and Eleanor Huff. Pilot Grove M. E. Church, South, was organized in 1826. Samuel Roe was one of the original members of this church. A building was erected in 1850 and rebuilt in 1879. Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Bunceton, was organized in April, 1879. by Rev. C. H. Briggs, who was then stationed at Boonville. A church building was erected in 1880 on a plot of ground contributed by Dr. H. C. Gibson, of Boonville. The original members were: Mrs. Marie Stephens, Capt. S. P. Tevis, George Dorsey, James Moon, Mrs. Jane Moon, George Dameron, Mrs. Lucy Dameron, O. F. Arnold and Mrs. M. E. Arnold. The German Methodist Church, Boonville, was organized in 1850. A brick church building was erected in 1852 at a cost of $1,200. Some of the early pastors were A. Klippel, Jacob Feisel, John Hausn, H. Lahrman, William Schreck. The original members were as follows: H. Gaus, 270 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Helena Gaus, J. H. Reckmeyer, Emilie Reckmeyer, Peter Birkenbeil, Eva M. Birkenbeil, Henry Muhlenbruck, Mina Muhlenbruck, John Otten, Johanna Otten, H. Blum, Theresa Blum, Carl Vollmer, Henriette Kuhl, Maria Hausman. PRESBYTERIAN. Boonville Presbyterian Church was organized April 28, 1821, by Rev. Edward Hollister with 23 members. The church was in the beginning known as the Franklin Church due to the fact that the parent church was located in Franklin prior to its being washed away. It continued to be called "Franklin" until 1830. Some of the early ministers of this church were Rev. Pomeroy, W. P. Cochran, Hiram Chamberlain. A building was erected in 1841 at a cost of $4,500 on the site of the present building. A second building was erected in 1871-72 at a cost of $12,618.65. A third building was erected in 1904 at a cost of $40,000. The present pastor is Rev. J. E. Green. New Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, possibly the oldest Cumberland church in Cooper County was organized in 1820 by Rev. Finis Ewing. It got its name from the fact that a majority of its members came from Lebanon Church, in Logan County, Kentucky. Robert Kirk- patrick, Alexander Sloan, John Miller, Thomas Ruby were the first elders of the church. A log church was built in 1821. A brick house was put up in 1860. Rev. R. D. Morrow, in 1824, organized a school in this neigh- borhood for young preachers which was largely attended. The names of the constituent members were Robert Kiikpatrick and wife, Thomas Ruby and wife, Alexander Sloan and wife, John Wear and wife, James Wear and wife, Robert Allison and wife, John Miller and wife, and Mr. Stone an .1 wife. Mount Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church is lo> tout one mile southwest of Pilot Grove, and was organized in April, 1833. Some of the early preachers were Samuel C. Davidson. Archibald McCorl William Kavanaugh and Finis Ewing. Original members were William Houx, John Miller, James Deckard. John Houx, Sr., Frederick Houx, Gideon B. Miller, Benjamin Weedin, Daniel Weedin, Jacob Houx, William Miller, Charlotte Houx, Anne McCutcheon, Harriet L. McCutcheon, Chris- tina Deckard, Ellen B. Crawford, Regina Houx, Mary Miller, Sr., Mary Miller, Jr., Catherine Weedin, Mary Weedin, Elizabeth and Rachel Weedin, Ann Rennison, Elizabeth H. C. Berry, Margaret Houx. Highland Cumberland and Presbyterian Church was organized Feb. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 271 20, 1867, by Rev. A. W. Thompson. A building was erected in 1870 at a cost of $1,600. The original members were John Fluke, John Knikshire, Nancy R. Durnil, Louisa Fluke, Wm. E. Clayton, Andrew J. Roberson, Margaret Knikshire, Elizabeth Edwards, Mary L. Duncan, Isaac Henry, Frederick Fluke, James D. McFall, James Bankston, Jane Tucker, George Fluke, Frank Guthrie, Dow Vaughan, Sallie Messicks, Julia Fluke, Lavina Clayton, Wm. E. Clayton, Jr., Elizabeth Duncan, Patsey Henry. New Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located in Prairie Home township and was organized in 1821 by Rev. Robert Morrow at the residence of Alexander Johnston. A log house was erected in 1828 which was replaced by a brick building in 1853, which was again replaced by a more commodious building in 1877. Early preachers were Rev. Finis Ewing, and Robert W. Morrow, Daniel Weedin, Samuel Kind, Thomas Ish, and John E. Norris. The original members were Alexander Johnston, Joshua Lewis, Mrs. Mary (wife of Alex. Johnston), Mrs. Mary (wife of James Johnston) , Robert Johnson and Margaret Johnson (mother of Alex- ander and Robert Johnston.) Presbyterian Church (Union) Bunceton, was organized 1860 by Rev. W. G. Bell, of Boonville. The constituent members were Mrs. Mary Phillips, Dr. E. Chilton and wife, John J. Hoge and wife, Isaac Hewitt and wife, Miss M. Hewitt, James Hewitt and Mrs. E. Russell. New Zion. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is located in Moniteau township and was organized in 1871 by W. W. Branin, its first pastor. In 1883 it had a membership of 100. The names of the original members were: Martha J. Miller, Catherine Lawson, Nancy Holloway, Harriett J. Hollaway, Joseph Pierce, Margaret A. Thompson, L. C. McDaniel, Henry Bowers, P. P. Lawson, Caroline R. Bowers, Thomas L. Pierce, Susan J. Williams. CHRISTIAN. Lone Elm Churcn, was organized in 1842. It was the first Christian Church organized soutn of the Missouri River. The first ministers of this congregation were Nelson Davis and Allen Wright, and the original mem- bers were George W. Baker and wife, Peter and Elizabeth Poindexter, Rice and Elizabeth Daniel, B. R. and Lucy Waller and Mary A. Poindexter. Lamine Church, was organized in 1843 but was discontinued after a few years. It was recognized in 1865 by Elder P. Donan. with the follow- ing white membership: Samuel R. Collins, Sarah L. Collins, Wm. B. Col- lins, J. P. Collins, Marietta M. Collins, Drusilla E. Thomas, Susan Biddie,. 272 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Melinda E. Kincaid, Mary F. Tyler, Catherine Wing, Freeman Wing, Julia A. Turley, Ellen Pope, Josephine Wall, J. P. Wall, Moses Napier, Mary J. Mello, Nancy Reed, Elizabeth Courtney, George W. Kincaid, Francis M. Kincaid, A. L. Kincaid, J. B. Baker, Martha J. Baker, Theo. Turley, Jas. O'Howell, Thos. Mello, Thos. Staples, C. F. Younger, F. Harris, Lucy C. Hieucleher, Pamelia Williams. Eighteen colored person were included in the membership of this church in the beginning, but soon after organ- izing, they withdrew and built a church of their own. Walnut Grove, was organized by Elder O. P. Davis, on the first Sun- day in Dec, 1862. The following were the charter members of the church: Lewis D. Reavis, Henry York, Eli P. Adams, Sarah J. Adams, Matilda Cary, Samuel R. Davis, 0. P. Davis, Eliza J. Hawkins, Martha A. Davis, Mary F. Logan, Margaret A. Davis, Mary York, Caroline York, Isabelle Clawson, Sarah Parmer and James Eldredge. Early in its history the church numbered over 150 members. The original church building was replaced by a commodious, modern church building in 1914. This building was completely destroyed by a cyclone in the summer of 1917. Immediately thereafter the congregation met and determined to replace the building that had been destroyed by an even better edifice, which was accordingly done. Boonville Christian Church, was organized by C. Shouse, Dec. 25, 1887, with about 20 charter members, six of whom are still living, viz., Mrs. Frank Swap, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. W. R. Baker, Montana ; Mrs. Albert Elliott, Chillicothe, Mo. ; Miss Lizzie Bacon, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. P. L. Starke, St. Louis, Mo.; Miss Lottye Crews, Boonville, Mo. The money for the erection of the church building was raised by the faithful and persistent efforts of J. I. Quigley. It was dedicated by J. H. Garrison, of St. Louis, in 1889. The Rev. W. W. Gibbony is the present minister. GERMAN EVANGELICAL. Boonville Evangelical Church, was organized in 1853. Rev. John Wettle was the first pastor. The first building was erected in 1854 due mainly to the energy and labor of George Vollrath, one of the early mem- bers. A school building was erected in 1857 and a parsonage in 1879. The school was discontinued in later years. The present building was erected in 1887 and dedicated by Rev. C. A. Richter, of Jefferson City, Missouri. Rev. R. M. Hinze served as pastor of this church from 1907- 1917. During his pastorate the church was refurnished and redecorated in 1908. In 1915 the church was enlarged by the addition of several LONE ELM SCHOOL ST. JOSEPHS CHURCH AND SCHOOL. PILOT GROVE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 273 Sunday school rooms. A pipe organ was presented by Mrs. Doris Gmelich, which was installed at the time of the addition. Early pastors were C. L. Greimer, J. Lange, E. Schneider and L. Kohlman. Original members were George Volbrath, J. H. Boiler, William Haas, St. Weber, Paul Steg- ner, Philip Back, William Gemmer, Peter Back, Jacob Thauer, J. E. Hof- lander, David Rau, Sophia Hain, Frederica Reinhart, Erk. Hirlinger, Jacob Neef, George Goller, L. Holzmueller, Adam Sandrock, Fred. Metz, J. Mitta- meyer, Philip Stahl, J. F. Fickel, J. Lotz. St. Peter's Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove was the first church organized by the German speaking people of Cooper County and was organized in 1849 under the ministry of the Reverend Kewing, who for some time remained as pastor, being succeeded in turn by the following pastors: The Reverends Rauchenbush, Hoffmeister, Lange, Streit, Von Teobel, Dellwo, Kraft, Woelfle, Mohr, Leutwein, Klingeberger, Alber, Egger, Rasche, Jennrich, Lehmann, Bredehoeft, Leibner and Beissenherz, the latter of whom was installed as pastor in the fall of 1917 and is now serving the congregation. The first meeting house erected by the congregation of St. Peter's was a little log church building, which served the needs of the pioneer congregation until a more commodious edifice could be built. The pres- ent building was erected in 1877. The charter member of St. Peter's ^Evangelical church were the following: Adam and Jacob Schilb, Nich- olas Blank, George Knorp, Fred Stock, J. A. Spieler, J. G. Spieler, William Baker, F. Schenck, T. Miller, E. Kirschman, Jacob Schilb, Jr., Henry Meyer, H. J. Meyer, A. Kaempfer and William Hobrecht, with their respective families. May 20, 1918, the congregation at its semi-annual business meeting voted to discontinue the use of the German language entirely. So time brings its changes, always to remind us that nothing is permanent. Pleasant Grove church also believes in its Sunday School and for many years has taught the Bible to both old and young. The following have been superintendents in their time: David Schilb, J. E. Derendinger, K. M. Seifert, John J. Blank, F. N. Blank, and H. Spieler, the present incumbent. St. Peters Church has lately been re-roofed, repainted, and a few years ago a first class piano was bought and in the spring of 1919 the church was re-decorated on the inside. Several new members joined again recently, all of which goes to prove that the St. Peters congregation (18) 274 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY is still a very live one. Billingsville Evangelical Church. The first meeting of the originators of this church was held in 1855 at the home of J. E. Hoflander. Those taking part were as follows : John E. Hoflander and wife, two sons, Joseph and Paul and two daughters, Mary and Barbara ; John Peter Stegner and wife, one son, August, and two daughters, Mary and Christina ; and John Paul Stegner and wife. Mrs. Hoflander led in prayer and read the scrip- tures at this service while John Peter Stegner led the singing. These meetings were held regularly on each Sunday until the Civil War. Sunday services were resumed in 1866 and were held in the Oak Grov School building and were led twice a month by Father Greiner, who was at that time pastor of the Evangelical congregation of Boonville. Frederick T. Kemper, founder of Kemper Military Academy con- ducted each Sunday, Sunday School services in which all the young people of the community took part. A building was erected at Billingsville in 1879 at a cost of $1,100. A parsonage building was built in 1895 and W. F. Herman was installed as the first legal pastor in 1896. The present beautiful building was erected in 1916 at a cost of over $7,000 under the leadership of E. W. Berlekamp. LUTHERAN. Lutheran Emanuel Church, is located in Prairie Home township. It was organized in 1855 by Rev. August Lange. The church building was erected the same year. Original membership, Rev. August Lange, Henry Meyer, Frederick Stock, Jacob Edes, G. Knorp, Henry Meyer, John Kemp- fer, Dietrich Molan, John Snauch, Christine Hecherman and Ludwig Mentz. The German Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in Clarks Fork was erected in 1860. Its first pastor was Rev. Henry Jorngel. A building was erected in 1867 at a cost of $2,500, on a three acre plot of ground, by Fred Frieke. Original members, Peter Muntzel, Albert Muntzel, Daniel Muntzel, John King, Fred Frieke, John A. Schmidt, Nicholas Schmidt, Leonard Schmidt, David Rauh, William Kahle, Henry Lankop, Ferdinand Lankop, William Lankop, Christian Brandis, Sr., Lewis Lebbing, Marimus Longers, Henry Kaune, Sophia Fredmeyer, Christian Fredmeyer, Henry Fredmeyer, Ferdinand Ohlendorf, Peter Norenberg. James Martinson, Jacob King, Otto Smolfield, Berhard Vieth, Charles Brandis, Peter Weh- meier. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 275 EPISCOPAL. Christ's Episcopal Church, was probably organized in 1835 and a first church building was erected in 1844 under the leadership of Rev. Almond David Corbyn, rector. It is thought that the Rev. F. F. Peak preceded him and was probably the first Episcopal pioneer preacher in Boonville. Among the early members were Dr. E. E. Buckner and wife, Richard Thompson and wife, Mrs. Tompkins and C. B. Powell and wife. CATHOLIC. St. Peter's and Paul's Parish, Boonville. — Before 1850 Boonville was visited by Fr. Helias S. J. of Taos, and from Jefferson City. Rev. George Tuerk's name appears on the baptismal register from Nov. 1, 1850 to Oct. 11, 1851. Rev. U. Joseph Meister attended Boonville from Oct. 27, 1857 to July 3, 1856. He attended quite a number of places: Pilot Grove, Moniteau (Cedron) Brunswick, St. Andrews (Tinton), Glasgow, Fayette, Franklin, Round-Hill, Saline County, Chariton County, Pisgah, Boons- borough. Father Meister purchased the present church site July 22, 1856. Rev. B. Hillner took charge and may be considered the first priest perma- nently located at Boonville. He remained until April 18, 1869. He built a brick church and erected a small school building. He also visited Cedron, Glasgow, Cambridge and Brunswick. Rev. Henry Meurs was in charge from May 16, 1869 to April 24, 1875. He built a two story rectory. Rev. John A. Hoffman was in charge from May 15, 1875 to January 7, 1885. He built a transent, sanctuary and sacristies as an addition to the church at an expense of $5,000. He took a great interest in the Catholic school and made the one story building of Fr. Hillner two stories, the upper story containing the living rooms of the sisters, and the first story having two school rooms. Rev. L. M. Porta had charge from Jan., 1885. to Aug. 17, 1895. Rev. Theodore Kussman took charge Aug. 17, 1885, and still remains (1917). He was born in Germany, Jan. 19, 1843. and came with his par- ents to St. Louis in the fall of 1847. There he attended the Holy Trinity parochial school. He attended the Christian Brothers School 7th and Cherry and St. Francis Seminary near Milwaukee. After studying phil- osophy and theology at Cape Girardeau, he was ordained there by Arch- bishop Kenrick, May 27, 1866. Two years after his appointment to Boon- 276 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ville, he was made irremovable rector and has been in charge now over thirty-one years. Various improvements were made during his stay, the most important being the building of the new church, and putting an addi- tion to the rectory, making it double the previous size. March 2, 1890, the old church caught fire and was damaged $2,125. The old church was torn down. A new part with tower and side turrets, was erected and con- nected with Fr. Hoffmans transent, sanctuary and sacristies, at the ex- pense of $11,200. May 27, 1916, Rev. Theodore Kussman celebrated his golden jubilee in the presence of a large gathering. Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Lillis and thirty priests honored the occasion with their presence. For the last seven years the parish school has been free. Since Sept. 1, 1913, Boonville has had as assistant priests Revs. P. J. Downey, F. S. MacCardle, F. J. Dono- van, and P. J. Kennedy. The societies are B. V. M. Sodality, St. Anne's Society, St. V. St. Paul's Society, Extension Society, Propagation of the Faith, and Knights of Columbus, with a membership of 91. The Benedictine Sisters have been here eleven years, conducting a private hospital for Dr. C. H. Van Ravensway. The parish numbers about 500 souls, and has 65 pupils in the Paro- chial school. St. Joseph Church at Pilot Grove, was established by Rev. Father Pius Conrad, O. S. B., Jan. 1, 1895. In 1893 the cornerstone of St. Joseph Church was laid and Sept. 16, 1894, the church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Abbot Frowin Conrad, O. S. B. of Conception Abbey, Mo., Rev. Father John Conrad, O. S. B. Pastor of Clear Ci-eek built St. Joseph Church and held service in it until Rev. Fr. Pius came. From Jan. 1, 1895. Pilot Grove had regular services every Sunday and Holy day. When the parish was organized, 35 families belonged to it, the present number of families is 90. In 1898, the priest house, costing $2,500, was built. As soon as Clear Creek had a resident priest, Rev. Fr. Pius held service every Sunday in Pilot Grove and Martinsville. He worked hard for God's honor. In 1907 the church was enlarged by adding to the old church a new sanctuary, rais- ing the ceiling about six feet and erecting new altars at the cost of $5,650.00. Jan. 1, 1909, Rev. Fr. Pius took charge of Martinsville but lived at Pilot Grove until Sept., 1911, when he moved into the new resi- dence at Martinsville. St. Joseph cemetery consists of two acres and is situated one mile south of the church. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 277 Jan. 1, 1909, Rev. Father Philip Ruggle, 0. S. B. took charge of St. Joseph Parish and stayed here until Sept. 1, 1915. From Sept. 1, 1915, to Dec. 4, Rev. Father Berthold Jaggle 0. S. B. was the parrish priest. December 4, 1915, Rev. Father Hildebrand Roesler, 0. S. B. took charge. In 1900 the convent and school was built at the cost of $4,000.00. The parochial school started in 1902 with 50 children. Benedictine Sisters were the teachers. In 1917 a new school building was erected at a cost of $14,000. The attendance is 90-100. Benedictine Sisters from Shool Creek, Ark., are the teachers. St. Martin's Church.— On May 16, 1870, a little log structure, 18x24 feet, called St. Martin Chapel was erected and a cemetery laid out on one and one-half acres of land donated by Daniel Martin. This location was afterwards known as Martinsville. ■ The original families of St. Martin Church were the following, viz, Daniel Martin, John Martin, Leonard Martin, John Martin, Jr., Jacob Gross, Nic. Schank, Anton Wiemholt, Philip Wiedel, Mr. Bonan, George Bergerhaus, J. Carvel. Martinsville was a mission of Boonville, from 1870-1877. It was in charge of Reverend Murus, 1870-1874; Reverend Hoffman, 1874-1877. Martinsville was a mission of Clear Creek, 1877-1897. It was the charge of Rev. W. F. Boden, 1877-1880. Under the direction of Father Boden the second St. Martin's Church, a frame structure, was built. In 1880 this mission was taken care of by Rev. N. Reding; in 1881 by Reverend Conrad, O. S. B. of Conception Abbey ; in 1895 by Rev. Pius Conrad of Conception Abbey. Martinsville was a mission of Pilot Grove, 1897-1908, under the charge of Rev. Pius Conrad O. S. B. The present and third St. Martin's Church is a solid brick structure, erected on 2.24 acres of land on the Boonville and Sedalia public road, about one-fourth mile north of the M. K. T. railroad station known as Chouteau Springs. The corner stone was laid in 1908 by Rev. Leo, O. S. B. It was dedicated by Rt. Reverend Ignatius of Subiaco, Ark. January 1, 1909. Reverend Pius O. S. B. became pastor of St. Martin's Parish. On Aug. 31, 1911, Father Pius moved to St. Martin's Rectory. On Jan. 13, 1915, Father Pius was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Koehler of the Kansas City, Mo., Diocese. The St. Martin Parish at present consists of fortv progressive an I prosperous Catholic families and is in a flourishing condition. CHAPTER XVIII. AGRICULTURE. NATURAL ADVANTAGES— PRODUCTION— SURPLUS PRODUCTS— COP. X PRIZE WIN- NERS—ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS — LIVE STOCK— SHORTHORN" HERDS — HOGS— HORSES— MULES-MARKET PRICES FROM 1886 TO 1915— LIVE STOCK PRODUCTS— SHEEP— SOILS. The Garden of Eden might have been located in Cooper County. There is nothing that will not grow within its bounds and its fertile soil, equable climate, and beautiful natural scenery make it one of the most desirable portions of the globe. In location it is fortunate. It is south to the "Yankee" ; north to the "southerner" ; west to the "easterner" ; and east to the "westerner." It furnishes a variety of seasons unequalled by any plot of earth of similar size. Weather here gives expression to a variety of moods which are as numerous as are the sand grains of the seashore. From the cold and snow and ice of winter it is but a short step to the hot, dry, torrid conditions oftimes experienced in August. Yet these extremes are rare indeed; and winter's chilling blast seldom penetrates so far south, and summer's' intense heat is usually thwarted in its designs by cooling zeph- yrs. Taking all in all, the climate of Cooper County is ideally adapted to the arousing in man of those desires for activity which makes the tem- perate zone the place of civilization's greatest progress. Diversified farming is practiced extensively. No one crop is counted on in any season. All grains, fruits, and vegetables, adapted to temperate regions, have a natural habitat here. It has outdone Kentucky in the production of prize blue grass ; Kansas in the acre yield of wheat ; Illinois in the production of prize corn; Virginia in the production of premium tobacco; Iowa in the production of choice hogs, and the United States in the production of choice fruit. Resplendent in opportunity, Cooper County has a veritable store- house of wealth in her soil, and in her people — the best on earth — you HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 279 will find a hospitality, a sympathy, an interest, that makes for a cordial relationship which makes life worth living. Cooper County is the home of many prosperous farmers and stock- men. The soil, climate, and topography are especially adapted to the pro- duction of grain, hay, and stock in abundance. It is drained by numerous small streams which readily find an outlet in the adjoining Missouri River. As a consequence the bottom lands along the small streams seldom overflow, and if they do become inundated it is only for a short time. There is a strip along the Missouri River varying in width from one to five miles known scientifically as Loess soil that is especially adapted to the production of fruit of various kinds. It is equally as well adapted to the growing of farm crops, but is too valuable as fruit soil to be used for grain. It is estimated by competent authority that nine-tenths of the apples produced in Missouri are grown on the one- tenth of apple area found on the Loess soils. The time is coming in the not far distant future, when every acre of Loess soil, in Cooper County will be used in growing fruit, and the value of such lands is destined to increase exceptionally. Outside of the Loess soil area Cooper County soil is rich black loam and for the growing of wheat, corn, clover, and alfalfa there is none better. In 1918 Cooper County produced: Average yield Total yield Average per acre in bushels Oats 17,320 26 bu. 450,320 Tame Hay 28,710 1.05 ton 30,140 tons Corn 71,430 17 bu. 1,214,310 Wheat 66,000 19 bu. 1,254,000 Wheat (1919) 88,140 (Note. — In 1917 Cooper County produced 2,756,416 bushels of corn.) Acre Yields, 1911-1918. 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 Corn 20 42 29 24 42 30 35 17 Oats 16 40 15 18 36 25 40 26 Wheat 16 15 16 16 11 6 20 19 Irish Potatoes 16 134 23 64 78 52 68 60 Sorghum (Gal.) ___ __ __ __ __ __ 61 Tame Hay (Tons) 74 1.75 .50 .56 1.50 1.43 1.25 1.05 280 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Facts Regarding Cooper County. — Land and water area, 357,120 acres; land in farms (1910), 340,199 acres; improved farm land (1910), 273,505 acres; Woodland in farms (1910), 54,760 acres; per cent, of land area in farms, 95.3 per cent, of improved farm lands, 80.4 ; average num- ber acres per farm (1910), 133.6; area in acres town land and block (1917), 3.660; land values March, 1918 (improved), $95.00 per acre; land values March, 1918 (unimproved), $70.00 per acre. Shipments of Surplus Products from Cooper County 1915 (based on returns made by railroads and express agents (Redbook, 1917). — Cattle, 14,109; hogs, 69,800; horses, mules, 2,378; sheep, 8,684; goats, 165; jack and stallions, 2. Wheat, 530,199 bushels; corn, 5,154 bushels; oats, 5,656 bushels; tim- othy seed, 31 bushels; clover seed, 198 bushels; hay, 115 tons: tobacco, 14,505 pounds; cowpeas, 2,000 bushels; planting and garden seed, 145 bushels; nuts, 19,381 pounds. Flour, 40,000 bbl.; cornmeal, 185,500 lbs.; bran shipstuff, 2,880,000 lbs.; fee and chops, 250,000 lbs.; coal, 1,050 tons; sand, 52,000 tons; stone, 344 cars; macadam, 24 cars. Forest Products: Lumber, cars, 9; logs, cars, 11; cooperage, cars, 1 ; walnut logs, cars, 16 ; cordwood, cars, 21. Farmyard Products: Poultry, live, pounds, 1,332,145; poultry, dressed, pounds, 933,924; eggs, dozen, 977,730; feathers, pounds, 21,233. Stone and Clay Products : Brick, cars, 19 ; cement products, tons, 60. Packing House Products: Hides and pelts, pounds, 169,467; dressed meats, pounds, 10,540; tallow, pounds, 13,640; lard, pounds, 2,251. Flowers and Nursery Products : Nursery stock, pounds, 184,425 ; cut flowers, pounds, 1,155. Dairy Products: Butter, pounds, 44,299; ice cream, gallons, 35,232; milk and cream, gallons, 167,480. Wool and Mohair: Wool, pounds, 63,948. Liquid Products : Wine, gallons, 10 ; vinegar, gallons, 408 ; cider, gal- lons, 232 ; natural mineral water, gal.. 38 ; soda water, cases, 3,000. Fish and Game Products: Game, pounds, 15,770; fish, pounds, 323; furs, pounds, 1,048. Medicinal Products: Roots and herbs, pounds, 200. Vegetables: Vegetables, pounds, 5,012; potatoes, bushels, 528; tomatoes, bushels, 26; onions, bushels, 15; canned vegetables and fruits, pounds, 1,387. Fruits : Miscellaneous fresh fruits, lbs., 1,000 ; melon, pounds, 24,000 ; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 281 strawberries, pounds, 95,575; apples, bbls., 9,312; grapes, pounds, 200; peaches, lbs., 88,245. Apiary and Cane Products: Honey, pounds, 595; sorghum molasses, gal., 259. Unclassified Products: — Washing compound, cases, 1,306; coke, tons, 40; junk cars, 42; ice ,tons, 4,100; coal tar, gallons, 5,000; pipe stems, 383,688; steel harrows, 313; bakery products, pounds, 35,000; corncobs, cars, 1 ; corncob pipes, gross, 57,653 ; wooden pipes, gross, 7,246. Live Stock, January 1, 1919. Average Value Number Per Head Cattle 24,742 Milch cows $ 77.00 Under one year 26.00 V 2 years 60.00 2 and above 84.00 Hogs 76,770 19.20 Sheep 17,245 16.50 (ewes) Horses 8,797 105.00 (above) (two ) Mules 5,997 185.00 (year) Cooper is easily the leading county in the state in breeding high class corn. This is evidenced by the premium list furnished us by Professor Hackleman, Secretary Corn Growers' Association of Missouri. Winners of First Prizes From Cooper County, Missouri State Corn Growers' Association From 1907 to 1919, Inc. Name. Address. 1st prize won on 1907. R. B. Johnson, Boonville, Reid's Yellow Dent. Chris Ohlendorf, Boonville, Cartner. Albert Johnmeyer, Boonville, Boys' contest. 1908. Chris Ohlendorf, Boonville, Bu. of shelled corn (Cartner Yellow). Wm. Johnmeyer, Boonville, Boone County White (bu. shelled). Martin Johnmeyer, Boonville, 10 ears mixed corn south of river. 282 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1909. Highest scoring sample (10 ears) any variety exhibited by school district in any county, Sweepstakes awarded to Jefferson School District near Bunceton. Young Men's class (yellow corn). Sweepstakes in Young Men's Class. Chris Ohlendorf, Boonville, 1st in Variety Class. 1910. Chris Ohlendorf, Boonville, 1911. Chris Ohlendorf, Boonville, 1914. Chris Smith, Bunceton, 1916. H. G. Windsor, Boonville, Ewd. Schwalfeldt, Boonville, 1917. H. G. Windsor, Boonville, Ben Smith, Bunceton, 1918. H. G. Windsor, Boonville, 1st on Yellow Corn. 1st on Yellow Corn. 1st Black Oats. 1st 10 ears Yellow Corn. Sweepstakes on 10 ears. Championship best 10 ears entire show. Boy's Class (10 ears Yellow Corn). 1st 10 ears Yellow. Sweepstakes (10 ears Yellow Corn). Championship (10 ears Yellow Corn). Grand Champion (10 ears Yellow Corn). 1st Men's Five Acre Yield. Sweepstakes on Five Acre Yield. 1st Men's One Acre Yield. Sweepstakes on One Acre Yield. Grand Champion on One Acre Yield. 1st Single Ear of Yellow Corn. Sweepstakes. Championship. Grand Champion. 1st bu. of Yellow Corn. 1st best peck of Red Clover Seed. 1st bu. Yellow Com. Grand Champion bu. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 283 Orchards and Vineyards. — Contributed by C. C. Bell. — Cooper County and central Missouri was early recognized by the pioneer settlers as a fruit and grape growing country, and among those who had orchards were Henry M. Myers, Isaac N. Bernard, Benjamin F. Hickox, David Lilly, Isaac Lionberger, Wesley Wyan, David Smith, William Gibson, John G. Miller, C. H. F. Greenlease, Robert D. Perry, Jacob Newman, Jesy G. New- man, Edmund Elliott, William E. Beard, George and Nicholas Vollrath and some others. The apple varieties in those days were mostly Jenetin, Bell- flowers, Winesap, Limbertwig, Russets and often some very good seedlings, mostly brought here by early settlers from Virginia and Kentucky. Boonville and surrounding country became specially noted as a grape growing section after 1848, when some leading Germans from the fruit and wine growing country of the Rhine settled here. Many of them had taken part in the German Revolution against monarchy, and had fled to America; and recognizing in the soil and hills of the Missouri River Val- ley soil equal and superior to the soils of the famous Rhine wine vineyards, located in Cooper County. I can well remember George Husman, in that day recognized as the best authority on grape growing, who would often visit here to advise with those who had started vineyards ; there were many planted about Boonville which gave it the name of the "Vine Clad City." The Boonville Wine Company had the largest vineyard and it adjoined the city on the west. It was organized by William Haas, Dr. E. Roeschel, M. J. Wertheimer, Maj. William Harley, Capt. C. H. Brewster and Judge Christian Keill. Other vineyards were planted by George Vollrath, Ignatius Deringer, Rochus Knaup, Henry Weiland, George Rippley, Fritz Schacht and others. Several miles west were John Henry Boiler, J. G. Neef, Frederick Demffel, Charles Fiedler and George and Peter Walther. East of Boonville in the Squire Herman Schmidt neighborhood were Louis Gsell, Martin Bonward, Jacob Kramer, Blasious Eflinger, Franz Joseph Sady, and others. My father, John Adam Bell, planted the first vineyard, peach and apple orchard in the Mount Sinai School neighborhood, and was followed by John Wilpret and others. I can well remember how those veterans of the 1848 German Revolution, at times would discuss the narrow escapes some had coming to America. They were all loyal patriots of this their adopted country, true to the cause of the Union and their sons answered the call of Abraham Lincoln, in defense of our flag, and many of their grand-sons have done good service in the World War, fighting Prussian- 284 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ism and Kaiserism, against which their grandfathers had fought in 1848,. but lost. In this connection we should remember that large numbers (especially southern Germans), are not and never have been in sympathy with Kaiserism, Prussianism and Militarism. The leading grape varieties were Isabella, Catawba and Virginia Seed- ling, later on varieties such as Concord, Delaware, Elvire, Goethe and others were planted. However, on account of California extensive grape production and wine making, and some other influences the vineyards of Cooper County have disappeared, and the large rock-arched wine cellars are all there is left of what once was a very promising industry. I well recall when Gen. Joseph Shelby made his raid into Boonville in Sept. 1863, coming from the south along the Bell Air road, passed father's vineyard, which was heavy loaded with ripe grapes. It seemed to me that a large part of his men hurriedly stopped off to get ail the grapes they could handle. Some of them were very polite and expressed their thanks, while others offered to pay in Confederate money; but most of them (in war-time soldier style) had nothing to say but took all they wanted ; yet there were grapes left, as the crop was very heavy. Apple growing has also diminished on account of insect and other pests of the orchard. In my boyhood days, we knew nothing of those orchard enemies, but now we must fight them by spraying with various chemicals, and do it at the proper time. Thirty to 50 years ago when I bought apples in Central Missouri, most farmers had a surplus to sell from their family orchards; those orchards however, have died out, and many farmers from whom I bought apples years ago, now come to my orchard for apples for their home use, saying that they can buy their apples cheaper than they can fight the insects. While this is true, yet when I think of the splendid fruit soils and ideal locations along the Missouri River, in convenient reach of large markets, I can consistently recommend fruit-growing, provided it is done right, and in quantity large enough to make it worth while to equip with the best machinery. I would advise planting the best known varieties, which are suitable to our soils and localities with work and proper atten- tion you can make fruit-growing a great success in Cooper County, and in the Missouri River valley. Much of our Missouri soils are the very best in the world. We are also well located as to markets with big de- mands, and have many advantages over the fruit-growers of the far" west and other localities. But it requires work, economy and personal prac- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 285 tical application. Avoid Waste — "Get Busy and Stay Busy", and you can soon have a home and plenty in Cooper County, or in Missouri. Live Stock. — Cooper easily ranks among the first live stock counties in Missouri. It is now almost 100 years since the first hei'd of registered animals was established in the county. Today, there are perhaps approxi- mately 100 herds of pure bred live stock and this number is constantly increasing. At one time this county was credited with having more reg- istered Shorthorns than any other county in the United States. While this is not true today, the number being somewhat less than at that time owing to the weeding-out and greater attention to quality, it is a fact that no county in the state excels Cooper. Here have been owned many world- famous animals, and from this county has gone the seed stock to estab- lish or replenish herds throughout the Mississippi Valley, the great West and Southwest, and to South America and other foreign territories. It was on a Cooper County farm that young Abbottsburn, grand champion Shorthorn bull of the Chicago World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Expo- sition), spent his last days. On another farm only a short distance away was Lavender Viscount, champion and grand champion at leading Amer- ican shows. On yet another farm was the great Goday, famous in Canada and America. So might the list be continued at length. What is true of Shorthorns is true in large part of practically all other kinds of live stock. The location of Cooper County in the very center of the agricultural universe, the central county of a great central state, could not be improved upon. Here is the center of the bluegrass belt ; here, the aristocratic animals in the great herds find their happy habitat; here, too, are the homes of people who appreciate and love good animals. In these state- ments we have the secret of the success that has so long attended this county in live stock production. One hundred years is a long span of time in the history of a west- ern state. During this period of time, the people of Cooper County have not been swayed by passing fads or fancies, but have, with commendable conservatism and singleness of purpose, adhered to the well-defined policy of maintaining on their farms none but good live stock. As a result the county has acquired a national reputation, not only as a producer of choice, pure-bred animals but year after year hogs and cattle from this county have topped the St. Louis and Kansas City markets. As a result of live stock farming as it is here being carried on, the soil of the county has been built up rather than depleted. The fields 286 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY have retained their fertility, as will always be the case where the crops are marketed "on foot". The effect of live stock farming as here prac- ticed is reflected in the large yields of corn, wheat, oats and other staple crops, as well as of many minor crops with which the county is credited. Brief reference has been made to the importance of the Shorthorn industry in the county. Not only was this the first branch of pure-bred live stock to be established, but it is today the most important. Some of the herds now owned in Cooper County are as follows: Ashwood, C. P. Tutt & Sons ; Ravenswood, now owned by N. Nelson Leonard but still conducted under the name of C. E. Leonard & Son with Ed. Patterson as manager; Eminence, A. J. and C. T. Nelson; Prairie View Stock Farm, G. A. Betteridge; Idlewild, W. P. Harned; Crestmead, W. A. Betteridge; Mt. Vernon Park, Harriman Bros. ; Wayside Valley, P. F. Smith ; Walnut Dale Farm, Ben N. Smith ; Buena Vista, Wm. Meyer & Son ; Geo. W. Lowe, Glasgow Bros., and many others are also breeding Shorthorns at the pres- ent time. Many herds have from time to time because of the death or retire- ment of their owners or otherwise been dispersed. One of the most famous of these was the old Ellerslie herd of Shorthorns established by the late T. J. Wallace and by him maintained at a high-water mark for a number of years. Following the great show yard triumph of young Abbottsburn at Chicago, Mr. Wallace purchased this great roan bull to head his own herd. Here, too, was owned Alice's Prince and other famous animals. For a number of years Geo. A. Carpenter maintained t'fe Ideal Herd of Shorthorns. At the same time John R. Hepler was breeding Shorthorns at his Vermont stock farm. Two other names that will live long in Cooper County Shorthorn history are those of Sam W. Roberts, who had a large herd of Bates cat- tle on his farm near Pleasant Green, and F. M. Marshall, who successfully bred both Bates and Scotch Shorthorns near Blackwater. Both Messrs. Roberts and Marshall have passed to the Great Beyond. For many years E. H. Rodgers, now retired and living in Boonville, was a successful breeder of Shorthorns as well as horses, jacks and jennets, and other live stock on his Cedar Lawn stock farm near Bunceton. Harris and McMahan, the latter now deceased, formerly bred Shorthorns at Sunnyside near La Mine. The late W. B. Cully, proprietor of the Sunny brook stock farm, was a breeder of Shorthorns as well as Poland China hogs. For many years W. H. H. Stephens maintained a good herd of Shorthorns on his Clover Leaf Stock Farm near Bunceton. Owing to the fact that it is necessary to condense this chapter, only HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 287 a very brief history can be given of the active Shorthorn herds of the county at this time. These individual references follow: The oldest herd of Shorthorn cattle west of the Mississippi River and one of the oldest in the entire nation, is the Ravenswood herd. Estab- lished in 1839, when Nathaniel Leonard purchased the white bull, Comet Star for $600 and the Red Heifer Queen, for $500, from George Renick, a Kentucky breeder. These were the first registered Shorthorns west of the Mississippi River. This was the beginning of the Ravenswood herd that has done so much for the upbuilding of the live stock industry in Cooper County and the middle west the herd passing in time from Nathaniel Leonard to his son, C. E. Leonard, and later to Nelson Leonard, the present owner. At different times the Leonards have added some of the best speci- mens to their herd that money could buy, but they have always been con- sidered breeders of, instead of buyers of high class Shorthorn cattle; and some of their stock have frequently won prizes at the live stock shows over the country. Lavender Viscount was the Grand Champion Short- horn bull of America for two years. One of the notable sales from Ravenswood was that of Merry Ravens- wood 3rd, sold to Walter L. Miller, of Peru, Ind., and shipped by him to South America, where one of the calves, "Americus," at the conclusion of a successful career in the show ring,- was sold for the sum of 80,000 peos, or a little less than $40,000 in American gold. The following are among the famous families represented in the Ravenswood herd: Lavenders, Duchess of Glosters, Victorias, Campbell bred Wimples, Violets, Fancys, Miss Ramsdens, Charming Roses and Rosa- monds. Some ten years ago A. J. and C. T. Nelson — the latter now located on Eminence Farm, two miles east of Bunceton, and the former living three miles southwest of Bunceton — established a select herd of Shorthorns which is now being maintained under the name of the Eminence herd. From time to time new blood is being added so that the herd is each year being increased in size and improved in quality. Ben N. Smith established some three years ago a small but select herd of Shorthorns on the Walnut Dale Farm, which he owns east of Bunceton. This herd is being well managed and bids fair to become one of the good herds of the county. Walter N. Harness has recently established a small but good herd of Shorthorns on his farm northeast of Bunceton. "Ellerslie" is a name that stands out prominently in the live stock 288 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY history of Cooper County. Several years ago this farm was owned by T. J. Wallace and later became the property of W. B. Wallace, who two years ago sold it to W. L. Clay, the present owner. This farm has always been known as the home of good live stock, specializing on Shorthorn cattle and high class saddle horses. Here for a time was the home of Young Abbotsburn, Grand Champion of the Chicago World's Fair. This review would not be complete without a reference to the beauti- ful old stock farm, Clover Leaf, where a number of years ago W. H. H. Stephens founded one of the well known Shorthorn herds. This farm was in the Stephens family for almost a 100 years, having only recently been disposed of to George Burger of Moniteau County. A pretty 200 acre farm, lying just within the edge of Bunceton, is the Ashwood farm, owned by C. P. Tutt. Here will be found a fine herd of Shorthorns and Berkshires. Mr. Tutt is one of the well informed men on Shorthorn cattle. In the Mt. Vernon Park Herd of Shorthorns are many choice Scotch and Scotch topped cattle, the property of Col. R. L. and Bert Harriman. Several years ago the Messrs. Harriman began the assemblying of a great lot of cattle. They bought freely and bred as well as they had bought. It is the proud boast of the owners of this herd that every cow has paid for herself twice over. The old idea was that the breeding of Shorthorns was a rich man's game, but it remained for G. A. Betteridge, of the Prairie View Herd to prove that it was a good game for a poor man to play provided he wanted to get on his feet. In the past thirty years Mr. Betteridge has acquired a 200 acre farm and has as fine abunch of Shorthorns as one would care to see. The Crestmead Herd of Scotch Shorthorns, owned by W. A. Bet- teridge, eight miles west of Bunceton, consists of over a hundred head of some of the very best breeds. Many of these cattle are Cruickshank Orange Blossoms and the remainder are of other leading Scotch families. Incidentally it may be said that Mr. Betteridge is one of the best posted men on Shorthorn pedigrees in the entire country. The history of the Idlewild Shorthorn herd dates back to the year 1865, when the late George Harned, father of the present owner, W. P. Hamed, began its establishment. This herd has a strain of blood from one of the original members of the herd, "Sally Washington", purchased in Kentucky just after the close of the Civil War, and the farm boasts of this strain which is more than half a century old. Mr. Harned is - r z *l 13 H 7. w - X /, ^^1 .~^a 1 E "a i i—. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 289 especially proud of his "Double Marys", long in the herd. Bates, Booth and Cruickshank blood have been represented and much attention is paid to the development of milking Shorthorns. While Shorthorns, early known to many of the pioneer people as Dur- hams, were the first registered cattle to be brought to Cooper County, other breeds notably the Herefords, are now represented by some well established herds of high quality. Blank & Spieler, in the eastern part of the county are extensive and progressive breeders. D. E. McArthur, of near Billingsville, has also for many years maintained a good herd of Herefords. Other beef breeds are also represented, but the number of registered animals are limited. Wear, of Prairie Home, and Chris Rasmus who owns a fine farm on the Boonville and Lone Elm road, are breeding Angus cattle. Both have well established herds. Hogs. — Cooper County has many good herds of hogs, including Duroc Jerseys, Poland Chinas, Berkshires, O. I. C's., Hampshires, Mule-Foots and other breeds. In an early day, Essex and other breeds, then popular, were to be found on many Cooper County farms. The late Judge Baker and Thomas Tucker were among the early breeders of pure-bred hogs. To attempt to give the names of all who are interested in hog breeding in the county would be an utter impossibility, but reference is here made to some of the well-established herds. Prominent among the breeders of Poland Chinas are: Bert Harri- man, of the Mount Vernon Park stock farm, near Pilot Grove; Webb L. Clay, who secured a part of the Ellerslie herd of Poland Chinas at the time it was dispersed by W. B. Wallace — the herd having been sold at auction after Mr. Wallace disposed of the farm which had been owned by his father, the late T. J. Wallace. In this connection it might be said that some of the highest-priced Poland Chinas in the United States have been owned in Cooper County, prices of $1,000 or more being not uncommon for a single individual while more than $5,000, has been paid for one hog. Seed stock from this county has gone to practically every state in the Mississippi valley as well as to Central and South America. Duroc Jerseys have long been bred in this county, S. Y. Thornton hav- ing established the Rose Hill herd near Blackwater many years ago. This was one of the early herds to be established west of the Mississippi. Today Cooper County has a large number of herds of unusual quality. Among these might be mentioned the Fountain Valley herd of Richard Rothgeb ; (19) 290 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the Eminence herd owned by C. T. Nelson and containing hogs of good individuality and choice breeding. Berkshires are extensively bred by T. A. Harris and Sons at their Sunnyside Farm near La Mine. This is one of the best herds of Berk- shires to be found in the United States, representatives having been winners in leading national and state shows. A good herd of 0. I. C. hogs is maintained by John H. NefF at River- side Farm near Boonville. Richard Rothgeb is the proprietor of the Fountain Valley Herd of Duroc Jerseys, which he started in the year 1911. Mr. Rothgeb has popularized the Duroc Jersey in Cooper County and has succeeded in developing a very fine type of the breed. The good Blue Ribbon Herd of Duroc Jersey hogs is owned by Paul Winders and wife, near Boonville. The late W. B. Cully established the Spring Brook Herd of Poland Chinas in 1892, when he bought a choice thoroughbred sow from the herd of David Finch, a noted Ohio breeder. From time to time additions were made to the herd and in 1906 the entire Cedar Lawn herd of E. H. Rodgers was added. In this purchase was the first prize six months boar at the St. Louis Worlds Fair, Tecumseh Perfection. One of the earliest breeders of Duroc Jersey hogs in all the Mississippi valley is S. Y. Thornton, of near Blackwater, proprietor of the Rose Hill Duroc Jerseys. This herd was established in the early eighties. Mr. Thornton has often been called the original "Red Hog Man" in Missouri. Chris Ohlendorf is breeding Mule-Foot hogs on his farm southeast of Boonville. Hampshires are being bred in a limited way by a number of farmers and this market is becoming fairly well established in the county. Horses. — Cooper County has long been justly famous for its good horses, especially saddle horses and light harness horses. In many cases the pioneer brought with him favorite animals from Virginia or Kentucky, and the same blood lines have been continued until the present time. An example of this may be found in the Ashby "Whips", widely known sad- dle horses bred in Virginia, and descendants from the original stock of which are still to be seen on the farm of Chas. P. Tutt, of Bunceton. In an early day and even up to a few years ago the "nodding" running- walker, the best real riding horse the world has ever known, was common on every Cooper County road. Some of these horses are still to be seen here, but with the growing use of the automobile they are rapidly disap- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNT.Y 291 pearing. The five-gaited saddle horse, with his beauty, grace and marked show-yard qualities, has here reached a degree of perfection not often attained. The truth of this statement is borne out at local fairs, notably still at the Bunceton fair, which has been an incentive toward the breed- ing of good live stock and especially good horses, for almost a quarter of a century. The late Capt. Samuel L. Jewett, famous as a miller, farmer and stockman, brought to Cooper County, what was known as the "Gold Bank" horses. These horses are said by older citizens to have had much stamina but to have been high strung. The Glendours and Roebucks were other horses which years ago were largely bred in Cooper County, especially in the southern part. Along about the Civil War period a horse known as Varner's Roe- buck was in service near New Lebanon in the southwestern part of the county, where there was established a family of grey horses from which came some of the best running walkers ever owned in this section. About this period and a little later Wm. T. Groves, father of Col. S. H. Groves, and of the other "Groves Boys" was breeding, developing and training a string of good saddlers. Another name familiar to the old timers, is "The Copper Bottoms", from which came horses of stamina and endurance. More familiar still, to the present generation, at least, seem the Telegraphs. Along about this time came the great horse, Denmark Chief, brought to Missouri by the late T. J. Wallace. This horse has some wonderfully good sons to his credit, especially wheji used on Roebuck mares. About five years after the acquisition of Denmark Chief by Mr. Wal- lace, the late John F. Rogers, of Boonville, went to Kentucky and there purchased Diamond Denmark, later sold to the Luray Stock Farm. At this point it is well to briefly review the story of Luray, with which the names of Will H. Ewing and Col. R. L. Harriman are intimately asso- ciated. It was in 1885 or '86 that Messrs. Harriman anrl Ewing bought several car loads of horses in Kentucky and shipped them into Missouri. A little later Mr. Ewing went to Pilot Grove, while "Bob" Harriman estab- lished himself on Luray stock farm, one mile west of Bunceton. Mr. Ewing had gotten hold of the grey horse Dandy Jim and a Nutwood pacer. He raced these horses two or three years, then went to Texas with them and there disposed of them at high figures for those times. A year after the dissolution of partnership with Mr. Ewing, Colonel Harriman bought a stallion and a car load of brood mares in Kentucky. 292 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY The stallion was a Claybred, Royal Windsor, a large 1,200-pound bay horse with fine carriage and having a beautiful mane and tail. In the carload of horses just referred to were three Alleys, yearlings and two- year-olds, which developed into sensational race horses. These mares both trotters were Miss Fullerton and Josephine. There was also Pansy Blossom, a mare by General Wilkes. Col. Harriman trained these mares, developed them into tip-top race horses and campaigned them for three years, during which time they won something like $20,000. Miss Fuller- ton was the better of the three, winning 75 per cent, of all the races in which she started. At the conclusion of her sensational race career she, with Josephine was sold to a Boston capitalist for $5,000. Profitable as was the investment just referred to, Col. Harriman de- clares that the best race horse that he ever got hold of was a Walnut Boy pacer, Gyp Walnut, bought in two-year-old form for $450 from Dr. Robin- son, of Windsor. Gyp Walnut could make 2:10 in three-year-old form over a good track, and was a steady consistent and game race horse. She piled up to her credit in two seasons a little more than $8,000. This sum was duplicated when she was sold in her four-year-old form to Jerry O'Neal, of Boston. With the rare foresight that has been his, Col. Harriman early fore- saw the coming popularity of the automobile, and as he puts it, "Got out of the horse game in order to keep from being run over by Ford cars." Before passing from the hasty review of the work of Messrs. Harriman and Ewing, the fact should be mentioned that they bought King Harold, of Woodland farm, bringing this good standard bred horse by Harold, sire of Maud S., to Cooper County at an initial investment of $1,000. Of the younger men who are today successfully engaged in the horse business and whose work has been of lasting benefit to the county, Trevor H. Moore, Bunceton, R. F. D. 4, is entitled to high rank. Mr. Moore some fifteen years ago bought of W. S. Waters, who had come to Cooper County from the good horse center of north central Missouri, a string of wonder- fully bred horses, including King Turner, The Royal Cross, Forest King, Jr., and Top Squirrel, all out of Holivy W. 1787, a black Squirrel. From this rare foundation of stock Mr. Moore has consistently bred and de- veloped horses of merit and of show yard quality, some of his animals selling far up in four figures. Among the good horses that Mr. Moore has owned might be mentioned, Missouri King 2960, and Forest Rex 3873, the latter now at the head of his stables. Prominent among those who have been leaders in the development of the horse and mule industry in Cooper County, is Ed Patterson, long HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 293 a breeder of tip top saddle horses and of jacks and jennets. Among the good horses that Mr. Patterson has owned there might be mentioned Bracken King. Before passing from the horse history of the county mention should be made of the late Col. Robert A. McCulloch. Back in "the days of real sport", Col. McCulloch owned a string of racers of the kind that never failed to bring the boys up on their toes. The memory of these game horses ridden by negro mounts, is a happy one to many who enjoyed see- ing the ponies go. The late John R. Allison, of near Bunceton, was also a breeder of speed horses. To T. J. Lovell and his son, E. F. Lovell, the latter then living on the home farm, near Prairie Home, belongs the credit of having owned and developed some of the best harness and saddle horses in the county. Mr. Lovell, Sr., has also been an enthusiastic breeder of jacks and jennets. On another farm, only a short distance away, the late N. A. Gilbreath bred good jacks and jennets. N. A. George, R. A. George and the late I. S. Arnold have written their names in the jack and mule history of the county. In many instances the breeding of horses and of jacks and jennets has been so intimately associated that to mention one is to suggest the other. Among other names prominent in horse or jack circles, or in both, there should be mentioned E. H. Rodgers, J. M. Rodgers, Green Martin, Uncle Billie Martin, W. B. Gibson, C. P. Fairfax, W. A. Sombart, Arlie Frost, W. B. Windsor, Judge Turley, the late F. M. Marshall, the late Steve M. Smith, L. R. Pedego, John Cartner, and the late Capt. C. E. Leonard. Mr. Cartner was one of the first men to own good jacks in Cooper County, he having established a breeding stable south of Boonville, a half century or more ago. To Capt. Leonard, however, belongs the credit of being the pioneer jack man of Cooper County, as well as of a large part of the entire central west. Not only was Captain Leonard a breeder of jacks, but he was also an importer. As a leading spirit in the organization of the first jack book association in America, Mr. Leonard, had much to do with the establishment of standards, which have since become generally recognized in the mule world. Mr. Leonard once face- tiously remarked that it was he who put the black in jack. By this he meant that color was at his insistence made one of the standards. The following tables supplied by Chris Smith and covering a period of years show the prevailing prices on cattle and hogs on Cooper County farms previous to 1916. Since that time very much higher prices have prevailed, cattle passing the 16c mark and hogs reaching 20c per pound on the home market. 294 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Fat cattle sold, not including Fat hogs sold. All hogs raised cows, heifers and calves: on farm: 1886 20 head @ 4.25 per b. 1886 53 head @ 4.25 per b. 1887 18 head @ 4.20 per b. 1887 40 head @ 5.00 per 1,. 1888 18 head @ 3.60 per b. 1888 45 head @ 4.00 per b. 1889 16 head @ 4.00 per b. 1889 50 head @ 3.25 per ' b. 1890 27 head @ 4.00 per lb. 1890 55 head @ 3.50 per b. 1891 20 head @ 5.00 per [b. 1891 60 head @ 4.00 per b. 1892 23 head @ 4.25 per lb. 1892 45 head @ 5.00 per b. 1893 26 head @ 3.60 per b. 1893 35 head @ 4.75 per b. 1894 26 head @ 4.25 per lb. 1894 30 head @ 5.00 per lb. 1895 19 head @ 3.75 per b. 1895 25 head @ 4.25 per lb. 1896 23 head @ 4.10 per lb. 1896 55 head at 3.25 per lb. 1897 20 head @ 4.35 per lb. 1897 60 head @ 3.10 per lb. 1898 14 head @ 4.50 per lb. 1898 50 head @ 3.50 per lb. 1899 24 head @ 5.25 per lb. 1899 75 head @ 3.25 per ib. 1900 26 head @ 4.75 per lb. 1900 60 head @ 4.50 per lb. 1901 16 head @ 4.65 per lb. ■ 1901 50 head @ 5.00 per Ib. 1902 16 head @ 5.75 per lb. 1902 40 head @ 6.50 per lb. 1903 24 head @ 4.60 per lb. 1903 60 head @ 5.25 per lb. 1904 24 head @ 4.65 per lb. 1904 40 head @ 4.75 per lb. 1905 28 head @ 4.50 per lb. 1905 35 head @ 5.25 per lb. 1906 16 head @ 4.15 per lb. 1906 30 head @ 5.75 per lb. 1907 21 head @ 4.50 per lb. 1907 45 head @ 6.00 per b. 1908 14 head @ 4.75 per lb. 1908 35 head @ 5.50 per b. 1909 18 head @ 4.75 per lb. 1909 36 head @ 6.00 per b. 1910 21 head @ 5.65 per lb. 1910 37 head @ 9.00 per lb. 1911 38 head @ 5.25 per lb. 1911 40 head @ 6.50 per 1). 1912 24 head @ 7.75 per lb. 1912 40 head @ 7.00 per lb. 1913 19 head @ 6.50 per lb. 1913 25 head @ 7.25 per b. 1914 11 head @ 7.25 per lb. 1914 30 head @ 7.75 per b. 1915 27 head @ 7.30 per lb. 1915 20 head @ 7.75 per b. Live Stock Products. Dairy Products: Dairy cows on farms reporting dairy products 5,142 Dairy cows on farms reporting milk produced 4,898 Milk produced (gallons) 1,182,479 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 295 Milk sold (gallons) 32,315 Cream sold (gallons) 5,042 Butter fat sold (pounds) 3,428 Butter produced (pounds) 299,745 Butter sold (pounds) 103,998 Cheese produced (pounds) 330 Cheese sold (pounds) 200 Poultry Produces: Poultry raised 354,881 Poultry sold 107,172 Eggs produced (dozens) 1,150,363 Eggs sold (dozens) 810,004 Honey and Wax: Honey produced (pounds) 16,085 Wax produced (pounds) 305 Wool, Mohair and Goat Hair: Wool, fleeces shorn 8,294 Mohair and goat hair, fleeces shorn 187 Domestic Animals Sold or Slaughtered: Calves , 893 Other cattle 12,249 Horses, mules, asses and burrows 2,772 Swine 78,055 Sheep and goats 3,306 Sheep. — As far back as three-quarters of a century, Cooper County was noted for its fine flocks of sheep. Among the present day breeders of sheep might be mentioned the following: S. H. Groves, R. S. Roe, Clayton Glasgow, W. H. Glasgow, J. O. Groves, T. J. Burrus, C. P. Tutt & Son. The 13th census taken in 1910 gives the following figures relative to live stock in Cooper County. Cattle were listed as follows: Dairy cows, 5,765 ; other cows, 3,251 ; yearling heifers, 2,660 ; calves, 2,547 ; yearling steers and bulls, 2,798 ; other steers and bulls, 5,482. Horses were listed as follows: Mature horses, 7,932; yearling colts, 814; spring colts, 382; mules (mature), 4,572; yearling colts, 771; spring colts, 328 ; asses and burrows, 214. 296 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Swine were listed as follows : Mature hogs, 44,609 ; spring pigs, 29353. Sheep were listed as follows : Rams, ewes and wethers, 9,676 ; spring lambs, 6,383 ; goats, 802. Soils. — The soil survey of Cooper County made by A. T. Sweet of the United States Department of Agriculture, and E. S. Vanatta and B. W. Tillman of the University of Missouri, presents a fund of information for the farmer and agriculturist of Cooper. It will doubtless be read with interest by a large part of our population. We glean from it the following : The soils of Cooper* County group themselves naturally into four principal divisions, the level upland soils, the loessial soils, the residual soils, and the alluvial or bottom land soils. The origin of the level upland soils is open to some doubt. The soil as it exists at the present time is very much like the upland soils of northwestern Missouri, which are known to have been derived from glacial material laid down either by water or wind. The latter are underlain by glacial deposits, while the level upland soils of Cooper County have no glacial material beneath them. They lie on the residuary silts and clays derived from limestones or on the limestone itself. Typical glacial de- posits, like those underlying the northeastern Missouri soil, are not known to occur under the level upland soils of central and southern Cooper County. The soils in Cooper County are also very much like certain smoothland soils in Pettis, Henry, Bates, Vernon, and other counties in southwestern Missouri. They extend across the State line into southeastern Kansas. These soils are undoubtedly derived from coal measure shales and clays. The Cooper County soil is somewhat better soil than the similar soil occurring in these counties, but its physical character, the thickness, the nature of the subsoil, and relation to the underlying rock are essentially the same. Its greater productivity is probably due to its better drainage and its higher percentage of humus. Because of the absence of underlying glacial material and of the close similarity between this soil in Cooper County and those in the counties named above, the Cooper County soils have been correlated with the latter rather than with the soils of northeastern Missouri, and are considered to have been derived from clays and shales of Coal Measure age. The origin of the loess is not clearly understood, but it is supposed to be due, in part at least, to the removal and deposition of materials from previously glaciated areas by the wind. The present soils of this HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 297 group are the result of weathering of these deposits. The residual soils have come from the weathering in place of various beds of rock, prin- cipally limestone, occupying the hill slopes between the upland prairies and the valley floors. The alluvial soils are of recent origin, and have been deposited in the flood plains of the streams by which they have been carried to their present position. The loess soils stretch in a rather narrow belt along the northern side of the county. On the extreme eastern boundary the loess disappears as a typical deposit. A narrow wedge of it ends one mile west of the county line -and north of the Petite Saline. Thence westward the belt widens, but it does not attain a greater width than two and one-half miles, except in one or two places. The loess soils are usually recognized by the somewhat rounded topog- raphy of the country over which they are spread ; by the light yellowish- brown color of the soil; by its smooth satiny texture; by the high per- pendicular bluffs, which shut in the older roads; by the absence of rocks of any kind, except occasionally near the bottom of the deepest ditches ; by the uniform texture of soil and subsoil : and usually by the strong, healthy appearance of the growing crops. In elevation the loess soils range from a little over 600 feet above sea level on the lower slopes to a little over 750 feet along the crest of the ridge which extends almost continuously from near Wooldridge on the east entirely across the county. The surface, therefore, has a range in elevation of only about 150 feet, yet, except for a few flat areas on the higher portions of the western end of this ridge, it has a well-rounded billowy topography, which is in marked contrast to the sharper cut topography of the residual soils farther south. Over a large portion of the area covered by the loess soils the same material extends entirely over the surface, covering crests, slopes, and valleys. The formation is deepest, however, near the Missouri River and thins out toward' the south, its southern boundary being a very indefinite line. It also seems to be somewhat thicker on the crest of the ridges and at the foot of the slopes than on the slopes, and as the southern edge of the area of deposition is approached it appears only upon the ridges. Although the greater portion of the country occupied by the loess soil is quite undulating, limited areas in the northwestern part of the county are- more nearly level and are darker in color. The loess soils in this area have been divided into two classes, the 298 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY undulating lighter-colored soil, called the Knox silt loam, and the more nearly level darker colored soil called the Marshall silt loam. A large part of the uplands south of the loess soils is called prairie and is distinguished by the absence of natural timber growth. The soils here are characterized by an almost level surface and by a black silty surface material which grades into a gray silt, and is underlin by a layer of stiff resistant clay several inches in thickness, which in turn is under- lain by a mottled yellow and gray silty clay. From the very close resem- blance between the subsoil of the prairie, as seen in the exposures on eroded slopes, and the subsoil exposed near the edge of the loess sheet, it would seem that these prairie soils were partly covered along the northern side of the county by loess. In many places the transition from the prairie soils to the residual soils is quite abrupt, only a few steps intervening between the black surface soil .with heavy clay subsoil and the reddish-yellow chert-filled residual soil; but throughout the greater part of the area the prairie soils are bordered by a soil differing from the prairie soil in being gray or yellowish-brown at the surface instead of black, in occupying the slopes of small streams which extend back into the prairie in places covering the narrow ridges between the small streams, and in having, in most cases, no well-defined clay layer in the subsoil. This soil may be considered a modified prairie soil, the modification in some places being due to the erosion of the surface of the prairie, in others to the gradual movement or creep of the soil particles down the slopes, and in others to a thorough leaching of the soil along the ridge crests. This region was formerly timbered to a considerable extent. The level upland soils, then, may be divided into the level black prairie soil, called the Oswego silt loam, and the modified glacial soil, lighter in color and usually without the heavy layer in the subsoil, called the Boone silt loam. In the rougher portions of the county south of the Blackwater-Petite Saline line there is no possible question about the origin of the soil. It is a residula limestone soil, partaking of the nature of the rocks that underlie it. The soils in the sandstone-shale-clay belt likewise are residual soils, derived from these same sandstones, shales, and clays and partaking of their nature. Along the river bluffs and extending southward for a few miles the foundation rock, whether it be limestone, as it is in most places, or sandstone-shale-clay rock, as it is in a few cases, is covered by HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 299 the loess, a brown silt deposit. From this material has been made the soils of the river hill belt. The soils of the uplands south of the Blackwater-Petite Saline belt are derived from a silt and clay soil material that lies on limestone but has not been derived from it. There are at least two possible sources of this material: (1) It may be a disintegrated remnant of shales and clays that originally overlaid this area. The shales and clays have been broken up by weathering into silts and clays, but the material has not been removed by erosion on account of the protection afforded by the solid limestone on which it lies. (2) It may be a layer of overwash or outwash glacial material that was spread out over this region dui-ing glacial times by streams flowing out from the glacier. At the present time the former seems to be the most probable origin of this material. The general soil belts or areas of the county therefore are (1) residual limestone soils, (2) residual sandstone- shale-clay soils, (3) loess soils, (4) soils of doubtful origin but probably residual soils from shales, clays, and fine-grained sandstones, and (5) alluvial soils. The accompanying map shows the distribution of these soil areas. The differentation in the field of the residual soils of the sandstone- shale-clay belt from the loess soils to the north of it has proved to be a difficult matter. They are both silty soils and both brown in color. Where the rock does not underlie the soil it is very difficult to locate the boundary. The crierion used was the percentage of clay in the subsoil. The loess soil has a low clay percentage. When the subsoil had enough clay to make it sticky, it was not considered as of loessial origin. The character of the native vegetation, especially the trees, was used as a supplementary criterion in mapping this difference. The alluvial soils are made up from material eroded from all other soils of the area, carried by water in suspension and redeposited. They vary greatly in character, depending upon the source from which derived, the methods of deposition, and the processes they have undergone since they have been laid down. The alluvial soils in the southern part of the county contain much material which has been carried down from the eroded edges of the prairie and the gray silt ridges mixed with material from the residual soils. Those found along the streams which drain the loess are derived almost entirely from that formation and resemble it closely, while those deposited along the Missouri River have come from several different 300 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sources, are more complex, and differ essentially in composition from the other alluvial soils of the county. Closely related to the alluvial soils are the soils found in valleys of small streams and along the base of long slopes, where the soils, although they have not been carried in suspension, have reached their present posi- tion through the gradual work of surface water, which has removed the particles from the uplands and the slopes to the lowlands. This drift or creep often results in almost flat areas of dark-colored soil, more or less similar to the true alluvial types, and where these areas are of suflicient extent they have been grouped with the alluvial soils. The alluvial soils have been divided into two groups. Those derived from the loess, glacial, and residual soils and found along the streams of the county have been mapped as Wabash soils, and those found along the Missouri River have been classified as Sarpy soils. The Knox silt loam is a light-buff or very light yellowish-brown silt loam, smooth and satiny in texture. At a depth of about 16 inches this material passes very gradually into a heavier silt loam, in which the pro- portion of very fine sand found in the surface soil is very much reduced while the clay content is slightly increased. The subsoil is also more yellow and sometimes shows a reddish tinge. It extends to a depth of several feet. In many places at a depth of four or five feet there occurs a horizontal layer of material discolored a reddish brown by iron cxide. This layer usually contains numerous small iron concretions and in places small pipes of the same material. Below this depth the soil grades into a more or less mottled gray and yellowish silty clay. Where exposed to the direct action of running water or to travel, as in public roads, the loess from which the type is derived wears away very rapidly and yet the soil seems to be of such a texture, the soil grains of such a shape, or else the material is so held together by a very slight cementation that instead oi creeping and moving to form slopes it stands in perpendicular banks. Aa it weathers it also develops a peculiar system of perpendicular cracks which, with horizontal cracks at greater intervals, gives it a peculiar columnar structure somewhat resembling basaltic columns. This soil was formerly timbered and supported a heavy growth of white, bur, and laurel oak, black and white walnut, hickory, elm, hack- berry, wild cherry, ash, honey locust, pawpaw, sassafras, wild plum, and hazel, but on account of its value for agricultural purposes very few areas, and these of small extent, remain uncleared. When the land is first cleared, owing to the very large amount of leaf mold and humus at the surface, this portion of the soil is quite black, but after weathering and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 301 leaching for a few years, it becomes much lighter in color, and in many places the surface when well leached and dry is a light-gray differing but little in color or texture from the gray silt ridges of the Boone silt loam. As noted already, the Knox silt loam occupies the larger part of the survey between the main east and west lines of the larger streams of the county and the Missouri River, the area approximating one-fifth of that of the entire county. As a whole the Knox silt loam is the best soil of the area. It is a deep, well-drained soil, yet holds moisture well. This is noticeable during periods of dry weather when the crops on it are much better able to withstand the drought than those on some of the other soils of the area. In the fall, too, the forest trees on it remain green much longer than on the more shallow residual soils. This soil is warm, friable, easily culti- vated, and productive. The average yield of corn on fields in the best condition is about 48 bushels and of wheat 19 bushels per acre. The Marshall silt loam, like the Knox silt loam, is of loessial origin, but it differs from the latter in color, topography, and character of the subsoil. On the other hand, it differs from the Oswego silt loam, which it resembles at the surface, in having a deeper surface soil and in lacking in places the stiff resistant clay layer found in the subsoil of the latter. The surface soil of the Marshall silt loam is a very dark gray to black, smooth, friable silt loam, which extends to a depth of about 20 inches, the lower part of the section usually becoming somewhat lighter in color. The subsoil is a brown mottled silty clay grading at a depth of 24 to 30 inches into a yellowish and grayish mottled silty clay, some- what lighter in texture. In the more level areas a heavy, almost imper- vious layer of brown silty clay, six to 10 inches in thickness, forms the upper portion of the subsoil, but in the more rolling areas this heavy layer is almost or entirely wanting. The Marshall silt loam is found in only a few small areas in Cooper County, the largest of these occupying the more level land in the extreme northwestern portion of the county. A few small bodies also occur south- west of the town of Blackwater, north of Lone Elm, and in the vicinity of Clarks Fork. This soil is well supplied with humus and is a friable, easily culti- vated productive soil. Corn yields from 40 to 50 bushels and wheat from 13 to 18 bushels per acre. To a depth of 10 inches the Oswego silt loam is a smooth, friable, black or very dark brown silt loam, often containing in the first few inches an appreciable quantity of very fine sand. Below 10 inches the 302 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY dark-colored surface soil grades into a lighter colored gray silt. The soil also becomes slightly heavier in texture with increased depth, and at about 16 inches rests on a very heavy, tenacious, brown silty clay, which often contains numerous small iron concretions. The line of contact between the soil and this heavy subsoil is very sharp, but the thickness and tenacity of this heavy layer varies considerably in different parts of the area, being thicker and more resistant on the more level and poorly drained portions. At a depth of about 30 to 34 inches this heavy subsoil grades into a yellowish and gray mottled silty clay subsoil lighter in texture than the soil above and resembling closely the subsoil found in places under the loess soils. In the subsoil, usually in the lower portion of the heavy layer, small irregularly lime concretions are found, the quantity in places being relatively large. The Oswego silt loam is one of the extensive soil types in the area and occupies the higher and more nearly level portions of the area covered by the upland glacial soils. The largest body of it occurs east of Bunce- ton and south of Lone Elm, but other large bodies occur in the vicinity of Prairie Home, between Moniteau Creek and Stephens Branch jn the east and Petite Saline on the west, and between Petite Saline and the Lamine. Small areas also occur in the southeastern and in the south- western parts of the county. Although the soils of these areas resemble each other to a sufficient extent to be classified under the same name, there is considerable varia- tion in appearance and in crop value, the soils west of a north and south line through Bunceton and especially those southwest of Vermont being dark-brown instead of black in color, having a somewhat shallower and more resistant subsoil, and as a whole being less able to withstand droughts. They are also not so well suited for deep rooted crops. There are also variations between the soils of areas which drain toward Moni- teau Creek and those farther north which drain into the Petite ' 'inn, the latter in most places being slightly deeper, darker colored, and re- sembling more closely the Marshall silt loam. The Oswego silt loam is a corn, timothy, and pasture soil, although wheat and oats are grown on it to a considerable extent. Some farmers are using portions of it where the subsoil is not too heavy quite success- fully for clover. On the average the type yields 42 bushels of corn and 15 bushels of wheat per acre. The Boone silt loam has not only the widest distribution, but also the greatest range in variation and crop value of any soil in the area. Typi- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ,')03 cally it consists of a yellowish-brown or grayish-brown silt loam of fairly uniform texture, with a depth of about 15 inches, at which depth it becomes slightly heavier in texture, grading into the same mottled yellow and gray silty clay subsoil found in the Oswego silt loam. This subsoil persists to a depth of three feet or more, or where thin rests upon the underlying stony material derived from the underlying rocks. This ma- terial has a granular structure much like that of the residual limestone soils, and where it occurs typically no heavy layer occurs between the soil and subsoil. The Boone silt loam borders the Oswego silt loam, or prairie soils, on all sides, and may be considered a transitional type between the Os- wego silt loam and the lower lying residual soils. It is also always more or less mixed with both, the prairie soils being washed down and mixed with it and the underlying residual soils mixed with it through the move- ment of the soil particles down the slope, so that its boundaries are in places very indefinite. In origin it is like the Oswego silt loam, and is in reality a modified form of that soil, resulting from the removal of ma- terial from the surface. In areas where erosion has taken place the yel- lowish brown less productive soil is exposed at the surface. Boone silt loam where the black prairie soil formerly existed can be noted around the source and along the slopes of many small streams which head well back into the prairie. At the foot of long slopes and especially along the heads of small streams the wash may accumulate, forming a deep, often dark-colored soil. Where such areas are of sufficient extent they have been mapped as alluvial soils, but where too small to be indicated on the soil map they have been included with the Boone silt loam. Another phase of this soil is to be found along the tops of long, nar- row ridges which extend from the prairie out between the upper courses of small streams. The soil of these ridges ranges in color from an ashy gray to cream color and in texture from that of the loess to a loose flour- like silt, probably not loess, the loess areas being found in the northern part of the area covered by the type, and the whiter ridges principally in the southern part of the county. The light soil of these ridges seems to be the result of thorough leaching, in which not only the color but also much of the fertility of the soil has been removed. In many places along the tops of the ridges a heavy brown clay layer has been developed at a depth of from 14 to 18 inches, the transition from the light silt to this layer being very abrupt. Below the brown clay occurs the mottled silty 304 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY clay, found under the remainder of this soil. These ridges in the northern part of the area undoubtedly in many places bear a thin capping of loess and approach the loess in crop value, but those farther south are less productive. A large part of the Boone silt loam was originally timbered by oak, post oak and bur oak being the principal growth on the ridges, which are locally called "post oak ridges' and have the heavy layer in the subsoil. The Boone silt loam as a whole is not so productive a soil as the prairie soil on the one side nor the limestone soils on the other. It has been one of the worst used soils in the area, is deficient in organic matter, and does not hold moisture well, yet is a soil which can readily be built up and made to yield profitable crops. The Bates silt loam is a dark-gray to grayish-brown silt loam with a yellowish tinge which becomes quite noticeable where the soil is eroded. At a depth of six to 10 inches this graduates into a yellowish-gray to yellowish-brown silt loam. The clay percentage increases downward until at 30 inches it becomes plastic and in places quite sticky. The lower 15 to 20 inches is usually mottled yellow and gray. Bands of brown to reddish-brown silt, in places faintly cemented, in others having the iron somewhat concentrated in nodules, occur rather abundantly from 24 inches downward. They lie horizontal. Layers of light ashy gray silt and silty clay occur also, showing an ashy gray color in the freshly plowed fields when it has been exposed. This soil differs from the Knox silt loam mainly in its more yellow color and its higher percentage of clay in the subsoil. Its color is also much less uniform than is that of the Knox. On plowed hillside fields its color varies with the erosion and the color of the particular layer out- cropping, while that of the Knox is uniform. The timber growth is like that of the Knox, but contains a higher percentage of oaks, especially laurel, pin and post oak, and a lower per- centage of walnut and elm. The Bates silt loam is derived from Coal Measure shales, clays, and argillaceous sandstones mixed more or less with the material of the Knox silt loam. It occurs in an east-west belt across the northern part of the county. Where the surface is flat the soil is essentially the same as the Oswego silt loam. It becomes the Boone silt loam only within the areas where the surface has been eroded. The belt of its occurrence lies along an- east-west pre-Coal Measure valley which was filled with Coal Measure material during Coal Measure time. It lies deeper than the same rocks Jpji^^fZii*-.*** S l ih¥iSS^^^^^^? :y ' : \ j ; j -^jftL^*^ j&4|| ; /*V*t '« j3 '■"if VllCW <>F PRAIRIK HOME FAIR FROM OSCAR SPIELER'S PENS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 305 on the uplands to the north and south of it. They have disappeared from the latter areas, but still exist in this belt. The soil of the Clarkoville silt loam is a reddish or yellowish-brown silt loam having a somewhat granular structure, by which it can often be distinguished from the other silt loams of the area. Typically it ex- tends to a depth of about 15 inches, where it grades into a siity clay usually brighter, often a brick red, in color. This subsoil may persist to a depth of three feet or more, but often at a less depth rests upon the underlying bed of chert or limestone, that part of the subsoil immediately above the rocks usually being a very stiff red or yellow clay. This soil is residual in origin, having been derived from the disinte- gration in place of beds of fossiliferous limestone, the principal formations being the Burlington and Choteau. These, especially the Burlington, con- tain much chert, the disintegration of which takes place much less rapidly than does that of the purer limestone, so that the soil is often quite shal- low, and fragments of chert are mingled with the soil and scattered over its surface. Where the soil is very shallow and the chert fragments are so thick as to interfere seriously with cultivation, the areas, if of sufficient size to be shown on the soil map, have been mapped as the Clarksville stony loam. The Clarksville silt loam occurs along the lower slopes of all streams in the area, except those in the northern part of the area which are cov- ered by loess, the tributaries of Moniteau Creek and some of the tribu- taries of the upper Lamine. Where the crests of the ridges and hilltops carry no capping of glacial or loessial material the entire surface is cov- ered by this soil. Originally the Clarksville silt loam was heavily timbered with black walnut, laurel oak, elm, hickory, and sassafras, and many splendid groves of black walnut are found on it at present in different parts of the area. Where of good deoth, comparatively free from chert, and well handled, it is probably the best wheat soil of the area. Corn yields range from 35 to 40 bushels and wheat yields from 16 to 22 bushels per acre. The Clarksville stony loam is agriculturally an unimportant type and consists of those areas in the Clarksville silt loam in which the percentage of rock at or near the surface is so large that they are of little or no value for farming. Some of the less stony portions might be cleared of stones and used for orchard and pasture, but in many cases the surface of the ground is almost or entirely covered with fragments of chert. In (20) 306 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY other places there is a surface covering of soil, but this is so thin that it can scarcely be cultivated. Areas in which limestone outcrops along the bluffs and hill slopes have been included with this soil as well as some of the stony areas found along Moniteau Creek and surrounded by Baxter silt loam. The greater portion of the Clarksville stony loam is still timbered, usually with post and bur oak, and clumps of these trees in areas of Clarks- ville silt loam usually mark the stony areas. Many areas of this soil on account of their small size have not been separated from the silt loam. The surface soil of the Baxter silt loam consists of a light yellowish brown silt loam which, at a depth of about 16 inches, grades into a silty granular clay. The subsoil becomes heavier in texture and redder in color to a depth of about two feet, where it is mottled in appearance, this mottling extending to a depth of three feet or more. The Baxer silt loam, like the Clarksville silt loam, is residual in origin. It is derived from the disintegration of the less fossiliferous and, in this area, more cherty Magnesian limestone which outcrops in the southeastern and also in the southwestern part of the county. It differs but little in color or texture from the Clarksville silt loam, but on the whole is less productive. The timber growth consists principally of white, bur, and post oak, the walnut, elm, and other trees of the Clarksville soils being almost entirely wanting. Many of the ridges also have the whitish appearance of the post-oak ridges of the Boone silt loam. This soil in places is three feet or more in depth, but is often underlain at a less depth by chert fragments or by limestone. Chert and fragments of the soft white "cotton rock" are often scattered over the surface and through the soil, making it unfit for cultivation. The Wabash silt loam is an alluvial soil composed of material eroded from the other soils of the area, worked over by the streams, and rede- posited along their flood plains. In the northern part of the county, along the lower course of the Petite Saline and the small streams which flow into the Missouri, this soil has been derived very largely from the loess ; but in other parts of the area it has come from areas occupied by the residual soils and the upland soils of glacial origin, the light-colored silt from the gray ridges being in many places quite noticeable. Although varying considerably in color, texture, and structure the Wabash silt loam, as occurring in this area, may be described as a dark- gray or, when moist, a black, smooth-textured, friable, light silt loam, which becomes lighter in color at a depth of about 12 inches, but shows no change in texture to a depth of two feet or more. At this depth the ma- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 307 terial usually becomes darker and heavier, retaining these characteristics to a depth of several feet. In places, however, the subsoil is underlain by gravel, unconsolidated and residual material, or the solid rock. In many places a gray, flourlike silt covers the surface of small areas, and in others the gray layer below the surface soil is wanting, the dark, rather heavy silt loam extending from the surface to the depth of three feet or more. In still other places the surface soil is found to contain a relatively high content of very fine sand. Where the light-colored phase occurs it is, like the gray silt ridges from which it has been eroded, somewhat less pro- ductive than the darker soils. On the other hand, where the very dark, rather heavy silt loam extends through the entire soil section the type is often poorly drained and somewhat refractory under cultivation. Much of the Wabash silt loam is subject to annual or occasional overflow, and while this adds to the richness of the soil through the deposition of silt, especially when the material comes from the loess or the residual soils, these periods of high water usually occur at times when they do consid- erable damage to crops. Where second bottoms occur they are in most cases above the reach of flood water. The soils are also comparatively uniform in texture, well drained, and among the most productive of the area. Along the steep slope which usually separates the lower bottom from these second bot- toms there is often exposed a narrow strip of red residual soil. As a whole, the Wabash silt loam, although lacking uniformity, is among the best soils of the county. It is especially well a'dapted to alfalfa, owing in part to the position of ground water, which is near enough the surface for this deep-rooted plant to reach. Corn yields an average of 45 bushels and wheat between 14 and 20 bushels per acre. The Wabash clay is an unimportant type in this area, only a few small bodies of it having been mapped, although many others too small to be shown on the soil map occur in the lower poorly drained portions of the Wabash silt loam. It is a heavy, sticky black clay, which dries and cracks at the surface, the soil breaking into small, irregular cubelike frag- ments. At a depth of about 16 inches this black soil grades into a stiff, waxy clay, somewhat lighter in color, which extends to a depth of throe feet or more. The type is of alluvial origin, being the result of deposition of the finer soil particles from very quiet water. Its formation has also in most places been influenced by conditions of very poor drainage. The largest area of this soil found in the county occurs along the Lamine River near its mouth, but other small areas are found farther up the Lamine Valley and along Blackwater and Petite Saline, much of that 308 * HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY near the town of Blackwater being somewhat lighter and better suited for farming than the typical Wabash clay. This soil is commonly known as gumbo, and is cultivated with considerable difficulty, unless handled when in just the proper condition. When so handled it produces good crops of wheat and grass and is used to some extent for corn. It can, however. be greatly improved by thorough drainage and by cultivation. The yields of wheat and corn are somewhat lower than on the type just described. The Sarpy silty clay is a yellowish dark brown to almost black silty clay, underlain at a depth of about 14 inches by a very fine sandy loam, light in color and extending to a depth of three feet or more. In places thin layers of silt or silty clay are encountered in the subsoil, and in other places the heavy surface soil extends to a depth of three feet or more, the subsoil being lighter in color than the surface material, but very plastic and puttylike. The light-textured subsoil, however, seems to pre- vail over the greater part of the type. Only a small area of Sarpy silty clay occurs in Cooper County, this being near Wooldridge. This soil is heavy and cracks and breaks into cubes when dry. It is thei'efore somewhat difficult to handle, but is a rich, productive soil and well suited to the principal crops of the area, which yield about as well as on the Wabash soils. The Sarpy silt loam, like the Sarpy silty clay, is of alluvial origin, has a level surface, and is subject to occasional overflow. It consists of a yellowish-brown rather heavy silty soil, though lighter both in color and texture than the silty clay, which extends to a depth of about 16 inches, where it is underlain by a lighter-colored fine sandy loam similar to the materials found under the silty clay. In places, hoewver, the heavy sur- face soil extends to the depth of three feet or more. This soil is easily cultivated and very productive. It occurs in only one area located near Wooldridge. The Sarpy fine sandy loam consists of a rather silty fine sandy loam with a depth of about 12 inches, resting on a fine sand. It is an unim- portant type in this area, a few small areas only having been outlined along the Missouri River. The principal cultivated area is on Terrapin Island. CHAPTER XIX. THE PRESS FIRST NEWSPAPER— SECOND NEWSPAPER — "THE COON HUNTER" — OTHER PIO- NEER PAPERS— BOONVILLE ADVERTISER FOUNDED— BOONVILLE EAGLE- CENTRAL MISSOURIAN — TOPIC — WESTERN CHRISTIAN UNION — PILOT GROVE BEE— SHAVE TAIL COURIER— BLACKWATER NEWS— OTTERVILLE MAIL- CENTRAL MISSOURI REPUBLICAN— BUNCETON EAGLE. The first newspaper in Cooper County was established at Boonville about the year 1834, and was called the "Boonville Herald." It was owned by James 0. Middleton, and edited by Benjamin E. Ferry, who was after- wards county clerk of Cooper County. In the year 1838, Robert Brent bought one-half interest in the paper from James Middleton, and on the 8th of April, in that year, they changed the name of the paper to that of "The Western Emigrant." March 7, 1839, C. W. Todd purchased Brent's interest in the paper, and the paper was edited about one year by Messrs. Middleton and Todd. April 30, 1840, C. W. Todd purchased Middlton's interest in the paper, and changed the name to that of the "Boonville Observer." C. W. Todd continued as sole proprietor of the paper until Feb. 3, 1842, when he sold one-half interest in it to T. J. Boggs. March 29, 1843, F. M. Caldwell and J. S. Collins purchased the paper from Todd & Boggs. They continued to edit it in partnership only until June 7, 1843, when F. M. Caldwell purchased the interest of Collins, and became sole proprietor. Caldwell soon sold one-half interest in the paper to Allen Hammond, and it was edited under the firm name of Caldwell & Hammond until June 9, 1846, when Caldwell sold out his interest to Allen Ham- mond. Hammond continued to edit it alone until Nov. 7, 1850, when F. M. Caldwell returned from Virginia, and again purchased a half interest in the paper. They continued to edit it in partnership for several years, 310 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY when they sold the paper to Augustus W. Simpson, who remained pub- lisher of it until it ceased publication in 1861, on account of the excitement incident to the war. In politics the paper was Whig until the year 1354, when the Whig party ceased to exist. It then became Democratic, and remained so until it ceased publication. The next newspaper established was the "Missouri Register," pub- lished by William T. Yoeman. The first number of it appeared in July. 1839. It was the first Democratic paper published in western Missouri, and was established mainly to aid in the campaign of 1840. On April 22, 1841, Yoeman sold one-half interest in the paper to Edgar A. Robinson, and the paper continued to be published by Yoeman and Robinson until Aug. 9, 1843, when Ira Van Nortwick purchased it from them. It waa afterwards successively owned by Quisenberry, Price, Ward & Chilton, the last named of whom continued to publish it until the great temperance excitement broke out in 1853. The paper had previous to this time been taken up almost exclusively by political discussions, but it was then pur- chased by a man named Benjamin F. Buie, who filled its columns exclu- sively with discussions in regard to the great question of temperance, which was then agitating the public mind. Buie soon sold out the paper to Allen Hammond, and soon after this the paper ceased publication for want of patronage. During the heat of the campaign of 1840, the editors of the "Missouri Register," Messrs. Ward & Chilton, started a weekly campaign sheet, which advocated the claims of Van Buren for President. As soon as the campaign was over, and Van Buren defeated, the paper ceased publication. The name of this paper was the "Boonville Argus." "The Coon Hunter" was published by Ward & Shelton, in 1840. The next paper was the "Democratic Union," established in the fall of 1844, and run by Blair and Chilton. Following this in succession in 1847, was a Whig paper, called the "Boonville Bulletin," published by Caldwell & Hammond. On Dec. 31, 1850, Messrs. Caldwell and Hammond, proprie- tors of the "Boonville Observer," commenced the publication of a sheet, called the "Tri-Weekly Observer," which was printed three times a week. It was continued unutil March 8, 1851. "The Iris," a college magazine, was published in 1851. In 1852, the "Central Missourian" was started, but was soon discontinued. It was succeeded by the "Boonville Missour- ian," in 1853, which occupied the same office. The paper was edited by A. C. Speer, who was a strong advocate of Whig principles, and also a staunch friend of the temperance cause. "The Ladies' Garland" was HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 311 started in 1856. The next paper was the "Boonville Patriot," which was established by a man named John Gill, in the year 1856. It was after- wards sold to F. M. Caldwell, who continued to publish it until the year 1861, when the materials, presses, etc., belonging to the office were seized by General Worthington, in command of some Federal forces at Jefferson City, and taken by him to the latter place. Soon afterwards, Lewis H. Stahl went to Jefferson City, and with the assistance of some of the most influential Federals, succeeded in getting possession of the material be- longing to the office, which General Worthington had seized, and brought them back to Boonville. Immediately upon his return, Messrs. Caldwell and Stahl commenced the publication of the "Boonville Advertiser," the first number of which appeared June 15, 1862. After publishing it for some time, they sold out to Messrs. Drury and Selby, who published the paper for a year or two, when F. M. Caldwell & Company again got pos- session of it, and continued proprietors of it until April, 1878. The edi- tors of this paper, during this period, have been J. G. Pangborn, H. A. Hutchinson, George W. Frame, Charles E. Hasbrook, Judge Benjamin Tompkins and S. W. Ravenel. October 25, 1875, the proprietors of the "Boonville Advertiser" com- menced the publication of a daily edition of the same, under the name of the "Boonville Daily Advertiser". The "Daily Advertiser" was discontinued March 7, 1879. Mr. Ravenel took charge of the "Advertiser" in March, 1878, as manager and local editor, and on March 7, 1879, leased the paper, and was until 1884 manager and editor. He was succeeded by Walter Wil- liams, now the dean of the College of Journalism at the State University. He in turn by Messrs. Stahl with James R. Allen, editor. Succeeding Mr. Allen as editor was Lucien Wright. Later the paper was pui'chased by the veteran editor Capt. C. J. Walden, who is now the manager and editor of the same. The "Boonville Eagle", a weekly paper, was established in Sept. 1865, by Milo Blair. Sept. 28, 1875, he took Charles H. Allen into partnership with him. In politics it was republican. The "Wachter Am Missouri", a paper published in the German language was established in 1867, by L. Joachimi. It was purchased in 1874 by F. W. Ludwig, who changed its name to the "Central Missourier". Haller was the proprietor until 1907. It suspended publication Dec. 26th, of that year. In politics it was republican. The "Boonville News" was started October 1, 1880, by A. B. Thornton, who was afterwards killed. The paper was continued for a short time by 312 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY his wife, Mrs. M. 0. Thornton, and her daughters. It was politically, a greenback paper. George W. Ferrell started the "Boonville Weekly Topic", Aug. 18, 1877, and after running it about eight months, F. M. Caldwell became owner. Caldwell published the paper alone till Feb. 8, 1880, when A. B. Thornton purchased an interest. September 18, 1880, Col. H. A. Hutchison bought Thornton's interest, the paper was edited by Hutchison, and pub- lished by Caldwell & Hutchison, Caldwell as business manager. It was democratic in politics. Capt. S. W. Ravenel and William McCarty then became the owners of "The Topic" until the same was purchased by Col. William Switzler, who changed the name to the "Missouri Democrat". Switzler in turn was succeeded in the ownership of the "Democrat" by W. D. Jones, who, after running it two or three years sold it to Gordon Kapp. The Democrat was then changed to a daily and as such prospered for a year or so. The last two or three months it was edited and con- ducted by N. H. Johnson and Simpson after which Gordon Kapp, who was the owner, disposed of the property. Some time during the 80's the "Boonville Tri-weekly Star" made its appearance under the management of Bert Plant, with whom was associated at different times a number of writers and editors. The paper was of a sensational character and its columns were open to various writers. It flourished for a while and died of mental exhaustion. The "Western Christian Union" was started a number of years ago by the Rev. E. W. Pfaffenberger, which throughout the years has been a pleasing, interesting and beneficial journal. The "Pilot Grove Bee" was established in 1882, the first number being issued the first week in September, by James Barton. It was a seven- column folio, and democratic in politics. This plant was purchased by J. J. Dickinson, afterwards major of the 6th Missouri regiment in the Span- ish-American War and now a prominent newspaper man in New York City, and the name was changed to the "Pilot Grove Record". He was succeeded in ownership of the paper by Traughber and he in turn by D. L. Roe and Charles Houx, D. L. Roe eventually becoming the owner. D. L. Roe after- wards sold the paper to W. F. Johnson, who after conducting it about two years disposed of it to W. R. Annan. This paper sometime during the years was changed to the "Pilot Grove Record", its present name, and through successive changes came into the possession of G. B. Harland, who is now the owner and editor. In this history of the newspapers of Cooper County, we should not omit from the list the "Shave Tail Courier", which deserves honorable men- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 313 tion, because it was much esteemed by the old settlers of that day. At an early day, Napoleon Beatty, quite an original character, lived 18 miles west of Boonville, in Cooper County, on what was called Shave Tail Creek. In that vicinity a store was located, the predominating articles of trade being tobacco and whiskey, the latter the matutinal drink of the old pioneer. Beatty was noted for his bonhommie, and was not only the recognized fiddler of the neighborhood where he resided, but was intensely fond of and well posted in all the rural games and sports of that day. Dur- ing his early manhood he was "In wrestling nimble, in running swift; In shooting steady, in swimming strong. Well made to strike, to leap, to throw or lift, And all the sports that shepherds are among." His fiddle was his inseparable companion, and when spending an even- ing with friends, he had the happy faculty of discoursing to them the most delightful music, always accompanying his instrument with a unique and improvised song, which was replete with wise and startling hits and felicit- ous inuendoes, touching the vulnerability of some one or more of his entranced and rustic auditors. Beatty was the sole editor and proprietor of the "Shave Tail Courier", which appeared, at regular intervals, in manuscript form. The happenings, the sayings and the doings of the neighborhood were faithfully gathered and garnered by this original chronicler, who read aloud his paper to his admirers, in his own inimitable style. If there occurred a dance in the locality, a record of it was made in the "Courier". If a quilting party or a shooting match came off, the particulars were given in the "Courier". If a wedding took place, the event was mentioned in a recherche manner in the "Courier". The bride was the special theme for highest eulogium, and the wedded pair elicited the warmest wishes for their future happiness, in fact, the "Courier", like the good mirror, reflected not only the redoubt- able editor's views of matters and things, but reflected as well, on popular subjects, the will of the people. The "Blackwater News" was established in Blackwater, Mo., in the seventies by Thomas Horn, who was a forceful and vigorous writer. It was conducted by him until the time of his death and is now successfully managed by his widow, Mrs. Horn. The "Otterville Mail" of Otterville was established over twenty years ago and is now successfully and ably conducted by G. P. Garland. The Boonville Publishing Company was organized in 1884 for the pub- 314 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY lication of the "Central Missouri Republican". The first issue of this paper appeared July 1, 1884. Some of the prime movers and stockholders in the enterprise were Eugene Haller, Prof. A. H. Sauter, Martin Haller, and Col. C. C. Bell. Others were interested also but we have not the names at hand. This journal continued under various editorial management until about 1904 when Mitchell and Mitchell became the owners, who after con- ducting the paper a year or so, sold it to John M. Grimes, who in turn sold it to Meadow. In a short time, however, Mitchell again became the pro- prietor and conducted the paper until his death. Ferguson and Harte then purchased the same from the widow of Mr. Mitchell on the first day of February, 1915. Ferguson retired from any connection in August of that year and Mr. Houston Harte is now the proprietor and editor of the same. It is an up-to-date, newsy, and bright paper. The present Bunceton "Weekly Eagle" was established in Bunceton in 1888 by the late J. Monroe Norris under the name of the "Bunceton Enter- prise". In a short time Mr. Norris sold the paper to Asa W. Pizer and Dr. J. B. Norman, who in turn sold it in 1889 or 1890 to W. E. Gold, who changed the name to the "Bunceton Weekly Eagle". After publishing the paper a short time Gold sold to J. L. (Fritz) Johnson, who in turn sold to C. L. Cully, who upon his appointment to the postmastership in Bunceton, sold to L. 0. Nelson, in June, 1893. Soon after acquiring the "Eagle" Mr. Nelson took into partnership with him his brother, W. L. Nelson, and the firm name became L. 0. and W. L. Nelson and remained such until Aug., 1915, when L. 0. Nelson re- linquished the active management of the paper to become postmaster at Bunceton. Edgar C. Nelson, who had been connected .with the "Eagle" in a reportorial capacity for several years, became the active publisher and the firm name became Nelson Bros. The "Eagle" is the most widely read newspaper in Cooper County and is known all over Missouri as a county farm and stock weekly. For many years special attention has been given to county farm and stock news and the "Eagle" has had a wonderful success along that line. It is never less than eight pages, all home print, and during the busy season in the spring it often carries from 12 to 16 pages. In politics the "Eagle" has always been Democratic. It is one of the few weeklies in Missouri that is strictly cash in advance as regards sub- scriptions, and its readers seem to appreciate this policy. CHAPTER XX. BANKING AND CURRENCY. EARLY CONDITIONS— FIRST BANKS— DR. TRIGG ESTABLISHES FIRST BANK IN BOONVILLE— BRANCH OF BANK OF ST. LOUIS ESTABLISHED— CENTRAL NA- TIONAL BANK— COOPER COUNTY BANKS — BOONVnJLiE NATIONAL BANK- FARMERS' TRUST COMPANY— COMMERCIAL BANK OF BOONVILLE— BANK OF BUNCETON — COOPER COUNTY BANK OF BUNCETON — FARMERS' STOCK BANK OF BLACKWATER— EANK OF BLACKWATER— PILOT GROVE BANK— BANK OF WOOLRIDGE— BANK OF PLEASANT GREEN— FARMERS' AND MERCHANTS BANK OF OTTERVILLE. Cooper County entered early in the history of the state in the banking business. It is true that banking in Missouri is just a little more than one hundred years old, yet the first banks were mere efforts and proved abortive. The first bank in the state was established in St. Louis in 1816, about fifty years after the place had been founded. This bank had been chartered in 1813, and called the Bank of St. Louis, and in 1817, the Bank of Missouri was chartered. Neither of these banks, however, lasted very long. The Bank of St. Louis failed in 1819, and the Bank of Missouri went in the same way in 1822. . In 1819, there was a country-wide panic, caused by the riotous of reckless speculation all over the country, particularly in the newer parts. There was a great mania for buying and selling property, especially land, in the Boonslick country. It was not until 1821, that Missouri had another bank. This was a branch of the United States bank, and was established in St. Louis. It in turn had several branches throughout the state, but this bank was forced to wind up its business in 1836, by reason of President Jackson's veto of the bill to renew the charter of the United States bank. At this time, St. Louis had a population of about six thousand people, and 316 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY there was a crying need for a bank, and in fact, a number of banks through- out the state. In 1837 the Legislature authorized the opening of a state bank. The Bank of the State of Missouri was for ten years the only bank of sort in the state, but in 1847, the Boatsmen's Saving Institution was established in St. Louis. This bank still exists under the name of Boatsmen's Bank. This year also marked the banking business in Cooper County. In 1847, the first bank in Boonville, Mo., was established by Dr. William H. Trigg, and was located on the northeast corner of Main and Morgan streets. James Quarles was cashier. Dr. Trigg continued a general bank- ing business, in his own name, until 1858. He then formed a banking association, under the name of William H. Trigg & Co., composed of some of the leading capitalists and ablest financiers of central Missouri. After a prosperous career this association was compelled to wind up its extensive and rapidly increasing business on account of the troubles into which the country was thrown by the unfortunate war between the two sections. The cashier of the Trigg & Co. bank was John Ainslee, and in the latter period of the bank liquidation, John T. Pigott and William M. Johnson were the cashiers. The next banking enterprise in Cooper County was the opening at Boonville of a branch of the Bank of St. Louis in the year 1856. With this enterprise were connected William E. Burr, Joseph L. Stephens, James M. Nelson, C. W. and J. Sombart, William Harley, John R. French and others. In 1865 the Central National Bank was established in which enterprise were associated some of the leading financiers of Boonville and Cooper County. During the life of Joseph L. Stephens until his death in 1881 this was one of the leading financial institutions of central Missouri and con- tinued so to be for a number of years thereafter. After the death of Joseph L. Stephens, the bank was largely under the control and mrnacrs- ment of W. Speed and Lon V. Stephens and for a number of years was a strong and flourishing financial institution. Oct. 28, 1916, it was forcer! to close its doors by the comptroller of currency and went into liquidation. There was no run upon the bank and every depositor received his money. The supposed cause of the closing of the bank was a series of bad loans running back through a number of years. There is pending at this time a suit by some of the stockholders against certain officers of the bank, the result of which is not yet determined. The closing of this supposed strong financial institution was a surprise and shock not only to the community but to central Missouri. Its management had been generous and those HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 317 connected with the bank had been liberal and leaders in every enterprise in the community. There are at this time in Cooper County 15 banks and one Trust Com- pany, all safe and sound financially and conducted in a thorough and con- servative manner. We have written to each of these banks for a brief history of the same and if perchance it does not appear in this chapter it is no fault of the editor, but because some officer of the bank has either neglected to send the data or has been indifferent to the opportunity afforded. The following are the names of the banks of the county : Boon- ville National Bank, Boonville, Mo. ; Commercial Bank, Boonville, Mo. ; Bank of Bunceton, Bunceton, Mo. ; Cooper Co. Bank, Bunceton, Mo. ; Bank of Pleasant Green, Pleasant Green, Mo.; Prairie Home Bank, Prairie Home, Mo. ; Bank of Woolridge, Woolridge, Mo. ; Clifton City Bank, Clifton City, Mo. ; Pilot Grove Bank, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Citizens Bank, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Farmers Stock Bank, Blackwater, Mo. ; Bank of Blackwater, Blackwater, Mo. ; Bank of Speed, Speed, Mo. ; Bank of Otterville, Otterville, Mo. ; Farm- ers & Merchants Bank, Otterville, Mo. The Boonville National Bank. — The fact that Boonville boasts the largest bank in the United States in cities of 5,000 inhabitants, or less should impress the observer as an important fact, and is evidence of the prosperity of Cooper County. The Boonville National Bank was opened for business Oct. 30, 1916 as the successor to the old Central National Bank. In less than three years time it has risen to a place of importance and standing in the financial world of the Middle West. In August of 1913 the Farmers Bank, an old established institution was absorbed by the Boonville National, resulting in a substantial increase in the assets and deposits of the bank. By this merger the large amount of one million dollars was added to the deposits of the Boonville National. The Citizens Trust Company of Boonville, subsidiary of the Boon- ville National was established in splendid quarters for the purpose of handling trust funds and caring for the safe deposit feature of the bank. This concern is capitalized at $100,000, with a surplus of $25,000 and the old Farmers Bank Building, remodelled, in which the Trust Company is located, is owned by the Boonville National. The same directors which control the bank are also in charge of the Trust Company. The first officers of this bank were E. E. Amick, president : W. A. Som- bart, vice-president; W. W. G. Helm, chairman of board; B. M. Lester, cashier; R. L. Moore, Jr., asst. cashier. The first board of directors were: W. W. G. Helm, J. E. Thro, N. Nelson Leonard, Roy D. Williams, H. T. 318 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Zuzak, A. W. Nelson, E. E. Amick, G. W. Jewett and W. A. Sombart. The resources of this bank at the close of business on June 29, 1919 had reached the grand total of $1,062,759.62. The capital stock of the bank was $75,000 with a surplus fund of $25,000. It was the only National Bank and the only member of the Federal Reserve System in Cooper County. The present officers of the bank are: A. W. Nelson, chairman of the board ; E. E. Amick, president ; F. S. Sauter, vice-president ; W. A. Som- bart, vice-president ; B. M. Lester, vice-president ; J. L. Meistrell, vice-presi- dent; R. D. Williams, counsel; H. T. Redd, cashier; R. L. Moore, Jr., assist- ant cashier. The directors are : A. W. Nelson, W. W. G. Helm, L. T. Sites, H. F. Blankenbaker ; W. A. Sombart, J. E. Thro, J. A. Fischer, N. N. Leon- ard, H. T. Zuzak, R. D. Williams, Julius Oswald, G. W. Jewett, E. E. Amick, F. S. Sauter, and W. W. Kingsbury. The capital stock of the bank has been increased to $200,000. The surplus fund is now $70,000. The deposits has attained to the grand total of $2,000,000. The Farmer's Trust Company of Boonville, Mo., has been recently organized with a capital of $100,000 and a surplus of $35,000. The officers are Harry A. Creagan, president; Frank J. Felton, vice-president; Edward J. Muntzel, secretary and treasurer; and Fred Dauwalter chairman of the board. The Board of Directors are W. A. Whitehurse, Fred Dauwalter, Robert P. Burge, Edward J. Muntzel, Frank J. Felton, Homer C. Davis, Harry A. Creagan. The Farmers Trust Company has secured the south room on the ground floor of the Knights of Pythias building on Main street, large and com- modious quarters for its banking business. A large fire-proof vault has been built, safety boxes installed and the furniture and equipment are handsome and elegant and are unexcelled by that of any banking institu- tion in central Missouri. The Commercial Bank of Boonville, Mo., was oraganized in 1883 and is the oldest financial institution in Cooper County and one of the strongest and most important in central Missouri. Charter No. 247 providing for the organization of this bank was obtained by the following citizens : John S. Elliot, R. P. Williams of Fayette, Mo., Col. John Cosgrove, John Often, William Johnson, C. W. and Julius Sombart, Joseph Combs, Col. Thomas A. Johnston, John Viertel, Jacob F. Gmelich, W. R. Hutchinson, B. E. Nance and John Lee of Howard County. These gentlemen were the original stockholders of the bank which was organized with a capital stock HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 319 of $50,000. John S. Elliot was the first president ; Jacob F. Gmelich was the first vice-president and the first cashier was W. R. Hutchinson. On January 16, 1888, Mr. Elliot was succeeded as president by Jacob F. Gmelich. Upon Mr. Gmelich's election as state treasurer in 1905, Mr. John H. Zollinger was elected president of the bank. Mr. Zollinger served until July 7, 1913 and was succeeded by the present incumbent of the office, Mr. Edward W. Chilton, who had previously served as assistant cashier. This bank has weathered all financial panics and is conducted on a safe, conservative plan which commends it to the hundreds of patrons who have always had the utmost confidence in the integrity of the institution. The present capitalization is $50,000 ; surplus and undivided profits exceed $50,000; and the deposits are over $500,000. The officers of the Com- mercial Bank are as follows :, Edward W. Chilton, president ; W. W. Trigg, vice-president; R. G. Hadelich, cashier; J. A. Smith, bookkeeper. The directors are: E. W. Chilton, John Cosgrove, W. W. Trigg, W. A. Hurt, H. G. Windsor, T. A. Johnston, R. G. Hadelich, Thomas Hogan, and M. R. McDowell. The Bank of Bunceton was organized Aug. 25, 1887, with a paid-up capital stock of $10,000 and the following officers: J. H. Goodwin, presi- dent, Edward Cramer, vice-president; E. W. Moore, cashier; W. B. Kerns, secretary; and with the following directors, J. H. Goodwin, Edward Cramer, E. W. Moore, W. B. Kerns, T. J. Wallace, John Coleman, Geo. A. Carpenter, Wm. Lusk, Hugh Rogers The bank now has a paid-up capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $35,000, with resources totaling more than $6,000,000 The following are the pres- ent officers: Dr. A. W. Nelson, president; H. .E. Meeker, vice-president; Snode Moms, vice-president ; A. Blomquist, cashier ; G. H. Meeker, assist- ant cashier. The directors are Dr. A. W. Nelson, R. L. Harriman, Snode Morris, Geo. K. Crawford, A. T. .Hockenberry, Geo. A. Carpenter, N. N. Leonard, C. W. Oglesby and H. E. Meeker. The Cooper County Bank of Bunceton was incorporated on June 26, 1893, with a capital stock of $20,000. J. A. Waller was the first president and W. J. Boschert, cashier. The original Board of Directors consisted of the following: John S. Vick, Gordon L. Stephens, John A. Wallace, Newton A. Gilbreath, William J. Boschert, Samuel T. Baugman, Edward Cramer, E. H. Rodgers, James A. Lander. The present capital stock is $20,000, sur- plus and undivided profit earned, $43,000, total deposits $307,500, total re- 320 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sources $380,000. The present officers are W. J. Boschert, president ; George W. Moms, vice-president; F. C. Betteridge, cashier; C. W. Olley, bookkeeper. The Farmer's Stock Bank of Blackwater, Mo. was organized in 1895 with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: G. A. Cramer, president; Erhardt Fischer, vice-president; F. S. Sauter, cashier. In 1907 F. S. Sauter tendered his resignation as cashier of the above bank and C. E. Steele was elected to fill this vacancy which position he has held since the above date. The present capital stock is now $20,000 with an earned surplus of $25,000 and deposits aggregating $200,000. The present officers are: S. Y. Thornton, president; H. C. Griffith, vice-president, C. E. Steele, cashier. The Bank of Blackwater, Mo. was organized in 1906 with a capital stock of $25,000. The officers were: T. B. Gibson, president; Joseph Fischer, vice-president; C. M. Shepherd, cashier. C. M. Shepherd served three years as cashier of the above bank, and was succeeded by H. T. Redd, who served eight years, and he was succeeded by Walter Shouse, the pres- ent cashier. The bank now has an earned surplus of $17,000 and deposits aggregating $150,000. The present directors are: W. B. Gibson, L. T. Sites, R. B. Hill, H. M. Wing, Joseph Thompson, C. P. Hudson, T. B. Gib- son, Walter Shouse, Joseph Fischer. The Pilot Grove Bank of Pilot Grove is the second oldest bank in Cooper County, the Commercial Bank of Boonville being the oldest. The Pilot Grove Bank was incorporated June 13, 1884 and was organized by Edward H. Harris, who was the president of the same and E. H. Harris, Jr., the cashier, with a capital stock of $10,000. This bank had a remarkable career in that for over a quarter of a century under the management of the Harris not a dollar was lost by bad loans. The capital stock was increased from time to time and now, 1919, the capital stock is $20,000, surplus $20,000, undivided profits $6,321.26. The total assets of the bank March 4, of this year, were $371,259.45. The present officers are J. H. Thompson, president; Andrew Davin, vice-president; and C. M. Shepherd, cashier. The directors are Ham Lusk, E. B. McCutchen, B. J. Felton, Jacob Hoff, A. Davin, W. A. Scott, W. B. Simmons, Reuben Thomas, A. C. Harriman, R. A. Harriman, B. E. Sly, J. A. Thompson, J. L. Painter. The Bank of Woolridge was organized in June, 1902, with a capital stock of $10,000 and the following officers: George Vaughan, presi- dent; J. K. Bruce, vice-president; M. A. Smith, cashier; and George WHAT THE TORNADO I>II> TO MRS. EMMA srHMAI.FEI.HTS RESIDENCE JUNE 5. 1917, NEAR LONE ELM JPSL WHAT WAS LEFT OF ERNEST OERLY'S HOME AFTER THE SAME STORM HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 321 Vaughan, W. J. Wooldridge, E. I. Smith, Ben Heying, Charles Leuger, J. K. Bruce, and W. L. Hays, directors. M. A. Smith was the organizer of the bank. The present capital stock of the Bank of Wooldridge is 810,000 with a surplus of $8,000, undivided profits of $2,000, deposits amounting to $100,000. Corresponding banks are the National Bank of Commerce ot St Louis, Missouri; National Stockyards National Bank of East St. Louis, III. ; and the Boonville National Bank of Boonville, Mo. The present bank officials, at the time of this writing, are: W J Wooldridge, president; J. A. Clayton, vice-president; A. F. Nixon, cashier '; and F. B. Hopkins, bookkeeper. The directors are: W. J. Wooldridge a' F. Nixon, J. A. Clayton, A. D. Renfrew, C. L. Eager, Henry Knorp, 'and Carl Lenger. The bank owns its building, a frame structure, erected in 1902. The Bank of Wooldridge is one of the strongest financial institu- tions of Cooper County. Bank of Pleasant Green, Pleasant Green, Mo.-The stockholders of the Bank of Pleasant Green met on the 11th day of April, 1905 They organized by electing Judge J. D. Starke, chairman, and Dr. John S Parrish secretary, with a capital stock of $10,000. At the same meeting they elected the following board of directors: R. E. Ferguson, J. S. Parrish S L. Rissler, W. B. Rissler, A. J. Read, W. E. Roberts, S. W. Roberts and J.' D Starke and George Stemberger. The board proceeded to organize by electing Dr. J. S. Parrish, president; A. J. Read, vice-president; W B Rissler, cashier; and S. W. Roberts, secretary. The bank did not pay any dividends until it had an accumulated and certified surplus an amount equal to the capital stock, which was in the year 1913. Since then it has paid an average dividend of 15 per cent The following constitute the present Board of Directors: Adam Bergmann, L r\ c^ Hlte ' '• S - ParrlSh ' A - J - Read ' W - B - Riss1 -. Geo. Stem- berger, C. E. Stone and J. W. Walker. The present officers are J S Par- rish, president; A. J. Read, vice-president; W. B. Rissler, cashier, and J. W Walker secretary. There has been no change in the officers since the beginning with the exception that of secretary Sent T 10 1 4 arm r an f M , erchants Bank < Nervine, Mo., was organized in Sept., 1914 with a capital stock of $12,000. The first officers were : H D Case president; J. E. Golladay, vice-president; Joe G. Cox, cashier The WE STl - H * ^ ^ ^ G ° lladay ' J ° e G - C ° X ' James A - Laws Schupp PP ' °- Wilkerson ' C - Rodenbach and August (21) 322 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY The present officers are the following: H. D. Case, president; J. E. Golladay, vice-president; Allen H. Cox, cashier, and Mattie Belle Hupp, assistant cashier. The present directors are the following: H. D. Case, J. E. Golladay, Joe G. Cox, J. S. Bane, W. D. Ross, Charlie Hupp, L. C. Wilkerson, C. Kodenbach and August Schupp. The capital stock remains $12,000. The surplus is $5,000 ; undivided profits, $2,900; loans and discounts, $107,000. The total deposits are $136,000. The total resources are over $188,000. CHAPTER XXI. FLOODS AND STORMS. FLOODS OF 17S5. 1811 AND 1S2S — FLOOD OF 1844— GREAT DAMAGE CAUSED — DEVAS- TATING FLOOD OF 1905— REBUILDING OF BRIDGES IN THE COUNTY— BUILD- ING OF NEW COURT HOUSE— BONDS ISSUED— TORNADO. The first unusual high waters of the Missouri River, of which we have any account, was in 1785, and of the destruction wrought at that time, we know but little. However, we know that there were no settlements in Cooper County, or upon the north side of the river. In the spring of 1811, the waters of the Missouri rose to an unprece- dented height. The first settlements had been made in Cooper County, and in Howard County, opposite Boonville, the previous year. Hence there were no farms to be injured or crops to be destroyed. We have no means of knowing how high the water reached that year. The high waters in the spring of 1826 set the seal of fate to Franklin. But by far the most destructive flood that ever occurred in the Missouri River was in 1844. It was caused as usual by continuous rainfall on the lower river, coming on top of the annual rise. The month of May had been attended with unusual rains, and for weeks previous to the 10th of June, the precipitation had been unprecedented. On the 5th of June, the water began to overflow the banks, and the river continued to rise until the 18th, when at Jefferson City it came to a stand and began to recede. The entire bottom from the mouth of the Kaw to the mouth of the Missouri was completely submerged, and from bluff to bluff, the river pre- sented the appearance of an inland sea. The destruction of property, considering the small population, was enormous, and much suffering ensued. Again in 1845, and yet again in 1851, there were unusual high water, 324 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY but the damage was slight compared with the destruction of 1844. The next most destructive flood was in 1881. The second bottoms and low- lands were under water, and considerable damage was done, especially in the lower reaches of the river.* This flood, however, was different from the others, that had preceded it, in that it occurred in March and the first part of April. It was caused solely by the unusual rainfall, and not from the melting of snows in the Rockies. It seems the circumstances that attended the flood of 1903 were sim- ilar to those attending the great flood of 1844. On Friday morning, June 5, at seven o'clock, 1903, the government gauge registered a stage of water in the river at Boonville, of 30.6 feet. This was just six feet higher than the mark of 1881, and lacked but about three feet of that of 1844. However, by noon of that day, the water rose to 30 feet and ten inches above the low water mark, and remained on a stand until Saturday morn- ing, when it began to fall slowly. During the day, there was a fall of only two inches, but it was enough to bring gladnesss to the hearts of many, and a feeling of relief among those who had so anxiously watched for the good news. Much damage was wrought by the flood in the vicinity of Boonville. Houses on islands and the lowlands were washed away, crops destroyed, and much livestock drowned. Cooper County alone suffered much from the destruction of ruined crops along the Missouri and Lamine Rivers, and the Petit Saline creek, which overflowed its banks from the Missouri and did considerable damage to the farms along its bottoms. The destruction in the vicinity of Overton and Woolridge was greater than in any other part of the county. The greatest damage was done, how- ever, in the Howard County bottoms. Both up and down the river from Boonville, the water on the north side of the river presented the appearance of an inland sea. The water during the high stage reached almost from bluff to bluff, submerging land on which were crops of growing corn, and almost matured crops of growing wheat. Scarcely any land in this section was above the stage of the water. Much livestock was lost also. The greatest losses, though, were experienced by those tenants, who had all their possessions carried away and destroyed. Many cases were reported in which tenants lost all their earthly possessions. Some of these were even thankful to escape with their lives, and the clothes which they wore. As it was impossible at that time to approximate the amount of the losses occurring to the farmers in this territory, it is equally impossible to make an estimate at this time. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 325 The citizens of Boonville responded nobly to aid the flood sufferers. Mayor W. G. Pendleton called meetings, and appropriate committees were appointed to raise the necessary funds to meet the temporary and im- mediate relief of the sufferers. Over one thousand dollars were raised and distributed to those who were most in need. The road bed of the M. K. & T. on the north side of the river was greatly damaged and traffic upon that road was suspended for several days. Probably the greatest damage done the farming and railroad inter- ests in the Missouri valley below Kansas City, however, was in the bottoms between St. Charles and the rivers mouth. Here was a broad expanse of territory in a high state of cultivation and dotted over with residences and other buildings. Every vestige of the promising crop of wheat, corn, hay, oats, onions, potatoes, etc., was drowned out and washed away. Losses to the people in close proximity to Boonville were heavy indeed, but compared with those of people in other parts, they did not seem so great. Charles A. Sombart had every reason to remember the flood of this year, because of the threatened damage to his milling property. He had a rectangular solid stone about six feet in length planted at the northwest corner of his warehouse, on which is indicated by cuts in the stone, the highest point in the river June 4, 1844, and June 5, 1903. The latter mark is only about two feet and nine inches below the mark of 1844. Grand and mighty old Missouri, blessing and destroying, blessed and cursed, the great artery of the continent! Old Joaquin Miller has struck a noble strain in his spirited poem to the "Missouri". He refers to her as a lord of strength, the yellow line and mad molder of the continent, and con- cludes with these words : "Hoar sire of hot, sweet Cuban seas, ' Gray father of the continent, Fierce fashioner of destinies, Of states thou hast upreared or rent, Thou know'st no limit ; seas turn back, Bent, broken from the shaggy shore; But thou, in thy resistless track, Art lord and master evermore. Missouri, surge and sing and sweep. Missouri, master of the deep, From snow-reared Rockies to the sea, Sweep on, sweep on eternally." 326 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Again in Sept., 1905, the devastating flood visited Cooper County. The cause of this high water was similar to that of 1881. The local rains were so great that streams flowing into the Missouri overflowed their banks, and practically all the bridges in Cooper County were washed away and destroyed, entailing on the county a great loss in dollars and disturbance of traffic. The county at that time faced a difficult problem because these bridges had to be replaced at a great expense. Prior to this flood the county court of Cooper County had called an election for a bond issue for the purpose of building a court house. By reason, however, of the great loss to the county caused by the high water of the various streams, the court saw fit and proper to call off this election. While the need of a new court house was imperative and patent to the voters of the county, no agitation in behalf of the same was made until 1911. There being a demand on the part of the county votes that the city of Boonville should do something in addition, and beyond that done by the rest of the county, a proposition was submitted by the city council to the voters of Boonville to bond the city for $15,000 to aid in the con- struction of a court house. The election was held June 5, 1911, and the vote in favor of the bonds was practically unanimous, being for, 724, against, 6. The county court upon the proper petition called an election for May 11, 1911, submitting to the people of the county the issue of a $100,000 5-20 5 per cent, bonds, from the sale of which to erect a new and suitable court house. The Commercial Club of Boonville took charge of the campaign and appointed as managers of the same W. D. Pendleton, then mayor of the city of Boonville, and W. F. Johnson, then president of the club. The favorable result of .this election was a great surprise to many. The cam- paign was quiet and no public meetings were held. An appeal was made to the intelligence of the voters which resulted for the bond issue, 1,977; against 799. It is needless to say that the result of this election caused great re- joicing, especially in Boonville, where great crowds gathered on the street after supper, as soon as the vote was announced, and by the playing of bands, speech-making and shouting manifested their satisfaction. As soon as the sale of the bonds were negotiated, the contract for building the new court house was let by competitive bids to W. J. Cochran of Boonville. Something over a year was consumed in the erection of the present beautiful court house, the total cost of which, including the addi- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 327 tional site, together with furniture and fixtures, reached approximately $140,000. Tornado. — About nine o'clock at night, on Tuesday, June 5, 1917, the most destructive storm that had ever visited Cooper County, swept a path 150 yards wide, and approximately 20 miles long through the northeast part of the county. It began fts destructive course at Lone Elm store, and swept in a straight northeastward direction, leaving the county at a point about mid- way between Woolridge and Overton, crossing the Missouri River, and doing much damage in Boone County. At Lone Elm, a number of trees were blown down. The cattle barn of Henry Koenig, one mile east of Lone Elm, was unroofed, and scores of forest trees in the woodland pasture, where the annual Lone Elm picnic is held, were uprooted. Mrs. Emma Schmallf eldt's residence, a nine room frame building, was unroofed, with the exception of one room, the walls blown in, and the furniture blown away. A part of the barn, a chicken house, and a sum- mer kitchen were blown from their foundations. Two chicken houses and a smoke house were unroofed. A granary was also demolished. The entire east side of the residence of Henry J. Muntzel, located a few hundred yards southwest of the Clarks Fork Trinity Luthem Church was blown out and the house was unroofed on the east side. A summer kitchen was blown off into foundation, and a negro farm hand, Winston Carr, who was in the building suffered two broken ribs. A windmill was also blown down, as well as fences and trees. The wooden cross on the steeple of the large church building was blown down, and the walls of the building were cracked by the force of the wind. A new barn at the rear of the church parsonage was completely demolished. The school building just south of the church edifice was blown from its foundations, and a number of monuments in the cemetery were blown down. A cattle barn on the farm of Mrs. George Myer was destroyed. The Walnut Christian Church, a beautiful edifice, which was erected at a cost of over $6,000, and dedicated July 25, 1915, was completely demolished and blown northward across a deep ravine, and the wreck was lodged in a grove of trees, or carried out into an adjoining field. The floor was swept clean of all the furnishings, with the exception of a few chairs and the organ, which was not damaged. Of the scores of monuments in the church cemetery, only three were left standing. William Wisdom, of Prairie Home, who was in the build- 328 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ing at the time, in attempting to leave, was struck down, and blown from the building, without receiving serious injury. His horse and buggy was hitched near by. The buggy was completely demolished, but the horse escaped uninjured. A pine timber 1x4 was blown through a tree about seven inches in diameter. Large monuments were blown over and the framing of the church building was completely demolished. The barn of Jesse Newkirk was blown down, and his* residence was damaged. The tenant house occupied by the Phipps family, on the T. B. Jewett farm was badly damaged, the house being blown off its foundation, and several of the rooms were wrecked. Lon and George Phipps had a narrow escape from death, when the roof fell in on the bed on which they were sleeping. John Schmolzi and his family, who lived two miles east of Clarks Fork were great sufferers. Mr. Schmolzi grabbed his baby, and rushed to a small cave in the yard, and shouted to his wife and three other children to follow. However, they were too late, and the house of logs was blown down upon them. Mrs. Schmolzi and her young son, Willie, fourteen years old, were taken from the ruins of their humble home, badly injured. The mother received internal injuries, and the boy sustained a fractured skull. Every building on the Schmolzi farm was demolished, farm ma- chinery was blown away, the apple orchard destroyed and the poultry killed. A freak of the storm here was the taking of a corn planter, twisting it to pieces, and then taking the axle of the planter with one wheel still attached, and driving it into the heart of a big oak tree twelve or fifteen feet from the ground. A heavy road grader was lifted from the side of the road, crumpled into junk, and hurled across the road into a grove of trees. Two barns south of the residence of Hogan Freeman were destroyed. One was a new structure, 16x30, and the other was 42 feet square, and housed six head of work stock, all of which escaped injury. However, seven head o fcattle grazing in a pasture were killed by the flying debris from the ruined Schmolzi home and outbuildings. Auntinie Overton and Nick Robertson, negro farmers, had their houses torn 'down. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oerly, located on the brow of the hill, a quarter of a mile northwest of Gooch Mill was completely demolished and blown away. Mr. Oerly was struck by falling HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 329 timbers, and his wife was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood sev- eral yards from the side of the house. The young son of Nick Blank was in the house at the time and escaped uninjured. The ground where the residence stood was swept clean of all debris, and the timbers carried for hundreds of yards. An automobile was turned into scrap iron, and literally scattered over a forty acre field. Cattle and horses were maimed and killed and dead poultry was to be seen on every hand. Tom Christman's house, about a mile north of Gooch's Mill was demolished. Allene Oerly, the 13-year-old daughter of Will Oerly, a Woolridge merchant, was killed. All the family succeeded in reaching a cyclone cellar beneath the summer kitchen, when the storm in its fury, picked up Allene and hurled her away in the fury of the wind. Her body was discovered about 75 yards away from the cellar. The residence on the Joe Hickman farm, occupied by Charles Phipps, was destroyed, but no one was injured. Tom Calvert's four-room house, where were Mr. and Mrs. Calvert and Thomp Clayton, wife and one child, was blown down without injury to any of the occupants. In the household of Fred Fluke, Fred Fluke himself was crushed by falling timbers and killed, and other members of the family were badly injured. The storm moved the house of James Adair from its foundation, and broke Mr. Adair's leg. About half way between Woolridge and Overton, the storm struck the home of Theodore Morchel, killed two children and badly injured the wife and mother. This was the most appalling calamity that had come to Cooper County in years, and the property loss was great. CHAPTER XXII. THE WORLD WAR. UNITED STATUS ENTERS THE GREAT WAR— COOPER COUNTY'S FINANCIAL CON- TRIBUTION—LOYALTY OF CITIZENS— COUNCIL OF DEFENSE— PROCLAMATION —ARMISTICE SICNED— LIST OF COOPER COUNTY SOLDIERS— COMPANY B, THIRD REGIMENT. CALLED— CASUALTY LIST— SUMMARY. It is not in the province of the history of Cooper County, nor within the purview of this short chapter to attempt a history of the great World War that threatened the very foundation of civilization, and seriously affected every nation upon the face of the earth. President Wilson, in his speech before Congress on April 6, 1918, used these eloquent and forceful words that found spontaneous response in the true patriotism of America: "Let everything that we say, my fellow countrymen, everything that we henceforth plan and accomplish, ring true to this response till the majesty and might of our concerted power shall fill the thought and utterly defeat the force of those who flout and misprize what we honor and hold dear. "Germany has once more said that force, and force alone, shall decide whether justice and peace shall reign in the affairs of men, whether right as America conceives it, and dominion, as she conceives, shall determine the destinies of mankind. "There is therefore but one response for us; force, force to the utmost, force without stint or limit, the righteous and triumphant force which will make the law of the world, and cast every selfish dominion down in the dust." HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 331 Cooper County did generously and nobly her part in financing the great World War. According tp the best information at hand, the county subscribed $2,598,481 to the various war activities. Of this amount, almost $100,000, to be exact, $97,131 was actually given by citizens to take care of the boys who fought for freedom and for right. The Red Cross received splendid support, receiving $54,756, as nearly as can be estimated. The Y. M. C, A., $9,375; Salvation Army Fund, $1,000; United War Work Fund, $32,000. This vast amount was given with no hope of return, other than patriotically aiding in the war. In the Liberty Loans, our people invested over two and one-half millions dollars in government securities, the amount being divided between the four drives as follows: First Liberty Loan, $100,000; Second Liberty Loan, $525,000; Third Liberty Loan, $616,350; Fourth Liberty Loan, $846,000. Added to this amount is $414,000 invested in War Savings Stamps. The above statement does not take into consideration the various sums contributed to other causes connected with the war, such as the Tobacco Fund, Armenian Relief, French War Orphans, etc. It may not be amiss to state here that Cooper County has no German citizens, but a goodly number of American citizens of German birth or parentage. As a class, they are frugal, saving, prosperous and honest, withall good livers. Before our entrance to the great war, most of them were in sympathy with Germany, and such were not neutral. Germany's great propaganda, in which over $100,000,000 were spent, was insidious. The effect of many publications like "The Fatherland"- had little to say in favor of their government, or of their institutions, but in practically every line eulogized, praised and upheld the institutions and theories of the German Empire, in direct opposition to American principles and institutions. But with the unfurling of Old Glory from the housetops, their hearts beat true, and they at once sprang to action, and responded as a class to every call. If there were reservations in the minds of a few, the number was indeed small, and existed largely in the minds of the suspicious. By reason of the peculiar situation of this class of our citizens, the editor feels called upon to pay this short tribute. We are Americans, regardless of the route each has traveled to become one. We are one in love of home and country. The names of our boys who toiled, suffered and bled in Flanders field are confined to no nationality. Each is a true American. 332 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY "About his brow the laurel and the bay Was often wreathed — on this our Memory dwells — Upon whose bier in reverence today We lay these imortelles. His was a vital, virile, warrior soul ; If force were needed, he exalted force; Unswerving as the pole star to the pole, He held his righteous course. He smote at wrong, if he believed it wrong, As did the Knight, with stainless Accolade ; He stood for right, unfalteringly strong, Forever unafraid. With somewhat of the Savant and the Sage, He was, when all is said and sung, A Man, The flower imperishable of his valiant Age, A true American." We had no spies to watch in Cooper, yet following the precedent established throughout the country, A Board of Defense was appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen: Dr. A. W. Nelson, chairman; H. A. Jewett, A. H. Harriman, E. E. Amick, D. A. McArthur, A. A. Wal- lace, Homer Wear, Roy D. Williams and L. 0. Schaumburg, secretary. Their activities were tame, for there was no necessity for unusual vigil- ance. In Sept., 1918, the above Council of Defense of Cooper County, met and passed the following resolutions : * * * "WHEREAS, a spontaneous sentiment from every quarter of the county, arising from the patriotic hearts of the citizenship of Cooper County, has appealed to the Cooper County Council of Defense to take action in the matter of suppressing the use of the German language in churches, schools, public meetings of every sort, including conversation over telephone lines, and also on the public streets and thoroughfares of the county; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 333 THEREFORE, it is unanimously resolved by the Cooper County Council of Defense that the citizenship of this county be and is hereby urgently requested to refrain from communicating in the language of our enemy in all public places and on all public occasions as above enumerated during the period of the war. An appeal is made to our patriotic citizenship to aid with every means within our power in carrying out the provisions of this proclamation." Early Monday morning, Nov. 11, 1918, the news was flashed through- out the country that the armistice had been signed. Great demonstra- tions were held throughout the county and especially in Boonville. It was a gala day from early morning till late at night. Bands were play- ing and demonstrations of all characters were being carried on in jubila- tion of the end of the most stupendous tragedy in the history of the world. A treaty of peace has been signed and our boys are returning to their homes. The material is not at hand to give more than the names of those who gave their services to their country. We are not able to give the pi-omotions or special deeds of valor of our boys, for any attempt so to do, with the meager information at hand would be unjust to many. The ladies of Boonville have also prepared a list, and upon comparing their list with ours, we find that they have apparently omitted a number of names which appear upon our list, and upon the other hand, we find that they have names that we have not secured. We therefore give first the list that we have secured, and after that, we give those that appear upon the list secured by the ladies, which do not appear upon ours. We do not vouch for the correctness of either. Arnold, Earl ; Anderson, Douglas ; Allison, Earl M. ; Alpers, Wm. H. ; Ausemus, C. E. ; Armstrong, John ; Amick, Eugene Earl ; Albin, Jesse Vigel; Alpers, John Wm.; Anderson, Hy. Burger, Wm. Arthur; Boswell, Merritt H. ; Boswell, Henry; Boggs, Thos. J. ; Brown, Oliver Carl ; Brent, Earl F. ; Barnes, Paul ; Burnham, Connie; Bell, Jas. V.; Burke, Jaine Martin; Banty, Earl James; Beatty, Jas. ; Brown, Louis Alvin ; Bradley, Arthur L. ; Bower, Clark E. ; Brock- man, John; Bowmer, Newton; Bishup, Oscar; Bowmer, Jas. R. ; Butts, Orville Ray; Brandt, Leon Norrite; Brooks, John H. ; Buckley, Carl A.; Berry, Franklin ; Bonham, Alfred ; Brown, Ervine W. ; Bottom, Lawrence ; Banks, Coleman C. ; Buchanan, Frank G. ; Brengarth, Henry L. ; Brown- field, Veit; Burrell, Ben E. ; Bauman, Lee Ernest; Burger, Wallace Walker; Bradley, Frank R. ; Bryan, Lloyd ; Blackstone, Mack L. ; Baker, Henry J. ; Baugh, Harry; Burd, Charlie; Baker, Wm. Elmer; Berry, Harry Lon; 334 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Bell, Stanley Ira; Baker, Auburn C; Burger, Joseph A.; Butler, Elaske; Bruce, Amos ; Byler, Robert H. ; Buckner, Hallie ; Burrus, John Milton ; Byler, Garland ; Brewster, Harry E. ; Barnert, Edgar L. ; Brown, Harvey E. ; Binkley, Jas. ; Baldwin, Ira C. ; Blalock, Jas. T. Carl, Edward G. J. ; Cave, John ; Coleman, Calvin ; Cramar, Ray ; Con- way, Raborn Lee; Coleman, Jas. H. ; Croft, Geo. W. ; Coleman, Wayt J.; Clawson, John ; Conway, John Richard ; Conway, Jas. F. ; Chase, John H. ; Cornwell, Clarence; Copas, Wm. F.; Crawford, Willie; Clawson, Jas.; Crawford, John H. ; Crump, Sherman ; Coats, Wilbur ; Cordry, Omer E. ; Chamberlin, Leonadus ; Crockett, Jas. F. ; Coleman, Nelson ; Campbell, Roy; Clay, Charlie; Cassell, Charlie; Cooper, Linn; Cardin, Dudley B.; Clark, Leonadus M. ; Cochran, William J. ; Cramar, Chas. D. ; Coleman, Chas. C. ; Cardin, Chas. E. ; Cox, Allen ; Clark, John B. ; Corum, Martene W. ; Conway, John Robert ; Cash, H. M. ; Coleman, Chas. W. ; Corder, F. F. ; Cary, H. E. ; Cramar, E. D. ; Callegari, E. ; Cole, F. L. ; Chenault, Clarence D.; Cosgrove, D. W. Diel, Wm. 0.; Duncan, Herbert; Dohn, J. E. ; Diel, Raymond F. ; Davis. Samuel ; Dunfield, Jos. ; Dief endorf , John ; Davis, Porter E. ; Dick. John Henry ; Derondinger, Emil E. ; Deurmeyr, Harry ; Diehl, Wm. ; Draff en, Lot Elbert; Davison, Harry; Drew, McKinley; Douglass, Ray- mond; Davis, Lewis C. ; Diggs. Arthur E. ; Decker, Ray H. ; Dick, Lewis Wm. ; Devine, Michael Thos. ; Davis, Harland H. ; Davis, Walter; Drew, Isaac; Diemler, Lewis G. ; Daniels, Roy Oliver; Dumolt, Urban A.; Dix. Pearlie Lee; Davis, J. E. ; Driver, Wm. Henry. Earley, Arnold J.; Evans, Herman B. ; Evans, Loney ; Embry, Sidney E. ; Enloe, Lewis M. ; Eubank, Louis A. ; Eichman, Milton R. ; Eades Cha*. H. ; Edwards. Robert S.; Ernst, Otto W. ; Enquist, Geo. S. ; Embry. Roy H. ; Edson, Henry; Embry, Virgil F.; Evans, Benj. F.; Edwards, Riley Bird ; Ellis, Clay W. Fry, John R. ; Felton, Leo H. ; Fetters, Ben ; Farris, Nuckols ; Frandes, Wm. Carl ; Fowler, Tyre B. ; Fry, Elmer Leon ; Fairchild, Wm. W. ; Fried- erich, Herman B. ; Friedrich, Carl; Fry, Jesse A.; Friedrich, Jacob W. ; Felton, Francis Richard; Fairfax, Lon ; Friedrich, Edward C; Folkerts. Lewis J. Griffin, Victor R. ; Gargus, Geo. F.; Grose, Vanmeeter; Gooseberry, Ernest; Gantner, Walter E.: Gravell, Jos. Lewis; Golden, Addie; Groves, Oscar B.; Gronstedt, Wm.; Givens. Bryan B.; Gillum, Geo. C; Gilson, Ira E. ; Gantner, Urban A. ; Gerke, John ; Givens, Clarence A. ; Gunn, J. P. ; Givens, Clay Carl; Green, John W.; Golden, Hickman; Goode, Mack J.; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 335 Green, Julian Bact ; Gantner, Earl Jerome ; Good, Isaac N. ; Grazier, Sher- man; Gerling, Jos. J.; Gilbreath, Hugh K. ; Geiger, Lawrence; Gavisk, Morgan; Gronstedt, Martin; Griffin, Harry B.; Gibson, Robert Lercy; Gil- more, Finis Glen; Gensler, Thomas; Grotinger, Ferdinand; Geiger, John Wilbur ; Gump, Roy. Jord ; Gantner, Jos. ; Grose, Jas. W. ; Gray, Olaff ; Gar- land, Homer; Gibson, Wm. M. Hirst, John R. ; Hepler, Jesse J. ; Harris, W. B. ; Hogan, Lenwood ; Hopkins, Chas. W. ; Holmes, Wm. ; Haller, Richard W. ; Heisler, Herman V. ; Hogan, Alfred ; Henderson, Chas. C. ; Hoellerich, Aug. ; Harris, Loy E. ; Holliday, Arthur L. ; Hutchinson, P. T. ; Haley, Joel ; Hull, Wm. S. ; Haley, W. L. ; Holmes, Barney ; Hilden, Herman P. ; Hutchinson, Robt. M. ; Harte, Houston ; Harris, Chas. D. ; Harris, Edgar W. ; Hogan. Oliver A. ; Huth, Wilbur L. ; Hausser, Albert ; Houcker, Geo. F. ; Hupp, Chas. J. ; Huff, Ray- mond P. L. ; Hogan, Jas. Otey; Harned, Walter P.; Hardiman, Wm.; Howard. Claud ; Holliday, Ernest ; Hale, Frank O. ; Hoff , Edward L. ; Hec- tor, Herbert A. ; Hedgpeth, Robt. Geo. ; Huckaby, Samuel T. ; Hotsenpiller, Irl H. ; Hopkins, Jesse; Helmreich, Elbert E. ; Hunt, Robert V.; Hams, Terry E. ; Hill, Jasper L. ; Hickam, Chas. S. ; Hurt, Ewing; Hammonds, Ernest ; Hale, John P. ; Harris, Marion C. ; Hurt, Porter Marion ; Haunsen, Aaron W. ; Haller, S. John ; Harris, Wm. J. ; Huckaby, Pearl ; Hain, Geo. John ; Howard, Joe ; Harlan, Geo. C. ; Hupp, Isaac Gill ; Holliday, Virgil ; Hedrick, Lon M. ; Hoberecht, Ray. Irvin, John T. Johnson, Leslie Smith; Jones, Brent; Jones, Chas. Elmer; Jegglin, Wm. A.; Johnson, Johnny; Jenry, Wm. H. ; Jones, Richard C; Jenry, Job" M. ; Johnson, Ellis; Jackson, Walter; Johnson, Robt. Perry; Jegglin, Ulmont; Jenkins, Phillip; Jones, Roy E. ; Johnson, Andrew D. ; Johnson. Clyde Gail ; Jones, Roy Lindsay ; Johns, Wm. Kelly ; Jaeger, Albert, Jr. Knabe, Herman H. ; Kallian, Chas. ; Kraus, Frederick A. ; Kirschman, Lester L. ; Klenklen, Wm. T. ; Knorp, John G. ; Krohn, Frederick H. ; Kos- field, Herman Henry ; Kaiser, Wm. Theodore ; Kimlin, Fred A. ; Kaiser, Geo. F. ; Kibler, Wm. Walter; Kistenmacher, Karl; King, Lawson Lander; Knipp, Peter J., Jr. ; Klenklen, Victor S. ; Klein, Elmer Henry ; King, Judd ; Kinney, Dorsey ; Koontz, Frank L. ; Kahle, Herman F. ; Kinney, Jewel M. ; Korte, Homer E. Langlotz, Verner C. ; Long, John T. ; Loesing, Geo. Henry ; Layne, John W. ; Long, Chas. Clifford ; Langkep, Walter ; Lusk, Marshall B. ; Lyle, Chas. F. ; Lovick, Wm. A. ; Lewis, Edward ; Lance, Geo. ; Lacy, Geo. Whit ; Lawson, Barney E. ; Lee, Wm.; Lawson, Roy; Lewis, Harry; Leuckert,. 336 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY C. D. ; Langkop, Edward Chas. ; Logan. Urbie Jas. ; Lamm, Oscar Irving; Lee, Nelson; Lamm, Jas. Forrest; Lee, Harrison G. Miller, Roy F. ; Miles, Homer ; McKinley, Lenwood ; Mersey, Elmer E. ; Moore, Jeff T. ; Miles, Eugene ; Mersey, Wm. H. ; Minor, Hogan ; Mayer, Chas. H.; Meller, Thos. E. ; Manning, Floyd H. ; Miller, Geo. L. ; Mallory, Gilbert; Mcllveny, John; Meredith, Wm. Owen; Moore, LeRoy ; Meredith, Geo. H. ; Morris, Clay ; Moore, Hilliard H. ; Miller, H. J. ; Miller, John L. ; Madison, Ernest; Myer. Henry Robert; Morris, Warren Cole; McDonnell, Paul Brooks; McCleary, James; Meyer, August; Mochel, Wm. F. ; Moehle, Geo. E. ; McDowell, Sid ; Marshall, Rudolph ; Minor, J. W. ; Morrison, Paul ; Moore, Hugh Shelborn ; Miller, Archie ; Montgomery, Wm. ; Meyers. For- rest; Mize, Richard B. ; Meisenheimer, R. D. ; Muessig, Robert; Myers, Fred Wm., Jr.; Morrow, Silas A. Needy, Forrest; Nichols, Willis; Nookerman, John A.; Nelson, Wm. ; Neef, Henry Carl ; Nelson, Ruben C. ; Niederwimmer, H. ; Nelson, Wm. ; Newbauer, Emil; Neale, Monroe, Lee. Oerly, Frank J.; Ohlendorf, Henry F. ; Odneal, Hugh B.; Oak, Walter S. ; Odil, Jan Anderson ; Odom, Radford F. ; O'Neal, Samuel Amos ; Odneal, J. Geo. Poindexter; Owings, William T. ; Orendorf, Robert Lee; Oak, W. W. Pepper, Herman ; Peeples, Harold ; Palmer, Frank D. ; Pare, Oscar H. ; Piatt, Wm. B. ; Paxton, John H. ; Phillips, Paul W. ; Plater, Calvin ; Porter, Willie; Poindexter, Alfred; Pulley, Clarence; Parkhurst, Geo. A.; Pearson, Carl C; Powers, Elmore; Philpott, James E. ; Phipps, Geo. Wm. ; Parrish, James ; Poindexter, Arthur L. ; Phipps, Marion Lee ; Patterson, Jas. W. ; Poindexter, John William; Pulley, Leonard B. ; Putnam, Thos. B.; Park- hurst, Fred A.; Potter, A. Zabe H. ; Poindexter, Chas. F. ; Poole, Ellis': Poertner, Ernest J. ; Powell, Earl ; Pethan, Oscar W. H. ; Perry, Elmer J. ; Phillip, Noah; Potter, Lilburn A.; Perry, Hiram; Porter, Chas. Quint, Wm.; Quinley, Henry Vernon; Quigley, Wm. Oliver; Quint, Geo. Read, Chas.; Ronan, Lee Albert; Reavis, Henry F. ; Rassmussen, Arthur; Rawlins, Howard M. ; Roth, Louis G.; Richey, Charlie; Redmon. Chas.; Richey, Alphus N. ; Runkle, Wm. K.; Ross, James A.; Reynolds, H. W. ; Richardson, Clarence ; Reynolds, Geo. S. ; Robinson, Press ; Richter, John H. ; Robinson, Carter; Rucker, Ray; Roberts, Roy Daniel; Redd, Roy ; Rentschler, Samuel D. ; Ries, Herman ; Reed, John Wm. ; Rolfe. Sidney R. ; Riggs, Geo. E.; Roberts, Cecil C. ; Riggs, Oscar; Rau, Frank Joseph. Schuster, Wilbur J.; Smith, Edgar E. ; Schilb, Francis Oscar; Stretz, Wilbur F.; Sims, Roy B.; Spillers, Guy E. : Simms, John W. ; Schmidt, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 337 Edward Joseph; Simmers, Luther; Sanders, Thos. P.; Stegner, Lloyd E.; -Stephens, Ralph ; Smith, Walter R. ; Schupp, Wm. ; Stacy, King George ; Sevier, Walker ; Smith, P. L. ; Schupp, R. ; Stephens, Lon V. ; Sanders, Jas. ; Stuart, Jesse E. ; Stephens, Clyde; Smalley, Joe B. ; Soph, Raymond; Sharp, John W. ; Smallwood, Joe ; Schwartz, Joseph H. ; Stephens, Joseph L. ; Scott, Willie M. ; Skith, Henry A. ; Shaw, Robert J. ; Schoen, Frank S. ; Shackleford, John; Schlup, Ovey; Simmons, Chas. C. ; Salmon, Thos. J.; Straub, John F. ; Sweeny, David, Jr.; Smith, Russell B.; Schultz, Frank; Steinmetz, Samuel T. ; Smith, Thomas B. ; Schwartz, John C. ; Sanders, Lester J.; Simms, Morrison C. ; Schneibner, Carl F. ; Schmidt, Harry L. ; Stephens, Whitney A.; Sullins, Elsa Victor; Schrader, Wm. H. ; Selck, Hilliard ; Schilb, Alva E. ; Snyder, Lee F. ; Stretz, Norbert ; Stephens, Reid ; Sparks, Daniel ; Sombart, Harry E. ; Sieckmann, Wilhelm ; Schupp, Con- rad; Smith, Arthur; Schupp, Fritz; Sutton, Lewis H. ; Scholle, Albro; Snider, Alex ; Sanders, Timothy ; Strickf adden, Geo. ; Simon, Russell ; Schilb, Enslie Irvin; Stapleton, Winston; Schlotzhauer, Hallie C: Sim- mons, Roy E. ; Shinn, Henry; Schoen, Charles; Sites, William Lee; Smith, Douglass ; Stephens, Walter ; Smith, J. A. ; Schwartz, Jacob John ; Simms, Thomas A.; Simpson, Sylvester; Stephens, James; Speaker, Neal F. ; Shafer, William 0.; Shemwell, George; Stockard, Frank L. ; Smith, Edward B. Thompson, Herman ; Turley, John C. ; Trester, John ; Toler, Frank G. ; Toley, William B. ; Taylor, Julius; Thompson, Clem Arnold; Toler, Joseph A.; Toennis, John Gustave; Theiss, Lawrence; Thomas, Lewis; Turner, William C. ; Todd, Frank; Turner, Henry; Tolbert, Floyd A.; Twenter, Albert H. ; Tuirtcis, Paungistis ; Taliaferro, Louis G. ; Tompkins, John Cheatham ; Thomas, George M. ; Tuttle, Joseph Morton ; Thoma, Frank J. ; Teele, Burke; Thompson, Joseph; Templemire, Edward; Trester, Harry Peter; Tumy, William H. ; Thomas, John L. ; Terrell, Arthur. Utz, Winfield Roy. Varnum, F. R.; Vieth, August William; Vamer, Robert E. ; Verts, Joseph L. ; Verts, Harry Lee; Verts, Chalos Isaac; Varnum, George W. ; Vaugn, Roy R. Westerman, Ernest; Wolfe, Lewis E. ; Wiemholt, Fred A.; Williams, Lawrence; Whitlow, Henry C; Windsor, Wilbur C; Wright, Harry; Woodhouse, Henry; Willson, Willis; Wallace, Roscoe A.; Woodhouse, Albert ; Walterscheid, Peter M. ; Williams, Howard ; Wolfe, Oral W. ; Wil- liams, Grover C. ; Windsor, Edward H. ; Williams, Charles ; Wilhite, John (22) 338 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY F. ; Wide], John B. ; Watkins, Theodore ; Wright, Clarence ; Wall, William Arthur; Wilson, Charles W. ; Wolfe, William M. ; Weyland, Morgan L. ; Windsor, John II. ; Williams, Roy ; Williams, Edwin A. ; Wendleton, John E. ; Williams, Charles A. ; Witt, Jeroid Lee ; Wisner, John B. ; Whitlow, Elliot W. ; Windsor, John Leonard ; Wassman, Orion F. ; Wilhite, Elea S. ; Wallje, Ernest B. ; White, Arthur F. ; White, Walter C. Yeager, Frederick W. L. ; Young, Rudolph H. Zimmerman, Robert. The following names we give as those that appear upon the list that . was prepared by the ladies of Boonville that do not appear upon the above list prepared by us. Biltz, Rolla ; Blank, Albert ; Bonen, Leo Albert ; Brandes, William Carl; Bryan, Charles Virgil; Burke, John Joseph; Barr, David Albert; Bamby, Earl James. Cash, Horace Miller; Campbell, Arthur Harrie; Cannon, James Nel- son; Cramer, Ernest Dewitt; Cole, Charles Betteridge; Collegan, Ernest. Deimber, Albert. Gooseberry, Ernest; Gabriel, Samuel Emery. Hutchison, William Thomas; Huffman, Paul Bush. Kreeger, Heo. H. ; Kelly. Dr. R. Q. Larrimore, William H. Meeker, Hiram; Meagher, Leo. James; McElroy, Charles Willey; Matheny, William. Pfeiffer, John. Reed, Nolan Potter; Reynolds, Virgil Lee. Stegner, Joseph William; Skinner, Elvie Elmer; Stewart, Wilbur; Schmitt, Urban Frank; Stephens, Robert; Smith, Samuel. Tuff, Henry G. Wilson, Fred W. ; Watson, George; Williams, Douglas Kyril ; Waller, Elliott. Company B, Third Regiment Infantry, N. G., Boonville, Mo., was called into Federal service March 25, 1917, and drafted into Federal service August 5, 1917 and consolidated with Co. B, 6th Mo. Infantry and desig- nated Co. B, 140th Infantry. Captain, Carl F. Scheibner; 1st Lieutenant, Warren T. Davis; 2d Lieutenant, William F. Short; 1st Sergeant, Merl Joseph Barnert; Mess Sergeant, Juneious C. Davis; Suply Sergeant, Carl A. Miller; Sergeants, John P. Logan, Jr., Forest E. Callahan; Corporals, William Lachneij, Joseph C. White, Ewell K. Walden; Cooks, Morrison C. Simms, George HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 339 Langhans; Buglers, Monte C. Coulter, Edward T. Willard ; Privates, Robert Annly, Stephen Y. Bagby, Daniel Becker, Wayne R. Berry, Rolla Biltz, Burke E. Bledsoe, Rolla T. Bottom, John W. Buchanan, Arthur L. Campbell, Frank W. Cash, John Cauthon, John Cochran, Charles B. Cor- nett, Wyatt Cramer, Oscar Crum, Jesse H. Davis, Oscar J. Dewell, James L. Donohew, John C. Edwards, Jewell Fenical, Paul R. Goode, Monte H. Haller, Rutherford B. Hayes, George Hayes, James J. Haley, Roy P. Haley, Tom A. Hickcox, Harry R. Holmer, Henry J. Hilscamp, Ewing Hurt, Charles H. Huber, Cecil Jenkins, Eugene E. Johnston, Eugene F. Kleasner, James L. Kreeger, George Leininger, Edgar C. Lohse, Sylvanus W. Malott, Andrew L. Mayfield, John H. McMellon, Emett H. McRoberts, Carl W. Mock, Sam A. Mock, Charles S. Moore, Kemper Moore, Riley W. Murphy, Claude L. Muncy, Walker Oswald, Raymond R. Partee, Phillip Peeples, David H. Pfeifer, Otto E. Poertner, George Potter, Robert C. Renfrow, Earl W. Russell, Albert Schell, William Scotten, Rodney E. Simmons, Web- ster Joseph Simmons, Ernest N. Simpson, Fred Sims, Jo B. Smalley, Ernest F. Spaete, Robert H. Stephens, Jesse 0. Stillwell, Curtis Stiner, Stanley M. Thatcher, William R. Thomas, Ralph A. Tuckley, Robert Von Oertzen, Dewey F. Wells, Lon H. Weyland, James White, Roger E. White, Richard N. Windsor, Grady T. Wood, William H. Yontz. Casualty List. — Through the kindness of Floyd C. Shoemaker, sec- retary of the State Historical Society of Missouri, we herein give the casualty list of the Cooper County boys. Mr. Shoemaker, at considerable trouble, has compiled this list and it is barely possible that it does not contain all the casualties, yet in the main it is correct: Annley, Robert, private, Boonville, wounded slightly. Barnes, Lucien Nelson, private, Blackwater, wounded slightly. Berry, Wayne R., private, Speed, wounded (degree undetermined). Bietz, Rolland, private, Bunceton, wounded slightly. Blackstone, McLawrence, private, Pilot Grove, died of disease (U. S. A.). Coleman, Wayt J., private, Woodridge, wounded slightly. Coulter, Monte C, corporal, Boonville, wounded severely. Cramar, Ray, private, Blackwater, wounded severely. Dickinson, Jonathan 0., lieutenant, Boonville, wounded slightly. Diel, Raymond Felix, private, Pilot Grove, wounded (degree unde- termined). Diel, O. William, private, Pilot Grove, died of disease (U. S. A.). Dishion, Pierce J., private, Bunceton, wounded slightly. 340 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Duncan, Herbert, private, Overton, wounded slightly. Embry, Sidney E., private, Cooper County, killed in action. Fairfax, Lon S., private, Otterville, died of disease. Fowler, Tyre Boon, private, Boonville, wounded (degree undeter- mined). Haller, Richard William, private, Boonville, died of disease. Harlan, George Clark (navy), died of disease. Harris, William, lieutenant, Boonville. wounded (degree undeter- mined). Johns, William Kelley, private, Boonville, killed in action. Johnson, Everett Hale, Blackwater, killed in action. Junkerman, Albert F., private, Blackwater, died of disease. Klien, George J., private, Blackwater, missing in action. Knabe, Henry Herman, private, Boonville, wounded (degree unde- termined). Knoep, Elmer T., private, Prairie Home, wounded severely. Kreeger, George H., corporal, Boonville, prisoner, wounded. Langkop, Walter T., private, Bunceton, died of disease. Logan, John P., sergeant, Boonville, wounded severely. Long, Charles C, private, Pilot Grove, wounded slightly. Malott, Sylvanus W., private, Pilot Grove, wounded slightly. Mayer, Charles H., private, Boonville, wounded severely. McAllister, Arthur T., private, Boonville, died of wounds. Meyer, Henry R., recruit, Prairie Home, died of disease (U. S. A.). Miller, Carl A., private, Boonville, wounded severely. Miller, George True, private, LaMine, wounded (degree undeter- mined). Miller, John L., private, Speed, wounded slightly. Miller, Roy F. (navy), Boonville, died of disease (U. S. A.). Mock, Samuel A., lieutenant, Boonville, wounded severely. Odneal, Hugh B., private, Prairie Home, wounded severely. Ohlendorf, Henry E., private, Boonville, wounded severely. Poertner, Otto Ernest, private, Boonville, killed in action. Robey, William M., private, LaMine, wounded severely. Ross, James Alfred, private, Boonville, wounded severely. Sanders, Thomas P., private, Boonville, wounded slightly. Salmon, Thomas J., private, Otterville, wounded severely. Sears, Ernest Cecil, private (marine), Blackwater, wounded severely. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 341 • Simmons, Charles C, corporal, Boonville, wounded slightly. Simmons, Henry T., private, Boonville, wounded severely. Simmons, Rodney E., private, Boonville, wounded slightly. Simmons, Webster J., sergeant, Boonville, wounded slightly. Smith, Edward B., private, Cooper County, missing in action. Smith, Perry D., private, Blackwater, died of disease. Speaker, Neal F., sergeant, Otterville, wounded (degree undetermined). Spray, Walker, corporal, Boonville, wounded slightly. Stephens, Clyde P., private, Bunceton, wounded slightly. Stephens, Robert, corporal, Bunceton, wounded severely. Stock, August W., corporal, Overton, wounded slightly. Stoner, Curtis, private, Pilot Grove, wounded (degree undetermined). Straub, John Franklin, bugler, Pleasant Green, wounded (undeter- mined) . Taylor, George Estel, private, Boonville, died of disease. Thoma, Leonard E., mechanic, Boonville, died of wounds. Thomas, William, private, Pilot Grove, wounded severely. Vaughn, Harley P., corporal, Boonville, wounded severely. Watson, George W., mechanic, Blackwater, wounded severely. Whitton, Henry C, private, Blackwater, wounded severely. Wilson, Arthur C, private (marine), Pleasant Green, wounded se- verely. Zoeller, Frank S., corporal, Pilot Grove, wounded (degree undeter- mined). Summary. — From "Statistical Summary of the War with Germany" prepared by Col. Leonard P. Ayres authorized by the War Department is extracted the following, which, of course, is of interest to our readers: Among each 100 Americans five took up arms in defense of the country. During the Civil War 10 out of every 100 inhabitants of the North- ern States served as soldiers or sailors. In that struggle 2,400,000 men sei-ved in the Northern army and the navy. Between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice went into effect 4,800,000 men constituted our land and naval forces. Yet a force proportional to that put forth by the North during the Civil War would have produced nearly 10,000,000 American fighting men. The British sent to France in their first year of the war more men than did the United States in the first twelve months. On the other 342 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY hand, it took England three years to reach a strength of 2,000,000 men in France, while the United States was able to place that number across the seas in one-half that time. The organization of an immense army as that of the United States, its equipment and transportation across the ocean has never been equaled in the history of the world. Two out of every three American soldiers who reached France took part in battle. The number that reached France was 2,084,000 and of these 1,300,000 were engaged at the front. American divisions were in battle for 200 days and engaged in 13 major operations from the middle of August until the armistice. The American divisions held during the greater part of the time a front longer than that held by the British in October. The American divisions held 101 miles of line or 23 per cent of the entire western front. In the battle of Saint Milhiel 550,000 Americans were engaged, as compared with 100,000 on the North side in the battle of Gettysburg. The artillery fired more than 1,000,000 shells in four hours, which is the most intense concentration of artillery fire recorded in the history of the world. The Meuse-Argonne battle lasted 47 days, during which 1,200,000 American troops were engaged. During the period of hostilities two out of every 100 American sol- diers were killed or died of disease. The total battle death of all nations in this war was greater than the total of all the deaths of all the wars in the previous 100 years. For every man killed in battle seven were wounded. Five out of every six men sent to hospitals on account of wounds were cured and returned to duty. In the expeditionary forces battle deaths were twice as many as death from disease. The number of American lives lost was 122,500, of which about 10,000 were in the navy and the rest in the army and marines attached to it. The war cost of America was $21,850,000,000, or approximately $1,000,000 an hour. The greatest number of men sent over seas in a single month was 306,000 and the largest returned home in a single month at the time of the report was 333,000. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 343 The supplies shipped from the United States to France was 7,500,000 tons in nineteen months. The registration of men for the draft was 24,234,021 and of these 2,810,296 were inducted into service. The largest number inducted into the service in a single month was 400,000. CHAPTER XXIII. MISCELLANEOUS. MEXICAN BORDER TROUBLE— GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— UNITED VET- ERANS OF THE CONFEDERACY— OTTERVILLE TRAIN ROBBERY— SHERIFF CRAMER MURDERED— A. B. THORNTON KILLED— THE PROHIBITION QUES- TION. Mexican Border Trouble. — Company B, 3rd Infantry, National Guard of Missouri, was called with other National Guard units for service on the Mexican border on June 18, 1916. Capt. R. A. Johnston, who was in com- mand, left Boonville with sitxy-seven men for the mobilization camp at the government reservation near Nevada, Mo. The departure of this organization caused much sorrow among the relatives and friends of the men. The citizens turned out in masse, escorted the company to the train, and gave the men a rousing send-off. After being in camp at Nevada a few days the citizens sent a committee headed by the Mayor and presented the company a beautiful silk United States standard. On June 30, 1916, the men were examined physically and formally mustered into the service of the United States. There were now near ninety men in the company as Lt. Carl F. Scheibner had been left in Boon- ville when the company departed and had gathered in several recruits. Also several men recruited in other places had been assigned to Com- pany B. The physical examination was most rigid and several were disqualified and sent back home, among them the captain of Company B. The list of those accepted and mustered in the service of the United States follows: Company B, 3d Infantry, Missouri National Guard. Called into Fed- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 345 eral service June 18, 1916. Mustered into Federal service June 30, 1916. Captain, Rea A. Johnston ; 1st Lt., William F. Short ; 2nd Lt., Carl F. Scheibner; 1st Sgt, John S. Cobb; Mess Sgt., Carl A. Miller; Sgts., War- ren T. Davis, Martene Corum, John Parker Logan, Juneious C. Davis, Wil- liam Bell. Corps.: Forrest Callahan, Fred A. Kimlin, Charles Henry Huber, James A. Ross, Merl J. Barnert. Cooks: Morrison C. Sims, Paul R. Goode. Artificer: George Potter. Buglers: Ralph Brumbaugh, Monte Coulter. Privates : Bailey, Curtis F. ; Bottom, Rolla T. ; Campbell, James W. ; Cauthon, John; Cochran, John; Cordes, Dewey E. ; Culp, Henry; Deuel, Oscar J. ; Finn, William W. ; Fowler, Ira 0. ; Haley, James J. ; Haller, Manfred H. ; Howard, Wallace E. ; Hutchison, Presley T. ; Johnston, Eugene E. ; Kane, John D. ; Kidwell, John H. ; King, Judd ; Kohn, William P. ; Kratzer, Leroy ; Kreeger, James ; Lachner, William G. ; Langhans, George ; Lohse, Edgar C. ; Long, William ; McAllister, William ; McRoberts, Emmett F. ; Mock, Samuel A.; Moore, Charles S. ; Pack, Hardie; Paxton, John; Peeples, Phillip; Potter, Henry V.; Potter, John R., Jr.; Renfrow, Robert C. ; Schroeder, Albert W. ; Shea, John E., Jr. ; Sim, Fred ; Simmons, Webster J. ; Smalley, Joe B. ; Spaete, Ernest F. ; Stillwell, Jesse 0. ; Sum- merskill, Marshal J. ; Tezon, William ; Von Oertzen, Robert ; Walden, Ewell K. ; Webster, James H. ; White, Roger E. ; White, Joseph C. ; Wilhite, James F. ; Wilmesher, Herman ; Yontz, William H. Organizations of Civil War Veterans. — A Grand Army Post was organized in Boonville, on Aug. 19, 1885 with seventeen members and with the following officers : Col. Joseph A. Eppestein, Commander ; Judge T. M. Rice, Senior Vice-Commander; Capt. George Meller, Junior Vice- Commander; P. H. McNulty, Quartermaster; Dr. John B. Holman, Sur- geon; Sylvester Young, Chaplain; W. C. Culverhouse, Officer of the Day; James Mitchell, Officer of the Guard; Franklin Swap, Adjutant; R. W. Whitlow, Sergeant-Major ; and W. W. Taliaferro, Quartermaster Sergeant. Capt. E. J. Smith, of Sedalia, Mo., was the special mustering officer on the occasion. This organization was named John A. Hayn Post No. 240, Grand Army of the Republic. The Boonville battle having been the first land battle of the Civil War, and John A. Hayn having lost his life in that battle, this post was properly named in his honor, he being the first soldier who gave his life for the Union in a land engagement. Judge T. M. Rice was elected Commander of the Post on Dec. 21, 1888, and appointed R. W. Whitlow, Adjutant of the Post, who has since continuously served as Adjutant of the Post and holds that office at this 346 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY time. Mr. Whitlow is now the only surviving member in good standing of the charter membership. In all this post has had 234 members. Its present membership con- sists of only 27 as follows: Joseph Leiber, Commander; R. W. Whitlow, Adjutant; C. C. Bell, Chaplain; Peter Trester, Officer of the Day; John W. Rudolph, George W. Rudolph, Mathew R. McDowell, Walter Bai-ron, George W. Drennen, James P. Tally, John F. Wassmann ; William T. Tally, Officer of the Guard; Joseph Memmel, Charles R. Cartner; F. J. Boiler, quarter- master; Gottlieb Baumann, George W. Piper, Junior Vice-Commander; John F. Dilthey, Senior Vice-Commander; Daniel Muntzel, August Steg- ner, Sergeant ; Henry Hoppe, George A. Jacobs, James H. Wilkinson, Henry Roesler, Gilbert L. Wilson, Martin L. Weekly, E. H. Rodgers. The George B. Harper Camp No. 714 United Veterans of the Con- federacy was organized in the city of Boonville, Aug. 17, 1895, with the following roster of attending veterans: Robert McCulloch, B. F. Bedwell, J. L. Campbell, A. M. George, F. M. Davis, J. C. Berry, Jan Halley, H. Allen, James Powell, E. I. Smith, J. H. B. Street, T. B. Simmons, Amos O'Neal, R. A. Kirkbride, W. E. Toler, 0. F. Arnold, W. W. Trent, J. E. Fairchild, J. W. Williams, Isaac Henry, J. M. Givens, A. W. McFarland, Eph Simmons, A. L. Zollinger, John M. Boyles, J. H. Zollinger, R. E. Howlett, W. H. Eades, J. A. Howard, A. G. Dinwiddie, John Heplin, Dr. H. H. Miller. Gen Robert McCulloch was elected Commander of the camp. He ap- pointed the following gentlemen to constitute the staff for the eastern district for Missouri: Maj. Harry Hill, Adjutant General, St. Louis; Maj. James F. Edwards. Inspecting General, Forestell ; Maj. Edmund Casey, Quartermaster-Gen- eral, Potosi, Washington County; Maj. John S. Mellon, Commissary-Gen- eral, St. Louis; Capt. R. E. Howlett, Surgeon-General, Otterville, Mo.; Capt. A. L. Zollinger, Aid-de-Camp, Otterville, Mo.; Capt. W. W. Trent, Asst. Adjutant-General, Boonville, Mo. In 1904 the Gen. Dick Taylor consolidated with the George B. Harper Camp under the name of the latter. The last meeting of this camp of which we find any record was held at Otterville, Mo., on Aug. 10, 1915. At the present time Dr. R. E. Howlett is Commander-in-Chief; James Speed, Second Commander; R. T. Draffen, Third Commander; and the following appointive officers, C. N. Zollinger, Adjutant; Arch George, Quartermaster; W. G. Streit, Commissary. Some of the younger officers are sons of veterans. The Blue and the Gray have given way to the khaki, one color, one HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ,'>47 Union and a united love of country. The ranks of the old veterans are sadly thinning. Alas, alas, the fleeting years go swiftly by ! Horace in one of his odes, says: "Alas, Postumus, Postumus, the fleeting years glide by, Nor can piety bring delay to wrinkles, importunate old age, And invisible death." The modern poet, in his liberal translation has evolved the following touching lines. "Ah, Postumus, the years, the fleeting years Still onwards, onwards glide; Nor mortal virtue may Time's wrinkling fingers stay, Nor Age's sure advance, nor Death's all-conquering stride." Otterville Train Robbery.— On the night of the 13th of July, 1876, a passenger train on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, was robbed about one mile east of Otterville, in Otterville township, by a band of eight men. Their names were Frank and Jesse James, Cole and John Younger, Bill Chadwell, Clell Miller, Charley Pitts and Hobbs Kerry. After opening the safe of the United States Express Company and the safe of the Adams Express Company, the robbers proceeded the same night to a point on Flat Creek, where they divided the treasure, which consisted of about $22,000 in money, and other valuables, such as jewelry, bonds, coupons, and exchange, which were being carried east by the express companies. They, however, took nothing with them but the money. At the point above named, on Flat Creek, Hobbs Kerry, one of the band, separated from his companions. Hiding his saddle and bridle in the woods, he turned his horse loose on the prairie and walking to Windsor, took the Missouri, Kansas and Texas train to his home at Gran by, Mo., where some weeks after he was arrested. He confessed the crime and guided the officers of the law to the place where the robbers had divided the money, and where was found much of the jewelry and other valuables taken by them, being such property as they could not well use, and were afraid to have on their persons. At the November term, 1876, of the Cooper Circuit Court, Hobbs Kerry was indicted, and at the April term, in 1877, Kerry was tried, con- 348 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY victed and sentenced to four years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. James H. Johnston, prosecuted, and John R. Walker, defended. Immediately after the train robbery at Otterville, the robbers were joined by one of the Younger brothers, the youngest, who supplied the place of Kerry, and all proceeded to Northfield, Minn., where on the morn- ing of the 7th day of Sept., 1876, in the attempt to rob the bank at that place, Bill Chadwell, Clell Miller and Charlie Pitts, were killed outright and the three Youngers were wounded, captured, convicted and sentenced to the Minnesota penitentiary. The James brothers made their escape and were engaged in many robberies subsequent to that time. Jesse James was killed by the Ford boys (Bob and Charley), on the 3d of April, 1882. Frank James, afterwards, and in Sept., 1882, surrendered himself to Gov- ernor Crittenden, of Missouri, in the executive office, in Jefferson City. He quietly walked into the governor's office, announced who he was, un- buckled his belt, containing his pistols and cartridges, and handing them to the governor, surrendered. Sheriff Cramer Murdered. — On the night of March 21, 1890, an inci- dent occurred which evolved a train of events culminating in the murder of a noble officer, and a hangman's noose for the murderer. A man who gave his name when arrested as William E. West, and his comanion named Temple were ejected from a freight train at Otterville, on the night of March 21, 1890. Upon being ejected, West, who after proved to be Turlington, shot at the brakeman and when he arrived at Sedalia, he was arrested, and served a term in jail for carrying concealed weapons. When his time had ex- pired, he was brought to Cooper County on a charge of felonious assault with a deadly weapon, the shooting at the brakeman having occurred in Cooper County. Turlington's personality was pleasing, rather than forbidding, an:'. he gave no appearance of being the hardened character and criminal he was. It was at this time that the warm heart of Thomas C. Cranmer went out in sympathy to his prisoner, and it was upon his insistent request that the firm of Cosgrove & Johnson, both warm friends of Sheriff Cran- mer, undertook the defense of Turlington. By reason of their efforts and the intercession of Cranmer Turlington pleaded guilty and received a small jail sentence. On Satui-day evening, June 14, 1890, after supper had been given the prisoners, Sheriff Cranmer entered the jail and stood at the door of the lower cell where Turlington was confined, while a trusty removed the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 349 dishes. He was standing with his left hand resting on the door, when Turlington suddenly appeared and said, "Come on, throw up your hands." Mr. Cranmer steped back and drew his pistol. West sprang through the door and fired. The bullet passed through Cranmer's left arm, just above the wrist, entered the left side of the abdomen, passed through and struck the left kidney, and lodged in his back, just beneath the skin. Almost at the same time, Cranmer drew his pistol and fired at Turlington and shot at him a second time before Turlington got out the door. Cranmer, although mortally wounded, deliberately turned, closed, locked the jail door and went into the residence part of the jail and re- ported to his wife that he had been shot. Immediately the alarm was given and pursuit was instituted. Quite a number of citizens, among whom were Joe Green, John Thro, Alex Frost, William Koenig, Frank Stover succeeded in locating Turlington, but as they were unarmed, and he still carried his large pistol, surrounded him and sent word for arms. Marshall W. W. Taliaferro and policeman Frank Stretz were soon on the ground, well armed and at their command, the prisoner surrendered and was returned to jail. He was out of prison less than an hour. When the dying sheriff heard of the capture, with a characteristic desire to see the law respected, he requested that no violence should be done his assailant and that he should be dealt with according to the laws of the land. Death closed the eyes of Sheriff Cranmer at about seven-thirty o'clock Sunday morning. The news that Mr. Cranmer was dead spread quickly. Men gathered in groups on Main street and discussed the terrible and sad affair. The indignation so generally felt through the night was more bitter than ever, and the feeling that justice should be meted out to the murderer at once became intense. About noon, great crowds of friends of Cranmer from different sec- tions of the county were gathered at the Central National Bank corner and as they looked toward the jail,' their faces were stamped with anger and the talk was of taking the prisoner out to his death. At this time the Rev. Doctor Broaddus ascended the bank steps and attracted the attention of the crowd for a short time. He spoke feelingly of he sorrowing family of the deceased and pronounced pleasant encom- iums upon the character of Cranmer. He told how the widow and children had been left in straitened circumstances and that as the husband and the father had been slain, while in the services of the community, if the people there assembled desired to do something in memory of a worthy 350 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY officer, it became them best to raise funds for the assistance of the family, rather than wreak their vengeance upon one whom the law would punish. His appeal was eloquent and touched a responsive chord in the hearts of his hearers and had much to do with curbing the feeling of those who might have eventuated into a mob. While Turlington was confined in the jail at Sedalia, he met and became acquainted with West Hensley, of Sedalia, a youth of some eighteen or nineteen years. Turlington promised him that if he would secure for him and bring to Boonville, a pistol, he would pay him three hundred dollars, and after he had escaped from jail, would take him into the business of robbing and stealing. And thus playing upon the imag- ination of Hensley, he elicited his interest. Hensley came to Boonville the Friday before the murder and slipped the pistol to Turlington, using a ladder to reach the window in the upper tier of cells, through which he passed the pistol. Hensley was convicted for his part in the crime and sentenced to the penitentiary. On Monday night, after the tragedy, Turlington confessed that his name was not William E. West, but John 0. Turlington, and that his part- ner's name was Temple. He also confessed of having robbed a passenger train at Prior Creek, I. T., assisted by Temple. Temple was at the time serving a term in the Arkansas penitentiary. Turlington had served several terms in jail and two penitentiaries and when arrested in this county, was eluding the officers of the Tennessee State Prison. Turlington was convicted of murder in the first degree and the penalty of death was assessed against him. His case came up for trial at the July term, 1890, of the Circuit Court, and on the 25th of that month, the jury found him guilty of murder in the first degree and he was sentenced to be hanged Sept. 11, 1890. His case was appealed to the Supreme Court. That court on the 27th da yof January, sustained the decision of the lower court, and Friday morning, March 16, 1891, was the time for his execution. While his case was before the Supreme Court, on the night of Octo- ber 31, he made his escape from the jail under peculiar circumstances, while two guards were on duty. He placed a dummy in his bed and by this means deceived those who were guarding him. He was recaptured in Caseyville, Ky., and once more returned to Boonville. Sheriff A. Hombeck, who succeeded the dead sheriff, kept his prisoner in a cell day and night, but had no guards. This plan worked well until on the morning of Dec. 26, 1890, when the sheriff found that his prisoner had once more escaped. He cut out the top of his cell and went through HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 351 the trap door of the roof and by the aid of a rope, descended to the ground. He stole the sheriffs horse and was once more at liberty. He was re- captured the same night at Otterville by Messrs. George Potter and John Hayner. This was his third and last escape from the Boonville jail. He was hanged in the jail yard. Thus ended the career of a desperate man that had brought death and sorrow to the county and had tested the loyalty of our citizenship to law and order. A. B. Thornton Killed.— On Saturday, Nov. 17, 1881, Thomas H. B. McDearmon, shot and instantly killed A. B. Thornton, editor of the "Boon- ville News". We copy from the "Advertiser" of Nov. 25, 1881: "On Saturday afternoon last, about 4:30, our city was suddenly thrown into a state of excitement seldom before witnessed here. The cause of the excitement was the hearing of many of rapid pistol firing up Main street, and the quickly following report that "Tom McDearmon had killed Thornton," which report grated only the truth on the ears of the unwilling hearers, for Marshal McDearmon had, at a moment when maddened with indignation at the publishing of a very severe articie on him by the editor of the "News" sought out and shot and instantly killed Dr. Thornton. Some weeks ago, Mr. McDearmon and Dr. Thornton had a dispute and difficulty over the settlement of an ice bill, which was fol- lowed by the publication of a severe article on McDearmon in the "News". Mr. McDearmon, though very much aggravated, listened to his friends and took no notice of it and since then there has been no very kind feel- ings between the two." The shooting was the outcome of a series of articles which Thornton had published in his paper derogatory to the official conduct of McDearmon. McDearmon had a preliminary examination and was bound over to answer an indictment at the succeeding term of the Circuit Court. He was prosecuted by John R. Walker, county attorney, and defended by Cos- grove and Johnston. The case was taken to Boone County, on a change of venue, and there tried at the March term in 1882. The case was quite an exciting one, there being much interest taken in the proceedings and in the result. McDearmon was acquitted. The Prohibition Question.— Again in July, 1887, the vital question, "Wet or Dry", or "Saloon or no Saloon", was raised in Boonville. This campaign was in sharp contrast to that of 1853, to which we have already referred. Deep interest was taken in the campaign, but the appeal to the voters was rational and free from malice and passion. It was conducted 352 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY by the citizens of Boonville and no imported talent was brought into the city to arouse to riotous feelings those who could be so affected. The ministers of the city were active, and those in favor of the saloons wer6. Jacob Cootes, grandfather of W. M. Johnson on the maternal side, was of Holland de- nt. After the death of his parents, W. M. Johnson was reared in the home of his uncle, Samuel Cootes, of "Oakland'" plantation, situated about 14 miles from Harrisonburg. In 1855 he left Virginia and came to Missouri. St. Joseph, Mo., was 422 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY his destination. When the steamboat on which he was traveling stopped at Boonville for a few hours, he made his way uptown. Not expecting to see anybody that he knew, he was very much surprised when an acquaintance, John Keiser, called out, "Hello, Billy Johnson, where are you. going? I'll get you a job." He at once changed his mind about going on to St. Joseph, got a job and remained in Boonville. Mr. John- son's first employment was with the firm of B. and W. W. Jones, whole- salers, with whom he remained for three years. He was a trusted em- ploye of this firm and was sent on collection trips throughout the south- west. On many occasions he would return with large amounts of money, as high as $10,000 in his saddle bags. He was afterward employed in the dry goods house of George T. Hardcastle until 1860, when he became a member of the firm of William H. Trigg Mercantile Company. He re- mained with this firm until 1886, when with his two sons he established the shoe business which was continued under the firm name of W. M. Johnson and Sons until 1907 when the business was closed out by the Johnsons and Mr. Johnson retiring from active business. Prior to en- gaging in the shoe business he was connected with the banking business established by William H. Trigg, who had the first bank in Boonville. For a number of years he was connected with the William H. Trigg Dry Goods Company, previous to embarking in the shoe business. Mr. Johnson was married in 1860 to Miss Juliet A. Trigg, who was born in Boonville, Aug. 5, 1838, and is a daughter of the late Dr. William H. Trigg, an extended review of whose life appears in this history. The children born to William M. and Juliet Johnson were as follows: Sallie, died in infancy; Mary L., William Morris, and Wilbur T. Mary L. is the wife of Lawson Price, an extensive farmer and land owner of Jefferson City, who is also engaged in the real estate and loan business. Mr. and Mrs. Price have one child, Juliet Price. W. Morris Johnson resides in Boonville and is traveling salesman for a wholesale shoe company of St. Louis. He married Miss Byrd Fiery of Martinsburg, W. Va. Wilbur T. Johnson and his brother, W. Morris Johnson, were en- gaged with their father in the shoe business in Boonville until the busi- ness was disposed of in 1907. For the past eight years, Wilbur T. John- son has been a traveling salesman for the Johannes Brothers Shoe Com- pany of St. Louis. On Oct. 26, 1892, he married Miss Rhoda E. Stephens, who was born and reared in Boonville, and is a daughter of the late Col. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 423 Joseph L. Stephens, a member of the old Stephens family of Cooper County, and who was a widely known attorney. To Wilbur T. and Rhoda E. Johnson have been born the following children: Wilbur T.. Jr., and Martha S. Johnson. Wilbur T. Johnson, Jr., is aged 25 years. He is a lieutenant in the National Army, stationed at Camp Dix, N. J. Lieutenant Johnson en- listed in February, 1918, studied military science at the Officers' Train- ing School, and is now with the 13th Battalion, 153d Depot Brigade. Martha S. Johnson is a student in Lindenwood College, St. Charles, Mo. William M. Johnson was a lifelong Democrat, but never sought political preferment. He was devoted to his business, his family, his home city and his church. He was a stanch Presbyterian who took a great interest in religious matters and was a liberal supporter of the church. From 1862 until his death he was an elder of the Boonville Presbyterian Church. While of a retiring, modest nature he was pos- sessed of a lovable disposition which endeared him to a large circle of friends who still revere his memory as that of an upright, God-fearing gentleman who was ever ready and willing to extend a helping hand to the needy and deserving. William R. Miller, druggist and proprietor of the oldest drug store in Boonville, is one of the youngest of the successful business men of Boon- ville. The Roeschel Drug Store, which Mr. Miller owns and operates, was established by Dr. Ernest Roeschel in 1858 and was later conducted and owned by his son, the late William Roeschel. After Mr. Roeschel's re- tirement from business, the store was purchased by Mr. Miller on March 1, 1915. Mr. Miller was born in Boonville, Sept. 11, 1887. His father, Joseph W. Miller, was also born in Boonville, April 23, 1853, and was a son of Joseph W. Miller, a native of Germany, who fled from his native land on account of being concerned in the revolution against the Kaiser in 1848 and he located in Boonville. The grandfather was enrolled as a mem- ber of the Missouri State Guards during the Civil War and saw active service in Cooper County and vicinity. Joseph W. Miller, the father, fol- lowed the trade of wagon maker in Boonville until his retirement in 1915. He married Catherine Berster, who was born in 1862 and departed this life in 1900, leaving three sons and two daughters, as follows: Robert, in the employ of the Railway Express Company, St. Louis, Mo. ; William R., of this review ; Florence Miller, a public school teacher in Oklahoma ; Clarence, assisting his brother in the drug store, and Mary, bookkeeper 424 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in the Millei- Drug Store. Joseph W. Miller was again married to Eliza- beth Kline, who bore him one son: Joseph W. After receiving his schooling in the public, parochial and high schools of Boonville, William R. Miller studied for two years in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and was graduated in 1910. He had pi-eviously been employed in the Roeschel Drug Store in 1904 and until taking up his college studies. In 1915 he purchased the business and is making a splen- did success of the business. Oct. 3, 1907, he was married to Miss Marie Oswald, a daughter of Frank Oswald, a well known farmer and stockman residing in Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child, Margaret Cath- erine, born Oct. 18, 1918. Mr. Miller is a member of St. Peter and Paul's Catholic church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, holding the position of Chancellor of the local lodge. He is a fine type of business man, courteous, obliging and progressive. Richard Loftin Windsor, a prominent farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, has been identified with the development of Cooper County for over 50 years. He was born in this county at Boonville, Nov. 23, 1848, and is a son of Loftin and Louisa (Smith) Windsor, both natives of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Va. The Windsor family came to Boon- ville in 1848, and for a number of years Loftin Windsor, the father of the subject of this sketch, conducted what was known as a "boat store", furnishing supplies to boats which were navigating on the river at that time. In 1850 Loftin Windsor made the trip across the plains and over the mountains to California. He took with him a drove of cows from Missouri to California, which he sold after reaching there, receiving from $80.00 to $100.00 per head. He had paid from $8.00 to $10.00 per head. After remaining in California about two years he returned to Cooper County, and located on the farm where the subject of this sketch now lives. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death in 1889. His wife departed this life in 1855 and their re- mains are interred in Walnut Grove cemetery, Boonville, Mo. She was born in Alexandria, Va. To Loftin and Louisa Windsor were bom four sons and a daughter: Mrs. Cora Runkle, deceased; R. L. of this re- view; Walter, who died in Monterey County, Calif.; Lill, deceased in 1885; Eugene, died in infancy. Richard Loftin .Windsor was reared in Cooper County, and received his education in the public schools. He has made farming and stock rais- ing his life's occupation, and is the owner of one of the fine farms of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 425 this county. The place is well improved, with good farm buildings in- cluding an eight room residence which was built in 1885. An Old log cabin stands on the Windsor farm, which is suggestive of Macauley's epi- gram : "To make the past present ; to bring the present near". This old relic of bygone days was built in 1855. R. L. Windsor was united in marriage March 26, 1879, with Miss Cornelia Moore, a daughter of Charles and Martha Mooi-e, pioneer settlers of Cooper County, of English descent. They are both now deceased. .Mrs. Windsor is one of the following children born to her parents: G. Hutch, a farmer at Speed, Mo. ; R. L., Boonville, Mo. ; Gilliss, Kansas City, Mo. ; Cornelia ,the wife of R. L. Windsor the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Florence Eller, Fayette, Mo., and Mrs. Gertrude Curtin, Porto, Okla. To Mr. and Mrs. Windsor have been born the following children: Martha, married William Vieth, Lone Elm, Mo. ; Charles, a railroad man, St. Louis, Mo.; Holman, died at the age of one year and 11 months; Gilliss, an electrician, Boonville ; Edward, now serving in United States army ; Henry resides on the home place ; Corinne, resides at home and Richard, who served as sergeant of Company B, 140th Infantry, 35th Division, United States army. He volunteered in March, 1917, and went to France with his command in May, 1918. He participated in the principal battles (iuring the closing months of the World War, and won to his everlasting credit a brilliant military record. R. L. Windsor has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for 45 years. He is a Democrat, and has taken a keen interest in political affairs and at one time was a candidate for county judge. The Windsor family are members of the Baptist Church, and for many years have been prominent in Cooper County. Richard Norman Windsor, a veteran of the World War, and one of Cooper County's progressive young men, is a native son of this county. He was born May 19, 1898 and is a son of Richard Loftin Windsor, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Richard Norman Windsor was reared on his father's farm in Clarks Fork township, and educated in the public schools of Cooper County. He graduated from the Boonville High School in the class of 1916. When the United States entered the World War he was in the employ of Brownfield & Hurt at Boonville. March 26, 1917, he enlisted in Company B, 3rd Missouri Infantry. His first service was guarding the railroad bridge at Boonville. Aug. 15, 1917, he was transferred from Boonville to Kansas City, Mo., where he was on duty until Oct. 9, 1917. He was then sent to Ft. Sill, Okla., where 426 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he was trained for over-sea service. Here the 6th and 3rd Missouri Infantry were consolidated into the 140th Infantry, and Mr. Windsor became a member of that organization. In April, 1918, he was trans- ferred with his command to Camp Mill, Long Island, and from there em- barked for over-sea, April 25, 1918, landing at Liverpool, England, May 7, 1918. Here he spent three weeks at a hospital, and on June 1, 1918, landed at Havre, France, where he joined his regiment in a three day hike near Moncho. From there he was sent with the 140th Infantry as a a member of the 3rd battallion to Alsace, and went into the trenches at Thann, after which his command rested for a few days at Saluxurex. Later, on July 15th, he was sent to the Balmain sector and was relieved from that sector Sept. 1, 1918. His command was then sent on to the St. Mihiel drive, and acted as reserve from Sept. 12th to Sept. 18th. They were sent on the Argonne Forest drive, and went over the top in this great battle on Sept. 26th and continued in action there until Oct. 2d. They then were sent back to Petit Maritz, about eight kilometers from Barleduc and shortly afterwards was returned to the line of action about three kilometers from the city of Verdun. Shortly after this Mr. Windsor was sent to the officers training school at LaValboreen, about 18 miles from Lyons, France. He remained there until Dec. 20th, when he was sent to LeMans, France, where he remained until Feb. 2, 1919, when he was sent to Brest. On Feb. 11, 1919, he left Brest for the United States, arriving at Newport News, Va.. Feb. 28th and on March 7th, left there for Camp Taylor near Louisville, Ky. Here he received his honorable discharge March 17, 1919 and returned to his home in Cooper County. Mr. Windsor served on four different battle fronts while in the service, and saw much severe fighting. His company entered the engage- ment at Argonne Forest with 194 men and came out of the battle six days later with only 17. Francis Marion Smith, clerk of the Circuit Court of Cooper County, is one of the most popular officials who ever held official position in Cooper County and is a very capable court officer. Mr. Smith was bom in Char- itan County, Mo., March 25, 1863. He is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Smith) Smith. Jacob Smith was born in Germany, June 10, 1818, and died on March 30, 1901. When he was 21 years old he fled from his native land to escape military service in the Prussian army and came to America. He located in Glasgow, Mo., and followed his trade of miller for a few years. He then located in Chariton County, where he developed a fine farm and lived HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 427 there for 55 years. During the Mexican War he enlisted and served in the famous regiment raised and commanded by Colonel Doniphan. Mr. Smith was married in Glasgow to Barbara Smith, who was born in 1832 and died in 1908. She resided for 57 years upon the farm which she and her husband improved in Chariton County. Jacob and Barbara Smith were parents of eleven children: Mrs. Barbara Ann Kelly, Boonville, Mo.; Jacob Benjamin and John Otto, deceased; Peter Theodore, a real estate man at Burns, Wyo. ; Joseph Anthony, employed in the Commercial Bank of Boonville ; Francis M., of this review ; Catherine Rosella, deceased ; Marie Regina Dempsey, wife of a Kansas City attorney; Mrs. Otilla Ewald, Great Bend, Kan.; Mrs. Isabella Magdalena Grantges, Sumner, Mo.; Vic- tor W., a successful ranchman of Wyoming. After attending the district school in his home neighborhood in Charitan County, F. M. Smith attended the State Normal School at War- rensburg, Mo. While a student there he taught penmanship and in this manner assisted in -paying his expenses while pursuing his course. For a number of years he was a salseman and was also engaged in the mer- cantile business. He followed the real estate business at Des Moines, Iowa, and has always been a hustler. Mr. Smith located in Boonville for the first time in 1879 but since that time he spent some years away from Cooper County. His first official position was that of deputy county col- lector in 1885. His next position was that of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court and he was elected to this position in the fall of 1918. On November 21, 1906, Francis M. Smith and Miss Anna Jegglin were united in marriage. Mrs. Anna Smith was born and reared in Boon- ville and is a daughter of John M. Jegglin of this city. The republican party has always had the allegiance of Mr. Smith and he stands high in its councils. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church and is a painstaking, conscientious public official to whom the art of making and retaining friends is second nature. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout Cooper County and Central Mis- souri and is a genial, whole souled gentleman. Jacob Deck. — The meat market conducted by Jacob Deck is one of the best established and well conducted business concerns of Boonville and has been in continuous operation by its proprietor since 1892. Jacob Deck was born in Alsace-Lorraine, July 24, 1860, and came to America with his father in the spring of 1869. John and Anna Marie Deck, his parents, were of French origin. The mother died in her native land and John Deck located in Kansas City after coming to this country and for 428 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY awhile worked as a laborer in the city. He later engaged in farming in Douglas County, Kansas, and died in Eudora, within eight miles of the city of Lawrence, Kansas. Jacob Deck was reared in Kansas City and on the farm in Douglas County, Kan. Forty-three years of his life have been spent in the meat market business and prior to locating in Boonville he followed his trade in Kansas City and in Atchison, Kan. He has prospered since coming to Boonville and is regarded as one of the city's substantial citizens. M r. Deck was married in 1882 to Miss Anna Fessler, who was born and reared in Boonville and is a daughter of John Fessler, who located in this city prior to the Civil War. Eight children have been born to Jacob and Anna Deck, six of whom were reared to maturity as follows : Mrs. Joseph Keithley, Kansas City ; William H., druggist, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Mar- garet Gilman, of Sedalia, Mo. ; Jacob, employed in Swift & Co's oifice, Kansas City; Raymond is his father's assistant; Herman is attending school. Mr. Deck and the members of his family worship at the Evangelical church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Independence in politics and voting has been his rule for many years, but he has not neglected the duties of citizenship and has served as city alderman for six years. Albert Jaeger, a prosperous retired farmer, whose fine farm of 186.5 acres is located on the Old Trails Road about three and a half miles west of Boonville, has lived upon his present place since 1909. The Jaeger farm is well improved with a large brick house and other farm buildings in good repair. Mr. Jaeger's two sons are now operating the farm. Albert Jaeger was born in Germany. Nov. 23, 1860. He is a son of August and Matilda (Heider) Jaeger, both of whom were born and reared in Ger- many. Mrs. Jaeger died in 1882, and the father still resides in his native country having attained the great age of 81 years. Albert Jaeger was not content to lead a mediocre existence in his native country. May 30, 1882 he landed at Boonville with but a few dol- lars in his purse. For one and a half years he was employed as gardener. He then rented land for four years ; he met with reverses and had no money; he then went to Bloomington, III., and for two years he was employed as laborer there, three months of which were spent in the Illi- nois coal mines. It was only to be expected that his first venture in till- ing the soil would not prove successful inasmuch as he had no knowledge HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 429 Oi farming, his father having been a merchant in Germany. From Bloom- ington, Mr. Jaeger went to Chicago and was employed there for five years, three years in the packing house of Armour & Company. He returned to Boonville in 1894, worked out for a few months, carefully studied methods of farming and made another try at his desired vocation. He 1 1 nted a farm again. He saved $375 and made a first payment on 80 acre miles southwest of Boonville. This time he was successful and he sold this farm at a profit in 1905 and bought 200 acres in the northwest part of Boonville township. About six months ago he sold this farm to his youngest son, and bought his present place in 1910. Mr. Jaeger was married in 1882 to Miss Ida Schroeder who was born in Germany. June 5, 1858, and is a daughter of Ernest and Lisetta Schroeder, who died when Airs. Jaeger was an infant. She came to America on the same ship which carried Mr. Jaegers. Six children have been born to this marriage, four of whom survive: Ernest, a farmer three miles west of his father, was married in 1909, to Miss Nora Moehle and has two children, Clara and Margaret; William, born in 1885, resides on a farm, married in 1910, to Bettie, a daughter of Hemy Schierholz, and is father of two children, Florence Virginia, and Mildred Martha ; Albert was born in 1890 and is assisting his father; Charles was born in 1892, and was married in 1915 to Bertha Moehle, and has one child, Charles; Otto, the youngest, was born in 1894 and died of appendicitis in 1901 ; and one died in infancy. Mr. Jaeger is an independent voter. He is a member of the Evangel- ical Church and the Woodmen of the World. It is to Mr. Jaeger's credit that in the space of about 30 years, he should come to a strange land, with no knowledge of fanning, suffer reverses because of his lack of knowl- edge and in the end achieve success which places him in the front rank of Cooper County's successful agriculturists. Harry Ruskin. — The career of Harry Ruskin, successful merchant of Boonville, offers a striking example of what can be accomplished by an immigrant from the old world who comes to this country inspired by a vision of the freedom and the opportunities awaiting a young man endowed with ambition and energy. Mr. Ruskin fled to America from his native Russia to escape military service and to get away from the perse- cution which the Russians were wont to inflict upon people of his race. Since coming here, a poor boy, in 1903, he has accumulated a comfortable competence and is owner of one of the most thriving business enterprises in Boonville, besides owning considerable property in Sedalia. He is a 430 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY natural business man and a born merchant whose store on the corner of Fifth and Morgan streets is well stocked with groceries, meats, drygoods and has an ever-increasing patronage which taxes the capacity of the many clerks to wait upon. Mr. Ruskin was born in Russia in Dec. 26, 1884, and emigrated to America when 19 years of age. He landed at Boston, Mass., without money and without friends and no knowledge of American customs and language. For the first six months he worked at any odd job which came his way in order to get some money. He then came west to St. Joseph, Mo., and obtained employment with Swift & Companys' packing plant. Two years later he located at Sedalia, Mo., and established a grocery and notion business at the corner of Seventh and Engineer streets. Mr. Ruskin built up a splendid trade, accumulated real estate in Sedalia, sold out on account of his wife's health and came to Boonville where he estab- lished his present store in 1915. Mr. Ruskin was married in March, 1906, to Miss Yetta Chasnoff, a niece of M. Chasnoff, owner of the Chasnoff stores. Five children have been bom of this marriage: Roy, Dorothy, Leah, Florence and Samuel. Harry Ruskin was born and reared in the old Jewish faith. He is affiliated fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen who has become heart and soul with the plan of a greater Boonville and in advancing the best interests of his adopted city. Jeff L. Davis. — The Jeff Davis Shoe Co. store, managed by Jeff L. Davis, and established in March, 1906, is a well stocked and conveniently arranged establishment where the best makes of ladies and men's shoes are retailed. This store is the successor to the George Sahm Shoe Store, one of the oldest established business concerns in Boonville. The Jeff L. Davis Company, was incorporated on March 1, 1917, and the store was moved to its present location on the east side of Main street. Jeff L. Davis manager of the shoe business, is a native of Cooper County. He was born on the Davis farm adjoining the city of Boonville on the south. Daniel Grosvenor Davis, his father, was born in 1842 and died on July 11, 1884. He was born in Randolph County, Mo., a son of Daniel G. Davis, a native of Virginia and a pioneer merchant of Missouri, who be- came very wealthy, dying in 1859. His wife was a Miss Rutherford of Huntsville, Mo. Daniel G. Davis, father of Jeff L. Davis, came to Boon- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 431 ville when a boy and settled on the Davis farm, where he was reared by an uncle, Henry Davis, a pioneer of Cooper county. He was educated in the Kemper Academy and married Ruth Brereton, of English descent, who was born in 1843 and resides on the home farm. She is a daughter of Benjamin D. Brereton, who came from Ireland in 1846 and made a settle- ment in Cooper County. There were eight children in the Davis family: William G., deceased; Charles Daniel, deceased; Jeff L., subject of this leview; Ruth, wife of E. B. Windsor, Pleasant Green, Mo.; Mary Drew, deceased wife of Thomas Reed, left one child, Mary Frances Reid, who makes her home with Mr. Davis; Leslie B., deceased; Mrs. Emma 0. Gault, deceased; Daniel G., a dairyman living on the Davis home place. Jeff L. Davis attended the Boonville Academy and engaged in farm- ing on the home place and in Pettis County, near Clifton City, until 1904. He engaged in business in Boonville in 1906, purchased the stock and good will of the Sahm shoe store and continued the business under the name of Jeff Davis & Co. with the assistance of his wife until March 1, 1917, when he established his present thriving business, incorporating under the name of Jeff Davis Shoe Co. Stockholders, Jeff Davis, Harry Sombart and Kathryn Sahm Davis. In November of 1905, Mr. Davis was married to Kathryn Sahm, daughter of the late George Sahm, a pioneer shoe man of Boonville. George Sahm was born in Bavaria. Germany, Aug. 1, 1832, and emi- grated from his native country in 1848 or 1849 when 16 years old. He was employed for three years in the boot and shoemaking business in Sandusky County, Ohio, and there mastered his trade. He then came to Boonville and worked at his trade for three years and then set up a shop for himself in the spring of 1865. He later added a trade stock of boots and shoes and his business grew steadily so that by 1877 he began the manufacture of his own stocks and for the general market on a large scale. In 1876 his son, George W. Sahm became his partner, and in 1880, Henry, his other son, was admitted to the firm. At one time the Sahm store employed over 30 hands and was a flourishing and prosperous con- cern. Mr. Sahm was married July 8, 1854, to Miss Catherine Dick, a native of Germany. This marriage was blessed with the following children: George W., Mollie, Henry J., Joseph, Julia, Louis and Catherine. Mr. Sahm held various official positions in the city, among them being those of school director and city councilman. He died in' 1915. 432 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. Davis is a Democrat. For the past seven years he has been a member of the City Water Works Board of which he is president. He is a member or rather was reared in the Episcopalian faith. Mr. Davis is a Free Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Edward Derendinger, a late prominent agriculturist and stockman of Saline township, was born in Germany in 1868. Mr. Derendinger immi- grated to America in 1885 and located in Moniteau County, Mo., where he was employed in farm work, laboring by the month for three or four years, when he, with his parents, Rudolph and Louise Derendinger, moved to Cooper County and settled on the farm where his parents died. The remains of both father and mother were laid to rest in the cemetery at Pleasant Grove. In 1901, Edward Derendinger purchased the country place now owned by his widow, a farm comprising 207 acres of land, located seven miles east of Boonville. Mr. Derendinger improved the farm, and it is now considered one of the best in the county. He was successfully en- gaged in general farming until the time of his death, June 9, 1912, and he had made a name for himself in the county as an honest, industrious, hard-working citizen. In 1906, Edward Derendinger and Magdalena Stauffer were united in marriage. Mrs. Derendinger is a daughter of John and Anna Stauffer, of Jimtown, both of whom were natives of Germany, and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer were the parents of the following chil- dren: Henry of Lupus, Mo.; Annie Elizabeth, the wife of Ulrich Biere, residing near Moniteau Church; Rosada, the wife of Got fried Zurcher, of Jimtown, Mo.; John, of Sandy Hook, Mo.; Magdalena. the widow of Edward Derendinger. the subject of this review; Frederick, who resides in Wisconsin; Annie, the wife of Rudolph Derendinger, of Sandy Hook, Mo.; and Emil, of Lupus, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Derendinger were born six children, four of whom are now living: Emma, Johnnie, Edwin, Louis, all at home with their widowed mother. Frank and I.ydia died in infancy. Edward Derendinger was one of the following children bom to his parents: Emil, of Pleasant Grove Mo.; Louis, of Elgin, 111.; Louisa, de- ceased; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Alica, the wife of Louis Hei- sick, residing in Germany; Rudolph, of Sandy Hook, Mo.; and Fritz, of Big Lick, Mo. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Derendinger began life under discouraging financial conditions. They had little money and were v. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 433 in debt for their farm, but by practicing economy and thrift they soon began to prosper, and since the death of her husband, Mrs. Derendinger has continued the farm work with success. She deserves much credit for the admirable manner in which she has managed the business affairs and is rearing her fatherless children. Mr. Derendinger was a valued member of the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a member of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, as is Mrs. Derendinger. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Pleasant Grove, and the loss to the good citizenship of Cooper County has long been lamented by those who knew him. Sonneck Christiansen Rossen. — The splendid new county home for the poor, destitute and unfortunates of Cooper County, is under excellent and capable management. Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Rossen, who have charge of the home and the inmates, seem to have found their niche in life and are filling it to the satisfaction of the county authorities, and the people of Cooper County. Mr. S. C. Rossen, superintendent of the Cooper County Home, is a native of Denmark, born April 3, 1849. His parents, Christian and Bridgetta (Hansen) Rossen spent their lives in Denmark. When 19 years of age, S. C. Rossen left his home in Denmark and came to America, arriving here in September, 1868. His first work was on railroad construction at Effingham, 111., where he remained for three months. Going from Illinois to Vicksburg, Miss., he worked in the swamp region of the Mississippi River Valley, during the winter season of 1869 and 1870. He contracted malaria in the South and returned to Illinois. From 1870 to 1871 he was employed at farm labor and in the spring of the year worked in the lime kilns of the neighborhood. He saved some money, then went to Kansas, farmed for 12 months, sold out and came to Boonville, Cooper County in 1873. Mr. Rossen was located east ,of Boonville on farms for 18 years and finally bought a farm of 50 acres, west of Boonville. He later bought another tract of 73 acres, upon which he lived for 20 years, reared his family to be grown, then sold out and came to Boonville. For five years, Mr. Rossen was road overseer of the special road district. In February, 1917, he took up his duties as super- intendent of the county home, with Mrs. Rossen as matron of the home. They have the care of from 20 to 25 indigent poor of the counfcy and no group of unfortunates could receive better care than that given them by Mr. and Mrs. Rossen. (28) 434 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY In the spring of 1873, S. C. Rossen and Martha Evans were mar- ried. Mrs. Martha Rossen died in 1881. Three children were born to this marriage, all of whom are deceased. In the fall of 1882, Mr. Rossen was married to Elizabeth Frances Robertson, born in Arkansas, June 5, 1861, She is a daughter of Shelton Eliphus and Rebecca Serena (Hill) Robertson, natives, respectively, of Illinois and Arkansas. Shelton E. Rob- ertson died in the Union service during the Civil War. He and a brother- in-law, named Evans, went to the Nlorth from Arkansas to enlist in the Union Army. Mr. Robertson never returned. His widow and children went to Illinois and from there to Washington County, Mo. The widow married Charles Baker and the family moved to Cooper County in 1880. Mrs. Baker now lives at Crane, Stone County, Mo. She was born March 17, 1837. Three sons and a daughter were born to S. C. and Elizabeth F. Ros- sen, as follows: Josephine Christina, Shelton, Carl Frederick, William Edward. Josephine Christina is the wife of John H. Schnuck, a pros- perous farmer living east of Boonville. Shelton is an expert automobile mechanic and is employed in St. Louis. He married Grace Seals, Pacific, Mo. Carl Frederick Rossen is manager of an automobile garage in St. Louis, Mo. William Edward, the soldier of the family, was born Sept. 8, 1892, and enlisted for service in the National Army in June, 1917. He was first stationed at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, then Nevada, Mo., and thence to Fort Sill, Okla., where he was trained for duty across the seas. He left for France as a member of the 110th Auto Supply Train on May 2, 1918, and saw much active service with the American Army in France. He returned to America, and received his honorable discharge from the service May 7, 1919. Mr. Rossen is a republican. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For 15 years he served as road overseer in his district while living on the farm and has always been interested in good road building. Mrs. Rossen is a member of the Women's Circle and the Degree of Pocahontas. They are kind hearted, yet firm in their management of the County Home and are loved and respected by the inmates. John Henry Goodman, member of the prosperous and important uuniture and undertaking firm of George and Goodman, Boonville, Mo., is a native of Cooper County. He was born Feb. 28, 1884, and is a son of Thomas W. Goodman, a member of one of the oldest of the Missouri pioneer families. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 435 Johnson Goodman great grandfather of J. H. Goodman of this review, was born Aug. 7, 1797, in Kentucky, and in 1817 he settled on Clarks Fork, twelve miles south of Boonville. He was descended from English forebears. His wife, Lucy Goodman, was born July 6, 1795. Benjamin Goodman, grandfather of J. H. Goodman, was bom in Cooper County in 1836 and died Jan. 7, 1917. He married Eliza Dunavant of Cooper County, who was born March 2, 1839, and died Feb. 3, 1883. This marriage took place Oct. 8, 1856. Benjamin Goodman served in the Union army during the Civil War, and after his war service he settled down to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. Thomas W. Goodman, son of Benjamin Goodman, was born in Cooper County, July 24, 1857. He was married on July 24, 1878, to Amelia Thoma who was born Nov. 28, 1859, in Cooper County, and was a daugh- ter of Lawrence and Margaret (Walther) Thoma. Lawrence Thoma was born in Germany, reared and married there and immigrated to America. He made a home in Cooper county where he died Jan. 11, 1881. Margaret (Walther) Thoma, his wife, was born Feb. 21, 1824, and died Sept. 23, 1916. Thomas W. Goodman was engaged in the pottery business prior to taking the position of sexton of Walnut Grove cemetery, the duties of which place he performed for a period of 21 years. Mr. Goodman is now working at the trade of cabinet maker and is connected with the firm of George & Goodman in this capacity. The children born to Thomas W. and Amelia Goodman are as follows: Mrs. A. C. Duncan, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Thomas W. Goodman. Jr., an undertaker at Holden, Mo.; John Henry Goodman, of this review; Clara, wife of Gus F. Bohler, Boonville, Mo. John Henry Goodman received his early education in the public schools of Boonville. His first employment was with a hardware and furniture store in Boonville and he has followed the furniture and under- taking business since his boyhood days. Besides having had considerable practical experience as an undertaker, Mr. Goodman pursued a course of study to further fit himself for his profession in St. Louis for six months. The George and Goodman furniture and undertaking establishment, be- sides conducting the leading furniture business in this section of Missouri, are the leading undertakers in a considerable extent of territory, this department of the business being in charge of Mr. Goodman. Feb. 2, 1909, Mr. Goodman was united in marriage with Miss \ 436 • HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Bertha Vollrath, of Boonville. She was born May 31, 1884, and is a daughter of Charles L. Vollrath, a well known citizen of Boonville. Mr. Goodman is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman are popular among Boonville people and have many warm and steadfast friends who wish them well. Both are hard working and are interested in the success of the business and co-operate to that end in view. Mr. Goodman is a good and loyal citizen who has the best inter- ests of Boonville at heart and responds readily to calls made upon him for the building of a greater and better Boonville. W. L. Cordry, manager of "Chasnoff's", has been in charge of this widely known Boonville store since Feb. 15, 1916. The Chasnoff Store in Boonville was established by M. Chasnoff in March, 1915, and is one of a number of stores owned and operated by Mr. Chasnoff. The store is situ- ated at the corner of Main and Morgan streets and occupies a floor space of 50x125 feet. A general stock of dry goods and ladies wearing apparel of the latest models and designs is carried. From 12 to 15 people are employed to care for the extensive trade which the store enjoys under Mr. Cordry's efficient and capable management. W. L. Cordry is a native of Cooper County, born on a farm near Arrow Rock. Dec. 16, 1878. James W. Cordry, his father, was born in 1844 and followed farming until 1897 when he settled in Nelson, Mo. He was born in Cooper County, on a farm north of Syracuse, Mo., and was a son of John B. Cordry, a native of Kentucky who was a Cooper County pioneer. James W. Cordry was a soldier in the Civil War, fighting with the Union forces, entering the service at the age of 18 years. He married Miss Lucy Windsor, who was born near Otterville, Mo., in 1847. Of six chil dren born to James W. and Lucy Cordry, two are living, three died in infancy: Arthur died at the age of 17 years; Mrs. Myrtle Dodson lives at Nelson, Mo., and W. L. Cordry, of this review. W. L. Cordry was reared on the home farm and received his educa- tion in the Nelson public schools. His first store experience was at Nel- son, where he was employed for three years. He then traveled for Swift & Company for one and a half years. Following this he was again em- ployed in stores for five years. In 1909 he went to western Oklahoma and was there for a short time. Returning to Missouri he had charge of a shoe store at Monett for two and a half years. He had charge of a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 437 department in a large store at Nowata, Okla., the next five years and then came to Boonville to take charge of the Chasnoff Store. Mr. Cordry has been twice married. His first marriage occurred on Nov. 12, 1902, with Miss Lillian McAllister of Nelson, who died Feb. 14, 1915, leaving four children: Eugene, James Thomas or "J. T.," Helen and Arthur. His second marriage took place June 5, 1917, with Miss Leona Hyde of Warren, Ind. One child has blessed this union: Mary Cath- erine, born Jan. 10, 1919. While adhering to the principles of the republican party, Mr. Cordry is inclined to independence in voting and believes that the cause of good government can best be advanced by individual thinking and decision along the lines of qualifications of candidates and the principles involved. He is a member of the Christian church, is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a progressive citizen. John N. Gott. — For over half a century the late John N. Gott was a resident of Boonville, and became in the course of his long sojourn in Cooper County, one of the leading, influential and successful figures in the business and manufacturing world of this city. His successful career placed him in the front rank of a galaxy of noted Boonville men who were the outstanding figures of the past decade in Boonville. John N. Gott was born in Portland, Mich., Dec. 25, 1833, and died in Boonville, Mo., Nov. 2, 1912. He was a member of one of the oldest of the American Colonial fam- ilies of French and English descent. Mr. Gott was of the eighth genera- tion in direct line from Charles Gott, the founder of the family in America. Charles Gott (I) was born in France in 1598. He married Thankful Palmer and they with their two daughters, Thankful and Bertha, sailed from Weymouth, England, June 20, 1628, on the ship, Abigail, and landed at Salem, Mass. Three children were born to them in Salem: Deborah, born in 1636; Charles in 1639, and Daniel in 1646, all of whom were bap- tized in the first church erected in America. Charles Gott (II) was married Dec. 5, 1660, to Lydia Clarke, daugh- ter of William Clarke, of Lynn, Mass. Their children were Charles, Sarah, Lydia, John, Deborah, Mary, Bethah, Samuel and Nathaniel . Lieut. John Gott (III) of the Colonial Army, was born Nov. 8, 1668, and died Jan. 25, 1722. He married Rebecca Tarbox, who bore him three children: John, bom Jan. 6, 1694, and Samuel and Benjamin. John Gott (IV) married Elizabeth Badger, Dec. 15, 1751. Their children were John, born July 20, 1752; Martha, born Sept. 19, 1753; and Nathaniel born March 12, 1755 ,and who died Sept. 14, 1828. 438 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Nathaniel (V) Gott was a surgeon in the American Revolution, serv- ing on the staff of General LaFayette. He married Sarah Bugham, who was born Jan. 22, 1755, and died Dec. 20, 1797. Their children were: Benjamin, bom Dec. 6, 1783; John, born Jan. 2, 1785; and Nathaniel, born Feb. 6, 1786, dying in 1858. Nathaniel Gott (VI) married Elizabeth Butterfield, at Hartnedjc, Otsego County, N. Y. She was bora Oct. 20. 1787, and died May 19, 1866. Their children were : Charles, born Jan. 29, 1809, and died Aug. 15, 1863, and John Nathaniel, born Feb. 4, 1811, and died Sept. 10, 1882; James Butterfield, born Aug. 31, 1818, died Dec. 17, 1882 ; and Sarah, born Nov. 18, 1812, died in April, 1883. Charles Gott (VII), father of John N. Gott, of this review, was born and reared in New York, and migrated to Michigan. He married Maria Moe, at Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 11, 1832. Marie Moe Gott was born Jan. 31, 1811, and died Nov. 12, 1892. The children bora to this marriage were: John Nathaniel Gott of this review; Sarah Maria, born Aug. 17, 1845, died Sept. 3, 1875, and Martha, who died in infancy. John N. Gott was reared and educated in Michigan. He studied in Ann Arbor, Mich., and spent two years at Wesleyan Seminary, afterwards taking a partial course at the University of Michigan. He began his business experience in a mercantile store at East Saginaw, Mich., and was located in that city until 1856, when he went to St. Louis, Mo. He was employed as clerk in a hardware store in St. Louis until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. When the president tailed for volunteers with which to quell the re- bellion of the Southern states he responded to the call and enlisted in the first year of the war in the 33rd Missouri Regiment. In 1862 he was promoted to the post of quartermaster sei-geant of his regiment. After the battle of Helena. Ark., he was again promoted for conspicuous bravery in the face of enemy fire and was advanced to the post of sergeant major. He was a brave soldier and while the battle of Helena was raging among the hills, he performed a feat which brought him well merited recognition and promotion. Under his charge a wagon load of water and whiskey was being transported to the Federal soldiers. He rolled up the barrels to the men engaged in battle and thus saved the day. In December, 1863, he was appointed by President Lincoln to the post of first lieutenant, regimental quartermaster, and he filled this important p03t satisfactorily and well. When peace was concluded he was breveted a captain. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 439 In May, 1866, Mr. Gott removed with his family to Boonville. He engaged in the manufacture of brick in partnership with Constantine Heim until 1868. Mr. Gott was then appointed deputy county clerk, and was afterward appointed receiver in the United States Land Office in Boonville, holding this position from 1868 to 1876. He next served as bookkeeper of the old Central National Bank and remained in this posi- tion until 1878. He then became associated with Brewster and Hilliard. tobacco manufacturers, and was bookkeeper for this concern until 1883, when he nurchased the business. He operated the tobacco manufacturing business successfully for a number of years, being joined by his sons and the business being conducted until 1910 under the name of John N. Gott and Son. John N. Gott was married in St. Louis, Nov. 13, 1859, to Miss Angeline Lawton, a daughter of the late Dr. Edward Lawton. Mrs. Angeline Gott was born Sept. 16, 1836, and died Oct. 15, 1910. The children born to this marriage who are of the ninth generation of the Gott family in America are: Charles P. and Henry H. Gott. Henry H. Gott married Kittie Genslinger, now deceased, of Piqua, Ohio, June 18, 1896, and is practicing dentistry in St. Louis. Charles P. Gott was educated in Cooper Institute, of Boonville. For a period of four years he was connected with the mercantile firm of Sauter Brothers and was a partner in this concern for one year. He then joined his father in the tobacco manufacturing business and was engaged in this enterprise until 1900, beginning in 1883. The business was then disposed of and Mr. Gott removed to his farm of 370 acres south of Bunce- ton in this county where he remained engaged in farming and stock rais- ing for five years. He is a large land owner and owns 700 acres of land in Howard County, 500 acres of which is very rich Missouri River bottom land. Mr. Gott conducts a farm loan business in Boonville. Charles P. Gott was married on Nov. 5, 1885, to Miss Tillie Wertheimer, of Boonville, born and reared in this city, a daughter of Morris J. Wertheimer. a pioneer clothing merchant of this city. Two children blessed this union: John Morris and William Wertheimer Gott of the tenth generation of the Gott family. John Morris Gott is an emplove of the J. E. Hutt Construction Com- pany of Kansas City, Mo. William Wertheimer Gott in the employ of the General Motors Corp- oration, married Mildred Buchanan of New Franklin. Mrs. Mildred Gott 440 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY is deceased, and left one child, Mildred Dorothy Gott of the eleventh generation. C. P. Gott is an independent republican. He has served his home city as a member of the school board and as city councilman. When his father died he succeeded him as vestryman of the Episcopal church and is treasurer of this congregation. The late Capt. John N. Gott was a stanch republican throughout his entire matured life. He took an interest in political matters and served as a member of the school board and as a member of the city council. For several years he was a vestryman of the Episcopalian church and was highly regarded as a worthy and upright citizen whose handsome home in Boonville was often opened for social and literary gatherings. He was honored and respected by all who knew him. F. Joseph Mann. — The late F. Joseph Mann, of Palestine township, was a Cooper County citizen of industry and ambition whose sole desire in life was to provide a comfortable and prosperous home for his family. In this he succeeded by the exercise of industry, diligence and wise man- agement and in the space of 20 years created one of the most attractive farm houses in his section of Missouri. No sooner than he had arrived at the point where he could look into the future in the anticipation of com- fortable living during the remainder of his days, than the grim reaper called him. The Mann estate is a productive tract of land, a good part of which is .Petit Saline River bottom land, the residence and buildings situated upon a high hill from which the surrounding country for many miles can be seen. Mrs. Josephine Mann, his widow, has kept the place in excellent repair, added a tenant house and other buildings until the farm is a valuable piece of property. F. Joseph Mann was born in Ed- wardsville, 111., April 25, 1857 and died May 24, 1910. *F. Joseph Mann, Sr., his father, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1829 and died June 28, 1893. He was a son of Joseph Mann, a native of Alsace and a Frenchman by birth who came to America in 1850. F. Joseph Mann, Sr., immigrated to this country in 1850, married here and served in the Union army, enlisting in 1863 for a period of 16 months. He was a cabinet maker and during the Civil War he made coffins for the deceased soldiers. In 1866 he came to Cooper County and settled at Pilot Grove. During that same year he bought a 40 acre farm upon which he resided for a number of years. He followed his trade to some extent in this country and was a skilled cabinet maker as is attested by several HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 441 fine pieces of his handicraft which can be seen in the Mann home. He died at the home of his son, F. Joseph Mann. F. Joseph Mann, of this sketch, was married June 23, 1885, in Clear Creek Catholic Church, by Father John, to Miss Josephine Marie Dietrich, who bore him the following children: Nina Marie, Alma, Josephine, Mabel Bernardine. Nina Marie was born March 22, 1886 and is the wife of E. Humphrey ville, living on the adjoining farm. He was born July 12, 1885. They have one child, Helen Louise, born Oct. 7, 1907. AJma Josephine, born Feb. 28, 1893, married Edward Cleary, Feb. 24, 1916, who died in Feb., 1918. Mrs. Alma Cleary is office assistant to Probate Judge Davis. Mabel Bernardine, born June 12, 1896, is the wife of Charles L. Schuck, of Fredericksburg, Texas, and has one child, Francis Joseph, born March 8, 1918. Mr. Schuck was born Dec. 2, 1897. F. Joseph Mann was a republican, but was distinctly a home man who cared more for his home and fireside than for any outside attractions. His death was a distinct loss to the community in which he had become a valuable and worthy citizen. He was a member of the Catholic Church and was highly regarded by all who knew him. Mrs. Josephine Marie (Dietrich) Mann was born in the French province of Alsace, April 16, 1855 and is a daughter of Herman and Mary (Hoffstetter) Dietrich, the latter of whom died in 1871. Herman Dietrich came to America before the Civil War, and having had military training in his native land he offered his services to the Union. He was commis- sioned a lieutenant in the Union army and died of fever in a government hospital at New Orleans. Four children were left fatherless: E. C, who died in 1871, and had served five years in the French army; Cecilia, de- ceased; Henrietta, deceased; and Mrs. Josephine Mann of this review. Josephine Dietrich came to America in 1881 and made her home with her uncle, Jacob Dietrich who owned the old Bunce place. She went to Colorado in 1885 and was married to Mr. Mann upon her return to Mis- souri in 1885. Prior to purchasing their present place Mr. and Mrs. Mann lived at Pilot Grove until 1891. The Mann place was recently sold to her son-in-law, E. Humphreyville, May 19, 1919, and Mrs. Mann is making her home in Boonville with her daughter, Mrs. Edward Cleary. Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen Drennen. — The Drennen dairy farm of 112 acres, situated near Boonville, Mo., was purchased by Mrs. E. E. Drennen in 1905 and is operated by the lady and her sons. Ten cows are milked and the milk is sold to Boonville restaurants. For the past 30 years the Drennen family have been engaged in the dairying industry and the 442 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY family rented land for 16 years prior to purchasing the present Drennen home place. George Washington Drennen husband of Mrs. E. E. Drennen, was born in Kentucky, Dec. 6, 1843, and is a son of Robert and Martha (Lee) Drennen of that state. Mr. Drennen served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and fought in a Kentucky regiment. George Washington Drennen and Elizabeth Ellen McDowell, were married on March 6, 1867. In October of 1870, they loaded their effects on wagons and moved to Indiana. After a year's residence in that state they came to Benton County, Mo., accompanied by two of Mrs. Drennen's brothers. James P. and Alfred Clark McDowell. After a residence of about 12 years in Benton County, the Drennens came to Cooper County, and here settled. The children born to G. W. and Elizabeth E. Drennen are: Homer, born in Kentucky, lives at Blackwater, Mo.; Eltie Hugh, deceased; Vern- anda C.j a farmer in Boonville township; George W., merchant at Prairie Lick ; Blanche, deceased ; Leonard Austin, born in 1879 ; Maurice, a hard- ware merchant, St. Louis, Mo.; James E., born 1886. Mrs. E. E. Drennen was born in Nicholas County, Ky., Dec. 16, 1849, and is a daughter of James Perry and Elizabeth (House) McDowell, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Her father was of Scotch descent and her mother of German ancestry. James P. McDowell was a son of Matthew McDowell, who was a son of Ephraim McDowell, whose father, Ephraim McDowell (I) was a native of Scotland, emigrated to America and became owner of part of an island in New York harbor. Ephraim (II) was killed by Indians in Alabama. Matthew McDowell returned to New York from the South after the death of his father, to look after the family estate. He had previously settled in Kentucky. His death oc- curred at Elizabethtown, N. J. Mrs. Drennen's mother was a daughter of Richard House, a son of German parents. Mrs. Drennen has reared several orphan children. In Kentucky she took Elizabeth Keim into her home for several months. After the death of her own daughter she took Lulu Keouw, a girl 12 years old, whom she reared for five years. She next reared her niece, lone McDowell, 12 years old, whom she mothered for 12 years. An orphan boy, Charles B. Head, aged nine years, she reared to young manhood. Mrs. Drennen took from the Orphans Home, Minnie Smallwood, aged 10 years and kept her for nine years. Her last charge was a little boy, taken from a nursery at St. Louis, adopting him, William Henry Drennen, now aged six years. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 443 Mrs. Drennen is a member of the Baptist Church and all of her chil- dren worship at this church. Edward L. Bauman county collector of Cooper County, is a native of Boonville, and is a capable and thoroughly efficient county official. He was born Oct. 27, 1870, and is a son of August Bauman, a native of Switzerland who came to America with his parents, John and Mary Bau- man, in 1844. The Baumans first settled in southwestern Missouri in the town of Sarcoxie. After a few years residence in Sarcoxie they came to Boonville in the early fifties. John Bauman was by trade, a weaver and followed this trade in Boonville for a number of years. August Bauman was born in 1836 and attained young manhood in Boonville. He learned the trade of wagon maker and wheelwright and established himself in business at Franklin, Mo., where he operated a shop for 39 years while making his home in Boonville. He married Mar- garet Stuckhart who was bom at Memphis, Tenn., in 1845, and was a daughter of Swiss parents. To August and Margaret Bauman were born seven children: William, a resident of Oregon; August, lives at Chanute, Kan.; Edward, of this i-eview; Carl, of Caldwell, Kan.; Oliver resides in Kansas City, Mo.; Miss Frances Beckett lives at Boonville; Mrs. Gertrude Murray resides in Jefferson City, Mo. ; August Bauman was bom in 1836 and met with an accidental death in 1915. A fall from a ladder caused concussion of the brain and death ensued as a result. Edward Bauman was educated in the public and high school of his native city. After fa/ming for one year he learned the trade of harness maker and for nineteen years he worked at this trade, spending 23 years in all at his trade. For five years he was in the employ of H. T. Hudson and foij a considerable period he was manager for Dauwalter and Son of Boonville. It is worthy of mention that John Bauman, grandfather of Ed Bau- man, was a freighter for a number of years, freighting from Boonville to the southwest. This was in the old days when Boonville was the shipping center for a large section of territory and the highways leading south from the city were filled all day long with great wagon trains loaded with provisions and material for the settlers of the southwestern country. Mr. Bauman is a republican. He was elected county collector in 1914 and was re-elected to the office in 1918. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is popular with Cooper County people, managing the affairs of his office with justice and regard for the best interests of Cooper County. 444 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY John E. Walz. — The jewelry store owned and operated by J. E. Walz, a leading citizen of Boonville, was established in 1894. It is one of the neatest, best stocked and well equipped jewelry establishments in Central Missouri and during the 25 years of its existence in Boonville, the Walz store has enjoyed a steady and ever increasing patron age. J. E. Walz was born in Booneville, Nov. 3, 1864. Nicholas Walz, his father was born in Zornheim, Germany, July 29, 1838 and died in April, 1892. He was a son of Philip Walz who emigrated from Germany in 1846 and located in Chicago, 111., where Nicholas Walz was reared to young manhood. When 19 years of age he came to Boon- ville, his father, Philip Walz, having preceded him to this city. Nicholas Walz was first employed for two years at Mendota, 111., prior to coming to Boonville as a clerk in a general store. He first began business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Brenheisen, and in three years time he purchased the business which he conducted for many years with success. Mr. Walz did an extensive business and operated the largest grocery store in Cen- tral Missouri. For a number of years he transacted the largest volume of business of any store in this section of Missouri and he became widely and favorably known. He continued in business until 1884 and he then retired. Nicholas Walz was prominent in the civic affairs of Boonville and he served three terms as a member of the city council. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a member of the Boon- ville Turner Society. He was manned to Julia Brenneisen, a daughter of Reinhart Brenheisen a native of Germany who emigrated from his native land in 1845 and became one of the pioneer merchants of Boonville. Mrs. Julia Walz was born in 1839 and died on April 18, 1914. Five sobs and three daughters were born to this marriage: Leopold C, St. Louis, Mo.; John E., subject of this review; Herman G., New York City; Louise, at home in Boonville; Charles A., born May 19, 1872, assistant to J. E. Walz in the Walz- Jewelry Store; Julia, at home; Mrs. Laura, wife of W. Ernest Sombart, Boonville; Henry G., St. Louis, Mo. J. E. Walz of this review, was educated in the public and high schools of his native city and began learning the trade of watchmaker and jeweler in 1880 with the firm of Hannacke and Kauffman. He remained with this firm for four years and the following ten years were spent with the firm of Gmelich and Huber in Boonville. He then established his present thriving business. Mr. Walz is a republican. He is a director of the Boonville Com- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 445 mercial Club and is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Walz is a progressive and enterprising citizen who has been unusually active in promoting local enterprises for the benefit of his home city. He is the "Father of the White Way" on the main street of Boon- ville which was established in 1912. Mr. Walz originated the plan for a white way, pushed the project, solicited the contributions, secured suffici- ent funds to place eight standards, induced the Sombarts who then owned the lighting company, to donate the current, and when the electric light company was sold, the contract for free current was carried on by the new company. He has been twice tendered the nomination for mayor of the city by the republican party but has declined each time, having no ambition or preference for political honors. -Dr. Charles Swap, dentist, Boonville, Mo., has been engaged in the practice of his profession for the past 35 years. He was born April 23, 1865, on the steamboat "Cora Kinney" while his parents were making the trip up the Missouri River from Jefferson City to St. Joseph, enroute to Iowa. His parents were Dr. Franklin Swap and Mary E. (Mitchell) Swap. Dr. Franklin Swap was born Aug. 19, 1830, at Schenectady, N. Y. and died Sept. 4, 1902. He was a son of William Swap and Belinda Swap, members of an old New York family of Holland Dutch descent. Mrs. Swap died in 1837 and William Swap removed to Crawford County, Pa., where he resided until his death in 1881. A great-uncle of Charles Swap, Jonathan Swap fought in the Revolution. The ancestors of Franklin Swap first settled in New Amsterdam, whence the great grandfather of Charles Swap moved to Schenectady in later years. In his boyhood days Franklin Swap learned the cabinet maker's trade and developed a posi- tive genius as an artisan which stood him in good stead in later years. He was married in 1851 and in 1857 he started to Lawrence, Kansas; did not like the country and removed with his family to Taylor County, Iowa, where he studied dentistry. He began the practice of dentistry about 1860 and was so poor that he was compelled to fashion his own dental instruments. His son, Dr. Charles Swap has a number of these instruments in his possession at this day and they are of fine and beauti- ful workmanship. Prior to this he had made a trip to Kansas in 1857 with the idea of settling there.. He arrived at Lawrence Kansas, when there was but one house on the site of what is now a fair sized city. He returned to Iowa and located in Bedford, where he practiced dentistry 446 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY until he offered his services to the Union when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union army as a private soldier and rose to the rank of captain. He was first a private in the Second Iowa Cavalry, in 1862 he was commissioned a lieutenant, not long afterward was given a cap- tain's commission. He was appointed provost marshal of Central Mis- souri and had charge of eight counties, his district embracing all of the territory from Jefferson City to Lexington. Dr. Swap was honest and his administration of his important office was marked by fairness, kindness, and absolute honesty. One occasion in particular stands out prominently in his career in which he saved some visitors to the city from annoyance and persecution by some drunken Union soldiers made him warm friends, and one friend in particular who went out of his way to befriend him when he was struggling to gain a foothold in his practice in Boonville and support his family. In Dec, 1865, he again came to Boonville from Iowa and began the practice of his profession. He succeeded and for years was one of the best liked and highly respected citizens of Boonville. Dr. Franklin Swap was prominent in the public affairs of his adopted city and held many important positions of trust and responsibility. He was city clerk of Boonville for 18 years and served four terms as mayor of Boonville. He was secretary of the Board of Education for many years and identified himself with the cause of education. He was elected to the office of secretary of the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad during the time this road was being constructed. He was president of the State Dental Association and in many ways was a remarkable man who was fitted by nature for the period and time in which he lived. Aug. 2, 1851, Dr. Franklin Swap was married to Miss Mary E. Mitchell of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mary E. Swap was born June 2, 1830 and is one of the oldest of the pioneer women of Boonville. Six children were born to this marriage: Harvey, born in Pennsylvania, died at the age of two years; Frank, born in Pennsylvania in 1854, is an artist and is con- nected with the Tanner Studio in Boonville; Mrs. Ida Gibbons lives at Edgewater, near Denver, Col.; Mrs. Emma Short lives in Boonville; Ettie is deceased ; and Dr. Charles Swap of this review. Dr. Charles Swap studied dentistry in the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery from 1884 to 1886. Prior to this time he had studied under his capable and talented father from June, 1881, until he left home to enter the Philadelphia College. Upon his return home he entered his father's office and practiced dentistry with his father until the tatter's retirement. Doctor Swap during the many years of his practice, has been very successful and his hours are filled with the work of his calling. HISTORY OP COOPER COUNTY 447 March 23, 1891, he was married to Miss Jennie North of New Orleans, La., a daughter of Fountain North, owner of "Laurel Valley Plantation," one of the finest southern plantations in the country. Dr. Swap met and wooed his wife when the family came on a visit to Boonville. Two children have blessed this marriage : Charles, born in 1892 is in the employ of the A. P. Munning Manufacturing Co., of N. Y. City, with his headquarters in Chicago of Chicago branch ; Edgar, was born in 1915. Dr. Charles Swap is an independent republican and was a former Roosevelt adherent. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the district. State and National Dental Associations, and has served as president of the District Dental Society. Dr. Rollie L. Anderson, osteopathic physician, with well appointed and finely equipped offices at 309 \'-> Main street, is one of the popular professional men of Cooper county. Dr. Anderson was born at Pleasant- ville. Marion County. Iowa, May 28, 1881, and is a son of Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (Courtney) Anderson, both natives of Iowa. Samuel Anderson was the son of John Anderson, a native of Scot- land and was born in 1858. He became a merchant and was successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits at Pleasantville, Iowa, until 1910, when he located in Des Moines, at 1500 Linden street. He married Mary Eliza- beth Courtney, a daughter of John Courtney, the son of Irish parents. To Samuel Horton and Mary Elizabeth Anderson were born three chil- dren: Albert Franklin Anderson is engaged in the real estate business in Minnesota; George Anderson is deceased; Rollie L. Anderson subject of this review. Dr. Anderson was educated in the public and high schools of Eldora, Iowa and completed his high school course in 1899. In 1901, R. L. Ander- son went to Minnesota and was engaged in the lumber and general mer- cantile business until he decided to study for his chosen profession. He studied the science of osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo., for four years and graduated from this famous school in 1916. Soon after receiving his diploma Dr. Anderson located in Boonville ,and outfitted a splendid suite of offices where he cares for a huge and ever increasing practice. Dr. Anderson was married in November, 1903, to .Miss .Mary An- drews, of Silver Creek, Minn., a daughter of Anthony Andrews. Dr. Anderson is a republican and is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America and has made many warm and steadfast friends during the years which he has spent in Boonville. 448 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY John King was the first citizen of German birth to settle on Lone Elm Prairie in 1853. He became owner of 560 acres of rich prairie land upon which his descendants are now living. Through Mr. King's influence many Germans came from the old country to settle in Cooper County and he would go so far as to travel to New York, meet them and assist them on their way here. The late John King was born in Hol- stein, Germany, Feb. 15, 1828, and died at his home in Lone Elm, Mo., Nov. 10, 1916. He served as a soldier in the war between Germany and Denmark, and soon afterwards left his native land for a freer life in America. Landing at New Orleans, he made his way to Iowa, and there heard of the opening up of the Kansas territory and of the free and cheap lands to be ob- tained in the new country. He went to St. Louis and boarded a river steamer to Atchison. He stopped off at Boonville, saw several of his coun- trymen who encouraged him to stay. He had just six dollars in cash when he landed at Boonville. His first job was as hostler in a stable attached to the stage route from Boonville to Jimtown, receiving $12 per month. He soon became stage driver and later went to work on a farm near Pisgah at $15 per month for four years. Then his employer, Colonel Pope, made him a partner in the farm and he saved enough money in three years to purchase 180 acres of undeveloped prairie land at Lone Elm at a cost of SI 5 an acre. He continued to purchase land until he owned 560 acres. Mr. King was married Jan. 18, 1859 to Miss Sophia Friedmeyer, born Jan. 19, 1838, in Germany. She is a daughter of Bernard and Sophia (Karnes) Friedmeyer, who first settled at St. Louis, Mo., in 1857 and then came to Cooper County. The children born to John and Sophia (Fried- meyer) King are as follows : Minnie, wife of W. H. Twillman, Lone Elm ; Henry, living on the old home place; Mary, deceased, was the first wife of Fred Treiber, left one child, Mrs. Elizabeth Toellner; Mrs. Lucy Treiber, Lone Elm, widow of Fred Treiber, has one child, Amelia; Sophia, wife of Richard Martin, Lone Elm, Clarks Fork township; Ellen, wife of Charles HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 449 Twillman, farmer, near Lone Elm. Mrs. King has 16 grand children and six great grandchildren, all of whom are living in the neighborhood. John King was one of the builders and always a liberal supporter of the Lone Elm Evangelical Church. He never had a law suit and was never sued. He followed as his course in business and living the golden rule and profited thereby. During the Civil War he served in the Mis- souri State Guards under Capt. Tom George. For 18 years he filled the post of deacon of the Clarks Fork Evangelical Church prior to the building of the Lone Elm Church. John King was a man worth while who left an indelible imprint on the community wherein he spent the greater part of a long and active life. Dr. Aubrey W. Frost, dentist, Boonville, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County who has risen high in the ranks of his chosen profession, during his more than 13 years of practice. Dr. Frost was born in Boonville, and is a son of Alexander and Lucinda (Post) Frost, natives of New England. Alexander Frost was born in Glover, Vt., in 1834 and died in April, 1916. He was a member of an old New England family and was the first of a large family of 14 children to die. He was reared in Ver- mont and was a farmer and stockman. He came west to Boonville in the early fifties and started a confectionery store which is still in existence. On the westward trip from the old home region in New England, he was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary (Frost) Jones, his sister, and his brother-in-law, Benjamin F. Jones. Mr. Frost assisted in the erection of the old Central National Bank building and later entered the grocery and drygoods business, being a partner of Hiram Koontz during the Civil War. The partners buried their stock of goods so as to save them from the raiding Confederates during the war. In later years he removed to Illinois and lived there six years. He returned to Boonville in 1916 and died a few months later. Mr. Frost brought the first real carriages and the first hearse to Boonville and operated a livery barn for a number of years. He owned the first bus in Boonville and also dealt extensively in mules. Alexander and Lucinda Frost were parents of three children : Louis Eugene Frost, Chicago, 111.; Frank Arlin, Chicago, 111.; and Aubrey Ward Frost, subject of this review. A. W. Frost was educated in the local schools and the high school of Roadhouse, 111., and followed the trade of carpenter and builder until 1900 in the employ of his uncle, B. F. Jones. He then took up the study of dentistry in 1903. Entering Washington University in that year he (29) 450 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY graduated from the dental department in 1906 and practiced his pro- fession in St. Louis, Mo., until locating in Boonville in the fall of 1915. Dr. Frost has a suite of offices in the Victor Building and enjoys a large and ever increasing practice. He was married in 1905 to Miss Geneva E. Yeager, of Boonville, Mo., a daughter of Frank Yeager. Dr. and Mrs. Frost have one child, Roy Frost, aged 10 years. Dr. Frost is a republican ; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is fraternally affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Gideon A. Brownfield. — The career of G. A. Brownfield, senior mem- ber of the firm of Brownfield & Meyer, automobile dealers, Boonville. Mo., is that of a self made man who commenced wresting a living from Cooper County soil when 19 years of age, became a land owner, built up a splendid farm, made a success of the live stock shipping business, and then made another success of the automobile business. Mr. Brownfield is not only a first class farmer, a keen and sure judge of live stock, but he is a thor- oughly successful business man. The Brownfield and Meyer automobile business was established in 1915 at the corner of Morgan and Sixth streets and the business room and repair department of the garage occupies a space 75x92 feet. Five men are employed in the conduct of the business and such substantial and well known makes of automobiles as the Hupmobile, Cadillac, Reo, and the Buick are sold to buyers in this section of Missouri. Jonas Brownfield, father of G. A. Brownfield, was born in Cooper County, reared here and married Jael K. Collins, who was born in Cooper County in 1819 and died in 1889. To Jonas and Jael Brownfield were born six children: Frank Brownfield, deceased; James Brownfield, a farmer living near Speed, Mo.; Gideon A., of this review; Augustus Brownfield, a farmer living near Blackwater, Mo. ; Frances, wife of A. E. Beeson, Sedalia ; Mo. ; Nannie, deceased. G. A. Brownfield was born near Pilot Grove, Mo., Dec. 12, 1860. The death of James Brownfield in 1862 left the widowed mother to rear her family of children as best she could under adverse circumstances. When nine years of age, Gideon A. Brownfield left the parental roof and began working out for his living. During his first year he received only his board and clothing; the second year he received small wages in addi- tion to his keep. He continued working at farm labor with ever increas- ing wages until 1879. when he rented land and farmed on his own account for the next 15 years until he had saved enough money to make his HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 451 initial investment in a trust of farm land. Purchasing a farm of 140 acres near Prairie Lick, Mo., he improved it and made a success of the venture. Mr. Brownfield began the buying and shipping of live stock in 1893 and has become one of the largest live stock dealers and shippers in Cooper County. He handles over 365 car loads of stock yearly and his deals aggregated during the past two years the extremely large total in value of $1,608,123.28. He is without doubt the most extensive live stock dealer in this section of Missouri and has built up a reputation for honesty, square dealing and straightforward business methods which have stood him in good stead among the live stock men of the county. He located in Boonville in 1916. Mr. Brownfield is the principal owner of the auto- mobile business in which he is interested. G. A. Brownfield was married in 1879 to Miss Anna Hostler, of Pilot Grove, Mo., a daughter of the late Washington Hostler. This marriage was blessed with one son, Earl Brownfield, born in 1883, assisting his father in the automobile business, maried Grace Hull. G. A. Brownfield is a republican. Mrs. Brownfield is a member of the Presbyterian church. Dr. John Ambrose Barnett, osteopathic physician, with offices in the Trust Company building, Boonville, Mo., enjoys a lucrative and grow- ing practice which he has built up since coming to Boonville in January, 1913. Doctor Barnett was born in Cicero, Hamilton County, Ind., April 7, 1874, and is a son of William Harrison and Lucy (Boyd) Barnett, the former of whom was a native of Johnson County, Ind., and the latter a native of Kentucky. William Harrison Barnett was bom in 1841 and was a son of Am- brose Dudley Barnett, a native of Kentucky. Dr. John A. Barnett was reared and educated in Johnson County, Ind., and taught school for five years. For about one and a half years he was in the employ of the Scar- borough Company, handling maps and school supplies, and when at Okla- homa City he became interested in the science of Osteopathy. He en- tered college at Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from the Still Osteopathic College in 1905. His parents then being residents of Irvington, at that time a suburb of Indianapolis, he located in the latter city and remained Ihere until his mothers death in April, 1906. Doctor Barnett then prac- ticed at Attica, Ind., for one and a half years and then moved to Rogers, Ark., in the hope that a change of climate would be beneficial to his wife's 1 salth. From March. 1909. until January, 1913. he remained at Rogers and then located at Boonville. 452 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY There were five children born to William Harrison and Lucy (Boyd) Barnett, as follow: Albert Raphael, a farmer, Franklin, Ind. ; Dr. John Ambrose Barnett, of this review; Victor Hugo Barnett, died in Septem- ber, 1916; Rev. Carl Harry Barnett, a graduate of Butler University, graduate of Yale University, prominent in Y. M. C. A. work and now pastor of the Oak Cliff Christian Church, Dallas, Texas; Chester Boyd Barnett, was a graduate of the Indianapolis Law School, and was engaged in the United States Reclamation Service when he died of influenza in the West Dec. 28, 1918. In March, 1903, Doctor Barnett was married to Miss Ruby Hall, of Terre Haute, Ind., a daughter of Herschell and Victoria (Hall) Hall. Seven children have blessed this union: Harold Ray, Juanita, Therese Lucille, Leslie Ambrose, John Alfred, Victoria Boyd, and Ruby Darline. Doctor Barnett, while practicing his profession at Rogers, Ark., was appointed by Gov. George W. Donaghey to a membership on the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners and served for two years, beginning Nov. 7, 1911. Upon coming to Boonville he passed the Missouri State Board of Osteopathic Examiners Feb. 8, 1913. He is a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Joseph Ignatius Hazell, retired pioneer farmer, Speed, Mo., was born on a farm near Palestine, Cooper County, March 7, 1848, and is a son of Edwin and Sarah (Yarnell) Hazell, natives of Kentucky, and pioneers in Missouri. Edwin Hazell was born in 1811 and died in 1893. He was a son of Nathan Hazell, who came to Cooper County in 1821 and settled on a farm near old Palestine. He reared a family in Cooper County and died here. Edwin Hazell was brought up on his father's farm, and when he attained maturity, married Sarah Yarnell, who was born in 1806 and died in 1884. She was a daughter of Joseph Yarnell, a noted pioneer settler who was a close friend of Stephen Cole, one of the first settlers of Howard and Cooper Counties. Joseph Yarnell was an Indian fighter, a typical fron- tiersman, who with others went fully armed and assisted in the building of the forts wherein the people remained during the troublesome days of the War of 1812. A traditional story handed down for the past hundred years and since told with manv variations makes Samuel Cole and Joseph Yarnell the heroes of a comical episode. The story goes that Yarnell and Cole were going to attend a party across the Missouri River in Howard Countv. J. I. HAZKI.I, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 453 There was only one small skiff which they could use. Yarnell took the skiff and rowed his girl across the stream. Sam Cole stripped, took a young bull by the tail and made him swim across the stream and both attended the party. One version of the tale gives it that Yarnell and Cole rode a bull into the midst of the gathering and created an uproar. These two, however were apparently the heroes of many misadventures which have become legendary. Edwin Hazell became a blacksmith and carpenter and conducted a blacksmith shop on his place for the convenience of the settlers. When Shelby's raiders made their famous trip through Cooper County, during the Civil War, some of Shelby's men welded a broken axle and mended a cannon at the Hazell shop. The Hazell home was stripped of every vestige of food and valuables, the horses were taken and the cows and pigs were seized by the raiders. The next day after the rebels had passed through Joseph I. Hazell was sent to Pinney's Mill for a supply of corn meal. Old John Brown's men then came along in chase of Shelby's crowd and ate up all the meal, and perforce the trip had to be made over again so that the family could have something to eat. Brown's men seized two horses which had been left in exchange by Shelby's men and all that the Hazells had left were two contraband horses which were worn out and feeble from use. They fed up these animals, raiders came again and the same thing again happened, and so it went on throughout the war. Edwin Hazell had a family of ten children: James died in 1849 in California; Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Eliza. Mary and Rhoda, are deceased. The subject of this sketch is the only one of the family now living. Opportunities for schooling were very limited during the youthful days of J. I. Hazell. During the four years of Civil War there were no schools. Mr. Hazell recalls that a young man named Henderson taught, school during the war time for awhile. This teacher wore a new pair of boots. He took them off while school was in session and wore slippers, taking good care to hide the boots in the fear that some wandering soldier might take a fancy to them and commandeer them for his own use. The school house of his home vicinity was a log building with rough wooden benches and everything about it was very primitive. Mr. Hazell was married in 1869 to Sarah Elizabeth Pulley, who was born near Tipton. Ind., in 1851 and is a daughter of Lorenzo and Demaris (Crews) Pulley, who were pioneer settlers of Cooper County. The chil- dren born to this marriage are: Judson, a railroad man, Atchison. Kans. ; 454 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Leslie, a railroad man, Atchison, Kans. ; Aubrey and Dade, farmers, living near Billingsville, Mo. After his marriage, Mr. Hazell settled on a rented farm two miles west of Speed. He eventually purchased the old Hazell homestead of 60 acres. He lived there for some years and then purchased 299 acres of bottom land, now owned by H. Friedrich, upon which he resided for seven years. This low ground was not good for an asthmatic condition which persisted in bothering Mr. Hazell and he exchanged farms with Mr. Fried- rich and received a tract of 122.5 acres. Mr. Hazell sold out this land, purchased property in Sedalia which is bringing him good rentals and moved to Speed. He owns three fine residence properties in Sedalia and has recently moved to the A. Rudolph farm northeast of Speed. Mr. Hazell is a democrat, loyal to the president and loyal to his party at all times. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a democrat and a Baptist being a splendid combination of old time settler which cannot be beaten for reliability, sturdiness, honesty and good humor. He is fra- ternally allied with the Woodmen of the World, at Speed. Jamesj R. Miller. — The city of Boonville has a very efficient and capable police force and is noted as a law abiding municipality. Chief of Police James R. Miller is a capable and honest public officer who is now serving his third term as city marshal and has been connected with tie police force of the city since his first appointment on May 1. 1911. Mr. Miller was born on a farm four miles west of Boonville Feb. 27, 1869, and is a son of Frederick W. (born 1839, died May 5, 1911) and Jessie B. (Payne) Miller (born 1843, died Jan. 20, 1899). Frederick W. Miller was born in Germany and accompanied his father to America in 1848, his father being a rebel against the Kaisers government and being connected with the uprising of a part of the Ger- man people in 1848, he fled to America for a haven of refuge for liberty loving people of his class. Jessie B. (Payne) Miller was a daughter of James R. Payne, better known as Squire Payne, one of the best known of the pioneers of Cooper County. Frederick W. Miller served his adopted country as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and fol- lowed fanning successfully west of Boonville until his retirement to a home in Boonville in 1901. He was father of four children: Mrs. Eieanora Drexel. Boonville township; John \V. Miller, California, Mo.; Mis. Rosa Marie Brueckner. died in 1914; James R. Miller, of this review. Mr. Miller followed farming until 1909. He became owner of a splendid farm about four miles west of Boonville, which he cultivated HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 455 with great success, becoming- owner of the Miller home place. Not being satisfied with a mediocre success Mr. Miller accumulated three farms in all, making a total of 315 acres. He has disposed of all of his farm lands, selling 157 acres in 1909. When he came to Boonville, he pur- chased a 20 acre tract on West Spring street in November, 1912. This place is well improved with a handsome brick residence and is very productive, Mrs. Miller having charge of its operation to a considerable extent while her husband keeps Boonville a law abiding community. From 1909 to his appointment as a member of the police force of Boon- ville May 1, 1911, Mr. Miller conducted a meat market and grocery. After serving three years as city policeman he was elected to the post of city marshal and is chief of police of the city. Mr. Miller was married Oct. 18, 1893, to Miss Carrie M. Brommer, born in West Boonville township, a daughter of Louis and Elizabeth Brommer, well known deceased residents of Cooper County. The chil- dren born to James R. and Carrie M. Miller are: Harry James, Beatrice, Roy Ferdinand and Earl Charles. Harry James Miller is an officer in the commissary department of the Missouri Training School. Beatrice Martha is at home with her parents. Roy Ferdinand Miller was bora April 21, 1897, and enlisted in the United States Navy July 1, 1918 and was trained for service at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Pneumonia resulting from a severe at- tack of the influenza caused his death at Great Lakes, Sept. 30, 1918. Earl Charles Miller is employed in the office of the Phoenix Ameri- can Pipe Factory. Mr. Miller is a Republican and is a member of the Evangelical Church. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Chief Miller is a conscientious and fearless of- ficer who is devoted to his sworn duty although he is kind and just with minor offenders of the law. He is a familiar and well liked personality on the streets of Boonville and has many warm friends in the city and county. Edward J. GarthofTner, proprietor of a flourishing feed mill, has been engaged in business since July 1, 1917, when he purchased the mill from H. Olendorf. Two men are employed and Mr. Garthofner does a general wholesale and retail business which is growing in volume through his management. He was born in Boonville, Mo., April 11, 1867. 456 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY George J. Garthoffner his father, was born in Germany and came to America in 1857. He operated a wagon shop in Boonville for many years and was prominently identified with the early growth and history of Boonville. He was born in 1828 and died May 13, 1873. His wife was Victoria (Wagner) Garthoffner, who bore him eight children, seven of whom are living: George, Boonville; Edward, subject of this review; Frank and Henry, engaged in the drug business in St. Louis ; Mary, Boon- ville; Louisa, deceased; Emma, Boonville; and Mrs. Sophia Gantner, Boonville. After attending the parochial schools of Boonville, Edward J. Garth- offner learned the trade of cigarmaker and followed his trade for twenty years, becoming a partner in business with his brother in 1890. He re- mained with him until 1910, when he closed out his partnership interest, in the business. In 1910, June, he was appointed postmaster of Boon- ville and served until July 1, 1914. For the following year he traveled for the Melito Fish and Oyster Company. Mr. Kramm became owner of the local feed mill at that time and Mr. Garthoffner operated it for Kramm for six months. Then Olendorf bought it and Mr. Garthoffner was in his employ until he became sole owner on July 1, 1917. Mr. Garthoffner was married in 1896 to Miss Mary E. Darby, a native of Cooper County, and daughter of Patrick Darby, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Six children were born to this marriage: Bernardine, a teacher in the public schools of Cooper County; Mary, bookkeeper in the Commercial Bank of Boonville; Richard, Edward, Jr., Dorothy and Frances. Mr. Garthoffner has been active and influential in Republican politics and has served on the County and Congressional Central Committees. He has frequently been a delegate to the State convention of his party and has attended the National conventions. For several years he was vice- president of the Young Mens' Republican Association. He was elected to the office of city treasurer in 1908 and filled this office for two years. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church, is a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. George H. Meyer, a well-known farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native son of Cooper County, and is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section. He is a son of George H. and Elizabeth (Molan) Meyer. George H. Meyer was bom in Saline town- ship, Cooper County, in 1853, and died Feb. 9, 1903. His wife is also a native of Saline township and still resides in Saline township. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 157 George H. Meyer is one of the following children born to his parents: Henry, deceased ; Herman W. resides in Boonville ; Lawrence C, Clarks Fork township; Emil Ewing, resides with his mother, Saline township; and George H., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Meyer was reared on a farm in Cooper County, and attended the district school. Later, he attended the Kemper Military School, and afterwards took a course in Gem City Business College, at Quincy, 111. He then engaged in farming, and for a few years operated rented land. In 1910 he purchased his present place in Clarks Fork township, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. This is one of the valuable farms of Cooper County, and consists of 275 acres of well- improved land. The farm buildings are all modern, the residence being equipped with a heating and lighting system. The place is underlaid with coal to the extent of a vein of 7 feet thick in some places, although Mr. Meyer does not mine any of the coal at the present time. Sept. 6, 1905, George H. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Julia N. Muntzel, a daughter of Albert and Margaret (Schmidt) Muntzel, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Cooper County, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Meyer was born on the farm where she now resides, Oct. '15, 1881, and is one of the following children born to her parents : Albert, Portland, Ore. ; Martin W., St. Louis, Mo. ; Edward J., Boonville; Mrs. Clara Trampe, St. Louis County, Mo.; Lillian, resides with Mr. and Mrs. Meyer; Mrs. Caroline Fricke, on a farm near Sedalia, Mo.; Harry J., Clarks Fork township; and Mrs. Delia D. Muntzel. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born two children: Margaret Elizabeth, born July 20, 1906, and Norbert Wilbur, born May 10, 1919. Mr. Meyer takes a commendable interest in local public affairs, and is one of the present members of the Washington District School Board. He and Mrs. Meyer are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork. They are prominent in the community and rank among the leading citizens of Cooper County. Dr. Roy H. Ellis, dentist of 23 years successful practice in Cooper County, with offices in the Knights of Pythias building, Boonville, was born in Cooper County, Aug. 7, 1878. He is a son of one of the best known citizens of Cooper County, William H. Ellis, who was born in Cooper County in 1850 in the house where he now lives. Dr. William H. Ellis, grandfather of Dr. Roy H. Ellis, was a native of Richmond, Va., who came to Cooper County in 1839. He settled on a farm which had been entered by his father-in-law, Colin Johnson, a 458 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY pioneer of Cooper County, who entered part of the Ellis farm in 1834. Dr. W. H. Ellis practiced medicine among the pioneer families of this section of Missouri until his death. He was one of the most widely and favorably known of the early doctors of this section of Missouri. The original patent of the land which is still owned by the Ellis family was signed by President James Monroe. William H. Ellis has always been interested in farming and has resided upon his land prac- tically all of his days. He is owner of 340 acres of land, part of which was a portion of a large estate of over 1,000 acres accumulated by his father, Doctor Ellis. The Ellis land is situated near Prairie Home, Mo and is vary valuable, easily worth $125 an acre. William H. Ellis mar- ried Margaret Graham McPhatridge, born in Abbington, Va., in 1850, and who came to Cooper County and taught in the public schools for some years. Eight sons and two daughters were bom 'to William H. and Margaret Ellis, as follow: Two died in infancy; Edward E., Dr. Roy H. Ellis ; Joseph Graham ; Lance F., Mary Ann, Clay W., Rylie. Edward E. is 42 years of age. He enlisted as a private soldier and is now sergeant in the 90th Division, Army of Occupation in Germany and is stationed at Coblenz. He fought at St. Mihiel and in the Argonne Forest battle, having been over 79 days on the front, prior to the sign- ing of the armistice. Joseph Graham Ellis is living on the home farm. T -ance F. Ellis lives in Wichita, Kan. Samuel T. Ellis resides in Lexing- ton, Mo. Mary Ann Simmons lives at Bunceton, Mo. Clay W., a resi- dent of Wichita, Kan., also spent six months as a private soldier in the National Army and received an honorable discharge from the service. Rylie Ellis is at home with her parents. Roy H. Ellis was educated in the district school and Prairie Home Institute. He studied dentistry at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from this institution in 1898. He practiced for a time at Prairie Home and then came to Boonville, where he has built up a splen- did practice. Since his graduation he has taken four special courses in dentistry under special instructors and has endeavored in every way to keep abreast of all modern developments and advancement in the science of his profession. Doctor Ellis was married dn June 3, 1903, to Miss Elizabeth Durrett, of Charlottesville, Va.. a daughter of Frank Durrett. Doctor and Mrs. Ellis have two children: William Henry. Jr., and Clara Margaret Ellis. Doctor Ellis is a member of the Missourt State, the Central Missouri and the National Dental Associations. He is a Democrat, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Mason. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 459 Dr. William Thomas Gibson, justice of the peace, Boonville, Mo., and also engaged in the real estate business, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Indiana County, Pa., Nov. 1, 1843, and is a son of Thomas Gibson. Thomas Gibson, his father, was born in Ireland in 1806 and died in 1874. He immigrated to America with his parents in 1809 and was reared in Pennsylvania. He was there married to Margaret Thomas, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1812 and departed this life in 1896. The life of Thomas Gibson was spent in tilling the soil. He reared a famih of four children: Israel, a soldier in the Union Army, killed at Spottsylvania Court House; Samuel, a Union veteran, died in 1894; Wil- liam T., of this review; John, a Union veteran, died in 1915. It will thus be seen that all four sons of Thomas Gibson served the Nation in time of stress and the eldest gave his life on the battlefield. Israel Gibson was captain of Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. William T. Gibson enlisted in July, 1862, in Company A, 135th Penn- sylvania Regiment, served six months in the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, and while serving 12 months in the 188th Pennsylvania Infantry he was marked for conspicuous bravery. At Fort Harrison, below Richmond, it wai quoted in official notices that he had performed an act of bravery in earning off wounded men under fire from the battlefield on Sept. 29. 1864. Oct. 11, 1864, he was given a lieutenant's commission, and was afterwards commissioned a first lieutenant by President Lincoln, in the Fourth United States Colored Troops. Lieutenant Gibson received his honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. June 4, 1866, and immedi- ately returned to his home. The great battles in which he participated during the Civil War were: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the thirty days battle in the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, where half of his inient were killed or wounded in one-half hour, Fort Harrison and Fort Fisher, N. C. He took up the study of dentistry as a profession and came to Boonville, April 10, 1869. He practiced his profession for 25 years and reluctantly relinquished his practice on account of his fail- ing eyesight. For 10 years he was engaged in the real estate business and served as police judge. He served 20 years in all as justice of the peace and was re-elected to this office in November, 1918. Doctor Gibson was married in 1877 to Margaret Rankin, who died in 1905. His second marriage took place in 1908 with Mrs. Alberta Greenstreet, who is mother of two daughters by a former marriage, viz: Louise, former milliner, died of influenza in St. Louis in November. 1918; Maurine Greenstreet is at home in Boonville. 460 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY During the 25 years in practicing his profession in Cooper County, Doctor Gibson was located at Prairie Home, Pisgah, and Boonville and became known far and wide as a noted horse trader, his keen judgment of horseflesh enabling him to make profitable trades. Justice Gibson is a stalwart Republican. George H. Meyer, now deceased, was a native of Cooper County, and a descendant of one of the pioneer families, and for many years was iden- tified with the development of the eastern portion of this country. He was born in Saline township, Feb. 5, 1853, and died Feb. 13, 1903. He was a son of Henry C. and Anna (Bahlman) Meyers, natives of Germany, both of whom were early settlers of this county and spent the remainder of their lives here, prior to the Civil War. Their remains are buried in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery at Clarks Fork. George H. Meyer was reared to manhood and educated in Cooper County, and during his lifetime was well known as an extensive farmer and stockman. He not only raised cattle and hogs, but bought and shipped cattle extensively. He was a progressive citizen and a good busi- ness man, and became well-to-do and prominent in the community. He took a special, interest in the betterment of the public school system, and for many years was an active member of the local school board. June 16, 1874, George H. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Molan, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Schnuck) Molan. both of whom are now deceased and their remains are buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. They were natives of Germany, and settled in Missouri sometime in the '50s. Elizabeth (Molan) Meyer was born Oct. 29, 1856, in St. Louis County, Mo., and when a. young girl, in 1857, came to Cooper County with her parents, and here she was reared and educated, attend- ing the Highland District School in Saline township. After their mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Meyer settled on the place where she now resides, in 1877. They first purchased 200 acres, and later added 200 acres, and now the home place consists of 530 acres of valuable farm land. This is one of the notable stock farms of Saline township, and is known as "Forrest Grove Stock Farm." It is located 10 miles southeast of Boon- ville, and one mile from Clarks Fork store. To George H. Meyer and wife were born the following children: Henry, born Jan. 16, 1876, died at the age of 26 years ; Herman W., born Sept. 1, 1878, now engaged in the automobile business at Boonville George H., Jr., born. Sept. 17, 1880, married Julia Muntzel, Sept. 6, 1905 Lawrence C, born Aug. 25, 1883, married Pauline Mills, Aug. 30, 1904 ^V^ *5H ^ • *■*/ fK&L. . y S *J^^^M ' m^JLw ip^fl ..T^flflp " I 11 ..Mb ■ ,41. . ' ^V* v. ' r*^- ^^^^^B pvPJ ^■^^^ ^~ vh *■ r'j^ffv^ s^" 1 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 461 and E. Ewing, born June 14, 1893, and now resides on the home place. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, having completed the ag- ricultural course in 1913. In the operation of the home place, he gives special attention to raising Shorthorn cattle and pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs, of which he raises annually from 200 to 300 head. The annual cat- tle production of the place varies from 75 to 100 head, and Mr. Meyer also raises some sheep. The Meyers farm is naturally well adapted to stock raising, and the splendid barns and other arrangements for the care of stock classifies this place as one of the modern stock farms of Cooper County. E. Ewing Meyer and his brother, Herman W., are both members of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and rank among the progressive young men of Cooper County. Mrs. Elizabeth (Moloan) Meyer is one of the estimable pioneer women of Cooper County. Her home has been within the confines of this county since 1857, and she has resided on her present home place for over 42 years. She has seen Cooper County grow up, as it were. The Meyer family are highly valued citizens of Cooper County, and are all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarks Fork. .1. L. Hosford, conducting the best equipped and most modern shoe repair shop in Boonville which he established Aug. 17, 1904, is a versa- tile and well informed citizen. The Hosford shop is equipped with the latest improved shoe machinery. Only recently Mr. Hosford has added an adjunct to his many activities in the way of a second hand store. J. L. Hosford was born in Pike County, 111., Jan. 1, 1869. He is a son of J. L. and Rowena (Hatch) Hosford, the former of whom was a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York State. J. L. Hosford the elder was an engineer and carpenter but he engaged in farming when he came west and located in Pike County. He followed farming pursuits for a period of 40 years and died on March 15, 1917, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. M. H. Riley, living near Greenridge, Mo., at the ripe age of 84 years. In 1845 J. L. Hosford, grandfather of the subject of this review, settled at Versailles, Brown County. 111., and later went to Pike County, where he reared a large family of 12 children. Mrs. J. L. Hosford died in 1881. The other children of the family besides the subject of this review are: Mrs. M. H. Riley, living near Greenridge. Mo., and Mrs. D. C. Riley, of Windsor, Mo. When still a boy in his teens, J. L. Hosford learned the trade of shoemaker and has followed his trade successfully for over 30 years. At the age of 14 years he located in St. Louis and learned his trade in 462 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY that city. After his marriage in 1895 he operated a shop in Keokuk, Iowa, from 1900 to 1903. He came to Boonville in 1903 and for the first 14 months he was employed as teacher of shoe repair and shoemaking at the Missouri Training School for Boys. He then established his pres- ent business. Mr. Hosford was married on June 30, 1895, to Miss Florence Collison, of near Bluffs City, 111. Six children have been born to this marriage: John L. Hosford, aged 24 years, a shoemaker in St. Louis; Floyd B., is his fathers assistant; Glenn is deceased; J. D., aged 11 years; Rosa, aged nine years; Jessie, aged six, and Nadine, aged three years. Mr. Hosford is an independent voter. He is an extensive reader and student of history, law and instructive texts. He is one of the best in- formed men of his age in Boonville. Mr. Hosford is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. Edward G. Scott, officer at the Missouri Training School in charge of the laundry, has held his present position for 19 years and is one of the most trustworthy and capable officials of the State Training School. Mr, Scott is a member of an old pioneer family in Missouri and was born in Boonville March 21, 1862. Adam Scott, his father, was born in Cooper County in 1819 and died in 1908. He-was a son of Robert Scott, a Virginian, who was the son of Adam Scott, a soldier of the Revolution who was one of the early pion- eers of this section of Missouri. The Scotts came to Cooper County in 1819. Adam Scott (III) married Kate Gentry. She was born in 1839 and died in 1915. She was a daughter of Benjamin Gentry a pioneer of Pettis County, Mo., and a native of Kentucky. For some years Adam Scott conducted a merchandise store at Boonville and then bought a farm one and a half miles south of the city, where he lived until he retired to a home in Boonville about 1890. The children born to Adam and Kate Scott are: Mrs. Robert Snyder, living south of Boonville; Edward G. Scott, of this review; Mrs. Joseph Combs, deceased; Charles Scott, Kan- sas City, Mo.; Jessie, wife of Joseph Combs, Boonville; Lola Scott, Boonville. When Edward G. Scott was 18 years of age he went to New Mexico and engaged in the cattle business for three years. In 1883 he returned to Boonville and farmed on the Scott home place south of the Boonville until he took up his duties as one of the officers at the Missouri Training HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 463 School in 1900. Mr. Scott is owner of 40 acres, of valuable land adjoin- ing the Scott home place. He was married in 1903 to Miss Kate Dwyer, a daughter of William Dwyer of Pilot Grove, Mo. He is a Democrat. Per- sonally, Ed Scott is a genial, whole souled, capable citizen who has many friends. Dr. Robert L. Evans. — The 28 years of medical practice which Dr. Robert L. Evans has had in Cooper County have been replete with suc- cess and his career has been such as to place him in the front rank of the Cooper County physicians. During all these years he has enjoyed a large practice and is well liked and highly respected by the people of the county. Doctor Evans was born on a farm in Boon County, Mo., Oct. 13, 1865. His father, Willis J. Evans, was born in 1817 and died in 1868. He was a native of Kentucky who came to Missouri when a young man and eventually created a fine farm in Boone County. He married Jane Mor- gan Vanhorn, who was born in Maryland, Jan. 29, 1826, and died Sept. 23, 1914. Her parents moved from Maryland to Virginia and came to Missouri in 1838. Her father founded the famous Van Horn Tavern, situated on the highway between Rocheport and Columbia, which for years was the midway point between these two towns and was the stopping place for the stages which plied from town to town over the Old Trails road. Willis J. Evans, prior to his marriage, drove a stage coach between Columbia and Lexington and made his headquarters in Boonville. After he had begun farming he operated a stage line. He was married in 1843 and had a family of 13 children, only six of whom are now living: Mrs. Ella Angell, living on a farm two and a half miles east of Rocheport, Mo. ; John G., Columbia, Mo. ; I. V. Evans. Rocheport, Mo.; Mrs. J. N. Darby, Burnett, Texas; L. L. Evans, Fairland, Okla. ; and Dr. Robert L. Evans, of this review. After attending the State University, Robert L. Evans entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis and graduated therefrom in 1891. He immediately began the practice of his profession and has practiced continuously in Cooper County, four years of which was at Pilot Grove, the rest of the time being in Boonville. He returned to Boonville in 1898. In October, 1896, Doctor Evans was married to Miss Grace Simmons, of Pilot Grove, Mo., a daughter of A. N. and Martha Simmons, the former of whom is deceased and the latter lives at Pilot Grove. Doctor Evans is a member of the Cooper County Medical Society, the Missouri State and the American Medical Associations. He is a spe- 464 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY cial physician for the Missouri Training School of Boonville. He is a member cf the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Doctor Evans is past master of the Boon- ville Masonic Lodge, a Knight Templar and member of the Ararat Tem- ple of Mystic Shriners. Henry Fricke, owner and proprietor of the "Prairie Home Stock Farm," one of the notable country places of Cooper County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in St. Louis County, Jan. 18, 1852, and is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Lindeman) Fricke, both natives of Germany. Henry Fricke, the father, settled in St. Louis upon coming to this country from his native land. Here he worked at his trade, which was that of a stone mason. He met with an accidental death Avhile digging a well. After his death, his widow came to Cooper County, about 1855, and here married Ferdinand Ohlendorf. Mrs. Wilhelmina (Fricke) Ohlendorf died March 30, 1904, and her remains are buried in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery of Clarks Fork. Henry Fricke, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of the Washington School District, and the German school at Pleasant Grove. He began life as a farmer and stockman, and has met with considerable more than ordinary success. He is known and recog- nized as one of the leading breeders of Cooper County, and for the past 20 years has given special attention to breeding Hereford cattle. He is also an extensive feeder, and has shipped stock on a large scale and has been very successful in all his undertakings. Mr. Fricke bought his present farm of 320 acres in 1881, at $23.50 per acre. This land was originally entered from the Government by Henry Berger at the regulation Govern- ment price of 25 cents per acre. It is located 12 miles from Boonville and three miles northwest of Prairie Home, on Jefferson Highway. In striking contrast to the modem improvement on this place, stands an old log cabin, which was built by Mrs. E. P. Adams, at a very early date. The Fricke residence is one of the attractive places in this part of the county. It is surrounded by a picturesque grove of maple trees, which Mr. Fricke, himself, planted. At one time, Mr. Fricke was the owner of 500 acres of land, but he sold 180 acres. The Fricke place is one of the historic old landmarks of the early days. The Fricke residence occupies the site of the old stage station, where the stage horses were changed enroute from Boonville to Jefferson City, and here is where Ely P. Adams conducted an old-time tavern in connection with the stage station. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 465 Feb. 14, 1873, Henry Fricke was united in marriage, in Clarks Fork township, with Miss Caroline Kostedt, a daughter of Christian and Chris- tina (Hasenjoger) Kostedt, both natives of Germany. Mrs. Fricke was born in St. Louis County, Sept. 13, 1853, and came to Cooper County with her parents March 26, 1869. They settled in Clarks Fork township, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives, and their remains are now interred in Lutheran Cemetery of Clarks Foi-k. They were the parents of the following children: William, Peoria, 111.; Mrs. Christine Poese, Lone Elm ; Herman, Fairland, Okla. ; Caroline, the wife of Henry Fricke, the subject of this sketch; Fred, who was accidentally killed in St. Louis; and Charles, died in Clarks Fork township at the age of 21 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fricke have been born the following children: Sophia, married Peter Hein, Clarks Fork township ; Mary, married Walter Hoerl, Prairie Home township; Henry F., Sedalia, Mo.; Christ F., Prairie Home ; Clara, married Martin Smith, Lone Elm ; Martha, resides at home ; Anna, died at the age of 24 years ; Minnie, married Harry Muntzel, Clarks Fork township; and George H., Sedalia. In addition to his extensive farming and stock interest, Mr. Fricke has taken an active part in the development of other important enter- prises in the county. He took a prominent part in the organization of both the Bunceton and Prairie Home fairs, and is at present a member of the board of directors of the Prairie Home Fair. He was one of the or- ganizers of Clarks Fork Farmers Mutual Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Co. of Cooper County. This company was organized in Nov., 1892. and was incorporated Feb. 25, 1915. Mr. Fricke is now the only charter member on the board of directors of this company. This is one of the substantial institutions of its kind, and the following gentlemen constitute its present board of directors and officers: John King, presi- dent: C. H. Toeliner, secretary; P. G. Meisenheimer, treasurer; Conrad Greibold, Emil Bittner, John Brandes, Henry Fricke, and Emil Derend- inger, directors. Mr. Fricke is also interested in the Cooper County Bank, of which he is a member of the board of directors. He is also a stockholder in the grain elevator at Bunceton. Mr. Fricke is prominently identified with the republican party, and was his party candidate for county judge of the eastern district of Cooper County, and while the opposition partv has a normal majority of about (30) 466 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 600 in this district, Mr. Fricke lacked but a few votes of being elected. Mr. Fricke is one of Cooper County's most substantial citizens, and he and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarks Fork. John F. Hack, baker at the Missouri Reformatory since 1891, and for the past 15 years in charge of the commissary at the school, has had 40 years' experience at his trade. He was born in Henderson County, Ky., Jan. 27, 1859, and is a son of Andrew Hack (born 1822, died 1891), a native of Bavaria, Germany. Andrew Hack emigrated from his native country when a young man and operated a tailor shop and clothing business at Henderson, Ky., until 1863. In that year he went to Jeffersonville and was employed as a journeyman tailor until his death. His wife, prior to her marriage, was Mary Weisenberger (born 1834, died 1869), a native of Baden, Germany. Andrew Hack was father of five children, namely: Emil, a druggist at Sewickley, Pa.; George, died in 1915; John F., of this review; Edward, a candymaker in St. Louis, Mo. ; Rosa Hack, a trained nurse at Jeffer- sonville, Ind. John F. Hack was reared and educated in Jeffersonville, Ind., and learned his trade at New Albany, Ind. In 1883 he located at Washing- ton, Ind., and was employed at his trade for two years. In 1888 he went to Pana, 111., and remained in that city for two years. In 1890 he was baker at the Indiana Reformatory for seven months. After six months spent in St. Louis he came to Boonville and took charge of the bakery and commissary at the Missouri Training School. Mr. Hack is a Democrat of the old school of Democracy. He was reared in the Catholic faith but has no church ties, believing in the brotherhood of man in so far as he can practice it and live rightly and sanely. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a citizen who keeps abreast of the times and is an expert in his profession. John S. Underwood, office assistant to the superintendent of the Missouri Reformatory, Boonville, was born at Pleasant Hill, Mo., Oct. 29, 1884. John S. Underwood, his father, was born in October, 1844, in the neighborhood of the Cass-Johnson County line, and was the son of Jack- son County pioneer parents. He was reared on the farm and for 25 years was engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock at Pleasant Hill, Mo. He removed to Boonville in August, 1918, and is living a re- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 467 tired life. A brother, Fletcher Underwood, was killed while serving in the Southern Army during the Civil War. His wife was Miss Josephine Winters prior to her marriage and she was born at Port Gibson, Miss., in 1856. Soon after her birth her parents located in Missouri and some time later located in Louisiana and again came to Missouri after the Civil War. John S. and Josephine (Winters) Underwood were parents of the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, Lamar, Colo.; Tessie, wife of Newton H. Johnson,. Boonville; Mrs. Hazel Shortridge, Pleasant Hill, Mo.; Harry W. is in the live stock commission business at Kansas City; John S., subject of this sketch. After completing the courses of study in the public and high schools of Pleasant Hill, Mr. Underwood attended the Central Business College at Kansas City, Mo. For two years he was then employed in the stock yards of Kansas City. Jan. 1, 1905, Mr. Underwood came to Boonville and was employed in the law office of William F. Johnson as stenographer and also by the late Judge W. M. Williams for several years. He studied law under the tutelage of these gentlemen and was admitted to the bar in 1907. He began the practice of his profession in Boonville and served as assistant prosecuting attorney under W. F. Johnson. Mr. Underwood was elected county treasurer of Cooper County in 1912 and served for four years, then resumed the practice of his profession. He filled the post of secretary of the Boonville Commercial Club from 1905 to 1917 and was for three years secretary and treasurer of the Cooper County Building and Loan Association. He was secretary of the Cooper County Automobile Association and served as secretary of the County Council of Defense during the World War. Mr. Underwood was married on Aug. 6, 1907, to Miss Dora Brewster of Boonville and to this marriage have been born three children : Dorothy, born June 19, 1910; Josephine, born Sept. 16, 1912; and Elizabeth, born Feb. 7, 1919. Mrs. Dora (Brewster) Underwood is a daughter of Harry and Willis (Trent) Brewster, both of whom died when Mrs. Underwood was but a child. Mrs. Willis (Trent) Brewster was a daughter of W. W. Trent. The Democratic party has always had the steadfast allegiance of Mr. Underwood. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affil- iated with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in all of which fraternal societies he takes an active interest. 468 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Fred Lohse, one of the best known and most substantial of the "old- time" residents of Clarks Fork township, was born in Germany in 1843, a son of Hans and Katrina (Schlater) Lohse, both of whom also were born in that country and who spent all their lives there. M. Lohse, a well- known grocer at Boonville, is a brother of Fred Lohse. Another brother, Martin, was living at Hamburg at the time communication between this country and Germany was interrupted during the World War and no word has been received regarding him by the brothers here since that time. Reared in Germany Fred Lohse received his schooling there and re- mained in that country until after attaining his majority when, in 1866, he came to this country, locating in Cooper County. Here he has made his home ever since. Upon his arrival here, Mr. Lohse for a time worked for John King, then took employment on the James Martin farm and was for six years thus engaged, for $14 a month. He then transferred his services to the Daniels farm and for seven years was employed there, re- ceiving from $18 to $20 a month. He then rented the George Adams farm for five years, when he bought from Doctor Potter a quarter section of the farm where he since has made his home. Mr. Lohse later bought from John Hedgepath 50 acres and has a fine place of 210 acres, which he has well improved. Mr. Lohse's farm is four miles west of Prairie Home. Among the improvements are a substantial farm house, two bams, 48x50 and 30x40, a 12x30 silo and other buildings. The place is well adapted to the raising of live stock. Of late years, he has been con- tent to "take things easy" in the pleasant "evening time" of his life and some time ago turned over the active management of the farm to his son, Ernest Lohse. Mr. Lohse has always been interested in church work and was one of the organizers of the first church erected at Clarks Fork and helped build the same, there being at that time about twenty members of the congregation, under the ministration of the Reverend Lauger. He also contributed substantially to the erection of the later church, built about 10 years ago. In 1872, Fred Lohse was united in marriage to Annie Schmidt, a daughter of Claus Schmidt, one of the old settler's of Clarks Fork town- ship. Mrs. Lohse died in 1896 and is buried in Clarks Fork cemetery. To her union with Fred Lohse, eight children were bora : Margaret, mar- ried August Kaiser and is now deceased; John, a farmer and stockman, of Clarks Fork township ; Henry, of same township ; Lena, deceased ; Wil- liam, deceased; Martin, a farmer and stockman, of Clarks Fork town- V. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 469 ship; Ernest, on the home farm for his father; Sophia, wife of William Fricke, Clarks Fork township; and Walter, now fanning on Lone Elm Prairie, who was but an infant when his mother died and was reared in the family of a kinsman, Morris Naumann. Mr. Lohse has 14 grand- children, and in them he takes much delight. These grandchildren are Wilbur, Grace Marie and Bernice Lohse; Raymond, Roy and Anna Kai- ser; Lorine, Clara, Edna and Roy Lohse; Frances Elaine Lohse; Norbert and Lucille Fricke, and Laura Naumann. Ernest Lohse was reared on the farm of which he now has practical charge, relieving his father of the burden of management, and has from his boyhood devoted his attention to the cultivation of the place. June 19, 1912, he was united in marriage to Emma Natalie Weller, who was born and educated in California, Mo. To this union one child has been born, a daughter, Frances Elaine. Mrs. Lohse is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Holzer) Weller, who are now living in California, Mo. John Weller was born in Ohio and his wife in Iowa. They have four daughters, of whom Mrs. Lohse is the third in order of birth, the others being Otillie Pearl, Flora Rosetta and Alma Ursula. Dr. Walter L. Dugan. — The 14 years in the practice of his profession in Cooper County have established Dr. W. L. Dugan firmly in the esteem and regard of a large number of patients. His career as a physician has been a successful and useful one which has merited just recognition of his capabilities. Doctor Dugan is a native Missourian and was born March 19, 1860 on a farm in Webster County, not far from Springfield. George W. Dugan, his father, was born in 1810 and died in 1885. He was born in Kentucky and was a son of Kentucky pioneer parents who in turn were early settlers in Tennessee. George W. Dugan was reared in Tennessee and made a permanent settlement in Webster County, Mo., in 1843. He developed a fine farm in that county and was twice married. His second wife was Rebecca Benahaw, who was born in Ten- nessee in 1825 and departed this life in 1906. She was of English descent. By a former marriage George W. Dugan was father of 18 children. His second marriage resulted in the birth of three sons: Milton, killed in a railroad accident at Parsons, Kan., in 1917; Dr. Walter L., of this review; Addison Watts Dugan, lives at Wendling, Ore. Walter L. Dugan was educated at the Mountain Dale Seminary in Webster County and the Henderson Academy. For eight years he suc- cessfully taujrht school in his native county and in 1888 he began the study of medicine in a physicians office. In 1889 he entered the College 470 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from this college with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1891. For the next 10 years he practiced medicine in Laclede County, Mo. In 1901 he located in Barton County, Mo., and remained there for four years. On Dec. 3, 1904, he located in Cooper County and has practiced his profession with offices at Clarks Fork and at Boonville continuously since that time. Sept. 25, 1918, Doctor Dugan came to Boonville, the advent and universal use of the automobile, and the continuous betterment of the highways of the county enabling him to care for his large country practice from this city with convenience. On Sunday, July 31, 1881, Dr. Walter L. Dugan and Miss Addie Josephine Derry of Mercer County were married at Long Lane, Dallas County, Mo. Mrs. Addie Dugan is a daughter of Abraham Derry, who is descended from Pennsylvania ancestry. Doctor and Mrs. Dugan have four children: Eugenie, Beatrice, Myrtle and Gertrude. Mrs. Eugenie Kissel lives in Barton County, Mo., and has there children: Alma, Lloyd, and Edwin. Beatrice Dugan is a teacher in the Mt. Sinai School, Cooper County; Mrs. Myrtle Sharp lives at Independence, Mo., where her hus- band is employed as telegraph operator. She is mother of two children: Edward and George. Gertrude Dugan is a teacher in the Cooper County schools. Doctor Dugan is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Dr. George A. Russell, city physician, Boonville, with offices at the corner of Spring and Sixth streets, is one of the best known among the successful physicians of central Missouri. Doctor Russell was born near Darlington, Lafayette County, Wis., Oct. 22, 1860. His father, John B. Russell, was born in Waterloo. N. Y., and died in 1914 at the age of 86 years. He was a son of Dr. George W. Russell, a native of New York, and descended from a Massachusetts family of English origin. Dr. George W. Russell practiced his profession in New York until his removal to Gratiot, Wis., where he died at the age of 70 years. He followed farming in Wisconsin in connection with his me'dical practice. John B. Russell was married to Elona Abell, of Brad- ford, Pa., daughter of Capt. Daniel Abell. She died at the age of 43 years After his marriage, John B. Russell settled upon a tract of land in Lafayette County, Wis., and developed a fine farm from land which cost him a few dollars an acre. In old age he retired to a home in Platteville, Wis. His children are: Dr. George A. Russell, of this review; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 471 Edward Russell, Platteville, Wis.; Mary, life of Robert Dugdale, editor of the "Grant County News." Platteville, Wis. George A. Russell graduated from the Darlington, Wis., high school in 1880, and then studied at the Northwestern University, Evans ton, 111. In 1884 he entered the office of Doctor Can- at Apple River, 111., later entering the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, graduating therefrom in 1888. After two years' practice in Boonville, Mo., he went to Sedalia on March 1, 1890, and for eight years was a partner of Doctor Abell. Doctor Russell returned to Boonville in 1898. In addition to an extensive practice he is filling the post of city physician. In 1900 he was married to Emily Wadlow, of Sedalia, Mo. Doctor Russell is a Republican and has filled the office of coroner of Cooper County. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Frank J. Felton, farmer and stockman of Cooper County, residing at 609 East Spring street, Boonville, is owner of 490 acres in his home farm in Boonville township formerly owned by Professor Kemper, foun- der of the Kemper Military School and which the professor had intended for a site for his school (and is also interested in an "80"). This farm is located about four and a half miles south of Boonville and was pur- chased from the Kemper heirs by Mr. Felton in 1889. The Felton farms are well improved and devoted to general farming and stock raising. Mr. Felton was born on a farm six miles east of Boonville Oct. 15, 1863, and is a son of Hubert Felton, born in 1834 and died in 1896. Hubert Felton was born in Germany and immigrated to America in 1853. He returned to his native land in 1855 and there married Annie Catherine Leslie. He lived in Boonville for a short time after his return and then settled on his farm east of Boonville. He sold this tract in 1861 and then purchased land near Prairie Lick which he developed and which is now owned by his sons. Mr. Felton became a large land owner and was very successful. He removed to Boonville in 1888 and spent his last days in comfortable retirement in this city. To Hubert and Annie Catherine Felton the following children were born: Mrs. Bena Huff, Pilto Grove, Mo.; Joseph, Boonville; Christena, Boonville; Michael, on the old home place of the familv; Frank H., of this review: John R.. a farmer; Herman, a farmer; Katie, deceased. What schooling Frank J. Felton received was obtained in the Hickory Grove school house. He has always been a farmer from his boyhood days. His first investment was the old Kemper tract of 400 acres to 472 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY which he has added additional land. Mr. Felton removed to Boonville in 1909. Nov. 16, 1909, Frank J. Felton and Miss Laura Whitehurse were united in marriage. Mrs. Laura Felton was born in Cooper County near the old Kemper farm and is a daughter of Ferdinand and Mary (Scheide- mantle) Whitehurse, natives of Lorraine, France, and Cincinnati, re- spectively. Mr. Whitehurse came to America at the age of nine years. He was born in 1838 and died in 1896. The Whitehurse family made a settlement in Cooper County and his descendants are well to do agricul- tural folk. Ferdinand Whitehurse was a Union soldier who came to Cooper County after the close of the Civil War. He served four years in an Ohio regiment and participated in many battles. Mr. Felton is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Felton are members of Sts. Peter and Pauls Catholic Church of Boonville and Mr. Felton is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. Heinrich Gronstedt, one of the well known and substantial farmers of Clarks Fork township, was born at Nordlengen, Hillscheim, Hanover, Aug. 16, 1853, and remained in his native country until he was 27 years of age when he came to America, arriving on this side Nov. 4, 1880. The following winter and the next spring he spent in Hancock County, 111., and then, in June, 1881, came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, where he ever since has resided. In 1884, the year of his marriage, Mr. Gronstedt bought 80 acres of land in Prairie Home township and has since been farming there. In 1905, he bought more land in Clarks Fork township and in 1910 bought another tract and now owns 260 acres. Since buying this farm, Mr. Gronstedt has improved the place, including a new farm house, two barns and other buildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising. Nov. 5, 1884, Heinrich Gronstedt was married to Margaret Theiss, who was born near Jamestown, Mo., and who died at her home in Clarks Fork township, Oct. 18, 1899, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Clarks Fork. To Heinrich and Margaret (Theiss) Gronstedt_ were born six sons, namely: Fred, born Feb. 1, 1886, Dec. 6, 1911, married Blanche Wolf and is now farming in Clarks Fork township; Hermann, April 6, 1887, assisting his father; Frank, March 18, 1889, also at home; William, Sept. 20, 1891, at home; Martin, Aug. 29, 1896, who has recently returned from overseas service in the United States army ; and George, Feb. 15, 1899, at home. Martin Gronstedt, the soldier son, was inducted into the HEINRICH GRl (NSTEDT HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 473 army and after preliminary training on this side was ordered in Nov., 1918, with his command to sail for overseas service. The vessel on which he and his comrades sailed was three days at sea when a wireless message brought the tidings that an armistice had been signed and that the war thus virtually was over. Not long after the command reached European shores, preparations were begun for its return and in December he was flustered out and returned home. William Gronstedt, the fourth son, enlisted for service in the World War Sept. 19, 1917, and was attached to the 354th Infantry, with which he confidently expected to get into the overseas service, but the later discovery on the part of the medical exam- iners of a slight physical fault due to an injury to one of his hands re- ceived in boyhood days resulted in his discharge on an examiner's cer- tificate of disability in the following December. Mr. Gronstedt and his sons are members of the Lutheran Church. Frank S. Sauter, vice-president of the Boonville National Bank, Boon- ville, is one of the best known and successful men in central Missouri and a member of the substantial Sauter family of Cooper County. He was born in Germany in June, 1858, and is a son of Matthew and Rosa Sauter, former well known residents of Boonville, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume in connection with the history of the family. Frank S. Sauter was but litte over a year old when his parents landed from a Missouri River steamboat at Boonville in October, 1859. Mr. Sauter was reared on his fathers farm in Cooper County and became interested with his brothers in the mercantile business under the name of Sauter Mercantile Company. Mr. Sauter applied himself to farming for a number of years and in 1895 engaged in banking. He organized the Fanners Stock Bank at Blackwater, Mo., and served as cashier of this bank for 12 years. In 1907 he returned to Boonville and a short time later he organized the Citizens Trust Company of Boonville. He was one .of the charter members of the trust company which later bought out the Fanners Bank which was later consolidated with the Boonville National Bank of which Mr. Sauter is vice-president. Mr. Sauter is a Republican and a citizen whose fidelity and interest in the upbuilding of his home city and county is well known. Col. John S. Elliot. — One of the outstanding figures in the develop- ment and upbuilding of Boonville and central Missouri was the late Col. John S. Elliot of Boonville, pioneer railroad builder, banker, and influ- 474 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ential citizen whose generosity to his home city will long be remembered. Colonel Elliot was a native Missourian and a son of one of the first native born pioneers of this section of the State. His father. Col. Newton G. Elliot, was born in Howard County, Mo., March 3, 1812, and died Jan. 3, 1877. He was a son of John Elliot a Virginian who removed to Kentucky with his father. After his marriage to Polly Glasgow, he set out for Missouri, he and his bride riding horse- back the entire distance, in 1811. John Elliot subsequently took part in the Indian wars of the period from 1812 to 1815 and founded a home on the then frontier. Col. Newton G. Elliot was reared in Howard County, and became prominent in the official life of this section of Mis- souri. In 1837 he served as justice of the peace. He served as a member of the Missouri State Legislature in 1852. Prior to this he had filled the office of sheriff of the county from 1848 to 1852. In 1838 he had been elected captain of the company organized to expel the Mormans from western Missouri and became commandant of the organization. In Octo- ber, 1839, he was elected major of the 14th Regiment of State Militia. In 1840 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of this regiment. He became interested in railroad building and in 1869 he became a director of the Tebo and Neosho railroad, now the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. In 1872 he became a director of the Boonville Bridge Company. Col. Newton G. Elliot's first wife was Elizabeth Wilkerson. His second wife was Martha W. Stewart, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Stewart. John S. Elliot was born March 16, 1844, and was reared and edu- cated in Howard County. He completed his education in Central College at Fayette, Mo. His first business experience was in the stock business with his father until 1869. The opportunity then presented itself for him to engage in railroad construction work as a contractor. He took the contract for the building of the Tebo and Neosho railroad from Moberly to Fayette and completed the work in 1872. The railroad com- pany was in need of large numbers of ties for further building and repairs to the road bed. Mr. Elliot took the contract for supplying the railroad company (The M. K. & T.) with ties. This contract lasted over a num- ber of years and resulted in considerable profit to Colonel Elliot. He made his home in Boonville and identified himself with the growth and well being of the city. He engaged in the banking business in 1881 and later became president of the Commercial Bank, identifying himself with the organization of this bank in 1883. He served as president of this HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 475 bank until he was succeeded by the late Jacob F. Gmelich in 1888. Colonel Elliot was one of the organizers of the Boonville Water Works Company, which gave to the city its water supply. He served as presi- dent of this company during its existence. He was largely interested in Boonville real estate and in Central Missouri farm lands and left a con- siderable estate at his death. March 11, 1915. November 15, 1882, he was manned to Miss Laura Speed, a daughter of William P. Speed, born in 1816, came to Cooper County in 1840 and died in this county June 27, 1863. The wife of William P. Speed was Sarah Ardell Hutchison, before her marriage. She was a daughter of Col. Jack Hutchison, a Cooper County pioneer. Mrs. Laura Speed Elliot departed this life in 1912. Grief over the loss of his wife caused the death of Colonel Elliot three years later. One son survives: John Speed Elliot. Colonel Elliot was a democrat who took a considerable interest in county and state politics more on account of a love of the political game than any other motive, inasmuch as he had no aspirations for public office. He was a Mason, this lodge having charge of the obsequies con- ducted at the grave of this distinguished citizen. Colonel Elliot was kind hearted, liberal to a high degree and ever ready to extend the hand of charity or to give freely of his means to assist his home city. One of the notable gifts to the city of Boonville was the "Hayden" lot upon which was erected the Laura Speed Elliot High School so named in memory of Mrs. Laura Speed Elliot. Herman Schnack, retired, and living comfortably in his beautiful residence at 600 East High street, Boonville, is one of the best known of the substantial and wealthy citizens of Boonville. Mr. Schnack was born at Hornerkirchen, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Oct. 15, 1849. He is a son of Christian Frederick and Magdalene (Pingel) Schnack, who lived all of their lives in their native village. Herman Schnack was not contented to remain in his native land, however, and accordingly, he left the old home of the family on May 29, 1869, aboard ship from Hamburg, Ger- many. After landing at Castle Garden, New York, he came directly to Boonville and thence to the Clarks Fork neighborhood in the southeastern part of Cooper County where he was employed as farm laborer for the next two years. He then went to St. Louis and was employed in that city until 1871. After a period of employment in the sawmills of Wayne County, Mo., he returned to St. Louis and was employed there until 1873 when he returned to Boonville. From 1888 until 1918, Mr. Schnack was 476 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY engaged in the retail liquor business in Boonville and was very successful from a financial standpoint. Mr. Schnack erected one of the finest brick residences in Boonville and is owner of the brick building in which the Manion & Muntzel clothing store is located. December 13, 1877, Herman Schnack and Wilhelmina Ohlendorf were united in marriage. Mrs. Wilhelmina Schnack was born in Clarks Fork township, Oct. 7, 1858, and is a daughter of Ferdinand Ohlendorf, a sketch of whom is given in this volume. The following children were born of this marriage: Wilhelmina, deceased wife of F. J. Muntzel; Emma, wife of William L. Koenig, automobile dealer, Boonville; Elsie, wife of Harry T. Manion, of the New Clothing Store, Boonville. Mr. Schnack is a republican and is well informed, genial, kindly dis- posed, and is one of the city's liberal and progressive citizens who has ever been ready to lend assistance in counsel and money to advance the prestige and growth of his home city. Fritz Sieckman, who died at his farm home in the Overton neighbor- hood in Saline township in the spring of 1913, was a native of Germany. He was born in 1855 and was but a boy when he came to this country with his parents, the family first locating at Washington, Mo., and moved from there to Warren County, where they settled on the farm and there the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Sieckman married in Warren County and three years later, in 1890, moved from there to Osage County, where he remained until 1901, when he moved with his family to Cooper County and bought the farm in Saline township on which his widow and the younger children of the family are still living. His orig- inal purchase there was of 130 acres, but he bought an adjoining tract and at the time of his death was the owner of 190 acres. There he died April 22, 1913, being then 58 years of age, and is buried in the Clayton cemetery. Mr. Sieckman was a member of the Evangelical Church, as is his widow, and their children were reared in that faith. After her husband's death, Mrs. Sieckman assumed the management of the home place, kept her family together, carried out necessary im- provements on the place and during the recent absence of her elder son in the United States naval service she bravely assumed the double burden of management thus laid on her shoulders and in times of scarcity of help pluckily took up the most pressing out-door labors, the care of stock and such other duties as thus devolved upon her. Mrs. Sieckman was born, Fredericka Wehmeyer, in Germany, in 1867, a daugher of Fritz and Charlotte (Erske) Wehmeyer, the former a vet- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 477 eran of the German army, who came with their family to the United States in 1882 and to Missouri, locating on a farm in Warren County, where in 1887, five years after her arrival here, the daughter Fredericka was married to Fritz Sieckman. Mrs. Sieckman's parents both are living at Hermann, Mo. They have five children, those besides Mrs. Sieckman being Mrs. Caroline Vahrenburg, of Warren County ; Mrs. Augusta Vieth, of Kingfisher, Okla. ; Mrs. Emma Schwartz, of Warren County, and Charles Wehmeyer, of Boone County. To Fritz and Fredericka (Wehmeyer) Sieckman eight children were born, namely : Ida, born Feb. 21, 1890, wife of Henry Kosf eldt, of Overton ; Lena, March 22, 1892, wife of Gilbert Korte, of Boonville ; Edward, April 14, 1894, who died at the age of 23 years and is buried at the Clayton ceme- tery; Otto, Feb. 5, 1896, who has but recently returned home from more than a year's service in the United States navy in the World War; Alma, Dec. 17, 1897; Laurence, Feb. 4, 1900; Martin, July 16, 1903, and Lorena, Aug. 5. 1911. Otto Sieckman, the sailor son, enlisted Dec. 5, 1917, at St. Louis. He was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chi- cago and after three weeks of training there was transferred to Phila- delphia, whence a week later he was sent to New York and thence to New- port, where he was assigned to the U. S. S. "Canandaigua", a mine layer attached to Base 18 at Inverness, Scotland, and on that vessel was engaged in laying mines in the North Sea from May until the signing of the armistice, continuing attached to Base 18 until Dec. 9, when he was trans- ferred to the U. S. S. "Arkansas" at Portland, England, and with that vessel formed part of the convoy which went out to meet the "George Washington", which was bearing President Wilson to France to attend the Versailles peace conference, and thus helped escort the President to Brest. He left Brest Dec. 14 and on the 26th arrived at New York, where he was transferred to the receiving ship "New York". Not long after- ward he was transferred to the mine-sweeper "Osprey" and served on that vessel until his discharge about a month later. He arrived home Jan. 25, 1919, and is again looking after the affairs of the home farm, having many a thrilling and interesting tale to tell of his service in the submarine zone during the closing months of the war. One of Mrs. Sieck- man's nephews, Fritz Vahrenburg, also rendered sen-ice during the time of this country's participation in the World War with the American Expe- ditionary Forces in Europe Anthony Smith, retired merchant. Boonville, was bom Nov. 22. 1848, in Chariton County, Mo. He is a son of John and Catherine (Lock) 478 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Smith, natives of Prussia, who immigrated to America in 1839 and settled in Charitan County. John Smith was a pioneer blacksmith in Charitan Count and had a shop on his farm which he conducted until his early death in 1844. Catherine (Lock) Smith, his wife, died in 1885 at the home of her son, Anthony, in Boonville, where she resided during the last 18 years of her life. There were nine children born to John" and Catherine Smith, eight of whom were reared to maturity : John, deceased ; Nicholas, Bar- bara, and Peter, deceased; Mrs. Mary Grubbs, lives in Charitan County, Mo. ; Matthias, served three years in the Union Army during the Civil War, and lives at Lansing, Kan, with his children; Catherine, deceased; Anthony, subject of this review. Six of the foregoing children were born in Germany. In the spring of 1864 Anthony Smith left Chariton County, after serving for a short time with the Missouri State Militia. He crossed the plains to Nevada and drove a freighting team to Salt Lake City. He remained in the western country for three years, worked in the timber, and hauled cord wood to the stamp mills at Virginia City. He wit- nessed the glory of the great mining camps of the West when at their greatest prosperity and recalls the wild days of the famous Virginia City camp. In 1867, Mr. Smith returned to Missouri and established himself in the mercantile business at Boonville. He remained in busi- ness pursuits until 1898 when he sold out his business and retired. In April, 1868, Mr. Smith was married to Catherine Franken, who was born at Cologne, Germany, May 21, 1849, and accompanied her parents to America in 1854. She was a daughter of Urban and Sybilla (Proepper) Franken, who with their eight children settled on a farm located on the Jefferson City road seven miles southeast of Boonville. On the way across the Atlantic, the father of the family died and was buried in mid ocean. The Franken children were: Joanna, Peter Joseph and Theodore, deceased; Mrs. Mary Heinen, California; Peter, deceased; .Mrs. Margaret Meistrell, Boonville. Catherine was buried in Germany ; Henry, died at Boonville, Mo., his home having been at Norborne, Mo. The children born to Anthony and Catherine Smith are: Joseph, Ed- ward, and Antoinette, deceased; Mrs. Henrietta Am, St. Louis, Mo.; Urban Albert, a music dealer, Boonville ; Dr. Arthur J. Smith, Boonville ; Olive, wife of John F. Wright, Dallas, Texas; Augusta, a trained nurse, St. Louis, Mo. ; Oscar, deceased ; Bertha, at home with her parents ; Laura Cecelia, a music teacher, Boonville; Warner a plumber, Boonville; Helen, wife of John G. McNair, St. Joseph, Mo. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 479 Dr. Arthur J. Smith was born Oct. 21, 1875 and received his educa- tion in the public and high schools of his native city. Entering Wash- ington University at St. Louis, he graduated from the medical depart- ment in 1901. Doctor Smith immediately began the practice of his pro- fession at Boonville. In June, 1913, he enlisted in the Missouri National Guard. On April 30, 1918, Doctor Smith was commissioned first lieu- tenant in the Medical Corps of the National Army. Previous to this he had served with his command on the Mexican border from August, 1916 to June 5, 1917, having been mustered out of the service at Fort Riley. Since his second enlistment Lieutenant Smith was stationed at Camp Travis, Texas. On May 20, 1919, he embarked at New Orleans en route to the Panama Canal Zone, where he will be stationed. He is a skilled physician and his services are appreciated and valued by his superior officers in the National Army. Keen of intellect, well informed, pro- gressive, and studious, Doctor Smith has had a successful career thus far with a bright future before him. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have given all of their children the advantage of a good education and a training for some profession. They have 14 grandchildren. On April 30. 1918 this aged and worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Doctor Smith served for three years in Mullanphy Hospital in St. Louis and was assistant associate surgeon at St. Joseph Centenary Hospital from 1902 to 1916. To digress and go back to the beginning of the history of the Smith family in America, it is well to state that the Smith family set sail from Havre, France, and landed a New Orleans. They traveled for six weeks on the road from their native city of Saint Wendel to Havre. The name of the vessel which earned them to this country was the "George Hud- dlebut." They were 42 days upon the ocean. The Frankens came across the Atlantic in a steamship, which they boarded at Antwerp, Holland, and in 10 days voyaging landed at New York. After 12 years' residence on the farm the Franken family moved to Boonville. Two of the sons of the family fought in the Civil War on the Union side. Anthony Smith, on his westward trip, crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph on April 15, 1864 and arrived at his destination in the West on July 15, 1864. He returned to his home in Missouri by the Nicara- guan route, landing at Greytown, crossing the Isthmus and again took ship at San Juan, thence north. Mr. Smith is a Republican. He and his family are devout Catholics and are members of the Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church. 480 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Henry A. Allen, one of Saline township's progressive farmers, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Oct. 9, 1862, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stottlemeier) Allen, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1817 and the latter in 1824, who were married in Delaware County, Ohio, and there resided until about 1874 when they came to Missouri with their family and located in Moniteau County, later coming to Cooper County, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mrs. Allen was 71 years of age when she died and Mr. Allen lived to the great age of 89 years, and both are buried in Clayton cemetery. Thomas Allen and his wife were the parents of 11 children as follows: John, died at the age of 11 years; Mrs. Mollie Landon, of Delaware County, Ohio; Elizabeth, St. Louis County, Mo. ; Emma, of Boonville ; Jennie, widow of Michael Gray, Shawnee, Okla. ; Henry A. ; Edward, Overton ; Margaret, deceased ; Charles, of Fowler, Cal. ; Thomas, Fowler, Cal., and Caroline B., wife of Frank Henderson, St. Louis Henry A. Allen completed his schooling in the Sherman district school in Moniteau County and was about 21 years of age when he came to Cooper County, in 1883. Here he rented the W. P. Eager farm in Saline township and continued to make that his home for 33 years. In the meantime he bought from Thomas Tucker a farm of 117 acres, two miles southeast of Overton and for 3 time lived on that place, but in 1915 moved back to the Eager farm, where he is now living, renting his own farm. Mr. Allen is an energetic and progressive farmer and has always done well. In the current year (1919) he has 170 acres of wheat and 60 acres of corn and has a drove of about 50 head of hogs, together with a sufficient number of horses and cows for farm and dairy needs. For years Mr. Allen has been one of the most persistent and energetic good roads "boost- ers" in the county and for some time served as overseer of roads in his home township, during this incumbency being able to accomplish much toward the betterment of the roads in that part of the county. He is a member of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill, as are all his sons and sons-in-law, and his wife and four daughters are members of the auxilliary lodge of the Woodmen's Circle. Jan. 22, 1886, Henry A. Allen was united in marriage to Addie Ander- son, who was born in Cooper County, and to this union four daughters have been born, namely: Mary E.. wife of Troy Neal, of Saline town- ship; Maud, born on June 26, 1889, wife of A. Hagan Windsor, of Clarks Fork township: Novel, Dec. 2, 1891, wife of William Lamm, Overton, who was born in the vicinity of Wooldridge. July 12, 1891, and Bessie, May 21, KF' V. CO ^^^^^___^^^B ESS 2| > r ■■ HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 481 1893, wife of William Diehl, of Boonville, who is now (spring of 1919) with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. William Diehl en- listed May 23, 1918, for service in the World War and sailed in July fol- lowing for overseas service, a member of the 351st Infantry, 88th Divi- sion and was at the front when the armistice was signed. He was hon- orably discharged and arrived home June 5, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have four grandchildren, Thelma Rae, Allen Walker, and Orville Fluke Neal, and Agnes Ruth Lamm. Mrs. Allen was born in Saline township, a daughter of John Anderson and wife, both long since deceased. Mr. John Anderson was a Union veteran. Her mother died when she was but an infant and she was reared in the family of William Eager, with whom she was making her home at the time of her marriage to Mr. Allen. She was the last born of the four children born to her parents and she has three sisters, Rena, wife of Mel Bailey, of Overton; Loretta, wife of Thomas Douglas, of Windsor, and Sarah, wife of John Ainsworth, of Franklin. Edgar Thomas Hale, county surveyor, and county engineer of Cooper County, is making a record for thorough and conscientious work in his profession that has given him a reputation as an engineer second to none in Central Missouri. Mr. Hale is also filling the post of city engineer for Boonville and is one of the busiest county officials in Cooper County. He was first elected to the office in 1904 and has served in the capacity of county surveyor since Jan., 1905. Many fine bridges have been erected under his supervision and planning in Cooper County and the splendid system of county roads have been graded during his period of service. The Turley bridge across the Lamine River, also the Dick bridge, across the Blackwater, five miles east of the town of Blackwater, were erected under his supervision. Mr. Hale has had sole charge of all of the modern bridge, culvert and road work in Cooper County during the past few years. He surveyed the site for the Laura Speed Elliot High School building, the new court house and had charge of all street improvement, paving and bridge work in the city. Mr. Hale was born in a log cabin on the Hale farm six miles southeast of Boonville, and is a son of Thomas Wagner Hale, former well known farmer of Cooper County. Thomas Wagner Hale was born in Tennessee in 1832, of Holland Dutch descent and died in 1907. His wife was Eliza- beth Partis born in 1844 and departed this life in 1911. She was born in London, England, a daughter of David Partis, a cooper by trade who after (31) 482 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY making several trips to America, decided to settle in this country. He settled in Cooper County in 1850, locating 10 miles southwest of Boon- ville where he followed his trade until his death. Thomas Wagner Hale was the son of Thomas Hale of Tennessee who settled in Cooper County on a farm adjoining the Partis place in 1837. William Hale, a son of Thomas Hale, crossed the Great Plains in 1849, went to the gold fields of California and never returned. During his lifetime, Thomas Wag- ner Hale developed a fine farm of 107 acres and about six months prior to his death he located in Boonville. He served in the 45th Missouri Regiment during the Civil War and fought with the Union forces in Mis- souri, Arkansas, and Tennessee, contracting a severe illness. He was treated in the Jefferson City Hospital for some months and as a result of his illness he lost the power of speech and never regained it during the remainder of his life. He was father of seven children, as follows: Mrs. Rosa H. Smith, Liberty; Dr. Byron L. Hale, Cherry vale, Kan.; William D. Hale, deceased ; Mrs. Millie A. Monroe, Boonville ; Street L., deceased ; Edgar Thomas Hale of this review; and Dr. Tyre H. Hale, of 801 Easton avenue, St. Louis, Mo. E. T. Hale was educated in the Hooper Institute. Clarksburg, the State Normal School at Denton, Texas, and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. He holds a State teachers certifice in both Texas and Missouri and taught school for five years in Texas. While engaged in teaching he specialized in engineering and began his professional career in 1904 in his native county. Success has marked his efforts. Mr. Hale recently disposed of the old Hale Farm which had come into his possession. January 13, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Flora Lohse, of Boonville, who died Feb. 13, 1916. Mrs. Flora (Lohse) Hale was a daugh- ter of M. Lohse of Boonville, a slcetch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. Hale is a republican. He attends the Sunday School and Divine services at the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. William L. Koenig. — Fair dealing and honesty in business trans- actions are keynotes of the business policy pursued by the Koenig Auto Sales Company at the Corner of Main and Chestnut streets, Boonville. The concern was established Jan. 25, 1918, by William L. Koenig and has met with success from its very inception. The Hudson, Essex and Chevrolet automobiles are sold by Mr. Koenig over a considerable extent of territory. The Essex is a new automobile manufactured by the Hud- son Motor Car Company of Detroit and is a splendid machine which is HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 183 rapidly becoming a prime favorite among auto lovers. During the past season it has been almost impossible to supply the demands for this auto- mobile, so universal has been the acclaim accorded it on the standpoint cf utility, compactness and beauty of design, speed and action on the load. A storage room is operated in connection with the sales depart- ment of the Koenig Company with space 90x90 feet, a show room and a rspair department operated by expert mechanics is also maintained. William L. Koenig is a native of Cooper County and was born at Prairie Lick, June 23, 1886. His father, William Koenig, was born in 1853 and died in 1909. William Koenig was a native of Wisconsin and was a son of Joseph Koenig, a native of Germany, who first settled in the woods of Wisconsin and then came to Cooper County where he settled in 1865 in the Prairie Lick neighborhood. Mr. Koenig was reared on the farm at Prairie Lick and followed farming until his removal to Boonville in 1891. Here he engaged in the implement business and became inter- ested in politics, serving two terms as sheriff of Cooper County. During his period of service he officiated at the hanging of three convicted mur- derers. During his first term of sheriff the murderer "Jacko" paid the penalty of his crime for the killing of the city marshal and met death upon the scaffold. During William Koenig's second term he officiated at the hanging of Spinner Reeves who was convicted of brutally mur- dering his wife. After his second term as sheriff expired, Mr. Koenig engaged in the hardware and seed business but again entered politics and was elected county collector. He died while serving the county in this capacity, a popular and highly esteemed county official. His son, William L. Koenig, was appointed to fill the unexpired term made vacant by his father's death. William Koenig married Miss Louisa Hirsch who was born in 1862. To this marriage were born four sons and three daughters: George, liv- ing in Chicago, 111.; Mamie, deceased; William L., of this review; Mrs. Rosa True, St. Louis, Mo. ; Clara, deceased, and Lawrence. Lawrence Koenig enlisted in the National Army on Jan., 1918, and became a member of the Aviation Corps as a pilot. At this writing he is in training at Riverside, Cal. After attending the public and high schools of Boonville, William L. Kcenig pursued a course at Central Business College, Sedalia, Mo. From 1904 to 1907 he was in the employ of Kingman's Implement Company, St. Louis, Mo. He returned to Boonville in 1907 and entered upon his duties as deputy county collector under his father. Upon his father's 484 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY death in 1909 he filled out the unexpired term until 1911. During the fall of 1910 he was a candidate for election to the office and was elected for another term of four years, serving as county collector until 1915. Mr. Koenig then purchased a local bus and transfer business and oper- ated this until Feb. 11, 1917. Disposing of the transfer business he entered the employ of the Viertel Garage as automobile salesman until beginning business on his own account in 1918. Mr. Koenig formerly had the agency for the Dodge cars but sold this agency to George Esser. July 13, 1909, William L. Koenig and Miss Emma Schnack were united in marriage. Mrs. Koenig is a daughter of Herman Schnack of Boonville. Mr. Koenig is a democrat and has generally taken an active part in the affairs of his party. He is a thorough business man, a good sales- man, and an excellent citizen who has the best interests of his native county and city at heart. Colbey Coward Groom, who died at his farm home, the old Kickashear place, at the edge of Overton in Saline township in 1912, was a Virginian. He was born in Louisa County, in 1859, a son of Samuel and Sallie (Smith) Groom, and was reared and educated in that county. Samuel Groom was born in Kentucky but in 1812 his parents returned to Virginia. Samuel was a babe in arms at the time being carried in the arms of his mother, who made the trip on horseback. Of the 12 children born to Samuel Groom and wife two are now living, John M. Groom, of Bunceton, and James Groom, Shady Side, Ohio. In 1880, Colbey C. Groom came to Cooper County. Not long after coming here he bought a part of the farm now owned by Henry Schnuck in Saline township and settled there in 1883. Not long afterward, how- ever, he sold that place to Mr. Schnuck and then bought from Mrs. Mar- garet Kickashear, his wife's mother, the farm at the edge of Overton on which he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1912. He is buried in the Clayton cemetery. It was on that farm on Oct. 29, 1883, that Colbey C. Groom was married to Emma Kickashear, her parents having moved there when she was but a child, she receiving her schooling in the Highland school. The Groom farm is one of the best in that section of Cooper County and is admirably located just at the southeast edge of Overton. Of the 300 acres in the farm 110 acres is Missouri River bot- tom land and the rest upland, the place thus not only being an excellent grain producer but well adapted to stock raising. Mr. Groom was a man of excellent qualities and left a good memory in the neighborhood. He HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 485 was a member of the Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill, the Modern Woodmen of America at Overton and of the Modern Brotherhood at Wooldridge, and in the affairs of these several organizations, as well as in church work and in the general social affairs of the community took a hearty interest, he and his family having been among the organizers of the Sunday school of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Emma K. Groom is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Rymel) Kickashear and was born on the place on which she is now living. The cabin in which she was born and in which her parents began housekeeping is still standing on the place. This cabin originally occupied the site of the present farm house, but when the latter was erected was moved over to make room for the new house and is carefully preserved as a relic of pioneer days. Joseph Kickashear was an Italian who came to America in the days of his young manhood and in 1852 became a resident of Cooper County. His name was Chicazolla, but the soft Italian pronunciation of this name apparently was too difficult for his Missouri neighbors, who by common consent "Americanized" it to Kickashear, a process to which Mr. Chicazolla offered no serious objection and in this latter form it has now been the family name for three generations. In 1855 Joseph Kicka- shear married Margaret Rymel, a member of one of the pioneer families of this neighborhood, and settled on the farm on which his widow is still living. Mrs. Kickashear now 83 years of age, is the only living chai'ter member of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church and still main- tains her interest in that organization, a constant attendant at Sunday school and otherwise interested in the work of the church. She is well and active and during the recent war knit 50 pair of socks for the Red Cross. She and her husband were the parents of seven children, of whom four are still living, those besides Mrs. Groom being the following: Mary Frances, Aberdeen, Wash., widow of George Johnson: Andrew J., Sedalia: and Virginia Leta, wife of Fred Schilb, postmaster at Prairie Home. The deceased members of this family are Martha, who died in infancy; George, who died at the age of 21 vears, and Morris, who married Kate Hickman and who. as well as his wife, died, leaving a son Joseph, then 10 years of age, who was reared bv Mrs. Groom and who died at the age of 19 in L914. To Colbey C. and Emma (Kickashear) Groom were born seven chil- dren. Of these a son, the third in order of birth, and a daughter, the fifth in order of birth, died in infancy, the others being as follows: Joseph Hurt Groom, named in honor of his maternal grandfather and Dr. Hurt, of Boonville, and who is now farming in Saline township; Bessie, wife of 486 . HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Emest H. Ambrose, farmer, Overton; John Clay Groom, farmer, Saline township; George K., who died at the age of 20 years, and Colbey Coward Groom, who is farming the home place. He married Dena Grannemann, of Saline township, and has a daughter, Dorothy Pauline. Mrs. Groom has seven grandchildren, Zerelda Hazel and George Ambrose. Laura Vir- ginia, Jessie Madeline and Dorothy Pauline Groom and Paul and Chapman Groom. As noted above, Mrs. Groom and her husband were the chief promoters of the organization of the Sunday school of the Highland Cum- berland Presbyterian Church and during the 21 years of that school's service she has missed voluntarily attendance but four Sundays and for CO ■• avs was the teacher of one cia3S. Emil H. Mueller, one of the best known and successful citizens of Boonville, is a native of Germany. He was born Sept. 10, 1865, at Zeller- feld, Hanover. Germany, and is a son of Edward and Julia (Hoehne) Mueller, the former of whom was a well educated man who followed the profession of mining engineer in his native country. The father died in Germany in 1918, and his widow still resides in her native town, aged 73 years. Edward and Julia Mueller were parents of six children, all of whom were sons: Albert, who followed the teaching profession in Ger- many, is deceased; Emil H., subject of this review; Hugo died in infancy; Herman died at the age of 14 years; Leopold, who is following in his fathei-'s footsteps and is a mining engineer in his native country ; Fred- erick, a postal service official in Germany. Emil H. Mueller received an excellent education in the public schools of his native city and attended a private school at Clausthal, Hanover. entered the mercantile business and received a thorough training in this "business in Germany until 1889 when he emigrated to America. Prior to this time he had served for two years in the German army, from 1885 to 1887. He first located at Versailles, Mo., and was there engaged in the mercantile business for one year; then spent one year at Deepwater. Mo. After two and a half years in business at Pilot Grove, Mo., he came to Boonville and established himself in the retail liquor business in 1895. Whatever may be said about the saloon business by its opponents it tan be stated of Mr. Mueller that he always endeavored to conduct a quiet orderly place in Boonville and carried on his business strictly in rdance with the laws regulations. He is a striking exception to the usual influence which the conduct of the business has had upon the saloon man and has been an excellent citizen who has carefully saved his profits and heavily invested in Boonville real estate. Now that national legis- HISTORY OF COOPEE COUNTY 487 lation has put an end to the business which Mr. Mueller has followed for 30 many years he has no regrets and no incriminations against the oppon- ents of the liquor traffic. He owns one of the finest brick residences in Boonviile, modern in every respect, erected in 1916 on lots which he pur- chased in 1901. He is also owner of six residence properties in the city most of which are acreage tracts, besides two business properties on Main street. Mr. Mueller is a genial, well informed citizen, who is a booster for Boonville's prosperity and growth at any and all times. May 6. 1897, Emil H. Mueller and Miss Sallie Smith of Pilot Grove were united in marriage. Two children were born of this union: Helen Mueller, born March 26, 1898: Edward Mueller, bom Sept. 13, 1899. Mrs. Sallie (Smith) Mueller is a daughter of Squire John E. and Lucy (Marshall) Smith both of whom were old and well known residents of Cooper County. Squire Smith died in 1915 and his widow makes her home with Mr. Mueller, having attained the advanced age of 72 years. Mr. Mueller is a republican and is a member of the Evangelical church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. August Brueckner. — When a building site for the location of the splendid, new St. Joseph's Hospital was desired in Boonviile, the pro- moters had little difficulty in finding a place on the high bluffs of the Missouri River just east of the main part of the city. A more ideal loca- tion for the hospital could not be desired and it was the public spirited and kindly impulse of August Brueckner to dispose of 11 acres of his land for this purpose at less than its actual value, the sale price being $200 per acre. The remaining 30 acres of the Brueckner land is devoted to fruit raising and is one of the most valuable fruit farms in Cooper County. Mr. Brueckner moved to this place from his farm in 1904, erected a large handsome brick residence facing the grounds of the Missouri Training School and set out an orchard. His orchard was planted in 1905 and con- 's of peaches, pears and plums, containing 500 peach trees, and 50 pear trees, 60 cherry trees and embracing five acres in all. Mr. Brueckner raises alfalfa as well as small fruits and is kept busily employed in caring for his orchards. August Brueckner was born on a farm one mile south of Boonvillr. Aug. 28, 1855. He is a son of John M. and Margaret Brueckner both of whom were born in Germany. His parents emigrated from Germany in IS',2 and John M. Brueckner settled on his farm and resided thereon until his death in 1906 at the age of 82 years. He reared a family of five sons and a daughter: George, the eldest son was killed by lightning; August, 488 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY subject of this review; Gustav A., lives in Boonville; William L., retired farmer living in Boonville ; John lives in Henry County, Mo. ; Louisa, wife of Rudolph Kennis, Boonville. When he was 26 years, August Brueckner rented land from his father. He was industrious and saving and in 1890 he was enabled to purchase his own farm of 136 acres. This tract was without improve- ments of any value and Mr. Brueckner, in the course of a few years placed excellent improvements on the farm and from year to year made money. In 1904, the condition of his wife's health demanded that he leave the farm and he accordingly sold out and purchased his present place. The old Brueckner farm is now owned by G. A. Brownfield. Mr. Brueckner was married in 1890 to Miss Bettie Smith of Cooper Cooper County, a daughter of Nicholas Smith. Three children have been born to this marriage: Laura, at home with her parents; Nettie, wife of George Neff , St. Louis, Mo. ; Victor A., bookkeeper in the office of Roeder & Weyland. Mr. Brueckner is inclined to support the republican party but has little time to devote to political matters. He is a member of the Evang- elical Lutheran church and is a good, progressive citizen who loves his home county and is whole souled, genial and kindly. Herman Kaiser, Sr., one of the real "old-timers" of Saline township, was born in Hanover, June 30, 1837, and was 22 years of age when in 1860 he came to this country with his parents, Henry and Mary (Warneck) Kaiser. They settled on the place in Saline township now owned by Mr. Kaiser, who has been a continuous resident of that place since coming here more than 59 years ago. When the Kaiser family settled there in 1860 the place was an unimproved woodland tract and the task of making a clearing for the home and getting the place under cultivation was no small one. At that time Jacob Schilb, Henry Meyer, Isaac Glass, Joseph Pursley and Colonel Dalton were about the only neighbors anyways near the Kaiser place and Gooch's Mill was the trading point of the settlement. John Clayton being the proprietor of the only store there at that time. On that pioneer farm Henry Kaiser and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, the latter dying in 1870 and the former in 1875, and both are buried in the Lutheran church yard. Of the children born to this pioneer pair and who accompanied them here from Hanover, the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. During the Civil War Herman Kaiser served as a member of the Home Guard, and on account of the numerous Confederate forays made HERMAN KAISER, WIFE AND GRANDCHILDREN. HERMAN KAISER, WIFE \\'l> DAITGHTERS HERMAN KAISER, WIFE AND SONS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 489 through this section saw considerable active service and had a number of exciting experiences. He married in 1866 and established his home on the home place, where he ever since has resided, in time coming into full ownership of the same, and as time passed made improvements until all the original buildings on the place had been supplanted by newer and more commodious buildings and an excellent farm plant was created. In ad- dition to his general farming Mr. Kaiser also for years has been more or less actively engaged in the raising of live stock. Of late years he has lived practically retired from the active management of the farm, turn- ing the same over to his son, Herman Kaiser, Jr. He recalls that Luth- wick Haxel owned the first "self-binder" reaping machine brought to this neighborhood and that immediately afterward, in the same season, he bought a "binder", Ulrich Oerly buying one at the same time. The junior Herman Kaiser, who is now in charge of the farm, has the same pro- gressive spirit as his father and is doing well. Herman Kaiser, Sr., has been twice married. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Mary Gatchet, who was born on April 3, 1844, and to that union 10 children were born, namely: John, born Nov. 28, 1866, died at the age of 19 years ; Elizabeth, Dec. .15, 1867, wife of Charles Schrader, Saline township; Wilhelm, Feb. 1, 1869,' Wooldridge ; H. Heinrich, Dec. 28, 1870; Emma C, Jan. 19, 1873, married C. R. Diehl and died Nov. 19, 1908; R. Sophia, Feb. 17, 1875, died Oct. 13, following; M. Louisa, Aug. 10, 1876, wife of Henry Hazel, Prairie Home township; A. Catherine, Oct. 15, 1878, married Martin Lohse and died May 2, 1907; Anna C, Jan. 15, 1881, wife of Otto Stock, Moniteau County, and Ida M., Dec, 17, 1884, married Edward McFall and died Nov. 19, 1906. The mother of these children died Aug. 21, 1885, and Sept. 3, 1886, Mr. Kaiser married Mrs. Louisa (Heckermann) Broer, widow of Carl Broer, and to this union two children have been born, L. Marie, bora Aug. 2, 1887, wife of Emil Klatt, Moniteau County, and A. \Y. Kaiser, Nov. 30, 1888. Mrs. Kaiser's first husband, Carl Broer, died June 30. 1874. She married him in 1869 and to that union were born two children, Charles Broer, born Feb. 9, 1870, now liv- ing in St. Louis, and Cordelia, Nov. 14, 1871, wife of H. Winkelmeyer. of Boonville. Mrs. Kaiser was born in Germany and received her school- ing in the private school at Pleasant Grove, her first teacher there having been the Reverend Juengel, who had about 40 pupils. The Kaisers have ever taken an interested part in church work. Matthew Cleary, farmer and stockman, and well known dealer in live stock, residing at 626 East Morgan street is a native born citizen of 490 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Cooper County. Mr. Cleary was born on a farm near Bunceton, Jan. 21, 1863. John Cleary, his father, was born in Ireland in 1812 and died in Cooper County, 1884. He came to America in 1852 and for some years he was employed in railroad construction work. Following the line of the railroad his work eventually brought him to Cooper County, Mo. Mr. Cleary rightly decided that this beautiful and productive country was the best place on earth in which to buy a farm, settle and rear a family. He had married Catherine Clifford, a native of Ireland, and to this marriage. seven children were born, three of whom are living, viz: John Cleary. Wichita, Kan.; Edward Cleary, Boonville, Mn. ; and Matthew, subject of this review. The mother of this family died in 1869. John Cleary later married Martha Johnson who bore him two children: Mrs. Eliza Farris, Boonville, Mo. ; and Helen, deceased. Matt Cleary attended the Concord district school and the parochial schools of Boonville. He began his own career when he became of age but embarked as a live stock trader when he was but 16 years old. He accumulated 300 acres of ground of which Mr. Cleary sold 80 acres in 1917 and is now owner of 220 acres of good land located six miles south of Boonville. During his career he has handled a great amount of live stock and formerly supplied the local meat markets when the dealers con- ducted their own abattoirs. He is now raising and feeding from one and a half to two carloads of hogs each year. Mr. Cleary has been twice married. His first marriage took place in Jan., 1890, to Christina Oswald, who died Jan. 14, 1891, leaving one child. Laura, who married Barney Youngkamp and died at Manhattan, Kan.. July 4, 1912, leaving one child, Virginia May Youngkamp. Mr. Cleary's second marriage occurred May 2, 1900, to Miss Julia Darby, born Nov. 1, 1868 in Geneseo, New York, a daughter of Patrick Darby and Ellen Coleman Darby, who came to Cooper County and settled near Billingsville, Mo., in 1869. Soon after Mrs. Darby's death in 1899, Patrick Darby left the farm and located in Boonville, where he died Jan.. 1917. Seven children were born to Patrick and Ellen Darby, viz: John. Nelson, Mo.; James, Shreveport, La.; Mrs. Matthew Cleary; Edward, a merchant, Boonville, Mo.; Eugene, engaged in the implement business. Boonville, Mo.; Edward died at the age of four years; Mrs. Mary Gart- hofner, Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cleary have three living children, viz: Ger- trude, attending the Catholic Seminary at Marshall, Mo.; Edith, also a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 491 student at Marshall, Mo.; Louise, attending the Boonville schools; one child died in infancy. The democratic party has always had the steadfast allegiance of Matt Cleary and he has alwavs been somewhat interested in civic and political matters. He filled the position of street commissioner of Boon- vi'le from 1912 to 1914 at the time the street paving system was placed under way and at times had as high as 50 men in his charge working on the city improvements. He and Mrs. Cleary are members of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church. Mr. Cleary is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. John E. Walterscheid, retail liquor dealer, Boonville, Mo., was born in Moniteau County, Mo., Dec. 3, 1864. He is a son of Peter and Caro- lina (Baker) Walterscheid. Peter Walterscheid, his father, was born near Killan, Germany, and came to this country when a boy, settling on a farm in Moniteau County, where he died in about 1870. His wife, Caro- line Baker Walterscheid, was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1840, and died in 1914. She was a daughter of pioneer parents in Moniteau County, who were natives of Germany. Twelve children were born to Peter and Caroline (Baker) Walterscheid, eleven of whom were reared: Catherine, deceased ; Peter, lives at Tipton, Mo. ; Mrs. Louisa Strickfadden, lives at Prairie Home, Mo.; John E., subject of this sketch; Joseph, lives at St. Louis, Mo.; William, a farmer in Clarks Fork township; Frank, a farmer in Moniteau County, Mo.; Mrs. Emma Imhoff, Walters, Okla. ; Charles, a resident of Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Scheid, Prairie Home, Mo. ; Mrs. Rosa Imhoff, Moniteau County, Mo. ; Edward, lives in Kansas. The last five children were born of a second marriage of Mrs. Walterscheid to Joseph Sweitzer. John E. Walterscheid was reared in Moniteau and Cooper Counties and learned the blacksmith trade in his youth. He plied his trade, at Prairie Home and California, Mo. In 1898 he established a hardware business at Prairie Home, Mo., and a short time later he engaged in the saloon business at California. Mr. Walterscheid came to Boonville in 1903 and established his pres- ent business. He was married in 1890 to Louisa Imhoff of Moniteau County, a daughter of Michael Imhoff. Five children have been born of this union: Herman J., Peter, Paul, Lulu, and Gertrude. Herman J. Walterscheid was born in 1892, enlisted in the National Army in Sept., 1917, and was stationed at Governor's Island, De- 492 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY partment of Manhattan, as departmental clerk. He received his honor- able discharge on May 8, 1919. Peter Walterscheid was born in 1893, and is employed at Hannibal, Mo. He enlisted in May, 1917, and was trained at Fort Riley, and Camp Funston, was first sergeant, entered the Officers' Training School and was honorably discharged from the service in Dec, 1918. Paul Walterscheid, aged 24 years, is a mechanical draughtsman, in the employ of the C, B. & Q. R. R., Hannibal, Mo. Lulu, aged 22 years, and Gertrude, aged 15 years, are at home. Mr. Walterscheid is an inde- pendent voter. Charles Lewis Eager, properietor of "Elmwood Farm", is a native of Cooper County. During his boyhood, in war times, there were many stirring scenes in and about Gooch's Mill, incidents due to the irrepress- ible clash of sectional feeling, and he has many interesting stories to tell of that period, stories of tragedies that thrilled the neighborhood and created lasting impressions in his memory. Mr. Eager was born May 5, 1850, son of Lewis and Cynthia A. (Gooch) Eager, the former of whom was connected with the mill that had been established by his father-in-law and was afterward proprietor of the mill and long one of the most influen- tial citizens in that part of Cooper County. Lewis Eager was a native of Virginia, born in Louisa County, May 1, 1809, and came to Cooper County in pioneer days. Here he married Cynthia A. Gooch, daughter of William D. Gooch, the pioneer miller. She was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1814, and was about ten years of age when her father, William D. Gooch, moved with his family from Virginia into Ohio. About five years later, about 1830 Mr. Gooch left Ohio and with his family came to Missouri, locating in this county and erecting in Saline township the mill which bore his name and around which gathered the settlement which was the nucleus of the present thriv- ing town of Gooch's Mill. Originally, this mill derived its motive power from the watercourse along which it was built, but after the death of Mr. Gooch his son-in-law, Lewis Eager, who was a millwright, who became proprietor of the mill, installed a steam plant and for years afterward operated the mill. He died in 1881 and is buried at Gooch's Mill. His wife had long preceded him to the grave, her death having occurred in 1859, and she also is buried at Gooch's Mill. Lewis Eager and his wife were the parents of four children: John William Eager, deceased; Mary Louisa, deceased; Tyre Harris Eager, Muskogee, Okla. ; and Charles L. In addition to his milling operations Lewis Eager also was the owner of a good farm and his youngest son, Charles Lewis Eager, was from the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 493 days of his boyhood interested in the work of the farm. Upon complet- ing his schooling he gave his undivided attention to farming and has ever pursued that vocation and in time became the owner of his present fine place, "Elmwood", a mile east of the old mill site. His house is of modern construction, equipped with an acetylene gas plant, and he has two good barns and other buildings in keeping with the same. Of late years Mr. Eager has been living more or less "retired" from the active manage- ment of the farm, the operation of which is being carried on by his young- est son, Paul Raymond Eager. In 1876 Charles Lewis Eager was united in marriage to Rebecca Shepherd, a daughter of Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd, of Saline township. Levi Shepherd was born in the vicinity of Independence. Mo., and became a well-to-do farmer of Cooper County. He and his wife spent their last days in Saline township and are buried at Gooch's Mill. To Charles L. and Rebecca (Shepherd) Eager five children have been born, namely: Anna Lee, wife of Fred Keifer, of Saline township; Lewis Vir- gil, a graduate of Kemper Military School .and a Free Mason, who died at the age of 26 years; Ethel, wife of Joseph T. Hickam, of Saline town- ship; Clarence Levi, of that same township, and Paul Raymond on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Eager have 11 grandchildren, namely: Herbert, Charles Shelby, Eunice Ethel, Ruth Jane, Helen Marie, Emma Lorine and Aubrey Wayne Hickam ; Anna Lewis and Charles Frederick Keiffer, and Hazel Louise and Powell Milton Eager. Mr. Eager is a democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Prairie Home, Mo. William G. Pendleton. — The name of Pendleton has long been an honored and respected one in Cooper County. The history of the family in Cooper Countv begins with the advent of the late Dr. George T. Pendle- ton in 1855. The law firm of W. G. and G. T. Pendleton oi floonville is one of the best known and efficient legal firms in the county and central Missouri, William G. Pendleton, the senior member of the firm having been engaged in the practice of law in this county since 1878, and during that time has filled positions of honor, trust and usefulness in the city of Boon- ville. He was bom Jan. 6, 1854, in Oldham County, Kentucky. Dr. George T. Pendleton was born in Jefferson County, Ky., Dec. 2, 1824, and died in Cooper County, Mo., Jan. 25, 1883. George T. Pendle- ton was reared and educated in his native county and began the study of medicine after having secured the groundwork of an academic preparation. He studied at the Louisville Medical College and graduated from this 494 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY institution. He was married on May 1, 1851, to Miss Catherine A. Ma- g ruder. In 1855 or 1856 he removed to Missouri and located near Pilot Grove, Cooper County, where for nearly 30 years he practiced his pro- fession successfully and honorably. While practicing medicine he fol- lowed the custom of his day and lived on his farm, the cultivation of which he directed. Dr. Pendleton was a man greatly beloved and re- spected in the community and his passing was marked with deep regret and sorrow from the hundreds of people to whom he had ministered in time of sickness and trouble. Naturally gifted, well educated, the pass- ing years only ripened his intellect and capabilities and he became one of the leading physicians of Central Missouri. Dr. Pendleton was father of the following children: Dr. Thomas 0. Pendleton, a physician of Pilot Grove, Mo.; William G. Pendleton, of this review; Elizabeth A., wife of Prof. Charles R. Forster, a member of the faculty of Macon College, Macon, Ga. ; Catherine H., wife of S. C. Stites, Pilot Grove, Mo.; Stapleton C, a railway official, Denver, Colo.; Susan R., living at Pilot Grove; George T., an attorney, member of the law firm, Boonville, Mo. ; Eleanor C, wife of R. M. Embry, an attorney, California, Mo. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Oldham County, Ky., in 1833, and died at Pilot Grove, Mo., Oct. 20, 1909. She was a daughter of Owen Magruder, of Kentucky, who was a descendant of the McGregors of Scotland. William G. Pendleton of this review, was educated in the common schools of Cooper County and the Law School of Louisville, Ky. He was admitted to practice in 1878 and for the past 41 years he has held a high place among the legal fraternity of Cooper County and Central Mis- souri, as a practitioner endowed with a profound knowledge of the law, and keen legal acumen. Mr. Pendleton was married Dec. 27, 1888 to Miss Marriet E. McKenzie, a native of New York, and a daughter of George and Jennie McKenzie who were natives of Inverness, Scotland, first settled in New York and from that state came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1878. Both Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie died in this county, the latter having departed this life in Boon- ville, in March, 1897. Mr. Pendleton was originally a democrat but became a republican in 1896, because of the fact that he could not acquiesce in the "free silver" plank in the democratic platform in that year. For eight years he served as county chairman of the Republican Central Committee, and has attended the State Convention of his party as delegate. From 1902 to 1912, he HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 495 filled the office of mayor of Boonville. During his term as mayor the city waterworks were acquired by the municipality, the improvement of the city's streets was placed under way, much public work was under- taken and the streets of the city were extensively paved. His admin- istration was one of the best the city has ever had. Herman August Schmidt, former police judge, and prominent citizen of Boonville, and now engaged in fanning, on his fine farm of 182 acres on the Lamine River bottoms in Blackwater township, is a native son of Cooper County. The Schmidt farm is a very productive one which pro- duced 39 bushels of wheat to the acre during the season of 1918. Judge Schmidt was bom Oct. 19, 1861, on a pioneer farm eight miles east of Boonville, in Saline township. His father, Herman Schmidt, was born in Germany in 1821 and died Jan. 4, 1880. He immigrated to America in 1837, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schmidt, who settled on the old Schmidt home- stead. Four generations of Schmidts have lived upon the farm, where the father of Judge Schmidt died and upon which he was reared to ma- turity. Only six small acres of the Schmidt land was cleared of forests in 1836 and the first home of the family was a small log cabin. Herman Schmidt was reared on this farm and married Theresa Spieler, who was born in Germany in 1830 and died Dec. 29, 1905. She came to America in 1845 with her parents, Andrew Spieler and wife. The following children were born to Herman and Theresa Schmidt: Mrs. Ida Hoberecht, Cali- fornia, Mo.; Mrs. Emma Hasenbach, Boonville; Herman August, of this review; Otto, living on the old home place of the family, whose son, Oscar, aged 19 years, is of the fourth generation of Schmidts who have lived on the homestead. Herman August Schmidt was educated in the common schools. His father died when he was 18 years of age and he remained at home unti 38 years old and then came to Boonville in 1899. In 1898 he was ap- pointed to the post of receiver of the United States Land Office by Presi- dent William McKinley. In 1902 he was re-appointed by President Roose- velt, and served for eight years in this capacity. In 1910 he was elected police judge and was re-elected to this position in 1912. Mr. Schmidt has served as deputy assessor and as deputy sheriff of Cooper County. Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Laura Hoefer, of Boonville. ; daughter of Henry and Mary Hoefer, a sketch of whom appears in thu volume. Mr. Schmidt has always been allied with the Republican party and is prominent in the affairs of his party in Cooper County. In August, 1910, 496 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he was nominated by his party as their candidate for the office of judge of the Probate Court, but was defeated in the November election by a very narrow margin. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and for the past 16 years has been a member of the board of trustees of this church. He has served as treasurer of the board for the past year. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and has been a member of the board of managers of this camp for the past 14 years. Ernest C. Oerly, proprietor of the "Gooch Pioneer Stock Farm", the old Gooch homestead place at Gooch's Mill, one of the energetic and pro- gressive young farmers and stockmen of Cooper Cunty, was born in this county Feb. 11, 1893, son of John and Elizabeth (Michler) Oerly, the lat- ter born in 1856, is still living on the home place in Prairie Home town- ship. She whs born in Switzerland and came to this country with her parents, who settled in this section of Missouri. John Oerly also was of Swiss stock. He was born near Jamestown, Mo., in 1853, son of Ulrich Oerly and wife, whose last days were spent in Cooper County and who are buried in the Pleasant Grove cemetery. Ulrich Oerly was born in Switzerland and came to this country in young manhood, locating in Moni- teau County and later came to Cooper County and located on a farm in Prairie Home township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1904. His son John also spent his last days there, his death occur- ring in 1912, and is buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. John and Eliza- beth Oerly were the parents of seven children: W. A. Oerly, of Woold- ridge ; Lulu, wife of Thomas Chrisman, Wooldridge; Bertha, married Nicholas H. Blank and died in Sept., 1918, and is buried in Walnut Grove cemetery, Boonville; Oscar Oerly, who was accidentally killed by the dis- charge of a gun at Gooch's Mill in 1907, he then being 21 years old ; Dula, wife of Hagan Hickam, of Boonville, and Grace, wife of Truman Swan- stone, of Saline township and Ernest C. Reared on the home farm in Prairie Home township, Ernest Oerly received his schooling in the Liberty district school and from the days of his boyhood has been devoted to farming. In 1913, when he was 20 years of age he bought 80 acres of his present farm in Saline township and began farming. In 1917 he bought a tract of 153 acres adjoining and on which stands the substantial old house erected there by his wife's great-grandfather before the Civil War, and has since made his home in that house, Ihe old Gooch home, which in days now long gone was a centre for much of the social activity of the Gooch's Mill neighborhood. There ERNEST C. OERLY AND WIPE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 497 are five great fireplaces in the old house and in its picturesque setting it affords a very pleasant home for its present owners. Since taking posses- sion of this fine farm of 233 acres and which he very appropriately has named the "Gooch Pioneer Stock Farm", Mr. Oerly has made numerous substantial improvements along the lines of modern development. One of the valuable features of this farm is a great never failing spring, which i said to be one of the best springs in this region of numerous springs. In 1916 Ernest Oerly was united in marriage with Anna Gray Coch- ran, who was born at Gooch's Mill April 26, 1893, daughter of Dr. 0. W. Cochran, of that place. Mr. Oerly is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Gooch's Mill and Mrs. Oerly is a member of the auxiliary order of Daughters of Rebecca there. During the time of the cyclone which visited this section on the even- ing of June 5, 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Oerly lost their home and had a most thrilling and hazardous experience. They then were living in the house on the other part of their present farm, in the place and both were at home at the time the cyclone came up, that being about 9 o'clock in the evening, with them being Herbert Blank, a nephew of Mr. Oerly. The house was blown away, utterly destroyed. When neighbors searched the scene of devastation Mrs. Oerly was found lying but a few feet from the site of the house and was at first thought to be dead, but signs of life presently were detected and she was tenderly cared for. So great was the shock she had received, however, that it was three weeks before shg regained consciousness. Mr. Oerly was blown a distance of 300 yards or more, was rendered insensible by the shock and did not l-egain conscious- ness for half an hour afterwards. Happily no permanent injury was in- curred either by his wife or himself. Herbert Blank, the lad who was visiting with his uncle and aunt, was picked up by the cyclone and car- ried above the treetops. He was not rendered unconscious and retains the most distinct impressions of his journey through the air and of being lightly deposited again on mother earth uninjured. A big carpet fell upon him as he was lying wondering what was going to happen next. Mr. Oerly's bank book was found at Paris, eight miles away. Nearly all the household silverware was recovered, but of the furniture scarcely a vestige remained. Chickens were completely stripped of their feathers and of Mr. Oerly's live stock four horses and about 25 head of hogs were killed. He also lost his automobile and in other ways suffered a severe loss of property. (32) 498 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY William L. Tanner. — Without question or possible rivalry, the Tanner Studio and Art Shop, which was opened by William L. Tanner, in Boon- ville, on Feb. 26, 1919, is the most artistic and completely equipped studio and photographic establishment in Central Missouri. Following a dis- astrous fire, which destroyed the former Tanner Studio in the McCurdy Building, Dec. 23, 1918, it was necessary for Mr. Tanner to find other quarters and to completely equip a new studio and shop. This he pro- ceeded to do and has spared no pains or expense in presenting to the people his present beautiful shop, located in the Gmelich Building, 305 Main Street. The Tanner Studio is the last word in modernity. The nitrogen lighting system, with a battery of eight lights, of strength of 8000 watts, is used and renders reliance on daylight as an adjunct to photography unnecessary. Posing can be accomplished at any hour of the day or night by means of the lighting system which Mr. Tanner has installed. The studio is equipped with the finest model of camera in existence fitted with an automatic adjustment, and which uses films in- stead of plates. Perfectly appointed dressing rooms have been provided for patrons. The studio occupies two floors and the basement of the build- ing. Mr. Tanner's assistants are Mrs. Tanner, who is an expert pho- tographer; Carl Bach, and Frank Swap, the local artist. Mr. Tanner has been in business in Boonville since 1916. He came to this city from St. Louis, a stranger, unknown and without friends or even acquaintances. On March 23, 1916, he held an opening, something unique in presenting a newly equipped photo study for the inspection of the public. Each lady attending his first opening received an appropriate souvenir of the occasion — a photograph of herself. Fifty-four Boonville ladies availed themselves of this opportunity, and the Tanner Studio was successfully launched in Boonville. Since his initial opening in Boonville, the business has prospered and numbers among its clients the best fam- ilies of Boonville and this section of Missouri. The re-opening of the Tanner Studio and Art Shop on Feb. 26, 1919, was largely attended and was a social event in the city; none called but to admire and commenl upon the perfect appointments and the furnishings of the studio, and others have been coming to have high grade work done. A department of the business or profession which will be cared for at the Tanner Studio is the painting of portraits of those who desire work of this character. William L. Tanner was born in Illinois, Sept. 24, 1880. He is a son of Louis and Christina (Kraft) Tanner, the former of whom was a native of Switzerland and the latter of Illinois. Louis Tanner left his native HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 499 mountain country and crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans when a boy of 14. During the Civil War he served as munition driver with the Fed- eral forces and had the rank of captain. When 16 years old he was a whip maker. He located in St. Louis with his parents and operated a manufacturing business there. Later the family traded for property at Lost Prairie, near Sparta, 111., and there made their future home. William L. Tanner is the oldest son of a family of 12 children, five sons and seven daughters, born to his parents. In 1886 the family again moved to St. Louis, where the father died Aug. 4, 1912, at the age of 69 years. Mrs. Tanner makes her home with her son, William L., and is aged 73 years. When 13 years old, William L. Tanner left school and went to work. He was employed in a gents' furnishing store until he attained the age of 19 years. He then took up the study of photography and worked for Gustav Schneidt, a successful photographer who had learned his art in Germany and operated two studios in St. Louis. He was with Mr. Schneidt (his father-in-law) for ten years and in 1911 was in the studio of 0. C. Conk- ling for three years. In 1914 he entered the employ of Hyatt's Photo Supply Company as traveling salesman and remained with this concern until he located in Boonville in 1916. Mr. Tanner was married on June 5, 1905, to Miss Emma Georgiana Schneidt, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., a daughter of the late Gustav Schneidt, who died April 24, 1916. Mrs. Schneidt and her son, George C. Schneidt, are operating the studios in St. Louis. Mrs. Emma Tanner is an expert finisher of photos and has followed the profession since leaving school. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner have a son, William Louis, Jr., born Feb. 2, 1904. Mr. Tanner is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church and is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the National Union of St. Louis. William L. Brickner, retired farmer, residing at 411 Center street, Boonville, Mo., is owner of a fine farm of 380 acres on the Santa Fe Trail road, five miles west of Boonville. Mr. Brickner was born Feb. 8, 1860, on a farm four miles west of Boonville and is a son of John M. and Mar- et Brickner, a sketch of whom appears in this history in connection with that of August Bricker. Mr. Brickner was reared on the home farm in Cooper County and in October, 1884, he located on a farm one mile south of the home place from his father. He purchased a tract of 135 acres to begin with and erected all buildings and improvements on the place. He continued to accumulate land as he prospered in his farming operations until he be- 500 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY came owner of 380 acres. Mr. Brickner then rightly decided that he had earned a rest and he removed to Boonville in October, 1914. Oct. 28, 1884, William L. Brickner and Mary Williams were united in marriage. The following children have been born to them: Walter is operating the home farm, married Nellie Johnmeyer and has three children, William W., Margaret, and Earl; Mrs. Birdie Rasmussen also lives on part of the home place and is mother of one child, Dorsey, born Sept. 23, 1918 ; Lloyd and Beulah Brickner, twins, born July 7, 1898. The mother of these children was born Feb. 6, 1868, on a farm within one-half mile of the Brickner home place. She is a daughter of Walter and Virginia (Payne) Williams, the latter of whom was born and reared in Cooper County, the daughter of Cooper County pioneers. Walter Wil- liams was born in 1826 and died March 1, 1895. He was a native of Wales and immigrated to America in the early forties. He crossed the Plains to the gold fields of the Pacific Slope in 1849 and was engaged in mining gold for some months. Virginia (Payne) Williams was born July 28, 1S47, and died Feb. 7, 1918. She was a daughter of James R. and Lucy Payne, natives of Virginia, who were pioneer settlers in Cooper County. The children of the Williams family are as follows : Mrs. Mary Brickner, of this review; James R., Walter, and William C. Williams, who reside on the Williams home place, west of Boonville. Mr. Brickner is a republican. He and his family worship at the Evangelical Church. ^arnut! Oerly, proprietor of "Walnut Grove Farm" in Saline town- ship, is one of the leading agriculturists and stockmen of Cooper County. Mr. Oerlv is a native of Moniteau County, Mo. He was born in 1858, a son of Ulrich and Margaret (Gatchet) Oerly, natives of Switzerland. Ulrich Oerly was born in 1827. He immigrated to America in 1847 and located first in Ohio, coming thence two years later to Missouri, locat- ing in Moniteau County, whence he came to Cooper County in 1865 and settled on a farm three miles south of Wooldridge. During the Civil War he served in the state militia one year. He died in 1909 and is buried in Methodist Episcopal Church cemetery at Pleasant Ridge. Margaret (Gatchet) Oerly came to America from Switzerland with her parents, when she was a child eight years of age, in 1834. Her father, John Gatchet, located first in Ohio, also, and from Ohio he came to Missouri in 1849 and settled on a farm in Moniteau County. Mrs. Oerly died in 1911. The children of Ulrich and Margaret Oerly are: John, deceased; Emanuel, a farmer, of Overton, Mo. ; Samuel, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, the wife of Adam Schilb, Wooldridge, Mo.; William, of Spice Creek, Mo.; MR AND MRS SAMUEL OERLY AND FAMILY HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 501 Ferdinand, whose address is unknown ; Charles, Moniteau County, Mo. ; and Fred, of Pilot Grove, Mo. Samuel Oerly attended Oakland school in Moniteau County and Lib- erty school in Cooper County. He recalls the log cabin home of his child- hood, with its mortar-filled cracks and puncheon floor, and the old-style trundle bed in which he slept, when a lad Since attaining maturity, Mr. Oerly has engaged in farming and stockraising. He purchased his pres- ent farm in 1881, from James Q. Ragland, a place comprising 204 acres of land, named "Walnut Grove Farm" because of the splendid walnut trees growing thereon. Excepting the residence and a barn, Mr. Oerly has added all the improvements now on his farm. The land is well watered by eight springs, three of which are never failing. He raises registered Big Bone Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle, Cotswold sheep and Rhode Island Red chickens. Mr. Oerly does general farming and feeds extensively hogs and cattle. June 16, 1881, Samuel Oerly and Mary Adaline Schnuck were united in marriage. Mrs. Oerly is a daughter of John G. and Catherina E. (Meyer) Schnuck. Mr. Schnuck died Aug. 2, 1880, and the widowed mother now makes her home with a son in Boonville township. Mr. and Mrs. Oerly are the parents of the following children: Henry W., born April 7, 1882, the postmaster and merchant at Overton, Mo. ; Herman H., born March 4, 1884, at home; Frank J., born Nov. 19, 1886, now with Com- pany L, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, at Bordeaux, France, when last heard from at the time of this writing; Florence M., at home; and Dora E., the wife of Herman Frederick, of Saline township. Frank J. Oerly, the soldier enlisted in the U. S. army Sept. 19, 1917, and was trained for service at Camp Funston ; became a member of Company L, 356th In- fantry, 89th Division. He sailed for France, June 30, 1918, and from Aug. 5, 1918 to Oct. 19, 1918, was at the front, Verdun and Argonne For- est. He was taken sick and sent back to Base Hospital No. 22, Bordeaux. Arrived in America March 28, 1919; honorably discharged April 21. 1919, and now at home. Mr. and Mrs. Oerly are highly respected in their community. They are worthy and consistent members of the Boonville Evangelical Church. Mr. Oerly is a republican. Herman B. Friedrich, Mr. Oerly's son-in-law, served in the National Army and was on his way to France when the armistice was signed. Mr. and Mrs. Oerly have two grandchildren : Laura Marie and Ewing Jcseph, the former, the daughter of Henry W. Oerly and the latter, the son of Mrs. Herman Frederick. 502 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY John M. Haller, proprietor and manager of the Boonville Coal Com- pany, is a native of Boonville. Mr. Haller is successor to Burger & Son, and purchased this thriving business on Dec. 1, 1918. The yards of the Boonville Coal Company are located at 602 East Spring Street and cover one-half block. Wood, coal, cement, sewer pipe, etc., are sold at retail and three teams are operating continually, and five men are employed in car- ing for the activities of the yard. John M. Haller was born in Boonville June 22, 1888. Martin J. Haller, his father, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1859, learned the printer's trade, and emigrating from his native land, located in Boonville in 1872. For the past 15 years, Mr. Haller has been foreman of the "Advertiser" publishing and printing plant in Boonville. He was married to Anna Bach in 1869. Mrs. Anna (Bach) Haller was bom in Boonville and is a daughter of Peter Bach, a Cooper County pioneer. The children born to Martin and Anna Haller are : John M., the subject of this review; Mrs. Minnie Cramer, Boonville; Louise, at home with her parents; Ernest, a sailor, enlisted man in United States Navy, enlisted in 1917 as a pharmacist and is located at Naval Base No. 29; Gilbert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1918, and is attached to U Submarine Boat, No. 3. John M. Haller was educated in the Boonville public and high schools. For 15 years after leaving high school he was a trusted and capable em- ploye of the Sauter Mercantile Company of Boonville. The business ex- perience gained with this old time established concern, which has lately dissolved, has stood him in good stead since he has engaged in business on his own account, and Mr. Haller is making a decided success of his business venture. He was married, Aug. 11, 1913, to Miss Nina Demarest of New York City, a daughter of Stephen and Evelyn (Vreeland) Demarest, who now reside in Chariton County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. John M. Haller have two children: John Haller, Jr., born Oct. 6, 1916; Helen Louise Haller, born Aug. 18. 1914. Mr. Haller is a republican, but is an independent voter. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and is affiliated fraternally with the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Martin Tucker, sheriff of Cooper County, was born in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 23, 1864. His parents were Joseph Albert and Mary Magdalena (Huber) Tucker, the former a native of England and the latter a native HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 503 of Germany. Joseph A. Tucker was bom in 1825- and died in 1880. He emigrated from England to America in 1860 and fought in the Union army throughout the Civil War, as sergeant of his company in a Ken- tucky Union regiment of volunteers. Magdalena (Huber) Tucker was born in 1842 and accompanied her mother to America in 1845. Her father died while serving as a soldier in the German army. She now resides in St. Louis. In 1870 the Tuckers left Kentucky and after one year in St. Louis, they settled at Tipton. The children born to Joseph A. and Mary Magdalena Tucker are : Mrs. Priscilla Belle Hamilton, a widow, residing with her mother in St. Louis; Albert Edward, St. Louis, and Martin Tucker of this review. Martin Tucker learned the trade of painter and decorator in St. Louis and first followed his trade at Tipton, Mo., where he resided until Sept. 7, 1884, when he located in Boonville. He was employed by Spahr Brothers of this city for a few months and then engaged in business for himself. Mr. Tucker was appointed to a membership on the city police force in 1899 and served as city policeman for six years and seven months. He was then elected city marshal and served for eight years as marshal and chief of police, from 1906 to 1914. The next step in his official career was his election to the office of sheriff of the county in November of 1916 for a term of four years. Sheriff Tucker was married on Feb. 12, 1885, to Miss Margaret Kirchner, who was born at Belleville, 111., April 18, 1864, and is a daughter of John C. and Anna B. (Knoch) Kirchner. natives of Germany who im- migrated to America in 1854. In about 1854 the Kirchners settled in Boonville, later moved to Belleville, 111., in 1862, and returned to Boon- ville in the spring of 1866. Mr. Kirchner was employed in the coal mines near Boonville and was a farmer and grape grower who conducted a vine- yard near Boonville. John C. Kirchner was born Aug. 19, 1833, and died \ug. 8, f900. His wife, Anna B. Kirchner, was born Jan. 29, 1830, and died Aug. 23, 1907. Two children of theirs are living out of 11 born to them: Lizzie is the wife of John G. Bauer, Boonville, Mo., and Mrs. Martin Tucker. Eight children have been born to Martin and Margaret Tucker, as follows: Two died in infancy; John, Ramsey, 111., a member of the Ma- sonic order; Charles lives at St. Louis, Mo.; Barbara, at home; Edna Jane, her father's office assistant, member of the Eastern Star; Pauline, a teacher in the public schools near Otterville, Mo.; James, graduate of 504 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the Boonville High School, class of 1919. Pauline Tucker was married April 17, 1918, to Carl Anthony Watts, a soldier in the National Army, landed in France in August, 1918, member of Company F, 313th Engi- neers, 88th Division. Sheriff Tucker is a republican, but is a sheriff of all the people, faith- ful and conscientious and honest to the last degree in the performance of his official duties — one of the best and most capable sheriffs who ever held this high office in Cooper County. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Independent Order of Red Men, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the Degree of Pocahontas, and the Woodmen Auxiliary Order. Mrs. Tucker is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the Woodmen of the World and the Degree of Pocahontas. John M. Burrus, now deceased, was one of the honored and highly valued pioneers of Cooper County, who contributed his part to the better- ment and upbuilding of his community and county. He was a native of Tennessee, born Aug. 23, 1819, and departed this life March 30, 1888, and his remains now rest in the Harris cemetery. He was a son of Hawkey and Frances (Martin) Burrus, who were married May 19, 1817. They settled in Cooper County 2*/2 miles south of Pisgah, on a farm now owned by George Class, and were among the very earliest pioneers of this sec- tion. They came from Tennessee. Their children, all of whom are dead, were as follows: John M., the subject of this sketch; Jacob, born Jan. 22, 1823 ; Sarah, born Feb. 24, 1825 ; William, born March 9, 1827 ; James, born April 16, 1828, was a Confederate soldier, and was killed at the bat- tle of Gettysburg; and Valentine, born Aug. 28, 1830. John M. Burrus was united in marriage April 2, 1857 with Miss Amanda Lovell, the marriage ceremony taking place on the farm where Mrs. Burrus now lives, Rev. Robert Harris being the officiating minister. Mrs. Burrus was born Feb. 3. 1837, on the farm where she now lives and is a daughter of Thomas J. and Olive (Burrus) Lovell. To John M. and Amanda F. (Lovell) Burrus were bom four children as follows: Jacob, born June 29, 1858; Hawkey, born May 3, 1860; T. J., born April 15, 1870. and Martin Nolan, born June 7, 1867. T. J. Burrus who is engaged in farming in Prairie Home township was married Sept. 4, 1895, to Miss Alpha McDow, a daughter of Milton and Keziah (Kirkpatrick) McDow. Seven children have been born to this union, as follows: Bernice married L. B. Morris and has two chil- Ji IHN M. AND AMANDA BURRUS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 505 dren : Thomas J. and Clara Louise ; John M., Prairie Home ; Porter Valen- tine ; Emil Thomas ; Charles Edward ; Mary Margaret and Joe McDow, all residing at home with their parents. The Burrus homestead, the home of Mrs. Burrus, is one of the valu- able home farms of Prairie Home township. It contains 215 acres and is well located 21/2 miles southwest of Prairie Home. This land was entered from the government by Mrs. Burrus' father, T. J. Lovell. Mrs. Burrus is one of the noble pioneer women of Cooper County. She has an extensive acquaintance throughout southeastern Cooper County and her friends are legion. She is a member of the Baptist Church at Pisgah. She is the oldest native born pioneer woman in Cooper County. Joseph M. Green, proprietor of the European Hotel, one of the oldest established and best known hostelries in Boonville, which Mr. Green has been conducting since 1883, was born May 23, 1850, in Green County, near Greensburg, on Green River, Ky. The hotel which Mr. Green owns and operates was used as the official building of the county during the process of construction of the new court house a few years ago. For years, until Mr. Green purposely curtailed his activities as a landlord so as to cut down to a minimum the amount of work involved in conducting the house, this hotel was a popular place for visitors to Boonville, and was prosperous. David D. Green, father of Joseph M. Green, was a native of New Jersey, migrated to Ohio in the thirties, thence to Kentucky, where he was engaged in business for 15 years, and then came to Arrow Rock, Mo., in 1852. Here he operated a general store and also conducted a saddlery and a hardware business. As age came upon him, the elder Green turned over the store to his eldest son, who changed the business plant to that of a general merchandist store ; later, Joseph M. Green took charge of the business, succeeding his elder brother in the saddlery and harness busi- ness, and conducted it for a number of years. David D. Green was born in 1801 and died in 1875. When a young man he married Nancy C. Phillips, who was born in Kentucky in 1816 and died in 1884. To this marriage were bom three children; Sarah, deceased; Joseph M., of this review; and John, who died at the age of five years. By a former marriage, David D. Green was father of a son, William P., who died in Texas. Joseph M. Green operated the general store at Arrow Rock, Mo., until 1883. He then came to Boonville and took charge of the hotel. Mr. Green, in past years, has built four additions to the hotel and has modern- 506 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ized the building throughout. It now consists of 22 rooms fitted with every comfort for the convenience of guests. He has lived continuously in Boonville for the past 36 years, with the exception of three years spent in Arkansas, from 1911 to 1914, looking after some land which he owns in that state. Mr. Green was married on Jan. 14, 1870, to Miss Willa A. Mahan, who has borne him children as follows: Mrs. Ida Gale Stewart, born May 20, 1871, died at Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 12, 1919; Will Ella, born April 19, 1873, died Oct. 30, 1883; Leeta Kate, bom Feb. 3, 1875, died Dec. 26, 1883 ; William David, born Jan. 19, 1877, died Feb. 6, 1879 ; Mabel Lenore, born April 3, 1881, died Dec. 28, 1883 ; Jessie, born Feb. 24, 1885, is wife of George R. Whittaker, Raton, N. M. ; Dorothy, born Feb. 24, 1885, wife of George Barnes, Boonville, Mo., and mother of two children, George Marshall Barnes, bom June 19, 1916, and Selma Anita, born Dec. 10, 1917. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1853. She is a daughter of the late Rev. William D. Mahan, picneer Cumberland Presbyterian minister of Central Missouri. Reverend Mahan was bom in Virginia July 27, 1824, and died Oct. 19, 1906. He was married on July 27, 1850, to Martha R. Johnston, who bore him the following children: Eleanor B., deceased wife of Frank Stewart; and Mrs. Willa A. Green of this review. Reverend Mahan was born in Pitts- burg County, Va., and accompanied his parents to Missouri in 1837. He came to Cooper County in 1845 and preached the gospel according to the Cumberland Presbyterian faith for over half a century. He was a son of Thomas Jefferson Mahan, who was a son of William Pope and Permelia Mahan of Pittsylvania County, Va. Thomas Mahan served in Capt. Henry Garnett's Company or the Captain John Douglas Company, Sec- ond Virginia State Militia, under Colonel Gregory, during the War of 1812. Mrs. Green is a niece by marriage of Judge McFarland, who mar- ried Mary B. Johnston, a daughter of Robert Johnston, a Cooper County pioneer, and is a second cousin of Col. Thomas A. Johnston of Boonville. An ancestor was Thomas Mahan, whose name appears on the roster of exchanged prisoners sent from Quebec in November, 1779, during the American Revolution. Another ancestor, named Smith, served in the Revolution. He enlisted Feb. 12, 1778, and served until February, 1779. Rev. W. D. Mahan was widely known as an author and writer of religious books. He published "Archaeological Writings of the Sanhedrim and Talmuds of the Jews," which were afterwards combined in the Archko HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 507 Library. He based his deductions and decisions upon the results of ex- tensive personal research and study in the ruins and libraries of Rome and Constantinople, gathering at first hand the information necessary from archaeological inscriptions and had the translations duly made by scholars so that he could incorporate the matter in his books. He wrote and published "Caesar's Court," in 1895. The Archko Library, which originally consisted of five volumes, was afterwards combined and pub- lished in its entirety by the Archko Book Company of Boonville. He wrote "History on Baptism" and other pamphlets. Rev. Mahan devoted the best years of his life to the production of "Acta Pilate," his first book. Joseph M. Green is a democrat of the straight, and true variety, which recognizes no deviation from democratic principles of government. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Green is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. He has been an Odd Fellow since May, 1871. .ichn J. Walther, contractor and builder, residing at 406 East High street, Boonville, Mo., has been engaged in the contracting business since 1880. During his career as contractor and builder, Mr. Walther has built a large number of Missouri River steamboats; erected the large elevator for the milling company ; built many new store fronts in Boonville ; erected a large number of residences in Boonville and Cooper County, and has employed from three to 10 men during his busy seasons. John J. Walther was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 23, 1854 and is a son of Peter and Carolina (Englehardt) Walther who were born and reared in Germany. Mr. Walther's grandfather was a carpenter and gov- ernment official in Germany. Peter Walther, his father, was an expert willow worker. Peter Walther immigrated to America leaving Bremen and landing at New Orleans from a sailing vessel when John J. Walther was six weeks old. Walther, Sr.. settled on a farm west of Boonville and here spent the remainder of his days. He was born in 1832 and died in 1900. His wife was born in 1833 and died in 1873. The children of the Walther family were: John J., of this review; Louis, Emma, Louise, and Bertha, de- ceased : and Mrs. Anna Labbo, San Francisco. At the age of 21 years, Mr. Walther began to follow his trade of carpenter. When a boy he chopped wood on his father's farm, helped to build the parental home from timber cut on the place, drove oxen and did the hardest kind of farm labor. Having a natural aptitude for car- penter work he indulged his lobby and has made a success of his life work. 508 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY For many years he was a skilled steamboat builder. He built the "Dorothy" a local ferry boat, the "Edna", "Elta" and many other boats and barges. Mr. Walther is owner of a half block of valuable city prop- erty, upon which are three brick residence buildings, including his own large house which is a double structure, and his shop which is built upon the same block. Mr. Walther was married in 1880 to Miss Elizabeth Weber, who was born in '1857 and departed this life in 1900. She was born in Boonville, a daughter of John and Margaret Weber. To this marriage have been born two sons and two daughters: William, Carl and Odell. William Walther is a carpenter and contractor, married Nettie Becker and has a daughter, Elizabeth Walther. Carl Walther is a carpenter and contractor now in Texas, married Donell Woods who died leaving one child, Carl Jacob. Odell Walther is at home. One child died in infancy. Mr. Walther is a republican but spends little time with political affairs. He is a member of the Evangelical church and has been an Odd Fellow since 1884. He is a substantial well informed, industrious and progressive citizen who has won a high place in the citizenship of Boon- ville and Cooper County. Mark Jacobs, proprietor and manager of the Jacobs Brothers Dry Goods Store, is a progressive and enterprising citizen and merchant of Boonville, who is ever found in the forefront of all movements for the advancement of his home city. Jacobs Bros, store was founded in May, 1894, by David W. and Mark Jacobs. After the accidental death of David W. Jacobs as a result of injuries received from a boiler explosion in Seattle. Mark Jacobs purchased the business. The store room is 140 feet in depth to which has been added two rooms on Spring street facing to the south and 40x90 feet in size. In 1916, Mr. Jacobs purchased the three buildings now occupied by his large establishment and remodeled the floor space and uses the lower floors of the buildings. The Jacobs store has the largest floor space and the most extensive stock of ladies' wearing apparel, cloaks and suits, in central Missouri and the trade is the best in this sec- tion of the state. Mr. Jacobs employs fourteen sales people, has a secre- tary, Miss Mollie Jones, who has been in his employ for the past 21 years, and he has kept the same porter for 17 years. During the 25 years in which he has been engaged in business he has never discharged an em- ploye, although many young ladies have left his employ for the duties of wife and housekeeper in past years. Four of his salespeople have been DR. A. C. .1 \i'i »BS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 509 in his employ since the beginning of the business. This record speaks volumes for the kindness, fairness and diplomatic management of Mr. Jacobs. Mark Jacobs was born in Quincy, 111., Aug. 2, 1869. He is a son of A. Jacobs and Flora (Levy) Jacobs, both of whom were natives of Berlin, Germany. When A. Jacobs was a child his parents removed from Berlin to England and he was there reared. He was born in 1836 and died in 1900, in Boonville. He came to America in 1848 with his parents, and was brought up in the shoe business in Quincy, 111. He was a merchant in Quincy, 111. until 1884 when he went to the Osage Mission, Kan., and was engaged in business there until he came to Boonville in 1894. Mrs. Jacobs died in 1904 at the age of 64 years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, as follows: David W., deceased; Mark, subject of this review; Mrs. Belle Mendheim, Chicago, 111.; Mrs. Rose Wolfson, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Dr. A. C. Jacobs, Boonville, Mo., who died July 24, 1918, as the result of injuries received in an accident at Choteau Springs, Mo.; Mrs. Adelaide Klein, Keokuk, Iowa, died April 14, 1919 ; Burt Jacobs, traveling salesman for the Hirschfield Skirt Company. At the age of 14 years, Mark Jacobs ended his schooling and enter- ing his father's store where he received his excellent business training. In addition to the management of his large dry goods business, Mr. Jacobs is secretary of the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company. He is a member of the St. Joseph's Hospital board and has served as chairman of the State Fuel Committee having entire charge of the fuel disposition in three counties. Howard, Cooper and Moniteau during the World War. Mr. Jacobs is a factor in local, civic and commercial affairs and is one of the leaders in the project for a greater and better Boonville. Dr. Henry Clay Gibson. The late Dr. Henry Clay Gibson was, in his day, the most able physician in Cooper County, and was in his later days the oldest practicing physician in this section of Missouri. Dr. Gibson was born in Cooper County, Aug. 25, 1825, and died Dec. 14, 1887. He was born on the old Gibson homestead, which is now incorporated into the Missouri Training School property. William, or "Uncle Billy Gibson," his father, was a native of North Carolina and was an early pioneer in Cooper County. He married for his first wife, Rhoda Cole, born in Cole's Fort on the Missouri River, and a daughter of Stephen Cole, the first white settler in what is now Cooper County. Henry Clay Gibson was educated in Kemper School, and attended the Transylvania Medical College at Lexington, Ky., during the sessions of 510 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1846-47. He then entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, from which he was afterwards graduated. Returning to Boonville after receiving his degree, he began the practice of his profession, soon secured a lucrative practice, and established a wide reputation as an educated, successful physician. Devoted to medicine as a science, not less than to his practice, and desiring to keep up with the progress of the profession as represented by the advancement in learning in the schools, he returned to Philadelphia and again entered his alma mater for a post graduate course. Dr. Gibson resumed his practice in Boonville in 1853 and continued to practice successfully until the time of his death. Dr. Gibson was twice married. His first marriage occurred on Jan. 11, 1856, too Miss Mittie Nelson, a native of Virginia, and sister to James M. Nelson. She died one year after marriage. Dr. Gibson's second mar- riage took place Jan. 11, 1871, with Mrs. Mary L. (Jones) McCarthy, widow of Justin McCarthy. Three children were born to this union: Mary J. Gibson, at home with her mother; Rhoda Cole Gibson, died in infancy ; Martha, wife of A. K. Mills, died at Webb City, Mo. ; Mrs. Nancy O'Meara, wife of Joseph O'Meara, teacher of dramatic art in the College of Music, Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother of these children was born Nov. 2, 1840, in a log cabin at Bolivar, Mo. She is a daughter of Caleb and Nancy (Chapman) Jones, natives of Baltimore, Md., and Old Franklin, Mo., respectively. Caleb Jones was a pioneer merchant, trader, post- master, and Whig politician of the early pioneer days. He was born in Baltimore, a son of Joshua Jones, a native of that city, who fought with the American Army in the War of 1812. The wife of Joshua Jones was Mary Ann Sands, a daughter of Commodore Sands of the United States Navy. Caleb Jones was born in 1800 and died March 15, 1883. He came up the river to St. Louis, and walked to Arrow Rock, Mo., where he taught school and formed a partnership with Clay Jackson, later the war gov- ernor of Missouri. He became a merchant, moved to Old Franklin, and developed a large wholesale business which supplied many points in south- west Missouri with goods. He had previously operated a trading post in Bolivar, Mo., and was widely and favorably known throughout the entire section where his goods were sold. Mr. Jones later had an establishment in Boonville, including both a retail and a wholesale business. During the Civil War he suffered serious reverses from which he never fully recov- ered. He died in Mrs. Dr. Gibson's home. His children were: Mrs. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 511 H. C. Gibson ; Mrs. William D. Muir, deceased ; George C. Jones, a large land owner of Blackwater, Mo. Joshua Jones, mentioned in the preceding paragraph, was a son of Joshua Jones, patriot, of Welsh extraction, who fought in the American Revolution. Nancy Chapman Jones, mother of Mrs. Gibson, was born April 6, 1814, and died Feb. 7, 1878. She was a daughter of Squire George Washington Chapman, a Kentucky frontiersman, and a pioneer in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. He was a noted border character who spent his life in advancing the outposts of civilization in remote and unsettled regions. Mary L. Jones was first married in 1860 to Justin McCarthy, of San Antonio, Texas, who died in that city in 1865, leaving a son, William J., an actor. Dr. Gibson was a democrat and was a member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Gibson and her children are members of the Catholic Church. John J. Heiberger, proprietor of the Heiberger Bakery, Boonville, Mo., has the oldest established bakery in the city. Mr. Heiberger estab- lished his bakery in May, 1895, and has been doing business successfully in the same location since that time. The output of the Heiberger bakery is 700 loaves of bread daily, besides a quantity of pies, all of which is con- sumed in Boonville and the towns of Cooper County. One auto truck is operated and three men are employed in the operation of the bakery. Mr. Heiberger was born in Boonville, Aug. 3, 1872, and is a son of Blasius (b. 1847, d. May 11, 1918), who was born in Alsace and came with his mother to America in his boyhood days and settled in the Clear Creek neighborhood in Cooper County. When grown to manhood B. Heiberger came to Boonville and operated a saloon, restaurant and various other business enterprises during his career. He married Mary Friess who was bom in Germany in 1849 and came to America with her parents when a child. B. and Mary Heiberger were parents of the following children: Charles, Hannibal, Mo. ; Anna, wife of Clarence Ashley, St. Louis, Mo. ; Kate Heiberger, a trained nurse, in the government hospital at Wash- ington, D. C. ; and John J., subject of this review; Josephine, employed in the office of the United States Rubber Co., St. Louis, makes her home with her mother. At the age of 13 years, John J. Heiberger began to learn the trade of baker in Boonville. When 17 years old he went to St. Louis, and fol- 512 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY lowed his trade in the metropolis for three years. In 1892 he returned to Boonville and three years later started his successful industry. October 6, 1897, he was married to Rebecca Stammerjohn who was born in Boonville, June 24, 1875, and is a daughter of Claus Stammer- john and Emma, his wife, natives of Holstein, and Prussia, respectively, the former of whom was born in 1843, emigrated to America in 1869 and settled in Boonville. Emma Stammerjohn was born in 1851 and came to America when young. Two children were born to John J. and Rebecca Heiberger, as follows: John C, a student in the Missouri State Uni- versity, Columbia, Mo.; Edwin, assisting his father in the bakery. Mr. Heiberger is a stanch republican. He is a member of the Chris- tian church and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a good citizen, substantial, progressive and enterprising. Walter Barron, a Civil War veteran of the Union army, and an early settler of Cooper County, is a native of Ireland. He was born in County Waterford, April 2, 1840, a son of Michael and Mary R. (Murphy) Barron, both natives of Ireland. The father was born in 1800, and immigrated to America with his family in 1848. They first settled in Calloway County, Mo., after landing at New Orleans from a sailing vessel, and coming up the Mississippi River to St. Louis by steamboat and to Calloway County by stage coach. They remained in Calloway County about two years, and in 1850 settled at Boonville. The father helped build a mill at Boon- ville and was engaged in the milling business for a number of years. He died in 1891 at the advanced age of 91 years. His wife died in 1870 at the age of 50 years. This pioneer couple were the parents of two children: Mary, who married Hiram Shrowt, and died in 1900, and Walter, the sub- ject of this sketch. Walter Barron was educated in the public schools of Boonville and Mt. Sinia, Cooper County. He began life as a farmer and stock raiser, and has been engaged in that business all his life. He purchased the farm, "Ballan Curia," where he now resides, in 1865, and thus it has been his home for over half a century. He first bought 80 acres of land and later added 320 acres more and at one time owned about 400 acres. However, he disposed of a part of his land and now owns 166 acres. He has a well- improved place, a good modern farm residence of nine rooms with a good barn 48x54 feet, and other commdious and convenient farm buildings. In recent years Mr. Barron has rented his place, although he continues in the stock business on a moderate scale. During his active carrer he was one of the successful fruit growers of Cooper County, and has set out three orchards. WALTER BARRON HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 513 When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Barron enlisted in the Home Guards at Boonville. He was then just 21 years of age. Later he en- listed in the 37th Illinois Infantry, and afterwards became a member of the 9th Missouri Cavalry. He participated in the battle of Castle Rock Ford on the Osage River and was in the skirmish south of Boonville. He was also at the battles of Little Blue, Independence, Big Blue, Mine Creek and Little Osage and a number of other engagements and skirmishes. He took part in 21 engagements in all, including the battle with Bill An- derson's guerrillas at Fayette, in which many men were killed. In 1869. Mr. Barron was married to Miss Virginia M. Hurt, a daugh- ter of Joel and Harriet (Farris) Hurt, both deceased. The Hurt family consisted of the following children: Henrietta Runkle; Virginia M. ; Boone Hurt, Pleasant Green ; Mary Helen Cartner, deceased ; Mrs. Dora Davis, Boonville township; Mrs. Josie Earhart, Gooch Mill, and Milo B., deceased. By a first marriage, Joel Hurt was father of: Joel Hurt, a wealthy citizen of Omaha ; Ira 0., Texas ; Nancy McAllister, Oklahoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Barron were born the following children: William P., died at the age of 24 years ; Mrs. Minnie Langkop, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. Rosa Brandes, Clarks Fork township; Mrs. Lulu Brandes, Boonville, Mo.; John, Moniteau township ; Nellie resides at home ; Boone, Brunceton, Mo. ; Walter, Jr., died at the age of 19 ; Mary Ellen, died at the age of 13, and Josie and Joseph, twins, died in infancy. Mrs. Barron died January 7, 1918, and her remains are buried in the Catholic cemetery at Boonville. The following are the grandchildren: Ralph and Waldo Langkop; Clo- rine, Earle, Mary Virginia Brandes, Walter Barron and Ruth, Lloyd and Rodney Brandes. Boone Brandes has one son, Boone Donald. Mr. Barron was commissioned captain of the Missouri State Militia by Governor Thomas Fletcher just after the close of the Civil War, and the duties of this organization was to protect peaceful citizens against bands of outlaws which infested the state at that time. Mr. Barron is one of the real pioneers of Cooper County. He says that he cannot recall the names of a half dozen people now living in Boonville who were here when he came here, 69 years ago, which impresses us with the fact that time is rapidly thinning the ranks of the old settlers. Mr. Barron cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president, and since that time has supported the policies and principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republican, John A. Hayne Post No. 240, Boonville, Mo., and is Past Commander of this post. (33) 514 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY William F. Johnmeyer. — It is given to but few men to achieve suc- cess such as that which has come to William F. Johnmeyer, retired farmer of Boonville, in the short space of 37 years since he first came to America from Germany and hired out as farm hand in Cooper County. Mr. John- meyer has not only accumulated a fine farm, become well to do, but has achieved more than a local reputation as a grower of corn and a breeder of poultry. In 1907 his exhibit of corn was awarded a silver loving cup at the Jamestown Exposition for the best exhibit of many kinds of corn. He received the grand corn prize through the Missouri Commission hav- ing charge of the Missouri exhibits at the exposition. Mrs. Johnmeyer, in 1901, 1902, and 1903, was awarded loving cups at the county fairs, for taking the most prizes ,for canned goods and farm products put up on the Johnmeyer farm. For several years Mr. Johnmeyer was an expert corn grower and made a business of producing seed corn which commanded a ready sale at good prices. He also specialized in fine poultry. He won many premiums on seed corn exhibited at Columbia and elsewhere, and his achievements as a corn grower attracted nation-wide attention, as having produced the best grades of corn in the United States, according to the leading agricultural authorities at Washington, D. C. William F. Johnmeyer was born in Germany, Nov. 15, 1858, and was a son of Frederick William and Charlotte Johnmeyer, who lived and died in Germany. Mr. Johnmeyer came to America in 1881, locating at once in Cooper County. He had very little money and accordingly went right to work as a hired hand on the farms in Cooper County. He hired out for three years at $12 per month at the start, and $20 per month during the third year, and during that time saved $500. Feeling himself to be well off, he got married and then rented a farm for four and a half years. In the fall of 1888, he purchased 132 acres of land west of Boonville in Boonville township. He agreed to pay $36 an acre for this land. Not long afterwards he bought an additional 33 acres, paid out, and then bought another tract of 140 acres, which he sold some time ago at a profit. The Johnmeyer farm is well improved and highly productive and has created wealth for its owner, who has tilled his land with intelligence and foresight. March 2, 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Johnmeyer moved to Boon- ville. In process of erection on High Street, is a new residence which will be occupied by this worthy couple when completed. Jan. 28, 1884, William F. Johnmeyer and Miss Sophia Smith were united in marriage. Mrs. Sophia Johnmeyer was born on Lone Elm Prairie, Dec. 25, 1863, and is a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Dem- hauser) Smith, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 515 Eight children have been born to William F. and- Sophia Johnmeyer, as follows : Margaret, wife of George Branch, a farmer of Boonville town- ship ; Fred, a farmer in Saline County, Mo. ; Albert, a farmer, living west of Boonville ; Martin, who is cultivating the Johnmeyer home place ; Nellie, wife of Walter Breuckner, living west of Boonville; Mrs. Emma Lang- lotz, west of Boonville; Perley, on the home place; Alexandra, aged 12 years. Mr. Johnmeyer is a republican, but has taken little part in political affairs, other than to cast his vote. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. Many things are to be placed to the credit of Mr. and Mrs. Johnmeyer, the best of which is the rearing of a splendid family of sons and daughters, who are all good citizens, industrious and enterprising. They are a congenial, intelligent, and progressive couple, whose achievements in Cooper County have made them widely known throughout the country. For a farmer, Mr. Johnmeyer evidently has enough fame to last him the remainder of his life. William B. Talbott, traveling salesman, Boonville, Mo. ; was born at Marengo, Iowa, May 20, 1885. He is a son of George Edward and Mary (Davis) Talbott, the former of whom is a native of Illinois, and the latter a native of Williamsburg, Iowa. George Edward Talbott was a son of George Washington Talbott, of Virginia, who first settled in Ohio and went from that state to Illinois, where George Edward Talbott was born and reared. Mr. Talbott was married in Iowa, and in about 1910, went to Wichita, Kan., where he re- mained for three years. In 1912 he located in Kansas City where he holds the position of manager of the Baker Manufacturing Company. He had previously been engaged in manufacturing at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, under the firm name of Smith-Talbott Manufacturing Company. His children are as follows : William B. Talbott, Maude L., at home with her parents; Mina C, a teacher in the Kansas City, Kan., public schools; Mrs. Josephine Ramsdale, Kansas City ; Rev. Howard Talbott, a minister of the Presbyterian denomination, now Chaplain with the American Expe- ditionary Forces, 2nd Division, first in France and now in Germany with the Army of Occupation ; Lieut. George H. Talbott, a theological student, enlisted in the National Army with the 32nd Division at the outbreak of he war and has seen much active service with the American Army in France ; Helen Louise Talbott, aged 12 years, is at home with her parents. William B. Talbott received his education in the high school of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, attended the Beloit College, Beloit, Wis. for two years, and 516 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY then studied law in the University of Iowa. Illness coming upon his father, he was prevented from completing his collegiate course and had to go to work and assist in supporting the family. In 1907 he became a salesman for the Baker Manufacturing Company of Kansas City, and is one of the most successful traveling salesmen on the road. Mr. Talbott's territory covers western Missouri from Jefferson City, westward. He came to Boonville on July 4, 1909 and is one of the best known of the progressive and public spirited citizens of this city. He was married on June 14, 1911, to Miss Minnie B. Gross, who was born in Boonville and is a daughter of C. E. Gross. The children born to William B. and Minnie B. Talbott are: Ruth Louise, bom April 19, 1912; William Burl, Jr., born- Oct. 13, 1913; Mary Frances, born Oct. 12, 1917. Mr. Talbott is a pronounced democrat. He has been active in the affairs of his party and has served as secretary of the Democratic Cen- tral Committee. He was elected to a membership on the Boonville Board of Education in the spring of 1918 and took his seat as a member of the board in June, 1918. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church while Mrs. Talbott is a Catholic. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a member of the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine; the United Commercial Travelers and the Missouri Drummers Association. A. W. McFarland. — The story of the struggles and accomplishments of the pioneer men and women of any section of the country, is one of ever increasing interest. The true history of Cooper County consists, in a large measure, in the recital of the lives and deeds of the pioneers, whose sacrifices made possible the better condiations which those of a later generation enjoy. A. W. McFarland, who died Jan. 9, 1910, while a native of Cooper County saw much of the early life and early day devel- opment of this county. He belonged to a family of pioneers. He was born in Boonville township in 1834, a son of Jacob and Matilda (Fleming) McFarland, who were among the very early settlers of this county. Jacob McFarland died in 1843, and his wife departed this life three years later, and their remains now rest in a private cemetery on their old home farm. A. W. McFarland was reared to manhood in Cooper County, and edu- cated in the district schools, or such schools as existed at that time. He was married Dec. 10, 1857, to Miss Mary Catherine Hurt. They resided in Cooper County for about three years after their marriage, when they removed to Henry County, and remained there three years. They then returned to Cooper County and settled on the farm where Mrs. McFarland HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 517 now lives. Here A. W. McFarland engaged in farming and stock raising, and was regarded as a successful man of affairs, and a good citizen. He improved his place and made a pleasant home for himself and his family. It is one of the attractive places in that section of the county, and the cedar trees which were set out over a half century ago still ornament the front yard of the residence, and give the place an artistic and distinctive appearance. Mary Catherine (Hurt) McFarland is also a native of Cooper County, and belongs to a family of pioneers. She was born in Clarks Fork town- ship, Sept. 2, 1838, a daughter of William and Catherine (Robertson) Hurt. William Hurt was born in Cooper County, of Virginia parents, who were among the first settlers of this section. He died in 1895. His wife, who was also born in this county died in 1881. Their remains are interred in Walnut Grove Cemetery. William and Catherine (Robertson) Hurt were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Nancy M. Davis, deceased; Mary Catherine, widow of A. W. McFarland, the subject of this sketch ; Jenkin B., deceased ; Benijoh, deceased ; William, resides in Clarks Fork township ; and James, resides in Clarks Fork township. To A. W. and Mary Catherine (Hurt) McFarland were born the fol- lowing children : Alice, married Robert Johnston, who is now deceased, and she lives in Boonville ; Laura Catherine, deceased ; William J., resides on the old home place ; Lillie May, deceased ; and Agnes Lee, married Ter- rell Mills, and they reside on the McFarland homestead. Terrell Mills and Agnes Lee McFarland were married Oct. 11, 1899. Mr. Mills was born in Clarks Fork township, Feb. 20, 1878. He is a son of James T. and Bettie Elizabeth Mills. The father is now deceased and the mother resides in Kansas City, Mo. To Terrell and Agnes Lee (Mc- Farland) Mills has been born one child. Mary Elizabeth, bom Jan. 18, 1905. There were nine grandchildren in the McFarland family, as follows: Emmett B. Johnston; Mrs. Berna Swarne; Mrs. Ruth Swarner; Percy E. McFarland, deceased; Mrs. Eula Mercer; Wilbur J. McFarland; Mary Martha McFarland; Alice Grace McFarland; and Mary Elizabeth Mills. The following are great-grandchildren of Mrs. McFarland: Burnah Mil- dred Lucile, Edward, and Mildred Swamer, and Roberta, Bernard, and Mary Edwina Johnston. The McFarland family have been prominently identified with Cooper County almost since its beginning, and are one of the highly respected pioneer families of this section. Mrs. McFarland, although in her 81st year, has a keen insight into the affairs of every-day life and a remarka- ble memory, rich in reminiscense of Cooper County history. 518 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Homer L. Chamberlin has resided in Cooper County since his birth, with the exception of one year spent in the employ of the Consolidated Copper Company of Luray, Ariz. When 19 years old he bought 72 acres of land near Speed, Mo. He sold this farm and then bought 300 acres in the Texas Panhandle, which he sold in 1907. He then rented until he purchased his present farm in 1910. November 10, 1912, Homer L. Chamberlin and Miss Alice Dauer were married. This marriage has been blessed with the following children: Doris, born Nov. 8, 1913; Bernice, born July 5, 1915; Hortense, born July 9, 1917; Birdie Jeanette, born Dec. 2, 1918. In addition to his own family, Mr. Chamberlin is rearing an orphan boy, George Kowler, whom he adopted Nov. 25, 1913, and who was born March 2, 1903. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Cooper County, July 4, 1888, and is a daughter of Max and Augusta (Haas) Dauer. Max Dauer was born in Germany, April 1, 1860, and accompanied his parents, George and Anna Dauer, to Cooper County, Mo., in 1867. He was reared here, became a farm owner, and was married in 1885 to Augusta Haas, who was born in Germany in 1865. Mr. Dauer owned a farm of 85 acres, which he recently sold and is now living in Boonville. He has two chil- dren: Mrs. Homer L. Chamberlin, and Birdie, wife of Albert Selck, as- sistant postmaster, Boonville, Mo. Mr. Chamberlin is a democrat, a member of the Evangelical Church and the Woodmen of the World. Thomas Hogan, retired contractor, living in his comfortable and substantial home at 629 East Spring street, Boonville, Mo., is a native of New York. Mr. Hogan was born Aug. 15, 1856, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Murphy) Hogan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They emigrated from Ireland to America when young and lived the remainder of their lives in the vicinity of New York City and Brooklyn, rearing a family of four children of whom Thomas Hogan of this review is the only survivor. The boyhood days of Thomas Hogan were spent in the city of his birth and he attended the public schools of his home city. When Greeley was giving his famous advice, "Go West Young Man, Go West, and Grow Up With the Country." Thomas Hogan was one of the many thousands of young men from the East who read, thought, then acted upon the admonition of the great editor. He came West, grew up with the country and assisted it to materially grow up with him. He began his westward way as a builder of railroads, albeit at first in an humble capacity, first HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 519 working with the construction gangs in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, then farther west to Illinois. All the time he was following the laying of the steel tracks toward his goal "The West." He continued to go West until he got to the furthermost end of the country, Washing- ton Territory, all the time engaged in railroad building. He rose from an humble shoveler and digger to become a contractor in his own right and handled some large and important construction undertakings. He was doing construction work on the Oregon Short Line and the Northern Pacific through the Cascade Mountains in 1882. Before he had attained the age of 21 years he had reached the Puget Sound country. In 1877 he was laying track on the Eastern and Washington Railroad from Springfield, Ohio, to Washington Court House. At this time he began contracting on his own account and has followed it for over 40 years with varying degrees of fortune. Sometimes, Mr. Hogan made money; then at other times, weather conditions and other things would conspire to rob him of any profit which might have been made on the job. He constructed the great railroad tunnel at Carter, Okla., on the Iron Mountain Railway, in 1904. This tunnel is 4,700 feet long and was a notable undertaking. He built 15 miles of railroad from Batesville, Ark., west on the White River line. Mr. Hogan located at Boonville in 1892 and made this city his headquarters. In 1898 he built part of the line of the Missouri Pacific Railway to Jefferson City, building two miles of the road to the Elliot station. He built five miles of road between Wymore and Fairbury, Neb., on the Burlington Railway in 1880, at a time when Nebraska was new and undeveloped. He followed the iron rails into Colorado, and built six miles of the Denver extension in 1882. He built eight miles on the Wood River branch, running into Bellevue, Idaho, from 1883 to 1884, to meet the Oregon Short Line. From 1878 to 1904, Mr. Hogan was engaged in railroad construction work. The greater part of the public improvements in Boonville, such as streets, sewerage, water works, etc., has been built by Mr. Hogan. He built the firts brick paving in Boonville in 1898. In fact he built all of the paving in the city excepting about one half mile and the work was done in a thoroughly workmanship manner which is enduring the stress of traffic in a way which compares most favorably with similar work in other cities. Mr. Hogan built all of the sewerage in the city, that is, the district sewers, built the Boonville Water Works basins and other work of importance in the city. At the outset of his successful career he made his headquarters in Springfield, Ohio, for two years and built some of the 520 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY first rock roads in Pike County, Ohio. Mr. Hogan was the originator of the modern sewerage system in Boonville; he advocated the building of a sewerage system and led the agitation for its installation. During his career he has employed hundreds and thousands of men of all nationalities and his contracts have run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. At Carter, Ark., the tunnel project which he constructed cost a half million dollars to build. Mr. Hogan was married in 1892, at Boonville, Mo., to Miss Sarah Sharp, who was bom in 1869, reared in Cooper County and was a daugh- ter of Thomas and Margaret Sharp. Her parents were natives of Indiana and pioneers in this county. Mr. Sharp is deceased; Mrs. Sharp makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Hogan. Mr. Hogan is a democrat and prominent in the affairs of his party. He was a member of the City Water Works Board, and was the originator of the present splendid water works system in Boonville, which is con- sidered to be one of the finest in this section of the country. Mr. Hogan is a member of the Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. Henry A. Renken, proprietor of "Willow Spring Farm," in Clarks Fork township, is one of Cooper County's "self-made" men, a leading agri- culturist and stockman, and a prominent citizen of his township. Mr. Renken was born June 26, 1853, in Bremen, Oldenburg, Germany, a son of Eilert G. and Sophia Dorothy (Addix) Renkin, who immigrated to America in 1882 and settled in Boonville, Mo. Eilert G. Renken was a tailor by trade. He died at the advanced age of 90 years, and his wife died at the age of 76 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Renken died at the home of their son, Henry A., in Clarks Fork township. The children of E. G. and Sophia D. Renken are as follows: William Henry, who came to Cooper County, Mo, from Germany in 1875, and died in September of the same year; Henry A., the subject of this review; Ida, now deceased, the wife of Leonard Smith and the mother of one child, a son, John Henry, who is now living in Clarks Fork township. William Henry served in the German army prior to his coming to America. Henry A. Renken immigrated to America in 1872 and located at Bil- lingsville, Mo., where he was employed for four years, receiving §100 a year. He worked as a laborer for 12 years and saved his earnings. Mr. Renken resided at Big Lick for one year after his marriage, and he moved to his present country place in 1882, a farm comprising 185 acres of land. At the time of his purchase, an old log-cabin stood on the place. The z 'A Kfprf • . 1 jK 1 ■■ ■■' \^JI^^JJk£a ^«to(^^ v ' 1 * ^ l^J 1 HL ^^^ ^HBB^^^^ ' ^ffifrt '^ HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 521 present comfortable residence was built in 1892. It is a seven-room structure, well constructed, airy, and arranged with two halls. Prior to building the residence, Mr. Renken built two barns one in 1882, and the other in 1883. All buildings on the Renken farm are in excellent repair, including a garage, chicken houses, machinery shed, engine house, smoke house, shed for farm scales and granary. Mr. Renken has drilled two wells, one 212 feet in depth, the second 323 feet in depth. A third well is on the farm. In addition to the wells, there is an excellent spring on the farm and Clarks Fork Creek touches it. The Renken farm, widely known as "Willow Grove Farm," is located six miles from Boonville on the Jefferson road. Mr. Renken raises pure bred, but not registered, cat- tle and hogs. In former years, he was interested in raising trotting horses, and as a horseman he was unusually successful. He raised "Billy," and "Billy" was a high-stepper, a jumper, the sort used in England for fox chases. "Billy" was sold afterward for $15,000 and he was taken to England. In 1880, Henry A. Renken was united in marriage with Elizabeth C. Schnuck, of Saline township, a daughter of John and Catherine (Meyer) Schnuck. To Mr. and Mrs. Renken have been born the following chil- dren: Ida, now deceased, the wife of Herman Schmidt; Tillie, the wife of W. A. Farris, of Boonville; Florence, the wife of Walter Wamhoff, of Pilot Grove; William H., of Boonville; Leonora, the wife of John G. Henry, of Boonville; and Clara the wife of William G. Henry, of Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Renken are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren: Walter M. Warnhoff, Alvina Elizabeth Henry, and George Henry Renken and Ralph Homer Warnhoff. Henry A. Renken came to Missouri when deer still abounded. When he purchased his farm it was still unimproved. He and his faithful wife have together labored long and persistently to make their country place one of the most attractive in the county, and they have succeeded. Mr. Renken has always taken a good citizen's interest in the public schools of the county and in the work of the late war he was very active. He assisted with all the Liberty Loans, the Red Cross work, and the sale of Thrift Stamps. Mr. and Mrs. Renken are industrious progressive, highly respected citizens. They are valued members of the Evangelical Church of Boonville. Recently Mr. Renken sold his farm to his son-in-law. William G. Henry, and he and Mrs. Renken will make their future home in Boonville. 522 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY William E. Roeschel. — The late William E. Roesehel, former druggist of Boonville. was one of the best known citizens of Cooper County, who lived a life of usefulness and bore himself in such a manner as to place him in the front ranks of the leading and best respected citizens of Cooper County. He was born in Boonville. Oct. 7. 1859. lived practically all of his days in the city of his birth and died here. Nov. 12. 1916. Dr. Ernest Roeschel, his father, was born at Moerfelden. Dukedom of Hesen-Darmstadt. Germany. March 3. 1824. He was educated in his native land and became an expert chemist and apothecary. When _ - years of age he came to America, landing at New York City, and from there went to Belleville. 111. Six months later he came to Boonville. and was first employed in the drug store conducted by Dr. Kueckelhan. He remained there for three years and was then engaged by Thomas Allen who purchased the store. When Mr. Allen was succeeded in business by the firm of Allen, Speed & Co.. he remained with the firm for one year and then became a member of the firm of Speed i Roeschel. When the firm was dissolved upon the death of Mr. Speed, in 1S62. Mr. Roeschel became sole proprietor of the business which he conducted for many years until he turned it over to his son. William, of this review. During the Civil War. Dr. Ernest Roeschel was enrolled on the side of the Union and served in the Home Guards and the Missouri Militia. For several years he was a member of the Boonville School Board, and also served as a member of the Boonville City Council. Dr. Roeschel was married in Nov., 1853. in Boonville. to Miss Mary Haas. One child was born to this marriage. Mary, wife of W. A. Som- bart of this city. In 1855. after the death of his first wife. Dr. Roeschel was married to her sister. Miss Rosetta Haas. Four children were born of this marriage: William. Victor. Laura and Emma. Emma married William J. Courtney, a shoe merchant of Sedalia. She and two of her children were drowned in the Missouri River at Boonville in 1906. One child survives her. William, aged 18 years. Mrs. Ernest Roeschel resides in Boonville and is aged 87 years. Ernest Roeschel was a son of George Roeschel. a farmer and miller of Hessen-Darmstadt. Germany. His mother was Elenora Doerner Roes- chel. who died at the age of 72 years. William E. Roeschel. of this review, received his primary education in the public schools of Boonville and graduated from the local high school. He then studied at the University of St. Louis, and the Philadelphia Col- lege of Pharmacy. He was first engaged in the drug business at Carth- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 523 age, Mo., from 1882 to 1883. He then located permanently in Boonville and became associated with his father in the drug business. Soon after- wards he took entire charge of the Roeschel Drug Store and continued in business until failing health compelled him to dispose of the business to the present proprietor, William R. Miller, in 1914. September 25, 1883, William E. Roeschel and Miss Cora Holt were united in marriage. Three children blessed this union: Mabel, Ernest H., and William E. Roeschel. Mabel is the wife of Otto H. Cramer, a leading merchant of Bunceton, Mo. Ernest H. Roeschel was born in 1888. He enlisted in the National Army in June, 1917, trained at Fort Sheridan, was commissioned a second lieutenant, remained on duty at Camp Taylor for one year and was sent to France in Sept., 1918. He was a member of the 334th Infantry, trans- ferred to the 138th Regiment and was with the 35th Division. Lieu- tenant Roeschel took part in the last great drive on the western front in the fall of 1918. He was honorably discharged in May, 1919 and is now in Chicago with an engineering firm. William E. is a musician, at present traveling in his professional capacity, with headquarters in New York City. Mrs. Cora (Holt) Roeschel was born in Alton, 111., and is a daughter of Thomas and Jane Jemima (Four) Holt, the former of whom was a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Both parents, came of an old American stock. The Holt family moved from Alton, 111., to Richmond, Mo., and there the parents spent the remainder of their clays. Mr. Roeschel was successful in business and was interested financially in other enterprises in Boonville aside from his drug business. He was formerly a director of the Farmers Bank of Boonville, and was one of the substantial men of the city. He was a republican and was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Fred Dauwalter, secretary of the Boonville Building and Loan Asso- ciation, and also engaged in the writing of fire and live stock insurance, with offices in the Pythian Building, Boonville, Mo., was born in St. Louis, Mo. His parents were J. S. and Catherine (Haller) Dauwalter, both of whom were natives of Germany. J. S. Dauwalter was a tanner by trade and established a tanning business in Boonville in 1868 and remained in the tanning business until his death in 1913 at the age of 84 years. He also established a harness manufacturing business which was the leading concern of its kind in Boonville for many years, later being operated under the name of Dauwalter and Son. Catherine Dauwalter his wife. 524 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was born in 1833 and died in 1912. They were parents of the following children: Clara Dauwalter, in the offices of W. H. Trigg & Co., Boon- ville; Bertha and Kate, living in Boonville; Fred, of this review. Reared and educated in the public schools of Boonville, Fred Dau- walter became associated with his father in business and remained with the Dauwalter & Son firm until 1895 when he became cashier of the Com- mercial Bank of Boonville and served in this position for 18 years. In 1913 he engaged in the insurance business. Mr. Dauwalter was married in 1887 to Miss Minnie Kratz of Boon- ville, who died in Oct., 1914, leaving three children: Schuyler, Kansas City, Mo., special agent for the Fidelity & Phoenix Fire Insurance Co., for the state of Missouri; Helen, physical training teacher in the Boon- ville High School, graduate of the Warrensburg Normal, and the Chicago University and was a candidate for the position of county superintendent of schools at the election held in April, 1919 ; Elizabeth, a student in Boon- ville High School. Mr. Dauwalter is a republican and is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Powhatan C. Nuckols a well-known and respected farmer and stock- man of Boonville township, is a native of Virginia. Mr. Nuckols was born Feb. 1, 1849, a son of George P. and Martha B. (Crawford) Nuckols. George P. Nuckols was born in Goochland County, Va., in 1815. He was a plasterer, bricklayer and whitewasher. The whitewasher has been supplanted by the painter of today, but in the early part of the nineteenth century whitewashing was as much a vocation as painting is now It was said that George P. Nuckols was one of the most expert washers in his part of the country, as he could whitewash an entire room without drop- ping one bit of lime on the floor. He was wont to relate a story in regard to the coming of the railroads into his section of Virginia, and his son, Powhatan, recalls the tale. When the first train came puffing into Gor- donsville, Va., the entire countryside flocked into the village to see the sight. One old lady, completely overwhelmed with the novelty, exclaimed earnestly, "Law! that engine must be tired. See how the poor thing blows!" Martha B. (Crawford) Nuckols was a native of Louisa County, Va. The children of George P. and Martha B. Nuckols are as follows: Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Nuckols, deceased; Mrs. Missouri Ann Perkins, de- ceased ; Charles Robert, who resides on a part of the Nuckols home place in Virginia; Powhatan C, the subject of this review; Mrs. Frances Wade, who resides on a part of the home place in Virginia ; Mrs. Susan Georgetta Isabel, deceased; Luther Robinson, deceased; Melvin Werllow, of Cody, POWHATAN C. NUCKOLS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 525 Wy. ; Napoleon and Benjamin, of Cody, Wy. ; and. three children, who died in infancy. Both father and mother are now deceased, and their remains rest in the family burial ground on the home farm in Virginia. The Nuckols family is of Scotch descent. Powhatan C. Nuckols attended a private school in his native State. He was with the Confederate army for a short time during the Civil War, but he was not a regularly enlisted man, as he was but 16 years of age at the time. Mr. Nuckols came to Missouri in 1869 and located at Overton, where he was employed by Kelly Ragland for three years, receiving as remuneration, $20 a month at first, and later $25 as foreman, and then received $30 per month. He saved his earnings and purchased of farm of 340 acres at Overton, Mo. The river took away from him about 200 acres of the farm, and he sold the remainder and purchased his present country place in Boonville township, a farm of 230 acres, formerly owned by Lon Hickerson, known as the old Tucker place. There is a good resi- dence on the farm, and two barns, one of which Mr. Nuckols has added. There is a well, 163 feet in depth, on the Nuckols place, which well is pumped by a windmill, and always contains at least 86 feet of water. The previous owner of the farm thought no water could ever be found under the land. Mr. Nuckols raises whiteface and Durham cattle, and a cross between Duroc Red and Poland China hogs. Powhatan C. Nuckols and Zerilda J. Brushwood were united in mar- riage in December, 1873. Mrs. Nuckols is a native of Boone County, Mo. She was left an orphan when she was a very small child, and she was reared and educated by Mrs. Zerilda Farris. Mr. and Mrs. Nuckols have one daughter, Mattie Bell, who is the wife of M. C. Farris, and they reside in Texas. Mr. Farris is an engineer. Mr. Nuckols is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Nuckols is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Nuckols is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World. He is numbered among the best and most progressive citizens of Cooper County. Benjamin F. Fredmeyer, proprietor of a flourishing dry cleaning, dye- ing and pressing establishment in Boonsville engaged in his present busi- ness on May 1, 1915. It is a pronounced success and the Fredmeyer establishment enjoys the trade and patronage of the best class of Boon- ville citizens. He was born in this city, April 13, 1886, and is a son of John Fredmeyer, an old citizen of Boonville. John Fredmeyer was born in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 12, 1848 and is a son of Bernard and Sophia (Karnes) Fredmeyer, who were natives of 526 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Germany, settled in St. Louis upon immigrating to America and in 1857, came to Cooper County, where they spent their remaining years engaged in farming. John Friedmeyer was reared in Cooper County and engaged in farming pursuits in the Lone Elm neighborhood until his removal to Boonville. He was married to Catherine Eder, at Gooch Mill. She was born in 1849 and died June 10, 1901. Nine children were born to John and Catherine Fredmeyer, six of whom are living as follow: Tillie, wife of J. W. Mitchell, Boonville, Mo. ; John, a painter and decorator, Boon- ville, Mo. ; William, a painter, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Josie Harrison, Boon- ville, Mo.; Benjamin F., subject of this sketch. Those deceased are: Bettie, Caroline, Edward and Harry. B. F. Fredmeyer attended the public and high schools of Boonville and then pursued a course in Hill's Business College, Sedalia, Mo. For eight years he followed the profession of telegraph operator. For six and a half years he was manager of the Western Union office at Boonville and served as manager at Hannibal, Mo., for 18 months. In 1915 he established his present business. Mr. Fredmeyer was married on Nov. 25, 1914, to Miss Matilda Kopp, who was born in Boonville, Mo., June 2, 1893, and is a daughter of Philip Kopp (b. 1837, d. 1898). Philip Kopp was born in Germany and came to Boonville, Mo., with his parents who immigrated to America from Germany in 1843. He married Louise Bowler who was formerly engaged in the millinery and dressmaking business in Boonville with her sister for over 25 years. She was bom in 1857 and died June 22, 1917. Mrs. Louise Kopp was born on a farm west of Boonville and was a daughter of Gottfried Bowler who was killed by guerrillas during the Civil War. His father was also shot in the back while driving to the city. Philip A. Kopp conducted a barber shop in Boonville for a number of years and erected the building now occupied by the Fredmeyer business. He sold the lot upon which is built the McCurdy building. Philip A. Kopp was father of the following children : Philip E., Kansas City, Mo. ; Arthur W., a soldier in the National Army, stationed at Camp Hallburg, near Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Fredmeyer is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Homer L. Chamberlain, proprietor of "Coal Spring Stock Farm," consisting of 192 acres of good land purchased Aug. 9, 1910. This farm is so called because a good part of the farm is underlaid with a vein of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 527 coal. Mr. Chamberlin is engaged in stock raising, sells no grain from the farm, and feeds everything raised on the place to live stock, and even buys grain and hay for his live stock. Mr. Chamberlin was born in the Bell Air neighborhood, Feb. 3, 1883. Lucien L. Chamberlin, his father, was born Jan. 22, 1838, and died Feb. 28, 1919. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, Va., and he died at Magnolia, Miss., at the age of 81 years, one month, and six days. He was a son of John W. and Eliza (Headwald) Chamberlin, mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of A. L. and his father, Albert M. Chamberlin, in this volume. On the outbreak of the Civil War, L. L. Chamberlin enlisted in Co. B, 12th Virginia Regiment, Colonel Har- mon's regiment, in Ashby's brigade, afterward known as the "Laurel Brigade," and served with his command until the close of the war. "Ash- by's Brigade" covered itself with glory during the Civil War. This brigade participated in more hard fought battles than any other com- mand on either side during the war. It never surrendered, but at the close of the war disbanded, and what was left of its tattered and war- worn members, went home, to surrender, if at all, as individuals. L. L. Chamberlin took a part in all the battles in which his command partici- pated and passed through the entire struggle without a wound. He was under constant fire for 40 days during one of their most severe cam- paigns. He came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1865, and in 1882, he located on his farm of 349 acres, which he developed into a fine estate. In 189T he went to Texas, where he bought 1800 acres in Harris County. One year later he returned to Missouri and purchased the old McCurdy farm of over 300 acres. Two years later he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. L. M. Harriman, and also with his son, Homer L. L. L. Chamberlin was married Aug. 8, 1867, at Bell Air, to Miss Mary M. Robinson, a daughter of Rev. Jehu Robinson, of Johnson County, who removed to Cooper County and was a wealthy land owner, holding acre- age in three counties. Mrs. Mary or Mollie (Robinson) Chamberlin was born at Springfield, Mo., in 1847, and was one of 11 children born to her parents. She died in 1898, admired and loved for her good Christian works, all her life being a devout member of the Baptist Church. The children bora to L. L. and Mollie Chamberlin are: Magnus J., Homer L., Leonard M., Claybourne, Mrs. Wyatt Wyan, and Mrs. L. M. Harriman, of Magnolia, Miss. Magnus J. Chamberlin lives in St. Louis. Leonard M. Chamberlin lives in Mississippi and is a farmer and live stock dealer. Claybourne Chamberlin, the soldier of the family, enlisted in the National 528 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Army early in May, 1917, sailed for France in April, 1918, after training with the 4th Regular Engineers at Vancouver, Wash., and Charlotte, N. C. In July, 1918, he took part in the battle of the Marne, participated in the St. Mihiel drive, and was in the battles of the Argonne Forest, from Sept. 26 until the latter part of October. He was at the Vesle River, where he took part in some hot fighting. Mrs. Wyatt Wyan lives in Texas. Mrs. L. M. Harriman lives at Magnolia, Miss., and is a worker in the Red Cross. The late Lucien L. Chamberlin was a well educated man and came from a fine Virginia family. He was active in democratic politics in Cooper County and was one of the "Wheel horses" of his party during his active lifetime. He was an Odd Fellow and a member of the Baptist Church. Robert F. Wyan. — The oldest mercantile family in Cooper County is the Wyan's, beginning with Jacob Fortney Wyan, grandfather of Robert F. Wyan, retired merchant of Bunceton. Three generations of this fam- ily have been engaged in mercantile pursuits in this county since the advent of Jacob F. Wyan as the first merchant in Boonville in 1817. His son, Wesley J. Wyan, also became a merchant, as was the subject of this review. For over 100 years the grandfather, father, and Robert F. Wyan have been among the leaders in the business world of Cooper County, and the family is one of the most honored and respected in this section of Missouri. Jacob Fortney Wyan, the pioneer merchant of Boonville, was born in Hagerstown, Md., Oct. 14, 1772. He was a son of Dutch parents, and was left an orphan when but a child. He died in Boonville, April 20, 1842. He came to Boonville in 1817 and established the first store. Prior to coming here he had served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and had made a gallant record as a soldier. Mr. Wyan was the first Free Mason to reside in what is now Cooper County, and he gave to the city of Boon- ville the first cemetery in 1821. He brought to the town the first wool- carding machine and assisted in establishing the first woolen mill. Jacob F. Wyan was three times married. His first marriage was with Mary Gay, born Feb. 8, 1798, a daughter of Dr. Samuel Gay. His second marriage was with Mrs. Sallie (Gaines) Shanks, a daughter of John Shanks. His third marriage occurred at Crab Orchard, Ky., Jan. 16, 1817, with Nancy Shanks. Seven children were born to this marriage, five of whom were reared to maturity: Sallie Gaines, who married Dr. ROBERT F. WYAX HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 529 William H. Trigg, of Boonville; Margaret wife of the late James M. Nelson; Mary, wife of Thomas W. Nelson; Nancy, wife of William S. Myers; and Wesley J. Wyan, of this review. Wesley J. Wyan, father of Robert F. Wyan, was born in Boonville, June 8, 1825. He attended the public schools and studied for four years in the State University at Columbia. When he finished his course at Columbia, he returned home and followed merchandising in Boonville about 15 yeai-s. In 1868 he located at Bell Air and established a general merchandise business. Later, he engaged in the live stock business, but again resumed the mercantile business and resided at Bell Air until his death in 1898. Mr. Wyan won an enviable reputation as a thorough man of business, honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men, and he was universally respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the M. E. Church South, and was a member of Wallace Lodge, No. 456, A. F. & A. M., Bunceton, Mo. Aug. 17, 1847, Wesley J. Wyan was married to Miss Catherine J. Menefee, bom in Virginia in 1838, and who was a daughter of Judge Henry R. Menefee, who came from Rappahannock County, Va., in the early forties. Mrs. Catherine Wyan departed this life in 1908. To Wes- ley J. and Catherine Wyan were born five sons: Robert F. subject of this review; W. F., deceased; Wyatt T, residing in Texas; Henry T., deceased ; Wesley J., died in Texas. Robert F. Wyan received his education in the Kemper School at Boon- ville, and when 16 years of age he joined his father in the mercantile busi- ness. In 1872 he engaged in business at Bell Aair, and succeeded his father at that place. For over 20 years he carried on a large and suc- cessful business enterprise at Bell Air. In 1911, he having located in Bunceton, he associated himself with others and erected the Bunceton Ice and Electric Plant which the corporation operated for a period of five years, and then sold the plant in 1918. Mr. Wyan erected the finest and most beautiful residence in Bunceton in 1912. This splendid home, the only strictly modern home in Bunceton, consists of 15 rooms, and is taste- fully decorated and arranged. Robert F. Wyan was married in 1894 to Miss Rosa Callahan, who was born in Cooper County in 1872, and is a daughter of C. C. Callahan. Four daughters and a son have blessed this union: Augusta, Florence, Jessie, Pauline, and Jacob F. Wyan, all of whom are at home. (34) 530 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. Wyan is a democrat, but has never sought political preferment. He is a member of Wallace Lodge, No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Bunceton, Mo., and comes of a family of Masons, his father, Wesley J. Wyan, having been one of the most prominent Masons in Mis- souri, attaining to a membership in the Grand Lodge. Mr. Wyan has the distinction of being the oldest Mason in the southern part of Cooper County in point of years of membership, having been 40 years a Mason, and is the only surviving charter member of the Bunceton Lodge. He is a past master of his lodge. Mr. Wyan is a pleasant, agreeable, well in- formed gentleman, whose friends are legion in Cooper County, and his family are prominent socially in the city and county. Henry Waterman. — This was a better world for having had the late Henry Waterman of Boonville for a denizen, even for his brief span of years as alloted to mankind ; lives were freshened, hearts were made glad, and thousands of people were entertained by his great musical talent during his lifetime. For many years Mr. Waterman was president of the Boonville Singing Society, which flourished in the days gone by; he was a founder of the original Turner Hall and was one of the most active citizens in Boonville when it came to promotion of civic enterprise or ar- ranging some entertainment which all the people could enjoy. Mr. Waterman was born in Roth, Bavaria, in 1818, and died April 1, 1901. The same ship which carried him to America brought along his intended wife, Fannie Strauss, whom he married shortly after landing in New York City, in 1848. She was born in 1821 and died Dec. 13, 1907. Mr. Waterman first* located in Boston, Mass., and from that city located in Worcester, where he engaged in business. From there he came to St. Louis and established a clothing business. April 1, 1867, he came to Boonville, Mo., on the steamboat "Clara." He engaged in the clothing business in this city on the corner now occupied by the Victor Building and was successful in business for many years. Mr. Waterman built up a large trade and his name became familiar throughout this part of Missouri. Nine children were bom to Henry and Fannie Waterman, as follows: Hannah, deceased, wife of Henry Wolfert, Boonville, Mo.; John, a former merchant, born 1852, and died Feb. 15, 1896; Mrs. Henrietta Becker, Boonville, Mo.; Elizabeth, born, 1851, deceased wife of Philip Wolfert, a merchant of Belleville, 111.; Nannie, deceased wife of Joseph Rosenbaum, a former merchant of Fayette, Mo., and New York City; Belle, living in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 531 St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Carrie Kohn, a widow, Maryanna, Ark., now of Boon- ville, Mo.; Alexander makes his home with Mrs. Becker. Dec. 26, 1898, the golden wedding anniversary of the marriage of Henry and Fannie Waterman was celebrated. The occasion was made practically a holiday in Boonville. Hundreds of friends gathered to wit- ness the wedding, which was performed by Rabbi Dr. Sale of St. Louis. Dr. William Mittelbach was master of ceremonies ; Prof. A. H. Sauter had charge of the music, and the late Hon. Jacob F. Gmelich gave a talk in a happy strain in the native speech of the worthy couple. Mr. Waterman sang his favorite song, "Brightest Eyes," and others well known in Boonville contributed to make an entertainment and celebration famous in the history of the old families of Boonville. It was the concensus of opinion that there had never been a more beautiful nor a more delightful ooccasion of a similar kind held in this city. The outpouring from friends, who loaded Mr. and Mrs. Waterman down with valuable and handsome presents, was a true and fitting testimonial of the very high regard in which they were held in their home city. The late Henry Waterman was a noted singer, who gave his services freely on public occasions. He sang at all of the churches in the city at various times when his services were desired, and he was the leading spirit in the musical society of Boonville. It was a regular occasion that when Mr. Waterman had a birthday anniversary, the singing society, which he organized, would visit him and celebrate the anniversary; when Mrs. Waterman had a birthday anniversary, the society would call and sing beneath her window and Mr. Waterman would sing a solo. He was a true American patriot, who loved his adopted country and its customs with heart and soul. He was an Odd Fellow for over 50 years and re- ceived the coveted gold medal awarded to members who belong to the society for a half century. He was a stanch democrat and took an active and influential part in the affairs of his party. Mrs. Henrietta (Waterman) Becker, of this review, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1853. She was married in 1874 in St. Louis, to Ferdi- nand Becker, who was born in Aldenstadt, Germany, in 1852, emigrated from Germany to America in 1870, located in Fayette. Mo., and clerked for Charles Rosebaum of that city. He died in 1893, while on a business and pleasure trip, death coming in Chicago as an operation was per- formed. He became a Mason at the age of 21 years. The children born to Ferdinand and Henrietta Becker are as follows : 532 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Nettie, wife of Will Walters, Boonville, Mo. ; Harry died as a result of an operation in St. Louis, at the age of seven years; Fred met his death in a tragic automobile accident, May 10, 1914, when 19 years of age. Mrs. Becker inherited her father's musical gift and became a singer of more than local note. She received a thorough musical education and sang for the public for many years. She was a soloist at a famous masked ball held at Turner Hall and took first prize as "Pocahontas." Mrs. Will Walters, her daughter, was formerly a fine singer and talented musician, who received a splendid musical education. Chris Smith, retired farmer and justice of the peace, was born on a farm seven miles northeast of Bunceton, in Clarks Fork township, April 13, 1862. His first home was a log-cabin set in the midst of a clear- ing which his father Squire Nicholas Smith, made in the early fifties. Nicholas Smith was born Nov. 2 1837, and died July 5, 1914. He was a native of Germany and immigrated to America in 1854. One year later, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Smith, joined him in Clarks Fork township, where Nicholas Smith had purchased 40 acres of virgin timber land. The first thing he did was to build his cabin of logs, cut and trimmed on the place, gradually enlarging his clearing, cutting cord-wood in winter and hauling it to Boonville for sale and trade in the summer sea- son. In 1866, he moved to a farm on the prairie, and bought 120 acres northeast of Lone Elm Store. He lived on this place for two years and then bought the old Fryer estate of 300 acres three miles east of Lone Elm. He resided on his farm until 1887 and then went to Boonville to make his home for the remainder of his days. Squire Nicholas Smith served in the State Guards during the Civil War, and served four years as justice of the peace in Clarks Fork township. After removing to Boonville he again filled the post of justice of the peace for four years. His wife was Margaret Dornhouser prior to her marriage, and was born in Moniteau County, in 1844, a daughter of pioneer parents. She now resides in Texas with her son, William Smith. The children born to Nicholas and Margaret Smith are as follows: Josephine lives in Texas; William, Texas; Sophia is the wife of William F. Johnmeyer, Boonville; Bettie is the wife of August Brickner, Boonville; and Chris, subject of this review. Chris Smith lived for 50 years on his farm in Clarks Fork township. He purchased this tract of 300 acres in 1887 and sold the place on March 1, 1919, to his son, Benjamin. CHRIST SMITH AND WIFE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 533 Nov. 17, 1887, he was married to Miss Augusta Brandes, who was born in New Zealand, June 11, 1867. She is a daughter of Chris and Sarah (Wilshire) Brandes, natives respectively of Hanover and New Zealand. Chris Brandes went to New Zealand when a boy 16 years old as a mem- ber of a musical organization which was touring Australia and New Zea- land. He remained for five years in New Zealand, and was five years in Australia. The band of which he was a member was an adjunct to a cir- cus. In 1871, he came to Missouri and settled on a farm west of Prairie Home, later moving to a farm north of Lone Elm, where the mother of Mrs. Smith now resides. The children born to Chris and Augusta (Brandes) Smith are: Mrs. Mamie Langkop, whose husband is a mer- chant at Nelson, Mo. ; Benjamin Smith on the home place ; Pearl, wife of Arthur Smith, living on a farm seven miles east of Bunceton; Emily, wife of Ed Fricke, merchant at Lone Elm ; Lillian, wife of John Roehrs, Bunce- ton, Mo., married Jan. 1, 1919; Esther Smith is at home with her parents. Mr. Smith is a republican, and is prominent in the affairs of his party. When living on the farm he took a keen interest in educational matters, and served as school director of his district for 18 years. For four years he was road commissioner and took a commendable interest in having good roads. He was elected justice of the peace of Kelly township in November, 1918. For the past 12 years he has been a director of the Cooper County Bank, and for the past eight years he has been a director of the Farmers Elevator Company of Bunceton. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Modern Brotherhood. Chris Smith is a useful and enterpris- ing and progressive citizen, who stands high in the esteem and regard of his fellow men and whose friends are legion. Dr. H. D. Quigg, eye, ear, nose and throat secialist, Boonville, Mo., has practiced his profession in Cooper County for nearly 30 years and during that time has filled one of the highest offices within the gift of the people. In the number of years of practice in this county he is one of the oldest physicians in the county. Dr. Quigg was born in Hickory County, Mo., March 5, 1863, and is a son of J. W. and Lucretia A. (Brad- ley) Quigg, the former was of Pennsylvania German stock and the latter of Scotch-Irish descent whose forbears settled in Tennessee. J. W. Quigg, Sr., came to Missouri in 1830 and developed a farm in Hickory County where he was a very prominent citizen. He served sev- eral terms as sheriff of the county and was widely and favorably known. 534 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was born in 1819 and departed this life in 1894. He was twice mar- ried, three children being born to his first marriage and 11 children were born of his second marriage of whom Dr. Quigg is one. Reared in Hickory county, Dr. Quigg attended the district school and then went to the Southwest Baptist College in Polk County, Mo. He entered the Cincinnati Medical College and graduated from this institu- tion in 1890. He began practice in Hickory County and then located at Blackwater, Cooper County the same year. With the exception of four years spent as the superintendent of the Missouri Hospital for the Feeble Minded and Epileptics at Marshall, Mo., he has practiced continuously in Cooper County. He was appointed to the superintendency of the State Hospital at Marshall in 1910 and served until 1914. Soon after leaving the hospital he went to Chicago and pursued a course in the famous Chi- cago eye, ear, nose and throat hospital and prepared himself for this special practice. He then came to Boonville and established his offices where he devotes his time to special as well as general practice. Dr. Quigg was married twice. His first marriage took place in Hickory County in 1890 with Elizabeth Cully, a daughter of Joseph Cully. She died in 1906 leaving one child, Farrell C, a ranchman in Montana. Dr. Quiggs second marriage occurred in 1911 with Miss Elizabeth Craig, of Arrow Rock, Mo., a daughter of Hugh Craig. One child has blessed this marriage: H. D. Quigg, Jr., aged seven years. Dr. Quigg is a republican who served two years as coroner of Cooper County. He .was elected representative from Cooper County in 1902 and served until 1904 as a member of the Missouri State Legislature. He was again elected in 1904, serving two terms. He was a member of the Com- mittee on Ways and Means and was chairman of the Committee on Health and Scientific Institutes. He introduced and had passed a bill empower- ing the city of Boonville to build High street in this city. Dr. Quigg is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the Masons. Henry Schrader, owner of a well improved farm of 73 acres situated just west of Boonville, is a native of the province of Schleswig-Holstein, and was born Sept. 18, 1869. His parents were Henry and Henrietta Schrader, who left their native country and came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1882. They settled in Boonville and Henry, the elder, operated a dairy in the vicinity for 17 years. The father died in 1907 at the age of 68 years. The mother died in 1916 aged 73 years. There were three chil- dren in the Schrader family, as follows: Henry, subject of this sketch; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 535 Charles Schrader living at Wooldridge, this county; Lena, wife of Ed Thoma, Boonville, Mo. Henry Schrader was 13 years of age when the family settled in Boonville. He was reared in this city and began when a boy to assist his father in the operation of his dairy business. In 1899 he moved to the farm which he now owns, rented the land for a number of years and finally purchased the place in 1916. Mr. Schrader is a good farmer, industrious and a good business manager. Mr. Schrader was married in 1899 to Miss Kate Miller, a daughter of Taylor Miller. To Henry and Kate Schrader have been born four chil- dren, as follows : Rosa, Wilbur, Henry and Harold, all at home with their parents. Mr. Schrader is a republican and takes an interest in political and civic affairs. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wood- men of the World and is popular and well known in the community. John Clifford Barnhart, proprietor of a flourishing tire and vulcan- izing shop, established in Boonville, in the fall of 1916, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Barnhart has a fully equipped tire repair and vul- canizing shop and handles such excellent lines of auto tires as the Fisk, Mohawk, Firestone and Mason makes and also makes a specialty of re- treading worn outer casings. Joseph Barnhart, his father was born Jan. 8, 1850, and died April 7, 1906. He was a native of Washington County, Pa., and was a son of John Barnhart, who migrated to Indiana thence to Iowa and then moved to Schuyler County, Mo. He removed to Cooper County, Mo., in about 1868. John Barnhart settled on a farm one mile south of Billingsville and later removed to a place south of Rankin's Mill. Joseph Barnhart was married in Cooper County to Mary Frances Jeffries, a daughter of Rev. John Jeffries, a minister and farmer of Cooper County, now deceased. Mary F. Barnhart was born in this county in 1853 and now resides in Boonville at 510 Third street. Joseph Barnhart developed a splendid farm of 158 acres one mile west of Prairie Lick. He was father of the following children: Mrs. Stella Helmrich, St. Louis, Mo.; Leona Barn- hart, a milliner living in St. Louis, Mo.; Alima Barnhart, at home with her mother ; and John C, of this review. J. C. Barnhart was born Dec. 19, 1888 on a farm six miles southwest of Boonville and was there reared to young manhood. He was educated at Prairie View District School and the Boonville High School, and after 536 HISTORY OP COOPER COUNTY his fathers death he took charge of the home place. He came to Boon- ville in 1916 and has since been engaged in the tire business. His new bungalow residence is located on Third street across from the Kemper Military School. Mr. Barnhart was married on Oct. 4, 1910, to Miss Mabel Marshall, born on a farm two miles west of Blackwater, in Cooper County, and a daughter of William and Martha Marshall, the latter of whom is deceased. William Marshall still resides on the old Marshall homestead, one of the oldest settled farms in Cooper County. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have one child, Margaret Barnhart, born Jan. 2, 1919. Mr. Barnhart is a republican and is a thorough business man who is making a success. He is a member of the Baptist church, is progressive, intelligent and keenly alive to the project of building a greater and better Boonville. Ed Patterson, farmer and stockman, manager of the famous "Ra- venswood Stock Farm," Bunceton, Mo., is one of the best known and pop- ular citizens of Cooper County. Mr. Patterson is owner of 173 acres, two and a half miles northwest of Bunceton. The "Ravenswood Stock Farm" comprises 2,100 acres and is one of the largest individual farms in central Missouri. Most of the land is in grass, and the farm is devoted to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. The oldest Shorthorn herd in the world was started on this farm in the year 1839 by Nathaniel Leonard, and the profession of breeding Shorthorns has been carried on with in- creasing success by his descendents. A herd of 125 purebred Shorthorns is maintained constantly on the farm, and the best of care is given this fine live stock. The majority of all Shorthorn cattle west of the Missis- sippi River are descendents from the famous Ravenswood herd. On this farm has been bred and sold the highest priced sire ever sold in the world, which brought $40,000 at the Royal Stock Sales in Argentine. This animal was grand champion for two years at the Royal Stock Shows. Through him and through the reputation of the cattle exported to South America from the "Ravenswood Stock Farm" has come the popularity of American Shorthorn cattle in Argentine and South American stock raising centers. This importation began in 1893 and marks the beginning of a ne wera in South America, and the way was opened for the exportation of American pure bred live stock to South America. Mr. Patterson has been manager of the "Ravenswood Stock Farm" for the past 34 years. Ten men are employed in the operations of the farm. ED PATTERSON HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 537 Ed Patterson was born in Clarksburg, Ind., in 1852, Aug. 10. He is a son of Thompson and Rebecca (Day) Patterson both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Thompson Patterson was born in 1816, and died in 1892. Rebecca, his wife, was born in 1820 and died in 1885. They set- tled in Indiana in 1852, and from there came to Missouri in 1870, settling on Lone Elm Prairie, where the elder Patterson bought a farm and re- sided until the end of his days. They were parents of seven children: Mrs. Maria Taylor, living in Louisville, Ky. ; Lovell, living at Tipton, Mo. ; Malinda died in Indiana; Thompson, Bunceton, Mo.; Darius, a farmer in Indiana ; Ed Patterson, of this review ; Rev. Henry C. Patterson, who died in Lexington, Ky., in 1909, and was a noted evangelist of the Christian denomination. Ed Patterson came to Missouri with his parents in 1870, and lived with his father until 1873 when he began farming on his own account. In 1885, he took charge of the "Ravenswood Stock Farm." Mr. Patterson was married in 1876 to Miss Emma Dills, a daughter of J. N Dills. To this marriage was born Gussie, wife of Bret Peters, proprietor of the moving picture theater, Bunceton, Mo., and they have two children, Emma Peyton and Coleta. Mr. Patterson bred the famous Shorthorn bull which sold for $10,000 at the famous Red Cross sale held in 1918 at Birmingham, Ala. This was the grand champion of 100 bulls exhibited, and was sold to Woodrow Wilson for $1.00. The president donated the animal to be sold again. He was sold again on condition that the champion was to be quartered for 24 hours in the lobby of the luxurious and palatial Hotel Tutwiler in Birmingham. This was done, and the occasion was made a great event in the South. Mr. Patterson is a stanch democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the most skilled breeders in animal husbandry in Missouri, and is widely known among the stockmen of the country. Genial, friendly disposed, kind hearted, his friends are legion, and his standing as a citi- zen of Cooper County is high. Michael J. Felton, farmer and grain dealer, Prairie Lick, Mo., has a splendid country place embracing 300 acres and known as the "Harbor Farm". This place is improved by a large brick house erected by Michael Felton, the subject of this review. Hubert Felton was born in Germany, married Catherine Leswick, 538 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY settled in Cooper County, Mo. and reared a family of children. For further particulars concerning- Hubert Felton, the reader is referred to the sketch of Frank J. Felton, of Boonville. M. J. Felton was born March 10, 1860 on a farm east of Boonville and removed with his parents to the present place where he now resides when but a boy. He attended the Hickory Grove School and when he became of age he began farming on his own account. He also operated a threshing outfit and has been financially interested in threshing machinery and the industry for a number of years. He embarked in the business of buying and shipping grain in 1900 and purchased the Prairie Lick Elevator from Mr. Rogers. The fine brick house which graces the Felton farm was erected in 1907. Mr. Felton was married in 1887 to Miss Gertrude Brummel, a daugh- ter of the late Peter Brummel and sister of Henry Brummel, a sketch of whom appears in this history. Mrs. Mary Gertrude Felton was born in 1855 and died in Aug. ,1904, leaving eight children, as follows: Gertrude, wife of George Hayes, Boonville, Mo. ; Leo. H. Felton, grain dealer and shipper, Bunceton, Mo. ; Isabella, at home with her father ; Florence, Sister Emelda, in a convent at Clyde, Mo. ; Margaret, Clifton City, Mo. ; Mary, Kansas City, Mo.; Agnes, Sister Elfelda, Clyde, Mo.; Hubert, aged 18 years, at home. Mr. Felton is a democrat, a member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Balthasar Lang. — The really remarkable success achieved by Balt- hasar Lang of the Prairie Lick neighborhood in the space of 33 years, could only have been accomplished by a man of energy, industry and of decided financial ability. Mr. Lang came to Cooper County in 1885, pur- chased his first land in 1891, went in debt for it, and is now the owner of 418 acres of good land, besides owning a half interest in 220 acres in Howard County. Mr. Langs home place of 132 acres is splendidly im- proved with a large, handsome frame house, and big barns with the fencing in excellent repair. Mr. Lang is a keen and shrewd farmer who knows how to retain and restore the fertility of soil. He favors the Here- ford breed of cattle for his farms. Balthasar Lang was bora in Germany in 1857 and is the son of George and Ottilior Lang, the former of whom died in Germany. Mr. Lang came to America in Dec, 1881 and was first employed in Lake County, Ind., where he remained for three years and then had occasion to make a visit to Germany on account of the death of his father. He then came to HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 539 Cooper County, having just located here when he was called home to Germany. When he returned to America he was accompanied by his mother, his brother, George, and his sisters, Elizabeth, now deceased, Ortillia, Marguerite, and Anna, now deceased. At once he and his brother George established themselves and the family upon a farm which they bought. Mr. Lang's mother died at his home. His sister Ortillia, now Mrs. Day, lives at Pilot Grove, Mo. Marguerite Lang married Jos. F. Esser of Pilot Grove, Mo. Mr. Lang moved to his present home farm in 1891 and for some years lived in a log and box house. In 1900 he built his large six room house. He was married in 1890 to Miss Annie Day, born in the Rhine Province, Germany, and came to America in 1886. The children born to Balthasar and Annie Lang, are Mrs. Mary, wife of Frank Gross, living on the Lang farm land ; George at home ; Annie, wife of Fred Martin, Lamine town- ship; Rosa, wife of Joseph Lang, Boonville township; Bertha, twin of Rosa, Joseph, Henry, William, Magdalena and Frank, are at home. While Mr. Lang is a republican, he is inclined to vote independently for those candidates whom he deems best fitted. He and his family wor- ship at the Martinsville Catholic Church. Joseph and George are mem- bers of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Lang is a good, all round Amer- ican citizen. Everett Hilden, late of Billingsville, was one of the successful citizens of Cooper County who not only made a success of his life in a material sense, but whose life as he lived it furnishes a lesson in good citizenship. Mr. Hilden was born Sept. 8, 1848, and died March 6, 1907. He was a native of Germany and came to America in 1853 with his parents, Adolph and Ursula (Reinfeldt) Hilden, who emigrated from the seat of the fam- ily at Ludrich, Cologne. They landed at New Orleans, after a long trip in a sailing vessel, and on Dec. 17, 1853, they arrived in St. Louis, Mo. In May, 1854, the family came to Boonville and then removed to a farm near Jewett's Mills. Later the father settled on a farm one-half mile north of Billingsville. Mr. Hilden conducted the general merchandise store at Billingsville for five years, but was primarily a farmer and stockman during his entire life. He became owner of a large estate of 400 acres, which is improved with substantial farm, home and other good buildings. He was married Sept. 9, 1879, to Miss Lena Esser, who bore him nine children: Henry died in 1895; Mrs. Annie Moore, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Julia, Adolph, Bertram L., Evelyn, at home ; Patrick, William, and Barbara. 540 HISTORY OF COOPEK COUNTY Patrick Hilden, the soldier of the Hilden family, was born May 3, 1894, and enlisted in the National Army in June, 1918. He was trained for overseas service at Camp Pike, Ark., and in Aug., 1918, went to France as a member of General Headquarters Company No. 2, Co. G, Provisional Infantry Regiment. Mrs. Lena Esser Hilden was born in Cooper County, Mo., Jan. 25, 1859, and is a daughter of Bertram and Agnes (Felton) Esser, natives of Germany, the latter of whom was a sister of the late Hubert Felton. Bertram Esser died in Cooper County in 1877. Mrs. Agnes Esser died in March, 1897. There were eight children born to Bertram and Agnes Esser, of whom seven are living: Mrs. Elizabeth Weitz, Marshall, Mo.; Joseph, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Lawrence, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Brooks, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Margaret Martin, deceased; Mrs. Catherine Dumalty, Billingsville, Mo. ; and Mrs. Lena Hilden, of this sketch ; John lives at Pilot Grove, Mo. The late Mr. Hilden was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church of Boonville, as are all the members of his family. He was affili- ated fraternally with the Woodmen of the World, Boonville Camp No. 40, and the Catholic Knights of America. He was widely and favorably known and for a long period was closely identified with live stock and farming in Cooper County. H. D. Carlos and H. D. Carlos, Jr. — The Carlos family is one of the old pioneer families of Cooper County. H. D. Carlos, Jr., druggist of Bunceton, Mo., is descended from a Spanish immigrant, Don Carlos, who fought in the American Revolution in behalf of the American colonies. His son, C. M. Don Carlos, settled in Cooper County about 1825, and built up what was formerly known as the old Carlos homestead near Prairie Home. H. D. Carlos, father of H. D Carlos, Jr., was born on the Carlos home- stead in 1842, and was reared to maturity near Prairie Home. He fol- lowed agricultural pursuits for a number of years and established the first drug store at Prairie Home in 1882. Later, he removed to Boon- ville and served as assessor of Cooper County for two terms. He went to Texas in 1902 and located in Rock Island County, where he invested in a large tract of land. Eventually he engaged in the drug business in Dallas. In 1905, the Carlos Drug Store was established in Bunceton, in which both father and son are interested. H. D. Carlos was married to Elnora Simms who was born in 1855, H. D. CARLOS, si: HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 541 and died in 1909. She was a sister of Clay Simms of Gooch's Mill, and was born in Cooper County, a daughter of pioneer parents. Eight chil- dren were born to H. D. and Elnora Carlos, as follows: Nellie, wife of T. H. Eayde, Tulsa, Okla. ; Anna, deceased wife of E. E. Carey ; Porter, deceased wife of A. H. Moore; Clay, wife of R. E. Maze, Rock Island, Texas ; Hattige, Kansas City ; Nora, wife of L. G. Smith, Kansas City, Mo. ; Fannie, deceased wife of John Waite. Hillard D. Carlos, Jr., was educated in the Bunceton public schools, and in the St. Louis Colloge of Pharmacy. He graduated in pharmacy in 1914, and immediately engaged in the business at Bunceton. Mr. Carlos has been practically reared in the drug business and is familiar with every phase of it. He is operating one of the neatest, best stocked and best equipped drug stores in central Missouri. Hillard D. Carlos, Jr., was married Sept. 25, 1918, to Miss Bernardine English, born in Cooper County, a daughter of H. H. English, widely known stockman of Cooper County. H. D. Carlos and his son are stanch democrats. H. D. Carlos, Jr.. served as lieutenant in the Bunceton Home Guards during the World War. He is a member of the Baptist Church and is a past master of the Bunce- ton Lodge of Free Masons, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. H. D. Carlos, Sr., is one of the oldest Masons in Cooper County, having become a member of the order when he was 21 years of age. Samuel Walker Roberts. — The late Samuel Walker Roberts was one of those citizens who, gifted beyond ordinary attainments, made a repu- tation as a scientific breeder of fine cattle that extended far beyond the borders of his home county. He was born in Camden County, Mo., June 1, 1860, and died in Boonville, Sept. 25, 1916. At the time of his death, he held the post of farmer at the Missouri Training School. His parents were Hon. James Green and Ailcy (Walker) Roberts, the latter of whom was a member of an old and honored pioneer family of Cooper County. Hon. James Green Roberts was born in Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 6, 1826, and died in Cooper County, June 28, 1901. He settled in Camden County, Mo., in 1844. In 1849, James Green Roberts made the overland trip to the gold fields of California. He remained there for two years, and then went to Lima, Penn., where he remained for one year. He made the trip home to Missouri via Cape Horn and New York City. During the Civil War he made his home in Vernon County, Mo. Mr. Roberts en- listed in 1862, in Company I, under Capt. Jesse McCaliph, Colonel Bain- 542 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY bridge's regiment, which was attached to General Mamiaduke's Division. He was later made a member of General Marmaduke's staff and was cap- tured at Nine Mile Creek, Kansas, and kept a prisoner by the Federals until the close of the war. Mr. Roberts had six brothers who fought in the Civil War. After the close of the war, James Green Roberts came to Cooper County, where he became a prominent and influential figure. He pur- chased the old Walker home place at Pleasant Glenn and became well to do as a farmer and stockman. In 1874 he was elected representative from Cooper County and served two terms in the Missouri Assembly of 1874 and 1876. He was the father of five children, four of whom died in infancy: Samuel Walker Roberts, of this review, being the only child of his parents who grew to maturity. J. L. Roberts was married in 1856 to Ailcy (Walker) Roberts, mother of the subject of this review. She was born in 1828 and departed this life in 1902. She was a daughter of Samuel Walker, who was one of the first pioneers of Cooper County, set- tling at what has since been known as Walker in this county. The wife of Samuel Walker was Miss Nancy Cockrell, a native of Virginia, whose father was a soldier of the Revolution. Samuel W. Roberts was reared to young manhood in Cooper County. He received an excellent education, graduating from Central College at Fayette, Mo., and the State University at Columbia. It had been Mr. Roberts' intention to prepare himself for the practice of law, but he be- came interested in the science of raising pure bred live stock and achieved a signal success in this departure. The advancing age of his parents caused him to relinquish his early ambitions and the care for the large farm and his parents. He was owner of nearly 400 acres of land, which was principally devoted to the breeding and raising of pure bred Short- horn cattle. His herd became widely known as the "Clear Creek Short- horn Herd," and won many ribbons and prizes when exhibited at the Royal and the principal live stock shows of the country. He resided on his farm until 1910, when he removed, with his family, to Boonville and took charge of the farming operations carried on in connection with the Missouri Training School. He was residing on the State Farm at the Training School and capably managing this farm when his death occurred. April 28, 1891, Samuel W. Roberts and Miss Frances Lyon Myrtle Rogers were united in marriage. One child was born to this union, — Ferda, wife of Dr. John R. Hall, a surgeon in the Regular Army, on duty HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 543 in France. Dr. Hall is a graduate of the State University, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and received his Medical Degree from Washington University. He enlisted in the Regular Army, was promoted to a captaincy and is now a major. Dr. Hall was married to Miss Ferda Roberts on Feb. 11, 1912. Two children were born to this marriage: John Randolph Hall, born June 20, 1913; and Sarah Hall, born Feb. 11, 1915. Mrs. Frances Lyon Myrtle (Rogers) Roberts was born in Bunceton, Mo., Jan. 23, 1871. She is a daughter of Capt. Ferdinand A. and Sallie (Lionberger) Rogers, the latter of whom was born in 1847 and died in 1915, and was a daughter of Isaac H. Lionberger, a pioneer of Cooper County. Captain Rogers was born in 1832 and died in 1879. He had the honor of being the first sheriff of Cooper County elected on the democratic ticket after the close of the Civil War. He served in the Confederate Army as captain of a company, was made prisoner and confined on John- son's Island. He was married after the close of the war to Sallie Lion- berger, as stated in a preceding paragraph. Mrs. Sallie (Lionberger) Rogers was a descendant on the maternal side from Captain John Ashby, grandfather of her mother, Mary (Ashby) Lionberger, who served in the Revolution. The children born to Capt. F. A. and Sallie Rogers were as follows: Mrs. Frances L. M. Roberts, of this review; Mary died at the age of 18 years; and Chatte, wife of Frank Waltz, station agent of the M. K. and T. R. R. at Boonville. Captain Rogex*s was born in Ohio and descended from Virginian ancestry. After the close of the Civil War, he located in Bunceton, Mo., and served six years as sheriff of the county. He was filling the duties of this official position at the time of his death. Captain Rogers was an influential and commanding figure in Cooper County for many years. Samuel W. Roberts was a versatile and accomplished citizen, who was well educated, a great reader and student who kept himself well in- formed upon the events of the day. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was prominent in Masonic circles. His father, James Green Roberts, was also a Mason, as were his six brothers. Samuel W. Roberts was a member of the Blue Lodge of Pilot Grove, a member of Olivet Commandery Knight Templars of Boonville, a Royal Arch Mason and a member of Centralia Council. In his day he was one of the best known and influential and useful citizens of Cooper County. 544 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Charles C. Eldredge, a prominent and highly respected citizen of Boonville, is a native of Rhode Island. Mr. Eldredge was born Sept. 29, 1839, in East Greenwich, Kent County, a son of Charles C and Sarah P. (Pierce) Eldredge, natives of Rhode Island. Charles C. Eldredge, Sr., was a son of Dr. Charles Eldredge, a leading practitioner in Rhode Island, who spent his life in that State. To Charles C, Sr., and Sarah P. El- dredge were born the following children: Ellen, of Providence, R. I.; James, who came to Cooper County in the fifties and joined the forces of the Confederates when they passed through Cooper County during the Civil War, took an important part in the battle of Lexington, resided in Cooper County for many years, and in his later years moved to Johnson County and died at Holden, Mo.; Charles C, the subject of this review; Lucy, of East Greenwich, R. I. ; and Henry, deceased. The father of Charles C. Eldredge died when his son was still a child. In private and public schools Charles C. Eldredge received his ele- mentary education. He mastered the machinist's trade at Beloit, Wis., and worked at his trade until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, when he enlisted in Providence, R. I., with Company C, Marine Artillery, and served 90 days. He returned home at that time and re-enlisted later for three years. Mr. Eldredge was promoted to the rank of first lieu- tenant in the Rhode Island Infantry. He was wounded in the shoulder at the battle of Petersburg, Va., when he was forming his men for a charge. He recovered slowly from the wound, but he did not return to the army after his recovery. Mr. Eldredge had served three and one- half years. After the war had ended, he again took up his trade and fol- lowed it until he came to Missouri and settled in Cooper County in the late sixties. Mr. Eldredge, at first, rented a farm in Prairie Home township, and, later, purchased a country place, comprising 300 acres of the best land in the county, which was his residence until his removal to Boonville in 1904. In 1868, Charles C. Eldredge and Martha Ann Davis were united in marriage. Mrs. Eldredge was a daughter of N. E. and Martha (Johnson) Davis, honored pioneers of Missouri. To this union were born 10 chil- dren: Dr. James Shelton, of Kansas City, Mo.; Lucy, the wife of Rever- end Cunningham, of Texas; Elizabeth Dean, the wife of "Min" Cunning- ham, of Cooper County; Margaret Olive, the wife of Leslie Laws, of Camargo, Okla. ; Charles C, Jr., of Boonville; Anna Martha, the wife of Al Shannon, of Boonville township; Dorothy, the wife of Fred Bair, of CHAIU.ICS c. IOLDRIOIkiiO AND WIFE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 545 Vernon County, near Walker, Mo. ; Sarah Pierce, the wife of VV. Williams, of Santa Fe, N. M. ; Laura, the wife of David Hurt ; and Hemy P., who died in infancy. The mother died in 1897 and* her remains are interred in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Clark's Monument. Oct. 14, 1908, Charles C. Eldredge and Roberta Ella (Harris) Howlett were united in marriage. Mrs. Eldredge is a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Burger) Harris. She was bom at Prairie Home in 1845, and her father and mother were natives of Boone and Cooper Counties, re- spectively. Robert Harris died when the overflow of the Missouri River occurred in the early forties (1844). His death was due to exposure from working in the overflow, attempting to save the lives of people and stock. At the time of his death, Mr. Harris operated a tannery. Mrs. Eldredge was first married to James Archie Howlett in 1862, and by her first mar- riage she is the mother of six children : James A., deceased ; Mrs. Harriet Elizabeth Stemmons, deceased ; Logie Josephine, the wife of Edward Nance, of San Francisco, Calif. ; Lillian, the wife of Will Sperry, of St. Louis ; Athalena, the wife of Robert Fleming, of California ; and Robert Hatcher, of St. Louis. Mrs. Eldredge recalls that, in connection with the history of the early days in the county, her uncle and aunt, Joseph and Betsy Jane Burger, frequently rode on horseback to Boonville, a distance of 14 miles from their home, and carried to the market a large bucket of butter and a basket of eggs. The Burger family came from Holland, and Joseph Burger settled in Cooper County. Mr. and Mrs. Eldredge reside in a comfortable home south of the Kemper Military School. Mr. Eldredge has been a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 50 years. He and Mrs. Eldredge are valued and consistent members of the Christian Church. They stand high in the respect and esteem of their fellow citizens and they are numbered among the county's best families. William George Robien, farmer and live stock dealer, residing at Prairie Lick, Mo., has a splendid farm of 245 acres, upon which he has resided since 1912. Mr. Robien was born in Cooper County Feb. 24, 1870. His father, Henry Robien, was born March 9, 1836, and died June 11, 1872. He was a native of Germany, who immigrated to America in 1859, married Marie Hoflander, who was born May 16, 1834, and died Jan. 15, 1917. She, Maine Robien, was born in Sachsen-Coburg, Germany, village of Grosgornstadt, and came to America, May 19, 1853. She was (35) 546 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY first married to Christian Krohn Aug. 14, 1861. Mr. Krohn was killed by guerillas Aug. 31, 1863. Her next marriage was with Henry Robien, on Feb. 2, 1865, and to this marriage were born three children: William George Robien, of this review; Lena Robien resides with the other son, Henry P. Robien, who lives on a farm just south of Boonville. Henry Robien, the elder, served in the Union Army during the Civil War, with a Missouri regiment. He was badly wounded at the Battle of Arrow Rock, nine buckshot being taken from his body. He took part in the memorable chase after General Price's rebel army through Missouri and Arkansas, followed farming pursuits after the close of the war and died of pneumonia in 1872. May 11, 1876, Mrs. Marie Robien was married to Henry Zimmerman, who was born April 30, 1831, in Wertumburg, Germany, came to America in 1852 and died in Cooper County, Mo., July 22, 1913. Two children of Henry Zimmerman survive : Mary, wife of John E. Kirchner, near Boon- ville; Katie, deceased wife of Henry Wendleton, near Speed, Mo. W. G. Robien was reared in Cooper County and has always been a farmer and live stock man. He purchased his first farm in 1897. For the past 22 years he has been a large buyer and shipper of live stock and his shipments will aggregate many carloads yearly. The past season of 1918 and 1919 has been exceptionally unfavorable to the live stock buyers and shippers, who, in many cases, have been merely turning over their money or losing on their deals because of the scarcity and high price of feed for the stock, and poor condition of the stock. Feb. 10, 1897, W. G. Robien and Miss Lizzie Oswald, a daughter of the late Herman Oswald, were united in marriage. The children born to this union are : Florence, Elmer, Frances, Mary, and Mabel. Mr. Robien is a member of the Martinsville Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He is a well informed and progressive citizen who is usually found in the forefront of good movements for the betterment and progress of things in his native county. Genial and kindly disposed, he has many friends in Cooper County. John E. Kirchner, owner of 600 acres of fertile and productive Cooper County land began with a small tract of 12 acres when 23 years of age. At the time of his marriage he had 120 acres and has carefully followed out his well defined plan of continually adding to his acreage as he was able. Mr. Kirchner never had things easy in his life until of late years. If one were to ask how he came to be so well fixed he would answer, "by HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 547 hard work, planning ahead and making the earnings of the farm count for the best, and not being extravagant". He began to work when he was nine years old, because necessity demanded that he go to work and help support his widowed mother and family. At the age of 10 he was doing the work of a plowman, cutting wood, and doing the hardest kind of work around the farm. When he was 22 years old he began renting land. Soon thereafter he purchased his first farm a modest 12 acres. Anyhow, it was a beginning, and there is no telling when this ambitious citizen will stop accumulating farms. Of the acreage held by the Kirch- ners, Mrs. Kirchner has 250 acres which came to her by inheritance. John E. Kirchner was born in Germany, Dec. 18, 1852. He was three weeks old when his parents, Nicholas and Eva Kirchner, emigrated from their native land to seek a home in America. Nicholas Kirchner located in Cooper County, Mo., in Jan., 1853, lived for two years in Boonville, and then bought a small farm of 20 acres just southeast of the city. He died of pneumonia in 1863. Four children were left fatherless and another child was born after the father's death. The children are: John E., sub-> ject of this review; Mrs. Mary Lowe, living southwest of Vermont, Mo.; Frank, a farmer southeast of Vermont, Mo. ; Louise, deceased ; Annie, the wife of Ed Melkelrsman, Boonville, Mo. The mother of these children nobly shouldered the task of rearing her family to maturity. She de- parted this life in 1907. Mr. Kirchner's home place, whereon he has resided for the past 12 years, is well improved, with a handsome farm residence, which sets on an elevation overlooking the surrounding country. The greater part of the Kirchner land cost $20 an acre at the time of purchase, and it is now easily worth from $150 to $200 an acre. John E. Kirchner was married in 1884 to Mary B. Zimmerman, a daughter of Henry and Sophie (Beck) Zimmerman, Mrs. Mary B. Kirch- ner was born in Ohio, in April, 1857, and one month later her parents came to Cooper County, where she was reared. Her mother was born in 1830 and died in 1874. She had a sister, Mrs. Henry Wendleton, deceased. The children born to John E. and Mary B. Kirchner are as follows: Emery Korchner, born Jan. 29, 1886, owner of a farm of 100 acres; Katie is the wife of William Boggemeier, near Boonville, Mo. ; Flora, at home with her parents. Mr. Kirchner is a republican and is a member of the Evangelical Church. 548 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Dr. O. W. Cochran, one of Cooper County's most prominent and best- known citizens, is a native of Boone County. Dr. Cochran was born March 5, 1860, near Rocheport, a son of Samuel D. and Amanda (Boggs) Cochran, honored pioneers of Missouri. Samuel D. Cochran was a son of John Cochran, an early settler of Boone County, who came west in 1811. Amanda (Boggs) Cochran was a daughter of John Boggs, who came to Missouri in 1812. Both the Coch- ran and the Boggs families came from Kentucky. Mrs. Cochran died in 1880, at the age of 50 years. Samuel D. Cochran died in 1915, at the age of 82 years. Both mother and father are interred in Sugar Creek Ceme- tery in Boone County. The children of Samuel D. and Amanda Cochran are as follows: Mrs. Mary D. Baldwin, who died in 1916; Mrs. Thomas T. Lowrey, Perkins, Okla. ; Mrs. George L. Williamson, Columbia, Mo.; and Dr. 0. W., the subject of this sketch. Dr. 0. W. Cochran received his elementary education in the public schools of Boone County. James Cooney, who later became congressman from the Seventh District, was his teacher. Dr. Cochran attended the State University of Missouri at Columbia for three years. He is a grad- uate of the Louisville Medical College, a member of the class of 1885. March 4, 1887, he came to Gooch's Mill, and he has been located here for the past 32 years. Dr. Cochran is the owner of a farm, comprising 375 acres of valuable land in Saline township. He is perhaps the oldest prac- titioner in Cooper County, and he has established an unusually fine prac- tice. In December, 1887, Dr. 0. W. Cochran was united in marriage with Octavia V. Quarles, a daughter of Charles Quarles, of Prairie Home town- ship. Both the father and the mother of Mrs. Cochran were natives of Virginia, and both are now deceased and their remains are interred in Ellis Cemetery near Prairie Home. To Dr. and Mrs. Cochran "have been born the following children: William Owen, who was born Dec. 7, 1888, and died July 11, 1916; Nellie, the wife of Frank Bornhauser, of Prairie Home township; Anna Gray, the wife of Ernest C. Oerly, of Saline town- ship; and Samuel Victor, a student in the Boonville High School. Dr. and Mrs. Cochran have five grandchildren ; Virginia, Margaret, B. 0., and Willie Gray, and an infant. All the children of Dr. Cochran and wife are graduates of the Boonville High School. The doctor and Mrs. Cochran are worthy and valued members of the Baptist Church. Dr. Cochran was in charge of the war work in Saline township, man- againg the Liberty Loans, Red Cross work, United War work campaign, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 549 the Armenian Relief, and he was chairman of the .township Council of Defense. For eight years he has been chairman of the democratic cen- tral committee of Cooper County. Dr. Cochran is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Dr. Cochran made the race for tke State senatorship in 1909 and was defeated by one vote by Sam C. Major, now congressman from the Seventh District of Missouri. Dr. Cochran is a good citizen, and a man of high ideals. He commands the respect and admiration of all with whom he comes in contact. Dr. Ace Overton Donahew, veterinarian, with offices at 803 East Morgan street, Boonville, Mo. ; has during the 17 years he has been prac- ticing his profession, made a reputation as a skilled and competent veter- inarian, which is second to none in Central Missouri. Dr. Donahew's practice extends over Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, Pettis, and Saline Counties and part of Boone County, Mo. He was born Aug. 17, 1865, in Mount Sterling, Ky. His father was John Donahew (b. 1820, d. 1888), born in Kentucky and a son of John Donahew, a Kentucky pioneer. John Donahew migrated with his family to Missouri in the fall of 1870, bring- ing his movable possessions to this county in wagons. He settled on the prairie near La Monte, Mo., and in the fall of 1874, removed to a farm in Saline County. His first few years in Missouri were disastrous ones, facing total crop failures through the dry years of the early seventies. The panic of 1873 had its effect, also, with the dropping of prices of farm products ot their lowest level in many years. The grasshopper pest of 1872-73 also cleaned out the crops on the prairies. Mr. Donahew man- aged to make a new start in Saline County, prospering and was making plans to purchase a farm of his own when he was stricken down with typhoid fever and died in 1888. The entire family was attacked, and the father succumbed. John Donahew married Mary Pettit, who was. born in Stanton, Ky., in 1840 and died in 1909. She bore him five sons: Andrew, died in 1916; Ace Overton, of this review; James F., Redding, California; Edward, Slater, Mo.; Austin, Kansas City. Mrs. Donahew, faced with the task of keeping her family together and rearing them to maturity. She succeeded and all of her sons, now living are excellent citizens in their respective localities. For three years the family lived on the old Ben Derrick farm near Orearville, Mo. In 1891 they removed to Slater, Mo. and resided there for seven years. Mrs. Donahew then moved to Kansas City. 550 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Dr. Ace 0. Donahew was educated in the Kansas City Veterinary College and studied his profession for three years, 1888-1889-1900. He first practiced for three years at Slater, Mo. He was then located at Fayette, Mo. for four months prior to coming to Boonville on May 15, 1903. Combined with Sr. Donahew's knowledge of the science of his pro- fession is a profound understanding of animals, and an expert insight into the characteristics of the horse. For a period of 15 years prior to taking up the study of his profession he was one of the best known horse break- ers and trainers in this section of the West. He studied the art of horse training under Prof. Gleason of Kansas City, and then made a business of training and breaking track horses. Regularly each season he would make the circuit and would be at all the racing meets when trotting and running races were in the heyday of popularity with the western people. Dr. Donahew trained "Jim Ramey" of Sedalia and broke and trained sev- eral track animals for John R. Gentry of Sedalia, who produced "John R. Gentry" and "Theodore Shelton" the greatest two-year-olds of their day. He trained "Sam Fuller" of Fayette, and was the trainer of "King Herod" and "Telegram", two of the noted pacers and trotters of this sec- tion of the country. Dr. Ace O. Donahew was married in 1906 to Miss Theresa German of Hermann, Mo., a daughter of Capt. Henry German. This marriage has been blessed with three children: Garmon Frederick, Frances Louise, and Dorothy May. Dr. Donahew is a democrat and takes quite an interest in political matters. He is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. George Hutchin Moore, proprietor of "Truesdale Stock Farm," is a descendant of one of the first pioneer families of Cooper County, mem- bers of which have been prominent in the affairs of this county for over a century. His great grandfather was Maj. William Moore, a native of North Carolina, who settled in Cooper County in 1816, soon after the close of the War of 1812, during which struggle he served as major in an American regiment. George Moore, son of Major Moore, married a Miss Stephens of the old Stephens family of Cooper County, who settled here as early as 1817. Charles F. Moore, father of George H. Moore, of this review, was born in Cooper County in 1829 and died in 1913. He married Martha Inglish, a daughter of Hutchin Inglish, a pioneer settler of Moniteau County, and who was a native of Kentucky. Charles F. Moore conducted HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 551 a store at the old town of Palestine and was an extensive grain buyer and shipper for a number of years. He was a citizen of versatile attainments, well educated, and proficient in many lines. He was a veterinary sur- geon. He was one of those neighborhood geniuses who could turn a deft hand and brain to almost anything in the line of a farmer's necessity and do it well. He speculated largely in Missouri land and bought and sold farms in Cooper County, becoming a large land owner on his own account. During the last 20 years of his life he made his home in Boonville. Charles F. Moore was father of six children: George Hutchin, subject of this review; Return L., for 25 years local agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Co. at Boonville, now living in Georgia; Cornelia is the wife of R. L. Windsor, Clarks Fork township; Mrs. Florence Eller lives near Fayette, Howard County, Mo. ; Gillis Moore lives in Kansas City ; Ger- trude is the wife of Ben Curtis, Poteau, Okla. G. Hutchin Moore was bom July 26, 1852. He was educated in the district school and attended Professors Cullough and Simpson's Institute, near Concord Church. He began upon a rented farm on his own account near Billingsville in 1873. In 1877 he removed to Johnson County, Mo., and after farming in that county for four years he returned to Cooper County in 1882 and purchased part of his father's home place in June of that year. For the past 31 years Mr. Moore has resided on his farm and is the owner of 240 acres, upon which he has practically placed all of the existing improvements. The Truesdale Stock Farm is noted for the fine horses produced and raised on the place. The sons of Mr. Moore are breeders of saddle horses and jacks. They sold "Missouri King," a three- year-old, to P. Hawkins, who later sold him to a California man for $5,000. The strain of the Moore horses is the "Rex McDonald" breed. "Missouri King' was awarded the grand championship prize at the Royal Stock Show in Kansas City. Mammoth jacks are bred on the Moore farm, which has had as high as a dozen or more head of fine thoroughbreds at one time in the stables. G. Hutchin Moore was married in 1873 to Miss Lucretia Eller, born in Cooper County in 1854, a daughter of David and Martha (Oglesby) Eller, natives of Kentucky, who were pioneers in this county. The chil- dren born of this union are : Mrs. Claudia Gosnold, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Mrs. Daisy Dean Rutherford, living near Otterville, Mo.; Mrs. Bessie Coleman, Bunceton, Mo.; Marvin, a resident of Los Angeles, Calif.; Trevor H., on the home place ; Delia, at home with her parents. Mr. Moore is a democrat and is a member of the Bapitst Church. 552 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Frank N. Blank, proprietor of "Grove Place," a valuable farm of 240 acres in Prairie Home township, is one of the most successful cattle breed- ers in that section. Mr. Blank was born May 24, 1876, son and only child of Jacob and Emma (Hofferberg) Blank, the former of whom was born on that same place, son of Nicholas Blank, a native of Germany, and one of the pioneers of that section of Cooper County. Nicholas Blank and wife were among the first members of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, and are buried in the churchyard there. Jacob Blank died in 1878, at the age of 32 years, and his widow survived him but two years, her death occurring in 1880, she then being 26 years of age. Frank N. Blank, early orphaned, was reared in the household of his uncle, Ernest Kirschman, and upon coming into his majority took over the fine farm which had come to him through his father and his grand- father. He grew up on that place, completed his schooling in the old Prairie Home Insitute and from the days of his boyhood has given his attention to agricultural pursuits, a vocation which is returning him ample rewards. "Grove Place Farm" is an admirably improved place of 240 acres which was "entered" from the Government by one Murphy in the days of the Van Buren administration, and was purchased from the patentee by Mr. Blank's grandfather, Nicholas Blank. The place is well situated three and one-half miles northeast of Prairie Home, and is well watered, a good pond and springs being supplemented by a driven well 214 feet deep. Since taking over the management of the property, Mr. Blank has made numerous substantial improvements on the same, these including the erection of a new farm house in 1899, and the building of three barns, one in that same year, another in 1902, and another in 1912, besides garage, machine shop and such other buildings as required. Since 1901 Mr. Blank has been engaged in the breeding of registered Hereford cattle in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Spieler, their present herd of about 40 head being headed by "Excelsior VI" and "Free Lance," and in this connection has done much to improve the strain of Hereford throughout tnis section, the products of "Grove Place" herd being in wide demand. As one of the means of exploiting this herd Mr. Blank, who is a highly-skilled amateur photographer, maintains a well-equipped photo- graph "gallery" on his place. In 1899, Frank N. Blank was united in marriage to Bertha Spieler, who was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, Lucille, who is at home. Mrs. Blank is a daughter of Otto and Margaret (Young) Spieler, the latter of whom is still living making her home on FRANK N. BLANK HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 553 the home place. Otto Spieler and wife were the parents of eight chil- dren, Mrs. Blank having three brothers, Ernest, of Wooldridge; Otto, of St. Louis ; and Henry Spieler, of Wooldridge, who is a partner of Mr. Blank ; Mrs. Charles Oerly, deceased ; Mrs. Lon S. Swanstone, near Gooch's Mills ; Laura and Minnie, at home. Mr. Blank is a member of the Herford Breeders' Association. He is a republican, and a member of Pleasant Grove Evangelical Church, and is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen. Lon V. Wendleton. — The most complete farm plant in the central part of Cooper County is that of Lon V. Wendleton, in Palestine township. The Wendleton farm is improved with a handsome, modern farm resi- dence, large barns, shops and a planing mill so as to make the place inde- pendent of outside assistance. The saw mill and planing mill was erected by Mr. Wendleton so as to prepare the lumber for his new home, which is practically built of hardwood lumber, cut from the timber on the farm of 543.5 acres, which he is managing. The house consists of ten rooms, finished in oak, cherry, walnut, and red elm, all of which was cut, sawed, and finished for use on the farm. The planing mill has been in operation since 1915 and has already paid for itself and done work far above in value of the original cost. Mr. Wendleton does some custom work merely for the accommodation of his neighbors. This fine home is lighted by gas, and heated by a hot water heating plant. The modem day, progressive farmer of the class to which Mr. Wendleton belongs, has come into his own and is fast seeing the light of better days. Mr. Wendleton is owner of 137.5 acres, the rest of the large tract which he is farming being the property of his uncle, Henry Wendleton. Considerable live stock is produced on the Wendleton farms; one carload of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle is fed each year and fattened for the market; from one to two carloads of hogs are sold on the markets; 60 sheep are maintained the year round. Lon V. Wendleton was born Dec. 22, 1886, on a farm three miles west of his present home. He is a son of David Wendleton. He has resided with his uncle, Henry Wendleton, since he was 10 years of age and has had the management of his uncle's large farm for several years. Mr. Wendleton was married Sept. 29, 1908, to Miss Grace Hendrick, who was born in the Indian Territory, May 12, 1888, and is a daughter of James P. and Eva (Turner) Hendrick, natives of Missouri. James B. Hendrick resided for a few years in the Indian Territory, and after his return to Missouri, settled in Lafayette county, where he resided until 554 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY his removal to Boone County, where he is now residing. Three children have blessed this marriage: Mildred, born Oct. 5, 1909; Ruth, born Jan. 20, 1911; Earl, born March 12, 1915. Mr. Wendleton is a democrat. He and Mrs. Wendleton are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masons. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wendleton are well informed and well educated people, who are hos- pitably inclined and of the true Missouri, progressive type. Both have had the advantages of study in the State University and the Normal Academy, and endeavor to keep abreast of the times. Henry Wendleton was born in Cooper County in 1854, and was a son of David Wendleton, a native of Holland, who left his native land, came to America, and located permanently in Cooper County, Mo., in 1833. Further details of the history of the Wendleton family will be found in the sketch of David Wendleton. Mr. Wendleton has been twice married ; his first wife having been a Miss Catherine Barbara Zimmerman, who died in 1903. His second marriage, in 1906, was with Sophia Muntzel, who died two and a half years after her marriage. J. Louis Staebler. — A rich and fertile farm, well improved and located advantageously, such as the farm of J. Louis Staebler, of Billings- ville, is a possession of which any man can well be proud. The Staebler place consists of 200 acres and has a handsome residence of 11 rooms erected in 1907 and modern in every respect. This home is equipped with a gas lighting system, water system, furnace and was one of the first modern homes built in this section of Cooper County. Mr. Staebler is a producer of hogs and raises and feeds about 150 head of animals yearly for the markets. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, June 6, 1856. J. Louis Staebler, Sr., his father, was born in Germany in 1820, and died in Cooper County, Mo., in 1903. The ancestral seat of the Staebler family is at or near Stuttgart, Wurtemburg, Germany. Mr. Staebler im- migrated to America in 1853 and settled near Urbana, Ohio. This section of Ohio, at that time, was in a more or less wooded condition and the forests in process of clearing. The soil was wet and malaria was pre- valent among the settlers and residents. Mr. Staebler became afflicted with malaria and was advised by his family doctor to come west, entirely out of the malaria-ridden country. He had friends in Missouri and learned through them of the excellence of the climate in the Cooper County neighborhood. Accordingly, he disposed of his property in Ohio, and drove across country in company with two other families, their belong- ings being carried in six wagons. In 1859, Mr. Staebler brought his be- longings to Missouri with two teams and lived for the first two years on HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 555 a farm south of Boonville. J. Louis Staebler, .Sr., served in the State Militia during the Civil War. When General Rice's Army raided Boon- ville and Cooper County in 1863, the Confederates raided the Staebler farm, stripped the farm and home of provisions and live stock and feed, and robbed him of his money and all his possessions. A battle was fought near the Staebler place between the Union forces under General Kratz Brown and Price's men. In 1873 he located on the farm owned by his son, J. Louis Staebler, Jr. His wife was Christina Grauer. She was bora near Stuttgart, Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1833 and departed this life Jan. 20, 1917. J. Louis Staebler was the only child of his parents. Nov. 7, 1889, J. Louis Staebler was married to Elizabeth J. Dueschle, born in 1867, near Pleasant Green, Mo., a daughter of Adam, Sr., and Catherine (Shook) Dueschle, natives of Germany and early settlers in Cooper County. Mr. and Mrs. Staebler have two children: Esther O., a graduate of the business college at Boonville; Edith, at home with her parents. Mr. Staebler is a republican. He is a member of the Billingsville Evangelical Church and is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is an intelligent, well posted citizen, who has made a success of his life work and has arrived at the point in life where he can live in comfortable circumstances. Henry P. Robien. — Success in farming and stock raising seems to be characteristic of the members of the Robien family in Cooper County, and Henry P. Robien, who has a splendid farm of 180 acres just south of Boonville, is no exception — rather, he is one of the most successful of the family, inasmuch as he is owner of 450 acres of land in addition to his home farm, situated south of Billingsville. Mr. Robien has resided on his home place for the past 18 years and it is well improved with a large brick house and other substantial farm buildings, there being two sets of im- provements on his land. Mr. Robien is a large feeder of cattle and hogs, fattening two carloads each of these animals each year. Mr. Robien was born near Speed, Mo., Sept. 25, 1872, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Hof lander) Robien, a sketch of whom appears in this volume in connection with the biography of William G. Robien of Prairie Lick. When Henry P. Robien was three years old, his parents moved to a farm just south of Boonville. Here he was reared to young manhood and attended the district school. He remained at home until he was 28 years old and then began doing for himself. Mr. Robien was married in 1901 to Henrietta Zimmerman, born on the farm near Billingsville, in 1879, a daughter of George and Helena 556 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY (Renken) Zimmerman, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. George Zim- merman was born in 1834 and died on April 5, 1905. His wife, Helena, was born in Germany in 1838, and died Jan. 17, 1907. George Zimmer- man came to America and settled in Cooper County in 1852. Helen (Renkin) Zimmerman came to America with her parents in 1843, and was reared and married in Cooper County. The Zimmermans settled on the farm now owned by Henry P. Robien in 1891. They were pai-ents of five children: Henry, Emma, Frederick, and Catherine, all deceased; Hen- rietta, wife of H. P. Robien, is the only living child. H. P. and Henrietta Robien have two children, namely: Helen Marie Robien, age 14 years; and George Henry Robien, aged 17 years. Mr. Robien is a republican, but has little time for political matters. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. He is popular, well and favorably known and is one of the young hustlers in Cooper County. George W. Carey, of "Maple Grove Farm," a mile north of the town of Prairie Home, is not only the oldest native born pioneer in this section of Missouri, but is a member of the first families of Missouri. His grand- father settled here in territorial days. Mr. Carey was born on a place four miles north of the place on which he is now living on Jan. 14, 1833. Among the names of the pioneers who were prominent in affairs here in the days of his boyhood, Mr. Carey recalls James McLain, Andrew Wells, Robert Johnston, James Adair, and William Smith. John Carey, a Tennesseean, who came here and entered a tract of land, now a part of Frank Kirschman's farm in Prairie Home township, 100 years or more ago, was the founder of the Carey family in this sec- tion. His son, Evans Carey, father of George W. Carey, entered two tracts of land at the same time, a quarter section on Cave Creek in Saline township, now owned by James Cartner, and the tract now included in "Maple Grove Farm," owned by his grandson, Robert A. Carey, and for many years the home of the venerable George W. Carey. In time, Calvin M. Carey, one of Evans Carey's sons, and an elder brother of George W. Carey, bought the interests of the other heirs in this latter piece of prop- erty, and in the succeeding generation his youngest son, Robert A., the present owner, bought the undivided interests of his brothers and sisters, "Maple Grove Farm" thus having been held in the Carey name since the day the original patent was granted. George W. Carey has been twice married. His first wife, Polly Woods, died many years ago, and is buried a CO - - V. d > •/. -9 Cfl HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 557 in Providence Cemetery. By that union he has two daughters, Mrs. Clara Adair, of Prairie Home township, and Mrs. T. F. Hale, of California, Mo. Feb. 2, 1885, Mr. Carey married Mrs. Matilda T. (Miller) Carey, widow of his deceased brother, Calvin M. Carey. This union is without issue. Calvin M. Carey was born in Saline township in 1825, and died in 1879, and is buried in the Salem Cemetery in Prairie Home township. Dec. 2, 1862, at Tipton, he was united in marriage to Matilda T. Miller, and to that union were born seven children all of whom are living, save George Calvin, who died at the age of three years, the others being as follows: Prof. Estill Carey, now principal of the high school at Malta Bend, Mo. ; Harriet, wife of L. P. Stark, St. Louis ; Anna, wife of R. W. Payne, Fayette; Maud, wife of R. L. Meredith, Joplin; Sarah, wife of Starke Koontz, Boonville, and Robert A., proprietor of "Maple Grove Farm." Mrs. Matilda T. (Miller) Carey was born on a farm near Richmond, Ky., June 6, 1840, and was but six years of age when in 1846 her parents, James E. and Harriet F. (Tevis) Miller, came to Missouri with their fam- ily, and located in Howard County. A year later they moved to Moniteau County and settled on a farm a mile south of Tipton, where James E. Mil- ler died shortly afterward in 1847. His widow died in 1867. Of the 11 children born to James E. Miller and wife, Mrs. Carey is the only survivor. She was educated in the district school and in a boarding school or sem- inary, which then was being conducted in the settlement which was the forerunner of the present city of Sedalia, that having been in the days before the Sedalia townsite was platted, and was living at Tipton at the time of her marriage to Calvin M. Carey in 1862. Mrs. Carey has an unusually well cultivated memory and her recollection of social conditions here in the days of her girlhood form a most interesting chain of remin- iscence. She has one great-grandson, Robert Miller Payne, and 20 grand- children, namely: Matilda, Anna Maud and Robert E. Carey; Edna, Estill, Helen and Lenore Stark; Francis and David Koontz; Lee. Carey, Lillian, Harriet, and Guy Meredith ; Robert, Martha, and William Richard Payne, and Virginia Lee and Robert A. Carey. Robert Arthur Carey, proprietor of "Maple Grove Farm," one mile north of Prairie Home, was born on that farm and has lived there all his life. He was born Sept. 9, 1873, son of Calvin M. and Matilda T. (Miller) Carey, the latter of whom is still living, making her home at "Maple Grove," as she has done for many years. Calvin M. Carey died in 1879 558 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and his widow in 1885 married his younger brother, George W. Carey, who also is still living at "Maple Grove.'" Robert A. Carey completed his schooling in the old Prairie Home Institute and in the high school at Boonville, and from the days of his boyhood has devoted his attention to the cultivation of the farm. Some time ago he became owner of the place, with his mother, by purchase' of the interests of his brother and sisters. Since then he has made numer- ous substantial improvements to the place, including a remodeling of the residence, the erection of two barns, one 38x54 and the other 36x60, and other essential farm buildings. Mr. Carey has long given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and for the past five years has main- tained an excellent herd of registered Aberdeen-Angus cattle, with which he has had much success. He also has a good bunch of Duroc Jersey hogs and a flock of 60 or more sheep. Dec. 27, 1909, Robert A. Carey was united in marriage to Catherine Niederwimer, who also was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, Virginia Lee and Robert Arthur, Jr. Mrs. Carey is a daughter of Frank Niederwimer and wife, who are now living at Fayette. She received her schooling at the Oak Grove School in Saline township. Mr. and Mrs. Carey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prairie Home. Mr. Carey gives a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, and has served as clerk and director of the Providence School District several terms. "Maple Grove Farm" is an attractive and well kept place. Thomas Francis Grathwohl, of the Billingsville neighborhood, has a splendid farm of 260 acres, which is well improved with a modern resi- dence erected in 1907, two large barns, a silo 40 feet in height, and 14 feet in width and everything about his place is kept in first-class shape. Two tracts, one of 80 acres and the other of 108 acres, lay in Boonville township, the rest of his land is in Palestine township. Thomas F. Grathwohl was born in Logansport, Ind., Oct. 4, 1866. His father was Timothy Grathwohl, a native of Germany, who immi- grated to America when a young man, married Margeretha Barbara Hol- lander, and settled in Cooper County about 1866. He died in this county, Oct. 7, 1871. Margaretha Barbara (Hoflander) Grathwohl was bora Aug. 9, 1836, in Germany, and accompanied her parents, Johann Ernst and Kunigunda HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 559 (Stegner) Hoflander to America in 1854. She died Dec. 29, 1913. The children born to Timothy and Margaretha Barbara Grathwohl are as fol- lows: Charles Timothy, born Sept. 3, 1860; Conrad Ansell, born in La- fayette, Ind., April 3, 1862, died Feb. 18, 1914; Maria Anna, born July 25, 1864, died Aug. 14, 1885; Thomas Francis, born Oct. 4, 1866; Mag- dalena Barbara, born Dec. 11, 1869; Joseph Caspar, born Aug. 24, 1871, died in 1873. After the death of Timothy Grathwohl, the widow and children went to her father's home at Billingsville and she kept house for her brother until the children were able to work for their own support. The widow eventually bought a small farm and assisted by her brothers Paul and George and her growing sons, the family eventually became possessed of the place of 108 acres, where Thomas F. Grathwohl now lives. Here the mother lived until two years prior to her death, when she made her home with her son Charles. Thomas F. Grathwohl lived at the homes of his uncles, Paul and George Hoflander, until he became of age. He and his two brothers, Charles and Conrad, then pooled their possessions and strength and bought the Charles Grathwohl farm together. They kept up a partner- ship for 10 years and prospered. In 1904 the brothers divided their land holdings. Thomas F. Grathwohl received 117 acres of land and Charles and Conrad, his brothers, took the original farm bought by the brothers, and the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Grathwohl keeps good live stock and has a thoroughbred male Hereford leader for his herd of cattle. He keeps thoroughbred Duroc Jersey and Poland China hogs. Industry, wise management, and close application have made him one of the well to do and influential citizens of Cooper County. Mr. Grathwold was married on Nov. 8, 1896, to Miss Amelia Muntzel, who was born May 10, 1877, in Cooper County, a daughter of the late Fritz Muntzel, a sketch of whom appears in connection with that of F. H. Muntzel in this history. The children born to Thomas F. and Amelia Grathwohl are as follows: Henry, a senior in the Boonville High School; Corinne, Joseph, Marie, Carl, and Elsie, at home. Mr. Grathwohl is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church of Billingsville and is superintendent of the Billingsville Sunday school. He is a director of the Bank of Speed, Mo., and is a director of the Clarks Fork Mutual Fire Insurance Company. 560 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Judge Thomas Alvin Harris, of Prairie Home, is one of the highly respected citizens and interesting men of the older generation of Cooper County's native sons. He was born in Prairie Home township in 1839, a son of Thomas and Nancy (Edwards) Harris, both natives of Kentucky. Thomas Harris came here with his father, William Harris, and settled in Cooper County in 1820. They settled in Prairie Home township, and William Harris died a few years after coming here, and was the first per- son to be buried in the Harris private cemetery. Nancy (Edwards) Har- ris, mother of Judge Harris, died in 1864. Judge Harris is the only survivor of 10 children born to his parents. The others were : Stanton P. ; Mrs. Margaret Johnston ; Mrs. Elizabeth Read ; William ; Mrs. Lucinda McDuff ee ; John ; Mrs. Eliza Son ; Mrs. Cath- erine Son; and George all of whom are deceased. Judge Harris was reared in Prairie Home township and received such education as the local schools of his time afforded. In the early part of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate Army at Boonville, under General Marmaduke, and took part in a number of battles, among which were the engagements at Independence, Big Blue, Mine Creek, Newtonia, being in the campaigns through Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. He was at Shreveport, La., when the war closed, there surrendering, and returned home by way of the Mississippi River to St. Louis, and from there to Jefferson City by rail. After the close of the war he resumed farming and stock raising in Prairie Home township, and met with well- merited success. He raised cattle, hogs and sheep and attained quite a reputation as a breeder of Oxford sheep. He lived on the place of 120 acres where he was born, except the time he was in the army, for 80 years, or until 1919, when he bought a pleasant home in the town of Prairie Home, where he and his wife are enjoying well-earned peaceful retirement. During the course of his caree, Judge Harris has always taken a deep and abiding interest in matters affecting the public welfare, and has been prominently identified with Cooper County in a political way. He was elected one of the judges of the County Court from the eastern district in 1891, and re-elected by a larger majority than the first time to succeed himself. Many improvements were made of a character which came within the scope of the jurisdiction of the County Court during his two terms of office. Among the more important, which might be here men- tioned, was the building of the Jewett bridge over Clarks Creek, and a number of other bridges in the county. Judge Harris was first married in 1859 to Miss Rachel Hall, of North Moniteau township, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Hall. The follow- JUDGE T. A. HAKIMS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 561 ing children were born to this union: Letitia, married Henry Carpenter, Prairie Home township; Lulu, who married D. W. Hunt, who is now de- ceased, and she lives at Pisgah, and George W., died at the age of 23. The mother of these children died in 1883. In 1890, Judge Harris was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Apperson, daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Berkley) Apperson. The former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Virginia. They were pioneers of North Moniteau town- ship. They were the parents of the following children: Bessie, the wife of Judge Harris, born May 10, 1846 ; William F. ; Robert W. ; Thomas F. ; George P. ; Nancy P. The last three mentioned are deceased. Judge and Mrs. Harris are members of the Baptist Church of Prairie Home, and he has served as clerk of the Pisgah Baptist Church for 22 years. The Harris family are numbered among Cooper County's most valued and highly respected citizens, and Judge Harris and his wife have a host of friends. Walter L. Coleman of the firm of Coleman and Lee, general mer- chandise, Bunceton, Mo., has been a resident of Bunceton since 1887 and has been engaged in the mercantile business since 1910. This store is well stocked with groceries, dry goods and general merchandise and has an excellent and substantial trade. Walter L. Coleman was born June 13, 1873, in Lees Summit, Mo., and is a son of John Coleman, a sketch of whom appears in this history. W. L. Coleman attended the Bunceton, Mo., schools and for ten years he traveled over the country, and was a baseball player for some years in various parts of the country. Mr. Coleman returned to Bunceton in 1902 and engaged in the grain business with his father and brothers. He was next engaged in the hardware business and in 1910, in partnership with Mr. Lee, the firm of Coleman & Lee Merc. Co. was established. Mr. Coleman was married on May 30, 1902 to Miss Huldah Lee of Bunceton, a daughter of Caleb A. Lee, partner in the business. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have one child: John Lee Coleman, aged 15 years. Caleb Atkinson Lee, father of Mrs. Coleman, was born Jan. 4, 1851, in Howard County. He is a son of Atkinson Hill and Susan (Wilcox) Lee, natives of Kentucky. The ancestry of this branch of the Lee family traces back to the Lees of Virginia and thence to Ireland. Col. Phil Lee, an uncle of C. A. Lee, fought in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. A. H. Lee, father of C. A. Lee, was born in 1808 and died on April 5, 1863. He came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1830, and drove a freight- ing outfit from St. Louis to Old Franklin for a number of years and later (36) 562 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY engaged in farming. He was father of nine children, of whom C. A. Lee is the only one living. Caleb Atkinson Lee was married in 1876 to Mattie M., a daughter of William R. George; she was born in 1855 in Cooper County. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have two children : Mrs. Walter L. Coleman and William Atkin- son Lee, of St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 5, 1881, Mr. Lee moved to Cooper County, and located on a farm one mile east of Bunceton where he followed fanning for 18 years. He then engaged in business with Mr. Coleman. Mr. Coleman is a democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Lee is a democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and is a Mason. Joseph Popper. — The largest mercantile establishment in central Missouri, is the department store on Joseph Popper and Company, Bunce- ton, Mo., established in 1893. Mr. Popper began business on an ordinary scale in that year on a side street of Bunceton, in a room 18x60 feet and carried a stock of goods value at about $8,000. His business soon out- grew its quarters and he moved to his present location in 1894. The Popper Store occupies a floor space of over 4,000 square feet besides a ware room of the same size. The business occupies two floors of the largest building in Bunceton. The clothing department occupies a space 30x65 feet; the grocery department occupies a space 40x50 feet; the dry goods and notions department occupied 28x80 feet; the shoe department is situated along one entire side of the building 80 feet ; and the goods are arranged on the departmental plan with every modern facility for the rapid transaction of the large volume of business. Six sales people are employed in this store and the extensive trade covers southern Cooper County and Moniteau County. Joseph Popper was born in Austria, Feb. 12, 1863. He is a son of Adelbert and Johanna Popper, the former of whom was a merchant and farmer in his native land and who gave his son Joseph a good education to fit him for his career. Mr. Popper came to America in 1883 and located at Versailles, Mo., where he was employed by William Mendel, a merchant of that city, for ten and a half years. He then came to Bunceton and began his successful business career. Mr. Popper has been twice married. His first marriage was with Miss Johanna Winter, who died in 1905 leaving one son: Herman Popper, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 563 an ex-soldier in the National Army. Herman Popper was bora in 1896. He enlisted in the aviation department of the National Army early in 1918, was trained at the New York Aviation School and was then trans- ferred to the training station, Kelly Field, at San Antonio, Texas, and received an honorable discharge in Feb., 1919. Mr. Popper was again married in 1907 to Bettie Nassauer, of St. Louis, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Nassauer, of that city. Mr. Popper is a republican. He was born and reared in the Jewish religious faith. He is a member of the Masons, the Chapter at Boonville, the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Per- sonally, Mr. Popper is a pleasant, genial, likable citizen who is liberal in his support of all public enterprises. Herbert L. Hawkins. — The Hawkins Hardware Co., Bunceton, Mo., of which Herbert L. Hawkins is president and treasurer, was organized in 1916 with a capital of $7,000. This capital has since been increased to 830,000, the demands of the growth of the business making necessary an increase in the capitalization. L. H. Moore is the vice-president and secretary of the company. Two floors, 60x100 feet are occupied by a splendid stock of hardware, harness and implements. Three warehouses are used in addition to the store room, and six people are given employ- ment in conducting this large business. A plumbing and electrical de- partment is maintained as well as a tin shop, and a wagon and automobile repair shop. A line of wagons, buggies and automobiles is car- ried, such substantial makes as the Studebaker, Maxwell and Scripps- Booth automobiles being sold and in addition the firm handles the famous "Titan Tractors". Herbert L. Hawkins was born in 1883 at Mohawk, Tenn. He is a son of J. K. and Sarah C. (Lotspeich) Hawkins. J. K. Hawkins has been during his whole active life, a promoter and organizer whose profession took him in various parts of the country while he made his headquarters at Morristown, Tenn. H. L. Hawkins was educated in the public schools and the seminary at Bowling Green, Ky. For several years he was en- gaged in the paint manufacturing business at Louisville, Ky., following which he was engaged in the real estate business at Versailles, Mo. Mr. Hawkins came to Bunceton in 1914 and embarked in the hardware and implement business as previously stated. Mr. Hawkins is president of the Bunceton Ice, Electric Light and Fuel Company. 564 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was married in 1910 to Miss Sallie Burger of Bunceton, a daugh- ter of John G. Burger. One child has been born of this union, Helen Hawkins, aged four years. Mr. Hawkins is a democrat of the old school. He is a member of the Baptist Church and the Masons of Bunceton, the Chapter of Boonville, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Independent Order of Red Men and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Samuel L. Hickam, a substantial land-owner and retired farmer of Cooper County, now living in a historic old house on the corporation line of the city of Boonville, is a native Missourian, and has lived in this State all his life. He was born in Moniteau County in 1852, son of Joseph and Susan (Teeters) Hickam. Joseph Hickam was born in Illinois, and was eight years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents in 1824, the family landing at Marion, Cole County, going from there to Moniteau County, where they settled. He thus grew up in Moniteau County, where, after his marriage to Susan Teeters, who was born in Boone County, he located on a farm, remaining there until 1876, when he moved to Cooper County, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. Joseph Hickam died Feb. 23, 1889, and his wife died two days later. By an astonishing coincidental train of sorrow in the Hickam family at that time, Samuel L. Hickam's first wife died Feb. 22, the day prior to her father-in-law's death, and two of the funerals were held together in the Hickam Cemetery in Moniteau County. To Joseph Hickam and wife were born 17 children, 10 of whom grew to maturity, namely: Squire William, deceased; John T., who was killed while serving under Gen. Sterling Price at the battle of Little. Blue ; Jasper, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Lamm, who died Jan. 31, 1889; Mrs. Susan Stevens, deceased ; Samuel L., subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Henrietta Tee- ters, deceased ; S. H. Hickam, living in Moniteau County ; Joseph, de- ceased ; and James T., near Boonville. Samuel L. Hickam was reared in Moniteau, County where he received his schooling, and where he began farming, later coming to Cooper County, where for 21 years he was engaged in farming near Wooldridge, the owner there of a fine farm of 1,100 acres, which he sold in 1917. Prior to that he was for four years engaged in farming in Howard County, whei-e he owned a farm of 360 acres. In 1907, upon his retirement from the active labors of the farm, Mr. Hickam bought the historic old house on the Jefferson City road, at the city limits of Boonville, and has since made his a - ■J. z 2 B - S HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 565 home there. Surrounding this house Mr. Hickam has 63 acres of land, 28 acres of which are in the city limits. He also owns- 202 acres in Saline township. The house in which the Hickams live has 20 rooms, and stands right on the city corporation line, the house being thus divided that the family take their meals in the city but sleep in the suburbs. The house was erected in the thirties or early forties by the original owner, Mr. Morton, and was constructed from bricks burned on the place. The next owner was Mr. Isaac Lionberger, who built an addition to the house, ex- tending it to its present capacious dimensions. Mr. Hickam is a democrat, and he is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Hickam has been thrice married. On March 15, 1877, he was united in marriage to Nannie Stone, who was born in Boone County, and who died Feb. 22, 1889. To that union five children were born, four of whom died in infancy, the survivor being Mary, wife of Henry Lachner, of Clarksburg. June 25, 1891, Mr. Hickam married Dora Wiggins, who was born in Boone County, and who died in May, 1896, and is also buried in the Hickam Cemetery. To that union was born four children, one child living, Mildred, wife of John McDaniel, of Saline township. July 8, 1897, Mr. Hickam married Myrtle Sumner, who was born up in Audrain County. This union has been without issue, but Mr. and Mrs. Hickam have reared the following children: Clarence Dietz, Joe Jones (a colored boy), Fred Teeters, John Earnhardt, Harry Vots, Ollie Thomas and Nannie Hickam. Mrs. Hickam has a sister, Mrs. J. A. Benham, living in East St. Louis, 111. Her parents, Joseph Thomas and Martha Elizabeth (Clement) Sumner, were both members of pioneer families in Missouri, the former born in St. Louis County in 1844, and the latter in 1839. Joseph Thomas Sumner was a soldier of the Confederacy during the Civil War and spent his 18th birthday in a Federal prison, having been taken a prisoner of war. He died in 1902, and his widow died in 1912. Both are buried at Santa Fe, Monroe County. Mr. Hickam has seven grandchildren, namely: Nannie Hickam, Anna Leona, Mildred Jewel and Clara Louise Lachner and and Samuel L. McDaniel, and two step-grandchildren, William and Henry Lachner and Minnie Lachner. Sergeant William Lachner, one of the grandchildren served 18 months with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, a member of the 140th Infantry 35th Division. On his birthday, Sept. 26, he was slightly wounded in the battle in the Argonne Forest, and was for some time thereafter confined to hospital, but recov- ered and was returned to his command, and is now at home in Boonville. 566 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY His brother, Henry Lachner, was also in service of the United States Navy. One of Mr. Hickam's cousins, Capt. John T. Hickam, was an officer of the 35th Division, A. E. F., in France. August Stegner. — For 66 years August Stegner, well to do retired farmer, living at 1006 Seventh Street, Boonville, Mo., has been a resident of Cooper County, and for 55 years prior to his removal to Boonville, he resided on one farm, reared a splendid family and has well earned a place in the history of his home county. Mr. Stegner was born in Sachsen-Coburg, Germany, Aug. 24, 1843, and immigrated with his parents, John Peter and Margaret Barbara (Hertte) Stegner in 1853. The parents were accompanied by their four children, as follows: August, of this review; Mrs. Mary Rentchler, now deceased; Mrs. Christina Engen, who died in Howard County, Mo., in March, 1919; Feodor, a farmer, living at Billingsville, Mo.; and Mrs. Hildegarde Diehl, who died in this county. John Peter Stegner settled on a farm near Billingsville, now owned by Feodor Stegner, and which was purchased in June, 1853. August Stegner was 10 years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He enlisted in the Missouri State Guards in 1863, under Capt. Tom George and Colonel Pope and served for six months. His next service for another six months was under the command of Captain Shoe- maker. He was tak,en prisoner by Shelby's raiders in 1864 and held for two days in the Cooper County court house. Mr. Stegner built his home in 1873 and settled on the farm at Bill- ingsville now owned by his son, Fred C. Stegner. He resided there until 1908 and then came to Boonville. He became owner of 280 acres in three farms, which he has sold to his sons at different times, and is one of the well to do citizens of Cooper County. Jan. 3, 1871, August Stegner was married to Anna Engemann, who was born in Sachsen-Coburg, in 1852, and came to America with her par- ents in 1864. Seven children were born to this marriage, of whom five are living : Laura is deceased ; Otto is a farmer in Palestine township ; Benjamin is a farmer in Cooper County; Frederick Carl, owner of the home place ; August Gottlieb is deceased ; Mrs. Augusta Twillman lives at Lone Elm, Mo.; Mrs. Anna, wife of Fred Dueschle, lives near Speed, Mo. Mr. Stegner is a republican and is a member of John A. Hayne Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Boonville, Mo. He is a member of and was one of the builders of the Billingsville Evangelical Church. Mr. Steg- ner is one of the fine "old timers" of Cooper County, who has a good rec- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 567 ollection of the early pioneer days of Cooper County's development. Dur- ing his boyhood days there was only one man in the neighborhood who had a team of horses, everybody using oxen for work and for travel. Mr. Stegner recalls that he paid $140 for a wagon after the close of the Civil War and did all of his plowing and farm work with oxen. Horses were used only for riding and corn plowing, and no one was rich enough to own a carriage. His wagon had no sideboards and no springs and rid- ing in a wagon was a rough, jolting experience over the nondescript roads of that day. Everybody used big, clumsy wagons when it was necessary to transport produce or carry the family to church or on a visiting trip. Otto H. Cramer, proprietor of the Cramer Mercantile Company, Bunceton, Mo., is conducting the oldest business enterprise in Bunceton. This store was established in 1867 by Edward Cramer, and is one of the best in Cooper County, retailing general merchandise and dry goods. Two generations of patrons have dealt with this store and it is now practically old enough for the third generation of patrons. Edward Cramer, father of Otto H. Cramer, was born at Harmon, Mo., March 12, 1844 and died Dec. 31, 1914. He was a son of Dr. Edward Cramer, the first physician who practiced in Gasconade County. Dr. Cramer was a native of Prussia, and received his medical education in one of the universities of his native country. Soon after his graduation in medicine he came to America, and located in Gasconade County, Mo. Here he was married to Margaret Knocker, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa. After practicing medicine for a number of years, Dr. Cramer en- » gaged in merchandising until his death on Jan. 3, 1878. Edward Cramer was educated in St. Louis University and for about six months he was connected with Judge Heim, at Boonville in the mer- cantile business, prior to locating in Bunceton, in 1867. In the fall of 1862 he went to St. Louis and was employed in a hardware store in that city for some years. He then established his business at Bunceton. In 1878 his store was burned and he rebuilt and began anew. Mr. Cramer took a deep interest in educational matters and was secretary and treas- urer of the old Parrish Institute at Bunceton. Oct. 7, 1875, he was married to Miss Louisa Henley, a daughter of Capt. Samuel Henley, born and reared in Boone County. She died in April, 1913. The children bom to Edward and Louisa Cramer are: Catherine M., living in Bunceton; Otto H., of this review; and Walker, a merchant at Sedalia, Mo. Otto H. Cramer attended the school of his native town and entered his father's store when a boy. He became thoroughly grounded in busi- 568 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ness management and business principles and succeeded his father in the store. Mr. Cramer was married in 1907 to Miss Mabel Roeschel, a daugh- ter of the late W. E. Roeschel of Boonville. Mr. Cramer is an independent voter. He is a member of the Christian Church and is a Mason, holding a membership in the Knights Templar and Chapter at Boonville. Christ Ohlendorf, proprietor of "Evergreen Stock Farm," a valuable place of 224 acres in Clarks Fork township, 11 miles southeast of Boon- ville, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Nov. 19, 1863, sone of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Linda- man) Ohlendorf, natives of Germany. Ferdinand Ohlendorf left his native land in young manhood and came to America, locating in Cooper County, where he married Mrs. Wilhelmina (Lindaman) Fricke, a widow, and settled in Clarks Fork township, becom- ing a substantial farmer and a leading man of affairs. He died on that farm about 1909. His wife died about 1904, and both are buried in the cemetery of the Clarks Fork Lutheran Church. By her first marriage, Mrs. Ohlendorf was the mother of two children, Henry Fricke, of Prairie Home township, and William, now deceased. Mrs. Ohlendorf had been a resident of Missouri since she was eight years of age having at that age accompanied her parents to this country from Germany, the family first locating in St. Loais, and later coming to Cooper County. By her marrige to Ferdinand Ohlendorf she was the mother of seven children, as follows : Ferdinand, deceased ; Minnie, wife of Herman Schnack, Boon- Ville ; Sophia, wife of William Bewie, Beecher, 111. ; Christ Herman, propri- etor of "Wintergreen Farm," in Clarks Fork township; Emma, Clarks Fork township, who is the widow of John Schmalfeldt, who died in 1904, and Caroline, Boonville. Christ Ohlendorf was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork town- ship, and received his schooling in the Lutheran parochial school. As a young man assumed the management of the home place, relieving his father of much of the responsibility, and at the same time for some sea- sons operated a threshing rig until about 1889, when he bought from the Nicholson heirs the farm of 224 acres, on which he is now living, and which he has very appropriately named "Evergreen Farm." After his marriage in the fall of 1890, Mr. Ohlendorf established his home on that place, and has ever since resided there, during that time having made a complete new set of improvements, including farm house and barns. The first barn he built was destroyed by lightning, but he now has three barns, the largest being 48x44, with metal roof and concrete floor. Mr. CHRIST OHLBNDORF HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 569 Ohlendorf gives a good deal of attention to his live stock, and keeps regis- tered pure-bred Shorthorn cattle, and registered Mulefoot hogs, these latter having had their origin in the Hawaiian Islands and said to be cholera proof. There also is a fine flock of Rosecomb white Leghorn chickens at "Evergreen Farm." By careful treatment of the soil and equally careful sifting of seeds, Mr. Ohlendorf has gained a reputation as one of the most successful prize winners at neighboring agricultural exhibits, having a record of more than 50 premiums awarded his exhibits at the State Fair at Sedalia and at the county fairs in Cooper County, His entry at the State Fair in 1910 netted him more than $400 in premi- ums on products of his farm, corn, clover, oats, etc., and in 1912 at Sedalia he won sweepstakes on the best 10 ears of corn, this premium being $40. With this record it is not to be wondered at that he is constantly answer- ing inquiries for seeds, and he has sold seed corn, especially, in all parts of the State. Mr. Ohlendorf also takes an active interest in general local affairs. He and Horace Windsor and Elza B. Shannon were the first commissioners for the first special road district in Cooper County, the road thus indicated being the road from Rankin's Mill to a point a half mile south of "Evergreen Farm." With the exception of the Meyers hill this road was constructed on a four and one-half per cent grade. Mr. and Mrs. Ohlendorf are members of the Clarks Fork Lutheran Church. Oct. 23, 1890, Christ Ohlendorf was united in marriage with Anna Barbara Honerbrink, who also was born in this county, daughter of E. F. and Barbara (Aeisle) Honerbrink, pioneers of Prairie Home township, and the former of whom is still living on the home place there. Mrs. Honerbrink died in 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. Ohlendorf have been born five children, namely: Henry, who served with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe ; George, at home ; William, who died at the age of eight years; and Alma and Lenora, at home. Henry Ohlendorf, the soldier son, entered the service of the United States Army in September, 1917, and was sent to France in May, 1918. He was at the front from July 5 until wounded, Sept. 27. He then was in a hospital until Nov. 14, when he was returned to his command in France, a member of Company I, 138th In- fantry, 35th Division, until his honorable discharge, May 12, 1919, and is now at home. On Sept. 26, 1918, Private Ohlendorf, with 40 of his com- pany, became lost from their company, and fought alone for an entire day, and when relieved they had captured 40 Huns He was wounded on the next day when holding the line. Gunner Ohlendorf raised up and was shot through the right arm. As a result he is yet badly crippled. 570 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Col. Albert Gallatin Blakey. — For several years past the people of this country have been greatly interested in the humane manner in which many of the reform institutions of the United States are being conducted. A new profession has sprung into being; different and better methods based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ have been applied to the man- agement of the penal and reformatory institutions where those who have fallen into ways of transgression against the laws of the country have been placed as a punishment for alleged wrong doing. The harsh dis- ciplinarians in the State penal institutions have been replaced in many instances by men of broader outlook, endowed with humane sentiments, and imbued with beliefs that there is some good in every boy or man if the individual is handled properly. Harsh and unrestrained discipline with its ironclad rules of dire punishments for infraction of petty rules governing the conduct of inmates have given place to a kinder, juster, more lovable method which places the unfortunate one upon his honor and gently leads him to better ways of living and is more inclined to assist him to attain true manhood in the end. Since July, 1917, when Col. A. G. Blakey, superintendent of the Mis- souri Training School, took charge of this important State institution, a marked and pleasing change has taken place, not only in the management of the school, but in the well being and comfort of the unfortunate youths who have been sent to the school from all parts of the State. Colonel Blakey has surrounded himself with officers who were alike in their ideas of management and believe that there is in every boy some latent good which can be developed if he is handled rightly. The precepts of the Great Teacher are taken as the basis in handling the youths who are inmates of the school. It is the avowed object of the superintendent and his capable assistants to teach the boys who are sent to the school that they must live, act, think and conduct them- selves as the Master would have them do. Actuated by such a laudable and moral idea, it is not to be marveled that during the past two years a wonderful change has taken place in the conditions as they existed at the training school when Colonel Blakey took charge. The boys have been taught the dignity of labor and instructors are at hand to teach them the trade for which they seem best adapted and for which they have an inclination. At the time Colonel Blakey took charge many of the buildings were in a deplorable condition, plastering had fallen from the walls and ceil- ings, the sanitary conditions were bad, vermin were plentiful in the dor- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 571 mitories and buildings, the heating arrangements were inadequate and practically everything was in a run down condition. His first duty was to place the school in a condition which would result in more livable conditions for the erring youths placed in his charge. Handicapped as he was by lack of funds to accomplish the ends sought, he cast about for ways and means to add to the income which the State of Missouri and the counties from whence came the boys allowed him. The past two seasons have been a time of labor shortage. Many of the boys were capable of earning money by assisting the farmers in the vicinity and others who were in need of labor. Hundreds were hired out; a certain portion of their earnings, by law, goes to the upkeep of the institution. By the use of the labor of the boys themselves and the earnings of those who were thus "farmed" out, the run down condi- tion of the buildings was remedied, the noxious vermin were eradicated and precautions taken to prevent their return, the sanitary conditions were made better and bad odors have been absent from the dormitories and toilets, better heating arrangements were installed and an era of well being inaugurated in the training school which has been the marvel of all observers. An entirely new heating plant was placed in the main building. All these things were brought about by the willing co-operation of the officers and boys of the school. The writer was privileged to ob- serve on several occasions diu-ing the early spring the splendid team work of the officers and boys in the performance of work about the buildings and grounds. Instead of sullen and vengeful appearing youngsters as are often seen at similar institutions he observed polite and well mannered youths who appeared well fed, contented, and willingly performing their tasks. On different occasions he witnessed the active work of rock road building on the grounds and was told by the officer in charge that the stone had been quarried and crushed by the boys themselves and that the work of building these splendid macadamized drives would be done at little expense to the State. The moral tone of the school is likewise a marvel; little or no restraint is placed upon the boys who are placed upon their honor and taught the precepts of Christianity. For half the day the boys attend school under competent instructors. The other half is devoted to useful employment and recreation. A fine band furnishes music to enliven the hours of the day and evening. The State Farm in connection with the school was found to be in a run down condition. Gullies were worn on the hillsides and the soil fer- tility was depleted to such an extent that careful methods of conserva- 572 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY tion and restoring its productivity were necessary. All this has been remedied to a considerable extent. In 1918 there was farmed in addition to the 540 acres owned by the State, an additional 350 acres which were rented on a crop basis. During the season of 1919 there is being farmed nearly 1,000 acres. Corporal punishments have decreased more than 50 per cent but discipline is enforced as usual and the boys are required to be obedient, clean, courteous, and industrious. Kindness has taken the place of force to a considerable extent and, whereas, in former times the buildings of the school had the appearance of a jail owing to the windows being covered with heavy steel screens, now, the screens have been removed and have been made into corn cribs. Loyalty, faith, and honor in mankind have taken the place of the unbending, blind requirements of past years, and a wholesome, happy atmosphere pervades the entire institution. Albert Gallatin Blakey was born at Pleasant Hill, Feb. 3, 1874. At the early age of three years he was left an orphan by the death of his father, Col. A. G. Blakey, and was reared to young manhood in Cooper County. Col. A. G. Blakey, the elder, was one of the noted personages and a striking character of the earlier period of Missouri history. He was born in Warren County, Ky., July 4, 1825, and died July 28, 1877. His father was a son of Scotch-English parents and emigrated from England to America and settled in Ketucky, where A. G. Blakey, the elder, was reared, until 1836. He was a man gifted with the power of leadership and his entire career was a distinguished one such as comes to a soldier, editor, and diplomat. He was well educated. He served his country in the Mexican War and fought with Colonel Doniphan's command. He first enlisted as a captain in the army in 1846 and at the close of the war was a major general of volunteers. He accompanied his parents to Missouri in 1836, and was here reared to manhood. His first business venture was in 1856 when he and a brother settled in Benton County, Mo., establishing a trading post at Cole Camp. He became owner of the land upon which the town of Cole Camp was built, but after leaving that local- ity some years later he paid little attention to his holdings, having the early pioneer's disregard of the eventual rise in the value of lands. Of recent years his son has, in numberless instances, freely given a quit- claim deed to property in Cole Camp and vicinity because of the fact that the original owner was his father. Colonel Blakey served two terms as a member of the Missouri Legislature, in 1858 and again in 1860. Dur- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 573 ing the administration of James Buchanan he was appointed minister to Chili and served in this capacity prior to the Civil War. When the Civil War broke out he was elected colonel of the Third Regiment of Missouri, but declined to serve, because of the fact that he still held an affection for the Southland and desired to 'be loyal to the Union. He spent the war period in Europe and at the close of the war he returned home and located at Pleasant Hill, Mo., where he engaged in the newspaper business. He published the "Pleasant Hill Review" for a number of years prior to his death, took a considerable and influential interest in local and State politics and served three terms as mayor of his home city. During the Crimean War he was again sent to Europe on a diplomatic mission. He was married in 1867 to Miss Sue Tompkins, of Cooper County. She was born in Marion County, Mo., Aug. 3, 1849, and departed this life Feb. 8, 1880. She was a daughter of Hiram A. Tompkins, a native of Virginia, who was one of the early settlers of Missouri and Cooper County. Two children were born to this marriage: Mrs. Fred H. Hams, Eldorado Springs, Mo.; and A. G. Blakey, of this review. A. G. Blakey of this review, after the death of his parents, was reared in the home of his uncle, William D. Adams, who lived on a farm four and a half miles east of Boonville. He received a good education in the public schools, Kemper Military Academy, Boonville, and Westmin- ster College, Fulton, Mo. For three years after leaving college he worked on the farm of W. D. Haas and then came to Boonville to engage in the real estate business. For seven years he was an officer in the Missouri Training School and while serving in this under capacity he developed the ideas which his present position have permitted him to place in force. In 1898 he became a traveling salesman in the employ of the McCormick Harvester Machine Company. He was next in the employ of the John Deere Plow Company and his last employment as salesman was with the Delker Brothers Carriage Company and while with this concern he had entire charge of the Missouri territory. In July, 1917, Colonel Blakey took charge of the Missouri Training School at Boonville as superintendent. December 31, 1897, A. G. Blakey and Miss Edith Ells were united in marriage. Mrs. Edith (Ells) Blakey was born in Boonville and is a daughter of William and Clemence Ells, who are residents of this city. Five children have been born to A. G. and Edith Blakey, as follows: Florence, wife of Robert Jewett, a farmer living east of Boonville; Albert, at home, served six months as an enlisted man in the United States Navy, 574 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY at Seattle, during the World War; Mary, Clemence and William are at home. The democratic party has always had the allegiance of Colonel Blakey and the only political office that he has ever held was that of chief clerk in the office of State Auditor John Gordon for a period of six months. He had charge of John Gordon's campaign for the office, a task in which his wide acquaintance throughout the State came into good play. Colonel Blakey organized the State Drummers Association which held its first meeting in 1906, and he served as the first president of the association. Through his energy and organizing ability the membership of the associa- tion attained the large total of 1,300 and this membership is now around 600. Colonel Blakey is a member of the Presbyterian church and is affiliated fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Prob- ably no Cooper County citizen has a wider or more favorable acquaintance throughout the State than Colonel Blakey and his splendid success in placing the Missouri Training School in the front ranks of schools of this character is destined to bring him a nation wide renown. Lorenzo H. Moore, vice-president and secretary of the Hawkins Hard- ware Company, Bunceton, Mo., is a member of one of the oldest Cooper County pioneer families. He was born April 15, 1853 in Palestine town- ship. J. Henderson Moore, his father was born in Cooper County, in 1821 and was a son of George H. Moore, of Kentucky, who settled in Palestine township in 1817. J. H. Moore died in 1890. He followed farming dur- ing his entire life and was a splendid horseman who bred fine horses. He died in Clinton, Mo., where he had moved in 1888. Mr. Moore became owner of several hundred acres of rich Cooper County land and gave each of his children a farm, owning 220 acres at the time of his death. He was father of three children: Lorenzo H., of this review; J. Warren Moore, with a manufacturing concern, Omaha, Neb.; Hattie, wife of O. N. Dills, retired, Bunceton, Mo. The mother of these children, Mary A. (Mc- Carthy) Moore, was born in Cooper County, in 1823 and departed this life in 1891. Reared on his father's farm, L. H. Moore received an outright gift of 130 acres of good land from his father when he became of age. He added to this acreage until he owned 183 acres upon which he resided until 1899, when he came to Bunceton. During 1900 he was in the employ HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 575 of the International Harvester Company as salesman and then embarked in the hardware and implement business. Mr. Moore was married in 1873 to Miss Josie Tevis, a native of John- son County, Mo., and daughter of Silas Tevis, of a Missouri pioneer family. Two children blessed this union : Bessie, wife of C. D. Corum, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Hattie, wife of A. J. Nelson, of Kelly township. Over 100 years have elapsed since the Moore family came to Cooper County. J. Henderson Moore was one of the "Forty-Niners" who made the long trip to the Pacific coast with a wagon train, hauled by oxen. L. H. Moore is a democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Albert S. Chamberlin, farmer and stockman, secretary of the Bell Air Special Road Commission, clerk of the district school board, is owner of a nicely improved farm of 95 acres in Palestine township. His farm is part of the old Chamberlin place upon which his grandfather, John W. Chamberlin, settled in 1858. Near this farm and bridging the Petit Saline creek flowing nearby is one of the few remaining wooden covered bridges in central Missouri, erected in 1856, and still in a good state of repair. John W. Chamberlin was born in Virginia in 1802 and died in Cooper County, in 1882. He came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1858. His son, Albert M. Chamberlin, father of Albert S. Chamberlin, of this review, was born in 1844, served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and died in Cooper County, in 1890. He came to this county in 1865, married Bettie A. Barnett, who was born in St. Louis County, Mo., in 1856 later moved to Polk County, and departed this life in 1907. She was a daughter of W. F. Barnett, who married Minerva Thurston of Mor- gan County. The children born to Albert N. and Battie A. Chamberlin are as follows: Grace, wife of Charles Shirley, living three miles east of Speed, Mo.; Albert S.; Clara, deceased; Kellie, wife of Ernest Aldridge, living three miles east of Speed; Barnett G., deceased; George W., living west of Speed; Leonidas H. resides with his brother George. Leonidas H. Chamberlin was born March 14, 1890, was inducted into the National Army, July 26, 1918, training at Camp Funston became a member of the 28th Field Artillery, Tenth Division, and received his hon- orable discharge from the service Feb. 2, 1919. John W. Chamberlin accumulated a large estate of 500 acres. His son, Albert M. Chamberlin, had a large farm of 320 acres and both were rated among the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Cooper County. Albert S. Chamberlin was born March 9, 1875, attended the Billings- 576 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ville School and the Clarksburg College, afterwards becoming a student in the Pilot Grove College. He has always followed farming and has been successful. He erected his pretty cottage home in 1897. He was mar- ried Nov. 27, 1895 to Miss Florence Shirley, born in Cooper County, Mo., March 7, 1876, a daughter of the late William Shirley. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin have one child: Mildred, born March 3, 1897, a graduate of Boonville High School, class of 1918. Mr. Chamberlin is a democrat. For the past 20 years he has served as school director and clerk of the district school board. He was ap- pointed road commissioner for the Bell Air Special Road District in 1911 and is secretary of this commission. He is a member of Concord Baptist Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Boonville Lodge, No. 36. Theodore Brandes, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, was born in Germany in 1850. He is a son of Christian and Sophie (Vent) Brandes, both natives of Germany. The Brandes family immigrated to America when Theodore was five years years old. They settled in Iowa, where they remained about a year and a half, when they came to Cooper County, and settled in Clarks Fork township, where the father bought an unimproved farm of 80 acres, for which he paid $5.00 per acre. Here he built a log cabin which was the family home for many years, until the present Brandes residence was erected in 1880, but the old log house still stands on the place. Christian Brandes was an industrious man and a good citizen He died at the age of 74 years, and his wife departed this life in 1897, aged 86 years, and their remains are buried in Clarks Fork Cemetery. They were charter members of the Clarks Fork Evangelical Lutheran Church. Theodore Brandes was educated in the Pleasant Grove parochial and the public schools of Clarks Fork, and has spent his life in Clarks Fork township, with the exception of about two years. At the death of his father he succeeded to the home place, to which he has added 162 acres, and now owns 282 acres. The place is well improved and one of the valu- able farms of Clarks Fork township. The residence, which was built in 1880, was remodeled and modernized in 1911, and is now one of the fine residences of Clarks Fork township. There are three good barns on the place. Mr. Brandes raises cattle, hogs and sheep, and is an extensive feeder. He has met with success and is one of the progressive citizens of the county. He was formerly an extensive dealer in mules. THEODORE BRANDES AND WIKK 578 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in Cooper County until 1873 and they then settled on the place now owned by George Oak. The following children were born to John and Margaret Oak : Mrs. Kate Heim ; George ; Henry, and John, deceased ; William, liv- ing on a farm two miles west; Charles, a rice grower in Arkansas; Eliza- beth, deceased wife of James Gault; Catherine, deceased wife of Frank Heim ; Margaret, living in Arkansas. The mother of these children died in 1898. George Oak was born in Jefferson County, Va., Feb. 10, 1843. He accompanied his parents to Cooper County, Mo., in 1858, and has always followed farming and operating threshing outfits. Mr. Oak has resided on the land which he owns since 1873 and settled on the place in 1880. All improvement was placed thereon by himself or under his direction, excepting the house and barn, which were built by William Sombart. The Oak estate consists of 256 acres of good land a few miles south of Boon- ville. In years past Mr. Oak operated a saw mill, grist mill or feed grinder, and threshing outfits, work which has now been taken up by his sons and son-in-law, who are also managing his large farm. Mr. Oak was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Gault, who was born in Belfast, Ireland, and died in 1918, at the age of 73 years. Eight children were born to George and Mary Oak, as follows: Robert and Edward, de- ceased ; Frank lives on the home place ; George, died Feb. 2, 1919 ; Alice, the deceased wife of Alex Hoefer, her death occurring in 1903 ; Annie is the second wife of Alex Hoefer of Boonville; Margaret is the wife of George Lacey, living on the Oak home place ; Bessie is at home. Mrs. Alice Hoefer was accidentally shot while killing sparrows. George White Lacey was born in Virginia in 1888, was inducted into the National Army on Sept. 1, 1918, was in training for military service at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S. C, and was honorably discharged from the service Jan. 5, 1919. Mr. Oak has been a lifelong republican, although his son Frank is a pronounced democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is one of Cooper County's best and most substantial citizens. Viet C. Eppstein. — The Eppstein family is an old and honored family of Boonville and Cooper County whose members have been prominently identified with Cooper County over four score years. Viet C. Eppstein, traveling salesman of Boonville, is worthy representative of this fine old family. Mr. Eppstein was born in Boonville, April 26, 1862. The history of the Eppstein family in America begins with Joseph Eppstein, a native of Germany, who with his wife, formerly Barbara HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 579 Reitz, together with their family of seven children, came to America, disembarking at Baltimore, Md. From there they came west on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as far as it ran — about 100 miles — after which they boarded a canal boat which took them to Pittsburg, and thence by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis. Mr. Eppstein left his family in St. Louis, came up the Missouri to Boonville, and located on a farm near Pisgah. Later he moved to Boonville and died in this city of measles in 1858. Joseph Eppstein was a German of the better class in his native land, where he was a manufacturer of coaches and wagons, and also had other important interests. His wife, Barbara, survived him over 30 years, and died in Boonville, in 1882. There were reared a family of five sons and three daughters as follows : Col. Joseph Eppstein, Henry, Viet, George, Frank, Barbara, Katie or Kittie, and Frances, all of whom are deceased. Col. Joseph A. Eppstein made a record as a citizen and soldier which any American can read with pride and satisfaction. He was born in Germany, Jan. 1, 1824, and was 14 years of age when the family came to America. In 1843 he went to St. Louis and was employed in a store in that city until 1847. In February of that year he enlisted in Company C, 3rd Missouri Mounted Rifles, in which he was made sergeant, and served for nearly two years, until Oct., 1848. After the expiration of his ware service which led him to Mexico City with General Scott's con- quering forces, he returned to St. Louis and in Aug., 1840, was given charge of a store, which he conducted until 1850, and then returned to Boonville. He engaged in the mercantile business with his brother Viet Eppstein until 1860. when he purchased his brother's interest. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he at once organized a company of 135, every one of whom with a single exception was of German birth or ancestry. This company was known as the "Boonville Corps". He then organized a battalion and a company of cavalary, but these were only for local service. He later organized the 6th Battalion Missouri State Guards, and after that a number of companies, both cavalry and infantry. From March 24, 1862 to Jan., 1863, he was lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Cavalry, Missouri State Guards, and then by consolidation of troops, he became the commander of the Missouri State Militia and served until the close of the war. He followed merchandising after the war until 1878, when he was appointed postmaster of Boonville and served until his death in 1885. In 1867 and 1868 he represented Cooper County in the Legislature. June 14, 1846, he was married to Theresa Bertrand of St. Louis. He was 580 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY father of seven children: Joseph M., William H., Emil M., Louis B., Alex- ander, Charles A., and Theresa G. Viet Eppstein, father of V. C. Eppstein, whose name heads this review, was born Feb. 12, 1827, and died March 7, 1901. He was born at Mainz, Germany, and was 14 years of age when he left home and became a clerk in the store of Davy Jones at Pisgah, he then went to New Orleans and remained for a time. Upon his return to Boonville he engaged in partnership with his brother Joseph in the mercantile business, in 1850. He continued actively in business until 1869, when he made a trip to Europe where he remained for a year. Returning in 1871, he purchased the store of his brother and when he had attained the age of 60 years (1887) he retired from active business, while retaining an interest in the Eppstein store which was conducted then by his son, Viet C. Eppstein, having as partner George Hain, under which management the store con- tinued in operation until 1900. In that year V. C. Eppstein sold his inter- est in the business to his father. Upon the elder Eppstein's death in 1901, the widow sold the business to George Hain in 190G. Mr. Eppstein was public administrator of Cooper County from 1872 to 1876, and was reelected in 1880 and served until the latter part of 1884. He served several terms as a member of the City Council of Boon- ville and was known as a public spirited citizen. Mr. Eppstein was a man of broadness and culture who reared a splendid family of sons and daugh- ters. He was married on Nov. 20, 1851 to Miss Fannie, daughter of Anthony Fox who came to this country in 1835. Anthony Fox was a native of Herbelsheim near Strasbourg. He first settled in New Orleans, and in 1835 accompanied by his wife, Rosalie, he came to Boonville and established a brewery which he operated for a number of years. The children of Charles and Rosalie Fox were: Frank, Charles, Rosa, Amelia, and Mrs. Fannie Eppstein, deceased; and Mrs. Sophia (Sombart) Miller, one of the oldest pioneer women of Boonville. Mrs. Fannie (Fox) Epp- stein was born in 1835 and died in 1908. The children born to Viet C. and Fannie Eppstein were: Louise, Rose, Mary, Viet C, Fannie, Sallie, Lollie. Louise is the wife of Daniel Wooldridge, who formerly operated "Dan's Drug Store", was known as Mr. Dan, was a fine musician and a town character. Both Dan and Louise Wooldridge are deceased. , Rose married George Sahm, who for many years with his father George Sahm, Sr., conducted a very successful shoe business in Boonville, and died in 1896. She has one daughter, Corinne Frances, wife of H. M. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 581 Herzog, an interior decorator. Mrs. Herzog is mother of a son, Herman Theodore Maximilian Herzog. Mary is the wife of George Hain, retired merchant of Boonville. Fannie married M. A. Eisen, druggist of Hot Springs, Ark. Sallie is wife of C. H. Weaver, of Hot Springs, Ark. Lollie is the wife of John Tillman, superintendent of the Jefferson Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. Viet C. Epstein was educated in Prof. Merrill's Seminary, where he studied for three years. He spent four in the Boonville public schools. He then studied for four years in Mentzker's Business College and re- ceived a thorough ground work in business preparation. He entered the Eppstein store in 1879 and remained in the business until 1900. In Nov., 1901, he began traveling for the Swofford Brothers Dry Goods Company of Kansas City and was in the employ of this firm for four years. He was then in the employ of the Ferguson-McKinney Company of St. Louis for 10 years. Aug. 1, 1916, he became a member of the traveling sales force of the Richardson Dry Goods Company, of St. Joseph, covering west- ern and central Missouri. Mr. Eppstein was married Nov. 15, 1887 to Miss Belle Gentry, of Louisiana, Mo., a daughter of Capt. Jesse and Susan Gentry, natives of Virginia. Captain Gentry served with the Union Army during the Civil War and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea." Mr. Epp- stein has one son, Viet Gentry Eppstein, born May 4, 1889. He is engaged in the publishing business and is president of Rogers and Hall Publishing Company, of Chicago. V. G. Eppstein is a born newspaper man and pub- lisher. At the age of 13 years he edited and published the "Boonville Success", and at that time was said to have been the youngest editor in the country. He graduated from the Kemper Military Academy in 1907, studied for two years at the State University, and two years at the Uni- versity of Chicago. This talented young man has worked his way upward to the presidency of the Rogers and Hall Publishing Company from a subordinate position paying $15 per week. He married Miss Peggy Zim- merman of Chicago. Mrs. Belle (Gentry) Eppstein was born Feb. 28, 1869 and died Aug. 6, 1918. She was a talented, popular and well loved woman of Boonville who has been sadly missed from the best social circles of the city. Mr. Eppstein is a democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the United Commercial Travelers, the Travelers Health Association, the Travelers Protective Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Eppstein made a trip to Europe in 1881 and traveled 582 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY over the continent for more than a year. He visited Mainz, the ancestral seat of the Eppstein family and found that from records which dated back 200 years, that his ancestors had originally come from Vienna, Austria, in 1681. His original ancestor who came from Vienna, was a tanner by trade, but most of his lineal descendants were farmers. Frank Klekamp. — One of the prettiest farms in this section of Mis- souri is that of Frank Klekamp, in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. The Klekamp holdings consist of 160 acres, 120 acres of which is com- prised in the home place, where Mr. Klekamp and his family have resided since June 20, 1916. Forty acres of the farm is pasture and timber land. The Klekamp tract is improved with a beautiful, modern bungalow, and is one of the prettiest homes on Lone Elm Prairie. Mr. Klekamp was born in Germany, July 4, 1859, and is a son of William and Charlotte Klekamp, who lived and died in their native land. When 22 years of age, Frank Klekamp immigrated to America, and after a residence of one year in St. Louis, where he worked as a common la- borer, he came to Cooper County. From Aug., 1883, he was in the employ of the late John King, as farm laborer, until 1884. Te then worked for Mr. Hockenberry for one year and after his marriage in 1885, he worked for Mr. Hockenberry for two years more. With his savings he became possessed of a team of horses, and carefully saving his earnings, he bought 100 acres of land in 1888, improved it and then bought his 40 acre tract. In June, 1918, he sold his former homestead to his son, and purchased his present place. Mr. Klekamp was married in 1885 to Minnie Menzpeter, who was born in Germany, March 18, 1862, and came to America with an uncle in 1882. Three children were born to Frank and Minnie Klekamp, one of whom died in infancy. The others are Emma and Albert. Emma Klekamp was born in 1890 and is the wife of Augustan Toellner of Clarks Fork town- ship. Albert Klekamp was born Oct. 23, 1891, and married Ilda, daugh- ter of H. P. Muntzel. They were married on April 30, 1916, and have one child, Irene Klekamp. Mr. Klekamp is a republican, and he and his family worship at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lone Elm. George C. Harness. — Seventy-two years of residence in one vicinity and practically on one farm is a record for George C. Harness of Pales- tine township, one of the most interesting of the pioneer residents of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 583 Cooper County, and owner of a beautiful country estate of 186 acres. All of the improvements on this attractive place have been built by the owner. A driveway leads up to the handsome farm residence and the big red barns. One of the landmarks on the place, which marks the spot where an old time log cabin stood years ago, is a large cedar tree, planted in the early forties. George C. Harness was born on the place, June 29, 1847. Conrad Harness, his father, was a native of Virginia, and was born March 27, 1811. He died March 20, 1898. The Harness family is of Holland Dutch descent. Conrad Harness was a son of Adam Harness, whose father was Peter Harness, a native of Holland, who first settled in Pennsylvania. Adam Harness was a soldier in the War of 1812. Con- rad Harness was married April 19, 1835, to Ann Tucker, who was born April 13, 1817, and died March 3, 1897. She was a daughter of Josephus and Sarah (Hutton) Tucker, who were Cooper County pioneers. The father of Sarah (Hutton) Tucker was a quartermaster in the American Army in the War of 1812. In 1841, Conrad Harness left the old Har- ness home in "Virginia and made the long overland trip to Cooper County, driving two six-horse teams, with all of his movable possessions. He located on the farm now owned by the subject of this review. The first home of the family was a two-story log house; later the family moved to a new one-and-a-half story log house, which was a comfortable abode. Conrad Harness settled on what was known for years as the Harness homestead in 1850 and accumulated a large estate of over 600 acres prior to his death. The children born to Conrad and Ann (Tucker) Harness are as follows: Jacob T., deceased; John Josephus, deceased; William T. died at Lexington, Okla. ; Henry C, and Charles C, deceased ; George Conrad, of this sketch ; Isaac H., a ranchman at Chickasha, Okla. ; Sarah Elizabeth Hurst, deceased; Edwin B., deceased; Mrs. Henry Crawford, Palestine township. George Conrad Harness attended school in a little old log school house, where the pupils had to chop the wood to keep the big stove filled with chunks of wood. Two boys were detailed each week for this job and they managed to spend most of their time keeping up the fire, car- rying wood for a distance of about one-fourth mile. The pupils sat on rough slab benches. An old fashioned pine desk ran clear around the room, with a shelf beneath for books and slates. The bench on which the small youngsters sat had no backs and they were continually tumbling off to the floor. When the teacher called the class, the boys would jerk 584 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the big bench up. The room was eventually heated by a little wood stove, the pipe of which ran through a hole in the middle of the roof. As a re- sult, the log house caught fire and burned to the ground one day, and George Harness felt "blue" about it for a time. Cooper County was a hunter's paradise in the forties and wild ducks and geese were plentiful. Prairie chickens and pigeons swarmed over the land in untold numbers and George Harness became a good shot. The most fun was the hunting of wild turkeys at night in the timber. Conrad Harness, his father, killed many deer around Bunceton, but the deer were all gone when George was big enough to hunt deer. The children of those old days lived under primitive conditions, but were happy and contented, more so than the children now-a-days, who have every convenience and luxury at their disposal. George Conrad Harness was married in 1872 to Martha Dills, who was bom in Indiana, July 10, 1855, and died in Cooper County, Mo., May 10, 1910. She was a daughter of John Dills, a Kentuckian, who first migrated to Indiana and then came to Missouri. Two children blessed this union: George Irving, born March 4, 1881; and Nellie Gertrude, her father's capable housekeeper, born Aug. 26, 1885. Mr. Harness is a democrat and a Baptist, a good and stable and reli- able combination, which indicates that he comes of the old reliable Southern stock. It is worthy of record that in 1863, Conrad Harness crossed the plains with an ox team outfit, driving three yokes of cattle hitched to a heavy freight wagon through Iowa and thence to Idaho and Montana, where he followed freighting for three years, until his return to Missouri in 1867. Walter Wade Iteavis is owner of a fine farm of 240 acres in Clarks Fork township. He was born on what is now the George A. Carpenter farm, Clark's Fork township, on Aug. 1, 1867, son of Henry Joseph and Lucy A. (Gentry) Reavis, the former of whom was born on that same farm. Henry J. Reavis was born in 1839, his parents having been among the early residents of that part of Cooper County, and continued to make his home on the farm on which he was born until 1872, when he moved to the Meyer place near the store at Clarks Fork. He later moved to what is the farm now owned by his son, Forest, and there died on March 22, 1914. He is buried in the old family cemetery on the farm on which he was born. His widow is living with her son, the subject of this sketch. She was born in Madison County, Ky., in 1849, and came with her parents to Missouri, locating first in Howard County, and in 1877 coming to Cooper County, where, at Bunceton, on Nov. 15, 1866, she was married to Henry W. W. REAVIS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 585 J. Reavis. Her father died in this county and is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Her mother died in Howard County, where she was born. To Henry J. and Lucy A. (Gentry) Reavis were born three children: Walter Wade ; E. Forest Reavis, who is living on his mother's farm in Clarks Fork township, and Stella W., who died at the age of 10 years. W. W. Reavis has followed fanning all his life. He received his schooling in the Fairview, Jefferson and Ellis district schools and as a young man assisted his father on the farm. In time he became owner of the place on which he and his mother are now living. This farm was owned many years ago by Mrs. Fulkerson, who with her husband is buried on the place. Abraham Weight later bought the place and he and his wife also are buried there. Among other graves in this plot is that of Daniel Davis, a friend of Abraham Weight, who died Nov. 4, 1881. The headstone at Mrs. Fulkerson's grave gives the date of her death as Sept. 11, 1854. Abraham J. Weight's gravestone gives the date of his birth as Nov. 27, 1822; his death, Feb. 3, 1894. Julia A., his wife, born Jan. 25, 1834 ; died on Feb. 1, 1906. Among the graves are those of an infant son and an infant daughter of the Weights. Mr. Reavis is one of the best known huntsmen in Cooper County and his home is adorned with numerous trophies of the chase, including a half dozen handsomely mounted deer antlers. He has about 30 deer to his credit. The Reavis family tradition has it that the Reavises were ever great hunters and from the days of his boyhood this present representative of the family has found much pleasure with his dogs and guns. Mr. Reavis also has a valuable collection of Indian relics, arrow points and the like, as well as an interesting collection of pioneer relics, hdusehold articles, hunting paraphernalia and the like, formerly used by his grand- father. Henry Johnson Reavis. Lafayette Montgomery Moore. — One hundred and three years have elapsed since the first of the Moore family settled in Cooper County. Prior to this time there were not white people in this section, excepting roving bands of hunters or trappers.. The Indians roamed at will over the land and camped beside the flowing waters; wild animals were plen- tiful and great forests stretched along the streams and on the hill and valley lands. The Moore farm in Palestine township, along the valley of the Petit Saline River, known as "Idylhour Place," and formerly owned by the late Lafayette Montgomery Moore, is one of the historic places of interest in Cooper County. This land has been settled for over a century ; during the Civil War a battle was fought thereon between a roving band of Con- 586 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY federates and Union forces. Some men were killed and many wounded; the wounded and dying were taken to the old Moore house on the hill, a landmark in Cooper County. Several soldiers died and were buried near the old house, later to be taken up and removed to the Moore Cemetery. This old brick house was, in bygone days, a station on the overland stage route between Boonville and Versailles, and is situated eight miles south of Boonville. Lafayette Montgomery Moore, of this review, was born in Cooper County, Jan. 16, 1838, and died April 17, 1902, on the farm which his grandfather entered in 1816. Maj. William Hamilton Moore, grandfather of L. M. Moore, was born in North Carolina in 1777, and died in Cooper County in 1861. He was descended from the distinguished Moore family which numbers among its progenitors, Tom Moore, the songster, and Gen. Wade Hampton Moore, of Revolutionary War fame. Maj. William Moore commanded a battalion of American troops in the War of 1812. He married Anne Cathey, born in Haywood County, N. C. She had five sisters, all of whom were re- markable and talented women. Major Moore became owner of over 3000 acres of land in Cooper County, his land holdings extending as far as the present site of Bunceton, Mo. He tilled his large acreage with slaves, whom he brought from the South. Before his death he freed two of his oldest slaves — the first negro slaves ever set free in Cooper County. Major Moore reared ten sons and three daughters: Dr. William H., An- drew, Robert, John, Thomas, James, deceased; Sarah is wife of John Hutchinson, left a daughter, Mrs. John Elliot; Margaret married Hon. Lawrence V. Stephens, former member of Missouri Legislature and father of Joseph L. Stephens; Mary married Harvey Bunce, for 11 years sheriff of Cooper County and after whom Bunceton was named. Dr. William H. Moore (II) was born in North Carolina, in 1802, and died in Cooper County in 1867. He was a physician and practiced in Cooper County many years. Dr. Moore also taught school and compiled some of the early textbooks used in the schools of the early days. He was one of the first physicians to practice in Cooper County and at the same time he followed the pursuit of agriculture with considerable suc- cess. He married Edith Trammel of Arkansas and was father of the fol- lowing children: Lafayette Montgomery, of this review; William H. died in Windsor, Mo.; Margaret, wife of James Harris; Martha, wife of Joshua C. Berry, now living at Speed, Mo. Lafayette Montgomery Moore was educated in the common schools and followed farming and stock raising during his entire life. He built a home upon his farm of 120 acres which was burned and then supplanted HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 587 by the present neat, attractive cottage known as "Idylhour Place." He was married on March 2, 1865, to Matilda Morton, who bore him children as follows: Lee, died in infancy in 1867; Allen B., born 1867, died 1888; Judge B. L. Moore of Boonville; Harvey Bunce, Gibson Stephens, Edith Grace, and Erastus Beverley Moore. Harvey Bunce Moore, who resides with his mother on the Moore homestead, was born Jan. 26, 1872. He was educated in Central Busi- ness College, Sedalia, Mo., and the Chillicothe Normal School, and the State University at Columbia, Mo. For five years he taught school in Cooper County and at the same time operated the home farm. Mr. Moore is conducting a business of his own, as manufacturer and salesman of the Kill Germ Disinfectant Company. He is an intelligent, courteous and progressive citizen, who stands high in the estimation of the people of his home county. Mr. Moore, like his ancestors, is a thorough democrat. He is a Baptist. He is affiliated with the Mason's Lodge of Bunceton. Judge B. L. Moore is also a Mason. Edith Grace Moore is wife of Edgar Rudolph, assessor of Cooper County and is mother of one child, James William Randolph. Prof. E. Beverley Moore was born in 1880, educated at Central Business College of Sedalia and the Kirksville Normal School. He has taught school for the past 17 years. He is also a farmer and owns a farm, one mile east of the Moore farm. Mrs. Matilda Morton Moore was born in Tennessee, Nov. 14, 1840, and is a daughter of Isaiah and Matilda (Tate) Morton, both natives of Tennessee. Isaiah H. Norton was born in 1803 and died in 1899. The history of the Morton family in America begins with John Mor- ton, a native of England, who immigrated to America late in the 17th century. John Morton, his grandson, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The father of Isaiah H. Morton was John Morton, who fought in the War of 1812 under Gen. Andrew Jackson, and who disap- peared during Jackson's last campaign. Matilda Tate Morton was a daughter of Maj. John Tate, an officer in the American Army during the War of 1812. I. H. Morton migrated to Cooper County in 1844, landed at Boonville from a Missouri River steamboat, made his way to the Pilot Grove neigh- borhood and cleared a farm from the virgin forest upon which he resided until his death. His children were as follows: Adaline, wife of Capt. Lee Bohannon, who served in the Federal Army in command of a com- pany of volunteers and died in 1915; Andrew Jackson, deceased, was an extensive farmer and stock man of Prairie Lick; Jefferson Gaines died 588 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in Saline County, Mo. ; Mrs. L. H. Moore, of this review ; John D. lives in Oklahoma, a fine citizen and great religious student. Lafayette Montgomery Moore was a fine citizen; content to lead a useful and studious existence in his home and attend to his duties around the farm and oversee the rearing and educating of his family. Inasmuch as he provided well for his family, gave his children the necessary ad- vantages to fit themselves properly for their individual careers, lived ac- cording to the teachings of the Great Preceptor as nearly as possible for mortal man to do, he was a success in this life. His widow is well in- formed, hospitable, kindly, with a mind stored with reminiscences of the old days. "Aunt Mattie," as she is affectionately known to her numerous relatives and hundreds of friends in Cooper County, is the last and most authentic authority to be consulted upon family history in her locality. Charles R. Cartner, Union veteran and retired farmer, Clarks Fork township, has lived practically all of the 75 years of his life on the farm which he now owns. The Cartner farm consists of 153 acres, well im- proved, with a large house and farm buildings setting on a hill overlook- ing the rich meadow land which comprises the greater part of the tract. Mr. Cartner was born Jan. 19, 1845. William Cartner, his father, was born in this country and his father was a Scotchman, who was among the early pioneers of Cooper County. The grandfather of Charles Cartner entered the land which he now owns. Owing to the fact that a fire de- stroyed the Cartner home, its contents, the family and land records, in- formation concerning this pioneer grandfather is necessarily meager. William Cartner married Keziah Robinson, who bore him seven children: Mary, deceased; Charles R., of this review; Julia, deceased; John N., Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Fannie Anderson, lives in Arkansas ; Elizabeth, wife of T. Edward Bonn, lives in Virginia; Mrs. Laura Runkle lives in Boon- ville. William Cartner died in 1852 and his wife, Keziah, died in 1859. Feb. 2, 1862, Charles R. Cartner enlisted in Co. B, 13th Missouri Infantry regiment, and served until 1865, under the Union flag. His war service was practically all in Missouri and his command was constantly waging war against the bushwhackers and guerillas which infested the state. He also participated in the rout of General Price's Army until it was driven out of Missouri. After the close of his war service, Mr. Cart- ner returned to the home place in Cooper County and settled down to the peaceful life of an agriculturist. Fire destroyed his old home in 1872 and he rebuilt the present large house which stands on the hillside overlook- ing the valley of the Petit Saline River. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 589 Mr. Cartner was married on Dec. 22, 1880, ' to Miss Annie Louise Haley, who was born April 13, 1858, and departed this life on Dec. 12, 1892. She was bora and reared in Cooper County and was a daughter of Thomas Haley, a Cooper County pioneer. Mr. Cartner has an only daugh- ter, Emma Jane, born April 13, 1883, married James T. Case, and has children as follows : Bernice Miller, born Feb. 27, 1904 ; Charles Edmond, born March 1, 1905; Helen Frances, born Dec. 3, 1906; James Herbert, born Sept. 22, 1909; James Thornton, born Oct. 20, 1911; Robert Earl, born April 6, 1918. James T. Case is managing the home farm, in addi- tion to tilling his own acreage. He was born at Monroe, Wis., Dec. 23, 1860, is a son of Samuel and Bessie (Miller) Case, who came to Cooper County in 1870. Mr. Cartner has been a lifelong republican. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is affiliated with Col. John A. Hayne Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Boonville. Marion Stegner, owner of a fine farm of 138 acres in Palestine town- ship, was born on the place which he now owns, Feb. 18, 1876. His father, Nicholas Stegner, was born in Saxe-Coburg, Germany, March 17, 1840, and departed this life in Cooper County, Mo., June 27, 1918. He was a son of Paul and Catherine Stegner, who immigrated to America in 1853 and settled in Cooper County. Nicholas Stegner was reared to young manhood in Cooper County and was married in 1865 to Margaret Ellen Brown, who was born in Cooper County, Sept. 15, 1839, and died Feb. 25, 1914. The children born of this marriage were: Mollie Jane, living with her brother on the Stegner home place ; John, a farmer in Moniteau County, Mo. ; Sarah, wife of Charles C. Cook, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Marion, proprietor of the home place; George Stegner, a farmer in Palestine township ; and Mrs. Julia Girchner, living in Cooper County. During the Civil War, Nicholas Stegner served under the Union flag in the Missouri State Guards and did guard duty throughout the war. The Stegner home place, owned and operated by Marion Stegner, for- merly belonged to his mother's parents, and is one of the old pioneer farms of Cooper County, upon which his mother was born and reared. Mr. Stegner is a republican and is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a good, progressive citizen, a successful farmer, hospitable and is well informed. Henry H. English. — Every man to his specialty. The individual who early in life begins to follow his natural inclination — which if it is along a productive and useful line of endeavor, is destined to success. 590 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY H. H. English, when a boy, had a fondness for mules and horses; he in- dulged his hobby in this direction ; for years has followed horse breeding and mule dealing as a vocation; has made a pronounced success of his business and is known far and wide as the best mule man in 'central Mis- souri. He is also widely known as a breeder of fine horses. Mr. English first began as a mule dealer with Green Walker, one of the old settlers of Cooper County. His operations run to the handling of from 500 to 700 mules annually. Mr. English's business calls for the buying, handling, and shipping of this many mules each year. His custom is to buy, put the animals in first class condition and then sell them. He conditioned and exhibited the grand champion mule at the Missouri State Fair held in Sedalia in 1916. He has taken many ribbons, and first prizes won by the fine animals which he has exhibited, and is known as an expert mule man in Missouri. His son, Forrest English, is owned of a splendid show horse and he is also an exhibitor. Mr. English is the first mule fancier in central Missouri who ever paid as high as $150 for a mule and he has never been behind the prize money in any show ring where he has ex- hibited his stock. He is owner of 540 acres of rich Cooper County land, 380 acres of which is comprised in his home place, which is improved with a modern residence. He has an improved farm of 160 acres east of Bunceton. His home place is situated in Palestine township, northeast of Bunceton. Mr. English formerly owned more land, but sold 100 acres in 1918. H. H. English was born Oct. 20, 1852, in Boone County, Mo. He is a son of Howard English (born Dec. 12, 1806 — is now deceased) a native of Madison County, Ky. Howard English was reared in Kentucky and came to this county when a young man. He was here manned to Martha Tucker, a native of Hampshire County, Va., bom Dec. 1, 1814, and died June 6, 1897. She was a daughter of Josephus and Sarah Tucker of Virginia. Her father died in Virginia, and the widow came to Cooper County in about 1840 with her four sons and settled here. Four children were born to Howard and Martha English, as follows: Mrs. Emma Drecker, of Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Anna Day, living in Colorado ; John T. English, somewhere in the West; and H. H., subject of this re- view. To a first marriage with a Miss Crockett, five children were born, only one of whom is living, Mrs. Mollie Hickman. Mr. English was married on March 16, 1887, to Miss Kellie Virginia Henderson, bora and reared in Cooper County. Two children have blessed this union: E. Forrest, and Bernardine. E. Forrest English was born March 18, 1890, and is operating his own farm. He is a horseman and a breeder of more than a local reputa- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 591 tion and is owner of "Rex McDonald," a famous saddle mare. "Rex Mc- Donald" has taken more prizes at the State and county fairs than any competitor. Forrest English's first animal was a white pony and he has taken a keen interest in fine horses since a boy. He has won many prizes and ribbons at the State and county stock shows. He is a breeder, also, of thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs. Bernadine is the wife of Hillard D. Carlos, Jr., druggist, Bunceton, Mo. Mrs. Kellie English is a daughter of James Newberiy Henderson, who was born at Wittfield, Va., in 1837, and died in 1884. He was married in Cooper County, Mo., in 1863, to Miss Julia R. Chamberlin, who was born July 17, 1837, at Cabelltown, Jefferson County, Va. She was a daughter of John W. and Eliza (Headwalt) Chamberlin, who came to Cooper County in 1861. John W. Chamberlin was born in 1808 and died in 1883. Eliza, his wife, was born in 1808 and died in 1886. Their children were: Lucien C, deceased ; Alfred M., Eugene, and Frank, deceased ; Mrs. Anna Good lives at Pilot Grove ; Mrs. Margaret Chamberlin lives on the Bell Air road ; and Mrs. Julia R. Henderson. Five children were born to James N. and Julia R. Hen- derson, as follows: Mrs. Kellie Virginia English; Mrs. Eva Lee Grooms, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. R. W. Corum, Boonville ; Mrs. 0. C. Berry, near Speed, Mo. ; John J., somewhere in the West. At the time of Mr. Henderson's death, he was superintendent of the County Farm. After his death, Mrs. Henderson took up the duties of the position and conducted the County Farm from 1870 to March, 1892. Mr. English is a democrat. He is one of the best known men of Cooper County, substantial, well liked, and enterprising. Ernest W. Torbeck. — The career of Ernest W. Torbeck since he came to America from his boyhood home in Germany, 36 years ago, has been a successful one. Mr. Torbeck was eight years old when he accompanied his father, William Torbeck, to this country. All that he has and all that he owns has been earned in Cooper County. When he grew to manhood, he and his brother, Henry F. Torbeck, formed a partnership and worked harmoniously together for a number of years, with profit to themselves, until the marriage of Henry F. in 1910. Since that time he has added to his possessions until he owns a total of 182 acres, including the Torbeck h^me place of 82 acres, which he recently bought from his father. Mr. Torbeck moved from his other farm to the home place in Oct., 1918. He was born in Germany, Jan. 23, 1875. Ernest W. Torbeck was married in 1901 to Miss Amelia Hasemeier, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1886. She is a daughter of 592 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY George and Dorothy Hasemeier, natives of Germany, the latter of whom is deceased. Six children have been born to Ernest W. and Amelia Torbeck, as follows: Freddie W., aged 14 years; Dora, aged nine; Wilhelmina, seven years old; Marie, five years of age; Alice, aged three years; and Rosa, just a year old. Mr. Torbeck is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church of Billingsville and is fraternally allied with the Woodmen of the World Lodge of Boonville. George Homer Wear, owner of the "Hazel Dell Farm" in Prairie Home township, is a native of Cooper County, born on the farm where he now resides Nov. 1, 1880, and is a descendant of one of the early pioneer fam- ilies of Missouri. He is a son of George N. Wear, who was also born in Cooper County, near Otterville, Aug. 21, 1842. George N. Wear is a son of George Finis Wear, a native of Tennessee, who came to Missouri at a very early date and first settled at St. Louis, and later came to Cooper County, settling near Otterville. He was twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Oglesby. She died while on a trip to Texas with her husband, who had large land holdings near Houston. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; Mrs. Thomas Potter, deceased ; Mrs. Martin deceased ; Mrs. Levina McFarland, Boonville, and George N. After the death of his first wife George Finis Wear mar- ried a Miss Burns. George Finis Wear was killed while crossing the plains in 1849. George N. Wear was married Feb. 10, 1874, to Miss Francas Ophelia George, a daughter of Houston and Francis George, pioneer settlers of Prairie Home township. Mrs. Wear died Dec. 30, 1907, and her remains are buried in the Boonville cemetery. George N. Wear and wife were the parents of the following children: Elmer Emmett, farmer Prairie Home township; Truman Clement died in 1904, aged 30 years; George H., the subject of this sketch. George Homer Wear was educated in the public schools and Central College at Fayette, Mo. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation and is meeting with more than ordinary success. He has established an extensive reputation as a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle, and at this writing has a herd of about 40 head of these cattle. He is also an extensive cattle feeder. "Hazel Dell Farm" consists of 435 acres, 190 of which belongs to George H. Wear. It is one of the nicely improved farms of Cooper County with a good residence, and barns GEO. N. WEAR AND WIFE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 593 and also silo. The place has an ample supply of water and is well adapted to the stock business as well as general farming. ' Oct. 9, 1905, George H. Wear was married to Eva Teel a daughter of Dr. S. N. and Nettie (Williams) Teel, the former a native of Virginia, born Jan. 4, 1846. He came to Missouri when he was about 25 years of age and located at Prairie Home, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine until his death. His widow now resides at Prairie Home. They were the parents of the following children: Agnes, married Dr. A. L. Meredith, Prairie Home; Polly, married L E. George, Prairie Home town- ship ; Mrs. Logan Spahr Oakland, Cal. ; Eva, wife of George H. Wear, sub- ject of this sketch ; Willie, married Dr. Dorsey E. Hooper, Warsaw, Mo. ; Kelly, married Roy Hanley, California, Mo. ; Pearl, assistant cashier of Prairie Home Bank; Mrs. Newell Teel, Prairie Home; Burk now in U. S. navy, having enlisted in Aug., 1917, and has crossed the Atlantic ocean three times on the U. S. transport Huron ; Garth, resides at home and Samuel Victor, died at the age of three years. To Mr. and Mrs. George Wear have been born four children as follows: Frances Annette; Eliza- beth, died at the age of three years ; Mary Evaline and George H., Jr. Mr. Wear is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Prairie Home and also holds membership in the Woodmen of the World. He is one of the pro- gressive citizens of Cooper County and the Wear family stand high in the community. Benjamin Franklin Layne. — Eighty years have elapsed since the father of Benjamin F. Layne, retired farmer and stockman of Bunceton, Mo., came to Cooper County from Kentucky and made a home for his family in Lebanon township. The Laynes have been prominent in the affairs of Cooper County since 1840 and are among the honored and sub- stantial pioneer families of this section of Missouri. B. F. Layne was born on the Layne homestead in Lebanon township, March 9, 1867. He was the son of John Wilson and Catherine (Robinson) Layne. John Wilson Layne was born in Buckingham, Va., April 9, 1810, and died in Cooper County, Feb. 27, 1905. He accompanied his parents to Kentucky in 1822, there grew to manhood and was married. In 1839 he made his first trip to Cooper County, acquired land and returned for his family whom he moved overland to the new home in the following year. His first trip was made on horseback, the second was made with wagons which carried his family and his movable possessions. He brought a number of slaves with him who tilled the soil of the new farm which he 594 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY created from the undeveloped wilderness country in southern Cooper County. His retinue of slaves consisted of five males and one female slave. His first house was a cabin, built of logs hewn and trimmed from his land. This was in due time supplanted by a more pretentious struc- ture, built on the prairie. Mr. Layne took up a timber tract on the Lamine River from which he cut rails with which to fence his acreage. These rails were hauled a distance of five miles. He planted hedges which in time grew to be suitable for girding in the fields. He accumulated 920 acres of land and was quite wealthy at the time of the Civil War. Like many others who were slave owners at the time of the war he suffered misfortunes ; he was robbed of his money, his live stock was taken away and the premises were stipped of everything of value and he was impover- ished. In spite of the fact that he maintained a neturality during the war, his life was many times in danger and on one or two occasions he was saved only by the intereference of a girl whom he had reared as a daughter in his household. He spent his last days with his sons. To John Wilson and Catherine Layne were born nine children, five of whom were reared, as follows: Belle, wife of Nathan Harris, died in 1889; Dora, wife of Shaw Roe, lives at Oakland, Cal.; Alexander resides on a farm adjoining the home place in Lebanon township ; Edward is engaged in the lumber business at Otterville, Mo.; Benjamin Franklin, subject of this review. The family of which John Wilson Layne was a member, was a very large one, consisting of 13 sons and one daughter. B. F. Layne attended the district school located one and three-fourths miles from the Layne homestead, and which was known as the West Fork School. When he became of age his father gave him a tract of 80 acres which he improved. He resided on this farm for four years and then traded it, eventually taking charge of the homestead. When the elder Layne died he and his brother purchased the interests of the other heirs and B. F. Layne made his home on this farm of 373 acres until June 17, 1916, when he removed to Bunceton. Mr. Layne served as president of the Syracuse Bank for four years and is now a director of the Clifton City Bank. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of Syracuse, Mo. Nov. 28, 1886, B. F. Layne was married to Lottie Lander Bailey. This marriage has been blessed with the following children: William, John Wilson, Sarah Catherine, and Lottie Franklin. William is cashier of the bank at Clifton City. He married Emma Belle Graves and has HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 595 one child, Dorothy. Dr. John Wilson Layne, was born Feb. 21, 1892, studied dentistry and was practicing his profession in Bunceton when he was inducted into the National Army in Sept.,- 1918. He received a com- mission as first lieutenant in the dental corps of the army, Eighth Cavalry Regiment and was stationed at Camp Cody, Deming, N. M., and is at Marfa, Texas, at present. Sarah Catherine, aged 16 years, is a junior in Bunceton High School. Lottie Franklin, aged 11 years, is attending school. Mr. Layne is a democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and Mrs. Layne are members of the Baptist Church and are pleasant, progressive, and hospitable people who have a host of friends in Cooper County. Henry John Niebruegge. — When Henry John Niebruegge came to America from his native Germany in 1881, he was possessed of about $50 in cash. He hired out as farm laborer until 1886, when his marriage de- manded that he secure a home for himself and his wife. For the next five years he rented land in the neighborhood of Lone Elm and in 1891 he decided that it was time for him to begin to accumulate some prop- perty. He invested his savings in 114 acres of land, and naturally, be- cause he had not been able to save enough money to pay for this land he went in debt for the greater part of the amount of the value of the farm. An old log house on the place sufficed as the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Niebruegge for the next 10 years. In the meantime they scrimped and saved, worked from early mora till late at night so as to get out of debt and get the means wherewith to build a comfortable home. This they built in 1901 — in fact, every rod of fence, every tree and shrub around the residence, every building, barn, outhouse, and shelter for stock, has been built by Mr. Niebruegge and the farm near Lone Elm is one of the best improved in Cooper County. Mr. Niebruegge is now the owner of 389.5 acres, in three tracts, one farm of which is at Lone Elm. Henry John Niebruegge was born in Germany, Jan. 28, 1855, and is the son of Henry and Blanche Niebrugge who lived all of their days in Germany. Mr. Niebruegge emigrated from Germany in 1881 and came directly to Cooper County where he has become one of the prosperous citizens of the county. He was married Feb. 9, 1886 to Maria Katharina Schluetter, born in 1854, in Germany. The children born to this mar- riage are: William, Henry, Oscar, and Emma. One child died in infancy. Oscar Niebruegge is the soldier of the family and his parents have 596 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY good and just right to be proud of the fact that they sent one of their sons to fight in behalf of the principles of liberty for which America, their adopted country, joined in the great World War. Oscar Niebruegge was born July 27, 1892. He was inducted into the National Army, in Oct., 1917 and was trained at Camp Funston. He was then sent to Camp Doniphan and in April, 1918, crossed the Atlantic to fight on the Western front in France with the famous 35th Division, 139th Infantry, Company H. Private Niebruegge took part in the terrific fighting in the Argonne Forest. So great were the hardships that he endured that he lay sick in a hospital for 30 days after the fight and was then transferred to the Headquarters Company. He received his honorable discharge May 8, 1919 and is now at home. Mr. Niebruegge is a republican. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lone Elm and are liberal supporters of this denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Niebruegge are intelligent, hospitable folks and have a fine family. Peter Smith, living retired at Lone Elm, Cooper County, is one of the highly respected 'old settlers' of this county whose advent into the county dates back over 50 years. Successful as a farmer, having reared a fine family, now in his old age, he is taking life easy. Mr. Smith formerly owned two farms, one of 126 acres and another of 170 acres, totalling 296 acres in all which he sold in 1917 and 1918 and has since made his home at Lone Elm. He was born in Holstein, Germany, Jan. 1, 1846, and is a son of Claus and Margaret Smith, the latter of whom died in 1866. Claus Smith and his six children, Peter, Henry, Annie, Margaret, Joseph and John Heinrich, emigrated from Germany to America in 1868 and located in Cooper county where Claus Smith spent the remainder of his days. Henry Smith resides on a farm in Clarks Fork township. Mrs. Margaret Nauman lives in Clarks Fork township. John Smith resides in California. Heinrich is a resident of Petersburg, Mo. Peter Smith of this review worked out as farm laborer for five years after coming to Cooper County. After his marriage in 1875 he bought 63 acres of land in Clarks Fork township .agreed to pay $25 an acre for the land, improved it, added to it until it was 126 acres and disposed of this farm in 1917. This farm brought $100 an acre when sold. In the meantime he had purchased 170 acres near Bunceton, for $36 an acre. He placed all of the existing improvements on this farm and sold it for $100 an acre. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 597 • Jan. 19, 1875, Peter Smith and Mrs. Polly Arnold Schmalfeld were united in marriage. Two children blessed this union: Maggie C, born Feb. 26, 1876, is wife of George Friedmeyer, of California, Mo.; Martin D., born June 19, 1878, is farming in Clarks Fork township. The mother of these children was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1850, and is a daughter of Daniel and Keziah (Williams) Arnold, natives of Pennsylvania and Tuscarawas County, Ohio, respectively. The Arnolds migrated to Missouri in 1867 and settled in Clarks Fork town- ship, Cooper County, near the Clarks Fork Evangelical Church. The par- ents spent the remainder of their lives here. Daniel and Keziah Arnold were parents of 12 children, 10 of whom came to Missouri: John died while serving in the Union army ; Levi died in 1916 ; Margaret died in 1917 ; Sarah died in 1906 ; William died in 1915 ; Joseph resides on a farm six miles west of Sedalia ; Mrs. Cynthia Kelly lives at Ozark, Mo. ; Henry lives on a farm south of Pisgah, Mo. Polly Arnold was first married to Otto Schmalfeld in 1869. Mr. Schmalfeld died in December, 1873. To Otto and Polly Schmalfeld were born children as follows: John H., born Dec. 20, 1869, died April 1, 1905; William F., born Sept. 9, 1871, is a farmer living east of Clarks Fork Church ; Christena, born Aug. 26, 1873, is wife of George Frieling, and lives in Palestine township. Mr. Smith is a republican. He and Mrs. Smith are members of the Evangelical Church and are excellent, honest, well to do citizens of Cooper County. Dan G. Davis, dairyman, Boonville, Mo., was born May 8, 1843, in Cooper County and is a son of pioneer parents in this county. His father was Daniel G. Davis and his mother was Ruth Breredon, prior to her marriage. Further and more extended mention of this pioneer couple will be found in the sketch of Jeff L. Davis, of Boonville. After receiving his education in the public schools of Boonville, Dan G. Davis engaged in farming. For the past 11 years he has been engaged in the dairy business upon a farm of 95 acres just on the south edge of Boonville. In addition to the dairy farm, Mr. Davis has a tract of 140 acres one mile west of the home place. He has 50 head of pure bred Jersey cows and two splendid registered males. Mr. Davis sells the out- put of his dairy to the local ice cream factory and is making a success of his business. He erected one of the first silos in Cooper County in 1912. Mr. Davis was married in 1906 to Mabel M. Gallagher, of Tipton, Mo., who is a daughter of Peyton Gallagher. Five children were born 598 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to this union of whom four are living: Elizabeth, Louise, Jefferson Lee, Kathryn, deceased, and Daniel Grosvenor. Mr. Davis is a democrat. He was reared in the Episcopalian faith. Personally, he is a likable, genial and whole hearted citizen who takes life as he finds it and is liked by those who know him best. Thomas Alpheus Nelson, is one of the oldest of the native born pioneers of Cooper County, now living, retired, in Bunceton, Mo., and owner of "Eminence Stock Farm," situated a few miles northeast of Bunceton. Mr. Nelson was born Aug. 23, 1848, on a farm four miles northeast of Bunceton, and resided for 70 years within sight of his birth- place. He is a son of James 0. Nelson, one of the early pioneers of this section of Missouri. James 0. Nelson was born in Virginia in 1802 and died in Cooper County, Mo., in 1861. He immigrated to Cooper County in about 1833, entered government land and improved a farm, upon which he reared his family of 11 children, as follows: A. M. Nelson, Boonville, Mo.; E. D., deceased; Mrs. T. B. Stephens, deceased; Mrs. Nora Reavis, deceased; John Albert, and T. A. Nelson, twins, the former deceased ; Addie died at the age of 21 years; two children, Henrietta and Maryetta, died young; James 0. Nelson resides in Bunceton. The mother of these children was Mary E. (Hirst) Nelson, who was born in 1809 and departed this life Dec. 25, 1891. In the beginning there were seven Nelson brothers who located in Cooper County in pioneer days. Of these, Thomas W. Nelson became a merchant in Boonville. James 0. and John B. Nelson were farmers, the former becoming a large land owner. Henry and Addison Nelson were bachelors. Alexander Nelson located in California, Mo., and George Nelson. Thomas A. Nelson was married Dec. 24, 1868, to Sarah A. Tucker, who bore him children as follows : Walter died in infancy ; Louis 0. Nel- son lives in Bunceton, Mo. ; W. L. Nelson is the present member of Con- gress from this district and resides in Columbia, Mo.; Albert J. and Al- pheus J. are farmers in Cooper County; Edgar C. editor and publisher of the Bunceton Eagle; Clyde T. Nelson is managing "Eminence Stock Farm. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Cooper County, April 6, 1849, within sight of "Eminence Stock Farm." She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary B. (Taliaferro) Tucker, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Mary B. Tucker was a daughter of William and Nancy Taliaferro, who came From Kentucky to Cooper County, Mo., HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 599 in 1834. Thomas Tucker was a son of Josephus and Sarah Tucker. He was born in 1812 and died in 1893. He came to Cooper County in 1841, was married in 1847 and built up a splendid farm. He was father of the following children: Mrs. Sarah A. Nelson, of this review; W. J. Tucker of Kansas City, Mo. ; John R. Tucker of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Mrs. Mary Bohling, Medford, Ore. William and Nancy Taliaferro were par- ents of six children: James, Robert, Johnson, Lucy, wife of James H. Baker, and Elizabeth, who attained the great age of 90 years. Thomas Tucker was one of the best known of the pioneer citizens of Cooper county. When Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Nelson began their wedded life, they purchased a tract of undeveloped prairie land which adjoined the old Tucker homestead. In order to fence this tract, Mr. Nelson hauled rails with ox teams from Moniteau. Every tree, shrub, vine, and plant which now adorns the grounds of their fine estate was planted by Mr. and Mrs. Nelson. "Eminence Stock Farm" consisted of 364 acres, well improved with a large, handsome residence, good farm buildings, and is devoted to the breeding and raising of fine live stock. Mr. Nelson has always been an extensive feeder and producer of live stock. In 1882, Mrs. Nelson began breeding and raising fine poultry, mostly Barred Rocks and other varieties. She was the first woman to make a specialty of producing poultry of the better breeds and of pure strain. Mr. Nelson achieved a great reputation as a breeder of Duroc Jersey swine. Dec. 24, 1918, Thomas A. and Sarah A. Nelson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. When Mr. Nelson was purchasing live stock for the State Institutions some years ago, Mrs. Nelson managed the farm during his frequent periods of absence and weighed the corn and did a man's work on the place. They are both members of the Baptist Church, as are all of their children. Mr. Nelson has been a deacon in the ,)tist Church for 40 years and las son Louis 0. Nelson is also a deacon. They are among the most highly respected and best loved pioneer couples in Cooper County, and Mrs. Nelson is the source of authority in her neighborhood for facts concerning family history and is the last recourse for information concerning the early history of the Bunceton neighbor- hood. In September of 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson made their first move in a half century. They came to Bunceton, after turning over the home farm to their son, Clyde Nelson, who is now managing it. Now, in the eventide of a long and useful life, they are enjoying well earned repose, serene in the consciousness that theirs has been a life well spent. 600 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Emmett E. Wear, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this state. He was born in Prairie Home township Dec. 15, 1874, and is a son of George N. and Ophelia F. (George) Wear. Emmett E. Wear was educated in the public schools, Clarksburg Col- lege and Prairie Home College. He engaged in farming and stock raising in early life, and has been successful from the start. He purchased his present farm of 180 acres, which is a part of "Hazel Dell Farm", in 1919. This land was entered from the government by Thomas Byler, the original land patent being granted in the 20's, and signed by John Quincy Adams, nearly 100 years ago. The brick residence which now stands on the place was built in 1844, the bricks being manufactured on the place. John Burrus did the carpenter work. This old residence, notwithstanding its 75 years of service, is still in a good state of preservation. Jan. 23, 1915, Elmer E. Wear was united in marriage with Miss Pansy Hemphill, a daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth (Clark) Hemphill, who reside at Lawrence, Kan., where the father is engaged in the real estate business. Mrs. Wear was reared and educated in Lawrence, Kan., and also attended Baker University, Baldwin, Kan. She is a graduate nurse, having received her training at the Research Hospital at Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Wear is one of the following children born to her parents: Lynn, whose present address is unknown; Anna, married Charles Cham- pion ; Margarette, married John Klevinger, Lawrence, Kan. ; Joseph, Law- rence, Kan. ; Ruth, Lawrence, Kan., and Pansy H., wife of Emmett E. Wear, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Wear has been born one child, Ophelia Wear. William Schleuter. — From laborer to prosperous farmer, owning one of the best prairie farms in Cooper County during 37 years of endeavor in this country, is the reward of William Schlueter of Clarks Fork town- ship, for industry, thrift and good management. He came to America from his native Germany, ignorant of our customs and language and has made good in the land of his adoption. Mr. Schlueter owns a fine place of 180 acres, upon which he has resided since 1903. His home place con- sists of 100 acres, and includes the first 80 which he bought, to which he has added 20 acres. He then bought his other 80, situated just across the highway, in 1916. The Schlueter farm is well improved and presents an attractive and prosperous appearance. William Schlueter was born in Germany, May 7, 1863, and is a son of Henry and Louise Schlueter, who spent their lives in their native land. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 601 William immigrated to America in 1881, and worked as a laborer in St. Louis for two years. In 1883, he came to Cooper County, having been employed in a creamery and dairy establishment in St. Louis. He worked as farm laborer in Cooper County for $15 per month. All the capital he had in the world when he set foot in this country was $13. He agreed to pay $42 an acre for his first 80, and went in debt for nearly all of the purchase price. He erected all of the buildings on the tract and fenced it. His next purchase of 20 acres cost him $70 an acre. His last pur- chase of 80 acres cost him $92.75 an acre. The Schlueter land is easily worth. $150 an acre. Mr. Schlueter handles Angus cattle, his favorite breed of live stock. He was married in 1888 to Miss Minnie Langkop, who was born in Clarks Fork township, Oct. 15, 1867, a daughter of Henry and Philippina Langkop, natives of Germany, who immigrated to America and made a permanent settlement in Cooper County in about 1855. Henry Langkop was born Sept. 28, 1837, and died July 23, 1897. Phillipina, his wife, was born Feb. 21, 1846, and died July 16, 1915. Henry was a native of Hanover, while his wife was a native of Saxony. Henry Langkop was a son of William Henry, who first settled in Dubuque, Iowa, settled in Clarks Fork township in 1855 and died here in 1857. In 1894, Mr. Lang- kop sold his Clarks Fork township farm and moved to Moniteau township, where he died. He reared a family of 12 children: Mrs. Minnie Schlue- ter, of this review; William, Lone Elm, Mo.; Henry, Boonville; Caroline, died at the age of 25 years ; Herman, Elliston, Mo. ; Mrs. Sophia House- man, St. Louis, Mo. ; Theodore, on the home place, south of Lone Elm ; Mrs. Lucy Gruner, San Francisco ; Emma, living at Lone Elm, Mo. ; John, Moniteau township; George, Montana; Clara, Los Angeles, Calif. Four children have been born to William and Minnie Schlueter, as follows: Emma, Ida, Henry, and Herman, all at home with their parents. Mr. Schlueter is a republican and he and his family are members of the Lone Elm Evangelical Church. William W. Trigg, former merchant, now engaged in the real estate and loan business in Boonville, is a native of Boonville, and a son of the late Dr. William Hodge Trigg, pioneer physician and banker, and widely known merchant of this city. The Trigg family is one of the oldest of the American families, and the name of "Trigg" is one of the oldest in recorded history. The name is derived from the Gothic — "Tryggve," through the course of years changed to "Trygg," thence to the English name of "Trigg." The family is of Norse origin and the earliest trace of the family is found as begin- 602 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ning with the 11th century, when the Norse conquered a portion of the British Islands and left their imprint and racial characteristics upon the Islanders. The history of the Trigg family in America begins with (I) Abraham Trigg, who was born in England in 1690 and immigrated to America in 1715. He made a settlement in Spottsylvania County, Va. (II) William Trigg, his son, the direct ancestor of W. W. Trigg, served as judge of Bedford County, Va. His children were: Abraham, Stephen, John, (III) William, Daniel, Nancy, wife of Arthur Moseley, and Lockey, wife of Captain Henderson. (III) William Trigg was a colonel in the Bedford County Militia in 1781. He had children as follows: Alanson, William (IV), Daniel, Haden, Nancy, and Elizabeth. Daniel Trigg was born in 1776 in Bedford County, Va. (IV) Daniel Trigg was a farmer in Wilson County, Tenn. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church. He married Nancy Hodge, who bore him the following children: Mrs. Juliet Hannah, (V) William Hodge, John H., Haden S., Daniel, Abraham and Stephen (twins), Charity A., Nancy Bell and Alanson (twins), and Samuel L. (V) Dr. William Hodge Trigg was born Jan. 24, 1808, and died in Boonville, Mo., Feb. 20, 1895. He was reared to young manhood in Tennessee and received his early education in the common schools of the neighborhood. After leaving school, he studied medicine in the office of Dr. Hodge, a physician of Gallatin, Tenn. He began the practice of his profession in his native state and practiced there until he came West in 1834. Dr. Trigg made the trip through Missouri from St. Louis on horse- back and recorded his impressions of this new and undeveloped country in a diary which makes interesting reading. He arrived in Cooper County in Feb., 1834, and so favorably impressed was he with the beauty of the country and the apparent richness of the soil, and the attractive appear- ance of Boonville, that he decided to locate here. He opened an office in this city and was soon embarked in the successful practice of his profes- sion. Opportunities were plentiful in those days for business enterprises and Dr. Trigg decided to take advantage of this fact and he embarked in the mercantile business in partnership with two young friends from Tennessee, under the firm name of Boyers, Blythe and Trigg. This part- nership continued for two years, and Dr. Trigg then formed a partner- ship with his father-in-law, Jacob F. Wyan, the first merchant in Boon- ville. The firm was known as Wyan and Trigg, and continued until the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 603 death of Mr. Wyan in 1842. Dr. Trigg continued. in business for several years after the death of Mr. Wyan. In 1847 he established the first bank in Boonville, doing a strictly banking business in his own name until 1858. He then established a banking concern under the firm name of W. H. Trigg and Company. When the troubles incident to the ravages of Civil War caused a business depression in this vicinity, the affairs of this bank were wound up. During the Civil War, Dr. Trigg opened a mercantile nouse in Boonville with his son, W. W. Trigg. Associated with him were also his sons-in-law, John T. Pigott and William M. Johnson, under the firm name of William H. Trigg and Company. This firm did business in Boonville until 1864. Conditions had, meanwhile, become more and more unsettled and the firm removed to Courtland, N. Y., where they remained until the fall of 1865. Returning to Boonville, in 1866, they erected the largest business house in central Missouri and the partnership was main- tained until 1892. It was then dissolved and the business was closed out. For over half a century, Dr. Trigg was the most prominent merchant in central Missouri. When he retired from business he could not be content. He had been so long actively engaged in mercantile and banking pursuits that he desired again to have something to occupy his mind. At the age of 86 years, he proposed to his son, W. W. Trigg, that they establish a loan and brokerage busiess. Since the death of Dr. W. H. Trigg, his son, W. W. Trigg, has carried on the business under the name of Wm. H. Trigg and Company. April 14, 1835, Dr. Trigg was married to Miss Sarah Gaines Wyan, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy Wyan, a sketch of whom appears in this volume in connection with that of Robert F. Wyan of Bunceton. Mrs. Sarah G. Trigg was born Dec. 30, 1817, and departed this life July 11, 1884. The following children were born to this marriage: Josephine H., Juliet A., Annie M., William Wyan. Josephine H, decased, was the wife of the late John T. Pigott. Juliet A., born Aug. 5, 1838, became the wife of the late William M. Johnson of Boonville. Annie M., born Aug. 17, 1842, married William Mann Lionberger of Boonville. William Wyan Trigg, of this review, was born July 10, 1845. Dr. William Hodge Trigg was one of the prime movers in every enter- prise tending to develop the resources of his city and county. He was connected with establishment of the first ferry across the Missouri River, at Boonville. He was one of the organizers of the Central District Agricultural Society, and he was interested in the promotion of the rail- roads, manufactures, schools and churches of the city. He was exten- 604 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sively engaged in the handling of real estate and during his career he handled thousands of acres in this section of Missouri. During the Civil War, he took a determined stand for the Union and allied himself with the democratic party after the close of the war. He was a gentleman of the old school, high minded, never profane, eschewed liquor and tobacco, and was temperate in all things. William Wyan Trigg was educated in the Kemper School of Boon- ville, entering in 1861, and studying there until the closing of the school in 1864, on account of war conditions. For a period of thirty years, he was connected with the Wm. H. Trigg Mercantile Company, and was one of the active partners in this concern until 1894. Since that time he has been engaged in the real estate and loan business in Boonville. Oct. 13, 1869, W. W. Trigg was married to Miss Louise Friend Hall, a daughter of Dr. M. W. Hall, formerly a physician of Saline County, Mo. Four children blessed this marriage, namely: William Hall, Walton Wyan, Louise, and Ewing Lester. William Hall Trigg was born Aug. 2, 1870. He was educated in the Kemper Military School, and Columbia University, New York, graduating from the law department. For 10 years he practiced his profession in St. Louis and then came to Boonville, where he practiced law and was asso- ciated with his father in business. In May, 1918, Mr. Trigg was appointed to a law position in the State Tax Division of the Internal Revenue De- partment at Washington, D. C. He married Miss Julia Young. Walton Wyann Trigg was born Dec. 31, 1873. He was educated in Kemper Military School, and is now engaged in the oil business at Mel- vern, Kan. Louise, wife of E. T. Dutcher, died in 1911. Ewing Lester Trigg was born April 17, 1888, and was educated in Kemper Military School. Mr. Trigg is an independent democrat. He is a Knights Templar Mason. For 25 years he was a deacon of the Boonville Presbyterian Church and for the past 20 years he has been an elder of the local church. William A. Hurt, owner of "Forest Grove" stock farm is an honored pioneer of Cooper County and one of the most highly valued and respected citizens of Boonville township. Mr. Hurt is a native son of this county, a member of one of Missouri's first families. He was born May 16, 1850, in Clarks Fork township, a son of William Hurt, Sr. and Catherine (Rob- ertson) Hurt. William Hurt, Sr., father of William A. Hurt, was born March 7, 1816 at Old Cole's Fort in Cooper County, a son of Colonel Clayton and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 605 Mary (Dillard) Hurt, the former, a native of Kentucky and the latter, a daughter of James Dillard. Colonel Clayton Hurt was born Jan. 15, 1790, in Bedford County, Ky. He came to Cooper County, Mo., about 1815 and settled at Old Cole's Fort. Colonel Clayton Hurt was in charge of the settlers' military organization, which for many years was maintained as a protection against the Indians. He died in 1862 and his remains rest in Hail Ridge cemetery. Mrs. Hurt died in 1867. Two children of Colonel Clayton and Mary (Dillard) Hurt are now living in Cooper County, namely: J. T. Hurt and Mrs. Julia (Hurt) Shannon. Sept. 6, 1837, William Hurt, Sr. and Catherine Robertson, daughter of Capt. Andrew Robertson, one of the leading pioneers of Cooper County, were united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt were true-hearted, sturdy pioneers and spent their lives in rearing their family and improving their farm in Clarks Fork township. To them were born the following chil- dren: Mrs. Mary Catherine McFarland, of Clarks Fork township; Mrs. Nancy Emmeline Davis, who died Jan. 6, 1912; Jenkin D., deceased; Beniga, who died Dec. 15, 1914; William Andrew, the subject of this sketch; and James M., a prosperous farmer of Clarks Fork township. The mother died May 28, 1882 and the father died Jan. 11, 1894. The remains of both parents rest in Walnut Grove cemetery. William A. Hurt attended the public schools of Cooper County. Prac- tically his entire life has been devoted to the pursuits of farming and stockraising in Boonville and Clarks Fork townships. His farm comprises 585 acres of excellent land, all of Section 6 in Boonville township. The Hurt residence is one of the finest in the country and is well placed in the center of the farm on the state highway, which traverses the Hurt land. Noble, old shade trees, planted before the Civil War, surround the resi- dence. On this farm, Mr. Hurt has made his home for 35 years. In the raising of hogs, mules and registered Hereford cattle, he has been very successful. July 31, 1878, William A. Hurt and Elizabeth Johnston, a native of Cooper County and daughter of John B. and Margaret Johnston, were united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were pioneers of Prairie Home township, in which township they reared a splendid family of ten children, five boys and five girls, as follow: Mrs. Mary Margaret Par- sons, deceased ; Mrs. Rachel J. Miller, deceased ; Mrs. Sallie Ann Simmons, deceased ; Susan Ellen, deceased ; Robert B., deceased ; Colonel T. A. Johns- ton, of Boonville, Mo.; William F., of Warrensburg, Mo.; Mrs. William A. Hurt, the wife of the subject of this review; George W., deceased; and 606 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY James E., of Denver, Col. Both parents of Mrs. Hurt are now deceased and she is one of the four surviving children. To William A. and Eliza- beth (Johnston) Hurt have been born four children: Sidney J., at home; William B., deceased ; Margaret Catherine, at home ; and Mrs. Mary Far- ris, of Boonville. Miss Margaret possesses unusual artistic ability and her paintings, which decorate the walls of the Hurt home, show exceptional skill and taste. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are proud of their only grandson, James William Farris, now four years of age. More than a century has passed since the Hurt name became a familiar one in this state and now, as then, it is the synonym of upright manhood and noble womanhood. There is no family in this section of Missouri more highly regarded or more worthy of respect and affection. Mr. Hurt is a stanch democrat. He was a director of the Farmers Bank of Boonville and he is likewise a director of the Commercial Bank of Boonville. Robert Schwitzky. — In 35 years of endeavor as a tiller of the soil, Robert Schwitzky of Palestine township, has achieved what can rightly be called a success. Mr. Schwitzky has a large farm of 300 acres upon which are two sets of handsome improvements. He has a pretty, modern cottage erected in 1914, a large bank barn which he built him self and everything about his home place gives evidence of thrift, pride, and enter- prise. Robert Schwitzky was born in Saxony, Germany, Feb. 17, 1863, and is a son of Herman and Amelia (Temple) Schwitzky, who immigrated to America in 1882 and settled in Indiana. One year later, Robert Schwitzky came to Cooper County. Herman, his father, was born in April, 1836, and makes his home with his son, Robert. Amalie Schwitzky died in 1882 shortly after her arrival in this country. During his first summer in Indiana, Robert Schwitzky worked as a farm hand for $8 per month. After he came to Cooper County he re- ceived $12 per month for three years. He rented land for the next three years and then bought 52 acres in 1888 near Boonville upon which he re- sided for seven years. In 1895 he purchased 140 acres of his present homestead. This land had no improvements worthy of the name and it has been built up to its present fine condition by the owner who is one of the best agriculturists in Cooper County. Mr. Schwitzky was married in 1885 to Minnie Johnmeyer, a sister of William F. Johnmeyer, whose biography appears in this history. Mrs. Schwitzky was born in Westphalia, Germany, Aug. 11, 1865. The chil- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 607 dren bom to this union are : Herman, Boonville, Mo. ; Ida, wife of Henry Hein, Lone Elm Prairie, Mo. ; Anna, wife of Henry Torbeck, Boonville township ; Rosa, wife of Henry Kahle, Lone Elm Prairie ; William, Minnie and Robert on the home farm; Freda, at home. William and Herman are engaged in the automobile business in Boonville and are owners of the Schwitzky Auto Sales Co. Mr. Schwitzky is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and the Woodmen of the World lodge at Speed, Mo. John Hein. — The John Hein farm of 294 acres, in Palestine township, is one of the finest improved prairie farms in Cooper County. The hand- some residence painted white, with red roofs, situated far back from the roadway, consists of ten rooms, all modern, eqipped with electric lights, hot and cold running water — an ideal country place. A cellar runs entirely underneath this fine home and every convenience for comfortable living is arranged in the home. Other farm buildings are in keeping with the Hein residence. Mr. Hein raises pure bred Duroc Jersey swine and has a herd of Shorthorn cattle. Mrs. Hein has a large flock of pure bred white Leghorn poultry. John Hein was born on a farm near Boonville, Jan. 28, 1866, and is a son of Henry Hein, who was born in 1826 and died in 1903. His mother was Catherine Titkens prior to her marriage, and she was born in 1838 and died in 1897. Henry Hein was a native of Holstein, Germany, and came to America in 1856. He served under the Union flag during the Civil War and settled in the Lone Elm neighborhood in Cooper County, where he owned 120 acres, upon which he settled in about 1874. He reared a family of eight children: Mrs. Mary Cotterman, living north of Speed, Mo.; John, sub- ject of this review; William lives near Appleton City, Mo.; Christ lives on the farm adjoining that of John Hein ; Peter, a farmer, north of Lone Elm ; Sophia, Lone Elm ; J. W. Henry lives on the home place. John Hein attended the old Clarks Fork School and the Lone Grove School and learned to till the soil under his father. When he attained the age of 21 years, he began his own career. He rented land in the neighborhood until 1900, and then made his first purchase of 177 acres at a cost of $44 an acre. In 1911 he bought 116 acres, plus a fraction, at a cost of $85 an acre. This fine farm of nearly 294 acres is easily worth from $125 to $150 an acre. Feb. 15, 1900, Mr. Hein was married • to Miss Minnie Toellner, a daughter of Herman Toellner. The children born to John and Minnie 608 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Hein are as follows : Herman, deceased ; Lydia, Harry, Albert, and Ella. Mr. Hein is a republican, but has little time for political matters. When he has a few hours free from his farming duties, he can usually be found doing something to add to the attractiveness or convenience of his splendid country estate. He and his family worship at the Evangel- ical Lutheran Church at Lone Elm, and he is a liberal supporter of this church. John H. Smith is a native of Cooper County and a descendant of very early Missouri pioneers. He was born in Prairie Home township, where he has since resided, Jan. 12, 1862, and is a son of Jeremiah and Lutetia C (George) Smith. The former was a native of Tennessee, born May 16, 1810, and the latter born March 1, 1823 and died July 16, 1905. Jeremiah died Dec. 21, 1903. Jeremiah Smith was a son of Thomas Smith, a native of Virginia, and his wife was from North Carolina. In 1817 Thomas Smith came to Missouri from Tennessee with his family and settled at Boonslick, where he remained about a year and removed to Old Franklin. Some years later he came to Cooper County, settling in Prairie Home township, where he entered 160 acres of land; which is now the Fred Sullivan place. Jeremiah Smith also entered 80 acres of government land about the same time, or a little later. John H. Smith, the subject of this sketch, now owns this property. Jeremiah Smith became an extensive land owner and at one time owned about 1,000 acres, which he divided among his eight children. He was a Presbyterian and a democrat, and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson for president. Jeremiah and Lutetia C. (George) Smith, were the parents of the following children: Margaret Ann, born March 31, 1846, and died June 20, 1856; Thomas Richard, born April 5, 1848, and resides at Pleasant Hill, Mo.; George Almond, born April 3, 1850 and died in Cass County, Mo., Jan. 23, 1912; Martha Ellen, born April 30. 1854, married Joseph Franklin and resides at Hume, Mo.; Robert Boone, born Oct. 24, 1855, and resides in Prairie Home ; Mary Alice, born May 17, 1858, married Dr. G. W. Stiffler, Stirling, Colo.; William A., born April 24, 1860, Prairie Home ; John H., the subject of this sketch, and Josie Lee, born April 24, 1864, married E. L. Koontz, Fulton, Mo. John H. Smith was reared and educated in Prairie Home township and has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and has met with a very satisfactory degree of success in his undertaking. He was married Nov. 30, 1887, to Elizabeth Ann Mitchell, a native of Pennsyl- vania, born June 27, 1867. She is a daughter of W. H. and Margaret J. (Harmon) Mitchell, both natives of Pennsylvania. W. H. Mitchell was MR. AND MRS. JOHN H. SMITH .110 UK Ml AH SMITH AND WIFK HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 609 born in Jackson township, Huntington County, June 8, 1845, and his wife was born in Union township, Mifflin County, Dec. 4, 1845. They were married in Mifflin County, July 4, 1866. They came to Missouri in 1880 and settled at East Lynn. In 1900 they removed to Oklahoma, where they now reside. The following children were born to W. H. Mitchell and wife: Elizabeth Ann, wife of John H. Smith, the subject of this sketch; John Irvin C, born July 2, 1868, now resides at Arnett, Okla. ; Laura Wil- liamson, born Dec. 19, 1869 and died near East Lynn, Mo., in 1886 ; Porter Davis, born June 19, 1871, resides in Prairie Home; James Solomon, born Nov. 29, 1872, and died at East Lynn, Nov. 26, 1889 ; William Nelson, born Sept. 10, 1874, resides at Arnett Okla. ; Rebecca Jane, born March 7, 1876, and died Sept. 13, 1889 at East Lynn ; Sarah Emma, born Nov. 20, 1878, and died June 12, 1896, at East Lynn ; Margaret Bailey, born Sept. 4, 1879 now resides at Boundbrook, N. J. ; Thomas Hope, born Jan. 11, 1882, re- sides at Kansas City, Mo. ; Dora Viola, born May 24, 1883, lives at Arnett, Okla. ; Lawrence Earl, born April 7, 1885, and died May 9, 1887 ; Bertha May, born Jan. 28, 1887, resides at Arnett, Okla., and Joseph Hastings, born May 26, 1889, lives at Arnett, Okla. All of the above named chil- dren were born in Mifflin County, Pa., except the last five mentioned, who were born in Cass County, Mo. To John H. Smith and wife have been bom the following children: Lottie Bell, born Sept. 20, 1888, died May 1, 1901 ; Jessie Lee, born Feb. 5, 1890, married John Knorp, Prairie Home; Lutitia Nadine, born Feb. 8, 1893, married Cornelius Keil, Spring Valley, Canada; Laura Jane, born Jan. 15, 1895, married A. C. Dishion, Prairie Home; Lonnie Stevens, born Oct. 2, 1897, married Martin Odneal, Prairie Home; Grace Pearl, born March 2, 1899, married John Schaaf, Cedron, Mo.; Jerry William, born July 17, 1900, died Dec. 31, 1900; Margaret Barnett, born Nov. 20, 1901 and died July 21 1902 ; Mina Eugenia, born June 8, 1904 and died May 18, 1909, and Ida E., born May 15, 1901, and a daughter born Sept. 5, 1891, died in infancy. John H. Smith is one of Cooper County's substantial citizens and the Smith family has ever ranked high in this section of Missouri. John Parsons Glazier, one of Cooper County's most prominent citizens, is a native of Clarks Fork township. Mr. Glazier was born on Lone Elm Prairie, July 1, 1858, a son of Charles and Frances Ann (Parsons) Glazier, the former, a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Charles Glazier was born in 1811 in Huntington, Pa., came to Missouri in 1830 and was a cabinet maker in Boonville until 1833, when he (38) 610 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY located in Clarks Fork township, where he purchased a farm, comprising 320 acres of land, which he spent his life cultivating and improving, and there died in 1900. His remains rest in the cemetery at Salem Church. Frances Ann Glazier was born in Albemarle County, Va. In 1836, she came to Missouri and she was then 14 years of age. Mrs. Glazier died in 1911 and she was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery at Salem Church. John Parsons Glazier is one of six children born to Charles and Frances Ann Glazier, as follow : James, deceased ; Hattie, deceased ; Laura, deceased ; Martha, the wife of Dr. John Cowden, both of whom are now deceased ; Mary Ella, deceased ; John Parsons, the subject of this review; and Charles Ernest, deceased. John Parsons Glazier attended the public schools of Cooper County. Since attaining maturity, he has followed farming in Clarks Fork and Boonville townships. In 1903, he purchased his present homeplace, a farm comprising 88 Va acres, located four miles southeast of Boonville, on the state highway. The residence, a brick structure, is one of the old- est in the county. It was built by Alex Tucker perhaps 90 years ago and is still in good condition. Mr. Glazier raises Jersey cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, both eligible for registry. April 25, 1883, John Parsons Glazier and Nannie Washington Weight were united in marriage. Mrs. Glazier is a daughter of Oscar and Cor- nelia B. (O'Brien) Weight a great-gieat-grandniece of George Washing- ton. Oscar Weight was a native of Clark's Fork township. He was uom on Saturday, Jan. 27, 1821 and his wife was born on Sunday, June 29, 1829. When a young man, 17 years of age, Oscar Weight made the trip across the plains, journeying into Old Mexico with the famous Santa Fe pioneers, the Houcks. Mr. and Mrs. Weight were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Mary Catherine Finley, born in 1847 resides in Saline township; Emily Gibson, died at the age of two years; James Reed, born in 1851, deceased ; Elizabeth, born in 1854, deceased ; Laura E., born in 1856 ; Louisa H., bom in 1860, married Reginald Walker, Nov. 20, 1877, died July 30, 1884 ; Nannie Washington and Julia Taylor, twins, the former, the wife of the subject of this review and the latter, the wife of W. A. Chambers, died May 13, 1916; George Washington, born Feb. 23, 1864, died in 1865 ; Cornelia, born Nov. 4, 1870, deceased ; John L. O'Brien, born Oct. 23, 1873, resides in Blackwell, Okla. John L. O'Brien Weight mar- ried Frances Roberta Don Carlos in 1896. She is now deceased and he has remarried. To John Parsons and Nannie Washington Glazier have HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 611 been born three children: A son, died in infancy, was' born Feb. 17, 1885; John Taylor, born Feb. 11, 1897 and died in infancy; and Annie Laura, born Feb. 19, 1900. Miss Annie Laura is a graduate of the Boonville High School, a member of the class of 1916. She took the post-graduate course in the high school in 1917 and is teaching her second school in Bethlehem district. Both parents of Mrs. Glazier are deceased. The father died Jan. 23, 1874 and his remains were interred in O'Brien ceme- tery. The mother died Jan. 24, 1897 and she was laid to rest in Wal- nut Grove cemetery. Jordan O'Brien, a soldier of the War of 1812, battle of New Orleans, grandfather of Mrs. Glazier, came from Kentucky to southeastern Mis- souri about 1816, at the time of the earthquake. He located in Boonville township on the farm now owned by Mrs. Herman Erhardt. Jordan O'Brien was one of Missouri's most conspicuous characters of pioneers days. He was in public life for 20 years, a member of the Legislature when Missouri was still a territoiy, a charter members of the First Bap- tist Church at Boonville, one of the organizers and promoters of William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo. Jordan O'Brien and William Jewell were close, personal friends, both leaders of their day. George Washington Weight, grandfather of Mrs. Glazier, was educated at William & Mary's College in Virginia and he was one of the first county surveyors of Cooper County and was prominent in all educational movements and works. Mary E. Hampton Taylor, wife of Jordan O'Brien, grandmother of Mrs. Glazier, was a cousin of Zachariah Taylor and of Wade Hampton. Thus Mrs. Glazier is a descendant of one of the best colonial families and a daughter of one of Missouri's leading pioneer families, a family directly connected with two presidents of the United States, George Washington and Zach- ariah Taylor. A. J. Wright, a great-uncle of Mrs. Glazier, was governor of Missouri in 1825, completing an unexpired term. Mrs. Glazier is well known throughout the county, as much for her own abilities and worth as for the untarnished name of her ancestors. She has established a reputation during the past 16 years for raising the best Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and at the present time she has a splendid flock of 170. Mr. and Mrs. Glazier are held in the highest respect in this section of Missouri and are valued highly in their community. John F. Viertel, a highly respected citizen of Boonville township, was born in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 28, 1851, a son of John and Maria (Schnuck) Viertel, the eldest of the following children born to this parents: John 612 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY F., the subject of this review; George, of Boonville township; Anna, de- ceased; Elizabeth, of Boonville; William, of Boonville; and Paul P., of Boonville. John Viertel, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ger- many. He came to America, when he was 18 years of age and, in 1869, located in Boonville township, Cooper County, on a farm comprising 170 acres of land owned formerly by Mr. Vivian. Mr. Viertel died on his farm about 1906 and 18 days later he was joined in death by his wife and both father and mother were interred in Walnut Grove cemetery. In the public schools of Maryland, John F. Viertel obtained his edu- cation. He came with his parents to Missouri in 1869 and in 1881 pur- chased his present country place. Mr. Viertels farm comprises 254 acres of valuable land located six miles southeast of Boonville. He has placed all the improvements on the farm, except an old, brick house which was built in pioneer days. The residence was built in 1893, in addition to which he has two good barns, a machine shed and a granary. There is an excellent spring on the land, which is well adapted for stock raising, and the Viertel farm is considered one of the best stock farms in the township. Mr. Viertel formerly raised hogs, cattle, mules and sheep ex- tensively. In 1883, John F. Viertel and Elizabeth Langfort were united in mar- riage. To Mr. and Mrs. Viertel have been born two sons : Jesse P., who is at home, his father's assistant in the work of the farm ; and Charles Henry, who died at the age of five years. Mr. Viertel is a democrat. He has served as school director in his district and takes a good citizens interest in public affairs of general inter- est. He is well and favorably known in Cooper County. Harry C. Morgan, proprietor of "Riverview Farm" in Boonville town- ship, is one of Cooper County's self-made men and most respected and valued citizens. Mr. Morgan was born in 1866 near Wellsburg, W. Va., son of William and Ellen (Reynolds) Morgan. William Morgan, father of the subject of this sketch, was killed in the Civil War. His widow and two-year-old son left Virginia and came to Missouri in 1868 and Mrs. Morgan located in Cooper County. She later married Jacob Reed and now resides near Otterville. Her children, be- sides Harry C. Morgan, are Leslie, Charles, and Emmet Reed, of Syra- cuse; Maggie, who married Commodore Fairfax and Belle, who married Frank Robinson, both of Seattle, Wash. Harry C. Morgan attended school in Cooper County. When still a lad, he was employed at hard labor for the small remuneration of $10 a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 613 month. Later, he was paid $14 and $15 a month. for his labor and he saved money. In 1910, Mr. Morgan purchased his present country place, a farm of 170 acres of excellent land, and has since then fenced and im- proved it. He raises hogs, calves and grain and during the years has prospered. The soil of this farm is of the best and most productive qual- ity. Last year, 1918, the wheat averaged 25 bushels an acre on 105 acres. "Riverview Farm" is appropriately named for one can obtain a wonder- ful view of the Missouri river and can with the eye locate many historic spots of the early days, among them the sites of Old Franklin and Fort Cole, for one can from the farm see for miles up and down the river. In 1889, Harry C. Morgan and Nellie Brown were united in marriage. Nellie (Brown) Morgan is a daughter of R. D. and Rebecca (Hurt) Brown. R. D. Brown was a native of England. He came to America, when he was a lad 13 years of age, and located in Wisconsin. From Wisconsin, Mr. Brown came to Missouri and located in Moniteau County, coming thence to Cooper County, where he purchased a farm in Boonville township and there he and his wife reared their family of five children, who are, as follow: Henry C, of Pilot Grove; Bettie J., the wife of William Mc- Cubbin, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; James H., of Pisgah ; Julia A., the wife of Allen Bates, of Otterville ; and Mrs. Harry C. Morgan, the wife of the sub- ject of this review. Mrs. Brown was a native of Cooper County and her parents were among the first settlers of the county. Her brother, Wil- liam Hurt, was the first white child born in Cooper County. He was born in Old Fort Cole. R. D. Brown died Feb. 20, 1905 and his wife followed him in death in April, 1915. The remains of both father and mother rest in the cemetery at Boonville. To Harry C. and Nellie Morgan have been born three children: Florence, the wife of Leonard Sampson, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Lizzie, who died March 12, 1899, at the age of five years ; and Grace S., a graduate of the Boonville High School, a member of the class of 1918, now a student in Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. More than a half century ago, Harry C. Morgan came to Cooper County and he was then a fatherless babe-in-arms. By his own persist- ent endeavors and honest industry, he has earned for himself an honored and respected place among the successful men of the county and for his family a name untarnished. James T. Hickam, one of the best-known farmers and stockmen of Cooper County, is a member of one of Missouri's most highly respected pioneer families. Mr. Hickam was bora Sept. 7, 1861, in Moniteau County, 614 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a son of Joseph Hickam and Susan (Teeter) Hickam, the former, a native of Washington county, Va., and the latter, of Boone County. Joseph Hickam was born in 1816, a son of William Hickam, a native of Washington County, Va. William Hickam was a son of Joseph Hickam, Sr., a native of Ireland, one of the early settlers of colonial days in Vir- ginia. In 1813, William Hickam, with his wife and children, left Virginia and located in Illinois, whence he came to Missouri in 1824 and located in Boone County. From Boone County, the family moved to Cole County, where the father died. When a child, eight years of age, Joseph Hickam came with his par- ents from Illinois to Missouri and with them located in Boone county. In young manhood, he served in the war with the Seminoles in 1836 and he was with Colonel Gentry when the colonel was killed. After the war had closed, Mr. Hickam returned to Boone County, where he was married in 1838 to Susan Teeter. Joseph Hickam and wife were the parents of the following children: Samuel L., of Boonville; Shelby H., Lupus, Moni- teau County; James T., the subject of this sketch; and 14 children, who are now deceased. The Hickam family moved from Boone County to Moniteau County in 1851 and there remained until 1876, when they set- tled in Cooper County, where the father died Feb. 23, 1889 and the mother died two days later. Interment for both parents was made in the Hickam cemetery in Moniteau County. James T. Hickam attended the public schools of Moniteau and Cooper Counties. Practically his entire life, Mr. Hickam has been interested in farming and stockraising. He is now the owner of 100 acres of land in Saline township and 205 acres of land in Boonville township. He pur- chased his home place in 1901 from the Elliot heirs and has since rebuilt the residence. The Hickam farm is unusually well kept and the improve- ments reckoned among the best in the county. In 1884, James T. Hickam and Belle Powell were united in marriage. Mrs. Hickam is a native of Moniteau County, a daughter of Irvin and Bettie Powell. To James T. and Belle Hickam have been born eight chil- dren: Joseph W., of Boonville; James B. and Samuel H., twins, Cooper County ; Mrs. Virgie Elizabeth Groom, of Overton ; Speed S., of Clarks Fork township; Jessie B., Owen P. and Russell Roy, all at home. In connection with the history of Missouri in pioneer days, Mr. Hickam relates that his father did his first plowing in Moniteau County, using a blind horse and a cow for a team. For some time, the Hickam family lived in a crib, thatched with straw and several of the children first HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 615 saw the light of day when this was the family's home. The record of this family in our country's wars is in itself a story of interest. Capt. Silas Hickam, an uncle of James T. Hickam, was killed in the war against the Indians in Florida. Two brothers of James T. Hickam, Squire W. and John, served with the Confederates in the Civil War for three years and six months and John was killed in the battle at Mine Creek. Squire W. Hickam was captured by the Union men in the same battle and was held prisoner until the close of the war. He was sentenced to be shot, but the father fortunately was able to secure the boy's release, from the prison at Jefferson City. Capt. John B. Hickam, a cousin of James T., was with Company I. 138th Division of the American Expeditionary Forces. Cap- tain Hickam enlisted as a private in 1917, served on the Western front in France and has returned to America. James T. Hickam is an earnest adhei-ent to the principles of the Demo- crat party. He is a man of marked individuality and strong personality and is well known in business circles as one possessing exceptionally good judgment. The Hickam family has for many years been numbered among the best in Cooper County. Sam T. Mauck, former county superintendent of schools and at pres- ent a successful real estate and loan dealer at Bunceton, Mo., is a native of northern Missouri. Mr. Mauck was born in Mercer County, Mo., Nov. 27, 1887 and is a son of Edgar and Angeline (Fitzgerald) Mauck, who were natives of Indiana. Edgard Mauck settled in Missouri in 1884 but returned to Indiana and located at Princeton in 1900. Sam T. Mauck was educated in the public schools and the State Normal College at Kirksville. He graduated from this institution in 1909. Two years prior to this he had begun his teaching career. In 1908 and 1909, he served as principal of the Boonville High School. The next three years were spent on his father's farm in Indiana. His next position was that of superintendent of the Bunceton, Mo., public schools during the years 1913, 1914 and 1915. His work was recognized as that of a school man of ability and he became well acquainted in Cooper County. Making the race for the county superintendence in the spring of 1915, he was elected to the office and served for four years. His administration of the public school system of Cooper County was a distinct success. Mindful of the fact that the teaching profession offers no permanent future for an ambitious man and that the monetary returns from the profession are meager, and the future status of a teacher is subject to the whims and caprices of a fickle multitude, Mr. Mauck pursued the 616 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY wiser course and firmly established himself in the real estate and loan business at Bunceton. He was married in 1909 to Miss Fay E. Million, daughter of W. R. Million, proprietor of the Frederick Hotel, Boonville, Mo. Three children have blessed this union: William, Martha A. and Ona M. Mauck. Mr. Mauck is a democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. John A. Brandes, owner of a well kept farm of 137 acres in North Moniteau township, is one of the wideawake and progressive farmers of that neighborhood. He was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township in 1877, son of Charles and Margaret (Schmidt) Brandes, the latter of whom is living with the family of her son, Albert, on the old home farm in North Moniteau township. Charles Brandes, who died at his home there in 1912, was a native of Germany, as is his widow, and was but a boy when he came to this country with his parents, the family coming into Missouri by way of Iowa, in which latter state they resided for a while, and settling in this county before the Civil War. Charles Brandes served for three years as a soldier of the Union, married some time after his return from the army and spent the rest of his life farming in this county. This veteran and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom the sub- ject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth. By a prior marriage his wife was the mother of two children. All her children are living and she has 40 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. -John A. Brandes has followed farming all his life and has met with a gratifying measure of success. He received his schooling in the district schools. Upon beginning operations on his own account he bought from his father 80 acres which formerly was known as the Swanger farm and as his affairs prospered he added to that until he now has 137 acres, well improved and under cultivation. He has built all the improvements on this place and has a well kept farm, including two stock barns, one 42x50 feet and the other 43x32 feet, and other farm buildings. Mr. Brandes pays considerable attention to the raising of registered Galaway cattle and Poland China hogs and is doing well with his stock. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Elevator at Bunceton and gives his thoughtful attention to general local business conditions. Nov. 16, 1899, John A. Brandes was married to Laura Hoerl, who was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born, Alvin M., Lawrence B. and Ilda. Mrs. Brandes is a daughter of Martin and Ida (Selck) Hoerl, the latter of whom died on June 17, 1897, u 73 ■A > y. a 3 xn > 2 1 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY G17 and is buried at Lone Elm. Martin Hoerl is still living in Clarks Fork township. To him and his wife were born five children, those besides Mrs. Laura Brandes being Mrs. Elizabeth Brandes, who lives in North Moniteau township ; Leonard Hoerl, of Clarks Fork township ; Mrs. Dora Timm, also of Clarks Fork township, and Elmer Hoerl, of Bunceton. Mr. and Mrs. Brandes are members of the Lutheran Church at Lone Elm and Mr. Brandes is a member of the board of directors of the parochial school at that place. He is also a memebr of the Board of Directors of the Clarks Fork Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. Otto G. Schmidt, proprietor of "Locust Grove Farm," in Saline town- ship, is one of Cooper County's most valued citizens, a native son of Saline township. Mr. Schmidt was born Jan. 30, 1867, in the residence on the farm now owned by him, a son of Herman and Theresa (Spieler) Schmidt. Herman Schmidt was born in Germany, a son of Andreas Schmidt. Father and son came to America in 1833 and settled on the farm now owned by Otto G. Schmidt. They purchased 80 acres of land for $10 an acre. A log house, 16x20 feet, now used as a chicken house, was then the residence. Here, Andreas Schmidt died when he was about 80 years of age and interment was made in the family burial ground on the farm, where the remains of his wife were also laid to rest. Herman Schmidt resided on this farm for the remainder of his life and he was 16 years of age when his father settled here. Herman and Theresa (Spieler) Schmidt were the parents of the following children: Henry, who died at the age of 19 years ; Mrs. Ida Hobrecht, of California, Mo. ; Mrs. Emma Hasenbach, of Boonville; Herman, Jr., of Boonville; Bertha, who died at the age of 21 years ; and Otto G., the subject of this sketch. Both father and mother are now deceased and their remains rest in the family burial ground. Mrs. Schmidt died Dec. 29, 1906, at the age of 81 years. The Schmidt Cemetery contains about 75 interments, the remains of Cooper County pioneers. The first burial made there was that of Gustav Schmidt, 11 years of age, who died in 1833. He was a brother of Herman Schmdit. Otto G. Schmidt attended school at Connor school-house in Saline township, at Woodland school-house, and six months at a German school in Boonville. Leaving school, Mr. Schmidt returned to the farm, where he now resides. "Locust Grove Farm" comprises 170 acres of land, located eight miles east of Boonville, and is considered one of the best farms in the county. It is conveniently located one and a half miles west of Overton. Mr. Schmidt is engaged in general farming and stock rais- 618 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ing. He raises cattle, sheep, and hogs. The farm is neatly kept and the residence, built by Mr. Schmidt's father in 1850, is a good, substantial house, in excellent repair. Oct. 25, 1891, Otto G. Schmidt and Fannie Kramer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Kramer, were united in marriage in Saline township. Both parents of Mrs. Schmidt came from Germany to America and settled in Cooper County about 1835. They are now deceased and are buried in the Schmidt Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer were the parents of the following children: Henry B., of Overton; Herman, of Boonville; Jacob, who resides in the State of Washigton; Mrs. Otto G. Schmidt, the wife of the subject of this review; Mary, deceased. To Otto G. and Fannie Schmidt has been born one child, a son, Oscar G., who is 19 years of age and is at home with his parents. Mr. Schmidt is affiliated with the republican party. He is keenly interested in matters of public interest, but he has never sought or cared to seek political office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been a member of the former for 25 years and of the latter for 16 years. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are members of the German Evangelical Church at Boonville. Otto G. Schmidt is now 52 years of age and he has never in his life smoked or been in a saloon. The Schmidt family is widely and favorably known in Cooper County, and Mr. Schmidt ranks highly among the intelligent, progressive men of his community. Z. R. Neal, proprietor of "Locust Hurst Farm," in Saline township, is a member of one of Missouri's first families, a native of Morgan County, a son of one of Cooper County's honored pioneer ministers. Mr. Neal was born Aug. 25, 1849, near Otterville. a son of Rev. Minor and Nancy (Amick) Neal, both deceased. Reverend Neal was a well-known minister of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church and one of the early preachers of Moniteau and Cooper Counties. Reverend Minor and Nancy Neal were the parents of the fol- lowing children: George, James Q., and Thomas L., of Lebanon; Mrs. T. B. Young, of Sedalia; Mrs. May Hixon, of Pilot Grove; and Z. R., the subject of this review. Z. R. Neal attended the public school of Mount Zion. He has fol- lowed farming and stock raising practically all his life and since 1901 has resided on the farm where he now lives. "Locust Hurst Farm" comprises 340 acres of some of the most valuable land in Cooper County. This country place is located 10 miles southeast of Boonville. The residence HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 619 was built in 1901, a modern structure, equipped with acetylene lights. There are two good barns on the place, which is well arranged for the handling of stock and grain. In 1875, Z. R. Neal and Mary E. Fluke, a daughter of John Fluke, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume in connection with the biogi'aphy of G. F. Fluke, were united in marriage. Mrs. Neal was born on the farm where she now resides on March 4, 1853, and she attended the public schools of Highland district. To Z. R. and Mary E. Neal have been bom six children: John M., who died in infancy; William W., at home; Ollie H., who married Ella Givens, of Saline township, now an engi- neer, residing in Parsons, Kans. ; Troy W., who married Mary Allen, of Saline township, and they reside on the home farm ; Stella R., the wife of Rev. C. C. Cox, of Chicago, 111., a minister of the Presbyterian Church; and Dorsey M., who is a teacher at Highland school and one of the favor- ably known teachers of Cooper county. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have reared and educated as fine a family as can be found in the State and now they are spending the eventide of life in contentment on their farm, one of the pretty country places of Saline township. H. E. Schnuck, proprietor of "Walnut Range Stock Farm," in Saline township, one of the most beautiful country places in this section of the State, was born in Saline township, Nov. 25, 1866, on a farm located one- half mile east of Big Lick. Mr. Schnuck is a son of John and Catherine (Meyer) Schnuck, the former a native of Germany, and the latter, of Moniteau County. John Schnuck was born in 1830 and in the early fifties he immi- grated to America and settled in Missouri on a farm near Gooch's Mills. Mr. Schnuck died in 1880 and he was laid to rest in the cemetery at Pleasant Grove. His widow now makes her home with their son, John, in Boonville township. The children of John and Catherine Schnuck are: Mary, the wife of Samuel Oerly, of Saline township; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Renken, of Clarks Fork township; Mrs. Catherine Smith, de- ceased; H. E., the subject of this sketch; Anna, the wife of Ed Twillman, of St. Louis County; and John H., of Boonville township. H. E. Schnuck attended the public schools of Cooper County and spent one year in attendance at Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, Mo. Leaving school, Mr. Schnuck was for nine years in the mercantile and milling business at Big Lick, or Gooch's Mills. In 1897, he moved to the farm where he now resides. "Walnut Range Farm'" is one of the splen- 620 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY did stock farms of the county, a part of the original Kelly Ragland farm of nearly 2000 acres. Mr. Schnuck owns the old home place, a farm of 300 acres of land, in addition to 110 acres of river bottom land. Kelly Ragland, one of the wealthiest men in Missouri in the days gone by, was at one time owner of 100 slaves. He was a Virginian. Mr. Ragland built the residence in which Mr. Schnuck now lives, a two-story structure, "T-shape," made from brick from a kiln on the farm. The style of archi- tecture is that of Colonial days. There are 10 rooms in the residence, all unusually large, and originally each contained a huge fireplace. A sec- ond brick residence, which was built for the Ragland slaves, is now used as a granary and storehouse. Kelly Ragland died shortly after the Civil War. His heirs sold the farm to Emanuel Oerly, who sold the place to H. E. Schnuck in 1897. "Walnut Range Stock Farm" is conveniently located 12 miles from Boonville and two miles from Overton. Mr. Schnuck is engaged in general farming and stockraising. He raises reg- istered Poland China hogs, Shorthorn cattle, and black-face sheep. A registered Shorthorn male leads the herd of cattle. Mr. Schnuck raises annually from 200 to 500 chickens, White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, all pure breds. The Schnuck place is well equipped in every particular to take care of large herds of stock and flocks of chickens. There are four barns, two tenant houses, a large granary on the home place and a good residence on the river bottom land. Mr. Schnuck is very proud of a splendid chicken house, 20x24 feet, exclusive of an extra shed called "The Fool Proof." The building has excellent ventilation and is vermin proof. Everything is done on a large scale at "Walnut Range Stock Farm," a country place to which the citizens of Cooper County point with pride. Mr. Schnuck has improved the appearance of the old homestead by the addition of concrete porches and cement walks. Nov. 25, 1897, H. E. Schnuck was united in marriage with Ida Vieth, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabet (Selck) Vieth, both of whom are now residing on a farm in Kelly township, near Bunceton. Mrs. Schnuck is one of the following children born to her parents : Ida, the wife of the subject of this review ; Emma, at home ; Tillie, the wife of Charles Barta, of Kansas City, Mo.; Henry and Carrie, at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Schnuck have been born four children: Lorine, Arthur and Lloyd and Wilbur, the latter deceased. Mr. Schnuck is a republican. He is a valued member of the Pleas- ant Grove Lutheran Church. Honest, industrious, capable, Mr. Schnuck stands very high in his community, and he and Mrs. Schnuck are num- bered among Cooper County's most respected citizens. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY b21 William J. Wooldridge, merchant, miller, lumberman, and an "all round hustler," was born in Cooper County, near the town of Wooldridge, Sept. 11, 1870, a son of H. H. and Sallie (Eager) Wooldridge, the former, a native of Hardin County, Ky., and the latter of Cooper County, Mo. H. H. Wooldridge was a son of Jesse Wooldridge, a native of Vir- ginia. Jesse Wooldridge migrated from Virginia to Kentucky and thence to Missouri, where he settled in Cooper County in 1858, on land where the town of Wooldridge now is located. He purchased a section of land, improved his farm, and there died in the latter seventies. The remains of Jesse Wooldridge rest in the family burial ground. His son, H. H. Wooldridge, was a merchant, farmer, and stockman. He owned 400 acres of land, a part of which was the townsite of Wooldridge. The town was laid out in 1901, when the railroad came. H. H. Wooldridge was for 30 years engaged in the mercantile business at Overton, Mo. He died on the last day of the year 1916, and his remains were interred in the family cemetery. His widow still survives him and is now residing on the old homeplace. The Wooldridge children are: W. J., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. A. F. Nixon, of Wooldridge, and H. H., Jr. William J. Wooldridge obtained his education in the public schools of Cooper County and at Hooper Institute at Clarksburg. For ten years, Mr. Wooldridge was engaged in teaching in the Hooper Institute. Leav- ing the teaching profession, Mr. Wooldridge has since been engaged in the mercantile business, in farming and stockraising. After two years at Clarksburg, three years at Corticelli, and three years at Linn Creek, William J. Wooldridge located at his old home, Wooldridge, about 1897. He now conducts a lumber yard and grain elevator at Overton, and since 1914 a feed and flour mill at Wooldridge, the last named having a capacity of 60 barrels a day. In 1914, he had drilled near the mill an artesian well, 197 feet in depth, the only one of the kind in this part of the state., Mr. Wooldridge is president of the Bank of Wooldridge. In addition to the manifold responsibilities of his mercantile and financial business, Mr. Wooldridge operates his farm of 1350 acres near the town of Wool- dridge, and at the time of this writing he and W. R. Freeman are feeding 800 head of hogs and 141 head of cattle. Mr. Wooldridge has a hand- some, modern home in the town of Wooldridge. In 1890, William J. Wooldridge and Lily Hooper, a daughter of Pro- fessor J. N. and Georgia Hooper, were united in marriage. The Hoopers were from Clarksburg, Mo. Professor Hooper is deceased since 1892, and his remains are interred in the cemetery at Clarksburg. The widowed mother now makes her home with her son-in-law, W. J. Wooldridge. To 622 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge were born seven children: Flossie M., the wife of Lon Freeman, of Wooldridge; Hooper E., Willie Fay, Georgia Hazel, Jessie Lee, William J., Jr., and Harry. Mrs. Wooldridge was the oldest of three children born to her parents: W. E., of Wooldridge; Dorsey E., a dentist of Warsaw, and Mrs. W. J. Wooldridge, who died April 27, 1915, at the age of 44 years. The history of the Wooldridge family is inseparably linked with the history of Cooper County, and for more than 60 years the name has stood for all that is best in manhood and womanhood. No man stands higher in the respect of his fellowmen than does William J. Wooldridge. He is a democrat in politics. He is a member of the Baptist Church and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood, Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Holman Lee, a well-known farmer and stockman of Boonville town- ship, is a member of a highly respected, colonial family, a son of one of Missouri's honored pioneers. Mr. Lee was born Sept. 18, 1879, in Howard County, Mo., son of John and Susan (Talbott) Lee, the latter, a native of Kentucky. John Lee was born March 5, 1816. in Richmond, Va., son of John Lee, Sr., and Susan (Owen) Lee, natives of Virginia. John Lee. Sr. was a son of Joel Lee, a soldier of the Revolution of 1776, who served under General Washington. The elder John Lee, with his wife and children, came from Virginia to Missouri in 1819 and this family was one of the first families of the state. John Lee, Jr. was one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Howard County, Mo., and he was also a prominent financier of Boonville, one of the organizers of the bank of Ahle, Lee & Duncia at Boonville, which bank was conducted until 1882, when Mr. Lee became head of the banking institution known as John Lee & Son, Bank- ers. In 1885, John Lee, Jr. sold his interest in this bank and assisted in the organization of the Commercial Bank, becoming a director, a posi- tion he held until his death in 1893. The father died at his home at Old Franklin on Dec. 18, 1893, at the advanced age of 77 years. Mr. Lee was widely known in this section of the state. His home and farm were at Old Franklin in Howard County, but his chief business interests are in Boonville. By a former marriage, John Lee, Jr., was the father of two children, who are now living: Mrs. Ida Swinney, wife of E. F. Swinney, a prosperous banker of Kansas City, Mo., and Samuel, of Kansas City. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 623 Holman Lee, subject of this review, attended • Coopers Institute and the Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind., completing his school work with a business course at Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. After completing the course, Mr. Lee began farming and stockraising in Howard County, Mo., where he resided until 1909, when he came to Cooper County and located on his present farm of 245 acres of well improved land. He has made unusual success in sheepraising. Mr. Lee has a herd of 600 black-faced Shropshires, 100 head of feeding cattle, 15 head of horses and mules, and 100 head of Poland China hogs. Nov. 4, 1903, Holman Lee and Elizabeth Blackburn, adopted daughter of Carroll and Mary T. Logsdon, were united in marriage. Carroll Logs- don, grandfather and foster-father of Mrs. Lee, was one of the earliest settlers and largest landowners in Saline County, Mo. Mrs. Lee is a graduate of William Woods College, Fulton, Mo., a member of the class of 1903 and is successfully engaged in raising poultry, keeping the best Barred Plymouth Rocks, for which she finds a ready market. Mr. and Mrs. Holman Lee are the parents of three children: Carroll, Suzanne, and Holman, Jr. The Lee family has long been highly valued in the com- munity and respected throughout the county. Sid A. Lusk, farmer and stockman, Bunceton, Mo., although one of the younger generation of stockmen in Cooper County, is one of the most successful. Mr. Lusk sold a farm of 321 acres west of Bunceton, on Feb. 1, 1918. He has purchased one of the finest homes in Bunceton and has bought another farm of 240 acres about one-half mile southwest of Bunce- ton in Kelly township. Sid A. Lusk was born on the Lusk homestead, March 10, 1888. William M. Lusk, his father, was born in Polk County, near Brighton, Mo., in 1850, and died in April, 1912. He was a son of James B. Lusk, a native of Tennessee and a Missouri pioneer. James B. Lusk lived in Polk County until 1861 when he came to Cooper County, and bought a farm near Harrison Station. His children were: Mediothe, John, Hugh, Wiley, Lafayette, Benjamin and William M., and Hamilton. William M. Lusk was reared in Cooper County and married Mattie Collins who was bom in 1858 and died in June, 1896. To William M. and Mattie Lusk were born seven children: James lives in Kansas; Tucker lives in St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Willie Cook lives in Sedalia, Mo. ; Benjamin resides in Kansas City, Mo. ; Sid A., of this review ; Mrs. Abbie Davidson, lives in Sedalia, Mo. ; Harry died in infancy; William M. Lusk resided on a farm in Lebanon township until he settled on what is known as the Lusk homestead in 624 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1880. After his father's death, his son, Sid A. Luck, came into possession of the homestead through inheritance and purchase. Sid A. Lusk was married in June, 1913, to Miss Arlotta Windsor, born in Cooper County, a daughter of Edward Windsor, who was born in 1862, and is a resident of the Pleasant Green neighborhood. Her mother is Ruth (Davis) Windsor, who was born in Cooper County in 1875. The Windsors have four children: Mrs. Arlotta Lusk, of this review; Mrs. Speed Boulware of near Bunceton ; Grosvenor and Edward. Three children have been bora to Sid A. and Arlotta Lusk, as follows: Bill, born March 21, 1914 ; Helen Wiley, bora June 27, 1916 ; and Martha Ruth, born Feb. 15, 1918. Mr. Lusk is a democrat. He is an Episcopalian and a member of the Elks at Sedalia. Charles Timothy Grathwohl.— "Twin Springs Stock Farm", of 235 acres situated just south of the valley of the Petit Saline River, five and a half miles south of Boonville, is a fertile well developed and substan- tially improved farm. This farm is owned and operated by Charles T. Grathwohl, one of the most successful farmers of Cooper County, and is devoted to wheat growing and stock raising. A handsome farm residence reached by a driveway, stands on the hill overlooking the beautiful river valley. This home was built in 1914. A large barn built of stone quar- ried on the place and from oak timber cut and sawed from the woods on the Grathwohl farm was erected in 1916. A silo of 150 tons capacity is built of re-inforced concrete. Mr. Grathwohl feeds a carload of pure bred Shorthorn cattle yearly for the markets, keeping the best breeds of cattle because it pays to handle only pure bred stock. He keeps Poland China and Berkshire hogs on the place. Charles T. Grathwohl was bora Sept. 3, 1860 in Boonville, and is a son of Timothy and Barbara (Hoflander) Grathwohl. The sons of Tim- othy and Barbara Grathwohl all farmed together for a number of years on the Grathwohl home place. Charles and Conrad Ansul Grathwohl and Thomas purchased the present place now owned by the subject of this re- view in 1887. Upon the death of Mrs. and Conrad A. Grathwohl, Charles T. came into possession of the home place in 1914, placing the present fine improvements thereon. Residing with Mr. Grathwohl are his sisters, Miss Magdalena Grathwohl and Miss Minnie Becker. Mrs. Grathwohl died Dec. 29, 1913. Conrad Ansul Grathwohl died Feb. 18, 1914. Mr. Grathwohl is an independent republican and is a member of Evangelical Church of Billingsville, Mo. CHARGES T. GRATHWOHL HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY b25 Mr. Grathvvohl has a herd leader of Shorthorns from the Ben Smith herd which cost him $150 when a yearling and which traces to the famous Ravenswood herd. The Grathwohl herd numbers 20 pure bred cows and a noted herd leader. He has three purebred Berkshire sows and one pure- bred male from the Harris drove. His drove of Poland China hogs is headed by a registered male from the Wallace herd. James A. Clayton, vice-president of the Bank of Wooldridge, is a native of Saline township, Cooper County. Mr. Clayton is one of the county's leading business men and in the financial and business circles of this section of the State he commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. He was born Jan. 22, 1854, a son of John M. and Elizabeth (Lamm) Clayton. John M. Clayton was a native of Maryland. He came to Missouri with his father, John Clayton, when he, the son, was a child, six years of age. The senior Clayton settled on a farm in Prairie Home township, and there John M. was reared and educated. John Clayton was of English descent. He died at the home of his son, John M., in Saline township, and his remains are interred in the cemetery at Goochs Mill. John M. Clayton owned a farm located one and a half miles west of Wooldridge and was engaged in general farming. He died in Arkansas, whither he had gone with his son, J. L. Clayton, and is buried there. Elizabeth (Lamm) Clayton, mother of James A. Clayton, was born in Cooper County, a daughter of William and Caroline Lamm, of Saline township. Mrs. Clayton is deceased and her remains rest in the ceme- tery at Gooch's Mill. Two nephews, George and James Lamm, still own the old homeplace of the Lamm family in Saline township. James A. Clayton is one of five children born to his parents, John M. and Elizabeth Clayton, as follows: William E., of South Fork, Howell County ; Mrs. Martha Ford, who resides in Colorado ; Charles, who died at the age of six years ; James A., the subject of this review ; and John L., of Dayton, Wash. In the district school at Lowland schoolhouse in Cooper County, James A. Clayton received his education. Until 1907, he was engaged in farming, when he entered the mercantile business as clerk in the store of Potter & Hopkins, and for two years was employed in clerking. Mr. Clayton returned to the farm after his experience in the store and re- mained there until 1914, when he was elected vice-president of the Bank of Wooldridge, a position he has since filled most capably. In 1882, James A. Clayton was united in marriage with Laberta 626 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Givens, a daughter of James and Cynthia Givens, of Saline township. Mrs. Clayton died in 1883. In 1910. Mr. Clayton and Mrs. Alice (Shep- herd) Pate, a daughter of Levi and Johanna (Compbell) Shepherd, were married. Mrs. Claytons mother was a daughter of Bradley Campbell, an honored pioneer of Saline township, a native of Tennessee. Bradley Campbell and his wife are buried in the family burial ground on the old homeplace in Saline township. Mrs. Shepherd died at the age of 82 years, and Levi Shepherd died at the age of 84 years. Both parents of Mrs. Clayton were laid to rest in the cemetery at Gooch's Mill. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have a comfortable home in Wooldridge. Mr. Clayton is a stanch democrat. He is affiliated with the Wood- men of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Clayton are widely known and respected in Cooper County, worthy representatives of two of Missouri's best pioneer families. Farris B. Hopkins, bookkeeper of the Bank of Woolridge, is a native of Saline township. Mr. Hopkins was born in 1887, son of Hallah H. and Lydia (Farris) Hopkins, both of whom are natives of Saline township. H. H. Hopkins is a son of Hirma B. and Rebecca (Burcham) Hopkins, the former, a native of England. Hiram B. Hopkins immigrated to America and located in the State of Mississippi, whence he moved to Ken- tucky, thence to Texas, and, about 1856, settled on a vast tract of land, comprising almost 1,000 acres, in Cooper County, Mo. A portion of this tract of land was sold to Jesse Wooldridge, that part upon which the town of Woolridge was laid out in 1901. Truman B. Hopkins, a son of Hiram B., now resides at the old homestead. Hiram B. Hopkins died on his farm, Nov. 18, 1899, and he was buried in Wooldridge Cemetery, a family burial ground, maintained by the Hayes, Wooldridge and Hopkins families. John B. Truman was the first to be interred there. Rebecca (Bucham) Hopkins died at the old homeplace and her remains rest beside those of her husband in Wooldridge Cemetery. This is one of the most neatly kept of the private burial grounds in the county. The old home- place of the Hopkins family contains five Indian mounds and arrowheads and various articles, which must have once belonged to the savages of the forest, have frequently been found there. Hallah H. Hopkins is residing on his farm in Saline township, where practically his entire life has thus far been spent, engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. To Hallah and Lydia Hopkins have been born two children : Farris B., the subject of this sketch and Vergna, a popular teacher of Boonville, Mo. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 627 Farris B. Hopkins has, for the past three years been clerk of the school-board of Wooldridge, for the past eight' years clerk of the town, and he is superintendent of the Sunday School of the Wooldridge Baptist Church, and since the organization of the church in 1907 he has been the treasurer. Mr. Hopkins has been connected with the Bank of Wool- dridge since 1903 as the bookkeeper of the institution. Mr. Hopkins attended Hills Business College at Sedalia in 1904. He was for one year with the Missouri State Guards, in Company E. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a democrat. In the business and the social circles of Cooper County, Mr. Hopkins has maintained an unusually good name. He is one of Cooper County's own boys, who have "made good," and of whom all are proud. Judge Boz L. Moore, a prominent citizen of Boonville, ex-judge of the County Court of Cooper County, is a native of Palestine township. Mr. Moore was born Sept. 12, 1869, a son of Lafayette M. and Matilda (Morton) Moore, who were the parents of the following children: Lee, who died at the age of two years; Allen B., who died at the age of 21 years; Boz L., the subject of this review; Harvey B., who resides on the Moore homeplace; Gipson S., a teacher at Cape Girardeau; Erastus B., who is engaged in farming in Clarks Fork township; and Edith Grace, the wife of Edgar Rudolph, of Clarks Fork township. Mr. Rudolph is the present assessor of Cooper County, 1919. Lafayette M. Moore was born in Cooper County in 1839. He received as good education as the early schools of the county afforded, and early in life began farming and stockraising. He owned a farm of 120 acres of land in Palestine township and at his country place he lived from 1864 or 1865 until the time of his death in 1902. His remains l'est in Moore Cemetery. Matilda (Morton) Moore was born in Tennessee in 1840, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Morton. Her mother died in 1840 or 1841 and the father with his infant daughter came from Tennessee to Missouri in 1843. The father died in 1898 at his home in Palestine town- ship, and he is buried in the family burial ground on the homeplace. Mrs. Moore still resides at the Moore homestead, in the home to which she and Mr. Moore came in 1865. She is now 79 years of age and lias retained to a remarkable degree her physical and mental vigor. Major William Moore, great-grandfather of Judge Boz L. Moore, entered land from the Government in Palestine township, a part of the tract now a portion of the Moore homeplace, about 1817. He came to Missouri from Burke County, N. C. Major Moore was an army officer 628 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in the War of 1812. He was the father of Dr. William H. Moore, a pioneer teacher and physician. Dr. Moore taught his first school out in the forest, and it was a subscription school. He made the pens used in the school, made pens from goose quills. He was probably the first teacher in Cooper County. Dr. Moore was also the country practitioner. He rode a pony when answering calls from the countryside. He was a cripple and unable to walk, and when not on his pony he went about in a chair which he operated with his hands. Dr. Moore died in 1866 and is buried in Moore Cemetery. Judge Boz L. Moore attended the public schools of Cooper County. Until 1917, Judge Moore was engaged in farming and stockraising. In 1910, Judge Moore was elected julge of the County Court, and in 1912 he was re-elected, serving four years. Judge Moore was active in pro- moting road work while a member of the County Court, and more good work, more bridges, more public building resulted during the four years he was serving as a member of the court than during any other four years in the history of the county. A new courhouse was erected at a cost of $115,000, and a new county home at a cost of $40,000. In 1914, Judge Boz L. Moore was united in marriage with Abbie Boggs, a daughter of Harry and Beulah (Ashley) Boggs, of Fayette, Howard County. Mrs. Boggs is deceased and Harry Boggs now resides at Higginsville. Judge and Mrs. Moore reside at Shamrock Heights. Judge Moore is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Bunceton. He and Mrs. Moore are well known in Cooper County and in Boonville, where they are best known, they number their friends by the score. S. Hamilton Fairchild. — The Fairchild family has been resident in Cooper County for the past 50 years and are native to North Carolina. Joel Fairchild, father of S. Hamilton Fairchild, of this review, was a soldier in the Confederate Army who sought a new home in Missouri four years after the close of the war. He located on the John Lilly farm, on the Boonville and Bell Air highway. Later he spent 10 years in Wy- oming for the benefit of his health. Returning to Missouri, he went from here to Oklahoma, and after a residence of six months in the new state, he died in 1911. His wife was Frances Phillips prior to her marriage, and she bore him three sons and four daughters, as follows: George died in Oklahoma ; Mrs. Mary Sideler, Thayer, Mo. ; S. Hamilton, of this review; Mrs. Ellen Parrish, Oklahoma; Mrs. Catherine Ward died in Arkansas; John, somewhere in the West. The mother died in 1874 and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 629 by a second marriage of Joel Fairchild there was one child, Mrs. Ray- Davis, Hot Springs, Ark. The 50 years of the life of S. H. Fairchild have been spent in Cooper County to good purpose. He is owner of a fine farm of 154.72 acres in Palestine township, purchased in 1895, and upon which he has resided since the spring of 1896. This farm is well improved and is highly productive. Mr. Fairchild was married in 1893 to Miss Elizabeth Dumolt, born 1871, near Billingsville, Mo., a daughter of John Dumolt, pioneer settler of Cooper County. Four sons and a daughter have blessed this union: William Ward, Charleston, S. C. ; John Edden, Elmer Eugene, Philip Har- vey, and Alma Elizabeth. Two children of the family are deceased, namely: Emil Allen, died at the age of 12 years; and George died in infancy. William Ward Fairchild, the soldier of the family, was bora in 1895 and enlisted in the United States Navy, Nov. 20, 1917. He was trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and assigned to duty at Charleston, S. C, in Jan., 1918. Mr. Fairchild is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Billingsville, and the Woodmen of the World. The Boonville Mercantile Company, located at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets in Boonville, was organized as a corporation in 1906. The present officers are: W. M. Rowe, President R. P. Burge, vice-president ; W. W. Kingsbury, secretary. Other stockholders are : John A. Fischer, F. S. Sauter, J. L. Sauter, and Walter Reed. R. P. Burge was associated in the mercantile business for many years with H. T. Hudson, prior to the organization of the Boonville Mercantile Company. The building occupied by the Boonville Mercantile Company fronts on Main or Fifth Street in Boonville. It is 50x122 feet in dimensions. To this building, the company moved in 1907 and the building has since been remodeled and up-to-date furnishings and fixtures installed in 1914. The ceiling is of steel, plate glass is across the entire front, and the Warren fixtures, the very latest and best, are used. The Boonville Mercantile Company carries a complete and excep- tionally good line of hardware, including stoves, harness, plumbing and heating apparatus, pumps and windmills. The company enjoys a flat- tering patronage and the business is annually increasing. The quality of the goods handled is the best and the company has an established repu- tation for fair and honorable business dealings. 630 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Edward Stegner, one of the leading business men of Cooper County, a well-known merchant of Boonville, was bora March 13, 1865, in Boon- ville, one of twins born to John Adam and Margaretta (Hoffbacher) Stegner, natives of Germany. John Adam Stegner came to America in 1854 and settled in Boon- ville. After arriving at Boonville, Mr. Stegner had but 75 cents left in his purse, and with this money he purchased an ax and secured a job cutting cord-wood. He also cut wheat with a sickle for 50 cents a day. In 1856, Mr. Stegner opened a cooper shop. He was by trade a cooper and he conducted this shop until in the nineties. In 1881, he erected the store building at 601 Main Street in Boonville, now the store occupied by his son, Edward, and opened a hardware and woodenware establishment and within a few months afterward added to his stock, groceries. He admitted his sons to partnership with him and the firm became known as J. A. Stegner & Sons. After Mr. Stegner's death, his wife continued to manage the business. John Adam Stegner died June 25, 1890, and nine years later Mrs. Margaretta Stegner died, Jan. 2, 1899. The remains of both parents were interred in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Edward Stegner is one of eight children born to his parents, as fol- low: Sophia, of Kansas City, Mo.; Frank, of Boonville; Theodore, of Kan- sas City, Mo. ; William E., of Fayette, Mo. ; Edward and Emil, twins, the former, the subject of this review, and the latter, who died in 1906; Matilda, of Boonville; and Margaret, the wife of Adam Walters. Edward Stegner received his education in the public schools of Boon- ville, and practically his entire life has been devoted to the mercantile business, thus far, in Boonville. Mr. Stegner has been bravely bearing the affliction of blindness since November, 1917, and is still actively en- gaged in business. A niece, Ida L. Stegner, assists Mr. Stegner with the work in the store, and he usually employs from four to five other assist- ants. Sept. 6, 1899, Edward Stegner and Bertha Jegglin, a native of Boon- ville and a daughter of J. M. and Anna Jegglin, were united in marriage. J. M. Jegglin was in the pottery business in Boonville for many years. He was a manufacturer and retail merchant. He was very successful in business, and owned, besides his shop, three farms. Mr. and Mrs. Jegg- lin are now deceased, and their remains rest in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The children of J. M. and Anna Jegglin are as follow: Herman; Gus ; Albert ; Anna, the wife of Francis Smith, of Boonville ; Bruno, deceased ; Bettie ; Robert ; John ; Clara, the wife of A. J. Perry, of Sedalia ; Ray- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 631 mond ; and Mrs. Edward Stegner. Mr. and Mrs.' Stegner are the parents of the following children: Margaret, of Sedalia; Edward, of Boonville; Roland K., Helen B., and John A. Mr. and Mrs. Stegner reside in Boon- ville at 512 East Sixth Street. Mr. Stegner is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Redmen, and the Woodmen of the World. He is a democrat and he was candidate for public administrator, but was defeated by a "land- slide," the coming of which was unforeseen. In connection with stories of pioneer days, Mr. Stegner relates that his mother dried three barrels of apples in the days before the Civil War. She traded the three barrels for a set of knives and forks and the actual value of the set today is 75 cents. In Cooper County, no man stands higher in the respect of his fellow- men than Edward Stegner. He is an intelligent, useful citizen, one of Boonville's best business men. Christian Brandes. — The late Christian Brandes of Clarks Fork town- ship was a citizen of worth and integrity in Cooper County. He was indus- trious, law-abiding, honest to the core of his being and was a man of diligence and enterprise. Looking far into the future he provided well for his family and built up a valuable farm, so that his family could live in peace and plenty after his departure from this earthly realm. Christian Brandes was born in Germany, June 1, 1840. He died in Cooper County, Nov. 9, 1902. He was a son of Christian and Sophia Brandes. He was a native of Hanover, Germany, and when 13 years old he came to America with his brother, Henry Brandes. He became a musician and when 16 years of age he joined a band which was attached to a circus. This circus make a tour of the Antipodes, traveling over Australia, and New Zealand for five years. While in New Zealand, he was married to Sara Willshire, who was born at Greymouth, New Zea- land, Feb. 28, 1847, and is a daughter of John Willshire, a native of Eng- land. In 1870 or 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Brandes left New Zealand and came to America, settling at Lone Elm on the Brandes home place, which Mr. Brandes built up and improved and which consists of 200 acres of rich prairie land. In September of 1866, Christian Brandes and Sara Willshire were married. The children born to this marriage are: Ellen Augusta, born June 11, 1867, is the wife of Chris Smith, Bunceton, Mo.; Sophia Wil- helmina, born Aug. 20, 1870, wife of John Hall; Edwin Nicholas, born Dec. 27, 1871, Kansas City, Mo.; Johanna Margaret, born April 23, 1873, 632 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY wife of Willis Schmalfeldt ; Florence Frederick, born Jan. 17, 1875, de- ceased; Emily Louisa Wilhelmina Mansegar, born Sept. 30, 1877, lives in Iowa; Mrs. Esther Carlotta Eophia Smith, born Jan. 31, 1879; Henry- Frederick, born Feb. 15, 1880 ; Louisa Mary, born June 15, 1883, deceased ; Walter Hermann, born Oct. 10, 1886, a farmer, Lone Elm; Speer; Julius Frederick, born Aug. 31, 1889, on the home place; Mattie Margaret Caro- lina, bora Jan. 15, 1891, died Nov. 17, 1892. Mr. Brandes was a republican and member of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church. Edward Melkersman, a prosperous and progressive farmer and stock- man of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Missouri. Mr. Melkersman was born Feb. 19, 1855, a son of Robert R. and Louisa (Portzig) Melkers- man. He was born at St. Charles, Mo., whence his parents moved in 1872 to Cooper County and located on an 80 acre farm three miles south of Boonville, where the father died in 1879. His remains are interred in the cemetery at Boonville. The widowed mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Kirschner, at Otterville, Mo. Mrs. Melkers- man is now, in 1919, at the advanced age of 86 years. Robert R. and Louisa Melkersman were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Sophia Achepohl, who died in Oregon; Edward, the subject of this review; Mrs. Lucy Wells, of the state of Washington; Mrs. Ottilia Kirschner, of Otterville, Mo., with whom the mother resides ; Fred, who resides in Idaho; Mrs. Emma Landen, of the state of Washington; Mrs. Helen Nathan, deceased ; and Mrs. Nora Comstock, of Freeman, Wash. In the public schools of St. Charles, Mo., Edward Melkersman re- ceived his education. He has followed farming and stockraising prac- tically his entire life and he has been a resident of Cooper County since 1872. He purchased his first farm 30 years ago and he later sold it and bought the country place he now owns, a farm comprising 330 acres of valuable land in Clarks Fork township, six miles from Boonville. Mr. Melkersman has, since acquiring the ownership of the place, added three barns. Petite Saline creek crosses the farm on the north and there are two exceptionally fine springs on the land, which is admirably adapted for stockraising. Large herds of hogs, cattle and sheep are raised on the Melkersman place, which is managed by Mr. Melkersman's son, Edward L. April 2, 1893, Edward Melkersman and Annie Margaret Kirschner, a daughter of John Nicholas and Eva (Hess) Kirschner, noble pioneers of Boonville township, were united in marriage. The Kirschners settled in Cooper County, in 1853, and reared and educated their five children in a •Si X H HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 633 'Boonville township. The father died in 1863 and he was buried in the cemetery at Boonville. The mother died in March, 1905, and she was buried in Walnut Grove cemetery. John Nicholas and Eva Kirschner were the parents of the following children: John E., a farmer, Boon- ville; Mrs. Mary Lowe, of Otterville; Frank, of Otterville; Mrs. Henry Roesler, of Otterville ; and Mrs. Edward Melkersman, the wife of the sub- ject of this sketch. To Edward and Annie M. Melkersman have been bom two children: Edward Leroy, who manages the home farm; and Evaline Louise, a student at Cottey College, Nevada, Mo. ; Edward Leroy Melkersman married Bertha Bechtold, of Boonville, and to them has been born two children: Charles Edward, who was born March 2, 1917; and one son, Harry Leroy, born Feb. 13, 1918, and died Feb. 14, 1919. Edward Melkersman is one of the representatives of the first families of Missouri. He is a gentleman of the old school, an upright, honorable citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Melkersman moved to Boonville in Nov., 1915, and they have a very pleasant home on South Third street on a 22 acre tract. Mr. Melkersman is a republican and he and his family are members of the Boonville Evangelical Church. Abe Lincoln Hews, the well-known proprietor of "Uncle Abe's Billiard Room" in Boonville, is a native of Illinois. Mr. Hews was born at Canton, 111., Jan. 19, 1861, a son of Abe and Permelia (Saunders) Hews, who were the parents of the following children: John, deceased; Abe Lincoln, the subject of this sketch ; Gardner E., died at Joplin ; Benjamin H., deceased ; and Mrs. Laura Chipp, deceased. The Saunders family was founded in America by Tobias Saunders, who was one of King's Life Guards. He and two brothers came to Amer- ica. He married Mary Clark. The descendents of this marriage: I. Stephen Saunder. II. His son. III. Tobias. IV. Luke. The geneology of the Saunders family has been written beginning with the eleventh century. Mary Clark was a daughter of Corow Clark, and a niece of Dr. John Clark, of Newport, who was a friend of Sir Roger Williams. Abe Hews, father of Abe Lincoln Hews, was born in New York City in 1818, a son of James McHew. James McHew was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. For political offenses, he was driven out of Ireland, and he immigrated to America. He was still a young man, and that was prior to 1800. After coming to the new country, James McHew changed his name from McHew to Hews, which name the family has continued to adopt. Abe Hews was a veteran of the Civil War. He served in the Union army for four years and was wounded once in battle. He died 634 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY about 1890 in Indian Territory of "Choctaw fever." Permelia (Saunders)^ Hews was born in Ohio in 1828, a daughter of Hiram Saunders. Mr. Saunders walked from Ohio to Illinois and in the latter state remained for seven years while preparing a home for his family, and when the home was ready he returned to Ohio for them. Mr. Saunders purchased land in Henry County, 111., in those early days for $1.75 an acre. He later sold this farm and the family moved to Fulton County, 111., where he lived in quiet retirement with his children until his death. Abe Hews was an early-day freighter from Boonville to Chicago. Abe Lincoln Hews received his early education in log schoolhouse near Canton, 111. Later, he attended the city schools of Canton and sup- plemented his school work with a course in a mining school in Springfield, 111. In the first part of his career, Mr. Hews followed mine inspecting as his vocation, but, upon being "blacklisted" on account of a strike, he be- came a metal polisher, buffer, and finisher. He was for 12 years engaged in farming in Illinois, Nebraska, and Missouri. Oct. 10, 1911, he came to Boonville, and purchased the Swasky Amusement Company's establish- ment at the present location, which establishment is now known as the Boonville Amusement Company, at 227 Fifth Street. Mr. Hews conducts a first-class billiard room, and his place is one of the most popular "smoke- houses" for young men in the county. In 1882, Abe Lincoln Hews and Nellie Carter were united in marriage at Lewistown, 111. Mrs. Hews is a daughter of Andrew and Sienda Carter, both now deceased. The Carter children, who are living, are: Mrs. Jennie Barlow, of Red Cloud, Neb.; Mrs. Lizzie Kyle, of Trivola, 111.; and Mrs. Abe L. Hews, the wife of the subject of this review. By a second mar- riage, Andrew Carter was the father of the following children: A. J., who is employed as division superintendent by the Burlington Railway Com- pany, and is located at Aurora, 111.; Mrs. Fannie Williams, of Canton, 111.; James, William, and Frank, of Canton, 111.; and Mrs. Gertrude Lent, of Canton, 111. To Mr. and Mrs. Hews have been born two children: Thomas, who married Hattie Malincott, and they reside in Boonville, where he is in business with his father; and Wylia, the wife of Lt. C. J. Wilgaus, who recently received his honorable discharge from the Quartermaster Corps of the United States army, and is again following his profession as veter- inary surgeon. Mr. and Mrs. Hews have two granddaughters: Nadine Wilgaus and Aileen Hews. Since 1883, Abe Lincoln Hews has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in 1913 he became a member of the Knights of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 635 Pythias. In a small collection of curios, which Mr. Hews has in his pos- session, is a bullet used in the battle of Boonville during the Civil War; a gun cartridge, which was used in the Spanish-American war; and cart- ridges used in the World War. As a testimonial of the high regard in which "Uncle Abe" Hews is held by the young men of Boonville and of their affection for him he has a collection of letters, postcards, and souve- nirs of various kinds in the showcase of his billiard room. The boys of Boonville, who entered the service in the World War, have remembered "Uncle Abe," no matter in what part of the world they have been stationed, and to show his appreciation of their thoughtfulness he has answered every letter and card he received from the boys at the front. Louis L. Chilton and Joseph W. Chilton, of Chilton & Company, jew- elers, at 308 Main Street, in Boonville, have been partners in the jewelry business in this city since 1888, when they opened a jewelry store, carry- ing a small stock, on Morgan Street. The storeroom of Chilton & Com- pany is 22x80 feet, and is equipped with one of the best jewelry stocks in this section of the State. In addition to jewelry, the firm carries an excel- lent line of the finest quality of chinaware. Joseph W. Chilton, Sr., father of the Chilton brothers, was a native of Fauquier County Va. He came from Virginia to Missouri prior to the Civil War and located at New Franklin, where he entered the mercantile business, in which he was engaged for more than 40 years. He died in 1895 at Boonville. His wife, Bettie (Wyatt) Chilton, was also a native of Virginia. She died in 1886, and the remains of both mother and father are interred in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The children of Joseph W., Sr., and Bettie Chilton are : E. W., president of the Commercial Bank of Boon- ville; H. B.. a traveling salesman for a dry goods firm of Chicago, 111.; Louis L. and Joseph W., the subjects of this sketch ; W. C, a jeweler of La Junta, Col.; and four children who died in infancy. The Chilton family trace the origin of the family in America to Mary Chilton, who came with the Pilgrims in the "Mayflower" in 1620, and was the first to set foot on American soil, of all the little band. Governor Bradford's "Journal," the only authentic account of the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620, states in regard to the Chiltons: "Weakened by privations of their well-nigh desperate voyage and exposure consequent on debarkation and settlement in the rigors of a North Atlantic winter, many of the beloved members of the devoted colony were fatally stricken within a few weeks of their thankful arrival. "Of this lamented number were James Chilton and wife, whose 636 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY daugter, Mary, a young girl, was thus doubly bereft at the outset of her new fortunes. James Chilton and his wife also died in the first infection." The foregoing was written 30 years after the Mayflower reached Plymouth. Mary Chilton was known as the "Pilgrims' Orphan." She married John Winslow, who came to America about one year after the landing of the Pilgrims, and the account of the marriage states that their life at Plymouth was prosperous and fruitful. John Winslow died in 1674 and Mary (Chilton) Winslow died in 1679, and their remains rest in King's Chapel burial ground. Mary (Chilton) Winslow's will bequeathes to her children an estate of considerable value and is notable for the number and importance of the pieces of silverware enumerated. Chilton & Co. pos- sess a copy of the advertising catalogue of the Towle Manufacturing Company of Newburyport, Mass., which catalogue shows that the com- pany manufactures many pieces of silverware bearing the name of Mary Chilton for the value and prestige the name carries for colonial ware. The Chilton brothers received their education in the public schools of New Franklin, Mo. They received their first mercantile experience in their Father's store at New Franklin, and from there they later came to Boonville, where for the past 30 years the Chilton name has been the synonym of honesty and uprightness. The younger brother, Joseph W., has never married. In October, 1886, Louis L. Chilton and Sadie Harper Howard were united in marriage. Mrs. Chilton is a daughter of J. A. and Alice M. (Albertson) Howard, of Boonville, who were the parents of the following children: M. A., Indianapolis, Ind. ; J. A., Dallas, Texas; and Mrs. L. A. Thompson, of New York City, and Mrs. Louis L Chilton, the wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Howard died in 1918, and Mrs. Howard died many years ago. The remains of both father and mother are buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Chilton has been born one child, a son, A. L., who now resides at Dallas, Texas. A. L. Chilton mar- ried Leonora Hummel, of San Antonio, Texas, in 1911. He is a graduate of the Boonville High School and is now manager and owner of an adver- tising agency at Dallas, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Louis L. Chilton are active members of the church, and Mr. Chilton is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Boonville. The Chiltons are numbered among Cooper County's best fam- ilies and most highly regarded citizens. Urban A. Smith, proprietor of "The Music Emporium" at Boonville, is one of Cooper County's best-known citizens and most respected business HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 637 men. Mr. Smith is a native of Cooper County. He was bom in Boonville, Dec. 8, 1873, a son of Anthony and Catherine H. (Franken) Smith, and is the eldest living son of his father's family. Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, attended the Catholic school at Boonville, and later was a student at the Boonville High School. Prior to 1894, Urban A. Smith was connected with A. Smith & Sons' general merchandise store for seven years. He was for 10 years with Eppstein & Hains, and was for four years manager of Wilson & Fredendall's estab- lishment. In July, 1918, Mr. Smith opened "The Music Emporium" at Boonville. He carries an exceptionally good line of musical instruments, including pianos, players, phonographs, player rolls, records, and sheet music. In addition, he handles the Lalley Electric Farm Light, which is undoubtedly the best lighting system on the market at the present time. Mr. Smith is a cautious but energetic business man, and he is meeting with unqualified success. Oct. 18, 1906, Urban A. Smith and Sadie Ruth Tucker were united in marriage. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Robert H. and Sarah E. (Parker) Tucker, of Cooper County, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born six children : Urban, Jr., deceased ; Vivian Elizabeth, Mary Louise, Kenneth Joseph, Rose Catherine Augusta, and Jerome Pershing. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are consistent members of the Cath- olic Church, and they are numbered among the best families of Boonville. Fraternally, Mr. Smith is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a republican. Edward J. Muntzel, junior member of the clothing firm of Manion & Muntzel, Booneville, was born on a farm, near Lone Elm, Mo., Jan. 15, 1875. Albert Muntzel, his father, was born in 1835 and died in 1907. He was a native of Germany and came to America in the forties with his parents and was reared on his father's farm. He was married to Mar- garet Smith, who died in 1892, and to this union were born 12 children, nine of whom are living: Albert P., a druggist at Portland, Ore.; Martin W., a bank cashier in St. Louis, Mo. ; Edward J., of this sketch ; Mrs. Clara Trampe, St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Julia Meyer, living south of Boonville on the old home place ; Lillie Muntzel, also living on the home place ; Mrs. Caroline Fricke, living four miles south of Sedalia, on a farm ; Harry, a farmer, adjoining the home place; Delia, living with Mrs. Trampe, in St. Louis, Mo. Edward J. Muntzell was reared on his father's farm and after attend- ing the district school, he pursued an agricultural course at the State 638 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY University. He then followed farming until 1908, on his tract of 120 acres in the Lone Elm neighborhood. Coming to Boonville in that year, he tended bar in this city until 1918, when he became associated with Mr. Manion in the firm of Manion & Muntzel. Mr. Muntzel was married in 1901 to Miss Minnie Schmack, a daugh- ter of Herman Schmack, of Boonville. She died in April, 1911, leaving a daughter, Elsa M. Muntzel. Mr. Muntzel is a stanch republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Martin Schieberl, an honored pioneer of Boonville, a widely-known tailor of this city, has been a resident of Boonville since 1868. Mr. Schie- berl was born Nov. 4, 1838, in Bohemia, a son of Jacob and Catherina (Stahl) Schieberl, who were the parents of eight children, of whom Mar- tin Schieberl is the sole survivor. Jacob Schieberl was born in Koitchovitz, Bishofinitz, in Bczirck, County, Bohemia, and Catherina (Stahl) Schieberl was born in Honositz, at Stap, in Bczirck County, Bohemia. She died in 1842 and he died in 1863. Their son, Martin, immigrated to this country after the father's death, and landed in New York City, Nov. 8, 1867. He came over on the ship "Metropolitan," the ship which brought Maxmillian to Mexico. Martin Schieberl received his education at Holeishen, in Bohemia, where he learned the tailor's trade. After coming to the new world, he located temporarily at Cole Camp, Mo., where he spent his first winter in America. He worked in a brick yard for the first four days and then obtained employment on a farm and was employed in farm work for six weeks. Mr. Schieberl purchased a cleaning and repair shop in Boonville and later added new merchandise to his stock and thus opened his tailoring establishment. Prior to coming to America, Mr. Schieberl served eight years in the Austrian army. Jan. 30, 1869, Martin Schieberl and Dora Schiller, a daughter of Wint- zel and Mary (Printz) Schiller, both natives of Bohemia, were united in marriage. Wintzel Schiller was a weaver. He was engaged in farming for 18 years prior to coming with his family to America in 1867. The Schillers settled in Missouri on a farm in Benton County, near Lincoln, where both father and mother died. The remains of the mother are in- terred in a cemetery at Cole Camp; the father's remains are interred in a cemetery at Lick Creek. The children of Wintzel and Mary Schiller are, as follow: Mrs. Martin Schieberl, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who resides at the Schiller homeplace ; Frank, who died at the age HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 639 of 24 years ; Annie, who died in infancy ; Jacob, who died in infancy ; and Annie, who died at the age of four years. The Schiller farm comprises 80 acres of valuable land in Benton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Schieberl have been born 10 children, six living: Joseph, who married Edith Delthy, of Boonville, and they reside in Muskogee, Okla. ; John, who married Flora Stretz, and they reside at Joplin; Charlie, at home; Mrs. Julia Kaiser, of Boonville; Nellie, the wife of C. W. Watts, of Fayette, and Edith, the widow of Arthur Christman, at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Schieberl are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren, as follow: Mamie Schieberl; Julian, Dorothy, Margaret, Virginia, Elizabeth, and Martha Kaiser, the daughters of Frank and Julia Kaiser; Maxine and Ar- thur Christman, the children of Mrs. Edith Christman. A half century ago, Martin Schieberl came to this country a poor immi- grant, unlearned in the ways and customs of the new world. A half cen- tury of honest toil and earnest endeavor has placed Mr. Schieberl in the foremost ranks of the countys most respected citizens. Joseph L. Sauter, one of the leading merchants of Boonville, a stock- holder of the Boonville Mercantile Company, is a native of Moniteau County. Mr. Sauter was born in 1861, a son of Matthew and Rosa (Knaupp) Sauter, who came to Missouri in 1859 and located in Moniteau County. The Sauter family resided in Moniteau County until 1866, when they moved to Cooper County and located on a farm one and a half miles south of Boonville. In 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Sauter moved from Missouri to the Dakota Territory, where both died. Mrs. Souter died in 1884 and Mr. Sauter died in 1896. The remains of both mother and father are interred in a cemetery in Dickey County, N. D. The children of Matthew and Rosa Sauter are, as follow: Frederick, who died Sept. 21, 1918, in Boonville, and is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery, the late president of the Sauter Mercantile Company, a prom- inent business man of Boonville since 1870 ; Professor A. H., who is with the Sauter Mercantile Company; F. S., acting president of the Boonville National Bank ; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch ; Addie, the wife of John Weber, and she died in North Dakota in 1915; Fannie, the wife of Joseph Memmel, of Fayette ; and Bertha, the wife of Dr. L. F. Diefendorf , of Sioux Falls, S. D. Joseph L. Sauter attended the public schools of Cooper County and Hooper Institute at Clarksburg. He first entered the mercantile busi- ness in 1896, associated with Judge John A. Fischer, at Blackwater, the 640 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY firm handling lumber and hardware. A sketch of the life of Judge Fischer will be found in this volume. Sauter & Fischer were very suc- cessful in business at Blackwater. They moved to Boonville in 1907 and are now both stockholders in the Boonville Mercantile Company. Mr. Sauter is a man of upright principles, excellent business judg- ment, and strong character. He is well known and respected in Cooper County. W. F. and G. H. Steigleder, proprietors of the "Waldheim Stock Farm" in Kelly township, rank among the prosperous and progressive farmers and stockmen of Cooper County. "Waldheim Stock Farm" con- sists of 482 acres and is situated in Kelly township, adjoining the town site of Bunceton on the south. This is one of the valuable farms of Kelly township. For a number of years the Steigleder Brothers were engaged in breeding registered Shorthorn cattle, and at one time kept a herd of about 40 head. In recent years they have been engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising, and are the owners of some valuable jacks. The Steigleder family are representative Cooper County citizens, and the Steigleder Brothers are among the substantial men of the county. Andrew Steigleder, the father, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 30, 1829 and died Dec. 5, 1909. He immigrated to this country when quite young and saw much of the West in the early days. He went to Californa in 1849, making the trip overland, which required three months. He remained on the Pacific coast about three years. He re- sided in Iowa for 12 years and in 1866 came to Missouri and settled near Boonville; later moved to the farm near Bunceton. He married Mary E. Hochstetler, a native of Holmes County, Ohio. She was born Aug. 15, 1834, and is a descendant of an old American family, being of the sixth generation born in the United States. Her parents were Elias and Ann Elizabeth (Joss) Hochstetler, the former born near Elk Lick, Penn., in 1808, and died in 1888, and the latter was born in Switzerland, Oct. 27, 1815. Jacob Hochstetler, founder of the Hochstetler family in America, and direct ancestor of Mrs. Steigleder, came to this country in 1736 from Switzerland, landing at Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 1, 1736. He made the voyage on the ship "Harle". He died at Bernhill, Penn., in 1776, aged 72 years. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church. His home was attacked by the Indians at one time and the entire family were mur- dered except two children, Joseph and Christian. Mrs. Steigleder now resides with her sons, W. F. and G. H. She is 84 years old and has been afflicted with blindness since 1912. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY' 641 To Andrew and Mary E. (Hochstetler) Steigleder have been born the following children: William Fred, born Dec. 14, 1856, one of the sub- jects of this sketch ; George Henry, born May 11, 1858, whose name also introduces this sketch; Minnie, wife of Herman P. Muntzel, born Feb. 2, 1860; Robert L., born July 10, 1862, married Caroline Smith, a native of Cooper County ; Henriette, wife of William Meyer, born July 12, 1864 ; Martha E. L., born Feb. 15, 1867, maried Elmer George; Barbara, born Feb. 10, 1869, married Thomas Etter and resides at Ritzville, Wash., and Ella, born April 20, 1872, and resides near Bunceton. The above named wei-e all born near Oskaloosa, Iowa, except the last three who were born in Cooper County, Mo. Three of the grandsons of the Steigleder family served in the World War. Andrew Etter enlisted in Aug., 1917, and served with the 80th Aerial Squadron, and was in France 14 months, returning to New York, Jan. 22, 1919. Rehwaldt Steigleder enlisted Dec. 12, 1917 and sailed for France in Sept., 1918. He served in the navy. Robert Muntzel entered the army and was in training at Columbia, Mo., until Jan., 1919, when he was discharged. The Steigleder family is one of the representative families of Cooper County and rank among it's highest type of citizens. Charles F. Wagner, the well-known confectioner of The Wagner Ice Cream Company, is a native of Germany. Mr. Wagner was born in 1849, a son of Christian and Hannah (Stahl) Wagner, who immigrated to Amer- ica in 1855. Christian Wagner is a well-remembered teacher of Boonville, as he taught a private school in this city for five years after settling here. Mrs. Wagner died in San Francisco, Cal., about 1909. She had survived her husband 34 years. Mr. Wagner died at Boonville about 1875. The children of Christian and Hannah Wagner, now living, are, as follow: Charles, the subject of this review; Matilda, of Boston. Mass.; and Mrs. Hannah Moser, of San Francisco, Cal ; and Mrs. Anna Suren, of California. The Wagner family resided in the State of Ohio for 15 or more years after coming to America, and in the public schools of that State Charles F. Wigner obtained his education. The Wagners came to Missouri in the early seventies and settled in Boonville. Mr. Wagner, the subject of this sketch, was for several years employed as pastry cook by the Northern Packet, and his run was from St. Louis to New Orleans. Mr. Wagner is a confectioner by trade, and he began the confectionery business at Boon- ville in 187G. and he has continued in the business here since that date. (39) 642 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY At the time of this writing, he is engaged in the wholesale and retail ice cream business and he is known throughout central Missouri by his con- nection with The Wagner Ice Cream Company. Mr. Wagner, his son-in- law, and his daughter are interested in the company. Mr. Wagner's busi- ness experience has covered a period of 43 years, and his success in the confectionery business has been phenomenal. One of the Sauter brothers, A. M. Koontz, and Sam Koontz are the only people beside Mr. Wagner who were in business in Boonvile in 1876 now in business in this city. In 1878, Chares F. Wagner and Mary Elizabeth Geiser were married. Mrs. Wagner is a daughter of Christian Geiser, who resided near Tipton, Mo. She has three brothers : John, of Missoula, Mont. ; Christian, of Tipton ; and Lawrence, who resides in Kansas. To Charles F. and Mrs. Wagner has been bom one child, a daughter, Laura, who is the wife of John Stammerjohn, of Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Stammerjohn are in busi- ness with Mr. Wagner, partners in The Wagner Ice Cream Company. Charles F. Wagner is a republican and an earnest advocate of the principles of his party. In Ohio, he knew personally several of the great men of the day, among them Chief Justice Chase, General Sherman, Sen- ator Thurman, and the war governor, Governor Brough. The present gov- ernor of Arknsas is a grandnephew of Governor Brough. Mr. Wagner saw President Lincoln in his coffin at Columbus, Ohio, when the remains of the martyred president were enroute from Washington to Springfield, 111., for burial. Mr. Wagner is respected as an honest, capable, business man, and he and Mrs. Wagner are held in the highest regard in the community. Judge John A. Fischer, ex-representative, ex-judge of the County Court, ex-pi-esiding judge, one of the stockholders of the Boonville Mer- cantile Company, is a native of Bavaria. Mr. Fischer was born April 18, 1861, at Rodesgruen, a son of Henry C. and Anna E. (Fischer) Fischer, who immigrated to America in 1872 and settled on a farm near Pisgah in Cooper County, Mo. Henry C. Fischer purchased a farm of 95 acres of land, and at his country place in Cooper County he spent the brief remainder of his life. He had been in the new country but three years and here died in 1875. His remains are interred in the cemetery of the Evangelical Church in Moniteau County. Mrs. Fischer continued to reside on the farm, after her husbands death, until 1898, when she moved to Black- water, where she resided for a few years. She now makes her home with her son, Judge Fischer. Mrs. Fischer is, at the time of this writing HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 643 in 1919, 92 years of age, and as active and alert, mentally and physically, as many women at the age of 60 years. The children of Henry C. and Anna Fischer are, as follow: Erhardt, who died in 1904, and is buried in Nelson Cemetery; Judge John A., the subject of this review; Joseph, a farmer, of Blackwater; and Mrs. Elizabeth Boles, of Blackwater. Judge John A. Fischer was a pupil in the public schools of Cooper County for four years, and he was in attendance at Pisgah school one term. He was a lad, 11 years of age, when he came with his parents to America. He first entered the mercantile business in 1892, at Pisgah. He purchased his younger brothers interest in a store at that place. Four years later, Judge Fischer moved to Blackwater and there became associated in business with Joseph L. Sauter, conducting a lumber and hardware store. Both Judge Fischer and Mr. Sauter are now stockhold- ers in the Boonville Mercantile Company. Nov. 25, 1885, Judge John A. Fischer and Josephine Meyer, of Pisgah, were united in marriage. Mrs. Fischer has one brother and one sister now living : Ben and Mrs. Robert Klein, both of Prairie Home. Two chil- dren have been born to Judge and Mrs. Fischer: Mary, the wife of Leo Meistrell, vice-president of the National Bank of Boonville, who is also interested in the Citizens Trust Company of Boonville and Elizabeth, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Meistrell are the parents of three children: Frances, John Vincent, and Joseph. In 1898, John A. Fischer was elected judge of the County Court for a term of two years, and in 1890 he was re-elected. Judge Fischer was elected representative in 1908, and in 1914 he was elected presiding judge of the County Court. He served four years as presiding judge. Judge Fischer is a republican. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of Cooper County's best known and most popular citizens, and he commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. William W. Neal, one of Saline township's most energetic and enthusi- astic, young agriculturists and stockmen, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Neal was born Feb. 12, 1878, son of Z. R. and Mary E. (Fluke) Neal. His birthplace was the farm in Saline township now owned by William Kasfeld. William W. Neal attended the public schools of Cooper County and he has attended the State University of Missouri. In the latter institu- tion, Mr. Neal pursued the course in agriculture. He has followed farm- ing in Saline township practically all his life and is now the owner of a 644 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY splendid farm of 224 acres of land in Saline township, a country place located ten miles southeast of Boonville. Mr. Neal has built the residence and two barns since he acquired the ownership of the land, which was formerly known as the Mary J. Eager farm. Approximately 75 per cent, of the land is now under cultivation. Mr. Neal raises wheat and corn, but he is chiefly interested in stockraising. He has native western sheep and his flock numbers 150. He has also a large herd of Poland China hogs. Mr. Neal is satisfied with Cooper County and the country in gen- eral. He is finding that in his own community there are vast oppor- tunities for the progressive, industrious man and he is making for him- self a host of friends. Mr. Neal is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World. He is a democrat. Charles E. Robertson and Warner W. Robertson, proprietors of "The Petite Saline Stock Farm" are natives of Cooper County. Charles E. Rob- ertson was born on the farm where he now lives Oct. 27, 1853, and Warner W. Robertson was born Sept. 12, 1868, sons of John and Mary (Potter) Robertson. John Robertson was a native of Kentucky. Mary (Potter) Robertson was a daughter of William and Nancy (Dillard) Potter, who located in Boonville township, and later settled in Boonville in the early days. William Potter operated a ferry boat and was one of the first to operate a ferry boat at Boonville. His boat was run by horse-power. That was in the days when the Indians were here. The Potters came to Mis- souri with the Coles and the Stephens in 1807, among the first settlers of Missouri. The mother of Nancy (Dillard) Potter was a member of the Cole family. William Potter and Mrs. Potter are both deceased, and he is buried in Hail Ridge cemetery, and she is buried in the cemetery at Boonville. John Robertson died at the home place in the nineties, and Mrs. Robertson died Jan. 7, 1912, and the remains of both are interred in the cemetery at Boonville. Elizabeth Robertson, familiarly known as "Aunt Betty", an aunt of Charles E. Robertson and Warner W. Robert- son, now makes her home with them. She is at the time of this writing, 81 years of age, the only one of the Potter family of 11 children who is now living. She is still active and alert, physically and mentally. The father of the Robertson brothers was a veteran of the Mexican and of the Civil Wars. "The Petite Saline Stock Farm" in Boonville township, comprises 388 acres of land, located five miles from Boonville. This farm is one of the best stock farms in the countv. The residence was built in 1903. It is a MRS. NANCY I' 1 >TTEH HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 645 ten-room structure, modern in every respect. The farm is equipped with three good barns. The Robertson brothers are partners in the manage- ment of the stock farm, and at the present time in 1919 they have sixty head of calves and one hundred head of hogs. About one-half the farm is bottom land, and they have one hundred acres of the farm in wheat. Warner W. Robertson is a member of the Woodmen of the World and The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Both Warner W. Robert- son and Charles E. Robertson are members of the Bethel Presbyterian Church. The Robertson brothers are numbered among the best citizens of Cooper County. Captain Andrew Jackson Spahr, one of the few remaining pioneer pilots of the Missouri River, an honored son of one of the brave pioneers of Missouri, is a native of Cooper County. Captain Spahr was born Dec. 25, 1842, in Boonville, a son of David and Ann Elizabeth (Foble) Spahr, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Baltimore. David Spahr was born in 1818, and when a young man he migrated west, about 1836, and settled in Boonville, where he entered the manufac- turing business, operating a tobacco factory, associated with Mr. Calhoun. The factory of Spahr & Calhoun was located on Fourth Street, and the firm was a very successful one. Later, Calhoun sold his interest in the factory, and Jacob Spahr, a son of David Spahr, entered in partnership with his father. David and Ann Elizabeth Spahr were the parents of the following children: Jacob W., who was born in Pennsylvania and is now deceased ; Mrs. Maria Brewster, deceased ; David 0. deceased ; Mrs. Susan- nah R. Steel, deceased ; Mrs. Frances (Watson) Hurd, who married a brother of ex-Congressman Hurd, of Sedalia ; Mrs. Levina Edgar, deceased ; Adda, deceased; Helen, deceased; Captain Andrew Jackson, the subject of this sketch ; J. C, deceased ; Thomas Frederick, deceased ; and Charles C, who is now with the police force of Boonville. Of this splendid family but three remain: Captain Spahr, Mrs. Hurd, and Charles C. The father died in 1861, and the mother died about 1884. The remains of both parents rest in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Captain Spahr attended the Loomis Private School and Kemper School, the latter being later known as Kemper Military School. After leaving school, he followed farming for two years and then returned to Boonville and began the work of carriage making. This business he abandoned to begin, with his brothers, the manufacture of tobacco. Of the plant the Spahr brothers established, Captain Spahr was foreman. He was for 50 years employed as pilot on the Missouri River, a part of the time with 646 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Captain Kinney's boats and later with the Star Line. He made regular trips from St. Louis to Kansas, and, for a time, to Fort Benton in Montana, the head of navigation on the Missouri River. It usually required from two to three months to make the trip to Fort Benton, and the return trip was made in from 8 to 10 days. As pilot, Captain Spahr received from $600 to $700 a month remuneration. The capacity of the boats was from 200 to 500 tons. Captain Spahr worked on the river until five years ago, and the last 25 years of his work on the river was done for the Govern- ment in the Missouri River improvement work. He recalls that in 1868 his crew had a skirmish with the Indians in Montana, and again at Fort Peck, where one of the number was killed. Captain Spahr has the dis- tinction of having brought Sitting Bull with 250 Sioux Indians from Fort Bufprd to Fort Yates, at the time of Sitting Bull's surrender. Oct. 17, 1880, Captain Spahr and Erma Palmore Browne, a daughter of W. S. and Mary (Blackburn) Browne, of Miami, Mo., were married. The Brownes are honored pioneers and prominent citizens of Saline County. Mr. Browne was born in Richmond, Va., and Mrs. Browne was born at White Sulphur Springs, Va. They were the parents of the following chil- dren : Mrs. Adelaide Guthrie, deceased ; Mrs. Helen Spencer Irvine, of Marshall, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Hudson, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Anna ; Mrs. Mary Ellis Webster, deceased; Mrs. Martha Washington McDaniel, of Siloam Springs, Ark. ; Lilia Leola, of Marshall, now deceased ; Mrs. Captain Spahr, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Mollie, deceased; and George W., a dry goods merchant at Platte City, Mo. Mr. Browne was the first banker of Saline County, and he was afterward interested in the mercantile business in that county. He died at the age of 99 years at Siloam Springs, Ark., and Mrs. Browne died at the age of 52 years in Miami, Mo. Captain Spahr is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he is a democrat. He is well known throughout this State and he is held in the highest regard in Cooper County. Elijah Hugh Roberts, a well-known and respected citizen of Boonville, is one of the Boonville boys of yesterday, a native son of Cooper County. Mr. Roberts was born and reared in Boonville, a son of E. H. and Ellen (Sweeney) Roberts, the former of Welsh descent, and the latter of Irish. He was born Nov. 30, 1862. E. H. Roberts, father of Elijah Hugh Roberts, was born March 19, 1830. He immigrated to America in the early fifties and located at Buf- falo, N. Y. From Buffalo, he went to Indianapolis, Ind., thence to Louis- ville, Ky., whence he came to Cooper County, in 1854, and settled in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 647 Boonville, where he opened a lumber yard and. entered the contracting business. Mr. Roberts built the James Nelson residence in Boonville, and he erected the Christian and the Evangelical churches, the hall of the Knights of Pythias, and one of the buildings of the Kemper Military School. He died Jan. 22, 1907. Mrs. Roberts was bom in 1832 in Ire- land. In Buffalo, N. Y., she was united in marriage with E. H. Roberts in 1852, and to them were born the following children : T. E., a late lum- berman of St. Louis, Mo., who was engaged in the lumber business for 20 years, and he died in 1895 and is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery; Sallie, the only woman living in Boonville who attended the Kemper School ; Mary ; James W., a contractor and builder of splendid reputation, who died in 1904 ; Elijah Hugh, the subject of this sketch ; Hattie, the widow of Herman Appel, a late riverman and boat clerk at St. Louis, who died in 1916, leaving his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Roeschel, of Chicago, 111., whose husband served with Company I, 135th infantry, in France, and at the time of this writing in 1919, is in Chicago, 111. ; and Dora, the wife of Harry L. Byler, of Kansas City, Mo. All the Roberts children were born, reared, and educated in Boonville. The Roberts home is the same as when Mr. and Mrs. Roberts decided in Boonville to reside permanently, in 1868, although they had located in this city 14 years before, in 1854. Mr. Roberts was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil War. The family suffered many hardships and privations in those days, due to the general scarcity of provisions. Mrs. Roberts is a brave and noble woman. She will be 88 years of age Jan. 20, 1920, the oldest living mem- ber of the Boonville Presbyterian Church, a woman worthy of the highest respect and greatest consideration. Elijah Hugh Roberts is a graduate of the Boonville High School. He completed the high school course, May 29, 1880, studying under D. A. McMillan, one of the most renowned and best educators of Missouri, who left Boonville to take up work in Mexico, Mo., where he died. The Mc- Millan School in Mexico, Mo., was named in honor of D. A. McMillan. After leaving school, Mr. Roberts entered the lumber and building busi- ness, and upon his father's death succeeded him. For one year he was foreman of a lumber camp in Texas, and there operated a mill. He dis- posed of the lumber business in Boonville in 1911, selling the Roberts plant to the Logan Moore Lumber Company, after the Roberts Lumber Yards had been in operation for more than 50 years. T. E. Robert's wife, Kate Roberts, and son, Hugh, reside in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Roberts and his mother and his sisters reside at the old homeplace at 1135 South Seventh Street in Boonville. 648 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Charles A. Friedrich, a successful farmer of Saline township, is a native of Germany. Mr. Friedrich was born July 15, 1862. He came to America in April, 1879, and located at Pittsburg, Pa., and there helped build and operate the first complete wire mill in this country. He learned his trade at Krupp, Germany. At Pittsburg, Mr. Friedrich remained three years. He then spent a short time in Chicago and came to Mis- souri about 36 years ago. Mr. Friedrich is a son of Herman and Elizabeth Friedrich, who were the parents of the following children: William, deceased; Ferdinand, who resides in Pennsylvania; Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Henry C, of Palestine township, and Adam, of Kelly township, Tipton, Mo. The father died in Germany in 1867, and the mother then came with her children to America. She now makes her home with her son, Henry, in Kelly township. When Mr. Friedrich first came to Missouri he worked on a farm by the month for four years, and in 1892 he purchased his present home, a farm comprising 442 acres of land in Saline township. This farm is one of the best in the township and upon it are two sets of improvements. Mr. Friedrich is engaged in general farming. He raises hogs, cattle, sheep, horses and mules. Formerly Mr. Friedrich raised Big Bone Poland Chinas, but is now raising Spotted Poland China hogs. March 18, 1891, Charles A. Friedrich and Louise Eftinger, a daughter of Blasius and Louise Effinger, of Saline township, were united in mar- riage. Mr. Effinger was born in 1830 in Germany, and came to America in the early fifties and died at the Effinger home place in Saline town- ship, the farm now owned by Charles A. Friedrich and wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Friedrich have been born the following children: Herman, a farmer on the old Effinger home place, who was in the United States Army from Sept., 1918, to Dec. 23, 1918, and was on his way to France when the armistice was signed ; Lula, at home ; Laura, the wife of Emil Derendinger, who served in the United States Army, and was stationed at Camp Mc- Arthur, Waco, Texas, and they now reside in Kansas City, Mo. ; William, George and Anna, at home. Mrs. Effinger, mother of Mr. Friedrich, died in Oct., 1905, and she was laid to rest in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mrs. Friedrich has one sister and one brother now living: Mary, the wife of George Effinger, of Boonville township; and Henry, a farmer of Boon- ville township. Herman Friedrich married Dora Oerly, a daughter of Samuel Oerly, and they have a son, Ewing Joseph. Mr. Friedrich has filled the position of road overseer twice, the first time his services covered three years and the second time seven years. = 1 - r - 4 a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 649 He has always been a "booster" for good roads. ■ Mr. Friedrich operated the first road grader in Saline township. He has talked and worked for good roads, but he admits that we are not making the progress he would like to see. Because of his interest in better roads he is known as the "Road Booster" in his township. Mr. and Mrs. Friedrich are consistent members of the Evangelical Church of Boonville. Mr. Friedrich is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias. He is a good citizen and he and Mrs. Friedrich are highly regarded in their community. John Cardwell Sappington, a prominent citizen of Boonville, is a mem- ber of one of the old, colonial families of the south, a native of Saline County. Mr. Sappington was born Feb. 4, 1849, a son of William B. and Mary Mildred (Breathitt) Sappington. William B. Sappington was born Jan. 4, 1811 in Madison County, Tenn., a son of Dr. John Sappington, who located in Missouri more than 100 years ago. Dr. Sappington located first in Franklin in Howard County, moving thence to Arrow Rock in Saline County, where he settled. He was engaged in the practice of medicine and was the owner of a large plantation and he had from 50 to 60 slaves. Governor Claiborne F. Jack- son, Missouri's Civil War governor, married three daughters of Dr. Sapp- ington, namely : Jane, who died within a short time after her marriage ; Louisa, who died; and Eliza. The Sappington family is of English an- cestry. Mary Mildred (Breathitt) Sappington was born in Russellville, Ky., Aug. 7, 1827, a daughter of Governor John Breathitt, of Kentucky. To William B. and Mary M. Sappington were born the following children : William B., Jr., deceased ; John Cardwell, the subject of this sketch ; Mil- dred Jane, who died in 1896 ; E. D., who died Nov. 24, 1908 ; Mrs. Stella P. Gephart, deceased ; and Price, who died in infancy. William B. Sapping- ton was engaged in farming in Saline County and he was president of the Bank of Arrow Rock for many years. He was a resident of Arrow Rock for more than a half century. He died Aug. 16, 1888. Mrs. Sappington died Aug. 13, 1880. Both mother and father were laid to rest in the Sappington cemetery near Arrow Rock, Mo., in the burial ground estab- lished by Dr. John Sappington about 1840. John Cardwell Sappington was educated in private schools and he was a student of the Presbyterian College at Lebanon, Tenn., a member of the class of 1867. He also attended Kemper Military School at Boon- ville, Mo. and the State University of Missouri at Columbia, a student at the latter institution in 1869. Mr. Sappington has followed the vocation 650 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of farming practically his entire life and he is the owner of two farms in Boone County. Formerly, he was engaged in raising livestock exten- sively. He moved from his farm to Boonville in April, 1905, but he still attends to his farms and farming interests. He keeps a few registered cattle of the Jersey breed at Boonville, which he raises more for the pleasure than the profit of so doing. Oct. 22, 1873, John Cardwell Sappington and Pauline W. Nelson, a daughter of Dr. George and Pauline E. (Wyan) Nelson, were united in marriage. Dr. Nelson, a native of Virginia, was one of the honored pioneer physicians of Cooper County. Mrs. Nelson was a native of Boon- ville and daughter of Jacob F. Wyan. He died Aug. 13, 1867 at the age of 40 years and Mrs. Nelson died Oct. 15, 1910 at the age of 82 years. Both parents of Mrs.' Sappington are buried in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mrs. Sappington has one sister now living, Mrs. Sallie N. Chandler, who makes her home in New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Sappington have been born the following children: George William, at home; and Card- well Wyan, who died at the age of 42 years, Dec. 18, 1918. Cardwell Wyan Sappington was a successful farmer and stockman, a leading agri- culturist of Columbia, Mo. He was a graduate of Nelson High School. He left a wife and two children, May (Hupp) Sappington, formerly of Marshall, Mo., Pauline and Arthur Cardwell. One child, a daughter, Lena May, died April 11, 1910, at Boonville. Son and daughter are buried in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Sappington are members of the Methodist Church South. Mr. Sappington is a democrat. Mrs. Sappington is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Alvin J. Bozarth, a well-known, wholesale dealer in butter, eggs, poultry, hides and cream at 415 Chestnut street in Boonville, is one of the leading business men of Cooper County. Mr. Bozarth entered business Jan. 1, 1916 at his present location, purchasing the business of the Wilson Produce Company. He mastered his trade under F. M. Stamper of the F. M. Stamper Company at Moberly, Mo. and George Legg of the George Legg Poultry establishment at Mattoon, 111. Since he began business three years ago, Mr. Bozarth has prospered and his trade has vearly grown. The receipts for the three years, enumerated successively, were : $98,000, $108,000 and $150,000. He ships his produce to New York, Chicago and other leading markets, shipping in carload lots. Mr. Bozarth deserves much praise and credit for the excellent market he has established for all the countryside bordering Boonville. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 651 Mr. Bozarth was born at Cairo, Mo., Nov. 21, 1891, a son of F. R. and Frances (Roberts) Bozarth, both of whom are natives of Monroe County, Mo. Jefferson Bozarth, father of F. R. Bozarth, came from Kentucky to Missouri and settled in Monroe county in the early days. Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Bozarth reside at Cairo, Mo. They are the parents of eight children, as follow : Lucy, the wife of Albert Snodgrass, of Moberly, Mo. ; Alvin J., the subject of this sketch ; Harry J., of Moberly, Mo. ; Floyd C, of Detroit, Mich. ; Deston L., of Cairo, Mo. ; Pearly, Eulah Mae, and Roy Marshal, of Cairo, Mo. Floyd C. Bozarth is, at the time of this writing in 1919, serving as mess sergeant with the Signal Corps, United States Army. April 27, 1915, Alvin J. Bozarth and Isla Rinehart, a daughter of Benjamin and Rosa (Irwin) Rinehart, formerly of Iowa, now residents of Cairo, Mo., were married. Mr. and Mrs. Bozarth are the parents of two children: Wilburta E. and Hartzell I.. Mr. and Mrs. Bozarth reside at Shamrock Heights in Boonville. Both are worthy members of the Chris- tian Church and Mr. Bozarth is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Alvin J. Bozarth first learned the elementary principles of the poultry business under his fathers instructions. The elder Bozarth was engaged in this business at Cairo, Mo. Leaving Moberly High School, where he was a student, Mr. Bozarth entered the mercantile trade and he has in a few years time established a name and reputation for himself, a name which is known throughout the county as the synonym for honesty and fair dealings. W. C. Renfrow, of the firm of Renfrow & Renfrow, of Overton, Mo., was born Oct. 14, 1866, a son of William and Malvina (Freeman) Ren- frow, both natives of Cooper County. The mother died in 1870 and is buried in Moniteau County at Cop Cemetery. The father lives in south- eastern Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. William Renfrow were born the fol- lowing children: Alonzo, lives in southeastern Missouri; and W. C, the subject of this sketch. The other member of the firm of Renfrow & Renfrow is A. D. Renfrow, a cousin of W. C. Renfrow, born in 1859, a son of James Renfrow, of Moniteau County. A. D. Renfrow lives on the farm in Moniteau County, and also owns a farm in Cooper County, near Wooldridge. The well known firm of Renfrow & Renfrow are dealers in groceries, dry goods, shoes, hardware, etc., and occupy a nice building, 40x60 feet, with arches nicely arranged between the rooms. W. C. Renfrow was educated in Liberty School, near Gooch's Mill, and taught school for 10 years in Prairie Home, Robinson and Oak Grove, Cooper County, and Bruce and Lupus and Oakland, in Moniteau County. 652 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was afterwards with Dr. Cochran, of Gooch's Mill, for about six years. Mr. Renfrow then went into the mercantile business at Gooch's Mill, and in 1914 came to Overton and accepted a position with Mr. A. D. Manson, his father-in-law, and afterwards went into the store in which he now owns a half interest. Mr. Renfrow was married April, 1910, to Miss Cora Manson, daugh- ter of A. D. and Anna (Kelly) Manson, of Gooch's Mill. Mr. and Mrs. Manson live at Overton and are the parents of the following children: Ida Whittahes, died at Raton, N. M., Jan. 1919 ; Cora, wife of W. C. Ren- frow, subject of this sketch; John, resides at Gooch's Mill; Kelly, resides at Prairie Home, and Owen C, Kansas City, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Ren- frow have been born the following children: William Cyrus, Harold Barber, Chester Bryan, and Gordon Woodrow, all residing at home. Mr. Renfrow is a member of the Woodmen of the World of Gooch's Mill, and Mrs. Renfrow belongs to the Woodman Circle, and their boys are members of the Boys Woodcraft. Mr. Renfrow is also a member of the Cooper County Sick and Accident Society and the Renfrows are sub- stantial citizens and stand high in their community. John Frederick Krohn. — "Fairview Dairy Farm", consisting of 103 acres located two and a half miles south of Boonville, is one of the finest country places in Cooper Country. This place is owned and operated by John F. Krohn, and is equipped with every convenience for caring for the large amount of work involved in the operation of a dairy. Thirty-six Jersey cows comprise the Krohn herd, the milk obtained being sold over established milk routes in Boonville. The Krohn residence is a large ten room house, modern in every respect and very attractive. A large bank barn 30x40 feet, and a silo with a capacity of 125 tons are substantial fixtures on the place. Mr. Krohn has recently erected a new tile silo 14x36 feet. J. F. Krohn was born in Cooper County, Oct. 18, 1863, on a farm near Billingsville, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Hoflander) Krohn. Christian Krohn, the father, was born in Holland, and emigrated from his native land to America when a young man. He was shot down in cold blood by marauding bushwhackers in his own yard in Aug., 1863. Mr. Krohn, had like others who were loyal men in Cooper County, been in hiding when the guerrillas were infesting the country. Mrs. Krohn had been visiting at one of the neighbor's houses. Mr. Krohn sent for her to come home that he wanted to see her. She came on horseback carrying HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 653 John F. Krohn, the subject of this sketch in her arms. Mr. Krohn as- sisted her to a light from the horse, first taking the child in his arms. The guerrillas who had been hiding, then stepped out and told her to take the baby, that they were going to kill her husband. She was forced to do as they bid. The assassins then deliberately shot their defenseless vic- tim in the back, and one more dastardly crime was laid at the door of the murderers masquerading as Confederate soldiers. Mrs. Krohn was twice married after the death of her first husband but the details of the family history will be given in connection with the history of the Robien and Zimmerman families of Cooper County. John F. Krohn was reared in the vicinity of Boonville, and attended the Concord district school, Lone Elm, and Mt. Sinai schools, and also attended the German Evangelical school at Boonville for a time. He began for himself in 1889 when he bought his present home place and began improving it. Mr. Krohn was married on Feb. 4, 1891, to Miss Flora Hoefer, who was born Oct. 25, 1870, in Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Krohn have one son: Frederick H., born Oct. 18, 1896, was inducted into the National Army July 26, 1918, was trained at Camp Funston, became a private in the Battery A. 28th Field Artillery, 10th Division and was honorably discharged from the service, Feb. 6, 1919. He is now assisting his father in the management of Fairview Dairy. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Ki-ohn is a republican but takes little active interest in political matters. He and Mrs. Krohn are members of the Evangelical Church of Boonville, and Mr. Krohn is president of the board of trustees of the church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is a thoroughly progressive citizen of the best type. Clarence Shears, contractor and builder, is one of Boonvilles best known citizens and most competent workmen. Mr. Shears is a native of Illinois. He was born Feb. 10, 1858, in Christian County, 111., a son of Robert and Emily (Wilcox) Sears, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of New York. The Shears family left Illinois in 1876 and located in Boone County, where the mother died in 1908, and the father died 10 years later, at the age of 76 years. The remains of both parents lie in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boone County. Robert Shears was an honored veteran of the Civil War. He served four years with the Union army. Mr. and Mrs. Shears were the parents of five children, as follow: 654 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Clarence, the subject of this sketch; Marion, deceased; Elmer, of Colum- bia, Mo. ; Byron, of Kansas City, Mo. ; and Mrs. Lillie Thorpe of Kansas City, Mo. In the public schools of Nokomis, 111., Clarence Shears obtained his education. He came to Missouri in 1876, with his parents, and in Boone County he was engaged in farming. Later, he abandoned farming and engaged in carpentering and contracting in the vicinity of Woodlandville, and these trades he followed until he came to Cooper County in 1897. Since locating in Boonville, Mr. Shears has built many residences and erected several important buildings. He built the $10,000 residence of John Lohse in 1918, and he also built the residence of ex-Lieutenant Gov- ernor Gimelich. The Farmers Bank building and the Phoenix American Pipe Factory building were erected by Mr. Shears. His shop is located at the corner of Morgan and Fourth Streets. Sept. 25, 1877, Clarence Shears and Bettie Settles, a daughter of Duskin and Mark Settles, noble pioneers of Virginia, were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Shears is a native of Virginia. She is one of nine children bom to her parents, as follow: George, of Woodlandville, Mo.; Harris, of Woodlandville; John, of Fulton; Duskin, of Columbia; Mrs. Clarence Shears, the wife of the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mary Turner, of Boon- ville; Mrs. Susie Morritz, of Witt, 111.; Mrs. Amanda Smallwood, of Wash- ington, Mo.; and Mrs. Mattie Shears, of Ottawa, Kan. To Mr. and Mrs. Shears have been born six children: Susie, the wife of J. T. Tucker, of Boonville ; Edna, who died at the age of 17 years ; and four children who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Shears reside at 1026 South Third Street in Boonville. Mr. Shears is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an honest, capable workman, and he is respected highly among his fellow citizens. He is an independent repub- lican. Since January, 1915, he has been a member of the Boonville Board of Public Works. For a number of years he was a member of the City Council, was president of the Council, and finished out Grimes' term as mayor of the city. W. A. Oerly, merchant of Wooldridge, Mo., one of the best-known citizens of Cooper County, is a native of this county. Mr. Oerly was born May 21, 1879, in Prairie Home township, a son of John and Elizabeth (Mischler) Oerly, the former, a native of Moniteau County. John Oerly was born in 1854 near Jamestown, a son of Ulrich Oerly, who located in Moniteau County in 1853, and later settled in Cooper County. Ulrich Oerly died in Cooper County and he is buried in the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 655 cemetery of the Methodist Church at Pleasant Grove. John Oerly owned several farms in Prairie Home township and he moved from Moniteau County to Cooper County and here followed farming and stockraising. He died in September, 1912, and is buried in the cemetery where his father's remains were laid to rest. His widow still resides at the old homestead. The children of John and Elizabeth (Mischler) Oerly are: W. A., the subject of this review; Lulu, the wife of Thomas Chrisman, of Wooldridge ; Mrs. N. H. Blank, who died in August, 1918 ; Oscar, who died in 1908 ; Cordula, the wife of Hogan Hickman, of Boonville ; Ernest C, residing near Gooch's Mill ; and Grace, the wife of True Swanston, of Boonville. W. A. Oerly obtained his education at Liberty schoolhouse in Saline township. Until 1912, Mr. Oerly was engaged in farming, when he en- tered the mercantile business. He purchased the stock of George T. Bruce at Wooldridge and since 1912 he has conducted a general store there. Mr. Oerly carries an exceptionally good line of merchandise for a store of the size, and he has thus far had a flattering patronage and the receipts in 1918 showed a business amounting to more than $17,000. In addition to his store, Mr. Oerly is the owner of a farm comprising 260 acres of land, located near Bunceton. In 1902. W. A. Oerly was united in marriage with Emma Keamfer, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Keamfer, of Prairie Home township. The Keamfer children are: John, Mrs. Maggie Kuhns, Mrs. Mary Pipkin, Mrs. Emma Oerly, Mrs. Lizzie Byler, Mrs. Annie Byler, Lulu Keamfer, Mrs. Meta Hornbeck, and Mrs. Nora Morris. To W. A. and Emma Oerly have been born five children, who are living, six children in all: Owen Lester, Curtis Richard, Myrl Raymond. Oliver Robert and Earl Alvin. The only daughter, Alleene Bertha, was killed in a cyclone, June 5, 1917, when she was 12 years of age. Mr. Oerly is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Oerly have scores of friends in Cooper County, and they are numbered among the county's best and most valued citizens. A. H. Hesel, engaged in the retail liquor business in Boonville, lie, is a native of Boonville, and was born October 30, 1882. He is a son of Joseph L. Hesel. His father, Joseph L. Hesel, was born at Riegel, Baden, Germany, Nov. 12, 1849, and died in June, 1917. He came to America when a young 656 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY man and resided in Fayette, Mo. After the close of the Civil War he located in Boonville and operated the city meat market for a number of years. He married Louise Hoefer, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., Sept. 14, 1850. The children born of this marriage are: Charles Hesel, born Aug. 16, 1877, operates the meat market in connection with Harry Ruskin's general store; Lee Paul, born Sept. 6, 1884, bartender in the Hesel saloon ; J. L. Hesel, Jr., born Nov. 29, 1886, an automobile salesman in St. Louis, Mo.; Louise J., born Dec. 24, 1892, at home; Rosa and Roy Hesel are deceased. Arthur H. Hesel was reared and educated in Boonville and assisted his father in the conduct of his meat market business. He first tended bar for Tony Hain and was then in the employ of Emil H. Mueller prior to engaging in business for himself in 1911. Mr. Hesel is a republican. The family church is the Catholic denom- ination. The mother of the family is a member of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Hesel is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Joseph L. Hesel, his father, was an Odd Fellow. Horace G. Windsor, proprietor of "Benvenue Farm" in Clarks Fork township, is one of the leading agriculturists and stockmen of Clarks Fork township. Mr. Windsor was born Dec. 4, 1860, a son of John H. and Eleanna (Zollinger) Windsor. Mrs. Windsor was a daughter of George Zollinger, a veteran of the Mexican War and a grand daughter of Peter Zollinger, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. She was born March 27, 1835 in Hagerstown, Md., and she died Dec. 28, 1890. The children of John H. and Eleanna Windsor, are as follow: Horace G., the subject of this sketch; Walter B., who was born April 23, 1862 and now resides in Clarks Fork township ; John L., who was born July 4, 1863 and died Aug. 8, 1884 ; Alma M., who was born Nov. 4, 1866, the wife of E. H. Harris, Jr., of Sedalia; Eugene A., who was born Jan. 4, 1870, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; and Dr. Norman Myers, who was born April 18, 1871, now a resident of St. Louis. Horace G. Windsor was educated in Boonville, at the Kemper Military School and the Boonville Academy. In early manhood, he began farming on the home place. His grandmother, Anne Matilda (Allison) Windsor, gave him a farm comprising 240 acres of valuable land, which farm is now a part of his splendid country place. Mr. Windsor now owns 650 acres of land in Clarks Fork township, probably the finest country place in Cooper County, a farm which is reputed to be the most productive in hi >i:a<'k (i wixpsoi: HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 657 the country. Seventy acres of the farm, the land lying directly east of the residence, produced in 1915, more than 100 bushels of corn per acre, which is considered to be the best production in the world. Mr. Windsor has made the average of 90 bushels an acre for a tract of 80 acres of his farm. In 1916, the dry year, he produced on one acre of his land 119 bushels and 10 pounds of corn, the record for the state of Missouri. Prac- tically his entire life, Mr. Windsor has been interested in feeding livestock and he usually feeds from 150 to 250 head of cattle annually, also from 1,000 to 1,500 lambs and from 200 to 250 hogs. He raises the mules used in work on his place and, at the time of this writing in 1919, he had 20 on the farm. Mr. Windsor plants soybeans in with the corn, one bushel of the former to every 12 acres of land, and after the corn has matured he pastures the land. The "Benvenue Farms" are equipped with three sets of improvements, including three bungalows for the assistants ; a Dickey silo, 18x60 feet in dimensions ; four barns, the largest, 90x54 feet in dimensions, affording shelter for all the stock; and three windmills. Oct. 6, 1886, Horace G. Windsor was united in marriage with Anna K. Cunningham, a native of Cooper County, a daughter of John W. and Ellen (Spencer) Cunningham, the former of whom now at the advanced age of 93 years resides in Boonville, and the latter died Feb. 15, 1916. To Horace G. and Mrs. Windsor have been born two sons: Capt. John H., who was born Dec. 13, 1888, a graduate of Kemper Military School, a member of the class of 1907, who received his degree of L. L. D. in 1912 from the Missouri State University and for five years practiced law in the city of Boonville, volunteered his services in the World War, Aug. 27, 1917 and was sent to Fort Sheridan for training, was commissioned first lieutenant Nov. 27, 1917, sailed for France, Dec. 24, of the same year, with 500 other officers, was first attached to the British infancy and later to the 77th Division, was in the battle of Arras in March, 1918, and was gassed in May, 1918, made Judge Advocate of his section, commissioned captain, Aug. 28, 1919, and honorably discharged March 2, 1919; Wilbur C, who was born Jan. 14, 1891, graduated from the Kemper Military School in 1910, was senior captain of the cadets in this school, was a student at the Missouri State University for three and a half years, specializing in banking, engaged in the banking business in Oklahoma for two years, was associated with his father in managing the "Benvenue Farms", volunteered for service and was sent to Fort Sheridan in Aug., 1917, was commissioned first lieutenant and sent to Camp Zachariah Tay- 658 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY lor in Kentucky as instructor, thence to Camp Sherman in Ohio, a member of the 84th Division, sailed for France in Sept., 1918, and was honorably discharged from the service on April 18, 1919. Wilbur C. Windsor was married to Gertrude Buckley of Poteau, Okla., a daughter of William Buckley, ex-attorney United States district, of Oklahoma, on Dec. 28, 1916, and to them has been born one child, Ger- trude Anna. Horace G. Windsor has been president of the Missouri State Corn Growers Association for four years. He was instrumental in the estab- lishment of Rural Route 1 out of Boonville, the second route established in the state, and he assisted in the establishing of the first rural telephone line in the county. He is the originator of the benefit assessment system for the building of better roads and he has been president in his district for eight years. Mr. Windsor writes for the "Missouri Ruralist" and other farm papers and he is considered one of the most advanced thinkers in Cooper County and one of the most progressive men in the country. He is widely known throughout the state. Mr. Windsor is a member of the Presbyterian Church and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a Shriner. Irene Schubert, a prosperous and highly respected farmer and stock- man of Saline township, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Schubert was born June 8, 1864 on his father's farm in Palestine township, a son of Henry B. and Christina Schubert, who were born, reared, educated and married in Germany. Henry B. Schubert was born in 1830 and Christina Schubert was born in 1838. The Schuberts located in Cooper County on a farm near Billingsville in 1863 and there resided for several years, when Mr. Schubert purchased a farm comprising 72 acres of land, which he improved and where he spent the remainder of his life and died in 1912. His remains rest in the cemetery at Billingsville, Mo. Mrs. Schubert now resides at Speed, Mo. The children of Henry B. and Christina Schubert are, as follow: Mrs. Mary Huffman, who lives in Germany; Mrs. Amelia Steg- ner, deceased, wife of Paul Stegner; Irene, the subject of this review; Mrs. Emma Baker, deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Fannie and John, of Speed, and Willie, who died at the age of four years. Gottholt Schubert and his wife, grandparents of Irene Schubert, immigrated to America from Ger- many about 1861. The senior Schubert was, by trade, a miller. Both grandfather and grandmother have been deceased many years and their remains are interred in the cemetery at Billingsville, Mo. Irene Schubert attended school at Independence, in Palestine town- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 659 ship. Since leaving school, he has followed farming and stockraising and with the exception of ten years. Mr. Schubert purchased his present country place in March, 1914, a farm which was originally a part of the Bates farm, 144 acres of well-watered land, an ideal stock farm. Mr. Schubert is just beginning the raising of registered Hampshire hogs. He is engaged in general farming and stockraising. In his district, he is overseer of roads and he takes an active and keen interest in the upkeep- ing of the public highways. In 1890, Irene Schubert and Minnie Doerrie were married. Mrs. Schubert is a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Kemper) Doerrie, natives of Germany. The Doerries immigrated from Germany and settled in Missouri, locating first in St. Louis. Mr. Doerrie died at St. Charles, Mo. and Mrs. Doerrie was later married to Peter Young and she now resides in Boonville. She is now 80 years of age. Louisa (Kemper) Doerrie Young is the daughter of Henry and Lottie Kemper, who settled in St. Charles County, Mo. in 1856. He was, by trade, a carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Kemper died in St. Charles, and are buried there. To Irene and Minnie (Doerrie) Schubert have been born two children: Bert and Rose- mond, both at home with their parents, and both educated in the Boon- ville schools. Mr. and Mrs. Schubert are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and Mr. Schubert is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Schubert are well known and highly regarded in Cooper County and they number their friends in this section of the state by the score. Walter Meredith and George Meredith, proprietors of "The Lowell Stock Farm," in Saline township, one of the best stock farms in the county, are numbered among the progressive agriculturists of Cooper County. "The Lowell Stock Farm" comprises 238 acres of valuable land, located eight miles southeast of Boonville. Walter Meredith and George Meredith are sons of Lee and Susan (McGruder) Meredith. Lee Meredith was born near Pilot Grove, Mo., a son of Thomas Mere- dith, one of the first settlers of that part of the county. The mother of Lee Meredith was Susan (Woolridge) Meredith. Thomas and Susan Meredith are now deceased and the remains rest in Pilot Grove Cemetery. Lee Meredith was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a democrat. Mrs. Meredith died in 1900 and she was buried in Pilot Grove Cemetery. She reared the family and educated the children, as all were small when the father died. "The Lowell Stock Farm" was purchased by the Meredith brothers 660 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and their sisters, Grace Alice and Winona, in 1901, from John Engfer. The brothers and sisters reside at this farm, and though grown to matur- ity, they are still as closely united as when they were children. The Meredith residence is a brick structure of seven large rooms, four halls and two stories. It is "T-shape," and was built prior to the Civil War. This farm in early days was known as the James Connor farm, and on the place are ruins of foundation of houses formerly occupied by slaves. Since coming to the place, the Merediths have added two barns and fences, and have drilled a well which is over 226 feet in depth, the same supplying an abundance of excellent water. There are two good springs in the pasture. In every respect "The Lowell Stock Farm" is an ideal one. The builder of the large brick residence was one of the aristocrats of his day, and the large rooms, four times the size of the average room of today, suggest colonial architecture, and the surroundings show the taste of the typical southern plantation owner. The Merediths are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Oak Grove. They are highly respected among the best citizens of Cooper County. Joseph Gerhardt. — When Joseph Gerhardt left his native Germany 1881, crossed the Atlantic, and made his way to Pickaway County, Ohio, he had very little of this world's goods. When he came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1887, he had not made much progress in accumulating a fortune. However, matters shaped themselves so that in 1905 he began to buy land, although his first farm of 192 acres was purchased on time. To this he subsequently added 25 acres, then added 160 acres, and at the time of his retirement to a home in Speed, Mo., in the spring of 1919, Mr. Ger- hardt was the owner of a total of 377 acres of well improved land, without incumbrance. The farm buildings are very good, and it is one of the attractive places in Cooper County. This country has been good to Mr. Gerhardt, and Cooper County -seems to be a place of unbounded opportu- nity for men of industry and thrift and energy, like himself. Joseph Gerhardt, retired farmer, Speed, Mo., was born in Germany, Jan. 9, 1857, a son of Christ and Lena Gerhardt, who spent their lives in Germany. Joseph Gerhardt came to America in 1881, a poor lad in search of fortune. Hs stopped for five years in Pickaway County, Ohio, and earned some money. In 1887, he came to Cooper County, worked as farm laborer for one year, and then rented land until he made his first pur- chase of a farm in 1905. During the space of 14 years, Mr. Gerhardt HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 661 has prospered to such an extent that he has laid away the cares of active farming, turned over the management of his large acreage to his sons, and is taking life easy in his comfortable cottage home in Speed, Mo. Mr. Gerhardt was married in Ohio, in 1882, to Katrina Grom, who was born in 1858. The children born to this marriage are: Henry Ger- hardt, a farmer, Cooper County ; Christ F., merchant at Speed, Mo. ; Cath- erine, wife of Anton Schler, farmer in Boonville township; Albert, a thresher, Speed, Mo. ; William, living on a farm east of Bunceton ; August, a farmer living one mile west of Speed; Mrs. Louise Vieth, on a farm near Bunceton ; Emil and Herman Gerhardt are operating the home place. The democratic party has always had the allegiance of Mr. Gerhardt since he cast his first vote. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and is a good, substantial citizen. Elza B. Shannon, proprietor of "Rose Lawn" farm in Clarks Fork township (rural mail route No. 1 out of Boonville) and for years recog- nized as one of the leading farmers and stockmen of that vicinity, an active member of the energetic Farmers Club in that neighborhood and in other ways prominently identified with the life of the community, was born on that farm and has lived there all his life. He was born on Oct. 31, 1854, son of Alexander and Julia A. (Hurt) Shannon, pioneers of that vicinity and the latter of whom is still living, continuing to make her home on the old home place, being now nearly 90 years of age. Alexander Shannon was an Easterner, born in Charles County, Md., Feb. 10. 1823, who came to Missouri in 1847 and in 1849 located on the place now known as "Rose Lawn" farm and owned by his son Elza. That farm, originally known as the Bell farm, he bought from D. C. Steele and when he bought it consisted of 110 acres, which tract, under its present ownership, has been expanded to the present dimensions of "Rose Lawn", a fine farm of 402 acres. During the two years he spent in Missouri before buying his farm, Alexander Shannon was engaged in freighting between Boonville and Knobnoster and during this form of service he not infrequently was in perilous touch with the Indians that still were numerous hereabout in those days. He married not long after coming here and established his home on the farm he had bought and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on June 10, 1898, he then being past 75 years of age, and he is buried in the cemetery at Boonvilli>. As noted above, his widow is still living at "Rose Lawn". She was born on a pioneer farm in Clarks Fork township, this county, in 1830, daugh- 662 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ter of Colonel Hurt, one of the most influential of the early settlers of that neighborhood, and has spent all her life in that vicinity, having thus been a witness to the amazing development noted there during her lifetime. To Alexander and Julia A. (Hurt) Shannon were born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being G. W. and F. H. Shannon, Texas County, Mo. ; J. B. Shannon, deceased, and Nannie, wife of J. W. Draften, Los Angeles, Cal. Reared on the farm on which he is now living, Elza B. Shannon re- ceived his early schooling in the then somewhat primitive district school of his home neighborhood and supplemented the same by a course in the Kemper Family School at Boonville, after which he returned to the farm and resumed his labors there, a valuable aid to his father in the work of development on the place. After his marriage in 1876 he established his home on the place, presently assuming the management of the same, and has ever since resided there, gradually improving the place by the erection of new buildings and from time to time buying adjoining tracts until "Rose Lawn" long ago came to be recognized as one of the most attractive farms in that part of the county. The place is admirably adapted to the raising of live stock and Mr. Shannon annually markets about 200 hogs and one or two car loads of cattle. He also maintains a flock of about 250 sheep and in his operations is doing well, in these operations being ably assisted by those of his sons who still are at home and who are bend- ing their energies to the further and profitable improvement of "Rose Lawn." Mr. Shannon is one of the leading members of the local Farmers Club and has for years been actively interested in movements having to do with the advancement of the common interest in that neighborhood. In his political faith he is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church and take a proper interest in church work as well as in the general social activities of the community in which they live. Mr. Shannon has been twice married. It was in 1876, when he was little past 21 years of age, that he was united in marriage to Mary Cath- erine Miller, who also was born in Clarks Fork township and who died on July 26, 1884. To that union three children were born, namely: Minnie Gray, who died at the age of two years; Robert Alexander, who is now farming in the vicinity of Rankin's Mill, and Elza M. Shannon, who is at home aiding in the management of "Rose Lawn". On March 6, 1889, Mr. Shannon married, secondly, Jennie L. Johnston, a music teacher, who was HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 663 graduated from the old Prairie Home Institute and for some time follow- ing her graduation was teacher of music there, later giving general music lessons, and to this union five children have been born: Martha, wife of B. H. Mills, of Clarks Fork township; Georgia, at home; Margaret, who died at the age of four years, and Noye L. and Louis J., at home. Mrs. Jennie L. (Johnston) Shannon also was born in this county, March 20, 1861, a daughter of Washington A. and Martha (Hunt) Johnston, both of whom also were born here, members of pioneer families, and who spent all their lives here, both living to ripe old age. W. A. Johnston was bom on Jan. 1, 1825, and died on Feb. 15, 1908, he then being past 83 years of age. His wife, Martha Hunt, was born in the vicinity of Pisgah on Jan. 3, 1829, and died on Jan. 14, 1919, she then being past 90 years of age. W. A. Johnston was a son of Robert and Ellender P. (Powell) Johnston, the latter of whom was born in North Carolina on July 14, 1800, and came to Missouri with her parents, William Powell and wife, in 1822, the family settling in the vicinity of Jamestown, in Monteau County. Robert Johns- ton was born in Tennessee in 1783 and came to Missouri, settling in Cooper County in territorial days. He married Ellender Powell in March, 1824. Benjamin Franklin Anderson, a veteran teacher of Cooper County, who is also engaged in farming in Saline township, was born in Prairie Home township, Dec. 14, 1860. He is a son of John and Nancy (Twenty- man) Anderson. John Anderson was born near Miami, Ohio, in 1824. He came to Missouri in the early forties, and settled on a farm of 120 acres, three miles northwest of Prairie Home. He died in 1881. Nancy (Twentyman) Anderson was born in 1832 and died in 1862. She was a daughter of Thomas Twentyman, who was a very early settler in Cooper County, and a member of the first grand jury of Cooper County. John and Nancy (Twentyman) Anderson were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Amanda Arnold, Moniteau township; J. H., Searcy, Ark.; Mrs. Elizabeth J. Goodrich, Bolivar, Mo. ; T. B., California, Mo. ; and B. F., the subject of this sketch. B. F. Anderson attended public school until he was about 15 years of age, he then attended a private school in Polk County, and later en- tered Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, Mo., where he was graduated. He engaged in teaching in 1882, his first school benig in the Lowland district in Saline township. He taught school in this same district during the school year 1918-1919. During the intervening time he has taught in the district schools of the adjoining districts, including Highland, Lib- 664 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY erty, Wooldridge, Bruce, Overton, and Hail Ridge. He has a long career of successful teaching to his credit, and ranks among the leading edu- cators of Cooper County. In addition to teaching, Mr. Anderson has car- ried on farming in the summertime and owns 130 acres known as "Maple Wood Farm," located one mile northwest of Wooldridge. This was for- merly a part of the H. B. Hopkins farm. The place is well improved, and it is a productive and valuable farm. B. F. Anderson was married Nov. 7, 1883, to Miss Emma S. Hopkins, a daughter of H. B. and Rebecca (Burcham) Hopkins, Cooper County pioneers. They were the parents of the following children: Emma S., wife of B. F. Anderson, subject of this sketch; H. H., Wooldridge, Mo.; and T. B., Wooldridge. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born two children: Ida H., mari-ied W. E. Hooper, Wooldridge, Mo., and F. L., who resides at home. There are two grandchildren in the Anderson family: Emma Marjorie and Hazel Lillian Hooper. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are well known in Cooper County and rank among its most substantial representative people. Mrs. Anderson is a member of Big Lick Baptist Church. Mr. Anderson is a democrat. Cast his first vote in 1881, never missed an election, never scratched his ticket, and never sought office. Herman P. Muntzel. — "Pleasant Valley Stock Farm," owned and oper- ated by Herman P. Muntzel, and consisting of 193 acres of valley land, well watered and drained, is one of the most beautiful and richest farms in all Missouri. No tract of fertile and productive land lies in a prettier location than this farm, which is rightly named. A winding creek makes its way through the farm and affords ample water for stock and drainage. In the background to the east are wooded hills which give a touch of beauty to the whole setting. A pretty cottage and well kept farm build- ings, set on a rise of ground above the valley, overlook the entire tract. The barn is of ample size, built by Mr. Muntzel in 1912, and is 32x50 feet in extent. The residence has been remodeled since the purchase of the farm in 1904. Herman P. Muntzel is a member of one of the most sub- stantial and highly respected pioneer families of Cooper County, which dates its advent into the county in the early forties. Daniel Muntzel, father of Herman P. Muntzel, who now resides at or near Washington schoolhouse on his farm, where he has resided for over a half century, was born in 1835, and accompanied his father, Peter Munt- zel, from Germany to America when but a child. Peter Muntzel settled ROBERT .1. MUNTZEL, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 665 in this county, reared a family and lived to be over 90 years of age. Daniel Muntzel married Minnie Kauns, born in Germany, and died in Cooper County in 1914. There were eight children born to Daniel and Minnie Muntzel, as follows: Christ died in infancy; Mrs. Sophia Prigge lives in St. Louis ; Mary, wife of Charles Schubert, lives near Washington School ; Lavina, wife of Martin Meyer, is deceased ; August lives with his father; Herman P., of this review. Herman P. Muntzel was born Aug. 25, 1861. He attended the Wash- ington School, and at the age of 18 years he began to earn his own way in the world. In 1887, he bought a farm in the Washington School neigh- borhood, improved it and sold it at a profit in 1905. His present farm, purchased in 1904, cost him $51 an acre. Mr. Muntzel's first farm cost him $46 an acre, and he disposed of it for $57 an acre, making a profit of $2,000. The Muntzel farm is noted for its thoroughbred live stock. Mr. Muntzel has a herd of 75 or more pure-bred Poland China and Duroc Jer- sey hogs. Mrs. Muntzel has a flock of fine Barred Plymouth Rock chick- ens. She sells eggs for hatching at good prices, and cockerels to fanciers. Sept. 7, 1887, Herman P. Muntzel and Miss Minnie A. E. Steigleder were united in marriage in the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of Clarks Fork by Rev. August Rehwaldt. The following children have been born to Herman P. and Minnie A. E. Muntzel: Ilda lola Esther, Andrew Daniel and Robert John. Ilda lola Esther Muntzel was born Nov. 9, 1888, near Boonville, was baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church by Rev. August Rehwaldt, Dec. 12, 1882. She was educated in Washington and Concord Schools, spent two years in the parochial school, was instructed and con- firmed April, 1903, by Rev. J. Hoenes. She was married to Albert E. H. Klekamp, April 30, 1916, at 4 o'clock in Trinity Church, Clarks Fork. Mr. and Mrs. Klekamp are now living on their fine farm near Lone Elm, and are communicants of the Zion Church of -Lone Elm. Mo. Their postoffice address is Boonvile, Mo., R. F. D. No. 1. They have one child, Irene Wil- helmina Klekamp, born Feb. 27, 1918, and baptized March, 1918, by Rev. John Mueller. Andrew Daniel Muntzel was born Feb. 3, 1891, near Boonville, was baptized March 15, 1891, in Trinity Church, Clarks Fork, by Rev. August Rehwaldt. He was educated in Washington and Concord Schools, and studied for one year at the Columbia Normal, and studied for two years in the parochial school. He was instructed and confirmed April 16, 1905, 666 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY by Rev. J. Hoeness. He is now a member of Trinity Church, Clarks Fork. He is now a partner with his father in the operation of Pleasant Valley Farm. Robert John Muntzel was born Oct 18, 1898, and was baptized Nov. 20, 1898, by Rev. J. H. Rupprecht. He attended the Concord School, and after receiving his diploma on May 14, 1912, attended the parochial school for one year. He was instructed and confirmed March 16, 1913, by Rev. K. F. Lohrman. He is a communicant of Trinity Church, Clarks Fork, On Sept. 1, 1914, he entered Boonville High School, and the last two years of his course was spent in Laura Speed Elliot High School, from which he graduated on May 17, 1917. On Jan. 2, 1918, he entered the employ of the N. K. Fairbanks Company as junior salesman, selling the trade, and after three months' service he was promoted to a position which placed him charge of an advertising display and specialty salesman of soap products. While in Kansas City he joined the unit of the army and enrolled as a member of the S. A. T. C. at Columbia, Mo. He received his honorable discharge from the service on Dec. 16, 1918, and again resumed his work with the N. K. Fairbanks Co., on Jan. 6, 1919. He was pro- moted to the post of propriety edible salesman on Feb. 1, 1919. His ter- ritory requires that he travel out of the St. Louis branch, and his city address is at 5063 Delmar Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. The mother of the foregoing children was born Feb 2, 1860, in Oska- loosa, Iowa, and is a daughter of George Frederick Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Hochstetler) Steigleder, the former of whom was a native of Germany, and the latter a native of Holmes County, Ohio. Mrs. Minnie A. E. Muntzel (nee Steigleder) came to Cooper County, Mo., with her parents in 1866. Mr. Muntzel is a republican and is road overseer of his district. For the past four years he has been an elder of Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of Clarks Fork. Mr. and Mrs. Muntzel are intelligent, well-in- formed people, who are progressive and enterprising and believe in keep- ing fully abreast of the times. They are prominent socially and are among the leaders in their community. Robert Thomas Byler, justice of the peace in and for Clarks Fork township and one of the best known and most substantial farmers in that section of Cooper County, owner of a fine farm of 160 acres ten miles southeast of Boonville (rural mail route No. 1 out of Boonville), was born in Prairie Home township, a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, and has lived in the county all his life. He was born HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 667 Dec. 8, 1867, son of Joel Woodard and Susan Esther (Harris) Byler, both of whom also were born in this county and the former of whom is still living, being now past 85 years of age. Joel Woodard Byler was born on a pioneer farm in Boonville town- ship Feb. 18, 1834, son of Thomas Dillard Byler, who was a son of Thomas Byler, who had come here in territorial days and had entered a tract of land in what is now Clarks Fork township and had there spent the re- mainder of his life and at his death was buried on his farm there. Thomas Dillard Byler, grandfather of 'Squire Byler, made his home on the farm now owned by Henry Muntzel and died there in 1876, being then 76 years of age. His son, Joel Woodard Byler, father of 'Squire Byler, grew up on that farm and became a farmer on his own account. June 8, 1865, he married Susan Esther Harris, a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, and after his marriage established his home on a farm in Clarks Fork township, where he continued actively engaged in farming until his retirement. He is now living in Moniteau township, over the line in the county of that name. His wife died on June 8, 1915, the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Fannie Jane, wife of Robert Horn- beck, of Prairie Home; William Henry Byler, a hardware merchant at Prairie Home ; Tyra Emmet, also of Prairie Home ; Joel Albert, of Kansas City; Jesse Dillard, a farmer of the neighboring county of Moniteau, and Walter Lawrence and Harris Byler, who continue to make their home on the old home place. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, Robert Thomas Byler received his early schooling in the local district school and sup- plemented the same by a course of two years at the old Prairie Home College. From the days of his boyhood he was helpful on the home place and after his marriage when 21 years of age began farming on his own account, a vocation he ever since has continued. In Jan., 1909, he bought the farm on which he is now living, the old Peter Wehmeyer place of 160 acres in Clarks Fork township, and since taking possession of the same has made numerous substantial improvements, bringing the farm plant up to an excellent standard. One half of the farm is Clarks creek bot- tom land and the place is admirably adapted to the raising of live stock, Mr. Byler giving considerable attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Byler has always given proper attention to local civic affairs and is now serving as justice of the peace in and for his 668 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY home township. He also for the past nine years has served as director in the Washington school district. He and his wife are members of the Prairie Home Baptist Church. He is a member of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America at Prairie Home and Mrs. Byler is a mem- ber of the auxiliary order of the Royal Neighbors of America. Feb. 20, 1889, that Robert T. Byler was united in marriage to Leonore Hurt, who also was born in this county, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Joel Fleming Byler, who manned Addie Doug- las and lives in Saline township; Flora Esther, wife of Arthur White, of Prairie Home ; Robna Frances, wife of John Woodhouse, of Boonville ; Stella Teel, wife of Adolph Hoerl, of Boonville, and Jessie Gibson and Virginia Florence, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Byler have three grand- children, Charles Robert Woodhouse, Arthur Lewis White and Norma Jeannette Byler. Mrs. Byler was born in Boonville township on March 21, 1871, daughter of Fleming and Flora (Davis) Hurt, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County and both now deceased. Fleming Hurt died in July, 1909, and his widow did not long survive him, her death occurring in Jan., 1912. They were the parents of four children, those besides Mrs. Byler being H. G. Hurt, of Boonville, Mrs. Florence Davis, living east of Boonville, and Mrs. Dollie Adair, deceased. James Lymer, one of the progressive and substantial farmers of Clarks Fork township, was born on a farm in Boonville township, March 20, 1865, son of William and Ellen Lymer, both deceased. William Lymer was a native of England, born about 1802, who came to this country and settled in Cooper County, residing on a farm in Boon- ville township until his death, about 1872. His widow died in 1884 and was 50 years of age. They were the parents of seven children as follows : Richard, Boonville township; William, Boonville township; John, St. Louis; Robert, Boonville; James; Margaret, wife of Casper Lamglotz, Boonville, and Sarah Jane, wife of Isaac Hurd, Boonville. James Lymer was reared on the home farm and received his school- ing at the Hail Ridge School and at the Clear Spring School. Upon en- gaging in farming on his own account years ago, he bought a farm six miles west of Boonville, but soon sold that place to advantage and bought another farm near Pilot Grove, although he did not reside on the farm. This latter place he also sold when the opportunity to better himself pre- sented, and in 1910 bought from William Solomon the farm on which he is no living in Clarks Fork township, the place formerly belonging to HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 669 the Berry estate, where he has 138 acres, all lying in Clarks Fork township, save 20 acres in Boonville township. The two-story farm house on the place Mr. Lymer rebuilt in 1912, the house being one of eight rooms with a hall 10x28 feet, well fitted and furnished. The bricks from which the house was built were burned on the place. The farm buildings are in keeping with the house, and include good barns, a 12x30 silo, and a wind- mill, the latter drawing an ample supply of water for stock purposes from a drilled well 150 feet deep. This water supply is supplemented by sev- eral excellent springs on the farm. Mr. Lymer has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock, has a fine drove of Duroc Jersey hogs, a herd of eight dairy cows, and a flock of 175 chickens, pure-bred Rhode Island Reds. Dec. 18, 1894, James Lymer was united in marriage to Dena Langlotz, who also was born in this county, daughter of John and Mary Langlotz, natives of Germany, and for many years well-known residents of the neighborhood west of Boonville John Langlotz came to this country in the fifties, and was working in Missouri when the Civil War broke out. He served as a soldier of the Union, and after the war sent for other members of the family to come over from Germany, married and settled down on a farm which he bought, a little more than six miles west of Boonville. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Lymer was the eighth in order of birth, the others being as follows: Casper, Boonville; Sophia, wife of George Lang, Boonville; Rosa, who married Benjamin Schroeder, and is now deceased ; Caroline, who married George Krammel, and lives in Oklahoma; Henry, married Carrie Kulow, and is living at Blackwater; John, deceased, and whose widow (who was Minnie Schubert before her marriage), now lives at Boonville; Mary, wife of Henry Simmons, Boonville ; and Minnie, wife of William Woolery, Otterville. To James and Dena (Langlotz) Lymer six children have been born : James William, died in infancy ; Herman Earl, at home, a valued assistant to his father; Edgar, died in infancy; and Robert Henry, Mar- garet Catherine and Wilbur Lee. The Lymers are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church (South), and take a proper part in church work as well as in the general social activities of the neighborhood in which they live. Charles P. Tutt, of Kelly township, is a native of Cooper County and has been prominently identified with the affairs of this county all his life. He was born on the farm where he now resides, Oct. 29, 1858, of pioneer 670 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY parents and is a descendant of colonial ancestors. Charles P. Tutt is the son of James H. and Harriet E. (Hickox) Tutt, early settlers of Cooper County. James H. Tutt was a native of Virginia; he was born in Fau- quier County, Jan. 21, 1830, and died in March, 1898. He came to Mis- souri with his parents, Phillip A. and Catherine (Ashby) Tutt, in 1835. The family first settled in Calloway County and in 1836 came to Cooper County, and settled in Kelly township on the farm that is now owned by Charles P. Tutt. Phillip A. Tutt bought this place from Thomas Best for $5 per acre. At that time there was a log cabin on the place and a few acres of land were cleared. Here Phillip Tutt and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Phillip Tutt was a surveyor, and for a number of years served as surveyor of Cooper County. He also held the office of judge of the County Court. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father, John Tutt, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving with the Virginian troops. Phillip Tutt was one of four brothers who came to Missouri together, the others being Dr. Gabriel, Col. John, and Col. Richard J. They came down the Kanawha River to the Ohio in a boat, and from there the younger men of the families and the negro slaves drove across the country to St. Louis with a wagon train, while the women and the older men came by steamboat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis. When the Tutt family came to Missouri they brought with them a mare which was a descendant of the famous running horse, "Imported Whip," and Charles P. Tutt still has on his place descendants of that animal. Harriet E. (Hickox) Tutt, mother of Charles P. Tutt, was born in Cooper County, April 9, 1836, and died May 21, 1898. She was a de- scendant of one of the very early New England families. Judith Clark, who landed at Plymouth Rock with the Pilgrims in 1620, was a direct ancestor of Charles P. Tutt's mother. To James H. and Harriet E. (Hickox) Tutt were born five children, three of whom died in infancy, and the others were George, who died at the age of 27 years, and Charles P., the subject of this sketch. Charles P. Tutt was educated in the public schools and Cully and Simpson Academy, and Paris Institute. He then attended William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., from 1881 to 1883. In early life he taught school for a number of years, but has practically devoted his entire attention to farming and stock raising. He is making a specialty of breeding pure blood Shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Cotswold sheep, and has been successfully engaged in this work for the past 25 years. His stock HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 671 has recently been awarded premiums at state fairs and stock shows, and he is regarded as one of the successful breeders of the state. His father before him was a successful stock breeder. Charles P. Tutt was married in 1892 to Miss Mary L. Grantham, of Mexico, Mo. She is a daughter of Samuel A. and Mary (Ford) Grant- ham, early settlers of St. Charles County, Mo., both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Tutt have been bom seven children, as fol- lows : Mary E., married Dr. Silas Barnes, of Pilot Grove, Mo. ; George A., Bunceton, Mo., married Blanche White; Henry was in an officers' training school during the World War and is now residing at home; Claire, a teacher in the Pilot Grove school; Frank E., at home; Harriet, at home; and Virginia, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tutt are members of the Baptist Church at Bunceton. Mr. Tutt is one of Cooper County's leading citizens and the Tutt family is prominent in this county. B. F. Hurt, a prominent hardware merchant of Bunceton, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County. He was born in Clarks Fork township, Dec. 19, 1868, and is a son of Andrew C. and Celeste Ann (Holstein) Hurt. The Hurt family are Cooper County pioneers. Andrew C. Hurt was born in Clarks Fork township in 1844. He was a son of Benijah Hurt, who was a veiy early settler in that section of the county. Benijah Hurt and his wife are buried in the Concord Cemetery. Celeste Ann (Holstein) Hurt is a native of Illinois. Andrew C. Hurt and his wife now reside on their home farm in Clarks Fork township. He is 76 years old and his wife is 66 years of age. Andrew C. Hurt served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, under "Fighting Joe Shelby." To Andrew C. and Celesta Ann (Holstein) Burt were bom the fol- lowing children: B. F., the subject of this sketch; James A., North Moniteau township; William, Clarks Fork township; Dolphin 0., Clarks Fork township, and Orbra F., Hustonia, Mo. B. F. Hurt was reared in Clarks Fork township and educated in the public schools. He remained on the home place with his parents until he was 21 years of age. He then engaged in the carpenter trade, and fol- lowed building for 24 years. In 1912 he bought the Couchman interest in the Moore & Couchman Hardware Store at Bunceton, Mo. He con- tinued this business until 1916, when he sold his interest to the Hawkins Hardware Company. In March, 1917, he bought the Hunt & Co. Hard- ware Store in Bunceton and has since successfully conducted that busi- 672 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ness. He carries a complete line of hardware, stoves and everything usually found in a modern hardware store. He also sells farming imple- ments, carrying the Rock Island farm implements. He is a progressive business man and his methods are modern and up to date, and by his fair dealing and reliable representations has built up a profitable business. Mr. Hurt was married in August, 1916, to Miss Matilda M. Langkop, a daughter of Ferdinand Langkop, a Clarks Fork township pioneer, who is now deceased, as is also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have been born two daughters, Leona Lois, and Clotilda Margaret. Mr. Hurt is a member of the Masonic Lodge, having been made a Mason in December, 1895, at Prairie Home Lodge. While he does not take an active part in political matters, he has always supported the poli- cies and principles of the democrat party. Henry 0. King. — An inspection of the splendid farm of Henry 0. King, of Lone Elm Prairie in Clarks Fork township, will disclose the fact that Mr. King is a real farmer, who is rarely worried about the success or non-success of his crops. The richness of the soil of his tract of 80 acres and the additional 40 acres which he is tilling will attest to the care which he has bestowed upon the land, and through the years which he has owned this farm, he has carefully conserved and increased the fer- tility of the land. During the season of 1918, when the corn was almost a total failure in Missouri, Mr. King harvested a good crop. His father, the late John King, who was the first of the farmers of German birth to settle on Lone Elm Prairie, was a very successful farmer, who had a keen and discerning knowledge of how best to get the maximum yield from Missouri soil. Henry 0. King is a native born citizen of Cooper County, and is proud of the fact that his 54 years have all been spent within sight and sound of his birthplace. He was bora on April 11, 1865, on the Captain Fricke place, and is a son of John and Sophia King, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He attended the Lone Elm School, and when but a boy he assisted his father in the farm work. After his marriage in 1890, Mr. King settled on the fine farm where he now resides and reared his family. He was married on Jan. 28, 1890, to Miss Maggie Brandes, a daughter of Charles and Margaret Brandes, former old residents of this county. Mrs. Maggie King was born on Aug. 26, 1868, in Cooper County. Five children have blessed this marriage: Clarence, who is assisting his father in the farm work; Stella, wife of Walter Turner, of the Lone Elm neighborhood; Myrtle, Martin, and Carl, at home. Mr. King is a repub- HISTORY OP COOPER COUNTY 673 lican, and he and the members of his family worship at the Lone Elm Evangelical Lutheran Church. John W. King, proprietor of "Valley View Farm" in Clarks Fork township, nine miles southeast of Boonville, president of the Clarks Fork Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Company, formerly and for years director of the Washington school district and in other ways prominently identified with the best interests of his home community, one of the most substantial farmers in that neighborhood, was bom on the farm on which he is now living and has lived there all his life. He was born on Oct. 13, 1869, son of Jacob and Anna (Nohrenberg) "Koenke" now King, both of European birth, who were married in this county, established their home on the farm now owned by their son, John, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Jacob King was born July 18, 1817 and was a native of Schleswig- Holstein, which at the time of his birth was a province of Denmark but which later was taken over by Germany. He came to America in 1857 and proceeded on out to Missouri, locating in Cooper County, where in 1867 he became the owner of the farm now owned by his son John and known as "Valley View". The year previous (1866) in this county he married Anna Nohrenberg, who also was born 1851 in Schleswig-Holstein and who had come here in 1865 with her brother, Peter Nohrenberg. After his marriage he settled on the farm he had bought and proceeded to develop the same. For some time his brother-in-law, Peter Nohren- berg, also made his home there, but later moved over into Nebraska, where he is now living retired. Jacob King died on his farm in Feb. 23, 1878 and his widow survived him for nearly 15 years, her death occurring in Jan. 10, 1891, and both are buried in the Clarks Fork Lutheran ceme- tery. They were the parents of three sons, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being Christ F. King, of Clarks Fork township, and Henry M. King, also of Clarks Fork. Reared on the home farm, John W. King received his schooling in the Washington district school and has ever maintained the heartiest possible interest in the affairs of that school district, for 19 years serving as director of the same, occupying that position in 1904 when the present admirable school building was erected there, a structure to which he gave his most thoughtful care. Mr. King has always advocated the employ- ment of the best teachers available and during his long term of ser as director of the Washington district experienced the satisfaction of (40) 674 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY seeing that school brought up to the highest standard of efficiency. Indeed, in 1916 this school was declared by the public school survey to be the highest type of country school in Cooper County, this approval being based both on architectural features and curriculum, and as Mr. King was one of the most consistent and unwearying advocates of the improve- ments on which this high approval was based he not unnaturally experi- enced a very proper feeling of gratification. After his marriage in 1898 Mr. King continued to make his home on the home place, to which he has given the name of "Valley View Farm", suggestive of the fine view up and down the beautiful valley of Clarks Creek, and he and his family are very pleasantly situated there. In addition to his general farming Mr. King has long given considerable attention to the raising of live stock at "Valley View" and is doing well in his operations. He also gives his earnest attention to the general business affairs of the community and is president of the Clarks Fork Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Com- pany, in the affairs of which he has for years been actively interested and the growth of which concern he has done much to promote. This com- pany was organized Nov. 15, 1892, was incorporated on Feb. 15, 1915, and now has $1,500,000 of insurance covering Cooper County farm property, besides $50,000 of live-stock insurance and has a widely established repu- tation for prudence of management and promptness and fairness of set- tlements. Mr. King is a Republican and in 1914 was the nominee of his party for judge of the County Court, his candidacy being opposed to that of Judge Moore, who was elected to succeed himself on the bench in that year. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Clarks Fork Lutheran Church and have ever given proper attention to church affairs, as well as to the general social activities of the community in which both have spent all their lives and to the best interests of which both are earnestly devoted. Dec. 15, 1898, John W. King was united in marriage to Anna Hoerl, also of Clarks Fork township, and to this union two children have been born, sons both, Henry Morton King, born on Oct. 22, 1899, and John Ewing King, Oct. 26, 1901, both of whom are at home, valued aids to their father in the operations of "Valley View Farm". Mrs. King is a daughter of John and Margaret (Kaiser) Hoerl, who settled on a farm in Clarks Fork township, this county, upon coming to this country from Germany in the days not long after the close of the Civil War and who are still living in that township, now making their home with their eldest son, Adolph Hoerl, who is now owner of the old home farm. Besides this HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 675 son and Mrs. King, Mr. and Mrs. Hoerl have three other children, Mrs. Margaret Jenry, of Saline township, and Leonard and Walter Hoerl, the former a farmer of Clarks Fork township, and the latter of Prairie Home township. William Jacob McFarland, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native of this county. He was born in Clarks Fork township, Sept. 9, 1864, and is a son of A. W. and Mary Catherine (Hurt) McFarland, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. William Jacob McFarland spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received his education in the public schools. He has been a farmer and stockman all his life. His farm in Clarks Fork township consists of 188 acres, and is one of the pretty and well improved farms of that sec- tion of the county. The residence is a 10-room, two-story structure, and was built in 1907. It is surrounded by a well-kept yard with several splendid maple trees, which Mr. McFarland planted himself. Mr. Mc- Farland has two good barns on his place, one of which was built in 1900 and the other two years later. He also has a silo 14x30 feet which he built in 1914, machine shed, garage and other buildings to facilitate mod- ern farming methods, are to be found on the place. Mr. McFarland bought his first land, which consisted of 70 acres, in 1886; later he pur- chased 85 acres, to which he subsequently added 30 more. He carries on general farming and raises cattle and hogs. He feeds a number of cattle each year, although he does not pretend to make feeding a business. Mr. McFarland was married Nov. 2, 1884, to Miss Mollie Eller, a daughter of David and Martha Eller, of Boonville township. Her parents are both deceased and their remains are buried in the Boonville Ceme- tery. Mrs. McFarland is one of the following children born to her par- ents: Nannie, Bunceton, Mo.; Mrs. Malvina Shirley, Palestine township; Mrs. Lucretia Moore, Palestine township; Mrs. Bettie Kepner, Henry County, Mo.; Mrs. Mattie Knaus, Henry Co.; Mollie, married to William Jacob McFarland, the subject of this sketch, and William, Fayette, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have been born the following children: Percy Eller, died at the age of 19 years in 1908; Wilbur J., a farmer in Clarks Fork township, married Chloe Hobrecht, who died in Jan., 1919; Eula Marie, married William Mersey, who served with the 35th Division in France during the World War and participated in the battles of Ar- gonne, Marne. Chateau Thierry, and was in the trenches 90 days or more; 676 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mary, resides at home with her parents, and Alice, is a student in the Boonville High School. Mr. McFarland is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Boonville, and the McFarland family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Bethel. Mr. McFarland is a public-spirited citizen and takes an active interest in all matters pei*taining to the public welfare and the advancement of the community. David VVendleton, proprietor of a well-improved valley farm of 106 acres in the north part of Palestine township, has resided on his farm for the past 40 years. His present large residence was built to replace a house which had been built by former owners, and was 80 years standing. He placed the last addition to his home in 1893. Mr. Wendleton was born June 6, 1850, on a farm near his present home place. His father, David Wendleton, was a native of Holland, who married a Miss Sieback, and emigrated from his native country in 1833. He first rented land from Hiram Corum, and later purchased a farm, most of which was covered with timber. He cut down trees, built a log cabin from the cut timber, and laboriously cleared the ground for his crops. When he first bought the place there was an old log cabin in the clearing. On the very night that Mr. Wendleton had made his prepara- tions to move in with his belongings, some miscreant set fire to the house and it burned to the ground. This necessitated the building of a new cabin. David Wendleton, the elder, reared a family of five sons and two daughters: Cecilia, deceased wife of Fred Nunn, an extensive Cooper County farmer; John H., deceased; Archibald, living in Bates County, Mo. ; William, Fortuna, Morgan County, Mo. ; Mrs. Amelia Allison, living near Proctor, Me.; David, subject of this review; Henry, a large land owner in Palestine township. After his marriage in 1877, David Wendleton rented land for three years and then purchased his farm. He was married on Nov. 14, 1877, to Miss Sarah J. Lowry, who was born in Athens County, Ohio, April 11, 1855, and is a daughter of Jehiel and Melissa Lowry, who came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1866. Ten children have blessed this marriage: Alice C, is the wife of T. C. Crosswhite, Boonville; Ada Melissa Clark lives in Boonville ; one child died in infancy ; William Henry died in November, 1918; Stella Lee is at home; Lon V., a farmer and land owner, living on the former Henry Wendleton home place; John Estill, a student in the State University, Columbia, was a member of the S. A. T. C. during the &* M 4% "" *T 1 .6- * ' id, H • KEr:*iwkv kJr | / PAVID WENDUETON AND WIFE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 677 Worid War. Ollie May and Forrest Lowry are at home; Eugene Monroe, is deceased. Mr. Wendleton is a democrat; has reared one of the large families in Cooper County, and is one of the best known of the native born pioneer residents of Cooper County, who is highly respected in the county. Erie S. Mills, proprietor of "Fair View Stock Farm," in Clarks Fork township, is one of Cooper County's prominent farmers and stockmen, and a descendant of an early pioneer family of this county. Mr. Mills was bom in Prairie Home township on the farm known as "Dunlora," April 7, 1864. His parents were Henry W. and Susan V. (Lewis) Mills, natives of Virginia. Henry W. Mills was born July 27, 1815, and died Feb. 12, 1898. He came to Cooper County in 1842, and after living about a year in Saline township, he went to Mississippi, and two years later returned to Cooper County. He acquired a great deal of land and at one time was the owner of 1640 acres. He was a very successful stockman and general farmer. He was married shortly after coming to Cooper County, Aug. 20, 1842, to Miss Susan V. Lewis. She was born in Vir- ginia in 1825 and died Feb. 14, 1896. She was a daughter of Charles Q. Lewis, who was a very early settler in Cooper County in the thirties. To Henry W. and Susan V. (Lewis) Mills were born the following children: William H., died at the age of 70 years ; Charles T., died at the age of 40 ; James T., died at the age of 65; Hunter N., died at the age of 65; Au- gustus K., Boonville, Mo.; Judge J. Add, died at the age of 60; Walker M., died at the age of 24; Erie S., the subject of this sketch; Mary and Bettie, twins, the former dying at the age of 20, and the latter married R. E. Maxwell, who is now deceased; Florence M., married O. C. Byler, and is now deceased; Helena, married John E. Elliott, who is now de- ceased; and Carrie Lee, married Dr. J. D. Potts, St. Louis, Mo. All of these children were married and reared families, excepting Walker M. Mr. and Mrs. Hemy W. Mills celebrated their golden wedding anni- versary Aug. 20, 1892, and on this occasion there were present 65 grand- children, and six great grandchildren. A few days after the wedding anniversary, United States Senator Roger Q. Mills, a cousin of Henry W. Mills, made him a visit, which was the occasion of another reunion of the Mills family. Erie S. Mills was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and is one of the thorough and pi-actical stockmen and fanners of Cooper County. 678 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He has lived on his present place since Jan. 19, 1887. Here he owns 290 acres of land which is well improved and under high state of cultivation. It is located just north of Clarks Fork store on the Jefferson City road. The place is well watered, having an inexhaustible well, 178 feet deep, and Clarks Fork Creek courses its way across the place. The farm resi- dence is a large well built structure and Mr. Mills has erected two new stock barns within recent years. He keeps high grade Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep, and Big Bone Poland China hogs crossed with Duroc Jerseys. He is an extensive feeder, and has made this branch of animal husbandry profitable. Erie S. Mills was united in marriage Sept. 3, 1884, to Miss Annie L. Tucker, a daughter of J. W. and Virginia A. Tucker. The Tucker family were pioneers of Saline township. The father died in 1885, and the mother now resides at Marshall, Mo. Mrs. Mills has one sister, Mrs. E. G. Utz, of Marshall, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been born the following children: Layton Tucker; Erie H. ; Roger Q., and Virginia, who died at the age of two years. Mr. Mills has been a member of the Christian Church at Walnut Grove since he was 14 years old, and has been an elder for 20 years. The Mills family are all members of the Christian Church and the youngest son, Roger Q., is also a deacon. Since Mr. Mills has been a member of the Walnut Grove Church, he has seen three different church buildings erected on the same ground and dedicated. June 5, 1916, a cyclone de- stroyed the church, which had been built three years previously, and it was immediately reconstructed. Mr. Mills has some very interesting family heir-looms, and historical documents in his possession, one of which is a list of his grandfather's children, Dr. William Mills, dated March 8, 1774. It was written with a quill, and is a specimen of perfect penmanship. He also has an old deed made out to a member of the Mills family under date 1760. The Mills family is one of the pioneer families in which Cooper County takes a just pride and Erie S. Mills is one of the leading citizens of this county. Vivian Hunter Mills, a progressive farmer and stockman of Saline township, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Cooper County. Mr. Mills was born in Saline township, Dec. 9, 1888. He is a son of Hunter N. and Mary Ella (Thomas) Mills, both natives of Cooper County. More extensive mention of the Mills family is made in connec- tion with the sketch of Robert William Mills and Erie S. Mills, which ap- pears in this volume. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 679 Vivian H. Mills was reared in Saline township and educated in the Fairview district school and the Boonville High School. He was then em- ployed in a wholesale dry goods store in Kansas City, Mo., for one year. He then returned to Cooper County and engaged in farming and stock raising. He moved to his present place, which is a part of his father's old homestead, in 1914. His farm consists of 250 acres. All the build- ings are practically new, having been built since 1914. The residence is a modern cottage of eight rooms, with spacious porches, with a neatly kept and nicely fenced yard. The other farm buildings include a metal bam 45x50 feet, metal garage, grain barn, machine shed, ice house and a tile silo. All in splendid condition, which gives to the place an excellent appearance. In addition to general farming, Mr. Mills raises and feeds cattle and also pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. He ships about two car- loads of hogs annually, and about one and one-half carloads of cattle. Mrs. Mills is interested in the poultry industry and has about 250 Rhode Island Red chickens. She makes a specialty of furnishing eggs for hatch- ing purposes, for which she receives from $1.00 to $3.00 per setting. The Mills farm is well equipped for the poultry business, having a modern metal poultry house. Vivian H. Mills was married Sept. 17, 1914, to Miss Martha Shannon, a daughter of E. B. and Jennie (Johnston) Shannon, a sketch of whom appears elsewhei'e in this volume. Mrs. Mills is one of the following chil- dren bom to her parents: Martha, wife of Vivian H. Mills, subject of this sketch ; Lewis, Georgia, and Noye. By a former marriage of E. B. Shannon, the following children were bom : R. A., and E. M. Mrs. Mills was bom in Clarks Fork township in 1891, educated in the Washington school district, and the Boonville High School, where she was graduated in the class of 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are well known in Cooper County and stand high among their many friends and acquaintances. Lawrence C. Meyer, a progressive young farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this county. He was born in Cooper County, Aug. 25, 1883, and is a son of George H. and Elizabeth (Molan) Meyer, a more extensive sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Lawrence C. Meyer was reared in Cooper County and spent his boy- hood days on his father's farm. He received his education in the Fair- view School in Clarks Fork township, and later attended the Kemper Military School at Boonville. He has made farming and stock raising his chief occupation, and has met with success in his undertaking, and is recognized as one of Cooper County's citizens of sterling worth. 680 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. Meyer was united in marriage, Aug. 30, 1904, with Miss Pauline Mills, a daughter of James T. and Bettie Mills, pioneer settlers of Saline township, Cooper County. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born four children, as follows: James Henry, born June 26, 1905; Randall W., bom Feb. 8, 1907 ; Lawrence, Jr., born Oct. 26, 1910 ; and Doris Elizabeth, born Aug. 27, 1917. Mr. Meyer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Clarks Fork and is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Meyer belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are well and favorably known in the community, and rank high in Cooper County for their integrity and worth. William John Cochran. — The individual success of a worthy citizen is deserving of attention and should be a matter of record in the history of his native county. W. J. Cochran, contractor and builder, Boonville, has won a place in the business world of Cooper County and central Mis- souri, second to no man in his vocation. Born in Cooper County, his father before him having been a builder and contractor, Mr. Cochran has forged to the front by the exercise of diligence, energy, good financial judgment and management, and the policy of giving to a patron the maxi- mum service in a strictly honest and capable manner. W. J. Cochi'an was born in Boonville, Oct. 1, 1866, and is a son of John Cochran, a native of North Ireland, who came to America in 1851, at the age of 17 years, with his parents, John and Elizabeth Cochran. The Cochrans first settled at Patterson, N. J., and one year later came to Cooper County, where John Cochran (I) followed farming pursuits south of Boonville. John Cochran (II), father of W. J. Cochran, was reared in this county, and learned the trade of carpenter under Marcus Williams. He engaged in business for himself as a contractor and builder in the fall of 1865. Prior to this he had served as a Union soldier, as corporal of his company, and for three years he fought to uphold the Union authority in this sec- tion of the country. At first, he had a small shop and began on a small scale. During the building era which followed the Civil War, he pros- pered, and remained in active business until his retirement in 1904. John Cochran was born June 16, 1834, and died Dec. 13, 1899. When a young man he married Mary E. Brown, who was born April 2, 1834, in Flemings- burg, Ky., and departed this life in Jan., 1911. John and Mary E. Cochran were parents of seven children, only four of whom were reared: Mrs. Fred J. Faris, of Kansas City; William John Cochran, of this review; W. J. COCHRAN HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 681 Mamie, wife of George E. Sapp, Boonville township; Mrs. Frank H. Her- ron, Lees Summit, Mo. When W. J. Cochran was 12 years old he began work under his father, and the only schooling he obtained from that time on was by attending night schools. He learned the builders' trade under his father, and remained in his father's employ until he was 24 years old. From October, 1899, to May 13, 1900, he was in charge of the building depart- ment of the Missouri Training School as superintendent He then fol- lowed his vocation on his own account and established his first shop on Main Street. In 1902, he located in an old wholesale building in front of the courthouse and remained there until 1905, when he purchased the planing mill now owned and operated by him on High Street. Mr. Coch- ran's operations as a general contractor and builder have been extensive. He employs from 40 to 100 men, and his payroll runs into thousands of dollars. He has erected many large buildings in Cooper and Howard Counties and in this section of Missouri. For the past 13 years he has been doing special road work for Cooper County, and has done consider- able railroad work in the vicinity of Boonville. Among the buildings which he has erected under contract are the Cooper County courthouse, $115,000; the Frederick Hotel, $40,000; the Victor building, $40,000; the County Home for Indigents, $25,000; the Citizens Trust Company build- ing, $12,000; Kemper Military School building, $35,000; remodeling old Kemper building and gymnasium, $13,000; new barracks building at Kemper School, $35,000; Kemper power plant and armory, remodeled, $2,500 ; bam at Kemper, $2,300 ; sewer through the Kemper grounds, 540 feet, $3,000; grading for the school, $5,000; barracks building and bar- racks, $200,000; the Armour & Company's packing house, $22,000; the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company warehouse, No. 2, $7,000; the Harri- man garage, $9,000; the Brownfield garage, $9,000; the E. M. Mueller residence, $12,000; the George Roeder residence, $7,000; the E. A. Wind- sor residence, $12,000 ; the Pigott residence, $8,000 ; and a splendid brick residence of his own on Morgan Street. Mr. Cochran also rebuilt the A. H. Sauter residence and the Captain Harris and Johnston homes and many others, too numerous to mention. Nov. 11, 1890, W. J. Cochran and Miss Mattie Calloway Harrison were united in marriage. To this union have been born children as fol- lows: Laura Mary, wife of W. B. Whitlow, a practicing attorney at Ful- ton, Mo.; Jessie Pauline Cochran is her father's office assistant; Augusta 682 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Hazel Cochran is at home; William John Cochran, Jr., is assisting his father in his business ; Doris Aline, James Robert, and Charles Harrison are at home. The mother of these children was born in Boonville, and is a daughter of William H. and Laura Lundy Harrison, the former of whom was born in Old Franklin, Mo., and the latter was a native of Maysville, Ky. William H. Harrison was a son of Cosby Berryman Har- rison, who married Mary Calloway, a daughter of William and Mildred Calloway. William Calloway was a son of James and Susanna (White) Calloway, the former of whom was a soldier of the Revolution. In the early days of the development of the West, William H. Harrison was a plains freighter. He made three trips across the Plains with Mr. Whit- low, and for several years he drove the mail coach to Lexington, Warsaw, and Springfield. He held various mail carrying contracts with the Gov- ernment and made a business of operating mail routes and running stage coaches. Mr. Cochran is an independent republican. He and his family wor- ship at the Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Blue Lodge, and Commandery, and the Mystic Shrine of Sedalia and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran and daughters, Jessie Pauline, Mrs. Laura Whitlow and Hazel Cochran are members of the Order of Eastern Star, and Miss Jessie Pauline and Laura and Mrs. Cochran are members of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. Cochran has also achieved a reputation as a farmer and breeder of live stock, and of late years he is credited with taking more interest in his farming operations than his contracting business, which he is shift- ing somewhat to younger shoulders. How he became a farmer can be explained from the standpoint of necessity, although he is descended from forebears who were tillers of the soil and agriculture comes natur- ally to him. His contracting operations require that he maintain a large stable of from 10 to 22 teams of draft animals. With the outbreak' of the World War and the rise in the price of feed for live stock, as well as everything else under the sun, the problem of providing provender for so many animals became a serious problem, and the cost of the feeding threatened to wipe out the profits of his business. He thereupon pur- chased a farm and engaged in farming on a considerable scale on a tract of 231 acres in Boonville township, besides renting additional land. For several years most of his land has been devoted to raising hay and corn. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 683 and during 1918 he cut over 140 acres of hay. A misfortune befell his farm in 1918. A fire destroyed practically all of the buildings in June, and he suffered a loss of $10,000 in buildings and harness, etc. Mr. Coch- ranran is specializing, as all good farmers do, and is building up a fine herd of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and a fine drove of big boned Poland China hogs. One of the most important contracts which Mr. Cochran has only recently undertaken, and one which has a bearing on the industrial devel- opment of Boonville, is the erection of the new factory of the Hamilton- Brown Shoe Company. This contract calls for an initial cost of $73,000, exclusive of foundation, which Mr. Cochran has also undertaken, and outside fixing of the grounds, heating and lighting, etc. The factory when completed will have cost in the neighborhood of $115,000, all of which money will have been spent in Boonville for labor and materials. Henry Lohse, a progressive farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, was born near Prairie Home, Oct. 12, 1877. He is a son of Fred and Anna (Smith) Lohse. The mother died about 25 years ago, and the father now resides in Clarks Fork township, at the age of 76 years. Henry Lohse was reared in Cooper County, and received his educa- tion in the Washington School. He has made farming and stock raising his life's work, and has met with uniform success in his undertaking. He purchased his present place, which consists of 200 acres, in 1905. This property was formerly owned by Henry Fredmeyer. It is located about 12 miles south of Boonville and is one of the valuable farms of Cooper County. The place is well improved, with good, substantial barns, silo, and other farm buildings. Mr. Lohse has recently erected a splendid eight-room, modern residence, and, altogether, the Lohse place is one of the best improved in the county. While Mr. Lohse is engaged in general farming and stock raising, he specializes in Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs, and he is recognized as one of the successful breeders of the county. Dec. 11, 1902, Henry Lohse was united in marriage with Miss Chris- tine Kahle, daughter of William and Hanna (Conrad) Kahle, both natives of Germany. The father came here when he was eight years of age, and settled with his parents at Lone Elm, where he still resides. To William and Hannah Kahle were born the following children: Lizzie, married Herman Oldendorf, Boonville; Mrs. Clarence Hosp, Boonville; Mrs. Min- nie Twillman, Bunceton ; Christine, the wife of Henry Lohse ; Stella, who resides at home with her parents ; Henry, Bunceton ; Albert and Herman, 684 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY twins; Adolph; William and Anna Pauline, deceased. Herman Kahle is now serving with the American Expeditionary Force in France. He enlisted in Sept., 1917, and was trained at Camp Funston, Kans. He went to France in April, 1918, being a member of the 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He took part in much of the severe fighting during the latter months of the war, and was severely gassed at one time. He was in a hospital in France when the armistice was signed. He received his honorable discharge in June, 1919, and is now at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Lohse has been born one daughter, Lorene. Mr. and Mrs. Lohse are well known in the community, and are recog- nized as being among the substantial citizens of Cooper County. They are both members of the Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork. Charles Christian Cook. — Hard work and keeping everlastingly at the task at hand until it was accomplished has placed Charles C. Cook, of Clarks Fork township, in a position of independence as a successful farmer and stockman. Mr. Cook is owner of 115 acres of good land, and is one of the young men who have been befriended and assisted in getting a start in an agricultural career by Charles C. Bell, of Boonville. Mr. Cook's farm is improved with a handsome and imposing residence of 10 rooms, modern in every respect, and was erected in 1915 and 1916. The house is fitted with a basement of four rooms underneath the entire structure, and is built for comfort as well as appearance. Charles C. Cook was born in Boonville, June 1, 1869, and is a son of Adam and Cath- erine (Bell) Cook the latter of whom was a sister of Charles C. Bell, of Boonville, and was born in 1845 and died in 1897. Adam Cook was born in Germany in 1846 and departed this life in 1876. He came to Boonville when a young man and plied his trade of blacksmith until the outbreak of the Civil War. He served in the Union Army, and was among the first volunteers to offer their services to the Union under General Siegel. He fought in the battle of Wilsons Creek during his first three months' service. He then i-e-enlisted for thi-ee years and served under General Grant. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and fought at the battles of Fort Pillow and the Seven Days' Battle of the Wilderness. He was with Sherman's command on the famous march from Atlanta to the sea. He served, in all, three years and three months, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to St. Louis and hired himself out as a substitute for a rich merchant and served until the close of the war. Mr. Cook married upon returning from the war and was father of two children: Charles C, of this review, and J. W. Cook, somewhere in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 685 the West. He plied his trade of blacksmith at Boonville and Bunceton, then went to Kansas and homesteaded a tract of land, built a home for his family, and died there. His family was left in poor circumstances, and stayed with Henry Bell until Charles C. Bell came, found them, and took mother and children back to Boonville. For one and a half years, Charles C. Cook lived in the home of John E. Elliot. He was employed by Julius Hosp and H. Fredmeyer for about seven and a half years. In 1890, with the assistance of his uncle, Charles C. Bell, he purchased his farm. In 1892, Mr. Cook was married to Sarah C. Stegner, who was born July 6, 1870, in Cooper County, and is a daughter of Nicholas Stegner, concerning whose biography the reader is referred to the sketch of Marion Stegner. Five children have been born to Charles C. and Sarah C. Cook, as follows: Louis C, Minnie Mabel, Mary Ellen, Nellie Frances, and Charles C. Jr. Mary Ellen Cook was married June 3, 1918, to Ernest Walters, a farmer and stock dealer, living west of Boonville. Mr. Cook is a republican. He is a member and a deacon of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, and is affiliated with Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, Lodge No. 3701. Henry Mersey, a leading farmer and stockman of Prairie Home town- ship, is a Cooper County citizen of real worth. He was born in Germany, Aug. 21, 1854, a son of Henry Mersey, and was one of the following chil- dren born to his parents: Mrs. Maggie Middlecamp, deceased; Mrs. Mary Grapherhouse, deceased ; Mrs. Elizabeth Beckerman ; and Henry, the sub- ject of this sketch. Henry Mersey left his native land when he was about 18 years of age, in 1872, and immigrated to America. He first settled in St. Louis, where he remained about two years, and in 1874 came to Boonville, Cooper County, where for a few years he sought employment as a farm laborer. Here he worked for $14.00 per month. He was industrious and frugal and saved his earnings, and it was not long until he was able to invest in a farm and make the initial payment. He purchased the place where he now resides, 10 miles southeast of Boonville, on the Jefferson City road, in 1893. This was formerly the J. S. Johnston farm, and con- sists of 174 acres of well improved farm land. Feb. 28, 1881, Henry Mersey was united in marriage with Miss Cath- erine Wehmeyer, daughter of Peter and Helena (Fiedler) Wehmeyt -r. The father was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army for three years during that great conflict. He Avas a native of Germany, born 686 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY at Westphalia, May 6, 1834, and came to America when he was about 20 years of age, in 1854. He located in Cooper County, and settler on the place in 1864 which is now owned by Robert Byler. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising for many years, and attained a very satis- factory degree of success. He died Feb. 20, 1913, at the age of 78 years. His wife departed this life June 19, 1899, at the age of 65 years, and their remains are interred in Clarks Fork Cemetery. She was bom at Bayem, Germany, March 13, 1835, and was married May 15, 1859. They were the parents of the following children: Catherine, born Feb. 23, 1860, wife of Henry Mersey, the subject of this sketch; Sophia, wife of Henry Honerbrink, Saline township, born Feb. 21, 1862; Miss Maggie Wehmeyer, Clarks Fork township, born April 30, 1866; Minnie, bora Aug. 16, 1870, wife of J. P. Heath, Prarie Home township ; Caroline, bora Aug. 17, 1872, wife of Albert Adair, Clarks Fork township ; Lena L., born Sept. 25. 1881, wife of Herman Rethemeyer. To Henry and Catherine (Wehmeyer) Mersey have been born the following children: George, farmer and stockman, Prairie Home town- ship; Herman J., a carpenter, Pilot Grove; Fred L., Boonville; Elmer E., who served in the United States Army during the World War, having been a member of the 10th Infantry, 69th Division, and was at Camp Funston when the war closed; William H., who enlisted in the United States Army, Sept. 19, 1917, and became a member of Company I, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, went to France in May, 1918, and saw much active service with his division, having been on the firing line for seventy- two consecutive days, and was discharged from the service May 12, 1919, at Camp Funston; Julius J., enlisted in United States Navy during the World War in May, 1918, and served until Feb., 1919, when he received his honorable discharge on account of the close of the war, and is now residing at home with his parents ; Robert L., and Maggie, also residing at home with their parents. Herman J. was born Sept. 15, 1883 ; married Grace Swanson. George Mersey was born Jan. 18, 1882; married Emma Ohlendorf, and has one child, Ruth Irene. Elmer E. was born Dec. 24, 1890; married Myrtle Ramsey. Fred L. was born Oct. 12, 1885. William H. was born April 12, 1893 ; married Eula McFarland. Henrietta was born July 28, and died Aug. 2, 1895. Julius was born July 31, 1896. Robert was born April 19, 1899. Margaret Elizabeth was born Jan. 6, 1888. Mr. Mersey is one of Cooper County's most valued and highly re- spected citizens, and the Mersey family stand high in the community. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 687 Mr. Mersey has been identified with Cooper County for over 47 years, and has proven himself to be a worthy citizen and has reared a family which is not only a credit to Cooper County, but to the State and Nation. Mr. and Mrs. Mersey and the children are members of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church of Clarks Fork. Amos B. Gentry. — The Gentry family has been prominently identi- fied with the settlement of Missouri, and members of this family were among the pioneers of Howard County, which perhaps was the first set- tlement of the Gentrys in this State. Later members of this family set- tled in other counties in this section of the State, including Cooper. Amos B. Gentry was born in Howard County, Jan. 29, 1844. He is a son of Claybourne S. and Nancy (Detherage) Gentry, both natives of Kentucky, and very early settlers in Howard County. However, after spending a few years in Howard County, they came to Cooper County in 1859, where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. They were natives of Madison County, Ky., and C. S. Gentry was prominent in the early day affairs of Cooper County. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 42 years. He died in 1899 at the age of 80 years, and his re- mains are interred in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. His wife preceded him in death many years, she having passed away in 1857 in Howard County, and her remains are buried in the Detherage family cemetery. Amos B. Gentry received his education mostly in private schools, and was reared to manhood in Howard and Cooper Counties. In 1874 he pur- chased his present place, which is located nine miles southeast of Boon- ville, in Clarks Fork township. The farm is known as "Cedar Grove Farm," is of 116.44 acres, and is one of the well kept and valuable farms of this section of Cooper County. The place is well improved and the farm residence is a substantial and well preserved building, which was built over 60 years ago. January 5, 1869, Amos B. Gentry was united in marriage at Bunce- ton, with Miss Susan M. Woodson, a daughter of George and Louisa (Shackelford) Woodson, both natives of Kentucky, and pioneer settlers in Cooper County. They are both now deceased, the mother having died Feb. 8, 1867, and the father survived her a number of years and died at Bunceton. To Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have been born five children, as fol- lows: Louisa, resides at home with her parents; Capt. Herschel, a sur- geon in United States Army, was stationed at Camp Grant, 111., having volunteered his services in Oct., 1918, and received a commission as cap- tain, discharged in May, 1919, and is now practicing surgery at Carthage, 688 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mo.; Osie, married J. E. Moss and resides in Boone county; Archie L., resides on the home place; and Nannie L., also resides at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have three grandchildren, Margaret G. Moss; Catherine May Moss; and Roy Woodson Moss. The Gentrys originally came from Virginia to Kentucky, and for many years have been conspicuous in the affairs of Kentucky and Mis- souri. They are of English descent. Amos B. Gentry was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in Madison County, Ky., and after serving three months, was taken prisoner and later paroled. He is a democrat, and a member of the Christian Church. George E. Bowmer, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Missouri, and is a descendent of some of the early pioneer families of this State. He was born in Howard County, Nov. 7, 1864, and is a son of James Mahan and Luranier Ruth (Wilcoxen) Bowmer. James M. Bowmer was born in Howard County, Feb. 29, 1832. He was a son of Peter Bowmer, a native of Fauquier County, Va., and came to Missouri in 1816. He lived in Missouri at a time when Indian uprisings were frequent, and on occasions was forced to take refuge with the other settlers in forts for defense against the attacks of hostile Indians. He was one of the very early settlers of Howard County. He married Catherine Mahan, whose father, Patrick Mahan, was one of the very early settlers of Cooper County, and lived in Lebanon township. He operated a sawmill near Pilot Grove in the early days. He built the first bridge across the Petit Saline Creek. This bridge was five miles south of Boonville. James Mahan Bowmer enlisted for service in the Mexican War, and when he reached St. Louis peace was declared. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served under General Price, in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. He was taken prisoner in Arkansas and was held a prisoner of war by the Federals at St. Louis until the war closed. In 1869 he removed to California with his family, and after residing in that State for eight years, he returned to Howard County, where he was engaged in farming until 1884, when he removed to Cooper County. He died here July 24, 1906. George E. Bowmer was educated in the public schools of Howard County, and in the public schools of the State of California. He came to Cooper County with his father in 1884, and they bought a farm together, which they later sold ; and in 1898, George E. bought his present f arm of • HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 689 144 acres, in Clarks Fork township, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising. This is one of the best grain and stock farms in this part of Cooper County. The place is well improved, with a good farm residence, barns and other buildings, which are kept in excellent condition and present a good appearance. Mr. Bowmer was married March 26, 1891, to Miss Lizzie McArthur. She was born Feb. 3, 1867, and left an orphan at a very early age. She was reared by N. A. Gilbreath, of Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowmer were born the following children: James R., born July 12, 1892; Newton W., born Nov. 26, 1894; William E., born Nov. 19, 1897; Helen Louisa, born Jan. 31, 1903; Susan Catherine and Mary Margaret, twins, born Aug. 19, 1909. James R., the eldest son, served in the U. S. Navy during the World War. He volunteered Dec. 13, 1917, and was sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and from there was sent to Camp Logan, 111., for rifle practice for two months. He was then returned to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and while there volunteered for overseas service. He was then sent to Newport, and embarked for France, May 26, 1918, landing at Brest, June 8 ; from there he was sent to Bordeaux, France, by rail, and was stationed at Pawillac, France. Durings his service in France he was a member of a motorcycle squad, which operated as dis- patch bearers. He returned to New York, Dec. 13, 1918, and was sta- tioned at Pelham Park until March 26, 1919, and from there was sent to the armed general barracks at Brooklyn, N. Y., and two days later trans- ferred to Bay Ridge, N. Y., where he was discharged, April 7, 1919. Newton W. Bowmer entered the army July 26, 1918, and was sent to Camp Funston, where he was trained. He was a member of the Medi- cal Detachment of the 29th Field Artillery, 10th Division, and at this writing is stationed at Ft. D. A. Russell, Wy. Mrs. Lizzie (McArthur) Bowman died Jan. 6, 1918, and her remains are buried in W T alnut Grove Cemetery. George E. Bowmer is one of Cooper County's substantial citizens, and the Bowmer family rank high in the community. Mr. Bowmer is a demo- crat. He and his family worship at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Modem Woodmen of America Lodge of Boonville. William Fricke. a well-known and successful farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a descendant of one of Cooper County's 690 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY pioneer families. Mr. Fricke was born Jan. 31, 1886, and is a son of Wil- liam and Minnie (Keorp) Fricke. The father was born in Clarks Fork township, and spent his entire life in Cooper County. He died in Decem- ber, 1900. The mother is a native of Missouri, having been born in Moniteau County in 1850. She now resides with her son William, the subject of this sketch. William and Minnie (Keorpe) Frick were the par- ents of the following children : Dora, married John Lohse ; Emma, mar- ried William Smith ; and William, the subject of this sketch. William Fricke was reared and educated in Cooper County. He at- tended the Jefferson School in Clarks Fork township, and the German school at Clarks Fork. He has been engaged in farming and stock rais- ing all his life on the place where he now resides, and is regarded as one of Cooper County's successful agriculturists. Mr. Fricke's father died, leaving the young man with practically all the responsibilies of conduct- ing the home farm when he was only 15 years of age. Thus Mr. Fricke has been a practical farmer since early boyhood. His farm consists of 160 acres, located 13 miles south of Boonville, and the place bears testi- mony of the skill and efficiency of Mr. Fricke as a modem farmer. He has recently rebuilt the residence, and has constructed other ample farm buildings, including a metal barn 32x42 feet. He is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle. Oct. 4, 1911, William Fricke was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Lohse, a daughter of Fred and Anna Lohse, pioneer settlers of Cooper County. The mother is now deceased and the father resides in Clarks Fork township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fricke have been born two children, as follows: Norbert, born Nov. 3, 1913, and Lucille, born March 19, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Fricke are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church at Clarks Fork. While Mr. Fricke does not take an active part in political affairs, he supports the policies and principles of the republican party. He is well known in Cooper County as one of its reliable and pro- gressive citizens, and the Fricke family is highly esteemed. Charles W. Schubert, proprietor of the "Cool Spring Farm," which is one of the interesting places of Clarks Fork township, is a native son of this county. He was born near Billingsville, Jan. 14, 1874, a son of C. A. and Wilhelmina (Langkop) Schubert. C. A. Schubert was born in Gelenau, Saxony, Germany, Dec, 1830, and died March 26, 1900, and emi- grated to America when he was a boy. He was an early settler in Cooper HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 691 County. During the Civil War he served in the Union Army, and re- ceived a gunshot wound in the arm at the battle of Boonville. After the close of the war, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of agricultural life in Cooper County and here spent the remainder of his life. His remains now rest in the Clarks Fork Cemetery. His widow still survives him and resides in Prairie Home. She was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1840. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, Prairie Home township; Mrs. Minnie Langlotz, Boonville; Anna, died in infancy; and Charles W., the subject of this sketch. Charles W. Schubert received his education in the public schools of Cooper County, having attended school at the Washington School district. He has made farming and stock raising the principal pursuit of his life, and has met with more than ordinary success. He owns 143 acres of some of Cooper County's best land, where his father settled in 1879. Mr. Schubert has made many improvements and keeps his place well up to the standard of modern farm homes. On June 5, 1917, he met with considerable loss in the way of the destruction of many of his farm build- ings by a tornado. However, he soon rebuilt and repaired the damage, and to-day there remains no evidence of nature's great destruction on the Schubert place. Mr. Schubert was united in marriage, June 22, 1902, with Miss Mary Muntzel, daughter of Daniel and Wilhelmina (Kaune) Muntzel, the for- mer now i*esiding in Clarks Fork township, and the latter died Jan. 26, 1912, and her remains are buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Clarks Fork. Mrs. Schubert is one of the following children bora to her parents: August, who resides on the home place; Herman P., Clarks Fork town- ship; William, on the home place; John, Boonville; Mrs. Sophia Prigge, St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Lavina Meyer, died at the age of 20 years in Cali- fornia, Mo.; and Mary, married Charles W. Schubert, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Schubert have been bom two children, as fol- lows: Lillian, died in 1915, at the age of 12 years, and Aurelius, born April 27, 1906. The Schubert homestead is one of the historic places of Cooper County, and its story is interwoven with many interesting incidents of the early days in this section. A portion of what is now the Schubert residence was built prior to the Civil War, and Christ Fricke, who owned the place during the stirring days of that conflict, was taken from his home at night and hanged by bushwhackers in the vicinity of his home. 692 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY A man who worked for him was also murdered about the same time. Christ Fricke's widow married Charles Brandes, and now resides near Lone Elm, Mo. The Schubert place is also noted for the great number of Indian relics found upon its soil. Arrow heads have been found in abundance, and two well-preserved tomahawks have been found here, one of which Mrs. Schubert has in her possession, and values very highly as a relic of the Red Men's handicraft. Mr. and Mrs. Schubert are members of the Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork, and are numbered among Cooper County's valued citizens. Charles D. Shirley. — The progressive farmer of today is not content to till his land in a mediocre, hit-and-miss manner, and is not satisfied to keep any but the best of live stock on his place. Here and there over the county are men of intelligence and foresight who are making a specialty of producing pure-bred live stock and are engaging the business as a com- mercial venture. Charles D. Shirley, of Clarks Fork township, is one of this class. Mr. Shirley is specializing in Angus cattle, and intends to breed this fine variety of cattle. He also keeps pure-bred Shorthorns on the place, and pure-bred Poland China hogs. A flock of 100 head of Shropshire sheep are a paying venture on the farm. The Shirley farm consists of 336 acres, and has been the home of the present proprietor since 1902. During the past 17 years all of Mr. Shirley's time that he could spare from crop production, has been devoted to building improve- ments on the farm. The big barn has been remodeled, fences built, a concrete silo erected, an attractive driveway is in process of building, and the time is coming when the Shirley estate will be one of the finest in the land. Mr. Shirley was born March 2, 1872, on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. William A. J. Shirley, his father, was born on the Shirley homestead in the same township in 1835, and died in 1882. He was a son of Charles Shirley, a native of Virginia, who was an early pioneer in Cooper County, settling on Clarks Fork sometime in the twenties. William A. J. Shirley was married May 3, 1871, to Harriet Malvina Eller, who was born Dec. 24, 1850, on a farm near Boonville, and is a daughter of David and Martha (Oglesby) Eller. David Eller was born in Missouri in 1822, and died in 1864. He was killed by bushwhackers during the Civil War. He was a son of Jacob Eller, who was one of the first pioneers to settle in Cooper County, and was a native of North Carolina. The mother of Mrs. Shirley was born in Virginia in 1828, came to Cooper County with her parents in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 693 1831. and died here in 1912. Mr. Shirley's mother, Malvina (Eller) Shir- ley, was one of the following children born to David and Martha Eller: Nancy Jane, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. Harriet Shirley ; Henry, Susan Elizabeth Kepner, Lucretia Ann Moore, William, Mrs. Mattie Knaus, Mrs. Mollie McFarland. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley lived on the Shirley home place for a few years, then sold it and moved to the Eller place, finally settling on the homestead of 120 acres in Palestine township. The children born to them are as follows: Charles D., of this review; Florence, wife of Bert Chamberlin; Harry L., living on an adjoining farm ; Susan, at home with her mothei , and William, managing the home farm. Charles D. Shirley attended the Stony Point School and also the Con- cord School. After his district school days he studied at Hooper Insti- tute in Clarks Fork township. He has always followed farming. He purchased his first tract of 116 acres in the fall of 1900, and placed all of the needed improvements on the place. He rented his present farm for two years prior to its purchase in 1905. The farm which Mr. Shirley owns is one of the oldest settled places in Cooper County, known as the Oglesby farm. This tract was entered as Government land by his grand- father Oglesby, who gave the farm to Thomas Oglesby, an uncle of Charles D. Shirley, and from whom the present owner purchased it. The original elm tree, from which "Lone Elm Prairie" takes name, stood on this farm. Mr. Shirley was married in September, 1912, to Miss Grace M. Cham- berlin, born in Cooper County, a daughter of the late Albert M. Chamber- lin, a sketch of whom appears in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley have two children: Harriet Elizabeth, born Sept. 7, 1913; and Charles David, born March 11, 1915. Mr. Shirley is a democrat, as were his ancestors before him. He is a member of the Baptist Church, the faith of his fathers. He is a mem- ber of the Woodmen of the World, at Speed, Mo. Luther Clinton Debo, a prominent farmer and stockman of Boonville township, belongs to a pioneer family of Cooper County. He was born in Bedford County. Va., Nov. 9, 1869, a son of Reed Perry and Mary (Hepstonstall) Debo, both natives of Virginia. Reed Perry Debo was bom June 19, 1832 and died April 21, 1911. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, enlisting April 1, 1862 in Company G, 28th Virginia Infantry, which was attached to Pickett's Division. He became 1st Sergeant of his company and participated in many of the important battles which were fought by the army of Virginia under command of 694 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Gen. Robert E. Lee. He was twice wounded, once by a gun shot through the thigh, and again on the wrist. After the close of the Civil War he came to Missouri and settled in Howard County, and in 1874 settled in Cooper County. Later he went to Livingston County where he remained about nine years, but returned to Cooper County and spent the latter years of his life. Luther Clinton Debo was reared in Cooper County and educated in the public school and has made farming and stock raising his life occu- pation. He bought his present place in Boonville township in 1908. It is a well improved farm situated 4V'-> miles southeast of Boonville, and was formerly the MacFarland place. Mr. Debo has improved this place, and has built barns, silo and other necessary equipment for the successful carrying on of modern day agricultural method, and has one of the valu- able places of the county, and it may be truly said that he is one of Cooper County's successful farmers and stockmen. June 3, 1909, Luther C. Debo was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- beth MacFarland, daughter of Warren and Amanda Malvina MacFarland. Warren MacFarland was born on the place where Mr. Debo now resides in Boonville township, Feb. 12, 1841. He spent his life in this county and died July 22, 1908. His wife was bom July 31, 1843, and died July 24, 1895. Their remains are buried in the cemetery at Boonville. War- ren MacFarland was a son of Rueben and Eunice (Rice) MacFarland. Rueben MacFarland was born Oct. 17, 1804, and died Jan. 25, 1882. Eunice (Rice) MacFarland was born March 6, 1805, and died Dec. 24, 1874. Rue- ben MacFarland was the son of Jacob MacFarland, who was born Feb. 21, 1772, and died Oct. 13, 1846. Jacob MacFarland's remains are buried in Clarks Fork township on the Melkerson farm. Jacob MacFarland came to St. Genevieve, Mo. in 1816 and in 1818 came to Cooper County and set- tled on the farm, a part of which is now owned by Mr. Debo, the subject of this sketch. After coming here he spent the remainder of his life on this place, as did his son Rueben, also; and Warren MacFarland likewise spent his life on this farm. Archibald Rice, great grandfather of Mrs. Elizabeth Debo, was born Dec. 19. 1782. William MacFarland, a brother of Jacob MacFarland, was the first sheriff of Cooper County. He was born in Buncomb County, N. C, in 1778. He came to Cooper County, in 1816. Mrs. Elizabeth (MacFarland) Debo has three sisters living as follows: Mrs. Eunice Miller, Millerton, Okla. ; Mrs. C. Borne Talliaferro, Ardmore, Okla. ; and Mrs. Grover Debo, Boonville township. To Mr. and Mrs. Luther C. Debo have been born the following children: Elizabeth Lee, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 695 born Dec. 10, 1911; Louis Clinton, born Feb. 22, 1913; and Truman Reed, born Oct. 26, 1914. The Debos have some interesting historic relics of bygone days. Mr. Debo has the upper and lower buhr mill stones which were first used in a mill which was built by Jacob MacFarland in Boonville township about 100 years ago. This was the first mill to grind flour in Cooper County. Mrs. Debo has in her possession one of the old fashion clocks with wooden wheels, which was owned by her grandfather Oglesby. This venerable time piece is over a century old, and was manufactured by Henry Terry at Plymouth, Conn. There are many other interesting historic relices in the Debo home, which have been collected from generation to generation, during the long residence of this pioneer family in Cooper County. The Debo home is one of the pleasant and interesting places of Cooper County and Mr. and Mrs. Debo have an extensive acquaintance and are among Cooper County's most valued citizens. Edwin K. Smith, proprietor of "Woodville Mill Farm" in Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in Boonville, Dec. 24, 1890, a son of Leslie and Fannie P. (Thompson) Smith. Leslie Smith was a native of Virginia and settled in Cooper County, prior to the Civil War. He spent the remainder of his life here and died in Boonville in 1894. His widow now resides in Kansas City, Mo. They were the par- ents of the following children: Major Richard Smith, who served with the American Expeditionary Force in France; Elizabeth, married Gerald Hughes, Kansas City, Mo.; and Edwin K., the subject of this sketch. Major Richard Smith was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, and graduated from the Boonville High School. He first enlisted in the Missouri National Guards and served on the Mexican border, and was later mustered out of service. When the United States entered the World War he reenlisted and in Sept., 1917, went to France with the Rainbow Division. During the latter months of the war Major Smith commanded the 117th Field Battalion Signal Corps. During his service in France he was decorated with the distinguished service cross and also the French Croix de Guerre. He arrived in Amei'ica with his battalion in May, 1919 and remains with the army, stationed at Camp Funston. Major Smith was married in May, 1919, to Miss Bething Plank, of Kan City, a daughter of Cooper County pioneer parents. Edwin K. Smith, whose name introduces this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Boonville and the Westport High School, of Kansas City, Mo. He has made farming and stock raising his principal 696 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY occupation, and has been very successful in this field of endeavor. In the spring of 1917 he purchased 92 acres of the R. S. Rankin farm, five miles southeast of Boonville. The following year he added 71 acres and now owns 163 acres of valuable farm land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. The Rankin mill is located on this place, which is one of the landmarks of Cooper County. Mr. Smith bought a half interest in this mill and operated it four years. This mill was built in 1840 and rebuilt in 1893. For the last two years it has not been oper- ated very extensively. Edwin K. Smith was united in marriage July 24, 1912, with Miss Robna Rankin, a daughter of R. S. Rankin, sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been born one child, Elizabeth Louise. Mr. Smith carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of high grade Jersey cows, and registered Hampshire hogs. He is one of Cooper County's progressive farmers and stockmen. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Christian W. Fahrenbrink, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County, and was born in the township where he now resides, Jan. 13, 1874. He is a son of Henry and Magdalena (Schnack) Fahrenbrink, both natives of Germany. Henry Fahrenbrink was born June 8, 1842, and came to America about 1867, and settled in Cooper County. Here he first worked as a farm laborer, and at different times was employed by Henry Knaus, John King and Nick Smith. He later rented land from Robert Clawson. He then purchased a farm of 425 acres, part of the old Colonel Pope place, and was successfully engaged in farming the rest of his life. He died July 8, 1917, age 75 years and 1 month, and his remains are buried in the Lone Elm Cemetery. His widow now resides in Clarks Fork township. They were the parents of the following children: C. W., the subject of this sketch; H. H. lives in Clarks Fork township; John died in infancy; H. W., a min- ing man of Yuma, Ariz.; Emma married A. C. Brandes, and resides in Moniteau township; Lena, residing at home with her mother, and J. J., also on the home place. C. W. Fahrenbrink was reared in Cooper County, and was educated in the Jefferson School in Clarks Fork township, and the parochial school at Clarks Fork. He was reared on a farm, and his early training well fitted him for the business of farming and stock raising, which has been his life's vocation. He owns a valuable farm of 173 acres, which is X z 3 r HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 697 located 6!/> miles northeast of Bunceton. He purchased this place in 1901 from the Hall estate. There were no improvements on the place when Mr. Fahrenbrink bought it. He has built a good modem residence which is fitted with acetylene light and other modern conveniences. He has erected two large barns upon the place and other farm buildings, which classifies his place as one of the best improved farms of the county. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, being extensively interested in breeding registered Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Fahrenbrink was united in marriage in 1902 with Miss Dora Brandes, a daughter of Charles and Margaret Brandes, of North Moniteau township. Charles Brandes was a successful farmer and an early settler in Cooper County, coming here prior to the Civil War and serving four years as a Union soldier. He died in 1911, and his widow now resides on the old home place in North Moniteau township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fahr- enbrink have been born the following children: Erna, died in infancy; Margaret; Carl and Paul, twins; and Gertrude. To Charles and Margaret Brandes were born the following children: Christ J., who resides in Moniteau township; Maggie, married Henry King, Clarks Fork township; Josie, married John Pethan, Clarks Fork township ; Emma, married Henry Langkop, Boonville ; Lizzie, married William Brokamp, Clarks Fork township ; John A., North Moniteau town- ship ; Theodore, North Moniteau township ; Dora, the wife of C. W. Fahr- enbrink, the subject of this sketch, and Albert C, North Moniteau town- ship. By a former marriage of the mother to Christ Fricke, who was killed by bushwhackers during the Civil War, two children were born, as follows: Sophie, the wife of Christ Rasmussen, of Clarks Fork township; and Caroline, who is now the wife of D. Alpers, Prairie Home township. Mr. Fahrenbrink is a republican, and takes a good citizen's interest in local affairs. He has been a member of the School Board of Consoli- dated District No. 1 for six years. He is a member of the board of direc- tors of the Farmers Elevator Company, of Bunceton, and he and Mrs. Fahrenbrink are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church at Lone Elm. Mr. Fahrenbrink is a stockholder in the Cooper County Bank at Bunceton, and is a stockholder in the newly organized Farmers Trust Company, of Boonville. He is a substantial and valued citizen. J. H. Rethemeyer, a successful farmer and stockman of Saline town- ship, who is well known in Cooper County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Gasconade County, Feb. 11, 1881, a son of Henry and Mary 698 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY (Fleer) Rethemeyer. Henry Rethemeyer was born in Germany in 1842 and when he was two years of age was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Gasconade County, Mo. He now resides in Sedalia, at the age of 79 years, and his wife is 64 years old. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, St. Louis; Minnie, married Peter Adair and lives in Prairie Home township, Cooper County; J. H., the subject of this sketch; Annie, married Ed. Roseman, St. Louis; Alvina, deceased; Mary, married Neal Dancing, Portland, Ore. ; Amanda married Frank Less, Sedalia; and Huldah married Ernest Marshall, Sedalia. J. H. Rethemeyer was reared in Gasconade County and received his education in the public schools. He remained on the home farm until he was 19 years of age, when he went to St. Louis and drove teams for a time, and did other general labor for about five years. He then came to Cooper County and conducted a general mercantile store for two years. He was engaged in the milling business at Pilot Grove for two years. In 1909 he bought his present place in Saline township. He first purchased 80 acres from W. J. Hurt, to which he has added from time to time, as opportunities offered and his means permitted, until he now owns 197 acres of valuable and well improved land on the Boonville and Jefferson City highway. He has made many improvements on his place until he has made of it one of the model farms of Cooper County. He raises cattle, hogs and sheep, as well as carrying on general grain farming, and is also interested in raising brown leghorn chickens, and altogether, Mr. Rethemeyer is one of Cooper County's successful citizens. May 7, 1905, J. H. Rethemeyer was united in marriage with Miss Helena Wehmeyer, a daughter of Peter and Magdalena (Fiedler) Weh- meyer, both natives of Germany. Peter Wehmeyer was born March 13, 1835, and came to America when he was 16 years of age. He first worked by the month as a farm laborer for Fred Fricke, and a short time after coming here purchased 80 acres of land in Clarks Fork township, to which he later added 80 acres. He sold his farm later and conducted a store at Clarks Fork for nearly 20 years. Retiring from this business, he bought a 42 acre farm in Prairie Home township, which he sold in 1912. He died in Feb., 1912. His wife preceded him in death, having departed this life June 19, 1899. Their remains are both interred in the Evangelical Lutheran cemetery at Clarks Fork. Mrs. Rethemeyer is one of the fol- lowing children born to her parents: Katie, married Henry Mersey, Prairie Home township; Sophia, married H. C. Honerbrink, Prairie Home HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 699 township; Miss Margaret Wehmeyer, Saline township; Minnie, married J. P. Ruth, Prairie Home; Carrie, married Albert Adair, Saline township; Helena maried J. H. Rethemeyer, the subject of this sketch ; Emma and Martha both died in infancy. Mr. Rethemeyer is a republican and one of Cooper County's most sub- stantial and progressive citizens. The Rethmeyer family are well known and highly respected in this county. Leonard Langkop, proprietor of "Jefferson Valley Farm" in Clarks Fork township, is one of Cooper County's successful and well known farm- ers and stockmen. He was born in this county Sept. 1, 1874, a son of Ferdinand and Margaret (Smith) Langkop, natives of Germany. Ferdi- nand Langkop was born in 1844, and was brought to America with his parents when he was three years old. The family located in Iowa. Ferdinand Langkop followed farming and stock raising all his life. Dur- ing the Civil War he enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, and served until the close of the war. He died at Bunceton, March 3, 1919, age 75 years, and his remains are buried in the Lutheran Church cemetery at Clarks Fork. His wife died in 1888. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: W. H., a mail carrier, Bunceton; Lizze, married Frank Theiss, Clarks Fork township ; Leonard, the subject of this sketch ; Anna, married H. J. Kopp, Bunceton; Martin resides in Moniteau County; Mag- gie died at the age of 10 years; Tillie married Ben Hurt, Bunceton, and one son died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, Ferdinand Langkop married Mrs. Mary Henry, and one daughter was born to this union, Lydia, who now resides at Bunceton. Leonard Langkop was reared in Cooper County and educated in the German school at Clarks Fork, and the public school at New Salem. He was reared on a farm and has made farming and stock raising his life's vocation. He purchased his first land in 1903, which consisted of a farm of 50 acres. He has added more land from time to time to his original farm and now owns 220 acres, which is considered one of Cooper County's best farms. The place is well improved, a good farm residence having been built in 1904, and a large barn was erected in 1906. Mr. Langkop is engaged in stock raising as well as general farming and raises large numbers of Poland China hogs, cattle and sheep. July 12, 1903, Mr. Langkop was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Barron, a daughter of Walter and Virginia (Hurt) Barron. A review of the Barron family history appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. 700 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Langkop have been born two sons: Ralph, born May 10, 1904, now a student in the Boonville High School, and Waldo is at home with his par- ents. The Langkop family is well known in the community and Mr. Lang- kop is one of Cooper County's most progressive citizens. George T. Taliaferro, who died at his home in Clarks Fork township in the spring of 1910, was born in that township June 16, 1860, son of Robert H. and Louise M. (Hickox) Taliaferro, both members of old fam- ilies in this county. Robert H. Taliaferro was born on Feb. 3, 1822, and his wife was born on Dec. 28, 1832. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, as follows: Charles W., born on Jan. 8 1853, Kansas City; James B., Dec. 8, 1854, deceased; Johnson A., Sept. 10, 1856, New Mexico; George T. ; Anna M., Sept. 22, 1862, deceased; Hattie Louise, Aug. 26, 1869, deceased; Robert Burns, Nov. 21, 1870, Oklahoma; and Mary Vir- ginia, Aug. 4, 1873, now living at Kansas City, Kan. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, George T. Talia- ferro received his schooling in the district schools, and from the days of his boyhood his life was devoted to farming. He married at the age of 30, and after his marriage established his home on the farm of 110 acres on which he died, a part of the Carpenter estate in Clarks Fork township, and the rest of his life was spent in the labor of developing the place. It was in 1900 when he established his home there, and in that same year he erected on the place a comfortable six-room house and made other improvements. A few years later he built a new barn, and before his death he had an admirable farm plant, and his affairs were prospering. Mr. Taliaferro died on April 3, 1910, leaving his widow with the care of seven children, the eldest of whom then was under 17 years of age. Mrs. Taliaferro maintained the place, superintended the operations of the same until her sons came of an age to be of material assitance in relieving her of the burden of management, and at the same time continued to make improvements on the farm, these including the erection of an addition to the house in 1916. In 1912, she bought an adjoining tract of 84 acres, and now has a well-improved farm of 194 acres, which her sons are oper- ating. Mrs. Taliaferro has kept her children together, has a very pleas- ant home, and she and her family are comfortably situated. Mrs. Taliaferro was born in Cooper County, Julia Ann Carpenter, daughter of Gabriel and Sarah (Harris) Carpenter, both members of pioneer families in this county. She was reared in Clarks Fork township, and was living there when married to George T. Taliaferro, Dec. 31, 1890. To that union were born eight children: Mary Mable, born Oct. 23, 1893, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 701 a Cooper County teacher; Virginia Myrtle, June 24, 1895, who is a stu- dent in the State Normal School at Warrensburg; Louis Gabriel, March 17, 1897, who has but recently returned from service with the United States Army; Robert Luther, May 17, 1898; Thomas Alfred and Albert Weight (twins), Feb. 10, 1900, who are giving special attention to the operations of the farm ; Clara Mildred, Feb. 4, 1904, and an infant son, April 28, 1905, who did not live to receive a name. Louis Gabriel Talia- ferro, the soldier son, enlisted for service in the United States Army, Aug. 15, 1918. He was sent to Camp Jackson, S. C, and was there attached to Company A, First Regiment, Fifth Division, when the sign- ing of the armistice ended hostilities, and his command was mustered out and he returned home to resume the pursuits of peace. William Kahle, a leading farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork town- ship, and a member of one of Cooper County's respected pioneer families, was born in Germany, Oct. 16, 1847. He is a son of Henry and Eliza- beth Kahle, both natives of Germany. The mother died in her native land in 1852; three years later Henry Kahle came to America with his family and settled in St. Louis County, Mo. In 1857 he came to Cooper County and settled in Clarks Fork township, where he bought a farm of 40 acres from Joel Hurt, for which he paid $5.00 per acre. This land is now owned by Charles Schubert. Upon this place Henry Kahle built a log cabin and cleared about 10 acres of ground. He died in 1860 and his remains are buried in a private burial ground on the Muntzel farm in Clarks Fork township. The children born to Henry and Elizabeth Kahle were as fol- lows : Sophia ; Henry ; Mrs. Mena Lohman, Reno, 111. ; Mrs. Bettie Obuch, who died in Texas, and William, the subject of this sketch. William Kahle was the youngest of the family, and after his father's death he lived with Peter Muntzel for about seven years. He attended school in the Washington and Crabapple school district and in early life was employed as a farm laborer at wages ranging from $15.00 to $25.00 per month. He bought his first land in 1873 with Herman Toellner as a partner. This farm consisted of 150 acres for which they paid $35 per acre. Later Mr. Kahle sold his interest to Mr. Toellner. In 1881 he pur- chased 87 acres and later added to his acreage until he now owns 625 acres, located in Clarks Fork. North Moniteau and Kelly townships, comprising some of the most valuable land in Cooper County. There are two sets of farm improvements on Mr. Kahle's place all of which are of good substantial character, including residences, barns and other buildings. William Kahle was married Feb. 18, 1874 to Miss Johanna Kunrath. 702 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a daughter of John and Anna (Schmalfeldt) Kunrath both natives of Ger- many, where they spent their lives and are now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Johanna, the wife of William Kahle, whose name introduces this sketch ; Elizabeth who died at the age of 21 ; Catherine and John. Mrs. Kahle came to this country in company with her uncle, John King, when she was 17 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Kahle have been born children as follows: Mrs. Lizzie Ohlendorf; Anna, died at the age of 40 years ; Christine, married Henry Lohse ; Dora, married Clarence Hosp ; Minnie married He"nry Twillman; Henry J., who resides on the home place ; Herman F. ; Albert ; Adolph ; Stella and William J. Herman F. served in the World War. He was inducted into the National Army in Sept., 1917 and became a member of Company L. ssGth Infantry, 89th Division. He reached France with his command in June, 1918, and participated in much of the important fighting as a private- mechanic during the closing months of the war. He was at the battle of Argonne Forest, the St. Mihiel drive, and the Meuse River and was at the battle front when the armistice was signed. He was honorably dis- charged from the service at Camp Funston, June 11, 1919, and is now at home. William Kahle has had an active and successful career and has seen much of the development of this section of the state. He has a distinct recollection, as a boy, of the stirring days of the Civil War. He remem- bers the killing of Christ Fricke and Henry Schulte by guerrillas during the war. Mr. Fricke owned the farm now owned by Charles Schubert and Henry Schulte was working for him when the tragedy took place. Mr. and Mrs. Kahle are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lone Elm and rank among the best citizens of Cooper County. Henry Fahrenbrink, now deceased, was a Cooper County citizen of sterling worth, who contributed his share to the upbuilding and develop- ment of this county. He was a native of Germany, born near Westphalia, July 8, 1842. He was reared to manhood in his native land and immi- grated to America in 1866. He came directly to Cooper County, Mo., where for a time he worked as a farm laborer. Later he rented land, the first farm which he operated being the Clawson farm, which is now owned by George Brandes. He operated rented land extensively, at one time farming over 800 acres. In 1875 he purchased 425 acres of the Colonel Pope farm. He improved this place extensively, erecting farm buildings and setting out trees until he made of it one of the best improved farms in the county. In 1893 he erected a large modern residence, with all modern conveniences. He was a successful farmer and stockman. He HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY . 703 fed cattle extensively and met with success in his undertakings. He was a substantial citizen and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lone Elm. He died July 8, 1907, and his remains are buried in the Lone Elm cemetery. March 28, 1873, Henry Fahrenbrink was united in marriage with Miss Magdalena Schnack, a native of Holstein, Germany. She was born Feb. 24. 1852, a daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Pengle) Schnack, both natives of Holstein. Mrs. Fahrenbrink came to America when she was 18 years of age, with the family of John King, who were neighbors of the Schnack family in their native land. Her transportation to this country cost $66.00 and she worked one year after coming here to pay it. To Henry and Magdalena Fahrenbrink were born the following chil- dren: Christ W., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; H. H., a sketch of whom also appears in this volume ; H. W., a mining man of Yuma, Ariz. ; Mrs. A. C. Brandes ; Lena, resides at home with her mother, and Julius J., who operates the home place. Julius J. Fahrenbrink was reared on the home farm and educated in the Jefferson school and parochial school of Lone Elm. Since he was 18 years of age he has had charge of the home place and has demonstrated his capability as a manager and successful farmer and stockman. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Spotted Poland China hogs, and brown leghorn chickens. The Fahrenbrink farm was one of the first places settled in the vicinity of Lone Elm Prairie. At the time Colonel Pope located on this land it was generally believed by the settlers that prairie land was not productive, or, at least, that it was impractical to undertake to farm it. This theory was one of the many delusions of the early pioneers. When Mr. Fahrenbrink bought this land he paid $24.50 per acre for it. The place is well improved with a good residence, ample barns and other farm buildings, although one of the bams was destroyed by fire March 22, 1918. The Fahrenbrinks are numbered among the leading citizens of Cooper County and Julius J. Fahrenbrink is one of the progressive young men of the community. A. J. White, a prominent farmer and stockman of Kelly township, was born in Moniteau County, Dec. 25, 1865. He is a son of Stephen ancr Martha (Robertson) White. A. J. White was educated in the public schools of Moniteau County, and since early manhood has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He purchased his present place in Kelly township, which is known as the Tipton Loop Farm, in 1899. This farm was formerly the property of 704 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Charles Dunaway and since buying the place Mr. White has made many valuable improvements, including a good eight room residence, a barn 40x50 feet and a silo built of concrete block, with a capacity of 135 tons. Mr. White raises cattle, hogs and horses, and carries on general farming, and has met with success. He is one of the prosperous farmers of Kelly township. March 8, 1898, A. J. White was married to Martha Bear, a daughter of J. H. and Mary D. (Morris) Bear. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born two daughters, Blanche, married George Tutt, Bunceton, and Maude, resides at home with her parents. The W"hite family are members of the Baptist Church at Tipton, and rank among the representative families of this section. William F. Schmalfeldt, proprietor of "Alfalfa Valley Farm," in Clark's Fork township, is one of the leading farmers of Cooper County. He was born on a farm near Lone Elm in 1871, son of Otto and Polly (Arnold) Schmalfeldt, the latter of whom is living at Lone Elm. Otto Schmalfeldt, a Union veteran of the Civil War, was born at Honerkirchen, Germany, March 4, 1842, and was about 18 years of age when he came to this country accompanied by his sister and brother John, another brother dying while crossing the Atlantic. He settled in this county, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union army, and served until the close of the war. The gun which he carried is still preserved in the family, now in the posses- sion of his grandson. Otto Schmalfeldt. At the close of the war, Otto Schmalfeldt located on a farm at Lone' Elm and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on Jan. 14, 1874, and his body lies in Clarks Fork Cemetery. His widow later married Peter Smith. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1850, and was about 16 years of age when she came to this county with her parents, Daniel Arnold and wife, after the close of the Civil War. By her marriage to Otto Schmalfeldt she was the mother of three children: J. H. Schmalfeldt, who died at the age of 32 years ; William F., and Mrs. Christina Freiling, of Speed, Mo. By her marriage to Peter Smith she was the mother of two children, Mrs. Mar- garet Friedmyer, now living at California, Mo., and M. D. Smith, who owns the old Schmalfeldt farm at Lone Elm. William F. Schmalfeldt was reared on the home farm, and received his early schooling in the public school at Lone Grove and the parochial school at Clarks Fork and Prairie Home Institute. From boyhood, Mr. Schmalfeldt has followed farming, beginning on rented land. He con- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 705 .tinued as a renter until 1900, when he purchased from Frank George the farm of 184 acres, in Clarks Fork township, on which he has since lived. This land was entered by Peter T. Bowler, who in 1840 sold 120 acres, the tract on which the farm house stands, for $600 to David Smith, who in 1882 sold the same tract to Frank George for $1,800. In 1912 he pur- chased a 60-acre tract of Levi Arnold, and later, in 1918, he bought 76 acres from J. T. Patterson. Mr. Schmalfeldt has given the very appro- priate name of "Alfalfa Valley Farm" to his place, owing to the luxuri- ance of the growth of alfalfa there, his fields having given him as high as five cuttings a season, the first cutting coming in the middle of May. Mr. Schmalfeldt has remodeled the buildings, erected a new tenant house, built adequate fences, and made other improvements. He has his house piped for both hard and soft water, has an acetyline gas plant for light- ing purposes, and his basement is fitted with furnace and laundry. In addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. Mr. Schmalfeldt has 180 head of pure-bred Chester White hogs. He has been a breeder of O. I. C. hogs since 1902, and in 1918 began to sell registered hogs. He is making a specialty of regis- tered stock, and has some of the best hogs in Missouri. An accurate record of the "Alfalfa Valley Drove" is kept by Mrs. Schmalfeldt. Oct. 4, 1894, William F. Schmalfeldt was united in marriage to Anna Brandes, who was born in this county on April 23, 1873, daughter of Christian H. and Sarah (Willshire) Brandes, the latter of whom, born in New Zealand and reared in Melbourne, Australia, is still living, making her home at Lone Elm. She was born on Feb. 28, 1847. Christian H. Brandes, who died at his home in this county, Nov. 9, 1902, and is buried at Lone Elm, was a native of Germany, and in young manhood went to Australia, where he married Sarah Willshire, and later came to this country to join relatives who had located in this county. The trip from Australia occupied six months, and he made a careful record of the inci- dents of the long journey, that record now being carefully preserved by the family. Upon his arrival here, Christian H. Brandes became engaged in farming, and here spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife had 10 children, as follows: Mrs. Chris T. Smith, of Bunceton ; Mrs. Sophia Hall, of Cotton; E. N. Brandes, of Kansas City; Mrs. Schmalfeldt ; Mrs. Florence Martin, deceased; Mrs. Emily Mansager, of Jewell, Iowa; Esther, wife of Andrew C. Smith, of Lone Elm; Henry, of Macon, Mo.; Walter, of Lone Elm; and Speer, on the home place. To Mr. and Mrs. (41) 706 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Schmalfelclt five children have been born, namely : Ethel G., born on June 21, 1896, married Henry Toellner, of Clarks Fork township; Emma C, March 25, 1898, wife of P. W. Loesing, of same township; Edward L., June 20, 1899, on the home farm ; Florence N., Jan. 17, 1904, also at home; and Helen E., Sept. 28, 1912, died Sept. 13, 1915. The Schmal- feldts are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork, and Mr. Schmalfeldt is a member of the board of trustees. John N. Whitlow, proprietor of a well improved farm of 265 acres in LaMine township, was born in Metcalf County, Ky., April 4, 1867, son of James A. and Martha L. (Pedigo) Whitlow. James A. Whitlow was born in Metcalf County, Ky., Jan. 24, 1830. He grew up a farmer in his native state and remained there until in 1874, when he came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, arriving here with his family February 14th of that same year, settling on the farm now owned by his son, John, who has thus been a resident of that place for 45 years. There James A. Whitlow was begining to develop his farm when death interrupted his lab- ors in Jan., 1876. His widow kept the family together and is still living on the home place. She was born in Henry County, Va., Jan. 24, 1830, and was 11 years of age when her parents moved into Kentucky, where she grew to womanhood and married. To James A. Whitlow and wife were born 10 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in order of birth. John N. Whitlow was eight years of age when he came with his par- ents to Cooper County from Kentucky and here he has resided ever since. He was but 10 years of age when his father died and he thus early had to take his part in the labors of maintaining the home place. About 1889 he bought 100 acres of his present farm, a part of the place which his father had bought upon coming to Cooper County, and to this he has added until now he is the owner of a fine farm of 265 acres, which he has im- proved in excellent fashion, the improvements including a new and mod- ern dwelling house, a silo and other improvements in keeping with the same. Mr. Whitlow is a Democrat. Feb. 26, 1902, John N. Whitlow was united in marriage to Ada L. Gorrell, who was born in this county April 30, 1872, daughter of Amos Gorrell and wife, of whom further mention is made in this volume, and to this union seven children have been born, namely : Martha C, Jesse E., Wilbur R., Louise L., Ada S., Linnie Oma and Woodrow. Andrew C. Smith, proprietor of an excellent farm in Clarks Fork township, is one of the progressive and wideawake farmers of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in the Lone Elm neighborhood, Oct. 10, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 707 1878, son of Henry and Julia (Hosp) Smith, both of whom live in Boon- ville, where they have resided since their retirement from the farm. Henry Smith is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and was a grown man when he came to this country with his father, Claus Schmidt, and located in this county. A few months after coming here, in 1877, he married Julia Hosp, twin sister of Julius Hosp and daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Sombart) Hosp, and after his marriage settled on a farm near Lone Elm, where he lived until his retirement some years ago and removal to Boonville. Mrs. Smith was born at Boonville, where her father had located upon coming to this country from his native Germany. Her mother also was born in Germany and was about three years of age when her parents came to America. To Henry Smith and wife were born four sons, the last born of whom, Charles, died when two years of age, the others, besides the subject of this sketch (the first born), being Wil- liam, of Bunceton, and George, who continues to make his home on the Henry Smith farm, near Lone Elm. Andrew C. Smith received his schooling in the local parochial school and in the Washington District School in Clarks Fork township. In 1901 he bought the farm on which he is now living and after his marriage, in the following year, established his home there. Mr. Smith has a well cultivated place of 120 acres, six miles east and north of Bunceton and since has made numerous substantial improvements on the place, includ- ing the rebuilding of the farm house, the erection of a barn, the drilling of a deep well, the erection of a garage and other buildings. In addition to his general farming, he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He has served on the local school board. He and his family are members of the Lone Elm Lutheran Church. In 1902 Andrew C. Smith was united in marriage to Esther Brandes, who was born in this county, daughter of Chris and Sarah Brandes, the latter of whom is still living near Lone Elm. Chris Brandes died in 1902. He and his wife had nine children, of whom Mrs. Smith is the youngest, the others being as follows: Edward, Kansas City; Henry, Macon; Wal- ter, Bunceton; Speer, Bunceton; Augusta, wife of Chris T. Smith, of this county; Sophia, wife of John Hall; Emalina, married M. J. Mansager, resides in Iowa ; Anna, wife of William Schmalfeldt, Clarks Fork, and Mrs. Florence Martin, deceased. To Andrew C. and Esther (Brandes) Smith have been born two children, Raymond and Elvadene Ruth. Be- sides these, they are rearing two children of Mrs. Smith's deceased sister Florence, Edna and Spencer Martin. Edward Martin, father of these children, is now living in St. Louis. 708 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY William Meyer, one of Cooper County's most prosperous and promi- nent farmers and stockmen, was born in Moniteau County, April 9, 1858, a son of Henry and Anna (Bahlmann) Meyer, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, and the latter of Oldenberg, Germany. Henry Meyer immigrated to America after his marriage to Anna Bahlmann, in 1842, and he and his wife located in New Orleans, La., moving thence to St. Louis, and from there to Moniteau County, where Mr. Meyer entered a tract of land comprising 200 acres, to which he later added 100 acres, acquired by purchase He sold the farm in Moniteau County after farming there for several years, and moved to Cooper County, where he settled on the farm now the country place of his son, William, the subject of this sketch. Henry Meyer resided in Cooper County from 1867 to the time of his death. During the Civil War, he served with the Home Guards in Moniteau County. He was a very suc- cessful farmer and stockman, and was highly regarded in Cooper County. The children of Henry and Anna Meyer are as follows: Mary, who died in childhood ; Catherine, the wife of John Schnuck, of Boonville ; Eliza- beth, who died in infancy; Levina, the wife of Christian Muntzel, of Black water; Sophia, the wife of Henry Friedmeyer, and she is now de- ceased ; Louise, now deceased, the wife of Henry Molau ; George, deceased ; Henry, Jr., and Ana, twins, deceased; and William, the subject of this sketch. William Meyer was educated in the public schools of Cooper County. Practically his entire life thus far has been spent in farming and stock- raising in Clarks Fork township. He is the proprietor of "Buena Vista Stock Farm," located eight miles southeast of Boonville in Clarks Fork township, a place comprising 425 acres of valuable land, equipped with two sets of improvements, all of which have been placed on the farm by Mr. Meyer, the buildings including a handsome two -story residence, three bams, and a tenant house. The farm is very neatly kept, the land is well watered and stocked, an ideal stock farm. Mr. Meyer has, at the time of this writing in 1919, 400 head of sheep of good quality, Jersey cattle, and Poland China hogs. Mr. Meyer and his son, Elmer, in part- nership, have conducted stock sales at the "Buena Vista Stock Farm," in connection with W. B. Windsor and C. N. Menefee, and in cataloguing the stock, the Meyer cattle and hogs invariably ranked as the best quality. Aug. 23, 1883, William Meyer and Henrietta M. Steigleder were united in marriage. Mrs. Meyer was born on a farm near Oskaloosa, Iowa, a daughter of George Frederick Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Hoch- 2 - > HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 700 stetler) Steigleder, the former, born July 30, 1829, at Michelbach on der Haide, in Germany, and the latter born Aug. 16, 1834, in Holmes County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Steigleder were united in marriage, Jan. 28, 1855, in Ohio, by Rev. J. G. Zohner, and to them were born eight children: William Frederick and George Henry; Anna Elizabeth Wilhelmina, the wife of H. P. Muntzel, of Boonville ; Louis Robert, of Big Cabin, Okla. ; Matilda H., the wife of subject of this sketch; Martha Amelia Louise, the' wife of Elmer George, of Bunceton ; Sophia Barbara, the wife of Thomas Etter, of Richville; and Louvina Luella, of Bunceton. Jacob Hochstetler immigrated to America from Rotterdam, and his descend- ents are scattered throughout America, Mrs. Meyer being a lineal de- scendent. The Hochstetlers settled originally in Somerset County, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born two children: Elmer C, married Elsie Stumpf, Jan. 31, 1918, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Marie Stumpf ; and Stella A. E., at home with her parents. William Meyer is one of the original "boosters" of good roads in Cooper County, and one of the first to be interested in the establishment of the rural telephone and rural routes. He is a charter member of the Farmers Bank of Boonville, of which he has been a director for 21 years, until the bank was sold. He was a school director in his district for 15 years. Mr. Meyer stands high in the respect and trust of his fellowmen and there is no man in this section of the State more worthy of admira- tion and confidence. Henry Smith, well known in the Lone Elm neighborhood for many years, now living retired in Boonville, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Oct. 15, 1847, son of Claus and Margaret (Sulau) Schmidt, the latter of whom died in that country. After the death of his wife, Claus Schmidt came to the United States with his seven children and located in this county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1896, being then nearly 86 years of age, and is buried in the Clarks Fork Ceme- tery. He was the father of seven children, as follows: Peter, Lone Elm; Henry; Joseph, died in Henry County; John, San Francisco; Heinrich, Petersburg, Mo. ; Anna, manned Frederick Lohee and is deceased ; and Mrs. Margaret Naumann, Lone Elm. In the spring of 1877 Henry Smith, with his father, located in this county. Nov. 16, 1877, he married here Julia Hosp, who was born in this county, and after his marriage, he followed farming, until his retire- ment and removal to Boonville, where he and his wife are now living at 509 East Third Street. Mr. Smith still owns his farm in Clarks Fork 710 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY township. To him and his wife were born four sons: Andrew C, a farmer, Clarks Fork township; George, farming the home place at Lone Elm; William, Bunceton; Charles, died, aged two years. Mrs. Julia Smith, the mother of these sons, was born at Boonville, a daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Sombart) Hosp, both natives of Ger- many, whose last days were spent in this county. Andrew Hosp was born in Prussia in 1825, and there remained until he had attained his majority when, in 1846, he came to the United States, locating at Boon- ville. Feb. 1, 1849, he married Amelia Sombart, who was born in 1828, and who had come to this country with her parents when about three years of age. The same year that he was married came the announce- ment of the great gold discovery in California, and Andrew Hosp joined a party and set out for the coast. From there he went to Australia, after about two years of experience in California, and did not return to Cooper County until in 1854, in the meantime having undergone numerous hard- ships, but saved considerable money. Upon his return he bought a farm of 125 acres two and one-half miles south of Boonville, the place now owned and operated by his son, Julius A. Hosp, and there lived until his removal to Boonville, where, for a time, he conducted a hotel. He died in 1916, at the age of 91 years. His wife died in 1904 and is buried in Wal- nut Grove Cemetery. Andrew Hosp and his wife had seven children: Mrs. Smith and her twin brother, Julius; Mary Hosp, Boonville; Mrs. William Kosted, Peoria, 111. ; Dora, died at the age of 58 years ; Amelia, married William Allison and is deceased; and Laura, died in infancy. The Hosp children received their schooling in the Mt. Sinai School. Toler Brothers, 0. K. and Grover C. Toler, well known and substan- tial young farmers and stockmen, doing business in partnership on their well improved farm of 200 acres, 14 miles southeast of Boonville, in Clarks Fork township, were born on a farm one-half mile south and have lived there all their lives, proprietors of the place since 1915, when, upon the retirement of their father, who also was born on the farm, they bought the place and have since devoted their attention to its develop- ment. These brothers are sons of Jesse R. and Ella A. (Oakman) Toler, who, upon their retirement from the farm in 1915, moved to Prairie Home, where they are now living. Jesse R. Toler is a son of Elijah R. Toler, who opened for cultivation the farm now owned and operated by his grandsons, the Toler brothers. Elijah R. Toler was born Aug. 15, 1804, and died on July 4, 1879. He was twice married. His first wife, Sarah Jane Toler, died Sept. 24, 1841, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 711 and his second wife, Nancy Toler, Feb. 4, 1902, and all are buried in the private burial plot on the old Toler homestead, on the rise of the knoll just north of the residence of the Toler brothers. A single monument carries the essential data relating to those lying there and four beautiful cedar trees shade the well-kept plot. It was on that pioneer farm that Jesse Toler was born and reared, and it was there that after his marriage to Ella Oakman, he established his home and reared his family. To him and his wife were born six sons, as follows : Roy, lives at Sedalia, where he is employed as a carpenter for the Missouri Pacific Railroad ; 0. K. and Grover C, subjects of this sketch; Frank George, who is now (spring of 1919) with the American Expeditionary Forces in France ; Joseph, at home with his parents; and Freeman, at home. Frank George Toler, the soldier son, enlisted in the American Army in June, 1918, and sailed for overseas service, a member of Company A, 351st Infantry, and was at the front when the armistice was signed, his command later being made part of the Army of Occupation, and was discharged in July, 1919. 0. K. Toler was born May 1, 1886, and Grover C. Toler was born Aug. 9, 1888. They received their schooling in the Washington and Jefferson District Schools. With the exception of four years, during which 0. K. Toler was employed in the pipe factory at Boonville, the brothers have, from the days of their boyhood, been engaged in farming together on the home place, and upon their father's retirement in 1915, they bought the place and have since been operating the same in partnership. The Toler farm is admirably situated, about 60 acres of the 200-acre place being bottom land and the remainder upland, the drainage thus being excellent. In addition to a 201-foot driven well, there are two excellent springs on the place, affording an ample supply of pure water. About 160 acres of the place is under cultivation and there is a well-kept Orchard. The farm house is a substantial two-story structure and there are two good barns with the proper complement of other farm buildings to add to the con- venience of the well-ordered farm plant, these including a 12x32 Dickey silo. Besides the horses on the place and a good herd of milch cows, the brothers have a flock of fifty Shropshire sheep and a good drove of Duroc Jersey hogs, the place being admirably adapted for stock raising. The brothers are carrying on their operations in accordance with up-to-date methods and are doing well. Both are members of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Boonville and of the Mystic Workers at Pisgah. July 1, 1912, 0. K. Toler, the elder brother, was united in marriage with Rosa Miller, daughter of George and Mary (Myers) Miller, of Boon- 712 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ville, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Alberta Cath- erine. July 26, 1913, G. C. Toler married Lillie Bybee, an orphan, who was reared by her grandmother, Mrs. Graydoff, and both families are making their home together -very pleasantly. Robert Boone Smith, a well known and highly respected citizen of Prairie Home, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in Prairie Home township in 1855, a son of Jeremiah and Lutitia (George) Smith, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of North Carolina. Robert Boone Smith received his education in the public school and Prairie Home College. In early life he engaged in farming and stocK raising. His place was located in Prairie Home township, and is now known as "Forest View Farm," the name which Mr. Smith gave it. He improved this place and made of it one of the prettiest stock farms in that part of Cooper County, and for 30 years made his home there. He sold it in 1910 and moved to Prairie Home, where he purchased 10 acres of land within the town limits. He has made extensive improvements on this place, building a modern residence, with garage, bam, poultry house, etc., and has a pretty home. Mr. Smith was married the first time to Miss Catherine Boswell, a daughter of James Boswell, of Pleasant Hill, Mo. Three children were born to this union: Myra, married William Hurt, Clarks Fork township, and they have one daughter, Wilma ; Lena and Ruth, deceased. Mrs. Catherine Smith died in 1895. June 27, 1897, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Anna Yankee, a daugher of Wesley Yankee, a native of Kentucky. He was twice married. His first wife bore the name of Underwood, and to this union were born the following children: Andrew, deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Mrs. Eliza Maxwell, Kansas City, Mo. ; Amelia, deceased ; and Joel, deceased. After the death of his first wife, Wesley Yankee married a Miss Franklin, and the following children were born to this union : Frank, Lone Jack, Mo. ; Fannie, now Mrs. Thompson, near Lone Jack, Mo. ; Anna, wife of Robert B. Smith, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Elizabeth Huston, Strasburg, Mo.; Benjamin, Lone Jack; William, Independence, Mo., and Mrs. Emma Hurt, Lone Jack. Mrs. Smith was educated in Cass and Jackson Counties. Mr. Smith is a mem- ber of the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, Mystic Work- ers, and Mrs. Smith is a member of the Eastern Star. They both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Smith has in his possession a family heirloom which is highly HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 713 prized by him. It is an old rocking chair which was made nearly 100 years ago, and was the property of his grandfather, Jeremiah Smith. The Smith family are among the best citizens of Cooper County, and Robert Boone Smith is a progressive and public spirited man who has had a successful career, and stands ever ready to co-operate with any commendable public enterprise. George W. Carl, proprietor of "Woodland Farm," an excellent piece of property on both sides of the Rankin Mill road, three miles southeast of Boonville, in Boonville township, where he has resided since 1911, is a native son of Missouri and has resided in this State all his life. He was born on a farm in Warren County, Dec. 3, 1849, son of George and Anna (Phillip) Carl, the former an Alsatian and the latter born in Switzerland, who were married in Missouri and whose last days were spent here. The senior George Carl was born Nov. 12, 1812, and left his native Alsace and in the thirties came to Missouri, and for three yeais worked on a farm in Gasconade County to pay his board and repay the man who had paid for his passage to this country. The next year he worked for a small pair of steers, cut wood on Rush Island for a little money and afterward traded his steers for 40 acres of land in Gasconade County, which land he later sold for $50. In 1847 he bought a tract of 80 acres in Warren County and on that place, in the spring of 1849, established his home and reared his children. To this tract he gradually added until he had 200 acres, which in time he sold for $1,500 and with this purchase money secured an equity in a farm of 100 acres in Franklin County for $6,500, and seven years later had the place paid for. He died here Nov. 20, 1880, and is buried at Etla. His widow died March 19, 1912, and she is buried at Independence, Mo. She was bom Feb. 1, 1828 ,and came to this country with her parents in 1844, the family settling in Gasconade County, where on March 7, 1849, she married George Carl. To that union were born 13 children: George W., subject of this sketch; John Jacob, born March 6, 1851; Joseph, born March 15, 1852, died Sept. 17, 1854; Margaret, bom May 2, 1853 ; Rosa, born Oct. 29, 1855 ; Robert, born Feb. 14, 1856; Anna, born Sept. 9, 1857; Henry, born Feb. 5, 1859; Ferdinand, bom Dec. 26, 1861 ; Mary, born Oct. 25, 1862 ; August, bom July 10, 1864 ; Julia, born March 2, 1866, died Sept. 7, 1867 ; and Wilhelmina, born March 21, 1869. George W. Carl was reared on the farm in Warren County and re- ceived his schooling in a little log school house. He remained with his father until he was 21 years of age. For six years he worked in a saw and 714 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY grist-mill. For seven years thereafter he made his home in Osage County, where he bought a small farm, selling that farm, he returned to Franklin County, where he bought 85 acres and remained there for 23 years. In 1911, he came to Cooper County and took possession of "Wood- land Farm" of 205 acres, which he had bought in 1910, and where he has since made his home. Besides this farm, he still owns his farm in Frank- lin County, a place which he had brought up to a high state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Carl raises live stock and raises Red Polled cattle. An ample supply of water is obtained from a drilled well, 105 feet in depth, a gas engine being utilized for pumping purposes. May 19, 1880, George W. Carl was united in marriage with Amelia Witthar, who was born in Franklin County, Jan. 28, 1859, daughter of Henry and Mary (Juedemann) Witthar, natives of Holland, whose last days were spent in Missouri, to which State the former had come with his parents when about 12 years of age, and the latter, with her parents when about 14. They were married in Franklin County, where they made their home for years, later moving to Independence, where they spent their last days and where they are buried. Mrs. Carl is the fourth born of the seven children born to her parents, the others being the following: Henry Witthar, Independence; Fred, Independence; Chris, Kansas City; Mrs. Louis Carl, Independence ; Mrs. Lottie Borgemann, Buckner ; and Mrs. Catherine Drewel, Buckner. To George W. and Amelia (Witthar) Carl seven children have been born : Minnie, wife of Ernest Berkmeier, Inde- pendence; Delia, wife Of Ernest Wattenburg, Independence; Anna, at home; Rosa, wife of William Twiehaus, Independence; Dora, wife of Wil- liem Loesing, of Clarks Fork township; Edwin Carl, who served with the American Expeditionary Force in France during the World War, and Emil, at borne. Edwin Carl enlistsd for service in the World War Oct. 2, 1917, and after a period of intensive training, sailed in the spring of 1918 for overseas service, a member of Company D, 110th Ammunition Train, 35th Division, and with that command participated in some of the hottest fighting which preceded the armistice, including battle of the Argonne Forest. Following the armistice the command to which he was attached was made a part of the Army of Occupation. He was discharged May 5, 1919, and is now at home. Mr. and Mrs. Carl have six grandchildren: George Berkmeier, Freda and Carl Wattenburg; Dorothy Twiehaus and Delphie and Wilbur Loesing. The Carls are members of the Evangelical Church at Boonville. Aaron T. Hockenberry, one of the substantial fanners and stockmen of Clarks Fork township and owner of a fine farm of 585 acres in that HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 715 township, is a native of Pennsylvania, but has been a resident of Cooper County for more than 50 years, living for nearly 45 years on his present farm. He was bom in Butler County, Pa., April 21, 1853, son of John and Matilda (McCandless) Hockenberry, both also born in Pennsylvania, and who spent their last days there. John Hockenberry was a son of Joseph Hockenberry, also a native of Butler County, who was a son of John Hockenberry, a native of Maryland and a soldier of the War of 1812, whose father, John Hockenberry, also a native of Maryland, was a sol- dier of the Revolutionary War, and who lived to be 104 years of age. The Hockenberries in this country were founded by a family of Covenanters which came from County Down, Ireland, in Colonial days. Mr. Hocken- berry's mother, Matilda McCandless, was a daughter of John McCandless, a native of Pennsylvania and a soldier in the War of 1812, whose father, William McCandless, was a native of North Ireland, of Scotch-Irish de- scent, and whose mother was a native of England. Reared on a farm in his native county, Aaron T. Hockenberry re- ceived his schooling in the local schools, and remained at home until he was 18 years of age, when, in 1868, he came to Missouri with the family of his uncle, Oliver Pizer, and for 20 years made his home with Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Weight in this county. After his marriage in 1892, Mr. Hock- enberry has since continued to reside there. In 1878 Mr. Hockenberry bought from J. Richard Davis 90 acres of his present tract of 585 acres and to this he gradually added until he became to be one of the leading farmers of Cooper County. This farm lies on the Clarks Fork-Moniteau township line, and all the substantial improvements now marking the place as one of the best farm plants in that section of Cooper County have been made by Mr. Hockenbei-ry. In addition to his general farming, he is engaged in the raising of live stock, feeding all his cattle and hogs, and ships about five carloads of hogs and cattle annually. During the current year (1919) he has 115 acres in wheat. There are two sets of improvements on the place. June 9, 1892, Aaron T. Hockenberry was united in marriage, in Bates County , to Fannie Pope, who was born in DeKalb County, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Word) Pope, both members of pioneer families. Henry Pope was a native of Kentucky who came to Missouri with his parents, Henry Pope and wife, the family first settling in Cooper County and then going to DeKalb County. The senior Henry Pope, who was a native of Tennessee, was a school teacher and after coming here was en- gaged in teaching at Round Hill in Kelly township. His granddaughter, Mrs. Hockenberry has an old rollbook of the pupils attending his school 716 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY at that place, for the term beginning Sept. 1, 1856, which is an interest- ing souvenir of pioneer days, carrying the names of some whose great- grandchildren are the school children of this generation. The junior Henry Pope died in 1893, at the age of 49 years, and is buried in Pisgah Church yard. He and his wife had two daughters, Mrs. Hockenberry having a sister, Anna, wife of R. E. Neale, of Bunceton. Mr. and Mrs. Hockenberry have a son, Weight Pope Hockenberry, who attended high school at Bunceton and at California, afterward taking a course in the Business College at Sedalia and a two-year course in agriculture at the Missouri State University, and is now a valued assistant to his father. Philip Davis, who lived on the farm where William Davis now lives, in the vicinity of the Davis school house, in Kelly township, was acci- dentally killed by being thrown from a horse, the accident being caused by the horse starting from fright at the sudden whirring of the wings of a prairie chicken, which rose immediately in front of it while the rider was cantering across the prairie in quest of game. Philip Davis was a man of unusual activity and was a famous hunter in his day, apparently satisfied only when out hunting or exploring some new part of the unset- tled portion of the West. So noticeably true was this that the neighbors jokingly called his wife "the Widow Davis," because her husband often was absent for so much of the time. He would organize a crew to go West in search of fortune and adventure, and in this way had crossed the plains and had frequently been in skirmishes with hostile Indians. The accident by which he came to his death occurred at a point about a quar- ter of a mile from the Clarks Fork and Moniteau township line, near the present residence of Mr. Hockenberry. Philip Davis was the father of George and Porter Davis, the grandfather of Mrs. Dr. Williams, of Ver- sailles, the great-grandfather of Dr. Porter Williams and the great-great- grandfather of Mrs. Rod Williams. James M. Hurt, an honored pioneer of Cooper County, is a native of Clarks Fork township, a member of a highly respected family, one of the first families of Missouri. Mr. Hurt was born April 10, 1853, a son of William and Catherine (Robertson) Hurt, natives of Cooper County. William Hurt was born in Cooper County in 1817, at old Cole's Fort, a son of Col. Clayton and Mary (Dillard) Hurt. Col. Clayton Hurt was a native of Virginia. He was born Jan. 15, 1790, in Bedford County, Va. In 1814, he was farried to Mary Dillard, a daughter of James Dillard, of Kentucky, and in 1815 they came to Missouri and settled in Boonville HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 717 township, Cooper County. They resided at Fort Cole for a short time, after coming to Missouri, and there William Hurt was born. William Hurt was united in marriage with Catherine Robertson, Sept. 6, 1837. Catherine (Robertson) Hurt was a daughter of Capt. Andrew Robertson, one of the earliest settlers of Cooper County. William and Catherine Hurt were the parents of the following children: W. A.; Mrs. Mary C. McFarland, of Clarks Fork township; James M., the subject of thifc sketch ; Jenkins D., Beniga, and Mrs. Nancy E. Davis, who are deceased. James M. Hurt was educated in private schools, as he was of school age when the Civil War war raging. Since attaining maturity, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He was given a farm of 100 acres of land by his father, when he, the son, had attained the age of 22 years. To this tract of land, James M. Hurt has added 125 acres of land, and he now has one of the best country places in the county. His land is well watered and is located 7'/:> miles southeast of Boonville. There are two good barns and a comfortable residence on the place, which has been improved by Mr. Hurt since he acquired the ownership. He raises cattle, horses and mules. Nov. 25, 1874, James M. Hurt was married to Adaline Rogers, a daughter of Dr. Benjamin and Harriet (McDonald) Rogers, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Saline township, Cooper County, both of whom are now deceased. The remains of both parents of Mrs. Hurt are interred in the cemetery at New Salem Church. Dr. Rogers came from the South to Missouri in the early fifties, and opened his office in Saline township at his home. Adaline (Rogers) Hurt was reared and educated in Saline township. She is one of six children born to her parents, as follows: Mrs. Ann Johnston, deceased; Mrs. James M. Hurt, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Lucy Williams, deceased; Mrs. Jeff Stone, deceased; Mrs. Hattie Parson, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Benjamin F.. Jr. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have been born three chil- dren: Jessie, the wife of Hubert Brubaker. of Madison, Wis.: William .1., a farmer of Clarks Fork township ; and Grace, the wife of S. S. Hickam. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are very proud of their two grandchildren: Lois Hickam and Adaline Brubaker. James M. Hurt and Mrs. Hurt are worthy and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. They are highly regarded in their com- munity, and they are numbered among the best families of the county. James Franklin Carpenter, proprietor of "Lone Cedar Farm," in Clarks Fork township, one of the leading farmers of that section, was 718 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Jan. 21, 1875, son of Gabiiel and Sarah Catherine (Harris) Carpenter, the former born in that township and both spent their last days there. Gabriel Carpenter was born Oct. 15, 1837, son of Samuel Carpenter and wife, Pennsylvanians, who were among the pioneers of Clarks Fork township. The farm on which Samuel Carpenter settled upon coming here is now owned by the Reavis estate, and the grave of that pioneer is on the H. J. Reavis farm. Gabriel Carpenter grew to manhood on that farm and became a farmer and stockman on the farm now owned by G. W. Morris, to which place he moved in 1866 and where he made his home the rest of his life. He died April 6, 1914. His widow died March 5, 1915, and both are buried at Pisgah. They were the parents of five children, of whom James F. was the third, the others being George H. Carpenter, a farmer of Clarks Fork township; Julia Ann, widow of George T. Talia- ferro, Clarks Fork township ; Mrs. E. L. Allison, Kansas City, and Andrew M., deceased. James F. Carpenter grew to manhood on the farm on which he was born, receiving his schooling at Prairie Home Institute and at Wentworth Military School, completing his schooling when 18 years of age, after which he engaged in farming. He has made many substantial improve- ments, including the erection of a new eight-room house, a barn, garage, tool shed and the like, his farm plant now being admirably equipped. The farm, an almost level tract of 118 acres, takes its name from the fact that in the front yard there is a single cedar tree which was planted there by Gabriel Carpenter about the year 1884. "Lone Cedar Farm" is situ- ated five and one-half miles east of Bunceton and is well adapted to stock raising, to which phase of farming Mr. Carpenter gives considerable at- tention, particularly to the raising of Jersey cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Carpenter is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World at Bunceton and with the Modern Woodmen of America at Pisgah. He and his family are members Of the Christian Church. Nov. 18, 1896, James F. Carpenter was united in marriage with Ger- trude Hayes, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been bora, Gabriel William, Catherine Lourinda and How- ard Tilden. Mrs. Carpenter is a daughter of William A. and Lourinda (Miller) Hayes, the latter of whom lives at Bunceton. William A. Hayes died in 1898 and is buried in Concord Cemetery. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, those besides Mi's. Carpenter being George HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 719 T. Hayes, of Boonville; Mrs. Bessie Doyle, deceased; Mrs. Delia Watson, of Livingston, Mont. ; Mrs. Mary Hinton, of Chelsea, Okla. ; Mrs. Lora Davis, of Kansas; and Mildred, resides with her mother. Samuel Car- penter, the pioneer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, crossed the plains in 1848 and spent some time prospecting in the West. Unlike so many who set out on an adventurous trip, he profited quite heavily from the trip. He was a great lover of the chase and the experience appealed to him doubly on this account, for he combined his business enterprises with hunting along the way and in this way found real pleasure in what to so many who ventured West in those days was but an arduous and toilsome trip. Samuel Carpenter especially liked to hunt the buffalo and often engaged in that sport in the early days, in company with Johnson Reavis. Peter W. Loesing, one of the energetic and progressive young farmers of Clarks Fork township, who is assisting in the operation of "Alfalfa Val- ley Farm," owned by his father-in-law, William F. Schmalfeldt. He was bora on a farm near Bunceton in 1894, son of August and Louisa (Falter) Loesing. August Loesing was bora in St. Louis County, Mo., in 1861, and has been a resident of Cooper County since young manhood. It was here that he married Louisa Falter, who was born in Monroe County, 111., in 1863, and who had come to this county with her parents. After their marriage, he and his wife established their home on a farm in this county and their children were reared here. Mrs. Louisa Loesing died in Feb., 1916, and is buried in the Lone Elm Cemetery. August Loesing and his wife were the parents of 12 children, as follows: Lena, wife of H. H. Fahrenbrink, Bunceton; Fred, Bunceton; William, of Clarks Fork township; Bruno, same township; Christina, housekeeper for her father; George Henry, who recently returned home from service in the United States Army; Peter W. ; Minnie, died at the age of two years; Julius, at home; Eliza- beth, at home; Edgar, died in infancy; and Emily, resides with her sister, IV*vr. Fahrenbrink. George Henry Loesing, the soldier son, enlisted Oct. 21, 1918, and was sent to Camp Bowie (Texas) for training. There he was attached to the 23rd Regiment, United States Infantry. He was dis- charged March 28, 1919, after which he returned home. Peter W. Loesing was reared on the home farm and received his schooling at Lone Elm and at Glendale. From the days of his boyhood he has given his attention to farming and after his marriage in the fall of of the community. 720 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1918, he put in his lot with that of his father-in-law, William F. Schmal- feldt, at "Alfalfa Valley Farm," Clarks Fork township, and has since been engaged in the operations of that extensive farm, he and his wife making their home on the place. Sept. 10, 1918, Peter W. Loesing was united in marriage with Emma C. Schmalfeldt, who was born in this county March 25, 1898, daughter of William F. and Anna (Brandes) Schmalfeldt, both natives of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Loesing are members of the Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork and take part in church work as well as the general social activities of the community. P. Lee Debo. — The Debo Farmstead, in Boonville township, consist- ing of 177 acres, is a well kept and productive tract of land. Mr. Debo erected a large, modem residence of cement blocks in 1909. This home contains 10 rooms and has every convenience for the comfort of the family. He erected the first silo ever built in Cooper County in 1910. Mr. Debo is a breeder of Black Angus cattle and has been specializing in this famous breed of live stock since 1915. He now has a herd of 30 head, nearly all of which are pure-bred stock. Mr. Debo does not handle this breed of cattle for show purposes or for fanciers, but simply raises the Angus cattle to satisfy his own fancy and desire for a good, pure bi^eed of cattle on his farm. P. Lee Debo was born June 6, 1864, in Bedford County, Va., and is a son of R. P. Debo and Mary Jane (Hepstonstall) Debo, both of whom were members of old Virginia families. The family came to Howard County in 1870 and five years later the parents came to Cooper County and made their home with the subject of this review. Reed P. Debo, his father, was born Jan. 19, 1832, and died April 21, 1912. Mary, his mother, was born Oct. 18, 1840, and died July 23, 1888. Reed P. Debo served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He enlisted from Bedford, Va., and served for four years in a Virginia regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, while fighting with Gen. Lee's invading army and was taken prisoner by the Federals. Reed P. and Mary Debo were parents of the following children: P. Lee, of this review; Luther C, a farmer in Boonville township; Grover E., a farmer across the highway from P. L. Debo. For the first 15 years Reed P. Debo lived on a farm two and a half miles east of Boonville on his own place. When he became of age, P. Lee Debo began farming on his own account, and for 10 years he rented farm land. He then settled on a farm -: - - d - - > 2 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 721 owned by Mrs. Debo, the old George place, and lived there until October, 1906, and then came to their present place. Jan. 2, 1890, he was married to Miss Alice W. George, who was born Sept. 6, 1870, a daughter of Jacob George, who is one of the old pioneers of Cooper County. Her grandfather, William George, entered the land in 1817, the land patent being signed by President James Monroe on Nov. 15, 1817. The Debo farm was first settled in 1817 by the Chambers family, and is the oldest settled place in the neighborhood. James Cham- bers came to Missouri from North Carolina in 1817, raised a crop and returned to North Carolina and brought back cherry and apple trees, which he planted, establishing the first nursery here. These trees ma- tured and bore fruit until just four years ago, when the last of them disappeared. Mr. and Mrs. Debo have one child: Thelma Louise, born May 10, 1904. The Georges came to Cooper County during the War of 1812, and were warned by the people that they would have to remain in the forts or go back, inasmuch as it was dangerous for settlers to live upon the land. They went to St. Genevieve, remained during the war, and then came to Cooper County in 1816. Mr. Chambers built a two-room cabin, and established the first nursery in Cooper County. In the years which followed his settlement here, he assisted many people in getting located in Cooper County. Six brothers of the George family settled here. Else- where in this history is a fuller account of the George family. Mrs. Alice W. (George) Debo is a daughter of Jacob L. George (born May 4, 1831, died March 25, 1897), who was born on a farm just one-half mile south of the Debo place. He was a son of Reuben George, born Feb. 25, 1792, in North Carolina, whose wife was Sarah McFarlan, prior to her marriage, and was born Aug. 8, 1792. Jacob L. George migrated to St. Genevieve County Mo., in 1815, and two years later came to Cooper County with the Chambers family. He had four children : Nancy L, born Jan. 9, 1823; Thomas L., bora Jan. 5, 1826; Ellen K., bom Sept. 11, 1829; and Jacob George. Jacob George married Mary E. Chambers (born March 20, 1836, died Oct. 12, 1912), who was a daughter of James and Jane Chambers, who had three children: Mrs. Mary E. George; Louisa Jane, bora April 12, 1841; Martha E. Givens, of La Plata, Mo., born March 8. 1844. Mrs. Debo is the only child of her parents. 722 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. Debo is an independent democrat. He and Mrs. Debo are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and are intelligent, progressive people who have many friends in Cooper County William F. Poertner, one of the progressive young farmers of Clarks Fork township and owner of a well-kept farm, five and one-half miles southeast of Boonville, was bom on a farm near Berger, Franklin County, Dec. 1, 1887, son of Henry and Jennie (Kroeger) Poertner, the latter now residing at Boonville. Henry Poertner was of European birth, born in 1853, and was 15 years of age when in 1868 he came to the United States and settled in Warren County, Mo.. He married at the age of 28 and bought a farm in Franklin County and improved the place and died there in 1909, aged 56 years. In 1910, his widow came to Cooper County with her family and bought the Steigleder place, on which she made her home until she sold it to Albert Shannon. She is now living in Boonville, where she is very pleasantly situated. To Henry and Jennie (Kroeger) Poertner were born eleven children: Mrs. C. H. Witthar, Kansas City; Mrs. August Wiss- mann, New Haven ; Mrs. A. J. Allemann, Boonville ; Mrs. A. E. Schepper- claus, Kansas City; Henry, also of Kansas City; William F. ; John, died at the age of five years; Otto, who was killed in battle while serving as a soldier in the American Expeditionary Force in France in the World War in the fall of 1918; Ernest, now (spring of 1919) with the American Army in Europe; Anna, died at the age of two years, and Flora, attend- ing college at Nevada, Mo. Otto Poertner, the elder of the two soldier sons of Mrs. Poertner, responded to the call to arms immediately follow- ing this country's declaration of war in April, 1917, and in that same month, as a member of the local company of state guardsmen at Boon- ville, to which he had been attached for some time, was inducted into the Federal service, going with his company to Kansas City and thence to Ft. Sill (Oklahoma), whence, after a period of intensive training, he was sent with his command on overseas service, attached to a machine gun company of the 35th Division, until he met a soldier's death in the battle of the Argonne Forest in France, Sept. 28, 1918, he then being 26 years of age. Ernest Poertner, the second soldier son of this family, was drafted for service in the National Army and the greater part of that time being in active service with the American Expeditionary Force in France, attached to the Third Division of the United States Army, long at the front. While at the front, he was severely gassed and for 21 days HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 723 thereafter was confined in hospital, his condition for some time being re- garded as critical. He received his honorable discharge from the service and is now at home. William F. Poertner was reared on the home farm in Franklin County and educated in the schools of Berger. As a young man he con- tinued his labors on the farm and was 21 years of age when he came to Cooper County with his mother in 1910. Two years later, in 1912, he bought the farm on which he is now living, in Clark's Fork township. This is a well-kept farm of 80 acres, which Mr. Poertner bought from Arby Mills. The farm is rich black second bottom land and there are two excellent running springs on the place. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Poertner raises cattle and hogs. May 26, 1914, William F. Poertner was united in marriage with Ida Kohlsbusch, born in Franklin County, and to this union one child has been born, Grace, born in May, 1915. Mrs. Poertner is a daughter of Herman and Minnie Kohlbusch, natives of Missouri and whose last days were spent in Franklin County. Herman Kohlbusch died on March 18, 1919, and his wife died about 10 years prior to that time. They were the parents of eight children, of whom but three are still living, Mrs. Poert- ner having a brother, Louis Kohlbusch, a farmer in Franklin County, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Oberg, also of that county. The children now de- ceased were August, Edward, John, Sophia and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Poertner are members of the Evangelical Church at Boonville. Henry Brokamp, owner of a well-kept farm of 80 acres, six and one- half miles northeast of Bunceton in Clarks Fork township, is a native son of Cooper County and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm near Pisgah, Jan. 12, 1878, son of Henry J. and Mary Louise (Behle) Brokamp, and was the fourth of the six children born of that parentage, as follows: Mary, wife of Newton Mills, Clarks Fork township; William, same township; Bettie, wife of Chris Hein, Palestine township; Annie, wife of M. H. Lohse, of Clarks Fork ; and Emil, on the home place. Henry J. Brokamp and his wife were natives of Germany, who came to this coun- try in 1869, locating in St. Louis County, whence they came to Cooper County and settled on a farm in Clarks Fork township, the place where Emil Brokamp now lives. Henry J. Brokamp died in 1903 and his widow- died in 1916. Both are buried in the CTarks Fork Cemetery. Reared on the home farm in the vicinity of Pisgah, Henry Brokamp received his schooling in the local parochial school and in the Jefferson District School, and from the days of his boyhood, has followed farming. 724 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He bought the farm on which he is now living in 1905, and since his mar- riage in the following year, he has lived on this place. Mr. Brokamp bought his farm, a part of the old Clark Hall farm, from John Hall and since taking possession of the same has made substantial improvements, including a remodeling of the farm house, the erection of a new barn and adequate drainage. In 1906, Henry Brokamp was united in marriage with Minnie Kaiser, who, also, was born in this county ; to this union one child has been born, Edgar, born Dec. 9, 1910. Mrs. Brokamp was born in Prairie Home town- ship May 24, 1878, daughter of George and Henrietta (Smith) Kaiser, and one of the five childxen: Mrs. Mary Schilb, of Otterville; John H. Kaiser, of North Moniteau township; and August and George, deceased; and Mrs. Brokamp. The late George Kaiser, father of Mrs. Brokamp, was for years one of Prairie Home township's best known and most sub- stantial farmers, the owner at the time of his death of a fine place of 240 acres, the farm now owned by L. B. Laws. Mr. Kaiser was born Nov. 4, 1827, and died on Oct. 26, 1903. His wife died Feb. 19, 1897. She was born May 18, 1840. Both are buried in the Pleasant Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery. Elmer George, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Kelly township, and judge of the County Court of the eastern district, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in Boonville, March 17, 1862, a son of Thomas L. and Lucy (McCulloch) George. Thomas L. George was also a native of Cooper County, born Jan. 6, 1826. He spent his entire life in this county, and died in 1890, and his remains are buried in the McCulloch Cemetery. Thomas L. George and Lucy A. (McCulloch) George were married June 21, 1850. She was born in Albemarle County, Va., Nov. 1, 1826, a daughter of Robert and Patsy (Mills) McCulloch. The McCulloch family settled in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County, in 1835, and here the parents spent the remainder of their lives. To Thomas L. and Lucy A. (McCulloch) George were born the fol- lowing children : Charles, Boonville ; Frank, Boonville ; Albert and Elmer, twins, Albert residing at Rock Island Texas, and Elmer, the subject of ..his sketch; Mrs. Ada Rudolph, deceased; and Maggie, a successful Cooper ounty teacher. Elmer George was reared in Cooper County and educated in the pub- lic schools. Since early manhood he has been engaged in farming and stock raising, and has met with well-merited success in this field of endeavor. He owns 120 acres of well improved and productive land HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 725 adjoining the town site of Bunceton. He has material on the place for the building of a new residence to succeed the old one, which is a brick structure, and has done service for many years, although it is still in a good state of preservation. Since early life, Mr. George has manifested a strong liking and an unusual ability for mechanical work, and especially for machinery. He has always kept a machine and repair shop, which is equipped for general machine and repair work. He is capable of doing almost any kind of mechanical work. He has rebuilt threshing machines, manufactured wagons, and built an automobile. In connection with his other work he has operated a sawmill for a number of years. March 21, 1888, Elmer George was united in marriage with Miss Martha E L. Steigleder, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Hoch- stetler) Steigleder, the former born July 30, 1829, and the latter Aug. 15, 1834. The father died in 1909, and the mother now resides at Bunceton. They were the parents of the following children : William F., Bunceton ; George H., Bunceton ; Anna E., married Herman P. Muntzel ; Louis Rob- ert, Big Cabin, Okla. ; Matilda Henrietta, married William Meyer, Clarks Fork township; Martha E. L., married Elmer George, the subject of this sketch ; Sophia Barbara, married T. H. Etter, Richville, Wash., and Leona Luella, resides at home with her mother. Mr. George is a republican, and has taken an active part in the polit- ical affairs of this township and county. He was elected in November, 1918, and is serving as judge of the County Court from the eastern dis- trict, and giving a satisfactory and praiseworthy administration. He was the first republican to be elected judge of the County Court from this District. He has been a member of the School Board for 21 years, and has always consistently advocated and encouraged the betterment of the public school system. Mr. George is an industrious man of good habits. He is 57 years of age and never drank liquor or used tobacco in any form. To Mr. and Mrs. George have been born one son, T. Edgar George, born July 8, 1893, and resides at home with his parents. The George family are well known in Cooper County and rank among its leading citizens. Christian F. King, one of the best known citizens of Clarks Fork township and is the second of the three sons of Jacob and Annie (Nohrn- berg) King. The other brothers, J. W. and H. M. King also reside on the place and C. F. King has a bachelor's home, which he built in the door- yard of his brother H. M. King and in which he thus feels himself very 726 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY properly "boss of his own household". Jacob King, the father of these sons, was one of the real pioneers of that section of Cooper County and on the first clearing made on his quarter section of land there he set out an orchard, the first orchard in that neighborhood. This pioneer was a skilled cabinet-maker, an art he had learned in his native Denmark, and after settling here built a little cabinet-making shop and at "odd" times engaged in making furniture not only for his own household but for his pioneer neighbors, the products of his skill being in much demand. This handicraft skill was inherited by his son, C. F. King, and the latter is a cabinet-maker of exceptional ability, many of the products of his skill finding their way into the homes of the neighborhood, and his bachelor quarters are furnished in like manner. One of his most highly prized bits of furniture is a writing desk made by his father and a replica of which was sold in its day for $100. Mr. King also is an amateur photo- grapher of much skill and in his rooms are many evidences of his pro- ficiency in that art, to the development of which he gives much of his leisure which is not devoted to his prized wood-working tools. Some of the most interesting of the photographs which Mr. King has thus secured are scenes disclosed by his camera following the passing of the cyclone of 1916. One of these views shows the axle of a corn planter with wheel attached driven into a tree on the Smalsey farm. Another view shows a one-by-four scantling piercing an elm tree. Mr. King also has a number of exceedingly interesting views taken along the Missouri River during the height of the flood of 1903. While fine woodworking and photography give Mr. King much pleasure in his leisure moments, it must not be supposed that he devotes all his time to these interesting and valuable "hobbies". Far from it, indeed. He owns a saw-mill and threshing machine rig and in connection with the former also operates a neighborhood store; while as a carpenter his services are in much demand, one of his recent bits of work along that line having been the construction of the fine woodwork on the house not long ago built by H. H. Fahenbrink and on which the finishing is of the very highest order. Joseph A. Davis, one of the best known of the "old time" residents of Prairie Home township, was born on his present farm and has lived there all his life. The little old log cabin in which he was born is still standing in the dooryard of his present home and, with its contents serves to recall the memory of pioneer times. Mr. Davis' parents established their home here in 1857 and there are preserved many interesting relics HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 727 of that period, including a brass kettle, familiar adjunct of the great lire place which occupies the greater part of one end of the cabin; a hackle with which the flax was rendered fit for spinning, the mother's spinning- wheel and quite a few other bits of furniture of the period. Mr. Davis also owns his father's old rifle, bearing the manufacturer's date of 1831, and this he also prizes very highly, as well as the powder horn, the bullet pouch and the charge measure. But perhaps the most vital point of interest connected with that little old log cabin is the fact that it very properly may be regarded as the practical birthplace of the Christian Church in Cooper County, for it was his father, the Rev. 0. P. Davis, who settled there in 1857 and who preached the gospel of Christ in accord- ance with the tenets of the Christian Church throughout this county and in the neighboring counties of Moniteau and down as far as Miller County, to whom the history of that period ascribes a very large measure of the credit for establishing and building up the Christian Church hereabout. Rev. Oliver Perry Davis was born in Wayne County, Ky., Sept. 26, 1816, son of Major Drury Davis and wife, the latter of whom was the daughter of Capt. North East, of that county, and was the first born of twelve sons and four daughters. Major Drury Davis, a veteran of the War of 1812, came with his wife and their first-born son. the latter being carried on horseback in the arms of his mother, from Wayne County, Ky., to Missouri in the fall of 1817 and settled in Howard County, where not 'cng afterward he was elected the first justice of the peace. About three years later he moved to Cole County and settled at the site of a great spring 16 miles southwest of Jefferson City, where he began the manufac- ture of gunpowder. He was elected justice of the peace there, was com- missioned a major of the state militia and represented Cole County in the state Legislature. In 1832 he moved to Cooper County and for 11 years made his home here, moving then to Macon County, where he was engaged in farming and merchandising until 1856, when he returned to Cooper County and spent the remainder of his life. He died Oct. 10, 1872, aged 85 years. In 1837, while the family were living in this countv. Rev. 0. P. Davis became a member of the Baptist Church at Pisgah. In 1839, in company with his younger brother, Jeremiah, he went to Macon County and there in 1842 was licensed to preach. In the spring of 1843 he was regularly ordained as a minister. For three years thereafter the Rev. 0. P. Davis preached for the Baptist church, or until he was formally accused of preaching Campbellism; whereupon he withdrew from the Baptist com- 728 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY munion and in the fall of 1848 identified himself with the Christian Church, with which he ever afterward remained affiliated. Sept. 12, 1843, the Rev. 0. P. Davis was united in marriage to Sallie L. Robinson, of Mercer County, and to that union were born eight chil- dren : Margaret Ann, married Judge J. H. Zollinger and is now deceased ; Samuel R., died at St. Louis, during the Civil War; D. L. Davis died at Sedalia while on a visit ; Nancy Jane, wife of Hugh Logan, Sr. ; U. E. Davis, Chicago ; Susan F., married D. J. Judy and is deceased ; Joseph A. ; and Lucy B., wife of Hugh Logan, Jr. Joseph A. Davis, son of the Rev. O. P. and Sallie L. (Robinson) Davis, was born Sept. 19, 1857. He received his schooling in the New Salem district school, James F. Adams being his first teacher. Mr. Davis has made farming his life's work but is now practically retired, renting the place to his son-in-law, Roger Q. Mills. Mr. Davis is a democrat, has filled offices on the local school board and is an elder in the Walnut Grove Christian church, of which he has been a member since his boyhood. Jan. 25, 1888, Joseph A. Davis was united in marriage with Kate Logan, who was born in Missouri and to this union two children were born: Fannie Logan died in infancy and Jessie Ann, wife of Roger Q. Mills, who is farming the home place. Mrs. Davis was born March 9, 1858, died Jan. 2, 1908, and is buried in the Walnut Grove Church yard. Though born in this state, she was reared in the neighborhood of Stam- ford in Lincoln County, Ky., where her father died. Her mother died in Chicago and her body was taken to Lincoln County, Ky. for interment beside that of her husband. William Foreman Johnson. — If signal achievement in a civic sense is a criterion whereby a good citizen's standing in the community is meas- ured and a definite place in history is thus assured him by reason of his labors in behalf of his home city and county, then W. F. Johnson's place in the history of his home county of Cooper is established. During his 30 years of practice in the courts of central Missouri and throughout the state, he has won a place of importance among the legal fraternity ; those years have likewise been spent in promoting the development of his home city in ways which are enduring and beneficial, with the welfare of his fellow citizens and the city and county ever uppermost in his thoughts. Mr. Johnson may not have amassed great wealth as some men have; he may not have won nation wide fame but he possesses what few Cooper County citizens can boast — the warm friendship and esteem of the great mass of citizens of this county. William Foreman Johnson was born Feb. V. z ■I. V. X ^i ■■■-•■ H HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 729 8, 1861, in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Mo. He is the son of Prof. Charles Brown Johnson, a native of Owen County, Ky. Prof. Charles Brown Johnson was born Oct. 22, 1824, the fourth child of a family of seven children born to William C. and Harriet (Dillon) Johnson of Kentucky. William C. Johnson was a Kentucky pioneer who removed to that state from Ohio and followed the profession of government surveyor. He entered large tracts of land in Kentucky and developed a considerable estate. The Johnson family became prominent in Kentucky and the seven children of William C. Johnson were reared and educated in that state. Prof. C. B. Johnson, after completing a preparatory course of study, was graduated from St. Mary's College, and also completed the course in the Kentucky Military School, near Frankfort. Following the completion of his education he was engaged in the manufacture of plows until his removal to Shelbyville, Mo., in 1856, where he established a male and female seminary. During the Civil War he organized a company of soldiers for service in the Confederate army, attempted to join General Price's army, was captured by the Federals and paroled. For over 40 years, Professor Johnson was engaged in teaching and during that time he had charge of some of the best academic schools in Kentucky and Mis- souri. He served two terms as school commissioner of Shelby County. In 1881 he came to Pilot Grove and with his son William F. of this re- view, took charge of the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute which had been previously established by his oldest son, Charles Newton Johnston. He with his son W. F. had charge of this widely known institute for six years and spent his last days in Boonville where he died Sunday morning, June 8, 1900. Professor Johnson was a Presbyterian and a Mason and was always a democrat. Prof. C. B. Johnson was twice married. His first marriage was on May 15, 1849, with Miss Hannah Walton, of Kentucky, who died in Nov., 1851. He was again married Feb. 22, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Ford, a daughter of Jeremiah, and Artemesia (Baker) Ford of Kentucky, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The other son born to this union besides the subject of this review was Prof. Charles Newton Johnson, a graduate of the Annapolis Naval Academy, the Chicago Conservatory of Music and the Hamil School of Elocution. He taught in Shelbina College and established the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute in 1879. He died three years later, in 1882. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, mother of W. F. and Charles N. Johnson was a woman of fine attainments and education. She was an accomplished 730 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY teacher who shared the labors of her husband and sons in their educational work. She died in Boonville in July, 1916, aged 90 years. In dedicating this volume of Cooper County History to the memory of his parents, Mr. W. F. Johnson is conveying a tribute to their memories and building a monument which will be as enduring as any marble or granite shaft. The education of William F. Johnson was obtained largely under his father's preceptorship in the Brandenburg, Ky. Seminary and Shelbina College. He held the position of assistant principal of the Shelbina, Mo., public schools in 1880. He came to Pilot Grove and was associated with his brother in the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute for one year. He and his father then conducted the institute until 1888. He then served as publisher and editor of the "Pilot Grove Leader" until his election to the office of State representative in the General Assembly at the revising session 1888-89. In 1889 he was admitted to the practice of law and removed to Boonville in 1894. For a number of years Mr. Johnson was prominent in county, state and national politics and was one of the real leaders of the democratic party in the state. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Cooper County in 1906, re-elected in 1908 and 1910, serving six years in all. In 1912 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held at Baltimore and there supported his kinsman, Champ Clark for the presidential nomination. Mr. Johnson was married in 1882 to Miss Margaret Harris, a daugh- ter of E. H. Harris, of Pilot Grove, Mo. Three children have blessed this marriage, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Walter M. Small, a geologist whose home is in Franklin, Pa. ; Marguerite, wife of E. H. Green, a capitalist of New York City, mother of one child, Marguerite, born in Dec, 1918 ; Newton H., born Dec. 9, 1884, educated in Kemper Military School, engaged in the real estate and insurance business, married Miss Tess Underwood and has two children, Joellis and Barbara. Mr. Johnson became a member of Wm. D. Muir Lodge No. 277, of Pilot Grove, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in 1882, and is a past master of this lodge. He became affiliated with Cooper Lodge No. 36, of Boonville, in 1897, and is past master of this lodge. He has filled the post of Grand Senior Warden of the Missouri Grand Lodge of Masons ; is Past Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter; is past commander of Olivet Commandery Knights Templar and a member of the council and a Shriner. Mr. Johnson served for six years as a member of the Missouri Re- formatory in Boonville. For fifteen years he has been a member of the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 731 Boonville Board of Education and has been the foremost champion of edu- cational progress in the city. He championed the erection of the Laura Speed Elliot High School building and through his personal influence with Col. John Elliot, the city became the recipient of Col. Elliot's generosity in giving the lot upon which the building stands, to the city. No greater friend to the cause of education resides in Cooper County than Mr. Johnson. For eight years he served as president of the Com- mercial Club and during his period of office many notable civic improve- ments were fathered by the club and brought to fruition, all of which stand as testimony to his worth as a citizen and his abiding love for his home city. This history of Cooper county which he has written has been a labor of love and a pleasure on his part to record the story of the mak- ing of Cooper County in order that posterity might know what manner of men and women were those who developed this fair and fertile tract of land into the present thriving and rich county, and built the cities and towns which grace the country side. — Written by Robert M. Gibson. Charles Newell Menefee, proprietor of an excellent farm of 200 acres in Prairie Home township, was born on a farm in Nicholas County, Ky., Aug. 4, 1850, son of Frank S. and Mary Frances (Hamilton) Menefee, both natives of that county and the latter of whom was a daughter of Col. William Hamilton, an officer of the War of 1812, who died on that farm at the age of 89 years. Frank S. Menefee came to Missouri with his family in 1860 and located in Knox County, but two years later returned to Kentucky, where he remained until 1867, when he came back to Missouri with a view to settling in Calloway County, but came over into Cooper County and settled on the farm now owned by C. N. Menefee and here spent the rest of his life. During the Civil War Frank S. Menefee was an ardent Southern sympathizer and was for three months held as a prisoner of war by the Federals on account of his outspoken views. He was born on Jan. 30, 1825, and died on Sept. 20, 1888. His widow died May 29, 1900. She was born on June 28, 1827. They were the parents of six children: Charles Newell; John A., living in Montana; William H., whereabouts unknown; Jonah, whereabouts unknown; Samuel G., Denver, Col., and Mrs. George Adams, Boulder, Col. C. N. Menefee grew to manhood on the farm where he is now living, and in time bought the other heirs' interests. This is a well improved farm of 200 acres and the house was erected by Jesse McFarland, the owner prior to the Civil War. McFarland sold the place to Benjamin and 732 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Solon Smith. The Smiths sold to Frank S. Menefee upon the latter's arrival here in 1867 and it has been in the possession of the Menefee family since. Mr. Menefee is a democrat, but has never sought office. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Prairie Home. For 25 years he was an extensive breeder of Poland China hogs and while thus engaged held 19 sales. March 10, 1881, C. N. Menefee was married to Elizabeth Taylor, who was born in Missouri, daughter of William Taylor and wife, both of whom also were born in this state and died at Herndon, Mo. William Taylor and wife were the parents of six children: Mrs. Menefee; Mrs. Mary Finley, Saline county ; Mrs. Linnie Champion, Montrose, Colo. ; James, Saline County ; Henry, Montrose, and Robert, Herndon. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee have one child, Mary, wife of Frank Poindexter, who was with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe and a part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. Mr. Poindexter was one of the first men in Cooper County to be inducted into the National Army and was sent to Camp Funston in April, 1918, to France for overseas service with the 356th Regiment, 89th Division, which after the signing of the armistice was a part of the American Army of Occupation and was sent back to America and received his honorable discharge at Camp Funston, June 10, 1919. John H. Windsor. — A strong character, a stm-dy and upright citizen who was universally respected and admired throughout this section of Missouri, was the late John H. Windsor, extensive farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township. He was born on the Mt. Vernon estate in Fair- fax County, Va., Sept. 4, 1832. He was a son of Horace Simeon Windsor, of Virginia, who settled in Cooper County in 1838. Thomas Windsor, the predecessor of the Windsors in Cooper County, was born in England, May 14, 1714. He was born near Old Sarum Castle. In early manhood he immigrated to America and settled on a large farm in Fairfax County, Va., where he operated a large plantation. He mar- ried Sarah Warden, who bore him a large family of children: John, Thomas, Sarah, Elizabeth, George, William, Libbie, Jemima, Millie, Sam- son, Mary and Richard. Richard Windsor was born March 15, 1778. He married Elizabeth Numan who bore him the following children: Numan, Catherine. Pris- cilla, James, Elizabeth, James, Richard S., Mary Ann, Loftin, and Horace Simeon. The last named married Anne Matilda Allison and at his death left her a large state. He came to Cooper County in 1838 and became HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 733 owner of a large tract of land south of Boonville. Returning to Virginia, he brought his family, movable belongings and a number of slaves on the return trip and settled in this county. He farmed on an extensive scale after the manner of the Virginia planters. Horace Simeon Windsor died in Boonville. His only child was John H. Windsor of this review, who became one of the most successful farmers and stockmen in Missouri dur- ing his lifetime. He received from his father a tract of 320 acres upon which he settled. Mr. Windsor accumulated a total of 1,200 acres of land which is noted for its splendid improvements. He raised all the feed for his cattle and hogs and when asked the secret of his success in feed- ing live stock, he would reply, "I have never lost anything by feeding as the Lord gave me the corn and the Lord gave me the cattle'*. At his death he left his heirs a large estate, comprising 1,700 acres of land located chiefly in Clarks Fork township. When a young man he married Eleanor Zollinger, who was born at Hagerstown, in 1835 and died in 1890. She was a daughter of George Zollinger, a pioneer of Cooper County, who migrated from his native state of Maryland in about 1844 and settled southeast of Boonville near the Clarks Fork store. He entered land, accumulated 400 acres which was tilled by the slaves which he brought with him from Maryland. To John H. and Eleanor Windsor were born children as follows: Horace George, one of the most successful farmers in Cooper County, and an extensive corn grower and stockman who is owner of over 600 acres of land ; Walter B. Windsor, owner of 500 acres of land south of Boonville, and success- fully engaged in raising cattle, sheep and hogs; John L. Windsor died in 1882; Alma, wife of E. H. Harris, Jr., cashier of the Third National Bank of Sedalia, Mo.: Eugene A. Windsor; and Dr. Norman Windsor, a successful physician who for 20 years has been located in St. Louis. The late John H. Windsor found time to take an interest in civic and religious matters aside from the management of his extensive farming interests and he was a man universally respected and admired through- out the country. He was an elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served for many years as superintendent of the Sunday school of his church. Warren E. Carpenter, a progressive young farmer of Prairie Home township, owner of "Meadow Brook Farm", is a native son of Cooper County and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in the Clarks Fork township near Pisgah, Feb. 28, 1886, son of George A. and Mary McCune (McCulloch) Carpenter, the latter was a daughter of Col. 734 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Robert Allen McCulloch, an officer of General Forrest's cavalry in the Confederate service during the Civil War and who, as well as George A. Carpenter's grandfather, Samuel Carpenter, was a '49er, both were grand- fathers and great grandfathers of Warren E. Carpenter, having been among that courageous band which faced the practically unknown dangers of the plains and the mountains in the days when the California gold fields were attracting the attention of the world. "Meadow Brook Farm", now the property of Warren E. Carpenter was originally entered by William Tyre, Dec. 16, 1833, and the govern- ment patent granting his claim bears date of Oct. 1, 1835. Samuel Car- penter and his wife Lucy, grandparents of Warren E., bought the farm Feb. 10, 1865, from John F. Smith and later transferred it to their son, M. P. Carpenter, who sold it to Francis M. Davis, who in time sold it to Louis Erhardt. who sold it to George A. Carpenter, who on Jan. 5, 1909, transferred the old homestead of 320 acres to his sons Warren and Homer, the present owners. Distinctively ornamental features of the place are several noble pine trees standing in the dooryard, which were planted by Samuel Carpenter, and a noble elm which was set out by William Henry Carpenter, an uncle of the present owners. Reared on the farm, Warren E. Carpenter received his schooling in the local schools and has devoted his attention to farming. He and his brother Homer became joint owners of the old Samuel Carpenter home- stead and which they have since greatly improved. The place is well adapted to stock raising. "Meadow Brook Farm" is admirably located on the Prairie Home-Bunceton road, has a substantial two-story nine- room house, which was rebuilt by W. E. Carpenter, a good tenent house, an ample stock barn, machine shed and other buildings and an excellent water supply, the water being pumped from a deep well by a gas engine which also furnishes power for small machinery used about the place. A tractor which pulls eight fourteen-inch plows and is capable of turning over 25 acres a day is a valuable adjunct to the operation of the place. Jan. 10, 1907, Warren E. Carpenter was married to Ola Myrtle McDonald, who also was born in this county, daughter of John and Sarah (Savage) McDonald, formerly of Clarks Fork, both deceased, their daugh- ter Ola having been reared in the household of Judge George W. Morris. and to this union five children have been born, Mary Matilda, George Emil, Bessie Virginia, Ada Lucille and Warren E., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Pisgah Baptist Church and take an interested part in church work as well as in general social and cultural activities. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 735 R. S. Rankin was born at Woodville Mills, Cooper County, Dec. 13, 1849, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (MacFarland) Rankin, both natives of Virginia. William Rankin was born near Winchester, Va., in 1806. He came to Cooper County in 1838 and settled at Boonville. In 1840 he built the Woodville Mill and operated it for a number of years. This mill was originally a water-power mill, but steam power was added in 1854. The old mill continued to do service until 1893, when it was torn down and the present mill erected on the site of the old one by S. L. and R. S. Rankin. S. L. Rankin died in 1914, age 69 years. R. S. Rankin has been engaged in the milling business nearly all his life. He was married in 1873 to Miss Marie L. Duncan, a daughter of George W. and Mary Duncan, of Clarks Fork township. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Rankin died Nov. 5, 1890. The Rankin family is one of the old pioneer families of Cooper County, having been identified with this section of the state for over 80 years. William H. Carpenter, one of the substantial farmers of Prairie Home township and the owner of "Oakland", a fine farm, is a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families. He was born on the Henry Reavis farm in Clarks Fork township on Sept. 4, 1857, son of Samuel Carpenter, born in 1835, who was a son of Samuel Carpenter, who came from Ken- tucky with his family to this county and here spent the remainder of his life. During the days of the gold rush to California in 1849 he went to the gold fields. He died on the Carpenter homestead and is buried there, as is his son Samuel and the latter's wife. The younger Samuel Carpenter, who became one of the large landowners in this section, died .May 17, 1907. His wife, who before her marriage was Lucy Catherine Dooley, died in 1899. They were the parents of four living children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being George A. Carpenter, a farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township; M. P. Carpenter, an inventor, Chicago, and Mrs. Ella Taylor, Holden, Mo. William H. Carpenter has followed farming all his life. He completed his schooling in Slaughter College, Prairie Home and after his marriage settled on the place where he is now living, which he has developed into one of the best farms in that neighborhood. He has 160 acres and his 'on, S. Alvin Carpenter, has an adjoining farm of 120 acres; they carry on their operations in close cooperation. In addition to his general farm- ing Mr. Carpenter has for many years also given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. 736 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY May 6, 1886, William H. Carpenter was united in marriage to Letitia Belle Harris, a daughter of Judge A. T. Harris, of Prairie Home, and to this union one child has been bom, S. Alvin Carpenter, born on April 3, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Baptist Church at Prairie Home. He is an independent democrat. Eugene A. Windsor. — In writing the history of the families of Cooper County, the biographer is impressed with the fact that the early pioneers of this county were from the older states of Virginia and Kentucky. They were people of substance, perseverance and standing, and many of them were of the better class from these older states. These traits have endured in their descendants to this day and the sons and grandsons of these early Virginia pioneers are the leaders in this county and the stale of Missouri in the business and professional walks of life. Eugene A. Windsor, successful real estate and farm loan dealer of Boonville, is a descendant of one of the earliest of the Cooper Coui*;y pioneers. Mr. Windsor was born on the Windsor homestead, six miles south of Boon- ville, Jan. 4, 1870. He is a son of the late John H. Windsor and is a grandson of Horace Simeon Windsor who settled in this county in 1838. Eugene A. Windsor was educated in the old Cooper Institute and the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute After farming for some years he engaged in banking in the Pilot Grove Bank for a year. He has followed the real estate business for the past 25 years and has been and is one of the most successful dealers in farm lands in central Missouri. Mr. Windsor has handled thousands of acres of farm lands and is owner of 700 acres of land located near Boonville, Choteau Springs, and Prairie Lick in this county. His offices are located in what was formerly known as the Wind- sor Building in Boonville. Mr. Windsor is owner of the Choteau Springs Resort, ten miles south- west of Boonville, which he purchased in 1900. This resort consists of 40 acres of picturesque ground and is noted for its springs which yield a medicinal water. The place is equipped with a hotel, baths, swimming pool and several cottages for summer dwellers and is an inviting spot in which to spend a part or all of the summer season. Choteau Springs has an interesting history. Mr. Windsor's holdings are a part of a grant of 30,000 "arpens" of land or 26,250 acres which was made to Pierre Cho- teau by the Spanish King in 1799 when this entire territory belonged to the Spaniards. Later, trouble was made in getting the title to the land ratified by the American Congress and Congressman William H. Ashley rode to Washington, had the title perfected and purchased the land of EUGENE A WINDSOR HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 737 Choteau. Mr. Ashley discovered the medicinal springs and named the locality alter its former grantee, Pierre Choteau. The original land grant was made Nov. 28, 1799 and the deed conveys all of the tract from the Governor of Upper Louisiana, Charles DeHault DeLassus to Pierre Cho- teau. The scenery around the springs is beautiful and inviting and hun- dreds of people visit the Springs each year for the benefit of the baths and the medicinal waters. March 20, 1907, Mr. Windsor and Miss Gertrude Hudson were united in marriage. This marriage has been blessed with two children: Eugene A. Windsor, Jr., aged nine years ; and Horace Hudson Windsor, aged seven years. Mrs. Gertrude (Hudson) Windsor is a daughter of the late H. T. Hudson, formerly a prominent and well known merchant of Boonville, who was founder of the firm of H. T. Hudson & Co. Mr. Hudson was born in Miami, Saline County, Mo., in 1849, was there reared to manhood, mar- ried Lina A. Meyers who was born in 1845 and died in 1900. H. T. and Lina Hudson were parents of six children: Hallie, wife of Doctor Dunlap. Dallas, Texas; Elizabeth, wife of Richard H. Keith, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Gertrude Windsor, of this review ; Taylor, Los Angeles, Cal. ; Mrs. Alice McGee, Los Angeles, Cal. ; Hargrave, a member of the Bell Coal Company, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Hudson died in Los Angeles, April 20, 1916. Mr. Windsor is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank and is one of the enterprising and successful citizens of Boonville and Cooper County. His handsome residence at the southwest comer of Chestnut and Fourth streets is an ornament to the city. He is a democrat and takes a com- mendable interest in political affairs. He is a member of the Presby- terian Church and is liberal in his support of the church and all worthy enterprises. No call upon his purse for a worthy project to advance the interests of his home city goes unheeded, but he is always found in the forefront of good movements. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is affiliated with the Commandery, is a Shriner and a member of Aarat Temple of Kansas City, having attained the York Rite in Masonry. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias. To know Eugene A. Windsor is to have a sincere regard for him and to admire his qualities. Herman H. Fahrenbrink, a well known and progressive farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native son of Cooper County. He was bom on the old Clawson place four miles northeast of the place where (42) 738 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he now resides Feb. 9, 1876. A son of Henry and Magdalena (Scnnack) Fahrenbrink. A more extensive" history of the Fahrenbrink family is given in connection with the sketch of C. W. Fahrenbrink, which appears in this volume. Herman H. Fahrenbrink was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, and received his education in the Jefferson school district and the parochial school at Lone Elm. He also attended the high school at Bunceton for a time. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and has met with more than ordinary success in this field of endeavor. Mr. Fahrenbrink owns one of the valuable and attractive farms of the county, it being a part of his father's old home place. He owns 170 acres of well improved land, which is located in Clarks Fork township, about six miles northeast of Bunceton. The Fahrenbrink home is a neat six room residence, and was built in 1903. It is modern through- out and lighted with acetylene gas. There are two barns on the place and other ample farm buildings. Mr. Fahrenbrink in addition to general farming, is extensively engaged in raising cattle and hogs and he also raises large numbers of pure bred brown leghorn chickens. March 31, 1912, H. H. Fahrenbrink was united in marriage with Miss Magdalena Loesing, a daughter of August and Louise (Falter) Loesing, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Loesing died in 1914, and her remains are buried at Lone Elm. August Loesing now resides in Clarks Fork township. To August and Louise (Falter) Loesing were born the fol- lowing children: Fred lives in Oklahoma; William, Clarks Fork town- ship; George Henry, who served in the United States army during the World War, now resides at home in Clarks Fork township ; Peter, Clarks Fork township; Julius, Christine, Lizzie and Emily all residing at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenbrink have been born four children : Helen Louise, born Feb. 20, 1917, and three died in infancy. Mr. Fahrenbrink is a member of the Farmers Elevator Co., of Bunce- ton, and is one of the progressive and public spirited citizens of Cooper County. He and Mrs. Fahrenbrink are members of the Lone Elm Evan- gelical Lutheran Church. S. Alvin Carpenter, proprietor of "The Maples", a well kept farm of 120 acres in Prairie Home township, was born in that township and is one of the substantial young farmers of the county. He was born April 3, 1889, son of William H. and Letitia Belle (Harris) Carpenter, the latter a daughter of Judge T. A. Han-is, of Prairie Home. William H. Carpenter is a son of Samuel Carpenter, who was a son of Samuel Carpenter, a Ken- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 739 tuckian, who settled in Clarks Fork township, in pioneer days and became one of the leading men in that community. William H. Carpenter and his wife are living on the farm adjoining that of their son Alvin and father and son carry on their farming operations in close cooperation. Reared on the farm, S. Alvin Carpenter completed his schooling in Clarksburg College and in William Jewell College and upon his return from college resumed his place on the farm, assisting his father and so con- tinued until in 1914, when he bought the place of 120 aci-es adjoining that of his father, buying the place from Robert Heinen. Since taking posses- sion of that farm Mr. Carpenter has made numerous substantial improve- ments, these including the remodeling of the farm house, the erection of a new barn 48x50 feet, a large water tank of tile and concrete, a wash house and engine house and other buildings. Mr. Carpenter is pursuing modem methods in his farming and included in the mechanical equip- ment of his farm plant is a high-power tractor. He raises some cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Buff Orpington chickens. "The Maples" is delight- fully situated and Mr. Carpenter and his family have a very pleasant home. July 10, 1913, S. Alvin Carpenter was married to Edna Hale, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been bom, Claud Elliott and Dorsey Earl Juanita. Mrs. Carpenter was born in Clark's Fork township, a daughter of Thomas F. and Sallie (Carey) Hale, who are now living in California. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Prairie Home Baptist Church. Henry P. McPhatridge, a well known farmer of Prairie Home town- ship, residing at "Edgewood Farm", is a Virginian, but has been a resi- dent of Cooper County for nearly forty years. He was bom in Virginia .March 29. 1853, a son of Alfred and Mary M. (Latham) McPhatridge, both bom in Virginia. Alfred McPhatridge died in Tennessee and his widow came to this county and here spent her last days, she being 83 years of age at the time of her death. She is buried in the family burial plot on "Woodland Farm" in this county. Alfred McPhatridge and his wife had three children, of whom Henry P. is the youngest, the others being Mrs. William H. Ellis, of Prairie Home, and Napoleon, who is now living in Arkansas. Reared in Virginia, Henry P. McPhatridge completed his schooling in a private school there. In 1881 he came to Missouri and located in Prairie Home township, which has ever since been his home. After his marriage, four or five years after coming here, he settled on his present 740 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY place and has since resided there. "Edgewood Farm" is a part ol tne Ellis estate and consists of 110 acres of well improved land. The house stands at the edge of a fine wood of natural trees, one of the most pic- turesque spots in that neighborhood. March 10, 1886, that Henry P. McPhatridge was married to Minnie - L. Ellis, who is a member of one of the pioneer families of Cooper County, who have been represented here since the early days of this section of Missouri. She is a daughter of William H. and Ann M. Ellis, the former of whom died in 1886, aged 65 years, and the latter in 1897, at the age of 69 years. Both are buried in the Ellis cemetery. William H. Ellis and wife were the parents of four children : William H. Ellis, Jr., Prairie Home ; Mrs. McPhatridge; Collin E., died in Kansas City, and Anna Gray, died in 1894. Mrs. McPhatridge is a member of the Baptist Church. Robert S. Tevis, farmer and stockman, who with his sister, Lillie M. Tevis, is owner of 240 acres of the old Tevis homestead, southwest of Lone Elm, Clarks Fork township, was born Oct. 4, 1875. Mr. Tevis was born on a farm west of Bell Air and came with his parents to the old Tevis homestead in 1895. The history of the Tevis family in Missouri begins with Jeremiah Tevis, great grandfather of Robert S. Tevis, who came to Cooper County from Kentucky in 1831. His wife was Miss Hixie Lowry, prior to her marriage. Others who came to Cooper County at the same time was William Lowry, a brother of Mrs. Tevis and a sister, Mrs. Gillie, wife of Henry Corum, and another sister, Mrs. Lucy, wife of James Bridges. Jeremiah Tevis settled on the farm north of Bell Air, now owned by George Schlotzhauer. The Corums settled south of Bell Air on land now comprised in the Ravenswood Stock Farm. Capt. Simeon P. Tevis, grandfather of Robert S. Tevis, settled on the Tevis homestead in 1831. His first visit to Cooper County, Mo., was made in 1823. He worked as a carpenter in this county, returned to Kentucky, married Emily Berkeley of Louisville, and upon his return to this county settled on land which he entered from the government. He had a family of six children: Cassandra, wife of William Allen; Daniel W. B. ; Jeremiah, St. Clair County, Mo.; John W. ; Nestor C. ; one child died in infancy ; Susan died in childhood ; and Mrs. Anna McCrosky, de- ceased. Mrs. Emily Tevis died March 19, 1888, at the age of- 76 years. Capt. Simeon P. Tevis drilled a company of militia which was enrolled during the Mormon trouble in Missouri. His company was called for the purpose of putting down what was called the Mormon insurrection near NESTOR C. TEVIS MRS, NESTOR C. TEVIS CAPT. SIMEON P. TEVIS KOIIIOKT S. TKVI.S HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 741 Independence in the forties. Captain Tevis was born in 1806 and died in 1893. Nestor C. Tevis, father of Robert S. Tevis, was born March 25, 1839 and died April 11, 1912. He was married on July 14, 1874 to Julia A. Smith who bore him children as follows: Robert S. of this review; Simeon P., lives in Texas, married Bertie Jeanette Allen and has two children, Charlotte Julia and Anna Elizabeth; Lillie M. Tevis resides with her brother on the homestead. The mother of these children was bom in Ala- bama, May 19, 1848 and departed this life Dec. 25, 1918. She was a daughter of William Nelson Smith who met death on the Manassas battle- field. He was a grandson of Governor Page of revolutionary times and was a native of Yorktown, Va. He volunteered in the Florida War in 1836. Genealogy of the Smith Family in Virginia: (I) Major General Lawrence Smith, of York County, Va., laid out Yorktown, Va. in 1691. He died in 1700. His son (II) Col. Lawrence Smith, justice, sheriff of York County Va., and member of the House of Burgesses in 1683. He died in 1700. His wife was Mildred Reed. Will proved, 1754. Their son, (III) Robert Smith, born 1733, died 1787. His wife was Mary Cal- thorpe. Their son, (IV) Dr. Augustin Smith of York County, Va., edu- cated in Edinburg University, married Alice Page in 1793. She was born in 1775 and was a daughter of Gov. John Page of Virginia. They had six children. His son, (V) William T. N. Smith, born March 18, 1804, in York County, Va., married Elizabeth M. Fugua who was born near Farmville, Prince Edwardsville County, Va., Dec. 2, 1805, died Dec. 18, 1854 in Rogersville, Ala. William T. N. Smith was a direct descendant of a Revolutionary soldier. He was a volunteer in the P'lorida War of 1836. The soil in which he was buried was probably in other years owned by his ancestors. William T. N. Smith was father of nine chil- dren, the youngest daughter of whom, born near Rogersville, Ala., was married to Nestor C. Tevis at Lexington, Mo., July 14, 1848. William T. N. Smith was killed at the first Battle of Bull Run, or Manassas, July 21, 1861. In 1686, Ludlow's land was sold to Lawrence Smith. This tract con- tained 1,452 acres in York County on Wamley Creek. The land came into possession of his great grandson, Robert Smith, and afterwards became Templa Farm. The Articles of Surrender of Cornwallis' army to General Washington were signed in the Smith mansion. The Tevis home place in Cooper County is one of the oldest settled 742 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY places in this section of Missouri. The old Versailles Trail passed the old Greenhalge and the Tevis places. Robert S. Tevis is a worthy descendant of excellent ancestors and is keeping alive the traditions of the family. He has made some sub- stantial improvements on the old homestead and is successful as a farmer and citizen. He has recently completed a 200 ton concrete silo on the place. Mr. Tevis is a democrat as were his ancestors. He is prominent in the affairs of his township and county and is well and favorably known throughout the county. Mr. Tevis is a member of the Methodist Church South. Edgar A. Carpenter, an energetic young fanner of North Moniteau township and owner of an excellent farm of 120 acres eight miles east of Bunceton, was bora on a farm in Clarks Fork township Nov. 13, 1890, son of George A. and Mary M. (McCulloch) Carpenter, prominent residents of that community. Col. R. A. McCulloch, maternal grandfather of Mr. Carpenter, was an officer of the Confederate army during the Civil War and spent his last days in this county. He died Dec, 1911, and was buried in Pisgah cemetery, which is a part of the original confines of Mr. Carpenter's farm. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork, Edgar A. Carpenter re- ceived his early schooling in the Ellis district school and during the years 1909, 1910 attended the Missouri Valley College at Marshall. He then resumed farming on the home place until 1911, when he began farming on his own account. He bought the farm on which he is now living and Feb. 28, 1912, moved onto the same. Mr. Carpenter has made substantial improvements. He has a good two-story seven-room farm house, a sub- stantial barn 48x48, a machine shed and other suitable buildings. In addition to general farming, Mr. Carpenter gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, is now feeding a car load of cattle and has a fine bunch of Duroc Jersey hogs. June 7, 1911, Edgar A. Carpenter was united in marriage to Edna Missouri Lewis, who also was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, Gladys Margaret and Robert Allen, the latter named in honor of his great-grandfather, the late Col. Robert Allen Mc- Culloch. Mrs. Carpenter is a daughter of J. F. and Margaret (King) Lewis, of North Moniteau township. J. F. Lewis also was born in this county, son of John M. Lewis, who was an early settler near Otterville. Mrs. Lewis was born in Moniteau County, where the Kings had located in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 743 pioneer days. She and Mr. Lewis were married at Tipton. To their union seven children were born: Miss Aura Lewis, of Kansas City; Mrs. Car- penter; Minnie, died at the age of 19 years, and Susan Frances, Mary Belle, Mildred and Lucille, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are mem- bers of the Pisgah Baptist Church and Mr. Carpenter is affiliated with the Mystic Workers of the World at that place. John R. Smith, a former teacher of Cooper County and for the past 20 years engaged in the mercantile business at Pisgah, one of the best known men in that section of the county. He was born on a farm near Clarksburg, Moniteau County, June 30, 1858, son of John I. and Peggy (Guyer) Smith, who were among the best known residents of Pisgah. John I. Smith was a Kentuckian. He came to this state during the early '40s and located in Cooper County. He was for a short time a resident of Moniteau County, but soon made his permanent home half a mile southeast of Pisgah, in North Moniteau township, this county, and here spent the remainder of his life, as did his wife. She was born in Vir- ginia and came to this county with her parents. John Smith and his wife are buried in the Guyer cemetery. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom three are still living: John R.; Mrs. Christina Diffenbaugh, Eldon; and Mrs. Birdie Scott, Pleasant Green. The deceased members of this family are Berry, Mrs. Mallie Allison, William, Mrs. Lucy Yancey, Henry, Mrs. Mattie Russell and Charles. J. R. Smith received his schooling in the local schools and as a young men was for three winters engaged in teaching in this county, continuing his farm labors during the summers. In 1897, he bought an interest in the business of his father-in-law, Squire Moore, of the Moore Mercantile Company at Pisgah, and became actively engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at that place. This mutually agreeable partnership continued until the death of Squire Moore, after which the latter's son, T. J. Moore, bought his father's interest. A year later Mr. Smith bought his new partner's interest in the business and has since been conducting the store alone. He carries a general line of goods required in the local trade, handles all kinds of country produce and is recognized as one of the lead- ing merchants in that part of the county. Mr. Smith is a member of the Mystic Workers of the World at Pisgah. In Aug., 1897, J. R. Smith was married to Ollie Frances Moore, daugh- ter of Squire Moore and Frances (Lovell) Moore, both now deceased. The late Squire Moore, who for years was one of the best known and most influential figures in the community life of the Pisgah, is buried in Pisgah 744 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY cemetery. He and his wife had four children, Mrs. Smith having three brothers, Robert Moore, Wyoming; T. J. Moore, Moniteau township, and Edward Moore, Moniteau township. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have five chil- dren: Ruth, who was graduated from the Pisgah High School and is now a Cooper County teacher; Zaney, who also was graduated from Pisgah High School and is now teaching; Roy, who is now attending high school at Bunceton, and Woodson and Squire. The Smiths have a pleasant home at Pisgah and have ever taken an interested and helpful part in the gen- eral social activities of that community. Charles H. Drechsel, one of Boonville township's best known and most substantial farmers was born in Saxony, Oct. 18, 1859, son of Charles H. and Wilhelmina (Pasley) Drechsel, both natives of that country, to whom were born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is now the only survivor. In 1865 the senior Charles H. Drechsel and his wife and children came to America and settled at Boonville, where the father pres- ently bought a farm in Boonville township. Fifteen years later, in 1880, he made a visit back to his old home across the water and remained about three months, returning then to Boonville. About a week after his return he was taken suddenly ill and died, being then at the age of 53. His widow was married first time to Philip Pasley and by this first union was the mother of two children, of whom but one, Charles Pasley, of Kansas City, Mo., is living. She died in 1908 at the age of 72 years. Charles H. Drechsel was but five years of age when he came to this country with his parents. He was reared on a farm in Boonville town- ship, receiving his schooling in the Clear Spring district school. As a young man he worked for some time by the month and then began to farm his father's place, inheriting 40 acres of it upon the death of his father. From time to time, as his affairs prospered, he bought more land, until he now is the owner of 551 acres, 260 acres of which lies in his home farm in section 1, well improved and amply equipped for the general farming and stock raising carried on so successfully by the pro- prietor. Mr. Drechsel is a republican. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church, the faith in which he was reared, and he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Boonville. In 1883, Charles H. Drechsel was united in marriage with Ellen Mellor, a member of one of the old families in this community. To this union seven children have been born, namely: Henry, deceased; Fred, deceased; Sophia, wife of John McNorton, of Boonville township; Rosa, wife of C. Meeks, of Kansas City, Mo.; Ernest, of Boonville township; Robert, at home, and Florence, wife of E. Quint, of Boonville. Mrs. MR. AND MRS. CHARLES II. DRBCHSEL HISTOEY OF COOPER COUNTY 745 Drechsel was born at Belleville, 111., Jan. 10, 1864, and was but a child when her parents, Fred and Jessie (Payne) Mellor, came to Cooper County, where kinsfolk had preceded them, and located on a farm in Boonville township. Fred Mellor was a native of Germany and his wife was born in Virginia. Hon. Henry Judson Yancey, former state senator and for many years one of the best known and most influential figures in the political life of Cooper County, was born near the place on which he is now living, a mile south of Pisgah, in North Moniteau township, in 1853, son of Capt. Alfred and Jane Ann (Bowles) Yancey, both members of pioneer fam- ilies. Mrs. Bowles, grandmother of Senator Yancey, was a charter mem- ber of the Pisgah Baptist Church, and her brother, the Rev. John Longan, will always be held in pleasant memory hereabouts as the pioneer Bap- tist minister of this region. Almost from the days of his boyhood, the Rev. John Longan was a devoted missionary throughout this country, traveling horseback from settlement to settlement, preaching the gospel and neither expecting nor receiving compensation. It is a matter of early note that the only material compensation this devoted missioner ever re- ceived was on one occasion when his horse died and the members of his scattered congregations bought him another horse. But his memory is still green heareabout and when Pisgah Church celebrates its centenary, his long and faithful labor of love will be brought to mind. Capt. Alfred Yancey, father of Senator Yancey, was born in Ken- tucky in the year 1820 and was but six years of age when he came with his parents to Missouri in 1826, the family first settling in Howard County and later came to Cooper County, where the Yanceys have ever since been prominently represented. Captain Yancey married here and settled on the farm just south of Pisgah, near where his son, the Senator, is now living. Preceding the outbreak of the Civil War, he was commis- sioned captain of the local company of state militia and rendered valuable service to the Union cause. After the war he settled down to his farm- ing and became a substantial farmer and landowner. Captain Yancey died in 1893 and his widow died in 1894. Both are buried in the Sapping- ton Cemetery at Clarksburg. They were the parents of four children, of whom Senator Yancey is now the only survivor, the others having been Mary Belle, who married George T. Clark, of Clarksburg; Mrs. Bettie Patrick and Jesse Layton Yancey. Henry Judson Yancey received his schooling in the Yancey district and has given his chief attention to farming. When he was a boy of 17, he went to western Texas, where his uncle, Joseph Bowles, was engaged 746 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in cattle ranching, and for some time was engaged as a "cowboy," assist- ing his uncle in driving cattle through the then Indian country to Abilene, Kans. Though he enjoyed the wild, free life of the great plains, he re- turned from Abilene, quite content to give his whole time thereafter to th best interests of his home county. From the days of his young man- hood, Senator Yancey has given his earnest and thoughtful attention to civic affairs and has for years been reckoned as one of the strong per- sonal factors in the political life of this section, a leader in the ranks of the Democratic party, and in 1914 was elected to represent this sena- torial district in the 48th and 49th General Assemblies. During this period of service in the Senate, Senator Yancey rendered conspicuous service not only to his own district but to the State at large and had place on several of the important committees of the Senate ; his most notable act perhaps being that of introducing and pushing through through the Senate to enactment the bill abolishing capital punishment in the State of Missouri. Nov. 28, 1876, he was united in marriage to Isabel McNeal, who was born in Ohio, and to this union four children have been born: Jennie Alberta, died at the age of 23 years, and is buried at New Zion church- yard ; Alfred Jesse, who is now connected with the State Grain Inspection Department, with headquarters at Kansas City ; Mary Belle, wife of Ar- thur Elliott, North Moniteau township, and Anna E., who is at home with her parents. Senator and Mrs. Yancey have 14 grandchildren, the El- liotts having eight children, James Earl, Louis Judson, Vincel Weight, Mervin Lee, Anna May, Leta Belle, Luther Brant and Edward Raymond, while A. J. Yancey and his wife have six children, William Henry, Jesse Poindexter, Ada, Charles Brant, Woodrow Wilson, and Mary Frances. The Senator and his wife are members of the Pisgah Baptist Church and he is a member of the Mystic Workers of the World at Pisgah. Mrs. Yancey's father, Archibald McNeal, also was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and died in service. He was a native of Ohio, as was his wife, who before her marriage was Mary Elizabeth Lippy. They were among the early residents of Moniteau township, and there Mrs. McNeal spent her last days. She died on May 5, 1887, and is buried in New Zion churchyard. Mrs. Yancey has a brother, George Mc- Neal, of Montrose, Mo. Benjamin L. Morris, a substantial farmer of North Moniteau town- ship, has been for more than 20 years one of Cooper County's best known school teachers. Mr. Morris was born on a farm near Tipton, Mo., Dec. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 747 7, 1866, son of Hugh B. and Juda (Davis) Morris, both born in Missouri, the former in Howard and the latter in Cooper County, and who reared a family of 10 children, all of whom are living. Hugh B. Morris was a son of Shadrack Morris, who was a son of Hammond Morris, a Virginian, who settled in this section of Missouri more than a hundred years ago. Hugh B. Morris was born in 1825 and died in 1907. His wife was born in Moniteau township in 1833 and died in Nov., 1918. Both are buried in the Pisgah Baptist Cemetery. Of the 10 children of Hugh B. and Juda (Davis) Morris, B. L. Morris was the eighth in order of birth. He received his schooling in the local district schools, and Missouri State University at Columbia. Among his classmates at the university was the late Judge Divelbis, of Richmond, whose recent tragic death at that place was the occasion of such a shock to his friends. Upon his return from the university, Mr. Morris resumed farming and has ever since been thus engaged. In addition to his farm- ing, he has been for more than 20 years engaged in teaching school dur- ing the winters and is thus one of the best known and most influential members of Cooper County's excellent teaching force. In 1891, Mr. Mor- ris bought the farm on which he is now living, at the edge of the pleasant village of Pisgah, and has since resided there. In 1897, he erected a new house. In 1904 he built a new barn, which was swept away in 1909 in a cyclone, and he straightway put up another and better barn, a substantial structure 46x40 feet. His farm is one of the best in that neighborhood. The farm is well watered, several excellent springs being supplemented by a never-failing driven well, 176 feet in depth. Naturally Mr. Morris has given his close attention to local school conditions and in May, 1913, was one of the organizers of consolidated School District No. 1, of which, with the exception of two years, he ever since has been secretary, and to the genei'al extension of which he devoted his efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Pisgah Baptist Church, and their son, Lewis L. Morris, is clerk of the congregation. December 22, 1891, B. L. Morris was married to Patience Baughman, who was born on the farm near Bunceton. She is a daughter of Henry and Anna (Cole) Baughman, both bom in this county, the former in 1835 and the latter in 1847. Both the Baughmans and the Coles are among the real "old families" of this section, particularly the Coles, for Mrs. Morris's maternal grandfather, Samuel Cole, was a son of Hannah Cole, after whom Cole's Fort received its name in the days of the Indian trou- bles in connection with the war of 1812. The Coles came from Virginia. 748 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Henry Baughman died in 1911 and his widow died in 1918. Both are buried in the Baptist Cemetery at Pisgah. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Morris was the third in order of birth, the others being Charles Baughman, of Bunceton; Mrs. Margaret Underwood, of Webb City ; Mrs. Minnie Morris and Mrs. Flora Edwards, of Bunceton ; Mrs. Mary Hadley, of Glendora, Calif ; and Mrs. Katie Gilbert, of Bunceton. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have one son, Lewis L. Morris, born on Dec. 28, 1893, graduated from the Bunceton High School, and on Nov. 23, 1916, was united in marriage to Alice Doll, daughter of Ellen Edward and Nannie (Patton) Doll, residents of this county. Mrs. Alice Morris was bom in Illinois, coming to this county with her parents, and was graduated from the Bunceton High School. Lewis L. Morris, who, with his wife, makes his home on the Morris farm, is a valued assistant to his father. Philip Peter Meef, owner of "Riverside Farms" in Boonville town- ship, is a substantial farmer and stockman, was born in that township and has lived there all his life. He was born May 13, 1857, in Boonville town- ship, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Neef, natives of Germany. Jacob Neef came to this country with his parents in 1848, immediately following the unsuccessful revolution in Germany, the family locating on a farm three miles west of Boonville. Not long after coming here he was married and began farming on his own account in Boonville township. During the Civil War he espoused the Union cause and served as a mem- ber of the Home Guards and was killed at the battle of Boonville in 1864, he then being about 36 years of age, and his widow was left with a family of small children to look after. She kept her family together and sur- vived her husband many years. She died in 1896, at 75 years of age. To Jacob Neef and wire were born six children as follows: George, de- ceased; Fred, living near Boonville; Mollie, wife of E. L. Moehle, Boon- ville township; Philip Peter; Frank, deceased, and Jacob, deceased. Having been but seven years of age when his father was killed in battle, Philip P. Neef early found himself facing responsibilities and labors such as are spared the average boy and he thus grew up self- reliant and able to face the future. He stuck to the farm and after his marriage in 1879 rented a farm. In 1882 he bought 85 acres, a part of the farm on which he is now living and there established his home in a log cabin that was standing on the place. The ground was but incom- pletely cleared and was full of stumps, but the new owner went to work with a will and soon had it cleared and it also was not long until he had a more habitable dwelling house on the place. Mr. Neef added to his I'HIl.ir PETER NEEF AND KAMII.V HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 749 land holdings until now he is the owner of 317 acres of excellent land, 195 acres of which is in the home place, and he is one of the well-to-do farmers of the community. In 1900, Mr. Neef bought 110 acres adjoin- ing his original 85 and in 1906 he bought another farm of 123 acres as a home for his elder son, Carl, who also is making his home in Boonville township. Mr. Neef and his sons are republicans and the family are members of the Evangelical Church. Dec. 28, 1879, Philip P. Neef was married to Julia C. Huth, who also was born in Boonville township, and to this union were born two sons, Carl A. and John H., the latter of whom, born on June 21, 1882, is unmar- ried and remains at home and is managing "Riverside Farms", the home place, and is one of the most successful breeders of Cooper County. He breeds Mammoth jacks, Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and 0. I. C. and Chester White hogs, eligible to registration. For 13 years he has been a successful breeder of S. C. R. I. Reds, Reid's Yellow Dent seed corn and Poole, Marvelous, Fultz and Harvest King seed wheat. Carl A. Neef, who was born on Dec. 15, 1880, married Flora Gantner and is living on a farm not far from his father's place. He and his wife have four children, Philip F., Catherine J., Carl E. and Margaret J., lively youngsters in whom their grandparents take much delight. Mrs. Julia C. Neef was born in Boonville township on Sept. 5, 1856, one of the seven children born to John Peter and Mary Madeline (Back) Huth, five of which children, three sons and two daughters, are still living. John Peter Huth and his wife Were both in Germany and were married in this county, where their last days were spent. Mr. Huth came to the United States in 1848 and not long after his arrival in this country joined the rush fir the gold fields of California, making the arduous overland trip. He re- turned in 1852 via Cape Horn and New York City and came to Missouri, locating on a farm in Boonville township, where after his marriage in 1853 he and his wife lived. There Mr. Huth died May 26, 1896, aged 74 v« ars. His widow died in 1909 and was 79 years of age. Truman H. Morris, one of the best known agriculturists in the south- ern part of Cooper County, and formerly one of the county's best known school teachers, is a native son of Cooper County, and a member of one of the county's pioneer families. He was born on a farm four miles north of Tipton, son of Hugh B. and Juda A. (Davis) Morris, both members of pioneer families. Hugh B. Morris entered from the government a farm north of Tipton. Eight of his 10 children were born, the two younger chil- dren being born on the farm to which he moved in 1868, and which is 750 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY now owned and occupied by his son, Snode Morris. The Morrises have been represented in this section since territorial days. Truman H. Morris received his schooling in the local district school and Missouri State University, which he attended during the years 1881- 82-83. Meanwhile he had been giving his attention to farming during the summers, at the same time teaching school during the winters, and for 25 years continued this dual vocation, 13 years of this period being spent at teacher at the Greenwood school. In all of that time Mr. Morris's employment as a teacher did not take him into districts farther than two miles removed from his home and he thus was enabled to carry on his farming operations uninterrupted. In 1904 Mr. Morris bought from the J. W. Penn estate his present farm of 200 acres, seven miles east of Bunceton. This is the old John R. French farm and the house of 15 rooms which stands on the place was erected by Mr. French before the Civil War. In this house are three great stone fire-places, which were built by the late Col. Robert A. McCulloch, and which are in good condi- tion. A stone fence and stile, together with great stone hitching-posts, at the front of the house, built more than 60 years ago, and a stone fence to the west, probably built at the same time, still stand, as true to the line as when built. The fine forest trees in the front yard were planted by Mr. French. It is recalled that in the days of the French proprietorship there, Mr. French maintained an orchard of 60 acres and the cider vine- par which he produced from the products of that orchard helped no little in establishing the reputation Missouri has long held as a vinegar state. The old building in which he operated his cider-mill is still standing. On one occasion, Mr. French was unable to get barrels in sufficient quantities to care for his cider and he pumped the water out of his four cisterns and filled them with cider. Since taking possession of the place, Mr. Morris has made substantial improvements, including the erection of two barns, one 56x64 and the other 36x40. and has in other ways brought the farm plant up-to-date. Mr. Morris is a democrat and in 1895 he made the race in the primaries for the nomination for clerk of the Circuit Court. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Prairie Home and he and his family are members of the Christian Church at Pisgah. Dec. 21, 1883, Truman H. Morris was married to Bettie Clawson, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born ; Jesse Teel, who is in government service in Washington, D. C. ; and John Paul and Edith Gertrude, twins, who were graduated from the high school at Bunceton with the class of 1919. Jesse Teel HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 751 Morris, who is a graduate of the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Columbia University (New York), and of Carnegie Technical Institute at Pittsburgh, was for some time engaged as supervisor of manual training in one of the high schools at Pittsburgh, but transferred his services to the Government, and is now connected with the agricultural department in the bureau of live-stock inspection at Washington. Mrs. Morris was born in Clarks Fork township, a daughter of Jesse and Catherine (Pal- mer) Clawson, both long since deceased. Jesse Clawson was a well-known business man, and had an interest in a St. Louis packing plant. He died in 1865, and his widow died in 1900. Bot hare buried in Pisgah Cem- etery. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living, Mrs. Morris having two brothers, R. M. Clawson, of Cass County, this State, and J. W. Clawson, of Vinita, Okla., and two sisters, Miss Kate Clawson and Mrs. L. M. Hagen, who are living in Los Angeles, Cal. Chris J. Brandes, one of the well-known and successful farmers and stockmen of Cooper County, was born in Clarks Fork township, July 6, 1866. He is a son of Charles and Margaret (Smith) Brandes, further mention of whom is made in this volume in connection with the sketch of Theodore L. Brandes. Chris J. Brandes received his education in the Washington and the Lee School districts. He also attended the German school at Clarks Fork for a time. He remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age, when he engaged in farming for himself on rented land for about five years. In 1894 he purchased 160 acres of his present place. He has added to it until he now owns 380 acres of well-improved farm land with three sets of farm buildings. The home residence was built by Mr. Brandes shorty after he bought his first land. The family lived in a temporary building on the place while the residence was being erecte.l. Mr. Brandes practically built his house alone, from excavating the cellar to doing the carpenter and mason work. His first barn on the place was ;■ double log building, which he also built himself, and which cost him beside his own labor only $7.75. This old building is still standing. Mr. Brandes carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of Callaway cattle. Poland China hogs, and Shropshire sheep. The place is well adapted for both general farming and stock raising. The water supply is pumped by a gas engine from a well 207 feet deep. The Brandes place is one of the well improved farms of Cooper County. Sept. 2?., 1888, Chris Brandes was united in marriage with Miss Lee Long, a native of Cooper County, born in Kelly township, Aug. 22, 1868. 752 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY She is a daughter of William H. and Mary (Dale) Long. W. H. Long was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1833, and died in Cooper County in 1909, and his remains are buried at Pisgah. He served as a captain in the Confederate army during the Civil War, under Gen. Sterling Price. When the war broke out he enlisted in Cedar County, Mo., and served through- out the war, and was wounded. His wife was a native of Indiana, born in 1835. They were married in Cedar County, and the following children were born to them: Mrs. Lizzie Salmons, Rockville; Josie died in infancy; Florence married William E. Draffen and died at the age of 36 years, in 1903 ; Lee married Chris J. Brandes, the subject of this sketch ; Thomas lives in North Moniteau township; Charles M., North Moniteau township; W. R., San Antonio, Texas; Sterling Price died in infancy, and Wade Hampton, Jefferson City. To Mr. and Mrs. Chris J. Brandes have been born the following chil- dren: Clara N„ married William T. Martin; Edna M., died in infancy; William Carl resides at home with his parents; Edgar resides at home. Six children died in infancy. William Carl is a veteran of the World War. He entered the United States service, Sept. 5, 1918, and was trained at Camp McArthur, Texas, until Nov. 4, 1918, when he transferred to Camp Merrit, N. J., and was aboard the English transport Cedric, which was preparing to start for France when the armistice was signed Nov. 11, 1918. He was then returned to Camp Merrit, and later to Camp Grant, 111., where he was mustered out of service, Dec. 31, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Brandes have three grandchildren : Mary Lee, Irma Gray, and Grace Lucille Martin, who live with their grandparents. Mr. Brandes is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Bunceton, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Pisgah. William H. Turley, who died at his home in LaMine township in the fall of 1909 was one of the most substantial and progressive farmers of the county. He was born on the farm on which he died and had spent all his life there. His father also was born on that farm, a son of one of the real pioneers of this region, the Turleys having been represented in this community practically since the days of its beginning. Milton Turley, the father, married Louisa Ricks and to that union were born four children, three 'sons and a daughter, all of whom are now deceased. Of these William H. Turley, born on March 8, 1856, was the eldest, the others being Harvey C, Stephen G. and Adelia. William H. Turley began operations there on his own account on reaching manhood and established his home there. He and his brother, Harvey C. Turley owned in partner- WILLIAM II. TIULKY AND WIFE HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 753 ship a tract of 340 acres of excellent land and did well- in their operations. Their farm was well improved and they made a specialty of good live stock. William H. Turley was a democrat, a member of the Christian Church and was affiliated with the M. W. of A. He died Oct. 12, 1909, and his widow is still making her home on the home place, which is now owned and operated under the general direction of her elder son, John H. Turley. Dec. 13, 1881, William H. Turley was united in marriage with Anna B. Herndon, who also was born in LaMine township, July 6, 1861, second in order of birth of the seven children born to George and Elizabeth (Pope) Herndon, the others being as follows: Benjamin T. Herndon, Saline County; William, deceased; John M., deceased; Ella D., deceased, and Lester H. and James G. Herndon, of Saline County. George Herndon, also was born in LaMine township, about 1824, son of one of the earliest settlers in that section, a Virginian, who came to this county in 1811. George Herndon died at his home in this county in 1884. His wife died at the age of 35 years in 1872. She was born in Garrett County, Ky., a daughter of Thomas Pope and wife, the latter of whom was a Bland, who came to Cooper County about 1836, settled on a farm here and reared a family of three children. To William H. and Anna B. (Herndon) Turley were born nine chil- dren, namely: Susan E., born on Oct. 17, 1882, died Oct. 30, 1883; John H, further mention of whom is made below; Mary D., born on May 11, 1885. married Wade Keuckelhan, Dundee, Texas; Harvey H., born Nov. 17, 1886, died on Dec. 2, 1909; Ethlyn M., June 16. 1888, died Sept, 5, 1908; William G., June 30, 1890, at LaMine, engaged in the building trade; Harry and Hazel (twins), March 23, 1894, the latter died July 10, 1894, and the former is living in LaMine township, and Margaret, Nov. 12, 1898, died March 20, 1899. John H. Turley was born Nov. 4, 1883, and has always lived on the farm which he now owns, except a few years during when he was en- gaged in railroad service. He supplemented the schooling received in the local schools by a course in Hill's Business College at Sedalia and from 1907 to 1911 was employed as a clerk for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. a1 Boonville and later at Marshall. He then returned to the home farm and operated the same for his widowed mother until in 1918, when ho bough! the place. Since taking possession of the farm Mr. Turley has made numerous improvements on the place and now has an excellent farm. That portion of the old Turley place which he bought consists of 100 754 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY acres and in addition to his general farming he gives considerable atten- tion to the breeding of Poland-China hogs. Mr. Turley is a democrat and in the campaign of 1916 he was the nominee of his party for the legis- lature, but went down in the face of the republican majority of that year. Aug. 24, 1918, he married Ethel Clickner, who was born at Edina, Mo., was graduated from Fayette High School and attended Howard Payne College, also the Warrensburg Normal School, and is now the teacher at the Locust Grove school in LaMine township. Mr. Turley is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Robert Thomas Draffen, a Civil War veteran, and a member of one of the pioneer families of Cooper County, was born in Kelly township, July 16, 1844. He is the son of William and Atlanta (McCullough) Draf- fen, both natives of Virginia. William Draffen was born in 1820, and died in Moniteau township in 1906, on his home place, where he had lived since settling in Cooper County in the thirties. His wife died in 1907, and their remains are buried at Pisgah. William Draffen was a son of Robert Thomas Draffen, who settled at Boonville at a very early date. He was a cigar manufacturer and also bought and sold tobacco. Robert T. Draffen was educated at Lee's School, and has always lived in Kelly and Moniteau townships, and has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He bought his present place, which consists of 84 acres, in 1885. This is one of the historic old places of Cooper County. A still was operated here during the Civil War and for some years afterwards. When the Civil War bi-oke out, Mr. Draffen enlisted in the Confed- erate army under General Marmaduke. He participated in a number of engagements, and was at the battle of Mine Creek, where General Mar- maduke was captured. Later, in 1862, Mr. Di-affen was taken prisoner and held in the Boonville jail for a time, when he was paroled. He after- ward joined the army and was at Shreveport, La., when the Confederate army under General Price surrendered there. He then returned to Cooper County, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Draffen was first married in 1870 to Miss Rebecca McLean, a daughter of James and Jennie (Bull) McLean, pioneers of Cooper County. Two children were born of this union, Sterling Price, who resides near McBain, Mo., and Laura, married Elmer Hedspeth, who resides in Ala- bama. The mother died in 1878, and on Dec. 15, 1881, Mr. Draffen was married to Miss Bettie Carpenter, a daughter of Robert L. and Priscille HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 755 (Robinson) Carpenter, the former a native of Copper County, who died March 25, 1892, aged 61 years, and the latter a native of Kentucky, died Feb. 16, 1913, aged 83 years. Their remains are buried in the cemetery at Bunceton. They were the parents of the following children: James, Jefferson City; Mrs. Helen Richey, Bunceton; Mrs. J. B. Scott, Bunceton; William, Bunceton ; Robert, Bunceton ; Emmett, married Maggie Rowles and is now deceased ; Josie, died at the age of 50 years, and Bettie, wife of Robert T. Draff en, the subject of this sketch. To Robert T. and Bettie (Carpenter) Draffen have been born the fol- lowing children: William Robert, residing at home; Gussie, married Andrew Snorgrass, Vermont, Mo.; Lynne Lee, a student at the State Normal School at Warrensburg, has been a teacher at Blackwater, Mo., for three years ; Wallace, married Edith Embry, Moniteau township ; Weight, a teacher; and Benjamin McCulloch, at home. The land which constitutes Mr. Draffen's farm was entered from the Government by his grandfather, Robert Thomas McCulloch, who entered several hundred acres of land in this vicinity. William Chambers, great- grandfather of Mrs. Draffen, was one of the pioneers of Boonville, and his career was intimately associated with the early history of that town. Thus, both Mr. and Mrs. Draffen are descendents of the very earliest pioneers of this section, and rank among the leading people of Cooper County. Berend Vieth, a Cooper County pioneer, who has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, is a native of Holstein, Germany. He was born Aug. 16, 1839, a son of Heinrich and Catherine (Behrens) Vieth. Berend Vieth was reared and educated in his native land, and came to America in 1865, locating in Cooper County. Here he worked as a farm laborer and in other lines of industry for a time, and later oper- ated rented land. He made the initial purchase of his present farm in 1880, which consisted of 160 acres and also of 80 acres of timber land. He bought more land later until he was the owner of 540 acres, which constitute the present Vieth farm. In the early days, Mr. Vieth was an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs, which he shipped to the St. Louis markets. He has been successful in his undertaking, and is one of the well-to-do men of the community. Due to an injury Mr. Vieth received 20 years ago, he has been practically an invalid for the past five years, and his son, H. C. Vieth, has carried on the farming operations. Berend Vieth was united in marriage March 12, 1872, to Miss Eliza- beth Selck, a daughter of Carl and Christine Selck, pioneers of Cooper 756 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY County. Mrs. Vieth was born in Germany, Sept. 10, 1848, and was brought to America by her parents when she was 4 years old. The fam- ily first settled in Rochester, N. Y., and 15 years later came to Cooper County, settling on a farm near Crawfords Bridge. To Berend Vieth and wife have been born the following children: Ida, married Henry Schnuck, Overton, Mo.; Emma resides at home; Tillie, married Charles Barta, Kansas City, Mo. ; H. C, who is farming the home place, and Carries resides at home. The grand children are as follows: Lorine, Arthur and Lloyd Schnuck, and Raymond and Ralph Barta. The Vieth farm is one of the valuable places of Cooper County. It is well improved with a good nine-room farm residence, and other high class improvements. H. C.| Vieth, who conducts the home farm, is one of the progressive young men of Cooper County. He was born in Kelly Township, July 30, 1881, and received his education in the public schools and the parochial school at Clarks Fork, and later attended Hill's Busi- ness College at Sedalia. In addition to general farming, Mr. Vieth raises Shorthorn cattle and hogs extensively. The Vieth family are prominent in the community and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lone Elm. Thomas A. Harris, proprietor of "Sunnyside" farm in LaMine town- ship and progressive stockmen in Cooper County, former president of the American Berkshire Association, was born July 23, 1862, son of William J. and Sarah (McMahan) Harris, both members of pioneer families. William J. Harris was born on June 15, 1815, near Richmond, Va.. and was but eight years of age when in 1823 he came with his mother, Nancy (Ferris) Harris, and the Turley and Herndon families to this part of Missouri. With him and his mother was his sister, who when 16 years of age married I. Majors, of Cass County, Mo., and who lived to celebrate the seventieth anniversay of her marriage. She was the mother of 16 children. In this region William J. Hai*ris grew to manhood and was an influential factor in its development. He helped Mr. Turley, Mr. Hern- don and Thomas Mellor hew the logs for the first school house in the dis- trict and also helped to pay the wages of the first teacher. In 1849 he joined the great rush of gold seekers to California, driving an ox-team through, but did not find his expectations realized there and presently came back, returning by way of Cape Horn and the East. In 1853 he bought the farm on which his son, Thomas A. Harris, is now living, erected a log house and reared his family, where he died Nov. 12, 1881. William J. Harris was twice married. By his first wife, Sarah McMahan, who THOMAS A IIAKIIIS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 757 died in 1862, at the age of 27 years, he was the father of five children, namely: Mantie, wife of Judge John B. Harris, Fulton, Mo.; William P., deceased; Sterling P., of Pettis County; Leona, died in infancy, and Thomas A., who was but eight days old when his mother died. In 1869 William J. Harris married Lizzie Lake, who was born in Howard County, and to that union were born two children, Stella and Ada, both now de- ceased. Thomas A. Harris was reared on the farm on which he was born and which he has owned since 1899, when he bought the interests of the other heirs in the place, which he has named "Sunnyside" farm. For years he has been extensively engaged in the breeding of Berkshire hogs and the raising of Shorthorn cattle, of the latter feeding two loads a year. Mr. Harris has a fine farm of 417 acres, his last purchase being 127 acres in Feb., 1919, and his place is well improved, including a modern house lighted with gas, and two silos and is otherwise well equipped. He began the breeding of Berkshire hogs in 1889, his first pair having been bought from N. H. Gentry, of Pettis County, and he ever since has made a specialty of Berkshires, holding semi-annual sales at "Sunnyside", a veteran ex- hibitor at state fairs, and has long been recognized as the most extensive breeder of Berkshires in Cooper County. He has received as high as $350 for a single hog and has bred hogs that have brought as much as $1,500. For years Mr. Harris has been one of the most active members Of the American Berkshire Association and served as president of that associa- tion for one year. His three sons are partners in the operations at "Sunny- side". Mr. Harris and his sons are democrats and the family are mem- bers of the Christian Church. Oct. 9, 1895, Thomas A. Harris was united in marriage with Margarel P. Wing, and to this union seven children have been born, namely : Mildred, deceased ; Wilbur M., who was graduated from the Boonville High School, and Robert P., Ella L., Sarah Lillian, Thomas A. and Margaret Leona. Robert P. is a graduate of Dunkle's Business School. Mrs. Harris also is a member of one of Missouri's pioneer families. She was born in Columbia, this state, Sept. 30, 1870, daughter of David W. and Ella (Parker) Wing, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Thomas J. Lovell, a Civil War veteran and a member of one of the very early pioneer families of Cooper County, was born in Prairie Home township, about a mile from where he now resides, Aug. 4, 1842. He is a son of Thomas J., Sr., and Ollie (Burrus) Lovell, the former a native of 758 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY North Carolina, and the latter of Tennessee. They were among the pioneer settlers of Prairie Home township. The following children were born to them : Lucy Ann, married Fayette Carlos, and they are both now deceased ; Armstead Franklin, deceased ; John, deceased ; Elizabeth, mar- ried William Burrus, and both are now deceased; Amanda, married John M. Burrus, and resides on the old home place; Sarah, deceased; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch ; and Olive Francis, married Squire Moore, and they are both deceased. The mother of these children died in 1847, and Thomas J. Lovell afterwards married Catherine Fry, and three chil- dren were born to this union: Martha Bell, deceased; Nevada, married Henry Summers, and both died in Denver, Col. ; and Andrew Jackson, who resides in Denison, Texas. Thomas J. Lovell's second wife died about 1852, and he married Mrs. Telitha Timms, and to this union was born one daughter, Nannie, now the wife of Robert Kirkpatrick, Clinton, Mo. Thomas J. Lovell, Sr., died in 1855. Thomas J. Lovell, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared in Cooper County, and attended the early day schools. The first school which he attended was a log building in the Pisgah district, and the school was taught by a Mr. Teeters. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Lovell enlisted at Versailles, Mo., in the Confederate army, in Captain Butler's company. He served from 1861 until the close of the war. He was wounded three times, the first time at the battle of Dry Wood, Sept. 1, 1861, near Fort Scott, Kan. He was sent home from there, but returned to the army in 1862, and was again wounded at Jenkins Ferry, Ark. His company surrendered at the close of the war at Shreveport, La. He then returned to Cooper County, where he has since resided. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising, and has met with success. He owns 120 acres of well improved land in Prairie Home township, and is one of Cooper County's substantial and highly respected citizens. Mr. Lovell was married in 1870 to Miss Hattie B. Kirkpatrick. One child was born to this union, Edward Franklin, who resides at Salem, III. The wife and mother died in 1893, and her remains are buried in Pisgah Cemetery. May 12, 1897, Mr. Lovell was united in marriage with Martha Gilbreath, a native of Macon, born in 1851. She is a daughter of Hugh F. and Catherine (Carpenter) Gilbreath, the former a native of Tennessee, born in 1826, and died Jan. 26, 1888, and the latter a native of Cooper County, born in 1828, and died in May, 1915. They were the parents of the following children: Mary Francis, deceased; Mrs. Laura Clawson, Vinita, Okla. ; Martha, the wife of Thomas J. Lovell, the subject HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 759 of this sketch ; J. N., Tulsa, Okla. ; Mrs. Flora Johnson, deceased ; Gilmer, deceased; Mrs. Victoria Floyd, deceased; Anna, deceased; Walter, Speed, Mo. ; and two sons died in infancy. Mrs. Lovell is a member of New Salem Church in Prairie Home township. Mr. Lovell is a democrat, and is a member of Camp Harper, Confederate Veterans, Bunceton, Mo. William J. Lacy, of Prairie Home township, belongs to a family of pioneers of this State of Revolutionary ancestors. William J. Lacy was born in Moniteau County, Nov. 29, 1847, a son of Dr. Archibald J. and Mary Letitia (Winston) Lacy, both natives of Stokes County, N. C. Dr. Archibald Lacy was born July 25, 1823, and died in Cooper County, Jan. 6, 1892. He was the son of Dr. William A. Lacy and Agnes (Johnson) Lacy, the former of whom was born in Virginia in 1802, and died in Cooper County, May 26, 1887. His wife was a native of North Carolina, and died in Cooper County, Sept. 23, 1888. Dr. William A. Lacy came to Missouri in 1836 and settled in Moniteau County, which was then a part of Cole County, and he later moved to Salem County, and then returned to Cooper County. Mary Letitia (Winston) Lacy, mother of William J. Lacy, was born in Stokes County, N. C, March 10, 1827, and died Oct. 24, 1848. She was a daughter of Gen. Joseph W. Winston, who was a major general in the war of 1812, and his father was a colonel in the Revolutionary War under Washington. William J. Lacy was the only child born to his parents. After the death of William J. Lacy's mother, his father married Julia Gale, a daughter of Dr. R. W. Gale, of Cooper County, and three children were born to this union : Robert A., deceased George G., now living in Okla- homa and Agnes G., deceased. William J. Lacy was reared by his grandparents, who moved from Moniteau to Saline County in 1851. They later went to Vernor County, but in 1874 William J. returned to Cooper County, where he has since resided. He settled on his present place of 120 acres in 1912. Mr. Lacy was married Sept. 5, 1872, to Nancy Elem Johnston, a daughter of Washington A. and Martha (Hunt) Johnston, the former a native of Prairie Home township, born Jan. 1, 1825, and died Feb. 15, 1908. His wife was born in 1829 and died Jan. 14, 1919. Robert B. Johnston, grandfather of Mrs. Lacy, and his wife were among the very early pioneers of Cooper County. Mrs. Lacy has a sister living, Jennie L., who is now the wife of E. B. Shannon, Clarks Fork township. William Hunt, Mrs. Lacy's maternal grandfather, was born in Bun- 760 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY conbe County, N. C, March 8, 1789, and his wife, Nancy Hunt, was born June 21, 1795, and died Aug. 20, 1876. They moved to Howard County, Mo., in 1816, and in 1825 settled on Salt Creek, near Pisgah, Cooper County. They reared 10 children. William Hunt was a son of Jonathan and Ailcy (Berry) Hunt, natives of Buncom County, N. C. To William J. Lacy and wife have been born two sons, Archibald Johnston Lacy, born Jan. 4, 1876, and died Nov. 15, 1912, and Robert Winston Lacy, born June 21, 1880, married Elizabeth Jones, a daughter of David L. Jones, Jan. 16, 1907, and they have two children, Archibald Jones, born Nov. 8, 1909, and Robert Winston, born March 13, 1916. They live in Prairie Home township. The Lacy family are well known and highly respected and rank among the first pioneer families of Cooper County. George Washington Mellor, one of the substantial farmers and stock- men of LaMine township, was born on the farm on which he is now living, Jan. 10, 1856. He is the elder of the two sons born to Thomas and Mary Jane (Talbot) Mellor, the former of whom was of English birth and the latter a Virginian, whose last days were spent in Cooper County. Thomas Mellor was born at Ashland, in Derbyshire, England, March 18, 1818, and was about 12 years of age when he came to this country with his parents, John and Martha (Barrett) Mellor, in 1830, the family locating in Oswego County, N. Y. John Mellor there engaged in farm- ing, but soon moved to Franklin, Delaware County, N. Y., where he bought a small dairy farm and where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. In 1838. he then being 20 years of age, Thomas Mellon decided to come West. He came by way of New Orleans, where he remained until 1844 when he came by boat to this section of Missouri and settled on land which he bought near Rankin's Mill, in Boonville township, where he re- mained until the California gold excitement in 1849 caused him to join the band of prospectors headed for the new Eldorado and he drove an ox-team through to the gold fields. He did not remain long, however, returning by way of the isthmus and New York. While East he visited with old home folks in New York state for a while and then returned to Cooper County, where about 1853 he bought a tract of land in LaMine ' township and created a home in which he spent the rest of his life, becom- ing the owner of a fine farm of 640 acres. He also was the proprietor of a freight warehouse on the river front at the mouth of the LaMine River. He died on May 28, 1904. Thomas Mellor was twice married. His first wife, Sarah Gadsby, died at the time of the birth of her first MR, AND MRS. GEORGE W. MELLOF HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 761 child, the child also dying, and he later married Mary Jane Talbot, who was born in Virginia and who died in 1894 at the age of 66 years. To that union two sons were born, the subject of this sketch having a younger brother, John Paul Mellor, also a resident of LaMine township. George W. Mellor was reared on the home farm in LaMine township and completed his schooling in the high school at Boonville. He early turned his attention to Cable Railway system and for two years he worked at Los Angeles and for two years at San Diego in that business. He was married in the former city in 1891 and the year following his mar- riage returned to the old home in this county, the operations of the farm requiring his attention, and has since made his home there, owner of a fine farm of 210 acres which he inherited at the death of his father. In 1898 he erected on that place a fine, modern eight-room house and his farm is equipped in keeping with the same. Mr. Mellor is a stockholder in the National Bank of Boonville. He is a democrat and is affiliated with the Modem Woodmen of America at Blackwater. He and his family are members of the Christian Church. Aug. 19, 1891, at San Diego, Cal., George W. Mellor was united in marriage to Charlotte Stiles, who was born in Leavenworth, Kan., Dec. 6, 1870, a daughter of Hiram and Mary Ann (Hovey) Stiles, natives, re- spectively, of New York and Ohio, who moved with their family to San Diego in 1886, spending the rest of their lives there. Mi - , and Mrs. Mellor have four children, namely: Bessie 0., wife of G. H. Neiderjohn, of Nel- son, Mo. ; Thomas E., now at home, having but recently returned from service in the United States army, receiving his discharge at Camp Funs- ton, Kan. ; Mabel S., wife of P. M. Floyd, of Boonville, and Bernice, wife of William G. Weekley, of LaMine Station. Judge George W. Morris, a prominent farmer and stockman of Mon- iteau township, former member of the Board of County Judges of Cooper County, is a native of this county, and belongs to one of the pioneer fam- ilies. Judge Morris was born in Kelly township, Oct. 22, 1863. He is a son of Hugh B. and Juda A. (Davis) Morris, early settlers of Cooper County. Judge Morris was reared in this county, and educated in the public schools at Pisgah. He received a very good common school education. having been fortunate in having some very good instructors, among whom was James Groves. Judge Morris was reared on a farm, and has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation. He has lived on his present place in North Moniteau township since 1885. The place con- 762 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sists of 700 acres, a part of which was formerly the old McCulloch place. It is located in North Moniteau and Clarks Fork townships, and is one of the valuable farms of Cooper County. There are three sets of improve- ments on the place. The farm is nicely located, and an extensive view can be had from the home residence. From here one can easily see the water tower and court house at California, Mo., when atmospheric condi- tions are favorable. George W. Morris was united in marriage Dec. 30, 1885, to Miss Matilda McCulloch, a native of Cooper County, born in Kelly township, Oct. 13, 1860. She is a daughter of Col. Robert A. and Mary (Mahan) McCulloch. Col. Robert A. McCulloch was born in Albemarle County, Va.,- in 1825, and came to Missouri with his parents, Thomas and Mary McCulloch, who first settled in Howard. County. They remained there but a short time, when they came to Cooper County. Robert A. McCul- loch served in the Confederate army during the Civil War and became a lieutenant colonel. He served in General Forest's brigade. He was known as "White Headed Bob" McCulloch, and a cousin of his, Col. Robert McCulloch, who was also a Confederate veteran, was known as "Black Headed Bob" McCulloch. They crossed the plains together and went to California with ox teams during the gold excitement of 1849. Col. Rob- ert A. McCulloch died in 1911, aged 86 years. His wife, Mary (Mahan) McCulloch, was a native of Cole County. She died several years prior to her husband's death, aged 45 years. They were the parents of three children as follows: Mary, married George A. Carpenter, and is now de- ceased; Matilda, wife of George W. Morris, the subject of this sketch; and Albert J., who resides at Winfield, Kan. Judge and Mrs. Morris reared an orphan child, Ola McDonald, who is now the wife of Warren Carpenter, of Prairie Home township. Judge Morris is one of Cooper County's most substantial citizens. He has an extensive acquaintaince, not only in Cooper County, but in this section of the State, and he and Mrs. Morris have many friends and are univer- sally respected. Judge Morris served as a member of the County Court from 1915 to Jan. 1, 1919, having been elected on the democratic ticket in November, 1914. William Edgar Wolfe, of Prairie Home township is a native of Cooper County whose ancestors were very early settlers in this section of the State. Mr. Wolfe was born near Overton, Nov. 14, 1868, and is a son of Wesley and Sallie (Street) Wolf. Wesley Wolfe was also a native of Cooper County, born near Wooldridge, where he was reared to manhood. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 763 During the Civil War he entered the Confederate army and served for two years, until that great conflict closed. He returned to Cooper County, where he was engaged in farming until his death, Feb. 10, 1875. His wife was a native of Virginia ; she died Jan. 21, 1878. Their remains are buried in the Clayton Cemeteiy. Wesley Wolfe's father was a Pennsyl- vanian, and settled in Missouri about 100 years ago. Shortly after com- ing here he entered the island just east of Wooldridge and lived there for many years. To Wesley and Sallie (Street) Wolfe were born the follow- ing children: Lucy, deceased; James, deceased; Charles C. resides at Overton ; Mrs. Eliza Anderson, deceased ; Columbus, lives in Illinois ; Mrs. Lavina Isom, Carrollton, Mo.; Mrs. Julia Ward, lives in Carroll County; William Edgar, the subject of this sketch, and Pressley, Overton. William Edgar Wolfe was reared and educated near Overton, and in early life worked as a farm laborer for about 10 years, receiving from $15.00 to $16.00 per month. He worked for C. C. Eldridge, who is now living retired in Boonville, for six years. Mr. Wolfe bought his first land in 1901, which he later sold and bought his present place in Prairie Home township in 1911, which he purchased from H. F. Fricke. The place con- sists of 1091/2 acres, and is nicely located on the Jefferson Highway. Since he bought the place, Mr. Wolfe has built a good substantial eight- room residence and other farm buildings. June 26. 1892, William Edgar Wolf was united in marriage with Miss Annie Dishion, a daughter of James and Nancy Jane (Adair) Dishion, the former of whom died Sept. 16, 1911, and the mother now resides on the home place in Prairie Home township. James F. and Nancy Jane (Adair) Dishion were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Laura Deuel ; Anna, wife of William Edgar Wolfe ; Mrs. W. C. Kirschman ; Ada, died at the age of 12 years; Margaret, died at the age of seven years; Alvin, resides in Prairie Home; Silas, Prairie Home; Minnie May, Prairie Home ; Mrs. Myrtle Richie, died at the age of 27 years in Colorado ; Edna Ritchey, Prairie Home; and Speed, Prairie Home. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have been born the following children: Blanch, married Fred L. Grostedt, Clarks Fork township ; Oral Wilson Wolfe, served in the World War in France and Germany, a member of Company L, 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He entered the army April 24, 1918, was trained at Camp Funston, Kan., and sent to France June 3, 1918, and arrived there June 24. He took part in the important engage- ments in which the 89th Division participated, including the battles of the Meuse, Argonne and St. Mihiel, as well as other continuous fighting. 764 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was wounded at St. Mihiel, and was discharged from the service June 24, 1919. Louis Edgar Wolfe entered the army Oct. 21, 1918, and was sent to Camp Bowie, near Ft. Worth, Texas, and was on detached service there when the armistice was signed. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe are : Elva, at home ; Serelda, deceased ; John J., died in infancy; Nancy J.; Leith Alexander; Willie Franklin; Ewing C. ; Champ Clark; Charles K., died in infancy; and Allen B. Mr. Wolfe is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and one of Cooper County's substantial citizens. John Paul Mellor, proprietor of "Cape Verde" stock farm along the Missouri River in LaMine township, was born on that farm and has lived there all his life, having developed an excellent piece of property. He inherited the old home place which was established by his father many years ago and has done much toward the improvement of the same since it came into his possession. Born July 23, 1857, Mr. Mellor retains dis- tinct recollections of the Civil War period and has some interesting souvenirs of that struggle picked up on his farm, including a grape-shot that was fired from Boonville. He also has some quite interesting relics of the days of Indian occupancy, the collection which he maintains at his home attracting much attention on the part of those interested in such matters. Mr. Mellor's father was a cripple during a part of his life and was thus incapacitated for service during the Civil War. He had a freight warehouse on the river front at the mouth of the LaMine River and this warehouse was once attacked by Federal gunboats which fired as many as 300 shots at the place. The Mellor place also was raided by Federal soldiers, who took the horses out of the stable, emptied the smokehouse of its stored meats and took the bedclothes and such other articles from the house. The elder Mellor, Thomas Mellor, was of English birth and was 12 years of age when he came to this country with his parents, the family locating in New York state. When 20 years of age he went to New Orleans and a few years later came to Missouri and settled near Rankin's Mill in Boonville township, this county. In 1849 he went to California and on his return made a visit back to his boyhood home in New York, after which he returned to Missouri and in this county spent the rest of his life. On the home place, "Cape Verde" farm, now owned by the subject of this sketch, the elder Mellor created a good piece of property and the same has been much improved since coming into the possession of the present owner. John P Mellor grew up familiar with the practical details of farm THOMAS MKll.nl: HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 765 life and has always made his home on the place on which he was born, being now the owner of 371 acres of excellent and well cultivated land. He is a stockholder in the Central National Bank of Boonville and in the Citizens Trust Company of that city. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Christian Church. "Nov. 28, 1888, John P. Mellor was united in marriage to Nancy Clara Schuster, who was born at Chouteau Springs, Mo., Dec. 19, 1865, daughter of Moritz and Rachel (Hidlebridle) Schuster, the latter born in Maryland. Moritz Schuster was a native of Germany, but had been a resident of this country since the days of his boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Mellor have six children, namely : George T. ; Agnes, wife of Henry Fritz, of Blackwater township ; Speed S., who is farming in LaMine township ; Grace G., wife of William G. Turley, of LaMine Station, and Ada Marie and Ernest, at home. George T. Mellor, the eldest son, who was born on Dec. 11, 1889, enlisted for service in the national army in June, 1917, not long after this country's declarations of war against Germany, and as a member of G Company, 140th Infantry, underwent training at Camp Nichols, Leaven- worth, Flat River and Ft. Sill, and was a first class private when he sailed for France with his detachment in the spring of 1918. On Sept. 28, 1918, he was severely wounded during the battle then raging in the Argonne Forest ; was discharged and now living at home. George T. Mellor mar- ried Mollie Cramer, also of LaMine township, and has one child, Roy T. William F. Carpenter, a progressive citizen of Prairie Home town- ship, who is one of Cooper County's substantal citizens, is a native of Mis- souri. He was born in Macon County, Dec. 6, 1874, and is a son of Hugh F. and Rebecca (Buck) Carpenter. Hugh F. Carpenter was also born in Macon County, and now resides at La Plata, Mo. His wife died in November, 1912. Hugh F. Carpenter is a son of Henry Carpenter, who was born in Clarks Fork township. He died at St. Louis. Hugh F. and Rebecca Carpenter were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Ellen Dale, deceased ; William F., the subject of this sketch ; Emma, mar- ried William Self, Macon County; James, lives in Montana; Minnie, mar- ried Arthur McKinzey, Macon County; Ada Mame and Frances reside in Adair County. William F. Carpenter was reared and educated in Macon County, and since early manhood has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He came to Cooper County from Macon about 1898. In 1919 he bought his present place, which is located one and one-half miles southeast of Prairie 766 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Home, and consists of 155 acres of fertile and well improved land. He has a nice eight-room farm residence, and the other buildings and im- provements on the place are substantial and in good condition. Mr. Carpenter was married April 6, 1905, to Miss Dora F. Short, a daughter of Robert and Victoria (Rich) Short. Robert Short was a native of Missouri and died Nov. 26, 1899, aged 50 years, and his wife died in 1885. They were residents of Clarks Fork township, and their remains are buried in Carpenter Cemetery, near Pisgah. They we're the parents of the following children: Dora F., the wife of William F. Car- penter, the subject of this sketch; Maude L., married L. B. Amick, How- ard County; Jessie died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have been born children as follows; Myriam Ruth; Helen Louise; Clyde; Gene- vieve, and Marvin Earl. Mr. Carpenter follows general farming and stock raising, and has met with uniform success. Mrs. Carpenter is quite extensively engaged in the poultry business, specializing in Brown Leghorn chickens, an indus- try which has proven both interesting and profitable. Mr. Carpenter is public-spirited and enterprising, and takes a keen interest in public affairs. He is one of the directors of the Consolidated School District No. 3 at Prairie Home, and is now serving his second term. He is also a director of the Prairie Home Fair Board. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Frederick Schilb, a well known Cooper County pioneer and Union veteran of the Civil War, was born in Bavaria, March 3, 1845, a son of Jacob and Margaret Ann (Mueller) Schilb, both natives of Bavaria. The father was born March 3, 1799, and died June 30, 1856, and the mother died Dec. 31, 1876, aged 75 years. The Schilb family emigrated to Amer- ica and settled in Cooper County in 1847, when Frederick Schilb was two • years old. The father bought a farm near Liberty School. The place consisted of 80 acres, for which he paid $275.00, which not only included the farm, but the growing crops, a cow and a calf and the dog. To Jacob and Margaret Ann (Mueller) Schilb were born the following children: Jacob, deceased ; Adam, deceased ; David, deceased ; Margaret, married Henry Meyer and both are deceased; Frederick, the subject of this sketch. Frederick Schilb was reared on the farm and educated in the old Lib- erty School district. A part of the time during his school days, school was held in private residences. He spent his boyhood days not unlike the average boy of his time until the Civil War broke out. In January. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 767 1862, he enlisted at Boonville in Company A, 1st Missouri regiment, and re-enlisted in 1863, becoming a member of Company F., 13th Missouri cavalry. He experienced an active military career during the war and remained in the service for some time afterward. He was at the battle of Mine Creek, Big Blue and a number of other engagements. When the war closed he was sent with his regiment across the Plains to Colorado against hostile Indians. He was discharged and mustered out of service at Ft. Leavenworth Kan., in 1866. During his service in the army, Mr. Schilb had many interesting experiences. On the campaign across the Plains, he had an opportunity to see the west as it was before civilization had made much progress in that section. In the summer of 1865, Mr. Schilb remembers of having seen 700 covered wagons, or "prairie schoon- ers," leave Ft. Kearney, Neb., in one train, on their way across the Plains. The Government required at that time that emigrants travel in trains of not less than 50 wagons, in order that they might be able to protect them- selves against the attacks of hostile Indians. After his discharge from the army, Mr. Schilb returned to Cooper County, and the following year he bought his first farm of 95 acres near Guyers Ford, upon which he lived until 1877, when he sold out, and in 1878 he bought 110 acres of land in Prairie Home township, where he made his home until 1911, when he moved to his present place, and has since been living practically retired in the village of Prairie Home. Mr. Schilb was married March 15, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Meyer, a daughter of John and Edna D. (Robinson) Meyer, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Lynchburg, Va. John Meyer died in 1853, when Mrs. Schilb was about two years old, leaving three children besides Mrs. Schilb. The others were Louis G., Slater, Mo. ; John H., Neosho, Mo. ; and Sarah Ann, who married Frederick Hertzburg, and is now deceased. After her husband's death the mother married again, and to this marriage was born one child, Louisa Ruth, who married Earnest Klatt, and they are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Schilb have been born the following children: Mar- garet, married Henry Kuhn, Prairie Home township; Frederick L.. the present postmaster of Prairie Home; Mary Edna, married William Dietzel, of Moniteau County; Laura Olive, married Ernest Kirschman, Prairie Home township; Clara M., married Oliver T. Haley, resides on the home farm ; Stella F., married George Morris, Prairie Home ; Nettie, married Frank Renfrew, Wooldridge, Mo. ; Lula A., married Oscar Blank, Prairie 768 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Home township ; Ida L. died at the age of two years ; and Ernest T., died at the age of 10 years. Mr. and Mrs. Schilb celebrated their golden wedding anniversary March 15, 1918, an event long to be remembered by the members of this numerous and highly respected family of Cooper County. The Schilb family are members of the Methodist Church and stand high in the com- munity. Mr. Schilb is a member of John A. Hayne Post, Grand Army of the Republic, Boonville. Martin Luther Weekley, a well-known and substantial landowner and retired farmer living in LaMine township, this county, and a veteran of the Civil War, is a native of the old Buckeye state, but has been a resident of Missouri and of Cooper County since coming here in the latter '60s and has thus been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region for more than a half century. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 23, 1842, son of Henry and Mary (Beckett) Weekley, whose last days were spent in that state. Henry Weekley was born in eastern Virginia on Sept. 3, 1800, and was but a boy when his parents, William and Susan Ann (Bigby) Weekley, who were the parents of 11 children, of whom he was the seventh in order of birth, moved from their native Virginia over into Ohio and established their home in the then wilderness He grew to manhood in the new state and after his marriage established his home on a farm and continued farming the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of 10 chil- dren, of whom four survive, the subject of this sketch having three sisters living, namely: Mrs. Susan Ann Willis, of Armstrong's Mill, Ohio; Cath- erine Penrose, of Dorsey, Ohio, and Sarah, widow of M. Woodburn, of Canton, Ohio. Martin L. Weekley grew up on the home farm in Belmont County, Ohio, and was living there when the Civil War broke out. On Dec. 24, 1861, he then being but 19 years of age, he enlisted his services in behalf of the Union cause and went to the front as a member of D Company, 43d Rgiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as a private with that command until the close of the war, being mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. During this time of service Mr. Weekley participated in a number of important battles and engagements and was with Sherman's army on the march to the sea. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. Weekley returned to his home in Ohio, but two years later, in 1867, came to Missouri and became engaged in wood- chopping and the making of railroad ties in Cooper County, where he ever MARTIN I.1THK1! WKKKLTCY HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 769 since has made his home. Two years after coming here Mr. Weekley mar- ried one of Cooper County's daughters and in the spring of 1870, shortly after his marriage, began farming on a small tract of twenty-eight acres of land he had bought in section 28 of LaMine township. There he made his home and as his farming operations prospered he gradually added to his holdings until he became the owner of 506 acres, all but 150 acres of which he has now sold, dividing the proceeds among his children, and is now in a position to "take things easy" in the comfortable evening time of his life. Mr. Weekley is a republican and is a member of John Hain post of the Grand Army of the republic at Boonville, in the affairs of which organization he has for many years taken an active interest. He and his family are members of the Church of Christ and he has long been an elder in the same. On Dec. 26, 1869, Martin L. Weekley was united in marriage to Martha E. Lewis, who was born at Boonville, this county, Dec. 8, 1845, and who died on Dec. 7, 1905. Mrs. Weekley was a daughter of Jesse and Amelia (McMahan) Lewis, the former of whom was born in the neighbor- hood of Zanesville, Ohio, and the latter in Saline County, Mo., a member of one of the pioneer families in this part of the state and further refer- ence to which family is made elsewhere in this volume. To Martin L. and Martha E. (Lewis) Weekley six children were born, as follows: Charles H., deceased ; Alvaretta, deceased ; Luther F., of LaMine town- ship ; Laura E., wife of Palmer Taggart, living on the Weekley home place in LaMine township; Thomas Alexander, also of LaMine township, and William G., of that same township. Luther, the oldest child, has a daugh- ter, Martha Rose, and second child, Thomas A., two sons, DeWitt J. and Martin R. Andrew A. Ritchie, a well known and progressive farmer of Prairie Home township, residing at Prairie Home since Jan. 20, 1919, was born in Cooper County, Sept. 29, 1866, and is a descendent of pioneers of this county. Ho is a son of Abraham and Lizzie (Wood) Ritchie. The mother died in 1869. and her remains are buried in Andrew County, Mo. She was born in Cooper County, in 1846. Abraham Ritchie was born in Prairie Home township, in 1841, and now resides with his son here. To Abraham and Lizzie (Wood) Ritchie were born the following children: J. L., Cole County; A. A., the subject of this sketch; Mary Ellen, married Charles Hawkins and resides at Gorham, Wash. A. A. Ritchie was educated in the Salem School and recalls as his (43) 770 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY first teacher, Jennie Adams. Mr. Ritchie has spent his life in Cooper County, except two years, when he was in Arkansas. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising, and in 1915, purchased the old homestead of 90.5 acres from his father. Mr. Ritchie was married Jan. IS, 1888, to Miss Dora Sinclair, a daughter of George A. and Rhoda (Stephens) Sinclair. George A. Sin- clair had two half brothers. Joe and Peter Cole. The Cole family was one of the first to settle in Cooper County, and the Stephens family were also one of the very first to families to settle in this county. George A. Sinclair died in 1890 at the age of 55 years. His wife died in 1918, aged 71 years. His remains are buried at Siloam Springs, Ark., and his wife is buried at Walnut Grove Christian Church Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Dora, the wife of A. A. Ritchie, the subject of this sketch, was born in Henry County, in 1870 ; William B., Tipton, Mo. ; Mollie, married Ed. McNair, Siloam Springs. Ark. ; John. Boonville ; Lizzie, married Hardin Hill. Speed : Anna. Parsons, Kan. ; Joe. Boonville; and Emmerett, Parsons. Kan. To Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie have been born three children as follows: Abraham Lee. born in 1889, married Edna Dishion in 1912, and resides on the home farm : George Emil, born 1890, married Myrtle Dishion in 1912, and his wife is now deceased, and he resides on the home farm : Ray P., resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie are members of the Christian Church at Walnut Grove. The Ritchie family is well known in Cooper County and are highly regarded. Thomas Henry Smith, a former well known merchant at Prairie Home, now deceased, was born on a ranch in Guadaloupe County, Texas. March 4, 1857, a son of George P. and Mary Louisa (Miller) Smith, natives of Kentucky, and parents of four other children, namely: George P. Smith, of Kingville. Texas; Mrs. R. S. Rurges. of Sequin. Texas; Mrs. R. S. Thomas, of Blue Springs, Mo.; and W. E. Smith, of San Antonio. Texas. By a prior marriage George P. Smith had a daughter. Mrs. J. P. Jefferson, of Sequin, Texas. Reared on a farm in Texas. Thomas Henry Smith early engaged in the raising of cattle, and so continued carrying on his operations on a ranch in western Texas until 1890. when he removed to Kansas City, and from there to Prairie Home, and engaged in the mercantile business, con- tinuing this for about 10 years; he bought a farm and engaged in cattle feeding until his retirement in March, 1919. and returned to Prairie Home. where he died on April 9. 1919. The Smith home is prettily situated on HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 771 North Broadway, Prairie Home, and may be regarded as of historic in- terest from the fact that a part of the material entering into its construc- tion had many years before been used in the erection of the old Prairie Home College. And in that pleasant home, Mr. Smith's widow and her son and daughter are now living, and Mrs. Smith's mother, Mrs. Martha Gray Thomas, is making her home with them. Oct. 14, 1885, at Greenwood, Mo., Thomas Henry Smith was married to Anna Gray Thomas, who was born near Pisgah, Cooper County. She is a daughter of the late Dr. James Bennett Thomas and Martha Gray (Ellis) Thomas. Mrs. Thomas was born on Sept. 9, 1834, daughter of William and Mary (Dickinson) Ellis. Mrs. Thomas and her sister, Ann M. Ellis, were the original promoters of the movement to create a fund for the erection of the Prairie Home Baptist Church about 1894, and were among the most active solicitors. The late Dr. James Bennett Thomas was born in Kentucky and was a son of the Rev. Robert Stewart Thomas, A. M., first president of William Jewell College, and one of the first pro- fessors of Missouri State University. The Rev. Robert Stewart Thomas was bom in Scott County, Ky., June 25, 1805, and was married on July 16, 1824, to Elvira Johnston, of Bourbon County, Ky. His father, John P. Thomas, came to Missouri in 1827 and settled in Boone County, where he spent the remainder of his life, one of the honored pioneers of that sec- tion of the State. The Thomases are of Virginia Colonial stock, and are related to the Madisons, the Pendletons and the Barbours. The Rev. Robert Stewart Thomas was taken into the Baptist Church at Paris, Ky., when 16 years of age, and his life thereafter was devoted to the church. At 18 years of age he was licensed to preach, and it was not long until he became recognized as one of the most forceful pulpit orators of his day. He accompanied his father into Missouri in 1827, and his talents soon won for him a foremost position among the educators and ministers of his generation in this State. He received his Master of Arts degree from Yale, and his devotion to the cause of education was second only to his devotion to the cause of the church. He died at Fulton on June 12, 1859, and the Baptists of Missouri have preserved something of the rec- ord of his life's work in a memorial volume. To Thomas Henry and Anna Gray (Thomas) Smith were born three children, Lula Gray Smith, who completed her schooling at Lexington College and is at home with her mother; Ellis Thomas Smith, deceased; and William Robert Smith, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith also reared 772 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Lalla Kookh Fowler, taking her into their home when she was an infant. On Dec. 25, 1915, Miss Fowler married W. R. Wilson, and is now living at St. Louis, where Mr. Wilson is engaged as advertising manager for an extensive dry goods establishment. August R. Schuster, a well-known and substantial farmer and stock- man of LaMine township, was born on that farm and has been a resident of LaMine township all his life. He was born on Sept. 23, 1883, a son of Moritz and Rachel (Hildebrant) Schuster, both of whom spent their last days on the farm here mentioned. Moritz Schuster was born in Germany in 1844 and was but five years of age when his parents came with their family to this country in 1849 and came to Missouri, Boonville being their objective point. Not long after coming to this county the father of Moritz Schuster bought the farm in LaMine township now owned and occupied by his grandson, August, and in time had a very well developed place. Moritz Schuster grew to manhood there and was living there when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted and went to the front as a member of same company and regiment, that Charles Bell was with. He served until mustered out at the close of the war. He returned to the home farm and after his mar- riage established his home there and he and his wife spent the remainder of their days on that place. He died in March, 1915, less than one month after the death of his wife which occurred on Feb. 28. She was born in Virginia, March 18, 1845, and was a daughter of one of the pioneers of Cooper County. Moritz Schuster and wife were the parents of nine chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in order of birth and of wjiom seven are still living. August R. Schuster received his schooling in the district schools and has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He bought his first farm in 1904, and after setting out trees and otherwise improving it, in 1910, sold it to his brother, Benjamin Schuster. He then bought the old home place and since taking possession of the same has made many improve- ments, crowning the same by the erection in the summer of 1919 of a handsome 10-room dwelling house of 'the modern bungalow type. Mr. Schuster has 318 acres of excellent land and in addition to his general farming giving considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank and Trust Company of Boon- ville. He is a republican and he and his family are members of the Christian Church. Dec. 23, 1903, August R. Schuster was married to Minne O'Neil, who 1 JP*M W| fc^ ■^H WF Br *s AJJv ^ mlfe^X J 1 w'ia ^^? ^Bl^»* i^p* Jf^/BB&BE^jjfi- .**£?' "••-».. _,^T AUGUST R. SCHUSTER AND KAMII.Y HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 773 also was born in LaMine township, a daughter of Ballard and Lillie (Rhoden) O'Neil, natives of Missouri, both of whom are now deceased, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Mabel, deceased; Agnes R, Virginia, Elnora and a son who died in infancy. Clarence Levi Eager, one of Cooper County's progressive young farmers and proprietor of a fine farm of 175 acres near Gooch's Mill in Saline township, is a member of one of the county's pioneer families, a great-grandson of the founder of Gooch's Mill. He was born at Gooch's Mill, Aug. 4, 1890, son of Charles L. and Rebecca (Shepherd) Eager, resi- dents of "Elmwood" farm in Saline township. Charles L. Eager is a son of Lewis and Cynthia A. (Gooch) Eager, the latter of whom was a daughter of William D. Gooch, a Virginia who founded Gooch's Mill and was succeded by his son-in-law, Lewis Eeager, also a Virginian. Rebecca Shepherd Eager is a daughter of Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd, former residents of Saline townships. Clarence L. Eager received his schooling in the old Liberty School in Saline township, in the Boonville High School and Kemper School, and upon completing his schooling began farming on his own account. In 1914, not long after his marriage, he established his home on his present farm, the old Judge Hall place, in Saline township, and has since resided there. When Mr. Eager took possession of that place it was but slightly improved, and he has worked wonders in bringing it "out of the kinks;" included in the improvements he has made being the erection of a hand- some modern bungalow of seven rooms, a stock barn, 48x56, with metal roof and sides, and other essential outbuildings, and has secured an un- failing water supply from a well 230 feet deep. Clarence L. Eager was united in marriage in 1913 to Emma Louise Catherine Effinger, of this county, and to this union one child has been born, Hazel Louise. Mrs. Eager is a daughter of Henry and Louise Cath- erine (Brockman) Effinger, of Boonville township, and is a graduate of Cottey College at Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Eager have a very pleasant home. Mr. Eager is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Prairie Home. O. M. & C. E. Hale, proprietors of the Prairie Home Garage, are two of the live young business men of this thriving town. 0. M. Hale con- ducted this business alone until Feb. 7, 1919, when he sold a half interest to his brother, C. E. This garage was established in 1911, having been built by Brooks & Fischer. It is a well equipped garage, 40x60 feet. The Hale Brothers do all kind of automobile repair work, and their repair 774 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY department is equipped with special machinery for automobile work. They have the agency for the Mitchell cars and a sub-agency for the Maxwell, and are doing a very satisfactory business in their sales department. The Hale family is one of the pioneer families of this section of Mis- souri. 0. M. Hale, the senior member of the firm, was born Aug. 28, 1890, a son of T. F. and Sallie B. {Carey) Hale. T. F. Hale was born in Cooper County in 1851, a son of Meade Hale, a Missouri pioneer, who settled near Big Lick, Saline township, at a very early date. Sallie B. (Carey) Hale is a daughter of George Carey, a pioneer of Prairie Home township, who is now 80 years old. T. F. Hale and wife now reside at California, Mo. Their children are as follows George, deceased ; John, a farmer in Moni- teau County; 0. M., senior member of the Hale Brothers; Frank, resides on the home place in Prairie Home township; Charles E., junior member of the firm of Hale Brothers ; Isaac C, California, Mo. ; Allie, married R. L. Simmons, California, Mo.; Bertha, married Arthur Bottoms, Prairie Home; Edna, married Alvin Carpenter, Prairie Home township. O. M. Hale was married to Miss Lillie Klockner, of California, Mo. She is a daughter of Louis and Rosa (Moss) Klockner. The Klockner family were very early settlers in Cooper County. Louis Klockner"s father was reared in Boonville, Mo. Mrs. Hale was one of four children born to her parents, the others being as follows Dora, married Joseph Graff, Prairie Home; Clara, resides in Kansas City, Mo., and Louis 0. is a druggist in St. Louis, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. 0. M. Hale have been born two children: Courtney and Kinneth. The Hale family is well known in Cooper and Moniteau Counties, and 0. M. and C. E. Hale are two of the substantial business men of Prairie Home. Gilman W. Jewett, proprietor of "Sugar Tree Farm," in Saline town- ship, one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood, was born at Jewett's Mill, in Clarks Fork township, Jan. 20, 1865, son of Samuel L. and Martha M. (Dorsey) Jewett, both of whom spent their last days in this county and are buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Samuel L. Jewett, who for many years was engaged in the milling business in this county, and whose old mill in the Clarks Fork neighbor- hood is still standing, was born near Waterloo, 111., in 1834. His father and mother both died when he was about five years of age, and he was cared for by William Cropper, with whom he came to Missouri in 1840, the family settling near the present town of Overton. There, Samuel L. Jewett grew up and received his early schooling. At the age of 17 he HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 775 began working in Conner's mill, and was thus engaged for two years, when he entered college at Alton, 111., and after a course there left for Calfornia, going by way of the isthmus. That was about 1854 and he was absent for five or six years, mining and milling in California. He returned by way of Cape Horn and New York to Cooper County and bought Davis & Barker's mill in the vicinity of Clarks Fork and resumed the milling business. For five years he operated this mill and then sold it and in 1865 returned to Illinois and became engaged in farming in Madi- son County, that State, but shortly afterwards returned here, buying back his old mill, which by that time had come into the ownership of James Armstrong, and here spent the remainder of his life. He died in February, 1917, he then being 83 years of age. His wife died in May, 1893. To Samuel L. Jewett and wife were born six children, as follows: Judge Benjamin D. Jewett, living on the home place at Clarks Fork, an ex-judge of the eastern district of Cooper County; Mrs. Walter B. Wind- sor, living near Clarks Fork ; Gilman W. ; Edward M., died at Boonville, Dec, 1918; Halbert A., Clarks Fork; and Theodore B., on the home place with Judge Jewett. Reared in Clarks Fork, Gilman Jewett received his early schooling in the local schools and the Pilot Grove School. In 1898, he bought a farm southeast of Bunceton with his brothers and a few months later estab- lished his home there. A few years later, however, he sold that place, and in March, 1903, bought from John Malone the farm on which he is now living, the old Hammond place in Saline township, and has since made that his home, developing there a fine piece of property, "Sugar Tree Farm." Since taking possession of "Sugar Tree Farm," Mr. Jewett has made numerous improvements, including the remodeling the fine old brick farm house which was erected there by Samuel Hammond in 1850 with brick burned on the place, the building of two fine barns and a tile silo, two tenant houses and other buildings. Of the 443 acres in "Sugar Tree Farm" about half is bottom land, the remainder being what is known as "second bottom," and all is productive. The place is well watered, and 200 acres of meadow land afford admirable faclities for extensive live- stock operations. There also is an excellent orchard on the place. March 22, 1899, G. W. Jewett was married to Myrtle A. Mills, of Clarks Fork township, and to this union two children have been bom, Samuel L., a student at Missouri State University, and who, during the World War was a member of the S. A. T. C. there, receiving his discharge in December, 1918, and Martha W., who was graduated from the Boon- 776 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ville High School with the class of 1919. Mrs. Jewett was born in Den- ver, Colo., Nov. 11, 1872, only child of J. T. and Leona (Maxwell) Mills, the latter of whom died at the age of 23 years, when her daughter was an infant. J. T. Mills was a native of this county, born in Clarks Fork township in 1845, and nearly all his life was spent on a farm there. He retired and moved to Kansas City, where he died at the age of 67. After the death of his first wife, J. T. Mills married Bettie L. Tucker, and to that union were born seven chlidem: J. Turril Mills, Boonville; Anna, wife of C. E. Conner, Boonville; William H. Mills, Kansas City; Pauline, wife of Lawrence Meyer, Boonville; Thomas W. Mills, who served in the United States Army in the World War as a member of the Hospital Corps at Camp Eustice, Va. ; Miss Gladys Mills, Kansas City; and Mrs. Helen Hale, Kansas City. Mr. Jewett is a member of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill. Benjamin E. Schuster, one of LaMine township's best known and most progressive young farmers and hog breeders and the proprietor of a well-improved farm in that township, was born in LaMine township and has lived there all his life. He was born Sept. 23, 1888, a son of Moritz and Rachel (Hildebrant) Schuster, further mention of whom is made in this volume. Benjamin E. Schuster received his schooling in the public schools of that neighborhood and high school at Marshall, Mo., where he was gradu- ated in the class of 1908. As a young man began to turn his attention to farming on his own account and soon became a landowner. In 1907 he purchased the place that was owned by his father and after his mar- riage in the fall of 1908 established his home on the place known as "Silver- crest" farm and has since been residing there. Since taking possession of that farm Mr. Schuster has made extensive improvements on the place and now has one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He is the owner of 100 acres of excellent land and is doing well in general farming and hog raising. Mr. Schuster makes a specialty of breeding pure bred Poland China hogs and during the year disposes of 200 head or more for breeding purposes at prices considerably above the market price. He ranks among the successful breeders of pure blood Poland China hogs in the country and the product of his pens are shipped all over the United States. He holds two sales annually. His pens are well arranged and the place shows every evidence of modern methods. Nov. 18, 1908, Benjamin E. Schuster was united in marriage.to Ethel Davis, who also was born in LaMine township, daughter of Jasper A. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY • 777 Davis and wife. Mr. Schuster is a member of the Christian Church and his wife is a Baptist. Mr. Schuster is a republican and is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank and in the Citizens Trust Company of Boonville, as well as in the Bank of Blackwater at Blackwater. William Karm. station agent at Overton, for more than 23 years an employe of the Missouri Pacific, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., July 28, 1865, son of James C. and Teresa (Rudolph) Karm, who came to Cooper County more than 40 years ago, and whose last days were spent- near Chateau Springs. James C. Karm and his wife were natives of Germany, and after their marriage came to America, locating at Lawrenceburg, Ind., where Mr. Karm followed his profession as a school teacher. In 1877 they moved to Missouri and settled in the vicinity of Chateau Springs, where he opened a private school and became one of the influential factors in the educational and social development of that section. He and his wife died in 1882, the former in January of that year and the latter in July, and are buried in the Martinsville Cemetery. James C. Karm and wife were the parents of seven children: Mrs. Katie Ehlen, St. Louis; Mrs. Mary Martin, La Mine ; Mrs. Teresa Ludwig, Helena, Mont. ; Mrs. Annie Rogers, Helena; Josephine, Helena; William; and James C, who died at the age of 50 years at Redlands, Calif. In 1882, William Karm went to Helena, Mont., and was employed there until 1887. Upon his return he followed farming near Chateau Springs. March 1, 1896, he was appointed agent for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company at the station at La Mine and continued thus engaged there for nine years, when he was transferred to Overton, where he since has been located. During the more than 23 years he has been employed by the company he has lost but one week of time, which is a record of which any railroad man might be proud. Mr. Karm owns a comfortable home at Overton. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. July 28, 1892, William Karm was united in marriage at the Martins- ville Church near Chateau Springs, to Mary Ann Ryan, who was born in Missouri, and to this union four children have been born: Margaret, wife of Carl Fisher, Prairie Home ; John R., with the bridge department of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company; and William, Jr., and Henry R., at home. Mrs. Karm was born at Billingsville, Mo., daughter of Thomas and Mary Ryan, and was but two days old when her mother died. Her father, who was a soldier of the Union during the Civil War, was killed 778 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in service in 1865, and she was reared in the household of John McVay and wife at Chateau Springs. Arthur F. White, of the well known blacksmithing firm of White & Sells, is one of the progressive citizens of Prairie Home, Mo. He is a native son of Cooper County and was born in Clarks Fork township, July 16, 1888. He is a son of Millard F. and Sarah (Darberry) White, who now reside in Prairie Home. The former is a native of Missouri and the latter of Arkansas. Arthur F. White is one of five children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Pearl, married Andy Shirley, Boonville; Maggie, mar- ried Elmer Shirley ; Ethel, married Dean Deuel, Sedalia ; and Walter, who served with the 89th Division during the World War. He was a member of Company L, 356th Infantry. He enlisted Sept. 5, 1917, and was trained at Camp Funston, and on June 16, 1918, was sent to France. He partici- pated in much of the severe fighting. He was at the front and through the battle of Argonne and other engagements, and with his division as a' part of the army of occupation in Germany. Arthur White was reared and educated in Cooper County, and learned the blacksmith trade with Frank Rodell. He has been engaged in blacksmithing at his present loca- tion in Prairie Home for five years. On Feb. 11, 1919, he formed a part- nership with Joseph Sells, and they are doing an extensive business. They have a well equipped shop for doing a general line of blacksmithing and woodwork. The place is furnished with power from a gas engine, by which their saws, disc sharpeners, emery wheels and other mechanical devices are operated. Mr. White was married Feb. 14, 1912, to Miss Esther Byler, a daughter of Robert and Nora Byler. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born one son, Arthur Lewis, born Dec. 26, 1918. During the World War, Mr. White was in the U. S. Army about 60 days. He went to Camp Funston, Sept. 19, 1918, and was discharged Nov. 20, 1918. He is a member of the Woodmen of the W 7 orld and the Royal Neighbors. He is an enterprising young man, and a Cooper County citizen worth while. Robert Kaempfer, now living retired at Prairie Home, is one of the best known men in the eastern part of the county. He was born on the old Kaempfer place, part of which he still owns, two miles east of Prairie Home, June 2, 1846, son of John Godfrey and Mary (Schiele) Kaempfer. John Godfrey Kaempfer was bora in Germany about the year 1813, and came to Cooper County about 1835. He was a blacksmith in the old HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 779 country. Upon coming here, he settled in what then was known as Mid- way, bought a "40" from William Snodgrass established his home and set up on his place a blacksmith shop, the first in this part of the country. At that time, long before Prairie Home had found a place on the map, Midway was regarded as the half-way place between Jefferson City and Boonville, and was a stage stop and postoffice site, the postoffice being "kept" by Albert Tompkins at his home on the present site of the W. F. Carpenter residence a short distance southeast of Prairie Home. Albert Tompkins "entered" that place from the Government in 1833, and he and his wife and sister are buried there. John G. Kaempfer's home and blacksmith shop were about two miles from the Midway station, and this necessitated quite a walk for him when called on to shoe the stage horses at Midway, which he often was called on to do. He was the first smith in this part of the country to make a steel mold-board plow, and his ser- vices were in wide demand. Later, however, he gave more attention to farming, becoming a considerable land owner. His wife died in 1852, and he died October 7, 1887, and both are buried on the home farm. Of the children born to them two survive, Mr. Kaempfer having a sister, Mrs. Mary Schnuck, who makes her home with him at Prairie Home. Mrs. Schnuck is the widow of Henry Schnuck, Sr., one of the pioneers of Saline township, who came here with his parents when about 12 years of age, and died June 2, 1909. Robert Kaempfer received his schooling in the Hornbeck School, and among his teachers he recalls particularly Robert Carlos, who was a half- brother of Frank and Carter Carlos. Mr. Kaempfer has always lollowed farming, becoming a part owner of the home place, and there resided until his recent retirement and re- moval to Prairie Home, where he and his. wife now reside. March 1, 1919, Mr. Kaempfer moved to town, buying there the William Byler prop- erty. Mr. Kaempfer still owns 156 acres of the old home place. Not long ago he sold to B. L. Morris a tract of something more than 52 acres. He is in a position to "take things easy" in the pleasant "evening time" of his life. Mr. Kaempfer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Gooch's Mill. Sept. 10, 1873, Robert Kaempfer was united in marriage to Catherine Alice Graff, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Graff, old settlers of Saline township. Mr. and Mrs. Kaempfer have nine children, one son and eight daughters, and these daughters at the Prairie Home Fair in 1918 brought to their mother quite a unique distinction, 780 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mrs. Kaempfer having been awarded the premium for the largest family of girls reared in Cooper County. The only son, John Kaempfer, the fourth child in order of birth, married Anna Hertsick, and lives in Cedar County. He and his wife have two children, Homer and Mary Bernice. The daughters are as follows : Margaret, wife of William H. Kuhn, Prairie Home ; Mary, wife of Millard Pipkin, Russellville ; Emma, wife of William Oerly, Wooldridge; Elizabeth, wife of Jesse Byler, Moniteau County; Anna, wife of Walter Byler, same county ; Nora, wife of B. L. Morris, who owns a part of the old Kaempfer farm in Prairie Home township ; Louisa, wife of Otto Wallenmeier, Moniteau County, and Meta, wife of Clarence Hornbeck, Prairie Home township. Besides the two grandchildren, Homer and Mary Bernice Kaempfer, mentioned above, Mr. and Mrs. Kaempfer have 22 other grandchildren, namely: Lawrence, Herbert, Floyd, Elmer, Blanche and Alice Kuhn; Newell Pipkin; Lester, Curtis, Raymond, Oliver and Alvin Oerly ; Garland, Roger, Joseph, Charles, Ar- thur and Ruth Byler; Kenneth Hornbeck, and Gerine, Ruby and Fern Morris. Henry Louis Muntzel, one of LaMine township's best known and most progresive farmers and the owner of a well improved farm of 275 acres in that township is a native of Cooper County. He was born on a farm south of Boonville on Dec. 17, 1866, son of Christian and Lavinia (Meyer) Muntzel, the latter of whom, also a native of Cooper County, is living with the subject of this review. Both the Muntzels and the Meyers are of Hanoverian stock and among the pioneers of Missouri, settling first in St. Louis County and then com- ing to Cooper County. Peter Muntzel, the founder of the family in this state, was born in Hanover in 1799 and came to America in 1843, locat- ing on a farm in St. Louis County, where he remained until 1856, when he came to Cooper County. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of four sons, Henry, Albert, Daniel and Christian. Christian Muntzel was born in 1840 and was but a child when his parents came to this country. He was 16 years of age when the family came to Cooper County. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army and went to the front as a member of Company A 29th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, with which command he marched with Sher- man to the sea and was mustered out at the close of the war as one of the nine survivors of his company. He then returned to his home in Cooper County and Sept. 10, 1865, was united in marriage to Lavinia Meyer, who was born in this county on April 1, 1846. CHRISTIAN MUNTZEL AND WIPE, I.AVIMA HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 781 Mrs. Lavinia Muntzel is a daughter of Henry and Anna (Baldwin) Meyer, Hanoverians, who came to this country shortly after their mar- riage and settled in Cooper County about 1840, where Henry Meyer bought 320 acres of Congress land, he and his wife spending the remainder of their lives here. He and his wife were the parents of 10 children: Mary, Elizabeth, Katherine, Lavinia, Sophia, Louise, Annie, George, Henry and William. Following his marriage to Lavinia Meyer, Christian Muntzel settled on a farm south of Boonville and there spent the rest of his life. He died in 1886. His widow still owns the home place of 340 acres. To Christian and Lavinia (Meyer) Muntzel were born four children: Henry L., Matilda, Ida and George, all of whom are still living. Matilda Muntzel was born in 1869 and completed her schooling in the Pilot Grove High School. In 1893, she was married to C. H. Phillips, and now resides in Kansas City, where Mr Phillips is cashier in the city water department. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have two children, Charles, who is now (spring of 1919) still in France, a member of Base Hospital Unit No. 28, which was called on for much active service during the pi*ogress of Amercia's partici- pation in the World War, and Frances, a senior in the Central High School. Ida Muntzel was born in 1873 and completed her schooling in Missouri Valley School at Marshall. In 1899, she married Dr. W. H. Gentry, phy- sician, of Carthage, Mo., who in 1918 was called to the colors in the World War, was commissioned captain and stationed at Camp Taylor, Louis- ville, Ky., and now lives at Carthage, Mo. George Muntzel was born in 1876 and completed his schooling at the Haynes School in Boonville and in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. In 1901, he married Fannie McNulty, and made his home on a farm south of Boonville. They have three children. Frances, Wilbur and Charles, who are now attendim; high school at Boonville. Henry L. Muntzel was reared on the home farm south of Boonville. Upon completing the course in the Pilot Grove High School, he took a supplemental course in the International Business College at St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1886. He then farmed on his own ac- count on the home place until in 1895, when he bought his present farm east of Blackwater, and has since resided here. Mr. Muntzel carries on general farming and gives considerable attention to raising hogs. His farm of 275 acres is well improved. Dec. 23, 1893, Henry L. Muntzel was married to Margaret Rudolph, who was born in this county. Dec. 20, 1868, and who died on Aug. 27, 1904. Mrs. Margaret Muntzel was a daughter of George and Anna (Bow- man) Rudolph, Virginians, who settled in Cooper County before the Civil 782 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY War, and the former of whom is residing seven miles south of Boonville. To Mr. and Mrs. Muntzel were born three children: George, born in 1894, attended Central College at Fayette, and who died in 1916; Robert, born in 1896, also attended Central College, and died in 1915, and James, who was born in 1900, is now attending Boonville High School. Mr. Muntzel is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a republican, and for a number of years served as committeeman from his precinct. Henry W. Oerly, postmaster and general merchant at Overton, and one of the influential citizens of that section of Cooper County, postmaster at Overton for nearly 15 years, was born in this county, April 7, 1882, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Schunck) Oerly. He received his schooling in the Highland Schools in Saline township, and continued making his home on the home farm until his appointment to the office of postmaster at Overton in August, 1905,and has since held that office. When he took charge of the postoffice Mr. Oerly started in connection with the same a local jewelry shop and watchmaking establishment and maintained that business until in June, 1916, when he opened a grocery store and moved the postoffice into the building he erected at that time, and has since been engaged in the grocery business in addition to looking after the affairs of the postoffice. Starting his grocery with a $450 stock, Mr. Oerly has increased his business until he now has a well stocked and well equipped store, carrying a full line of goods required in the general trade of the community. In October, 1915, he bought the T. L. Tucker residence at Overton and he and his family have since resided there. Besides this property and his store building Mr. Oerly is the owner of six half-acre lots at Overton and one smaller lot. June 16, 1908, the twenty-seventh anniversary of the marriage of his parents, H. W. Oerly was married to Sara Martha Grannemann, who was born at Morrison, Mo., and to this union one child has been born, Laura Marie. Mrs. Oerly was born on July 9, 1887, a daughter of Louis and Minnie (Noltensmeyer) Grannemann, both natives of Missouri, now deceased. They are buried at Wainwright. Mr. and Mrs. Oerly are members of the Evangelical Church at Boonville. Mr. Oerly is one of the leading factors in the business life of his home town. W. H. H. Rowles, a prominent farmer of Kelly township, is a descend- ant of early pioneers of Cooper County, both on his father's and mother's sides. He was born May 29, 1841, and is a son of Reuben and Margaret (Stephens) Rowles. Reuben Rowles was born near Baltimore, Md., in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 783 1814, and came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1835. Margaret Stephens was born in Cooper County and was a daughter of Joseph Stephens, one of the very first settlers of Cooper County. Reuben and Margaret (Stephens) Rowles were married in Cooper County in 1840, and spent their lives in this county. He died at Bunceton in 1900 and his wife de- parted this life at Bunceton in 1905. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: W. H. H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Catherine Stephens, Tipton, Mo. ; Alpha Marge, deceased ; Mrs. Sallie Barber, de- ceased; Joseph died in Oklahoma; Reuben on the home place, Kelly town- ship; John on the home place, Kelly township; Charles Ochiltree, Texas, and Mrs. Maggie Carpenter. William H. H. Rowles was reared in Cooper County and attended such schools as were in the neighborhood when he was a boy. His first school was held in a log building in the Davis school district and was taught by his uncle, John D. Stephens. Later he attended school at the Dublin dis- trict, north of Bunceton, and recalls among early teachers, Mary Chilton, Thomas Bridges, Mr. Hogue, Benjamin Hickman and Mrs. Smoot. He also attended school at the Hopewell Church school, which was taught by Jack Stephens and B. R. Cully. Mr. Rowles has always lived in Cooper County, except three years spent in California and 18 months in Texas. He bought his present home in 1873. This farm was entered from the Government in 1819 by Joseph Stephens, grandfather of Mr. Rowles. The home place consists of 147 ] /i acres and Mr. Rowles owns two other farms, one of 80 acres and one 240. The home place is well improved, with a neat six room residence and good substantial barns and other buildings. Mr. Rowles carries on general farming and stock raising. Dec. 26. 1871, W. H. H. Rowles was united in marriage with Miss Perlina J. Arnold, a daughter of James S. and Malvina (Lahue) Arnold, both natives of Indiana. They went from thoir native state to Iowa in early life, and in 1864 came to Missouri. The father was born in 1823 and died in Benton County, Texas, in 1887. His wife was born in 1824 and died in Oklahoma in 1896. They went to Texas in 1872. They were the parents of the following children: Perlina J., the wife of W. H. H. Rowles ; Mrs. Mary Miller, Denton, Texas ; Willard, Dallas, Texas ; George resides in Colorado; Mrs. Dorcas Stephens, deceased; Mrs. Lola Morgan, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rowles have been born two children: A. D. married Alta Yarnell and lives three miles west of Vermont Station, and James R. lives near Hopewell Church. He married Pauline Walge. There 784 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY are 12 grandchildren in the Rowles family, each of the sons having six children. Mr. and Mrs. Rowles are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Rowles family are prominent in the community. Samuel Y. Thornton, president of the Farmers Stock Bank of Black- water, and one of the best known stockmen in Cooper County, proprietor of the great "Rose Hill" Stock Farm in LaMine township, and recognized throughout the country as the most extensive breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs west of the Mississippi, is a native of Ohio, but has been a resident 6f this State since the days of his boyhood, and therefore regards him- self as a Missourian "to the core." He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1851, son of Dr. Samuel Y. and Frances (Clarke) Thorn- ton, the latter of whom also was born in that county and both of whom spent their last days in Missouri. Dr. Samuel Y. Thornton was born in Maryland in 1807, and early turned his attention to the study of medicine. He began the practice of his profession at Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, about 1832, and later practiced at Bethel, Ohio, where he remained until 1857, in which year he came to Missouri with his family and located near Jefferson City, where he began farming on 1,000 acres 12 miles south of that city on the Osage River, where he died in 1877. On this big farm there was a tract of 300 acres of "bottom" timber land, which he cleared and brought under cul- tivation. Doctor Thornton's wife died in 1868. She was born in 1809. They were the parents ,of eight children, of whom but two survive, the subject of this sketch — the last in order of birth — having a sister, Mrs. Lida McMillan, residing at Jefferson City. One of the sons of Amos B. Thornton, who died in 1880, is well remembered in Cooper County as a newspaper editor at Boonville, and further reference to him is made in the chapter relating to the press of Cooper County elsewhere in this work. The younger Samuel Y. Thornton was but five years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents, and he grew to manhood on his father's big farm on the Osage, where he became thoroughly familiar with the details of farming operations, and early began to pay particular attention to stock raising. He supplemented the schooling received in the local schools by a course in Westminster College at Fulton and at Missouri State University at Columbia, and after leaving college returned to the farm and became engaged as a partner of his father in the operations of the home place. In 1887. about five years after his marriage, Mr. Thorn- ton bought "Rose Hill." his present fine stock farm of 540 acres in LaMine township, and has since made his home there. For years on that ^tM^T^ HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 785 place he gave much attention to apple growing, having a fine orchard of 80 acres, maintained his own cooperage, and in 1906 raised 10,000 barrels of apples. Of late years, however, Mr. Thornton has devoted his place particularly to the breeding of Duroc Jersey swine and the raising of cat- tle and grade sheep. It was in the latter '80s that he began to give his particular attention to the breeding of Durocs, and it was not long until his success in that line gave his name a high standing among swine breeders throughout the country, the demand for stock swine of the "Rose Hill" herd coming from widely separated districts in the United States. He has for years taken an active part in the deliberations of the Swine Breeders Association, and has been an extensive writer for stock journals, his advice on matters relating to proper breeding of swine being widely sought. The operations on "Rose Hill" farm are carried on in accordance with modern principles of agriculture, and there has been created one of the best farm plants in this section of the State, including three tenant houses, two silos and three feed barns. Of late Mr. Thorn- ton has been relieved of much of the detail of farm management by his younger son, John P. Thornton, whom he made his partner some time ago, and who now is in practical management of the place, thus giving his father more time for the details of other forms of business in which he is engaged. In 1897, Mr. Thornton became a stockholder in the Farm- ers Stock Bank of Blackwater, and in 1909 was elected president of the bank, a position which he since 1 has maintained. In 1910, Mr. Thornton was appointed by Governor Hadley to serve as a member of the Sixth Mis- souri District Board of Horticulture, and he retained that position as long as the board continued, his activities in that connection giving him a wide acquaintance throughout the State. Mr. Thornton is a democrat and has long given his earnest attention to local civic affairs, but has not been a seeker after public office. He is a member of the Church of Christ. May 4, 1882, Samuel Y. Thornton was united in marriage with Fan- nie Collins, who died Oct. 24, 1916. Mrs. Thornton was born in Mont- gomery County, Ky., March 1, 1855, daughter of Samuel R. and Sarah (Tipton) Collins, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1860, and in 1861 settled on the farm in LaMine township, now owned by Mr. Thorton, where they spent the rest of their lives. It was thus that Mrs. Thornton (Fannie Collins) grew to womanhood on beautiful "Rose Hill" farm. She completed her schooling in Farringer Seminary at Boonville. where she was awarded the prize offered her class for excellence in pen- manship. To Mr. and Mrs. Thornton six children were born, namely : 786 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mattie C, who is at home, hostess at "Rose Hill" ; Sadie B., deceased ; Samuel C, a substantial young farmer of LaMine township; William B., who died at the age of three years and six months ; Lida Frances, who is at home, and John P., who, is also at home and is now his father's partner in the operations of the stock farm. Charles Henry Bodamer, a leading citizen of Prairie Home township, was born in Moniteau County, Feb. 2, 1870. He was reared by Charles and William Bodamer from the time he was five years of age. He is a son of Bernard and Catherine (Hens) Keucherer, who both died when Charles H. was an infant. Charles Bodamer was born in Germany and brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Philadelphia, Pa., when Charles was three years of age. His brother, William B., and sister, Mary, were born in that city. The family lived in Philadelphia for a time when they removed to Indiana. After remaining there seven years they came to Missouri and settled in Moniteau County in 1857. Here the two brothers and a sister lived together during the remainder of their days. Charles died in 1912 ; William in 1919, and Mary in 1905. Charles Henry Bodamer was educated in the public schools at James- town, Mo., and has made farming and stock raising his life occupation. He first bought 120 acres of land, which is his present home place, in 1893. Since that time he has acquired 250 acres more, which was given him by Charles and William Bodamer. Mr. Bodamer's place is known as "High View Farm," and is located two miles south of Prairie Home. The place is well improved, with a modern farm residence of 10 rooms, built in 1910. The house is equipped with actylene lights, furnace heat and a hot water system. The barns and other farm buildings are in keeping with the resi- dence. For a number of years Mr. Bodamer specialized in raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, but a few years ago sold his herd to his son, Arthur. Mr. Bodamer was married April 3, 1895, to Miss Elizabeth Kuhn. a daughter of Henry and Amelia (Scholle) Kuhn, early settlers at James- town, Mo. The father was a native of Ohio, born in 1835. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War. During his active career he was en- gaged in the milling business, and operated a mill at Jamestown for 25 years. He is now 83 years of age. His wife was born in Germany in 1845, and came to America with her parents when she was eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn were the parents of the following children: Alvina, married H. R. Burroughs, and resides at Kingman, Kan.; Henry, cashier of Farmers and Traders Bank, California, Mo.; Emma, married John Reuszer, and resides in Moniteau County; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 787 H. Bodamer, the subject of this sketch ; Sophia, married Fred Knorp ; and William died at the age of 23 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Bodamer have been born five children, as follows: Arthur, born April 6, 1896, a farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township ; Carl, born June 26, 1897, resides at home ; William, born May 12, 1899, a graduate of the California High School, resides at home; Marie E., born April 28, 1914, and Elsia Gertrude, born Feb. 18, 1911. William was at the Washington University Training School at St. Louis, Mo., when the war closed. Charles H. Bodamer is a progressive and public spirited citizen. He , and Mrs. Bodamer are members of the Methodist Church at Jamestown. Frank Irving Hale, a progressive and enterprising young farmer and stockman, of Prairie Home township, was born near Gooch Mill in Saline township, March 10, 1896. He is the son of Thomas F. and Sallie Bell (Carey) Hale, both also natives of Saline township. They now reside at California, Mo. Thomas F. Hale was born in 1857, his father being a pioneer of Cooper County. His wife was a daughter of George Carey, who now resides about a mile north of Prairie Home at the advanced age of 80 years. To Thomas F. and Sallie Bell (Carey) Hale were born the follow- ing children: Allie, married Richard Summers, California, Mo.; Bertha, married Arthur Bottom ; John, resides in California, Mo. ; Oliver M., Prairie Home ; Edna, married Alvin Carpenter ; Frank I., the subject of this sketch ; Charles, Prairie Home; William, California, Mo.; and George, died at the age of six years. Frank Irving Hale was reared in Cooper County and educated in the public schools. He was reared on a farm and has made farming and stock raising his life occupation. He purchased his present place, which bears the very appropriate name of "Pretty Prairie Farm," from his father in 1919. The farm consists of 160 acres with a good farm residence and other improvements to correspond. Mr. Hale carries on general farming and stock raising, and is meeting with well merited success. Mrs. Hale has developed a department of her own. She is successfully engaged in raising Rhode Island Red chickens. Sept. 29, 1917, Frank Irving Hale was married to Miss Estella Brandes, a daughter of Theodore and Marie (Knorp) Brandes, of Clarks Fork town- ship, where Mrs. Hale was born, reared and educated. Mrs. Hale was one of the following children born to her parents: George, resides in Boon- ville; Herman, Boonville; Amelia, married John Banon, of North Moniteau township; Nora, married John Bonhauser, who is now deceased, and she resides at home with her parents; Estella, the wife of Frank I. Hale, of this sketch. 788 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY July 26, 1918, Frank Irving Hale enlisted in the U. S. Army and was sent to Camp Funston, Kan., for training, where he became a member of the 69th Infantry, 10th Division. He was mustered out of service Feb. 26, 1919, when he returned to his home in Cooper County and engaged in farming again. Amos Gorrell, a retired farmer of LaMine township, for many years justice of the peace, and a veteran of the Civil War, has made his home in this county for more than 50 years. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Beaver County, Feb. 12, 1837, son of Amos and Leah (Wollarn) Gorrell, who were the parents of six children, four of whom are living. When he was but six years of age, in 1843, his parents moved with their family to Ohio and settled in Ross County, where they spent the re- mainder of their lives. Amos Gorrell was reared on a farm in Ross County, Ohio, and his schooling was received in the district schools. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Frankfort, Ohio, in July, 1861, in the Union Army and went to the front as a private in Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With that command, Mr. Gorrell participated in some of the most important engagements of the war, including Athens, Perryville, Stone River, Davis Cross Roads and Chickamaugua. During this latter battle, Sept. 19, 1863, he was shot in the right arm and for some time was on the invalid list, but early in 1864 was able to return to his regi- ment and continued in active service until mustered out in the fall of that year. Mr. Gorrell then returned to his home in Ohio, where early in 1866 he married. After his marriage he continued to make his home in Ohio for a few months, when he and his wife came to Missouri in the summer of 1866 and located in Morgan County. A year later they came to Cooper County, and here Mr. Gorrell has ever since resided. His first employ- ment here was in the timber, chopping cord-wood, and he continued work- ing as a timberman until 1869, when he bought 40 acres of timber land and proceeded to clear a small farm for himself. He cleared the land and farmed it for several years, when he sold the place to advantage and bought another farm. In 1881, he bought the farm of 80 acres he now owns in LaMine township, and there continued to make his home until his retirement in 1912, when he removed to Blackwater, where he since has made his home. Mr. Gorrell is a democrat, and for 16 years during the time of his residence on the farm served as justice of the peace for his home township. He is a member of the Methodist Church. Feb. 6, 1866, in Ross County, Ohio, Amos Gorrell was united in mar- riage to Catherine E. Sayer, who was bora in that county, Feb. 18, 1835, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 789 and who died at her home in Blackwater on Sept. 22, 1918. To that union were born six children, namely : Leula, wife of William E. McMahan ; Sarah L., wife of P. Netherton, living on the Gorrell home place in LaMine township; Joseph N., of Carthage; Ada, wife of John Whitlow, of LaMine township; one who died in infancy, and Arthur, also deceased. M: K. Gentry, a prominent citizen of Cooper County, who has served as county treasurer for two terms, is a native of Kentucky. He was bom in Clark County, Ky., Sept. 27, 1855, and is a son of Nelson B. and Francis (Elkin) Gentry. Nelson B. Gentry was born in Madison County, Ky., Dec. 23, 1823, and died in Kelly township, Cooper County, in 1912. He came to Cooper County in the fall of 1865 with his family, and the following spring bought 380 acres of land in Kelly township for which he paid $7,500.00, 95 acres of which is now owned by M. K. Gentry, pur- chased of the other Gentry heirs in 1919. Francis (Elkin) Gentry was born in Jessamine County, Ky., Sept. 12, 1833, and died in Cooper County, in 1897. She and her husband are buried in the Masonic cemetery at Bunceton. They were the parents of the following children, all of whom were born in Kentucky : M. K., the subject of this sketch ; Pauline B., deceased ; Lucy Francis, married J. H. Goodwin, Kansas City, Mo. ; W. D., deceased, and Orpha P., Kansas City. M. K. Gentry was educated in the public schools of Kentucky, and D. S. Cully's private academy, which was three miles northwest of the present town of Bunceton. After Bunceton was laid out this school was moved there and occupied the site of the present Bunceton High School. Mr. Gentry was reared to manhood on the home farm in Kelly township, and in 1880 removed to Boonville, and for a time was engaged in the grain business. In 1884 he was elected county treasurer on the Republican ticket by a majority of 48 votes. He was the first republican ever elected to a county office in Cooper County. He was again elected county treas- urer in 1894. He resided in Boonville from 1880 to 1898, and during that time he served as bookkeeper in the Central National Bank for six years, and for eight years he was engaged in the clothing business. Dur- ing the balance of the time, while in Boonville, he served as county treas- urer. Mr. Gentry is now engaged in farming and stock raising, and has a well improved and valuable farm in Kelly township. Mr. Gentry was married in 1886 to Miss Emily F. Haynes, a daughter of Anthonv and Mary (Montgomery) Haynes, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a prominent educator, and for many years was a professor in the Young Ladies Seminary at Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have an adopted daughter, Catherine Sneed Gentry, who is 790 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY now the wife of Charles A. Clark, of Chicago, 111. She has one son, Charles T. Mr. Gentry is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Gentry are members of the Presby- terian Church, and rank among Cooper County's leading citizens. Frederick Charles Betteridge, the capable cashier of the Cooper County Bank, Bunceton, Mo., is a native of Canada. He was born at Guelph, Ont., Oct. 10, 1870, a son of George and Ann Maria (Jones) Bet- teridge. The parents were both natives of England, where they were married, and about 1860 went to Canada, settling at Guelph. In 1874 the family removed to Connecticut and settled near Woodstock. In 1877 they went to Illinois and lived at Greenville about 10 years, and in 1888 came to Missouri and settled in Cooper County near Bunceton. The father now resides at Bunceton at the age of 85 years, the mother having died in 1899. They were the parents of the following children: William A., a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle at Pleasant Green, Mo.; G. A., a farmer and stockman in Kelly township; Mrs. A. L. Palmer, Lebanon township, and Frederick Charles. Frederick C. Betteridge was educated in the public schools and Ken- tucky University at Lexington, Ky., where he was graduated from the business department of that institution. He taught school for 11 years in Cooper County, and was very successful as an educator. In 1903, Mr. Betteridge accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Cooper County Bank, and after 11 years of service with that institution he became cash- ier, a position which he has since held. Mr. Betteridge has been identified with the Cooper County Bank for over 16 years, and during that time this institution has developed rapidly and kept pace with the commercial and financial requirements of the progressive town and surrounding coun- try. The deposits of this bank in 1903 were about $80,000.00, and today they are about $300,000.00. The original surplus was $2,000.00, and it is now $42,000.00. The capital stock is $20,000.00. Frederick Charles Betteridge was united in marriage Aug. 14, 1900, to Miss Lillian May Baughman, a daughter of Samuel P. and Laura Baugh- man, natives of Kentucky. The father died in 1919, aged 81, and the mother now resides with Mrs. Betteridge in Bunceton. Mr. Betteridge owns a fine farm of 145 acres in Kelly township, which he bought in 1899. He directs the operation of this farm per- sonally, and has made a success of farming and stock raising, as well as banking. He is a careful student of the complicated problem of banking HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 791 and financing, which, together with years of experience in this field, well qualify him for the responsible position which he holds. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has an extensive acquaintance over Cooper County and an intimate knowledge of it's business affairs. Benjamin Harned, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Kelly town- ship, is a descendant of a pioneer family. He was born at Price's Land- ing, Scott County, Mo., March 25, 1859, and is a son of George and Marcia (Pash) Harned, both natives of Nelson County, Ky. They settled in Scott County about 1855, and 10 years later came to Cooper County and settled on the farm which is now owned by W. P. Harned, and here spent the remainder of their lives. George Harned was one of the earliest Shorthorn breeders of Cooper County and prior to his death he sold a part of his herd to his son. W. P. Harned, who still continues the business. Lee Harned, a brother of George Harned, was a Confederate soldier in the Civil War, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh. Another brother, Atkin Lee Harned, lost an arm in the battle of Baton Rouge, La., while in the Confederate service. George and Marcia (Pash) Harned, were the par- ents of the following children: W. P. lives near Vermont Station; Ben- jamin, the subject of this sketch; Edwin Price, Bunceton ; Hulda, mar- ried Walter Williams, and died at Columbia, Mo., and Atkins, died in infancy. Benjamin Harned was educated in the public schools at Franklin and in Professor Cully's school at Bunceton. He has followed farming and stock raising all his life, and has met with very satisfactory success. He moved to his present farm in April, 1902. His home farm consists of 247 acres and is known as "Walnut Rows Farm". This very appropriate name is given the place on account of two rows of walnut trees which stood along the road side at the place. Mr. Harned owns in all 563 acres and Is one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Cooper County. His other farm of 320 acres is called "Tanglewild". Jan. 10, 1888, Benjamin Harned was married to Miss Bettie Brad- ley, a daughter of R. L. and Marian (Clark* Bradley. The tormer a native of Page County, Va., and the latter of Frankfort. Ky. R. L. Brad- ley came to Cooper County in 1847 and settled on a farm 4 miles west of Bunceton. He spent the remainder of his life in this county and died in 1892, age 67 years. His wife died in 1908, age 78 years. They were the parents of the following children: Frank Slaughter, born Nov. 17, 1856, and died Sept. 13, 1881; John Williams died in infancy; Margaret Lee, died in infancy; Tompkins, born Jan. 13, 1859, lives in Camden County, 792 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mo.; Mary McPherson, born Feb. 24, 1865, and died June 30, 1895; Sue Clark, born Feb. 24, 1869, and resides at Boonville, Mo.; Bettie, the wife of Benjamin Harned, the subject of this sketch, born June 23, 1867. All of the above named children were born in Kelly township, Cooper County. Mrs. Harned was educated in the public schools of Kelly township and the Baptist Female College at Columbia, Mo. To Benjamin Harned and wife have been born the following children: George, at home with his parents ; Bettie married R. L. Harriman, Bunce- ton; Clara Virginia, married Clyde T. Nelson; Benjamin, Jr., married Eunice Jones; Josephine, Hulda, Atkin Lee, Porter Allen, Myrtle Jewett, and Marian and Marcia, twins, all residing at home with their parents. There is one grandchild in the family, Bettie Lee Harned, daughter of Benjamin Harned, Jr. The Harned family is well known and highly respected in Cooper County and Benjamin Harned is a public spirited and enterprising citizen. Adam Schuster, one of LaMine township's most substantial farmers and land-owners, and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Stock Bank of Blackwater, was born in this county in 1855. He is next to the youngest of the six children born to Frank and Terrica (Cleatta) Schuster, pioneers of Cooper County. Frank Schuster was a weaver by trade in his native Germany, and early became imbued with a desire, like thousands of his fellow countrymen, to come to America to find a home amid the free conditions of the unsettled West. Weaving by night and farming by day, he saved enough money to bring himself and wife and their small children here. Upon his arrival in this country, he settled in St. Louis, and after a couple of years there joined the German colony in Cooper County and bought a farm of tim- bered land in LaMine township, and there built a home. Among the children born to him and his wife after their arrival in this country was Adam, the subject of this sketch. The other children of this pioneer couple were as follows: Moritz, deceased, further mention of whom is made in this volume; Mrs. Sophia Sandrock, deceased; Joseph, a shoe- maker at Boonville; William, deceased; and Anna, who married Joseph Esser, and is now deceased. The mother of these children died at her home in LaMine township about 1861, and five or six years later Frank Schuster returned to Germany and there married a second time, return- ing to his home in Cooper County with his second wife. Some years later he made a second trip back to Germany on a visit to kinsfolk. Not long after his return home, about 1870, a wagon in which he was riding ME AND MRS ADAM SCHUSTBH HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 793 was caught at a railway crossing by a train and he received injuries from which he died not long afterward, he then being about 65 years of age. Adam Schuster was about 15 years of age when his father died, and he thus early was thrown pretty largely upon his own resources. He began working as a farm hand at $14 dollars a month, but continued his schooling, however, during the winter months. When 17 years of age he began working for Adam Eckert at the butcher trade, and was thus em- ployed for three years, when he went to St. Louis to work, and while there witnessed the completion of the first bridge constructed across the Mis- sissippi River. He worked as a butcher in St. Louis for two years, and then went to Virginia City, Nev., where he worked at butchering for two years, when he returned to his old home in this county and resumed his work as a farm hand. In 1880, he rented the farm on which he now lives, and in 1882 bought the same. Mr. Schuster has 464 acres in his home farm, and owns beside a farm of 86 acres near Pilot Grove. He is a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Farmers Stock Bank at Blackwater, which he helped to organize, and of which he has been a director since its organization ; he also is a stockholder in the Arrow Rock Bank. When he bought his present farm it was raw prairie, and all the improvements on the place have thus been made by himself. He recalls well that in his father's day the farming was done by oxen, and the wheat was reaped with scythes. Many a day, he recalls, has he plowed corn with oxen. One year his father had 17 acres in wheat which made 1,700 bushels. This wheat was hauled in barrels to the mouth of the LaMine River, whence it was taken by steamboats to St. Louis, where it sold on the market at $2.25 a bushel. In those days, wild hogs, turkeys and other wild game were plentiful in the LaMine regions,, and the settlers had no trouble in keeping their tables supplied with meat. Hogs roamed the timber at will and without apparent ownership, and the man who found one could law- fully call it his own. Sept. 9. 1883, Adam Schuster was married to Lowell Cramar, who was born on a farm a mile east of where she now lives, April 17, 1865, daughter of Gabriel Allen and Nancy (Hemdon) Cramar, the former of whom was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and the latter in Madison Countv. Kv. No children have been born to this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Schuster have reared several nieces and nephew^. Mr. Schuster is a republican, though, as he says, "not much on politics." and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. 794 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Joseph Sells, one of the enterprising business men of Prairie Home, and a member of the blacksmithing firm of White & Sells, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Moniteau County, Dec. 20, 1887, a son of William H. Sells. William H. Sells was a Union veteran of the Civil War, and a native of Iowa. He enlisted in his native State and served 18 months. After the war he went to Kansas, and from there to Moni- teau County, Mo., and later removed to Texas County, Mo., where he died in 1913. His widow now resides in that county. They were the parents of the following children: Alice, married Joseph Chandler and lives in Oklahoma ; Dasie, married William Wood, California, Mo. ; Ed., resides at Lupus, Mo. ; Guinn, deceased ; Sarah, married Philip Wittenberger, Jamestown, Mo. ; George, Texas County ; Pink, Texas County ; Joseph, the subject of this sketch ; Willie, married Ed. Mayberry, Texas County ; and Vernon resides in Texas County. Joseph Sells was united in marriage in 1913 to Ida Martin, a daughter of Menro and Eliza (Murl) Martin. The father died in 1908 and his remains are buried in Bethel Cemetery in Moniteau County, and the mother now resides at Lupus. They were the parents of the following children: Clara, married Ambrose Coots, Jamestown; Douglas, resides at Lupus ; Mary ; Nathan, Lupus ; Job, now serving in U. S. Army in France, having enlisted in California ; Ida, the wife of Joseph Sells ; Cora, mar- ried Harry Childers, Lupus. To Mr. and Mrs. Sells have been born two children: Mildred and Francis. Mr. Sells became a member of the firm of White & Sells in 1919. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Jamestown, and he also belongs to the Yeomen at that place. He is a young man of industry and integrity and is making good in his chosen line of industry. David R. Cully, who during his active professional career, was one of the prominent educators of this state, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1836, a son of Joseph and Margaret Cully. Joseph Cully was born in Baltimore, Md., about 1798 and settled in Ohio when a young man. He lived to the advanced age of 99 years and 10 months. His wife was born in Washington County, Md., about 1802, and died at the age of 85 years. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom are living, David R., the subject of this sketch, and James, who lives at Cleveland, Ohio, and holds the position of president of the welfare board in that city. The deceased children are William, died at Massilon, Ohio ; Mrs. Elizabeth McMillan, died at St. Paul, Minn. ; Joseph died at the age of 21 years in Wayne County, Ohio; Mrs. Margaret HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 795 McDowell died at Dalton, Ohio; Mrs. Marrah McCall, died at Crawfords- ville, Iowa, and Thomas died in Florida in Feb., 1918. David R. Cully was educated in Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio, and was the youngest student in that institution. He then entered Jeffer- son College, now Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa. and was graduated in the class of 1858. Mr. Cully then came to Boonville, Mo., at the invitation of John W. Sutherland, who was at the head of the Missouri Female College at that place. At that time there was a Baptist College at Hopewell Church, Kelly township, and Mr. Cully taught there for ten months. The following year Hopewell Academy was built and Mr. Cully taught at that institution for six years which included the Civil War period. He then taught two years at the Missouri Female College at Boonville. About this time a building was erected at Concord Church, 3 miles northeast of Bunceton, and was offered to Mr. Cully, provided he would conduct a school there for five years. He accepted the proposition and shortly after this the town of Bunceton was laid out and a railroad built, and this school was moved to Bunceton, where Mr. Cully conducted it for six years. In 1877 he was elected superintendent of the schools of Mexico, Mo., and held that position one year. He was reelected, but on the same day was elected superintendent of the Sedalia schools. He ac- cepted the Sedalia position and served as superintendent of the schools of that city for 10 years. In 1898 he returned to Kelly township and took charge of "Seclusion Stock Farm", where he has since resided. "Seclusion Stock Farm" is one of the valuable farms of Cooper County. It contains 320 acres and is one of the historic old places of the county. The farm residence, which is over 100 years old, was the second house built in Kelly township. David R. Cully was united in marriage in 1864 to Miss Susan Chilton, a daughter of Charles and Mary E. (Chilton) Chilton native of Fauquier County, Va. The Chilton family came from Virginia to Missouri about 1840, and first settled at Old Franklin, Howard County, and soon after- wards removed to Boonville. Charles Chilton died at Boonville in 1849 at the age of 29 years. His widow died in 1912 at the age of 86 years. A sister of Mrs. Cully, Eloise Chilton, makes her home with the Cully family and is a half owner of the farm. The Chilton family are of old American stock and trace their ancestry in this country back to Colonial times, and were early settlers in Cooper County. Mrs. Cully's grandfather, Mark Anthony Chilton, at one time owned 1,100 acres of land in Kelly township. He was a native of Vir- 796 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ginia. Gen. John Blackwell, of Revolutionary fame, was Mrs. Cully's great grandfather. He received a grant of land from the government in the Sciota Valley in Ohio, and Mark Anthony Chilton inherited an inter- est in that land, which he traded for the Kelly township land. Samuel Chilton, an uncle of Mrs. Cully, was a prominent attorney at Warrenton, Va., and was one of the attorneys who defended John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fame. He was not in sympathy with John Brown's cause, how- ever, he made an able defense for him. This was about the last case that he ever tried. He died in Washington, D. C. shortly afterwards. Amos O'Neal, a veteran of the Civil War, and a retired farmer and land-owner of LaMine township, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Raleigh County, Va., Feb. 16, 1841, son of Jesse and Mary (Shumate) O'Neal, the latter of whom also was born in Virginia, who came to Mis- souri in the '50s with their family, and here spent their last days. Jesse O'Neal was born in North Carolina in 1808, and was a farmer all his life. He married in Virginia, and there resided until the '50s, when with his family he came to this State. He first tried Moniteau County, but not being wholly satisfied with conditions there, came to Cooper County in 1856, and the next year bought a tract of land in LaMine town- ship, paying $12.50 an acre for the same, and there spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1869. His widow died in 1885. She was born in 1812, a daughter of Daniel Shumate. Jesse O'Neal and his wife were the parents of 12 children, of whom Amos was the sixth in order of birth, and three of whom are still living. Amos O'Neal was 15 years of age when he came to this county with his parents in 1856, and here he grew to manhood, attending the district school in LaMine township. He was 20 years of age when the Civil War broke out, and in 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army as a member of the Second Missouri Cavalry, with which he served most of the time under Gen. N. B. Forrest, though a part of the time the command was in the brigade of Gen. Sterling Price, west of the Mississippi. Mr. O'Neal was taken prisoner at Bahalia, Miss., and was a prisoner of war for nine months, when he was paroled on account of illness. During his long mili- tary service he one time came very near death, when his horse was shot from under him by a cannon ball. Another time a minnie ball struck a stiiTup and knocked it off. Upon receiving his discharge at the close of the war, Mr. O'Neal returned home, arriving by boat at Arrow Rock, July 4, 1865. The next year he returned South, where he remained for three years, when he returned to Cooper County, married in the fall of 1869, "settled down" on the farm and has ever since been quite content ■ ~A-« x w^^L^m ^iWS^ ^H^s^l^H * ■ ' m * V J I V V Ml IS I IXKAI. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 797 here to reside. Mr.. O'Neal has a well improved farm of 205 acres. For some yeai-s past he has been living practically retired, the operations of the farm being carried on by his eldest son, S. A. O'Neal, who is married and lives on the place. Mr. O'Neal is one of the veteran farmers of the county, whose memory extends back to the days when oxen were used in farming, and he has many interesting stories to tell of the days now long gone. He is a stanch democrat, and is a Baptist. Oct. 2, 1869, Amos O'Neal was married to Lucinda Cramer, who was born in LaMine township, Oct. 19, 1851, daughter of Gabriel and Mary (Jeffress) Cramer, and who died on Oct. 22, 1914. To this union nine children were born, namely: Sanford Alonzo, who is farming the home place ; Edward Lee, a merchant, farmer and stockman living at Black- water; Silas, also of Blackwater; Gabriel, deceased; Riley, deceased; Aubrey, of Kansas City Mo. ; Nora, deceased ; Grace, wife of D. L. Edson, of West Boonville, and Freeman, who is now (spring of 1919)- with the American Army in Europe. Freeman O'Neal enlisted in the Medical Corps of the National Army for service in the World War in 1917, and sailed for overseas in July, 1918. Sanford A. Freeman, who is looking after the affairs of the home farm, married Agnes Reynolds, who also was bom in this county, and has two children, Alma, wife of H C. Minard, and Amos, who during America's participation in the World War served as a member of the S. A. T. C. at Missouri State University, Columbia. Howard B. Collins, proprietor of the Bank Hotel, Bunceton, Mo., is a mining man of vast experience. Mr. Collins was born in Denver, Colo., Sept. 27, 1875. He is a son of Samuel G. and Emilie (Browning) Collins, the former a native of Mississippi, born in 1849, and the latter of New York, bom in 1852. They went to Colorado in 1868, where the father was employed in the banking house of Koontz Bros., at Denver, until 1879. He then went to Leadville, Colo., where he has since been interested in mining and milling properties. They now reside at Denver, Colo. To Samuel G. and Emilie (Browning) Collins were born the following chil- dren: Howard B., the subject of this sketch; Edna W., who is now secre- tary of the Rocky Mountain Division of the Civilian Red Cross, with head- quarters at Denver, and Walter G. manager for J. D. Lacy & Co., Port- land, Ore. He was drafted by the war department as a timber expert, during the World War, and served in that capacity until the war closed. He is a Yale graduate. Howard B. Collins was educated in the public schools at Denver, the Shattuck Military School at Faribault, Minn., and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston, Mass., where he was graduated in the 798 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY class of 1898. He then went to Cripple Creek, Colo., and later to Lead- ville where he was engaged as mine operator and manager of mining and milling properties until Jan., 1918, when he came to central Missouri to take charge of a zinc and baryte mining property, where he remained until June, 1918. He then came to Bunceton in partnership with George H. Hubbard of Versailles, in the operation of the Hubbard Cannel Coal Mine. Mr. Collins sold his interest in this mine to his partner, and on May 4, 1919 purchased the Bank Hotel at Bunceton. Mr. Collins is giving Bunceton a good hotel, which is much appreciated by the public. Howard B. Collins was married Sept. 2, 1902 to Miss Georgia Curf- man, a daughter of Dr. George W. Curfman, of Denver, Colo. Mrs. Col- lins' parents are both deceased, the father died in 1918, and the mother in 1915, and their remains are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Denver, Colo. Mrs. Collins has one brother, Floyd G., a mechanical engineer of New York City. He is a graduate of the State Agricultural College of Ft. Collins, Colo. Mrs. Collins was educated in the North Denver High School and the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She has specialized in music and for a number of years taught music in Denver. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been born one daughter, Miriam Browning, who was born at Denver, Colo., and is now a student in the Bunceton high school. Mr. Collins is a member of the Masonic lodge and the Signa Alpha Epsilon College fraternity. Charles E. Steele, cashier of the Farmers Stock Bank at Blackwater and many years one of Cooper County's best known educators ; is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm six miles south of Boon-' ville Jan. 27, 1872, son of John A. and Eliza J. (Batten) Steele, the latter of whom, born in Howard County, is still living, now a resident of Boon- ville. John A. Steele, who died at his home on the old Steele farm south of Boonville Jan. 26, 1917, just 50 years to the day from the time he had settled on that place, was a Tennesseean, born on Aug. 10, 1835, and was nine years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents in 1841, the family settling on a farm in the vicinity of Clarksburg. William H. Steele, the father, was a native of Ireland and his wife, who was a Blackburn, was born in Kentucky or Tennessee. They spent the remainder of their lives on the farm near Clarksburg. John A. Steele grew to manhood on that pioneer farm and in time became a substantial farmer on his own account. He was a member of the Masonic fratemitv and was a demo- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 799 crat. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this biographical review was the sixth in order of birth, the others being the following: John T., Webb City; Maggie, widow of M. C. Toler, living near Boonville ; Georgia, wife of J. E. Rennison, Boonville ; Frances, wife of U. T. Toler, Columbia; William H., near Otterville; Lavine, wife of John C. Muntzel, Boonville, and Claud W., deceased. Charles E. Steele was reared on the farm. He completed his school- ing in the Pilot Grove Academy and in Sept., 1890, entered upon a career of school teaching which was to continue for 16 years, during which period he also for four years occupied the position of school commissioner, serving two terms, beginning in 1897. In 1904 Mr. Steele was appointed principal of the public schools at Blackwater, a position he occupied for six years. Not long after going to Blackwater Mr. Steele became em- ployed as a bookkeeper in the Farmers Stock Bank, keeping books after school hours, and in 1907 was made cashier of the bank, the position he has since occupied. Mr. Steele is a democrat, a Baptist and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. May 3, 1905, Charles E. Steele was united in marriage to Mattie Shouse, who also was born in Cooper County, and who died April 30, 1907, at the age of 24 years. A child born to that union died in infancy. Mrs. Mattie Steele was a daughter of the Rev. Charles O. and Marian (Ford) Shouse, the latter of whom is still living, residing on a farm in Blackwater township. The late Rev. Charles O. Shouse, a pioneer min- ister of the Christian Church in Cooper County, was a native of Kentucky, as is his widow, and was for many years a strong factor for good in this community. Walter H. Shouse, cashier of the Bank of Blackwater was born on a farm three miles west of Blackwater, Aug. 5, 1884, son of Ernest and Mary (Harvey) Shouse, who were members of pioneer families and both of whom are now deceased. Ernest Shouse was a son of the Rev. Charles Q. Shouse, a minister of the Christian Church, who came to Missouri from Kentucky in pioneer days and who was for many years one of the strong factors in bringing about orderly conditions in this community. Ernest Shouse, who became a farmer, died in 1887, at the age of about 32 years, and his widow died in 1895, aged 40 years. They had two sons, Walter H. and Albert E. Shouse, born on Jan. 25, 1887, who is now (1919) in Belgium, a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, serving in the Signal Corps. Albert E. Shouse early became a telegraph operator 800 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and in Nov., 1917, while thus engaged at Kansas City, Mo., enlisted for service in the Canadian army, was attached to the Signal Corps of that army and on Jan. 25, 1918, sailed for overseas duty. Bereft of his father when he was but a small child, Walter H. Shouse was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents, James A. and Sarah (Bagby) Harvey, whose home was in Saline County. vHe received his schooling in the public schools at Nelson and early began to "look out for himself." Until he was 18 years of age Mr. Shouse continued working on a farm and then he began his commercial career as a clerk in a village general store. For eight years he continued thus engaged and in 1909, became a bookkeeper in the Farmers Stock Bank at Blackwater, a position he occupied until in Aug., 1918, when he was made cashier of the Bank of Blackwater, a position of responsible trust he since has occupied. Mr. Shouse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a democrat. Walter H. Shouse was married Feb. 22, 1919, at Holton. Kan., to Peachie Griffith, a native of Saline County, daughter of Henry C. and Anna (McCutchion) Griffith, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio and Saline County, Mo., respectively. They live seven miles west of Blackwater on a farm. They are the parents of two children, Mrs. W. H. Shouse and Mrs. Reba Williams, living in Saline County. Fleming Miles Marshall, banker, stockman, lumberman, merchant and land-owner, who died at Hot Springs, Ark., in 1910, had created for himself a distinctive piace along the several lines of activity in which his energies found their outlet, and there are few names held in higher remembrance than his. Mr. Marshall was born in this county, on the ild Marshall place in Blackwater township, the place where his father tvas born, which had been entered from the Government by his grand- father, and had lived here all his life, doing well those things whicl his hands had found to do, so that in his passing there was sincere moui -ling throughout the community. The Marshalls are one of the old families of Cooper County, the irst of the name in this county having been Fleming Marshall, who came here ivith his family from Virginia in the early days of settlement, and enured a tract of Government land in section 18 of Blackwater township. Flem- ing Marshall and his wife (Frances Fray) were of the true pioneer type. Their son, James A. Marshall, father of the late F. M. Marshall, wa i born on that pioneer farm, Oct. 11, 1841, and there grew to manhood, becoming HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 801 an extensive land-owner, proprietor of fine farms in this county .is well as in Saline and Johnson Counties. The original Marshall place in Black- ivater township is still held in the family. James A. Marshall, who died on April 21, 1902, in the 61st yea 1 of his age, was united in marriage on Feb. 1, 1871, to Hannah Scott MiTns, who was bom in Hardy County, Va., Aug. 28, 1849, and whose fathe?', James S Miles, died in his native State, Virginia. His widow, with her ■ hildren, came to Arrow Rock, Mo., in 1860, where her last days were sper K Mrs. Hannah Marshall died Feb. 15, 1917. By her union with James V. Mar- shall she was the mother of two sons, Fleming Miles having a surviving brother, Thomas F., who is now engaged in the real estate business at Kansas City, Mo. Fleming Miles Marshall was born on Aug. 2, 1874, on the place on which his father was born in Blackwater township. His earlv schooling in the Kemper Military School was supplemented by a course in the Mili- tary Academy at Mexico, Mo., where he was graduated in 1892. The year following, Mr. Marshall married and established a home of his own. He, meanwhile, had become engaged on a somewhat extensive scale in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, and it was not long until he became recognized as one of the leading stockmen in this section, his exhibits of Shorthorns at State fairs and other cattle shows winning numerous prizes. At one time he was the largest individual stockholder in the Farmers Stock Bank of Blackwater, and for a number of years served as its vice- president. He also was interested in the lumber business at Blackwater and Nelson, was a partner of Lee O'Neal in the hardware, implement and grain business of Blackwater, At the time of his death he was the owner of 2,500 acres of land one of the best improved farms in Cooper County. A democrat, he had ever taken a good citizen's interest in local political affairs, and was a firm promoter of the cause of good government. As a member of the Methodist Church, Mr. Marshall was more than a merely nominal member, and did much to advance the cause of his church, for years serving as superintendent of the Sunday School. He was affiliated with the Blackwater lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Marshall died Feb. 15, 1910. Sept. 12, 1893, Fleming Miles Marshall was united in marriage to Anna Shouse, who, since the death of her husband, has been successfully carrying on the affairs of the estate. To her union with Mr. Marshall, (44) 802 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY three children were born: Mary F., married J. B. Harris, Rocheport, Mo., and has one child, Helen Virginia; James A., deceased, and Fleming Wil- lard, who is at home with his mother. Mrs. Marshall was born in Cooper County, a member of one of the pioneer families. She was born on a farm south of Nelson, Sept. 15, 1873, a daughter of Rev. Charles Q. and Marian (Ford) Shouse, and was one of the eight children born to them. Rev. Charles Q. Shouse, a well-remembered minister of the Christian Church in this county a generation ago, was born in Woodford County, Ky., on Jan. 2, 1836, and came to Cooper County in 1861. He died on his farm in Blackwater township in 1914, and his widow, who also was born in Kentucky, is living on the old home place. Mrs. Marshall is a member of the Methodist Church. L. R Ervine, proprietor of a large department store at Blackwater and one of the leading merchants of this section of Missouri, is a native Missourian. He was born at Slater, Saline County, Nov. 8, 1877, son of Richard and Mary E. (Elder) Ervine, and was the third in order of birth of the five children born to them. Richard Ervine was born near New York City, June, 1844, and was early trained to the details of the building business. Upon reaching man- hood he came to Missouri and located at Slater, where he engaged in the contracting business, and there spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1916. Not long after coming to Missouri, Richard Ervine married Mary E. Elder, who was born in Kentucky and died in 1905, aged 50 years. L. R. Ervine received his schooling in the schools of Slater, and early became engaged in the mercantile business, a line he has followed, with the exception of a few years spent in the newspaper business, ever since. The foundation of Mr. Ervine's successful business career was laid at Slater, where he became well grounded in the details of the mer- cantile business. He later was for some time also thus engaged at Kan- sas City and during the time of this latter connection traveled all over the country, putting on special sales of merchandise and thus became par- ticularly well known to the trade in that line. During this period Mr. Ervine became attracted to the possibilities of Blackwater as a trade center and Feb. 4, 1910, located in that city and opened a general store, which has gradually been developed into one of the best-stocked depart- ment stores in the State. He has made a specialty of the study of adver- tising as an applied science and was for some years engaged in the adver- tising field with a Chicago publishing house, with other newspapers in Missouri, and was for three years in charge of the advertising of a Kan- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 803 sas City mail-order house. During this latter connection he won five prizes in a field offering the sternest competition for the business-getting qualities and general effectiveness of his advertising matter. Mr. Ervine has been able to turn that specialty to advantage in the promotion of his business interests since locating at Blackwater and he has thus made his name and the fame of his department store familiar household words throughout this section of Missouri. In the year 1900, at Slater, L. R. Ervine was united in marriage to Lulu Ross Walton, who was born in that city, and to this union two chil- dren have been born: Esther, born in 1902, and Russell L., born in 1904. Mr. Ervine is a democrat and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Charles P. Hudson, of Blackwater, who for many years has been recognized as one of the leading auctioneers and criers of live stock sales in this section of Missouri, who also formerly was well known throughout this region as a dealer in mules, and who is a member of the directorate of the Bank of Blackwater, is a native Missourian, bora at Marshall, in Saline County. He was born on May 22, 1856, first born of the three sons of Laud and Amanda (Person) Hudson, the other sons being Austin W. Hudson, superintendent of the Saline County Poor Farm, and Laud O. Hudson, of Spokane, Wash. The senior Laud Hudson was bora in Virginia about 1818 and was 18 years of age when he came to Missouri with his widowed mother, the family locating in Boone County. Not long afterward, he went to Arrow Rock, in Saline County, where he learned harness making. While living in Arrow Rock, he married Amanda Person, who was born near that place, daughter of O. B. Person and wife, the latter of whom was a Dan- iels, natives of North Carolina and early settlers in the Arrow Rock neighborhood. After a residence of some years at Arrow Rock, Laud Hudson moved to Marshall, and engaged in business as a saddler and harness maker until his death in 1860. His widow died in 1910, being 75 years of age. Charles P. Hudson early felt the necessity of relieving his widowed mother of a portion of the care thus thrown upon her shoulders, and when 13 years of age, began working as a farm hand at $100 a year. He did not neglect his schooling, however, and he was able to complete the course in the common schools of Arrow Rock. Finally Mr. Hudson rented a farm and became engaged in farming on his own account. In 1892, he was able to buy a farm of 45 acres, five miles northeast of Blackwater. 804 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He improved the place and in 1902 sold it and bought a farm of 80 acres near Blackwater, which he also improved ; resided there until 1916, when he sold the place and moved to Blackwater. In the meantime, as much as 40 years ago, Mr. Hudson began crying sales and it was not long until his reputation as a successful auctioneer became known throughout Cooper, Saline and Pettis Counties. This line he ever since has continued, making a specialty of live stock sales, and is widely known among stock- men throughout this region. For some years also Mr. Hudson was en- gaged in buying and selling mules. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Blackwater, and in other ways has given his active attention to the business interests of his home town and county. Mr. Hudson is a democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Dec. 21, 1875, Charles P. Hudson was united in marriage to Theo- dosia H. Turley, who was born in Cooper County, a daughter of Jesse and Julia (Riddle) Turley, natives of Kentucky and early residents of this county, both now deceased. Jesse Turley was a landowner in LaMine township, and in the earlier days was engaged in freighting between Boonville and Santa Fe. He died in Santa Fe, N. M. Mr. and Mrs. Hud- son have no children of their own, but have reared five children, all of whom have grown up and married and in whose hearts there exists for their foster parents the same loving devotion as would be felt in behalf of real parents. V. S. Irvin, a registered pharmacist, dealer in drugs and druggists' sundries at Blackwater, one of the most progressive young merchants in Cooper County, was born at Red Cloud, Neb., Feb. 7, 1887, son of John B. and Luella (Loney) Irvin, former well known residents of Blackwater, now residing at Kansas City. John B. Irvin is a native of Pittsburg, Pa., born in 1855. In his young manhood he came West and in Nebraska engaged in the building trades, in time becoming a successful building contractor. In 1891, he engaged in business at Kansas City and five years later located at Blackwater. After a residence of some years there, he returned to Kansas City, where he is now engaged in contracting. His wife was born in Bloomfield, Iowa, in 1865. They are the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this biographical sketch is the eldest. Having been but a child when his parents moved to Blackwater, V. S. Irvin received his schooling in the schools of that city and early turned his attention to the study of pharmacy, upon leaving school becoming engaged as a clerk in a drug store. That was in 1904. Ten years later, in 1914, he bought the store in which he had been engaged as a clerk and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 805 has since been conducting the same successfully, carrying on his business along strictly up-to-date lines. In addition to being a registered phar- macist, Mr. Irvin is a licensed embalmer, having taken a course in the latter art parallel with his course in pharmacy, and is a chemist of ex- cellent qualifications. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a democrat. June 16, 1909, V. S. Irvin was married to Beulah F. Mustain, and to this union one child has been born, V. S., Jr. Mrs. Irvin was born in Howard County, daughter of T. B. Mustain and wife, who have for some years been living in Blackwater, Mr. Mustain being a retired farmer. Charles Q. Shouse, lumberman at Blackwater, where he is engaged in business in partnership with his sister, Mrs. Anna Marshall, is a mem- ber of one of Cooper County's old families. For years he was engaged in teaching and his impress upon the general social life of the community has thus been equally well marked in that direction. Mr. Shouse was born on a farm three miles west of Blackwater, April 13, 1877, son of the Rev. Charles Q. and Marian (Ford) Shouse, the latter of whom is still living on the old home place west of town. The Reverend Mr. Shouse, who was a faithful minister of the gospel, connected with the Christian Church, was a Kentuckian, as is his widow. He came to Missouri in 1861 and settled in Cooper County, where his service thereafter was rendered until his death a few years ago. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: John H., deceased; Thomas F., on the old home place; Dr. William S., a physician at Kingston, Mo.; Ernest L., deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of Noland Taylor, Nelson ; Anna, widow of Fleming M. Marshall ; Charles Q. ; and Mattie, deceased wife of C. E. Steele. The junior Charles Q. Shouse was reared on the home farm and re- ceived his early schooling in the public schools. He later attended the Warrensburg Normal School and Normal School at Chillicothe, and for 12 years was engaged in teaching in Cooper and Saline Counties during the winters, in the meantime following farming during the summers. In 1906, Mr. Shouse was made manager of the Marshall lumber interests at Blackwater and four years later bought into the business as a partner of his widowed sister, Mrs. Anna Marshall, and has since continued as gen- eral director and manager of the extensive interests of the firm at that place. Sept. 3, 1903, Charles Q. Shouse was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Duncan, who was born in the vicinity of Gillian, Saline County, a daughter of James P. and Naomi (Wilhite) Duncan, Kentuckians, and 806 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY old settlers in Saline County, and to this union three children have been born, Ruth, Aaron and Mary E. Mr. Shouse is a member of the Chris- tian Church, and his wife, the Baptist Church. Mr. Shouse is a democrat. Riley S. Holman, former mayor of Blackwater and a landowner of Cooper County, now engaged in the livery business at Blackwater, was born on a farm near New Franklin, Mo., Jan. 9, 1857, son of Dr. John B. and Mildred (Sebree) Holman, both deceased. Dr. John B. Holman was one of the best known physicians hereabout ; was bora in Cooper County Nov. 9, 1828, his parents having been early settlers here. In 1849 he made a trip to California with an overland band of gold seekers, but after some time spent in prospecting, returned to Missouri and settled down to the practice of his profession at Boonville for the rest of his active life. He was the owner of a farm of 400 acres, four miles east of Blackwater, and upon his retirement from practice, moved to that farm, where his last days were spent. He died April 27, 1897. Dec. 20, 1855, Dr. John B. Holman was united in marriage with Mildred Sebree, who was born in Howard County, in 1832, and died in Cooper County in 1900. To that union were born four children : Riley S. ; Dr. Richard S. Holman, a phy- sician, St. Louis ; Susan P., wife of Austin Blodgett, and Mary E., wife of Charles Harris, of St. Louis. Riley S. Holman's early youth was spent in Boonville. When 14 years of age, he went to Colorado and spent a year or two on the cattle ranch of his uncle, Captain Sebree, when he engaged in cattle raising for himself until 1882, when he returned to this county and went onto his father's farm, east of Blackwater, and was there engaged in fanning eight years. He then moved to Blackwater and engaged in the drug busi- ness. Some time later he took up the livery business, which he since has been conducting successfully. He also continues to look after his farm- ing interests. Mr. Holman is a democrat and has long been recognized as one of the leaders of the party in his home county. For about 12 years he served as mayor of Blackwater and in other ways he has given his close attention to local civic affairs. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of America. Feb. 28, 1884, Riley S. Holman was married to Ruth Staples, who was born on March 18, 1864, in Saline County, and to this union one child has been born, Mildred, who married Harry T. Redd, cashier of the Boon- ville National Bank, and has one child, Rylie. Mrs. Ruth Staples Holman also is a member of one of the old families HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 807 of this section of Missouri, her parents, James G. and Victoria (Sparks) Staples, both having been of pioneer parentage. James G. Staples, who during the time of the Civil War served as a soldier of the Confederacy, was born at Glasgow, Mo., in 1839, a son of James K. Staples and wife, natives of Virginia, who drove here from Hardy County, Va., and settled on the line between Cooper and Saline Counties, where James K. Staples became the owner of 1000 acres of land, entered from the Government at a fee of $1.25 an acre. Here this pioneer spent the remainder of his life, one of the influential members of the community. He died in 1881, at 85 years of age. His wife, Virginia Nicholas, died in 1903, aged 85 years. James G. Staples, who became one of Cooper County's substantial farm- ers, died Oct. 14, 1909. His widow died Feb. 3, 1917, while on a visit to her son, Harry Staples, at Fresno, Calif. She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Dec. 31, 1842, a daughter of James Sparks, a well-to-do stockman, horseman and slaveowner of Kentucky. James G. Staples and wife were the parents of three children, the survivors being Mrs. Holman and her brother, Harry Staples, the latter a resident of Fresno, Calif. Mrs. Holman is an active member of the United Daughters of the Con- federacy and was for two years president of the Cooper County Chapter. She completed her schooling in private schools at Arrow Rock and at Cilnton and was for 12 years engaged in teaching in this county, a portion of that time a teacher in the Blackwater schools. For over 15 years she has been a correspondent of the "Bunceton Eagle-News," and takes an earnest interest in general public affairs. She was for more than 20 years an ardent worker in Sunday school work in the Christian Church. In later years she was converted to Christian Science. John N. Sims, a well-known dealer in live stock at Blackwater and a substantial landowner, was boin in Howard County, Nov. 4, 1864, a son of John J. and Mary F. (Overstreet) Sims, the latter of whom is still living on the old home farm in LaMine township. John J. Sims, who died at his home in LaMine township in 1909, at 72 years of age, had been a resident of Cooper County since coming here from his native Howard County 40 years ago. He was a blacksmith and followed that calling until he bought the farm on which his last days were spent. His widow, who is also a member of an old Missouri family, was born in Howard County in Oct., 1840. To them were born eight children: William, farm- ing the old home place in LaMine township; John N., the subject of this sketch; Joseph E., farming with his brother William; E. S., St. Louis; 808 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Bettie, wife of Willard Worts, LaMine township; Clay Jackson, who is now living on the home farm; Susan, who also is on the farm with her mother and brothers, and Thomas, Blackwater. John N. Sims has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. He bought his first farm when a young man and has since enlarged his holdings until now he is the owner of 845 acres of excellent land in Cooper and Vernon Counties. In 1904, Mr. Sims located at Blackwater, where he has since successfully carried on his operations in the buying and selling of live stock, at the same time directing his extensive farming interests. Mr. Sims is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after public office. In 1904, John N. Sims was united in marriage to Lydia Rucker, who was born in this county, daughter of Charles T. Rucker and wife, the latter of whom was a Poindexter, both of whom were also born in this county and who are now making their home in Blackwater. Mr. and Mrs. Sims have one son, John R. Sims. William Schuster, who died at his home in Pilot Grove township in the fall of 1915, and whose widow is living on the home farm, which is being operated by her eldest son, William Schuster, was of European birth, but had been a resident of Cooper County since the days of his childhood, and was thus a devoted Missourian. He was born in Saxony, July 4, 1850, and was but four years of age when his parents with their children came to America. For a time the Schusters were located in St. Louis, and then they came to Cooper County and settled on a farm in LaMine township, where the family home was established, and where the parents reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives, earnest pioneers of that neighborhood. Reared on the farm on which his parents had settled when he was about four years of age, William Schuster received his schooling in the district schools, followed farming all his life, and in which he was suc- cessful, and was the owner at the time of his death of an excellent farm of 243 acres in Pilot Grove township, the same now owned by his widow and operated by his son, William. In addition to his general farming the late William Schuster was an extensive breeder of Poland China hogs. For years he was a member of the board of directors of the Pilot Grove Bank at Pilot Grove. He was a member of the Catholic Church, as is his widow, and the children were reared in that faith. He died Oct. 22, 1915, highly respected in the community where he had lived since the days of his childhood. \\ M.I.I Ul SCHUSTER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 809 William Schuster was twice married, and was the father of 22 chil- dren, all of whom are living, save one. His first wife, Christina Felten, who was born in this county, and who died in 1894, was the mother of 10 children, of whom nine are living, namely: Fred, farmer, a mile east of Pilot Grove; Margaret, wife of P. Hoffman, St. Louis; Mrs. Anna Miller, St. Louis; Frank, Pilot Grove township; Mary, wife of Henry G. Lam- mers, proprietor of "Hickory Grove" Farm, Pilot Grove township ; Sophia, wife of Frank Lammers, also of Pilot Grove township; John, of Pilot Grove township; Leona, wife of Henry Meyer, of the Pleasant Green neighborhood, and Christina, wife of L. Wittman, of the Pilot Grove neighborhood. Feb. 12, 1896, William Schuster married Anna Vollrath, who was born in this county, Oct. 27, 1876, and to that union 12 children were born, namely: William, born March 3, 1897, who is managing the home place for his mother; Grace; Hubert and Henry, twins, the latter deceased ; Nellie ; Florence ; Catherine ; Irene ; Alma and Alice, twins ; Martha; and Henry, died in infancy. William E. McMahan, one of the best known farmers of LaMine township, is a descendant of one of the earliest pioneers of Cooper County, his great-grandfather, Samuel McMahan, who was slain by In- dians in the vicinity of Boonville, having been one of the first settlers in this section of Missouri. The McMahans drove from Kentucky at the very beginning of organized settlement hereabout and settled in what is now LaMine township. It was while returning from Boonville one day, after having driven some cattle to that settlement, that Samuel McMahan was killed by hostile Indians. One of the sons of this pioneer was Samuel Woodson McMahan, who became one of the largest landholders of Cooper County, owner of a tract of 1000 acres and many slaves. He was born in Kentucky and his wife, Harriet Riddle, was born in Maryland, her parents also having been early settlers here. One of their sons, William H. McMahan, was bom in LaMine township in 1834 and became a sub- stantial farmer, spending all his life here, and died Oct., 1895. He mar- ried Lucy Hornbeck, who was born in Kentucky, and died in 1870. To them were born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being: R. S. McMahan, Kansas City, Mo.; Susan, wife of John H. Duncan, Helena, Mont.; Anna, wife of William H. Dun- can, Spokane, Wash., and Josephine, wife of Frank Duncan, Helena, Mont. William E. McMahan grew up on the farm and continued farming, in time becoming the owner of the farm of 100 acres on which he is now living in LaMine township and which he has greatly improved. Ten 810 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY years or more ago Mr. McMahan began to give special attention to breed- ing Duroc Jersey hogs and has made a success in that line. He was born Sept. 10, 1860, March 27, 1894, William E. McMahan was united in marriage with Louella Gorrell, who also was born in LaMine township, a daughter of Amos Gorrell and wife, the latter of whom was a Schotts, natives of Ohio, who came to Cooper County in 1865 and settled on a farm in LaMine township. Mr. Gorrell is now living retired in Blackwater. Mr. and Mrs. McMahan are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. McMahan is a democrat. William E. McMahan's farm has been in the McMahan family since 1832. Charles E. Woodroof, who died at his home in Blackwater, July 24, 1902, was a Virginian. He was born Oct. 30, 1822, a son of Wyett P. and Mary J. (Taliafero) Woodroof, Virginians, the mother of the former of whom was a Gatewood. Wyett P. Woodroof came to Missouri with his family about 1825, locating near St. Louis, and later moved to St. Charles, and thence to Montgomery County, where he died about 1832, leaving his widow and her five small children in straightened circumstances. The widow, how- ever, was typical of the true pioneer type of womanhood, and she kept her little family together, all working to the common good of the family, the four sons and one daughter in time all becoming quite successful in life. The sons were John, Charles Edward, Robert and David Barton, and the daughter was Sophia, who married Mason Freeland. All these are now deceased. Charles Edward Woodroof was but 10 years of age when his father died and he was thus early thrown pretty much on his own resources for a livelihood, helping his widowed mother and the younger children. For some time he worked in the pineries of southern Missouri and in saw mills on the Piney River in Texas County and also helped to freight the lumber by raft to St. Louis. In 1848 he enlisted for service in the Mex- ican War and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, his health considerably impaired. He then went to California, the overland trip, but it was not long until he returned to Missouri, locating in Montgomery County, where in 1853 he was married. In 1888 he moved to Saline County and there he remained until 1896, when he came to Cooper County and located at Blackwater, where he died July 24, 1902. At the time of his death, he owned several hundred acres of choice land and was regarded as one of the substantial farmers of Cooper County. His HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 811 father was an old line Whig and he became a Republican upon the organ- ization of that party. He was a Mason. Charles E. Woodroof was twice married. Feb. 6, 1853, in Mont- gomery County, he was married to Catherine Jones, who was born in that county on July 4, 1829, daughter of Lewis Jones and wife, the latter of whom was a Hayes, of Callaway County, Mo., a relative of Daniel Boone. Of the children born to this union, all died in childhood save Anna Myrie, who married H. Ritter; Robert Mathew, who married Ida Moore, and Orpha K., who married Joseph H. Blades, of Montgomery County. Rob- ert M. Woodruff died near Blackwater Aug. 16, 1914. He is survived by his motherless daughter, Kathryne. Catherine Jones Woodruff died on December 13, 1871, and Aug. 26, 1875, Mr. Woodroof married Susan Moseley, who survives and who since the death of her husband has been making her home at "Glenwood," the place in LaMine township which she purchased after her husband's death. Mrs. Susan Moseley Woodroof was born in Montgomery County, Sept. 8, 1839, daughter of John and Sophia (McMahan) Moseley, Ken- tuckians. John Moseley was a son of Thomas Moseley, son of Robert Moseley, of Montgomery County, Ky. John Moseley was born in Mont- gomery County, Ky., in 1806, and came to Missouri in 1828, being en- gaged as a school teacher in Callaway County until 1833, when he mar- ried and settled on a farm in Montgomery County, where he and his wife lived the rest of their lives. Sept. 24, 1833, John Moseley was mar- ried to Sophia McMahan. She died on April 25, 1875, and he died in 1881. They were members of the Church of Christ, and their children were reared in that faith. Of these children two survive, Mrs. Woodroof's only sister making her home with her at "Glenwood" farm. For many years Mrs. Woodroof was a school teacher and she has always retained her active interest in cultural affairs. She has written a good deal and from her girlhood has found pleasure in expressing herself in poetic form. The poems she had thus written she collected after the death of her husband and published in a volume, to which she gave the title "Sea Shells," dedicating the same to the memory of her husband. She is a member of the Church of Christ. Though not granted children of her own, Mrs. Woodroof has reared to manhood and womanhood several children. She retains an interest in other forms of business activity and is a stockholder in the Farmers Stock Bank of Blackwater. Henry Moss Wing, second vice-president of the Bank of Blackwater and one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of LaMine township, was born Aug. 21, 1876, son of David W. and Ella (Parker) Wing, the 812 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY latter of whom, born in Boone County, daughter of Robnett Parker and wife, died in 1882. David W. Wing was born in Jan., 1849, on the farm now owned by his son Henry, and is a son of Freeman Wing and wife, the latter of whom was a Daniels, who came here from Virginia in an early day and located on the place in LaMine township now owned by Henry M. Wing. Freeman Wing and his wife lived in a log cabin which is still standing on the place, carefully and reverently preserved as a priceless relic of pioneer days, and on that place they spent the remainder of their days, and here their 13 children were born. The last born of these chil- dren was David W. Wing, father of the subject of this sketch, who re- mained on the home place, of which in time he became the owner, and there continued actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until 1904, when he retired from the farm and moved to Mar- shall, where he is now living. Fifty years ago he erected on the place the substantial farm house which is still standing and to which numerous improvements have been made. Henry M. Wing was reared on the home farm and received his early schooling in the local schools, supplementing this by a course at Kemper Military School at Boonville and at the Missouri University at Columbia. When 18 years of age he undertook farming on his own account, renting from his father. After his marriage in 1905, he established his home on the place, his father meanwhile having moved to Marshall, and in 1916 bought the farm, an excellent tract of 365 acres, where he is carrying on general farming and raising of live stock. He is a democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Dec. 18, 1905, Henry M. Wing was united in marriage to Martha Fray, who also was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, Warner Fray Wing, born on Feb. 1, 1914. Mrs. Martha Wing was born Sept. 26, 1888, a daughter of H. G. and Dora (Pierce) Fray. Willard A. Worts, proprietor of "Grand View" stock farm in LaMine township, and recognized as one of the most extensive breeders of Duroc Jersey hogs in this section is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on March 2, 1879, son of I. R. and Laura E. (Phillips) Worts, both of whom were born in Virginia and are now living i*etired at Boonville. I. R. Worts came to Missouri from Indiana, having for some time made his home in the latter state after leaving Virginia. In the fall of 1878 he came to Cooper County and made his home, becoming the owner of 213 acres of land in Palestine township, where he made his home until HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 813 his removal to Boonville. To him and his wife were born four children: Ida, deceased, was the wife of F. H. Muntzel ; Willard A. ; Leslie E., Pales- tine township, and Vernon, also of Palestine township. Willard A. Worts was reared on the farm and received his schooling in the district schools and the Boonville High School. He has followed farming on his own account since he reached manhood ; for some years he has given special attention to the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs and is said to have the largest herd of Durocs in Cooper County and has calls for his breeding stock from Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, Kansas, Tennessee, Arkansas and from all parts of Missouri, selling as many as 150 breeders a year. In 1902, Mr. Worts bought "Grand View" farm, his present well-improved place of 85 acres in LaMine township, and in 1913 he began to pay particular attention to the breeding of Durocs. He now (1919) has a fine herd of 225 registered hogs and his pens are said to be the best in the county. Mr. Worts is a member of the National Duroc Jersey Record Association, of Peoria, 111. He is a democrat. On Sept. 14, 1902, Willard A. Worts was united in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Sims, who was born in Howard County. Mrs. Worts is a daugh- ter of John J. and Mary (Overstreet) Sims, both members of old families in Howard County and the latter of whom is now living in LaMine town- ship. Armstead Lee Kincaid, one of LaMine township's well known and progressive farmers and the proprietor of a well kept place of 320 acres in that township, is a native of Kentucky, but has been a resident of Missouri and of Cooper County since 1860. He was born in Montgomery County, Ky., April 14, 1849, son of George W. and Frances M. (Collins) Kincaid, both of whom spent their last days in Cooper County. George W. Kincaid was born in Kentucky, Sept., 1813, and there mar- ried Frances M. Collins, who was bom in that state in 1818. They made their home in Kentucky until 1860. when they came to Missouri and located on the farm now owned and occupied by Armstead L. Kincaid, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Kincaid dying in 1893 and his widow in 1905. They were the parents of seven children, of whom but two grew to maturity, the subject of this sketch and his brother, the late Richard Franklin Kincaid. Armstead L. Kincaid was 11 years of age when he came into Cooper County with his parents and he was reared on the home farm in LaMine township, completing his schooling in the district schools. Upon attain- 814 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ing manhood he remained on the farm and in time came into possession of the same by inheritance. He has made excellent improvements on the place and has done well in his farming operations. Mr. Kincaid is a demo- crat and is a member of the Church of Christ. Dec. 23, 1891, Armstead L. Kincaid was united in marriage with Mattie Sanders Lawless, whose first husband was Doctor Hutchinson, of Boonville. Mrs. Kincaid was born in this county in 1860 and died in 1905. By her union with Mr. Kincaid three children were born: Frances, wife of Elmer Schuster, LaMine township ; Nellie L., wife of Speed Mellor, LaMine township and Georgia May, who is at home with her father. William P. Harris, who died at his home in LaMine township in the late fall of 1901 and whose widow is still making her home on the place was born in that township and there spent all his life, becoming a well- to-do farmer and the owner of a fine farm of 173 acres, which his widow is continuing to manage with success. William P. Harris was born Sept. 2, 1857, son of William J. and Sallie (McMahan) Harris, and was the second in order of birth of the five children, the others being Samantha, wife of John B. Harris, of Fulton; Sterling P., Sedalia; Thomas A., of LaMine township, and Leona, who died in infancy. William J. Harris was twice married and by his second wife, Lizzie Lake, was the father of two daughters, Stella and Ada, both deceased. William P. Harris grew up in LaMine township and received his schooling in the district schools. As a young man he began fai-ming on his own account. In 1895 he bought the farm of 173 acres on which he spent his last days and had made extensive improvements. He died Nov. 25, 1901, at 44 years of age. Mr. Hams was a democrat and had always taken an active interest in the general civic affairs of his home county. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Modern Brotherhood of America. Since her husband's death Mrs. Harris has been in management of the home farm and has made numerous improvements on the place, including the remodeling of the house and the erection of a silo, she and her children now having an excellent farm. Mrs. Harris was born in Saline County, Feb. 13, 1862, fourth in order of birth of the nine children, four sons and five daughters, born to Thomas L. and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe. Thomas L. Kincheloe was born" in Howard County, April 16, 1822, and came to Cooper County with his par- ents when a boy. He became a successful farmer and died April 19, 1910. His wife died Dec. 23, 1884, the day on which their daughter Anna was HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 815 united in marriage to William P. Harris. She was born in Saline county April 1, 1831, the Kincheloes and the Gregorys were early pioneers of this section. To William P. and Anna (Kincheloe) Harris were born five children: Edna, wife of William J. Harris, of LaCrosse, Wis. ; Amy, who is at home assisting her mother; Elmer and Elwood, twins, the former of whom is farming in LaMine township and the latter remaining on the home farm superintending the management of the same, and Nellie, wife of H. Brockway, of LaMine township. Thomas B. Gibson, a retired merchant of Blackwater, veteran of the Mexican War and of the Civil War, and the oldest living settler of LaMine township, is a native of Virginia, but has been a resident of this region since his boyhood. He was born at the headquarters of the James River in Louisa County, Va., Jan. 21, 1830, son of William B. and Susan J. (Turner) Gibson, who came to Howard County with their family in the year of 1839. William B. Gibson was born in Virginia, as was his wife. He was a son of William B. Gibson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and grew up in his native state, becoming a brick mason and plasterer by trade. About 1839 he settled in what is now Howard County, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in Howard County and his widow later died in Cali- fornia. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Thomas B. is the only survivor. Thomas B. Gibson was about nine or 10 years old when his parents came to Missouri and he grew up familiar with pioneer conditions. He was 18 years old when the Mexican War broke out and he enlisted and was attached to a supply train, as a herdsman for the government. While in that service he participated in an Indian fight on the Kansas plains. Attached to his supply train, made up of live yoke of oxen, hauling provisions for the soldiers, were 25 men. One morning about sunrise the night's camp was disturbed by a maurading band of Indians and a brisk fight ensued, the redskins presently being driven off without casualties to the freighters. Upon his discharge from the service at the close of the war young Gibson returned home. He married in 1859 and continued farming, being thus engaged when the Civil War broke out. Toward the close of the war he enlisted on the side of the Confederacy, being first attached to the cavalry and later to the infantry, and was with the army in Louisiana when the surrender came. Upon his return he bought his 816 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY present farm in LaMine township. The next year he and his brother- in-law, John T. Redd, opened a store on the Santa Fe trail at a point above the LaMine River — the place now owned by Sims Brothers — and there he and Mr. Redd were engaged in business for 17 years, when they moved their stock to Blackwater, where for ten years they were engaged in sell- ing goods. Mr. Gibson then sold his interest and retired from business. He always lived on his farm in LaMine township, where he has since been making his home. Mr. Gibson has a well improved place of 320 acres. As one of the oldest surviving pioneers of this region he has many interesting stories to tell of the old days of the plains and of the Santa Fe Trail and is a veritable storehouse of reminiscence. In 1849 he crossed the plains, driv- ing a six mule team from Arrow Rock, Mo., to California and returned to Missouri via Panama, in 1853. In Dec, 1859, Thomas B. Gibson was married to Lucy A. Redd, who was bom in this county, and died in Feb., 1903, at the age of 65 years. To that union were born two children : William B. and Mollie T., the latter of whom married W. R. Scott and is now deceased. Mrs. Scott left one child, a son, Gibson Scott, of Marshall. William B. Gibson, who was named for his grandfather and for his Revolutionary great-grandfather, was born on the farm on which he is now living in LaMine township, Dec. 18, 1860, and has lived there all his life, since the days of his young manhood managing the place for his father. He married Mary C. McPherson, who was born at Boonville, and has five sons. William McPherson, Robert, LeRoy, Henry Thomas, Arthur Chandler and John Elliot. William H. Haun, a veteran of the Civil War, who died at his home in Pilot Grove township in the spring of 1890, and whose widow is still living on the home place, which is now managed by her elder son, Albert L. Haun, former clerk of Circuit Court of Cooper County, was an influen- tial and useful citizens of this county. He was bom on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1841, son of John Haun and wife, the latter of whom was a Shank, who were the parents of 12 children, of whom six grew to maturity. John Haun was bom in Pennsylvania, and was early left an orphan. About 1830 he went to Ohio, was married and engaged in farming in Holmes County, and there he and his wife spent their last days. Reared on the farm on which he was born, William H. Haun was given the advantage of excellent schooling, and all his life took an earnest X - HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 817 interest in the cause of education, his labors in that behalf, after becoming a resident of Cooper County, having contributed largely to the elevation of the standards of the schools of Pilot Grove township in an earlier day. He was not 20 years of age when the Civil War broke out, and shortly after passing his 20th birthday he enlisted Sept. 7, 1861, and went to the front as a private in Company F, 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1865. During this long military service Mr. Haun's regiment participated in many of the most important engagements of the Civil War, including Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7, 1862; the occupation of Corinth, Miss., May 30, 1862; Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862; Liberty Gap, June 25, 1863; Chicka- mauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863; Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, Cassville, Pickett's Mill, Kenesaw Mountain, Hood's first sortie toward Atlanta, Lovejoy Sta- tion, Franklin. On Dec. 26, 1864, he was permitted to return home on a furlough, and was mustered out a month later. During the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, Mr. Haun was captured by the enemy and for 15 months was confined in Libby Prison and later at Andersonville. Upon the completion of his military service, William H. Haun re- turned to his home in Holmes County, Ohio, and resumed his place on the farm. During the following winter he taught a term of school in his home neighborhood, and in the spring of 1866 came to Missouri and bought a tract of timber land in section 24 of Pilot Grove township, with a view to clearing off a farm there and establishing his home. He built a log cabin on the place, and with his plans for a home thus well started returned to Ohio, married the girl of his choice, and with his bride returned to his timber tract in Pilot Grove township, and there he and his wife started their home-making in true pioneer fashion. It was no small job to clear the place of its heavy growth of timber, but Mr. Haun was dilli- gent, and it was not long until he had a tillable farm. He presently erected a better and more commodious house, as the needs of his growing family demanded, and later erected a third and modern house on the place, the other improvements of which also were in keeping with his progressive notions of farming. During the earlier years of his resi- dence in this county, Mr. Haun devoted much of his leisure to an extension of the cultural development of the community in which he had settled, and as a pioneer teacher of music did much toward the bringing about of wholesome social conditions. He was an ardent Methodist, as is his widow, and was ever an active and earnest participant in church work, 818 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY doing what he could to advance all good causes in the community. He was a republican and ever took a good citizen's part in local civic affairs. On the farm which he carved out of the woods there in Pilot Grove town- ship, this good man spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on March 30, 1890, and at his passing there was sincere mourning in the community. Aug. 30, 1866, William H. Haun was united in marriage, in Holmes County, Ohio, with Salome M. Shutt, who was born in that county. To that union were bom seven children, two of whom died in infancy, the other being as follows: Albert L., is now managing the home place; Adella F., married W. E. Geary, St. Louis ; Hattie Belle, and Eula Martha, at home with their mother; and William H., Grand Junction, Colo. Mrs. Haun, who is now in the 76th year of her age, and who has witnessed the development of this region since the days of her coming here, shortly after the close of the Civil War, was born Oct. 1, 1843, a daughter of John and Susan (Bell) Shutt, natives of Maryland, who located in Holmes County, Ohio, after their marriage, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Albert L. Haun, elder son of William H. and Salome M. (Shutt) Haun, was born on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, this county, Dec. 5, 1867, and there grew to manhood. His early schooling was re- ceived in the Prairie View District School, and was supplemented by a course in the Pilot Grove Academy, followed by a course in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. Following the death of his father, he assumed the responsibility of carrying on the operations of the home farm, and was also engaged for four or five winters as a teacher of district schools in his home neighborhood. Mr. Haun is an active worker in the ranks of the republican party in Cooper County, and in February, 1903, was appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, a position he occupied for eight years, or until his election in 1910 as clerk of the Circuit Court and recorder of deeds. By successive re-elections Mr. Haun continued to serve in this important public capacity until Jan. 5, 1919, when his last term of office expired, and he returned to the home farm, to the man- agement of which he is now giving his attention. Mr. Haun is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Boonville. Fountain Durrett Smith, a substantial farmer and stockman of La- Mine township, was born in that township and has lived there all his life. He was born on July 1, 1867, son of Nicholas and Lucy (Higgerson) HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 819 Smith, who were the parents of six children as follows : Travis, deceased ; DeWitt, of Kansas City, Mo.; Edward D., of LaMine township; Laura, wife of L. T. Sites, LaMine township; Fountan D.; and Ada, wife of P. Davidson, of Kansas City, Mo. Reared on the home farm in LaMine township, Fountain D. Smith received his schooling in the Oakwood district school and as a young man began farming on his own account, renting land until he bought his pres- ent farm. He now has a well-improved place of 260 acres and in addi- tion to his general farming has given considerable attention to the breed- ing of Poland China hogs, his operations along both lines having been car- ried on successfully. Mr. Smith is a democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs. He is a member of the Woodmen o fthe World. Oct. 26, 1892, Fountain D. Smith was united in marriage to Margaret Kincheloe, who was born in this county, daughter of Thomas and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe and twin sister of Jesse Kincheloe, of LaMine town- ship, further reference to which family is made elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born two children, daughters, Marie and Rowena, both of whom are at home. Edward D. Smith, a substantial farmer and landowner of LaMine township and constable for that township, and for many years a railroad surveyor, was born in LaMine township and has always regarded that as his home, though during the time of his connection with railroad work he was required to be away a great deal of his time. He was born on March 4, 1862, a son of Nicholas Smith, for many years one of LaMine township's best known citizens. Reared on the home farm in LaMine township, Edward D. Smith received his schooling in the local schools and early became interested in civil engineering, becoming a competent surveyor. In addition to local work performed by him along that line, about twenty years ago Mr. Smith became employed as a railroad surveyor and for four or five years was thus engaged. During this time he helped to locate and build the railroad from Boonville to Lexington, as well as the road from Boonville to Jefferson City, and also helped to lay the bridge across the Arkansas River at Ft. Smith. Upon the completion of this service Mr. Smith re- turned to the home farm and has since devoted his attention to agricul- tural pursuits, in which he has been quite successful, being now the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres. For 14 years Mr. Smith had charge of the highways of district 14 in LaMine township. He is a democrat and in 820 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1912 was elected constable, a position which he still holds, having been re-elected at successive elections. He is affiliated with the Boonville lodge, Woodmen of the World. Mr. Smith's wife died in 1910. She also was born in LaMine town- ship, this county, Ida Higgsorn, daughter of C. C. and Mary (Herndon) Higgsorn, Virginians, who became residents of this county many years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Smth four children were born : Jessie, deceased ; Mary, who is at home presiding over the affairs of her father's household, and Ray and Edward Lee, also at home. Jesse Lee Kincheloe, a well-known farmer and stockman of LaMine township, was born in that township Aug. 18, 1869, son of Thomas L. and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe, Thomas L. Kincheloe was a veteran of the Civil War, in the service of the Confederacy, a private in E Company of Wood's Regiment of Mis- souri Cavalry, in the Trans-Mississippi Army, and served until his com- mand was surrendered at Shreveport, La., June 9, 1865. Mr. Kincheloe then came up the river to St. Louis and thence returned to his home in LaMine township, where he spent the rest of his life, successfully engaged in farming. He died April 19, 1910. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, namely: William J., deceased; Victoria, who married Capt. L. J. Sites and is now deceased; Tasso, deceased; Anna, widow of the late William P. Harris, of LaMine township; Thomas Ludwell, Jr., deceased; Mrs. Catherine Lucas, of Colorado; Jesse L., the subject of this sketch, and his twin sister, Mrs. Margaret Smith, and Mrs. Bettie Diggs, of LaMine township. Jesse L. Kincheloe received his schooling in the district schools and as a young man became engaged as a farm hand for the first three years, working for W. B. Collins and losing but 18 days during that period. Fol- lowing his marriage in 1894, Mr. Kincheloe rented a farm and began farming on his own account and in 1901 bought a farm. Since then he has bought and improved five or six different farms, in each instance selling to advantage, and now has a well-improved farm of 80 acres on which in addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Kincheloe is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Jan. 18, 1894, Jesse L. Kincheloe was married to Lottie Lee Eades, who was born in this county, Dec. 24, 1873, and to this union four children HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 821 have been bom : Thomas Collins, deceased ; Margaret May, Eugene Fields and Jessie Lee. Mrs. Kincheloe is a daughter of Horace and Eugenia (Brisco) Eades, who came to this county from Kentucky years ago and who are now living retired at Blackwater. Henry Green Fray, a well-known and substantial farmer and stock- man of LaMine township, was born within a stone's throw of the house in which he is now living, July 3, 1861, son of John A. and Martha (Hern- don) Fray, both members of Missouri pioneer families. John A. Fray was born at Huntsville, Mo., in 1835 and in 1850 came to Cooper County, where he spent the remainder of his life. When a young man he bought 160 acres of "Congress" land, the place now owned by Mrs. Susan M. Woodruff, in LaMine township. Later he bought other land adjoining and became well-to-do. He died on that place in 1905. His widow died in 1907, aged 68 years. She was a member of one of the first families of Cooper County, the Herndons having been among the very first of the Virginia contingent to settle in LaMine township. John A. Fray and his wife were the parents of nine children: Susan F., wife of F. W. Vawter, Parkville; Katherine, wife of John P. Cully, Kansas City, Mo.; Benjamin A., Marshall; John W., Fayette; DeWitt C, Kansas City; and Harry G. Henry G. Fray was reared in LaMine township and educated in the district schools. He remained on the home place until 1885, when he bought 240 acres of the home place from his father. In 1890, he sold that farm and bought another portion of the home place, just across the road south, and in 1911 bought the quarter section on which he is now liv- ing. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Fray has for years been dealing in live stock and has been successful. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Blackwater and takes a keen interest in the general business affairs of the community. He is a democrat. Feb. 9, 1885, Henry G. Fray was united in marriage with Dora Pierce, who was born near Fayette, in June, 1859, and to this union one child was born, Martha, wife of Henry M. Wing. Gustav F. Boiler, treasurer of the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Com- pany, Inc., of Boonville, is one of the progressive young business men of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Boonville township Nov. 4, 1887, son of Fred J. and Dora (Wehling) Roller. Fred J. Boiler is of European birth, born in Nassau on April 10, 1844, but has been a resi- dent of this country since he was four years of age, his parents, Henry J. and Johnetta Boiler, having left their native land and come to America with their family in 1849, after the unsuccessful revolution of 1848, and 822 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sought conditions more to their liking in this land of free men. Upon their arrival in this country the Boilers located in Cooper County. Fred J. Boiler grew up in this county and developed his interests here. He was a farmer for 50 years, in Boonville township, until his retirement anc removal to Boonville, where he and his wife are now living. March 18, 1872, Fred J. Boiler married Dora Wehling, who was bora in St. Louis, Aug. 23, 1855, daughter of Christian and Christine Wehling, both natives of Germany, and to this union were born eight children: August, de- ceased; Sophia, widow of the late F. S. Brommer, resides in Boonville; Fred, deceased ; William, deceased ; Laura L., wife of Lewis Moehle, Boon- ville; Nettie, wife of Frank Hirlinger, Boonville; Gustav F. ; and Matilda, living with her parents. Gustav F. Boiler received his schooling in the district schools of Boonville, graduating from the high school in 1905. In the meantime, he had been giving his attention to commercial pursuits and upon leaving school became engaged as a clerk in the Hirlinger bakery at Boonville, also working as a bookkeeper at the Boonville elevator. In 1907, he be- came employed as shipping clerk for the Hirsch Wholesale Grocer Com- pany and was advanced to the position of bookkeeper and general office assistant. In 1914, Mr. Boiler became a stockholder in the Hirsch Com- pany and was elected treasurer, a position he since has occupied, in addi- tion to which duty he also, for the past two or three years, has acted as general city salesman for the big wholesale house and traveling repre- sentative for the same. Mr. Boiler is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, and he is one of the trustees of that church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Nov. 4, 1908, Gustav F. Boiler was united in marriage to Clara M. Goodman, of Boonville, and to this union one child was born, Goodman F. Boiler, born on Oct. 5, 1910. Mrs. Boiler was born in Boonville and was graduated from the high school there. Her parents, Thomas W. and Amelia (Thoma) Goodman, are living in Boonville; both were born in Cooper County. Frank Schuster, one of LaMine township's most progressive farmers and proprietors of "Good Hope" farm was born in LaMine township. His father, Moritz Schuster, to whom reference is made in this volume, died in the spring of 1915, was a veteran of the Civil War and a son of one of the pioneers of the LaMine township, he having been but five years of age when his parents came to this country in 1849 and located in this HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 823 county and spent the remainder of their lives. Moritz Schuster and his wife, Rachel Hildebrant, a native of Virginia, were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living. Frank Schuster received his schooling in the Hickerson district school and from boyhood gave his attention to farm life. He married in the spring of 1898 and the following year bought from his father the tract of land of 178 acres he now owns, 231 acres, a part of which was formerly known as the Washington Harris place, but which Mr. Schuster has named "Good Hope" farm. On the place is a tract of twenty acres of natural woodland and Mr. Schuster has made improvements which gives him a farm equal to any in the neighborhood. He raises a good grade of live stock. Mr. Schuster is a republican, as was his father, and he and his family are members of the Church of Christ. March 2, 1898, Frank Schuster was married to Mary Sophia Ruf, and to this union have been born five children, as follows: Clarence R., born Aug. 29, 1899, died Sept. 28, 1899 ; Aubrey Lee, born Aug. 16, 1900 ; Wilbur E., Nov. 10. 1902; Mary L., Feb. 9, 1905, and Nettie L., Sept. 29, 1906. Mrs. Schuster was born at Council Grove, Kan., Nov. 22, 1872, daughter of Joseph and Johanna (Schuster) Ruf, natives of Germany, who were married at Jioonville, Aug. 8, 1858. Joseph Ruf was a tailor. He learned his trade in his native land and came to this country, locating in Missouri, but during the course of his life lived in several states in the West. He died at the age of 49 years on Jan. 16, 1877, and his widow died Aug. 16, 1897, 67 years of age. Joseph Ruf and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Schuster was the youngest and four of whom are still living. William O. Burge, one of the progressive farmers and stockmen of LaMine township was born on a farm southeast of Boonville Jan. 29, 1861, son of Oscar F. and Elizabeth (Miller) Burge, the latter of whom also was born in this county and both of whom spent their last days here. Oscar F. Burge was born in Kentucky in 1820. In 1850 he went to Cali- fornia in the great gold rush of that year, but returned to Kentucky in 1853. In 1856 he came to Missouri and located in Bates County, where he remained until 1861, when he moved to Cooper County and began farm- ing in Clarks Fork township,, where his wife owned a farm. He died there on Nov. 5, 1900. Oscar F. Burge was twice married. By his first wife, Elizabeth Miller, he was the father of six children, of whom four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being John Burge, living east of Boonville; Robert Burge, who is engaged in the mercantile 824 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY business at Boonville, and Dora, who is living in Kentucky. The mother of these children died in 1872 and Oscar F. Burge married a widow, Mrs. Williams. To this latter union were born two children, but one of whom, Eldridge Burge, of Boonville, survives. Reared on the home farm southeast of Boonville in Clarks Fork town- ship, William 0. Burge received his schooling in the schools of that town- ship and early began working at farm labor, his wages being 50 cents a day. Later he operated a threshing rig and in 1894 bought his first farm of 90 acres in Clarks Fork township. He improved that place and three years later sold it and bought 160 acres in Clinton County. In 1899 he married and established his home on his Clinton County place, remaining there until 1905 when he bought his present farm in Cooper County and has since made his home on this place. In addition to his farm of 338 acres in LaMine township, Mr. Burge owns a half interest in the old Burge home place in Clarks Fork township. On his home farm he has erected a handsome six-room modern residence and his extensive cattle barns and other improvements are in keeping with the same. Mr. Burge raises cattle for the market. He also is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Bap- tist Church. Nov. 8, 1899, William O. Burge was married to Jennie Tillett and to this union three children have been born : Oscar L., a student in Kemper Military School; one who died in infancy, and Paul C, at home. Mrs. Burge was bom in Tennessee, but has been a resident of Missouri since her girlhood, her parents having come to this state many years ago, locat- ing in Clinton County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Edward H. Harris, banker, retired farmer, and merchant of Pilot Grove, and for many years recognized as one of the most potent factors in the commercial life of this community, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Dec. 20, 1830, son of Richard and Frances (Wilson) Harris, the latter of whom spent her last days in Cooper County. Richard Harris was born in Kentucky, a son of Nathaniel Harris, a Virginia of Irish stock, and all his life was spent there, his death occur- ring in 1831. He and his wife were the parents of five children, two of whom are living, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Mrs. Sarah Grayson, a widow, who makes her home with him at Pilot Grove. Some time after the death of Richard Harris, his widow married W. T. Red- mond, a Kentuckian, and to that union a daughter was born. The Red- EDWARD II HARRIS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 825 monds came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1840, and settled on a farm near Boonville, W. T. Redmond and his wife spending the rest of their lives there. Edward H. Harris was but 10 months of age when his father died. When he was a lad of eight, he was brought to Missouri by his much elder brother, Dr. M. W. Harris, who became a successful physician in this county, as well as an extensive land-owner, and here grew to manhood. It was in 1838 when he came to Cooper County, and he remained on his brother's farm south of Boonville until he was 17 years of age, in 1847, when he entered the Kemper School at Boonville. There he continued his schooling, taking Greek and Latin in addition to the extensive curri- culum provided in English for four years. While carrying on his studies at Kemper, Mr. Harris did not neglect his interest in agricultural affairs, and upon leaving school, in 1851, he bought, for $6.25 an acre, a tract of land two miles west of where Pilot Grove village later sprang up, and which tract is now regai'ded as one of the best farms in Cooper County. Not long after buying this tract, Mr. Harris married and established his home in a log cabin he erected on his farm. He remained there about 10 years, developing the place, and then sold it and bought what was known as the old Doctor Phillips farm, a mile south of the grove. On this latter place he had a better home, and there he and his wife reared their fam- ily. Twenty years or more after taking up his residence on the Phillips place, Mr. Harris bought 13 acres, now within the city limits of Pilot Grove, the land being owned by J. W. Roe, who laid out a townsite, erected the first store building of Pilot Grove, and engaged in the general mer- cantile business. For 18 years he continued in the mercantile business. Mr. Harris then sold his store and engaged in the banking business, organ- izing the Pilot Grove Bank, of which he was elected president, a position which he held for 25 years during which time he built up one of the most substantial financial instiutions in this section. At the time Mr. Harris organized his bank at Pilot Grove, there were but two other banks in Cooper County and both of these were situated at Boonville. From the very beginning of his banking operations Mr. Harris was successful, and as his affairs prospered he extended his banking interests, at the same time being much gratified to see two of his sons engage successfully in the same line, until now he is a stockholder in the Pilot Grove Bank, the Southwest National Bank, the Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, the Merchants Bank of Eldorado Springs, and the Bank of Harwood at Har- wood, Mo., and is widely known in commercial circles over the State as 826 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY one of Missouri's veteran bankers and successful capitalists. Mr. Harris is a democrat on national issues, but for years past has held pronounced independent leanings in the campaigns in which local issues were domi- nant. For 20 years or more he has been a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Pilot Grove. About 1852, Edward H. Harris was married to Mary Ellis, who died about 20 years ago, and whose memory is enshrined in the heart of her husband. Mrs. Harris was born in Orange County, Virginia, about the year 1832, and, like her husband, was but a child when she came to Mis- souri, her parents becoming prominent among the Virginia colonists who became pioneers of this region. To Edward H. and Mary (Ellis) Harris seven children were born, namely: Richard, now engaged in business at Detroit, Mich. ; William E., who is engaged in business in New York City ; Sarah, widow of the late R. M. Fink, who makes her home with her father at Pilot Grove; Margaret, wife of W. F. Johnson, editor of this History of Cooper County ; Mary, at home ; Edward H., Jr., cashier Third National Bank of Sedalia, this State, and Frederick Kemper Harris, pres- ident of the bank at Eldorado Springs. Mrs. Fink, who is now making her home with her father, has two children, a son, Frederick, who is now (1919 serving the United States Navy, and daughter, Madge, living at Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Harris was the means of the depot being built at Pilot Grove ; he gave the largest part of the $1,650.00 to the railroad company for estab- lishing a depot here. John R. Higginbotham, former marshal of Blackwater, was bom on a farm in Montgomery County, Aug. 6, 1881, son of William H. H. and Johanna (Davis) Higginbotham, the former of whom spent his last days in Saline County. William Henry Harrison Higginbotham was born near Parma, Mo., Dec. 8, 1838, son of Moses and Susan Ewing (Sproul) Hig- ginbotham, the latter born in Crab Orchard, Ky., of a family connected with the William Henry Harrison's of Virginia stock. Moses Higgin- botham was born in Tazewell County, Va., member of an old Colonial family, and came to Missouri by way of Kentucky, he and his wife rear- ing their family in this State. William H. H. Higginbotham grew to man- hood in this State. June 17, 1861, at Paris, Mo., he enlisted in the Con- federate Army as a member of Company A, with which command he saw much active service under Generals Price and Joe Shelby, participated in several important battles and received more than one wound. On March 9, 1863, he married Johanna Davis, of Quincy, 111., and settled in Mont- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 827 gomery County, Mo. He later moved to Saline County, where he died in Aug., 1914. He and his wife were the parents of 12 children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: William F., an agricultural expert, assistant farmer at the Missouri Training School, Boonville; Susan, de- ceased; Sidney J., of Oklahoma City; Samuel T., of Kansas City, Mo.; Wade H., of Slater, Mo. ; Thomas B., of Hannibal ; Frances, of Boonville ; Grover C, of Bluffton, 111. ; John R. ; and Julia, wife of George Mackler, Boonville township. The mother of these children was born in Quincy, 111., Oct., 1844, and is now living at Boonville. John R. Higginbotham received his schooling in the public schools. In 1906, he came to Cooper County and located at Blackwater." It was not long until he became recognized as one of the personal factors of that town and he presently was elected town marshal, a position he held by successive re-elections for six years, or until in 1912, when he bought a farm of 170 acres in LaMine township and entered upon the task of im- proving the same. He erected a new house and barn, fenced the place and made other substantial improvements. When he bought the place there were but 50 acres of it under cultivation. Now there are 130 acres under cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Higginbotham gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock. In Feb., 1919, he sold the farm to advantage and bought a farm of 245 acres near Black- water, LaMine township. Mr. Higginbotham is a democrat. He is a member of Cooper Lodge No. 36, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Boonville. William H. Deck, druggist at Pilot Grove and a leading commercial factor of that town, was bom at Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 1, 1887, son of Jacob and Anna (Fessler) Deck, who have for years been residents of Boonville. Jacob Deck was born in the province of Alsace, France, and was but eight or nine years of age when he came to America with his parents, the family locating in Missouri, where he grew to manhood and after his marriage established his home, after a time locating at Boon- ville, where he is now engaged in the retail meat business. To him and his wife eight children have been born. Of these all are living save two. William H. Deck received his schooling in the schools of Boonville and was graduated from the high school there in 1905, after which he entered Kemper Military School, from which he was graduated in 1906. In the meantime he had been giving his attention to the study of phar- macy and upon leaving school he entered the Mittelbach drug store at Boonville as a clerk, continuing for four years, or until 1910, during which 828 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY time he completed his pharmacy course. Thus equipped, he went to Steelville, Mo., where he remained for two years, clerking in a drug store, until 1912. During this latter year he acquired further experience in the drug business as a clerk at Salem and at Columbia and in 1913 returned to Cooper County and bought the drug store of Meyer Brothers at Pilot Grove. Since taking possession of that store Mr. Deck has made nu- merous improvements and has considerably enlarged the stock, as well as increased the facilities for the carrying on of the business, now having a full line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and is doing a good business, being recognized as one of the "live" young business men of the town. Mr. Deck is an independent republican. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World and is the present secretary of the former lodge. He is a member of the Evangel- ical Church, and his wife of the Christian Church. July 17, 1910, William H. Deck was united in marriage to Marie L. Roe, who was born in Pilot Grove, Aug. 17, 1891, daughter of Prof. D. Lee and Lillie (Fray) Roe. Professor Roe is now residing at Canadian, Okla. His wife is deceased. Prof. D. Lee Roe was born at Pilot Grove, a member of a pioneer family, who were owners of the land on which the town is situated. Professor Roe formerly and for a number of years was a teacher in the Pilot Grove schools and is now superintendent of schools at Canadian, Okla. Dr. George C. Jones, Jr., well-known doctor of dental surgery at Pilot Grove, this county, and long recognized as one of the progressive citizens of that community, is a native son of Cooper County and has resided here all his life with the exception of that period of his life when he was away completing his schooling. He was born on a farm in Black- water township on March 9, 1876, son of George C. and Anna (Trent) Jones, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Reared on the home farm in Blackwater township, the junior George C. Jones received his early schooling in. the schools of that neighborhood and the Johnson Military School at Pilot Grove. Upon leaving the latter institution, he entered Central College at Fayette and later took a course at Washington University, where he received his first year in the study of dental surgery, finishing in the Dental College at St. Louis in 1900. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his chosen profession, Doctor Jones in the following year, 1901, opened an office at Pilot Grove, where HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 829 he ever since has been successfully engaged in practice. He has shown his faith in Cooper County land by investing in a farm of 160 acres in Blackwater township and is vitally interested in the general development of the region in which his life has been spent. By political preference the Doctor is a democrat and gives close attention to local civic affairs, but he has not been a seeker after public office. William A. Scott, mayor of the city of Pilot Grove and for many years one of the best known business men there, was born in McLean County, 111., Aug. 13, 1859, son of John and Harriet (Diffenbaugh) Scott, the latter of whom was born in that same county, who came to Cooper County many years ago. John Scott was born in Ohio, but early became a resident of Illinois, where he married and where he resided until after the close of the Civil War, when he came to Missouri with his family and located on a farm in the vicinity of Prairie Home, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in 1887, aged 60 years. His widow died in 1890, aged 55 years. John Scott and his wife were the parents of five children: William A. ; one died in infancy ; Andrew, Moniteau County ; Bettie ; and Hester, who are now living in California. William A. Scott received his schooling in the district schools and grew up a farmer, becoming the owner of land, both in Moniteau and Cooper Counties. In 1895, Mr. Scott sold his land and located at Pilot Grove, where he became engaged in the retail meat business, which he ever since has followed wth success. He has long given considerable attention to raising pure-bred Poland China hogs for breeding purposes and has created a wide market for the output of his pens, shipping breed- ing stock to far-distant points. As an example of the demand that has been created for his pigs, it may be said that a recent bunch of 25 head of spring pigs netted him $1,000. Mr. Scott is a democrat and has for years been an active factor in party affairs. In 1916, he was elected mayor of Pilot Grove to fill a vacancy and in the ensuing election was re- elected and is now serving his second term. Mr. Scott is a member of the Masons and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Jan. 5, 1882, William A. Scott was married to Birdie Lee Smith and to this union three children have been born: Artie Belle, wife of Guy Long, a hardware merchant, Pilot Grove; Nellie, wife of Boyd Lusk, St. Louis, and Catherine, at home with her parents. Mrs. Scott was bom 830 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in Cooper County and is a member of a pioneer family. Her parents, John I. Smith and wife, the latter of whom was a Guyer, were born in Kentucky and many years ago became residents of Cooper County, where their last days were spent. Hamilton Lusk, one of the most substantial retired fanners and stock breeders of Cooper County, living at Pilot Grove, was born in Polk County, March 1, 1858, son of James and Joanna (Bond) Lusk, Tennes- seeans, whose last days were spent in Cooper County. James Lusk was born in 1818 and grew to manhood in Tennessee, coming into Missouri after his marriage and locating in Polk County, where he remained until after the close of the Civil War, when, in 1865, he moved to Cooper County and bought a farm four miles south of Pilot Grove, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1884. His widow died in 1892. She was born in 1818. James Lusk and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. The eldest son, John Lusk, a soldier of the Confederacy, was killed in battle at Helena, Ark. Another son, Benjamin Lusk, also was a soldier of the Confederacy. He died in Kansas City, Mo., a few years ago. Hamilton Lusk was about seven years of age when his parents came to this county and he grew to manhood on the home place, south of Pilot Grove, receiving his schooling at Mt. Vernon and at Pleasant Green. He remained on the home farm and after the death of his father, bought the interests of the other heirs in the place and gradually adding to the same until he became the owner of 557 acres, which he developed into one of the best improved farms in the county, among these improvements being a modern farm house, which was looked on as one of the finest in Cooper County. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Lusk for years gave par- ticular attention to the breeding of pure bred Poland China hogs and Hampshires and the pure bred Shorthorn cattle. In 1914 he sold his land and closed out his live stock and retired, and is now living in Pilot Grove in a house which was erected by his son, Boyd S., and which is the finest house in the town. Mr. Lusk has been connected with the Pilot Grove Bank for 25 years, and has for years been a member of the board of directors of that financial institution. He is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after public office. He is a Mason. Oct. 16, 1884, Hamilton Lusk was united in marriage to Lulu Schlotz- hauer, of this county, and to this union four children have been born: HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 831 Stella V., married Prof. Roy Wharton and is now living at Columbia, where Professor Wharton is engaged in teaching civil engineering in the university; Edgar Hamilton, deceased; Boyd S., who is now living in St. Louis, where he is engaged in the grain commission business, and Mar- shall B. Lusk, who was with the American Army of Occupation in Eu- rope. Marshall B. Lusk was born on June 16, 1896. In June, 1917, two months after this country entered the World War, he was inducted into the National Army and went into training at Camp Dodge, where he be- came attached to the Signal Corps, with which command he sailed in the following August for France, attached to the 351st Regiment, Infantry, 88th Division, and with that command participated in some of the mo«t difficult campaigning of the war, in one battle about 30 of the members of his company having been killed. He was discharged at Camp Taylor, June 6, 1919, now living at St. Louis, engaging in business with his brother, Boyd S. Mrs. Lusk was born in Cooper County of German par- entage, her parents, John W. Schlotzhaur and wife, the latter of whom was a Weaver, both having been born in Germany. John W. Schlotzhaur settled in Cooper County many years ago and is still living in the Harris neighborhood. Dr. Thomas 0. Pendleton, one of the best known members of the medical profession in Cooper County, is a Kentuckian. He was born at Goshen, Ky., Jan. 26, 1852, son of Dr. George T. and Catherine (Ma- gruder) Pendleton, both also natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri many years ago and whose last days were spent in this county. Dr. George T. Pendleton received his professional education in the Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville, and in his native state began the practice of his profession, remaining there until 1852, when he came to Missouri with his family and located in Cooper County, opening an office at Pilot Grove, where he continued in practice the rest of his life, becoming widely known over the county as one of the leaders of his pro- fession. During the latter years of his life the burden of his practice was lifted from his shoulders by his son, the subject of this review, who became associated with his father in practice six or seven years before the latter's death, which occurred about 1883. The senior Doctor Pendle- ton and his wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living, and of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being as follows: William Pendleton, an attorney-at-Iaw, of 832 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Boonville; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Foster, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Catherine Stites, of Pilot Gi'ove; Stapleton Pendleton, Denver, Colo.; Susan R., of Pilot Grove; Mrs. Nellie Embry, living in California, and George T., lawyer, Boonville. Reared at Pilot Grove, Thomas 0. Pendleton received his early schooling in that then village and in Cully's School at Bunceton. From the days of his boyhood, he was attracted to his father's profession and under the kindly and skillful preceptorship of his father, was prepared for medical school. In 1875 he entered the Missouri Medical School at St. Louis and so well equipped was he by preparatory study that he was enabled to graduate in the spring of 1876. Upon receiving his diploma, Doctor Pendleton returned to Pilot Grove prepared to relieve his father of the growing burden of the latter's practice, which, owing to his ad- vancing years, was growing too much for the elder doctor, and he ever since has continued in practice there; so long a time, in fact, that for some time he has expressed a desire to be permitted to retire from prac- tice, but every expression of this character has met with such stout oppo- sition on the part of those in the community who have so long depended upon his ministrations that he has again and again put off the day of the announcement of his definite intention to retire. The Doctor is a stock- holder in the Citizens Bank. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. July 31, 1876, Dr. Thomas 0. Pendleton was united in marriage to Ida Cunningham, who was born at St. Charles, Mo., and to this union one child has been born, Gertrude, who is living at Boonville. John W. Schlotzhauer, one of Pilot Grove township's successful farm- ers and stockmen, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, March 30, 1879, son of John and Rickay (Masel) Schlotzhauer, both of whom also were born in this county, and the former is still living in Clear Creek township. John Schlotzhauer was born on a pioneer farm in what is now Pales- tine township, June 1, 1839, a son of Henry Schlotzhauer and wife, who were among the early settlers in that community. Henry Schlotzhauer was a native of Germany, and his wife was born in France. They were married in Germany and immediately afterward came to the United States. They came to St. Louis, and from there up the Missouri River and located in Cooper County, settling in Palestine township, reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives. It was on that pioneer farm that John Schlotzhauer grew to manhood, early taking his part in 3 X N X HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 833 the development of the place. During the progress of the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guard. After his marriage he settled in Clear Creek township and became one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood, and is still living there, the place now being operated by his son, Ernest. His wife, who was born in Palestine township in 1845, died April 17, 1901. She was a member of the Methodist Church, as is her husband, and their children were reared in that faith. There are seven children: James H., Pleasant Green; Mrs. Hamilton Luck, of whom further mention is made in this volume ; Mrs. P. G. Marshall, Marshall, Mo. ; John W. ; Ernest, on the home farm in Clear Creek township ; Mrs. Charles B. Sly, and Fred W., Clear Creek township. John W. Schlotzhauer was educated in the district schools and Pilot Grove College. When 21 years of age he began farming on his own account, renting land from his father, and has ever since been engaged in farming. At the age of 23 he bought from his father 120 acres in Pilot Grove township. Later, he bought 100 acres more, a part of the old homestead of his grandfather, Henry Schlotzhauer, this giving him 220 acres, in addition to which he is farming another 100 acres, thus having control of 320 acres. In addition to general farming, he is exten- sively engaged in the raising of live stock, both cattle and hogs, and gives particular attention to his Aberdeen-Angus cattle. Mr. Schlotzhauer has made extensive improvements on his place, including two capacious silos, and is one of the most progressive farmers that section. He is a republi- can. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. Nov. 28, 1893, John W. Schlotzhauer was married to Bettie Hampy, who was born in Palestine township on the farm of Nelson Leonard. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Yost) Hampy, both of whom were bom in Morgan County, Mo., who later came to Cooper County, moving 12 years ago to Saline County. They live at Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. and Mrs. Schlotzhauer have five children: Laura, married R. Eichel- berger, Columbia, Mo. ; Roy ; Herbert ; Ruby and Alice. Charles M. Shepherd, cashier of the Pilot Grove Bank at Pilot Grove, was born in McDonough County, 111., April 12, 1866, son of Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd, both natives of Missouri, the latter born in this county. Levi Shepherd, who died a few years ago, one of the sub- stantial landowners of Cooper County, was born at the then mere trading post of Independence, Jackson County, in January, 1833, a son of Elijah Shepherd and wife, Virginains, who were among the early settlers of that (45) 834 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY place. When he was 18 years of age, Levi Shepherd came to Cooper County, where he afterward was married, and his interests thereafter were ever closely connected with this county, though for a time during and after the Civil War he resided in Illinois. During the latter part of the war, he was drafted into service and among the engagements in which he participated was the battle at Lexington, Mo. He settled in Saline township, this county, and at the time of his death was the owner of a fine farm of 270 acres, which is still owned by the heirs of the estate. For more than 60 years, Levi Shepherd was an earnest member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife, and they were useful and helpful factors in the social and moral life of the community. Levi Shepherd died in 1915, and his widow died in 1917, aged 82 years. She was born in Saline township, daughter of Bradley and Meekie (Hall) Campbell, Tennessee- ans, who were among the earliest residents of that township, they having come up the river on flat boats and settled here on what is still known as the Campbell homestead place, 100 years ago. Levi Shepherd was of Scottish stock and his wife was of English descent, both families being of Colonial stock. Of the seven children bom to Levi and Joanna (Camp- bell) Shepherd, four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch, the youngest, being : James B. Shepherd, of Wooldridge, Mo. ; Mrs. Rebecca Eager, Overton, and Mrs. Alice Clayton, of Wooldridge. Reared on the home farm in Saline township, Charles M. Shepherd grew to manhood there, receiving his elementary schooling in the district schools. This he supplemented by a course at Hooper Institute at Clarks- burg, where he was graduated in 1889, and in that year, after a brief course in normal work, passed the state examination under State Super- intendent W. E. Coleman and was granted a teacher's certificate for life. Thus admirably equipped for the teaching profession, Mr. Shepherd en- tered the ranks of Cooper County's teaching corps and for nine years was engaged in teaching in this county. In 1899, he was appointed by W. B. Rissler, county clerk, to serve as deputy clerk, and for four years, or until 1903, he served in that capacity. Mr. Shepherd then engaged in the real estate business at Boonville until 1907, when he assisted in the organ- ization of the Bank of Blackwater at Blackwater, and as cashier of that institution, opened the same and started it on its successful career, con- tinuing thus engaged until June 9, 1913, when he entered upon his pres- ent position as cashier of the Pilot Grove Bank at Pilot Grove, to the duties of which position he since has been giving his undivided and earn- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 835 est attention. Mr. Shepherd is a democrat. He and his family are mem- bers of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and he is a York Rite Mason, affiliated with the Blue Lodge at Pilot Grove and the Com- mandery at Boonville. June 1, 1898, Charles M. Shepherd was united in marriage to Hattie M. Simms, of this county, and to this union three children have been born : Mable L., attending Hardin College at Mexico, Mo. ; William L., a student in the Pilot Grove High School, and Josephine. Mrs. Shepherd is a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families. She was born in Saline township, daughter of H. Clay and Mary L. V. (Eager) Simms, Virginians, the latter of whom was a daughter of Lewis Eager, whose wife was a daughter of the pioneer Gooch, who came into this region in an early day and erected a mill in the southern part of what is now Saline township. He operated this mill for fifty years and the present village of Gooch's Mill gradually grew as the settlement expanded. Clemens A. Lammers, proprietor of "Shady Brook" farm in Pilot Grove township, this county, and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, was born in St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 27, 1870, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Vonderhaar) Lammers, natives of Germany, who were married in St. Louis, where they had located upon coming to this country about 1868, and who remained there until in 1877, when they came to Cooper County and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the children bom to Henry Lammers and his wife, six grew to maturity and five are still living, all residents of Cooper County. Clemens A. Lammers was but six years of age when his parents located in this county and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, receiving his schooling in the district schools. In 1895, he bought the farm on which he has since resided. "Shady Brook" is a well improved place of 305 acres on which Mr. Lammers has carried on his general farming and stock raising successfully. Among the improve- ments on the place are the commodious dwelling house and the corrugated iron barn, other improvements being in keeping with the same. Mr. Lammers is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove and is one of the successful men of the community. He is a republican and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the M. B. A. Feb. 13, 1895, Clemens A. Lammers was united in marriage with 836 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Pauline Bahm, who was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of Peter D. Bahm and wife, and to this union 10 children have been bora, two of whom died in infancy, the others being Herman, William, Augustine, Lorene, Isabel, Alice, Walter and Gilbert. Archibald McGuire, proprietor of "Mountcalm" farm in Blackwater township and one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Pilot Grove township Dec. 18, 1876, son of John and Hannah McGuire, who were the parents of nine children, of whom six sui-vive as follows : George, a retired farmer, Nelson, ; Uncas, also living near Nelson ; Mrs. William Taylor, also of Nelson ; Mrs. Frances Younger, of Nelson ; Mrs. M. R. Bromer, Boonville, and Archibald. Archibald McGuire received his schooling in the district schools and from his boyhood has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. When 21 years of age he rented a farm near Boonville and began to farm on his own account for six years, when he took a farm in Blackwater township and in the fall of 1904 established his home at "Mountcalm", where he now lives, a farm of 180 acres owned by his wife in section 13 of that township. In addition to his interest in this place Mr. McGuire is the owner of 375 acres. He has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. His place is well improved. Mr. McGuire takes an interest in local civic affairs, but is independent in his political views. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Sept. 4, 1904, Archibald McGuire was married to Nancy Trent Jones, a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, and to this union two children have been born: Archibald Jones McGuire and Woodrow Wilson McGuire. Mrs. McGuire was bora near the place on which she is now living in Blackwater township (the old Jones home- stead) Jan. 1, 1881, daughter of George C. and Nannie (Trent) Jones, both members of pioneer families in this county, the founder of which family here was Caleb Jones, grandfather of Mrs. McGuire, who came here from Kentucky penniless in 1826 and who at the time of his death in 1883 was said to be the wealthiest man in Cooper County. John Schlotzhauer, one of Cooper County's most highly respected citizens, is now living retired in Clear Creek township. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, his birthplace having been a log cabin with a dirt floor, June 1, 1839, son of Henry and Catherine (Lingen) Schlotzhauer, who were among the early settlers of Cooper County. Henry Schlotzhauer was born in Germany, and there remained until nm wje VI 1 *" IL. § 1 ' ' V Zfc 1 T: • •^ JOHN SCHLOTZHAUER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 837 young manhood, when he came to the United States, arriving at New Orleans, and for a time remained in the South, where he married Cather- ine Lingen, who was born in Alsace, France, and who had come to this country with her parents. Not long after their marriage, Henry Schlotz- hauer and his wife came by boat up the Mississippi and thence up the Missouri to Cooper County and settled in Clear Creek township, where they established their home in a log cabin. In that log cabin the first of their children were born, but they soon had a better house, and as time passed had a well improved farm. On that place they spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential pioneers of Cooper County. Henry Schlotzhauer and his wife were the parents of six children, as follows: John ; Henry, Pilot Grove township ; Christina, wife of D. F. Nixon, Pilot Grove; Christian C, Pilot Grove township; Rudolph H., a resident of California, and Fredericka, deceased. John Schlotzhauer was reared on the farm on which he was born in Clear Creek township, and has always been a farmer. He became the owner of 500 acres of land, which in later years he sold to his sons, and is thus relieved of the responsibility of management, being now in a position to take things easy. During the Civil War, Mr. Schlotzhauer served as a member of the Home Guard. He has been twice married, his first wife, America Masel, was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and to whom he was married in 1866 ; she died many years ago. She was a daughter of Sylvester Masel, who also was born in this county, a son of one of the very early early settlers in this part of Missouri. To John and America (Masel) Schlotzhauer were born seven children, of whom further mention is made in this volume. Following the death of his first wife, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Mrs. Sarah V. (Long) Holman, widow of M. F. Holman, who died without issue. Mr. Schlotzhauer is one of the stockholders in the Boonville National Bank of Boonville. Politically, he is an independent republican, and is a Meth- odist. Theodore Koonse, an extensive farmer and stockman of Cooper County, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Aug. 30, 1870, son of George R. and Emma (Gerhardt) Koonse, both natives of that same state. George R. Koonse grew up in Pennsylvania, familiar with the building trades and in his later life became a successful carpenter and building contractor. During the Civil War he served as a soldier of the Union, serving first as a private in one of the Pennsylvania infantry regiments 838 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and later with the cavalry and in one of the battles in which he was engaged was seriously wounded and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison, from which he was exchanged on account of his wound. In 1877 he came with his wife and family west and located at Ellsworth, Kan., where he became engaged as a building contractor and also worked for some time as a railroad carpenter. About 1895 he moved to Hugo, Okla., where he and his wife are now living retired, he being 77 years of age and his wife, 76. Two children were born to them: Mrs. Anna Spof- ford, now deceased, and Theodore. Theodore Koonse was seven years of age when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Kansas and in the latter state he grew to manhood. In 1893 he came to Missouri and located at Boonville, where he worked for a while and then became engaged as a farm hand, working for 40 cents a day, and continued thus employed until 1901, since which time he has made his home on the farm on which he and his family are now living, a well improved place of 220 acres which is owned by his wife. Mr. Koonse is carrying on his farming operations on quite an extensive scale, using gas tractors and cultivating in all 400 acres of land, besides feeding much live stock. In the fall of 1918 he put in 130 acres of wheat and in the following spring put in an additional acreage of twenty-five acres in spring wheat, he having found that, contrary to the results of similar experiments on the part of some of his neighbors, spring wheat can be successfully raised in Boonville township. In his political views Mr. Koonse reserves the right to be independent, declining to be confined in his opinions of men and policies by party ties. July 10, 1901, Theodore Koonse was united in marriage to Lucy Pre- witt and to this union two children have been born, George P. and Van Wesley. Mrs. Koonse was born on the place on which she is now living, March 3, 1876, and has lived there all her life. She is the daughter of William and Nannie (Redd) Prewitt, the latter of whom, a native of Cooper County, is still living, making her home with her daughter on the old Prewitt homestead, which is regarded as one of the historic spots in west Boonville township, one of the first school houses in Cooper County having been erected just as the rear of the old original log cabin which stood on the place in pioneer days. A quarter of a mile south of the place is Magee Grove, a favorite camping ground for the freighters in the days of the old overland trail which passed through this farm. In the old days the Prewitt farm, which is in sections 13 and 14 of Boonville township, was owned by a Mr. Wilson, who hauled lumber by ox teams HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 839 from Arkansas to erect a house on the place, exchanging merchandise for the lumber. For some years after coming to this county, Mr. Koonse was engaged in operating a threshing rig and saw-mill and in Sept., 1903, suffered the misfortune of losing his left arm while trying to manipulate the belting which controlled the big saw. He is now running a threshing rig and has two large tractors. Dr. Enslie Irvin Schilb, a well known young dentist of Pilot Grove, who served during the greater part of the period in which the United States participated in the World War as a private and later as first lieu- tenant in the dental detachment of the National Army and holds a com- mission in reserve corp for period of five years, was born at Otterville, April 1, 1893, a son of Francis and Sophia (Spiler) Schilb. Francis Schilb also was a native of Cooper County, born at Gooch's Mill in 1861, a son of Adam Schilb and wife, the former of whom was born in Germany and as a young man came to the United States, first locating in Kentucky, later coming to Missouri, where he settled on a farm in Cooper County and here spent the remainder of his life, a sub- stantial resident of the Gooch's Mill neighborhood. Francis Schilb grew up as a farmer and for some time followed that vocation near Otterville, but in 1899 he moved to Pilot Grove, where he was engaged in the hard- ware business until his death in 1911. His widow is making her home with her son, Doctor Schilb, at Pilot Grove. She was born on a farm six miles east of Boonville in 1866, daughter of Ernest Spiler and wife, the latter of whom was a Graff and both of whom were born in Germany, having come here with their respective parents in the latter '40s or early '50s. To Francis and Sophia (Spiler) Schilb were born three children, those besides the subject of this review being Emily, wife of Ray Lot- speich, of Nelson, Mo., and Ernest A., deceased. Dr. Enslie I. Schilb received excellent training for the practice of the exacting profession to which he early directed his studies and he has a well equipped office at Pilot Grove. He was but five years of age when his parents moved from the farm to Pilot Grove and his early schooling was received in the schools of that town, including the course in the academy there. In 1912 he entered the dental department of the Uni- versity at St. Louis and was graduated in June, 1915. Doctor Schilb then returned to Pilot Grove and opened an office for the practice of his pro- fession. In Jan., 1918, at Jefferson Barracks he enlisted in the National Army as a private in the dental detachment. In the following June he was called to service and was assigned to Camp Pike (Arkansas), where 840 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he was thus serving when the demobilization of his detachment was ordered some time following the signing of the armistice in the World War in November. Dec. 21, 1918, he received his honorable discharge and returned home and resumed his practice, to which he has since given his undivided attention. Doctor Schilb is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of the Maccabees. The Doctor is a member of the Greek letter college fraternity Psi Omega (dental) and also takes a warm inter- est in the affairs of that organization. Judge Peter G. Meisenheimer, county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and one of the substantial land-owners and farmers in Clear Creek township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 27, 1868. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Stabeline) Meisenheimer, both natives of Germany, many years residents of this country. Philip Meisenheimer was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Dec. 18, 1822, and remained in his native land until he had reached his majority, when, in 1855, he came to the United States and located in Illinois, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. Aug. 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Second Illinois Artillery, and he served until mustered out, Sept. 29, 1864. In St. Louis, he married, and in 1866 came to Cooper County and located on the farm now owned and occupied by Judge Meisenheimer. There he opened a general store, which he conducted in addition to his farming, and was appointed postmaster of Clear Creek. He developed an excel- lent farm, and there spent the remainder of his life. He died March 19, 1912, he then being in his 79th year. His wife died Aug. 12, 1910. She was born in Baden, Jan. 25, 1832, and had been married twice prior to her marriage to Philip Meisenheimer. By her first marriage she was the mother of two children, William J. Reuter, who is still living in Clear Creek township, and Minnie Reuter, who has for years been a nun in the convent at Conception, Mo. By her second marriage she also was the mother of one child, Jacob F. Meussig, a farmer of Pilot Grove township. To Philip and Elizabeth (Stabeline) Meisenheimer were bom two chil- dren, Judge Meisenheimer having a sister, Mrs. Mary A. Bonen of Pettis County. Philip Meisenheimer was a member of the Evangelical Church and his wife was a Catholic. Peter G. Meisenheimer grew to manhood on the farm on which he born, receiving his schooling in the district school and Pilot Grove Acad- emy. In 1891, he began farming on his own account, renting the home W17 Kim ^** > V 1 <^ * l ^ «**| ^r* HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ' 841 farm from his father. Following his father's death he inherited 225 acres, and is now the owner of 420 acres, 165 acres of which lies in Pilot Grove township. Judge Meisenheimer has made substantial improvements on the place. In addition to his general farming, he has long given consid- erable attention to the raising of live stock. He is interested in the Citi- zens Bank of Pilot Grove, and the Pilot Grove Bank. Since 1909, Judge Meisenheimer has been a director of the Clarks Fork Farmers Mutual Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Company of Cooper County, and he has been vice-president of that company since 1915. The judge is a repub- lican, and has for years been recognized as among the leaders of his party in this county. Nov. 7, 1916, he was elected judge for the western dis- trict of Cooper County, and in 1918 was re-elected, thus now serving his second term in that capacity. Judge Meisenheimer and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. Judge Meisenheimer has been twice married. Dec. 28, 1892, he was married to Jennie Back, who was born in this county, Nov. 4, 1868, daughter of Daniel and Christina (Schupp) Back, and to that union three children were born: The Rev. Philip W., a minister of the Evangelical Church, Lewisville, Ohio; Daniel R., who was inducted into the National Army, a member of the Medical Corps, in 1917, and was stationed at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, and is now at home; and Otto P., assist- ing his father in the management of the farm. The mother of these sons died April 21, 1903, and Dec. 27, 1907, Judge Meisenheimer married Kath- erine Eve Friess, who also was born in this county, and to this union four children have been born: Carl A., John Reinhardt, Paul E., and Oscar William. The mother of these latter children was born in Clear Creek township, Sept. 24, 1877, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Schupp) Friess, natives of Germany, and early settlers in Clear Creek township, both now deceased. John B. Immele, a prominent farmer and stockman and former mem- ber of the board of county commissioners of Cooper County, was born at Boonville on July 7, 1866, son of Louis and Teresa (Meisburger) Immele, natives of Alsace-Lorraine and members of pioneer families in Cooper County, whose last days were spent here. The Immele and Meisburger families were two of the pioneer families of Boonville. The passport of F. J. Immele and family, issued at Havre, France, in 1851, is still pre- served in the family. One son, F. J. Immele, Jr., accompanied the par- ents. The elder son, Louis Immele, father of the subject of this review was a cannoneer in the French army in Africa at the time. After six 842 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY years of service with honors he rejoined the family in this country and located at Boonville. In 1856 the junior F. J. Immele married Catherine Meisburger and in 1859 Louis Immele married Catherine's sister, Teresa Meisburger. These young women were daughters of Max Meisburger, who with his family of eight children arrived in Boonville from Alsace, France, in 1848. Max Meisburger had served for six years as a soldier in the army of the great Napoleon and was very proud of the medals he had received for bravery. During the progress of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-73) he kept posted through the French papers which he re- ceived and when the Prussian victory was announced he, with clenched fists and tear-dimmed eyes, declared: "If our great Napoleon had lived he and I would never have tolerated the Prussians to lord it over our beloved France", and expressed the hope and belief that his grandchildren would live to see the happy day when Alsace-Lorraine would be liberated from the Prussian domination. During the time of America's participa- tion in the World War which resulted in the return to France of the "lost" provinces nine of his great-grandsons answered the call to the front and when the armistice was declared in the fall of 1918 six more were wait- ing for the next call, all eager to serve America first and France next. During the progress of the Civil War both F. J. and Louis Immele served faithfully for three years as soldiers in behalf of the cause of the union, and their previous military experience as soldiers of France gave a special value to their services, both being qualified as sharpshooters. Mrs. Immele, wife of the senior F. J. Immele and grandmother of Professor Immele, the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Major General Boshea, who offered his life in a ten-years service in the French army. As the river boat on which she arrived at Boonville neared the landing amid the Boonville hills she exclaimed, "Oh, where are our beauti- ful church spires of France?" When she realized there were none here she begged to be permitted to return to France, but amid the many, though often trying, novelties of the new situated she presenlly became reconciled to the pioneer conditions which faced the family and per- formed ably her part in helping to bring about stable social conditions. Boonville then consisted of a few log houses used as trading centers and a few dwelling houses of a very humble sort. The house which the Immeles occupied until they could build a new one was located at what is now the corner of High and Sixth streets. Church services, which meant much to the Immeles, who were devout Catholics, were held in a room of a log cabin by Father Meister, a missionary, who once or twice a year HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 843 would ride over from Illinois on his faithful donkey to administer for the comfort of the few families of the Catholic faith who by this time had as- sembled at the settlement around Boonville landing. These faithful fam- ilies formed the nucleus for the present strong Catholic congregation and the church and school which they established there. In those days deer roamed the woods which then covered the site of the present opera house at Boonville and F. J. Immele enjoyed deer hunting in the hills now known as Kemper Grounds. He was a skilled musician and was often called on to furnish the music for the dances which were held at Franklin, he and Doctor Roeschell and Doctor Kuekelhan crossing the river in a canoe and on their way combine duck-hunting with their prospective service in behalf of the merrymakers. The surviving members of the Immele family in Cooper County are mainly farmers. Prof. John Immele of Pilot Grove has combined teach- ing school for nearly 30 years with farming and has reared a family of 10 children. Others also are farming successfully, while some have chosen city life for the exercise of their endeavors. The only surviving members in Boonville of the F. J. Immele family are Miss Mary Immele and Anna Immele Lester, who, with the aid of their aged father in 1894 purchased the square known as Hendricks Addition on Third street. The abstract of title to this square carries the data back to 1800. The ab- stract to the present Immele location on Chestnut street also dates back to 1800. John B. Immele was reared on a farm and his elementary schooling was received in the parochial school at Boonville, this being supplemented by attendance at the public school and at Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute. In 1892 he began teaching school, continuing farming during the summers and for 27 years continued teaching, during this time becoming one of the best known educators in Cooper County. After his marriage in 1898 Professor Immele established his home on his present farm of 80 acres a mile north of Pilot Grove and has since resided there. The Professor is a democrat. In 1905 he was elected a member of the board of county com- missioners from his district and in this important public capacity served for two years. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Catholic Knights of America. Sept. 5, 1898, Prof. John B. Immele was united in marriage with Anna Martin and to this union 10 children have been born: John, Ray- mond, deceased; Isabelle, Cecelia, Sophia, Mary A., Joseph, deceased; Martha, Leonard and Anastacia. Mrs. Immele was born on a farm in 844 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Pilot Grove township on Nov. 9, 1873. Her parents were natives of Prussia, Daniel and Elizabeth (Esser) Martin, and were members of pioneer families in the Pilot Grove neighborhood. Judge James P. Talley, a veteran of the Civil War and former judge of the County Court of Cooper County, was born on a farm east of Boon- ville, April 17, 1842, son of Henderson and Mary (Taylor) Talley, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky, who came to this county with their respective parents in pioneer days and here spent the remainder of their lives. Henderson Talley and his wife were the parents of six children as follows: Mrs. Louisa Hopkins, deceased; Wil- liam, Boonville; James P.; Mrs. Mary Woods, deceased; Marion C, de- ceased, and Mrs. Catherine Nuland, a widow, Boonville. Reared on the home farm east of Boonville, James P. Talley received his schooling in the district schools and was living there when the Civil War broke out. When twenty years of age, in April, 1862, at Boonville, he enlisted as a member of the Missouri State Militia. Not long after- ward he enlisted in the Federal army as a member of Company I, Mis- souri Volunteer Cavalry and served in Missouri and the West until his discharge at Ft. Collins, Colo., in July, 1866, and was shortly afterward mustered out with his command at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. He returned to Cooper County and resumed farming, renting a place near Boonville, where he continued farming until 1868 when he bought a farm of 265 acres in Pilot Grove township. When Judge Talley bought that place it was almost wholly timber land, but he went to work vigorously to get the place cleared and under cultivation and it was not long until he had a well improved farm. There he continued to make his home until his retirement in 1911, when he sold the farm and moved to Pilot Grove, where he has since resided. Judge Talley is a republican. Many years ago he was elected constable in his home township and in 1892 was elected county judge, a position he filled for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and with the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Judge Talley has been thrice married. His first wife, Zilda Morton, who was born in Tennessee, died six years after her marriage, leaving one child, Mrs. Annette Malott, of Pilot Grove township. The second wife, Isabel Kirkpatrick who was born in western Missouri, died '20 years ago. To that union were born six children, namely: Waldo, Pilot Grove town- ship; James B., of that same township; Effie M., wife of Curry Brown- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 845 field, of East Pilot Grove; Mrs. Nellie Cramer, of Blackwater township, and John, deceased. Nov. 9, 1894, Judge Talley married Fannie Mc- Gibony, who was born in Tennessee in 1853 and who was 18 months of age when, her parents came to Missouri and settled in the southern part of the state, where she grew to womanhood and was a school teacher, a vocation in which she was engaged for 29 years, teaching in and around Denton, Texas, and in Phelps and Howell Counties. Lester O. Zeigle, one of Cooper County's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born Sept. 18, 1873, son of Henry and Malinda (McGuire) Zeigle, influential residents of Boonville township in their generation and the latter of whom is still living in Pilot Grove township. Henry Zeigle was born in New York State about 1846, and was 12 or 14 years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents, the family settling on a farm in Boonville township, where he grew to manhood. During the Civil War he enlisted at Boonville as a soldier of the Union and served until the close of the war, even after he had been severely wounded by a minnie ball through the body in a battle in this State, rejoining his command before his wound had healed and fighting to the end. On one occasion he be- came separated from his command and found himself surrounded by a detachment of 50 or more of the enemy who demanded his surrender. In reply, he put the spurs to his horse and dashed through the line that surrounded him and thus made his way safely back to his own lines. At the close of his military service, Henry Zeigle engaged in farming, start- ing with $50. He prospered, and in time became the owner of over 500 acres of land in Boonville township. Though his own schooling had been limited in the days of his youth, Henry Zeigle was an instinctive student and a great reader, and ever took an earnest interest in the cause of education, a constant encouragement to his children and to the whole neighborhood to make the most of the growing advantages along that line. He was a republican. He was an active member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in the faith of which denomination their children were reared. Henry Zeigle died in 1913, and at his passing left a good memory. His widow is now living in Pilot Grove township, in which township she was born, a daughter of Timothy McGuire and wife, well known residents of that community in their generation. To Henry and Malinda (McGuire) Zeigle were born eight children, as follows: Lester 0. ; Prof. William H. Zeigle, who for years has been active in the work of the State Normal School at Kirksville, a lecturer in the school 846 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and a wide traveler in its behalf; Rev. Anthony F. Zeigle, also of Kirks- ville, and one of the best known Presbyterian clergyment in Missouri, a sound pulpit orator whose services are much in demand over the State as a preacher of baccalaureate sermons and for services of a general pub- lic character; John, deceased; one who died in infancy; Claud, deceased; Lee, deceased, and Grace M., wife of Daniel Rothgeb, of New Lebanon township. Lester 0. Zeigle received his schooling in the local schools, supple- menting the same by the extensive home reading to which his father con- stantly encouraged him. In 1909 he bought his first farm, a tract of 157 acres, and in 1913 bought a tract of 235 acres, the place on which he is now living. In the spring of 1919 he sold his first tract and is now giving his whole attention to his home farm, which he has improved in admira- ble fashion and on which, in addition to his general farming, he raises live stock, with special reference to high grade Jersey cattle and 0. I. C. and Poland China hogs. Mr. Zeigle is a republican, as was his father. His wife and children are members of the Catholic Church. April 20, 1896, Lester O. Zeigle was married to Catherine Immele, who also was born in this county, daughter of Louis and Teresa (Meis- burger) Immele, who had come to this country with their respective parents in the early '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Zeigle six children have been bora, namely: Lorena, who is completing her schooling at Pilot Grove; Viola, deceased; and Francis, Christina, Henry and Robert. George Gross, proprietor of a well-kept farm in Pilot Grove town- ship and one of the best-known men in that township, was born in St. Clair County, 111., April 15, 1858, son of Jacob and Josephine (Wachter) Gross, both natives of Bavaria, but whose last days were spent in this county, residents of the Chauteau Springs, Pilot Grove township and whose remains are resting in St. Martin's Cemetery in that township. Jacob Gross was born in 1819, and in 1840 he came to the United States, locating at Belleville, 111., where he operated a stone quarry, a vocation which he had followed in his home land. There he married and continued to reside until 1869, when he came with his family to Missouri, and set- tled on a farm near Chauteau Springs in Pilot Grove township, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, his death occurring in 1893. She was born Sept. 13, 1818, and died Nov. 22, 1912. Jacob Gross and wife were the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy, and the others are George and Jacob, a resident of Pilot Grove township. George Gross was 10 years of age when he came to Cooper County with HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 847 his parents in 1869, and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, completing his schooling in the local schools. After his marriage in 1886 he continued making his home on the home place of 120 acres, and in time became the owner of the same. In 1893 he bought his present farm of 220 acres in that same township, and in 1895 sold the old home place and moved on to his present farm, which he has improved in excellent fashion. Mr. Gross is a democrat. He and his family are members of St. Martin's Catholic Church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jan. 20, 1886, George Gross was married to Elizabeth Peak, who was born in this county, and to this union seven children have been born, namely : Barnard, Howard County ; Josephine, wife of Andrew Gramlick, Pilot Grove township ; Frank, Howard County ; Mary, wife of John Schus- ter, Pilot Grove township ; John, at home, assisting in the operations of the home farm ; Edward H., who served with the United States Army in France; and Leonard, who is now a student in a school of automotive mechanics at Kansas City. Edward H. Gross, who was born Feb. 4, 1896, was inducted into the National Army, Sept. 20, 1917, and was trained at Camp Funston ; seven months later he went to France as a member of Company C, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, with which command he par- ticipated in some of the most severe campaigning of the World War, in- cluding the battle which was waged in the Argonne Forest. He was dis- charged in May, 1919, and is now at home. Mrs. Elizabeth Gross was born in Clear Creek township, May 1, 1863, daughter of Peter and Cather- ine (Keck) Peak, the former of whom also was bom in this county, of pioneer parentage, and the latter in Baden, Germany. During the Civil War, Peter Peak enlisted in behalf of the Union cause and was killed in battle during the Shelby raid. He and his wife were the parents of two daughters, of whom Mrs. Gross is the elder, she having a sister, Mary, who, under the name of Sister Mary Maura, has for years been rendering service in the convent school at Conception, Mo. Some time after the death of her soldier husband the Widow Peak married Bernard Horst, who also was born in Germany, and who as well as herself is now de- ceased. To that union five children were born. John T. Davis, owner of an excellent farm in Pilot Grove township and a good piece of property in the town of Blackwater, where he is now living and who prefers to refer to himself as an "ex-farmer", was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1862, son of John J. and Hester Ann (Rose) Davis, whose last days were spent in that county. John J. Davis 848 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was a native of Wales, born on a farm in 1841. When a boy he came with his parents to this country, locating at Pittsburgh, Pa., and later moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where he married and engaged in farm- ing and where he died in 1915. His wife, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, died in 1886 at the age of 56 years. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one residing in Missouri. Reared on the farm in Franklin County, Ohio, John T. Davis there grew to manhood, receiving his schooling in the district schools, and there remained until his marriage in the spring of 1889, when he and his wife came to Missouri and located at Blackwater, where he became engaged as a laborer, later becoming engaged as a farm hand. In 1904, he bought a farm of 35 acres and began farming. He prospered and in 1906, he bought 188 acres in Pilot Grove township, to which he moved and there continued to reside until his retirement in Aug., 1918, and return to Black- water, where he owns a comfortable place comprising six acres. Mr. Davis is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. March 6, 1889, in Ohio, John T. Davis was married to Nina B. Smith and to this union seven children have been bom, namely: Irvin, is farm- ing in this county; John S., is farming the home farm in Pilot Grove township; Fannie, wife of C. G. Moore, Boonville; George, deceased; and Willard, Howard and Vernon, at home with their parents. Mrs. Davis was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 13, 1872, daughter of S. Smith and wife, the latter of whom was a Hoover. Mrs. Smith lives in Ohio. William B. Rissler, cashier of the Pleasant Green Bank of Pleasant Green, and former clerk of Cooper County, is a native of Virginia, but has been a resident of Missouri and of Cooper County since he was 12 years of age. He was born on a farm in Jefferson County, Va., July 27, 1861, son of Samuel L. and Sarah (Johnston) Rissler, both natives of Virginia, and the latter of whom is still living on the old home place there at the age of 87 years. Samuel L. Rissler was born in 1832 and died in 1905. He and his wife were the parents of 11 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. When he was 12 years of age, William B. Rissler came to Missouri with his uncle. William Rissler, who located on a farm here in 1873, and who afterward served as judge for the western district of the county, and on that farm he grew to manhood, completing his schooling in the public schools and at Central College at Fayette, Mo. He then resumed WIT.I.IAM B, KISSI.KK HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY. 849 farming on the farm of his uncle, Judge Rissler, but in 1884, began farm- ing on his own account, and thus continued until his election in 1898, as the nominee of the democratic party, to the office of clerk of Cooper County. For four years Mr. Rissler occupied that position, and upon the expiration of his term he engaged in buying and selling horses and mules. In 1905, recognizing the need of a bank at Pleasant Green, Mr. Riss- ler set about the organization of such an institution, and upon organiza- tion was elected cashier of the same, a position he since has occupied. The Pleasant Green Bank is capitalized at $10,000. Upon organization of the bank in 1905, Judge J. D. Stark was chairman of the organization. Dr. J. S. Parish was elected president, which office he now holds. A. J. Reed has been vice-president of the bank since its organization. The bank has a directorate of nine members, all farmers with the exception of Mr. Rissler and Doctor Parish, and is a member of the Missouri State Bankers Association and of the American Bankers Association. Mr. Rissler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South), and he is affiliated with the Masons and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the council, Free and Accepted Masters; of the commandery, Knights Templar (York Rite), and of the Boonville temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. William T. Tally, a veteran of the Civil War, and a substantial retired farmer of Cooper County, was born on a farm in Saline township, Oct. 14, 1839, son of Henderson and Mary Ann (Taylor) Tally, the former a native of Tennessee, born Jan. 6, 1811, and the latter of Kentucky, born Feb. 10, 1816. They were married in this county Dec. 15, 1836, and spent the remainder of their lives here. Henderson Tally died in 1887. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Mrs. Louisa Hopkins, deceased; William T. ; Judge James P. Tally, Pilot Grove; Mrs. Mary Woods, de- ceased ; Marion C, deceased, and Mrs. Catherine Newlin, a widow, Boon- ville. William T. Tally received his schooling in the primitive schools of the time, and was living at home when the Civil War broke out. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union cause for two years, and was attached to Company F, Fifth Regiment, Missouri State Militia. At the end of his two years he re-enlisted and went to the front as a member of Company I, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, serving with Sherman's army. Nov. 24, 1864, in the battle of Franklin, his horse was shot from under him and he was taken (54) 850 JIISTOKY OK COOPER COUNTY prisoner and sent to the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Ga., where he remained until the close of the war and was mustered out under a general order, April 29, 1865. During a visit home on furlough in the summer of 1863, Mr. Tally had married, and upon his return home, after his long military service, he resumed farming in Saline township, where he owned a farm of 120 acres. He added to his holding, and from time to time was the owner of several farms in this county. In 1903, Mr. Tally disposed of his farm holdings and moved to Boonville, where he since has made his home at 1026 Fifth Street. Mr. Tally is an ardent Republican, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Aug. 14, 1863, William T. Tally was united in marriage to Louisa A. Tate, who was born in Warren County, Tenn., Dec. 22, 1845, daughter of Douglas and Sarah (Price) Tate, the former of whom was born in that county, and the latter in Jackson County, Ala., who came with their fam- ily to Missouri in 1852 and settled on a farm in Texas County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Douglas Tate and wife were the parents of 11 children, of whom Mrs. Tally was the fourth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Tally have six children: William A., Boonville; Alice, wife of A. L. Durnil, Saline township; Joseph D., Boonville; Charles E., of Excelsior Springs; Oscar F., a railway mail clerk of Kansas City; and Hattie E., widow of David A. Snyder, resides with her parents in Boonville. Mrs. Snyder has three children, two daughters and a son, the latter of whom, Oscar E. Snyder, enlisted in the aviation corps of the National Army Jan. 25, 1918, and was assigned to Camp Sevier, N. C, where, after a period of training, he was made a first-class sergeant, and in March, 1918, sailed for overseas service, and is still (spring of 1919) in France. Charles L. Vollrath, for ye^rs president of the City Council at Boon- ville, and until quite recently secretary-treasurer of the Sombart Milling Company, was born on July 10, 1858, son of Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth (Breneisen) Vollrath, natives of Germany, whose last days were spent here, both dying while their son Charles was still a child. Nicholas Voll- rath was born at Frohubach, in the Saxon duchy of Saxe-Coburg, Aug. 28, 1814, and came to this country with his brother, George, and engaged in the milling business at Boonville until they sold their mill to the Sombart Milling Company, which has ever since been carrying on the business. Here, Nicholas Vollrath married Mary Elizabeth Breneisen, who was born at Bruchsaal, Gross Hernogthum, in the grand duchy of Baden, Aug. 31, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 851 1830, and who was but a girl when she came to this country with her parents, Reinhart and Mary E. Breneisen, the family coming to Missouri and locating at Boonville. Reinhart Breneisen was born in Milan, Italy, Dec. 24, 1800, and was trained there as a manufacturer of silk. Upon taking up his residence in Boonville he became engaged in the general mercantile business and continued until his death, one of the best known of the earlier merchants of that city. He died at Boonville, July 16, 1878. Nicholas Vollrath died at Boonville Feb. 29, 1867. His wife died Dec. 5, 1865. They were the parents of six children, as follows: H. W., de- ceased; Mrs. George J. Weber, a widow, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. C. C. Greenlease, also of Kansas City; Charles L. ; Fannie R., deceased; and Mary A., deceased. Charles L. Vollrath was but a child when he was bereft by death of his parents, and he was reared at Boonville by kinsfolk, supplementing the schooling he received in the schools of that city by a course in the University at St. Louis. Upon returning from the university he took employment with his elder brother, H. W. Vollrath, who was engaged in the stoneware and pottery business at Boonville, and some time later began clerking in the general store of his uncle in that city, later taking employment in the Brockmeyer store, and thus became thoroughly famil- iar with the details of the mercantile business. In 1892, Mr. Vollrath began his service with the Sombart Milling Company, having acquired an interest in the same, and was made secretary-treasurer of the company, a position he occupied until in January, 1919, when he retired from busi- ness. Mr. Vollrath is a republican, and has for many years been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. For 13 years he was a member of the Boonville Board of Aldermen and president of the City Council, and on several occasions was urged to become a candidate for mayor of the city, but he always declined. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1883, and of Boonville Lodge, No. 91, Knights of Pythias, since 1884. He is a member of the Evangel- ical Church, in the faith of which he was reared, and his wife is a mem- ber of the Catholic Church. Jan. 24, 1884, Charles L. Vollrath was married to Pauline C. Kratz, of Boonville, and to ths union one child has been born, Bertha C, wife of H. Goodman, who is engaged in the furniture business at Boonville. Mrs. Vollrath was born in Boonville, March 24, 1858, daughter of Christian C. and Elizabeth Cecelia (Beha) Kratz, natives of Germany, who became residents of Boonville in their youth, they having accompanied their re- 852 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY spective parents to this country many years ago, and whose last days were spent in that city. Christian C. Kratz, who was bom in the duchy of Nassau, now Wiesbaden, a district of the Prussian province of Hesse- Nassau, in 1836, died at his home in Boonville, July 5, 1866, at the age of 32 years, 9 months and 26 days. His widow died in Boonville, Jan. 12, 1913. She was born in the grand duchy of Baden on Nov. 19, 1827. Judge Herbert J. Hoff, former county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and a well-known and progressive farmer of Pilot Grove township, was born Dec. 4, 1875, son of Jacob and Jacobanna (Felton) Hoff, the latter whom also was born in this county, and both of whom are still living. Jacob Hoff was born in Eppenbrumen, Germany, May 12, 1842, and in his young manhood came to the United Staes, going to Michi- gan. He soon afterwards came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, where he worked as a farm hand and presently was married here. After his marriage he bought the farm which he still owns in Pilot Grove town- ship, and there continued to reside until his retirement and removal to Pilot Grove, where he and his wife are now living. Mrs. Hoff was born in this county in 1853, daughter of Hubert Felton, further mention of whom is made in this volume. To Jacob Hoff and his wife were born eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the second in order of birth. Reared on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, Herbert J. Hoff received his schooling in the local schools, and from boyhood has been engaged in farming. In 1899 he bought the farm of 76 acres on which he is now living, and has made many improvements on the place. He carries on general farming and stock raising. Judge Hoff is a democrat and is one of the leaders of his party in Cooper County. In 1914, he was elected county judge for the western district, and in that important capacity served the people for two years. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. May 23, 1899, Herbert J. Hoff was married to Helena Weber, and to this union five children have been born Gertrude, Herman, Cecelia, Clara and Anna M. Mrs. Hoff was born at Tipton, Mo., July 29, 1875, a daughter of Godfrey and Gertrude (Lutz) Weber, natives of Germany, who settled in Moniteau County many years ago and are now deceased. Anthony Vollmer, one of the well-known and substantial farmers of Pilot Grove township, was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, March 16, 1866, son of Leo and Mary Vollmer, both of German descent, the former of whom died at 30 years of age, when his son Anthony was but HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 853 eight years old. Leo Vollmer and his wife were the parents of four chil- dren : Anthony ; Joseph, Pilot Grove township ; Sophia, wife of Joseph Sellers, Clear Creek township; and Frank, Clear Creek township. Anthony Vollmer was early thrown upon his own resources, and from the days of his youth has made his own way in the world. Thirty years or more ago he rented a farm in Blackwater township. His affairs pros- pered, and in 1893 he was enabled to buy a farm of 190 acres in Pilot Grove, where, after his marriage in the spring of 1896, he established his home, and resided there until 1911, when he sold that farm and bought 200 acres where he is now living and which he has greatly improved, erecting a residence and making other improvements. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock raising, and has prospered. Mr. Vollmer is a republican, and he and his family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pilot Grove, and he is a member of the Catholic Knights of America, while his elder son, Leo, belongs to the Knights of Columbus. April 21, 1896, at St. Martin's Church, Anthony Vollmer was married to Mary Bonen, and to this union have been born seven children: Leo H., assisting his father on the home farm ; Minnie M.. Anna E., Raymond J., Sophia T., Bernardine M. and Edna M. Mrs. Vollmer was born in Pilot Grove township, Jan. 2, 1874, daughter of Henry and Mary (Vonderheil) Bonen, both natives of Germany who came to this country with their respective parents in their youth, the Bonen and Vonderheil families locating in this county. Henry Bonen and wife, both now deceased, were the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Vollmer was the fifth in order of birth. Stonewall Jackson Coleman, who died at his farm home at the edge of the village of Pilot Grove, in the spring of 1915, was born on April 13, 1868, son of James S. and Margaret Ann (Cockrell) Coleman, the latter of whom was a cousin of the late United States Senator Cockrell, of this State, and both of whom spent their last days in this county. James S. Coleman was born in Fairfax County, Va., Jan. 6, 1830, and was but eight years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents, Dr. Samuel and Sarah (Gunnell) Coleman, in 1838, the family settling on the farm now owned by the widow of S. J. Coleman, near the site on which the village of Pilot Grove sprang up. The town received its name from a grove which was on this farm. This place thus having been in the Coleman family's continuous possession now for more than 80 years. Though giving considerable attention to the development of his farm, Doctor Cole- man continued the practice of his profession after coming here, and for 854 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY years was one of the best known pioneer physicians in these parts. His son, James S. Coleman grew up on that farm, and after his marriage to Margaret Ann Cockrell continued making his home there, carrying on the farming operations until his death, which occurred July 4, 1897. His widow died March 19, 1898. She was born in Frederick County, Va., Oct. 21, 1830. To James S. Coleman and wife were born nine children, four of whom are living, namely: Samuel W., of Kansas City, Mo.; Gen- eral Lee, lives at Sedalia, and is a teacher in the Northeastern High School, Kansas City; Major B., Kansas City; and Mary E., wife of D. Grover, Kansas City. Stonewall Jackson Coleman completed his schooling in the old Pilot Grove College, at that time being conducted by W. F. Johnson, author of this history, and upon leaving school continued his place on the farm, later assuming management of the same, and in 1899 bought the other heirs' interests in the place. He made extensive improvements on the place and enjoyed one of the most comfortable suburban residences in the county. He was a stanch democrat and a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church (South), as is his widow, and their sons have been reared in that faith. July 12, 1893, Stonewall Coleman was married to Hortense Hardy, who was born at California, Mo., and to this union were born two sons, James Hardy, born on Aug. 6, 1894, and Charles William, May 18, 1896. James Hardy Coleman in 1918 married Sarah Morris, of Centralia, Mo., and lives on the home place. Charles William Coleman was inducted into the National Army during the World War, and after preliminary training sailed in August, 1918, for overseas service, and is now at Camp Mills, N. J., having returned to the United States, June 23, 1919. Mrs. Cole- man is a daughter of the Rev. James M. and Elizabeth (Duncan) Hardy, the former born in Tennesse, and the latter in Virginia. The Rev. James M. Hardy was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South), and his last days were spent in Moniteau County, for many years one of the best known clergymen in that county. His wife was widow when he married her, her first husband having been Allen Hammond, who yeai's ago was the editor of the Boonville Observer, the forerunner of the pres- ent Advertiser. Walter J. Kraus, proprietor of an excellent farm in Pilot Grove town- ship, and one of the progressive young farmers of Cooper County, was bom Jan. 30, 1889, son of Frank and Julia (Wittman) Kraus, the former of whom is still living at Pilot Grove, retired. Frank Kraus was born HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 855 on a pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, Dec. 15, 1858, and grew up to the life of the farm, afterward buying the farm now owned by his son, Walter, and there resided until his retirement. His wife, who was born on Nov. 2, 1859, died July 4, 1915. She was a member of the Catholic Church, as is her husband, and their children were reared in that faith. There were six of these children, as follows : Walter J. ; Herman, who in the spring of 1917 was inducted into the National Army and after pre- liminary training sailed in April, 1918, for overseas service with the 89th Division, and was in France until June 12, 1919, when he returned to the United States and is now living at Columbia; Fred, who also participated in the World War, in the naval service, and recently received his honor- able discharge at the naval station at Pensacola, Fla, now mail carrier. Pilot Grove; Regina, deceased; and Bernardine and Rosaline (twins), the former of whom is living with her father at Pilot Grove, and the lat- ter is deceased. Walter J. Kraus was reared on the home farm, receiving his school- ing in the schools of Pilot Grove, and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account on a rented farm, continuing thus engaged until 1917, when he bought his father's farm of 104 acres, the place on which he is now living. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Kraus gives consid- erable attention to the breeding of Poland China hogs and is meeting with success. His place is well improved, and he carries on his operations in accordance with up-to-date methods. Mr. Kraus is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. April 10, 1918, Walter J. Kraus was united in marriage to Martha Esser, who was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of Lawrence and Margaret (Martin) Esser, both of whom were born in Pilot Grove town- ship. Lawrence Esser was born in 1851 in Pilot Grove township, and is now living retired in Boonville, Mo. His parents were natives of Ger- many. Mrs. Margaret (Martin) Esser was born in 1857, and died in May, 1914. Seven children were born to them, of whom Mrs. Kraus is the youngest. Henry G. Lammers, proprietor of "Hickory Grove" farm in Pilot Grove township, a substantial farmer and stockman, was born in St. Louis, May 15, 1877, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Vonderhaar) Lammers, who were born in Germany and were married in St. Louis in 1868. In that city they remained until the summer of 1877 when they came to Cooper County with their children and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, 856 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the children born to Henry Lammers and wife six grew to maturity and five are still living, all residents of Cooper County. Henry G. Lammers was but an infant in arms when his parents came to Cooper county and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, receiving his schooling in the district school. In 1900 he began farming on his own account and in the fall of 1903 he settled on the farm where he is now living, beautiful "Hickory Grove" farm, formerly known as the Eads farm, where he has a well-improved place of 276 acres. He raises pure-bred Poland China hogs. Mr. Lammers is a republican. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Oct. 20, 1903, Henry G. Lammers was married to Mary C. Schuster, a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families, and to this union have been born seven children, Roy, Raymond, Ona, Robert, Estella, Marvin and Ernest. Mrs. Lammers was born in Pilot Grove township, daughters of William and Christina (Felten) Schuster, both now deceased. The late William Schuster was twice married and his widow, who before her marriage was Anna Vollrath, is living on the old home farm. Dr. John Sinclair Parrish, physician and druggist at Pleasant Green, and president of the bank at that place, where he has been engaged in practice for nearly 30 years, is a native of Cooper County. He was born on a farm near Speed, March 6, 1863, son of David and Elizabeth (Sin- clair) Parrish, both of whom died in the days of his childhood, leaving him to be reared by kinsfolk in this county. David Parrish was a North Carolinian, born in 1807, who came to Missouri in his young manhood and settled on a farm on Lone Elm Prairie, Palestine township, this county, later moving to a farm near Speed, where his last days were spent. During the rush of gold seekers to Cali- fornia in 1849, he made the trip across the plains with others from this section. He presently returned and was content to remain here the rest of his life. He became a substantial farmer and died at his home near Speed in 1872. David Parrish was twice married. By his first wife, who was a Miss Waller, he was the father of seven children. After the death of the mother of these children he remained a widower for 20 years, when, in 1860, he married Elizabeth Sinclair, who was born in Illinois To that union five children were born. Of these Doctor Parrish was the second in order of birth. Dr. Parrish received excellent scholastic training for the arduous profession to which he early devoted his talents, and has for many years DR. JOHN SINCLAIR PARRISH HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 857 been one of the best known physicians in this county. Reared on the home farm near Speed, which, after the death of his parents, was retained in the possession of the family, his early schooling was received in the district school. He then attended the old Parrish Institute at Bunceton, and thus prepared by preliminary study, entered the State Normal School at Warrensburg, and after his graduation from that institution was for five years engaged in teaching school during the winters, continuing farm- ing in the summers. In the meantime, he had been devoting his leisure to the study of medicine, and in 1888 entered Beaumont Hospital Medical College at St. Louis. From this institution he was graduated in 1891, and began the practice of his profession at Jamestown, Mo. He had been there but a few months, however, when he returned to Cooper County and located at Pleasant Green, where he has since resided. In 1895, Doctor Parrish opened a drug store at Pleasant Green and has since been carrying on the business in addition to the wide practice he has enjoyed all these years. He was one of the organizers of the Pleasant Green Bank, and upon its organization was elected president of the same. He is a democrat. Though reared in the Christian Church, he has for years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). He is affili- ated with the local lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. April 29, 1895, Dr. John S. Parrish was married to Martha Eliza- beth Rissler, who was born in Pettis County, daughter of John G. Rissler and wife, the latter of whom was was a Miss Longon, both natives of Virginia, and to this union two children have been born, Mary, born Feb. 10, 1897, and John R., born in 1898, and died in 1907. Mary Parrish married James W. Stephens, who was born in this county, and who was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and was discharged June 11, 1919, now al home, as is set out elsewhere in this volume. Robert Lee Dunn, one of Blackwater township's substantial fanners, was born in Blackwater township, Aug. 12, 1867, son of Joseph William and Nancy Dunn. Joseph William Dunn was born in Logan County, Ky., of Irish parentage, both of his parents having been natives of Ireland, who first made their home in Kentucky after coming to this country, but later came to Missouri and settled in Cooper County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. During the Civil War, Joseph W. Dunn served in behalf of the cause of the Confederacy until the close of the war. Upon his return he resumed farming in this county and became well-to-do, continuing his farming until his death in 1890, he then being 65 years of age. His widow, who was born in the city of Cincinnati, died 858 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in 1901, aged 75 years. They were members of the Baptist Church, and their children were reared in that faith. There were six of these chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch, now the only survivor, was the youngest, the others having been as follows: Rebecca, married J. Hamil- ton; Mrs. Eliza A. Potter; Bettie, married P. D. Smith; and Thomas and Charles. Reared on the home farm in Blackwater township, Robert Lee Dunn received his schooling in the local schools and from his boyhood has de- voted his attention to farming. Upon beginning operations on his own account he rented a farm, continuing his operations as a renter until in 1918 when he bought from his niece, Orpha Dunn, of Kansas City, the farm on which he is now living, and where for years he had been making his home. Mr. Dunn has his place well improved and is prosperous. He is a stanch democrat, and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. Jan. 2, 1902, Robert Lee Dunn was united in marriage to Mrs. Eliza A. (Barnhart) Stone, widow of Henry Stone, and to this union have been born two sons, Warner and Sylvester. By her first marriage, Mrs. Dunn was the mother of two children; the first born died in infancy, and the other, Mada Stone, is living. Mrs. Dunn was born in Osage County, Mo., daughter of William and Sarah (Morris) Barnhart, both of whom were born in Maries County, Mo., and who many years ago came to Cooper County and settled in Saline township, where they remained until their retirement from the farm and removal to Boonville, where they now live. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart were born four children, of whom Mrs. Dunn was the second. Henry Kraus, one of Clear Creek township's most substantial farm- ers and the proprietor of an excellent farm in that township of 230 acres of land, was born on that farm June 23, 1864, son of Francis M. and Mary Ann (Remspeacher) Kraus, natives of Germany, who were married in this county, and whose last days were spent here. Francis M. Kraus was born in Ratheim, Germany, June 25, 1812, son of Jacob and Katherine (Eries) Kraus, who spent all their lives in their native land. When he was 24 years old, Francis M. Kraus came to the United States, and shortly afterwards came to Missouri and located in this county. Here he began working as a farm hand. In 1858 he entered from the Government the tract of land now owned and occupied by his son, Henry, and developed and excellent farm where he spent the rest of his life. He died Nov. 23, 1892, he then being 80 years of age. His wife died Sept. 18, 1890. She also was born at Ratheim, July 6, 1827, and was nine years of age when she came to this country with her parents, Anthony Remspeacher and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 859 wife, who settled in this county, Anthony securing from the Government a grant of land in Clear Creek township. The original certificate of this grant, issued during the administration of President Taylor, is now in the possession of Henry Kraus, as is the certificate of the land grant issued to his father, Francis M. Kraus, during the administration of Pres- ident Buchanan. Francis M. Kraus and his wife were Catholics, were among the first members of St. John's Catholic Church, and their chil- dren were reared in that faith. Of the children born to them 10 were reared to maturity, of these the subject of this sketch being the ninth in order of birth. Reared on the farm on which he was born in Clear Creek township, Henry Kraus received his schooling in the local schools, and from boy- hood devoted his attention to the labors of the farm. He married in the spring of 1891, and after his father's death in 1892 bought from the other heirs to the estate their respective interests in the home farm of 180 acres, and has since continued to reside there. He has made many improvements on the old home place. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Kraus gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. Mr. Kraus is a republican, and has served as director of schools in his district. He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church. April 15, 1891, Henry Kraus was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wessing, who also was born in this county, and to them four children were born: Frances K., wife of H. T. Young, New Lebanon township; Daniel F., who is at home looking after the interests of the farm; Flor- ence M., wife of B. Felton, and Matilda, at home. The mother of these children was born on Feb. 24, 1869, and died March 5, 1905. She was a daughter of Anthony and Katherine (Twenter) Wessing, natives of Ger- many, who many years ago settled on a farm in this county and spent the remainder of their lives here. Jacob F. Muessig, proprietor of a well-kept farm in Pilot Grove town- ship, this county, and long accounted one of the progressive farmers of that section, was born at St. Louis, on April 18, 1857, son of Ludwig and Elizabeth (Stabeline) Muessig, and has been a resident of this county since he was seven or eight years of age. Ludwig Muessig was a native of Germany, born in Baden in 1831, who came to this country when he was 23 years of age, and in St. Louis married Elizabeth Stabeline, also a native of Baden, born in 1832. To this marriage were born two children: Jacob F., and one died in infancy. Ludwig Muessig died and his widow married William Reuter, who died as the result of an accident in St. Louis, leaving two children, William J., Clear Fork township, and Minnie, now 860 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a nun in Conception Convent, Clyde, Mo. After the death of William Reuter his widow married Philip Meisenheimer. Two children were born to this union: Peter G., of Cooper County, and Mrs. Mary A. Bonen, of Pettis County. The family came to Cooper County and settled on a farm in Clear Creek township in 1866. On that place Philip Meisenheimer and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, the latter dying in August, 1910, and the former in March, 1912. Jacob F. Muessig was but a lad when he came to this county with his mother and his stepfather from St. Louis in 1866, and he was reared on the home farm in Clear Creek township, receiving his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood. From his boyhood he was trained to the ways of farming, and after his marriage at the age of 23 rented a farm and began operations on his own account. He prospered and soon bought a farm of 80 acres in Clear Creek township. Later he bought an adja- cent tract in Pilot Grove township, and now has an excellent farm of 145 acres, which he has improved, and on which he makes his home. Mr. Muessig is a republican, and he and his family are members of the Cath- olic Church. Oct. 19, 1880, Jacob F. Muessig was united in marriage to Anna A. Kraus, who was born in Clear Creek township Feb. 12, 1860. and died Feb. 23, 1905. She was a daughter of Francis Kraus and wife. To Jacob F. and Anna A. (Kraus) Muessig were born nine children, namely: Clara E., widow of F. Klenklen who is now housekeeper for her father; Frank L., is farming in that township; Mary M., wife of Frank Stoecklein, Pilot Grove township; Johannes, deceased; Martha, deceased; Anselma I., wife of William Kemp, Pilot Grove; Pauline, deceased; Robert J., who is now (spring of 1919) with the American Army in France, and John J., who is at home assisting his father in the operation of the farm. Robert J. Muessig, the soldier son, was born May 27, 1896, and was a farmer when he was inducted into the National Army for service in the World War. After a period of military training in this country he sailed for overseas service in September, 1918. James M. Haley, one of the well-known older residents of Palestine township, was born in Howard County on March 12, 1848, son of Thomas A. and Elizabeth (Benson) Haley, who were the parents of 10 children, of whom James M. was the fourth in order of birth. Thomas A. Haley also was a native Missourian, bom in Boone County, Dec. 19, 1820. He grew up a farmer, married March 2, 1841, in Moniteau County, where his wife was born March 26, 1827, resided for a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 861 while in Howard County, and later in Moniteau County, and from the lat- ter county moved to Cooper County in 1865 and located on a farm near Boonville, where died in 1898. His wife died Nov. 22, 1877. He was a republican and he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. James M. Haley was 17 years of age when he came to this county with his parents from Moniteau County in 1865, and here he remained until his marriage at the age of 21, after which he moved to a farm in Jasper County. In 1872, he returned to Cooper County and bought a farm near Boonville. In 1884 he bought the farm on which he is now living in Palestine township, and has since made his home on that place. Jan. 7, 1869, James M. Haley was united in marriage to Mary M. Batton, who also was born in Howard County, and to this union eight children have been born: two first born died in infancy; Minnie, married F. W. Babbitt, Walsenburg, Colo.; Mrs. Mattie Roberts, Prairie Lick; Maud, wife of Peter Schlotzhauer, Palestine township; Emma, wife of Joseph Schlotzhauer, Clear Creek township; Arthur and Leslie, who are operating the home place in Palestine township. Mr. and Mrs. Haley have 10 grandchildren, in whom they take much delight. Mrs. Mary M. Batton Haley died April 3, 1919. She was born Dec. 24, 1848. Sylvanus Masel, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the well-known farmers of Clear Creek township, was born on a farm in Palestine town- ship, April 3, 1841, son of John George and Elizabeth M. (Mueller) Masel, both of European birth, who became early settlers in this county, and here spent their last days. John George Masel was born in Switzerland in 1803, and was there trained to the art of cabinet making, at which trade he worked there until 1837, when he came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Palestine township, this county, where he died in 1845. His widow, who was born in Bavaria in 1807, married George Weber, and died in 1882 without issue of that union. By her first marriage she was the mother of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Mary, married Christian Schupp and is now deceased ; John C, deceased ; Fredericka, married John Schloutz- hauer and is deceased, and one who died in infancy. Sylvanus Masel was but four years of age when his father died, and he early undertook to face the responsibilities of life "on his own hook." The meager schooling he received in the days of his boyhood was obtained in the little old log school house in the neighborhood of his home, and when 14 years of age he began working on the farm of a neighbor at $5 862 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a month, and when 15 years of age he was driving oxen to a "breaking" plow at 20 cents a day. He recalls distinctly an incident in May, 1856, while he was driving oxen for Henry Schlotzhauer, when the oxen became so annoyed at the flies which then were a perfect scourge that they ran away, making a break for a clump of shade trees and dragged behind them, boy, plow, and all. On Aug. 12, 1862, Sylvanus Masel, then 21 years of age, enlisted in the Union Army, and went to the front, a mem- ber of Company A, 29th Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and with that command saw much active service, first in the Mississippi cam- paigns and later on the march with Sherman to the sea. At the battle of Arkansas Post he had a narrow escape when a bullet struck his belt. After the Atlanta campaign, Nov. 1, 1864, his regiment was mounted and he thereafter served as a cavalryman in the 15th Army Corps, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C, June 12, 1865, the war then being over. Mr. Masel returned to his home in this county and resumed farming on rented land until 1870, when he bought the farm on which he is now living. At one time he owned there a tract of 95 acres, but some time ago he sold 40 acres of the place to his adopted son, Frank Wilfred Masel, who is living on the place. Mr. Masel is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Feb. 22 1870, Sylvanus Masel was united in marriage to Josephine Schupp, who was born in Clear Creek township, this county, Feb. 10, 1852, a daughter of Henry and Dorothy Schupp. Mr. and Mrs. Masel have no children of their own, but years ago they adopted a son, Frank W., who was born in 1872. Frank W. Masel has been twice married. By his first wife, Mary Organbright, was born one child, who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife he married Mary Saner, and to this union four children have been bom, namely: Matilda, Louisa, Rebecca. One, the oldest, died in infancy. Mr. Masel was justice of peace of Clear Creek township for 16 years, and was again elected in 1919, but declined to serve. Robert H. Jeffress, one of the substantial citizens of Pilot Grove township, was born on a farm in Boonville township Oct. 17, 1863, son of John R. and Isabel (Laurie) Jeffress. Robert H. Jeffress received his schooling in the public schools, and from boyhood has devoted his atten- tion to farming. For some time he worked a rented farm and then bought a farm east of Boonville. In 1908 he sold that place and bought HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 863 the farm on which he is now living in Pilot Grove, which he has greatly improved. Mr. Jeffress has an excellent farm of 265 acres. He is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, of which he is the secretary. In civic affairs he has long been accounted one of the leaders in his neighborhood. In 1913 he was made democratic central committeeman for Pilot Grove township, and in 1919 was re- elected to that position. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church, and he is one of the deacons of the same. Mr. Jeffress is a mem- ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. June 25, 1892, Robert H. Jeffress was married to Sophia Baker, and to them have been born six children: Ruth, Henry, Mable, Mildred, Rob- ert B., and one died in infancy. Mrs. Jeffress was born near Alton, 111., daughter of Charles and Rebecca (Hill) Baker, the latter a native of Ken- tucky, now living in Stone County, Mo., at the age of 82 years. Charles Baker was a native of England who came to this country in young man- hood. During the Civil War he served in the Union Army, a member of an Illinois regiment, and in 1873 came with his family to Missouri and settled on a farm near Boonville, in this county, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. Richey Brothers (John W. and Henry L. Richey), who have been farming together in this county for the past 25 years, and who are the owners of an excellent farm in Pilot Grove township, were born in this county. John W. Richey was born Sept. 27, 1867, and Henry L. Richey Jan. 1, 1871. They are sons of John H. and Rebecca N. (Kirkman) Richey, both of whom are now deceased, the latter dying on Jan. 12, 1913, and the former, Dec. 14, 1918. John H. Richey was a Kentuckian, born on June 6, 1837, and was but two years of age when his parents, William and Diamy (Tinsley) Richey, also natives of Kntucky, came to Missouri and settled in Hickory county. In that county, John H. Richey grew to manhood, afterward coming to Cooper County and locating on a farm east of Speed. Here he married Rebecca N. Kirkman, who was born in Pilot Grove township on Oct. 31, 1839, and after his marriage bought a farm in that township, where he made his home and where he was residing when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate Army, participating in some severe en- gagements until he was captured by the enemy and taken to the military prison at Rock Island, 111., where he was kept a prisoner of war until the close of the war. Upon his return home, Mr. Richey resumed fanning 864 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in Pilot Grove township and there remained until his retirement from the farm and removal to Pilot Grove, where his last days were spent. He was a democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They were parents of nine childen, as follows: Emma, married F. Waller and is now deceased ; Mary Ellen, married B. H. Meredith and is deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of Charles E. Wilson, Pilot Grove; Sarah, wife of William Sharp, Palestine township ; John W. ; Lucy, wife of Charles Jeffress, same township ; Henry L. ; Anna, is living- with her brother in Pilot Grove town- ship; and Cora, married James Gosnell and is now deceased. John W. and Henry L. Richey grew up together on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, and received their schooling in the district school. From the days of their boyhood they have devoted their attention to farming and early decided to "stick together" in their operations along those lines, and thus for 25 years have been in partnership. In 1918 they bought the Thomas Sims farm of 120 acres in Pilot Grove township and are making extensive improvements. They entertain similar politi- cal views, both being democrats, as was their father; and, as were their parents, both are members of the Baptist Church. The younger brother, Henry L. Richey, is unmarried, but the elder brother, John William Richey, was married on April 28, 1917, to Edverda Barnes, who was born in Saline County. James H. Schlotzhauer, a substantial farmer and stockman, and the owner of an excellent farm in Clear Creek township, has been a resident of Cooper County all his life. He was born on a farm in Palestine town- ship, Oct. 27, 1862, the eldest of the children born to John and Fredericka (Masel) Schlotzhauer, who were prominent among the residents of that community. James H. Schlotzhauer completed his schooling in the school at Pilot Grove, under Professor Eichelberger and C. M. Johnson, and for a while thereafter remained at home, farming for his father. In 1885, he bought 130 acres in Clear Creek township, proceeded to improve the same, and for 21 years made his home there. In 1906, he sold that farm and bought the farm on which he is now living, formerly known as the A. W. Walker farm, and which, when he bought it, consisted of 350 acres, 122 acres of which he later sold to his son Harry. Mr. Schlotzhauer has made exten- sive improvements on the place, including the erection of a large silo and a set of farm buildings for his son, Harry. Mr. Schlotzhauer has for many years made a specialty of feeding live stock for the market and in his operations has done well, long having been regarded as one of the a - HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 865 leading farmers in that part of the county. He is an independent repub- lican, and for two years served as a member of the School Board in Dis- trict No. 54. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). Mr. Schlotzhauer has been twice married. March 3, 1885, he was united in marriage to Christina Back, who was born in Clear Creek town- ship in 1862, daughter of Daniel and Christina (Yost) Back, and who died on June 24, 1894. To that union five children were born, namely : Harry, who is living on the home farm, a part of which he now owns ; Elizabeth, who married B. Cordrey, and who is now deceased ; Oscar, who is engaged in the automobile business at Boonville ; James H., Jr., who also is engaged in the automobile business at Bunceton, and one who died in infancy. Dec. 23, 1895, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Mrs. Lottie (Carson) Pounds, and to this union three children have been born, Hazel, Virgil, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Schlotzhauer was born in Morgan County, and has been a resident of this State all her life. David Brownfield, proprietor of an excellent farm in Pilot Grove township and one of the most substantial farmers and stockmen in that section of Cooper County, was born Oct. 4, 1848, son of John and Cath- erine (Brownfield) Brownfield, Pennsylvanians, who came to this county in the '40s and here spent their last days, the latter living to a ripe old age. John Brownfield was born in 1820 and in young manhood came West and settled in this county. He took a trip across the plains and on his return settled on his farm in Pilot Grove township, where he died Oct. 4, 1856. His widow died Feb. 24, 1919. John Brownfield and his wife had two children, the subject of this sketch and Mrs. Margaret Eliz- abeth Graham, now deceased. David Brownfield received his schooling in the district schools. When 20 years of age, in 1868, he bought the farm on which he is now living. Mr. Brownfield has a well improved farm of 265 acres, and in addition to his general farming he raises high grade live stock. The Brownfields have a pleasant home. Two of the sons of the family served with the American Army in France during the World War. Mr. Brown- field is a republican, but has not been an office seeker. Oct. 3, 1871, David Brownfield was united in marriage to Christina Schupp, who was born in Clear Creek township, this county, and to this union 11 children have been born, namely: Joseph, deceased; Curry, who is living in East Pilot Grove: Jacob, of that same place; Margaret, wife (46) 866 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of F. Gerling, of Pilot Grove township; Daniel, who is now living in Wyoming-; Grover, deceased; Veit, who was with the American Army in France, taking his part in the World War, now at home; Arthur, who is at home assisting in the operation of the farm ; Catherine, who married G. Meredith and is now living in Omaha, Neb.; Silas, who went overseas for service in the aviation corps of the United States Army and is now in the United States ; and Opal, wife of F. Neeley, who makes his home with the Brownfields and is assisting in the operation of the home place. Mrs. Brownfield is a member of one of the pioneer families of Cooper County. Charles A. Stites, one of Pilot Grove township's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born Aug. 5, 1870, son of Prof. Joseph M. and Amanda (Hail) Stites, Tennesseans, who came to Missouri with their respective parents, and who after the Civil War settled in Cooper County, and the latter living at Pilot Grove. Prof. Joseph M. Stites, who for many years was recognized as one of the leading educators in this part of Missouri, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., Feb. 3, 1834, and was but four years of age when his parents, Levi and Mary (Adamson) Stites, who were born in North Caro- lina and in Tennessee, respectively, moved to Illinois in 1838. Two years later they came to Greene County, Mo., where they spent the remainder of their lives. It was thus that Professor Stites had his rearing and his early schooling in Greene County, this State, he having been but six years of age when his parents took up their residence there. That was in 1840, and the schools of that region were not organized on the high plane that today marks Missouri's schools, but he made the most of his opportuni- ties, and became qualified to enter upon his long career as a teacher, a profession which he followed for 25 years or more. On Feb. 28, 1858, Professor Stites married Amanda Hail, who also was born in Tennessee, and in 1863 came to Cooper County, and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township. He followed farming and teaching, spending his winters very usefully in that important calling. Professor Stites died in 1891. To Professor and Amanda (Hail) Stites were born five children, as follows: Prof. Horace L. Stites, who is now carrying on his educational labors in the State of Oklahoma; Fannie, wife of George Judy, Pilot Grove; Miss Mattie Stites, who is engaged in office work at Pilot Grove, and Charles A. ; Bertha, who married R. S. Harriman and is now deceased. Charles A. Stites was reared on the home farm in Pilot Grove town- ship and received his schooling in this county, the same being supple- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 867 men ted by the careful home instructions he received from his father. From his boyhood he has devoted his attention to farming, a vocation which he has followed with considerable success, for he is now the owner of a well-improved farm of 240 acres and is one of the progressive citi- zens of his community. He is a shareholder in the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove. He is a democrat and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In February 1911, Charles A. Stites was united in marriage to Emma Davis, daughter of J. C. Davis and wife, and to this union two children have been born, Winifred and Ellen. James Lewis Painter, a prominent farmer and stockman of Pales- tine township, was bom on a farm in Clear Creek township, Jan. 27, 1857, son of William and Eliza (Long) Painter, Virginians. They settled in Clear Creek township and here spent the remainder of their lives. It was from Loudoun County, Va., that William Painter and his wife and the two children came to Cooper County. Their third and last child, James L., the subject of this sketch, was born after they came here. William Painter did not live many years after his arrival here. He died about 1861. His widow continued to make her home in this county and died in 1902. Besides the subject of this sketch she had another son, Charles Painter, her first born, now living in California, and a daughter, Alberta, who married A. Workman and is now deceased. Having been but a child when his father died, James L. Painter was early thrown pretty much on his own resources, and thus early learned the great secret of self-reliance. He completed his schooling in Pleasant Green, and when 18 years of age began working as a farm hand at $12 a month. He afterward rented a farm and later he bought 85 acres in Palestine township and continued farming that place until 1906, when he bought his present farm, the old Doctor Evans home place, and has since resided there. Mr. Painter has a well-kept farm of 244 acres, maintains one of the best farm plants in the township. He is giving considerable attention to the raising of high grade live stock. He is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. Feb. 1, 1884, James L. Painter was united in marriage to Mary Bab- bitt, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born: Edna, who married Lester Worts, living near Bellaire, Mo.; Lester, Palestine township; and Lloyd, is cashier of the Bank of Speed, at Speed, Mo. Mrs. Painter was born in Palestine township, Dec. 868 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY SI, 1862, daughter of William and Mary (Burnham) Babbitt, both of whom died while she was a small child, and she was reared by a relative, Mrs. Sarah Stewart Babbitt. Peter L. Muntzel, a successful farmer and stockman of Palestine township, was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, May 25, 1872, son of Fred and Doris (Senholt) Muntzel, who came to this country after the close of the Civil War. Fred Muntzel was born in Hanover in 1832, and there grew to manhood and married Doris Senholt, who was born in that country about 1842. In 1865 he came to this country. Six months later he returned to his native land to get his wife, and upon their return located at St. Louis, where for two years he was employed in a butcher shop. He came to Cooper County with his family in 1868, and bought a 40-acre tract of land in Clarks Fork township. His affairs prospered there, and in time he moved to Palestine township, where he bought a farm of 190 acres, and there spent the remainder of his life. He died in January, 1904. His widow died in January, 1918. Fred Muntzel and his wife were members of St. John's Evangelical Church at Billings- ville, and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine chil- dren, of whom six are still living, as follows: Anna, Billingsville ; Adolph, Boonville township ; Peter L. ; Amelia, wife of Thomas Grathwohl, Bil- lingsville; Fritz, farming the home place, Palestine township; and Mar- tha, wife of W. Helmrich, Little Rock, Ark. Peter L. Muntzel has from the days of his boyhood devoted his at- tention to farming, and has prospered. He received his schooling in Palestine township and remained at home until 1903, when he bought an 80-acre farm in Palestine township and there made his home until 1905, when he sold that place and bought his present place in that same town- ship. Mr. Muntzel has a well-improved farm of 301 acres, and follows general farming and raising of high-grade live stock. He is a republican. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. Aug. 5, 1903, Peter L. Muntzel was united in marriage to Jessie Eichelberger, who also was born in this county, daughter of Washington and Mary Elizabeth (Merritt) Eichelberger, and to them have been born five children: Dorris, Ona. Lawrence, Anna May and Helen Marie. Charles P. Mitzel, a well-to-do farmer of Palestine township, was born on a farm in Pilot Grove township, May 19, 1868, son of Fenton W. and Cora (Simmons) Mitzel. Fenton W. Mitzel was born in Morgan County, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1848, and came to Missouri with his parents. Peter Mitzel and wife, in 1858, the family settling in this county. Reared on a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 869 farm, he early began farming on his own account, and prospered, becom- ing a large land-owner and an extensive dealer in live stock, buying over a wide radius and selling in the markets. Though now practically retired Mr. Mitzel still maintains ownership in a tract of 90 acres at the edge of Pilot Grove, and there has a very pleasant home, which is now presided over by his daughter. On May 22, 1867, Fenton W. Mitzel was united in marriage to Cora Simmons, who died on March 5, 1883. To that union were born six children, of who four are still living : Charles P. ; Elizabeth Matilda, who lives with her father; James F., living retired at Pilot Grove, and Lottie May, wife of Waldo Talley, of Pilot Grove township. Charles P. Mitzel has successfully followed farming for years. He completed his schooling in the Pilot Grove Academy, of which at that time W. F. Johnson was the principal, and in 1889 began teaching school, a profession which he followed for 12 years, in the meantime continuing his farming operations during the summers. The first farm he bought was a tract of 200 acres in Pilot Grove township, and that place he farmed for 17 years, when he sold it and in 1910 bought his present farm of 164 acres in Palestine township, paying for the same what was said at the time to have been the highest price ever paid for farm land in Cooper County. Mr. Mitzel has made extensive improvements, and has one of the best farm plants in the county. He is quite extensively engaged in cattle feeding. He recently bought the house, with its surrounding lot, in which Governor Crossley was born at Bellaire. Mr. Mitzel is an inde- pendent republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South), and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. His father was a member of the Pilot Grove lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. March 7, 1894, Charles P. Mitzel was united in marriage to Vira A. Grigsby, of this county, and to this union three children have been born: Mary Corrine, who was graduated from the Boonville High School with the class of 1917; William Roy, who in that same year was graduated from the Bunceton High School, and Charles Harold, who is now a student in the Bunceton High School. Mrs. Mitzel was born at Landmark, How- ard County, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Blanton) Grigsby, who came to this county with their family about 1884 and located at Pilot Grove. Mrs. Grigsby was born in Missouri, a member of one of the pioneer fam- ilies. She died July 30, 1919. Her mother was a McCrary. Henry Grigsby was born in Ohio and came to Missouri in young manhood. He became engaged in the shoe business at Pilot Grove and there spent his 870 HISTORY OF COOPER CO'JNTY last days, one of the leading merchants in that place, with his son, Ed- ward M. Grigsby, who is now conducting the largest shoe store of Liv- ingston, Mont. Michael Myer, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Pilot Grove town- ship, was born on a farm in Hamilton County, Ohio, near Cincinnati, June 13, 1859, son of Adam and Margaret (Fullmar) Myer, both of whom were born in Germany, and the latter of whom spent her last days in Cooper County, she having come here with her children after the death of her husband. Adam Myer was born about 1821 and grew to manhood in his native lands. As a young man he came to this country and first worked as a farm hand in Hamilton County, Ohio. There he married, and rented a farm there for some years, when he moved with his family to Indiana and settled on a farm in Jennings County, where he died about 1877. After his death his widow disposed of the farm in Indiana, and in 1880 came to Missouri with seven of her children and located in Cooper County, where she died about 1894. She was born in Germany about 1822. Of the children born to Adam Myer and wife nine grew to matur- ity, and seven of these accompanied their mother to Missouri in 1880. Of these children the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth, the others being the following: Mary, wife of George Miller, of Boonville township; Lena, married Chris Young, and is living in Indi- anapolis, Ind. ; Barbara, married Adam Kirsch, also living in Indianapolis ; Louis, deceased; Jacob, now living at Pilot Grove; Charles, Kansas City; Joseph, Pilot Grove, and John is a bridge worker for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. Michael Myer came to Cooper County with his mother and other members of the family when he was 21 years old, and he began farm work. In 1887, he bought a tract of 80 acres and proceeded to improve the same. As he prospered he added to his original tract until he became the owner of 280 acres. His original "80" he recently sold to his son, Jacob N. Myer, and still owns 200 acres. He has made excellent im- provements on the place, and has one of the best farm plants in the neigh- borhood. He is a stockholder in the Pilot Grove Bank of Pilot Grove. He is an independent democrat. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Michael Myer has been twice married. In 1885 he married Anna Dorflinger, who was born in this county and who died without issue 14 months after her marriage. In 1887 Mr. Myer married Katherine Hoff, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 871 who was born in Germany and came to this country with her parents, and to this union five children have been born ; Jacob N. ; Rosa, deceased ; William, deceased; Minnie, wife of H. Foser, of Boonville township, and Hubert, at home. Charles E. Wilson, now living in Pilot Grove, is a native Missourian, born in Jasper County on March 23, 1859, son of John M. and Eliza (Beebe) Wilson, who were the parents of 12 children, nine of whom are still living. About 1867 John M. Wilson and his wife came to Cooper County with their family and settled on a farm in LaMine township, where they remained until their retirement, after which they made their home with their children. John M. Wilson died at Sedalia in 1914, he then being 91 years of age. His widow died in 1915, she then being 81 years of age. Charles E. Wilson has always been a farmer, and though he recently sold his farm and moved to town he is even now casting about for another farm to suit him. He was eight years of age when his parents moved from Jasper County to Cooper, and his schooling was acquired in the schools of LaMine township. As a young man he started farming on his own account, renting a farm, and continued until 1894, when he bought a farm near Clifton City. He improved it and sold to advantage. He then bought 175 acres in Pettis County, where he lived for four years, when he sold that place and in 1912 bought 120 acres in Pilot Grove township, where he lived until he sold that place early in 1919 and moved to Pilot Grove. Mr. Wilson is independent. March 13, 1887, Charles E. Wilson was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Richey, of this county, and to this union two children have been born, Charles L. Wilson, at home, and Anna May, who married Ricie Bea- man, of Heaths Creek township, Pettis County. Mrs. Wilson was born in Cooper County in 1863, daughter of John and Rebecca (Kirkman) Richey. William A. Betteridge, proprietor of "Crestmead Farm," in Clear Creek township, this county, and one of the best known breeders of high grade cattle in Missouri, is a native of England. He was born in Shrop- shire, England, Jan. 7, 1858, son of George and Ann M. (Jones) Bet- teridge, and was the eldest born of the six children, four of whom grew to maturity. In 1863 George Betteridge moved with his family from England to Canada and there remained until 1888, when he and his wife came to Cooper County, their son William having settled here, and here 872 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY George Betteridge is still living, being now in his 85th year. His wife died here in 1899, she then being 65 years of age. Having been but five years of age when he came to America with his parents in 1863, William A. Betteridge was reared in Canada and there received his schooling. When he was 16 years of age, in 1874, he came to the United States, and two years later came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, where he ever since has made his home, and where he has for many years been engaged in farming and in the breeding of pure- bred cattle. In 1888, Mr. Betteridge began the breeding of Scotch Short- horn cattle, and the herd he then established has been for years widely known throughout the West, shipments from "Crestmead" being made to various parts of the country. "Crestmead" is a well-improved farm of 340 acres in Clear Creek township, and is recognized as one of the model stock farms in this section of Missouri. Mr. Betteridge is a mem- ber of the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association, and has for years taken an interested part in the deliberations and activities of that body. Oct. 22, 1890, in this county, William A. Betteridge was united in marriage to Ada M. Amick, and to this union has been born one child, Verne K. Betteridge, bom on May 27, 1896, near Bellaire, this county, who upon leaving the Boonville High School, entered Robins Business College at Sedalia, and was graduated from that institution and is now a valued assistant to his father in the operations of "Crestmead Farm." Mrs. Betteridge was born in this county, daughter of Leander and Melissa (Lampton) Amick. Mrs. Betteridge and her son are members of the Baptist Church. George Schupp, a progressive farmer and stockman in Clear Creek township, and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on the farm where he is now living in Clear Creek township, June 8, 1859, son of Christian and Mary (Masel) Schupp, natives of Germany. Christian Schupp was born in Nassau, and was about 20 years of age when he came to this country with his parents, following the revolution of 1848, who settled in Cooper County. Here Christian Schupp married Mary Masel, who also was born in Germany, and who was but a child when she left there with her parents, the Masel family also settling in this county. After his marriage, Christian Schupp established his home on a farm in Clear Creek township, the place now owned by his son, Geoi'ge, and there he spent the rest of his life. He died in 1911, he then being 82 years of age. His wife had preceded him to the grave about six years, and she M I: AN] I M RS I ; I'.' 1R1 : E SCHUPP HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 873 was 65 years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of 14 children, of whom ten grew to maturity, and of whom the subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth. George Schupp received his schooling in the district schools, and has always retained his interest in farming, a vocation which he has followed with much success. He bought his first farm in 1882, and on that place built a house and barn, and made other improvements, and there resided until 1893, when he bought the old home place. His eldest son, August Schupp, is now residing on the first named farm. As he prospered in his affairs, Mr. Schupp bought more land, until now he is the owner of 708 acres, all lying in Clear Creek township, save a tract of 265 acres in Pilot Grove township. In addition to this he is the owner of some business buildings in Pilot Grove, and is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, and a member of the board of directors of this institution. Mr. Schupp is a republican. He and his family are members of the Evan- gelical Church. Feb. 16, 1882, George Schupp was married to Minnie Walje, who died June 5, 1914, and to that union four children were born, namely: Mrs. Catherine Eichelberger, Clear Creek township; August, farming in Clear Creek township; Walter, farming in Pilot Grove township, and Reinhart, who is at home assisting his father. Mrs. Minnie Walje Schupp, mother of these children, was born in Germany, Nov. 7, 1856, and was about 10 years of age when she came to this country with her parents, Ernest Walje and wife, the latter of whom was a Miss Foglepohl, and settled in Pettis County. A year or two later, in 1868, they came into Cooper County, and settled in Clear Creek township, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Walter Cyrus West, contractor and builder at Pleasant Green, was bom on a farm in Clear Creek township, Aug. 21, 1879, son of John Wil- liam and Mary Elizabeth (Robertson) West, both of whom also were born in Missouri, and the latter of whom is still living, she and her son Walter making their home together at Pleasant Green. John William West was born near Manchester, in St. Louis County, Mo., March 14, 1838, son of Thomas West, a native of Kentucky, and came to Cooper County, arriving here on Oct. 8, 1855. Upon coming here he bought a tract of 128 acres of timber land in Clear Creek township. This he proceeded to clear and render tillable, and after his marriage established his home on that place and there remained until his death, March 15, 1908, he then being one day past 70 years of age. Mrs. Eliza- 874 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY beth West was born in this county, Sept. 7, 1848, daughter of George Robertson and wife, the latter of whom was a Mann, natives of Kentucky, who had come to this county with their respective parents. Mrs. West was left an orphan at an early age. Her mother died and her father later vvent to Indian Territory and was never again heard from, the presump- tion being he was killed by Indians. John William West helped build the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) at Pleasant Green, and was for a number of years one of the trustees of the same. He was married Aug. 29, 1878. Four children were born to this union, of whom Walter Cyrus was the eldest born, the other being : Thomas P., deceased ; George H., a farmer, Clear Creek township ; and Anna F., deceased. Walter C. West received his early schooling in the local schools of • Clear Creek township and the Otterville High School and a short course at the State University. He continued farming until 1903, when he became engaged working on the Midland interurban bridge at St. Charles, and while thus employed became so interested in the carpenter's trade that he ever since has been engaged working at that trade, gradually devel- oping in business for himself as a building contractor, and since returning from St. Charles in 1903 has erected many of the houses and barns in Pleasant Green and vicinity. In 1918, Mr. West was employed on the new Baptist Church at Syracuse, Mo. In 1906, he spent the year working on the structure at old Ft. Supply in Oklahoma, which has been converted into a hospital for the insane. Mr. West is a democrat, and he is affili- ated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Sedalia. He is a stockholder in the Pleasant Green Bank. Charles W. Oglesby, a member of the board of directors of the Bunce- ton Bank, as well as a stockholder in the Pleasant Green Bank, and who for years has been recognized as one of the leading farmers and stock- men in Palestine township, was born on the farm on which he is now living, May 13, 1862, son of Henry F. and Martha C. (Nichols) Oglesby, both of whom were born in Cooper County and who spent all their lives here. Henry F. Oglesby was born on May 13, 1836, a son of Pleasant G. and Millie C. (Wollery) Oglesby, the latter of whom also was born in this county, daughter of one of the early settlers, her father having entered a good deal of land in what afterward came to be Palestine township. Pleasant G. Oglesby was born in Kentucky March 12, 1804, and came here with his parents. He married here and engaged in farming on the place now owned by his grandson, Charles W. Oglesby. He died July 1, 1845. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 875 His widow died Nov. 2, 1882. She was born here Nov. 14, 1814. They had five children. Henry F. Oglesby grew up on the farm on which he was born, in time became owner of the same and there spent his life. He died Jan. 27, 1888. He was twice married. April 14, 1859, he was united in marriage to Martha C. Nichols, who was bom in this county Sept. 10, 1840, and died June 7, 1869. To that union were born four chil- dren: Charles W. ; Mollie, wife of C. W. Cordrey, Palestine township; George P., deceased, and Martha, deceased. Nov. 23, 1871, Henry F. Oglesby married Nancy E. Wollery, who was born in Palestine township, Feb. 26, 1839, and died Sept. 19, 1887. To that union three children were born, Hamilton, died in 1874; Mattie Hamilton, born May 23, 1875, now living with his half brother Charles, and Robert F., born March 13, 1878, Stoneton, Colo. Charles W. Oglesby received his schooling in the district schools. After the death of his father in 1888 he bought the interests of the other heirs in the home tract of 197 acres and has added to the same by pur- chase of adjoining land until he now owns 2IOV2 acres. His improve- ments including the erection in 1907 of a fine new and modern farm house. His wife is the owner of a tract of 78 acres in Lebanon township, which also is well improved. In 1904 Mr. Oglesby became engaged in the breed- ing of Shorthorn cattle, starting his herd with select stock from the cele- brated Betteridge herd in this county, and is one of the best stockmen in that neighborhood. He is a stockholder in the Bunceton Bank and in the Pleasant Green Bank and is a member of the board of directors of the first named institution. Mr. Oglesby is a stanch Democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church Oct. 8, 1889, Charles W. Oglesby was united in marriage to Eva E. Cordry, who also was born in Cooper County, and to this union four chil- dren have been born, namely: Anna E., born May 7, 1891, married Charles McCutcheon living near Pilot Grove; Mattie Ellen, born Sept. 21, 1895, is a Cooper County teacher; Daphn Alberta, Jan. 26, 1900, is a teacher in grade school, Hartsburg, Mo., and Charles Kenneth, Aug. 22, 1902, is attending school at Boonville. Mrs. Oglesby was born on a farm in Lebanon township Sept. 1, 1865, daughter of James and Anna E. (Rob- inson) Cordry, the former born in Kentucky and the latter in this county and both now deceased. Edward B. Windsor, proprietor of "Airy View Farm" in Palestine township, a progressive farmer, was born on a farm in Lebanon township June 19, 1861, son of Henderson and Icybindia (Coleman) Windsor, Vir- 876 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ginians. Henderson Windsor was born in Fayette County, Va., in 1818 and his wife was born in that same county in 1831. After their marriage they located in Jackson County and came to this county in 1860 and located on a farm about three miles south of Pleasant Green. There Henderson Windsor died in May, 1900. His widow survived him until 1903. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth, the others being: Sallie, de- ceased; Dorcas, married M. Tavner and is now deceased; Emma, wife of James W. Coe, Lebanon township; Mrs. Jennie Woolery, of Sedalia; Mrs. Mattie Cruse, deceased; Mrs. Susan Read, deceased, and Mrs. Margaret Heim, Pleasant Green. Edward B. Windsor was reared on the farm on which he was born, receiving his schooling in the district schools. In 1893, he bought the farm on which he is now living and there established his home. Mr. Windsor has made extensive improvements, including a fine modern farm house, and he and his family are very pleasantly situated on his place of 240 acres. Mr. Windsor has for years raised graded Polled Angus cattle and has an excellent herd. He is a Democrat, voting the ticket "straight". Feb. 15, 1893, Edward B. Windsor was manned to Kate R. Davis, who also was bom in this county, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Arlotta, wife of Sidney A. Lusk, Bunceton; Helen W., wife of Speed Boulware, Lebanon township; Grovner D., who is at home assisting his father, and Edward B., Jr., also at home. Mrs. Wind- sor was born in Boonville township, a daughter of Daniel G. and Ruth M. (Brereton) Davis. Morgan Broe, who died at his home in Clear Creek township in the fall of 1906 and whose widow and several members of the family are still living there, was for many years one of the best known citizens of that part of Cooper County. He was bom in Ireland Feb. 3, 1848, and came to Cooper County in 1872. His parents, Patrick and Margaret (Fitzsim- mons) Broe spent their lives in Ireland. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Morgan was the youngest. Several of these children had come to the United States and when he was 14 years of age, Morgan Broe came to join them. Here he learned the stone cutter's trade and had worked at that trade for some years in various parts of the country, when in March 1872, he became employed as a stonecutter on the M. K. & T. railroad bridge which then was being constructed across the LaMine River between Clifton and Pleasant Green. When the bridge was com- pleted he located at Boonville, where he was employed at his trade until HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 877 in 1874, when he rented a farm in Clear Creek township and engaged as a tenant farmer until 1879, when he bought a farm of 160 acres in that township and spent the remainder of his life there, one of the substantial members of the community. He died Oct. 21, 1906. Mr. Broe was a democrat and always took an active interest in local politics. He was a member of the Catholic Church, as is his widow, and their children were reared in that faith. July 29, 1872, Morgan Broe married Eliza Sweeney, of this county, and to that union seven children were born, namely: Mary M., wife of Frank Clevorn, of Clear Creek township; Timothy E., on the home farm, giving particular attention to the live stock interests ; Anna A., who also is at home with her mother; William M., now living at St. Louis; Eliza C, wife of A. C. Mayfield, a hardware merchant, Pleasant Green ; John H., at home and who in partnership with his brother Timothy, under the firm name of Broe Brothers, and Elsie I., wife of T. W. Stratton, a grocery merchant, Bunceton. Mrs. Broe was born in St. Louis County, Mo., Feb. 7, 1855. and was but an infant in arms when she became a resident of Cooper County, her parents, Dennis and Mary (Quaid) Sweeney, hav- ing come here in the spring of 1856 and settled on a farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both Dennis Sweeney and his wife were natives of Ireland. They had two children, Mrs. Broe and Mary, wife of William Quirk, of Enon, Mo. Frank C. Stegnor, one of Palestine township's well known and sub- stantial farmers and the proprietor of an excellent farm was born in Pilot Grove township on Jan. 23, 1874, son of George J. and Theresa (Richard) Stegner, both now deceased. George J. Stegner was born in Saxony and was 12 years of age when he came to this country with his parents and settled in this county. Here George J. Stegner grew to manhood on a farm and became a farmer. He was twice married. By his union with Theresa Richarp, who was born in this county, he had four children: Frank C. ; Charles L., Palestine township; Julius IL, same township, and Ada, deceased. The mother of these children died in 1886, at the age of 30 years, and Mr. Stegner later married Katherine Schreck. who was born in Moniteau County and died in 1917 at the age of 66 years. To that union four children were born, namely: Minnie, deceased; Joseph, who was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, now living at Boonville; Hannah, wife of H. Schwitzsky, Boonville, and James C, of Boonville. Joseph Stegner, the soldier son, was bora Jan. 27, 1887. He was inducted into the National Army and after a period of training sailed 878 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in September, 1918, for overseas service in the World War, a member of A Company, 351 Regiment of Infantry, 88th Division of the United States Army. Frank C. Stegner received his schooling in the public schools and not long after he had attained his majority he rented a farm from his grand- mother and began fanning. Later, in association with his brother, Charles L., he bought 60 acres and as his affairs have prospered he has added to his original purchase until he is now the owner of a fine farm of 185 acres in Palestine township, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a stockholder in the Pilot Grove Bank. He is a republican and takes an active interest in local civic affairs, having been one of those who helped to organize the last special road district. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Stegner has been twice married. In 1902 he was married to Clara Dumolt, who also was born in this county and who died in 1913. To that union was born one child, who died in infancy. Aug. 10, 1915, Mr. Stegner married Lillian L. Kinser, who was born in Logan County, 111., daughter of William and Amanda (Robinson) Kinser, and to this union has been born one child, who died in infancy. William D. Cole, who is a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, has an excellent farm of 207 acres in Palestine town- ship and in addition to his general farming gives considerable attention to the raising of Duroc Jersey hogs. He was bom on a farm in this township March 13, 1863, son of Stephen and Josephine (Bryant) Cole, both of whom also were born in this county, both the Cole and the Bryant families having been represented here since the early settlement. Stephen Cole was a farmer and was one of the well known residents of the com- munity. He and his wife were the parents of six children, one of whom died in infancy and of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being, Ada, married D. Horner and is now deceased ; Holbert, Palestine township ; George, living in Morgan County, and Irving, also a resident of Morgan County. William D. Cole received his schooling in the district schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account. He rented land until 1886, when he bought seventy acres in the section in which he now lives; later he added to that farm, later sold his original tract of 70 acres and bought more land until now owns 207 acres, which is well improved. Mr. Cole is a democrat and takes an interest in local affairs. March 18, 1892, William D. Cole was married to Catherine Reed, whom he had known since the days of her childhood, and to this union HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 879 three children have been born, Noel, Clarence and Carl, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Cole also was born in Palestine township and has lived there all her life. She is a daughter of James and Evaline (Ewing) Reed and was born on Feb. 22, 1874. George H. Schlotzhauer, a well known farmer of Palestine township and one of the leading orchardists of Cooper County, was born in Pilot Grove township March 17, 1870, son of Chris and Lottie (Morrow) Schlotz- hauer, the latter of whom was born in Scotland and died in this county in 1880, she then being 29 years of age. Chris. Schlotzhauer is one of the leading farmers of Pilot Grove township. He is one of the sons of Henry Schlotzhauer, a pioneer of Cooper County. George H. Schlotzhauer was educated in the district schools and attended the Pilot Grove Academy. Shortly after attaining his majority he bought the place on which he is now living in the spring of 1896. Mr. Schlotzhauer has an excellent farm of 150 acres and has the same improved in admirable fashion. He has a fine apple orchard of 20 acres and has long been regarded as one of the most successful orchardists in Cooper County, as his father was before him, for on his father's place there also is a very fine orchard of 20 acres or more. Mr. Schlotzhauer is a republican. He is affiliated with Bunce- ton Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Wood- men of the World at Speed. He and his family are members of the Meth- odist Church. March 10. 1896, George H. Schlotzhauer was united in marriage to Ella Babbitt, who also was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Stewart) Babbitt, both now deceased, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Elizabeth B., wife of L. Gander, Lebanon township ; Hallie C, who recently returned from army service, and Eugene, Arthur and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Schlotzhauer have reared two of the children of William Babbitt, Mrs. Katie Haley and Lester Bab- bitt, both of Pilot Grove township. Hallie C. Schlotzhauer, the soldier son, was bom Aug. 2, 1899. In Oct., 1918, young Schlotzhauer enlisted for service in the celebrated "Tank" Corps of the United States Army and was sent to Camp Dix, N. J., for training and was there when the armistice was signed, when his corps was demobilized. Leslie F. Cordry, a prominent farmer of Palestine township, was born on a farm in Lebanon township on Sept. 2, 1873, son of William F. and Dora (Hutchison) Cordry, both natives of this county, reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, Leslie F. Cordry was educated in the district school and in the Otterville High School. He remained on the home farm until the spring of 1900, when he bought from his father the tract 880 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of 120 acres on which he is now living. Since taki lg possession of that place Mr. Cordry has made extensive improvement i on the same, these improvements including the erection of a new and modern farm house and other buildings in keeping with the same. His f trm is in a high state of cultivation and his operations are being carried on with constantly- increasing profit, he having demonstrated to his own satisfaction that progressive methods pay. Mr. Cordry is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Feb. 14, 1900, Leslie F. Cordry was united in marriage to Maggie A. Fritts, who was born in Lebanon township, this county, Oct. 3, 1873, fifth in order of birth of the eight children born there to John W. and Patsy (Reese) Fritts, the latter of whom is still living, making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Cordry. She was born in Audrain County, May 8, 1843, and came to Cooper County with her parents, this having been her home when she married in 1863. Mr. Fritts was a Virginian, born Oct. 9, 1836. When he was 24 years of age, he came to Cooper County. After his mar- riage to Patsy Reese he settled on a farm in Lebanon township and there spent the remainder of his life. He died Feb. 1, 1888, aged 52 years. Mrs. Fritts is now in her 72nd year and can tell many interesting tales of conditions in Missouri as she knew them in her girlhood. Christopher Schlotzhauer, a progressive citizen of Pilot Grove town- ship, who is a well known farmer, and one of the most successful orchard- ists in central Missouri, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a pioneer farm in Palestine township, June 21, 1848, a son of Henry Schlotzhauer and wife, well known in that section in their generation. Christopher Schlotzhauer was early trained in the ways of farming, and has followed that vocation all his life. He received his schooling in the local district schools, and when little more than a boy served for three months as a member of the Missouri State Militia, during the Civil War. When he attained his majority, he began farming on his own ac- count. His father deeded him 120 acres long before his death, and since coming into possession of the same he has made extensive improvements to the same, for years having had one of the best farm plants in that neighborhood. About 20 years ago, Mr. Schlotzhauer set out an apple orchard of 20 acres on his place, and has for years been recognized as one of the most successful orchardists in Cooper County, though of recent years he has not given the attention to this branch of his operations that he formerly did. He also has another orchard on a farm in the vicinity of Pilot Grove. During the years in which he gave special attention to CHRISTOPHER SCHLOTZHAUER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 881 his orchards he was an active member of the Fruit Growers Association, and some years ago shipped in one season 13 carloads of apples from his place. Mr. Schlotzhauer is the owner of 320 acres of land, which is well improved and profitably cultivated. He is a republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Schlotzhauer has been twice married. In 1869 he was married to Lottie Morrow, who was born in Scotland, and who died at her home in this county in 1880, at the age of 29 years. To that union were born four children, namely : George, a farmer, of Bellaire, Mo. ; Margaret, who makes her home with her brother, George; Lloyd, Morgan County, Ohio; and Arthur, deceased. On Feb. 11, 1883, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Mar- garet Ferguson, who was born in Pettis County, and to this union five children have been born. Of these the fourth in order of birth died in infancy. The others are as follows: Myrtle, married Fred Harris, La- monte, Mo. ; Charles, Pilot Grove ; Horace, who is at home assisting his father; and Grace, wife of James Verts, farming near Boonville. Mrs. Schlotzhauer was reared in Pettis County, where she was born. She is a daughter of Samuel and Lucretia (Smith) Ferguson, who spent their last days in Pettis County. Samuel Ferguson was bom in that county, and his wife was born in Kentucky. . Robert E. Downing, one of Cooper County's best known real "old- timers," was bom in Palestine township March 28, 1847, son of Robert E. and Lucy (Boulware) Downing, and was the second in order of birth of the three children born to that parentage, he having had two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Harness, now deceased, and Agnes, who died in infancy. Robert E. Downing, Sr., was born in Northumberland County, Va., and came to Missouri in the early '40s and settled on a farm west of the site of Bunceton. In 1849 he joined that great band of fortune hunters which streamed across the plains seeking gold in California. Not finding con- ditions there as his fancy had painted them, he started home, taking ves- sel to return by way of Cape Horn, but was taken ill and died before many days out and was buried at sea. He was twice manned and by his first wife, Eliza Bell, who also was born in Virginia, had two sons, Everett S., and Samuel W., both now deceased. His second wife, Lucy Boulware, also was born in Virginia. She died at her home in this county in 1875, being then 55 years of age. The earliest recollections of Robert E. Downing have to do with the efforts he early recognized to help his widowed mother. Of his father 882 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he has no recollection, for he was little more than an infant when that unfortunate man started on his ill-fated quest for gold. He grew up on the little farm which his mother retained, west of Bunceton, and his schooling was received in a little old log school house more than three miles from his home and to which he walked to and from during the win- ter periods of from three to four months in which school was "held." His boyhood was given over to farm work until he was 18 years of age, when, in 1865, he became employed by the government as a "bullwhacker" for the supply trains of ox-teams plodding across the plains to Ft. Union in New Mexico territory, and during this period of employment under- went some interesting experiences. Upon the completion of this service, Mr. Downing resumed his place on his mother's farm and continued in charge of the same until her death in 1875. In the meantime, a few years prior to that event, he had married ; moved to Cass County. After three years, he returned to Cooper County and formed a partnership with Green Walker in the live stock business and was for three years thus engaged. At the end of that time he moved back to the old home farm, then owned by T. J. Wallace, and formed a partnership with Mr. Wallace in the opera- tion of the place which lasted for three years, when, in 1886, he bought 80 acres of the farm now owned by E. B. Windsor in Palestine township. Mr. Downing resided there for about 20 years, when he sold it and bought the quarter section on which he is now living. In addition to his general farming operations, Mr. Downing has been engaged ever since his return from Cass County in the buying and selling of mules and has long been recognized as an expert in mule values. Although Mr. Downing is widely known as one of the "safest" buyers in the country, he says the days of former profits in the mule market seem to have gone forever. Mr. Down- ing is a democrat and has since the days of his young manhood taken an interested part in local civic affairs. For the past 20 years he has been the clerk of the school board in his home district and during that time has done much to help elevate educational standards, it having been dur- ing his incumbency that District No. 49 became famous as the seat of the highest-priced school plant of any country school district in Missouri, a distinction it held from the time it achieved the same until six years ago, when the banner was won away by another district; however, Dis- trict 49 still claims the best country school in Cooper County. The Down- ings are members of the Baptist Church. Dec. 24, 1872, Robert E. Downing was united in marriage to Martha Paxton, who was born in Nichols county, Ky., Sept. 12, 1846, daughter HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 883 of Thomas and Margaret (Orr) Paxton, both of whom were born in that state. Thomas Paxton died in Kentucky and his widow later came to Cooper County, where her daughters resided, and here spent the re- mainder of her life. To Robert E. and Martha (Paxton) Downing five children have been born: William B., superintendent of schools of Cooper County; Lutie May, who died in infancy; twins, who died in in- fancy, and Martha, wife of W. H. Streitt, of Lebanon township. Mr. and Mrs. Streitt have two children, Wade H., Jr., and Margaret. Prof. William B. Downing, county superintendent of schools, began his educational career when, at the age of 16 years, following his gradua- tion from the Otterville High School, he was granted a certificate to teach school, his examination papers receiving the highest grade accorded in the county in that year. Though but a boy, his initial effort was success- ful and he ever since has continued as a teacher, and is recognized as one of the leading educators in this part of the State, and in Jan., 1919, was elected superintendent of schools for Cooper County. Professor Down- ing makes his home with his children in the household of his parents, his wife having died in 1906, leaving three children, Lucy, Dorothy and Lewis. The mother of these children was Grace Parrish, who was born in this county, daughter of Robert Parrish and wife, the latter of whom was a Waller, and who died in 1906 at the age of 32 years. John M. Putnam, manager of the Nelson farms in Kelly township, was born on a farm in Palestine township June 27, 1863, son of Darius and Mary (Jeffress) Putnam, both deceased. Darius Putnam was born in Worcester County, Mass., and was but a child when his father died. His mother married again and he left home and came West, arriving at Boonville when he was 12 years of age. There, under the instructions of George Sahm, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed the rest of his life and in which he was successful, making considerable money, which he lost in unfortunate investments. He entered business in Boonville, that being a time when custom-made boots were generally worn, and after some years moved to Bunceton, where he set up in busi- ness and bought a farm on which his sons were reared and trained in the ways of farming, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of 56 years. His widow died in 1881, aged 71 years. She was bora in Tennessee and was married in this county. Darius Putnam was a stal- wart democrat and ever took an active interest in political affairs, serving for some time as constable and later for years as justice of the peace in and for Palestine township. He and his wife were the parents of nine 884 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY children, of whom but two are now living, the subject of this sketch hav- ing a sister older than himself, Mrs. Elizabeth Blackburn, Alhambra, Calif. Reared on the home farm in Palestine township, John M. Putnam was from the days of his boyhood given an excellent training in the ways of practical farming. He received his schooling in the local schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account, renting a por- tion of the Nelson tract. Early in 1888 he married, thereafter continu- ing his farming as a renter until in 1891 he was made sole manager for the Dr. Arthur W. Nelson farms, a position he ever since has occupied, now having under his charge 3500 acres of land in Kelly township. Mr. Putnam is a stockholder in the Traders Bank of Tipton, Mo. He is a democrat, as was his father. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Metho- dist Church. Feb. 22, 1888, John M. Putnam was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ranz, of this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Florence, wife of C. E. Hutchinson, Lebanon township; George, Palestine township; Frank, Morgan County; Arthur W., Kelly township, and Thomas, who has but recently returned from service in the United States Army, having received his honorable discharge on Feb. 7, 1919. He was in training at Camp Funston, and was a corporal in the head- quarters company of the Tenth Division, Infantry, when the armistice was signed. Mrs. Putnam was born in Tennessee and was but four years of age when she came to Missouri with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Ranz, the family locating in this county. Here Jacob Ranz spent the re- mainder of his life. His widow is now living in Moniteau County. Joseph R. Koontz, one of Kelly township's successful fanners, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 21, 1863, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Koontz, both of whom also were born in that state, the latter in Shenandoah County, and who died there. Lewis Koontz was born in 1821 and died in 1899. Many years ago he made several trips west and bought land both in Illinois and in Missouri as an investment, but never farmed the same. He made three trips into Cooper County, coming once by boat and twice by wagon, to look after his investments here, but could not make up his mind to make this his place of residence, as many other Virginians, who came here about the same time, did. He and his wife were the parents of 10 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth. In 1883, Joseph R. Koontz came to Missouri to look after some land investments that his father had made in Cooper County and he ever HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 885 since has resided here. He settled on the place where he is now living, 238 acres of which he bought in 1885, and which he has well improved. This farm is the site of the old John Roatcap flour mill, which stood there in pioneer days and the products of which were known for miles about, the early settlers driving from far distant points to get their "grist" done there. In those days there was a big spring near the mill and the waters of which had a wide celebrity among the pioneers. Dec. 21, 1886, Joseph R. Koonte was married to Lida Funkhouser, an adopted daughter of Eli Funkhouser, and to this union four children have been bora, namely: Lewis, now a resident of St. Louis; Russell, farmer, Kelly township; Frank and Josephine, at home. Mr. Koontz is a demo- crat, and he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Charles S. Phillips, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the leading farmers of Kelly township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1843, son of John and Czrina (Buchanan) Phillips, both of whom also were born in Ohio, the former in Athens County and the latter in Morgan County. John Phillips died in Washington County when about 45 years of age. His widow survived him many years and her last days were spent in Grundy County, 111. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Walter Phillips, Morris, 111. Charles S. Phillips was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Union Army, and went to the front as a member of Company D, Fourth Virginia (after- ward West Virginia) Cavalry, with which command he served for six months, when he re-enlisted as a member of Company A, 36th Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, with which he served until mustered out at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1865, the war then being over. During this service, Mr. Phil- lips participated in the battle of Medaly Gap as a cavalryman and after joining the infantry took part in several of the important battles and engagements of the war, including Meadows Bluff, Lynchburg, Winches- ter and Cedar Creek. At the battle of Winchester, July 24, 1864, he was severely wounded by a minnie ball, which went through his right leg below the knee. After the war, Mr. Phillips returned to his home in Ohio and remained until 1867, when he came to Missouri and located in St. Louis County. In 1871 he returned to Ohio, but in 1875 came back to Missouri and located in Cooper County, beginning here by renting a farm in Pilot Grove township and was thus engaged there until 1880, when he moved to Kelly township, rented of James Nelson the farm. In 1893 he bought his present farm. Mr. Phillips has been successful in his farm- 886 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ing and stock raising and has added to the acreage until now he is the owner of 238 acres and has one of the best improved farms in the neigh- borhood. Mr. Phillips is a republican, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Tipton. Formerly he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). March 4, 1880, Charles S. Phillips was married to Matilda Barnhart, who was born in Illinois in 1853, and to this union four children have been born: Charles S., Kansas City; Clarence E., Lebanon township; Orville H., at home, and Mary, wife of Harry Hegmire, Kelly township. James N. Blythe, formerly and for many years a well-known black- smith at Pleasant Green, was born on a farm in Otterville township March 20, 1858, son of William and Nancy (James) Blythe, natives of Kentucky, who had come here some years prior to that date and had set- tled on a farm in Otterville township. William Blythe also was a black- smith and the forge he set up on his farm was a great accommodation to his neighbors. He continued to make his home on that place and there died in 1907, he then being 66 years of age. William Blythe was twice married. His first wife, Nancy James, whom he married in Kentucky, died in 1864. By that marriage he was the father of seven children, of whom James N. was the sixth in order of birth. Following the death of the mother of these children, William Blythe married Mary Fink, and to that union seven children also were born. Reared on the home farm in Otterville township, James N. Blythe received his schooling in the district schools and was early trained by his father not only in the ways of farming but in blacksmithing, to which latter vocation he gave particular attention and about 40 years ago set up as a blacksmith on his own account. He married in 1881 and not long thereafter moved to Pleasant Green, where he bought a tract of 35 acres at the edge of the town, and set up his blacksmith shop, and for many years worked there at his trade, one of the best known smiths hereabout. In 1913, Mr. Blythe bought a tract of land adjoining his home and has since then been devoting the greater part of his time to the breeding of Poland China hogs and to the buying and selling of stock, and has met with success. He owns a well-kept farm of 151 acres. He also is a stock- holder in the Pleasant Green Bank. Mr. Blythe is a democrat, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and his wife is a Baptist. Mr. Blythe has been twice married. Dec. 24, 1881, he was married to Margaret Campbell, who was born in Polk County, Mo., and who died HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 887 without issue in 1890, at the age of 41 years. Dec. 28, 1891, Mr. Blythe married Sarah W. Woolery, who was born in this county, daughter of Taylor and Eliza (Berry) Woolery, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County and both of whom are living on their farm, east of Pleas- ant Green. William F. Cordry, one of the progressive farmers of Lebanon town- ship, was born near the farm on which he is now living, Nov. 8, 1846, son of William L. and Polly Ann (Weir) Cordry. William L. Cordry was born in Todd County, Ky., Jan. 15, 1816, and was but 14 years of age when, in 1830, he came with his parents, James Cordry and wife, to Missouri, the family driving through with both oxen and horses and settling on land which James Cordry had entered from the Government, in Lebanon town- ship. There a log cabin was erected. The nearest market at that time was at Boonville and conditions of living were somewhat rough and prim- itive. The little old log cabin which sheltered the family for years and in which children were born and reared, is still standing on the old home pdace, a most highly valued relic of pioneer days, and is being carefully preserved. It was on that pioneer farm that William L. Cordry grew to manhood and laid the foundations for his after success, for in time he became one of the most substantial farmers and landowners in that com- munity. In the spring of 1838 he married Polly Ann Weir, who was born in Howard County, Sept. 28, 1819, and after his marriage established his home in Lebanon township, where he and his wife spent the remain- der of their lives. Both lived to be past 80 years of age and at their pass- ing left good memories as a legacy to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. William L. Cordry died in 1902. His wife died Oct. 14, 1900. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Sam- uel J., now deceased, was a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War; James N., a farmer in Kelly township; William F. ; Thomas N., Pilot Grove; Charles W., Palestine township; Robert D., Lebanon town- ship ; Mrs. Alice Eichelberger, Fulton, Mo. ; and Margaret Ida, wife of Peter F. Smith, Lebanon township. Reared in Lebanon township, William F. Cordry attended school in the little old log school house which was serving the district in the days of his boyhood, but which before his school days were over was sup- planted by a small frame structure with oak slabs for seats. He was but 15 years of age when the Civil War broke out, but he was enrolled for service, thought it never became necessary to call him out to active duty. In 1871, his father gave him the "80" on which he established his home and on which he is still living. As his affairs prospered Mr. Cordry 888 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY bought more land adjoining and now has an excellent farm of 250 acres, besides which he has given land and money to his children. Mr. Cordry has lived to see many wonderful changes in the methods of agricultural operations since the days of his boyhood and has been progressive enough to adopt the new ways, and he has prospered thereby. Mr. Cor- dry is a republican, but has not been included in the office-seeking class. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Jan. 12, 1871, William F. Cordry was married to Madora Hutchinson, who was born in that same township, Dec. 17, 1851, daughter of L. M. Hutchinson and wife, the latter of whom was a Cordry. L. M. Hutchin- son was born in Page County, Va., and his wife was born in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry have four children, namely: Leslie L., a farmer of Palestine township ; Oliver L., a Lebanon township farmer ; Owen E., also of Lebanon township, and Bessie, wife of John Streit, in Otterville township. Davin Brothers, Michael and Andrew Davin, extensive farmers and stock raisers in Pilot Grove township, and the latter of whom served for three terms as county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and is vice-president of the Pilot Grove Bank, and vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of that place, have resided in this county since 1877, and have for years been among its most progressive and substantial citizens. Michael Davin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dec, 2, 1854, and Andrew Davin was born across the Ohio River, in Cov- ington, Ky., June 29, 1860, sons of Michael and Ellen (Ryan) Davin, natives of Ireland, who came to this county after their marriage, and after a some time residence in Cincinnati and Covington, came to Mis- souri with their family and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Michael Davin, the father, was born Jan. 6, 1816, and grew to man- hood in Ireland, where on Feb. 8, 1837, he married Ellen Ryan, who was bom in 1817. He and his wife remained in their native land until 1848, when they came to the United States. At that time they had several small children and others were born to them after they came to this country. They first went to Cincinnati, but later moved across the river to Covington and there remained until the spring of 1877 when they came to Cooper County, arriving here March 17 and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, which place is still in the family and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Michael Davin died on July 9, 1891, and his widow died July 27, 1899. They were members of the Catholic Church HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 889 and their children were reared in that faith. There were twelve of these children, of whom two died in childhood, the others besides the subjects of this sketch being as follows: Thomas, born in Ireland, March 1, 1838, died July, 1898 ; Mary, married John Kirwin and is deceased ; Bridget, wife of Thomas Woods, St. Louis ; Jeremiah, deceased ; John, deceased ; Ellen, with her brothers on the old home place; Margaret, who also is at home, and James, deceased. Of these children, Michael was the seventh in order of birth and Andrew the ninth. The former had passed his majority when the family came to Cooper County and the latter was about 17 years of age. Thus both were able assistants in the labors of developing and improving the farm on which the family settled. Following the death of their father, the brothers continued operations on the home place and now have an excellent farm of 480 acres, on which they are profitably carrying on gen- eral fanning and stock raising. They are republicans and in 1908 Andrew Davin was elected county judge for the western district of Cooper County and by successive re-elections served in that important judicial capacity for three terms. He is a member of the board of directors and vice- president of the Pilot Grove Bank as well as vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of Pilot Grove. The Davin brothers and their sisters are members of the Catholic Church and Michael and Andrew Davin are members of the Knights of Columbus. William R. Phillips, one of Clear Creek township's well-known farmers, is a native son of Cooper County, member of one of the real pioneer families. He was born in Clear Creek township, Feb. 18, 1847, son of Martin G. and Susan (Huff) Phillips, both of whom were members of pioneer families in this county and who spent their last days here. Martin G. Phillips was born in Alabama in 1814 and was but eight years of age when his parents, Jeremiah and Ann (Brown) Phillips, came to Missouri with their family and a few years later settled on Govern- ment land near Buffalo Prairie in Clear Creek township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jeremiah Phillips was of Irish stock and was a soldier of the War of 1812. On that pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, Martin G. Phillips grew to manhood and after his marriage to Susan Huff, who was born in Kentucky and who had come to Missouri with her parents, settled on a farm in that same neighborhood and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Martin G. Phillips died in 1894, at the age of 80 years. His widow died in 1896. She was born in 1818. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom five are 890 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY still living, as follows : William R. ; James W., Yukon, Okla. ; George W., of Hughesville, Mo. ; Jennie, widow of J. Parrish ; and Addie, wife of C. F. Smith, Clear Creek township. William R. Phillips, from the days of his boyhood, gave his attention to farming. He received his schooling in the local schools of his home neighborhood and remained at home until his marriage in the spring of 1873, when he rented a farm. He continued as a renter until 1888, when he bought the farm where he has since made his home. Since taking possession of that place, Mr. Phillips has improved it in substantial fashion. In his political views he is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church. April 8, 1873, William R. Phillips was married to Catherine Gentry, who also was born in this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: George, deceased; Jennie, wife of John J. Potter, Clifton; Martin G., Palestine township; Margaret, deceased, and Riley, who is at home assisting his father on the farm. Mrs. Phillips was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of William and Margaret (Roe) Gen- try, who for years were among the well-known residents of that part of the county. In May, 1919, Mr. Phillips retii-ed from the farm and moved to Pilot Grove, where he bought property. His son, William Riley, Jr., is con- ducting the farm. Daniel R. Brubaker, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the well- known and substantial farmers and stockmen of Lebanon township, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 14, 1844, son of Gideon and Nancy (Roth- geb) Brubaker, both also natives of that state and who spent their lives there. Gideon Brubaker was born in Page county, Va., Aug. 28, 1806, and died in 1892. He was a son of Peter and Barbara Ann (Kaufman) Brubaker, both natives of Virginia. The Brubakers are of Swedish stock and have been established in this country since 1700, when the first of the name on this side of the water settled in Virginia. Gideon Brubaker was married four times and had children by three wives. By his union with Nancy Rothgeb, mother of the subject of this sketch, he had six children, of whom Daniel R. was the first born. Reared on the farm on which he was born in Page county, Va., Dan- iel R. Brubaker was living there when the Civil War broke out, he then being 17 years of age. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at Luray, Va., and served until finally mustered out. At the battle of Malvern Hill — the seven days fight — he was wounded in the eye and sustained other HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 891 wounds from bursting shells. In the spring of 1866 he married and set- tled down in his home county, where he remained until Feb. 22, 1873, when he left Virginia with his family and came to Missouri, settling in this county. Here he bought a tract of 90 acres, a part of the farm on which he is now living in Lebanon township. As his affairs prospered, he added to the same until he now owns 440 acres. Fifty years and more ago, back in his old home county, Mr. Brubaker taught a term of school and has ever retained the liveliest interest in school affairs. For some time he served as director of his local school district and also has served as clerk of the school board. He maintains an independent attitude on political questions. March 29, 1866, in Page County, Va., Daniel R. Brubaker was united in marriage with Frances E. Gander, who was born in that county, and to this union 10 children have been born, namely: Edgar, Sedalia, Mo.; Lizzie, wife of V. L. Biedler, of Rockingham County, Va. ; Hubert L., Chi- cago, 111.; Henry M., who is at home with his father; Ashby W., Kansas City; Elmer J., Kelly township; Ella M., wife of J. C. Cordry, Kelly town- ship; Homer V., of Lebanon township; Nettie L., wife of W. P. Coe, Se- dalia, and Bessie P., wife of T. H. Coe, Sedalia. Mrs. Brubaker, mother of these children, was born on July 18, 1844, daughter of Henry and Mary Coffman Gander, who were born in what is now known as Page County, Va. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. William H. Glasgow, a successful young stock breeder of Kelly town- ship, was born on Oct. 10, 1894, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The senior William H. Glasgow, who died at Syracuse Oct. 30, 1901, was born in this county, Sept. 23, 1849, son of James H. and Harriet (Cranmer) Glasgow, who were among the pio- neers of Cooper County. James H. Glasgow was born in Delaware, Jan. 5, 1807, and came to Missouri when Government land still was available for settlement in Cooper County. He was a slaveholder and bought from the Government for $1.25 an acre the land upon which he settled, later increasing his holdings until he became the owner of a plantation of 800 acres. He died at his home in this county Dec. 5, 1885. His widow died Oct. 5, 1902. She was born in Kentucky Nov. 10, 1816, and came to this county with her parents, the Cranmers having been among the early set- tlers here. Of the four children born to James H. Glasgow and wife, Wil- liam H. was the second in order of birth. He grew to manhood in this county and became an extensive farmer and influential. He organized 892 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the Cooper County Anti-Horse Thief Association, and was the first presi- dent and until his death one of the leading spirits. William H. Glasgow, Sr., died in the fall of 1901 and his widow died March 14, 1917. She was born at Memphis, Tenn., June 25, 1860, and was past 57 years of age at the time of her death. She was a member of the Gates family, which came from England to this country in Colonial days and of which now widely scattered family there is a complete genealogy beginning in the 17th century and bringing the descent down to the year 1917. William H. Glasgow and Belle J. Gates were married at St. Louis, Oct. 5, 1892, and to that union three children were born. Of these the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. The first born, Versalis H., died in infancy. The third, Clayton S. Glasgow, lives on the farm adjoining that of his brother William, a part of the old home place, in Kelly township. The junior William H. Glasgow was but seven years of age when his father died and the responsibility of carrying on the operations of the home place early fell upon his shoulders. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and upon his return from college resumed his place on the farm, he and his brother carrying on the operations of the place jointly in behalf of their mother. After their mother's death, in the spring of 1917, the brothers divided the estate equitably, this division giving to each 210 acres. For some years past William H. Glasgow has been giving particular attention to the raising of Hampshire sheep and his breeding cotes have attained more than a local reputation. He has made exhibits at the Bunceton Fair and in addition to the private sales which he conducts on his farm, he has received orders for the increase of his flock from several states. Mr. Glasgow is a member of the American Hampshire Sheep Association of Detroit, and a member of the local Sheep Breeders' Association, which confines its field of activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties. He is a democrat. Oct. 18, 1916, William H. Glasgow was married to Dora B. Kite, who also was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, William H. Glasgow, III. Mrs. Glasgow was born in Lebanon township, daughter of George W. and Emma J. (Buracker) Kite, the latter of whom is living in Lebanon township. She was born in Page County, Va., Jan. 1, 1867. George W. Kite also was born in Page County, Va., March 27, 1857. He and his wife came to Missouri about 1887 and located on a farm in Lebanon township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 893 died in 1905. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom three are still living, Mrs. Glasgow having a brother, Grover C. Kite, of Kelly township, and a sister, Ruth V., who is at home with her mother. Clayton Stilhnan Glasgow, one of the progressive young farmers and stockmen of Kelly township was born on the place where he now resiues, Aug. 27, 1896, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The former died in 1901 and the latter in 1917. James H. Glasgow, a native of Delaware and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, bought at an early day a considerable tract of land here on which to establish his home. This pioneer's son, William H. Glasgow, anc? his wife had three children, the first born a daughter, who died in infancy, Clayton S. Glasgow having an elder brother, William H., who lives on the farm adjoining him. Reared on the home farm, Clayton S. Glasgow was from the days of his boyhood trained in the ways of farming, the operations of the home place early devolving upon his elder brother and himself due to the tact of their father's death when they were but boys. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and in the University of Missouri and upon leaving the university returned to the home farm and there re- sumed his operations, he and his bi'other managing the place jointly in behalf of their mother, and after the latter's death in 1917 the brothers divided the estate, each receiving 210 acres of excellent and well improved land. In the following spring Clayton S. Glasgow married and estab- lished his home on that portion of the estate which came to his share and has since been making extensive improvements on the same. In addition to his general farming he has for some time given special attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep and has met with much s-uccess in this line. Mr. Glasgow is a member of local association of Shropshire breeders which confines its activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties, has been an exhibitor at the county fair and is going into the breeding business in a way to bespeak his continued success and influence in that line, coming to be recognized as one of the wideawake young stockmen of his county. May 29, 1918, Clayton S. Glasgow was united in marriage with Velma G. Palmer, who was born on a farm near Greenville, 111., June 15, 1897, daughter of A. L. and Alice (Betteridge) Palmer. A. L. Palmer is n native of Illinois and his wife of Connecticut. Upon coming to Cooper County from Illinois they located on a farm in Lebanon township and are 894 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY living there. Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Glasgow is a democrat, as were his father and grand- father before him. To Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow have been born a son, Cecil Wayne, born April 27, 1919. George Barnhart, one of Kelly township's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born on a pioneer farm forty miles north Oskaloosa, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1857. He is a son of John and Sarah (Ashmead) Barn- hart, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Cooper County at the close of the Civil War and whose last days were spent here, both living to a ripe old age. John Barnhart was reared in Pennsylvania, his native state, and there married Sarah Ashmead, who also was born in that state. Not long after their marriage they moved to central Iowa, where they remained until 1866, when they moved to Missouri and located in Cooper County. Not long after coming here John Barnhart bought a farm south of Boon- ville and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives there. John Barnhart died in 1894, he then being past 76 years of age. His widow died in 1909, being 76 years of age. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth and three of whom are still living, Mr. Barnhart having two sisters, Matildia, wife of C. S. Phillips and Mrs. Laura Rockwood, near Pilot Grove. George Barnhart was nine years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents from Iowa in 1866 and his schooling was com- pleted in the district school. When 22 years of age he rented a farm in Boonville township and continued to make that township his residence until 1899, when he bought the quarter section in Kelly township on which he is now living. Mr. Barnhart has made numerous substantial improve- ments on his place. In addition to his general farming he has an excellent herd of Hereford cattle. He is a republican. Feb. 12, 1884, that George Barnhart was married to Susan Wilson, who was born at Adair, Mo., daughter of James T. Wilson and wife, the latter of whom was a Jones, and who died Feb. 24, 1915, at the age of 53 years. To that union was born one child, a daughter, Laura, who married Earl Stahl and is now (spring of 1919) at home with her father during the continued absence of her husband in Europe as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have one child, a daughter, Ruth. Thomas G. Hutchison, a successful farmer and stockman of Kelly township was born at Danville, Ky., May 30, 1847. He is a son of John HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 895 G. and Sallie (Downton) Hutchison, who many years ago became residents of Kelly township, and are buried in the cemetery at Syracuse, Mo. John G. Hutchison was born in Kentucky and there married and became a farmer and merchant. In 1856 he disposed of his interests and with his family came to Missouri, locating in Kelly township, where he became a quite extensive landowner and where he spent the remainder of his life, living to a ripe old age. His wife died at Sedalia, ten years before her husband's death. A couple of years after John G. Hutchison had settled in this county his parents, Elijah and Isabel (West) Hutchison, disposed of their interests in Kentucky and also came here. Elijah Hutch- ison was a Virginian as was his wife. Upon coming here in 1858 he bought several thousand acres of land in Cooper and Pettis Counties and with the 200 negroes which he brought with him from Kentucky started in to create a great plantation with particular reference to the raising of cattle and mules, but the breaking out of the Civil War, a few years later, and the permanent consequences necessitated a complete revision of his plans, though he still maintained a considerable estate. John G. Hutch- ison and his wife lived to ripe old ages. Of the children born to them but two are now living, the subject of this sketch having a younger brother, Elijah Hutchison, now living at Independence, Mo. Reared on the farm on which his parents had settled when he was nine years of age, Thomas G. Hutchison has continued to make that place his home. He married when twenty years of age and established his home on the place, in time coming into the inherited possession of 300 acres of the same. Of this tract he later sold fifty acres and thus now has 250 acres, the same being well improved and profitably cultivated. In addition to his general farming Mr. Hutchison has for many years given considerable attention to stock raising. In recent years he has been ably assisted in the management of the place by his son, Richard E. For nine years during the educational period of their son,Mr. and Mrs. Hutch- ison maintained a city residence at Sedalia, where their son went to school, Mr. Hutchison meantime, however, continuing to look after the farm. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Hutchison has been twice married. In 1867 he was married to Lucy E. Thompson, who was born in this county and who died leaving two children, Mary E., wife of T. Bradley, of Boonville, and Segis Leslie, deceased. Oct. 17, 1883, Mr. Hutchison married Margaret Lenora Ellis, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have 896 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY been born, namely: Margaret, deceased; Richard Ellis, mentioned above, and Thomas G., Jr., deceased. Richard Ellis Hutchison married Julia Bridges and is making his home on the home farm in Kelly township, being able thus to relieve his father of much of the detail of management. Mrs. Margaret Lenora Hutchison was born in Lebanon township Sept. 28, 1849, one of the nine children born to Richard P. and Margaret V. (Fergu- son) Ellis, the eldest of these children having been the late Mrs. Mary E. Harris, mother of Mrs. W. F. Johnson, whose name appears on the title page of this work. Richard P. Ellis was a native of Virginia, born in Orange County, in 1809. Nov. 25, 1830, he married Margaret V. Fergu- son, who was born in Bath County, Ky. In 1836 he came to Missouri with his family and settled in Cooper County, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. During that struggle he was killed. His widow died at Pilot Grove many years afterward. William A. Mayfield, one of the large landowners and best known farmers and stockmen in the county, now living retired at Pleasant Green, was born on a farm in Clear Creek township March 29, 1852. He is a son of James and Elizabeth V. (Linn) Mayfield, both of whom were bom in Barren County, Ky., and came to Cooper County nearly 70 years ago and settled in the Clear Creek section. James Mayfield was born at Glasgow, Ky., March 4, 1815, a son of one of the pioneer families of that section. The Mayfields are an old Colonial family, the first of this name in this country, having come here from Glasgow, Scotland, about 300 years ago, settling on the North Caro- lina coast, whence members of the family drifted into Kentucky in the early days of the settlement of that state. Sept. 3, 1843, in Kentucky, James Mayfield married Elizabeth V. Linn and there continued to reside until 1850, when he came with his family to Missouri and settled on a farm in Clear Creek township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Oct. 19, 1892. His widow died Jan. 25, 1901. She was born Aug. 28, 1822. They were the parents of six children as follows: Louisa, married Captain Zollinger and is now deceased : Emma, who married W. A. Huyett and is deceased; William A.; Thomas^ Vernon County, Mo.; James, deceased, and David B. Mayfield. a stockman, Otterville. William A. Mayfield was reared on the farm on which he was born in Clear Creek township and received his schooling in the district schools. As a young man he began farming on his own account on rented land owned by his father, but in 1878 he bought a farm on which he made his HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 897 home until he later sold it. He has from time to time made some excel- lent investments and has owned a great deal of land. At present he -is the owner of 750 acres in this county and 480 acres near Amarillo, Texas. During the progress of the various Liberty Bond sales during the World War Mr. Mayfield bought $20,000 worth of bonds and was in other ways an active factor in promoting the sale of these securities in this county. In 1910 Mr. Mayfield retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Pleasant Green, where he is now very comfortably situated, his house being surrounded by a four-acre tract. He is a democrat but has not been a seeker after office. Feb. 20, 1878, William A. Mayfield was married to Laura J. Licklider, who was born in Ohio on Oct. 30, 1849, and who died at Pleasant Green Sept. 13, 1917. To that union were born eight children, namely: Maud E., deceased ; Elsie, wife of Doctor Hite, Greenridge, Mo. ; James W., farm- ing in New Lebanon township; Cleveland, who is engaged in the hard- ware, grain and live-stock business at Pleasant Green; Laura, at home with her father; Luella, wife of James Algaier, a hardware and imple- ment merchant at Lincoln, Mo.; Ruth, at home, and Anna B., wife of E. Hurt, of Pleasant Green. Ewing Hurt, a corporal in the 89th Division of the United States army, attached to the American Expeditionary Forces overseas, and who is now (spring of 1919) in France with his command, was inducted into the army in 1917, and in 1918 sailed with his division for overseas service. He participated in the great battle of the Argonne Forest and other engagements. Joseph Clark Cordry, a progressive farmer of Kelly township, was bom Nov. 30, 1874, son of Newton and Amanda (Woolery) Cordry, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County. Reared on the home farm, Joseph C. Cordry received his schooling in the district school and from his boyhood was a valued assistant in the labors of the home farm. When he had attained his majority his father gave him 80 acres, a part of the home place, and he then began farming on his own account, a vocation he ever since has followed and with considerable success. That was in 1895 and seven vears later, he bought an adjoining 80 and has since been engaged in cultivating and improving his place of 160 acres until now he has an excellent farm, among these improvements being the erection of a new house and a new barn on the place. Mr. Cordry has long given proper attention to the raising of live stock and has found (47) 898 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY that a profitable phase of his agricultural operations. Mr. Cordry does not acknowledge unshaken fealty to any political party, preferring rather to maintain an independent attitude, particularly with respect to local issues. June 5, 1900, Joseph C. Cordry was married to Ella May Brumaker, who also was born in this county and to this union four children have been bom, Cletus Daniel, Jessie F., Agnes E. and Joseph C, Jr. Mrs. Cordry is a daughter of Daniel R. Brubaker and wife, members of pioneer fam- ilies in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry are members of the Baptist Church and have ever taken an interested part in church work. William H. Cordry is one of the well fixed farmers of Kelly township and he has a pleasant home where he and his family are very comfort- ably situated. The youngest member of that household is Mr. Cordry's grandson, Arthur William Putman, a representative of the Cordry family in the fifth generation since that family came to Cooper County from Kentucky, the Cordrys being one of the real "old families" of this com- munity. William H. Cordry was born on the old Cordry home place in Kelly township, on a part of which he still resides. He was born Sept. 27, 1870, his parents being James Newton and Amanda L. (Woolery) Cordry. James Newton Cordry gave his son, William H., 80 acres of the home place when the latter attained his majority and that property not only has been carefully conserved but added to, the present owner long having been looked upon as one of the substantial farmers of that neigh- borhood. He had grown up on the home farm, had received his schooling in the public school and had from the days of his boyhood been a valuable assistant on the home place. When he took possession of his farm there was no improvement save an old house which had been erected there many years before, thus all the present improvements, including the comfortable farm house, the ample barn and other buildings have been placed by the present owner. In 1904 Mr. Cordry bought an adjoining tract of 35 acres and now has an excellent farm of 115 acres, well improved and profitably cultivated. Sept. 5, 1893, William H. Cordry was married to Nora May Davis, who also is a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Mary G., who married A. W. Putman, who is living on the Cordry place, assisting in the operations of the same, and has one child, Arthur William, representative in the fifth generation of the Cooper County Cordrys. Mrs. Cordry was born in this county in Aug., 1872, daughter of George W. and Matilda (McMahan) HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 899 Davis, both now deceased. George W. Davis in his younger days was a Santa Fe "trailer", an Indian fighter and a man thoroughly conversant with the hazard of Western frontier life, having often faced the most imminent peril and come through the same safely. But death came to him at last amid the calm pursuits of peaceful agricultural life at home. One day he was riding horseback across the fields when a prairie chicken whirred up from the grass directly in front of his horse. The frightened animal whirled and threw its rider. Mr. Davis' back was injured and he died from the effects. The Cordrys are members of the Baptist Church and Mr. Cordry is affiliated with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. James M. Corson, who died at his farm home in Kelly township in the spring of 1911 was born in Madison County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1845. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Blizzard) Corson, and was one of the eight children born to them. Reared and schooled in his native county, James M. Corson learned the trade of blacksmith and upon finishing his trade came to Missouri and located in Henry County, where he had relatives. There he remained until 1876, when he came to Cooper County and took employment on the farm of the Mrs. Varner, a widow, in Kelly township. A few months later he married the youngest daughter of Mrs. Varner, established his home on the place and thereafter continued in proprietory management of the same, spending the rest of his life there. He died April 12, 1911, he then being past 66 years of age. During his many years of residence in Kelly township, Mr. Corson did well his part in the work of community betterment. He was a member of the Baptist Church and was a demo- crat. Aug. 12, 1876, James M. Corson was united in marriage to Rose Vainer, who was born on the farm on which she is still living and which she owns, Jan. 17, 1856, daughter of Daniel A. and Eustatia (Cordry) Varner, both long since deceased. Daniel A. Varner was a Virginian who came to Missouri and entered government land in Kelly township, a part of his original tract being the farm which Mrs. Corson now owns. Here he married Eustatia Cordry, who was a member of the pioneer Cordry family from Kentucky, and was getting a good start along the lines of development on his home place when he died in 1861, he then being but 40 years of age. His widow maintained the home place and survived him for many years, her death occurring on May 4, 1898. Of the six chil- dren born to Daniel A. Varner and wife, Mrs. Corson was the youngest, 900 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the others being as follows : Charles N., Benton County, Mo. ; Asa, de- ceased ; Barbara, married William Smith and is now deceased ; John T., deceased, and Mary R., wife of Charles Hassett, Syracuse, Mo. To James M. and Rose (Varner) Corson were born seven children, namely: Jesse B., who is now living in Canada; Elizabeth, of Kansas City; Levi, of Sedalia ; Etta, of Kansas City; Nettie, wife of Cyrus Decker, of Morgan County ; Marsh, deceased, and Bertie, at home with her mother. Mrs. Corson has a well improved farm of 80 acres and a very pleasant home. She is a member of the Baptist Church and has ever taken an interested part in church work. James Henry Gunn, cashier of the Bank of Otterville, is one of Cooper County's well known and successful business men. He was born on a farm in Morgan County, Nov. 1, 1875, son of Judge Ephraim F. and Sallie A. (Madale) Gunn, both members of pioneer families. Judge Ephraim E. Gunn was a native of Tennessee, born in Cum- berland County, Nov. 7, 1838, and in 1840 his parents, Starling and Jemima (Marshall) Gunn, came to Missouri and settled near Versailles, Morgan County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. On that farm Ephraim F. Gunn grew to manhood and became a farmer and landowner, a man of influence. An earnest member of the primitive Baptist Church, he was licensed to preach and became widely known exhorter of the faith. He also took an active interest in political affairs, was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his home county and for some time served as judge of the eastern district of Morgan County. He had a good farm and in addition to his general farming, for 21 years operated a threshing-rig. Judge Gunn died on Jan. 1, 1889, and his widow died Jan. 2, 1910. She was born in Kentucky May 5, 1837, and was but a child when her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Ross) Madale, also natives of Kentucky, came to Mis- souri and settled in Morgan County. Judge Gunn and wife were the par- ents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in order of birth and six of whom are still living. James H. Gunn was reared on the home farm in Morgan County and received excellent schooling, completing his studies in Barnett Academy and in the high school at Versailles, after which for four years he was engaged during the winters as a teacher in the public schools of his home county. He early began to turn his attention to commercial pursuits and in 1899, in association with his brother, John R. Gunn, who then was cashier of the Bank of Otterville, became engaged in the agricultural implement business at Otterville. In 1902 he was elected assistant cashier HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 901 of the Bank of Otterville and in 1909 was elected cashier of that institu- tion, a position he since has occupied, one of the best known bankers in Cooper County. Mr. Gunn also is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank and in the Boonville Trust Company. He owns a tract of 40 acres of land in this county and has other investments. He is a Democrat and is a member of the board of directors of the Otterville public schools. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the chapter at Sedalia and of the council, Royal and Select Masters, at Centralia of the Order of the Eastern Star, of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) at Otterville and he is a member of the board of stewards of the same. Mr. Gunn also has long been interested in Sunday school work, is superintend- ent of the Sunday school of his church and is vice-president of the Cooper County Sunday School Association. He has for years given much earnest thought to local historical matters and is an active member of the Mis- souri State Historical Society, in the affairs of which society he takes a warm interest, a valued contributor to its archives. Dec. 4, 1912, James H. Gunn was married to Ida May Potter, who was born at Otterville. Mrs. Gunn is a daughter of Samuel W. and Ida May (Amick) Potter, both now deceased. Samuel W. Potter was a graduate of the University of Missouri and was for years engaged in the drug business at Otterville, one of the most influential factors in the com- mercial life of that town. He also owned an excellent farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have a pleasant home and take an active interest in the general social affairs of their home town. Edwin Price Harned, manager of the Bunceton Telephone Company, a director of the Bunceton High School, owner of a fine farm of 230 acres in Palestine township and in other ways interested in the affairs of Cooper County, is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm in Kelly township Dec. 8, 1865, son of George and Marcia A. (Pash) Harned, natives of Kentucky, who became residents of Cooper County in Civil War times and whose last days were spent here. George Harned was born in Nelson County, Ky., April 8. 1829. He was a son of Benjamin Harned and wife, the latter of whom was a Blan- ford, both of whom were born in Christian County, Ky., who spent most of their lives in Nelson County, where they died and are buried. Benjamin Harned and wife had a large family, but of their numerous children George was the only one who located in Cooper County. Two of the latter's 902 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY brothers, Lee and Ack. L. Harned, served as soldiers of the Confederacy during the Civil War, the former losing his life at the battle of Shiloh and the latter being so seriously wounded that one of his arms had to be amputated. In 1859 George Harned and wife came to Missouri, locating in the southeastern part of the state, where they remained until Feb., 1865, when they came to Cooper County, where he bought 1,000 acres of land in Kelly township and establishing there in that same year a great herd of Shorthorn cattle, being the third person in this county to under- take the breeding of Shorthorns. For ten years he maintained this herd and became widely known among stockmen as an exhibitor at county fairs, his herd attracting much attention. He developed a fine farm and lived to be past 70 years of age. He died in 1900. His widow died March 24, 1912. She was born at Cox's Creek, Nelson County, Ky., April 11, 1832. George Harned and wife were the parents of four children: Wil- liam P. Hamed, living on the old home place in Kelly township; Benjamin Harned, who lives five miles east of Bunceton ; Edwin P. and Huldah, who married Walter Williams and is now deceased. Edwin P. Harned was reared on the farm on which he was born near Vermont and received his schooling in the Bunceton schools. As a young man he became engaged in mercantile business at Vermont and was thus engaged for nine years. In 1900 he began fanning two miles west of Bunceton on a farm which his father had given him and has thus occu- pied that place for nineteen years, making his home there during the summers and living at Bunceton during the winters. This is an excel- lent farm of 230 acres, well improved and profitably cultivated. In 1913 Mr. Harned became one of the leading stockholders in the Bunceton Tele- phone Company and in 1915 was made manager of that concern, a position he has since occupied, his administration of the affairs of the company having done much to extend the service of the telephone plant through- out the territory it covers. Mr. Harned is also a member of the board of directors of the Bunceton High School. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Christian Church. Nov. 8, 1894, Edwin P. Harned was married to Harriet McDonald and to this union four children have been born: Virginia, Howard, Mc- Donald, Harriet H. and William S., all at home. Mrs. Harned was bom in Howard County, a daughter of Strother and Virginia (Turner) Mc- Donald, natives of Virginia, who came to Missouri many years ago. Strother McDonald died in 187R and his widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Harned. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 903 John Leonard Spillers, former county collector for Cooper County and a well known business man of Otterville, is a native of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township, May 23, 1876, son of Henry T. and Nancy E. (Thomas) Spillers. Henry T. Spillers was born in Ran- dolph County, Ind., Aug. 6, 1850, and was but a boy when his parents, William and Mary (Harris) Spillers, came to Missouri with their family and settled on a farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the re- mainder of their active lives, moving to Otterville upon their retirement from the farm and there spending their last days. William Spillers was born in Ohio and his wife in Indiana. Henry T. Spillers grew to manhood in Lebanon township and followed farming until about 1906, when he moved to Otterville and there became engaged in the implements business. He died June 24, 1913. His wife died Jan. 18, 1901. She was born in Ken., March 27, 1848. To Henry T. Spillers and wife were born five chil- dren as follows: John L. ; William, Kansas City; Thomas 0., Otterville; Margaret, wife of Solomon Rothgeb, Lebanon township, and May, wife of Jesse Favorite, Blairstown. John L. Spillers was reared on the home farm in Lebanon township and completed his schooling in Otterville College. He married when 21 years of age and thereafter continued farming until his election in 1903 to the office of county collector. He was re-elected to that office and thus served for two years. In 1909, he moved to Otterville and engaged in the hardware business, buying a store which had already been estab- lished for some time. In 1915 he sold that store and opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment and has since been engaged in this business. In order properly to prepare himself for the exacting profession of funeral director, Mr. Spillers entered the Williams School of Embalming at Kansas City and after a full course at that institution was graduated and was then licensed under the laws of the state. Mr. Spillers has for years taken an earnest interest in the cause of education in that state and is a member of the board of regents of the Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg. He is a Republican and is one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. He is a York Rite Mason, affiliated with the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, at Boonville, and the Commandery, Knights Templar, at Boonville; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Otterville and of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Woodmen of the World. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church and take a proper interest in church work. Oct. 12, 1897, John L. Spillers was married to Pauline Starke, who 904 HISTORY OP COOPER COUNTY was bom in this county, a daughter of Judge Starke. Mr. and Mrs. Spill- ers have two children, Guy E., who is now a student in the Missouri State Normal School, and Agnes E., who is a member of the junior class of the Otterville High School. During the last registration in 1918 under the selective service law Mr. Spillers and his son, both of whom were eligible for service, registered together, this being the only such instance of father and son registering in Otterville, and they properly regarded it as quite a momentous occasion in their lives. In the Spillers family there is care- fully preserved a photograph of four living generations in the male line, the value of the picture being further enhanced by the fact that each of the persons thus pictured was the first born son in his respective genera- tion. This picture was taken of course during the childhood of Mr. Spill- er's son Guy, his father and his grandfather then both being alive, and represents William Spillers, the pioneer, Henry T. Spillers, John L. Spill- ers and Guy E. Spillers, a photograph certainly worthy of preservation as a most interesting memorial for future generations of the family. Ernest L. Hite, president of the Farmers Club in his home district, is one of the best known and most progressive young farmers in that sec- tion of the county. He was born on a farm in Page County, Va., July 15, 1880, son of Isaac M. and Mary A. (Gander) Hite, both born in that county and the latter of whom is living with her son, Edward W. Hite, in Leb- anon township. Isaac M. Hite was born in 1835 and grew to manhood in Virginia, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He at once enlisted in the Confederate army, serving four years, and for quite a period of this time serving as the personal body guard of Gen. Robert E. Lee. After the war he settled down in his home county, married and continued to reside there until in 1885, when he came with his family to Missouri and located on a farm in Lebanon township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Sept., 1898. Mr. Hite was a substantial citizen and at the time of his death was the owner of 300 acres of land in this county. To Isaac M. Hite and wife five children were born. Of these the subject of this sketch was the last born; the first born died in infancy and the others are as follows: Edward W., a substantial farmer of Lebanon township ; Ella, wife of Charles C. Murray, Washington, D. C, and Dr. Henry Ashby Hite, a physician and surgeon now practicing at Greenridge, Mo. Ernest L. Hite was but five years of age when he came to this county with his parents in 1885 and he grew to manhood on the home farm in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 905 Lebanon township, attending the schools of that district. During the winter of 1898-99 he attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg and the following winter attended the State University at Columbia, where he served as a private in the cadet corps for five months. In 1904, he established his home on the farm on which he is now living. Mr. Hite has 230 acres which he has improved. Early in the present year (1919) he helped to organize the Farmers Club in his home district and upon the organization of the same was elected president. Mr. Hite is a demo- crat and for the past two years has been president of school district No. 64. In addition to his farm he owns a good piece of business property in Pleasant Green. Dec. 28, 1904, Ernest L. Hite was married to Frances Connell, who was born in Saline County, and to this union two children have been born, Cecil C. and Earl Lee. Mrs. Hite is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Connell, the latter of whom also was born in Howard County. The late Joseph Connell was born in Page County, Va., but had long been a resident of Missouri, a substantial cattle feeder in Saline County. He and his wife were the parents of 12 children. Judge Joseph Minter, vice-president of the Bank of Otterville, former judge of Cooper County now living at Otterville, was born in Harrison County, Va., June 22, 1844. He is a son of Jacob and Clarecy (Neely) Minter, both members of Colonial families and Revolutionary stock. Jacob Minter was born in Fairfax County in 1800 and died in 1868. His grand- father, Jacob Minter, was a Hollander who had been in this country but two years when the Revolutionary War broke out. He organized a com- pany to fight in defense of the cause of the colonists and served through- out the war as captain of that company. Clarecy (Neely) Minter, mother of Judge Minter, was born in 1803 and died in 1871. Her father, John Neely, also was a soldier of the Revolution, serving as a lieutenant. Dur- ing the war he was captured by Indians in the service of the British and for four years was held as a prisoner of war. At his death he was buried with military honors. Jacob and Clarecy (Neely) Minter were the par- ents of six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom Judge Minter is now the sole survivor. In 1870 Judge Minter came to Missouri. He had been engaged in the East in railway construction work and came here to help construct the dyke across the Missouri River at Boonville for the passage of the M. K. & T. railroad. Upon the completion of this job he continued his railway construction work and was for twelve years thus engaged, this 906 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY service taking him into various states. In the meantime, however, he had become so much "taken" with Cooper County that in 1874, he bought a farm near Otterville and after his marriage here two years later estab- lished his home there. On that place, which he continued to improve and which contained 320 acres of fine land, Judge Minter continued farming and stock raising until 1909 when he sold the place, retired from farm life and moved to Otterville, where he since has made his home. For the past 17 years has served as vice-president of the Bank of Otterville. He is a republican and is one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. In 1906 he was elected county judge from his district and served for four years. Judge Minter has been twice married. In 1876 he was married to Fannie Ross, who was born in Otterville and who died in June, 1907, with- out issue. In Nov., 1909, the Judge married Belle Starke, who was bora in Otterville, daughter of Squire Thomas J. Starke, Judge and Mrs. Minter are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. H. Roger Starke, a well-known live stock buyer at Otterville, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon town- ship, Oct. 24, 1881, son of the Hon. John D. and Mary A. (Stratton) Starke. The Hon. John D. Starke was for many years one of the leading men in this county. He was the first judge of the eastern district of Cooper County and in Nov., 1882, was elected county collector, an office to which he was re-elected, thus holding it for two terms. In 1886 he was elected to represent this district in the upper house of the Missouri Gen- eral Assembly and rendered conspicuous service in the State Senate. From 1897 to 1901 he occupied the position of warden of the Missouri State Penitentiary at Jefferson City and upon the completion of that term of public service returned to his old home in this county and here spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of nine chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born. Reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, H. Roger Starke's early residence was divided between that place and Boonville and Jeffer- son City on account of his father's official residence in the cities during his public service, and his schooling was thus somewhat interrupted, be- ing completed by one term in the high school at Jefferson City, a year in Missouri Valley College at Marshall and a year in the Missouri State Normal School. As a young man he continued giving attention to the affairs of the home farm and after his marriage in 1908 he formed a part- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 907 nership with his father in the live stock business, maintaining his base of operations on the home farm until 1916, when, after his father's death, he moved to Otterville and has since carried on his operations from that point, making his home there. Mr. Starke is a democrat, as was his father, and has long given his attention to local civic affairs, at present serving as a member of the town council and as a member of the school board at Otterville. He owns a good little farm of 80 acres, is a stock- holder in the Bank of Otterville, and has other investments besides his extensive dealings in the live stock market. Nov. 28, 1908, H. Roger Starke was married to Gladys Lee Huff, who was born at Syracuse, Mo., daughter of J. T. and Bettie Lee (Johnson) Huff, who also were bom in this state, and to this union one child has been born, Jennie Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Starke have a pleasant home at Otterville. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) and take their part in church work. Mr. Starke is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. James S. Bane, a well-known and progressive business man of Otter- ville, was born in Lewis County, Mo., Feb. 4, 1864, son of Robert and Martha (Goodwin) Bane. Robert Bane was born in that part of Virginia now comprised in West Virginia and was there married to Martha Good- win, who also was bom in that part of Virginia. In the days before the Civil War, he and his wife came to Missouri and settled in Lewis County, but in 1866 they disposed of their interests there and moved to Morgan County, settling on a farm, where Robert Bane died not many years later. His widow survived him until 1901. She was 75 years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of five children, of whom the sub- ject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth and all of whom are living, save one who died in infancy. Reared on the home farm in Morgan county, he having been but two years of age when his parents moved there, James S. Bane received his schooling in the district school and in a select school at Otterville. He remained on the home farm until after his marriage in 1886, when he be- gan farming on his own account, renting land for two or three years, when he bought a farm in Morgan County. In 1893 he sold that farm and came to Cooper County and bought a farm of 155 acres in Otterville town- ship, near Otterville. In 1918 he bought the garage at Otterville, which he is now conducting and at the same time engaged in the general sale of automobiles and accessories. Mr. Bane has a well-equipped and up- 908 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to-date place and is doing well in his new business. He still resides on his farm, although he rents the land. He is a stockholder in and a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Ot- terville and gives his earnest attention to the general business conditions of his home town. He is a democrat, and is affiliated with the Knights and Ladies of Security and he and his family are members of the Pres- byterian Church. Dec. 1, 1886, James S. Bane was married to Rose L. Smith, a mem- ber of one of Cooper County's old families, and to this union three chil- dren have been born, namely: Loren Ardee, a soldier in the American Army ; Irma, wife of Thornton Ware, of Otterville, and Vivien Pearl, wife of Gus Ware, also of Otterville. Loren Ardee Bane, the soldier son, was born on Aug. 30, 1889, and completed his schooling in Otterville College. After his marriage he became engaged in farming in Arkansas and was living there when he was inducted into the National Army and after a period of training, sailed for Europe as a member of Company C, 156th Infantry, 89th Division, with which command he saw much active service and was engaged in some important battles before the armistice. In April, 1919, he was returned to this side with his command and was dis- charged at Louisville, Ky., April 21, 1919, at Camp Taylor. L. A. Bane married Nancy E. Monroe, of Otterville, who died, leaving a son, Loren Edwin, who is now being cared for by his paternal grandparents at Otterville. Alfred G. Hansberger, one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of Otterville township, was born on a farm in Bowling Green township, Pettis County, June 5, 1864, son of Emanuel and Cordelia (Stephens) Hansberger. Emanuel Hansberger was born in Rockingham County, Va., about 1825, and in 1853 came to Missouri and located near Bunceton. Later he moved to Pettis County, where he settled on a farm and became a sub- stantial farmer. He died in 1888 while in Texas. His widow died at Kan- sas City, Mo., at her daughter's home, Mrs. J. T. Crenshaw, in her 75th year. She was born on the old Stephens home place near Bunceton, a daughter of Judge Lawrence and Margaret (Moore) Stephens. Judge Stephens was a native of Tennessee and was a man of much influence in this community. His wife was a native of North Carolina. Emanuel lii'.nsberger and his wife were the parents of four children: The first born died in infancy; Margaret, widow of J. T. Crenshaw, Kansas City; Lawrence H. Hansberger, Philadelphia, Pa.; and Alfred G. Reared on the home farm over in Pettis County, Alfred G. Hans- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 909 berger received his schooling in the district schools and at Bunceton Academy, and in 1887 left the farm and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Lone Elm, until he sold his store in 1893 and entered upon the life of a traveling salesman, a vocation he followed for nine years, repre- senting the J. A. Lamy Company, of Sedalia, a part of that time and the remainder the Hammond Packing Company, of St. Joseph. In the mean- time he married and in 1903 wisely left "the road" and settled down on the farm owned by his wife in Otterville township and has since made that place his residence. Since taking possession of that place Mr. Hans- berger has made numerous improvements and is contemplating more. He carries on general farming and raises high grade live stock. Nov. 6, 1901, Alfred G. Hansberger was married to Jennie L. Harlan, who was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, the little one dying, in infancy. Mrs. Hansberger was born in Otter- ville township, a daughter of George W. and Susan (Streit) Harlan, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia, who became residents of Cooper County in their youth, were married here and here spent their last days. Mrs. Hansberger's father died in 1891 and his widow died in the summer of 1916 at the home of Mrs. A. G. Hansberger, she then being nearly 87 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hansberger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). Mr. Hansberger is a democrat. James William Walker, one of the well-known and substantial fanners and stockmen of Lebanon township, was born on that farm where he resides, Jan. 9, 1868. He is a son of William W. and Sarah (Boatman) Walker, the former of whom also was bom in Lebanon town- ship, in 1829, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Cockrell) Walker, who had come here from Kentucky and established their home on a pioneer farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. William W. Walker grew to manhood in that community and after his marriage to Sarah Boatman, also a member of one of the pioneer families of that section, settled on the farm now owned by his son James and there developed an excellent piece of property. He spent his last days on that farm, where he died in 1898, at the age of 70 years. Of the six children born to him and his wife, three are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Lee Walker, of Sedalia, and a sister, Lela W., widow of the late H. L. Tutt, of Pocatello, Idaho. Reared on the farm on which he was bom and on which he is still living, James W. Walker received his schooling in the Otterville schools 910 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and in Central College at Fayette and upon returning from college, re- sumed his place on the farm, of which in time he became the owner, buy- ing from the other heirs their respective interests. After his marriage in the fall of 1898, he established his home there and has continued to reside on the place. He is one of the progressive farmers of the com- munity. He has long been a stockholder in the Pleasant Green Bank and is a member of the board of directors of the same. He is a democrat. Oct. 26, 1898, James W. Walker was married to Bessie R. Rissler, who was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, three miles northwest of where she now resides, March 16, 1874, daughter of William and Eliza- beth (Tavenner) Rissler, the latter of whom is living with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Walker. She was born in Loudoun County, Va., Sept. 17, 1832, and is now in her 87th year. William Rissler also was a Virginian, born on June 22, 1820, in Jefferson County, now W. Va., and came to Cooper County in 1873, settling on a farm in Clear Creek township, where he became a large landowner and spent the remainder of his life, one of the substantial and influential members of that community. He died Sept. 13, 1914, being past 94 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). Anton Beck, a well-known and substantial farmer and stockman of Otterville township, was born March 3, 1860, in the grand duchy of Baden. His parents, Jacob and Theresa (Swintch) Beck, also were na- tives of Baden and were there married in 1851. March 4, 1882, with five children, they left their native land and came to the United States, and located on a farm in Clear Creek township. Here Mrs. Theresa Beck died on Christmas Day, 1896. She was born in 1828. Her husband died Aug. 28, 1918. He was bom on May 9, 1819, thus lacked about nine months of being 100 years of age. To Jacob Beck and wife were born ten children, as follows: Joseph, deceased; Edward, deceased; Renie, deceased; Anton; Emma, wife of H. Young Camp, Clifton City; Anna, deceased; Clara, wife of E. Altermott, Lebanon township; Eugene, de- ceased; Elizabeth, wife of Leo Knedgen, and Rosa, deceased. Anton Beck came to America with his parents and upon his arrival in Cooper County, he worked as a farm hand, at five dollars a month, and for eight years thereafter, off and on, was engaged in farm labor. In his native land, he had been trained to the trade of stone cutter and he varied his work as a farm laborer by working at that trade, continuing thus engaged at varying periods of time for 12 years after coming here, his work as a stone cutter taking him into nearly all the principal cities of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 911 Missouri. In 1892, Mr. Beck bought 80 acres in Clear Creek township and after his marriage, two years later, established his home there, im- proving the place and continuing to reside on that farm until 1904, when he bought the farm of 283 acres on which he is now living in Otterville township. He owns a well-improved and valuable farm. For the past nine years he has been serving as overseer of roads in his home district and in that capacity has rendered effective service in behalf of the grow- ing demand for better roads. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. Mi - . Becl\ ;■ a republican. Jan. 26, 1894, Anton Beck was united in marriage with Mary Anna Williams, who was born in Moniteau County in 1874, a daughter of David and Josephine (Heater) Williams, natives of Moniteau county, and the latter of whom is still living, now a resident of Kansas, and to this union 13 children have been born, namely: Jacob, farming in Otterville town- ship; Emma, wife of Joseph Gramlich, same township; Robert, who is at home assisting her father; Clara, also at home; Lawrence, deceased, and Katherine, Henry, Eugene, Frank, Rosa (deceased), Anton, Jr., Mary Ann and Susan. Calvin Gehringer, a well-known and progressive farmer of Otterville township, was born in New York State, Nov. 23, 1856. He is a son of Christopher and Lena (Lindenholdt) Gehringer, natives of Germany, who were married in that country and who came to America in 1854 and located in New York State. Some years later they moved to Indiana, locating in Hamilton County, where they remained until 1865, when they came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Pettis County, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mrs. Gehringer dying about 1905 and Mr. Gehringer eight or 10 years ago, he being 75 years of age. Calvin Gehringer was but a boy when he came to Missouri with his parents and he grew up in Pettis County, becoming engaged there in his young manhood in saw mill work, which he followed until 1879, when he became engaged in farming in the Pleasant Green neighborhood, re- maining here until 1884, when he bought a farm of 200 acres in Pettis County and returned to that county, where he prospered and from time to time bought other land. There he remained until 1911, when he dis- posed of his interests and returned to Cooper County, buying the farm on which he is now living in Otterville township, and has since resided here. Since taking possession of that farm, Mr. Gehringer has made numerous substantial improvements to the place and is contemplating more. In 912 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY addition to his general farming, Mr. Gehringer gives considerable atten- tion to the raising of live stock, with particular reference to pure-bred Duroc Jersey hogs and mules. Mr. Gehringer is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after office. In 1877, Calvin Gehringer was married to Sarah M. DeWitt, who was born in Springfield, Mo., a daughter of Lafayette DeWitt, and to this union 11 children have been born, namely: Otto, deceased; Dudley, who is now farming in South Dakota ; Lafayette, South Dakota ; Zetta, wife of Jabe Potter, Clifton, Mo. ; Lulu, wife of Charles Knox, Pettis County ; Theodore, who is farming in this county; Blanche, wife of J. S. Phillips, of Pettis County; Gertrude, wife of Lewis J. Potter, Sedalia; James, who is at home, assisting in the management of the farm, and Dewey and Matilda, also at home. The Gehringers are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Gehringer have 16 grandchildren. John M. Stephens, a former teacher and formerly a merchant and postmaster at Bellaire, who has charge of the big Burwood farm in Clear Creek township, is a native Missourian. He was born on a farm in Moni- teau County Jan. 25, 1864, son of Kemp S. and Huldah (Renfrew) Stephens. Kemp S. Stephens was born in Moniteau County, June 7, 1837, son of Thomas Stephens and wife, the latter of whom was a daughter of Joseph Williams, the Missouri pioneer who was driven from this region by the Indians in 1815, but later returned, settled here and lived to be 101 years of age. He was a Tennessean. Thomas Stephens was born near Pemberton Court House, N. C, Sept. 18, 1800, and was not yet 18 years of age when in 1818 he came to Missouri. In 1827 he married and bought a claim in Moniteau County and spent the remainder of his life there. He died in Jan., 1892, aged 92 years. His wife had died many years before. Thomas Stephens got his start here as a young man by splitting rails. When he earned money enough to buy a horse he started out as a horse trader and it was not long until he was one of the best known horse dealers in central Missouri. For 21 years he made annual trips to New Orleans, going and returning horseback, with bunches of horses he had bought for the trade, this trade being chiefly confined to the cotton planters of the South. It was on that farm in Moniteau County that Kemp S. Stephens was reared and after his marriage he continued farming until his retirement from the farm and removal to Boonville, where he died in Oct., 1907. His wife had died many years before, in 1866. She was born in 1837. They were the parents of four children: One died in infancy; James T. Stephens, now living at Sedalia; Ruth J., married J. W. Kenny and is deceased, and John M. ^^ feV idflftfe^^^k. *, K'^i . ^^ f >1 W [ k 1 B 1 H jf ■■ .1 M. STEPHENS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 913 John M. Stephens was but two years of age when his mother died and he was reared in the household of his paternal grandfather, Thomas Stephens. There he received all the advantages of schooling and rearing possible to the time and place, completing his schooling in the old Prairie Home College, and for some years, in connection with his farm labors as a young man taught school. He married before he was 21 years of age and after his marriage began farming on his own account and also for some years continued teaching during the winters. During the four years, 1902-1906, Mr. Stephens was engaged in the general merchandise business at Bellaire and during that period also was postmaster. He then resumed his farming operations and in 1916 moved from Boonville town- ship and took over the great Burwood farm of 635 acres in Clear Creek township, owned by Henry R. Walker, of Columbia, taking the same under a ten-year lease, and has since made his home there. Mr. Stephens is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. Dec. 18, 1884, John M. Stephens was married to Sophronia Stone, who was born in Livingston County, Mo., daughter of William and Ellen (Alexander) Stone, both natives of Tennessee who came to Missouri many years ago and both are now deceased, and to this union eight children have been bom, as follows : Eula, wife of Edward Solomon, of New Frank- lin; Ether, wife of Julius Stegner, of Palestine township; Inez, a Cooper County teacher, who resides with her parents ; James W., who was with the American Army of Occupation in Germany, is now at home; Ellen, wife of A. Hilden, of Boonville township; Willie B. (a daughter), at home, Cora L. and John H., both at home. James W. Stephens, the soldier son, was born in Boonville township, Feb. 23, 1892, and was engaged as a farmer and teacher in this county when he was inducted into the National Army for service in the World War. He sought service in the machine gun branch of the army and after a period of preliminary training in this country sailed with his command for France in June, 1918, attached to the 356th Machine Gun Corps, 89th Division. James W. Stephens mar- ried Mary Parrish, daughter of Doctor Parrish and wife, of Pleasant Green. Six of John M. Stephens children have been school teachers. Peter J. Devine, vice-president of the Clifton City Bank and a well- known and substantial farmer of Otterville township, was born on a farm in Otterville township, Oct. 4, 1870. He is a son of John and Ellen (Mc- Sheehy) Devine, both of whom were born in County Kerry Ireland, and the former is still living at the advanced age of 95 years. John Devine was born in 1824 and was 12 years of age when he came to this country 914 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY with his parents, the family locating in Boston, where he grew to man- hood and where he early learned the care of horses, becoming a teamster. He married in Boston and remained there until he came to Missouri about Civil War times to take part in the railway construction work. .Upon the completion of his contract here, he located in Cooper County and bought a farm in Otterville township, where he was for years actively engaged in farming and where he is now living. His wife died there in 1896, at the age of 68 years. Mr. Devine is a member of the Catholic Church, as was his wife, and their children were reared in that faith. There were seven of these children, as follows : John, Ft. Scott, Kan. ; Michael C, of Hammond, Ind. ; one who died in infancy ; Mrs. Catherine Shea, deceased ; Daniel, deceased; Peter J., and Ellen, deceased. Reared on the home farm, Peter J. Devine attended the district schools and has ever stuck to the farm. In 1894 he bought 90 acres of land near Clifton City and has since made that his place of residence. As his affairs prospered, Mr. Devine bought adjoining land and now has a well-improved farm of 240 acres, on which he is engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising and on which he has done well. He is a stock- holder in the Clifton City Bank, a member of the board of directors and vice-president of the same. He is a republican and is a member of the local school board. Mr. Devine has been twice married. In 1895 he was married to Mary Griffin, who died in 1905 at the age of 33 years. To that union three children were born, all of whom died in infancy. In 1907 Mr. De- vine married Louisa Connor, who was born in Pettis County, daughter of Dennis Connor and wife, and to this union three children have been born, Peter J., Jr., and Llewellyn, both deceased ; one child, born May 2, 1919, Eleanor Mary, living. Mr. and Mrs. Devine are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Devine is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. John Sweeney, a well-known farmer of Otterville township, was born in County Limerick, Munster, Ireland, Oct. 4, 1848. He was less than three years of age when his parents, John and Ellen (Donohue) Sweeney, came to the United States in 1851, arriving at New Orleans. For some little time after his arrival here, the elder John Sweeney remained in New Orleans and then came up the river to St. Louis, in the neighborhood of which city he began to work as a farm hand. Not long afterward, about the middle of the '50s, he came over into Cooper County with his family and settled in Otterville township, where he bought a farm and estab- lished his home. He gradually increased his land holdings there until HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 915 he became the owner of 700 acres and was accounted one of the well-to-do farmers of that neighborhood. On that farm he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1899, being 80 years of age. His widow died in 1901. When they came to America, their son John was their only child, but six more children were born to them after their arrival here. Of these seven children, five are living. John Sweeney and his wife were devout members of the Catholic Church and their children were reared in that faith. The junior John Sweeney was reared on the home farm, receiving his schooling at Clifton. From the days of his boyhood, he was required to give his attention to the farm, and as the eldest son, grew to be his father's "right hand man" in the operation of the place. After his mar- riage in 1881, he continued to make his home on the home place, of which, after his father's death, he inherited 80 acres. He has since bought an adjoining 40 acres and now has a farm of 120 acres, which he has improved in excellent fashion and on which he is engaged profitably in general farming and stock raising, being accounted one of the sub- stantial farmers of that community. In 1881, John Sweeney was united in marriage to Emma Temple- mire, who was born in Lebanon township, daughter of Fred Templemire and wife, natives of Germany who had become residents of this county upon coming to the United States, and to this union five children were born, namely: John R., Sedalia; Edward, deceased; Charles and Nellie, at home, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Emma Sweeney, mother of these children, died in 1895, at the age of 40 years, and her daughter Nellie is mistress of the household. Charles Sweeney, who also still re- mains at home, has long been assisting his father in the direction of the farm and has helped to develop there a good piece of property. The Sweeneys are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Sweeney and his son are republicans. George C. Jones, one of the extensive landowners of Cooper County is a son of the pioneer Caleb Jones who at the time of his death in 1883 was said to be the wealthiest man in Cooper County. Caleb Jones was born in Baltimore, Md., March 11, 1805, a son of Capt. Joshua Jones, who during the time of the War of 1812 when Balti- more was bombarded by the British (the night of stress which inspired Francis Scott Key to write his immortal "Star Spangled Banner") helped in the defense of the city. About 1815 Capt. Joshua Jones moved with his family from Baltimore to Kentucky, the boy Caleb then being about 916 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ten years of age, and it was in that state that the latter grew to manhood, his education being received in the schools of Cynthiana, Ky. When he was 21 years of age, in 1826, Caleb Jones came here horseback, swimming his horse across the Missouri River at Franklin. With such meager re- sources as he could command, Caleb Jones put his credit to the test and was able to secure a small stock of merchandise with which he opened a store at the landing at Arrow Rock. This venture was the beginning of the successful career. From the very beginning his affairs prospered, his mercantile venture presently was expanded to include banking and he thus became one of the pioneer bankers of this section of Missouri, his operations necessitating the removal of his base of operations from Arrow Rock to Boonville. He invested largely in real estate and was at one time the owner of about 6,000 acres of land in this county, the greater part of his holdings lying in Blackwater township. He also gave much atten- tion to the live stock business and in all his ventures, whether as mer- chant, banker or stockman and farmer, he prospered, so that it probably is nothing amiss to say, that at the time of his death he was Cooper County's wealthiest citizen. Nov. 10, 1831, Caleb Jones married Nancy Chapman, who was born in April, 1814, in Howard County. She died about ten years before he did, his death occurring May 15, 1883. George C. Jones, son of Caleb and Nancy (Chapman) Jones, was born in Polk County Dec. 12, 1844, and grew up in this county, from the days of his boyhood his interests being more directly connected with his father's farming operations and he continued a farmer all his life, coming in time to be a large landowner. During the Civil War he went to Canada, but returned to Cooper County in 1865, and resumed farming with his father, later branching out for himself, and became successful, at one time own- ing as much as 1,400 acres of land in this county, mostly in Blackwater township. On March 5, 1868, George C. Jones was married to Ann E. Trent, who was born on March 16, 1844, in Cumberland County, Va., member of an old- Colonial family of English ancestry, the family name being derived from the ancient seat of the family on the banks of the river Trent. To that union were born six children, namely: Caleb C, a stock- man and auctioneer of Pilot Grove: Addie Muir, married George H. Mo- Elroy and is now deceased ; Dr. George C. Jones, a dentist at Pilot Grov 1 : Maria, wife of M. L. Jones, Blackwater township; Nancy Trent, wife of Archibald McGuire. Blackwater township and Woodson Trent Jones, Blackwater township. The mother of these children died Jan. 18, 1909. Of late years George C. Jones has disposed of some of his land interests, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 917 but still retains a life interest in 1,000 acres in Blackwater township which he has divided among his children, preferring to make disposition of his estate while he is living. William Manger and Julius Manger, now of New York City, owners of several hotels in the large cities of the country, are natives of Boon- ville. They are the sons of Casper Manger and Wilhelmina (Bell) Manger, who were early citizens of Boonville. William and Julius Manger left Boonville about 30 years ago. Wil- liam attended Valparaiso University and Julius graduated from Tulane University and was admitted to the bar. They founded the International Coffee Company and were importers and jobbers of coffee and spices. They engaged in the real estate business and have built more than a 1,000 buildings and have dealt extensively in real estate. They are proprietors of the Hotel Netherland, Great Northern Hotel, Navarre Hotel, Endicott Hotel, Grand Hotel, and Bell Apartment Hotel, all in New York City; The Plaza Hotel, Chicago; The Continental Hotel, Philadelphia; and are inter- ested in many other large enterprises. Col. Charles C. Bell of Boonville, their uncle, has been their life long friend and adviser. William Manger is a bachelor. Julius Manger married Miss Lillian Weissenger, a noted Kentucky beauty, and daughter of the late Col. Harry Weissenger, of Louisville, one of the most prominent citizens of Ken- tucky. Mr. and Mrs. Julius Manger have three children. Dr. Porter E. Williams was born in Versailles, Mo.. March 25, 1867. Dr. Williams' father was also a physician and one of the most prominent in central Missouri, honored, esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was born in Ohio, and with his father came to Versailles when two years of age. He practiced his profession for about 50 years and died in the spring of 1903, 70 years of age. Dr. Williams' paternal grand- father erected the first building, a blacksmith shop, in Versailles about 1835. Here he manufactured all the plows, axes, horseshoes and nails that were used in that section for a number of years. He died in Ver- sailles when 84 years of age. The maiden name of Dr. Williams' grandmother on his father's side was Mary McGlothlin. She was born in Ohio and died in Morgan County when 86 years of age. Dr. Williams mother was Miss Alpha Davis, born in Morgan County, Mo. She was the daughter of Porter E. Davis who was born on the old homestead about four miles southeast of Bunceton, now occupied by his grandson, W. E. Davis. Porter E. Davis made the 918 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY trip across the plains to the Pacific Coast in '49 in quest of gold and after three years returned to his home in Cooper County. Phillip Davis, father of Porter E. Davis and great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the early settlers of this county, and located the old Davis homestead above referred to. He was a first cousin of Jefferson Davis, the president of the southern Confederacy. The Davis stock originally came from Mississippi. Dr. Porter E. Williams was married Nov. 20, 1890, to Miss Gussie Stephens, the daughter of John H. Stephens a brother of Joseph L. Steph- ens and belonged to one of the pioneer families of Cooper County. Dr. Williams has one daughter Adda, the wife of Roy D. Williams a promi- nent attorney of the Cooper County bar. Dr. Williams graduated at Beaumont Hospital, now the Washington, in 1887, served one year as interne at the hospital and May 6, 1888, located at Bunceton. Nov. 1, 1905, he was appointed superintendent of State Hospital, No. 1, at Fulton, and remained there until 1909, when he re- turned to Bunceton to practice his profession. In 1917 he was appointed to the superintendency of the St. Joseph Hospital No. 2, which position he holds at the present time. Dr. Williams is a physician of high standing throughout the state, a firm democrat, a loyal friend and an upright and good citizen. Curtis Earle Chrane, superintendent of public schools of Boonville, is a native Missourian. He was born Oct. 29, 1886, on a farm at Musselfork, Chariton County. He is a son of John Earley and Elizabeth (Stith) Chrane, natives of Missouri and Kentucky, respectively. John Earley Chrane, was born and reared on a farm which was entered from the government in the early twenties. He was a son of Harold Julius Chrane, who emigrated from Denmark with his family in the nineteenth century and settled in Chariton County, Mo. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate army under General Price. John Earley Chrane was reared to maturity in Chariton County and married Elizabeth Stith, a native of Breckenridge County, Ky., who accompanied her parents to Linn County, Mo., in 1870. John E. Chrane is a farmer and stockman and is now residing upon his farm in Chariton County. Prof. C. E. Chrane was reared on the home farm and attended the district school. He attended the Warrensburg State Normal School and graduated from this institution when 19 years of age. For three years following he was principal of Windsor High School and afterwards served HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 919 for four years as superintendent of Windsor Public Schools, following which he became Superintendent of Boonville Public Schools, a position which he has held for the past six years. Professor Chrane's work as superintendent of Boonville Public Schools has been such as to place the schools in the front rank of Missouri public school system. He is a graduate of the Missouri State University and has attended summer school sessions at University of Colorado, University of Michigan, and Chicago University. May 29, 1910, Mr. Chrane was united in marriage with Miss Irmah Griffith, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Griffith, at Windsor, Mo. Dr. Griffith and family now reside at Gallitan, Mo., the birth place of Mrs. Griffith whose maiden name was Harriet Poague. Dr. Griffith's mother was Margaret Drake prior to her marriage and she was a member of one of the pioneer families of Howard County. His father was Dr. Edgar Griffith who at the time of the Civil War was one of the largest land own- ers and wealthiest men in Cass County. He cast his fortunes with the Confederate cause and was impoverished as a result of the ravages of the war. His family suffered severely from the effects of "Order No. 11". To C. E. and Irmah Chrane has been born two children, Barbara Jeanne, born March 22, 1915; and Jacqueline, born Sept. 26, 1916. The mother of these children was a graduate of the Sedalia College of Music, where she pursued a course in violin and elocution. She is also a graduate of the Chicago Conservatory of Music in the same subjects. Two years prior to her marriage she was engaged in Chautauqua work as a reader and violinist. Mr. Chrane is a member of the Cooper County Board of Education, receiving his appointment to the position from the State Superintendent of Schools. He was also appointed by the governor of Missouri as a mem- ber of the Missouri Library Commission. Mr. and Mrs. Chrane are both members of the Methodist Church, South, as have been all of their an- cestors for generations. They are both 'connected with the Order of the Eastern Star and Mr. Chrane is a member of the Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Chrane's career as an educator has been marked with signal suc- cess; he is a man of more than ordinary ability; energetic, progressive. highly - >- :ated be is possessed of a strong and likable personality which has made him popular with all classes of the people. The six years of his incumbency as superintendent of the Boonville 920 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Public Schools has been an era of progress and advancement which has seen the Boonville Schools take a leading place among the small city schools of Missouri. Dr. Arthur Wesley Nelson, president of the Bank of Bunceton, chair- man of the board of directors of the Boonville National Bank, member of the board of managers of the Missouri State Hospital at St. Joseph, one of the most extensive landowners and cattle breeders in central Missouri and proprietor of "Eastwood", the great stock farm in Kelly and Lebanon townships was born on that farm and has always regarded the place as his home, a continuous resident there since his return in the spring of 1902 from New York City, where he rounded out his medical education. The Doctor was born Jan. 21, 1878, son and only child of Arthur W. and Lolla (Marmaduke) Nelson, both of whom also were born in this section of Missouri and the latter of whom, a member of one of the most dis- tinguished families in Missouri, is still living, now a resident of Kansas City. The senior Arthur W. Nelson was born on a pioneer farm two miles west of Boonville in 1854, son of James M. and Margaret (Wyan) Nelson, who had established their home there after their marriage in this county. The latter was one of the oldest living natives of Cooper County at time of her death, July 9, 1919, at the age of 98 years, she having been born in this county in 1821, a daughter of real pioneer parents, the Wyans hav- ing been among the earliest settlers of Cooper County. James M. Nelson was born in Fauquier County, Va., member of a well-established family there, and was self educated. As a young man he came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, where he married Margaret Wyan and estab- lished his home. He was a man of varied activities and was for many years one of the most prominent and influential men in Cooper County. In 1858, in association with W. W. Trigg, he started the first bank that was opened for business in Boonville and thus early became one of the most influential factors in the development of that city and of the region surrounding. He also became a large landowner and the possessor of other interests of a valuable character, the impress of his forceful per- sonality being manifest in many directions throughout the local business world. James M. Nelson died in Aug., 1902, being then at the age of 86 years. His widow died July 9, 1919, she having lived to the great age of 98 years. She was bora at Crab Orchard, Ky. James M. Nelson and wife were the parents of four children, all of whom are living save Arthur W., father of Doctor Nelson and the third in order of birth, the others HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 921 being Louis Cass Nelson, a retired banker and capitalist, St. Louis; Mrs. Charles E. Leonard, a widow and owner of the notable "Ravenswood" farm in Palestine township, who is now living at Boonville, and Margaret, wife of the Hon. Lon V. Stephens of St. Louis, former governor of the state of Missouri. Arthur W. Nelson was reared at Boonville and was early tx-ained and schooled in a way to fit him for the large responsibilities entailed upon him by reason of his father's estate. After his marriage to Lolla Marmaduke he established his home on the great ranch in Kelly township now owned by his son, the house in which he and his wife set up their establishment there having been a conventional "big house" of the period, erected by slave labor in 1854. On that place he gave par- ticular attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and had developed one of the finest stock farms in this section when in 1880 his activities were untimely brought to an end, his death coming in a runaway acci- dent in that year. His widow later married Robert W. Cary and is now living at Kansas City. She was born in Saline County, a daughter of Col. Vincent Marmaduke, a gallant officer of the Confederate army dur- ing the Civil War, who was a son of the Hon. M. M. Marmaduke, one time lieutenant-governor of Missouri, and a brother of former Governor Marmaduke, of this state. Born on the farm on which he is now living, Dr. Arthur W. Nelson was reared at Kansas City, in the schools of which city he received his schooling preparatory to entrance at Wentworth Military Academy, from which institution he was graduated in 1897. He then entered the Uni- versity of the South at Sewanee, Tenn., and was graduated from that institution in 1900, with the degrees of M. D., A. B. and Ph. G. Thus equipped for the practice of his profession Doctor Nelson received the appointment to an internship in the Woman's Hospital at New York City and was there until the spring of 1902, when he returned to his old home in this county, foregoing his expectation of actively engaging in the prac- tice of his profession in order to assume the practical management of the great estate he had inherited in Cooper County and has since been thus engaged, having extended in many ways the operations for many years carried on there. In the spring following his return to Cooper County, Doctor Nelson married and established his home on the old home place, where he since has resided. In 1913, at a cost of $40,000 he rebuilt the historical old farm house which had stood as the dwelling place there for nearly 60 years and erected in its stead one of the finest farm houses in Missouri, the same equipped throughout with modern fittings. One of 922 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the features of this new house is the great reception hall which with true Southern hospitality the Doctor and his wife ever keep open for the social gatherings of the young people of the neighborhood, the Nelson house thus having long been most pleasantly noted as the center of social activities thereabout. Doctor Nelson is the proprietor of an estate exceeding 2,000 acres in Kelly and Lebanon townships and gives his chief attention to the raising of cattle, hogs and sheep, the operations of the place being under the direction of his ranch manager, J. M. Putman, and the products of the Nelson stock farm are in wide demand among discriminating stock- men throughout this section of the West. Doctor Nelson is widely known in live-stock circles and during the years 1912-15 served as president of the Missouri Live Stock Producers Association, an organization in the affairs of which he has for years taken an active interest and of which he is still a member of the executive committee. In general business affairs the Doctor also has for years taken a proper interest and in 1903 was elected president of the Bunceton Bank at Bunceton, this selection carrying with it the distinction of being the youngest bank president then in the state of Missouri. He also is chairman of the board of directors of the Boonville National Bank. In recognition of his attainments in the field of medical science he was appointed in 1918 a member of the board of managers of the Missouri State Hospital at St. Joseph and is still serv- ing on that important board. In his political views he is a democrat. He is a Mason of high degree, affiliated locally with the blue lodge at Bunceton and is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with the temple at Kansas City, his attainment to the shrine having been through the York Rite of the Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, this latter affiliation being with the Commandery at Boon- ville. The Doctor is a member of the Episcopal Church at Kansas City. March 25, 1903, Dr. Arthur W. Nelson was united in marriage at Boon- ville with Rilye Stephens, of that city, and to this union two children have been born, Rilye S. and Arthur W., III. Mrs. Nelson was born at Boon- ville and is a daughter of W. Speed and Virginia (Thompson) Stephens, both of whom also were born in Cooper County, members of old families in this section of Missouri, and who are now living at St. Louis, where W. Speed Stephens is engaged in business as treasurer of a life insurance company. Thomas Smith Simral!, the vice-president and acting manager of the Cooper County Abstract Company of Boonville, was born Oct. 15, 1886, at Keytesville, Mo. His father was a distinguished Presbyterian Divine HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 923 and was born in Shelbyville, Ky., in 1849. He was educated at Washing- ton Lee University and at the Louisville Theological Seminary at Louis- ville, Ky. Having received a finished education at the aforesaid institu- tions, he came to Missouri when yet a young man and preached first at St. Louis, filling a vacancy in a pulpit there, for a short time. He then located at Hannibal, Mo., having charge of the Presbyterian Church there for several years after which he preached in Keytesville, Mo., and finally located at Sweet Springs, Mo., where he had charge of the Presbyterian Church until his death, Nov. 24, 1899. Mr. Simrall's mother, now living, is Dollie (Ewing) Simrall who was born in Owensville, Ky., in 1860. She was married to Rev. Thomas Sim- rall in 1882 at Owensville. Both the Simralls and Ewings are of old Ken- tucky stock. The subject of this sketch belongs to the younger class of energetic, pushing business, men of the county and takes deep interest in all public enterprises, having formerly been secretary of the Boonville Commercial Club until his business made it impossible for him to devote the time necessary to the performance of the duties of that office. He was edu- cated in the public schools, graduated at the high school at Sweet Springs and completed his education at the University of Missouri. When he first started in business for himself he was a traveling salesman for a whole- sale jewelry company of St. Louis and traveled in Texas. He came to Boonville in July, 1915, and founded the Cooper County Abstract Company which he caused to be incorporated and is the vice- president and acting manager of the same. The corporation bought the "Book of Abstracts" known as the Chambers set. On this set of ab- stracts he spent considerable time, labor and pains verifying the same, making corrections and bringing them up-to-date, so that now the com- pany has a complete and thorough set of books. Mr. Simrall has been remarkably fortunate and successful in the management of this company and by his industry and tireless efforts has built up a flourishing business. He was married June 14, 1916 to Miss Edna Chalmers Williams the daughter of the late lamented Judge William M. Williams. There was born to that marriage, on March 19, 19J.8, one child, Ann Ewing. Mr. Simrall is a democrat, a Presbyterian and a Free Mason. B. M. Lester, president of the Boonville National Bank, was born Dec. 10, 1890, in Boonville, Mo. His father, Thomas P. Lester, was bom in Queen's County, Ireland, and came to Boonville in 1869, where he was a large and successful contractor until his death, Oct. 13, 1910. He was 924 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY married in St. Louis to Theresa Creamer, who died June 7, 1901, at Boonville. B. M. Lester was educated at the parochial schools of Boonville and took a special commercial course. At the age of 15 he was employed as messenger boy in the old Central National Bank at a salary of $5 per month. His rise in that bank by reason of his industry was rapid, and he soon became head bookkeeper, which position he held until the liqui- dation of the bank. On the organization of the Boonville National Bank, which took over the assets of the Central National Bank, he, because of his especial fit- ness and reliability, was chosen cashier of the new institution, and upon the consolidation of the Boonville National Bank and the Farmer's Bank of Boonville, he was elected vice-president of the consolidated banks, which operated under the name and charter of the Boonville National Bank. Upon the retirement of E. E. Amick as president of the Boonville National Bank, Mr. Lester was again advanced and elected president of the institution in his stead, and is doubtless the youngest president of so large a financial banking institution, he being now but 28 years of age. He is thoroughly versed in banking, having come up from a messenger boy to his present responsible position. Mr. Lester is affable, courteous and quick to grasp a financial proposition. He was married Nov. 26, 1914, to Miss Loretta Bierck at the home of her parents in Shelbyville, Ind. Rolla D. Pealer, the present popular county clerk of Cooper County, was bora in this county in 1873, being the youngest of six children. His parents were John C. and Mary (Bittinger) Pealer, formerly of Ohio, who moved to Iowa from Cooper County in 1873 and purchased a farm eight miles northwest of California, where they lived until their demise. Mr. Pealer was married in 1894 to Miss Myrtle M., daughter of B. D. and Mary (Lawson) Wilson. They have four children, Erma W. ; Vera W. ; Don F. ; and Paul M. Mr. Pealer, until inducted into office, has been engaged in farming and merchandising. He established a store on the home farm in 1901, one mile north of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and one mile east of the New Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The postoffice was located at his store, which was named Lakota. In the fall of 1908, he disposed of his store and was appointed the probation officer at the Missouri Training School in 1909, which position he held until the change of the State administration. He was appointed deputy county HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 925 clerk in 1911 by County Clerk J. T. Hayes, which position he held until 1914. In this year he became a candidate for and was elected to the office of county clerk and was re-elected in 1918, which office he now holds, his term expiring in 1922. At the election of 1918 he was elected county clerk by a large majority, being the only democrat elected in the county. During the World War he served as a member of the local Exemption Board for Cooper County. Mr. Pealer is affable in manner and has a pleasing personality which renders him popular, as is evidenced by the election of 1918. He is a careful, painstaking officer and has endeared many to him by reason of his continued courtesy and kindness in the performance of the duties of his office. Mr. Pealer is a democrat and a member of the Baptist Church, a Free Mason, Knight of Pythias, Odd Fellow, and a Woodman. Mr. and Mrs. Pealer were educated at Hooper Institute at Clarks- burg, Mo. They believe in education and are offering their children the best opportunity available. Erma W., who graduated at Laura Speed Elliott High School in 1918, the following year attended the Monticello Seminary at Godfrey, 111. Vera W. graduated from the above high school in 1919, and Don F. is a sophomore in the same institution and was page in the Senate of the 50th General Assembly. Paul M., the youngest, is attending the grade school of Boonville. George D. Brownfield, who is now serving as prosecuting attorney of Cooper County, was born March 9, 1879, in Cooper County, Mo. His father, Martin Brownfield, was born in Virginia, Oct. 15, 1835, and came to Pettis County when a small boy and afterwards located in Cooper County, near Pilot Grove, where he was a successful farmer. He died at his home in Cooper County, Dec. 26, 1883. His mother was Adeline (Lewis) Brownfield, who was born Aug. 6, 1836, in the State of Ohio. She came to Boonville with her parents when quite a small girl, and lived in Cooper County practically all of her life. She died in Pilot Grove, March 28, 1914, after having lived a noble and Christian life. Mrs. Brownfield, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was married twice, the first time to John Baker, and there were born to this union three children, Ida, Anna and Katie, all of whom are deceased. Her second marriage was to the father of George Brownfield, and to this union there were born four children, Minnie, Flora, Lewis and George D. George D. Brownfield attended the public schools at Pilot Grove, the Pilot Grove Academy, and graduated at the high school at Sedalia. He then completed the commercial course at Hill's Business College at Se- 926 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY dalia, after which he entered the law department at the State University at Columbia, where he graduated in 1909, ranking first in his class. He also won the Rollin's scholarship of $50 in gold, for the highest rank in the junior class of the previous year. Mr. Brownfield was elected city attorney of Boonville in 1914-1916. He was also elected prosecuting attorney of Cooper County in 1914-1916- 1918, which office he now holds. Mr. Brownfield is a hard worker and a close student. He is a fervent and earnest prosecutor and a forceful and pleasing speaker. Jesse Thomas Hays was born in Cooper County, Mo., Nov. 23, 1870. His parents, Hon. William G. and Mary E. (Hurley) Hays were natives of Hardin County, Ky. and were there reared and married. In 1864 they came to Missouri, settling on a farm in the river bottoms in Cooper County, eight miles east of Boonville. Subsequently they removed to a farm on a bluff, three miles from Overton, and it was on that place that Jesse Thomas Hays first saw the light of day. In 1892 the parents took up their abode on a farm four miles west of Bunceton which remained the home until the death of William G. Hays, who died at Hot Springs, Ark., in 1905. William G. Hays was prominent in democratic politics and repre- sented his district in the State Legislature three terms. His counsel was sought in all political matters and his opinion carried weight. He was a member of both the Masonic and Odd 'Fellows lodges and was one of Cooper County's most prosperous, substantial and esteemed citizens. Jesse Thomas Hays spent his youth upon the home farm, his experi- ences being those of the average lad in the multifarious duties upon the farm and the obligations of life. He attended the district school and afterwards entered the Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, Mo., where he continued through the school years of 1888-89 and 1889-90. In the fall of the latter year he entered the Missouri University at Columbia, where he spent the succeeding term, after which he returned to his home in Cooper County and engaged in farming in partnership with his father until the latter's death. For two years thereafter he lived in the country handling stock and grain and meeting with substantial success. In Nov., 1906, he was elected to the office of county clerk and at the expiration of his first term in 1910, was re-elected to that office. The duties of this office he performed with painstaking care and fidelity. Mr. Hays ia a member of Cooper Lodge, No. 36 A. F. and A. M. ; of Boonville Chapter, No. 60, R. A. M. ; of Olivette Commandery, No. 53, K. T. ; Centralia Council, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 927 No. 34, R. & S. M. at Centralia, Mo.; of the Boonville Lodge K. P.; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He, like his father before him, takes an active interest in public matters and especially is he active. in demo- cratic politics and as well a student of public questions. Being pleasant and affable, his friends are legion. E. H. Rcdgers, for many years one of the largest and most prosper- ous farmers of Cooper County as well as one of the largest breeders of Atwood Merino sheep in central Missouri, is a native of Virginia and was bc>rn in Ohio County, Dec. 6, 1843. His parents, John G. and Margaret Rodgers, were natives of that county and their homestead upon which the subject of this sketch was born, was composed of land entered by the family several generations ago. His grandmother of the fourth genera- tion on the father's side was the first white woman that ever set foot in that county. Mr. Rodger's father was a large and prosperous farmer. In the Civil War, Mr. Rodgers still a youth, espoused the cause of the union and in his 19th year, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 12th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war, witnessing personally the final surrender of Lee at Appomattox in 1865. He was in the Battle of Winchester under General Milroy and numerous other hotly contested engagements. After peace was consum- mated he farmed for two years in his native county and in 1868 moved to Missouri and located in Pilot Grove township in this county where he lived for twelve years. In 1880 he sold his farm in Pilot Grove township and bought the farm of Judge Bennet C. Clark, in Palestine township, consisting of 970 acres of fertile land in a high state of cultivation and well improved. Besides general farming he made a specialty of breeding and raising the celebrated Atwood stock of Merino sheep. His flock frequently consisted of 2,500 and as high as 4,000 head. Mr. Rodgers was married in Ohio County, Va., to Miss Mary L., daughter of James Elliott of that county, August 18, 1870. He has but one child, a daughter, Margaret A., the wife of Charles W. Nixon, whose sketch appears in this volume. His wife departed this life in Boonville, in June, 1916, and was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Boonville. In March of this year Mr. Rodgers sold that portion of his farm that he had not heretofore sold, about 600 acres, to his son-in-law, C. W. Ni v cn cf Boonville For several years, Mr. Rodgers has made his home with Mr. Nixon where he has enjoyed not only the companionship of his daughter and son-in-law, but the close attachment he feels to his grand-children. Mr. Rodgers has large property intei-ests in Virginia, 928 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY especially in coal lands. He has retired from all public activities and spends a considerable portion of his time traveling in the east. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Democrat, and a member of the John A. Hayn Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Rodgers is an exemplary citizen and active in any cause he espouses. He was a generous contributor to all war activities in the World War. A thor- ough American, his heart has beat with a patriotism, in that great cataclysm, unaffected by age. Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, owner and proprietor of "Ravenswood Farm", which is located four miles northeast of Bunceton in Palestine township, has for years been a prominent factor in Cooper County affairs, as well as his father and grandfather before him. Nathaniel Nelson Leonard was born at Boonville, Mo., Dec. 6, 1876, and was the only child born to his parents, the late Capt. Charles E. Leonard and Nadine (Nel- son) Leonard. Capt. Charles E. Leonard was a native of Cooper County, born on "Ravenswood Farm" march 27, 1839, and died March 8, 1916. He was a son of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hutchinson) Leonard, who settled in Cooper County in 1825 from Vermont. Here Nathaniel Leonard purchased a large tract of land and settled on what has since been known as "Ravens- wood Farm", which is one of the notable stock farms in America, from the breeder's standpoint. Nathaniel Leonard engaged in breeding pure- bred Shorthorn cattle in 1839. At that time he went to Kentucky and purchased a white male Shorthorn, "Comet Star", for $600, and a red female, "Queen" for $500, from George Renick, a well known stock breeder in Kentucky. These animals were the first pure bred Shorthorn cattle west of the Mississippi River, and it is said that the "Ravenswood Farm" is the oldest stock farm in the world devoted to breeding Shorthorn cat- tle. Nathaniel Leonard successfully carried on farming and stock breed- ing on the "Ravenswood Farm" during his lifetime, and was succeeded by Capt. Charles E. Leonard, the father of Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, whose name introduces this review. Capt. Charles E. Leonard was reared to manhood on "Ravenswood Farm", and received his education in the Kemper Military School at Boon- ville and the Missouri University at Columbia, where he was graduated. After his educational career, he returned to "Ravenswood Farm" and was actively engaged in farming and stock breeding during the balance of his life. He became widely known throughout the country as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle, and was one of the best known men in r < f>//c t r\ , HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 929 America as an advocate of the merits of that breed of cattle. His efforts were not limited merely to the commercial side of Shorthorn breeding, but as a member of the American Shorthorn Breeders Association, he was one of the leading factors in the financing of the American Herd Book, the rights to which were later purchased by the American Shorthorn Breeders Association in 1883. Captain Leonard was an active member of this association for a number of years, serving as a director from 1882 to 1906, when, at his own request, he was relieved from further activity on that board. From 1889 until 1902 he was president of that organization, and for many years was a conspicuous figure at Royal and International stock shows, where his advice and co-operation were eagerly sought by stock breeders from various sections of the country. Captain Leonard was equally successful in other fields of enterprise, as he was as a breeder. He was interested in the banking business exten- sively and at the time of his death he was president of the Central National Bank of Boonville, one of Cooper County's substantial financial institutions. He was a man of keen perception and good judgment. He not only knew cattle, but he knew men as well. He was a liberal contributor to every worthy enterprise and gave generously to religious and other causes. He was a Methodist. Capt. Charles E. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Nadine Nel- son, Oct. 27, 1872. She is a daughter of James M. and Margaret (Wyan) Nelson, Cooper County pioneers, a more extensive history of whom is given in connection with the sketch of Dr. Arthur W. Nelson. Mrs. Leon- ard now resides at Booneville. Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, whose name introduces this sketch, was educated in Kemper Military School, where he was graduated in the class of 1896. He then attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., where he completed the law course in 1898, after which he traveled extensively in Europe. He then returned to Cooper County, and since that time has made his home at "Ravenswood Farm", where he has continued the breed- ing of Shorthorns which is being carried on on an extensive scale under the supervision of his superintendent, Ed Patterson, a man who thoroughly understands the stock business in the most minute detail, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Ravenswood Stock Farm is one of the famous stock farms of America. It consists of 2,100 acres, and is devoted to breeding Shorthorn cattle. It was founded in 1825, as above stated, by the grandfather of the present (48) 930 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY owner. A herd of 125 pure bred Shorthorns is maintained on this place, and upon this place some of the highest priced Shorthorn cattle in the world have been bred. One animal from this farm was sold for $40,000 at the Royal Stock sale in Argentina. Stock from the "Ravenswood Farm" are well known and highly prized, not only in this country but in South America and other parts of the world. Nathaniel Nelson Leonard was united in marriage at Chicago, 111., Jan. 20, 1909, with Miss Roselia Willard, daughter of Henry G. and Anne (Rafferty) Willard. Henry G. Willard is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Newtown, Dec. 17, 1846, and his wife was a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and died in Chicago, 111. Mr. Willard was formerly engaged in the manu- facture of gas and electric light fixtures, and is now retired and makes his home at the "Ravenswood Farm". To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard were born three children, as follows: Nathaniel N., Jr., born Feb. 5, 1910; Charles Willard, born Jan. 18, 1912, and Anne Nadine, born July 25, 1914. Mrs. Leonard was born in Chicago, 111., Feb. 5, 1885, and died at "Ravenswood Farm" Nov. 11, 1918. She was a woman of noble Christian character who made the world better by having lived in it. During her lifetime she was active in charitable and social work, and it is a noteworthy fact that during the World War her devotion to the cause of the Red Cross was the crowning event of her life. Mr. Leonard, in addition to his vast interest in the stock business, is active in other industrial and financial enterprises. He is a director of the Boonville National Bank, and also in the Bank of Bunceton. He is a Knights Templar Mason, being a member at Boonville, and he also holds membership in the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo. He takes a commendable interest in public affairs, and is a council member of Gov. Gardner's staff. Fleming H. Shannon, for most of his life a citizen of Cooper County, but now of Texas County, Mo., was born in Cooper County, Dec. 19, 1861. His father, Alexander Shannon, was born in Maryland about 1810, and came to Cooper County about 1825. He was a farmer, and first located in Boonville, then moved to Clarks Fork township, and again back to Boonville township. Here he spent the rest of his life as a prosperous and successful farmer. He died in June, 1893, and left as the fruits of his industry and skill, a large estate. He married Miss Julia Hurt, daughter of Peyton and Jennin (Coobe) Hurt. Five children were born of that marriage, G. W., E. B., F. H., J. B., and Nannie, all of whom are living except J. B. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 931 F. H. Shannon was reared on a farm, attended the public schools of this county, and took a special business course at the Moore Business College of Sedalia, graduating in 1883. He was married in November, 1884, to Katie J. Fray, daughter of John and Mary (Westerfield) Fray, to which union was born one child, George William, born March 12, 1886. He is at present located at Detroit, Mich., as the manager of the F. Joseph Lamb & Co., manufacturers, who during the World War were engaged solely in the manufacture of munitions. Mrs. Shannon died March 8, 1890. Nov. 1, 1893, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Nannie F. Bankston, daughter of John and Bettie (Miller) Bankston, of which union three children were born: Clarence Miller, 21 years of age; Ida Belle, 19, and Eugene Monroe, 13. Mrs. Shannon died in March, 1917. Mr. Shannon was elected county judge of the Eastern District of Cooper County in 1902 and again in 1904. He served the people with fidelity and distinction and rendered himself popular by reason of his eminent fairness upon the bench. At the expiration of his second term of office he continued farming until he entered the service of the International Harvester Company in 1908, with whom he remained three years. In 1911, the state of Missouri sought and secured his services as probation officer of the Missouri Train- ing School at Boonville, which position he held about four years, and then was advanced to the position of Assistant Superintendent of that institution. He resigned Nov. 1, 1917, and moved to Texas County where he had purchased a farm. Mr. Shannon is a member of the Christian Church, a Democrat, and a Free Mason. He is warm hearted, fervent and active in any cause that he espouses and is a true friend. He has always taken an active and prominent part in politics. Albert H. Myer, president and manager of the Palace Clothing Com- pany, Boonville, Mo., can truly be said to have been born and reared a merchant. He first saw the light of day at Rocheport, Mo., June 30, 1872. His father, Charles Myer, was born at Illegen, Germany, Jan. 20, 1845, and died at Fayette, Mo., March 17, 1911. When a small boy about nine years, he came from Germany to make America his home. He first engaged in business for himself at Rocheport, Mo., where for a number of years he conducted a general store. From there he went to Fayette, Mo., and engaged in the clothing business and conducted said business about 20 years, to the time of his death. He was married in 1868 to 932 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Laura (Tumy) Myer. She was born in Rocheport, Mo., Dec. 25, 1847, and is now living at Fayette. She is the daughter of Henry and George Ann Tumy, both of whom were born in Louisville, Ky., and both de- scendents of old Kentucky families. The subject of this sketch was engaged in the mercantile business under the tuition of his fathers since old enough to wait upon customers. He was educated in the public schools at Rocheport and Fayette. Nov. 6, 1901, he was married at Fayette to Estelle May Turner, the daughter of Robert and Adelia (Gibson) Turner, both of whom came from Vir- ginia to Howard County with their respective parents in the early days and were united in marriage in Howard County. Their forefathers on both sides were in the Revolutionary War. The grandfather of Mrs. Estelle, age about 16; Albert H., age about 12, and Dorothy Ross, about B. Gibson, a distinguished soldier and commander in the war of the Revolution. There was born to Albert H. Myer and wife, three children: Laura Estelle, age about 16; Albert H., age about 12, and Dorothy Rose, about nine. Mr. Myer was associated with his father for a number of years at Fayette in the clothing business and in connection with his brother established a branch clothing store at Franklin, Mo., where they did an extensive and prosperous business for five or six years. Seeking broader fields, in 1909 he moved to Boonville where he has conducted a successful and growing business ever since. He is the president and acting man- ager of the Palace Clothing Company of Boonville, which is incorporated and has an elegant and up-to-date stock of clothing and he prides himself on the quality of the goods he sells. The store is equipped with every modem convenience and will stand comparison with the best arranged and furnished clothing stores of the larger cities. The business of the Palace Clothing Company has grown from year to year. Mr. Myer is ever kind and courteous and is a most applicable and pleasing salesman. His friends are legion. He is an active and live wire in all public enter- prises that go to build up the city in which he lives. He is generous and willing to donate and pay his portion in every public movement. He is the vice-president of the Boonville Commercial Club, a member of the Board of Directors and active and enthusiastic in all its operations. In 1917 he was president of the State Retail Clothiers of Missouri. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, is past Chancellor of same, and is now one of the directors. W. G. Gilbreath is one of the prosperous and up-to-date farmers of Cooper County, and the owner of 200 fertile acres in Palestine township, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 933 about nine miles from Boonville. He was born in Cooper County, June 6, 1869, the son of H. F. Gilbreath and Catherine Gilbreath. H. F. Gilbreath was born in Tennessee, Feb. 1, 1826, and died in Vernon County, Missouri, Jan. 26, 1888, and his remains were interred in New Salem Cemetery, in this county. His father, Hugh Gilbreath, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, March 10, 1781, and died in Cooper County, Jan. 21, 1852. The grand- mother, Flora (McDuffy) Gilbreath, the wife of Hugh Gilbreath, was born in Tennessee, and died in Cooper County in February, 1875. The remains of this couple were also interred in New Salem Cemetery. W. G. Gilbreath's mother was the daughter of Robert and Hannah Carpenter. Robert Carpenter was born in Kentucky in 1798, and died in Cooper County, March, 1830. Hannah was born in North Carolina, Oct. 11, 1802, and died in Cooper County, Feb. 19, 1865. Mr. Gilbreath's family on both sides were among the oldest and most respected citizens of Missouri, and among the early settlers of Cooper County. His grandparents, above mentioned, moved to Cooper County in 1827, and settled in Prairie Home township in what is known as the Newt Gilbreath farm. William M. Gilbreath and Newton A. Gilbreath, both deceased, were uncles of the subjects of this sketch. Mr. Gilbreath spent his early years upon a farm, and was educated in the public schools and at Brannock's College at Pleasant Hill, Mo. He was an officer at the Missouri Reform School in 1892, and served efficiently and satisfactorily in that capacity for two years under the superintendency of Colonel Drake. From 1897 he was deputy sheriff for four years under J. M. Rymel, and as such was active, vigilant, and competent, and it is safe to say that no former deputy or any succeeding one excelled him in the performance of his duties. He was married in 1900 to Miss Mary Waller, daughter of the late and lamented Judge John A. Waller, who was one of Cooper County's most esteemed citizens, having served the people of his county in responsible positions with credit and distinction. Judge Waller was born in Kentucky, Nov. 19, 1826, and died in Cooper County, Jan. 6, 1915. Judge Waller's father, Benjamin R. Waller, was born in Kentucky in 1802, and settled in Cooper County in 1840. He departed this life in Cooper County in January, 1891. The wife of Ben- jamin Waller was Lucy (Harris) Waller, who was born in 1810 in Clark County, Ky., and died in Cooper County. Mrs. W. G. Gilbreath's mother, the first wife of Judge Waller, he having been married twice, was Cordelia (Holladay) Waller, who was 934 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY born in Clark County, Ky., Sept. 14, 1844, and died in Cooper County, Feb. 13, 1878. Cordelia's father was Waller Holladay, and was born in Clark County, Ky., March 17, 1797, and died in Cooper County, Oct. 11, 1876. He was married in 1843. It will thus be seen that Mrs. Gilbreath is a descendant of one of our oldest and best families. W. G. Gilbreath was for a number of years the superintendent of the county infirmary, and rendered valuable service to the county in the building and establishment of the new infirmary ; and with the assistance of his competent wife, raised it to a standard unsurpassed by any insti- tution of its kind in the state. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbreath two children: Glen, 17 years of age, and Martha Eee, age 12. Mr. Gilbreath is an active and enthusiastic Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Free Mason. He is a gentleman of posi- tive connection, a staunch friend, dependable and worthy of the high esteem in which he is held. Ray P. Cramer is one of Cooper County's progressive farmers and business men. He was born in Lamine township, Sept. 25, 1880, and is the son of G. A. Cramer, Jr., who was the son of G. A. Cramer. Ray Cramer's grandfather came from Holland to this country. The ship in which he came was wrecked and he was one of the few survivers. He located first in Pennsylvania, then moved to Kentucky, and from there came to Cooper County and settled here soon after the first Turleys, thought to be about 1814. The land upon which Ray P. Cramer now lives was a part of the tract on which his grandfather settled. Mr. Cramer's grandfather on his mother's side was Frank Hill, who came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and located in Cooper County soon after the Civil War. The subject of this sketch is the owner of 102 acres of highly improved and well cultivated land and is situated two miles west of Lamine station in Lamine town- ship. He has spent his entire life in Cooper County, except about one year which he spent in Oklahoma. He was educated in the public schools of the county, and took a special commercial course at another institution. He was the organizer of the Boonville Oil and Gas Company at Okmulgee, Okla., and the Gilmer Oil Company of the same place, both of which are now consolidated and known as the Gilmer Oil Company. Mr. Cramer has been successful in the oil fields and upon property aforesaid has seven producing oil wells and two productive gas wells. He is the man- ager of this company, and has the absolute confidence of those who have HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 935 invested with him. They are mostly local men, and as a testimony of their confidence and esteem, they presented him a few months ago with a handsome $250 Victrola. Mr. Cramer was married to Lilly K. Wing, the daughter of D. W. Wing, one of the most substantial citizens of central Missouri. The father of D. W. Wing came to Missouri and settled in Cooper County about 1818. Three children were born of this marriage: David, age 14; W. Russell, age 13, and Catherine Lucile, age six. David has graduated from the eighth grade and next year is to enter the Kemper Military School of this city. Mr. Cramer is a Democrat of high degree, a member of the Christian Church, an estimable citizen, popular with all who know him, and suc- cessful in his ventures. Felix Victor, one of the leading clothiers of central Missouri, when a young man came to Mexico, Mo., in 1884, and clerked in the clothing store of Joseph and Victor Barth, under whose tutelage and training he learned thoroughly and in detail the clothing business. The Barths were exten- sive clothiers, having at the same time another store at Columbia, Mo. Mr. Victor served them for about nine years and came to Boonville, Sept. 2, 1893, and engaged in the clothing business with his brother, Adolph Victor, who had served his apprenticeship in the Barth store in Colum- bia, under the firm name of F. & A. Victor. This firm for seven years conducted their business on Main Street in the building now occupied by the Tanner Studio. The firm moved to the corner of Spring and Main Streets in 1900 to secure larger quarters, occupying the building then known as the Windsor Building. A few years thereafter they purchased his building together with an adjoining building and wrecked the same and upon the lots erected a magnificent structure for their ever growing business. This building is a monument to the success and enterprise of the subject of this sketch. It is handsomely furnished and equipped, and has every convenient appointment required by the most up-to-date mer- cantile establishment. It is an honor and credit to Boonville and Cooper County, and doubtless has not its equal in the state outside of St. Louis and Kansas City. January, 1919, Adolph Victor retired from the firm and Felix, the subject of this sketch, became the sole proprietor. Mr. Victor has always prided himself upon the quality of his goods and completeness of his stock. Mr. Victor was married Jan. 1, 1902, to Miss Ida Barth. daughter of Joseph Barth, now deceased. Mrs. Victor has taken pleasure in active leadership in all civic and social matters in the city. 936 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Clarence W. Atkinson, proprietor of an excellent farm in Palestine township and one of the best known farmers in that part of Cooper County, is a native of this county. He was born on a farm in Boonville township, Sept. 17, 1876, son of William and Sarah E. (Dickey) Atkinson, the former of whom is still living, now a resident of Boonville. William Atkinson was born in Ohio County, Virginia, now in that part of the Old Dominion comprised in West Virginia, May 14, 1837, a son of John and Margaret (Trimble) Atkinson, Pennsylvanians and both mem- bers of old Colonial families. The Atkinsons in this country are of Scottish origin and the family was founded on this side before the days of the Revolution. March 5, 1863, William Atkinson married Sarah E. Dickey, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Oct. 21, 1836, and whom he had known since the days of their childhood when they were playmates, and in 1865 he and his wife came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, settling on a farm which he bought in Boonville town- ship. He later moved to a farm near Prairie Lick and in 1881 bought a farm in Palestine township, where he continued to reside until his retire- ment in 1910. His wife died on Feb. 28, 1917, and in 1918 he moved to Boonville, where he is now living. To William and Sarah E. (Dickey) Atkinson were born five children, of whom three are still living, the sub- ject of this sketch having two brothers, Miller T. Atkinson, of Palestine township, and Charles S. Atkinson, of Boonville. Reared on the farm, Clarence W. Atkinson has always followed agri- cultural pursuits and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 260 acres in Palestine township, where he is quite successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He received his schooling in the local district schools and as a young man took a part in the operations of the home farm, continuing thus engaged until in 1901 when he rented a farm and began operations on his own account. By hard work and good management he was enabled in Jan., 1909, to buy the farm on which he is now living. Since taking possession of that place Mr. Atkinson has made numerous improvements on the same and now has an admirable farm plant and is doing well. Politically, he is an independent republican. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. On April 14, 1904, Clarence W. Atkinson was united in marriage to Lydia H. Muntzel, who also was born in this county, and who died on July 10, 1918. To that union were born three children, Ruth E., John F. and Clarence W., Jr. (deceased). The late Mrs. Lydia H. Atkinson was born in Clarks Fork township, this county, April 30, 1881, and was thus but a little past 37 years of age at the time of her death. She was a member MR. AND MRS. C. W. ATKINSON HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 937 of one of the old families in Cooper County, the. Muntzels having been represented here since the days just following the close of the Civil War. Dr. T. H. Winterbower was born on the Ohio River in Hardin County, Ky., July 25, 1848. He was graduated in medicine from the University of Kentucky at Louisville in 1869. After graduating he immediately came to Missouri to locate and selected Overton, in Saline township of this county, to practice his profession. He followed his profession and had an extensive practice in that part of the county until he moved to Boonville in 1906. He then became deputy county clerk, retiring from the practice of medicine. In 1909 he was the nominee of the Democratic party for probate judge of Cooper County and was elected to that office. He was again, in 1813, the nominee of that party and was again elected, holding the same two full terms of eight years. Dr. Winterbower was married in 1876 to Miss Belle Wooldridge. There were born of this marriage two children, Stanley, who is in business at Sapulpa, Okla., and Nellie, who lives with her father. Dr. Winterbower's father came to Kentucky in the early days from Tennessee. His mother was born in Hardin County, Ky., and her maiden name was Nannie Hays. The Hays family were old settlers of Ken- tucky. Dr. Winterbower's wife was the daughter of Jesse Wooldridge and Susan Hays Wooldridge who were married in Kentucky and came to Missouri in the early days. Mrs. Winterbower died at Boonville in 1912. Dr. Winterbower, in office, was known not only for his efficiency but for his universal affability and courtesy. As a physician he was capable and sympathetic. He has always taken a deep interest in politics and public affairs. Alexander H. Stephens, Jr., who is a prosperous traveling salesman, was born May 7, 1894, at Boonville, Mo. His father, A. H. Stephens, is a son of James L. Stephens and is also a brother of Speed and ex-Gov- ernor Lon V. Stephens. His mother, Adda (Edgar) Stephens, is a daugh- ter of Russell L. Edgar, her mother being a member of the Spahr family. The Stephens, Edgars, and Spahrs are among the oldest families of Cooper County. Alexander H. Stephens, Jr., was educated in the public schools of Boonville, attended the Kemper Military School two years and graduated in the academic course at Central College, Fayette, Mo. After grad- uating, he was for a short time associated with his father in the automo- bile business and in conducting a garage. In 1916 he accepted employ- ment from the Hine-Watt Manufacturing Company of Chicago as trav- 938 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY eling salesman. His territory consists of the states of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. He was married Jan. 6, 1919, to Miss Doris Eugenia Schmidt, the daughter of M. E. Schmidt, the son-in-law of the late la- mented ex-Lieutenant Governor James F. Gmelich. Mr. Stephens is a young man who is hewing out his own fortune and is making success of his efforts. He has a pleasant manner and a pleas- ing address. He is known among his trade as being entirely dependable and is meeting with marked success. Frank C. Brickey, one of the live wires among the young business men of Boonville, was born July 22, 1893, at Festus, Mo. His father, F. W. Brickey, was born at Brickeys Landing, Mo., 75 years ago, and the father of F. W. Brickey, grandfather of the subject of this sketch,, was also born in Missouri, the Brickey stock originally coming from Virginia. John S. Brickey, the first circuit attorney of the circuit in which Cooper County was a part and who lived in Franklin, Mo., was a great-uncle of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Brickey 's mother, Nettie E. (Davis) Brickey, was born in St. Louis, Mo., and is 58 years of age. She belongs to the old Davis family of Missouri. Mr. Brickey graduated from the high school at Festus and then attended the Western Military Academy, Alton, 111., and Central Col- lege, Fayette, Mo. After having spent about two years at Fayette, Mo., Mr. Brickey removed to Boonville in the fall of 1914, assumed charge of the agency for the sale of Ford cars in this section and conducted a sales and service station at the Viertel Garage. The following year he moved to the Stephen's Garage located in the Harriman building on Main Street, and in 1917, purchased the business of this garage. In 1919 he leased the Viertel Garage building above mentioned in order to give him more room for the rapidly expanding business. This building has 40,000 square feet and is by far the largest garage in central Missouri and on the first floor there is doubtless more floor space than in any other garage in the state. Here he handles the Ford cars and Ford tractors and reasonably anticipates, for the coming year, a business of $500,000. In 1919, Mr. Brickey purchased the "Elkins & Elkins Garage" at Bunceton, Mo., as a Ford Sales and Service Station in that section of the county and is known as the "Bunceton Auto Company." The building in which he conducts this business is about 60x90 feet, and the business there is a thriving one. In the spring of 1918 he sold a one-half interest in the Bunceton Auto Company to J. H. Schlotzhauer, who from that date became the active manager there. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 939 In the first part of the year 1918 Mr. Brickey purchased from Jacob Deck, the Lyric Theater (picture show) and soon thereafter sold a one- half interest in the same to the late Dr. A. C. Jacobs. This enterprise is now conducted by Mr. Brickey in conjunction with Mark Jacobs, brother of Dr. A. C. Jacobs. In May, 1919, he purchased the building known as the Stephen's Opera House in connection with Mr. Mark Jacobs and is now arranging for various improvements of this building. At the beginning of the World War he offered his service to his country and was selected as civilian instructor at the vocational training school at Colum- bia, Mo., and was made head instructor of Motor Mechanics, which po- sition he held for seven months, until the closing of the school. Decem- ber 15, 1918, he was appointed by the government to take charge and dispose of the equipment and material of the school which duty he per- formed in a most satisfactory manner to the government. He is now at Boonville, energetically and successfully conducting his various enter- prises. Guy C. Million, associated with his father in the management of the Frederick Hotel of Boonville, was bom July 22, 1878, in Chariton County, Mo. He is the son of W. R. Million and Martha A. (McCampbell) Million. W. R. Million is a veteran hotel man, having operated some of the most popular hotels of the state and is favorably and well known to the travel- ing public. Though never a candidate for office he takes a deep interest in Democratic politics in state as well as county affairs. Martha (Mc- Campbell) Million was born and reared in Chariton County, Mo., and her parents, Robert S. and Mary (Willis) McCampbell, were born and reared in Shelby County, Ky. They came to Missouri in 1858, making the trip in emigrant wagons. Guy C. Million, the subject of the review, was educated in the public schools of Glasgow, and at Pritchett Institute. He spent five years in the drug business at Salisbury, Mo., and for four years was in the Hospital Department of the United States Navy and saw service in the Philippines, China and Japan. For the past 15 years, associated with his father, he has managed and conducted the famed Frederick Hotel at Boonville. As a host he has no superior in central Missouri, and is popular with the trading public. He is a Free Mason of high standing and rank, being a Past Master, Past High Priest, and Past Eminent Commander. He is a Stewart of the M. E. Church, South, and in politics, a Democrat. Sept. 28, 1903, Guy C. Million was married at Salisbury, Mo., to Miss Pensa Cola Dameron, who is the daughter of John T. and Josie 940 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY (Lea) Dameron, and was born in Randolph County, Mo., and moved with her parents to Salisbury. She was educated in Salisbury Academy. Her grandfather, Judge A. G. Lea, was a prominent judge in north Missouri before the Civil War. Her father enlisted in the Civil War in the Confed- erate Army at the age of 15, who as well as her paternal grandfather, served through the Civil War, and was engaged in many important bat- tles. Her great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Dameron, fought through the war of the Revolution, and was married to Sarah Ball, a first cousin of George Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Guy C. Million have one child, Guy C. Jr., who was born Aug. 2, 1913. C. H. Brokmeyer, who departed this life, aged 57, in Boonville, on Wednesday morning, July 23, 1902, was born in Hille, Westphalia, Ger- many, April 20, 1845. He came to the United States when about 20 years of age. After living in St. Louis and Jefferson City a short time, he moved to Bunceton and opened a tailor shop. Later he located at Boon- ville and in association with C. H. Heim engaged in the general merchan- dise business. This partnership continued two years when the interest of Heim was purchased by A. Schnedler. At the end of the year Mr. Brokmeyer became the sole owner and manager of the store and from this time he continued in the business until the date of his demise. Dur- ing his residence in Boonville, Mr. Brokmeyer built more than 60 dwell- ings. At the time of his death he was the owner of two store houses, the home property, and twelve residences. Mr. Brokmeyer and Miss Hannah Otten were united in marriage in Boonville on Dec. 6, 1870, and seven children were born to this union, one having died in infancy. He left surviving him the widow, and six chil- dren, John, who married Miss Stella Yeater of Sedalia; Mrs. Emma Schott; Frank, who depa'rted this life in his 40th year, Aug. 21, 1916, loved, respected, and honored, having a host of friends; William; Mrs. Sophia Page, and Henry, who married Miss Eva Cross of New Franklin, Mo. Mr. Brokmeyer was a valuable and highly respected citizen of Boon- ville and was an active factor in every public enterprise and in the up- building of the city. He had a most pleasing disposition, a kind word for everyone, and always wore a smile. No deal or trade was too big for him to handle. He bought anything and was always willing to sell. He built up an enormous business and seemed to handle and manage the same with astonishing ease. In his death Boonville, as well as his fam- ily, suffered an irretrievable loss. His business has been continued by HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 941 his wife under the able management of her three sons, Frank, William, and Henry. Frank having died, the management has devolved upon William and Henry, who have been successful in the enterprise and have continued the prosperity built up by their father in the mercantile busi- ness. They are the fortunate possessors of happy, kind, and accommo- dating dispositions and number their friends by the legion. Dr. Paul Ashland Brickey is a brother of Frank C. Brickey whose sketch appears in this volume. He is therefore of the same parentage and genealogy. Dr. Brickey, the subject of this sketch, was born at Festus, Mo., where his father and mother now live, Feb. 17, 1895. He attended the public schools of Festus and took the high school course at that place after which he attended the Western Military Academy, Alton, 111., for two years and graduated from the same. His father then sent him to Central College at Fayette where he spent two years in the pre- paratory medical course. Then he attended school at the St. Louis Uni- versity, School of Medicine, and was graduated from that institution in 1918. He served one year as intern at St. Mary's Hospital. June 17, 1918, Dr. Brickey entered the service of his country and was sent to France as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps with Base Hospital No. 112. He was stationed at Camp Pontanezen, Napoleon Barracks, Brest, France. Here he rendered valuable services as a physi- cian in relieving the pain and suffering of our soldier boys. He returned to the United States Feb. 17, 1919, and was discharged April 15. He is now commissioned in the Medical Reserve Corps. Dr. Brickey was married Dec. 18, 1917, to Miss Grace Gildehaus whose father is a prosperous wholesale merchant of St. Louis. Soon after his discharge from the service he located in Boonville and is now engaged in the practice of medicine. He is examiner for life insurance companies and is rapidly building up a remunerative practice. Dr. Brickey is thoroughly educated and in every respect well equipped and qualified for his chosen profession of medicine. George H. Scholle, a merchant tailor of Boonville who also handles Victrolas and pianos, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 4, 1872. His parents were William and Mary (Schuerman) Scholle of the province of Hanover, who, as well as their parents before them were born in Han- over, Germany. William Scholle died in 1881. Mary Scholle, now about 82 years of age is yet living. George H. Scholle came to the United States in 1890, when 18 years of age, and located at Sunmen, Ind., where he worked as a tailor for two 942 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY years. Mr. Scholle learned the business of tailoring in Germany, serving an apprenticeship. From Indiana, Mr. Scholle went to Toledo, Ohio, where he remained until 1903 when he came to the Reform School for Boys at Boonville and for one year had charge of the tailoring depart- ment. From there he went to Versailles, Mo., where he remained four years. He then returned to the Reform School and under the superin- tendency of Col. Clark had charge of the tailoring department and in- structed the boys therein for three years. In 1915 Mr. Scholle opened his establishment in Boonville where he is now occupied as a merchant tailor and handles victrolas and musical instruments. His wife, Amanda (Unverferth) Scholle, was born in Pemberville, Ohio, in 1874. Her par- ents came from Germany. She and Mr. Scholle were married in Toledo, Ohio, where Mrs. Scholle's parents lived at that time. There were born of this union eight children: Albro, 23 years of age, is serving his coun- try in the Marines; Wilbur, 21, is assisting his father; Paul, 19, is also with his father ; Alma, 17 years of age ; Frederick, 13 ; Helen, 10 ; George, seven, and Bertha, four. Mr. Scholle is a conscientious, and painstaking workman. He is affable and accommodating and by his close attention to business and his effort to please, he has built up an extensive business. He is a loyal American citizen and has willingly and cheerfully responded to all calls made upon him in war activities. Theodore F. Lebing is a prosperous merchant at Clarks Fork. He conducts a general mercantile store in the center of a rich agricultural section of the county. He was born Aug. 21, 1878, at Clarks Fork and reared on a farm in Cooper County. When old enough he engaged in farming until 1917 when he formed a partnership with Charles Q. Mills. They conducted a general merchandise business at Clarks Fork under the firm name of Lebing & Mills. During this partnership they did a large business and handled large quantities of poultry and produce which they transported to Boonville and shipped to market. The firm of Lebing & Mills was successor in the business to 0. L. Letherman. May 7, 1919, Mr. Lebing purchased the interest of his partner and since then the business has been conducted by him. He was a successful farmer and is now a successful merchant. October 13, 1900, Mr. Lebing was married to Miss Delia Mills, daugh- ter of Charles T. and Ellen (Brusius) Mills. Charles T. Mills was son of Henry W. and Susan (Lewis) Mills. The Mills family is numerous in Cooper County, prosperous and of high standing. Theodore F. Lebing is the son of Lewis and Johanna (Brandes) HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 943 Lebing, both deceased. Lewis Lebing was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1913, and came to this country in 1856 and located on a farm in Clarks Fork township. His wife, Johanna Brandes, was also born in Germany, in 1838, and came to Cooper County with her parents in 1855. Christine Brandes, the father of Johanna Brandes, settled first in Iowa and then came to Cooper County which became his home. The Brandes family with its numerous branches is well known in Cooper County for honesty, integrity and industry. Harry A. Creagan, president of the Farmer's Trust Company of Boonville, was born in Cooper County, July 30, 1882. His father was P. F. Creagan, who came to Missouri in 1859 and settled at St. Louis where he lived for seven years. He was largely engaged in railroading in different capacities on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad and in 1876 purchased a farm of 280 acres near Clifton City, Cooper County, where he located and where he died. He was a prominent Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and a highly esteemed citizen. His father, William Creagan, came from the county of Meath, Ireland, and was married in New York to Miss Elizabeth Scullin. P. F. Creagan was married in 1863 to Miss Fannie Keenan, of St. Louis, a daughter of Daniel Keenan of New York. Harry A Creagan, was the ninth child born to P. F. and Fannie (Keenan) Creagan. He was educated in the public schools of Cooper County and graduated from the high school of Sedalia. He then became telegraph operator at the M., K. & T. station at Boonville. For five years he was a trusted employee of W. H. Trigg & Co. Jan. 23, 1909, he move! to St. Louh and accepte i a responsible position with the Mer- cantile Trust Company, which he held for ten years. Aug. 9, 1918, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was mustered out Dec. 11, 1918. He has recently organized the Farmer's Trust Company of Boonville, of which he has been selected president. Mr. Creagan's career has been one of continued advancement. He has had a thorough training in fin- ance and is experienced in all banking matters. He is one of the promising young financiers of central Missouri. Homer McGuire, one of the successful and progressive young farm- ers of Cooper County, was born Dec. 6, 1886, in Pilot Grove township, Cooper County. His father, J. V. McGuire, 66 years of age, is also a native son of Cooper County. Thirty-six years ago he was married to Miss Mary Hurd a native of Illinois. J. V. McGuire is one of the sub- stantial citizens of Cooper County, known for his honesty and integrity. Homer McGuire was educated in the county schools of Cooper County. 944 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was reared on a farm, and under the tutelage of his father, and by close attention to the study of agriculture and stock-raising, he has se- cured a success that may be envied. He was married Aug. 5, 1914, to Miss Brooksie Rush, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Rush, Kansas City, Mo. There has been born to this union one child, a son, Wilbur V., Dec. 16, 1918. Homer McGuire is a Republican, but in casting his vote uses his own intelligence rather than the dictum of party. He was made a Master Mason in 1918, and is a member of Cooper Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Boon- ville, Mo. Associated with his father, he superintends and conducts a farm consisting of over 200 fertile acres in Pilot Grove township, which is in the highest state of cultivation and well improved. Here his ener- gies are devoted, not only to agriculture but in the breeding and raising of live-stock, of which he has made quite a success. He is respected and esteemed by all who know, and his friends are many. Peter Franklin Smith, a well known and substantial farmer and stockman of Lebanon township, proprietor (in joint ownership with his wife) of "Wayside Valley Farm", a well improved place of 180 acres in that township, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm at the edge of the village of Otterville in the township of that name on June 29, 1854, son of George W. and Nancy E. (Neal) Smith. George W. Smith, who died at his home in this county 25 years ago, was a Virginian and grew to manhood in the Old Dominion, remaining there until he was 27 years of age, when with his wife and four children (for he was twice married, his first wife dying about 10 years after they took up their residence here) he came to Missouri in 1837 and located at Otterville, where he opened a blacksmith shop and there became engaged working at the trade to which he had been trained in Virginia, proving in this capacity a valued factor in the life of the new community. When he came here the deer were very numerous hereabout and as he was an ardent sportsman he found much pleasure in the hunt. From the time he killed his first deer up to the time of the Civil War he kept tally of the deer he killed and the net bag totalled in excess of 60. Even after war times quite a few deer still lingered in the deeper portions of the woods in this section, affording further sport for this tireless Nimrod. The first sum- mer of his settlement at Otterville he planted five or six acres of corn on a tract some distance from the hamlet, but when the time came to gather the ripened ears the inconvenience of bringing the same in deterred him and he left the corn for the deer. During the Civil War Mr. Smith had a contract with the government to furnish beef for the army and became GEORGK W. SMITH HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 945 well known over the county as a cattle buyer in that connection. He con- tinued to make his home in the Otterville neighborhood and there spent his last days, his death occurring on April 7, 1894. He was bom on May 10, 1810, and was thus slightly under 84 years of age at the time of his death. As noted above, George W. Smith was twice married. His first wife, who was a Beard and whom he married in Virginia, died at her home in this county in 1843. Of the four children born to that union two are still living, Mrs. Virginia Ann Finley, of this county, and Mrs. Ellen Wagen- knecht, of the neighboring county of Morgan. In 1847 Mr. Smith mar- ried Nancy E. Neal, who was born on a pioneer farm in Lebanon town- ship, this county, Dec. 14, 1827, and who (as noted above) is still living, an honored nonogenarian of the Otterville community. To this second union eight children were born. Of these six grew to maturity and four are still living, those besides the subject of this biographical sketch (the eldest) being Nathan A. Smith, long a resident of Kansas; Mrs. Martha E. White, a widow, now living at Otterville with her aged mother, and Mrs. Rose L. Bane of Otterville township. Reared on the home farm on the edge of the village of Otterville, Peter F. Smith received his schooling in the Otterville schools and from the days of his boyhood his attention has been devoted to farming. In the fall of 1880 he married and in 1881 bought the farm on which he is now living, beautiful "Wayside Valley Farm", in Lebanon township, which he has improved in admirable fashion. In addition to his general farm- ing Mr. Smith has for years been quite extensively engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle of the Scotch Top breed and has been a frequent ex- hibitor at stock shows hereabout. He has created a good market for the products of "Wayside Valley Farm", his cattle commanding good prices, and has done well in his operations, long having been recognized as one of the leading stockmen in that neighborhood. He is a member of the Bunceton Fair Association and has done well his share in promoting the interests of that useful organization. He also is a stockholder in the local bank and in the company controlling the grain elevator and in other ways exhibits his interest in the general business affairs of the com- munity. In his political views Mr. Smith is a democrat, as was his father. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Oct. 6, 1880, Peter F. Smith was united in marriage to Margaret Ida Cordry, who also was bom in this county, member of one of the pioneer families, and to this union eleven children have been born, namely: Harry A., deceased • Azelia Velma, wife of T. A. Nelson, Jr., of Kelly township ; 946 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Margaret Naomi, wife of Dr. W. C. Lewis, of St. Louis; Hunter F., of Speed, this county, Homer W., who is at home assisting his father; Zula, wife of Benjamin N. Smith, of Clarks Fork township; Hubert L., of Pales- tine township; Mary (Gussie) Herschel and Harold V., at home, and Vera, who died in infancy. Mrs. Smith was born in Lebanon township on Dec. 13, 1860, daughter of William L. and Mary (Ware) Cordry, both now de- ceased and both members of pioneer families in this section of Missouri. William L. Cordry was born in Todd County, Ky., and came to Missouri with his parents in pioneer days, the family locating in Cooper County. Here he married Mary Ware, who was born in the neighboring county of Howard, and to that union were born eight children, all of whom are liv- ing save one; the Cordry connection hereabout being a quite numerous one in the present generation. Woodson T. Jones, proprietor of an excellent farm in Blackwater township, and who formerly was engaged in the railway service as tele- graph operator, was born on a farm in Blackwater township March 19, 1883, a son of George C. Jones and a grandson of the pioneer, Caleb Jones, who at the time of his death in the early '80's was said to have been the wealthiest man in Cooper County. Woodson T. Jones received his education in the district school and Pilot Grove Academy, from which he was graduated in 1901. In the meantime he had learned telegraphing at Pilot Grove and in 1902 was made station agent on the Sedalia division of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. In the following year he transferred his services to the Santa Fe railroad and for seven or eight years thereafter continued as a telegraph operator, serving the Santa Fe and other western roads. He then returned home, having in the meantime shared in the division of his father's extensive estate, and engaged in farming. In addition to his general farming operations Mr. Jones has gone in somewhat extensively for live stock and is doing a good business in that line. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. Mr. Jones is a democrat. June 30. 1913, Woodson T. Jones was united in marriage with Hulda Kirkman, of this county, and to this union one child has been born, Martha Sue. Mrs. Jones was born at Columbia, Boone County, but from the days of her girlhood has been a resident of this county. Her parents, John B. Kirkman and wife (the latter of whom was a Blanchard), came here years ago and located on a farm in Saline township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. In addition to his farming operations John B. Kirkman was a dealer in memorial monuments and was one of the well HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 947 known men of the county. He and his wife were born in North Carolina and came to Missouri with their respective parents in pioneer days. Charles E. Roth, one of the well known farmers of Pilot Grove town- ship, was born in Cole County, Mo., March 1, 1859, son of Louis and Mary (Meyer) Roth, the former a veteran of the Civil War and both spent their last days in Cooper County. % Louis Roth was born in Germany and came t^ this country with his parents, Charles Roth and wife, in 1848, the family locating on a farm in Kentucky, where they were living when the Civil War broke out. Both father and son enlisted in the Union army, serving in the same company, in Gen. "Pap" Thomas' celebrated brigade. Charles Roth's first wife died after they came to this country and he married again and spent his last days in Kentucky. Shortly after the Civil War Louis Roth came to Mis- souri and entered on a soldier's homestead in Cole County, a tract of 80 acres, but shortly afterward left Cole County and in 1866 came to Cooper County. For two yeai's after coming here he worked at Boonville and then bought a farm in Pilot Grove township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1899, being 72 years old. His wife survived him but five days. She also was born in Germany, in Aug., 1830. She was a member of the Evangelical Church and her husband was a member of the Catholic Church. Louis Roth and his wife were the parents of six children as follows: Charles E. ; Caroline, wife of C. G. Stanfield, Pilot Grove township ; Lucy, married C. W. Erhardt and is now deceased ; Martin is unmarried and lives in Pilot Grove township; Frank M., Kelly town- ship, and Fred, Pilot Grove. Charles E. Roth's first schooling was received in a Lutheran parochial school and he later attended school in the old Bluffton district in Boon- ville township and in Hail Ridge district. When seventeen years of age he began to "look out for himself", working as a farm hand, but soon resumed operations on the home farm and remained there until he was 27 years of age. Fo^j three years he rented his father's farm and in 1906 bought the same, buying the interests of the other heirs. Some time afterward he sold that place and bought the farm where he is now living and on which he has made substantial improvements. Mr. Roth is a republican. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Feb. 12, 1895, Charles E. Roth was united in marriage to Mary Krumm, who was bom in this county, and to this union eight children have been born : Louis, Odessa, Helen, Cyril, Frank, Elf reda, Edward and 948 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mary G. The first of these children, Louis Roth, named in honor of his grandfather, was born on a farm in Lebanon township, this county, Feb. 9, 1896. On June 11, 1917, he enlisted in the navy and is still serving, having during the period of this service had a quite interesting experi- ence, including several trips across the Atlantic and cruises to different points. Mrs. Mary Roth was born in Lebanon township, in 1875, daugh- ter of George and Anna (Zeller) Krumm, the latter of whom was born in Clear Creek township, and both of whom are now deceased. George Krumm was born in Germany and came to this country with his sister Zera (Larntz) about 1850, and later settled on a farm in Lebanon town- ship, where after his marriage Mr. Krumm continued to reside, he and his wife spending the remainder of their lives there. Captain Lee Thomas Sites was born in Lamine township, Cooper County, Oct. 13, 1856. His father, Chester P. Sites, was a native of Virginia, born about 1836. He came to Boonville with his father and mother about 1841 or 1842 and built a log house on the corner of Sixth and Morgan Streets, Boonville, where now stands the garage of Brown- field and Meyers. The grandfather of Captain Sites was J. P. Sites, who manufactured, in early days at Boonville, rifles and guns for the forty- niners who sought the gold fields of California. About ten years ago in the mountains of Colorado the barrel of a gun from which the stock had rotted away was found. Upon it was the name "J. P. Sites." The finding of this gun barrel attracted considerable attention and upon inquiry it was found to have been made in Boonville and was evidently lost by a forty-niner in his trip across the mountains. Captain Sites is the owner of 965 acres of the best land in Lamine township and has lived in his present residence about 28 years, and only about a quarter of a mile from where he was born. He owns a part of the land originally owned by his father. All his life has been spent in Lamine township. Captain Sites has never been a candidate for office and in answer to that question said "he never had s^nse enough" but his possessions demonstrate that he is abundantly able to take care of his interests — a trait that might well be emulated by office seekers. Captain Sites was married in 1878 to Victorine Kinchiloe, who departed this life Oct. 7, 1910. There were born of that marriage three girls, Jessie, Stella and Maude, and two sons, Lee and John Captain Sites was married the second time Jan. 14, 1918, to Mrs. Laura Farris whose maiden name was Laura Smith. Captain Sites has been engaged in the steamboat business off and on since '73. He has been the owner of sev- 1 \ 1 ^H CAPT I. T SITES HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 949 eral boats and the builder of many. He is one of the foremost citizens of the county and has been prominent in every progressive and civic move- ment in his section. One of the largest, most successful and prominent farmers of Cooper County, he is nevertheless modest and retiring. During the World War he was active in local war work and was a leader in Liberty Loan drives in his township. He is a member of the Christian church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a director in the Boonville National Bank. John C. Muntzel, a well-known and successful dealer in live stock at Boonville, was born in Cooper County, a member of one of the county's pioneer families, and has lived here all his life, having been successfully engaged in farming until his removal about 10 years ago to Boonville, where he has since been quite extensively engaged in the sale of live stock, giving particular attention to the buying and selling of mules. He was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Nov. 23, 1874, son of Daniel and Minnie (Kaune) Muntzel, the former of whom is still living on his farm in that township, the owner of more than two hundred acres of land. Daniel Muntzel was born in Hanover, Aug., 1834, and was but a boy when he came to this country with his parents, Peter Muntzel and wife, who settled in Missouri and became substantial members of the com- munity. Daniel Muntzel's wife died in Jan., 1912, at the age of 73 years. Of the eight children born to Daniel Muntzel and wife and of whom John C. was the youngest, all are living but two. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, John C. Muntzel received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood and grew up to the life of the farm, early undertaking farming on his own account, and remained at home until 1906, when he moved to the old Earnhardt farm, which he had bought and there remained until 1909, when he sold out and moved to Boonville. While he was engaged in farming, Mr. Muntzel owned and improved two farms in this county, increasing their value and selling to advantage and has long been recognized as one of the pro- gressive citizens of the county. He is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Boonville and his wife is a member of Baptist Church. Nov. 28, 1912, John C. Muntzel was united in marriage to Lavinia Steele, who also was born in Clarks Fork township, Feb. 22, 1884, daugh- ter of John and Jane Steele, well-known residents of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Muntzel reside at 743 Sixth street, Boonville, and have a very pleasant home. 950 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY George Bail, proprietor of an excellent farm in Palestine township is one of the substantial farmers and stockmen in that section of Cooper County. He was born in Boonville Aug. 27, 1861, son of Meirad and Gertrude (Stegney) Bail, who in 1873 moved from that city to a farm in Palestine township, the place now owned and occupied by their son, George, and there established their home. Having been but 12 years of age when his parents moved from Boon- ville to the farm in Palestine township, George Bail completed his school- ing in the schools of that neighborhood and early became acquainted with the details of farm life. He continued farming there until he was 25 years of age when, in 1886, he went to California, remaining there for two years. In 1888 he returned home and began farming with his brother, renting a farm in partnership, and in 1895, he bought the old home place and has since resided there. Since taking possession of the place Mr. Bail has made extensive improvements. He is the owner of 350 acres of land and in addition to his general farming gives considerable attention to the raising of high grade live stock. Mr. Bail is an independent re- publican. His parents were among the organizers of the Evangelical church in that neighborhood and he has ever remained a faithful sup- porter of the same. Sept. 23, 1896, George Bail was married to Mary Muller, who also was born in this county and who died Sept. 9, 1912. To that union were born six children, Edna, Erne, Lorine, Fred, Harry and Roy, all of whom are at home with their father. The late Mrs. Mary Bail was born in Clear Creek township Aug. 6, 1873, and was a daughter of Frederick and Mar- garet (Gardner) Muller, natives of Germany, who upon coming to Cooper County settled in Clear Creek township. Rev. F. J. Kalvelage, pastor of St. John's Catholic Church in Clear Creek township, this county, and one of the best known young clergymen in this section of the state, was born in New York City, March 18, 1881, son of Henry and Susan (Enzweiler) Kalvelage, both of whom are still living and have been making their home with their son, Father Kalvelage, ever since the latter became established as a resident priest in Missouri. Father Kalvelage, whose training and inclination early directed his ambition to be of service to the church, was but a lad when his parents moved from Chicago to Shannon, 111., and his early schooling was received in the schools of that place. This schooling was supplemented by a course HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 951 in a private school at Freeport, 111., under the direction of his uncle, Rev. Clement Kalvelage, and it was there that he began to bend his studies toward preparation for the priesthood. Thus equipped by preliminary study he entered St. Bede's College at Peru, 111., and was graduated from that institution in 1901, having successfully completed the general and classical course. In that year he entered Kenrick Theological Seminary at St. Louis, where he was further grounded in theology and philosophy, and from that institution was graduated in 1906. Immediately following his graduation Father Kalvelage was ordained to the priesthood in June, 1906, and was assigned by the bishop to be the assistant priest in St. John's parish in Kansas City. Sept. 8, 1906, he was transferred to Mary's Home, Mo., in pastoral charge of the parish at that place, and there re- mained, doing an excellent and effectual work, for nearly 10 years, or until July 1, 1916, when he was assigned to the pastorate of St. John's parish in Clear Creek township, Cooper County, where he has since been stationed and where he has been granted the gratification of seeing the work of the parish much enlarged during his incumbency. Thomas L. Fairfax, one of Cooper County's best known school teach- ers, for the past 10 years principal of the Clifton schools, and who also has for some years past been successfully engaged in the real estate and live stock business at Clifton City, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township June 9, 1881, son of C. P. and Emma (Kemp) Fairfax, the former of whom is still living, very comfort- ably situated on his farm in Lebanon township. C. P. Fairfax was born in Fairfax County, Va., in 1853, and was but a boy when he came to Missouri with his parents, who settled in this county, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming, a vocation which he ever since has followed. His wife was killed in 1890 by being thrown from a horse which she was riding, the animal becoming fright- ened and throwing her in such a way that her foot caught in the stirrup. Before she was released from her dreadful position she had received in- juries which terminated fatally. To C. P. Fairfax and wife were born seven children: Willard P., Versailles, Mo.; Leslie P., Kansas City; June, wife of T. G. Lavis, Kansas City; Thomas L. ; Foster H., Holcomb, Kan.; Elmer N., deceased, and Earl L., died in infancy. Thomas L. Fairfax was educated in the local schools and the State Normal School at Warrembnrg anl in 1001 began I aching a profession 952 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY he has followed during season ever since, his work in the school room covering five districts. During the past 10 years he has been engaged as principal of the Clifton schools and in that capacity has done much to elevate the standard of education in the schools over which he has had charge. Mr. Fairfax also has for years been actively engaged in the real estate business and in the buying and selling of live stock at Clifton City. He is one of the town's progressive and wideawake business men. Politic- ally, he is a democrat, and is affiliated with the Otterville lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors. April 24, 1917, Thomas L. Fairfax was united in marriage with Mary L. Sweeney, also of this county, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Thomas L., Jr., born Feb. 8, 1918. Mrs. Fairfax was bom at Clif- ton City, Mo., a daughter of Dennis and Lucy (Mullens) Sweeney, who are now living on a farm north of Clifton City, where they have lived the past 36 years. Dryden L. Starke, one of Cooper County's prominent farmers and stockmen is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm in Leb- anon township on Dec. 1, 1867, son of John D. and Mary A. (Stratton) Starke, both now deceased and a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Dryden L. Starke was reared on the home farm in Lebanon township and received his schooling in the district schools and the Boonville High School from which he was graduated in 1887 under the preceptorship of Professor Haines. Upon leaving school he returned to the home farm and there remained until his marriage in 1891, in which year he took up his residence on the farm on which his wife was born, the old John Davis farm in Kelly township, a mile north of Bethlemen Church, and has since been very successfully engaged there in general farming and cattle rais- ing, long having been recognized as one of the most extensive cattle feed- ers in Cooper County. Mr. Starke and his wife are the owners of a fine, farm of 500 acres. Since taking charge there Mr. Starke has made many substantial improvements on the place. He is a democrat, as was his father, and has ever taken an interested part in civic affairs. He served in the capacity of inspector of meats at the state prison at Jefferson City, during which time he and his wife made their home at the state capital. Mr. Starke is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Bunceton, with the Boonville lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the HISTORY OF COOPER COU.NTY 953 Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Oct. 23, 1891, Dryden L. Starke was married to Bertha May Davis, who was born on the place on which she is still living, May 19, 1871, daughter of John A. and Mary (Booth) Davis, the former of whom also was bom in this county, a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families and the latter in Sardis, Miss. John A. Davis was reared in this county and in time became a substantial farmer in Kelly township, owner of the place on which the Starkes now reside, and was also for years ex- tensively engaged as a dealer in the mule market, one of the best known dealers in that line in central Missouri. He married in Mississippi and thereafter made his home in this county, where he and his wife spent their last days. They were the parents of four children, of whom Mrs. Starke was the third in order of birth. To Dryden L. and Bertha M. (Davis) Starke four children have been born, namely: Mary, who is at home; Maurice P., also at home, a valued assistant to his father; Dick D., who is now (spring of 1919) with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and Virginia, deceased. Dick D. Starke, the soldier son, was born Nov. 22, 1898, had finished his studies in a school of civil engineering at Kansas City and was a student at Washington University, St. Louis, when this country declared war against Germany. He at once enlisted and served in a machine gun company attached to the 138th Infantry of the United States army, with which command he sailed for overseas service in April, 1918, and served in the rank of corporal. He was dis- charged in June, 1919, and is now at home. Oliver L. Cordry, who has a well-improved farm in Lebanon town- ship, was born within a half mile of the site of his present home, a son of William F. Cordry, who is still living on the old home place, and has lived thereabout all his life. He is a grandson of James Cordry, the pioneer, who came here with his family in 1830 and settled on a tract of government land he had entered here, becoming a useful and influential residents of that community. The little log cabin set up there in the clearing by James Cordry back in pioneer days is still standing and » treasured by the family. Reared on the home farm, within almost a stone's throw of where he is now living, Oliver L. Cordry, who was born on April 29, 1877, re- ceived his schooling in the local schools and remaining at home until his 954 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY marriage, when he built a modern home on the farm where he is now liv- ing, having acquired the tract from his father in 1906. Mr. Cordry has improved his farm in admirable fashion and is doing well in his opera- tions, which he is carrying on in accordance with modern methods. Dec. 20, 1914, Oliver L. Cordry was united in marriage with Stella Sites, who also was born in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and take a proper part in the work of the church as well as in the general social activities of the community. Mrs. Cordry was born in East LaMine township, Dec. 5, 1880, a daughter of Capt. L. T. Sites and wife, prominent in the life of that community and of whom further mention is made in this work. Charles Lester Thomas, a former teacher of this county and who for some years was engaged in the mercantile business at Lebanon, is now a successful farmer and stock man in Lebanon township, where he was born Feb. 10, 1874. His parents, A. G. T. and Eliza (Steele) Thomas, are prominent residents of that community. A. G. T. Thomas also was born in Lebanon township, Oct. 11, 1848, son of Jonas and Izilla (Woolery) Thomas, the latter of whom was a member of one of the pioneer families in this section of Missouri. Jonas Thomas' father was born in Germany. Upon coming to this country he settled on a farm south of Boonville, where he spent the remainder of his life. On that farm A. G. T. Thomas grew to manhood. After his marriage in 1871 he settled on the farm where he is now living in Lebanon town- ship. He is owner of a fine farm of 190 acres. He is a republican and about the year 1886 was the nominee of that party for the office of county collector, but was defeated. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church and their children were reared in that faith. Dec. 7, 1871, A. G. T. Thomas was married to Eliza Steele, who also was born in this county, Aug. 26, 1851, and to this union seven children have been born as follows: Ximena, deceased ; Charles Lester ; Carrie, deceased ; Ina, who is at home with her parents; Arthur, deceased; Ira, who is farming in Lebanon town- ship, and Robert, who is at home assisting his father. Reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, Charles L. Thomas completed his schooling in the Clarksburg schools and for six years was engaged in teaching school in this county, meantime continuing his labors on the home farm during the summers. In the summer of 1903 he mar- ried and not long thereafter became engaged in the mercantile business at Lebanon in partnership with George Vaughn. In 1905 this store was destroyed by fire and for three years Mr. Thomas was again engaged in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 955 teaching. In 1908 he rented a farm in Lebanon township and two years later, in 1910, bought the farm where he has since made his home, he and his family being very pleasantly situated. Mr. Thomas has a well kept farm of 120 acres and is carrying on his operations in accordance with modern methods. In addition to his general farming he gives con- siderable attention to the raising of live stock and on March 3, 1919, one of his cows, a pure bred six-year-old Jersey, gave birth to four calves, two males and two females, all of which are still (spring of 1919) living and thriving. This successful quadruple birth of calves has attracted much attention among stockmen and is said to be the first case of the kind on record where quadruple calves have lived. Mr. Thomas is a re- publican and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church. June 3, 1903, Charles L. Thomas was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Kopp, also of this county, and to this union four children have been born, all of whom are living save the first born who died in infancy, the others being Farrel W., Charles B. and Marvin V. Mrs. Thomas was born and reared in Boonville. She was for a number of years one of the lead- ing teachers of the county. She was a teacher in the Boonville schools when she was married, having held this position for a number of years. She is a daughter of William and Melissa (Mills) Kopp, both know de- ceased, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Ken- tucky. William Kopp was for years one of the best known barbers in Boonville. Richard Rothgeb, formerly and for years one of Cooper County's best known school teachers, a one time nominee of the republican party in this county for county clerk and for years one of the leading breeders of Duroc Jersey hogs in this section of Missouri, owner of a fine farm in Lebanon township, where he makes his home, was born in that township and has always regarded that as his home. He was born on Jan. 31, 1880, son of Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Carr) Rothgeb, the latter of whom is still living, making her home with her children in this county, being now in the 82d year of her age. Samuel B. Rothgeb was born in Page County, Va., in 1830 and died at his home in Cooper County in 1890. He had been for many years a resident of this county and was long regarded as one of the influential farmers of Lebanon township. His wife was born in Cooper County, Mo. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom were given 956 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY proper advantages in the way of securing an education and five of whom became school teachers. One of their sons, Daniel L. Rothgeb, was for some time superintendent of schools in Cooper county. Richard Rothgeb received his education in the public schools of this county and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, after which, in 1901, he began teaching and was, with the exception of one year, thus engaged until 1912. In the meantime he had been continuing his labors on the home farm during the summers and in 1912 he began farming on his own account and at the same time paying special attention to the breeding of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and has since been thus engaged. He is now one of the most successful Duroc breeders in this section. When Mr. Rothgeb began his breeding operations the stock sold at his sales brought an average of around $28 a head. He holds two or three sales annually on his farm and the products of his pens, sold at from six to 11 months of age, bring an average of from $70 to $80 a head. At one of his recent sales one of his sows brought $300 and sold later for $800. Mr. Rothgeb has an excellent farm of 122 acres and now (spring of 1919) has in his pens more than 250 head of purebred Durocs, one of the finest droves in this section. For some seasons past he has been an exhibitor at the state fair and has created a growing market for his product throughout this part of the state. Mr. Rothgeb is a republican and has for years been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county. In 1907 he was the nominee of his party for the office of county clerk, but was de- feated in the ensuing election by the narrow margin of 77 votes. May 7, 1906, Richard Rothgeb was maried to Jessie Sites, who also was born in this county and who for three years prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching school here and to this union eight children have been born, namely: Mabel, bom on Oct. 30, 1907; Wilbur H., Dec. 18, 1908; Thomas B., June 17, 1910; Orville L. and Opal L. (twins), Oct. 30, 1911, the latter of whom died on Aug. 1, 1912; Alice M. and Alline M. (twins), Feb. 2, 1913, the former of whom died on March 22, 1913, and the latter July 8, 1914 ; and Eldon S., born on Sept. 29, 1915. Mrs. Roth- geb was born in Oct., 1880, in LaMine township, this county, and is a daughter of Capt. L. T. Sites, for many years one of the best known and influential residents of Cooper County. Elmer James Brubaker, one of Kelly township's well known farmers, is a native son of Cooper County and has lived in this county all his life. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township March 25, 1878, son of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 957 Daniel R. and Frances E. (Gander) Brubaker, both of whom were born in Page County, Va., who were married in that county in 1866 and who came to Missouri in 1873, locating on the farm on which they are still liv- ing in Lebanon township. Daniel R. Brubaker is a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Confederate army and at the battle of Malvern Hill was several wounded. He and his wife celebrated their golden wed- ding anniversary three years ago. To them 10 children have been born, all of whom are living. Elmer J. Brubaker received his education in the local schools and the State Normal School at Warrensburg. He assisted in the operations of the home farm until after his marriage when 21 years of age, after which, early in 1900, he located on an "eighty" which his wife owned in Kelly township, a part of his present farm there, and has since resided there. As Mr. Brubaker prospered he added to his acreage and now has an excellent farm of 177 Vs acres, which is well improved. Mr. Brubaker is independent in his political views, but has ever given his thoughtful attention to local affairs and for some time served as director of district. No. 67. Dec. 25, 1899, Elmer J. Brubaker married Emma Gertrude Cordry, who also was born in this county, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Wilbur N., born Aug. 25, 1902; Joseph W., Aug. 16, 1904; Cyrus Eldon, June 28, 1907; Louise F., Jan. 13, 1910; David R., Dec. 16, 1911 ; Vincil L., Sept. 18, 1913, and Kenneth H., Jan. 25, 1919, who died March 17, following. Mrs. Brubaker was born Feb. 5, 1880, daughter of James Newton and Amanda L. (Woolery) Cordry, of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families and both of whom are living in Kelly township. James Newton Cordry was born in Lebanon township, June 4, 1844. During the Civil War he served as a member of the Missouri State Militia. May 13, 1868, he married Amanda L. Woolery, who also was born in Lebanon township, Nov. 24, 1848, and to that union three children were born, all of whom are living, Mrs. Bru- baker, the youngest, having two brothers, William H. and Joseph C. Cor- dry, both of Kelly township. Mrs. Brubaker received her early school- ing in the schools of her home township and supplemented the same by a course in the Baptist College at Lexington, Mo. Major Rea Alexander Johnston, assistant superintendent of the Mis- souri Training School, Boonville, Mo., is a worthy descendant of an old and prominent family in Cooper County. Major Johnston was born in 958 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Boonville, Oct. 28, 1879 and is a son of Col. Thomas A. Johnston, superin- tendent of the famous Kemper Military School of Boonville. A genealogy of the Johnston family and a sketch of Colonel Johnston appears in this volume. Major Johnston was educated in the Kemper Military School and in 1896 he entered the Virginia Military Institute of Lexington, Va., com- pleting the course of study in that institution in 1899. Upon his return home he served as an instructor in the Kemper School from 1899 to 1909. In 1909 he went to Illinois and engaged in farming until Oct., 1911. In October of 1911 he was appointed military instructor at the Missouri Training School and served as company captain until July 1, 1917. He was then appointed to the responsible position of assistant superintendent of the training school and has given evidence throughout his service that he is thoroughly competent, efficient, diplomatic and well versed in the handling of the youth committed to the institution. Major Johnston was married in Illinois Aug. 20, 1902 to Miss Grace E. Mosher, of Oneida, Knox County, 111., a daughter of William J. and Sarah E. (Wetmore) Mosher, both deceased. One child has blessed this union: William Alexander Johnston, born Jan. 3, 1905. Major Johnston is a democrat. He is a member of Presbyterian church. He has decidedly made good in his present position and has demonstrated a capability which has commended his work to his im- mediate superior. Major Johnston is not only a first class military in- structor and skilled in the handling of growing boys, but he is well in- formed, genial, and has a wide circle of friends and well wishers. James Madison Sparkman. — Over 20 years devoted by Maj. J. M. Sparkman of the Missouri Training School have capably fitted him for the duties of his present position in charge of a company of small boys at the school. Major Sparkman's first position was that of director of the horticultural department of the Missouri Training School which he held from 1897 to 1907. He then spent nine years as an officer of the Iowa Industrial School and returned to the Missouri Training School in 1916. J. M. Sparkman was born at Columbia, Tenn.. Dec. 7, 1862, and is a son of James M. and Minerva (Hill) Sparkman. Capt. James M. Spark- man, his father was a captain in the heavy artillery during the Civil War and was killed at the battle of Port Hudson in 1863 while serving with the Confederate forces. He was a son of William Andrews Sparkman of Tennessee, a member of an old southern family. Minerva (Hill) Spark- man, mother of J. M. Sparkman, of this review, was born in 1838 and died in 1908 in Calloway County, Ky. She was born in Tennessee and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 959 was a daughter of Andrew W. Hill of North Carolina. Mrs. Sparkman removed with her family to Kentucky in 1880. She had two sons: Wil- liam Andrews Sparkman, of Calloway County, Ky., and James Madison, of this review. Reared to maturity in Tennessee, J. M. Sparkman left home in 1881, and came to Cooper County in 1883 and engaged in farming near Choteau Springs. He followed farming until his appointment to a position in the Missouri Training School in 1897. Major Sparkman was married in 1886 to Miss Mary S. Meredith, who was born in Cooper County, a daughter of Joseph R. and Rachel (Leith) Meredith, the former of whom was a native of Tennessee and died in Cooper County in about 1908 at the age of 68 years. Mr. Meredith killed the last deer that was killed in Cooper County near Choteau Springs. To Major and Mrs. Sparkman have been born two children : Lois, wife of John Stephens, Lansing, Mich. ; and Eunice Lee, stenographer in the office of Col. A. G. Blakey, superintendent of the Missouri Training School. The democratic party has always had the allegiance of Major Spark- man. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights Templar, the Mystic Shrine of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Armour and Company. — One of the most important commercial insti- tutions in Boonville and probably the largest and most extensive of its kind in central Missouri is the plant of Armour and Company, managed by Fred Renshaw. This concern was first established in 1908 by the Adams Produce Company and was purchased by Armour and Company in 1916. It was then enlarged and converted into the extensive packing and produce concern. All of the old buildings were razed and new structures erected. A brick building 90x40 feet was built and the packing plant proper was built, 90x110 feet. From 50 to 60 people are employed in season. The concern handles poultry, eggs and butter. The Boonville branch of Armour and Company is the central depot for a number of smaller depots in Morgan, Pettis, Cooper, Howard Boone and Saline counties, and an immense volume of business is transacted through this office. Branch buying stations, tributary to the Boonville depot are conducted at Mar- shall, and Fayette. The payroll averages from $800 to $900 per week in the busy months, from April to January, each year. During all months of the year excepting February, March and April, / 960 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the poultry handled at this plant is killed and packed for shipment. The concern has its own refrigerating plant and all poultry are given a feed of buttermilk for a period of 10 days before killing so as to whiten and render more tender and palatable the meat. The dressed poultry, eggs, and butter are loaded directly into refrigerator cars and every modern appliance for the quick handling of packing house products has been in- stalled in the large plant. Hon. John D. Starke, a veteran of the Civil War, former county judge, former state senator from this district, former warden of the Missouri state prison, president of the Otterville Bank and for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Cooper County, who died at his home in this county in 1917 and whose family is still substantially represented here, was a Virginian, but had been a resident of this county since the days of his boyhood, he having come here with his parents along in the latter '40s of the past century. Judge Starke was bom in Virginia in 1844 and was but a lad when his parents came to Missouri, a part of that numerous band of Virginians which had so much to do with the orderly development of this section of Missouri in the old days. Here he grew to manhood and was living here when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went to the front as a member of Company H, 45th Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and upon the completion of his term of en- listment re-enlisted and was attached to the 48th Regiment, with which he was mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of corporal. Upon the completion of his military service he returned to Cooper County, here married Mary A. Stratton and settled down as a farmer, a vocation in which he was quite successful, but from which the calls of public duty soon withdrew him, although during the long period of his public service he continued to retain his interest in his agricultural operations and be- came one of Cooper County's most extensive landholders, owner of 900 acres of land at the time of his death. He was an ardent democrat and always took an active interest in political affairs. The first public office of consequence to which he was called was that of judge for the eastern district of Cooper County and upon the completion of that judicial service he was elected county collector, and afterward was elected state senator from this senatorial district. In 1897 Judge Starke was appointed by Governor Stephens as warden of the Missouri state prison at Jefferson City and for four years thereafter served the state in that important capacity. Upon the completion of that service he returned to Cooper County, erected a fine new home on his farm in Lebanon township, as well Jl'l IGE JOHN' 1 1. STARK E HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 961 as a house in Otterville, and thereafter divided his time between his farm and his business interests in the village. The Judge was president of the Otterville Bank and was otherwise actively identified with the commercial interests of the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Boonville lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and during the time he resided at Boonville when serving as county collector was master of the lodge. Judge Starke died at his home in Otterville in 1917 and his wife died in that same year. She also was a Virginian, born in 1844, as was her husband, and thus the lines of the lives of this couple ran parallel to an unusual degree. Judge Starke and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine of these children, of whom six are still living, namely : Dryden L. Starke, a well known farmer and stockman of Kelley township; Blanche, wife of James S. Funkhauser, of Lebanon township, of whom further mention also is made elsewhere; Mrs. Mary Reavis, of Kansas City ; Mrs. Nora Lee Tieman, now living at California, Mo. ; Mrs. Pauline Spillers, of Otterville, and H. Rodgers Starke, also of Otterville. Henry Gibson Hurt, assistant Captain of Company D, Missouri Train- ing School, Boonville, Mo., was born on a farm southeast of Boonville, Nov. 23, 1872. His father was Fleming Mitchell Hurt, who was born on a pioneer farm in Cooper County in 1826 and departed this life in 1908. Clayton Hurt, his grandfather, was a native of Virginia who settled in Cooper County in 1812 and assisted in the building of Fort Boone. He held the title of Colonel Hurt and had charge of the task of defending the pioneer settlement against the attacks of the Indians during the War of 1812. From 1812 to 1815 the settlers of this section of Missouri lived in the forts and stockades on the north side of the Missouri River and were kept constantly on the alert to ward off attacks by the Indians who had been incited by British agents to attack the Americans. Colonel Hurt married Nancy Dillard of Kentucky and after the frontier had been made safe for the settlers, he pre-empted a large tract of government land in Cooper County on which his descendants are still living. Fleming Mitchell Hurt owned a fine farm of 240 acres and was a substantial citizen of Cooper County during his lifetime. He married Miss Flora Ann Davis of Macon County, a daughter of Jeremiah Davis who married a Miss Gilbreath and came from Virginia to Macon County and thence to Cooper County in pioneer days. Four children were born to Fleming Mitchell and Flora Ann Hurt, as follows: Mary Ann, deceased (49) 962 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY wife of Albert Adair; Mrs. Leonora Byler, Clarks Fork township; Henry Gibson Hurt, of this review; Florence B., widow of Lee Davis, living east of Boonville. H. G. Hurt was reared on the home farm and in addition to his dis- trict school studies he attended the Pilot Grove Seminary and the Otter- ville Seminary. He pursued a business course at Chillicothe, Mo., in 1892 and then engaged in farming. He improved a tract of 182 acres of land and was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for 20 yeai*s. In the spring of 1915 he disposed of his farm land and engaged in the auto- mobile business in partnership with G. A. Brownfield. In the spring of 1918 he disposed of his interest in the business and took up the duties of his present position in the Missouri Training School for Boys. Oct. 21, 1896, Mr. Hurt was married to Miss Myrtle Rankin who was born in Cooper County, and is a daughter of Robert S. and Louisa (Dun- can) Rankin, pioneer settlers of Cooper County. William Rankin, grand- father of Mrs. Hurt erected the Rankin mill in the southeastern part of Cooper County. Mrs. Louisa Rankin is deceased and Robert S. Rankin makes his home with Mr. H. A. Jewett in Cooper county. Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Hurt are parents of four children: Ewing Rankin Hurt; Mabel Louise ; Holman G., a student in Boonville High School ; and William. Ewing Rankin Hurt, the soldier of the family, was born Sept. 21, 1897, and is a volunteer in the National Army. He enlisted in the U. S. army, March 22, 1917, first as an infantryman and was then transferred to the aviation corps. He was trained at Ft. Sill, Okla. and holds the rank of first sergeant. Mr. Hurt is a democrat of the pronounced type. Mrs. Hurt is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is past master in the local lodge. Dr. William Peyton Harriman, late prominent physician and stock- man of Cooper County, was born in Louisiana, May 28, 1838, and died at his home in Boonville, Sept. 14. 1918. He was a son of Dr. William Harri- man who was born in New York City and accompanied his parents to Ken- tucky when he was a child. He was reared in Kentucky, married a Miss Mayo and came to Cooper County in 1846. Dr. William Harriman located at Pilot Grove and there reared his family. Dr. W. P. Harriman received his higher education in the University of Michigan and began the practice of medicine at Pilot Grove, Mo. He was successful as a physician but became more successful as a farmer and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 963 stockman. He accumulated a large acreage of land and built a flouring mill and hired a miller to operate the mill. Prior to this time he had lived on Lone Elm Prairie, and after establishing himself on the old Harri- man place near Pilot Grove he made a trip to Kentucky and returned with some blooded horses. He then engaged in the breeding and raising of thoroughbred horses and became widely known throughout the country as a result. Dr. Harriman produced some splendid animals which sold for very high prices. As age came upon him he relinquished much of his interests and sold out his stock and farming interests to his son and went south in 1900, purchasing a home in San Antonio, Texas. He re- turned to Boonville in 1912 and died here six years later. Dr. W. P. Harriman was married April 6, 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Russell, who was born on Lone Elm Prairie, Jan. 8, 1842. She was a daughter of Col. Thomas Russell of Virginia. Her mother was Elizabeth Eleanor Russell who was born in 1796 and died April 5, 1868. The Rus- sells came to Cooper County in 1838. Colonel Russell brought along 30 slaves and purchased 1,300 acres of land. Col. Thomas Russell was born in 1796 and died in 1852. He was a scion of an old and prominent Vir- ginia family, which formerly owned a beautiful country seat in Virginia, now known as "Rannemead Farm" and owned by Sen. Charles A. Faulkner. Col. Thomas Russell was a son of Captain Russell, a soldier of the Revolution, who resided in Alexandria, Va. The history of the family begins with Lord John Russell, whose younger son, James Russell, emi- grated from England in 1700 and settled in York County, Va. Captain Russell married a Miss Throckmorton of Louisville, Ky. Out of seven children born to Col. Thomas and Elizabeth Eleanor Russell, only two are living: Mrs. Dr. W. P. Harriman of this review; and John N. Russell of Los Angeles, Cal., aged 84 years, who has a son, Dr. John N. Russell, president of the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Los Angeles. Four children were born to Dr. W. P. and Elizabeth (Russell) Harri- man, as follows: William Mayo, died at the age of 16 years; Russell lives >n California; Albert C. Harriman, farmer and stockman at Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Bessie, deceased wife of Will Ross, left one child, Margaret E. Ross. Dr. Harriman was a democrat and was prominent in the affairs of his party. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Feodor Stegner, living comfortably on his farm of 89 acres near Billingsville, the old home place of the Stegner family, is one of the best known of the pioneer citizens of Cooper County. Mr. Stegner has lived all of the 64 years of his existence on his farm and has reared a fine 964 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY family. The Stegner place is a pretty farmstead, the residence, a neat cottage home sets far back from the roadway and the land is fertile and protective. Feodor Stegner was born on the place which he now owns, Feb. 26, 1855. His birth took place in a log house which was the first home of the Stegner family in Cooper County. He is a son of John Peter and Margaret Barbara Stegner who emigrated from Germany and settled in Cooper County in 1853. Mr. Stegner was married Nov. 24, 1887 to Miss Louise Back, who was born at Pleasant Green, Mo., July 3, 1866 and died June 6, 1905. She was a daughter of Daniel and Christina (Yost) Back, natives of Germany and old settlers of Cooper County. The children born of this union are: Daniel P., born in 1888, lives on a farm ; Bertha, born 1890, married Albert Gerhardt near Speed and is mother of four children, Louise, Ruth, Joseph and Frances ; Flora, born Nov. 9, 1893, wife of August Gerhardt, a farmer near Speed, is mother of two children, Elmer and Helen ; Edna, born March 1, 1896, is her father's housekeeper; Rudolph, born Dec. 26, 1899, makes his home with his father; Herman, born Aug. 9, 1902, is at home with his father; and Louis was born June 6, 1905. While Mr. Stegner is generally a republican and supports republican party principles, he is an independent voter who refuses to wear a party yoke. He is a member of the Billingsville Evangelical Church. Henry F. Torbeck, prosperous farmer and stockman of Boonville township is owner of 153 acres of productive land which he is creating into a splendid farm. Mr. Torbeck has just completed the erection of a handsome 10 room house, with bath, water, electric light and furnace, at a cost of $5,250. Mr. Torbeck is a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs, not as a specialist but because he favors this breed as being the most remunera- tive to raise on the farm. He was born in Germany, Jan. 17, 1870. His father, William H. Torbeck, now living retired in Boonville, was born in Germany, April 29, 1841, and is a son of Rudolph and Sophia Torbeck. He was married Aug. 10, 1866 to Sophia Loss who was born Nov. 7, 1839. He brought his family to America in 1882, landing in Boonville in Novem- ber of that year. He immediately went to the farming section and worked as farm laborers for the first six months in order to familiarize himself with American methods of tilling soil. He then rented land until 1892 when he bought an 80 acres in Boonville township upon which he lived for 25 years, prior to his retirement to a home in Boonville. Mr. Torbeck has recently sold his farm to his son, Ernest W. Torbeck. Six children HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 965 were born to William H. and Sophia Torbeck, as follows: Henry, of this review ; Ernest W., a farmer south of Boonville ; Anna, widow of J. C. Neff ,_ Boonville township ; Mrs. Bertha Winkler, Saline County, Mo. ; Mary Tor- beck died at the home of Senator Cockrell, Warrensburg, Mo., where she was serving as nurse ; Amelia died at the age of six years. When he attained young manhood, Henry Torbeck purchased land in partnership with his brother Ernest W. Torbeck. This partnership con- tinued amicably and profitably until his marriage. Then the brothers divided their holdings and Mr. Torbeck started to improve his property. He was married Feb. 23, 1910, to Annie C. Schwitzky, a daughter of Rob- ert Schwitzky, a prosperous farmer of Palestine township. Three chil- dren have been born to Henry and Annie C. Torbeck, as follows: Sophia Wilhelmina, aged seven years ; Agnes Marie, aged six years ; Henrietta Alma, deceased. Mr. Torbeck is a republican. He is a member of the Billingsville Evangelical Church. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen who takes an active and influential part in civic affairs and is highly respected in his neighborhood. He is a director of the Blackwater Telephone Com- pany. William L. Bryan. — For over fifty years, William L. Bryan has re- sided upon his pretty farm just south of Prairie Lick, Mo. He is owner of 134 acres which is nicely improved with a neat cottage home and attractive surroundings. Mr. Bryan was born in Kentucky, Jan. 1, 1850, and is a son of Benjamin B. and Mary (West) Bryan, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter a native of England. Benjamin B. Bryan came to Missouri in 1869 and settled upon the place which W. L. Bryan now owns. Mr. Bryan erected a double log cabin which served as the family home for a number of years. A big brick chimney was built in one end of the house and a flue was built in the other end. Oxen were used in breaking up the Bryan land and it took much labor to gradually clear away the woods and create a farm. B. B. Bryan died in Nov., 1880, at the age of 65 years. Mrs. Mary Bryan died in 1873 at the age of 55 years. The children in the Bryan family were: Jennie, dead; William L., of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah Case, Belling- ham. Wash. ; B. F. Bryan, on a farm near Prairie Lick. Prior to purchasing the Bryan home place, W. L. Bryan rented land. He erected his present home in 1895. He was married in January, 1872, to Miss Julia Burns, born April 4, 1857 in Atlanta, Ga., a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Faris) Burns, who were natives of Georgia. The 966 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Burns family went to Kentucky in 1864 and from there came to Cooper County in 1872. They settled near Boonville, on what is now known as the Barnhart farm. Later, Mr. Burns returned to Georgia and died there. His wife died in Tana County, Mo. There were eight children in the Burns family : Robert, deceased ; Mrs. Julia Bryan, of this review ; Mrs. Ellen Trammel, Okla. ; John, Tana County, Mo. ; Mrs. Margaret Trammel, Okla. ; Mrs. Emma Aubury, Cedar Creek, Tana Co., Mo. ; Mrs. Ida Claussen, deceased; Mrs. Georgia Williams, Tana County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have reared six children: Jennie, Robert, Wil- liam, Josephine, Riley and Mary Ellen, and Lloyd. Mrs. Jennie Case lives at Bellingham, Wash.; Robert is deceased; William lives on the home farm ; Mrs. Josephine Dwyer, lives near Speed, Mo. ; Riley, lives in Kan- sas. ; Mary Ellen Bryan is a teacher in the Speed school ; Lloyd Bryan was born Aug. 31, 1896 and was inducted into the National Army July 26, 1918. He was trained at Camp Funston until he was honorably dis- charged from the service Jan. 22, 1919. Riley Bryan was born Oct. 25, 1885. He enlisted in Hospital Unit No. 28 of the National Army in May, 1917. He was trained for service at Fort McPherson, Ga. He was honorably discharged after 14 months of service. He now is a traveling drug salesman and resides in Kansas. Mr. Bryan is a democrat and all of his sons are stanch democrats. He is also a Baptist — a fine combination of good qualities. He is a mem- ber of the Woodmen of the World. Fred Deuschle, prosperous farmer and stockman of Palestine town- ship, has one of the finest farm homes in Cooper County, consisting of 208 acres and was purchased by the proprietor in 1898. The splendid appear- ing farm residence consists of six large rooms. Mr. Deuschle will har- vest 45 acres of wheat this season, 1919. Fred Deuschle was born Jan. 3, 1869 on a farm three miles west of Pleasant Green, Cooper County, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Schupp) Deuschle. Adam Deuschle was born in Wuertenburg, Germany, in 1824 and died in Cooper County, Mo., in 1897. He left his native country and came to America in 1845. During the great gold rush of 1849, he made the trip across the plains and mountains to the Pacific coast and spent two years in that region. When he returned to Cooper County in 1851, he built a home upon his 200 acre farm near Pleasant Green, becoming owner of the land at the close of the Civil War. He spent the remainder of his days upon his farm and died there. During the Civil War, Mr. DeuscWe HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 967 served in the Missouri State Guards. His wife, Catherine Schupp Deuschle, was born in Germany in 1838 and now resides with her daugh- ter one mile east of Pleasant Green. The children born to Adam and Catherine Deuschle are: Mrs. J. Louis Staebler, Billingsville; Fred Deuschle, subject of this review; Mrs. Catherine Bergmann, living two and a half miles north of Pleasant Green; Mary, deceased wife of Daniel Schupp, left five children; Adam, J., living on the old homestead; Louisa resides with the Schupp family ; Bertha, wife of Frank Schupp lives near Pleasant Green. The early education of Fred Deuschle was obtained in the district school at Pleasant Green. When a boy he began to assist his father on the farm and learned to become a good farmer. When 28 years old he began to make his own way. In 1898 he made his first purchase of land and has made a success of his life work. April 17, 1901, Mr. Deuschle was married to Miss Anna Stegner, a daughter of August Stegner. The children born of this marriage are: Martin Oliver, born July 4, 1902 ; Clara Anna, born May 3, 1904 ; Rudolph Frederick, bora March 23, 1906; Frieda Catherine, born Jan. 3, 1910; Marie Augusta, born Aug. 30, 1916; Earl August, born Nov. 21, 1917. Mr. Deuschle is a republican and is a member of the school board of his district. He takes a commendable interest in educational and civic affairs and is one of the leading and influential citizens of his vicinity. He is a member and a trustee of the Billingsville Evangelical Church. Robert Snider, farmer and stockman, Boonville township, has resided on his fine farm of 110 acres just south of Boonville since 1886. His first home on this farm was a story and a half log house in which he and his wife lived for a few years. In 1906 he erected a pretty cottage which has an admirable setting with a sloping lawn and presents an attractive appearance. A large and substantial barn was built in 1901. Robert Snider was born in Boonville, Feb. 10, 1853. He is a son of William (b. 1822, d. 1899) and Malinda (Houx) (b. 1830, d. 1898) Snider. His mother was a daughter of Uncle Fritz Houx who was a pioneer in Cooper County, from Kentucky and a member of the old pioneer Houx family of Missouri. William Snider was born in Pennsylvania and came to Cooper County in the early 40's. He went to the gold fields of Cali- fornia, crossing the plains and remained for 18 months on the Pacific coast. He was married in Cooper County and lived all of his days in this county. The children of William and Malinda Snider were: Margaret, 968 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY widow of John Jamieson, Okla. ; William, living in Cass County, Mo. ; Robert ; Charles, Coffeyville, Kan. ; Mrs. Fannie Johnson, Bloomfield, 111. ; Sallie Snider resides with her sister Fannie; Edward Snider lives in But- ler, Mo. Robert Snider attended the district schools and also studied under Professor Smiley. With the exception of three and a half years spent in the Rocky Mountain country from 1878 to 1881, he has always resided in Cooper County. March 2, 1882, Robert Snider and Mollie Scott were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Mollie (Scott) Snider was born in this county, March 30, 1860 and is a daughter of Adam Scott, a Cooper County pioneer. Three sons were born to Robert and Mollie (Scott) Snider as follows: Harry Snider married Gertrude Toler and has one son, Eugene ; Ross, Spokane, Wash. ; and Ralph, aged 21 years, resides with his parents, married Miss Maude Wyland, daughter of Louis Weyland. Mr. Snider is an independent democrat. He is a member of the Bap- tist Church. Conrad M. Zollinger, mayor of Otterville and assistant cashier of the Bank of Otterville, was born at Otterville and is one of the most forceful factors in the general commercial life of the town. He was born on April 20, 1885, son of Capt. Augustus L. and Louisa (Mayfield) Zollinger, both members of old families in Cooper County and both now deceased, their last days having been spent at Otterville, of which place they had been residents even in the days before the railroad entered there. The late Capt. Augustus L. Zollinger, an honored soldier of the Con- federacy during the Civil War and for many years one of the most con- spicuous figures in the commercial life of Otterville, an organizer of enter- prises and a leader of affairs, was a native of the state of Maryland, born on Aug. 30, 1825, and was reared and educated in that state, remaining there until he was 21 years of age when, in 1847, he came to Missouri with his parents, George Zollinger and wife (the latter of whom was a Meyers), the family locating on a farm in Boonville township, this county. Six months later, immediately following the cession of California to the United States, Augustus L. Zollinger left Missouri and crossed the plains with a company of other hardy adventurers, bent on seeking fortune in the then promising land on the western coast, the promise of gold in California just then beginning to attract general attention in the East. For seven years he remained in California and then, in 1854, returned to Cooper County and became engaged in the general mercantile business at Otter- CAPT AUGUSTUS I.. ZOLLINGER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 969 ville. That was in the days before the railroad and his goods were hauled from Boonville by ox-teams. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he dropped his commercial affairs at Otterville, leaving his store in charge of Mr. Cannon, and helped in the organization of a troop of cavalry for the service of the Confederacy ; was elected captain of Company A, Second Missouri Cavalry, attached to the command of General Forrest, and with that gallant command served until the close of the war. Upon the com- pletion of his military service Captain Zollinger resumed his mercantile business at Otterville and was thus engaged until his retirement from the store in 1892. Two years later, in 1894, he organized the present Bank of Otterville, was elected president of the same and thereafter gave his whole attention to his banking business, continuing thus engaged until his retirement from business in 1908. Following his retirement the Captain continued to make his home in Otterville and there spent his last days, his death occurring on March 30, 1914. In addition to his business inter- ests he was the owner of a fine farm of 350 acres and had other sound investments. At the time of his death he was the oldest continuous mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the state of Missouri, having become a member of that order in Maryland when 18 years of age, affiliated with the lodge at Hagerstown, Md. He also was a member of the Pleasant Grove lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Otter- ville. He was a democrat and was one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church and their children were reared in that faith. Captain Zollinger's wife died in 1901. She was born in Kentucky in 1845 and was but a girl when she came to Missouri with her parents, the Mayfields settling in the Pleas- ant Green neighborhood in this county. Captain Zollinger and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born, the others being as follows: George Zollinger, who is now engaged in general reporting work at St. Louis ; Stella, wife of H. M. Ames, a retired railroad man living at Otterville; Augustus L., a farmer and stockman of Warrensburg ; Elma L., wife of A. L. Ferguson, who is engaged in the drug business at Columbia, and John H., of Kansas City. Conrad M. Zollinger grew up at Otterville, was graduated from the Otterville College in 1904 and then took a course in a commercial college at Sedalia. In the meantime he had become familiar with the details of his father's banking business at Otterville and upon his return from col- 970 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY lege was made assistant cashier of the Bank of Otterville, a position he since has occupied and to the duties of which he has given his most thoughtful attention, long having been recognized as one of the most progressive young bankers in Cooper County. Mr. Zollinger owns a fine farm of 160 acres of LaMine River bottom land one mile east of Otter- ville and has other investments of a valuable character. He is a demo- crat and has ever given his thoughtful attention to local civic affairs. In 1918 he was elected mayor of Otterville and his administration has been marked by the erection of the admirable municipal electric light plant there as well as in the advancement of other movements looking to the promotion of the town's best interests. July 9, 1916, Conrad M. Zollinger was united in marriage with Maud E. Varner, who also was born in this county, and he and his wife have a very pleasant home at Otterville. Mrs. Zollinger was born in Kelly town- ship, a daughter of Hiram B. and Lottie (Wyles) Varner, both members of pioneer families in this section of Missouri, the former born in Cooper County and the latter in Howard County, who are now living retired at Otterville. Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger are members of the Methodist Church and take a proper interest in church work, as well as in the general social activities of their home town. Mr. Zollinger is a member of Pleasant Grove Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Otterville, to the affairs of which organization he has for years given his earnest attention, and is a past master of the lodge. Antcn Henry Schler, owner of 200 acres of good farm land in Boon- ville township, is not only a good farmer, but he is rearing a fine family of children. The Schler farm is well improved with good buildings and a large, well built, farm residence which sets far back on the farm and is reached by a winding roadway which runs through the farm. For a number of years he and his brother, Peter Schler, farmed a large tract of land in partnership until this partnership was dissolved in Aug., 1916. The brothers then divided their accumulations which were the result of years of good, hard work, and excellent management, and each took his rightful share of the farm land. Anton Henry Schler was born May 30, 1865 in Clear Creek township. He is a son of Louis (b. 1817, d. 1871), a native of Germany who immigrated to America when a young man. He located in Clear Creek township. Cooper County, married Margaret Troes- ter (b. July 3, 1827, d. Oct. 3, 1912), the latter of whom resided with her sons after the father's death. The children of the Schler family are as follows : Two children died in infancy ; Charles, a farmer in Clear Creek township; Mrs. Josephine Troester lives in Clayton county, Iowa; Peter, of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 971 this review; Anton, subject of this sketch; and Paul, a farmer living near Choteau Springs. The Schler boys had little opportunity for schooling in their younger days; work was the rule in the Schler household because the head of the family had died early. The home farm of the family was in the timber and the hardest kind of work was necessary to clear the land of the trees, build fences and keep up the crops each season. The Schler brothers, Peter and Anton Henry purchased their large farm in 1892. At the time of purchase the farm was partly improved. The tract embraced a total of 430 acres of land after they added 30 acres to the original purchase. Peter Schler was actively engaged in tilling his land until an accident in 1907, when he was injured by the turning over of a wagon, incapaci- tated him for hard work. He then moved to Boonville, in 1909. Peter Schler was married June 2, 1897 to Sophia Schierholz, who was born in Boonville, Cooper County, June 5, 1858, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Holtgreve) Schierholz. Charles Schierholz was born in Prussia, in 1823, and died July 27, 1891. Mrs. Mary Schierholz was born Jan. 24, 1838 and came to America with her parents in 1845. Mr. Schierholz oper- ated a brick yard in Boonville until he settled on his farm south of Boon- ville in 1876. He was father of six children : Mrs. Ophia Schler of this review ; Henry, a farmer, Boonville township ; Charles, a farmer living with his mother; the three younger children died. Peter Schler is a re- publican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church. Anton Henry Schler was born and reared in Cooper County. He was married March 29, 1910 to Catherine Barbara Gerhardt, who was born in North Dakota, Jan. 31, 1887, and is a daughter of Joseph Gerhardt, retired farmer of Speed, Mo. The children born of this union are: Henry Her- man, born May 7, 1911; Margaret Paullina, born Aug. 24, 1912; Catherine Elizabeth, born March 7, 1914; Joseph, born Jan. 2, 1916; Lizzie Rosina, born July 16, 1917; George, born Feb. 22, 1919. Mr. Schler is a republican and is a member of the Evangelical Church. George K. Crawford, farmer, Bunceton, Mo., was born in Clarks Fork township about six miles northeast of Bunceton, Oct. 11, 1866. He is a son of John Crawford who was born March 5, 1816 and died Nov. 5, 1889. John Crawford was a native of Cumberland County, Ky. and was a son of George Crawford, who was born in Kentucky and was one of the early pioneers of Cooper County who came to this county and settled at what is now Crawford Bridge. Herman P. Muntzell now owns the first home of the Crawfords in this county. Mr. Crawford improved a farm and resided there the rest of his days. John Crawford was reared to 972 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY manhood on this farm and after his marriage he resided on what is now known as the Clarence Hops place. In 1848 he settled on the place now- owned by George K. Crawford and improved it, erecting a large residence, and eventually became owner of over 1,000 acres of land. At the time of his death he owned 500 acres. In 1862 John Crawford married Miss Maria Kepner, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1840 and died Aug. 29, 1916. Maria Kepner Crawford was a daughter of Solomon Kepner who came to Cooper County from Pennsylvania about 1860. Two children born to this second marriage are living: Mrs. Clara Shackleford, residing on the home place ; and George K. Crawford, of this review. By a former marriage with Miss Eliza Greenhalge, John Craw- ford had one son, Henry, now deceased. George K. Crawford resided for 50 years on the Crawford home place, engaged in farming and stock raising. He removed to Bunceton in 1917. In Feb., 1917, Mr. Crawford was married to Mrs. Frances (Hickman) Edwards widow of Dr. G. H. Edwards, and a daughter of Thomas Hick- man, a pioneer settler near Lone Elm who is deceased. By her first mar- riage Mrs. Crawford is mother of two children: John C, and Thomas H. Edwards. John C. Edwards died at Camp Mills, Mineola, L. I., May 3, 1918, at the age of 21 years. He was a corporal in the National Army, having volunteered for service in May, 1917, and became a member of Co. B, 140th Infantry, 35th Division. Thomas H. Edwards, aged 27 years, volunteered for service in May, 1917. He spent one month at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and then sailed for France, July 2, 1917. He was a member of the 12th Railway Engineers, organized at St. Louis, but he was later transferred to the Signal Corps of the A. E. F. Mr. Crawford is a democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church and the Woodmen of the World and of Wallace Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Bunceton. George F. Fluke, an honored pioneer of Cooper County, was born May 27, 1850, at Connor's Mill, a son of John and Louisa (Fisher) Fluke, the former, a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Fluke is one of three children born to his parents: George F., the subject of this review;- John W., deceased; and Mary E., the wife of Z. R. Neal, of Saline township. John Fluke came to Missouri in 1838 and located at Connor's Mill. He was by trade a miller and he operated this mill for 15 years. He died HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 973 Nov. 13, 1879 and interment was made in Clayton cemetery. Mrs. Fluke joined him in death, Dec. 8, 1883, and she, too, was laid to rest in Clayton cemetery. At the time of his death, John Fluke owned more than 500 acres of some of the most valuable land in Saline township. George F. Fluke attended the public schools of Cooper County and, since 1875, he has resided on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Fluke is owner of 130 acres of land located 10 miles from Boonville and one- half mile from Overton. He is successfully engaged in general farming. March 13, 1872, George F. Fluke and Eliza Givens, a daughter of Walter and Mary (Vivian) Givens, were united in marriage. Eliza A. Givens Fluke was born Jan. 7, 1852. To George F. and Eliza Fluke were born the following children : Andrew J., of Shawnee, Okla., who married Etta Rogers and they are the parents of two children, George F. and Vivian Mayo; and Mary Lou, the wife of Aubrey Buell and the mother of two children, Orvill Allison and Vernal Leeann. Mrs. Fluke died June 3, 1897. Jan. 9, 1900, George F. Fluke and Lizzie Tucker, a daughter of Robert H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Parker) Tucker, were united in marriage. Rob- ert H. Tucker was born in Virginia, Aug. 14, 1824 and died May 25, 1893, in Cooper County, Mo. Mrs. Tucker was born near Clarks Fork in Cooper County, March 7, 1840. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are as fol- lows: Robert M., Silas E., Mrs. Kate Venable, Nathaniel and Mrs. Mattie Pollard, twins; Mrs. George F. Fluke, Mrs. Sophronia May Drennen, Charles W., James T., Mrs. Minnie E. Verts, Mrs. Sadie Ruth Smith, and Tyre T. Tucker. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are valued members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. Politically, George F. Fluke is affiliated with the democrat party. He is a member of Cooper Lodge No. 36, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are well known in Cooper County and they are held in the highest respect in Saline township. The Fluke family has long been numbered among the first and best families of this section of the state. Harry J. Miller, a highly respected young citizen of Cooper County, is one of Boonville's boys of yesterday, men who have "made good," and of whom all are justly proud. Mr. Miller was born in Boonville, Aug. 31, 1894, a son of James R. and Carrie Miller, the former, a native of Cooper County, Mo., ami the latter of Pennsylvania. James R. Miller is a son of one of the county's honored pioneers. He has resided in the county all his life, and is at the present time filling the position of chief of police 974 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of Boonville, a position he has most capably filled for the past eight years. Mr. Miller was formerly for many years engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in Boonville. The children of James R. and Carrie Miller are, as follow: Beatrice, at home; Earl, the bookkeeper at the Phoenix American Pipe Works; Roy F., who died in 1918, at the age of 21 years; and Harry J., the subject of this review. In the public schools of Boonville, Harry J. Miller obtained his ele- mentary education, which he supplemented with a course at Brown's Business College at St. Louis and at Dunkle's Business College at Boon- ville. After leaving school, Mr. Miller was for three years employed at the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company store in Boonville. In 1917, he was appointed storekeeper for the Boonville Training School, a position he at the time of this writing occupies. Fraternally, Harry J. Miller is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias fo Boonvlle. He is well known throughout the county and stands high in his own community, where he has a host of friends. Henry B. Kramer, a prominent citizen of Cooper County, was born Oct. 14, 1862 in Cooper County on the Clayton farm, a son of Jacob Anton and Francisco Kramer, the former, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the latter, of Baden, Germany. Jacob Anton Kramer served three years in the Danish army, in 1849, 1850, and 1851, and he had a scalp wound caused by a minnie ball. He immigrated to America in 1854 and was married at Staten Island. Jacob Anton Kramer was born at Copenhagen in 1812. After com- ing to America, Mr. Kramer spent one year at St. Louis, Mo. From St. Louis, he came to Connor's Mill in Cooper County and for four years was engaged in gardening. In 1860, he purchased the farm now owned by Charles Clayton. This place was sold in 1910 to George Viertel. Jacob Anton Kramer died Oct. 9, 1874 and interment was made in Schmidt cemetery. Mrs. Kramer was born May 27, 1827 and died Dec. 6, 1907. She, too, was laid to rest in Schmidt cemetery. Henry B. Kramer is one of the following children born to Jacob Anton and Francisco Kramer: Mary Ann, the wife of George A. Back, to whom she was married in 1883, deceased since Jan. 1, 1896 ; Henry B., the sub- ject of this review; Herman, of Boonville; Jacob Anton, Jr., who resides in the state of Washington ; Fannie, the wife of Otto Schmidt and Charlie, who died in 1869 at the age of 10 years and is buried in Schmidt cemetery. At Highland school, Henry B. Kramer obtained his education. In early manhood, Mr. Kramer was engaged in farming extensively, but in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 975 recent years he has been employed in paper-hanging, carpentering and writing life insurance policies. Mr. Kramer is a specialist in horticulture. He has never married. He promised his mother that he would remain single as long as she lived and he kept his word. Mr. Kramer's mother survived her husband 33 years. Henry B. Kramer is an enthusiastic lodge worker. He is clerk of the Woodmen of the World and district deputy of the Woodmen of the World and of the B. O. W. The Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill has a membership of 160 and Mr. Kramer has been a member for 22 years, clerk for four years, counsel commander for 13 years, assistant clerk for 19 years, and advertising lieutenant for four years. In the first 10 years of his membership, Mr. Kramer missed but five meetings and he had a distance of four miles to walk. He has now a class of 68 boys and girls, ranging in ages from one to 16 years, for whom he looks after in- surance. The first member of the B. 0. W., the juvenile department of the Woodmen of the World, in the state of Missouri, holding Policy No. 1, was Ben L. Givens and Mr. Kramer has the distinction of having writ- ten the policy. On the democrat ticket, Mr. Kramer was elected constable of Saline township. He is highly respected in his community and throughout the county and he numbers his friends by the score. Frederick H. Muntzel, a farmer and stockman, Boonville, Mo., was born in Cooper County and is owner of one of the best farms in Cooper County, consisting of 347 acres. Mr. Muntzel retired from active farm- ing in the spring of 1919, his farm being managed by J. W. Woolery. After completing the district school he attended the Chillicothe Normal College. He is a member of the M. E. Church. John George Hoflander, late well and favorably known resident of the Billingsville neighborhood, Cooper County, and veteran of the Civil W>', was a native of Saxony Coburg, Germany. Mr. Hoflander was born July 17, 1841 and died at his country home near Billingsville, March 6, 1915. He was a son of John Ernst and Kunigunda (Stegner) Hoflander, natives of Germany, who immigrated to the United States and settled in Cooper County in 1853. John George Hoflander was reared to young manhood on the Hoflander home place and was enrolled as a member of the Missouri State Guards during the Civil War. He was detailed for guard duty to protect traffic along the Missouri River. 976 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mr. Hoflander was married at Pleasant Green, Mo., Jan. 15, 1880, to Elizabeth L. Back, born at Pleasant Green, Cooper County, Jan. 30, 1856. She was a daughter of Philip and Doreathe Fredericka Back. Mrs. Eliza- beth Hoflander is one of two children, as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Hoflander; Mrs. Ernest Vbgelpohl, Pilot Grove. When George and Elizabeth Hoflander were married they settled on the old Hoflander home place, near Billingsville which Mr. Hoflander farmed successfully during his entire life. This is a fine farm of 128 acres which is well improved and the soil of which is very productive. The Hoflander children are: Henry, born Oct. 28, 1880, and died Nov. 1, 1880; Marie Christine, born Sept. 11, 1881, at home; Caroline Henrietta was born March 2, 1885, at home; Marie Pauline, born March 2, 1885, was wife of the late Frank Wallje, is now at Sedalia, Mo. ; Dorothea Elizabeth, born July 5, 1887, is wife of George Geiger, vicinity of Billings- ville, Mo. ; George Thomas, born Oct. 1 1889, at home ; Laura Amelia, born Jan. 11, 1892, is wife of Oliver Koenig, near Prairie Lick, Cooper County, Mo. ; Marie Magdaline, born Jan. 25, 1897, at home ; and Carl John, born Oct. 25, 1901, at home. The late George Hoflander was one of the sterling and energetic citizens of Cooper County and was highly regarded in the community where he was born and reared. He was one of the builders of the Bill- ingsville St. John's Evangelical Church and was a devout Christian, a kind husband and father. He was a republican but took little part in political affairs. It is such as he that assisted materially in upbuilding the Cooper County of today. George W. Harlan, fanner and stockman, proprietor of one of the best farms in Otterville township, his well improved place of 550 acres being situated a mile and a half northwest of the town of Otterville; a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Otterville and long re- garded as one of the most substantial citizens of that part of Cooper County, was born on the farm on which he is now living and has resided there all his life with the exception of seven years during the period of his childrens' educational course at Otterville when he and his family re- sided in town. The Harlan family is one of the families in Cooper County entitled to a service flag carying a gold star, the only son of this family having died in the service of his country in the fall of 1918. The young husband of the only daughter of the family also is in service being now (summer of 1919) with the naval arm of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. The Harlans are an old American family, the pro- §X£^e, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 977 genitor of the family in this country having come to this side from Eng- land in early CoLonial days. George W. Harlan was born on Nov. 22, 1869, son of George W. and Susan (Streit) Harlan, the former a native of Ken- tucky and the latter of Virginia, who became residents of Cooper County in the days of their youth and whose last days were spent here. The senior George W. Harlan was born in Shelby County, Ky., Sept. 28, 1823, and was but 15 or 16 years of age when he came to Missouri auuut the year 1840 with his parents, George T. and Johanna (Helm) Harlan, also natives of KentucKy, the family locating in Otterville township, this county, where George T. Harlan and his wife, the pioneers, spent the re- mainder of their days. On the pioneer farm settled there by his parents the senior George W. Harlan grew to manhood and in time became a suc- cessful farmer and cattle breeder, a man of substance and influence in his community and in that township spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on Jan. 13, 1891. His widow died Aug. 6, 1916. She was born near Salem, Va., Sept. 29, 1829. They were the parents of three children, the subject of this sketch, the last born, having two sisters, Anna, widow of J. W. Harlan, of Danville, Ky., and Jennie H., wife of A. G. Hansberger, of Otterville township. Reared on the home farm just northwest of Otterville, the junior George W. Harlan received his early schooling in the local schools and completed the same by a course in Central College at Fayette, after which, when 21 years age, he began farming on his own account on the home place. He married when 23 years of age, and after his marriage estab- lishing his home on the home place, of which in time he became the owner, and where he and his family are now very comfortably situated. In 1911, Mr. Harlan erected a handsome new and up-to-date farm house, said to be one of the best such dwellings in Cooper County, and the other improvements on his model farm are in keeping with the same. In addi- tion to his general farming he has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He also takes a proper interest in the gen- eral business affairs of the community, and is a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Otterville. He is a democrat, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of the Macca- bees. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). Feb. 22, 1893, George W. Harlan was manned to Birdie Clark, who was born in Morgan County, daughter of Thomas B, and Louise J. (Mey- 978 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ers) Clark, natives of Kentucky, and both now deceased, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Ennell, who is now (summer of 1919) at home with her parents, pending the return of her husband, J. C. Miller, from service with the naval branch of the American Expedition- ary Forces in Europe, and George C, who, as noted above, is represented by a gold star in the Harlan family's service flag. George C. Harlan was born on the home farm, Oct. 19, 1896, and was graduated from the Otter- ville High School. On July 18, 1918, he enlisted in the United States Navy for service in the World War, and was sent for training to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago, where, not long afterward, he was taken ill, and Sept. 30, died, being then under 22 years of age. J. C. Miller, husband of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan's daughter, enlisted in the navy on July 7, 1918, and after a period of preliminary training was assigned to active service, and is now serving in European waters. A. F. Nixon, the well-known cashier of the Bank of Wooldridge, was born Oct. 15, 1875, near Pilot Grove, Mo., a son of D. F. and Christina (Schlatzhauer) Nixon, the former, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter, of Cooper County. D. F. Nixon was born near Chillicothe, Ohio. He prospered in farming and stockraising and he and his wife are now living in quiet retirement at Pilot Grove, Mo. The children of D. F. and Christina Nixon are: Charles, who is in the real estate business in Boonville; Catherine E., at home; A. F., the subject of this review; and Rudy, who died in West Virginia. Mr. Nixon, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools, Pilot Grove College, and the Warrensburg State Normal School. He erected an elevator at Wooldridge and for three years was in the grain business there. He sold his business to G. H. Dooley Milling Company, which company still operates the mill, and in 1904, Mr. Nixon purchased the interest of M. A. Smith in the Bank of Wooldridge and has since been the cashier of that institution. May 22, 1904, A. F. Nixon and Elizabeth Wooldridge were united in marriage. Mrs. Nixon is a daughter of H. H. and Sallie E. (Eager) Wooldridge, of Saline township. H. H. Wooldridge died in 1917 and, on Dec. 31 he was laid to rest in the family cemetery. His widow now re- sides on the old home place. The town of Wooldridge is located on land formerly owned bv Mrs. Nixon's father. To A. F. Nixon and Mrs. Nixon have been born three children: Audrey, who is now a student in the Boonville High School ; Fletcher W. and Eager. HISTORY OF COOPEE COUNTY 979 Recently, Mr. Nixon purchased 60 acres of land, on which was form- erly located the old tanyard known as the "Fox Hunters' Home" and owned by A. A. Walker, Dr. S. M. Teel, Mr. Draften, Dr. Hurt and others, whose names cannot be recalled. Fox hunting meets have been held here since the early days and a meeting is held semi-annually by the lovers of this sport and to this present time fox chases are frequently held. Mr. Nixon is planning improving his tract of land. He will construct a con- crete dam below the springs and make there one of the finest fishing ponds in the country. Fraternally, Mr. Nixon is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World. He is an upright, respected citizen and among the business men of Cooper County, no man is valued more highly. Thomas R. Peyton & Sons, proprietors of "The Peyton Nurseries", at Boonville, Mo., are widely known and respected business men of Cooper County. "The Peyton Nurseries" was organized Jan. 1, 1913. Eight years previous to that date, Thomas R. Peyton and A. E. Barnes began operating the "Boonville Nurseries" and on the first of the year, 1913, the partnership was dissolved and "The Peyton Nurseries" established. A. E. Barnes has continued business under the old name of the firm. Mr. Peyton, Sr., served an apprenticeship of eight years with Stark Brothers' Nurseries in Louisiana, Mo. He discontinued his services at Stark Brothers' to accept the management of a nursery at Mexico, Mo., in which place he was for 10 years prior to coming to Boonville. "The Peyton Nurseries" has from 20 to 25 agents in the field, covering the states of Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. Frequently, shipments are made to other states. "The Peyton Nurseries" specializes in fruit trees, in apple, peach, pear, apricot, quince and cherry trees. The first year the firm was in business the outlook was not encouraging. Since Jan. 1, 1913, with sales for the first year totaling but $6,000, the business has grown marvelously and the receipts for the year of 1918 amounted to $30,000. The firm plans putting out 200,000 trees annually, namely: 100,000 apple grafts; 50,000 cherry and pear; and 50,000 peach trees. "The Peyton Nurseries" does a large retail business through salesmen and in addition does a flattering mail-order business. The firm's slogan is "Growers of Reliable Trees Since 1887". All orders are packed under cover in the packing house, a building, 40x60 feet, located at the junction of the Missouri Pacific and 980 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroads, where the office is also located. The firm is a growing one and the citizens of Boonville point with pride to "The Peyton Nurseries" as an example of what western enterprise and industry can in a short time accomplish. Thomas R. Peyton was born in Rappahannock County, Va., Nov. 24, 1872, a son of John II. and Sarah Martha (Wince) Peyton, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The Peytons moved to Pike County, Mo., in 1885, and John H. Peyton was for several years with Stark Brothers' Nursery. He died while visiting his son, Thomas R., at Boonville, in February, 1917, and he is buried at Louisiana. Mrs. Peyton died in 1896 at Louisiana and is buried there. The children of John H. and Sarah Peyton are as follows: Henry A., of Los Angeles, Calif.; Thomas R., the subject of this review; Joseph W., of Lincoln, 111.; Mrs. Luella Downing, deceased; John A., who has been with the Stark Brothers' Nurseries for the past 30 years; Dora May, the wife of Joseph Russell, of Spring- field, 111. In the public schools of Virginia, Thomas R. Peyton received his ele- mentary education, which was supplemented by a course at the academy at Louisiana, Mo. He was married in 1900 to Edith A. Barnes, a daughter of Noble and Mary (Bybee) Barnes, and a native of Audrain County, Mo. The mother is deceased, and the father resides in Audrain County. The children of Noble and Mary Barnes are as follows: M. C. and Theodore, of Audrain County, Mo.; Mrs. Thomas R. Peyton, the wife of the subject of this review; A. E., a well-known nurseryman of Boonville; Claude, a farmer and fruit-grower of Idaho ; Roy and Ray, who are farm- ing near Bradshaw, Neb. To Mr. and Mrs. Peyton have been born five children: Thomas B. and Genevieve, who are attending the Boonville High School ; James A., Edith J., and Charles W., at home with their parents. The Peytons reside at Shamrock Heights in Boonville. Thomas R. Peyton and Mrs. Peyton are worthy and consistent mem- bers of the Christian Church. They are held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know them, and they number their friends by the score. Mr. Peyton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modem Woodmen of America. Hermann Frederick Herfurth, assistant engineer of the Missouri Re- formatory, Boonville, is one of Cooper County's most respected citizens. H. F. Herfurth was born in Germany in 1872, and came to this country in 1882 with his parents, John Frederick and Wilhelmina Herfurth, who located in Cooper County, where the father died in 1892. The widowed mother resides in Moniteau County, Mo., now making her home with a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 981 son and a daughter. The children of John Frederick and Wilhelmina Herfurth are, as follow: John Frederick, Jr., of Moniteau County; Mar- tha, the wife of Charles Gropp, of Moniteau County; Herman Frederick, the subject of this sketch; and Selma, of Moniteau County. H. F. Herfurth attended school in Cooper County. He has practically made his own way in the world since he was a child 13 years of age. He began his business career in Moniteau County, but prior to that he had been employed in farm work, laboring for $7 a month and chopping cord- wood for 35 cents a cord. H. F. Herfurth was manager of a farm in Clark's Fork township for seven years, the owner of the farm being W. B. Windsor. H. F. Herfurth was in business in Moniteau County for seven years, and for three years was engaged in the manufacturing busi- ness in St. Louis, manufacturing raincoats and dealing in automobile ac- cessories. He received the appointment as assistant to the chief engineer under J. W. Bozarth, at present chief engineer at the Missouri Reforma- tory, Boonville. The engineering department furnishes electric light and power for all the buildings of the Reformatory. In September, 1917, Hermann Frederick Herfurth and Elizabeth Ott were united in marriage. Mrs. Herfurth is a daughter of L. C. Ott, of Franklin County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Ott now reside at Berger, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Herfurth has been born one child, a daughter, Frances Bessie. The Herfurths are valued members of the Evangelical Church and they are numbered among the best families of Boonville. H. F. Herfurth has surmounted countless obstacles to make the suc- cess in life which he has thus far achieved. He taught himself to read the English language by translating at home the German Bible into Eng- lish, and when he saw the value and necessity of reading English he tenaciously clung to his resolve to master the language, and he is now able to read well, and he is a constant reader. He is captain of the Honor Company, a squad of 75 boys of the Reformatory. It is the captain's duty to keep close watch upon the morals of the lads. Captain Herfurth takes much pride in his work, is a most efficient officer, and he is making good citizens of the boys under his charge. William R. Scott, teacher and gardener, one of Cooper County's best known citizens, was born in Boonville, Oct. 18, 1876, a son of William C. and Lucy (Moore) Scott. William C. Scott was born in 1837 in Cooper County. He is a member of one of the first families of Missouri, a son of an honored and brave pioneer, who settled in Boonville in 1815. Mr. Scott was in the early days a freighter from Boonville to southwestern 982 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Missouri in the days of the steamboat. He is at the present time a resi- dent of Boonville. Mrs. Scott was a native of Cooper County. She died here about 1882. The children of William C. and Lucy Scott are; Mrs. J. P. Logan, of Boonville ; Dr. W. M., of Iberia, Mo. ; Dr. L. E., of Belle- ville, 111.; William R., the subject of this sketch; H. A., of Missoula, Mont.; and Mrs. L. Comstock, of Seattle, Wash., twins. W. R. Scott is a graduate of the Boonville High School, a member of the class of 1894. After completing the high school course, he was for 12 years prospecting and mining in Washington, Montana and Oregon. In 1915, he returned to Boonville, and he has since then been employed in the capacity of teacher and gardener at the Boonville Training School, now the Missouri Refonnatory. He teaches during the winter seasons and is engaged in gardening in the summers. He is captain of Company F, about 65 boys being under his charge. Captain Scott enjoys his work and is giving his best efforts to advance the pupils of his classes. Feb. 11, 1918, William R. Scott and Ruth Tuttle were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Scott is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Tuttle, of Boon- ville. J. B. Tuttle is employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. Mrs. Scott was born, reared, and educated in Boonville. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been born one child, a son, William R., Jr., bom Jan. 20, 1919, the representative of the fourth generation of the Scott family in Cooper County. Mrs. Scott has one sister and two brothers living: Mrs. William Pieper, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Morton, of Boonville; and Chester, of Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are widely and favorably known in Cooper County, and in Boonville they are numbered among the city's best citizens and most respected families. Capt. C. S. Hanna, the competent blacksmith of the Boonville Train- ing School, now the Missouri Reformatory, is a native of Howard County. Captain Hanna was born July 3. 1857, a son of Frank and Sarah (Hall) Hanna, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Indiana. Frank Hanna, with his three brothers, William, James, and Harvey, came from Virginia in 1812, and located first in Grundy County, and later settled on a farm in Howard County, near the present site of Fayette, Mo. With his brothers, Frank Hanna was first engaged in farming, and later entered a cabinet shop in Fayette, the shop owned by Samuel Majors. He died in Howard County in 1872, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Fayette. Mrs. Hanna died in 1876 and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Fayette. The children of Frank and Sarah (Hall) Hanna HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 983 are, as follow : James, William, and Robert, deceased ; Capt. C. S., the subject of this sketch; Virginia, deceased; Rebecca, who married George Thurman and is now deceased; and Bessie. The Hanna family were Hanna family were among the first settlers of Missouri, and at the time of the coming of the three brothers to Howard County, deer were very plentiful, and Frank Hanna frequently went on deer chases on and near the present townsite of Fayette. Captain Hanna obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Howard County, Mo. Until he was about 30 years of age, he followed farming in Howard county, and he then learned the blacksmith's trade in Fayette, serving his apprenticeship under Mr. McClammer. Captain Hanna followed blacksmithing at Fayette until he moved to Boon- ville, six years ago, and he was thus employed in this city until he was appointed in March, 1918, blacksmith of the Training School. He in- structs the boys of the school, who are under his charge, in the trade of blacksmithing, and there could be found no more efficient mechanic and thorough teacher. Two lads, Bernard Lloyd and John Jewer, who were under Captain Hanna's supervision, left the school recently to take good position in St. Louis, Mo., and they are both "making good." Captain Hanna frequently receives letters from the boys, telling him how much they appreciate all he did for them. It is his desire and ambition to do all within his power to assist the boys under his care to become good citizens. In 1884, Capt. C. S. Hanna and Ida R. VVatkins were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Hanna is a daughter of John and Martha VVatkins, of New Franklin, honored pioneers of Howard County. Both father and mother are now deceased, and their remains rest in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Howard County. The children of John and Martha Watkins are: Mrs. C. S. Hanna, the wife of the subject of this sketch ; John, of New Frank- lin ; Mrs. Emma Canole, of New Franklin ; Mrs. Claude Maupin, of Sedalia ; Mrs. Anna McGavoc, of New Franklin; Mrs. Eula Minor, of New Frank- lin; Mrs. Cliff Drake, of Fayette; Mrs. Martha Hams, of Moberly ; and James, a fanner, of New Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are the parents of four children: Lela G., the wife of William Wells, of Boonville; C. W., clerk in H. T. Zugales' general merchandise stort of Boonville; Eula. a student in the Boonville High School; and Russell, grade school. Mr. and Mrs. William Wells are the parents of one child, a daughter, Louise. Captain Hanna is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics he is a democrat. He and Mrs. Hanna are highly respected 984 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and valued in Boonville and Cooper County, and they have a host of friends in their community. Dr. Robert E. Howlett, a venerable retired physician, formerly sur- geon at Confederate Home at Higginsville, and during the Civil War a surgeon in the Confederate Army, for many years a practicing physician at Otterville, one of the best known men in Cooper County, is a native of Virginia. Doctor Howlett was born near Richmond, Va., March 19, 1836, son of James M. and Harriet (Hatcher) Howlett, the former of whom became a resident of Cooper County in 1843 and here spent the remainder of his life. The Howletts are one of the oldest families in America, the family having been founded on this side by three brothers of that name, who came over from Wales in the early days of the Jamestown settlement, and thus became established here among the first of the Virginia colonists. James M. Howlett was born at Chesterfield, Va., April 1, 1801, a son of John Howlett and wife, the latter of whom was a Goode, also natives of Vir- ginia, who spent all their lives in that State. He married Harriet Hatcher, who was born in Chesterfield County, Va., in 1806, and who died in 1842. Of the children born to that union seven grew to maturity. Of these Doctor Howlett is now the only survivor. The others were Thomas T., James A., Anna B., who was the wife of Rev. William Eustace; John M., Daniel and Martha. In 1845, the mother of these children then having been dead about three years, James M. Howlett married Anna Maria Pey- ton, who also was born in Virginia, and who died in 1860 at the age of 48 years. That union was without issue. It was in 1843, the year follow- ing the death of his first wife, that James M. Howlett disposed of his interests in Virginia and with his family came to Cooper County and established himself on a farm in Lebanon township, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1873, he then being 72 years of age. It was on that pioneer farm in Lebanon township that Doctor How- lett grew to manhood. He was educated in the public schools and by the special instruction given him at home by his stepmother, who had been a school teacher in Virginia. He early became attracted to the study of medicine, and after some preliminary reading along that line, in 1858 entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1861, the year of the breaking out of the Civil War. He straightway put aside his ambition for a medical career and at once en- listed as a private for service in the Confederate Army. Three months DR, ROBERT 10. HOWLETT HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 985 :er he was raised from the ranks and commissioned assistant surgeon the army. In this important capacity, Doctor Howlett continued to rve the army until the close of the war. He then returned to his home this county and opened an office for the practice of his profession at terville. In 1867 he went to New York City for a post-graduate course the medical college there, returning to his office at Otterville in April, 68. A year later he married, and two years after his marriage (in 71) became attracted to the possibilities which seemed to offer in con- ction with a point for practice in Mississippi, and moved to that State, t 18 months later returned to Otterville and resumed his practice there, ntinuing thus actively engaged until his appointment in December, 01, to the post of physician to the Confederate Soldiers Home at Hig- nsville, Mo. While thus officially stationed at the home the Doctor und his health beginning to break, and in 1903 he resigned his post and turned to Otterville, where he is now living retired from active practice, ing now in the 84th year of his age. Doctor Howlett has for many ars been recognized as one of the leading physicians in this part of the ate, and during his many years of practice in this county ever took an rnest interest in the deliberations of the local and State medical socie- !S, as well as the American Medical Association, of which societies he is an active member. The Doctor is a democrat, and formerly took an tive part in local and State political affairs, but was never a seeker after blis office. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the icient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd illows, and is the oldest Mason as well as the oldest Odd Fellow in Otter- le. April 6, 1869, in Mississippi, Dr. Robert E. Howlett was united in irriage to Eliza Marian Howell, who was born in Alabama on Aug. 12, 43, daughter of A. Y. and Phoebe D. (Ingram) Howell, natives of North irolina, whose last days were spent in Mississippi, and to this union ree children have been born, namely: Dr. Robert E. Howlett, Jr., a acticing physician at Richland, Mo.; Helen H., widow of the late Prof. A. Edwards, of Kansas City, and Addie Nolton, who has ever remained home, and whose comfortable home at the eastern edge of C terville now shared by his parents. A. N. Howlett is a well-to-do farmer and ackman, the owner of a fine farm of 170 acres just at the edge of town, lere he and his wife and his aged parents are pleasantly situated. His fe, before her marriage, was Clarice Weyand. Her parents were early ttlers in Vernon County, Mo. 986 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY William A. Hoefer, a prominent citizen of Cooper County, is a native of Boonville. He was born July 17, 1874, a son of Henry L. and Mary A. (Krust) Hoefer, the former a native of Nassau, Germany. Henry L. Hoefer was born Aug. 22, 1823. He came to America in 1846 and settled in Cooper County in 1847. He entered the mercantile business at Boonville, and followed his vocation of painter and interior decorator. He enlisted in the Civil War, Aug. 18, 1862, and served in the State Militia. He was promoted to first lieutenant, Company G, 52nd Regiment, and he served in the army until the war closed. Mary A. (Krust) Hoefer was born in 1838 at Hesse, Daunstadt. She immigrated to America in 1853 with the Hoffmeister family. They were located at Mendota, 111., for two years. She came to Cooper County in 1858, and is at the present time a resident of Boonville. Capt. Archie Burr Bates, of Kemper Military School, was born Jan. 6, 1883, at Churdan, Iowa, a son of E. W. and Hattie (Easter) Bates, the former a native of Illinois, and the latter of Iowa, now residents of Persia, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bates are the parents of the following chil- dren: Orin E., a prosperous merchant of Pittsburg, Kan.; Capt. Archie Burr, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Blanche Ferguson, of Nevada, Iowa; L. E. of Des Moines, Iowa; Forest E., of Corsicana, Texas; Miss Edith, and Mrs. Ethel Cox, twins, the former of Boonville, and the latter of Indianola, Iowa. Captain Bates attended Churdan High School three years and Ogden High School one year. He pursued the business course at Simpson Col- lege, Indianola, Iowa, and he is a graduate of this institution, a member of the class of 1904. After completing his college work, Captain Bates entered the teaching proftssion and taught school at Pendleton, Ore., one* year, and at Mount Vernon, Wash., one term. Thence he returned to Iowa, and at Des Moines entered Iowa Business College and studied short- hand and typewriting. Upon completing the course, he was engaged in teaching in the school for six months. Captain Bates came to Boonville as principal of the commercial department of Kemper Military School. When this school became a corporation in 1909, he was elected secretary, a position which he still retains at the time of this writing in 1919. Cap- tain Bates has been post adjutant for the past ten years. July 31, 1907, Capt. Archie Burr Bates and Martha Frances Breiner, a daughter of Mrs. Ida M. Breiner Harlow, of Churdan, Iowa, were mar- ried. The father of Mrs. Bates died when she was an infant, and her mother afterward married William F. Harlow, and they now reside at HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 987 hurdan, Iowa. Mrs. Bates has three brothers, all residents of Churdan, )\va: Verle, Wilmer, and Elmore. Captain and Mrs. Bates are the arents of two daughters: Ida Frances and Martha Burr. They are alued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Captain ates is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Boonville. Captain Bates is well known and respected in Cooper County as a entleman and a scholar. He and Mrs. Bates have innumerable friends 1 this section of the State, and they have the highest regard of all who now them. Oscar F. Case, the widely-known and competent blacksmith, pro- rietor of the machine shop at Gooch's Mill in Cooper County, is a native f Illinois. Mr. Case was born in Kane County in 1849, a son of A. J. tid Julia A. (Morris) Case, the former a native of New York, and the iter of Long Island. Mr. and Mrs. Case moved from New York to linois, and from Illinois to Bremer County, Iowa, where they both died. scar F. Case is the only living member of his father's family, and he the eldest of four sons born to A. J. and Julia A. Case, the others being ; follow: Prentice, Ernest, and Wirt, all deceased. Mr. Case, the subject of this sketch, attended school at Waverly, >wa. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Iowa with Company E. 44th Iowa lfantry, and served until October, 1864. He was active in service in ennessee and in Mississippi under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, l 1867, Mr. Case came to Missouri and located at Connor's Mill, one of le pioneer mills of Cooper County. This was a steam and water mill, •ected by James F. Connor in the days long prior to the Civil war. The itlers from 40 and 50 miles distant came to the mill to have their grain round. Kiln-dried flour was made there, and this fact was widely Ivertised in 1849, at the time of the wild exodus from the East to the jld field newly discovered in California, and the fortune hunters, read- ig the advertisement in the St. Louis papers, crossed the Missouri River t Rocheport, on the ferry to obtain the flour, which was guaranteed to ?ep for a long time. Wagon trains, three-fourths of a mile in length, isited the mill to be served with the far-famed flour. James F. Connor nployed 23 assistants at his mill, and, in addition, he operated a large irm, and had 13 yoke of cattle, besides horses and mules. In 1879, Oscar F. Case moved to Gooch's Mill, and built his black- nithing shop, and at this place he has ever since been located. His shop fitted for work of all kinds with up-to-date machinery. In 1897, Mr. ase added machinery, and one year later he began handling farm ma- 988 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY chinery. He operates two forges and his work in his shop and the busi- ness of his store keeps him constantly "on the job." He is the owner of a trip hammer and power blower, there being but one other such blower in the county. In 1872, Mr. Case was united in marriage with Nancy R. Durnil, of Connor's Mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Oscar F. Case were born the following children : Mrs. Julia Shaf er, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Wirt and Bert, twins, the former, now deceased, and the latter a machinist, who has been in the service of the United States for the past year ; and Andrew, at home. Mr. Case is very proud of his six grandchildren: Mamie Shafer; Oscar F., Jr., Catherine, Julia, Audra, and Elizabeth. Mrs. Case died in Novem- ber, 1918, and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Gooch's Mill. Oscar F. Case is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Work- men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is highly respected in Cooper County. Louis Gantner, a prominent manufacturer of Boonville, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Gantner was born in Boonville, Nov. 21, 1861, a son of Andy and Rosa Gantner. Andy Gantner was born in 1835 in Baden, Germany. He immigrated to America in 1854 and settled in Boonville. Mr. Gantner was, by trade, a brick and stone contractor. He erected many building in Boonville's business district, more than any other one builder in the county. He built the wings of the old public school on Sixth Street in Boonville ; a part of the Kemper Military School buildings; the Nelson residence; the Mc- Pherson residence; and the Triggs residence. During the Civil War, he enlisted with the Unon Army and served under Colonel Eppstein. Rosa (Diringer) Gantner was born in Alsace in 1836, and she came to America in 1849 with her parents, who settled in Boonville. Andy and Rosa Gant- ner were the parents of ten children. The father died Oct. 5, 1890, and the mother died Dec. 9, 1912. Andy and Rosa Gantner were married in Boonville in 1856, and Mr. Gantner built a sandstone house on Triggs' Hill in Boonville, where all the Gantner children were born. There the father died and Mrs. Gant- ner sold the residence to Ewing Roberts. The old homestead of the Gantners still stands in Boonville. Andy and Louis Gantner were part- ners for eight years, and father and son built the Catholic Church in Boonville. In the public schools and in the Catholic School in Boonville, Louis Gantner received his education. He was born, reared, and educated in HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 989 this city, and he has thus far spent his life here. He has, since attaining maturity, been engaged in manufacturing and contracting, and is now a member and manager of the firm owning the Boonville Brick Company. This company, of which J. H. Stretz and Louis Gantner are the sole mem- bers, succeeded Claus Stammerjohn about 1905. The plant is located in west Boonville, near the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. It has a daily capacity of 20,000 bricks. The firm is engaged in general contract- ing, and it has erected many hundred buildings in Cooper County, among them the County Home, the pipe factory in Boonville, and the St. Joseph Hospital. Mr. Gantner and Mr. Stretz are capable, energetic business men, and the marked success they have achieved reflects great credit upon themselves and brings much renown to Boonville. In 1889, Louis Gantner was united in marriage with Sophia Gart- hoffner, of Boonville, a daughter of George and Victoria Garthoffner. To Mr. and Mrs. Gantner have been born the following children: Helen, a graduate of the Boonville High School, and graduate of the Warrens- burg State Normal School, now a teacher in the Boonville schools ; Lenore, a graduate of the Boonville High School, now a stenographer in St. Louis, Mo. ; Ernest, who died in infancy ; Walter, who enlisted in the service of the United States in August, 1917, at Washington University, and is now, at the time of this writing, in France with Unit 21, Hospital Corp/; George, a law student at St. Louis University, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Bertram!, a student pharmacist in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Gantner and their children are worthy members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Gantner is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. The Gantners reside at 726 Spring street in Boonville. Mr. Gantner has served one term as member of the City Council. For more than 40 years, the Gantner name has been an honored and highly regarded name in Cooper County, the synonym of honest industry, efficiency, and integrity. W. E. Hooper, the present efficient postmaster of Wooldridge, Mo., and the well known engrossing clerk of the State Senate, is a native Mis- sourian. He was born at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, in 1876, the son of Prof. J. N. and Georgia (Amos) Hooper. Prof. J. N. Hooper estab- lished Hooper Institute and conducted that institution for many years. He died in 1894, and his widow now resides at Jefferson City, Mo. They were the parents of three children: W. E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. W. J. Wooldridge, and Dr. D. E. Hooper, of Warsaw, Mo. W. E. Hooper settled in Cooper County about 20 years ago, and for the past 18 years has been postmaster at Wooldridge. Mr. Hooper was 990 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY married in 1904 to Miss Ida Anderson, a daughter of Benjamin Frank and Emma S. Anderson, who now reside in Saline township, Cooper County. Mr. Anderson is a native of Cooper County, as is also his wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Hopkins. They were the parents of two children, F. L. and Ida, the latter now the wife of W. E. Hooper, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have been born two children: Marjorie E. and Hazel L. Mrs. Hooper was educated in the public schools and Howard Payne College, Fayette, Mo. H. B. Hopkins, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hoopgr, was a native of Mississippi, and a pioneer of Wooldridge, Mo. He married Rebecca Burcham, of Kentucky, and they came to Cooper County in 1858. They once owned the original townsite of Wooldridge. A more extensive history of the Hopkins family is given elsewhere in this volume, in connection with the sketch of Farris B. Hopkins. W. E. Hooper is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the W. C, and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of Cooper County. He and Mrs. Hooper are members of the Baptist Church at Wooldridge. Willis Hurt, a prominent citizen of Clarks Fork township, is a native of- Page County, Va., born Aug. 2, 1850. He is a son of Acrey and Ma- tilda (Rickard) Hurt, both natives of Virginia, and early settlers in Cooper County. Acrey Hurt was born in Virginia in 1820, and his wife was born in that State Dec. 20, 1827. They were married Sept. 23, 1847, and in 1855 came to Missouri, settling in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. They located near Washington school house, which was then an old log building. Acrey Hurt was an industrious man and a good citi- zen. During the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guards. He died on his place in Clarks Fork township in February, 1883, and his wife died April 9, 1898. Their remains are interred in Green Ridge Cemetery. Acrey and Matilda were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Jeannette Arnold, Boonville; Willis, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin, resides in Henry County; Mrs. Arabella Albin, resides near Clarksburg, Mo.; Mrs. Eliza Copas, Jefferson City; Newton, died in Henry County; Acrey, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Silas, Boonville; and William, Pilot Grove. Willis Hurt was reared to the age of manhood in Cooper County, his parents having settled here when he was about five years old. He re- ceived his education in the Washington School district, and recalled among the early teachers of that district, Dock Freyer, who lived near HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 991 Lone Elm Prairie. Mr. Hurt remained on the home farm with his parents until he was about 27 years of age. In 1877, he moved to his present farm, having purchased it two years previously. This place was for- merly owned by the Berry heirs, their father having entered it from the Government. Mr. Hurt bought the place from Sylvanius Young. He has made many improvements, and while Mr. Hurt is not the owner of a large farm, it is one of the well improved and valuable places of the county, and here Mr. Hurt has successfully carried on farming and stock raising for over 40 years. March 4, 1877, A. W. Hurt was married to Miss Emma Bear, a daughter of Samuel K. and Susanna (Woods) Bear, both natives of Vir- ginia. Samuel Bear was born May 26, 1825, and died Dec. 30, 1882. Susanna (Woods) Bear was born in January, 1828, and died Dec. 9, 1887. The Bear family consisted of the following children: Mrs. Barbara J. Clawson, Barnard, Mo.; Charles, of Alva, Wy. ; Mrs. Mary C. Cox, Den- ver, Colo. ; Emma S., the wife of Willis Hurt ; Mrs. Sarah Moffitt, Barnard, Mo. ; Cornelia M., Morphew, N. M. ; Mrs. Martha Smith, Santa Ana, Calif. ; and Mrs. Laura Robinson, Spearfish, S. D. ; William Henry, died at the age of 16 years, and Benjamin Alfred, died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hurt have been born the following children: Minnie Bell, was born Aug. 3, 1879, married Harry Kirchner, Clarks Fork township, Nov. 28, 1900 ; Alva Willis, an attorney and counselor at law in St. Louis, Mo., was born March 30, 1882; Alvina, born Feb. 8, 1884, and was married to Frank Kalb, April 26, 1905; Clarence Lee, bora May 8, 1888, married Luda Anna Blanck, May 22, 1912, now resides in Boon- ville. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have six grandchildren : Richard Kirchner, born Nov. 16, 1905 ; Mary Josephine Kircher, bora Nov. 23, 1909 ; Emma Louise Kircher, born July 16, 1912; Wilbur Hurt Kalb, born Jan. 19, 1907; Charles Marvin Kalb, born Feb. 2, 1908, and Hazel Emma Kalb, bora Dec. 30, 1912. A historic landmark in the way of a hackberry tree adorns the front yard of the Hurt place. This tree is 42 years old, and came up from its own accord the year that the Hurt family settled on the place, 42 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are members of the M. E. Church South, and the members of the Hurt family are well known and prominent in the community. Lewis B. Nelson, a well known and successful citizen of North Moni- teau township ,was bora in Page County, Iowa, Oct. 2, 1878. He is a son of John E. and Julia H. Nelson, natives of Sweden. John E. Nelson came 992 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY to America when he was about 23 years of age. He is now deceased. His widow now resides in Coin, Page County, Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Ellen A., married August S. Lind, and resides at College Springs, Iowa; Sophia J., married J. F. Johnson, Coin, Iowa ; Oscar, lives near Canton, Mo. ; and Lewis B. the subject of this sketch. Lewis B. Nelson was reared in his native State, and educated in the public schools and Amity College, College Springs, Iowa, and graduated from this institution in the class of 1896. He then engaged in farming in Iowa, until 1906 when he located in Nodaway County, Mo. He bought a farm there, and was engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1918, when he came to Cooper County and purchased his present place in North Moniteau township, 41/2 miles south of Prairie Home. His farm consists of 120 acres of well improved land, located on the Prairie Home- California highway. Mr. Nelson was married Oct. 20, 1916, to Miss Nora A. Odneal, a daughter of G. C. Odneal. Peter P. McNeil, a former railroad foreman of construction, and now a substantial farmer and land-owner, who died at his farm home near Otterville in the spring of 1914, had been a resident of that neighborhood for 30 years, and during that period had done much for the general ad- vancement of the community. He was born at New Boston, N. H., Sept. 13, 1833, a son of Peter and Mary McNeil, both of whom were of Scottish stock. He was reared in the East, and when the Missouri Pacific Rail- road was being constructed in Missouri, he became connected with that work as a foreman, his first work being in Cole County, where, in 1858, he married and established his home. He later lived in Bates County, and in 1884 came to Cooper County with his family and bought a farm near Otterville, being attracted to that location by the educational advan- tages thus offered his children at the Otterville Academy, which then was presided over by Professor Curlin. On that farm he spent the remainder of his life, one of the substantial factors in the community life. He died there, April 15, 1914, and his widow and two of her daughters are still living there. Mr. McNeil was particularly attentive to the work of the Baptist Church at Otterville, of which he was a devout member, and for 20 years was superintendent of the Sunday School of the same, in that capacity rendering an effective service for good in the community to which he had become greatly attached, and his memory will long be cher- ished in that connection. Jan. 1, 1858, at Elston Station, in Cole County Mo., Peter P. McNeil PETER P. McNEIL HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 993 was married to Sarah Jane Elston, who was born there Oct. 13, 1841, and to this union 12 children were born. Of these the following are still living: Mrs. Hattie M. Leach, of Otterville township; Arthur L. McNeil, of Sedalia ; Mrs. Jennie S. Evans, also of Sedalia ; Mrs. Lydia S. Kelby, of Cole County ; Margaret, who is at home with her mother ; Lulu J., also at home, and Dr. Charles A. McNeil, a practicing physician at Sedalia. As noted above, Mrs. McNeil has continued to make her home on the farm at the edge of Otterville, where she and her daughters are very comfort- ably and pleasantly situated. She owns 146 acres of well improved and profitably cultivated land, and takes a personal interest in directing the management of the same. Mrs. McNeil and her daughters are members of the Baptist Church, to the affairs of which the husband and father was so long and so earnestly devoted, and have ever taken a warm interest in church work, as well as in the general social affairs of the community in which they live, doing well their part in the promotion of all move- ments having to do with the advancement of the common weal there- about, and are held in high esteem in the community. Henry Jenry, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in the township where he now lives, March 27, 1861, a son of John P. Jenry, who was a native of Germany, born in Darmstadt, and came to America, 1842. Hk parents came later and located in Buffalo, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their lives. John P. Jenry came from New York State to Boonville about 1850. He was a bricklayer and worked at his trade here for a number of years. He built the Lohse building in Boonville, as well as many other structures in that locality. He spent the latter part of his life in Clarks Fork township, where he died June 14, 1905, and his widow, who is now 85 years of age, still survives him. She has been an invalid for 56 years. They were the parents of the following children : John, died in New York State; Mrs. Caroline Defress, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Louise Smith, deceased ; Daniel, deceased ; Charles, resides near Gooch Mill, Mo. ; Henry, the subject of this sketch ; George, lives in Wyo- ming; Mrs. Kate Hundley, lives on the old home place in Cooper County; and Mrs. Mary Smith, Blue Springs, Mo. Hemy Jenry received his education in the public schools of Cooper County, attending the New Salem District School. Cooper County has always been his home, and he has made farming and stock raising his life occupation. He owns a valuable farm of 91 acres in Prairie Home township, which he purchased in 1892. His place is located on the Jef- (50) 994 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ferson State Highway, 11 miles southeast of Booneville, and is one of the valuable farms in that section of the county. Feb. 21, 1901, Henry Jenry was united in marriage with Miss Mary Allen Chappell, a daughter of Anderson and Sarah Morland, of La- Clede County, Mo. The father was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army for four years. He settled in Cooper County, near Gooch Mill, and spent the remainder of his life in this vicinity. He died Feb. 21, 1897, aged 52 years, and his wife died at Raleigh, Mo., Sept. 23, 1918, aged 71 years. Mrs. Jenry is one of the following children born to her parents : Maiy Ellen, wife of Henry Jenry, born July 20, 1869 ; Harriett, born April 25, 1871, married Louis Rhodes, and resides at Vida, Mo.; and Joseph, born Aug. 20, 1875, resides at Raleigh, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Jenry are well known in Cooper County and rank among its leading people. Frank H. Deuel, a well known farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, was born in Pottawatomie, Kan., Aug. 11, 1868. He is a son of L. W. and Nancy J. (Davis) Deuel. L. W. Deuel was born in New York State in 1836, and in 1849 started to the gold fields of California with his father, who died at Salisbury, Mo., and was buried there. L. W. then went on west to Kansas, remaining in that State until 1882 ; he then returned to Macon County, Mo., and five years later settled in Cooper County. Here he bought a farm in Saline township, where he resided until 1909, when he went to Sedalia, where he now lives. L. W. Deuel had an extensive experience as an early day plainsman. During and after the Civil War he crossed the plains 12 times, being employed in driving cattle. During some of these drives in the wild and unsettled West, hostile Indians were frequently encountered. Nancy J. (Davis) Deuel, wife of L. W. Deuel, was born in Macon County, Mo., in 1850. They were married at Manhattan, Kan., in 1867, and the following chil- dren were born of this union : Frank H., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Maggie Gupton, Sedalia; Charles, Sedalia; Deam, Sedalia; George, Sedalia; Mrs. Mattie Hoerl, Boonville; Oscar, now serving in U. S. Army in France; and Mrs. May Heckerdt, Sedalia. Frank H. Deuel was educated in the public schools of Kansas. After coming to Missouri with his parents, he was rural mail carrier on the first route that was established out of Prairie Home, for 16 years. He resigned this position in 1917, and bought his present farm of 61 acres in Prairie Home township. This place is located about l 1 /' miles south of Prairie Home, and is a well improved, productive and valuable place. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 995 Mr. Deuel was married Feb. 20, 1889, to Miss Laura Dishion a daughter of James F. and Nancy J. (Adair) Dishion, the marriage cere- mony being performed by Rev. 0. P. Davis. James F. Dishion was a farmer and died in 1911 ; the widow now resides on the home place in Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Deuel have been born the following children: Nellie, married Earl Ford, Bunceton; Mollie, married Charles Friday, Bunceton ; Ola, married Louis L. Blank, Prairie Home ; Icie, resides at home; Ira P., who served in U. S. Navy from May, 1918, to March, 1919, being connected with the medical department ; and Stella, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Deuel have 10 grandchildren: Margaret, Agnes, Nannie Laura, and Harold Ford; Sarah Frances, Charles Robert, and Harry Lee Friday ; Louis Hilton ; Kenneth and Randall Blank. Mr. Deuel is a well posted citizen, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. While a resident of Prairie Home he served as mayor of that town for two terms, and was a member of the City Council for a number of terms. Mr. and Mrs. Deuel are members of the Christian Church at Walnut Grove, of which he is a deacon. G. C. Odneal, a Civil War veteran and a member of one of the pioneer families of Missouri, was born in Moniteau County, Sept. 22, 1846. He is a son of Valentine and Dicy (Gilbreath) Odneal, both natives of Ten- nessee, the former born in 1812, and the latter in 1816. Valentine Odneal came to Missouri with his father about 100 years ago; he died in 1852. Dicy Gilbreath was a daughter of Hugh Gilbreath, who was born in Ten- nessee in 1782, and came to Missouri about the same time that the Odneals came. He died in 1852. To Valentine Odneal and wife were born the following children: William, who was killed at Tipton, Mo., during the Civil War; Hugh G., died in 1912; Thomas B., died in 1873; John W., died in 1912; James M., died in 1916; G. C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Foster, deceased ; and Mrs. Dora Hannah, resides in North Moni- teau township. G. C. Odneal was educated in the public schools and Prairie Home College. He spent all his life in North Moniteau township, where he has been engaged in farming and stock raising, except two and one-half years when he was in Texas. During the Civil War Mr. Orneal served in the Confederate Army under Fighting Gen. Joe Shelby. He was with his command in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, and when the war closed he was at Shreveport, La. Mr. Odneal had some narrow escapes during the course of his military career, and at one time was severely wounded by 996 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a piece of shell which entered his side and which remained there until about seven years ago when he had it removed. Mr. Odneal was married Sept. 30, 1875, to Martha J. Harris, a daugh- ter of William and Nancy (Martin) Harris, both of whom are now de- ceased. The mother died in 1895, and the father died in 1896. Mrs. Odneal was born in North Moniteau township Feb. 27, 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Odneal have been born three children, as follows: Nora A., married Louis Nelson, North Moniteau township; Flora N., married William Schaaf, and lives in Moniteau County; and Thomas A., married Augusta Stuckfoden, and they have one child, Edna May. Mr. and Mrs. Odneal have the following grandchildren: Dorsey, Harold and Estella George; Floyd Nelson; Lucile, Floyd, George, and Curtis Schaaf; and Edna May Odneal. Mr. Odneal commands the respect of all who know him, and the Odneal family stand high in the community. Peter J. Strickfaden, who departed this life July 19, 1919, was a well known and successful farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, a native son of Cooper County, and a descendent of pioneer parents. He was born on the plac»j where he now resides, April 16, 1854, a son of Am- brose and Gertrude (Henhover) Strickfaden. Ambrose Strickfaden was a native of Germany, and when a young man settled on the place where Peter J. now resides, in the early forties. At the time of his death, in 1888, he owned over 525 acres of land. His wife preceded him in death several years. They were the parents of the following children: Vinse, deceased; Sebastian, deceased; Mrs. Mary Stembach, deceased; Frank, resides in California, Mo. ; John, deceased ; Mrs. Catherine Sheidt, deceased ; Peter J., the subject of this sketch; Ambrose, resides in North Moniteau township; Leap, Pilot Grove; and Josie, deceased. Peter J. Strickfaden was reared in Cooper County, and received his education in the public schools. He followed farming and stock raising all his life. He owned a valuable farm of 155 acres, six miles south of Prairie Home, where successfully carried on general farming and stock raising for many years. May 7, 1889, Peter J. Strickfaden was married to Miss Anne Schaber, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Schaber, both natives of Indiana. The father was born Oct. 18, 1846, and died in 1912, and the mother now resides at Pilot Grove. They were the parents of the following children: Annie, the wife of Peter J. Strickfaden ; Tony, deceased ; George, Bea- man, Mo. ; John, resides in Florida ; Mrs. Kate Mullet, Pilot Grove ; Tena, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 997 resides in Sedaiia; Mrs. Mary Hayes, deceased; Mrs. Lena Mullet, lives in Oklahoma, and Mrs. Lucy Alberts, Marshall, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Strickfaden were born the following chil- dren : Mary, who resides at home ; Andy and George. Andy Strickfaden was born Jan. 3, 1893, and is now serving as road overseer of District No. 2, North Moniteau township. George W. Strickfaden was born March 31, 1894. He was married Nov. 30, 1917, to Miss Wilhelmina Keil, a daughter of William and Louisa (Heernleben) Keil, the former now de- ceased, and the latter resides at Cedron, Mo. George W. Strickfaden enlisted in the U. S. Army, April 29, 1918, and for a time was trained at Camp Funston, Kan. Later, he was sent to Camp Mills, N. Y., and from there to Liverpool, England, where he arrived June 16, 1918. He was then taken sick with measles and sent to a hospital, where he remained until July 23, after which he was detailecl on special duty at an American rest camp at Liverpool, until March 20, 1919. He was then returned to New York by way of Brest, arriving March 30, 1919. He was then sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he was discharged, April 21, 1919. While in the army he was a member of Company L, 356th Infantry, under Captain Wear, who was killed in France. The Strickfaden family are well known and highly respected in Cooper County. Dr. A. L. Meredith, a well known physician and surgeon of Prairie Home, is not only a leader in his profession, but is one of Cooper County's most progressive and enterprising citizens. Dr. Meredith was born at Lupus, Moniteau County, March 30, 1879, and is a son of J. F. and Mal- vina (Clay) Meredith, natives of Kentucky. Malvina Clay is a daughter of Green Clay, who was a second cousin of Henry Clay. J. F. Meredith and his wife now reside at Lupus. Dr. A. L. Meredith was reared in Moniteau County, and educated in Hooper Institute and Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Va. He then entered Beaumont Medical College at St. Louis, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1901. He then engaged in the practice of his profession at Lupus, Mo., where he remained but a short time, when he located at Wooldridge, where he practiced for nine years. In the meantime, he took a post graduate course at the Post Graduate Medical College at New York City. He practiced at James- town, Mo., for 18 months, and in 1912 located at Prairie Home, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, except during the period of service in the medical department of U. S. 998 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Army. On Sept. 30, 1918, he entered the medical department of the army with the rank of first lieutenant, and immediately proceeded to Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky., where he served until Dec. 28, 1918, when he received his discharge. Dr. Meredith was united in marriage June 10, 1908, with Miss Agnes Teel, a daughter of Dr. S. M. and Nettie P. (Williams) Teel. Dr. S. M. Teel was a native of Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia, and after completing his medical course located at Prairie Home, Mo., and for 30 years was successfully engaged in the practice of his pro- fession there. He died Feb. 28, 1912, and his remains are buried in the New Salem Cemetery. His wife is a native of Cooper County, and a daughter of John R. Williams, a pioneer of Saline township. She now resides at Prairie Home. Dr. Teel and wife were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Garth, resides in Prairie Home; Burke, now serving in the U. S. Navy on the transport Huron, having entered the service in August, 1917; Samuel, died at the age of 3 years; Pearl, bookkeeper in the Bank of Prairie Home ; Newell, a teacher in the Cooper County School ; Eva, married Homer Wear, Prairie Home; Polly, married L. A. George, Prairie Home ; Willie married Dr. Dorsey Hooper, Warsaw, Mo. ; Kelly, married Roy Hadley; and Logan, married C. Reid Spahr, Oakland, Cal. To Dr. and Mrs. Meredith have been born two children: A. L., Jr., and Virginia Teel. Dr. Meredith is an able physician and a constant student of the devel- opments in the great science of medicine and surgery, and, notwithstand- ing the requirements of a large practice, he has found time to devote to public improvements and local progressive enterprises. He has served as president of Consolidated School District No. 3 for five years. He was one of the organizers of the Prairie Home Fair, one of the successful institutions of its kind in the country, and for four years he has been president of this organization. He is also the present mayor of Prairie Home, which is one of the most progressive little towns of its size in the State. Dr. Meredith is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Mystic Workers. Louis M. Meredith, the capable and efficient superintendent of the State Reformatory Farm of Boonville, is a native of Missouri, and belongs to one of the early pioneer families of this State. Mr. Meredith was born in Polk County, Oct. 25, 1860, a son of Joseph R, and Rachel (Leith) HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 999 Meredith. Joseph R. Meredith was born in Cooper County in 1832, and died at the age of 70 years. He was a son of Thomas Meredith, who set- tled near Pilot .Grove in the early twenties, and entered 200 acres of land from the Government, and spent the remainder of his life in that vicin- ity. Rachel (Leith) Meredith died in 1892, aged 70 years. Louis M. Meredith was one of the following children born to his parents: Fannie, married S. M. Whitlow; Louis M., the subject of this sketch; R. A., lives at Pilot Grove; Susan, married J. M. Sparkman, and William Henry, Ver- milion, Kan. Louis M. Meredith was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He was engaged in farming and stock raising in the vicinity of Pilot Grove for a number of years. In 1897, he accepted a position as night-watchman at the Reform School, and for four years served in that capacity. He then became captain of Company H, and held that position for two years, after which he was superintendent of the brickyard of the institution for a time. In 1915 he was appointed superintendent of the institutional farm and has held that position to the present time. While Mr. Meredith is a modest and unassuming man, it is a fact that he holds one of the important positions in the State. The work that he is able to accomplish in training the boys under his charge in the proper channel means much to the future citizenship of Missouri. Mr. Meredith realizes this, and has given much thought and study to plans and methods of building up the characters and making good citizens of those boys who are legally delegated to his charge. The State Farm under Mr. Meredith's charge consists of 485 acres, besides another farm of 400 acres, which the State rents. There are a number of departments of the institution, including a blacksmith shop, brickyard, stone quarry, carpenter shop, greenhouse, etc. The 600 boys in the institution are kept busily engaged in beneficial and helpful work in connection with these various depart- ments, in addition to their mental and moral training. Aug. 1, 1885, Louis M. Meredith was united in marriage with Miss Addie Kirkman, of Cooper County, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Shoemaker) Kirkman, both natives of Cooper County, and now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Meredith have been born seven children, as follows : Oscar L., Waterman, Calif., married Katherine Williams, of Versailles, Mo. ; Joseph Ross, married Jennie Oslander, served in the World War with 144th Field Artillery in France, from August, 1918, to February, 1919, having enlisted in June 24, 1918, at San Francisco, Calif.: Mary Susan, 1000 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY a stenographer, resides at home ; James Madison, now serving in U. S. Navy, and is stationed at Anapolis, Md. ; William Ralph, a student in the Boonville High School ; Louis M., Jr., and Alice Virginia, at home. Abraham Potter, a well-to-do land-owner of Cooper County, now liv- ing retired, is one of the oldest native-born sons of Cooper County now living, he now being in his 94th year. He was born on a pioneer farm near Boonville, Nov. 12, 1825, a son of John and Martha (Edgar) Potter, who were among the pioneers of that vicinity. John Potter was a native of Virginia, born in Rockinghham County, in 1774, and came to Missouri in territorial days, and located at the landing at Boonville. In the early days he was widely known as a hunter, and he and his old flint-lock gun were inseparable companions This was frontier country when he came here, and there were no limits to the boundaries of the territory over which he the could range in quest of game. As the country settled he became a substantial farmer, a well-to-do land-owner in this county, and here spent his last days, his death occurring about 1860. His wife also spent her last days here. She was born in Kentucky, and also was of the real pioneer stock. John Potter and his wife were the parents of 12 children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom are now dead, save the venerable subject of this sketch. Reared on the old Potter farm in this county, Abraham Potter re- ceived his schooling in the somewhat primitive schools of the time and place, and as a young man devoted himself to farming, a vocation at which he was working, when in 1849 the discovery of gold in California started the stampede of hardy and adventurous souls in that direction. He then was 23 years of age, and of the temperament eager to seize upon the prospect of so promising an adventure, and in 1849 he joined a band of "Argonauts" and started across the plains for the gold fields, arriving there without serious mishap in 1850. For four years he remained in the gold country, and then came back to Cooper County, returning by way of Panama and the East, and in the spring of 1855 became engaged again in farming in this county. Upon his return here he bought 222 acres, and in the years since has added to his holdings until now he has 720 acres of fine land, a part of which has been under cultivation more than 90 years. During the time of the Civil War, Mr. Potter served as a member of the Home Guards, but was not called into active service. In the fall of 1865 he married and established his home in a log cabin on his farm, but it was not long until he had a better home, and as the years passed he brought his farm up to a high standard, which is being Al'.KAHAM POTTER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1001 maintained by his son, John J. Potter, who, since his father's retirement, has been directing the affairs of the home farm. Abraham Potter is a stanch democrat,, and has ever stoutly maintained the principles of that party. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Clifton City, and has other good investments besides his broad acres. He attends the Presbyterian Church, but is not a professed member of the same. In October, 1865, Abraham Potter was married to Sarah Erwin, who was bom in Pettis County in 1845, member of one of the pioneer families of that county, and who died in 1914, she then being 69 years of age. To that union were born 10 children, namely: Lura, wife of J. W. Neal, of Sedaila; Ella, who is living with her father; Granville, of Sedalia; John J., who is farming the old home place ; Clayton, deceased ; Flora, wife of A. M. Harlan, of Sedalia ; Eva, wife of F. B. Richards, now living in Flor- ida; Hettie, at home; Ethel, wife of F. Griffin, of Pettis County, and Brookie, wife of T. A. Huffine, of Napton. Mr. Potter has 14 grandchil- dren, and in his old age takes much pride and interest in watching their growth and development. John J. Potter, who has charge of the old home farm, is carrying on operations there in progressive fashion and in accordance with up-to-date methods, which offer an amazing contrast to the methods which his father perforce had to employ in the days when he entered upon the development of that fine farm, and is doing well. He married Jennie Phillips, of Pleasant Green, and has a very pleasant home. Mrs. Potter also is a member of one of Coopeer County's pioneer families. Hon. Henry Lee Myers, United States senator from the state of Mon- tana, is a native son of Cooper County, in whose preferment her citizens take a just measure of pride, and it is but proper that, though he long has been an honored citizen of another State, there should here be set out in this record of his old home county some brief record of his life and achievements. Cooper County has been singularly favored in the char- acter of her citizenship and in the number of her sons who have achieved distinction in the various fields of lofty human endeavor. Senator Myers is a representative of one of Cooper County's real "old families," his mother's family having settled here in territorial days, and in his parental inheritance he partakes of the pioneer qualities of sturdy and self-reliant Virginia and Kentucky stock. The senator's father, Henry M. Myers, was a Virginian, born of Colonial stock in 1814. He grew to manhood in Virginia, receiving his schooling there and becom- ing a substantial citizen, remaining there until the year 1840, when he 1002 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY disposed of his interests there and came to Missouri, settling on a farm on the Jefferson City road, one mile east of Boonville, where he spent the rest of his active life, becoming a useful and influential citizen of the community. In his old age, and upon his retirement he joined his son, Henry L., at Hamilton, Mont., where he spent his last days. He died there in 1899, being 85 years of age, and his body lies in the cemetery at that place. Henry M. Myers was twice married, his first wife, who was a Hickox, and whom he married in Missouri, having died after about 14 years of married life. To that union were born four children, namely: Helen, widow of F. P. Bronaugh, of St. Louis ; Martha, who married the Rev. G. W. Horn, and is now deceased ; Kate, who died in the days of her girlhood, and Laura, wife of C. A. Patton, of Fulton, Mo. The second wife, mother of Senator Myers, was Maria Moss Adams, who was born on a pioneer farm, four miles east of Boonville, in 1831, a daughter of David and Margaret Adams, pioneers who had come here from Kentucky in the territorial days. To Henry M. and Maria (Adams) Myers were born two sons, Senator Myers having a younger brother, Dr. Ernest Adams Myers, a dental surgeon, now practicing at Portland, Ore. The mother of these sons died at Hamilton, Mont., in 1897, and is buried there beside the body of her husband. It was on the Myers farm, a mile east of Boonville, that Henry Lee Myers was born, Oct. 9, 1862, and his boyhood was spent there. His schooling was received in private schools at Boonville under the preceptor- ship of Anthony Haynes and M. M. Singleton, who directed his studies, and under whose instructions he cultivated an inclination to adopt the law as his profession. Thus equipped by preparatory study he entered the law office of Draffen & Williams at Boonville, and under the preceptor- ship of this firm, teaching school at intervals, he made such advancement that in 1884 he passed the examination and was admitted to the bar. After admission, he continued to teach for a time, and also engaged in newspaper work. Later, he went to West Plains, Howell County, and opened an office for the practice of law, but conditions there not proving satisfactory, he yielded to an inclination to do a bit of pioneering, to go West and "grow up with the country," and in 1893 he went to Hamilton, in Ravalli County, on the very western border of Montana, and in the new county seat engaged in the practice of law. He arrived at singu- larly opportune moment, and it was not long until he was becoming widely recognized as one of the coming factors of Western Montana. Reared a HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1003 democrat of the true Jeffersonian type, and with a lawyer's aptitude for such activities, it was but natural that he should early take his place in the rapidly expanding political arena of the community, and it was not long until he found himself elected to office, his first public service being rendered as county attorney of Ravalli county. He served two terms in this office, and in 1898 was elected to represent his senatorial district in the State Senate, the term being for four years. It was while thus serv- ing that Senator Myers acquired the initial legislative experience that later was to prove so valuable an acquisition in the greatest deliberative body in the world, the United States Senate. During his service in the Montana General Assembly the Senator extended his acquaintance pretty widely throughout the State, and became recognized by leaders generally as a State figure in politics. In the meantime he was not neglecting his practice, the modest law office which he had opened at Hamilton upon his arrival having early acquired a profitable clientele, and he also became recognized as one of the leading lawyers of his judicial district, a fit can- didate for judicial honors. A vacancy occurring, he was appointed dis- trict judge by the governor. At the next election his party presented him as its nominee for district judge of the Fourth Judicial District. He was elected, and was on the bench when elected by the General Assembly of his State to serve as a United States senator from Montana for the six-year term, beginning March 4, 1911. So satisfactory was Senator Myers' service in the United States Senate prove during his first term that in 1916 he was, without opposition, made the nominee of his party in Montana for re-election (the law relating to the selection of United States senators meanwhile having been revised), and in the following election was chosen by the vote of the people to succeed himself, and is now thus serving his second term in the United States Senate. Senator Myers is married. In July, 1896, at Hamilton, Mont., he was united in marriage with Nora S. Dora, of that place, whose parents, T. M. Doran and wife, still live there, and to this union one child has been born, Mary Annetta. The senator and his wife are Presbyterians, and he is affiliated with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. William A. Smith, a well-to-do retired farmer of Prairie Home town- ship, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Prairie Home township, April 24, 1860, son of Jeremiah and Letitia (George) Smith. Thomas Smith, father of Jeremiah Smith, entered from the Gov- 1004 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ernment a tract of land in Prairie Home township upon coming here, and the west half of the plat of the town of Prairie Home covers a part of that land. William A. Smith received his schooling in the local public schools, his attendance at school, as he recalls it, being pretty largely confined to rainy days. He stuck to the home farm when he grew up, and after his marriage at the age of 23, his father gave him 80 acres on which he established his home. As his affairs prospered he bought adjoining land until he became the owner of a fine farm of 210 acres a mile west of town, where he continued his operations until his retirement from the farm and removal to Prairie Home in 1914, since which time his farm has been under the management of his son, Elmer Smith. Prior to moving to Prairie Home in September, 1914, Mr. Smith had bought a four-acre tract within the corporate limits, erected a five-room house, and he and his wife have since resided there, their chief domestic concern being the care of their poultry yard, where they have a fine flock of White Wyandot chickens. Mr. and Mi\s. Smith are members of the Baptist Chui-ch at Prairie Home, and Mr. Smith is clerk of the congregation. He also gives close attention to local civic affairs, and is a member of the Town Council, serving as clerk of the same, and is secretary-treasurer of the local light plant. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Nov. 29, 1883, William A. Smith was married to Bettie Muir, who was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Mamie Levens, born on Oct. 7, 1884, married Harold Mills, Dec. 27, 1905, of Clarks Fork township, and has two children, Jerome and Vir- ginia; and Elmer K. Smith, born June 15, 1888, who, on Feb. 11, 1914, married Melvina Milner, who was born at Medill, Okla., and has two chil- dren, Harry Milner and Mildred Elizabeth. Elmer K. Smith is now farm- ing the home place, where he and his familv live. Mrs. Bettie Smith was born at Bunceton, daughter of Thomas J. and Rhoda (Levens) Muir, both members of old families in this part of Missouri. Dr. B. W. Levens, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, was one of the pioneer physicians of Cooper County, he having practiced in what is now the Bunceton neigh- borhood long before the town of Bunceton was laid out. He married Rhoda Stevens in 1818. Henry Levens, an uncle of Mrs. Smith, wrote in collaboration with his partner, N. M. Drake, an attorney of Boonville, a history of Cooper County in 1876. William Basil Muir. paternal grand- father of Mrs. Smith, was a pioneer of Howard County, locating there unon coming from Tennessee in the early days. His son, Thomas J. Muir, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1005 father of Mrs. Smith, was born in Howard County, Sept. 21, 1828, and died at his home in Cass County on Feb. 18, 1875. His remains rest in the family cemetery in Howard County. His widow, who was born on April 29, 1834, died Jan. 18, 1889, and she was buried at Bunceton. Thomas J. and Rhoda (Levens) Muir were the parents of seven children, namely : Thomas H., born Nov. 1, 1854, Gridley, Kan. ; William B., Jan. 20, 1857, Hammond Ind. ; Bettie, wife of William A. Smith, Feb. 4, 1861 ; Margaret L., June 17, 1863, married Charles Stemmons, and died July 6, 1902, and is buried at Bunceton; Cora, March 15, 1870, wife of J. A. Geary, deceased, of Kansas City ; Minnie, July 6, 1872, married George A. Barker, and was killed in a street railway accident at St. Louis, Sept. 22, 1900, and was buried in the family plot at Bunceton, and George Wash- ington, the first born, died an infant in 1854. Herman F. Kuhn, member of the firm of Kuhn Bros. & Co., general merchandise, at Prairie Home, was born on the farm now owned by Nich- olas Meyer in Prairie Home township, July 19, 1893, son of H. G. and Margaret A. (Schilb) Kuhn, who are now living on their farm near Prairie Home. H. G. Kuhn was born in Moniteau County, May 15, 1869, son of Christian Kuhn, who came to the United States from Germany when a boy, grew up in Missouri and in time became a substantial land-owned in Moniteau County, where he is still living, being now 86 years of age. Christian Kuhn's wife. Laura, died in 1917, and is buried in the Evangeli- cal Churchyard in her home county. Margaret wife of H. G. Kuhn, was born in Clarks Fork township, this county, Aug. 31, 1869, a daughter of Frederick Schilb, who also is now a resident of Prairie Home township. To H. G. Kuhn and wife have been born seven children, as follows: Viola May, deceased; Herman F.; William McKinley, born on Nov. 3, 1896, married Blanche Griesbach, of Moniteau County, and is farming near Jacksonville ; Leslie Christian, is now serving in the United States navy ; Emil Wilbur, is at home assisting his father; Henry Howard, Jackson- ville, and Theodore R., at home. Leslie Christian Kuhn, the sailor son, enlisted in the U. S. Navy in August, 1918, and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago for preliminary training, and from there to the Naval Station at Norfolk, and was assigned to service on a United States submarine chaser, and is still (spring of 1919) in service. Herman F. Kuhn was reared on the farm and received his early schooling in the schools of Prairie Home. He early decided upon a busi- 1006 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ness career, and upon completing the course in the home schools entered Central Business College at Kansas City, from which institution he was graduated in 1913. For three years thereafter he was engaged as book- keeper and stenographer in the office of the Hadley Milling Company, at Olathe, Kan., and then returned to Prairie Home, and bought the interest held by E. M. Kirschman in the mercantile firm of Kuhn Bros. & Co., at that place, of which firm he since has been a member, devoting his earnest attention to the growing business of that firm, the other members of which are H. G. Kuhn and W. H. Kuhn. The building in which Kuhn Bros. & Co. are doing business is a sightly brick building erected in 1912, and the mezxantile firm occupies the first and second floors and basement of the same, carrying a complete line of general merchandise. This firm also has a similar stock of goods at Lupus, and is known as an enterpris- ing and energetic firm of merchants, enjoying a constantly growing trade. In connection with its mercantile enterprise the firm publishes a neat little monthly paper, the title of which is "Over the Top," and which car- ries prominently displayed the firm's motto: "Good service means good will ; good will means good business." The paper properly enough is devoted to the company's trade announcements, but carries in addition a lot of entertaining reading matter, which makes it a welcome visitor in the homes of the community. Nov. 17, 1915, Herman F. Kuhn was married to Olive G. Meek, daughter of M. B. and Frances Meek, of Ochiltree, Kan., and to this union two children have been born, Edgar Milton, born on Nov. 29, 1916, and Loyal Margaret, Nov. 10, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) and take a proper interest in church work. Joseph Hurt Groom, proprietor of "Sunny Crest Stock Farm," near Overton, in Saline township, is one of the leading young stock breeders in Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Saline township, Aug. 18, 1884, son of Colby C. and Emma Davis (Kickashear) Groom, the latter of whom is living at her fine home on the outskirts of Overton. Joseph H. Groom received his schooling in the Highland School, and from his boyhood has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, when he moved to LaMine township, and was there engaged in farming near Blackwater until 1913, when he bought 70 acres of his present farm southeast of Overton, and has since made his home there. Not long afterward he bought 87 acres adjoining, and now has a well improved place of 157 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1007 acres, which he has developed with special reference to his stock breeding, "Sunny Crest Stock Farm" being widely known for its high grade of stock. The original patent for "Sunny Crest" was made out to one James M. Farris, who filed on this land over 100 years ago, he having come here from the section of Missouri that was devastated by an earth- quake. During the past century there have been numerous transfers made of this tract, and by a somewhat singular coincidence of names it was owned by James W. Farris at the time Mr. Groom bought it, this latter Farris being of no known kinship to the original owner. But speaking of "original" owners, there are evidences on the farm of a much prior own- ership, these mute testimonials of prehistoric proprietorship being five mounds, typical of the work of the Mound Builders. "Sunny Crest" is branch bottom and upland, and about half of it is now in pasture, it being Mr. Groom's intention eventually to devote the whole place to pasture in extension of his stock-breeding operations. He is a breeder of Per- cheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, jacks and jennets, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep, all eligible to registry, and is doing a constantly in- creasing business in that line. "Black Coco," the Percheron stallion he has owned for the past three or four years, has won 16 blue ribbons in this State. He also has two registered Kentucky bred jacks, "Governor Glenn 7250" and "Tom Mace," the former of which won a second premium at the Missouri State Fair and sweepstakes at the Moniteau and Cooper County fair. In his stable are also 16 good brood mares, and his flock of Shropshires now numbers about 40. Joseph H. Groom has been twice married. In 1909 he was united in marriage to Edith May Hill, of LaMine township, who died on May 4, 1916, and on June 3, 1918, he married Mrs. Arminda (Bell) Hyatt, widow of Paul Z. Hyatt, and the mother of two sons, Paul Z. and Manlies Chap- man Hyatt. Paul Z. Hyatt, first husband of Mrs. Groom, died Oct. 29, 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Groom has been born a son, Joseph Hurt Groom, born June 24, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Groom are members of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Groom has been ordained both a deacon and an elder in the church, in which the Groom family for many years have been among the most active workers. Samuel T. Fulton, a well known citizen of Kelly township and owner and proprietor of the "Green Ridge" farm, is a native of Kentucky. He was born at Carlisle, Oct. 5, 1848. the son of James and Sallie (Alexander) Fulton, both natives of Kentucky. They were the parents of two chil- dren: Samuel T.. the subject of this sketch, and Mary Jane Berry, who 1008 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY died at Pilot Grove. The father died in 1850 in Kentucky and the mother afterwards married Singleton Paxton and to this union two daughters were born: Hattie, who resides at Bunceton and Mrs. James Hall, Butler, Mo. In 1864, shortly after her second marriage, the mother and her second husband and other members of the family came to Cooper County, Mo., and settled at Pilot Grove, where she died March 6, 1898. Samuel T. Fulton was educated in the schools of Kentucky and Illi- nois, and after coming to Cooper County attended Simpson's private school, which was located near Nebo. He lived for a few years in Illinois and for a time in Cass County, Mo., and has resided on his present place since 1892. He owns 160 acres, which he bought from T. J. Wallace for $30.00 per acre. At that time it was unimproved land. Mr. Fulton has added valuable improvements and has a very good farm. He raises Scotch Top cattle, eligible to registration and he also raises Poland China hogs, and formerly was an extensive cattle feeder. Mr. Fulton is unmarried and spends a part of his time on his farm, but practically makes his home with his sister in Bunceton. Mr. Fulton is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Bunceton and one of Cooper County's substantial and highly respected citizens. Hiram D. Case, president of the Farmers and Mercants Bank of Otterville, was born on a farm in Lafayette County, Wis., Jan. 18, 1867, son of Samuel S. and Elizabeth (Miller) Case, natives of Ohio, whose last days were spent in Missouri. Samuel S. Case was born in Ohio, Aug. 4, 1815, and some time after his marriage in that State became a resident of Lafayette County, Wis., remaining there until 1868, when he moved with his family to Missouri, driving through in a covered wagon, and became engaged in farming near Boonville, later establishing his home on a farm in Blackwater township. During the '70s he moved to Bates County, but after four years of resi- dence there returned to Cooper County. Upon his retirement from the farm he went to Marshall, and there spent his last days. He died Dec. 15, 1895. His wife died Nov. 8, 1883. She was born in Ohio in 1820. During the Civil War, Samuel S. Case served for nine months as a soldier of the Union, and his eldest son, Jacob M. Case, served throughout the war as a soldier of the Union. Samuel S. Case and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom six are still living. Of these, three are resi- dents of Cooper County, the subject of this sketch having two brothers here, E. A. Case, of Blackwater township, and J. T. Case, of Clarks Fork township. Hiram D. Case was but a babe in arms, not yet a year old, when his II EARL CAS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1009 parents came to Cooper County in 1868, and he was reared in this county, receiving his schooling- in this county and in Bates County. When 17 years of age, in association with his brother, J. T. Case, Mr. Case began farming on his own account, and in 1892 he rented a farm in Clarks Fork township. Two years later he married and then continued to make his home on that farm until in 1900, when he bought a place of 90 acres in Lebanon township, where he remained until 1905, when he sold that place and bought his present excellent farm of 271 acres near Otterville, where he and his family have since resided. Mr. Case has made numerous sub- stantial improvements on the place, and is contemplating more. He gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, and his operations have been profitable. In 1914, he was elected president of the Farms and Merchants Bank of Otterville, a position which he still occupies. Mr. Case also has ever taken a close interest in educational affairs, and for the past 14 years has been serving very effectively as president of the Otterville School Board. Oct. 24, 1894, Hiram D. Case was married to Ida Rennison, who was born in this county, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: H. Earl, who died in 1918 while serving as principal of the high school at Smithton, Missouri ; Florence Beatrice, who was graduated from the Otterville High School, and is at home; James Eugene now a student in the high school; Alma Annabel and Amy Frances (twins), and Roy E. and Mabel B. H. Earl Case the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Case aforementioned, was born Nov. 1, 1897, in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. He was reared on the farm and attended the public schools, and was graduated from the Otterville High School in the class of 1915. He then taught in LaMine School, near Clifton City, one term. He then attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg. In 1917, he accepted a position as teacher in the public schools at Smithton, Mo. That same fall he took charge of the Smithton Schools, being elected principal, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the former principal. He was serving in this capacity when he died, April 17, 1918. He was a capa- ble young man, whose untimely death was a severe loss. Mrs. Case was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, daughter of J. H. and Sarah (Cartner) Rennison, both of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families, and the former of whom is still liv- ing now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Lewis, of Lebanon township. Mr. and Mrs. Case and their elder children are members of the Presbyterian Church at Otterville, and take a proper part in church 1010 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY work, as well as in the general social activities of their home community. Mr. Case is a republican, and is one of the leaders of that party in the Otterville neighborhood. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Fred L. Schilb, who for nearly 20 years past has served as postmas- ter at Prairie Home, is a native son of Cooper County, born in Clarks Fork township, Aug. 3, 1874, son of Fred and Mary (Meyer) Schilb. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, Fred L. Schilb received his early schooling in the public schools and completed the same by a course in the old Prairie Home Institute. He remained on the home farm until he was 21 years of age, or until his appointment on Sept. 1, 1897, to the position of deputy postmaster at Prairie Home. May 11, 1900, having then served for more than two years as deputy postmaster, Mr. Schilb received his commission as postmaster at Prairie Home and has ever since occupied that position. Upon taking charge of the post- office at Prairie Home, Mr. Schilb bought from Robert Hornbeck the lat- ter's stock of confectioneries and has since conducted a confectionery store. Since taking over the store he has added a stock of groceries and is doing a nice business, one of the leading merchants of the town. During the Government's War Savings Stamp "drive" in the summer of 1918, Mr. Schilb sold about $12,000 worth of savings stamps, and was also otherwise active in promoting the various war-work activities of the community. He owns his home and business property, and is one of the active factors in the business and social life of the community. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are connected with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church at Prairie Home, and for the past 20 years Mr. Schilb has served as superintendent of the Sunday School, during the past five years not having missed attendance a single Sunday. This Sunday School is a standard Sunday School, meeting all the requirements of the Sunday School Association, and during Mr. Schilb's incumbency as super- intendent he has had the gratification of seeing it grow from an average attendance of about 25 to its present average attendance of 125, a record in which all connected with the school take pride. Oct. 5, 1898, Fred L. Schilb was united in marriage to Leta Kicka- shear, who was born in Saline township, a daughter of Joseph Patesta (Chicazolla) and Margaret (Rymer) Kickashear, the latter of whom is living. Mr. and Mrs. Schilb have seven children, Patesta J., now in the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1011 service of the United States navy and Lewis F., Lorena E., Opal, Mary Margaret, Huston B. and Myra V., at home. Patesta J. Schilb, the sailor son, was born- at Prairie Home Aug. 29, 1899, and was named in honor of his maternal grandfather. Feb., 1918, he enlisted in the United States navv in connection with this country's participation in the World War and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago for preliminary training. In August he was assigned for service and was sent to England, the vessel to which he was assigned being attached to the base station at Eastleigh, and he was serving on that station when the armistice was signed. In December he was returned to New York and was assigned to the U. S. S. "Nasemond", with which vessel he still (spring of 1919) is connected and on which he has taken several trips across the Atlantic. W. A. Farris, representative of the Gates Halfsoie Tires at Boon- ville, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He is a son of William P. and Almeda (Grubbs) Farris. William P. Farris was born near Elliott, Cooper County, in 1842. He was a successful farmer and stockman and became well-to-do. During the course of his career he accumulated about 300 acres of land. He was one of the early members of the Baptist church at Big Lick. He died in 1914. His wife departed this life in 1901, and their remains are buried in the Clayton cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Emmett, deceased ; Lydia, de- ceased; James Eri, deceased; A. L. resides in Saline township; W. A. the subject of this sketch ; Nellie married A. W. Finley ; Edna E., married L. T. Mills, Clarks Fork township ; Anna M. married George Bruckner, Jr., Boonville, and two died in infancy. W. A. Farris was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, and the high school at Jefferson City, Mo. He followed farming for a number of years and for the past eight years was engaged in the insurance business. In Jan., 1919, he became the representative of the Gates Rub- ber Co., of Denver, Col., and opened a branch for this company at Boon- ville. They manufacture what is known as the Gates Halfsoie for auto- mobile tire casings, which is recognized as the only successful tire saver on the market. Mr. Farris has taken a special course of training in ap- plying these halfsoles to automobile tires, and since engaging in this busi- ness at Boonville, he has met with marked success. Mr. Farris was married Oct. 18, 1915 to Miss Matilda S. Renken, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Schnuck) Renken, more extensive men- 1012 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY tion of whom are made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Farris is also a native of Cooper County, born in Clarks Fork township March 3, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Farris are well known in Cooper County and have many friends. Henry S. Stephens, a successful farmer and stockman of North Moni- teau township, was born in Cooper County, March 7, 1876. He is a son of J. D. and Melinda (Arnold) Stephens. J. D. Stephens was also a native of Cooper County, born in South Moniteau township in 1843, and when he was an infant his parents moved to St. Clair County, Mo., where he was reared. When the Civil War broke out he entered the Confederate ser- vice and served under Gen. Sterling Price in the 16th Missouri Infantry, General Parson's Brigade and was with the army which surrendered at Shreveport, La. At the close of the war he returned to Missouri, coming up the river to St. Louis by steamboat, and from there to Tipton by rail. After living at Tipton for a few years he moved to North Moniteau town- ship, where he was engaged in farming. He died suddenly at Bunceton, Mo., from heart failure while attending a show there, and his remains are buried at Pisgah, Mo. Melinda (Arnold) Stephens, mother of Henry S. Stephens, was born in Kelly township, this county in 1844, and died June 20, 1906, and her remains are buried in Pisgah, Mo. She was a daughter of Lee Arnold, a native of Kentucky, born in 1813. He came to Missouri when a small boy making the trip on horseback. He was reared by Hartley White, who brought him from Kentucky to Cooper County and who settled about four miles north of Tipton. Lee Arnold married Nancy Morris, a daughter of Shadrach Morris of Kelly township, and they were the parents of the following children : Martha ; John ; Hugh ; Ann ; Ham- mond ; Jael ; Melinda, who married J. D. Stephens ; Peter and Ira, all of whom are now deceased except Jael who now resides in South Moniteau township. Lee Arnold died in South Moniteau township about 1885 and is buried in the Shadrach, Morris private cemetery. His wife preceded him in death about three years. To J. D. and Melinda (Arnold) Stephens were born the following children: Dora, who died when about four years of age; Henry S., the subject of this sketch, and Eme Lee, who married C. E. Scott and now resides in South Moniteau township. To C. E. and Effie Lee (Stephens) Scott have been born the following children: Lola Lee; Louis Leslie; Edgar D. ; Willie ; John Henry and Edith Myrtle. Henry S. Stephens was reared in North Moniteau township and re- ceived his education in the public schools, attending school in the Lee dis- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1013 trict. He has spent his life since he reached the age of li in North Moni- teau township where he has been engaged in farming. Mr. Stephens is unmarried. William Lynn Spahr, a well known and successful farmer and stock- man of Kelly township, was born in Boonville, Nov. 3, 1890. He is a son of William Lynn and Sarah Paulina (Stark) Spahr, the former also a native of Cooper County, where he spent his life and where he died April 17, 1896. The mother was born near Otterville, Mo., and died Aug. 22, 1914. William Lynn Spahr, the father, was engaged in the undertaking business at Boonville, the greater part of his life. To William Lynn and Sarah Paulina (Stark) Spahr were born the following children : Lawrence, a farmer in Kelly township; William L., the subject of this sketch, and David, Tulsa, Okla. William L. Spahr was educated in the district schools of Cooper County and the Bunceton High School. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising since boyhood. He purchased his present place in Kelly township from Frank Smith in 1912. His farm consists of 80 acres of well improved land, located three miles southwest of Bunceton. He has a pretty home and the other improvements on the place are of a corre- spondingly high type. He feeds cattle quite extensively and has met with success in this line of endeavor. Mr. Spahr was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Lee Palmer, a daughter of James and Ella (Collins) Palmer, both now residing in Lebanon town- ship. To James and Ella (Collins) Palmer have been born the following children: Clarence, Sedalia, Mo.; Henry, Bunceton; Russell, Bunceton; Mrs. Kate Schlotzhauer, Bunceton; Mrs. Mattie Cole, Otterville, Mo. and Frank Lillian ; Louise ; Pauline ; Stanley and Jack, residing at home with their parents. Mr. Spahr is one of Cooper County's substantial representative citizens and the Spahr family stand high in the community. M. J. Fassler, proprietor of "Fassler Prairie View Farm", is one of the successful farmers and progressive citizens of Kelly township. He was born in Switzerland, July 21, 1876, a son of Louis and Catherine (Holdenner) Fassler, both natives of Switzerland. Louis Fassler immi- grated to America in 1880, leaving his family in Switzerland until he became established sufficiently in this country to send for them, which he did two years later. They first located in Elk County, Pa., and in 1885 the family came to Missouri and settled in Lamine township, Cooper County. About 1890 they removed to Kelly township, where the father 1014 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY bought 160 acres of land. Later he sold 40 acres, and in 1917 the father sold the remainder of the home farm, which consisted of 120 acres, to M. J. Fassler the subject of this sketch, when he and his wife removed to Tipton, Mo., where they now reside. They were the parents of the following children: Dora, resides at home with her parents in Tipton; Joseph J. lives in Henry County; Mary, married W. H. Woolfolk, Alta- mont, Kan.; M. J., the subject of this sketch; and Lizzie who died at the age of 30 years. M. J. Fassler was educated in the public schools at Speed, Mo., and when a young man learned the blacksmith trade. He followed this voca- tion for seven years at Bellingsville, Mo., and one year at Speed. He then engaged in farming, buying a farm in Kelly township, which he operated from 1904 until 1917, when he sold it and bought the old homestead from his father, as above stated. This place is located on the Southern State Highway, northwest of Tipton and about seven miles south of Bunceton. It is a pretty place and kept in fine condition. The water for the place is supplied from a well 305 feet deep, which is pumped by a gas engine. M. J. Fassler was married in 1904 to Miss Fannie Erhardt, a daughter of H. L. and Sophia (Hobrecht) Erhardt, both of whom are now living. Mrs. Fassler is one of the following children born to her parents: Mrs. J. J. Fassler, Henry County, Mo. ; Mrs. Oscar Lauer, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Wm. Simmons, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Emmet Reynolds, Boonville, Mo. ; Henry of Meadsville. Mo. ; Frank, Memphis, Tenn. ; and Mrs. M. J. Fassler, Tipton, of this review. To M. J. Fassler and wife have been born the fol- lowing children : Catherine, Frances, Margaret, John, Charles, Mary and William, all residing at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Fassler are members of the Catholic Church at Tipton and are of Cooper County's most progressive and substantial citizens. John G. Wolfrum, proprietor of "Prairie Lawn Farm", is one of the progressive and public spirited farmers and breeders of Kelly township. He was horn at Jamestown, Mo., Sept. 20, 1858, a son of John and Louisa Wolfrum the former a native of Germany and the latter of Cole County, Mo., born Oct. 23, 1837, and died Nov. 10, 1897. John Wolfrum came to America with his parents, who settled in Cole County, when he was eight years old. He was born Oct. 22, 1834 and died Jan. 24, 1913. The Wolf- rum family came to Moniteau County, Mo., after residing in Cole County for a few years. During the Civil War John Wolfrum served in the Mis- souri State militia. John G. Wolfrum was one of seven children born to his parents, the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1015 others being as follows: Nicholas, Knob Noster, Mo.; Earhardt, died in infancy; Margaret, married Henry Schubert, Cole County; Henry J., Rosoling, Canada; Christ G., died at the age of 27 years; William L., Concordia, Mo. ■ John G. Wolfrum was educated in the public schools of Moniteau County, and from early life has been interested in stock breeding as well as general farming and stockraising. He breeds registered Chester White hogs, and has some of the finest animals, both male and female, in the country, and is recognized as a successful breeder. He also is an exten- sive breeder of registered Shorthorn cattle, of which he has made a recog- nized success. Mrs. Wolfrum gives special attention to the poultry busi- ness, specializing in the Orpington and Rhode Island Reds. "Prairie Lawn Farm" consists of 96 acres and is well located about one mile east of Bunceton. The place is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings and improvements. John G. Wolfrum was married May 12, 1881 to Miss Elizabeth Her- ruleben, a daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Moser) Herruleben, both natives of Germany. The father came here when he was 17 years of age and the mother when she was nine. They were married at Sandy Hook. Mo. The mother died March 24, 1873, and the father died in 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. William Kile, who resides in Moniteau County ; Charles E., California, Mo. ; Mrs. Dan Wallenmeier, Prairie Home ; Elizabeth, the wife of John G. Wolfrum, the subject of this sketch ; Mary died at the age of 28 ; Mrs. William Sperber, Jamestown, Mo.; Benjamin Franklin, Jamestown, Mo.; Henry, died at the age of 40 years ; Laura died at the age of 23 years ; Mrs. J. J. Sherer, Bocen, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfrum have been born four chil- dren as follows: William F., married Eliza Miller, of Moniteau County, and resides in Kelly township; Nicholas D., reside in Clarks Fork town- ship; Emma E., married William Gerhardt and lives in Kelly township; Ella L. is a graduate of the Bunceton High School, and resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfrum are members of the Evangelical Church and the Wolfrum family are among Cooper County's representative people. Dr. Irvin J. Kehr, a leading and progressive dental surgeon of Bunce- ton, Mo., is a native of Missouri. Dr. Kehr was born in .Kansas City, April 24, 1889, a son of Charles G. and Louisa (Kamper) Kehr, the former a native of Gasconade County, Mo., and the latter of Macoupin County, 111. They now reside at Bunker Hill, 111. Dr. Kehr is one of four children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Arthur, a practicing 1016 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY dentist at Dubuque, Iowa ; Chester, a farmer in Macoupin County, 111. and Ruby resides at home with her parents. Dr. Kher received his education in the public schools of St. Louis, Mo., and the high school at Bunker Hill, 111., graduating from that institu- tion. He then entered the Washington University at St. Louis, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. When the United States entered the W T orld War, he enlisted in 1917 in the dental corps U. S. army, and for a time was stationed at Camp Greenlief, Ga. From there he was transferred to Camp Shelby, Miss., where he was dis- charged Jan. 9, 1919. Feb. 10, 1919, Dr. Kehr opened an office in the Berger Building at Bunceton, where he is rapidly building up a very satis- factory practice. He has had valuable experience in dental work in his army practice, which, together with his thorough preparation, and com- plete training, well qualify him for the exacting duties of modern den- tistry. Dr. Kehr is public spirited and enterprising and has made exten- sive acquaintances and many friends in Bunceton and vicinity. Edgar C. Nelson, editor and publisher of the Bunceton Eagle, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County. He was born Aug. 17, 1883, on a farm a few miles east of Bunceton, in Cooper County, a son of T. A. and Sarah A. Nelson, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. Nelson was edu- cated in William Jewell College. After leaving college he spent one year in Texas, and upon his return to Missouri he held a position in the Uni- versity of Missouri for one year. He then purchased a farm near Bunce- ton and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years. In 1907, he became associated with his brother, L. 0. Nelson, in the management of the Bunceton Eagle. In 1915, Mr. Nelson leased the Eagle plant and business from his brother, and has achieved one of the splendid successes in the newspaper field which has placed the Eagle in the front rank of Missouri weekly newspapers. The Eagle has the largest circulation of any newspaper in Cooper County, and is the most prosperous and popular of the newspapers in this section of Missouri. The circula- tion exceeds 2,500 — and it is the home paper of Cooper County. Jan. 16, 1912, Mr. Nelson was married to Mrs Celeste (Allison) Chamberlain, a widow, and to this union one child. Nell Edwina, aged five years, has been born. By a former marriage, Mrs. Nelson has a son, Rob- ert Chamberlain. Mr. Nelson is a democrat, and is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a past master of Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity of William Jewell College. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1017 David Lawrence Edson, one of Boonville township's progressive young citizens, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Edson was born June 8, 1889, in Boonville township. He is a son of Lewis and Anna (Brook- shire) Edwards" Edson, the former, a native of Cooper County, and the latter of St. Clair County. Lewis Edson was born in 1857 in Boonville township, a son of Sydney and Margaret (Nixon) Edson. Sydney Edson was a native of Ohio. He came to Cooper County in 1856 and settled on a farm, the place purchased by David Lawrence Edson in 1918, and now owned by him. Mai-garet Edson, at the age of 11 years, came from Ireland to America. Sydney Edson died in 1897, and his remains rest in Walnut Grove Cemetery. When a young man, Lewis Edson went west to Idaho, Oregon and California, was successful there, and returned to Missouri with money. He purchased a farm then known as the "Ed Jewett farm," which he later sold and purchased the farm where his son, David L., now resides. The senior Edson followed general farming, and specialized in hog-rais- ing, in which vocations he was unusually successful. He is now a resi- dent of Boonville. Lewis and Anna Edson are the parents of two chil- dren: Grace, the wife of J. L. Dow, of Boonville; and David L., the subject of this review. By a former marriage of Anna Edson to David Edwards, she is the mother of two children: H. L. Edwards, who is engaged in farming in Prairie Home township; and A. D. Edwards, a merchant of Moberly, Mo. David L. Edson obtained his elementary education in the public schools of the county. He is a graduate of Boonville High School. Mr. Edson daily made the trip from his home to the high school, a distance of three and a half miles, and was never absent, and was late but twice, which is a record difficult to surpass. He is a graduate of the Missouri State University, a member of the class of 1914, receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, and also a teacher's life certificate. After completing the university course, Mr. Edson taught school one year. He was connected with the State Board of Charities and Corrections for 18 months, and was the first agent of the Department of Child Welfare. He returned to the farm in 1917, and has since been been very successfully engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. Mr. Edson raises three varieties of corn : Yellow Dent, Iowa Silver Mine and Pride of the North, the last a 91 corn. In 1918, the corn produced on the Edson farm was of excellent quality. The Edson farm is located three and a half miles southeast of Boon- ville on the state highway. David L. Edson has charge of his father's 1018 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY place, which comprises 350 acres of the best farm land, and in addition manages his own farm, which comprises 160 acres, formerly the Alex Bear farm. Mr. Edson has had a grade herd of cattle, but, at the time of this writing, he is starting a registered Polled Angus herd, having at the present time 25 head of cattle. He raises hogs extensively and last year, 1918, fed three car-loads of hogs, additional to one car-load of sheep and one of cattle. The Edson farm is very productive and is well watered. In 1909, David Lawrence Edson and Mary Grace O'Neal were united in marriage. Mrs. Edson is a daughter of Amos and Lucy O'Neal, the former, now a resident of LaMine township. Mrs. O'Neal died in 1913. The O'Neal children are: Alonzo 0., of LaMine township; Lee, of Black- water; Silas, of Blackwater; Aubrey, a well-known cattle salesman of Kansas City; Freeman, who is at the present time serving under the colors in France; and Mrs. Edson, the wife of the subject of this review. Two children are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Edson has been born one child, a daughter, Mary Ethel. In the fall of 1918, Mr. Edson was a candidate for election as repre- sentative on the democratic ticket. Although keenly interested in agri- cultural pursuits, Mr. Edson takes a good citizen's part in all matters of vital import. He is especially interested in all child-welfare movements. The Edson family stands high in the community and in the county there is none more highly valued and respected. "The Boonville Nurseries", located opposite the Missouri, Kansas & Topeka depot, was established in 1904 by A. E. Barnes and T. R. Peyton, both of whom came to Cooper County from Audrain County, Mo., and located at Boonville because of the pure loess soil at this place. The firm began business on a very small scale, but increased the business yearly. In 1913, A. E. Barnes purchased the interest of T. R. Peyton and to the plant of the "Boonville Nurseries", as it was at that time, added the nursery of H. W. Jenkins and now the "Boonville Nurseries" is one of the largest and best equipped nurseries in the state and in the west cen- tral states. Trees are grown here by the hundreds of thousands. The "Boonville Nurseries" also has the largest cherry orchard in Missouri, an orchard of nearly 2,500 trees, which will begin bearing next year, 1920. The orchard is located in the western part of Boonville on the cross state highway. The company employs a large number of agents, who sell stock in Missouri and adjoining states, selling a complete line of nursery stock, including all kinds of berries, shrubs and roses. A. E. Barnes was with the Kansas Home Nursery and at the Experi- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1019 mental Grounds at Lawrence, Kan. for three years prior to coming to Boonville. Prior to that time, Mr. Barnes was employed at the Ortez Fruit Farm & Nursery in Audrain County, Mo. He obtained his general education in the public schools of Mexico, Mo. and at Sproul's Academy, at the latter studying the business course. He spent a year in the state of Colorado, where he was studying irrigation, and thence came to Law- rence, Kan. and to Boonville. Mr. Barnes was born in Audrain County, Mo., near Mexico, Dec. 29, 1880, a son of Noble and Mary (Bybee) Barnes, natives of Kentucky. Noble Barnes has just completed two terms of service in the office of county treasurer, eight years, and now resides at Mexico. Mrs. Barnes died in 1917 and her remains are interred in Sunrise Church cemetery in Audrain County. The children of Noble and Mary Barnes are: M. C. and Theodore, farmers, Mexico, Mo. ; Mrs. T. R. Peyton, of Boonville ; A. E., the subject of this sketch; Claud L., who is on a fruit farm in Idaho; and Roy and Ray, who are farming in Nebraska. In 1909, A. E. Barnes and Grace E. Stammerjohn, a daughter of Claus and Emma Stammerjohn, of Boonville, were united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stammerjohn are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living and residents of Boonville; Meta, the wife of Ed Holtman; Henry; Re- becca, the wife of J. J. Heiberger; Julia, the wife of Charles Durr; John, Dora, Edward, and Benjamin ; and Grace, the wife of A. E. Barnes. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been born three children, who are now living, one child now deceased: Noel, Meta and Leah. Noble, Jr., the second son and child, died in nfancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the Boonville Christian Church, on which Mr. Barnes is a deacon. He is a past-grand officer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Boonville. Recently, Mr. Barnes has completed an eleven-room bungalow, mod- ern throughout, equipped with a private water system, in the city of Boonville. He has on his farm an underground silo, which is attracting much attention in the county. The silo is cemented and built on the plan of a cistern and the silage as cut is dropped into the silo. It was filled m 1918 and has proven a success. Mr. Barnes converts an old wine cellar on the farm into a cold storage room, when the season opens. He handles in the nursery business, three kinds of cherries, the Early Richmond, the Montmorency, the Morillo, and he has about 100 each of apples, pears and plums, and these are growing on his farm, the entire tract of 40 acres being set out in fruit. A. E. Barnes is widely known throughout Missouri and Cooper 1020 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY County knows no more useful or better citizen. He and Mrs. Barnes are numbered among Boonville's best families. Capt. Edgar L. Barnert, captain of Company H, of the Boonville Training School, is one of the county's most valued and respected citizens. He was born Sept. 22, 1891 in Boonville, a son of Dominic and Mary A. (Back) Barnert, the former, a native of Germany and the latter, of Boon- ville. Dominic Barnert is a retired carpenter and contractor and one of Boonville's well-known citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Barnert are the parents of the following children: Minnie, who is married and now resides in Chicago, 111. ; Carl, a traveling salesman of St. Louis, Mo. ; Edgar L., the subject of this sketch; Merle, a lieutenant of the 35th Division, 140th Infantry, Company I, who enlisted at Boonville in the National Guards, was transferred to the army and served in Mexico and then re-enlisted for overseas service; Anna E., at home; and Jerome D., a student in the Boonville high school. Captain Barnert attended the Boonville high school. He worked with his father for a few years in carpentering and contracting and then ac- cepted the position of clerk in the Boonville postoffice, under R. W. Corum. He enlisted Sept. 5, 1918 in Company K, 12th Battalion, Infantry Replace- ment at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, and he was honorably discharged Dec. 19, 1919. Captain Barnert has been connected with the Training School in Boonville for the past five years, at different intervals, and he has held his present position since Dec. 23, 1918. He has 95 boys in his company and he teaches the primary grade. He drills his company one hour each morning and evening and he is responsible also for the moral welfare of the boys. Captain Barnert is giving much satisfaction as instructor and he takes a most commendable interest in his work and in the lads under his charge. Feb. 27, 1913, Edgar L. Barnert and Marian C. Bradley, a daughter of Thompkins and Mary Bradley, of Boonville, Mo., were united in marriage. The Bradleys are honored pioneers of Boonville and Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are numbered among the county's best families. To Edgar L. and Marian C. Barnert has been born one child, a daughter, Mary Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Barnert are highly regarded in their community and they have a host of friends in Cooper County. Edward Gantner and Joseph Gantner, proprietors of "The De Luxe Studio", at 4191/2 East Spring street in Boonville, one of the best studios in Missouri, entered the business of photography in this city in April, 1911 and their gallery was formerly on Main street. Joseph Gantner HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1021 served an apprenticeship under Pete Stockholm and completed his study of the art of photography under Holborn at Columbia, a photographer who is widely known as one of the artists in his line of work. Since the Gant- ner brothers began business, Joseph Gantner has established a splendid reputation throughout the country as a most capable retoucher and etcher and he has had exceptional success with children's photos. The studio, a large, modern one of four rooms, equipped with north skylights, artifi- cial lights, the best lenses, every up-to-date convenience, is one of the busiest places in Boonville. The printing and enlarging is done by elec- tricity. "The De Luxe Studio" is a monument to the industry and enter- prise of the Gantner brothers and they are most highly appreciated by the people of Boonville and adjoining territory. Both young men were born, reared, and educated in Boonville. Joseph Gantner was for five months with the First Infirmary Section, United States Medical Corps, at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas. Frank Gantner, father of Edward and Joseph Gantner, a well-known and capable bricklayer of Boonville, was born Nov. 27, 1859, at Boonville, a son of Andrew and Rosa (Diringer) Gantner, honored pioneers of Boon- ville. Both the father and mother have long been deceased and their remains rest in the Catholic cemetery. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gantner are as follows: Frank and Louis, of Boonville; Joseph, of Fayette,' Mo. ; Andrew, deceased ; John and Mrs. Louise Potter, of Boon- ville; Mrs. Julia Kohlbick, of Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Annie Graner, of Boonville; and Dora, deceased. In the Catholic school at Boonville, Frank Gantner obtained nis primary education. He later attended the public schools of Boonville. His elementary education was supplemented with a course pursued at the Business College in Boonville. Since attaining maturity, Mr. Gantner has followed his vocation of bricklaying and he is recognized in the county as a most efficient workman. In June, 1881, Frank Gantner and Mary Kathrain Augusta Smith, a daughter of Nicholas and Amelia (McDaniel) Smith were married. Mr. Smith served three years in the Union army during the Civil War and died while in service. His remains are buried in the cemetery at Glasgow, Mo. Mrs. Smith later died in Texas and is buried there. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Smith are, as follow: Mrs. Frank Gantner, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Peter F., of Kansas City, Mo.; John J., of Oregon ; and Nicholas M., of Kansas City, Mo. To Frank and Mary K. Gantner have been born the following children: Flora, the wife of Carl 1022 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Neff, of Boonville; Francis Edward, one of the two brothers, the subjects of this sketch; Reverend B. N., chaplain at Camp Mills, Long Island; Joseph K., one of the two brothers, the subjects of this sketch; and Mittie Rosa Amelia, the eldest child, who died at the age of 13 years. Mr. ana Mrs. Gantner reside on South Eighth street in Boonville. They are highly regarded in the community and they are worthy and consistent members of the Catholic Church. Capt. J. W. Bozarth, chief engineer of the Boonville Training School, is a native of Worth County, Mo. Mr. Bozarth was born in Allendale, March 18, 1878, a son of John Rogers and Mary E. (Blodgett) Bozarth, the former, a native of Worth County, Mo. and the latter of California. The Bozarths are of French lineage and the Blodgetts are of English lineage. John Rogers Bozarth was a son of John Rogers Bozarth, Sr., who came from New York to Missouri about 1870. The senior Bozarth died in Iowa. John Rogers Bozarth, Jr. and Mary E. Blodgett were united in marriage at Burlington, Iowa, and to them were born the following children: Rosa, the wife of John L. Crandall, of Wichita, Kan.; Capt. J. W., the subject of this sketch ; Andrew J., of Liberal, Kan. ; Francis F., of Liberal, Kan. ; Grace, the wife of Everett Stalker, of St. John, Kan. ; and Jess M., who is, at the time of this writing, a member of the 44th Infantry, Company G., now at Camp Lewis, Wash. Jess M. Bozarth enlisted in the service of the United States in May, 1918. The father died at the age of 42 years in 1890 and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Ruskin, Neb. The widowed mother now makes her home at St. John, Kan. Mrs. Bozarth is a member of an old and prominent pioneer family, who, upon coming to America, located first in Tennessee, afterwards in Missouri, and then settled in California, during the period of the excite- ment over the discovery of gold there. Mrs. Bozarth was born in 1851. Capt. J. W. Bazarth received his elementary education in the public schools. He attended Armour's Technical Engineering School in Chicago, 111. and studied civil engineering in the Kansas City Technical School at Kansas City, Mo. Captain Bozarth also took the machinists' course at Kansas City with the Eagle Manufacturing Company. He was appointed engineer of the Boonville Training School, now the Missouri Reformatory at Boonville, in Dec, 1904, a position he has since held. He has an assistant engineer and about 20 boys help with the work. The different shops of the school are run by electric motor power, furnished by the engineering plant, which plant also supplies the light, heat and hot water used by the school. A tunnel, 5,000 feet in length, has been constructed under the hill upon which the buildings of the school are and through HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1023 this tunnel are the pipes which carry the water and heat to the various buildings. Dec. 25, 1906, Capt. J. W. Bozarth and Georgia M. Cheshire were united in marriage. Mrs. Bozarth is a daughter of Thomas B. ana Angelina (Strickland) Cheshire, now residents of Versailles, Mo. Mr. Cheshire was born in Howard County, Mo. in 1841 and Mrs. Cheshire was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1844. The Cheshire family is of English descent. David Cheshire, a pioneer blacksmith of Old Franklin, Mo., came from Virginia in the early days to Missouri and located in Howard County. The children of Thomas B. and Angelina Cheshire, are: Nettie S., the wife of J. W. Wilkerson, born March 31, 1863 and is now deceased; Nannie, the wife of J. W. Odell, born Feb. 3, 1865 ; Ethel, the wife of P. F. Casey, born June 17, 1879, now residing in Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Mrs. J. W. Bozarth, born June 6, 1881, in Morgan County, Mo. ; Jimmie, born Jan. 20, 1868 and Julia, born Sept. 18, 1870, died in infancy. Mrs. Bozartn was prior to her marriage a school teacher in Morgan and Moniteau Counties. She was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bozarth are numbered among the most respected citizens of the county and the best families of Boonville. Capt. C. C. Meyer, the efficient night watchman of the Missouri Re- formatory, is one of Cooper County's best-known citizens. Captain Meyer is a member of a prominent pioneer family of Missouri. He was born Feb. 8, 1869 at California, Mo., in Moniteau County, a son of W. F. and Mrs. Meyer. W. F. Meyer was a native of Germany. He immigrated to America in his early manhood and located in Cole County, Mo., on a farm near Warsaw. Later, he moved to Moniteau County. He was a veteran of the Civil War and he held the position of city treasurer of California, Mo. for 20 years. He died in 1908 at the age of 77 years and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at California, Mo. Ten years later, he was joined in death by his wife, in 1918, and she, too, was laid to rest in the cemetery at California. The children of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Meyer are as follows : Henry, a tailor, of California, Mo. ; W. L., who is engaged in the lumber business at Sandy Hook, Mo. ; Adolph, manager of a hotel at Mountain Grove, Mo. ; Ed, a tailor, of California, Mo. ; Frank, who is engaged extensively in the lumber business near Palm Beach, Fla. ; Capt. C. C, the subject of this sketch ; A. B., cashier of the Bank of Jamestown, Mo. ; and Rose, of California, Mo. Capt. C. C. Meyer is a graduate of the California High School. He was for 18 years employed as station agent by the Missouri Pacific and the 1024 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Missouri, Kansas & Topeka Railway companies. For eight years, he cap- ably filled the position of marshal at California, Mo., which position he resigned to accept the appointment as night watchman at the Missouri Reformatory. Captain Meyer has charge of the quarry at the Reforma- tory. He is an exceptionally intelligent workman and is conscientious in his efforts to give the boys a fair chance to become good citizens. In 1894, Capt. C. C. Meyer and Lou Harris, a daughter of C. C. and Ellen Harris, of California, Mo., were united in marriage. Mrs. Meyer has one brother, Frank, a harness maker, of California, Mo. To Captain and Mrs. Meyer have been born two children: Harris, who assists his father with the work at the reformatory ; and Winona, a teacher. Miss Winona offered her services as Red Cross nurse, but as she was too young to be accepted, she continued her work as a teacher. Captain Meyer is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and Mrs. Meyer are worthy members of the Christian Church and in politics Captain Meyer is a democrat. William L. Nelson, congressman from the Eighth Congressional Dis- trict, is a native of Cooper County, and was born on his father's farm, Aug. 4, 1875. After completing the course in the district school he was awarded a scholarship in Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, and studied there for some time. He later entered William Jewell College and taught school while studying at this college to pay his expenses. Mr. Nelson would attend William Jewell for a year and then teach school in order to earn the needed funds to pay his way. He has also taken special work in the Missouri College of Agriculture. In 1893 he and his brother Louis 0. Nelson purchased the Bunceton Eagle, and the success which they achieved in this new field of endeavor attracted attention throughout the State. In 1900, when 25 years of age, Mr. Nelson was nominated for the State Legislature. His election followed. In 1906, he was again chosen to serve in the Missouri General Assembly. As a legislator, he took spe- cial interest in farm matters, and was the author of various agricultural measures. Serving through two regular terms and one special session, he was never absent from his desk when the House was in session. Mr. Nelson has also been a frequent contributor to agricultural papers, and has several times refused offers of editorial positions on such publications. He has always taken an interest in community work of every kind. While on the farm he assisted in organizing the Cooper County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and for seven years HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1025 served as secretary. He was also the first secretary of the Cooper County Fair at Bunceton, which, for more than 20 years, has lived up to the motto which he gave it — "For Farmers, Not Fakirs." In the spring, of 1908, Mr. Nelson was asked by H. J. Waters, then at the head of the Missouri College of Agriculture, and George B. Ellis, at that time secretary of the State Board of Agriculture to become assistant secretary of the board. The offer was entirely unsolicited and not until August did Mr. Nelson accept it. As assistant secretary of the Missouri State Board of Agriculture, Mr. Nelson served during the latter part of Governor Folk's administra- tion, throughout the terms of Governor Hadley and Governor Major, and in January, 1916, was elected to serve during the four years of Governor Gardner's administration. Each time his election was by the unanimous vote of the board. In August, 1917, Mr. Nelson was asked by Doubleday, Page & Co., New York City publishers, to assist in editing a farmers' cyclopedia. The Board of Agriculture, on learning of the offer, gener- ously granted Mr. Nelson a three months' leave of absence — the first vaca- tion that he had ever taken. On his return to Missouri, the offices of the Board of Agriculture having in the meantime been moved to Jefferson City, Mr. Nelson resigned his position and continued to make his home in Columbia. Later, he did special organization work under the direction of the College of Agriculture and the U S. Department of Agriculture. In the fall of 1918, W. L. Nelson was elected to represent the Eighth District in the Congress of the United States, and on March 4, 1919, he took his seat in the House of Representatives. Mr. Nelson was married June 9, 1909, to Miss Stella Boschert, a daughter of W. J. Boschert, of Bunceton. To this marriage has been born one son, Will L., Jr. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a thorough democrat. Capt. George Todd Irvine, instructor of mathematics and physical sciences at Kemper Military School, is one of the county's most successful and prominent citizens. Captain Irvine is a native of Ohio. He was born Oct. 25, 1876, at Wakeman, Ohio, a son of Rev. Edward and Ellen Georgi- ana (Todd) Irvine. Rev. Edward D. Irvine was a native of England. He immigrated to America, when he was but a lad, with his father, Samuel T. Irvine, and settled at SpringTTCsi^ Ohio. Reverend Irvine was educated at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, and was in the ministry practically all his life. Ellen Georgiana (Todd) Irvine is a native of Wakeman, Ohio. She was (51) 1026 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY born March 3, 1848, a daughter of George and Betsey (Pierpont) Todd, who came from Connecticut to Ohio in the early days. To Rev. Edward D. and Ellen G. Irvine were born the following children: Capt. George Todd, the subject of this review; Pierpont Edward, an engineer employed by the American Coal and By-Products Coke Company of Chicago, 111., and Silva Grace, who died at the age of five years. The father died Dec. 15, 1906, at Wellsburg, W. Va. and the widowed mother now makes her home in Wakeman, Ohio. Captain Irvine is a graduate of Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, as was his father before him. He was a member of the class of 1898. Since completing his college course, he has been engaged in the teaching pro- fession, for one year in the state of New York and since then at Kemper Military School, taking his present position as instructor of mathematics and physical sciences in Jan., 1900. Captain Irvine is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star, and he has filled the office of Master. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Episcopal Church, of which church his father was for so many years a highly respected and beloved minister. Captain Irvine is one of the county's most popular young citizens and he is held in the highest regard in Boonville. Charles Henry Dunnavant, of the Sand & Gravel Company of Boon- ville, is one of the highly regarded citizens of Cooper County. Mr. Dunna- vant was born at Boonville, Jan. 16, 1868, a son of George and Mary Jane (Sullens) Dunnavant, the former, a native of Kentucky and the latter, of Howard County. George Dunnavant was a steamboat pilot on the Missouri River and for 36 years he operated the ferry at Boonville. During the Civil War, Mr. Dunnavant piloted the boat which brought the soldiers of the Federal army up the Missouri. George and Mary Jane Dunnavant were the par- ents of the following children: James, of Jefferson City, Mo.; Joseph, of Nelson, Mo.; Frank, of Boonville; Charles Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Georgiana Ross, of Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Mollie Robinson, of Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Luttie Hogg, of Kansas City, Mo. ; and Feedy, Johnny, Willie, Eddie and Mrs. Maggie Grundy, all of whom are now de- ceased. The father died about 1889 and the widowed mother now resides in Boonville. Charles Henry Dunnavant attended the city schools of Boonville. He has been engaged in river work and engineering practically all his life. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1027 At the time of this writing, in 1909, Mr. Dunnavant is the engineer of the Sand & Gravel Company at Boonville. He is a capable workman and he has been very successful in his vocation. In 1890, Charles Henry Dunnavant was united in marriage with Daisy Brown and to them were bom two children: Earl, at home; and Grace, the wife of James Kramer, who resides in Arkansas. Mrs. Dunnavant died May 8, 1903 and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Boonville. Mr. Dunnavant was married to Alpha Spry, a daughter of George and Nancy Spry. George Spry died Sept. 22, 1906 and his remains were in- terred in Nelson cemetery. George and Nancy Spry were the parents of four children as follows : Mrs. Charles Henry Dunnavant, the wife of the subject of this sketch ; Corp. Walker Allen, who was with the 35th Division, 3rd Regiment, 140th Infantry in the World War and was wounded in the battle of Argonne; Pearl C. and Mabel F., of Boonville. Mrs. Dunnavant has a halfsister, the child born to Mrs. Spry by her first mar- riage, Mrs. Bertha C. McLaughlin, of Boonville. Mrs. Spry has remarried and she is now the wife of Ben Dobson, of Boonville. To Charles Henry and Alpha Dunnavant has been born one child, a daughter, Rosalie. Mr. and Mrs. Dunnavant reside at 112 Water street in Boonville. Mr. Dunnavant is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is a democrat and he has served as councilman from the first ward for two terms. He is one of the leading citizens of the city of Boonville and he and Mrs. Dunnavant are highly regarded and valued in Cooper County. Patrick Darby, a late prominent citizen of Cooper County, was a native of Ireland. Mr. Darby was born April 4, 1838, a son of James and Catherine (Ferrell) Darby. He immigrated to New York, when he was a young man, 18 years of age. In 1862, Mr. Darby enlisted in the Civil War with the First New York Veteran Cavalry of Volunteers and served until the end of the conflict. For ten months he was confined in Ander- sonville Prison and no words could possibly depict the sufferings of every unfortunate soldier there, victims of barbarous cruelty. In 1868, Patrick Darby came to Missouri and purchased the farm located near Billingsville and engaged in farming and stockraising and became very successful. In New York, Patrick Darby and Ellen Coleman were united in mar- riage. Ellen (Coleman) Darby was a native of Geneseo, N. Y. To Patrick and Ellen Darby were born the following children: John F., of Saline County; James, of Shreveport, La.; Mrs. Matt Cleary, of Boonville; Mrs. Ed Garthoffner, of Boonville; Edward B. and Eugene M., of Boonville. 1028 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Mrs. Darby died in 1898 and her remains were laid to rest in the ceme- tery at Boonville. May 4, 1904, Patrick Darby and Miss Albertine Hartman, of Tipton, Mo., were married. Albertine (Hartman) Darby is a daughter of Henry and Josephine (Veulemans) Hartman. She was born March 14, 1852 in Cooper County. The Hartmans were among the first families of Moni- teau County, where they located prior to the coming of the railroads in this section of the state. Mrs. Darby is the eldest of 14 children, six of whom are now living: Mrs. Patrick Darby, Adam, John, Herman J., Frances J., and Thomas F. With the exception of Mrs. Darby, the Hart- man children all reside at Tipton, Mo. Mr. Darby was a member of the John A. Hayne Post Grand Army of the Republic. In this entire state, there could be found no more patriotic citizen than Patrick Darby, no man of higher ideals or stronger character. He was beloved by all with whom he came in contact and he had countless friends in the county, who still lament their loss. Mr. Darby died Jan. 30, 1917. A writer at the time of the death of Mr. Darby, thus described a beautiful floral tribute laid at his feet: "Because of his intense patriotism and his great love for the flag of his adopted country, The United States, the family of Patrick Darby had Mr. E. C. Stammerjohn, the Boonville florist design and arrange a beautiful flag emblem of flowers for the funeral. The flag was perfectly made of white and red carnations for the stripes and white heliotropes representing the stars on a ground of blue, made also of flowers. The whole was surrounded with foliage of various colors, making a beautiful and appropriate emblem." Wallace L. Morton, proprietor of "Shamrock Dairy Farm", Sham- rock Heights, near Boonville, was born Oct. 23, 1879, on the place, where he now resides. Mr. Morton is a son of Robert and Permelia Frances (Orr) Morton, the former, a native of Pilot Grove township, and the lat- ter, of Kentucky. The father died in 1891 and his remains are interred in Walnut Grove cemetery. The widowed mother now makes her home with her son, Wallace L., the subject of this sketch. The "Shamrock Dairy Farm" has been the home of the Mortons for more than 40 years. The children of Robert and Permelia Frances Morton are, as follow: Mrs. Minnie G. Short, of Boonville ; Mrs. John H. Baer, of Wichita, Kan. ; H. R., who is with the Witte Engine Company, of Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Joseph Sale, of Fort Worth, Texas ; Wallace L., the subject of this review ; Mrs. Russell Blakey, of Wichita. Kan., and Robert M., a registered pharma- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1029 cist, who is now with the United States army, serving in the Medical Corps, stationed at St. Louis, Mo. Robert M. Morton enlisted in the service in the fall of 1918. "Shamrock Dairy Farm" comprises 53 acres of land within the city limits of Boonville. The residence is a modern structure, built upon the highest point of the farm, and overlooking the city. Robert Morton, father of Wallace L. Morton, was a market gardener and horticulturist and his garden and orchard were famed throughout the county. Wallace L. Morton has been engaged in the dairy business for the past several years and, at the time of this writing in 1919, he has a herd of 25 head of Jer- sey cattle, which he has himself raised on "Shamrock Dairy Farm". A silo, 12x30 feet, has been erected on the place and Mr. Morton usually keeps from 20 to 25 acres of the farm in pasture land. He has an up-to- date milkhouse, where the milk is cared for in a sanitary manner and he delivers bottled milk to his customers twice daily in the summers and once daily in the winters. April 22, 1917, Wallace L. Morton was united in- marriage with Dora Sloan, of Boonville, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Mudd) Sloan, the father, a native of Kentucky and the mother, of Illinois, both now resi- dents of Boonville township. Mr. Sloan has resided in Boonville town- ship for the past 64 years. The children born to Robert and Mary Sloan are as follows: Mrs. Wallace L. Morton, the wife of the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Margaret Barlow, of Boonville township ; Marshal, Elizabeth and Pauline, at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Morton are valued members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Morton is affiliated with the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. In politics, he is a democrat. At the time of this writing, in 1919, Mr. Morton had cut down a tree, an old, historic oak, connected with stories of the Civil War in Cooper County. Two confederates, on the then newly opened road near Boon- ville, saw a body of Federals approaching and to escape capture the two climbed the oak tree, growing on the Morton farm. The Federals camped near the tree, in which the Confederates were obliged to remain one day and one night, before they could make their escape. The tree has now passed into history as all that remains to remind one of the tales of other days is the spot where it grew and the six cords of wood into which it has been cut. P. R. Jaeger, proprietor of the "Jaeger Fruit Farm", in Boonville, is Cooper County's leading horticulturist and one of the most thoroughly posted fruit growers in the state. Mr. Jaeger was born in Germany, July 1030 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 6, 1869, a son of Ernest and Clara (Schubert) Jaeger, of Saxony, Ger- many, who immigrated to America in 1884 and settled on a farm of 40 acres located in Lone Elm township. Mr. Jaeger improved his land and spent his life on his farm. He died in 1913 and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Clarks Fork Church. The widowed mother re- sides in Boonville. She is now 79 years of age. The children born to Ernest and Clara (Schubert) Jaeger are, as follows: Otto, who resides in the state of Washington; Bruno, of Boonville; P. R., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. M. Lohse, of Boonville ; and Hugo, of Sedalia. In the schools of Germany and the public schools of Cooper County, P. R. Jaeger received his education. He attended Warrenton College at Warren, Mo. For several years, Mr. Jaeger has been engaged in fann- ing and fruit growing. He served 10 years in the lumber business, em- ployed by J. E. Thro. Abandoning the lumber business, Mr. Jaeger entered the business of carpentering and contracting. In 1908, he pur- chased his present country place, a small farm of two and one-half acres of land within the city limits of Boonville, with a small orchard to which tract he added an adjoining farm of 15 acres, 10 acres an apple orchard. In addition to growing apples, Mr. Jaeger has cherries, strawberries and raspberries growing on his farm. The orchard has a northeast slope and it has proven an exceedingly profitable investment. The gross income from the orchard in 1918 was about $5,000. Mr. Jaeger has always taken a keen interest in horticulture and his exceptionally thorough training has been a splendid asset to him in his chosen vocation. He raises several varieties of apples, namely: Ben Davis, Gano, Grimes Golden, Jonathan, Winesap, Huntsman, Favorite, Delicious, Ingrain and a few early sum- mer varieties. He has at the time of this writing in 1919, just closed a deal for an adjoining tract of land, of 10 acres, upon which he will place another orchard. Mr. Jaeger is a member of the Missouri State Horti- cultural Society. He has made many exhibits of his fruit at the Sedalia State Fair and he has won many premiums. In 1901, P. R. Jaeger and Mary Schack, of Boonville, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Shack, were married. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger as follow: Mildred, who is a student in the Boonville High School ; and Florence, who is a pupil of the city schools, in the seventh grade of school. Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger are highly regarded in Boonville and they are numbered among the best families of the county. William G. Lauer, the well-known and respected street commissioner of Boonville, is one of Boonville's own boys of yesterday, a native son of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1031 Cooper County. Mr. Lauer was born Sept. 10, 1870, a son of Erhart and Francis (Tempfel) Lauer, natives of Germany. Erhart Lauer immigrated to America about 1861. He enlisted in the Civil War and. served with the Union army in the United States cavalry, enlisting at Boonville. Mr. Lauer was in the service three years, serving until the war had ended, in Missouri and Kansas. Frances (Tempfel) Lauer came to America with her parents, when she was a girl 10 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Tempfel settled in Boonville township on the farm where both died. Their remains rest in West Boonville ceme- tery. Mr. Lauer has long been deceased and he was laid to i-est in Walnut Grove cemetery. His widow still survives him and she resides on South Main street in Boonville. Erhart and Frances Lauer were the parents of eight children, as follow: Mrs. Julia Mock, deceased; Ella, at home with her mother; Charles F., a farmer, of Boonville township; Henry, a farmer, of Boonville township; Arthur, a farmer, of Boonville township; Fred, a traveling salesman, of Marshall, Mo.; Oscar, at home with his mother; and William G., the subject of this review. William G. Lauer attended the public schools of Boonville. He had been engaged in farming in Boonville township, until he came to Boon- ville nine years ago and purchased the old Rice homestead at 1003 South Seventh street, his present residence. In 1915, he was appointed street commissioner and he is now serving his fourth year in office. June 18, 1889, William G. Lauer and Cora Simmons, a daughter of James and Belinda Simmons, were united in marriage. James Simmons died in 1901 and he was buried in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mrs. Sim- mons makes her home with her son, William Simmons, a farmer in Boon- ville township. Mrs. Lauer is one of six children born to her parents, as follows: Mrs. Ella Lymer, of Boonville; Mrs. William C. Lauer, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. George Simmons, of Boonville township; Mrs. Hattie Lauer, of Boonville; Mrs. Levina Lymer, of Boon- ville; and Mrs. Stella Oswald, who resides in Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are the parents of five children: William, who is employed by the Boonville National Bank; Roy enlisted in the U. S. army from Seattle, Wash., June 14, 1918; arrived at Spokane, June 15, took a two months' training course in an automobile school and from there was sent to Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., where he served six months, was discharged, came home Dec. 15, 1918 and left for Seattle, Jan. 8, 1919, where he is employed by the Electric Light & Power Co. ; Earl who served 10 months a member of Battery E, 316th Field Artillery in France; returned to the United 1032 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY States June 9, 1919 and was discharged at Newport News, Va., arriving home June 19, 1919 ; and Frances and Herbert, at home. Mr. Lauer is a member of the German Lutheran Church and Mrs. Lauer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is affiliated with the Wood- men of the World. The Lauer family is held in the highest regard in Boonville and they are respected and valued by all who know them. Robert S. Roe, a member of one of the real pioneer families of this section of Missouri, and one of the best known and most substantial farm- ers in Cooper County, is the owner of an excellent farm in Palestine town- ship. He was born in this county on a pioneer farm in Pilot Grove town- ship, Jan. 18, 1858, son of Robert and Frances (Harrelson) Roe, the latter of whom also was born in this county, and both of whom were representa- tives of families which had settled here in the early days. Robert Roe was born in Caroline County, Md., Feb. 27, 1815, and was but 10 years of age when his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Leith) Roe, came to Missouri from Virginia in 1825 and located in Cooper County. Two years later, in 1827, Samuel Roe entered a tract of land from the Government on the site now occupied by the town of Pilot Grove, and there established his home, spending there the rest of his life, one of the substantial and influential pioneers. Samuel Roe was born in Scotland, Jan. 17, 1788, and died at his home in this county, May 26, 1878, at the age of 91 years. He was twice mamed. His first wife, Elizabeth Leith, was born in England, March 30, 1794, and died in this county, Dec. 17, 1826, about a year after the family located here. To that union were born five children, of whom Robert was the eldest. Following the death of the mother of these children, Samuel Roe married Sarah Shaw, who was born Jan. 18, 1795, and died in 1868. To that union four children were born. In 1817, Samuel Roe moved from Maryland to Virginia, his son, Robert, then being but two years of age, and it was thus that the latter had lived in two States before coming to Missouri with his paretics in 1825. He grew to manhood on the home farm in the Pilot Grove set- tlement, and after his marriage established his home in Henry County. Mo. near Calhoun. In 1849, he joined the numerous bands then flocking across the plains to the promising gold fields of California, but in 1852 returned to Cooper County, and east of Pilot Grove resumed his farming operations there until 1869, when he sold out and bought a farm in Pales- tine township. He retired in 1893, moved to Pilot Grove, where his death occurred, April 15, 1894, he then being 79 years of age. His widow died HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1033 July 19, 1899. She was born near Boonville, Feb. 25, 1824, daughter of Bennett and Amy (Brashear) Harrelson, natives of England, the former bom on Sept. 12, 1773, and the latter, Dec. 16, 1785, who were among the real pioneers of Cooper County. Bennett Harrelson's last days were spent in Henry County, Mo. To Robert and Frances (Harrelson) Roe were born 10 children, of whom four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being: Elizabeth, deceased; Alice, wife of Edward Wallin, a retired farmer, Greenridge, Mo. ; and 0. L. Roe, Sedalia, engaged as a painter and coach finisher in the Missouri Pacific Railroad shops. Reared on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, Robert S. Roe has always been a farmer, a vocation which he has followed with consider- able success, as the well-improved farm on which he is now living will attest. He received his schooling in the district schools, and when 21 years of age, in 1879, began farming on his own account, renting in Pettis County, and remained there until 1882, when he returned to this county and bought a farm two and one-half miles west of Speed. Three years later, in 1885, he sold that farm to advantage and went to Camden County, where he remained until 1890, when he returned to this county and en- gaged in farming until 1893, when he went back to Camden County. There he remained until 1898, returning then to Cooper County and rent- ing the farm on which he is now living in Palestine township, the old Cole place, and there established his home. In 1918, Mr. Roe sold 253 acres of the home place, including that portion occupied by the old farm house, but still owns 188 acres, on which he has erected a new and modem house, the same being equipped with electric lights, hot and cold water and all the conveniences of an up-to-date farm house, and has built up a general farm plant in keeping with the same, his place being one of the best improved farms in that locality. Mr. Roe is a democrat and has ever taken an interested part in local civic affairs, but the only public office he has held was that of local highway engineer, a position which he occupied for four years. He and his family are members of the Meth- odist Church. Robert S. Roe has been twice married. By his first wife, Myrtle Wilkerson, two children were born, Mrs. Lena Doyle, of Palestine town- ship, and J. Lovell Roe, a telegraph operator, now at Lakeside, Neb. Fol- lowing the death of the mother of these children, Mr. Roe married on March 6, 1892, Mrs. Gilla C. (Cole) Soloman, who was born in this county, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Samuel C, of Pales- tine township ; Truman T., of Boonville ; Porter E., deceased ; Grace, wife 1034 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of George Putnam, of Palestine township ; Adda, wife of Aubrey Gander, of Kelly township, and Joseph L., who is at home. Mrs. Roe was born on the farm on which she is now living, or rather on that portion of the place recently sold by Mr. Roe, Jan. 25, 1859, and there grew to womanhood and was married to Tilman H. Soloman, who was born in Moniteau County, and who died leaving her with three children, Edward, who is now living at New Franklin; Nadine, wife of V. Oswald, of Lebanon township, and Cordelia, wife of James Leslie Painter, Jr., of Palestine township. Mrs. Roe is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Peters) Cole, and is one of the two daughters born to them, she having a sister, Mrs. Jennie Cash, living at Warrensburg. Samuel Cole was born in Ken- tucky in 1800, and was 12 years of age when he came to this State with his parents in 1812, the family being a part of the colony which accom- panied Daniel Boone here in that year. Samuel Cole was twice married, and his first wife, Sallie Briscoe, also a member of one of the pioneer families of this region, bore him 15 children. John H. Schnuck, a prominent farmer of Boonville township, was born at Gooch's Mill, April 11, 1874. Mr. Schnuck is a son of John G. and Catherine (Meyer) Schnuck. John G. Schnuck was born in Germany in 1830. Catherine (Meyer) Schnuck, was born in Cooper County in 1842, on the farm later known as the Ulrich Oerly farm. John G. Schnuck owned and improved a farm of 225 acres east of Gooch's Mill. He died in 1880 and was buried in Pleas- ant Grove cemetery. Mrs. Schnuck now makes her home with her son, John H., the subject of this sketch. John G. Schnuck was, and his wife is, a member of the Lutheran Church. The children of John G. and Cath- erine (Meyer) Schnuck are: Mrs. Samuel Oerly, of Overton, Mo.; Mrs. Elizabeth Renken, of Boonville; Mrs. Catherine Smith, deceased; Henry E., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mrs. Annie Twillman, of St. Louis, and John H., the subject of this sketch. John H. Schnuck was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, attending school at Gooch's Mill in Liberty district. For about three years, he was in a drug business at Gooch's Mill. He abandoned this and engaged in farming on the home place for a few years, then moved to his present farm, which comprises 188 acres, of valuable land. In addition to the home place, Mr. Schnuck owns a farm of 90 acres located one mile east of the home place. The Schnuck homestead is located one mile south- east of the city limits of Boonville. Since coming to this farm, Mr. Schnuck has added two barns, fences and numerous other improvements. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1035 He is engaged in general farming and stockraising. Mrs. Schnuck is interested in the poultry industry and raises Buff Orpingtons, pure breds, and has one of the best flocks in the county. In 1899, John H. Schnuck was united in marriage with Margaret Oswald, a daughter of Herman and Christina Oswald. To Mr. and Mrs. Schnuck were born five children: Katherine, Beatrice, Oswald, Norbert and Vergil, all at home. Mrs. Schnuck died in 1909 and her remains are interred in the Catholic cemetery at Boonville. Sept. 28, 1911, Mr. Schnuck was married to Josephine Rossen, a daughter of S. C. and Elizabeth (Rob- ertson) Rossen, the former a native of Denmark, and the latter of Arkan- sas. S. C. Rossen was born in 1849, and his wife was born in 1861. They are both residents of Boonville, and he is the pi-esent superintendent of the County Home of Cooper County. The children of S. C. and Elizabeth Rossen are: Mrs. Schnuck, the wife of the subject of this sketch; James, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Albertine, deceased ; Frederick, of St. Louis ; and Ed- ward, who, at the time of this writing, is in France, a corporal with Com- pany F, 110th Supply Train. Corporal Edward Rossen enlisted in the service of the United States in June, 1917, and he has been in France since May, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Schnuck had a son, Joseph Rossen, who died at the age of six years in Sept., 1918. Mr. Schnuck is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Schnuck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Schnuck family is well known and highly respected in Cooper County. J. R. Gilman, an honest, industrious farmer of Boonville township, was born July 3, 1858, near Overton, Mo., a son of John and Kate (Smith) Gilman, the former a native of Wayne County, Ohio. John Gilman came to Missouri in 1856, and located near Overton, moving thence to Jewett's Mill. In later years he moved to Cole County, where he died and is buried. Mrs. Gilman died Aug. 10, 1858, and she is buried in Clayton cemetery at Overton. J. R. Gilman, the only child born to John and Kate Gilman, attended the public school of Cole County. He had few educational advantages, but in spite of the handicap, he has "made good". In the first part of his career, he rented land. Twenty-six years ago he moved to his present farm and a year later purchased it. This farm comprises 100 acres, located three miles southeast of Boonville, in Boonville township, on the Jefferson City road. He had improved the farm, adding a barn, and has dug a well and at the time of this writing, is preparing to install a water system, which will supply water for the residence, from a supply tank 1036 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY outside. The farm is well watered, and although somewhat rough, the soil is excellent. Mr. Gilman is engaged in general farming and he has been very successful. Dec. 25, 1879, J. R. Gilman and Kate Robertson, a daughter of John and Mary Robertson, of Boonville township, were married. John Robert- son was born in Cooper County. He was a veteran of the Mexican War and a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. Both parents of Mrs. Gil- man are now deceased, and the remains are interred in the cemetery at Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Gilman are the parents of five children, all of whom have been reared to maturity and are now married: Stella, now Mrs. Henry G. Adams, of Brinkley, Ark.; Myrtle, the wife of Harry Kaiser, of Washington township ; John, who married Stella Robinson, near Boonville ; Paul, who married Margaret Dick, Sedalia, where he is a drug salesman; and Ed, who maried Ruby Gray, of Longfellow, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Gilman are the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren, namely : Charlie, Mary K., Margaret and Joe Adams; Derrick, Joseph, Harry, Jr., Kaiser, Deckey May, Betty Ann and Darrell Gilman. Mr. Gilman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. He and Mrs. Gilman are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a democrat. The Gilman family stands high In the respect of the best citizens of Cooper County. J. H. Meyer and F. A. Meyer, the well-known Meyer Brothers, pro- prietors of the Boonville Bottling Works, began business in Boonville in 1915, purchasing the business of Meyer & Tackett, located at 525 Morgan street in Boonville. The present building occupied by the firm is 20x90 feet, with a basement. The Meyer Brothers have established an excel- lent trade since they entered the mercantile business four years ago. The elder brother, J. H., the senior member of the firm, is now deceased. He died Sept. 1, 1918. The Meyer brothers were born, reared and educated in Boonville. J. H. Meyer was born in 1871 and F. A. Meyer was born in 1883. They are sons of Joseph and Margaret (Schoen) Meyer, natives of Germany. Joseph Meyer immigrated to America in 1854 and Mrs. Meyer came two years later. They were united in marriage in Cooper County in 1866. Mr. Meyer was, by trade, a stonemason and a very competent workman. He was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting in 1861 and serving until the close of the conflict, when he returned to his home in Boonville. He died in 1914 at the advanced age of 86 years and his remains are interred in Walnut Grove cemetery. Mrs. Meyer still survives her husband and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1037 resides in Boonville at 1109 Sixth street. She is 75 years of age. The children of Joseph and Margaret Meyer are, as follows : August, of Boon- ville; Anna, the wife of W. M. Parsons, of Kansas City, Mo.; J. H., the senior partner 'of the firm, Meyer Brothers, who died at the age of 48 years in 1918, and he was unmarried ; Theresa, of Boonville ; Mamie, the wife of C. W. Richards, of St. Louis ; Susie, the wife of W. R. Dodge, of Manhattan, Kan.; F. A., the youngest brother of the two partners, the subject of this review; Charlie, who is, in 1919, with Company I, 85th Division of the American Expeditionary Force, in France, who enlisted in April, 1918, reached France in June, 1918, was formerly with the 89th Division, was wounded in the battle of Argonne Forest, was confined in a hospital for four months, and is now back with his division in active service. F. A. Meyer attended the Boonville High School. After leaving school, he was for some time engaged in the nursery business with the H. W. Jenkins Nursery. He, with his brother, J. H., became interested in the bottling business and he is well equipped to handle his work and the brothers have been very successful. Mr. Meyer is one of Boonville's good citizens, a progressive, industrious, capable business man. George C. Honerbrink, a progressive farmer and stockman of Saline township, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Honerbrink was bom June 23, 1875 in Prairie Home township, a son of E. F. and Barbara (Iceley) Honerbrink, natives of Germany. E. F. Honerbrink immigrated to America, when he was a young man, and he was married to Barbara Ice- ley in Ohio. The Honerbrinks settled in Missouri in the early seventies, on a farm of 80 acres of land located in Prairie Home township, to which tract Mr. Honerbrink added 80 acres of land in 1881 and 160 acres of land 10 years ago. He now owns a half section of land in Prairie Home town- ship. Mrs. Honerbrink died at the Honerbrink homestead in 1912 and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Boonville. The children of E. F. and Barbara Honerbrink are: Henry, of Prairie Home township; Fred, of Saline township; Lucy, of Saline township; Annie, the wife of Christian Ohlandorf, of Clark's Fork township; Mary, the wife of John Crane, of Clark's Fork township; Sophia, the wife of Hogan Freeman, of Saline township; and Ernest, at home. Mr. Honerbrink, the subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Prairie Home township. He has been interested in farming and stock- raising all his life and he has raised large herds of cattle and hogs in recent years. His farm, comprising 118 acres of valuable land, is located 1038 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY nine miles southeast of Boonville and four miles southwest of Overton in Saline township. Mr. Honerbrink purchased this country place in 1905 and since acquiring the ownership of the farm he has partly fenced it and has added a barn, 42x54 feet, and other buildings, and he has improved the residence. The Honerbrink farm is well watered by a stream, which crosses the place, and several good springs. March 19, 1905, George C. Honerbrink and Christina Brueckner, of Saline township, were married. Mrs. Honerbrink is a daughter of George and Caroline (Metz) Brueckner. She was born Aug. 12, 1882. George Brueckner was a native of Germany and he immigrated to America with his parents in 1850. He was killed by a stroke of lightning on the Brueck- ner homeplace, June 3, 1895. Mrs. Brueckner was bom Aug. 5, 1861, on the farm which is now her home. The deed to her farm was signed by Andrew Jackson. Mrs. Honerbrink has one sister and one brother now living: Mrs. J. C. Farris, of Arkansas; and George, Jr., of Boonville. To George C. and Christina Honerbrink have been born three children : George Carl, Eulah Viola; and Willie Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Honerbrink are con- sistent and valued members of the Evangelical Church. The Honerbrink farm has located upon it an old cemetery, established by Joseph Westbrook, who owned the farm 90 years or more ago. He was trie first to be interred in the buria! ground and later the different members of his family were laid to rest there. Other pioneers of Cooper County have this spot for their last resting place, among them the Elliot and William Leek families. It is related that Grandmother Cynthia West- brook, who lived on the Honerbrink farm more than a century ago, was accustomed to ride horseback from her home to the principal marketing place in Howard County and that on horseback she would cross the Mis- souri River, when the water was low. The Honerbrink farm is one of the most interesting country places, historically, in Cooper County. J. H. Stretz, of the Boonville Brick Company, is one of Boonville's own boys. Mr. Stretz was bora June 23, 1862 in Boonville, a son of Frank and Magdalena (Rider) Stretz, both of whom were natives of Germany. Frank Stretz immigrated from Germany to America in 1845 and set- tled at Boonville, where he was first employed as potter by Mr. Vollrath, the pioneer potter of this city. In his latter years, Mr. Stretz was engaged in gardening. He died in 1878, from the effects of sunstroke. Mrs. Stretz died at the age of 82 years. Both father and mother are interred in the Catholic cemetery at Boonville. The children of Frank and Magda- lena Stretz are, as follow: Mrs. Mary Strickfaden, deceased; Frank, of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1039 Boonville; Charles, who died about two years ago in New Orleans; Mrs. Kate Strickfaden, of California, Mo. ; Joseph, who resides in the state of California; Mrs. - Sophia Schuster, of Boonville; Theresa, a daughter who died at the age of 24 years; J. H., the subject of this sketch; and Albert, of Chicago, 111. J. H. Stretz received his education in the Catholic school of Boonville. Since attaining maturity, he has been employed in brick manufacturing and he has followed this vocation and bricklaying in Boonville the past 38 years. J. H. Stretz and Louis Gautner have formed a partnership in the business of brick making and they have succeeded Claus Stammer John. The firm was established in 1905 and the office is located at the factory, which is on the Missouri, Kansas & Topeka railroad, near the station. The plant has a capacity of 20,000 bricks daily. The firm does a general con- tracting business and has built in Boonville the St. Joseph Hospital, which is 48x102 feet in dimensions; the pipe factory, the largest factory in the city; the county infirmary; and perhaps 100 other buildings. The Boon- ville Brick Company has done much toward pushing Boonville into the front ranks among the leading manufacturing cities of the state and Mr. Stretz and his partner deserve much credit and commendation. J. H. Stretz was united in marriage with Mittie Edwards and to this union were born the following children: Mrs. Julia Walje, of Sedalia, whose husband is a well-known railroad employe there; Henry, of Boon- ville; Mrs. Rose Taylor, of Kansas City, Mo.; Lawrence, a competent brickmason of Fulton, Mo. ; Norbert, who has recently returned from England after serving one year in the United States army, with the Air- craft Construction Company; Ernest, who enlisted in the service of the United States in Jan., 1918, a gunner with the Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battalion, homeward bound from France at the time of this writing, in 1919; Mrs. Mary Sonen, of Osawatomie, Kan.; and Ferdinand, who died at the age of 16 years. The mother died in 1888. In 1899, J. H. Stretz and Mrs. Mary (Edwards) Gantner, of Boon- ville, were married. Mrs. Stretz is a daughter of J. A. and Eva (Potts) Edwards, the former, a late stockdealer of this city, and the latter, now a resident of Rockyford, Col. Mr. Edwards is deceased. Mrs. Stretz, by her first marriage, is the mother of four children: Mrs. Ollie Sinclair, of Boonville; Mrs. Nettie Smith, of Boonville; Urban and Earl, both of whom served in the United States army overseas for one year with the Aircraft Construction Company in England, returning to America in Jan., 1919, now engaged in brick-masonry in Boonville. To J. H. and Mary 1040 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Stretz have been born four children: Virgil, Agnes, Helen and Leonard. Mr. and Mrs. Stretz are faithful members of the Catholic Church and Mr. Stretz and all his sons, excepting the youngest, are members of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Stretz is also affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of America. There is no man in Cooper Couny more worthy of respect and con- sideration than J. H. Stretz. He is one of Boonville's leading citizens and is admired by all who know him. He has served three terms as a mem- ber of the city council and, at the time of this writing, in 1919, he is serv- ing his fourth term in office. He has proven himself an able and con- scientious official. Col. Robert L. Harriman, for years recognized as one of the leading live-stock auctioneers in the West, for 20 years a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Bunceton, a member of the firm of Harriman Bros., breeders of Shorthorn cattle, a resident of Bunceton for nearly 35 years, and in many ways actively identified with the growing interests of that section of Cooper County, is a native son of this county. He was born at Pilot Grove, March 19, 1856, son of Dr. William and Caroline (Mayo) Harriman, formerly and for years influential residents of that neighborhood, and whose last days were spent there, their final resting place being in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, which was established on a corner of the old Harriman home place. Dr. William Harriman was born in New Jersey, the son of a clergy- man, and was reared by two aunts, who brought him up in a bookish atmosphere. He was schooled in both law and medicine, but gave his preference to the latter profession, and as a young man went to Kentucky, where he engaged in the practice of medicine, and where he married Caroline Mayo, a daughter of William and Caroline (Pleasants) Mayo, the latter of whom was a second cousin of Thomas Jefferson, and a lineal descendant of Pocohontas. William Mayo and his wife were natives of Virginia, who moved from Norfolk, Va., to Kentucky, where they reared their family. It was in the latter '40s, and after two children had been born to him and his wife that Dr. William Harriman left Kentucky and came to Missouri with his family, coming up the river with a bunch of negroes, a fine string of thoroughbred horses and jacks and a good small herd of Shorthorn cattle. He landed with his possessions at Boonville, and moved thence to the Pilot Grove neighborhood, where he established his home, and where he became the owner of 2,400 acres of land. Upon COL. ROBERT L. II A Hill MAN* HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1041 locating there, Doctor Harriman re-established himself in the practice of his profession, and soon became widely known as one of the leading phy- sicians of his time in this section of Missouri. He had not been trained to the life of the farm, but his wife was a skilled executive along those lines, and acted as overseer of the place, she and her sons directing the operations of the same, while the Doctor devoted his attention to his practice and his books. On that place, Doctor Harriman and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, useful in all good works thereabout in their clay and generation, and their memory is still cherished throughout that neighborhood. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Dr. William P., a physician, now deceased; Georgianna, also deceased, who was the wife of John F. Rogers, former sheriff of Cooper County ; Isabella, deceased; John H., deceased; Jennie, wife of J. A. Thompson, of Pilot Grove ; Col. Robert L. ; Regis A., of Pilot Grove, and Caroline, wife of J. D. McCutcheon, of Pilot Grove. Reared on the farm on which he was born in the immediate vicinity of Pilot Grove, Robert L. Harriman received his schooling in the Pilot Grove School and in the private school then being conducted at Bunceton by D. R. Cully, and from the days of his boyhood devoted himself to the affairs of the farm, with particular attention to the live-stock breeding operations long carried on there. He married in the fall of 1882, and for some time thereafter made his home on what is now known as the Luray stock farm in Palestine township, and which he owned for five or six years. In 1885, however, he moved to Bunceton for the better attention he could there give to his growing live-stock interests, and has resided since. About 1889 Colonel Harriman began the crying of sales in the vicinity of his home, and it was not long until his success in that line had created a wide demand for his services, this demand presently neces- sitating the limitation of his services to live-stock sales only, and for many years the Colonel has thus been one of the best known live-stock auctioneers in the West. He has long specialized in the crying of sales of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and is an acknowledged author- ity in these classes. The Colonel has cried stock sales in no fewer than 12 of the States of the Union, and his operations have carried him as far as Portland, Ore., in which city in one week he sold at auction more than $100,000 worth of stock. Though he is not an advertiser, the Colonel is so widely known in his particular field that during the seasons he finds 1042 HISTORY OB' COOPER COUNTY himself book 40 or 50 sales ahead, and as a measure of the value in which his services are held it is not improper to state that his fee for crying the sales of pure-bred stock is $100 the day. Colonel Harriman has been twice married. In November, 1882, he was united in marriage to Rosa Stephens, who was born in Kelly town- ship, in 1860, and who died March 9, 1916. She was the daughter of John H. and Margaret (Ewing) Stephens, the former of whom was an extensive landowner and stockman in Kelly township. To that union were born four children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being Louise and Helen. Louise Harriman married W. B. Wallace, a son of T. J. Wallace, a member of one of the old families of Cooper County, and is now living at Boonville. She and her husband have one child, a son, Thomas H. Wallace. Helen Harriman married George W. Robertson, a hardware merchant at Mexico, Mo., and has one child, a son, George Wil- liam Robertson III. On Dec. 26, 1917, Colonel Harriman married Bettie J. Harned, who also was born in this State, daughter of Benjamin and Bettie J. (Bradley) Harned, who are now living on a farm in this county. Benjamin Harned and wife are the parents of 11 children, of whom Mrs. Harriman is the second in order of birth. Colonel and Mrs. Harriman are members of the Presbyterian Church. The Colonel is a democrat. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Bunceton. The Colonel has for years given his active attention to the general business affairs of his home community, and for 20 years or more has been a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Bunceton. He is a member of the Central Shorthorn Association of Kansas City, and in association with his nephew, Bert Harriman, is connected with the firm of Harriman Bros., of Bunceton, a firm widely known as breeders of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle. James B. Shepherd, a leading agriculturist and stockman of Saline township, is one of the county's prominent citizens. Mr. Shepherd is a native of Andrew County, Mo. He was born Jan. 9, 1856, a son of Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd. Levi Shepherd was born in Jackson County, Mo., on the farm which is now the present site of Independence, a son of Elijah Shepherd and Rebecca (Yates) Shepherd. Elijah Shepherd came to Missouri from Ken- tucky about 1810 and settled on a tract of land in Jackson County, where he died. His widow moved from Missouri to California in 1870 and she died near San Jose, several years later. Levi Shepherd was born in 1832 and he died May 14, 1914, on his farm in Saline township. His remains HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1043 are interred in the cemetery at Gooch's Mill. Joanna (Campbell) Shep- herd was born in 1834 near Wooldridge in Saline township, a daughter of Bradley and Meka Campbell, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter, of North Carolina, honored pioneers of Saline township. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have long been deceased and their remains are buried in the family cemetery near Wooldridge. Mrs. Shepherd died in 1916 and she was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery at Gooch's Mill. Mr. Shepherd was a confederate veteran of the Civil War. The children of Levi and Joanna Shepherd are, as follow: James B., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Rebecca J. Eager, of Saline township; C. M., cashier of the Pilot Grove Bank, Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Alice C. Clayton, of Woold- ridge, Mo. ; and William L., a late teacher in the Robinson district schools, near Prairie Home, who died at the age of 22 years at the Shepherd home- stead. James B. Shepherd attended the public schools of Missouri and Hooper Institute, at Clarksburg, Mo. Since leaving school, he has been engaged in farming and stockraising in Saline township. He purchased his pres- ent country place, a farm comprising 205 acres of land, in 1881. There are two sets of improvements on the farm. The land is exceptionally well watered by three never-failing springs. Mr. Shepherd is following gen- eral farming and he raises large herds of cattle, hogs and horses. The Shepherd farm is located 14 miles southeast of Boonville. Mr. Shepherd relates that the covered bridge over the Petite Saline River at Gooch's Mill was built more than 75 years. This bridge is a landmark in the county, having covered sides and a roof, constructed of wood, and is still in a good state of preservation, in 1919. In 1880, James B. Shepherd and Amanda E. Stone, of Saline town- ship, were united in marriage. Mrs. Shepherd died April 23, 1903, and she was laid to rest in Oak Grove cemetery. Aug. 27, 1916, Mr. Shep- herd was married to Mrs. Maggie L. Shepherd, of Clay County. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been born two children: Addie Lee, 11 years of age; and Helen Louise, three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Shepherd is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a charter member of the lodge which was organized at Overton in 1881. Capt. George T. Boyce, of the Kemper Military School in Boonville, one of the leading citizens of Cooper County, is a native of Shelby County, Mo. Mr. Boyce was born Sept. 20, 1876, a son of George W. and Mary J. 1044 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY (Brewington) Boyce, the former, a native of Delaware and the latter, of Maryland. Captain Boyce is the only child born to his parents. George W. Boyce was born in Delaware in 1825. He was, by trade, a contractor and builder. During the Civil War, he served with the con- federates under Colonel Porter, who secured volunteers for the command of General Sterling Price. Mr. Boyce was taken prisoner by the Union men, after he had been in service but a few weeks, at Newark, Mo., in 1864. Later, he was paroled and he returned to Delaware, where he re- mained until 1866, when he returned to Shelby County, Mo. Mr. Boyce first came to Shelby County in 1857 and three different times he returned to his native state, the last time in 1869. When he came back to Shelby County, after his last visit to Delaware, he remained. George W. Boyce was a son of Joseph J. Boyce, a veteran of the War of 1812, who enlisted in 1812 and served throughout the war and until 1819, in the regular army. He was with General Andrew Jackson in the war against the Sem- inoles in Florida. The predecessor of the Boyces in America came to this country about 1630. Mary J. Boyce, mother of Captain Boyce, died in 1891 and George W. Boyce died in 1895. The remains of both parents are interred in Bacon Chapel cemetery in Shelby County. Captain Boyce received his elementary education in the public schools of Shelby County. Later, he was a student at Northwest Missouri Col- lege at Albany, Mo., and at Rose Polytechnic Institute, and at the State University of Missouri. He came to the Kemper Military School in Octo- ber, 1900, and for the first three years he taught commercial subjects. In 1903 and 1904, Captain Boyce attended the State University, after which he accepted a position as principal of the township high school at Marshall, 111. He taught in the high school of Albany, Ga., a place he held during 1907 and 1908. In the latter year, he was recalled to the Kemper Military School to open the manual training de- partment of the school. Captain Boyce is the originator of the manual training work here and today this department in the Kemper Military School is the* best manual training department in any preparatory mili- tary school in the United States. The training is not compulsory, but optional with the students, and more than one-third the student body is taking the course. Captain Boyce made a map of Cooper County in 1918, the original of which hangs in the Commercial Club room in Boon- ville. The map is a pen drawing and accurate in every detail. In 1907, Capt. George T. Boyce was united in marriage with Mary E. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1045 Gilbert, a daughter of John W. and Melissa (Taylor) Gilbert. The mother of Mrs. Boyce died in 1916 and she is buried in the cemetery at Marshall, 111. Mr. Gilbert resides at Kansas, 111. The grandfather of Mrs. Boyce, father of Melissa (Taylor) Gilbert, was a cousin of former President Zachariah Taylor. To Captain and Mrs. Boyce have been born three chil- dren: George T., Jr., John M., and Mary M. The Boyces are membei-s of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Boonville. Captain Boyce is widely known throughout the county and he is uni- versally respected as a gentleman and scholar. He and Mrs. Boyce are numbered among Boonville's best and most prominent citizens and they have innumerable friends wherever they are known. Captain Harris Cecil Johnston, of the Kemper Military School, a prominent and highly respected young citizens of Boonville, was born Feb. 12, 1883, in Boonville, a son of Col. T. A. Johnston, superintendent of the Kemper Military School, and Carolina (Rea) Johnston. Captain Johnston is one of four children born to his parents, as follows : Rea Alex- ander, the present major of the Missouri State Reformatory at Boonville; Bertha, the wife of Major A. M. Hitch, of Boonville; Capt. Harris Cecil, the subject of this sketch ; and Alice, the wife of Major R. J. Foster, of Washington, D. C. Captain Johnston is a graduate of the Kemper Military School, a member of the class of 1901, and he was a student of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio. He accepted the position of quartermas- ter at Kemper Military School in 1904, succeeding Major Joseph H. Rea, and this position he has most capably filled for the past 15 years. The quartermaster's department has complete charge of all the supplies of the school, and Captain Johnston is a most efficient officer. In addition to his regular duties, he attends to the finances and to the coaching of the athletic teams and to the "booking" of games with outside schools. June 27, 1905, Capt. Harris Cecil Johnston was united in marriage with Georgia Walker Wooldridge of Boonville. Mrs. Johnston is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elizabeth (Osborne) Wooldridge. Dr. Wool- dridge was a prominent banker and grain merchant of Boonville, and he is now deceased. Mrs. Wooldridge resides in Kansas City, Mo., with her son. J. H., a well-known grain merchant of that city. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge are as follows: Lula B., of Boonville; Jay H., of Kansas City, Mo. ; 0. J., a grain merchant of St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Har- ris Cecil Johnston, the wife of the subject of this review; Jessie, the wife 1046 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of Frank Brosius, of Boonville ; and one child, the eldest, died in infancy. To Captain and Mrs. Johnston have been born two children: Marjorie Walker and Ann Caroline. Captain Johnston is a deacon of the Presbyterian Church. He is a thorough, able, young man, and he is held in the highest respect by all his colleagues and acquaintances. Charles F. Lauer, a successful and prosperous farmer and stockman of Boonville township, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Lauer was born in Boonville township, Oct. 10, 1868, a son of Erhardt and Frances (Tempfe!) Lauer, natives of Germany. Erhardt Lauer immigrated to America in 1861. He enlisted in the Civil War and served throughout the conflict with the Union Army, with Company E, 5th Missouri Infantry. He was, by trade, a potter, and he was employed for several years by Mr. Jeglin, of Boonville. Later, he purchased a farm west of Boonville, near the Missouri Valley coal mines. He died in 1905 and his remains were laid to rest in Walnut Grove Ceme- tery. Frances (Tempfel) Lauer came to America with her parents in 1845. She is a daughter of Frederick and Fredericka (Oswald) Temp- fel. Mr. Tempfel was, by trade, a stonemason. Mrs. Lauer now resides in Boonville. She is, at the time of this writing, 73 years of age. The children of Erhardt and Frances Lauer are as follows: Mrs. Julia Mocks, deceased ; Emma, who died in infancy ; Charles F., the subject of this review ; William G., of Boonville ; Fred W., of Marshall, Mo. ; Henry E., Ella M., Oscar G. and Arthur C, twins, all of Boonville. Charles F. Lauer attended Westwood School in Boonville township. He has, since leaving school, been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Lauer was on the home place for 24 years. He purchased his present farm in September, 1892, a place comprising 114 acres of land located six miles southeast of Boonville. Mr. Lauer has himself improved this farm, adding all the buildings, except the residence, since acquiring the ownership of the place. The land is well watered by five springs, and is well adapted for general farming and stock raising. Mr. Lauer raises cattle, hogs, horses and mules. March 6, 1901, Charles F. Lauer was married to Delia Woolery, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilkes) Woolery. Thomas Woolery was born near Pleasant Green and now resides at Bunceton. He is 75 years of age, at the time of this writing in 1919. Mrs. Woolery was born near Springfield, Mo. She died about 20 years ago, and her remains rest in Mount Nebo Cemetery.. Mr. and Mrs. Woolery were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Charles F. Lauer, the wife of the subject of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1047 this review; Mrs. Mary Johnson, of Pleasant Green, Mo.; Allen, of Kan- sas City r Mo.; Samuel, of Bunceton; Mrs. Bessie Reed, of Pleasant Green; Minnie, who died at the age of 11 years; and Downing, a telegraph oper- ator, now residing in Illinois. Mr. Woolery is a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. He served throughout the conflict with Gen. Sterling Price. To Mr. and Mrs. Lauer has been born one child, a daughter, Lorine Frances. Mr. Lauer is a member of the Evangelictl Church, and Mrs. Lauer is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Lauer is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a modest, unassuming citizen, a man highly regarded by all who know him. Edward Hasenbach, a prosperous and progressive farmer and stock- man of Saline township, residing on the F. H. Hobrecht farm of 160 acres, located nine miles southeast of Boonville, was born Feb. 8, 1882, in Cali- fornia, Mo., a son of Frederick and Emma (Schmidt) Hasenbach, the former a native of Germany. Mr. Hasenbach died at Boonville in Octo- ber, 1881, a few years after coming to this country. His widow resides in Bconville. Frederick Hasenbach was, by trade, a tanner, and he oper- ated a tanyard in Boonville. Edward Hasenbach, the subject of this sketch, is the only child born to his parents. Mr. Hasenbach attended Woodland District School in Saline town- ship. Practically all his life he has been interested in farming and stock- raising, and for the past six years he has resided on the farm where he now lives. He is the owner of a farm of 56 acres of valuable land in Saline township. He is an industrious, honest citizen, respected by all with whom he comes in contact. In 1907, Edward Hasenbach was united in marriage with Alma Hobrecht, a daughter of H. A. and Nancy Hobrecht, of Saline township. The great-grandparents of Mrs. Hasenbach, on the paternal side of the family, died and were buried in Schmidt Cemetery in Saline township in 1844. The Schmidt Cemetery is one of the first burial grounds estab- lished in Cooper County, and is located on the farm of Otto Schmidt. To Mr. and Mrs. Hasenbach have been born two sons: Harold and Carl. The Hasenbachs are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Hasenbach is affiliated with the Odd Fellows: Mr. and Mrs. Hasenbach are well known in Cooper County, and they are numbered among the county's good, substantial citizens. Acrey B. Hurt, of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County, and a member of a pioneer family of this section of the State. He was born in Clarks Fork township, Sept. 27, 1864, a son of Acrey and Matilda (Rackaid) Hurt, both natives of Virginia. They were married in Vir- 1048 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ginia and came to Cooper County in 1855, settling on the farm where Acrey B., the subject of this sketch, now lives. The father served in the Home Guards during the Civil War, and followed farming and stock rais- ing throughout his life. He met with success, and at the time of his death was the owner of 160 acres of land. He died in 1882, and was sur- vived by his widow a number of years. She died in 1898. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Jeanette Arnold, Boonville ; Andrew W., Clarks Fork township; Benjamin F., Clinton; Arbell, Moni- teau County; Mrs. Annie E. Copas, Jefferson City; Newton J., deceased; Acrey B., the subject of this sketch; Silas, Boonville; and William T., Pilot Grove. Acrey B. Hurt was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork town- ship, and was educated in the district school. The first school house in his district was a log structure, which stood on the Hurt farm. The seats were made of split logs, and it was a typical school building of pioneer days. It was abandoned for school purposes, however, before Mr. Hurt was old enough to attend school. Acrey Hurt has always fol- lowed farming and stock raising. However, during the last year, on account of poor health, he has rented his place, but still retains his resi- dence there. A number of Mr. Hurt's uncles were among the early settlers of Cooper County. Theodore Hurt came here in 1855, and another uncle, Joseph Hurt, came prior to that date. Another uncle, Osmus Hurt, set- tled in Pettis County at an early date. Mr. Hurt is a constant reader, and keeps himself well posted on the world's current events. He is one of the intelligent and substantial citi- zens of Cooper County. Commodore P. Fairfax, proprietor of a fine farm of 333 acres in Lebanon township, and one of the best known and most successful breed- ers of horses and mules in this section of Missouri, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Wirt County, Va. (now W. Va.), May 1, 1852, son of William and Elizabeth Fairfax, who were the parents of 10 children, five sons and five daughters, of whom four are still living. Of these but two are living in Cooper County, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Mrs. Melissa Arnold, who lives in the vicinity of Vermont. In 1865, William Fairfax came to Missouri with his family, and settled on a farm in this county, where he died a month later. He was born in Virginia in 1803, and was thus 73 years of age at his death. His widow died in 1866. Commodore P. Fairfax was about 13 years old when he came to i \4* J***^ •••'' - # M t /' ('. P. FAIRFAX HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1049 Cooper County with his parents in 1865. He grew to manhood on the farm which his father had bought upon coming to this county, completed his schooling in the local schools and engaged in farming, which he has followed all .his life, and with gratifying success. He married when 21 years of age, and then bought a farm near Lebanon. Sometime later he sold that farm and bought one of 300 acres south of Lebanon, where he made his home for many years, in 1917 he trading that place for the farm of 333 acres on which he now lives. This place, in 1865, when Mr. Fairfax came to Cooper County, was owned by Jack Newman, whose son at that time was sheriff of Cooper County, and it has long been regarded as one of the best farms in that vicinity. Mr. Fairfax has made numerous im- provements, and is contemplating more. He for years has been engaged in the breeding of horses and mules, his stable including both saddle and and draught horses and jacks of notable strain. One of the latest addi- tions to his stable is a French coach stallion. Mr. Fairfax is a democrat, and has ever given attention to local civic affairs. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Fairfax has been twice married. In 1873, he was married to Emma Kemp, who was born in this county, and who in 1891 met her death by being thrown from a horse she was riding, her foot being caught in the stirrup. To that union were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Lester, now a well- to-do banker at Kansas City ; Willard, who is farming in Morgan County ; June, wife of T. G. Lewis, Kansas City; Thomas L., head of the schools at Clifton City ; Forester, living in western Kansas ; and Elmer, deceased. June 24, 1893, Mr. Fairfax married Margaret Reed, who was born in this county, a member of one of the old families of this section of the State, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Homer, who is at home assisting his father ; Lon S., who died while serving in his coun- try's army in Europe during the late World War; and Edith, Jack, Hugh, Nola. and Leta May, at home. Lon Stephens Fairfax, the soldier son, whose death while serving as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe has put a gold star in the service flag of the Fairfax family, was born in this county Feb. 2, 1896, and here grew to promising young manhood. Early in the course of this country's war against Germany in 1917, he was inducted into the National Army, and was assigned to Camp Dodge, Iowa, for preliminary training. There he was attached to Company H, 351st In- fantry (Pioneer Regiment), 56th Division, and with that command in 1050 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY August, 1918, sailed for France, his division arriving just at the time of preparations for the terrific push which was destined to bring the war to an end. With his command he took part in the desperate and decisive battle in the Argonne Forest in September, went "over the top" without receiving a scratch, marched then with the victorious army to Coblentz, and was on the front when the armistice was signed in November. His division then was assigned to the Army of Occupation in the Rhine coun- try, and he was there serving, when on Jan. 11, 1919, he was stricken with pneumonia. His condition was regarded as critical from the start, and eight days later, Jan. 11, 1919, he died, a true American soldier and a loyal and valiant defender of his country's cause. The body was buried in Coblentz, Germany, where many other American soldiers sleep amid the poppies, and his sorrowing comrades erected a stone over his grave, and there devoted a wreath to his memory — to the memory of a gallant lad who relinquished all thought of self when his country called. Dr. Hugo H. Buescher, a successful dentist of Boonville, is a native of Warren County, Mo. Mr. Buescher was born Oct. 28, 1896, a son of Rudolph and Wilhelmina (Hasenjager) Buescher, natives of Warren County. Rudolph Buescher was born in 1852, a son of one of Warren County's most honored pioneers. The senior Buescher was one of the first settlers near Hopewell, Mo. Wilhelmina Buescher was born in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Buescher now reside in Hartsburg, in Boone County, where they moved in 1896. They are the parents of the following children: Louis, deceased ; Josephine, the wife of Henry Kluesmeyer, of New Franklin, Mo. ; John, a minister of the Burlington Evangelical Church, Burlington, Iowa; Herman and Robert, who died in infancy; Edward, a prosperous farmer near Hartsburg, Mo.; Meta, the wife of Frank Backhorst, of Hartsburg; Alina, the wife of Frank Osterloh, a farmer, near Harts- burg; Otto, who is engaged in farming near Hartburg; Oscar, who en- listed in the service of the United States in May, 1918, and reached France in August, 1918, was at the front when the armistice was signed, has been in active service for many months, and has escaped unharmed, and is now with his company, Company F, 349th Infantry, in France, at the time of this writing, in 1919 ; Hugo H., the subject of this sketch; Levonia, the wife of Julius Meyer, a well-known farmer near Hartsburg, Mo. Dr. Buescher obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Hartsburg. He later attended the high school at Columbia and the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1051 University at St. Louis, and of the latter institution he is a graduate, a member of the class of June 3, 1918. He opened a dental office at Galla- tin, Mo., in June, 1918, and in August of the same year he was called into service, as he had enlisted for duty, Dec. 21, 1917, and was awaiting call. Dr. Buescher was sent to Camp Pike, where he was kept on duty until he was honorably discharged in December, 1918. While in service, he was engaged in the practice of his profession. He located in Boonville, Jan. 1, 1919, coming thence from Camp Pike, and he has thus far established a splendid reputation, and is meeting with exceptional success. Dr. Buescher is a capable practitioner and a young man in very way worthy of all the success which will attend his efforts. July 31, 1918, Dr. Huga H. Buescher was united in marriage with Susie Woodward, of Gallatin, Mo., a native of McFall, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Buescher have made many friends in Boonville and Cooper County since their recent coming to this locality, and they are highly regarded by all who know them. Dr. Buescher is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias of Boonville. Archie L. Farris, a prominent farmer and stockman of Saline town- ship, is a member of one of the oldest and best pioneer familier of Cooper County. Mr. Farris was born March 10, 1876, at the Farris homestead in Saline township, on the farm a part of which is the present home of the subject of this sketch. He is a son of William P. and Almeda S. (Grubbs) Farris, natives of Cooper County. Eri Mosley Farris, great-grandfather of Archie L. Faris, was one of the earliest settlers of Cooper County. He settled on the farm known as the Farris home place, and he and his wife are interred in the family burial ground on this farm. Eri Farris, Jr., an uncle of Archie L. Farris, now resides in Pettis County, and he, at the advanced age of 90 years, is still active and alert, mentally and physically. William P. Farris, father of the subject of this review, was born in Cooper County in 1842. He was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. He served under Gen. Ster- ling Price, and was twice imprisoned at Jefferson City. After the war ended, Mr. Farris returned to the farm and engaged in general farming and stock raising the remainder of his life. He died in 1914, and his remains are interred in Clayton Cemetery. Almeda S. (Grubbs) Farris was born in 1844 and died in 1901. She was laid to rest in Clayton Cem- etery. The children of William P. and Almeda S. Farris are as follows: Emmet, who died in infancy ; Lena and Nela, who died in infancy ; James E., who was born in 1874 and died in 1901 ; Archie L., the subject of this 1052 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY review; William A., an auto repairman of Boonville; Nellie, the wife of Waite Finley, of Saline township ; Lydia M., who died in infancy ; Edna E., the wife of Layton T. Mills, of Boonville ; and Annie M., the wife of George Brueckner, of Boonville. Archie L. Farris attended the public schools of Cooper County. He was a student for one year at Harper Institute at Clarksburg, Mo., when he returned to the home place and has ever since been engaged in farm- ing and stock raising. Mr. Farris raises Poland China hogs and pure-bred Plymouth Rock chickens, having of the latter a flock of 150 hens. Mr. Farris's farm comprises 128 acres of land located eight miles southeast of Boonville, and is known as the "Maple Dale Farm." On this place are two good barns, an excellent chicken house, a machine shed, and a com- fortable residence, built in 1898, all improvements placed there by Mr. Farris. Oct. 19, 1898, Archie L. Farris was married to Sadie M. Hobrecht, a daughter of H. A. and Nancy J. Hobrecht, both of whom are residents of Saline township. Mrs. Farris has one brother and one sister living: Frank Elmer, who resides on the Hobrecht home place in Saline township ; and Mrs. Alma B. Hasenbach, of Boonville. To Mr. and Mrs. Farris have been born three children: Wilbur S., Hargrove, and Raymond E. Mr. and Mrs. Farris are worthy and consistent members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Farris is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For nine years, Mr. Farris has been a valued member of the School Beard of his district. He takes a good citizen's interest in educational matters and in affairs of public import. He and Mrs. Farris are highly regarded among the best families of Cooper County. John C. Lohse, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County, and a descendent of pioneer parents. He was born in Prairie Home, March 31, 1876, a son of Fred and Anna (Smith) Lohse, both natives of Germany, who settled in Prairie Home township some years prior to the Civil War. When Fred Lohse first came to this county he worked out by the month, and continued to do so for several years before he was able to invest in a farm of his own. He spent his life here and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, and now resides on the old home place at the age of 76 years. His wife died about 20 years ago, and her remains are buried in the Lutheran Church Cemetery at Clarks Fork. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Maggie Kaiser, deceased; John C, the sub- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1053 ject of this sketch; Henry, a farmer in Clarks Fork township; Lena, de- ceased; Martin, a farmer in Clarks Fork township; Ernest, who resides on the old home place; Walter, lives at Lone Elm, and Willie died at the age of 14 years. John C. Lohse was reared on the home farm in Prairie Home town- ship, and educated in the public schools. His farm consists of 160 acres, and is one of the nicely improved and well kept places of Clarks Fork township. It was formerly the Dorsey place, and Mr. Lohse purchased it in 1899. He has just completed the erection of a 10-rocm brick resi- dence with all modern improvements, including electric lights, hot and cold water system, with furnace heat. This is one of the fine residents of this section of the county. There are three barns on the Lohse place, all of which are commodious and conveniently arranged. Mr. Lohse car- ries on general farming and raises hogs and cattle extensively. John C. Lohse was united in marriage with Miss Nora Fricke, of Clarks Fork township. She is a daughter of William and Minnie Fricke. The father is now deceased, and the mother lives in Carks Fork town- ship. Mrs. Lohse is one of three children born to her parents, the others being William, who resides on the home place, and Emma, who married William Smith, of Bunceton. To Mr. and Mrs. Lohse have been born the following children : Arthur, died at the age of seven years ; Wilbur, Grace Marie, Bernice. Mr. and Mrs. Lohse reared a nephew, Raymond Kaiser, who now resides with the Lohse family. Mr. and Mrs. Lohse are members of the Clarks Fork Lutheran Church. The Lohse family are well known and highly respected, and Mr. Lohse is a citizen of genuine worth to the community. Robert A. Shannon, a prominent farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born in the township where he now resides, April 26, 1881, and is a son of Elza and Mary (Miller) Shannon. Robert A. Shannon is one of two children born to his parents, the other one being Eliza Miller Shannon. The mother died in 1884. and to the father's second marriage the following children were born: Martha, married Vivian Mills; George, Noye, Louis Minnie, died in infancy, and Maggie, died at the age of three years. Mr. Shannon was educated in the public schools of Cooper County and the State Normal School at Chillicothe, Mo. He engaged in farming and stock raising, and in 1901 bought the Joel Hurt place. Later he sold that farm and bought his present place of 160 acres in 1916. This is a well 1054 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY improved place, with a good two-story, 10-room, modern residence. The place is equipped with an acetylene lighting system, and is modern in every particular. There is one large barn, 40x40 feet on the place and other farm buildings. The place is well watered aand nicely adapted to stock raising as well as general farming. Mr. Shannon raises Duroc Jersey hogs extensively, and has also made a success of breeding Galloway cattle. He also raises pure-bred Rhode Island chickens. In 1901, Robert A. Shannon was married to Miss Anna Eldredge, a daughter of Charles C. Eldredge, of Prairie Home township. Mrs. Shan- non is one of the following children born of her parents: Dr. James El- dredge, Kansas City, Mo. ; Lucy, married Newton Cunningham, and resides in Texas ; Bessie, married Milton Cunningham, Boonville ; Olive, married Leslie Laws, they reside in Oklahoma; Charles C, Jr., Boonville; Anna, wife of Robert A. Shannon, the subject of this sketch; Dorothy, married Fred Bear, Vernon County ; Sarah, married Asa Williams, Santa Fe, N. M. ; Louisa, married David Hurt, Boonville. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Shan- non have been born four children as follows: Norman Laura, Mary and Gilbert. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon are members of the Walnut Grove Christian Church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a progressive and public spirited citizen. He is for good schools, good roads, and stands ever ready to give his support to any movement which has for its object the betterment of the community. One of the historic landmarks of Cooper County is an old building which stands on the Shannon farm. It was built nearly 100 years ago. Colonel McCulloch owned it at one time, and he sold it to Steigleder, and here all the Steigleder children were reared. Louis Earhart bought it later, and he sold it to Jennie Portner, who sold it to Mr. Shannon. It is a log structure and in later years was clapboarded. It is now used for a corn crib. Robert William Mills, a descendent of one of Cooper County's honored pioneer families, is a native son of this county. He was born on the place where he now resides in Saline township, Oct. 18, 1881, the son of Hunter N. and Mary E. (Thomas) Mills. Hunter N. Mills was also born in Cooper County, and was a son of Henry W. Mills, a native of Virginia, born July 27, 1815, and died Feb. 12, 1898. He was a prominent pioneer of Cooper County and became prosperous. Hunter N. Mills was reared in Saline township, and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, and at the time of his death was the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1055 owner of 500 acres of land. He married Mary E. Thomas, a native of Moniteau township, Cooper County. She was a daughter of James and Martha G. (Ellis) Thomas, natives of Virginia, and early settlers in Cooper County. Hunter N. Mills died in 1915, and his wife died in 1912. They were the parents of the following children: Mabel, married D. L. Rogers, Boonville; Irene, married J. P. Kaiser, Clarks Fork township; Robert W., the subject of this sketch ; Garland, died at the age of one year; Vivian H., resides in Saline township; Vera, Axil, Colo.; and Elvira, married Louis James, Axil, Colo. Robert W. Mills was educated in the Fairview School District and the Boonville High School. He has made farming and stock raising his life's business, and has been very successful in his undertakings. His farm, which is known as "Edge Hill Farm," consists of 350 acres of well improved land in Saline township. He had a fine residence, two large stock barns, which are complete in detail, and also a silo with a capacity of 150 tons. Mr. Mills is an extensive feeder, and feeds about two and a half carloads of cattle annually, and about three carloads of hogs and sheep. He car- ries on general farming and stock raising, and is a practical farmer, as well as a student of modern progressive farming methods. Mr. Mills was married Oct. 19, 1905, to Miss Margaret E. Logan, a daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Davis) Logan, of Prairie Home township. Her father died May 17, 1903, and her mother now resides on the Logan home farm in Prairie Home township. Mrs. Mils is one of the following children born to her parents : John, who resides on the home place ; Sallie, married Aubrey Mills, Clarks Fork township ; Katie, married T. B. Jewett, Clarks Fork township ; Katie, married T. B. Jewett, Clarks Fork township ; Margaret E., the wife of Robert W. Mills, the subject of this sketch, and Lucy, married William Hunt, North Moniteau township. To Mr. and Mrs. Mills has been born one child, Robert William, born Nov. 27, 1916. Mr. Mills is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a democrat. He is one of Cooper County's progressive citizens. H. C. Honerbrink, a well known and successful farmer and stock raiser of Prairie Home township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Cleveland, Jan. 13, 1865, a son of Earnest F. and Barbara (Eisle) Honerbrink. They were early settlers in Cooper County, and the father now resides in Prairie Home township, at the age of 78 years. The mother died April 20, 1914, and her remains are interred in the cemetery at Boonville. They were the parents of the following children: H. C, the subject of this sketch; Fred, who resides in Saline township; Lucy, Saline township; Anna, married 1056 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Christ Olendorf ; Mary, married James Crane ; George, lives in Saline town- ship; Sophia, married Hogan Freeman, Saline township; Earnest, resides on the home place, and Herman, died in infancy. H. C. Honerbrink was reared in Cooper County, and received his edu- cation in the public schools, attending the school in the Providence district. He has made farming and stock raising the chief occupation of his life. He purchased his present place in Prairie Home township in 1889, and has made many improvements, and brought this farm up to a high state of cultivation. The place contains 140 acres, and is regarded as one of the valuable farms of that neighborhood. Mr. Honerbrink is extensively en- gaged in raising cattle and hogs and makes a specialty of Poland China hogs. Mr. Honerbring was united in marriage, June 5, 1892, with Miss Sophia Wehmeyer, a daughter of Peter and Lena (Fiedler) Wehmeyer, early pioneer settlers of Cooper County, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Honerbrink was born in Clarks Fork township, Feb. 21, 1862. Her father, Peter Wehmeyer, was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army for three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Honerbrink have been born three children, as follows : Barbara, married Fred Ohlendorf , of Boonville ; Ida, resides at home with her parents, and Martha, died at the age of 15 years. Mr. Honerbrink takes a keen interest in the public welfare and stands ever ready to do his duty as a citizen and neighbor. He has served as a member of the local School Board for a number of years and is recognized as one of Cooper County's progressive citizens. Henry Schuster, a prominent farmer and stockman of LaMine town- ship and owner of "Longview" Farm, is a native son of Cooper County, and belongs to a pioneer family of this section of Missouri. He was born in the township where he now resides April 5, 1867, and is a son of Mortiz and Rachel (Hildebrant) Schuster, a more extensive review of whom is given elsewhere in this volume. Henry Schuster was the second child born of a family of nine chil- dren. He was reared on his father's farm in LaMine township, and attended the district schools. He was brought up to the life of a farmer and in 1888 engaged in farming and stockraising on his own account on his father's farm. Two years later he settled on the place where he now resides, which he rented for seven years, when he bought It. "Longview" Farm consists of 120 acres of well improved, productive and valuable land, and here Mr. Schuster has been successfully carrying Wis ^Wk- ^ *JQ I VI ^fl^LX^H m • • * * ■ r ' / » ^ ■■ ■•■ .-♦>/.'•'■ |g 1 '• rei iH ; HRSSfl 3bSEjIm! MR. AND MRS, HENRY SCHUSTER HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1057 on general farming and stock raising for a number of years. Recently he has turned his attention to breeding Duroc Jersey hogs, and is mak- ing a success, of this field of endeavor. On Sept. 23, 1888, Henry Schuster was united in marriage with Miss Viola Belle Phelps, a native of Cooper County, born in LaMine town- ship, April 23, 1869. She is a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (White) Phelps. William H. Phelps was a native of Missouri, and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section. He was born in Boone County in 1832, and came to Cooper County sometime in the sixties. Here he settled on a farm and spent the remainder of his life in that line of work. He died in 1882. His wife, Elizabeth (White) Phelps, was born in New Jersey in 1832 and died in Cooper County, Mo., in 1886. To Henry Schuster and wife have been born three children, as fol- lows: Morris H., born Aug. 22, 1889, a farmer in LaMine township, married Henrietta Gibson of Blackwater, and they have one child, Harold Gibson ; Elmer R., born Nov. 21, 1890, also a farmer in LaMine township, married Frances Kincaid, and they have three children, Robert H., Henry L. and Margaret; and Lealia, born Feb. 26, 1894, married Roy Jeffress, LaMine township, and they have two children, Helen L. and Eva. Henry Schuster is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County, and the Schuster family are well known and highly respected. George Viertel, of Boonville township, has spent practically all his life in Cooper County, and has been identified with this section of the State since his boyhood. He was born in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 18, 1854, and is the son of John and Marie (Schunch) Virtell. The father was a native of Germany, and came to America at about the age of 15 years, settling in Baltimore, Md. He was married in that city, and in May, 1869, came to Cooper County, and settled two and one-half miles east of Boonville on the place where George Viertel now resides. He improved this farm and made his home here until the time of his death, in 1908. His wife died the same year, and the remains are buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville. They were the parents of the following children: John F., Boonville township ; George, the subject of this sketch ; Anna K., deceased ; Lizzie C, Boonville; William, Boonville; and P. P., Boonville. George Viertel spent his early boyhood days in the city of Baltimore, where he received his early education. He came to Cooper County with (5?.: 1058 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY his parents when he was about 15 years of age. For 15 years he was engaged in the livery business at Boonville. He built the bam which is now owned by Thomas B. Robinson, of Boonville. He has been interested in farming during the greater part of his career, and has owned a number of valuable farms in both Cooper and Howard Counties. He purchased his present place, which consists of 40 acres, the same being his father's old homestead, 1915. W. B. Miller owned the place for a number of years prior to the time that George Viertel purchased it. This is one of the well improved and valuable places of Cooper County. The place is equipped with a good modern cottage and other suitable farm buildings. ■ A thrifty young orchard adorns the place, and everything about the Viertel farm bears evidence of the thrift and industry of the owner. Mr. Viertel gives special attention to the poultry industry, and has about 200 splendid Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red chickens. Dec. 18, 1889, Mr. Viertel was united in marriage with Miss Mollie Z. Fluke, a daughter of Frederick and Julia (Rector) Fluke, both now de- ceased. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Missouri in the fifties. He was killed in a cyclone at his home in Saline township, June 5, 1917. His wife preceded him in death, having departed this life in 1903. Their remains are interred in the cemetery at Overton, Mo. Mrs. George Viertel was one of the following children born to her parents: Luallan, deceased; Troy C, resides in Oklahoma; William F., deceased; Harrison B., deceased; Mattie, married Arthur Henry, and resides in Sedalia ; Ida N., married James Brady, Saline township ; and Mollie Z., the wife of George Viertel, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Viertel was born in Saline township, Aug. 18, 1871, and was reared aand educated in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Viertel have been born the following children: Laura Elliot, married Bower Hickman, Boonville township; Vance V., resides at home wth his parents. He is a stenographer, a graduate of the Boonville High School and has taught several terms of school. Mr. Viertel is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and his politi- cal allegiance is with the Democratic party. He has taken a prominent part in the affairs of his party, and was a candidate in the party primaries for county treasurer. Mr. Viertel is one of the younger men of this section who has seen much of the development of Cooper County, from almost its primitive state to its present greatness. His father owned the first wagon which was equipped with a brake in Cooper County. In those days it was considered HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1059 an extraordinary vehicle, and was frequently used as a hearse in the pioneer days. Harry J. Muntzel, a progressive young farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, was born in the township where he now resides on Nov. 29, 1888, and is a descendent of Cooper County pioneer parents. He is a son of Albert and Margaret (Schmidt) Muntzel. Albert Muntzel was born in Germany, and came to America with his parents when he was 12 years of age. The family first settled in St. Louis County, Mo., and from there came to Cooper County and settled in Clarks Fork township, being early settlers in that locality. Albert Muntzel was a hard-working and frugal citizen, and contributed the best years of his life to rearing his family and improving and bettering their condition. He died in 1905, his wife having preceded him in death about 10 years. They were the parents of the following children : Albert, Portland, Ore. ; M. W., St. Louis ; Ed., Boone- ville ; Clare, married H. E. Trampe, St. Louis County ; Julia, married George H. Meyer ; Lillie, resides with her sister, Mrs. Meyer, in Clarks Fork town- ship; Caroline, married George H. Fricke; Harry J., the subject of this sketch; Delia, resides in St. Louis County; Lizzie, deceased; and Leonard, died in infancy. Harry J. Muntzel was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork town- ship and attend the local district school. Later he took a course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111., where he was graduated in 1909. About a year later he purchased his present place in Clarks Fork town- ship from his brother, Ed. Muntzel. This is one of the well-kept and highly productive farms of Clarks Fork township. It consists of 112% acres, with good, modern and substantial improvements. The farm resi- dence is a six-room cottage, and the other farm buildings, including two barns and a silo, are well arranged for convenience and facilitating modern agricultural methods. Mr. Muntzel has made a marked success as a breeder of Hereford cattle, Chester White hogs, and Percheron horses, and is the owner of some very valuable registered animals. Harry J. Muntzel was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Fricke, in December, 1911. She is a daughter of Henry and Caroline Fricke, well known and highly respected residents of Clarks Fork township. To Mr. and Mrs. Muntzel have been born three children: Erla Harriette, Ralph Edmund and Doris. Mr. and Mrs. Muntzel are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Clarks Fork, and are well known throughout eastern Cooper 1060 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY County. They are numbered among the substantial and highly respected citizens of the county. F. H. Bornhauser, a prominent farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born near Prairie Home. Aug. 27. 1S84, and is a son of Benjamin and Caroline (Schwaff) Bornhauser. Benjamin Bornhauser was a native of Germany, and came to America when he was about 20 years of age. He was an early settler in Prairie Home township, where he now resides at the age of 73 years. His wife died in 1905, aged 54 years. She was a native of Moniteau County. They were the parents of the following children: C. A., who resides in Evansville, Ind. ; John, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1915, at the age of 35; F. H., the subject of this sketch; Mary, married James Longan, and resides on the home place ; Maud, married J. A. Erhart, and lives in Henry County ; and Clara, died in infancy. F. H. Bornhauser was reared in Cooper County and received his edu- cation in the public schools. Since boyhood he has been interested in farming and stock raising. He purchased his present farm from W. F. Johnson in 1910. The place consists of 255 acres of valuable land, and is located 12 miles southeast of Boonville. in Prairie Home township. It is well improved, and one of the valuable and productive farms of Cooper County. It is an exceptionally well adapted place to stock raising, having an abundant supply of water. Mr. Bornhauser is extensively engaged in raising cattle, hogs and sheep, and has met with unusual success in this line of endeavor. Mr. Bornhauser was united in manage in 1911 with Miss Nellie Cochran, a daughter of Dr. O. W. Cochran, of Gooch Mills. A sketch of Dr. Cochran appears in this volume. Mrs. Bornhauser is one of the fol- lowing children bom to her parents: William Owen, deceased; Annie Gray, now Mrs. Emmet Oerly : Samuel Victor: Nellie, wife of F. H. Bornhauser. the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Bornhauser have been born five children as follows: Virginia. Margaret, Bernard Owen. Willie Gray. and Elizabeth. Mr. Bornhauser is a member of the Woodmen of the World. Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He and Mrs. Bornhauser are members of the Baptist Church, and are reckoned among the leading citizens of Cooper County. Grover E. Debo. a successful farmer and stockman of Boonville town- ship, is a native of this county, and a descendent of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of Missouri. Mr. Debo was born in Boon- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1061 villc township, April 22, 1884, a son of R. P. and Mary (Hippenstall) Debo, both natives of Virginia. R. P. Debo was born in 1832. When the Civil War broke out he cast his lot with his native State and enlisted in the Confederate Army, and served throughout the entire war. He served in General Pickett's Division, and was with that renowned division at the bat- tle of Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded. After the close of the war, in 1866, R. P. Debo came to Missouri and first settled in Howard County. A few years later he moved to Cooper County, settling on a farm east of Boonville. Later he removed to Livingston County, where he re- mained about nine years, when he returned to Cooper County. Here he spent the remainder of his days. He died April 21, 1911. His wife died July 23, 1889, aged 49 years. She died while on a visit to her old home near Lynchburg, Va. Grover E. Debo is one of the following children born to his parents: P. L., Mattie, L. C, and Grover E., all of whom reside in Boonville town- ship, and the following are deceased: Gillie Jane, Julia Mary, Ida Laura, and Pearl. Grover E. Debo attended the public schools in Cooper County, and later took a course in a business college at Columbia, Mo. He has made farming and stock raising his life work, and has met with very satis- factory degree of success. He purchased his present place in Boonville township in 1909. A part of this place was originally the old G. E. Cham- bers farm, and a part of it belonged to the Warren MacFarland place. Mr. Debo owns 140 acres, which is one of the well improved and attractive places of Boonville township. The residence is a modern structure of eight rooms, and was built in 1910, and the place is well equipped with barns, silo and other suitable buildings for carrying on farming and stock raising, according to the most modern and approved methods. Mr. Debo makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey and Hampshire hogs. Aug. 5, 1908, Grover E. Debo was united in marriage with Miss Hattie M. MacFarland, a native of Boonville township, born March 15, 1883. She is a daughter of Warren and Malvina (Wear) MacFarland. Warren Mac- Farland was born in Boonville township, Feb. 12, 1841, and died July 21, 1908. He was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was a farmer and stockman all his life. Malvina (Wear) MacFarland was born in 1844, and died June 24, 1895. The MacFarland family are numbered among the very early pioneers of Missouri. Reuben MacFarland, grand- father of Mrs. Debo, was a native of North Carolina, and came to Mis- souri with his father, Jacob MacFarland, in 1816. They settled near St. 1062 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Genevieve, and in 1818 came to Cooper County and entered Government land in Boonville township. Reuben McFarland spent the remainder of his life in Boonville township and his remains are buried on the old MacFar- land place, and Jacob MacFarland is buried at the same place. Mrs. Debo is one of the following children born to her parents: Mrs. Mary Eunice Mellor, Millerton, Okla. ; Mrs. Elizabeth Elmira Debo, Boonville township ; Mrs. Mettie Reed Tellesferro, Ardmore, Okla. ; and Hattie M., the wife of Grover E. Debo, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Debo have been born the following children: Mary Malvina, Grover Glenn and Ethel Louise. Mr. Debo is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Boonville, and the Debo family are members of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Benjamin Nicholas Smith, president of the Missouri Farm Manage- agement Association, a member of the board of directors of the Bunceton Fair Association, proprietor of "Walnut Dale Farm" in Clark's Fork town- ship, is one of the most progressive farmers and stockmen in Cooper County. "Walnut Dale Farm," situated six and one-half miles northeast of Bunceton, was bought by Nicholas Smith, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, from the Fryer heirs, in 1866, the original owner, Fryer, hav- ing lost his life while returning from California in the days of the gold excitement following the days of '49. The Fryers were slave owners, and besides the big brick house there were three cabins for slaves on the place when Nicholas Smith bought it. The "big house" was erected in 1835, and was constructed from brick burned on the place. Chris. T. Smith had a herd of registered Galloways. At the Panama Pacific Exposition at San Francisco in 1915, Chris T. Smith won the first prize on blue grass taken from the park of 50 acres which marks the approach to the "big house" at "Walnut Dale," this beautiful park being filled with walnut trees of ancient growth, from which the place takes its name. At that same expo- sition, he also won first on a sheaf of wheat raised at "Walnut Dale" and second on Ben Davis apples taken from the fine orchard there; and in 1913 won the grand championship on single and 10-ears contests at the Missouri State Corn Show at Columbia. At the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis a sample of corn from this farm won (in conjunction with R. B. Johnson and the T. W. McFarland farm) the gold medal on an exhibit of Cartner corn. Benjamin Nicholas Smith was born on "Walnut Dale Farm," March 2, 1890, son of Christ T. and Ellen Augusta (Brandes) Smith, the latter of HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1063 whom was born in New Zealand. Chris T. Smith was bora in the vicinity of Lone Elm, in this county, a son of Nicholas Smith, one of the leading figures of his day in Cooper County, and succeeded his father in the direc- tion of "Walnut Dale Farm," even as his son has now succeeded him, three generations of the family thus having labored to bring the place up to its present high standard. Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Smith are now living retired at Bunceton. They have six children, as follows: Mrs. Herman Langkop, Elston, Mo. ; Benjamin N. ; Mrs. Arthur Smith, of Clarks Fork township ; Mrs. Edward Fricke, of Lone Elm; Mrs. John Roehrs, of Bunceton; and Esther Marie, living with her parents at Bunceton. B. N. Smith has from the days of his boyhood devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, has made a real study of the same, and has thus come to be recognized as one of the most wideawake and progressive young farmers and stockmen in Missouri. He received his early schooling in the Jefferson School and followed this by a course at the State Agricultural College at Columbia and University of Minnesota, St. Paul. In 1909, he won a scholarship in the county corn judging contest. Upon completing his studies Mr. Smith returned to "Walnut Dale," and has since been en- gaged in developing the place, which he now owns, and of which he has been in complete charge since his father's retirement. The place covers 300 acres in Clarks Fork township and is well improved, in addition to having one of the best tenant houses in the county on it, being equipped with two stock barns, an ample hog barn and an Indiana silo, 14x37 in dimensions. Though his father made much of the herd of Galloway cattle which formerly added to the reputation of "Walnut Dale Stock Farm." Mr. Smith, the present owner, gives his particular attention to registered Shorthorns, and has a fine herd, and is secretary of Cooper County Short- horn Breeders' Association. He also has a fine lot of registered Duroc Jersey hogs, the start of which he gained by winning a prize of a registered Duroc in a Missouri Farm Management Association contest, prize given by Longview Farm, Kansas City, seeking to ascertain definite information relating to records of farm management in Missouri. The records sub- mitted by Mr. Smith covering his system of farm management won for him second place in the State contest. Mr. Smith is ably and intelligently assisted by his wife in his stock operations, and the latter has a fine flock of Mammoth Bronze turkeys and 125 Brown Leghorn chickens. Mr. Smith also has an excellent herd of registered Shropshire sheep. Sept. 2, 1916, Benjamin Nicholas Smith was married to Zula Erma Smith, who also was born in this county, daughter of P. F. and Margaret 1064 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Ida (Cordry) Smith, both of whom also were born in Cooper County, mem- bers. of pioneers families, and who are now living in Lebanon township. P. F. Smith was born at Otterville, where his mother, Mrs. Nancy Ellen Smith, is still living, being now in the 92nd year of her age. His wife was born near New Lebanon. To them 10 children were born, as follows : Harry Alonzo, deceased; Mrs. T. A. Nelson, Jr., Bunceton; Mrs. W. C. Lewis, St. Louis; Hunter F., who is at home; Homer W., also at home; Mrs. Benjamin N. Smith ; Hubert L., Speed ; and Mary Augusta, William Herschell, and Harold Vincil, at home. Mrs. B. N. Smith received her early schooling in the public school at West Fork and supplemented this by a literary course at Missouri Valley College at Marshall. She then took a course in the Washington University Art School at St. Louis, where she gave special attention to the details of china painting, and has since done some very handsome work in that line, a number of pieces in her home collection revealing true artistry and a real delicacy of both conception and touch. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Smith is a member of the Lutheran Church. Milton McGee McCarty, justice of the peace, a former merchant of Clifton, and a member of the board of directors of the bank there, for- merly postmaster at Pleasant Green, and in other ways for many years actively identified with that part of the county, now living retired at Clifton City, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on what then was known as the W. D. Muir farm, near Boonville, Oct. 6, 1850, son of W. S. and Mary (Ferguson) McCarty, who were among the well known residents of Boonville, and both long since deceased. W. S. McCarty was born in Kentucky in 1821, son of Dennis McCarty and wife, the former of whom was born in Loudoun County, Va., who came to Missouri with their family in the early days and settled on a farm. Dennis McCarty and wife had six children, three sons and three daughters, the sons being Richard, John and W. S., the first named of whom served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. W. S. McCarty grew to manhood here, and after his marriage settled at Boonville, where he engaged in the livery business, and was also for years a mail carrier, having charge of "star" routes out of Boonville to Fayette and other points adjacent. During the progress of the county fair at Boonville in September, 1867, he was running a hack line to and from the fair grounds, and on Sept. 26 was known to have had a good bit of money in his possession, the accumulation of fares taken during the day. The last seen of him on the evening of that day was when he bade goodby to M M McCARTY HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1065 a party of women friends whom he had treated to ice cream in a Main Street confectionery store. He started home from that point, but did not arrive home, and the next day his body was found in a downtown cellar, the supposition being that he had been murdered for the money he had, though no one ever was brought to justice for the crime. His widow died at South McAlester, Okla., May 6, 1895, she then being 76 years of age. She was born at Palmyra, Mo., and was married to W. S. McCarty on Dec. 19, 1843. To that union were born 10 children, of whom but two are now living, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Mary, wife of J. B. Kline, now living at Clifton, Ariz. Milton R. McCarty completed his schooling in the Allison and Kemper Schools in Boonville, and for one year taught school. He then went to Kansas City, and presently was made constable for Kaw township (that city), his service being in connection with the routine of the common pleas court. In 1875, he engaged in railroad work in a clerical capacity, and after awhile was made foreman of the railroad yards at Moberly. In 1894, Mr. McCarty left the railroad service and located at Clifton, where he became engaged in the general merchandise business, and for about 20 years conducted a store there ; in connection with which, during the Cleve- land administration, he served as postmaster at Pleasant Green. He helped to organize the bank at Clifton City, and was a member of the board of directors of the Clifton City Bank, and has property at Clifton, where he is now living retired, having practically given up his various business activities in 1914. Mr. McCarty is a stanch democrat, and for some years has been justice of the peace for his home township. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his fam- ily are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). On Dec. 28, 1875, Milton M. McCarty was united in marriage to Lulu A. Bridges, who was born near Madison, Ind., and who in 1873 had come to Missouri with her parents, Joseph H. and Sarah A. (Bowman) Bridges, both natives of Indiana, the family locating in Cooper County, where Mr. and Mrs. Bridges spent the remainder of their lives. Joseph H. Bridges was born Nov. 15, 1828, and died on Feb. 21, 1899. His widow survived him until May 23, 1918. She was born on Feb. 22, 1832. Both were members of pioneer families in southern Indiana. To Milton M. and Lulu A. (Bridges) McCarty seven children have been born, namely: Douglas, Chicago; Minnie, deceased; Mrs. Jennie Cauthen, Independence, Mo.; Joseph M., Ashland, Ore.; Arthur, Kansas City; Clyde, of Ft. Smith, Ark. ; and Wilbur S., a telegraph operator for the M., K. & T. at Clifton. 1066 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Wilbur S. McCarty was inducted into the National Army early in 1918 for service in the World War and served for five months, in training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, attached to Company 17, 163rd Depot Brigade, 5th Battalion, receiving his honorable discharge in November, 1918. H. G. Brandes, of Boonville township, is one of Cooper County's suc- cessful farmers and stockmen. He was born in Cooper County, Nov. 24, 1882, a son of Theodore and Mary (Knorp) Brandes. Theodore Brandes was born in Germany and came to America at an early age with his parents, who settled in Clarks Fork township. He and his wife now reside on the old homestead in Clarks Fork township, where they have been successfully engaged in farming for many years. To Theodore and Mary (Knorp) Brandes have been born the following children : George, a farmer in Clarks Fork township; H. C, the subject of this sketch; Emelia, married John Barron, Bunceton ; Nora, married John Bomhauser, Prairie Home township ; and Stella, married Frank Hale. Prairie Home township. Theodore Brandes purchased his home place in Clarks Fork township from Wiliam Pope. He improved this place and bought more land until at one time he was the owner of 583 acres. Later he sold a part of his Tand and now owns 313 acres. H. C. Brandes was educated in the Ellis School District, and has always followed farming and stock raising. He bought his present place in Boon- ville township in 1914. The place consists of 182 acres of rich, productive land, located on the Jefferson Highway, six miles southeast of Boonville. This land was formerly owned by Berryot Hurt, who sold it to Joseph Rich, who later sold it to Thomas Rich. It was then purchased by Fleming Hurt, who sold it to H. G. Hurt, from whom Mr. Brandes bought it. This place is well adapted to both general farming and stock raising. 150 acres of it being bottom land. It is well watered with one never-failing spring, and Clarks Fork Creek courses its way through the place. Mr. Brandes raises cattle extensively, and also red hogs and Rhode Island Red chickens. He is one of the most successful and practical stockmen of the county. Nov. 25. 1903, H. C. Brandes was united in marriage with Miss Lula Barron, daughter of Walter and Virginia (Hurt) Barron. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandes have been born three children, as follows: Chlorene Lois, Earl M.. and Mary Virginia. The Brandes family stand high in the community, and Mr. Brandes is one of the most valued citizens of this county. J. D. Crain. proprietor of the old Mai-inus Lanjers farm of 340 acres in Clark's Fork township, a substantial farmer, was born in Warren County, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1067 Tenn., Sept. 18, 1863, son of N. C. and Margaret (Lewis) Crain, the former born in that State and the latter in Germany. N. C. Crain died in 1899. His wife died in 1893, and both are buried in Greenwood Cemetery in War- ren County, Tenn. They had seven children: N. B. and C. C, of White County, Tenn. ; N. C, Oklahoma City ; J. D. ; B. C, of Princeton, Ky. ; Mar- garet, wife of James Pffeifer, Warren County, Tenn.; Theodosia, wife of Samuel Shockley, Texas ; and Elvana, wife of George Simmons, of Van Buren County, Tenn. Reared in Tennessee, J. D. Crain received his schooling in the public- schools of his home county, and took up railroading, which he followed 28 years, and in 1899 came to Cooper County and bought a farm in Saline township. Here he made his home until 1918, when he sold the place and bought the Lebbing heirs' place, where he now lives, formerly the Herman Lonjers farm. The substantial farm house was erected more than 50 years ago, and is in good condition. Nearby is the grave of Marinus Lonjers, surrounded by an iron fence and neatly kept. The headstone notes that Marinus Lonjers was born March 2, 1827, and died on June 28, 1874. This farm has 270 acres of bottom land, the rest being upland, and has two sets of improvements. There are two fine springs on the farm, providing an inexhaustible supply of water. Mr. Crain raises registered Hampshire hogs. Mr. Crain has been twice married. In 1878 he was married to Abitha Moore, of Warren County, Tenn., who died in 1901. To that union were bora three sons, John, Arless and Edward, all connected with the Wilson Packing Company at Kansas City, the latter being foreman. Mr. Crain's second wife, Mary Honerbrink, was born in this county. To this marriage has been born two children ; Tennie and James. Mrs. Crain is a daughter of Ernest and Barbara Christina Honerbrink, the latter of whom died on April 22, 1914, and is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville. Ernest Honerbrink is living in Saline township. He and his wife had eight chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Crain was the last bora, the others being as follows: Fred, of Boonville township ; Henry, of Saline township ; George, of Boon- ville township ; Ernest, of Saline township ; Anna, wife of Chris Ohlandorf, of Clark's Fork township ; Sophia, wife of Hogan Freeman, and Lucy, who is living in Boonville township. Mr. Crain is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Andrew Hagan Windsor, owner of "Fairview Farm" in Boonville town- ship, is one of the progressive and enterprising fanners and stockmen of the younger generation in Cooper County. Mr. Windsor was bora in Mon- 1068 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY iteau County, Dec. 5, 1883, a son of Alfred M. and Martha Ann (Renfrew) Windsor. Alfred Windsor, the father, was born in Cooper County, and now resides near Overton, Mo. Andrew H. Windsor was the eldest of four children born to his parents, the others being : Charles Owen, James Law- rence, and Virginia Mattenlee, all of whem reside at Overton, Mo. Andrew H. Windsor was reared in Moniteau County, and received his education in the public schools of that county. He is a practical farmer and stockman, having been reared and trained to that business since boy- hood. He purchased "Fairview Farm" in March, 1919. This place con- sists of 448 acres, and was formerly the David Smith farm. It is a well improved and productive place. The farm residence is an imposing brick structure of nine rooms, built by David Smith, five of the rooms of the early day residence being equipped with wood fire-places, which is sugges- tive of pioneer times. There is a splendid barn on the place which was built in 1918. It is 56x50 feet in dimensions. Mr. Windsor raises a good grade of hogs and cattle, and in the near future he expects to stock his place with registered Duroc Jersey hogs and Hereford cattle. Andrew H. Windsor was united in marriage Feb. 19, 1918, with Miss Grace Maud Allen, of Overton, Mo. She is a daughter of Henry and Addie Allen, who now reside at Overton. Mrs. Windsor is one of the following children born to her parents : Mary, married Troy Niel, Boonville ; Norel, married W. B. Lann, Overton ; Bessie, married W. M. Drehl, who is now in United States Army in France, and Grace Maud, wife of Andrew H. Wind- sor, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Windsor is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of Cooper County's substantial young men. William Loesing, a well established young farmer of Clarks Fork town- ship, and owner of a fine farm, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born in Clarks Fork township, March 4, 1888, son of August and Laura (Faulter) Loesing, the former of whom is living in Clarks Fork township. August Loesing was born in St. Louis County, Aug. 19, 1862, son of William Loesing. William Loesing was a soldier of the Civil War, and died while in service. His widow married again, and is living in St. Louis. August Loesing has been a resident of Cooper County for many years on his farm in Clarks Fork township. His wife died Feb. 10, 1916, and is buried in the cemetery at Lone Elm. They were the parents of 12 chil- dren, all of whom are living, save two, Minnie and Edgar, the others being as follows : Lena, wife of H. H. Fahenbrink ; Fred, in Oklahoma ; William, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1069 the subject of this sketch; Bruno, Clarks Fork township; Christina, at home with her father ; Henry, an assistant to his father ; Peter, farming in Clarks Fork 'township, and Lizzie, Julia and Emily, at home. William Loesing has always been a farmer and stock raiser. He received his schooling in the parochial school at Lone Elm and the public school at Bunceton, and in the fall of 1915 began farming on his own ac- count. In 1917, he bought the farm of 154 acres on which he is now liv- ing. This farm was formerly owned by Matthew McDowel for 41 years. About 110 acres of it is rich bottom land on the Petite Saline. Mr. Loesing has made a number of impi-ovements, including fencing, and he also drilled a well 100 feet in depth. He has a good bunch of registered Poland China hogs, 35 head of sheep, and contemplates engaging in the raising of live stock on a more extensive scale. His wife has about 300 chickens, and is making a specialty of pure-bred Orpingtons. Mr. and Mrs. Loesing have plans in hand for further improvements on the place, and are bending their energies in that direction. Nov. 25, 1915, William Loesing was married to Dora Carl, also of that township, and they have two children, Delphia and Wilbur. Mr. Loesing is a member of the Lutheran Church at Lone Elm, and his wife is a mem- ber of the Evangelical Church at Boonville. Mrs. Loesing is a daughter of George W. and Amelia (Witthar) Carl, of "Woodland Farm," in Clarks Fork township. H. M. King, a substantial farmer of Clarks Fork township, was born on his present place, Aug. 5, 1876. He is a son of Jacob and Annie (Nohrnberg) King, both natives of Holland. Jacob King, who was one of the pioneers of the community in which he settled after his marriage, bought a quarter of a section of timber land in Clarks Fork township. His was the first piece of land cleared in that community, and he set out the first orchard in that section of Cooper County. He was a cabinet maker and at nights and odd times while living on the farm followed that trade. Some of the furniture he made for his home use, particularly a "safe" and a writing desk, are still held by his son, H. M. King, and are greatly prized by him and his family. Jacob King and his wife died on that farm and are buried in Clarks Fork Cemetery. They were the parents of five children, as follows: J. W. King, part owner of the old home place; C. F. King, Clarks Fork township; H. M. ; and Sophia and Anna, deceased. H. M. King was reared on the farm and has always followed farming. He received his schooling in the old Washington School. This district has the honor of being the leading rural school district in Cooper County, it 1070 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY having been the first district in the county to win a certificate in Class 1, and much credit for this distinction is due to the efforts of Mr. King and his brother. Upon reaching manhood's estate, Mr. King continued on the home farm. In 1918, he and his brother, J. W. King, bought the home place, H. M. King buying the south portion of 115 acres, on which he has since done much in the way of improvement. Twenty-five acres of the farm is bottom land, the remainder being second bottom and upland, and is well watered for stock purposes by excellent living springs. The build- ings are of good construction and include a modern type poultry house, to which latter Mrs. King gives her special attention, having for years been one of the most successful poultry fanciers in that neighborhood, her pure-bred Black Langshans having a high reputation. Nov. 30, 1904, H. M. King was married to Mary Smith, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born, Josephine and Irving, who are at home, and Mary died in infancy. Mrs. King was born in 1877, daughter of Leonard and Josephine (Kloeckner) Schmidt, the latter of whom died in 1883, and is buried in Clarks Fork Cemetery. Leonard Schmidt is living at Clarks Fork. He was born in Germany and was about seven years of age when he came to this country with his parents, who located in Missouri about the year 1856. Leonard Schmidt has been thrice married. By his union with Josephine Kloeckner he was the father of six children, those besides Mrs. King being Martin and Leonard, who live at Crockett, Texas; Caroline, wife of R. L. Stieg- leder ; Emma, wife of F. E. Klug, of Denver, Colo. ; and Anna, at home. His second wife was Ida Renken, and to that union was born one child, John Smith, Clarks Fork township. Mr. Schmidt's third wife was Kalie Siegel, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Mrs. Flora Bridges, deceased; Ailene, at home; Elmer, farmer, Clarks Fork township; Harry, same township; and Siegel R., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Clark's Fork Lutheran Church. Homer L. Carpenter, a wideawake young farmer of Prairie Home township, and joint owner with his elder brother, Warren E. Carpenter, of "Meadow Brook Farm," a fine place on the Prairie Home-Bunceton rOad, on which farm the brothers maintain separate establishments, was born in this county. He was born on a farm near Pisgah, May 30, 1888, son of George A. and Mary McCune (McCulloch) Carpenter, the latter of whom died in 1911, and the former of whom is still living, one of Clarks Fork township's best known and substantial residents. Homer L. Carpenter received his schooling in the Ellis School District and continued his activities on the home farm until in 1909, when his HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1071 father transferred to him and his brother Warren the valuable tract com- prised in "Meadow Brook Farm," which he has since been cultivating, and on which, after his marriage in the spring of 1910, he established his home. All the improvements on that portion of "Meadow Brook" looked after by him have been made since he came into possession, these including a substantial residence, a good barn, granaries, garage and the like, all bespeaking the progressive character of the owner. The place is well drained and has an ample water supply. During the current year (1919) Mr. Carpenter has 120 acres in wheat. The whole farm is under cultiva- tion. Mr. Carpenter also gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock. His grandfather, Samuel Carpenter, at one time owned 1,300 acres of land in that vicinity and the Carpenters have thus for three gen- erations been carrying on extensive agricultural operations in the neigh- borhood, the family from pioneer days having been substantial and influ- ential. May 18, 1910, Homer L. Carpenter was married to Bessie Virginia Hurt, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born, Helen Virginia, Forest Lee and Lucy M. Mrs. Carpenter was born in Clarks Fork township in 1890, daughter of Boone Hurt, who is now living at Pleasant Green, and was educated in the public schools ; she and her husband have known each other since childhood. Mr. Carpenter is a democrat, and he and his wife are members of Pisgah Baptist Church. Theodore L. Brandes, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in North Moniteau township, was born in Clarks Fork township in 1879. He is a son of Charles and Margaret (Smith) Brandes, both natives of Germany. Charles Brandes was a successful farmer of Cooper County. He died Jan. 22, 1912, aged 68 years, 9 months, 29 days, and his remains are buried at Lone Elm. His widow now resides at the home of her son, A. C. Brandes, in North Moniteau township. Theodore L. Brandes is one of 11 children born to his parents. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public and parochial schools of Clarks Fork township, and has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life. He bought his present farm in 1911. This is a well improved and productive farm, with a good farm residence and other buildings. The place has a never failing water supply, and is well adapted to both general farming and stock raising. Mr. Brandes raises large numbers of cattle and hogs, with a tendency to specialize in Galloway cattle and Hampshire hogs. Oct. 16, 1902, Theodore L. Brandes was married to Miss Lizzie Hoerl, a daughter of Martin and Ida (Selck) Hoerl. Martin Hoerl was born in 1072 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Germany in 1849, and immigrated to America when he was about 20 years of age. He has spent his life engaged in farming, and now resides in Clarks Fork township. His wife was also a native of Germany, born July 6, 1852, and came to America when she was a young girl. She died June 17, 1896, and her remains are buried at Lone Elm. Martin and Ida (Selck) Hoerl were the parents of the following children: Lizzie, the wife of Theodore Brandes, the subject of this sketch; Laura, married John Brandes; Dora, married William Timm ; Leonard, resides in Clarks Fork township ; Elmer, resides at Bunceton ; and Ida, Martin and Walter are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Theodore L. Brandes have been bom four children, as follows : Arthur M. ; Martin L., died in infancy ; Warren E. ; and Porter C. Mr. Brandes is one of Cooper County's successful men. He and Mrs. Brandes are members of the Lutheran Church at Lone Elm. Col. Caleb C. Jones, auctioneer, farmer and stockman, and one of the best known citizens of Cooper County, proprietor of an excellent farm a mile east of Pilot Grove, was born in this county, a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County. He was born Oct. 28, 1872, son of George C. and Anna (Trent) Jones, the former of whom, one of the large landowners of Cooper County, is still living. Mrs. Anna Jones died in 1909. She was the mother of six children, those beside the subject of this sketch being Addie M., who married George H. McElroy, and is now deceased ; Dr. George C. Jones, a Pilot Grove dentist ; Marie, wife of M. L. Jones, of Blackwater township; Nancy T., wife of Archibald McGuire, of Blackwater township; and Woodson T., also of Blackwater township. George C. Jones is a son of Caleb Jones, the pioneer, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1826, and started a store at Arrow Rock. From that beginning Caleb Jones gradually branched out, as his affairs pros- pered, becoming merchant, banker, farmer and stockman, and at the time of his death in 1883 was said to be the wealthiest man in Cooper County. Reared on the farm on which he was born, Caleb C. Jones received his early schooling in the local schools in the neighborhood of his home in Blackwater township, and supplemented the same by a course in the Wil- liam F. Johnson school, from which he was graduated. From the days of his boyhood Mr. Jones has given particular attention to the raising of live stock, and has been successful in that line. His first load of stock was shipped from Pilot Grove in 1898. Of late he has been giving special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and his place is well equipped for the purpose. He is renting a farm of 212 acres, known as the Mrs. John Lee farm, one mile northeast of Pilot Grove, in the township of that HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1073 name, and also owns 140 acres of land in Blackwater township. In 1914, Mr. Jones began crying public sales, both farm and stock, a department of endeavor for which from the start he displayed peculiar aptitude, and his success in that line by the common consent of neighborhood brevetry has earned for him the title of "Colonel," by which he is widely known throughout the county. Colonel Jones is a democrat, and fraternally is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Pilot Grove. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. In October, 1901, Caleb C. Jones was married to Lavinia Burns, who also was born in this county, and to this union have been bom five chil- dren, Virginia, Caleb C, Jr., Lavinia, Ruth and Robert Burns. Mrs. Jones also is a member of one of the pioneer families of Cooper county. She was born in New Lebanon township, daughter of Robert and Vir- ginia (Weedin) Burns, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia, who had come here with their respective parents in the earlier days. During the Civil War, Robert Burns served as a soldier of the Union, enlisting at Boonville, and was one of the youngest soldiers in the service. He died in 1917, having lived to be past the traditional three score and ten. His widow is now Jiving in Kansas City, and is about 70 years of age. Albert Brandes, owner of an excellent farm of 130 acres four miles east of Bunceton in North Moniteau township, was born on that farm, March 25, 1884, son of Charles and Margaret (Schmidt) Brandes, both natives of Germany, and the latter of whom is living with her son, Albert, on the place which has been her home for 40 years. Charles Brandes, who was a veteran of the Civil War, was born on March 23, 1843, and was but a boy when he came to this country with his parents from Germany, the family first locating in Iowa, but presently coming to Missouri and settling on the place now owned by Theodore Brandes, Sr., in Clarks Fork township, and it was there that Charles Brandes was living when the Civil War broke out. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army as a member of Company A, 29th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, attached to the 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, and with that command served until mustered out at the close of the war. During this three years of service Mr. Brandes participated in some of the most difficult campaigning of the war, and was with Sherman's army on the march to the sea. Among the other commanders under which he served were John A. Logan, F. P. Blair, P. J. Osterhaus and William B. Hazen. At 1074 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the close of the war he returned to his home in this county and resumed farming. He presently married, and in 1879 established his home on the farm now owned by his son, Albert, and there spent the remainder of his life, one of the substantial farmers of that community. He died Jan. 22, 1912. Mr. Brandes was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Boonville. Margaret (Schmidt) Brandes was born in 1840, and was 15 years of age when she came from Germany to this country with her parents in 1855, the family locating on the farm now owned by Leonard Schmidt, near Clarks Fork. There, Mrs. Brandes's parents spent the remainder of their days, and are buried in Clarks Fork Cemetery. Mrs. Brandes has been twice married and by her first husband, Christian Fricke, is the mother of two daughters, Mrs. Caroline Alpers and Mrs. Sophia Rasmussen. To her union with Charles Brandes nine children were born, as follows: Christian, a farmer of Moniteau township ; Mrs. Margaret King, of Clarks Fork; Mrs. Josephine Pethan, of Clarks Fork; Mrs. Emma Langkop, of Boonville ; Mrs. Elizabeth Brockamp, of Clarks Fork ; John A., a fanner of North Moniteau township; Theodore, North Moniteau township; Mrs. Dora Fahrenbrink, of Clark's Fork, and Albert. Mrs. Brandes has 41 grandchildren, namely: Carl and Edgar Brandes; Mrs. Clara Martin; Clar- ence King; Mrs. Stella Toellner; Martin, Myrtle and Carl King; Emile, Lydia, Oscar, Ernest, Edgar and Edna (twins), Cordia and Walter Pethan; Delia, Alma, Ada, Lydia and Selma Langkop ; Belva, Emelia, Wilbur, Her- man, Clara, Bernardine and Leonard Brockamp; Alvin, Lawrence, Ilda, Arthur, Warren and Porter and Norbert Brandes; Margaret, Paul and Carl (twins), and Gertrude Fahrenbrink, and Julius and Helene Dorothy Brandes. This venerable "mother in Israel" also has nine great-grandchil- dren, namely: Mary Lee, Irma Grey and Lucille Martin, Eleanor Pethan, Norbert Toellner, Ruth Mersey, Leona and Lorine Toellner and Dorsey Ras- mussen. Reared on the farm on which he was born, Albert Brandes received his schooling the local schools, and as a young man continued on the farm, gradually relieving his father of the burden of management, and in 1911, bought the place. Since taking possession of the farm, Mr. Brandes has remodeled the house, built a new barn, installed a local water plant and put up minor farm buildings. He gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. In 1911, Albert Brandes was married to Emma Fahrenbrink, who also was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, Julius and Helene Dorothy. Mrs. Brandes is a daughter of Henry and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1075 Magdalene (Schnack) Fahrenbrink, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter of whom lives with her son, J. J. Fahrenbrink. Mr. and Mrs. Brandes are members of the Lutheran Church. W. H. Morris, one of the well known and substantial farmers of North Moniteau township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in North Moniteau township, Aug. 6, 1871, son of Hugh B. and Juda A. (Davis) Morris, the latter of whom also was born in this county, and the former in Howard County. Hugh B. Morris was born May 16, 1825, and was but eight years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents, Shadrack Morris and wife, who settled on a farm one mile east of of Vermont. Shadrack Morris was a son of Hammond Morris, a Virginian, who came West in the early days and was the only one of the 10 children of his father's family thus to emigrate. Upon coming here Hammond Morris settled on what is now the John McCulloch farm, where he died and is buried. In 1917, Judge Boland, of Hillsville, Va., a cousin five times removed of W. H. Morris, came to Cooper County on a visit to his kinsfolk here and brought with him a letter written by Hammond Morris from Mis- souri to his relatives in the East more than 100 years ago, together with other papers of interest concerning the Virginia Morrises. Shadrack Mor- ris spent his last days in this county and was buried on what is now the John Bear farm. His son, Hugh B. Morris grew up here and became a substantial farmer. He died Aug. 6, 1908, in his 84th year, and is buried in the Baptist Churchyard at Pisgah. Hugh B. Morris was twice married, and by his first wife, Mary Wiley, was the father of two sons, L. A. and A. W. Morris, the former of Kelly township and the latter of Bunceton. Upon the death of the mother of these sons, Hugh B. Morris married Juda A. Davis, who was born in Kelly township, Oct. 18, 1833, and to this union were born eight children: J. O. Morris, a farmer, North Moniteau town- ship ; Mrs. L. C. Yancey, of that same township ; T. H. Morris, North Moni- teau township ; Judge G. W. Morris, Snode Morris and B. L. Morris, of the same township; W. H., and Mrs. J. A. Hurt, North Moniteau township. Mrs. Juda Morris died Nov. 8, 1918, in the 86th year of her age. W. H. Morris received his schooling in the Pisgah schools, and as a young man continued helping develop the home farm until his marriage at the age of 24 years, when he began farming on his own account. In 1906 Mr. Morris bought from N. A. George the farm of 200 acres where he has since lived, and which he has greatly improved, these improvements includ- ing a new barn, 50x60 feet, built in 1912. The substantial old farm house on the place was erected in pioneer days by Adam Scott, the original owner, 1076 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY and was rebuilt by W. R. George, who lived on the place for 50 years. The farm is well watered, Mr. Morris having two dug wells and a driven well and utilizes his gas engine for pumping power. Jan. 8, 1896, W. H. Morris was married to Nannie L. Hunt, who was born in this county, a member of one of the real pioneer families, and to this union three children have been born, Mary Lee, John H. and Leighton, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Morris is a daughter of William B. and Sallie (Boswell) Hunt, the latter of whom, born in North Carolina, died in 1871, her daughter, Nannie, being then but an infant. William B. Hunt was born on a farm near Pisgah, the farm now known as the Heysell farm, in 1831, son of W. B. and Nancy (Jones) Hunt, the former a North Carolinian, and the latter an Indianian, who were married in Kentucky and came to Missouri during the War of 1812, when they were required to take refuge in Cole's Fort against the threats of Indian attack. W. B. Hunt first settled in Howard County, but soon came to Cooper County and en- tered the land now known as the Heysell farm, becoming an influentiol pioneer. He spent the remainder of his life in this county, and is buried on the Apperson farm, one mile east of Pisgah. On the farm on which he was born, William B. Hunt, son of the pioneer, spent his life. He died Aug. 9, 1901, at 70 years of age, and was buried on the farm, where his wife had been buried years before. William B. Hunt and wife were the parents of four children, those besides Mrs. Morris being Mrs. Mollie Claw- son and D. W. Hunt, both now deceased, and Mrs. J. M. Pealer, of Lawton, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Pisgah Baptist Church and take an active interest in the affairs of that organization, the church to which their respective parents also were attached. This church will celebrate the centenary of its organization in September, 1919. L. C. Yancey, proprietor of "Locust Grove Farm," in North Moniteau township, was born on that farm, Dec. 26, 1851, son of Joel and Rosanna (Guyer) Yancey, both members of pioneer families here. Joel Yancey was born in Howard County, in 1828, his father, a Kentuckian, having been one of the original land entrants in that county. When he was 21 years of age, he came to Cooper County and married Rosanna Guyer. who was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with her parents, Williamson Guyer and wife, in the '40s. Williamson Guyer entered several hundred acres of land in Cooper County, including the place on which L. C. Yancey was born and now lives, and on that place he and his wife spent their last days and are buried. Sometime after his marriage, Joel Yancey settled on the farm now owned by J. W. Kinsey and engaged in farming until his HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1077 retirement. He died in 1915, in his 88th year, and is buried at Lamar, Mo. Joel Yancey and wife were the parents of five children, all of whom are still living: L. C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Alpha Hurt, living in Barton County, widow of G. W. Hurt ; Evan, of Lamar ; Alonzo, of Clarksburg, and Rozzell, of Lamar. L. C. Yancey received his early schooling in what then was known as the Yancey district (now the Greenwood district), the pioneer school house having been built on the Yancey farm and used both for school and church purposes. That was before the days of the public school and the school terms were arranged by private subscription in the neighborhood. For a time in those early days the Yancey school supported two teachers and among these Mr. Yancey recalls the names of Professor Buck and wife, Will Foreman, A. C. Fisher, Obediah Bailey and others. While in remini- scent mood, Mr. Yancey also recalls the names of persons who were engaged in business at Pisgah more than 60 years ago ; Richard Boughsfield, David Jones, Milton Mohan, and John A. Hickman. Joseph Bostwick and John St. John operated a chair factory many years ago, and Mr. and Mrs. Yancey have two chairs that were made at Pisgah 42 years ago. During those days, John L. Jones made wagons and plows at Pisgah, and Leander Reavis operated a carding machine, the motive power of which was a tread- mill operated by oxen. Mr. Yancey has followed farming at "Locust Grove Farm" all his life, and has been successful. In 1897, he rebuilt the old farm house along more modern lines, also built a new barn and other farm buildings. Oct. 22, 1876, L. C. Yancey was married to Mary Jane Morris, who was born in this county, Oct. 6, 1858, daughter of Hugh B. and Juda A. (Davis) Morris, both now deceased, the former dying in 1907, and the latter in 1918. Mrs. Yancey is the fourth in order of birth of the 10 children born to her parents, and all of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Yancey one child was born, a daughter, Ada L., born on Sept. 29, 1883, married A. L. Rickman, and who died Sept. 8, 1913, and is buried in the Baptist Churchyard at Pisgah. Jackson Wallace Kimsey, on of the well known and substantial farmers of North Moniteau township, is a native Missourian, born in Platte County. He was born on March 30, 1870, son of W. D. and Parmelia (Baxter) Kim- sey, both of whom were also born in Missouri, the former in Platte County, and the latter near Tipton, in Moniteau County. In 1879^ W. D. Kimsey left Platte County with his family and came to Cooper County. Here he bought the farm now owned by his son, J. W. 1078 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Kimsey, and engaged there in farming until his retirement. He died in 1906, at the age of 72 years, and his widow died Feb. 10, 1907, at the age of 65 years. W. D. Kimsey and wife were the parents of 12 childen, five of whom grew to maturity : Bettie, who died at the age of 45 years ; Walter, farmer, North Moniteau township; F. M., living in Johnson County; W. N., Lynn, Minn., and Jackson W. Jackson W. Kimsey was but nine years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his schooling in the local schools, and was reared on the farm. After his mar- riage in 1896, he established his home on the place, and in 1904 bought the farm. All the buildings on the farm save the farm house have been built by him, and he has a very well kept farm. Among these buildings is a barn 44x36 feet, with a native walnut frame and a cattle shed with a front- age of 150 feet. He also erected a tenant house in 1906. He raises regis- tered Shorthorn cattle, and generally has on hand 50 or more hogs. Jackson W. Kimsey has been twice married. In 1896 he was married to Addie Harris, a daughter of W. A. Harris, who died in 1900, leaving two daughters, Miriam, who married R. H. Rucker, O'Keen, Okla. ; and Porter, who is at home. Feb. 9, 1902, Mr. Kimsey married Eva Mins- ter, who was born in Missouri, and to this union three children have Veen born : Michael, Lawrence Lee and Eva Pauline. Mrs. Kimsey is a daughter of Michael and Hester (Sappington) Minster, both now deceased. Michael Minster was bora in Germany in 1846, and was nine years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents. He died in 1912 and is buried at Clarksburg. His widow died March 28, 1916, and she also is buried at Clarksburg, where she was bora. Michael Minster and wife were the parents of four children, those besides Mrs. Kimsey being S. S., Monroe, La.: G. R., Clarksburg; and Mrs. J. A. Birdsong, Clarksburg. Mr. and Mrs. Kimsey are members of the Baptist Church at Pisgah, and Mr. Kim- sey belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. Williamson Guyer, proprietor of a fine farm near Pisgah in North Moniteau township, was born in this county. He not only is a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, and thus familiar with the tra- ditions of pioneer days, but is one of the old-timers of the community. Mr. Guyer was born on what is now known as the Moore farm, about two miles south of Pisgah, Feb. 10, 1854, son of Henry Speed and Mary A. (Clauch) Guyer, both members of pioneer families. Henry Speed Guyer was bom in Madison County, Ky.. in 1818, and was 10 or 12 years of age when he came to Cooper County with his HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1079 parents. His father was of German birth, and for some time after coming to this country had lived in Kentucky. The Guyers settled in what is now North Moniteau township, opening the farm now owned by J. W. Kimsey at Pisgah, and on that place the elder Guyer died and is buried. Henry Speed Guyer grew up there, and upon beginning operations on his own account, settled about two miles south on what is now known as the Moore farm. He died while on a visit to his children in Texas, and was buried in the New Zion Churchyard, South Moniteau township. His widow died in August, 1917, at the age of 92 years. She was born in Pulaski County, Ky. Henry Speed Guyer and his wife were the parents of nine children: Williamson ; Mrs. Nancy Jane Maxey, deceased ; Christopher C. ; Mrs. Mary Catherine Burris, deceased ; Margaret, who died at the age of four years ; George W., Clayton, N. M. ; Mrs. Esther Copaz, deceased ; Henry S., of Nevada, Mo. ; and John R., of Oklahoma City. Williamson Guyer was reared on the home farm south of Pisgah, and received his schooling in the Yancey School, the school building at that time being used both for school and church purposes, and it was there, he says, that he got his "diploma." Trained to farm work as a boy, he has always followed that vocation, and has met the changes in farm conditions with a progressive spirit. The first home his father had was a log cabin, and he thus knows how the pioneers lived. In his boyhood, oxen were used about the farm, and he recalls trips by ox-team to the Jewett mill with grist, a trip necessitating his staying over night at the mill, where his comfort would be assured by the kindly engineer, Wiseman, who would make up a bed for him alongside the engine. In 1901, Mr. Guyer bought the quar- ter section on which he is now living, formerly known as the "Aunt Peggy" Martin place, near Pisgah, and has since resided there. On this farm, the first circular saw ever seen in Cooper County was operated. The farm is substantially improved, well watered and well drained. Mr. Guyer has for years regarded the prohibition question, that is, the elimination of the saloon, a sthe most vital issue before the people of this country. He also is ardently in favor of the thorough American- ization of the schools, stoutly maintining that the English language only should be taught in the schools. One country, one flag, one tongue, says he. Nov. 24, 1874, Williamson Guyer was married to Harriet A. Edwar Is, who was born in this county, member of one of the pioneer families, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Henry Griffin, died in infancy; Dora, wife of George Turner; William Barton, deceased; Mrs. Mary Harriet Crownhite, Mrs. Bertha Leona Hurt, Mrs. Amanda Florence 1080 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Carpenter (deceased), and Logan, deceased. Mrs. Guyer is a daughter of Griffin and Harriet Edwards, former well known residents of this com- munity, who are buried in the Harris home cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Guyer have 10 grandchildren: Raymond, Ophelia, Sada Leona and Ada Turner; Audrey Lucille and Paul Guyer Crownhite; Alma Ruth and Lucille Hurt; and William Merwin and Florence Lee Guyer. Curry Schupp, one of the best known farmers in Clear Creek town- ship, is a native son of Cooper County, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, Nov. 14, 1852, son of Chris- tian and Mary (Masel) Schupp, and was the second in order of birth of the children bom to them. Reared on the home farm, Curry Schupp received his schooling in the local schools, and has devoted his attention to farming, a vocation in which he has been successful, being now the owner of a fine farm of 280 acres, the place where he now lives, in Clear Creek township, and on which he has made his home for nearly 40 years. At the age of 16 he begain working on his own account as a farm hand, working many a day for 50 cents day, and thus continued until his marriage at the age of 25 years, when he rented a farm. A couple of years later, in 1880, he bought the farm on which he is now living, and has there since resided. When Mr. Schupp bought that place, there was an old double house, built of logs, on it, and another small house partly of frame. The place was quite heavily timbered, and it was no small task to clear it, but the new owner was energetic and industrious, and in time had the place cleared and under profitable cultivation. Mr. Schupp is a republican, and for a couple of years some years ago served the public as constable in his home township. On March 31, 1878, Curry Schupp was united in marriage with Kath- erine Muller, who also was born in this county, and to this union 10 chil- dren have been born, namely: Chris F., farming in Pilot Grove township; Lizzie, wife of William Dwyer, of the same township; Maggie, wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick, Lamonte, Mo.; Flora, wife of George Wolf, also of Lamonte ; Rose, wife of E. Holliday, of Blackwater ; William, who, during America's participation in the World War, served in the navy, a student of wireless telegraphy; Robert and Frederick (twins), born on Feb. 1, 1893, both of whom also rendered service in the World War, and the former of whom was discharged June, 1919, and is now at home. He served in France, a member of an infantry regiment in the United States Army, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1081 and the latter of whom served in the navy, a student at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago, received his discharge at the close of the war and is now living at Blackwater ; Conrad, born in 1897, who also was in France, attached to an infantry regiment of the United States Army, and is now home ; and Albert, who is farming in Clear Creek town- ship. Mrs. Schupp. mother of these children, was born in Clear Creek township on Feb. 26, 1857, daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Gard- ner) Muller, both now deceased. Frederick Muller and his wife were both natives of Germany, and were among the early residents of Clear Creek township, where they for many years made their home on a farm, and where they reared their family. W. F. Apperson, farmer and horticulturist and a substantial citizen of Cooper County, was born on the farm where he is now living, and is a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, the Apper- sons having been prominently represented here for 100 years. He was born on Sept. 8, 1848, and has thus lived the tradition "three score and ten years," though his friends assure him he "does not look it," and the vigor with which he continues to carry on his operations certainly belies the date. Mr. Apperson is a son of Gilbert and Martha (Berkley) Apperson. Gilbert Apperson was born in North Carolina in 1812, a son of Francis Apperson and wife, who not long after his birth moved from North Caro- lina to Kentucky, whence in 1819 they came with their family over into Missouri Territory and settled on the farm now owned by T. M. Kirkpat- rick in Moniteau township. Later Francis Apperson moved to the farm which he owned and there spent his last days. He and his wife are buried in the Apperson Cemetery on the Kirkpatrick farm. Gilbert Apperson was but seven years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents and here he grew to manhood. He developed the farm on which his son, W. F. Apperson, now lives, and there died in 1888. His wife died in 1886, and both are buried in the Apperson Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children: Mary E., wife of Judge T. A. Harris; W. F., subject ; B. J., died in 1892 at the age of 39 years ; R. W., living on the home farm ; G. P. and T. F., who died in infancy ; and Nancy P., married P. S. Haycock, and died about 1867. W. F. Apperson was reared on the farm in the Pisgah neighborhood and received his schooling in the Yancey School and at Pisgah. He has fol- lowed farming in this county all his life, with the exception of three years, when he tried ranching in Idaho. Mr. Apperson has an excellent orchard 1082 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of three acres, and has for years taken a special interest in his horticul- ture. The products of his orchard have something more than local fame. He also raises cattle and hogs. Sept. 19, 1895, W. F. Apperson was married to Lou E. York, who was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, W. R. Apper- son, who is at home, assisting his father. Mrs. Apperson is a daughter of James and Jane (Hunt) York, for years well known residents of Clarks Fork, and has a brother, W. H. York, of Leslie, Ark. James York was killed in a runaway accident at Bunceton, June 15, 1902, and his widow died March 14, 1919. Both are buried in the Apperson Cemetery. Mrs. York had joined Pisgah Baptist Church in 1849, and at the time of her death was the oldest continuous member of that church, the same having covered the long span of 70 years. Mr. and Mrs. Apperson are members of this church. T. Edgar Hurt, blacksmith and general mechanic, and proprietor of a well equipped shop at Pisgah, is reviving the reputation Pisgah enjoyed as a local center of the mechanical trade back in the pioneer days. The old brick building in which he carries on his operations is one of the landmarks of Cooper County, it having been erected for factory purposes by the pio- neer Jones in 1835, the bricks entering into it having been burned at a kiln just east of the place. Originally the building was a two-story structure, but the top story long ago was removed. The primary use of the building was as a wagon, carriage and plow factory. Mr. Hurt learned his trade at Pleasant Green and operated a shop there until the summer of 1915, when he bought his present shop at Pis- gah, and moved here, where he ever since has been successfully engaged in business. His shop is equipped with a gas engine for motive power, and his mechanical equipment is sufficient to take care of all ordinary calls for repair work and such machine-shop work as is required in an agricultural community. He also carries a good line of supplies. Mr. Hurt was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Feb. 3, 1882, a son of Boone and Melinda (Haley) Hurt, both of whom are living in the Pleasant Green neighborhood. Boone Hurt was born in Clarks Fork town- ship in 1854, and his wife was born near Jamestown, Mo., their respective parents having been pioneers of this section. Boone Hurt is a substantial farmer, and he and his wife are the parents of 10 children, as follows: T. Edgar; Nannie, wife of Homer Brubaker; Eliza, wife of Archibald Powell; Chester, of Pleasant Green; Bessie, wife of Homer Carpenter; Raymond, of Pleasant Green; Ewing, who is now (spring of 1919) with the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1083 American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, and Thelma, Huldah and Lewis, at home. Ewing Hurt, the soldier son, enlisted in the United States Army in September, 1917, and after training was sent to France as a member of Company L, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, and spent six months in France and participated in some of the most desperate engagements of the war, and is still held on foreign service, a part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. T. Edgar Hurt was reared on a farm and received his schooling in the Washington District School. He married when 20 years of age, and for 10 years thereafter continued farming. In the meanwhile, however, he had been cultivating his naturally mechanically-inclined bent, and about six years ago took up the blacksmith trade at Pleasant Green, and was thus engaged at that place until his removal in August, 1915, to Pisgah, where he bought from Clarence Polley the shop he has since been operating. In November, 1917, Mr. Hurt entered upon a contract with Government for the supply of walnut logs for gun stocks, and continued purchasing walnut timber throughout this section of Missouri for more than a year, his con- tract terminating Jan. 1, 1919. During that time he bought for the Gov- ernment around 400 carloads of walnut logs, the average value per car being around $1,000. Mr. Hurt is a republican. In 1902, T. Edgar Hurt was united in marriage to Anna Howard, who was born in this county, and to this union have been four children : Hallene, Helen, Juanita and T. Edgar, Jr. Mrs. Hurt is a daughter of Thomas and Parmelia (Dale) Howard, both of whom were bom in Missouri and are living in North Moniteau township. Thomas Howard was bom near James- town, Mo., and his wife was bora at Carthage. Both the Howards and the Dales are of pioneer stock. Mrs. Howard's father at one time owned a part of the townsite of Joplin. Louis Braun, one of North Moniteau township's progressive farmers, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born at Pisgah, May 18, 1867, son of Peter and Harriet (English) Braun. Peter Braun was born in Ger- many and when 14 years of age came to the United States alone, joining relatives in St. Louis, where he was trained in the trade of wagon-maker. After working there for some time he came to Cooper County, and worked in the old Jones wagon-shop at Pisgah, which he later bought and for some time operated. He died at Pisgah in 1888, and he is buried in the Lutheran Churchyard in Moniteau County. Peter Braun was thrice married. By his first wife, Louisa Kuhle, he was the father of two sons, Edward Braun, of South Moniteau township, and Charles, deceased. The subject of this 1084 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sketch was the only. child born of his marriage to Harriet English. By his later marriage to Rachel Deitzel, he was the father of three children, William T.. North Moniteau ; Frank, Prairie Home ; and Dora, wife of H. W. Williamson, Prairie Home. Louis Braun received his schooling in the schools at Pisgah and at Fail-view School in Moniteau. In 1899, Mr. Braun bought the Fisher farm and has since made his residence there. He has rebuilt the farm house and bams, and has a well improved farm. The place is well watered, and is adapted to live stock raising. Mr. Braun is a member of the Modem Wood- men of America, and his wife is a member of the Chapel Methodist Epis- copal Church in Moniteau County. In 1890, Louis Braun was united in marriage to Carolina Haldiman, of Moniteau County, d?ughter of Jacob and Mary Haldiman, the latter of whom is living at Califoi-nia, Mo. Jacob Haldiman died in 1910, and is buried at California He and hi? wife were the parents of 10 children, those besides Mr. Braun being Mrs. Mary Geiger ; John, deceased ; Mrs. Emma Muri, Godfrey, who is now living in Colorado; Charles, in Okla- homa ; Jacob, Moniteau County ; Joseph, Moniteau County ; Adolph, Kansas City ; and William, California, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Braun have two sons, William and Leslie T., both of whom are now (spring of 1919) in the serv- ice of their country, the former in the army and the latter in the navy. William Braun was born Aug. 30, 1892. June 25, 1918, he enlisted for service in the United States Army, and after training was, in August, 1918, sent to France as a member of Company C, 131st Engineers, with which command he was serving at the front when the armistice was signed, and has since remained in Europe, being retained on foreign service. The younger son, Leslie T. Braun, bom Oct. 13, 1895, enlisted in the navy May 6, 1917. He was trained at the naval station at Norfolk, and after some preliminary coastwise service down as far as Vera Cruz was attached to the destroyer "Alywin," which afterward rendered valiant service in the waters of the English Channel and other European waters, hunting German submarines, and during that service had some most exciting expe- riences, the "Alywin" several times coming in contact with the enemy, and having at least one definite "hit" accredited to its score. The "Alywin" also saw service in the Baltic and the marines on board took part in certain actions in Russia. Charles A. Baughman, of North Moniteau township, is a native of Cooper County, and a descendent of one of the early pioneer families of this section. He was bora on a farm about a mile north of Pisgah, Nov. 6. 1864, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 3085 and is a son of Henry and Anna (Briscoe) (Cole) Baughman. Henry Baugh- man was born near Boonville in 1837, and spent his life in Cooper County, and died in 1913. His wife was born in Palestine township and died at Bunceton, in 1918, at the age of 74 years. Henry Baughman improved the place, which is now owned by Charles A., and resided here for 50 years. Henry Baughman was a son of Jacob Baughman, who was one of the earliest pioneer settlers of North Moniteau township. He was a farmer and spent the remainder of his life in North Moniteau township, after coming to this county. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Parks. They are both now deceased, and their remains are buried on the old Baughman home farm. Of the children born to Henry Baughman and wife the following are living: Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Maggie, the widow of Harve Underwood, Webb City, Mo. ; Patience, married Ben Morris, North Moniteau township; Minnie, married John Morris, Bunceton; Mary, married Rollo Hadley, Glendora, Calif. ; Flora, married Charles Edwards, Kelly township ; and Katie, married George Gilbert, Bunceton. Charles A. Baughman has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life, and has met with success. His farm consists of 180 acres of well improved land, with two good sets of farm buildings. He was married Nov. 18, 1895, to Miss Ella Dill, a daughter of Henry and Angeline (Hick- man) Dill, the former of whom is now deceased, and the mother resides in South Moniteau township. To Mr. and Mrs. Baughman have been born the following children: Luther Wallace, born Aug. 30, 1897; Jesse Claud, born Sept. 23, 1900; and Charles Lloyd, born May 21, 1906. Luther Wallace, the eldest son of Mr. Baughman, has attained a degree of distinction as a specialist in the agricultural world, well worthy of note. He has made a specialty of breeding and developing seed corn, as well as raising some prize corn crops. In 1915, he won the prize for raising the best acre of corn in Cooper County, and also received the second prize in the Boys' Class of the State. His prize acre produced 106 bushels and 10 pounds of corn. He raises corn for seed purposes, which he sells at a good price. He is also a successful poultry raiser, and has the best strain of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens to be found anywhere. His chickens are frequently exhibited at state and county fairs, and they always win the honors. In 1918, he won 29 ribbons with his poultry exhibits. He has won in all 150 ribbons. He has also taken a number of premiums at the State and other fairs for his exhibition of seed corn. Charles A. Baughman is a progressive and public spirited citizen, and 1086 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY takes a keen interest in local affairs, being a special friend and advocate of good schools. He has served as president of the board of Consolidated School District No. 2. The Baughman family is well and favorably known in Cooper County. John Kaiser, a leading citizen and prosperous farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, was born Sept. 19, 1859. He is a son of George and Henrietta (Smith) Kaiser, both natives of Germany, who came to Cooper County with their respective parents. George Kaiser lived about three miles west of Prairie Home, where he spent his life engaged in farm- ing and stock raising. He was a Civil War veteran, having served in Col- onel Pope's regiment, under Captain George. He died in 1903, and his wife departed this life in 1897. They were the parents of the following children : John, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mary Shilp, Otterville, Mo. ; August Charles, who died at the age of 42 ; George, deceased ; Mrs. Minnie Brokamp, Clarks Fork township ; and Lizzie, who died at the age of 10 years. John Kaiser received his education in the public schools, attending school in the Henshaw district. He was reared on a farm and has followed farming and stock raising all his life. He bought his present place of 176 acres from Samuel P. Baughman in 1891. This land was entered from tne Government by Judge Baughman, father of Samuel P. Mr. Kaiser has im- proved the place, rebuilt the residence and erected two large barns, and other buildings, until he has one of the well improved and valuable places of the county. He carries on general farming and stock raising. John Kaiser was united in marriage Jan. 5, 1888, with Carrie Knorp, a daughter of George and Minnie (Schenck) Knorp, natives of Germany. The father was born in 1813, and died July 12, 1886. The mother was born April 26, 1825, and died Jan. 10, 1901. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children : Henry, Pleasant Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Louise Stock, Sedalia ; Charles, Jamestown ; Mrs. Minnie Fricke, Clarks Fork township ; Mrs. Mary Brandes, Clarks Fork township ; Carrie, the wife of John Kaiser, the sub- ject of this sketch ; John, Pleasant Grove ; and Fred, California, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. John Kaiser have been born eight children as follows : John, married Lena Carrie Burlison, Dallas, Texas; Ida, married Delbert York, Cotton, Mo. ; William was inducted into United States Army, July 26, 1918, trained at Camp Funston, Kan., and after the armistice was signed received his discharge, and is now residing at home; Emma, married Harry Timm, and resides near Pisgah ; Lula, resides at home ; George, also served in the United States Army during the World War, having entered the service Oct. 21, 1918, and was trained at Camp Stanley, Texas, has also been HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1087 mustered out of service and is now residing- at home ; Lawrence and Clar- ence, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser have five grandchildren as follows: Wilma Elizabeth; John Burlison; and Doris Marie Kaiser, and Herbert Harrison and Emia Louise Timm. The Kaiser family is well known in Cooper County and rank among its best citizens. Mr. Kaiser has served as a member of the local school board for many years. Luther B. Laws, a leading farmer aand stockman, and a progressive citizen of Prairie Home township, is a native of Missouri. He was born at Glasgow, April 9, 1874, and is a son of Rev. M- L. and Gertrude A. (Taylor) Laws. Rev. M. L. Laws was a native of Accomac County, Va., born Aug. 2, 1842. He was a minister of the Baptist faith, and died May 4, 1882. To Rev. M. L. and Gertrude A. (Taylor) Laws were born two children : Luther B., the subject of this sketch, and Leslie Temple, who resides in Oklahoma. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Gertrude (Taylor) Laws married Rev. B. G. Tutt. He was born near Bunceton, and was a prominent Baptist minister, and for several years was chaplain of the State Prison, Jefferson City. He died at St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City, Aug. 4, 1906, aged 69 years. By a former marriage, Rev. B. G. Tutt was the father of the following children : W. P. ; George E. ; Dr. A. N. ; Henry, deceased ; Anna, married Reverend Stafford and is now deceased, and Dr. J. M., of Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Gertrude A. Tutt, mother of Luther B. Laws, was born at Har- rodsburg, Ky., the daughter of Rev. B. T. Taylor, a native of Henderson County, Ky. He was born March 12, 1823, educated in Kentucky, and was a graduate of Georgetown College. He taught school for a number of years and conducted a boarding school at Columbia, Ky. He was married Dec. 25, 1851, to Mary Bell Alexander. They came to Missouri in the '70s, and Rev- erend Taylor was pastor of the Baptist Church at Columbia, Mo., for sev- eral years, when he bought a farm near Aullville, Mo., and for a time sup- plied the pulpit there and also at Sweet Springs. He also preached in other country churches and later came to Cooper County and bought the farm wbich is now owned by L. T. Yancey. His wife, Mary Bell Alexander, was a native of Harrodsburg, Ky., born Nov. 15, 1830. She was educated at a Presbyterian school conducted by Dr. Montgomery, and was a well educated and highly accomplished woman. She lived to the advanced age of 82 years. Mrs. Gertrude A. Tutt was educated by private tutors and at private schools in Henderson, Ky., and Urbana, Ohio. Luther B. Laws was educated in the public schools in Boonville, and has 1088 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY resided in Prairie Home township on his present place since 1890. His home place consists of 160 acres, and he owns 440 acres in Moniteau and Prairie Home townships. This is one of Cooper County's valuable farms. Mr. Laws is successfully engaged in stock raising, and is also an extensive feeder. , He has bought and sold a number of farms in the vicinity where he lives, and is a successful man of affairs. He is one of Cooper County's self made men and has made good. James T. Jeffress, a member of the directorate of the Fanners Stock Bank of Blackwater, and proprietor of "East View" Farm in LaMine township, this county, is a native son of Cooper County, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Palestine township on June 17, 1859, son of John R. and Isabelle (Lourie) Jeffress, the latter of whom also was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families of the Boonville settlement. John R. Jeffress was born near Huntsville, Ala., Feb. 20, 1830, a son of Richard and Susan (Bruce) Jeffress, Virginians, who in 1840 came to Missouri and settled at Boonville, where John R. Jeffries grew to man- hood, later going to Glasgow, Mo., where he became engaged in the shoe business. For some time he drove stage from Glasgow to Boonville, and during the Civil War managed a threshing crew. He later turned his attention to farming, bought a farm in Pilot Grove township, Cooper County, and on that place spent his last days. He died Nov. 12, 1906. His wife died July 1, 1885. She was born on Feb. 15, 1835. They were the parents of 13 children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being the following: Ann, wife of T. W. Caton, of Blackwater township; Mary F, now living at Boonville, widow of Joseph Barnhardt; Richard, de- ceased; John William, of LaMine township; James T., the subject of this sketch; Sallie E., Washington, D. C, widow of W. H. Cochran; Robert H., of Pilot Grove township; Susan, wife of H. C. Davis, of Boonville: Charles, of Palestine township; Jesse Ross, of Boonville township; and Etson B., of Boonville township. James T. Jeffress was reared on the home farm and received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood. He grew up a practical farmer, and in 1882 bought a farm in Clear Creek township. Two or three years later he sold this farm and bought another, which he also dis- posed of, and in 1890 bought "East View," his present fine farm of 165 acres in LaMine township, where he since has made his home, and where in addition to his extensive farming operations he also has carried on with much success the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs. MR. AND MRS JAMES T JEFFRESS HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1089 For years Mr. Jeffress has been a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Bank of Blackwater, to the affairs of which well known fiancial institution he gives his thoughtful attention. He is a democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, the con- gregation of which Mr. Jeffress has for some time served as a member of the session. Nov. 17, 1881, James T. Jeffress was united in marriage to Amanda Brownfield, who was born in Pilot Grove township, Oct. 20, 1858, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Groves) Brownfield, former well known resi- dents of that township and representatives of pioneer families hereabout. Thomas Brownfield was born near Richmond, Va., Feb. 5, 1818, and died on Feb. 15, 1889. His wife was born in Indiana in 1823, and died on July 25, 1901. To Mr. and Mrs. Jeffress have been born four children, namely: Ivan, a farmer of Blackwater township; Gertrude, wife of J. W. Davis, also of Blackwater township; Grace, wife of G. C. Nunn, of Blackwater township; and James R., of LaMine township. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffress have 14 grand children. Arthur Bodamer, a successful farmer and stockman, who is well known as a breeder of registered Aberdeen Angus cattle, was born in Prairie Home township, April 6, 1896. He is a son of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Kuhn) Bodamer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Arthur Bodamer was reared and educated in Prairie Home township, attending school at Hazel Dell district. He has recently purchased 223 acres of land, which was formerly a part of the Gilbreath place. He is also the owner of 40 acres in another tract, which makes his entire holding 263 acres, and this is one of the valuable farms of Prairie Home township. Mr. Bodamer carries on general farming and stock raising, and for the past two years has given considerable attention to breeding registered Aberdeen Angus cattle, and now has a herd numbering 35 head, headed by "Black Dale," which is considered one of the most valuable Aberdeen Angus animals in the State. Nov. 7, 1917, Arthur Bodamer was united in marriage with Miss Lucile Gilbreath, a daughter of Newton A. and Myra E. (Boswell) Gil- breath. Newton A. Gilbreath was a native of Cooper County, born in Prairie Home township, and spent his entire life in this township. He died in October, 1910, at the age of 75 years, and at the time of his death owned 435 acres of land. He was a son of Hugh Gilbreath, a native of Kentucky, who was a very early Cooper County pioneer. Myra E. (Bos- (53) 1090 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY well) Gilbreath was born in Pleasant Home township, on the farm now owned by Benjamin Meyers, and now resides in Cooper County. Hugh Gilbreath, brother of Mrs. Bodamer, was born Aug. 10, 1890. He was educated at the Bunceton schools and the Missouri Valley College at Marshall, Mo. In October, 1917, he enlisted in U. S. Army and was first sent to Camp Funston, and later to Fort. Sill, Okla., where he was trained, and in May, 1918, he went to France, a member of 130th Field Artillery, 35th Division. He participated in much of the severe fighting during the summer and fall of 1918. He was at the battle of Argonne Forest and other engagements. At the close of the war he was discharged and re- turned to his Cooper County farm. He owns 285 acres known as "Glen- wood Farm." Arthur Bodamer is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 503, Prairie Home, and he and Mrs. Bodamer are members of the Eastern Star. T. J. Burrus & Sons, proprietors of the "Champion Oxford Down Sheep Farm," rank among the leading sheep breeders of the country. They have lived up to the standard of the business motto, "The best is none too good." Purebred sheep from this farm have been among the leading prize win- ners of stock shows and State fairs throughout the country since 1907. They have won prizes at the Missouri State Fair, the Chicago International Stock Show, the Fort Worth (Texas) Fat Stock Show, and the Denver (Colorado) Fat Stock Show. The winnings of the stock from the Cham- pion Oxford Sheep Farm include 21 champion ribbons, 96 first premium ribbons, and 60 second premium ribbons. T. J. Burrus began breeding purebred Oxford sheep in 1899, and made his first exhibit in 1907 at the Missouri State Fair, and has exhibited there every year to the present time. He exhibited at the Chicago International Stock Show in 1918 ; at Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1918 ; and Denver, Colo., in 1918. Among some of his most valuable animals is "Burrus Lady," No. 388, ewe which has won champion ribbons at the Missouri State Fair, and "McKerrow's Bumpton X, 69148," one of the most valuable rams in the country, has been exhibited at 12 different State fairs and won first and champion premiums each time. The Burrus flock of sheep are rich in the strains of J. T. Hobbs, Horlick, Stilgoe, White and Trewerkee, all famous English breeders. Mr. Burrus is also interested in breeding pure- bred Buff Orpington chickens and Mammoth Bronze turkeys, all of which rank high in the poultry world. Mr. Burrus purchased his present farm in 1907, and has added most of the improvements himself. It is one of the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1091 well improved farms of the county, with a good residence and other farm buildings, including a large barn, 50x56 feet. J. T. Burrus is a native son of Cooper County, born on the Lovell farm in Prairie Home township, April 15, 1870. He is a son of John M. and Amanda F. (Lovell) Burrus. J. T. Burrus was educated in the public schools of Prairie Home township and at Pilot Grove. He has been inter- ested in farming and stock raising since boyhood, specializing in sheep raising as above stated, of which he has made a decided success. Mr. Burrus was married Sept. 4, 189t5, in California, Mo., to Miss Alpha McDow, a daughter of J. M. and Kiziar (Kirkpatrick) McDow. both of whom are now deceased. The mother died in 1879, and the father de- parted this life Feb. 24, 1897. They were the parents of the following children: Joe E. Versailles, Mo. ; T. J., Barnett, Mo. ; C. E., Deming, N. M. ; Tolby Alpha, the wife of T. J. Burrus, the subject of this sketch, and Bird, who is now a sergeant in the U. S. Army, stationed at Camp Lewis, Wash. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American War, having served in Cuba and the Philippine Island. He also served in the army in Alaska, and has been in the U. S. Army for the past 25 years. To T. J. Burrus and wife have been born the following children : Ber- nice, married L. B. Morris; John M. ; Porter; Emile; Charles; Mary Mar- garet ; and Joe Mack, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Nicholas John Blank, a well known farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, was born on the place where he now resides, March 28, 1862. He is a son of John Jacob and Margaret (Lanbolt) Blank, both natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father first came to Cooper County in the '40s, and later returned to his native land, where he was married, and after remaining there a few years came to Cooper County again in 1852. He purchased 130 acres of land from Dr. Alexander Apperson, located in North Moniteau and Prairie Home townships. This farm is the present home of Nicholas John Blank. The deed of this farm was recorded Feb. 19, 1852. John Jacob Blank spent the remainder of his life on this place, and died at the age of 76 years. His wife died at the age of 80, and their remains are buried in the Moniteau Evangelical Church Cemetery. When John J. Blank purchased this place there was a log house on it which was built by Dr. Apperson. It has been remodeled and is still standing in a fair state of preservation. It is probably 100 years old. Nicholas John Blank was one of five children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Mrs. Mary Heyssell, North Moniteau town- 1092 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ship ; Mrs. Catherine Wolfram, California, Mo. ; Mrs. Annie Kossman, Cali- fornia, Mo. ; and Mrs. Margaret Bloch, California, Mo. Nicholas J. Blank was reared on the home farm and attended such schools as the neighborhood afforded. His school district is Felder dis- trict, but when he attended school it was known as the "Dirt Dauber School," owing to the fact that it was a log cabin and the cracks between the logs were daubed with mud. The seats were made of split logs, and the building was about 10x20 feet in dimension. Mr. Blank says that the old building was usually pretty well filled with children from the neighbor- hood. He recalls among the early teachers at this school, Squire Elliot, Mrs. Chilton, and a Mr. Bruzan. The old school building stood on the farm now known as the Nelson place. Mr. Blank has followed general farming all his life, and has met with a very satisfactory degree of success. He owns 170 acres of land, which is a fertile and productive farm. The place has a good supply of water, which is procured from a well, and, besides, Pisgah Creek courses its way across the place. Mr. Blank has rented his place for the past year; how- ever, he still makes his home here. Mr. Blank has some interesting relics of bygone days, among which is a walnut log 12 feet long and 2 1/2 feet in diameter, which his father hewed and hollowed out in 1855, and used it for a receptacle, in place of a barrel, in which to pack and cure pork. Mr. Blank still uses this odd and unusual pork barrel for its original purpose. He is one of the substantial citizens of Moniteau township. John William Jeffress, proprietor of a well-improved farm in LaMine township, one of the successful farmers of Cooper County, was born in this county. He was born April 11, 1857, son of John Richard and Eliza- beth (Lourie) Jeffress, of who further mention is made in this volume. Reared on the farm, John W. Jeffress received his schooling in the district schools, and from boyhood has given attention to farming. When a young man he engaged in fanning on his own account. In 1881, he bought a farm in Saline County, and looked after the same until 1887, when he sold the place and for four years operated the home farm on a rental basis. In 1891, he bought the farm on which he is now living, and has here since made his residence. Mr. Jeffress has 300 acres in his home farm, and since coming into possession of the same has made extensive improvements, which are in keeping with his progressive methods of farming. Mr. Jeffries has been successful, and is a stockholder in the JOHN W JEFFRESS, WIFE AND FAMILY HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1093 Bank of Blackwater. He is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after public office. Nov. 19, 1887, John W. Jeffress was united in marriage to Rhoda E. Hazell, and to this union were born three children, Pearl, John and Berny. Mrs. Jeffress also was born in Cooper County, of pioneer parentage, and all her life was spent here. She was born on May 21, 1855, and died on Dec. 19, 1918. Her parents, Edward and Sallie (Yamell) Hazell, were both of pioneer stock in Missouri, the Yarnells having been the fourth settlers in Cooper County. Col. N. D. Patrick, a well known and successful auctioneer of Prairie Home, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born in South Moniteau township, April 12, 1891, and is a son of Benjamin and Emma (Wingate) Patrick, both natives of Missouri, the former born in Howard County, and the latter in Moniteau County. Benjamin Patrick was reared in Howard County, where his father was a large land owner in the early days. He came to Cooper County in 1869, and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in 1899, and his widow now resides at California, Mo. They were were the parents of the following children: Mona, married Rev. T. J. Deakins, Osceola, Mo. ; Martha, married L. F. Overboy, and died Nov. 20, 1918 ; Amanda, married Len Ritchey ; Col. N. D., the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage Benjamin Patrick had one child, C. B. Patrick, who now lives at Elliot Station, Cooper County. Col. N. D. Patrick was reared in Cooper County and educated in public schools at Clarksburg. He began life as a farmer and stock raiser, and at an early age began auctioneering in a local way. In 1917, he took a course in the Kansas City School of Auctioneering and was graduated from that institution, and since that time has devoted practically his entire attention to that work. His field of activity is by no means confined to Cooper County, as he cries sales not only in this county, but in adjoining counties as well, and has won a reputation of being one of the most capable auctioneers in this section of the State. Colonel Patrick was married Feb. 22, 1911, to Miss Beulah Edwards, a daughter of Ryley T. and Margaret Edwards of Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been born two childen, Ryley Dennis and Emma Marguerite. Colonel Patrick has recently moved to Prairie Home, where he pur- chased the place of Dr. H. A. McDonald, and has a pleasant home. He is a progressive young man and one of Cooper County's valued citizens. 1094 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Findlay A. Collins, proprietor of a fine farm adjoining the townsite of Prairie Home, and recognized as one of the most progressive young farmers of that section of Cooper County, was born at Warrensburg, Mo., in 1891, son of Noah Thomas and Mary. Ellen (Miller) Collins, both of whom are living in Lafayette County. Noah Thomas Collins was born in Lafayette County in 1838, a son of Thomas Collins, who had settled there upon coming to Missouri from Kentucky in the early days, and was an extensive land-owner and slave-holder at the time of the breaking out of the Civil War, being the owner of 1,800 acres of land and 100 slaves, a part of his land being the townsite of Higginsville. During the Civil War, Noah Thomas Collins served the cause of the Confederacy under Gen. Sterling Price, and the day before the battle of Lexington was encamped with that command on the Collins farm. This veteran of the Confederacy is still living one mile west of the old home of his father in Lafayette County, he now being 81 years of age. His wife is 62 years of age. Noah Thomas Collins has been twice married, and by his first marriage was the father of three children, Gertrude, wife of Samuel Boone, of Lafayette County ; Robert, deceased ; and Virginia Lee, wife of James E. Weaver, of Coburg, Mont. To his union with Mary Ellen (Miller) Lilleston one child was born, the subject of this sketch. By her prior marriage to William B. Lilleston, Mrs. Collins is the mother of four children, namely : Florence, wife of B. F. Warden, of Higginsville; Lottie M., wife of Edward Blakes- ley, of Lincoln ; Norma, wife of J. R. Brand, of Oil Hill, Kan. ; and William B. Lilleston, of Odessa, Mo. Mrs. Collins also is of pioneer stock, her grandfather Miller having been one of the early settlers of Lafayette County, coming here from Virginia and locating two and one-half miles north of Odessa, where he spent his last days. He was an extensive land- owner and slave-holder and proprietor of a hemp-breaker in the days before the war. Hemp bales taken from his mills and soaked in the waters of the Missouri were used for the construction of breastworks at the time of the battle of Lexington. Mrs. Collins's mother was a daughter of Judge John A. Ryland, one of the foremost figures in the early civic life of Lafay- ette County. Though born at Warrensburg, Johnson county, Findlay A. Collins was reared in Lafayette County, and grew up familiar with the details of farm life. Upon completing the course in the public schools of his home dis- trict he spent three and one-half years as a student at the Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg. He then resumed farming in Lafayette HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1095 County, and was thus engaged for two years, when he engaged in the gro- cery business at Warrensburg. In the spring of 1916 he married, and in September following came to Cooper County, and has since been engaged in farming on his present farm. Besides the 118 acres of his home farm, Mr. Collins is farming 122 acres adjoining, belonging to his father-in-law, C. H. Muri. He feeds two or three carloads of cattle a year. On the Col- lins farm, about 200 yards south of the residence, was the site of the his- toric old Prairie Home College, which had much fame as an educational institution in its day. The Collins residence, an attractive seven-room bungalow, was erected in 1917. The barn, built in 1916, is 36x50 feet, with metal roof and sides, and with a Gothic roof, the first of this type erected in Cooper County, and one of the finest barns in the county. Other buildings and the general equipment of Mr. Collins's farm plant are in keeping. April 22, 1916, Findlay A. Collins was married to Alice Muri, who had been graduated in that same year from the State Normal School at War- rensburg. She was born in Moniteau County, and was graduated from the California High School in 1913, winning second honors of her class. Thus equipped she entered the State Normal School, took the four-years course in three years, and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1916. Mrs. Collins is a daughter of C. H. and Amanda J. (Gentzsch) Muri, both of whom were born in Moniteau County, the former in 1857, and the latter in 1872, and who are now living at Sandy Hook. C. H. Muri is the owner of 380 acres of land in Moniteau County, where he lives, and 120 acres in Prairie Home township, this county. He and his wife have two children, Mrs. Collins having a brother, Homer T. Muri, who is at home assisting in the management of his father's place. Albert Brengarth, of Saline township, is a progressive and successful farmer and stockman, and one of the most extensive land-owners in Cooper County. At 17 he was making his own way, at 19 he was the owner of a team of horses and possessed a stout heart, willing hands, a clear head, and a realizing sence of farm values. At 21, in association with his brother, Frank, he made his first investment in farm lands, he and his brother buying 80 acres in Saline township. That was in 1898. Two years later they sold that place, and in partnership bought 253 acres a mile north of Gooch's Mill. That place Frank Brengarth now owns, hav- ing bought his brother's interest in it in 1914. The brothers in the mean- 1096 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY time had bought and sold other farms and in the rising market had done well. In 1914 Albert Brengarth bought from T. L. Jones the latter's farm of 125 acres, which he sold in 1916, and then bought 225 acres of the place he now owns at the edge of Overton. The next year he bought the bal- ance of the place, 305 acres, and thus has in that tract 530 acres. Not long ago he bought from W. H. Swanstone 465 acres, also in Saline town- ship, the place being better known as the George Conner farm, and is culti- vating and improving them along modern lines, and also carrying on exten- sive live stock operation. Since taking possession of his place, just at the east side of Overton in 1916, Mr. Brengarth has improved it greatly, and is developing there one of th emost up-to-date farms in Cooper County. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Woodmen's Circle at Gooch's Mill. Mr. Brengarth is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Prairie Home township, May 2, 1877, son of Frank I. and Catherine (Schneider) Brengarth, the latter of whom is living at Boonville. Mrs. Brengarth was born in Germany, and was but a child when she came to this county with her parents, the family locating in this part of Missouri, and it was here that she married Frank I. Brengarth, who had come to America when a young man, and also had settled in this county. Frank I. Brengarth was born in Alsace-Lorraine, then a province of France, in 1831. There he remained until he had attained his majority, when, about 1852, he came to this country. For several years after coming to Cooper County, he worked by the month on the Edmond Elliott farm near Boon- ville, later buying a farm in Prairie Home township. On that place he lived until his retirement from the farm in 1904, when he sold the place and moved to Boonville, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Oct. 25, 1917. His widow is still living. Mr. Brengarth was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Boonville. To Frank I. and Catherine (Schneider) Brengarth were born 12 chil- dren, all of whom are still living, namely : Catherine, wife of J. B. Felton, of Boonville; Frank, is a well-to-do farmer and stockman in Saline town- ship ; Anna, wife of Charles Tritzell, of Jefferson City ; Taritha, wife of Wil- liam Walterscheid, of Boonville township; Albert, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, wife of David Diehl, of Boonville ; Philip, now living in Kan- sas City ; Margaret, who is living with her brother Frank in Saline town- ship ; Rose, wife of E. A. Bacon, of St. Louis ; Henry, who is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe ; Augusta, who is living at Boon- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1097 ville ; and John, who is with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Henry Brengarth, the elder of the two soldier sons, has been in the service of the United' States Army since May, 1918; was at the front at the time the armistice was signed, and is now (spring of 1919) with the Army of Occupation at Coblenz, attached to the 89th Pioneer Infantry Regiment. John Brengarth, the other soldier son, enlisted for service in the World War in November, 1917, and has now (spring of 1919) been in France for more than 18 months, attached to the Aviation Corps, a member of the 222nd Aero Squadron, and during this long period of service has been a participant in some exceedingly spectacular and thrilling actions. The Brengarth children received their schooling in the New Salem School in Prairie Home township, and though the members of the family are now widely scattered, as is the way of families, that community ever will be regarded by them as "back home." Ernest H. Ambrose, proprietor of the "Ambrose Missouri River Val- ley Farm," at the north edge of the town of Overton in Saline township, and recognized as one of the most progressive and energetic young farmers of that section of Cooper County, is a native of this county. He was born Oct. 15, 1881, son of J. T. and Elizabeth (Bell) Ambrose. J. T. Ambrose was born in Howard County in 1845, and though but 16 years of age when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Boonville in the cause of the Con- federacy as a member of Company B, 14th Infantry, and served for three years, or until the close of the war, and was at Shreveport, La., with the army when the war ended. Mr. Ambrose then engaged in farming, and so continued the rest of his active life. He died in March, 1916, he then being 71 years of age, and is buried in the Sulphur Springs Churchyard in Howard County. His widow is still living, a resident of Lloyd Station. She and her husband were the parents of five children, all of whom are still living: Margaret, wife of Daniel Stewart, of Columbia, Mo.; Thomas, near Rochef ort, Boone County ; Ernest H. ; Fannie, wife of Edgar McVee, near Pierson Spur in Howard County; and Grover M., who is living with his mother at Lloyd Station. Ernest H. Ambrose has always followed fanning pursuits. He re- ceived his schooling in the public schools, and early began farming on his own account. In the spring of 1913 he bought 100 acres of the farm on which he is now living, just north of Overton, and since then has added to this by purchase from Mont Cooper of an adjoining strip of eight acres, having now 108 acres, as rich a tract of land as lies in the whole Missouri 1098 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Valley. During the past few years, Mr. Ambrose has made some very sub- stantial improvements on his place. Included in these improvements is a modern ne wseven-room house, a barn 30x48 feet, a machine shed 20x50, a garage, an up-to-date poultry house in which Mrs. Ambrose has 300 Plymouth Rock chickens. The farm has an excellent orchard of 50 or more trees. During the current year (1919) Mr. Ambrose had raised 15 acres of alfalfa, 35 acres of wheat, one acre of potatoes and the balance in corn. Nov. 20, 1907, Ei-nest H. Ambrose was married to Bessie Groom, who was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, Hazel and George. Mrs. Ambrose is a daughter of Colby C. and Emma (Kickashear) Groom, the latter of whom, born in Cooper County in 1864, is still living on the Groom home farm a mile and a half east of Overton. Colby C. Groom was born in Virginia and came to Cooper County when 23 years of age. Here he married and became engaged in farming, a voca- tion which he followed the rest of his life. He died in 1913, and is buried in the Clayton Cemetery. To him and his wife were born four children, Mrs. Ambrose having three brothers, Hurt, Clay and Colby Groom, all residing at Overton. Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose are members of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and both are teachers in the Sunday School of that church. Mr. Ambrose also gives his thoughtful attention to local educational matters, and has served as director of the Overton School District. John Emil Derendinger, a substantial farmer of Prairie Home town- ship, was born in Switzerland, March 2, 1864, son of Rudolph and Louisa (Bucher) Derendinger, both natives of that same country, who came to America in 1887 and spent their their last days in Cooper County. Rudolph Derendinger and his wife first located in Moniteau County, but about five years later moved to Prairie Home township, this county, with their son Fred, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Derendinger died in 1913, and his wife in 1915. They were members of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, and are buried in the cemetery there. Of the seven children born to them, John Emil was the eldest, the others being: E. F. Derendinger, deceased ; Mrs. Louisa Hosman, also deceased ; Rudolph, of Sandy Hook ; Eliza, wife of Louis Hersick, Hamburg, Germany ; and J. F., Gooch's Mill. J. E. Derendinger came to this country in 1881 and in 1887 he sent for his parents and the younger members of the family to join him here HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1099 in Missouri, and in the summer of that same year he married. In 1888 he bought 200 acres of the farm on which he is now living in Prairie Home township,, established his home there and has ever since resided there. In 1916 Mr. Derendinger added to his acreage there by the purchase of 120 acres, and now has an excellent farm of 320 acres, in the management of which he is ably assisted by his second son, Louis Derendinger, who is married and makes his home in a house nearby the family residence. Since taking possession of that farm Mr. Derendinger has made numerous substantial improvements on the place. August 12, 1887, John E. Derendinger was married to Wilhelmina Schilb, who was born in this county, and to this union five children have been bom: Margaret, wife of Waller Neiderwimmer, of Sedalia; E. F. married Laura Friederich, now living at Kansas City ; Louis, married Nannie Friederich, and is living on the home farm, assisting his father; J. C, engaged in the mercantile business at Gooch's Mill, and Meta Bertha, at home with her parents. J. C. Derendinger married Bertha Reglin, who died leaving two children, Cecil R. and Marjorie Elene, who are being reared by their grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Derendinger have three other grandchildren, Herbert and Harold Neiderwimmer and William Deren- dinger. Mrs. Derendinger was born in Saline township, Oct. 15, 1864, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Kesseling) Schilb, who had settled there in 1847 and there spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Shilb died in 1894, and her husband died in 1908. They were charter members of the Pleasant Grove Evangelical Church, and are buried in the churchyard there. Mr. and Mrs. Derendinger are members of this church and have reared their children in the faith of the church. St. Peter's Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove was the first church organized by the German-speaking people of Cooper County, and was or- ganized in 1849 under the ministry of the Reverend Kewing, who for some time remainded as pastor, being succeeded in turn by the following pas- tors: The Reverends Rauschenbusch, Hoffmeister, Lange, Streit, Von Teobel, Dellwo, Kraft, Woelfle, Moore, Leutwein, Klingebei'ger, Alber, Egger, Rasche, Jennerich, Lehman, Bredehoeft, Leibner and Beisenherc, the latter of whom was installed as pastor in the fall of 1917, and is now serving the congregation. The first meeting house erected by the congrega- tion of St. Peter's was a little log church building. The present building was erected in 1877. The charter members of St. Peter's Evangelical Church were the following: Adam and Jacob Schilb, Nicholas Blank, George 1100 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Knorp, Fred Stock, J. A. Spieler, J. G. Spieler, William Baker, F. Schenck, T. Miller, E. Kirschman, Jacob Schilb, Jr., Henry Meier, H. J. Meier, A. Kaempfer and William Hobrecht. Henry Knosp, proprietor of "Hazel Grove Farm," in Saline township, one of the most substantial farmers of that section of Cooper Count, is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm two and one-half miles east of Prairie Home, Feb. 12, 1853, son of George and Minnie (Schenck) Knosp, both of whom spent their last days on that place. George Knosp, who lived to be nearly 84 years of age, was born in Germany, and was but a child when he came to this country with his parents, the family settling in Cole Count, Mo., in the '30s. He came to Cooper County some time in the '40s, was here married, established his home, and spent the rest of his life here. He was one of the organizers of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, and is buried in the cemetery there, as is his wife, who lived to be 75 years of age. They were the parents of eight children, those besides the subject of this sketch being as follows Louise, wife of J. H. Stock, of Sedalia; Charles, of Jamestown, Mo. ; Minnie, Clarks Fork township, widow of William Fricke ; Mary, wife of Theodore Brandes, also of Clarks Fork township ; Caroline, wife of John Kaiser, of North Moniteau township; John, living on the old home place; and Fred, of Calfomia, Mo. Henry Knosp received his schooling in the Splice Creek School, his first teacher having been Bartlett Metcalf , who taught in the little log school house. Mr. Knosp has devoted his attention to farming. In 1883, he bought from the Haxel heirs the quarter section, and has since resided on that place, bringing the place up to a state of improvement second to none in the neighborhood. For that tract of 160 acres he paid about $24 an acre. As his affairs prospered, Mr. Knosp bought from William Oerly an adjoining 120 acres, but this he recently has sold to his son, who lives on the place. All the improvements on the farm have been made by Mr. Knosp. For years he was engaged in the raising of Whiteface cattle, but of late years has not done so much in that line, though he still maintains a excellent drove of Duroc Jersey hogs, all eligible to register. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church at Pleasant Grove. Feb. 16, 1882, Henry Knosp was united in marriage to Sophia Fred- ericka Lonjers, at Lone Elm, by the Rev. J. H. Thiess, and to this union 10 children have been born, namely : Albert, born April 5, 1883, died in the fall of 1902 ; Anna B., Sept. 17. 1885, wife of Charles Langer, of Moniteau County; Minnie, Jan. 15, 1886, wife of Louis Dahler, of California, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1101 Mo. : Henry, April 2, 1887, of Prairie Home township ; Fred, Jan. 12, 1859, died Nov. 3/ 1907; Cora, August, 1891, who died at the age of 13 months; Oliver, July 28, 1893, died Dec. 4, 1918; Lydia, Nov. 25, 1896, at home; George, Feb. 26, 1898, also at home, and Herbert, May 24, 1900, at home. Mrs. Knosp was born on a farm near Lone Elm, in Clarks Fork township, daughter of Maurine and Johanna (Brandes) Lonjers, both of whom spent their last days in this county. Maurine Lonjers was born in Holland, and many years ago settled in the Lone Elm neighborhood, where he died Sept. 28, 1914. She was bom in 1838. After the death of her first hus- band she married Louis Lebbing and had two children, Theodore Lebbing, now a merchant at Clarks Fork, and a daughter who died in infancy. By her marriage to Maurine Lonjers she was the mother of 10 children, of whom Mrs. Knosp was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follows: Henry Lonjers, Stockton, Calif.; Louise, wife of Daniel Langkop, Bunceton ; Christian, Colorado ; Herman, who married Lizzie Kluss and died in 1911 in Clarks Fork, leaving a widow and two sons, Emil and Wil- liam ; Charles, who died in California at the age of 28 years ; Bettie, whs died at the age of 19 years; Caroline, wife of William Hein, of Appleton City, Mo. ; Margaret, who died at the age of 14 years, and William, who died in youth. Henry H. Knosp, proprietor of a fine farm of 120 acres three and one- half miles from Wooldridge in Saline township, was born at "Hazel Grove Farm," April 2, 1887, son of Henry and Sophia Fredericka (Lonjers) Knosp, both members of pioneer families in this section, and both of whom are still living at "Hazel Grove Farm." Reared at "Hazel Grove Farm," Henry H. Knosp received his early schooling in the church school at Pleasant Grove, and in the Liberty dis- trict school. He has applied himself to farming, remaining at home until his marriage when 23 years of age, when he began farming on his own account in Moniteau County. Three years later, in 1914, he bought from his father, 120 acres, and has since resided there. Mr. Knosp has made substantial improvements and is contemplating more. Among the im- provements is a modern poultry house, 14x36, Mrs. Knosp being much interested in her fine flock of more than 200 Rhode Island Reds. Mr. Knosp raises Duroc Jersey hogs and is meeting with success. He and his family are members of the Pleasant Grove Lutheran Church. March 12, 1911, Henry H. Knosp was married to Mollie Lenger, whom he had known from childhood, and to this union three children have been born, Florence, Harry and Pauline. Mrs. Knosp was bora over in Moni- 1102 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY teau County, April 18, 1884, daughters of Charles and Minnie (Hampster) Lenger, natives of Germany, both of whom are living on the farm in Moniteau County, where they have resided for more than 40 years, Mr. Lenger now being 88 years of age and his wife 77. Charles Lenger and his wife have five children, those besides Mrs. Knosp being: Sophia, wife of William Gross, a woodworker living at California, Mo. ; Matilda, wife of William Kieslig, also of California; Charles, Jr., who married Anna Knosp, operating his father's farm, and Fred, who married Nettie Graff, and is also on the home farm. D. D. Hurt, a well known and successful farmer of Clarks Fork town- ship, was born in this township March 25, 1879. He is a son of A. C. and Celesta A. (Holestein) Hurt, natives of Cooper County and descendents of early pioneers in this section. A. C. Hurt and his wife spent their lives in Clarks Fork township. He was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, and was with the army at Shreveport, La., when the war closed. A. C. and Celesta A. (Holestein) Hurt were the parents of the following chil- dren: B. F., Bunceton; J. A., North Moniteau township; William A., Clarks Fork township; D. D. the subject of this sketch, and 0. F., Blackwater. D. D. Hurt was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, and received his education in the Ellis School District. He has been a fanner and stockman all his life. He purchased 80 acres of his present farm in 1905, and since that time has added 40 acres. He has a well improved place with good residence and other buildings. The farm is located on the Bunceton-Pisgah road in the southern part of Clarks Fork township, and is valuable property. Mr. Hurt carries on general farming and stock raising, and has been very successful. May 20, 1900, D. D, Hurt was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Jones, a daughter of B. L. Jones, of Pisgah. Her mother is deceased. Mrs. Hurt is one of the following children born to her parents: J. T., Pisgah ; Myrtle, wife of D. D. Hurt; L. T., Prairie Home; Mrs. R. W. Lacy, Prairie Home ; Mrs. A. L. Lewis, Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Ben Harned, who resides on the home place at Pisgah. To D. D. Hurt and wife has been born three children, as follows: Opal, died when 14 years of age ; David, born Sept. 30, 1903 ; and Louis, born Sept. 26, 1908. Mr. Hurt is a member of the school board of Consolidate District No. 1, and takes a commendable interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Mystic Workers at Pisgah, and he and Mrs. Hurt belong to the Baptist HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1103 Church at that place. Mr. Hurt is a congenial man, a good neighbor and citizen, and has many friends in Cooper County. George Truman Cole, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, was born in this township, Oct. 2, 1875, and is a descend- ent of one of the first families that settled in Cooper County. He is a son of Andrew B. and Mary J. (Hickox) Cole. Andrew B. Cole was born at Bell Air, Cooper County, in 1827. He was a son of Samuel, who was a son of Hannah Cole, who, with the Stephens family, were the first settlers in Cooper County. Samuel Cole lived to the advanced age of 92 years, and died near Bell Air, and his remains are buried at the Nebo Church Cemetery. Andrew B. Cole made three trips across the Plains to Cali- fornia in the early days. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and an influential citizen. He died in 1913, and his wife departed this life in 1917, and their remains are buried in the Pisgah Cemetery. They were the parents of three children as follows: Edward, Prairie Home township; George Truman, the subject of this sketch; and Warren, who died at the age of two years. By a former marriage to Rebecca Ann Boughman there were three children born: W. H., North Moniteau township; Mollie, mar- ried J. 0. Morris, North Moniteau township; and Clara, who died at the age of 20 years. George Truman Cole traces his ancestry in this country back for 300 years, to the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Thomas Clark, who was a passenger on the Mayflower, was a direct ancestor of George Truman Cole, on his mother's side. Mary J. Hickox, mother of George Truman Cole, was a daughter of Charles and Mara (Hill) Hickox, the latter being a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 4, 1804. Hon. H. L. Meyers, U. S. senator from Montana, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, is a second cousin of Mary J. (Hickox) Cole. George Truman Cole was reared and educated in Cooper County, and has spent his life here, engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns a well improved farm of 200 acres in Prairie Home township, where he is successfully carrying on farming and stock raising. Mr. Cole was mar- ried Nov. 25, 1897, to Miss Ida Tumy, a daughter of James and Bettie (Hall) Tumy, the former a native of Boone County, born in 1857, and the latter a native of Cooper County, born in 1862. They now reside at Bunce- ton. To James and Sallie (Hall) Tumy have been born the following chil- dren: Ida, wife of George Truman Cole, the subject of this sketch; Robert, Bunceton; Gracia, married Leonard Holliday, Bunceton; William, Bunce- ton, who served with the 42d Infantry, Rainbow Division, in France during 1104 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY the World War ; Mary, married Edgar Byler, Dinuba, Calif. ; Porter, a book- keeper in the Bank of Bunceton. To George Truman Cole and wife have been born the following children: Lena Leota, a graduate of the Pisgah High School, who has also attended the State Normal School at Warrens- burg, is a teacher in the Jefferson district ; Claude ; James ; Mary Arostine and Martha Pauline, twins ; Warren Gregory, and Clara Booksie. Henry H. Tumy, grand father of Mrs. Cole was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri when a young man, locating at Rocheport. He was a saddler, and for 50 years conducted business in that town, but for the last few years of his life he lived retired. He died at the age of 78 years, and is buried in the Rocheport Cemetery. He was the father of the fol- lowing children: John. Fayette, Mo.; James, Bunceton; Frank, Columbia, Mo.; Henry, Fayette, Mo.; Mrs. Laura Meyers, Fayette; Mrs. Debroh Robertson; Mrs. M. T. Lyell, Crawfordsville, Ind., and Mrs. Hiriam Bur- rous, Crawfordsville, Ind. Mr. Cole is one of Cooper County's representative and progressive cit- izens and stands ever ready to contribute his part to any worthy public enterprise. William Lynn Spahr, a well known and successful farmer and stock- man of Kelly township, was born in Boonville, Nov. 3, 1890. He is a son of William Lynn and Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr, the former also a native of Cooper Count, where he spent his life, and died April 17, 1896. The mother was born near Otterville, Mo., and died Aug. 22, 1914. Wil- liam Lynn Spahr, the father, was engaged in the undertaking business at Boonville, the greater part of his life. To William Lynn and Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr were born the following children: Lawrence, a farmer in Kelly township ; William L., the subject of this sketch ; and David, Tulsa, Okla. William L. Spahr was educated in the district schools of Cooper County and the Bunceton High School. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising since boyhood. He purchased his present place in Kelly township from Frank Smith in 1912. His farm consists of 80 acres of well improved land, located three miles southwest of Bunceton. He has a pretty home and the other improvements on the place are of a cor- responding high type. He feeds cattle quite extensively, and has met with success in this line of endeavor. Mr. Spahr was married in 1911 to Miss Anna Lee Palmer, a daughter of James and Ella (Collins) Palmer, both now residing in Lebanon town- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1105 ship. To James and Ella (Collins) Palmer have been born the following children besides Mrs. Spahr: Clarence, Sedalia; Henry, Bunceton; Rus- sell, Bunceton ; Mrs. Kate Schlotzhauer ; Mrs. Mattie Cole, Otterville ; and Frank Lillian, Louise, Pauline, Stanley and Jack, residing at home with their parents. Mr. Spahr is one of Cooper County's substantial representative citi- zens, and he and Mrs. Spahr stand high in the community. Lawrence Spahr, owner of the "Cedar Lawn Farm" in Kelly township, is one of the progressive young farmers and stockmen of Cooper County, and belongs to a prominent pioneer family of this section. He was born July 22, 1888, and is a son of William L. and Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr, both natives of Cooper County. The father was engaged in the under- taking business at Boonville most of his life, and is now deceased. The mother, Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr, was a daughter of J. D. Stark, who for many years was prominently identified with Cooper County and Mis- souri in a political way. He served as county collector of Cooper County, and was also county judge. He represented Cooper County in the Legis- lature for a time, and was warden of the State Penitentiary during the administration of Gov. Stephens. About that time he bought a farm in Kelly township, which is now owned by Lawrence Spahr. While her father was warden of the State Penitentiary, Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spain was matron of that institution. At the expiration of her term she re- turned to Cooper County and lived on the farm in Kelly township, which her father had purchased. At that time she was a widow, her husband having died in 1896. She successfully managed the operation of the farm in Kelly township, and reared her family. She was a capable business woman, and successfully carried out her undertakings. She died Aug. 22, 1914. Lawrence Spahr now owns the place in Kelly township which was owned by his grandfather Stark. It is one of the valuable farms of the county, and' is one of the old historic places of that neighborhood. It was originally entered from the Government by W. T. Reavis at a cost of $1.25 per acre in 1850, and was later owned by Dick Reavis, who made many improvements out of the ordinary for the early times. He planted an orchard of 40 acres and later doubled the acreage of his orchard. He manufactured apple brandy here for a time. He also set out two rows of cedar trees along the driveway, between the main highway and the resi- dence, which greatly add to the beauty of the place. The farm now con- 1106 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY sists of 185 acres, and here Mr. Spahr successfully carries on general farm- ing and stock raising. He feeds cattle extensively, a branch of animal husbandry which has proven very profitable to him. Mr. Spahr was married June 5, 1912, to Miss Grace Gander, a daughter of John and Annie (Presgraves) Gander, of Lebanon township. Mrs. Spahr is one of the following children bom to her parents : Grace, wife of Lawrence Spahr, the subject of this sketch; Virgil, leaves near Vermont Station; Ollie, resides at home; Aubrey, lives near Vermont Station; and Elon, lives near Vermont Station. To Mr. and Mi's. Spahr have been born two children : Jack Stark and Annie Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Spahr are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are representatives of Cooper County's most progressive and enter- prising citizens. H. C. Biltz, a successful farmer of Kelly township, is a native of Illi- nois. He was born in Summerfield, St. Clair County, 111., Aug. 1, 1867, a son of Jacob and Dora Biltz, both now deceased. Jacob Biltz was a native of Germany, and took part in the German Revolution in 1848, and on ac- count of his participation in that uprising against the Government fled from that country in company with Frederick Hecker, who was also impli- cated in the revolution against the German Government, and during the Civil War became a colonel in the Union Army. H. C. Biltz first came to Boonville in the capacity of an apple buyer. He and his brother, Philip, were in the commission business at St. Louis, and his brother is still engaged in the same business there. For a num- ber of years, H. C. Biltz has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Kelly township, where he owns one of the valuable, well improved farms of Cooper County. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and has met with well merited success in his undertakings. March 9, 1892, H. C. Biltz was united in marriage with Miss Guita A. Levens, at St. Louis, Mo. After their marriage they lived in Omaha, Neb., for a short time, and in 1893 came to Cooper County, where Mr. Biltz has since been engaged in farming. Mrs. Biltz is a daughter of B. W. Levens, a native of Cooper County, who was born on the site of the present town of Bunceton, Feb. 25, 1841. He was a son of Basil W. Levens, a native of Washington County. Pa., bom in 1791. Basil W. Levens came to Randolph County, 111., with his parents at a very early date. His father was a slave-owner, and owing to the sentiment against slavery in Illinois, he came to Missouri by boat, taking his slaves with him, and set- tled at Overton, Mo. He operated the ferry across the river for a number HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1107 of years, and was later engaged in farming. He married Rhoda Stephens here in 1818. He spent his latter years on a farm about two miles east of Bunceton, where he died in 1844, and his wife died in 1876. B. W. Levens, father of Mrs. H. C. Biltz, was a Confederate veteran. He was married Feb. 25, 1864, to Mary E. Reavis, who died Jan. 8, 1911. Two children were born to this union : Dr. W. B. Levens, Creighton, Mo., and Guita, the wife of H. C. Biltz, the subject of this sketch. To H. C. Biltz and wife have been born two children: Rolla L. and Hilda Marie, the latter a student in the Bunceton High School. Rolla L. Biltz served in the World War, and is now residing at home with his parents. He enlisted in March, 1917, and after being trained at Ft. Sill, Okla., was sent to France in April, 1918, with the 144th Infantry, 35th Division. He participated in the severe fighting of the summer and fall of 1918. He was at the battle of Argone Forest, and St. Mihiel. He was wounded three times, twice in the arm, and once in the side, and he was also severely gassed, and was returned to the United States as a member of a casualty company. Mrs. Biltz has won a reputation as a successful poultry raiser which has extended far beyond the limits of Cooper County. She won the first premium at the Missouri State Poultry Show in 1912, and also at the Springfield Poultry Show for the largest turkey in the world, which weighed 60 pounds. This was a mammoth Bronze turkey, and at that time Mrs. Biltz was raising that breed of turkeys. This turkey was afterwards sold for $150.00. Mr. and Mrs. Biltz are well known in Cooper County and rank among the leading families of this section. Samuel Holbert Groves, proprietor of the "Locust Grove Farm, Home of the Cotswold," is recognized as one of the leading breeders in the coun- try. Mr. Groves is a native of Cooper County. He was born near Bell Air, June 13, 1864, and is a son of W. T. and Margaret (Cole) Groves. The mother was a daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Bristoe) Cole. Samuel Cole was a son of Stephen Cole, who was one of the first settlers of Cooper County, who lived at Cole's Fort, the first settlement of this county. W. T. Groves was a native of Fauquier County, Va., born Aug. 2, 1828, and came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1850, when he was 22 years old. He died here July 2, 1911, and his wife died in 1867. They were the parents of the following children: J. O., who resides in Kelly township; Samuel H, the subject of this sketch ; Thomas, Moniteau County. After the death of his first wife, W. T. Groves married Anna Morton. She died in 1917. 1108 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY The following children were born to the second marriage: John, Tipton, Mo. ; Clara, married Robert McCulloch, Jefferson City, Mo. ; Cora, married M. A. Worley, Tipton, Mo.; Addie, married 0. P. Worley, Tipton, Mo.; Oscar, enlisted when the United States entered the World War, and was sent to France in the spring of 1918, and is still serving with the Ameri- can Expeditionary Force there. Samuel H. Groves was educated in the public schools and in Prof. Don- nelly's school at Bunceton. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising, and for a number of years has made a specialty in breeding Cotswold sheep. He brought the first imported sheep of this breed that was ever brought to Cooper County, and has bred several hundred sheep of this breed all eligible to registration. His sheep have been exhibited at numerous fairs and stock shows throughout the country, and he perhaps has won over 300 premiums. His imported ram, Games 37, which heads his flock, is one of the most valuable sheep in this country. He now has a herd of 42 pure-bred Cotswold sheep on his place. Mr. Groves has been superintendent of the sheep department of the Missouri State Fair for several years, and holds that position for the year 1919. For five years he was president of the Missouri State Sheep Breeders' Association, and takes an active interest in this line of work. He was one of the organ- izers of the Bunceton Fair, 23 years ago. This is one of the successful fairs of the State. Mr. Groves is not only a successful farmer and breeder, but is known throughout a broad scope of territory as a successful auc- tioneer. He makes a specialty of conducting sheep sales, in which he is regarded as an expert. The sheep growers of the State have found in Mr. Groves an exceptional auctioneer in handling their particular line of sales, and the demand upon his time for this work is very great. He has conducted sheep sales for eight years. Mr. Groves was married Dec. 22, 1887, to Miss Anna Bear, a daugh- ter of J. H. and Mary (Morris) Bear. J. H. Bear is a native of Kentucky, and came to Cooper County when a young man. He was born Dec. 22, 1835, and makes his home with his children. His wife was born in St. Clair County. Mo., and died Feb. 12, 1914, at the age of G8 years. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. J. O. Groves, Tipton, Mo. ; Anna, the wife of Samuel H. Groves, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mary Davis, Otterville, Mo.: Mrs. A. J. White, Tipton, Mo.; Mrs. F. M. Shrout, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. R. H. Franks, Thomasville, Mo. ; Alfred S., Oknee, Okla. ; Hugh M., Colorado ; George, a teacher, who is now taking a special course at the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. He enlisted HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1109 at the beginning of the World War and attended an officers' training school, where he was commissioned a lieutenant and was sent to France in the spring of 1918, and returned to the United States, March 5, 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Groves have been born the following children: Edgar E., a locomotive engineer on the Rock Island Railroad, married Bessie Monks, of Cooper County, and they have two children, Gladys and Anna Mar- guerite; and Morris C, of Bayfield, Colo., married Lydia Doll, of Cooper County, and they have one daughter, Edna Frances. Mr. Groves is one of Cooper County's most highly respected and sub- stantial citizens. George Reynolds, a highly respected pioneer of Cooper County, resid- ing in Kelly township, is a native of West Virginia. He was born in Brooks County, May 8, 1847, a son of Josephus and Margaret (Umphrey) Reynolds, both natives of Ohio, born near Steubenville. The mother died in 1897, the father having died in 1870, in Johnson County, Mo. He came to Cooper County in 1867, and settled near Nebo, Cooper County. Josephus and Margaret (Umphrey) Reynolds were the parents of the following children: Samuel, who resides at Boonville, and George, the subject of this sketch, were twins ; Frank, lives in Boonville ; William F., died in 1898, near Blackwater ; Robert Scott, died in infancy ; Joshua, the eldest of the fam- ily, was killed at Hatches Run, Va., while serving in the Union Army dur- ing the Civil War. George Reynolds has lived in Cooper County for 52 years with the exception of 1881 and 1882, when he resided in Vernon County. He bought his present home in Kelly township in 1887. His farm consists of 120 acres, which is nicely located and makes a pleasant home. His residence is located on an eminence which gives a commanding view of the surround- ing country, and under proper atmospheric condition a splendid view of 20 miles to the northwest can be had from this place. George Reynolds was married in 1872 to Miss Sarah Gallagher, a daughter of Charles and Susan Gallagher, who were early settlers in Mon- iteau County, coming from Virginia. To this union were born the follow- ing children: Dr. William H., who resides in Pettis County, married Minnie Kahrs, and they have two children, Delia May and William K. ; Cora May, married J. J. Baxter, Rockyford, Colo., and they have four children, Gus- sie, Arthur N., Walter H., and Willa S. Mrs. Reynolds died Feb. 6, 1901, and her remains are buried in Hopewell Cemetery. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bell Air. He is an intelli- gent and well posted gentleman and one of Cooper County's best citizens. 1110 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Joseph O. Nelson, a progressive citizen and well known farmer of Kelly township, was born in Texas, Aug. 6, 1867. He is a son of Decatur and Isabella (Stephens) Nelson. Decatur Nelson was born in Virginia, Dec. 12, 1831, and died in Cooper County, Nov. 10, 1903. He came to Cooper County with his parents when he was nine years of age. When the Civil War broke out he went to Texas and entered the Confederate Army there, and served nearly four years until the war closed. Isabella (Stephens) Nelson was a member of a Cooper County pioneer family. She was born on the site of the present town of Bunceton long before Bunceton was thought of. She was a daughter of Joseph Stephens, Sr., a native of Wythe County, Va., who settled in the locality where Bunceton now stands in November, 1817. Isabella (Stephens) Nelson died in 1886. She was one of 24 children born of two unions who all lived to man and womanhood, except three, who died in infancy. Her mother being Miss Catherine Dickenson ; nine children belong to that union. To Decatur and Isabella (Stephens) Nelson were bom two children: Mrs. Mollie C. Francis, who now resides in Texas and Joseph O., the subject of this sketch. Joseph 0. Nelson was educated in the public schools at Glen Dale, Clarksburg College, and Otterville College, and since leaving school has been engaged in farming. He has lived on the place which he now owns in Kelly township for 30 years. He first purchased 42 J 4 acres and later added 90 acres more. His farm is located five miles south of Bunceton. It is well improved, with a good residence, new barn and other improve- ments of a high order. The water supply for the place is obtained from a well 110 feet deep, and is pumped by a gas engine. Mr. Nelson was first married in April, 1887, to Miss Ida May Tilton, a daughter of Samuel Tilton, of Tipton, Mo. One son was born to this union, Newton, who lives at Tipton. Mrs. Nelson died in 1888. April 22, 1890, Mr. Nelson was married to Alice C. Kelly, a daughter of John and Nancy Kelly. John Kelly who was a native of Ireland was a railroad man and worked on the construction of the Missouri Pacific railroad through Tipton and also M. K. & T. through Clifton City. He died in Kansas City. July 9, 1906. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Jones, died in 1872, when Mrs. Nelson was about two years of age. Mrs. Nelson was reared by her grandparents, Samuel and Susan Jones, who resided near Otterville. Samuel Jones was a native of Kentucky, born Nov. 3, 1826, and came to Missouri about 1835, settling near Otterville HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1111 where he kept the postoffice which was Elkton in the forties before Otter- ville was founded. His wife was born in Page County, Va., in 1832, and died in July, 1893. Mrs. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, Otterville College and the Pilot Grove College. She was a student at the latter institution in 1883 when W. F. Johnson, the editor of this work, was a teacher there. To Joseph 0. Nelson and wife have been born five children as fol- lows: Isabella, born March 1, 1891, was educated in Bunceton High School, Missouri State University, The Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111., and is now a teacher at the Laura Speed Elliot High School, Boonville; Richard Truman, born Nov. 27, 1897, resides at home; Ernest Decatur, born March 3, 1900; Edgar Eurico, born Feb. 6, 1902; Armstead Mason, born Aug. 26, 1910. The Nelsons are one of the well known and representative families of Cooper County and Mr. Nelson is a progressive and public spirited citizen. He is a cousin of Hon. W. L. Nelson, United States Congressman from the Eighth Missouri District and of Lady Maxwell of England. Emil Hagemeier, a well known farmer and stockman of Kelly town- ship, is a native of Cooper County. He was born near Lone Elm, May 9, 1885, and is a son of Fred and Lizzie (Loesing) Hagemeier, both natives of St. Louis County, and now residents of Kelly township. They came to Cooper County about 1871, and settled near Lone Elm, where they now reside. Fred and Lizzie (Loesing) Hagemeier, are the parents of the following children : Lizzie, married John Day and resides in Kansas City, Mo.; Minnie, married Frank Neimeyer, Kelly township; Emma, married George Stegner and they reside near Mt. Herman Church ; Mary, married George Bushhorn and is now deceased; Emil, the subject of this sketch; Harry resides in Kelly township, and Amanda married Clyde C. Waller and they reside at Wright City, Mo. Emil Hagemeier was educated in the public schools of Baxter, Mo., and the Bunceton schools. He also attended the German school at Lone Elm. Mr. Hagemeier has always been engaged in farming and stock rais- ing. He bought 60 acres of his present farm in 1912, to which he added 60 acres more later and now owns a valuable farm of 120 acres. It is located 5i/> mlies southwest of Bunceton, and is one of the well improved and well kept farms of that vicinity. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with well merited success. Mrs. Hagemeier is successfully engaged in the poultry business. She keeps about 300 1112 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Rhode Island Red and Brown Leghorn chickens, all of which are pure bred. Mrs. Hagemeier has been very successful in the production of eggs, which she sells both for hatching and on the general market. During the month of March, 1919 she sold SI 18.00 worth of eggs. Emil Hagemeier was united in marriage Jan. 4. 1910, to Miss Ger- trude Varner, a daughter of William and Eliza (Cook) Varner. William Vainer was born in Virginia, June 30, 1833, and his wife was born in Cooper County, near Otterville, March 16, 1835. During the Civil War he served in the Union State Militia. He has always followed fanning and stock raising. This aged and highly respected couple now reside in Kelly township. They were the parents of the following children: Pole- ata, married H. H. Yarnell, who is now deceased and she lives in Kelly township ; Joseph, Beloit, Kan. ; Mary, married J. A. Stevenson, St. Louis ; James, born May 6, 1871, and died at the age of two years ; Richard, re- sides in Kansas City, Mo.; Ida died in infancy, and Gertrude, the wife of Emil Hagemeier, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Hagemeier have been bom one son, Paul Emil. bom March 17, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Hagemeier are members of the Presbyterian Church and rank among Cooper County's representative and highly respected citizens. Joshua Berry Scott of Bunceton is a descendant of Cooper County pioneer stock, who has spent his life, with the exception of two years, in this county. Mr. Scott was born in Cooper County, Feb. 7, 1857. He is a son of William Wilson and Carolina (Berry) Scott. William Wilson Scott was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri with his father, Leonard Scott, who settled in Cole County, where he spent the remainder of his life. William Wilson Scott settled in Cooper County in the thirties. Here he married Carolina Berry, and settled on a farm in Clarks Fork township, which is now owned by Christ Ohlandorf, and spent the re- mainder of his life on this place. Carolina Berry was the daughter of Joshua Berry, who was one of the very first settlers of Clarks Fork town- ship, where he entered government land. He was a native of North Caro- lina, and drove from that state with ox teams and wagons, bringing his slaves with him. After coming here he became an extensive land owner. He built a large brick residence on his place in Clarks Fork township. This house is still standing and in a good state of preservation. He died at his home in Cooper County, shortly after the close of the Civil War. His wife preceded him in death many years. William Wilson and Carolina (Berry) Scott were the parents of the following children: Martha J., born Dec. 27, 1844. married Charles S. Shirley, April 6, 1870, who died July 27, 1874, three children having been HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1113 born to them: Thomas Edward, lives in Boonville; Searles L., deceased; and William Augustus, lives in Chicago ; George Walter, born Feb. 7, 1847, deceased ; William Bryon, born June 12, 1849, lives at Clinton, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Evaline Baslee, born Dec. 7, 1851, lives in Clear Fork township; James Monroe, born May 18, 1854 ; Joshua Berry, the subject of this sketch ; Robert Ellis, bora July 19, 1859, deceased, and Mrs. Eleanora Bottoms, bom April 29, 1862, lives in Prairie Home. Joshua Berry Scott lived in Kelly township for many years where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1900 he sold his farm in that township and bought his present splendid home in Bunceton. He has been an extensive dealer in real estate for many years, and has bought and sold a great deal of land. Mr. Scott was first married Feb. 19, 1879, to Miss Susan Russell, a native of Kentucky. Two children were born to this union, Tallia and Beulah, both of whom are deceased. The mother died Feb. 7, 1890. Mr. Scott's second wife bore the name of Maude Mc- Curdy. She died about a year after their marriage, leaving an infant son, John, who is also deceased. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Scott was married to Addie Carpenter, a native of Cooper County. She is a daughter of Robert and Priscilla Carpenter, pioneers of Clarks Fork township. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born one son, Joe Dewey, born Nov. 16, 1898 and resides at home with his parents. Mr. Scott is a progressive and enterprising citizen and has had a successful career. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Bunceton. L. A. Bestgen, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Kelly town- ship, was born in this township on the place where he now resides, June 25, 1891. He is a son of A. J. and Ella (Class) Bestgen. A. J. Bestgen was also a native of Cooper County, born near Pisgah, Jan. 16, 1864, a son of Andrew and Catherine (Alter) Bestgen, natives of Germany. The former was born in 1818, and the latter in 1829. They were married Feb. 16, 1848, at Cedron, Moniteau County, and the following children were born to this union: Catherine, born Sept. 21, 1849; Anna Mary, born Nov. 7, 1852 ; John P. born Nov. 18, 1854 ; Barbera, born Jan. 7, 1857 ; Gertrude, born Feb. 8, 1859; Margaret, bora May 19, 1861; Andrew J., bora Jan. 16, 1864; Teresa H., born Sept. 24, 1866, and Cornelius, bom July 26, 1870. Andrew Bestgen, grandfather of Louis A., was a pioneer of Cooper County, and for many years was a notary public and did a great deal of work of this kind in the early days. He died April 25, 1894, and his remains are buried at Tipton, Mo. Louis A. Bestgen was one of six children bora to his parents, the others being as follows: George J.; Urban J., both residing in Kelly town- 1114 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ship, and Alverta, Leonard P. and Coletta, residing at home. Louis A. Bestgen was educated in the public schools, and has made farming and stock raising his principle occupation, and has met with well merited suc- cess. - The home place which he operates consists of 120 acres. The place is well improved with a good six room residence and a conveniently planned barn 28x32 feet, with metal roof. Mr. Bestgen raises wheat, com and other grains, and also carries on stock raising. Being naturally a mechanical turn, Mr. Bestgen has built and fully equipped a blacksmith shop, where he has installed a high speed drill, emery wheel, and other mechanical devices. He is the inventor of the Farmers Barn Door Latch, which he manufactures here in his shop. This is regarded as one of the most cleverly designed and practical barn door latches on the market. It is used extensively by farmers in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa. The latch is made in a variety of sizes and styles, and is designed for bam doors, hay doors, double doors and garage doors. It is cheap, durable, simple in construction, easy to put on a door, and saves time, temper and money. The Farmers Barn Door Latch is sold by dealers throughout the country, although Mr. Bestgen also sells to the trade direct. Mr. Bestgen is also an excellent woodworker and has done some fine cabinet work. Mechanical work of this character is as easy and natural for him as iron work, and his mechanical genius is evinced by many labor- ing saving devices around the Bestgen home. He has installed an irri- gation system for his garden which has proved of great value in extreme dry seasons. Louis A. Bestgen was married Oct. 6, 1914 to Miss Clara Dueber, of Moniteau County, where she was bom March 27, 1891. She is a daughter of Martin and Mary (Leffler) Dueber, the former a native of Pettis County, and the latter of Ohio and now residents of Moniteau County. They are the parents of the following children : Joseph, Moniteau County ; Tillie, married Aquin Simpson ; Clara, wife of Louis A. Bestgen, the sub- ject of this sketch ; Adelia, married George Bestgen ; Nora, resides at home ; Leo, was in training during the World War at Camp Bowie, Texas, from Sept., 1918, until Feb., 1919, when he was discharged, and is now residing at home in Kelly township ; John, George and Mamie, all residing at home. By a former marriage of Martin Dueber to Johana Brill, the following children were bom: Augusta, married Henry Klein; Loma, El Reno, Okla., and Ida, married Andy Kuttenkueler, Tipton, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Bestgen have been born two children, Virginia and Eleanor. Mr. Bestgen is a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Anti-Horse HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1115 Thief Association, and the Farmers Club at Lone Elm. The Bestgen family are members of St. Andrews Catholic Church at Tipton. Daniel Langkop, a prominent farmer and stockman of Kelly town- ship, bears the distinction of belonging to a family, three generations of which have been well represented in the wars of this country since the beginning of the Civil War. Daniel Langkop was born in Iowa in 1851, a son of William Henry and Anna (Klaus) Langkop, both natives of Ger- many. William Henry Langkop migrated to America in 1849 or 1850 and first settled in Iowa. He came to Cooper County, Mo., sometime in the 50's. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union Army at Boonville, and served three years. His two sons, Henry and Frank, also served throughout the Civil War and remained in the army for some years afterwards. They were in the cavalry and after the Civil War served under General Custer in his campaigns against the Indians in the west. They then returned to Cooper County, Mo., where they were engaged in farming during the remainder of their lives._ Henry died, July 23, 1897, and is buried at Lone Elm. Frank died March 3, 1919, and is buried in Clarks Fork cemetery. William Henry Langkop died in 1880 and his remains are buried in Clarks Fork cemetery. His wife died in 1854 and her remains are buried at Dubuque, Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, mention of whom is made above; Mrs. Minnie Schubert; Frank, who is also previously mentioned in this sketch; and Daniel, the subject of this sketch. Daniel Langkop attended such schools as the times afforded during his boyhood, and in early life was employed as a government teamster during the war, mostly in the vicinity of St. Louis. After the war he returned to Cooper County and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1917, he located on his present farm, which is two miles southeast of Bunceton. Here he owns 40 acres of well improved land, which is under a good state of cultivation. The farm residence is a well built modern cottage of six rooms and the other buildings are nicely arranged and well kept. Daniel Langkop was married April 8, 1880 to Miss Louisa Longers, a daughter of Morine and Anna (Brandes) Longers. The former a native of Holland and the latter of Germany. They ai - e both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Langkop have been born the following children: Frank, resides on the old home place in Cooper County; Charles was in South America when last heard of and is probably a soldier in the British army ; Herman, Bunceton ; Albert, died at the age of 18 months ; Oscar, Bunce- 1116 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ton; Walter entered the United States Army in Sept., 1917, was sent to France in June, 1918, a member of Company A, 125th Infantry, and was taken sick while in the battle of Argonne Forest and died Oct. 23, 1918 ; Ed, who entered the United States Army Oct. 21, 1918, and was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas, for training and was transferred from there to Camp Pike, Ark., where he was discharged March 28, 1919; and Anna, resides at home with her parents. Mrs. Langkop has spent her life in Cooper County and while she was a young girl during the Civil War, she has a distinct recollection of many of the events which transpired in the neighborhood where she lived, dur- ing the stirring days of that great conflict. She recalls an incident when the bushwhackers were about to take their last horse when the Captain of the company appeared on the scene and ordered the soldier who was tak- ing the horse to turn it loose. Mr. and Mrs. Langkop are members of Clarks Fork Lutheran Church and the Langkop family are. well and favorably known in Cooper County and highly respected. John W. Richey, a prominent citizen of Kelly township, is a native Missourian. He was born in St. Clair County, Dec. 22, 1851, and is a son of John R. and Margaret (Keeton) Richey. In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, the Richey family resided in St. Clair County. The father entered the Confederate Army and served throughout the war. Shortly after he enlisted, the mother and children left St. Clair County and drove to Cooper County, with an ox team and wagon, bringing all their posses- sions with them. John W. was then a boy about 10 years old and he drove the oxen, riding one most of the way. The mother maintained the family and kept them together in their new home in Cooper County until the war ended, when the father returned. He rented land in Cooper County for a number of years, and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in March, 1917, at the age of 82 years, and his wife departed this life in 1910, aged 77 years, and their remains are both buried in Baxter cemetery, Kelly township. They were the parents of the following children: John W., the subject of this sketch ; Andrew J. lives in Kelly township ; Mrs. Nancy Majors, deceased; Wesley, Bunceton; James, Bunceton; Joshua, lives on the home farm in Kelly township; Mrs. Rhoda Potts, lives in the state of California and Robert died in California. John W. Richey has been a resident of Cooper County since 1862. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he was married, when HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1117 he engaged in farming and stock raising for himself. He bought his pres- ent place in 1890. This is one of the old historic places of Cooper County, and was formerly owned by John J. Chilton. Chilton was an early settler ;n this section and owned a number of slaves, and the old building in which the slaves lived is still standing on the place. It was built of hewed logs, weatherboarded with walnut boards, and is still in a fairly good state of preservation. It is probably 100 years old. Mr. Richey has a well im- proved farm with a nice seven room, two story, modern residence, which he built in 1917. The place is surrounded by locust and elm shade trees, and has altogether a well kept and neat appearance. The farm buildings, fences and general appearance of the place bears testimony to the industry of its owner. The place is known as the "Willow Spring Stock Farm" which name is officially recorded. Mr. Richey was married Sept. 2, 1875 to Miss Jennie Morton, a daugh- ter of John C. and Isabel (Miller) Morton. The former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee and came to Missouri, first settling in Cedar County. When the Civil War broke out John C. Morton enlisted in the Confederate Army and served throughout the war under General Price. After the war the family came to Cooper County and settled near Bunceton, where the father was engaged in farming for a number of years, when he removed to Texas where he died in 1894. His wife died in Oklahoma in 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Jennie, wife of John W. Richey, the subject of this sketch ; John P., died Aug. 6, 1915, aged 55 years ; Sarah Elizabeth was born April 24, 1862 and died Jan. 6, 1916; Martha Lee, born June 5, 1866, married William J. Luker and they reside in Oklahoma; David Emmet, born Dec. 13, 1867 and died in Jan., 1890; Benjamin N., born March 22, 1879 and lives in Oklahoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Richey have been born the following children: Margaret Isabel, bora Nov. 22, 1876, married Riley Marcum, Hughesville, Mo. ; Lon, bora Jan. 30, 1879, Jeffer- son City, Mo.; Henry, born June 26, 1881, died Sept. 7, 1909; Andrew Jackson, born Dec. 24, 1883, Sedalia, Mo.; Wallace, born March 15, 1886, lives in Kelly township, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have 12 grand- children: Willie, Mary, Henry and Herbert, Norman Francis, Virginia, Ben Henry, Dortha Henrietta, Lucile, Louise and Lon, Jr., Richey. Willie Marcum, a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richey enlisted in the United States army in July, 1917, and went to France in April, 1918, a member of Company D, 140th Infantry, 35th Division. He participated 1118 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY in the battles of Argonne Forest and St. Mihiel. For five days he was under fire without intermission. He was discharged and returned home in May, 1919. John W. Richer is one of Cooper County's most substantial citizens and the Richey family stand high in the community. John W. Morris, a prominent pioneer and successful farmer and stock- man of Kelly township, is a native of Missouri. He was born near Roscoe, St. Clair County, March 30, 1858, a son of Snodent and Nancy (Dallas) Morris. Snodent T. Morris was born in Howard County, and came with his father, Shadrach Morris, and family to Cooper County, when he was six years old. Snodent T. Moms was reared to manhood in Cooper County, when he went to St. Clair County, and was there when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate army, and served three yeai-s and six months. During the war his wife and children came to Cooper County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. The Moms family is an old American family, which dates back in this country to Colonial times. They are of English descent and first settled in Virginia. Shadrach Morris, grandfather of John W. of this review was bom in Kentucky. He was a son of Hammond Moms, Jr., who was a native of North Carolina, and was one of the very first settlers of Howard County, Mo. Hammond Morris, Jr., was a son of Hammond Morris, Sr., who was a son of Edward Morris. John W. Morris has in his possession some interesting family docu- ments, one of which is the will of Edward Morris, which was filed by his widow, Elizabeth Morris, in Richmond County, Va., in 1752. Another interesting old document which he has is a will executed by Jesse Morris and wife, conveying land in Madison County, Ky., to Hammond Morris, dated Sept. 5, 1816. He has a letter dated Nov. 6, 1839, written by Ham- mond Morris, who at that time lived in Kelly township, to John Morris and family, and Jene Fry and family. This letter states that the parties to whom it is written would do well to come to Cooper County. That land there is selling for $1.25 per acre; corn is worth from 20 to 25c per bushel; wheat, 75c: oats, 20c; bacon, 7c per pound and pork from 3 to 3%c per pound. That there is no money current here in the land office, except Missouri paper, and gold and silver. John W. Morris has lived in Kelly township since 1862 since he was four years old. He bought his present home farm, which consists of 150 acres in 1886. He also owns 80 acres in another tract, making 230 acres in all. His place is well improved with a good farm residence and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1119 he is successfully egaged in carrying on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Morris was married Oct. 8, 1878 to Miss Mattie J. Cline, a daugh- ter of John Cline of Kelly township, and the following children were born to this union: Arthur, born Nov. 29, 1879, resides near Turney, Mo.; Grace Ann, born Sept. 15, 1889, married Fred Ratchey and they reside on the home place; Edith Kline, born June 8, 1897 and died July 5, 1916, was the wife of Arthur Holliday. There are two grandchildren in the family, Herbert J. C. Morris and Laura Ritchey. The Morris family is one of the representative pioneer families of this section of Missouri, and John W. Morris is one of Cooper County's most substantial citizens. Harry Williams, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of Kelly township, was born April 9, 1873. He is a son of Isaac and Anna (Yontz) Williams. Isaac Williams was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1840, a son of Joseph Williams, who was also a native of Ohio. Isaac Williams was a Union veteran of the Civil War, having served in Company G, 163d Ohio Infantry until the close of the war. He then returned to Ohio where he remained until 1873, when he came to Cooper County. A few years after coming here, he bought a farm in Kelly township, which he later sold, and in 1882 purchased the place where Harry Williams now resides. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was a prominent and public spirited citizen. He died May 11, 1916, and his remains are buried in the I. 0. 0. F. cemetery at Tipton, Mo. Isaac Williams was married in 1872 to Anna Yontz, a native of Vir- ginia. She was a daughter of John and Harriet (Windall) Yontz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, the former died in 1865 and is buried in Mifflin County, Pa., and the latter died in 1892 and is buried in Tipton, Mo. Three children were born to this union : Lewis, who resides in Kelly township; Harry, Tipton, Mo., and Anne (Yontz) Williams, who resides on the old home place with her son, Harry Williams. Three children were born to Isaac and Anna (Yontz) Williams, as follows: Harry, the subject of this sketch; Lavern, who died in 1908, at the age of 33 years, married Anna Tumell, to whom was born a daugh- ter, Lillian, and they now live in Arizona; and Lillian, married Harry Shrout and they reside in Kelly township. Harry Williams was reared and educated in Kelly township and has spent all his life in Cooper County. He has made farming and stock rais- ing his life occupation and is meeting with well merited success. He is the owner of 100 acres of valuable and well improved land in Kelly town- 1120 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ship, and carries on general farming and stock raising. His place is located three miles north of Tipton. Mr. Williams was married Nov. 20, 1900, to Miss Laura Snorgrass, of Moniteau County. She is a daughter of Baiiy and Ella (Robinson) Snorgrass. The father is now deceased and the mother resides at Tipton, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born one son, Virgil, who is now a student in the Tipton High School. Mr. Williams is a member of the local school board and takes a com- mendable interest in local public affairs. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America at Tipton, and is one of Cooper County"s substantial citizens. Frank B. White, a well known and prosperous farmer of Kelly town- ship, is a tiative Missourian. He was born July 2, 1865 in Moniteau County, a son of Stephen and Martha (Robertson) White. Stephen White was a native of Louisiana, and spent most of his life in Moniteau County, where he was engaged in farming. He at one time decided to go to Nebraska and chartered a car to ship his household goods, and started to drive overland to Nebraska. However, he returned to Moniteau County within 30 days, and for the rest of his life was well satisfied with Missouri. He died in 1883 and his wife died in 1907. They were the parents of the following children: Frank B., the subject of this sketch; A. J., mention of whom is made in this vohime; Edna, married Robert M. Hudson, and they live in Moniteau County, and Vesta who married Henry Swarner, of Moniteau County. Frank B. White was reared in Moniteau County and educated in Pleas- ant View school district. He and his brother bought the farm where Frank now lives in partnership in 1887, later Frank B. bought his brother's interest and since that time has owned and operated the place. The place is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings. Mr. White carries on general farming and stock raising and raises and feeds cattle and hogs, although he has given special attention to breeding and raising pure bred Shropshire sheep. He has made an unusual success of this department of animal husbandry, and is recognized as one of the suc- cessful pure blood sheep breeders of Cooper County. Mr. White was married, March 28, 1895, to Miss Nannie Masters, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Price) Masters, the former a native of Morgan County and the latter of Kentucky. The father died in 1907 and the mother departed this life in 1866. Mrs. White was one of eight children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Mrs. Farnne Askew, deceased : Mrs. Mary Gilliam, Blairstown, Mo. ; William, Blue- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1121 jacket, Okla. ; Richard, Berryville, Ark. ; Wade, Kansas City, Mo. ; Walter, Calhoun, Mo., and Charles Woodland, Calhoun. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born one daughter, Daisy Lee, who resides at home with her parents. She is a graduate of the Tipton High School and attended Howard Payne College and is also a graduate of the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. Mr. White is a progressive and public spirited citizen, and has always been a strong supporter of good schools and in recent years has been an enthusiastic advocate of better roads. He has served as overseer of his local road district for 14 years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Tipton. Dr. M. R. Huffman, who formerly was engaged in the practice of medicine in this state, but who for the past six or seven years has been engaged in the general merchandise business at Blackwater, is a native of West Virginia. Doctor Huffman was born on a farm in the vicinity of Alderson, W. Va., Sept. 1, 1867, son of Washington and Mary Ellen (Bibb) Huffman. Washington Huffman was a native of Virginia and was a tanner by trade. He died in 1869, at the age of about 47 years, and his widow, who also was born in Virginia, afterwards married Lewis Alderson, who in 1880 came to Missouri and located in Montgomery County, where he is still living. Mrs. Alderson died in 1909 at the age of 65. To the second union no children were born. , M. R. Huffman was about 13 years of age when he came to Missouri in 1880 with his mother and stepfather and he grew to manhood in Mont- gomery County. Upon completing the course in the high school at New Florence, he attended the Normal School at Warrensburg and for six years thereafter was engaged in teaching school, three terms at Americus and three at Big Springs. Meantime, he had been giving his attention to the study of medicine under private preceptorship and in 1889, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, 1892. Doctor Huffman then re- turned to Missouri and began the practice of his profession at Minneola. A year later he moved to Big Springs, where he formerly had been suc- cessfully engaged in teaching school, and at that place continued in prac- tice for four years, when he moved to Americus, where he also had been engaged in teaching and here remained in practice for 13 years, or until 1913, when he moved to Blackwater. where he bought the Joseph Fisher (54) 1122 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY stock of general merchandise and engaged in business. In 1916 Doctor Huffman found that his growing trade required more extensive quarters and in November of that year he moved his store to its present admirable location, carrying a full line of general merchandise, including groceries, dry goods and shoes. Doctor Huffman is a Democrat and his family are members of the Baptist Church. Jan. 23, 1892, Dr. M. R. Huffman was married to Zula Mosley and to this union two children have been born, Paul B., who marr/ed Elsie G. Cramer and is an able assistant to his father in the store at Blackwater, and Vera B., who married George Huber, Boonville. Mrs. Huffman is a member of 'one of the pioneer families of Missouri, her parents, John T. and Virginia (Bush) Mosley, both having been born in Montgomery County, their respective parents having been among the early settlers of that part of the state, and it was in Montgomery County that Mrs. Huff- man was born and reared. Sims Brothers, farmers and stockmen, who are operating a well- ordered and progressively conducted place of 390 acres in section 31 of LaMine township, this county, have long been recognized as among the substantial factors in the agricultural development of that section of the county in which they live and it is regarded as but fitting to the purposes of such a chronicle of the times and place as is this work that mention should here be made of the work they are carrying on. The three brothers, James W., Joseph E., and Claibourne J. Sims, are farming the old Sims home place of 390 acres in LaMine township and in addition to their general farming are giving proper attention to the rais- ing of live stock, their operations being carried on in accordance with modern methods and with gratifying results. The brothers are bachelors and their home five miles east of Blackwater is presided over by their widowed mother and their sister. The Sims family came into Cooper County from Howard County more than 40 years ago and has long been recognized as one of the established families of LaMine township. Further reference to this family will be found in a biographical sketch relating to John N. Sims, another brother, presented elsewhere in this work, where fitting reference also is made to the late John C. Sims, father of these sons, who died on the place which he had established nearly a half cen- tury ago and where his widow and the four unmarried children still reside. Rev. Benjamin F. Reed, a minister of the Baptist Church and a farmer and landowner in the vicinity of Blackwater, is a native Missourian. He HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1123 \v;is born on a farm in Livingston County, July 14, 1853, son of John and Jane (Justice) Reed, who were the parents of 14 children. John Reed was born in Can-oil County, Mo., in 1822, his parents hav- ing been pioneers of that section. He was reared a farmer and in the days of his young manhood went to Livingston County, where he married, established his home and he spent the remainder of his life, his death oc- curring in 1905. His widow died in 1907. She was born in Frankfort, Ky., in July, 1822. Her parents died when she was a child and when 14 years of age she came to Missouri and grew to womanhood in the home of her aunt, Mrs. Betsy McCroskey. Reared on a farm, the Rev. Benjamin F. Reed grew up familiar with the details of farm life. His early schooling was received in the schools of Livingston County and from boyhood he has been a close student, early giving his attention to the study of theology and philosophy. In 1870 he married and continued farming, meanwhile pursuing his theological studies and in 1889 was licensed a minister of the Baptist Church and has ever since been engaged in the ministry of the gospel, during that time serving in a pastoral relation many congregations and driving or riding many miles horseback throughout this region. For the past 14 years he has been the settled pastor of Heaths Creek Baptist Church in Saline County. In 1897 Mr. Reed came to the Blackwater neighborhood and bought the 40 acres of land two miles south of town in Blackwater town- ship, where he has since made his home, giving his active attention to the operation of the farm in addition to attending to his ministerial duties. Mr. Reed is a Democrat and a Mason and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dec. 11, 1870, the Rev. Benjamin F. Reed was married to Martha Branstter, who was born in Pike County, Mo., in 1856, and to this union 13 children have been born, 10 of whom are living, namely: Howard, of Fayette, Mo. ; Augustus, of Blackwater ; Nora, wife of H. Branstter, of LaMine township ; Cora, wife of F. Miller, of East Boonville ; Ada, wife of N. Renison, of LaMine township; Artie, of Blackwater township; Arlie, of that same township; May, wife of E. Figgans, of Blackwater township, and George and Charlie, of Blackwater township. Among the children thus enumerated are two sets of twins, Mrs. Nora Branstter and Mrs. Cora Miller and Artie and Arlie. Jacob Gross, a successful farmer of Pilot Grove township, was born in Belleville, 111., Feb. 12, 1855, son of Jacob and Josephine (Wachter) 1124 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Gross, who came to this county with their family from Illinois many years ago. Having been but a lad when he came to Cooper County with his par- ents, Jacob Gross here grew to manhood, completing his schooling in the local schools, and remained on the home farm until his marriage in 1877, when he rented a farm. He continued as a renter until about 1892, when he bought his present farm in Pilot Grove township, and has since made his home there. Mr. Gross has a well improved place of 1121/2 acres and in addition to his general farming he raises live stock. When he bought the place the only "improvement" on it was a log cabin. This primitive structure, Mr. Gross soon supplanted by a new and modern house and the other improvements he has made on the place are in keeping with the same. Mr. Gross is a republican and has for years given close attention to local political affairs. He served for some time as a member of the school board. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Jacob Gross has been twice married. Feb. 15, 1877, he was married to Elizabeth Berringer, who was born in Boonville, Feb. 9, 1858, and who died Sept. 11, 1894. To that union were born seven children, namely: Sophia, deceased; George, whose present whereabouts are unknown to his father; Rosa, wife of William Ashmead, of Pilot Grove township; Clara, wife of William Tempfel, living in Montana; William L., also of Montana; Anna, deceased, and Herman, who is at home assisting his father. Nov. 25, 1896, Mr. Gross married Mrs. Mary Ann (Aldridge) Ashmead, widow of Joseph W. Ashmead and whose son, William E. Ashmead, married Mr. Gross's daughter, Rosa. Mrs. Mary A. Gross was born in Stonebridge, Worchestershire, England, June 16, 1855, and was but seven years of age when she came to this country with her parents, John and Sarah (Sprague) Aldridge, in 1862, the family locating in Alton, 111., where they remained for some years or until the death of Mrs. Aldridge, when they came to Missouri and located in St. Clair County, where Mary A. Aldridge married Joseph W. Ashmead. To that union two children were born, Mrs. Gross having besides the son mentioned above a daughter, Mrs. Lil- lian Hull, of LaMine township. Frank J. Hoff, a successful farmer of Pilot Grove township, the pro- prietor of an excellent farm, was born in Pilot Grove township Oct. 27, 1882, son of Jacob and Bena (Felton) Hoff, substantial residents of that community. Reared on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, Frank J. Hoff re- ceived his schooling in the district schools and from the days of his boy- hood has devoted his attention to farming. In the fall of 1905 he bought HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1125 from his father the farm on which he is now living and began operations on his own account. After his marriage in the spring of 1912 he estab- lished his home on that place and since then has made numerous substan- tial improvements. Mr. Hoff is independent in his political views. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church arid he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. May 7, 1912, Frank J. Hoff was married to Anna Thiel, who was born at Tipton, Mo. and to this union three children have been born, Helen Beatrice, deceased, Andrew N. and Geraldine Elizabeth. Mrs. Hoff was born Nov. 27, 1887, a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Besthen) Thiel, the latter of whom, also born in Moniteau County, is living at Tipton. Peter Thiel, who died some years ago, was bom in Germany but had been a resident of this country since his boyhood, his parents having been among th£ early settlers of this section of Missouri. Daniel J. Meyer, proprietor of an excellent farm in Blackwater town- ship, and one of the progressive young farmers of Cooper County, was born in this county Dec. 21, 1885, son of Louis and Mary (Martin) Meyer. Louis Meyer, who died in 1916, was born in 1860 and was a farmer all his life and was successful. At the time of his death he owned 320 acres of land in this county. His parents were natives of Germany and upon coming to this country settled in Indiana, but many years ago came to Missouri and located on a farm in Pilot Grove township, this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Louis Meyer was a member of the Catholic Church, as is his widow, and their children were reared in that faith. There were 11 of these children, eight of whom are living, as follows : Mrs. Louisa Quigley, of Pilot Grove township ; George A., living on the old home place ; Daniel J. ; Mrs. Margaret Ausemus, of Black- water township; Lena, wife of Edward McClammer, of Blackwater town- ship ; John is on the home place with his brother George, and Lorine and Anna, who are living with their mother in Pilot Grove. Daniel J. Meyer received his schooling in the local schools and has devoted his attention to farming with considerable success. Upon under- taking operations on his own account he bought a tract of eighty acres from his father which he has brought up to a high state of productivity. In addition to his general farming he also raises stock quite extensively. He is a democrat and is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Dec. 22, 1909, Daniel J. Meyer was united in marriage to Lucy Daugh- erty, who also was born in Blackwater township, and to this union five 1126 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY children have been born, namely: Ruby, William, Bemice, Ruple, who died when three weeks old, and Helen. Mrs. Meyer is a daughter of John Daugherty and wife, the latter of whom was a Miss Linn, former well known residents of Blackwater township and both of whom are now de- ceased. George A. Meyer, one of Blackwater township's well known and pro- gressive young fanners, who is living on the old Meyer place in that town- ship, farming the same in conjunction with his brother Daniel, was born on that farm. He was born Feb. 12, 1883, son of Louis and Mary (Mar- tin) Meyer, the latter of whom is living at Pilot Grove. Reared on the home farm, George A. Meyer received his schooling in the local schools and since boyhood has been interested in farming. His father was an extensive farmer; at the time of his death in 1916 was the owner of 320 acres of land in Blackwater township and George A. grew up familiar with the details of farming. In 1908 he began farming on his own account, renting land from his father and after his marriage in the fall of 1910 continued to make his home on the home place, 227 acres of which he is now farming in conjunction with his younger brother, Daniel J. Meyer, who is living on an adjoining farm. Not only is Mr. Meyer carrying on his general farming operations with profit, but he is doing well in the live stock way. He is a democrat, and he and his wife are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Pilot Grove. Nov. 24, 1910, George A. Meyer was married to Harriet Brommer, who also was bom in this county, and to this union five children have been born: Mary M., Georgia Frances, Walter M., Opal and Gladys. Mrs. Meyer was born in Boonville township, daughter of Morris Brommer and wife, the latter of whom was a Miss Lebo. Mr. Brommer is living on his farm in Boonville township. His first wife, mother of Mrs. Meyer, died some years ago and he later married Lydia McGuire. Otto Stoecklein, proprietor of a well improved farm in Pilot Grove township, is one of the best known farmers and stockmen in that neighbor- hood. He was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 24, 1879, son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Rainhard) Stoecklein, natives of Germany. Andrew Stoecklein was born in 1844 and grew up in his native country, was there married and in 1882 he with his family came to the United States locating on a farm in Clear Creek township, this county. July 23, 1900, he left for a visit to his old home in Baden, was taken ill and died there in that same year. His widow, who was born April 9, 1841, is living on the home place in Clear Creek township. She is a Catholic, as was her HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1127 husband, and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth. Otto Stoecklein was but three years of age when he came to this country with his parents in 1882 and he grew to manhood on the farm in Clear Creek township, his schooling being received in the local schools. In 1904 he began farming on his own account, renting a farm ; his affairs prospered and in 1908, he was able to buy a farm of his own, in Palestine township, which he proceeded to improve and on which he lived until in 1917, when he sold it and bought what was known as the Abe Brownfield place of 134 acres in Pilot Grove township, where he since has made his home and which he has greatly improved. Mr. Stoecklein is a success- ful breeder of Poland China hogs. He is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Catholic church. Feb. 9, 1904, Otto Stoecklein was married to Mamie Hamilton, who was born in this county, and to this union have been born seven children: Bernard, Leonard, Lorine, Otto, Jr., Mildred and Martha (twins) and Teresa. Mrs. Stocklein was born in LaMine township and was reared in the family of Bernard Martin. Arthur H. Wood, one of Palestine township's well known and pro- gressive farmers and owner of a well-improved farm in that township, has been a resident of Cooper County since the days of boyhood. He was born in Rock county, Wis., Feb. 18, 1881, only child of Herbert and Sarah (Taylor) Wood, both of whom were born in that state, the for- mer born in 1850 and the latter in 1854. In October, 1887, Mrs. Sarah Wood came to Cooper county with her young son Arthur, then six years of age, having been attracted to this county as a place of residence by the fact of her brother, William Taylor, having located here in 1871. He is still living here, with his sister and her son in Palestine township. It was thus that Arthur H. Wood came to be reared in Cooper county and here received his schooling. From the days of his youth he has devoted his attention to farming, for a time renting a farm, and in 1901 bought 80 acres, to which in 1914 he added an adjoining tract of 105 acres. He is also farming his mother's place of 185 acres and is a substantial farmer. He' carries on his operations in accordance with modern methods and is doing well, he and his mother and his uncle having a very pleasant home in Palestine township. Mr. Wood is a republican and has ever given his attention to civic affairs. John Stoecklein, a progressive and substantial farmer of Pilot Grove township has been a resident of Cooper county sine* his bvybood. Hi. 1128 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was born in Baden, Germany, Nov. 8, 18G7, son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Reinhart) Stoecklein, natives of that country, who came here during the '70s and settled in this county. When he came to Cooper County, John Stoecklein began working as a farm hand and was for six years thus engaged, working on the farms of Joseph Stuckey and Hamilton Lusk. After his marriage in the spring of 1891, Mr. Lusk rented a farm to him and "set him up in business," providing him (without security) with a team of mules and other essen- tials of farming, at the same time giving him a bit of advice which Mr. Stoecklein today admits would have made him a rich man had he pos- sessed the foresight to follow it. In 1897 Mr. Stoecklein bought a farm a mile east of Pleasant Green, making his home there until 1909, when he bought the farm where he is now living and has since resided on this place. Mr. Stocklein has a well improved farm of 151 acres and in addition to his general farming he is raising pure bred Chester White hogs. Since taking possession of his present place he has erected a new house and barn and the other improvements on the place are in keeping with the same. He is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Catholic church. April 16, 1891, John Stoecklein was married to Caroline Prummell, who was born in Michigan, daughter of Peter Prummell and wife, na- tives of Germany, and to this union have been born seven children, Rich- ard, Genevieve, Florence, Gertrude, Helen, John and Philip. Peter D. McClain, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Clear Creek township and widely known breeder of Poland China hogs, is a native son of Cooper county. He was born in Palestine township, Jan. 18, 1863, son of David and Jaily (Stevens) McClain, both of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families, and the latter of whom is still living, making her home with her son Peter, at the great age of 93 years. David McClain was born in this county in 1829, his parents having been among the early settlers in this part of Missouri, and here he grew to manhood, became a farmer and so continued until his death, which oc- curred in 1883. To him and his wife were born the following children: Bettie, who married H. C. White and is now deceased; John, deceased; William, who is now living in Texas ; Rhody, wife of J. T. Hirst, of Se- dalia; Fannie, wife of Alexander Lane, of Lebanon township; Joann, who HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1129 married Theodore Beck and is now deceased; Peter D., the subject of this sketch ; George, of Palestine township, and two who died in infancy. The mother of these children, who (as noted above) is still living, was born in what is now Palestine township in 1826. Peter D. McClain was 20 years of age when his father died and he continued on the farm, helping look after affairs for his mother, until his marriage at the age of 26. He then rented a farm in Palestine town- ship and soon afterward bought a farm there. For 20 years he resided there and in 1912 bought his present farm in Clear Creek township. Mr. McClain has a well-improved farm of 364 acres. He is quite extensively engaged in the breeding of Poland China hogs; holds stock sales twice a year and ships his stock for breeding purposes quite widely over the country. He is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist church. In 1889 Peter D. McClain was married to Florence Mowrey, of this county, and to this union six children have been 'born, namely: Lulu, wife of F. R. Quint, of the Pettis county; Cecil lives in Blackwater town- ship ; Marie, Emil and Ross, at home, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. McClain was born in Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of David and Miria (Fichelberger) Mowrey, who also were born in Pennsylvania and who came to Cooper county in 1877, locating here on a farm. Andrew F. Gramlich, proprietor of a well kept farm in Clear Creek township, is a native son of Cooper county. He was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, Dec. 23, 1884, son of Frank and Josephine (Stoltz- enberger) Gramlich, both of whom also were bom in this county. Frank Gramlich was born in Clear Creek township in 1854, son of Martin Gramlich and wife, who were pioneers there. He grew to man- hood on the farm there and after his marriage to Josephine Stoltzenberger, who also was born in Clear Creek township, member of a pioneer family there, settled on a farm where he is still living. His wife died Feb. 1, 1919, at the age of 56 years. Two children were born to them, Andrew F. having a brother, Peter, who lives on the home place with his father. Andrew F. Gramlich received his schooling in district schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account, renting land at first. A few years later, in 1909, the year of his marriage, he bought the farm on which he is now living, a well-kept tract of 130 acres, and has since lived there. Mr. Gramlich has made extensive improvements and is carrying on his farming according with up-to-date methods. He is a 1130 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Republican. For some years he served as director of schools and is now overseer of roads in that district. He and his family are members of the Catholic church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Oct. 28, 1909, that Andrew F. Gramlich was married to Josephine K. Gross, who also was born in this county, and to this union four chil- dren have been bom: Ernest George,- Isabel J., Marie E., and Lucille K. Mrs. Gramlich was born in Pilot Grove township, Oct. 15, 1885, daughter of George Gross and wife. Louis N. Hoff, one of the representative citizens of Clear Creek township, is a native of Michigan. He was born at Paw Paw, Van Buren county, Dec. 28, 1856, son of William and Catherine (Donehoe) Hoff. William Hoff was a native of Germany, born at Eppenbraun, Dec. 12, 1832, and when about 20 years of age he left his native land and ar- rived in New York on the day on which Franklin Pierce was inaugurated President of the United States in 1853 and for two or three years made his home there and in Rochester, N. Y. In the latter city he married in October, 1854, and in the following year he and his wife moved to Michigan and settled in VanBuren county, near Paw Paw, where Mrs. Catherine Hoff died in June, 1881. In Feb., 1883, William Hoff moved to Missouri and bought 107 acres in Clear Creek township, this county. where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Feb. 3, 1917. William Hoff and his wife were the parents of two children, Louis N. and Mrs. Margaret Waters, a widow, living at Sterling, Col. The mother was bom in On- tario, Canada, in April, 1834, and was in her 48th year when she died. She and her husband were Catholics and their children were reared in that faith. Louis N. Hoff grew up on the home farm in Michigan, and attended the common schools, such as they were, and as a home student in later years became a well informed man. Not only that, but his own lack of opportunities in the days of his boyhood impressed upon him the neces- sity of better school facilities and for many years he has given his most earnest attention to school affairs and as a school officer has done much to advance the cause of education in his home district. Mr. Hoff was married in the spring of 1880 and had for some time been farming in Michigan when his father came to Cooper County in 1883. Three months after his father's arrival here Louis N. disposed of his interests in Michi- gan and came here, taking charge of the place his father had bought in Clear Creek township, renting the same until 1889, when he bought 80 acres, a part of the place which he now owns. As his affairs prospered HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1131 Mr. Hoff in 1892 bought adjacent land and now has there a well-imporved and profitably cultivated farm of 223 acres. The Hoff house occupies a commanding elevation on the south bank of the LaMine river, overlook- ing the beautiful valley of the LaMine, and is one of the best building sites in that section of the county. Mr. Hoff is stockholder and a director of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove. He is a Democrat as was his father. For 33 years he was a member of the school board in district No. 14. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Pilot Grove and when the congregation there set about the erection of a church he was selected as one of the members of the building committee, and in that capacity gave of his time and his means to the completion of the present substantial church and other buildings. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Louis N. Hoff has been twice married. Feb. 4, 1880, in Michigan, he was united in marriage to Anna Brummell who was born in DuPage county, 111., and to that union seven children were born, namely : William, deceased Mary, wife of William Schneider, Clear Creek township ; Joseph, Clear Creek township ; Francis, deceased ; Bertha, Benton Harbor, Mich. ; Edward L., who has just recently returned from a period of military training at Camp Funston, where he was assigned upon being inducted into the National Army during the World War, but was mustered out following the signing of the armistice; and Leo, deceased. The mother of these children died Sept. 9, 1895, and on May 25, 1897, Mr. Hoff mar- ried Matilda Irene Schneider, who was bora on a farm in South Moniteau township, and whose parents are now residents of Pilot Grove. To this union eight children have been born, namely: Anna, wife of F. Lamm, Pilot Grove ; Albert, at home, and Charles, George, Alice, William, Louis N. Jr., and Dorothy. James S. Funkhauser, a well known and substantial farmer of Leb- anon township is a native of Cooper county. He was bora on a farm in Saline township, Jan. 1, 1865, son of James C. and Elizabeth A. (Calvert) Broyles, and was the fourth in order of birth of the five children born to them. When seven years of age he was adopted by Eli and Elizabeth Ann Funhauser, Virginians, who had settled on the farm which he now owns in Lebanon township about 1870 and which after their death he in- herited. Reared on the farm, James S. Funkhauser received his schooling in the district schools and from the days of his boyhood was a valuable aid in the labors of developing the farm which he now owns. He re- 1132 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY mained by his foster parents and when 21 years of age took charge of the farm on a rental basis and after his marriage in the fall of 1889 iblished his home there and has since lived on the place, which he has improved in admirable fashion. Mr. Funkhauser is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for public office. Oct. 7. 1889. Jame; 5. Funkhauser was married to Blanche Starke, of this county, and to this union two children have been born, nam-r Mary P.. wife of L. Edmonston, of Pleasant Green, and Jack, of Kansas City. Jack Funkhauser was born on the farm on which his parents re- side. Dec. 30. 1893. and upon completing the course in the local schools took a course in the Manual Training High School at Kansas City. Upon his graduation from that school he became employed as a solicitor for the First National Bank of Kansas :ill connected with that institution. He married Ruth DeLancey. who was born in Kans; and has one child, Donald Lyle. Mrs. Blanche S. Funkhauser was born in this county Nov. 11. 1869. and is a daughter of the late Judge John D. S rke. who died at his home in Otterville in 1917 and who for many yea: recognized as among the most prominent figures in the public life of central Missouri. William Henry Stahl. one of the best known of the old time r- of Lebanon township, is a native of Pennsylvania, but has been a resident of Missouri for fifr is born on a farm in Perry county. Pa.. Feb. 9. 1843. son of Abraham and Mary (Ernst) Stahl, both of whom also were born in Pennsylvania, where they spent all their lives. Abraham r.l was born in 1818 and was 73 years of age at the time of his death. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are stil' _ :he subject of this sketch being the elde Reared in the home farm in Pennsylvania, William H. Stahl attended the dis:: :ols. During the Civil War he served the government as a teamster and after the war returned to his home In the fall of 1868 he married there and in the following spring (1869) came t ri with his wife and located in Morgan county, where he engaged in farming and remained until 1873. when he came to Cooper county and rented a farm. A year later he bought 120 acres in Lebanon township, a part of the farm on which he is still living. He prospered and in time added to his hold- ings until he became the owner of his present fine farm of 201 acres. Of late years Mr. Stahl's health has not been up to standard and he has long been living prac I -tired, the operations on his farm beng carred on by -on-in-law. L. H Roesler. who is living on the home place. For some HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1133 years Mr. Stahl made his home in Texas, seeking a change for the better- ment of his health, and also for some time lived in Clarksburg, Mo., but the old home farm still seems the best place in the world for him. He is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist church. Oct. 1, 1868, in Perry county, Pa., William H. Stahl was married to Mary Arnold, who also was born in that county, and to this union eight children have been born, namely: Mrs. Jennie Spillers, Wichita, Kan. ; George D., the owner of a farm southeast of Tipton ; Bluhm E., deceased ; Laban, of Buffalo, Okla. ; William E., who recently received his discharge from the United States army and is now living at Denver, Colo. ; Irvin Lee, of Rock Island, Texas ; Roy T., deceased, and Ruth, wife of L. H. Roesler, on the home farm. William E. Stahl, the soldier son was born Nov. 28, 1884, and was engaged as a traveling salesman when he enlisted for service in the National Army. With his command he got to the seaboard on the way for overseas service, but was taken ill and was for 11 weeks confined in hospital at Baltimore. On this account he did not get to participate in foreign service and was in due time discharged and went to Denver for more complete recuperation than could be promised in the climate of this region. Mrs. Stahl, the mother of these children was born on June 17, 1849, and is a daughter of Samuel and Diana (Garbejr) Arnold, both of whom also were bora in Pennsylvania. Samuel Garber died at Kansas City, Mo., and his wife died at Colorado Springs, Colo. Oct. 1, 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Stahl celebrated the "golden" anniversary of their marriage and the occasion was made one of many congratulations and much felicitation on the part of their many friends in the community of which they have been a part for so many years. This excellent couple have nineteen living grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. William Speed Poage, owner of an excelent farm of 240 acres in Kelly township and one of the progressive and energetic young farmers and stockmen of that part of Cooper County, has created an admirable farm plant there and is doing well in his operations. He was born in Mon- roe County, Mo., Oct. 10, 1886, son of Samuel and Fannie J. (Speed) Poage, the latter of whom is living with his son William, her only surviving child. Of the children born to Samuel Poage and wife but two lived to maturity, a son and a daughter. The latter, Mary V., married A. A. Knoop and is now deceased. Samuel Poage was born in Monroe County, Mo., in 1852, and died in 1887, he then being but 35 years of age. His widow was bora in Morgan County in 1853. Dec. 18, 1908, William Speed Poage was united in marriage to Rhoda 1134 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Richards, who was born in Carroll County, Mo., daughter of the Rev. F. C. Richards and wife, who are now living in Morgan County, and_to this union three children have been bom, Eva M., Mary H. and Sarah F. Mr. and Mrs. Poage are members of the Methodist Church and take a proper interest in church work, as well as in the general social activities of the community in which they live. Mr. Poage is a democrat and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. Homer E. Norris, a progressive young farmer of Kelly township, and owner of a fine farm, was born on a farm in Monroe County. Ohio, March 1, 1885, son of William L. and Adelia M. (Wise) Norris, both of whom also were born in Ohio and the latter of whom is still living in Pettis County. William L. Norris was bora in Monroe County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. During the Civil War he enlisted and for three years served as a soldier of the Union, being twice wounded during this service. After the war he engaged in farming in Monroe county, where he remained until 1887 when he disposed of his interests in Ohio and with his family came to Missouri and located on a farm near Pleasant Green, this county, where he was successfully engaged in farming until his retirement. He is now living in Pettis County with his daughter, Mrs. Mattie McMullen, being now 76 years of age. His wife died in Cooper County in 1904, she then being 57 years of age. William L. Norris and wife were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom the sub- ject of this sketch was the youngest and all of whom are still living save one of the sons. Homer E. Norris was but two years of age when his parents came to Cooper County in 1887 and here he grew to manhood, receiving his school- ing in the local schools in the vicinity of Pleasant Green. When 20 years of age he began farming on his own account, renting for a season, and then in 1904 bought a farm in Pettis County and made his home there until 1907, when he sold that place and returned to Cooper County and bought the farm where he is now living. Mr. Norris owns an excellent farm of 188!o acres and in addition to that is farming an adjacent tract, 300 acres thus being under his control. His farm plant is well equipped and in addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the feeding of live stock. Nov. 30, 1905, Homer E. Norris was married to Anna Woolery, who was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born. Homer E., Jr., and William L., the latter named in honor of his grand- HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1135 father. Mrs. Norris is a member of one of the old families of Cooper County, the Woolerys having been represented here since pioneer days, and is a daughter of Taylor and Eliza (Berry) Woolery. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are members of the Methodist Church and take an interested part in church work. Mr. Norris is a democrat and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. Millard E. Thomas, one of Lebanon township's well known and pro- gressive young farmers, who is managing there a fine farm of 200 acres belonging to his father, who is now retired, was born on that farm, as was his mother. He was born July 26, 1882, son of Charles M. and Jennie (Steele) Thomas, both of whom also were born in Lebanon township, members of pioneer families there. Charles M. Thomas was born in 1854, a son of Jonas Thomas and wife, the latter of whom was a Miss Woolery prior to her marriage. After his marriage Charles M. Thomas settled on his home on the farm which he now owns and which is being operated by his son, Millard, and was suc- cessfully engaged in farming and stock raising until his retirement and removal to Belton, where he is now living. His wife died in 1915. She was born on the farm on which she spent all her life in 1855, daughter of D. K. and Caroline (Burns) Steele, who were among the early residents in that part of Lebanon township. To Charles M. Thomas and wife were born five children as follows: May, wife of S. L. Burford, living in Kan- sas ; Carrie, married John Hawkins and is now deceased ; Millard E. ; Dale, wife of John Schilb, living southwest of Otterville and Clarence, living south of Otterville. Reared on the home place in Lebanon township, Millard E. Thomas received his early schooling in the local public schools and supplemented this by a course in the college at Clarksburg. From boyhood he had given his attention to the labors of the home farm and after a while beg;m farming on his own account there under a proper working arrangement with his father and was thus engaged until 1913 when he went to Sedalia and was there for three years engaged as check clerk in a wholesale grocery house. In 1916 Mr. Thomas returned from Sedalia and resumed the management of the home farm in his father's behalf and has since successfully been carrying on the operations of that place. He gives con- siderable attention to the raising of live stock. July 26, 1904. Millard E. Thomas was married at Syracuse, Mo., to Minnie Burford, who was born at that place June 28, 1878, daughter of Albert and Mary (Mathis) Burford. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members 1136 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of the Baptist Church. Mr. Thomas is a republican and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Otterville. Boone Hurt, a substantial farmer and stockman of Clear Creek town- ship is a native son of Cooper County. He was bom on a farm in Clarks Fork township Aug. 30, 1854, son of Joel and Harriet (Fairs) Hurt, both of whom spent their last days here. Joel Hurt was a Virginian, born near Culpeper Court House, March 11, 1814. He grew to manhood in Virginia and was there married to Elizabeth Hess, who also was born in Virginia and by whom he had three children. In the early '40s he came with his family to Missouri and set- tled on a farm in Clarks Fork township and spent the remainder of his life there. He died March 10, 1880. In his youth Joel Hurt had been trained as a brick mason and after locating on his farm here also followed that trade as demands warranted. He was a republican and was for years regarded as one of the leaders of that party in his part of Cooper County. For 25 years he served as justice of the peace in Clarks Foi'k township and it is a matter of record in which his family takes a just degree of pride that rarely indeed were the judgments rendered by him overruled by the higher courts, even in such few cases as were appealed from his court. Not long after coming to this county Joel Hurt's first wife died and he married Harriet Fairs, who was born in Saline township, in 1828; she died in 1905. To this latter union were born nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, Boone Hurt at- tended the local schools and from the days of his boyhood has followed farming. He married in the fall of 1880 and in 1885 bought a farm in Clarks Fork township, which he sold in 1892 and bought another farm in that township. This latter place he also sold to advantage and then bought a farm in North Moniteau township, where he resided until the spring of 1911, when he sold that place and moved to Oklahoma with the expectation of making his home in that state. Things there, however, did not present themselves to his liking and in the following October he disposed of such interests as he had acquired there and returned to Cooper County, buying here the farm of 287 acres on which he is now living in Clear Creek township and has there since resided. Mr. Hurt has made numerous improvements on the place. Mr. Hurt is a republican, as was his father. Nov. 9, 1880, Boone Hurt was married to Malinda Haley, who was born Jan. 2, 1862, in Moniteau County, daughter of Thomas A. and Eliza- beth (Benson) Haley, both of whom were born in Howard County, and HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1137 who after their marriage made their home in Moniteau County, where they reared their family. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have been born 13 chil- dren, namely : Edgar G., living at Pisgah ; Nannie, wife of Homer Bru- baker, Lebanon township; Eliza, wife of Archibald Powell, Clear Creek township ; Chester A., farming in Lebanon township ; Bessie, wife of H. Carpenter, Prairie Home township; Leslie, deceased; Raymond, farming in Clear Creek township, and his twin sister, who died in infancy ; Ewing, who married Annabel Mayfield and is now, summer of 1919, with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe ; Gordon, deceased ; Thelma, at home, and Lewis and Huldah H., also at home. -Sergt. Ewing Hurt, the soldier son, was born on April 21, 1896, in Clarks Fork township, and was engaged in farming when on Sept. 19, 1917, he was called to the colors in the World War. After a period of training at Camp Funston, he sailed with his command for overseas service in April, 1918, and thus partici- pated in considerable active service. After the armistice he continued on with the victorious army and was serving in the Army of Occupation in Germany, a sergeant of Company L, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, when the German government signed the treaty of peace in June, 1919. John Harris Fray, owner and proprietor of "Walnut Grove Farm", LaMine township, is a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Cooper County. He was born in LaMine township Nov. 23, 1878, and is a son of Benjamin A. and Adelia Frances (Harris) Fray, and is one of the following children born to them: John Harris, the subject of this sketch; Elwood H., a stockman, Blackwater; William Tyler, St. Louis; Mary E., married Leslie O'Rear, Chicago, 111. ; and Alva C, Marshall, Mo. Benjamin A. Fray was born in LaMine township in 1853, a son of John A. and Martha Elizabeth (Herndon) Fray, natives of Virginia, who came to Cooper County from that state at an early date, and were among the pioneers of LaMine township, where they spent the remainder of their lives after coming here. They were the parents of nine children. Benj. A. Fray was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Cooper County for many years, and is now living retired at Marshall, Mo. Adelia Frances (Harris) Fray was also bora in LaMine township in 1851. She is a daughter of Washington and Mary (Tyler) Harris, who were early settlers in Cooper County. She was educated in the public schools and Pilot Grove College. John Harris Fray was educated in the district school and also attended Pilot Grove College. He began life as a clerk in a drug store at Black- 1138 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY water. Two years later he entered the employ of the National Live Stock Commission Company and for ten years represented that company as a live stock salesman at East St. Louis, 111., when he was transferred to Kansas City in the same capacity for that company and remained there about eight years. He then went to Colorado, where he remained about three years, when he returned to Cooper County and engaged in his pres- ent business on the place where he now resides, which he purchased in March, 1919. "Walnut Grove Farm" is a well improved place of 400 acres, and well adapted to the stock business. Mr. Fray is perhaps the largest cattle feeder in Cooper County, usually feeding for the market from 400 to 500 head of cattle each year, and about 800 head of hogs. His broad and varied experience in the live stock business well qualified him to get the best results out of his endeavor in this particular line, and he is meeting with well merited success. Dec. 26, 1900, John Harris Fray was married to Miss Bessie E. Rey- nolds, who was bom in Iowa and reared in Nebraska. She is a daughter of John H. and Mary (Claiborne) Reynolds, natives of Illinois and France, respectively. The father was engaged in railroad contracting for a num- ber of years and is now living in St. Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Fray have been born one child, Mary Claiborne Fray. Mr. Fray is a member of the time honored Masonic Lodge and also belongs to the Elks. He is one of Cooper County's substantial citizens. Robert Leyton Miller, company officer at the Missouri State Train- ing School for Boys, Boonville, was bora on a farm in Boonville township, March 23, 1889. Everett Miller, his father, is also a native of Cooper County and was born Oct. 14, 1865, on what is called the old Miller home place, and is a son of Robert Miller, a native of Kentucky who settled in Cooper County before the Civil War and was a soldier in the Confederate Army. Robert Miller died in 1914 at the age of 89 years. Everett Miller has a splendid farm of 160 acres with excellent improvements. He married Miss Bettie Robinson, who was born in Cooper County, five miles southeast of Boon- ville, and is a daughter of John Robinson, a Cooper County pioneer. Everett Miller, his father, is also a native of Cooper County and was educated in the Boonville High School and Christian Brothers College at St. Louis. Until his appointment to his present post on Sept. 23, 1917, he was engaged as a motor machinist in Kansas City. During the years of 1912 and 1913, Mr. Miller traveled over Colorado, Washington and Oregon. HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1139 making trips also into Texas and New Mexico. He also made a trip through the East as far as Perry, N. Y. During his travels he visited various penal institutions such as the Federal penitentiary at Leaven- worth, Kan., the Illinois State penitentiary at Joliet, reformatory at Pont- iac, and various other penal institutions for the purpose of making a study of prison reform and prison management. He is still a student of state reform school management and his studies along the line of this pro- fession have been invaluable to him in the proper performance of the duties of his position at the Missouri Training School where a company of boys are in his charge. Mr. Miller is a democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is well informed, broad minded, and of a kindly disposition, and seems especially fitted for the position which he holds. Robert P. Burge, vice-president of the Boonville Mercantile Company, Boonville, Mo., is a native Missourian and was born on a farm near Butler, Bates County, April 6, 1863. Oscar Burge, his father, was born in Ken- tucky in 1822 and died in 1900. Oscar Burge's father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and had a government land grant in Bates County, Mo. Oscar Burge made the long overland trip to the gold fields of California in 1850 and remained there for two years. He acquired a quantity of gold, a part of which his son, Robert P., still has in his possession, con- sisting of a gold nugget valued at over $100. Mr. Burge returned to Ken- tucky by way of Cape Horn and soon afterwards went to Bates County, Mo., where he took possession of his father's land grant. Disposing of this he came to Cooper County and settled seven miles southeast of Boon- ville where he developed a good farm of 150 acres and there spent the remainder of his days. Early in young manhood he married Elizabeth Miller who was born and reared in Cooper County, a daughter of pioneer parents. ' She was born on a farm south of Boonville in 1824 and departed this life in 1872, leaving children as follows: John, a farmer, southwest of Boonville; William, a fanner, near Blackwater; Robert P., of this re- view ; and Dora Burge lives in Kentucky. Robert P. Burge was reared on his father's farm, attended the dis- trict school and followed farming until 1904. He became owner of a fine farm of 136 acres in the old home neighborhood which is well improved. After leaving the farm he spent the winter of 1904 and 1905 at Eldorado Springs, Mo., and then engaged in business in partnership with H. G. Hudson of Boonville for two years. The Boonville Mercantile Company 1140 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY ■was then organized and he became a stockholder and officer in the concern. Mr. Burge has charge of all the plumbing and electrical work done by this large establishment. He was married in Oct., 1893, to Miss Addie Parker, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel J. Parker who settled in Cooper County some years ago. The children born to Robert P. and Addie Burge are as follows : Alma Burge, a student in Monticello Seminary, Godfrey, 111. ; Grace Burge, attending the Boonville High School. Mr. Burge is a democrat and attends the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is an industrious, substantial citizen and loyal to his home city and county. Joseph M. Clark, painter and decorator, Boonville, was born on a farm six miles east of Boonville, April 4, 1861. The farm on which he was born is one of the most historic in this section and is the site of the first Battle of Boonville which was fought between the Confederates and the Union soldiers in June, 1861. David B. Clark, his father was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1828 and died in 1914. He was a son of Adam and Nancy Clark, the latter of whom died at the age of 85 years. Adam Clark was bom in Ireland and died in Boonville at the age of 86 years. He was born in Belfast and learned the trade of mill wright and bridge builder. After settling in Ohio he followed his trade. He came to Cooper County in the thirties and here built many of the earlier bridges and mills in this section. Two of the bridges which he built across the Petit Saline River are still standing, one of which the covered wooden bridge known as the Shumaker bridge, was erected in 1857 and the other spans the river at Big Lick, or Gooch Mill. In all, he erected six bridges across the Petit Saline and built many flour mills. 'When he approached the Board of County Judges relative to erect- ing a wooden, covered structure such as he had in mind he found the judges skeptical about the strength of the proposed bridge. He there- upon built a model bridge four feet in length, complete in every detail. Calling the judges to a store, he placed each end of the bridge upon a chair and then placed a 100 pound sack of flour on the center of his model. The model sustained weight of the flour and the judges were convinced of the stability of the proposed bridges. David B. Clark removed from his farm to Boonville in the spring of 1861 and resumed his occupation as river man. For a period of 35 years he operated steamboats on the Missouri River and served as purser ana captain on many boats. During the Civil War his steamer transported HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1141 Union soldiers down the river and he carried the troops which invested Yieksburg. For several years after the war he carried provisions to Fort Benton on the upper reaches of the Missouri. After his retirement from the river he followed his natural bent as a skilled cabinet maker and many pieces of furniture and ornamentation, such as mantels and stair cases and panel work adorn the Clark home on Seventh street. His wife was Margaret Mitchell prior to her marriage. She was born in 1812 and died in 1884. She was born near Brighton, Beaver County, Pa., and was a daughter of John Mitchell who came to Boonville in 1848 and conducted a retail store in this city until his death at the age of 83 years. The other children born to David B. and Margaret Clark are, besides the subject of this sketch: Mrs. Agnes Askew, deceased; and John Clark, of Kansas City, Mo. For 38 years, Joseph M. Clark has followed his trade of painter and decorator and fills contracts in Cooper County and the surrounding cities and towns in central Missouri, including Jefferson City. He is a born artist and many fine paintings which he has created with his brush adorn the walls of his home. He was married in 1895 to Miss Cora F. Fritts, who was born in Cooper County in 1868, a daughter of John and Patsie Fritts, the former of whom is deceased, while the mother is still living at the age of 77 years. Mr. Clark has two sons who are assisting him in his business. The eldest son is Leonidas M., a decorator and painter like his father, and who served six months in the National Army as first sergeant of his company, stationed at Fort Bliss. The younger son is Price Boone Clark, aged 14 years. Mr. Clark is an independent republican. He is a Presbyterian and comes from a long line of Presbyterian ancestors of Scotch descent. He is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World lodge. Joseph Anthony Oswald, farmer and live stock dealer, Boonville, is proprietor of two farms aggregating 400 acres, one farm being located two miles south and the other five and a half miles southeast of Boon- ville. Mr. Oswald was born Oct. 16, 1870, on a farm four miles south of Boonville and is a son of the later Herman Oswald. Herman Oswald was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 17, 1820, and died in Cooper County, Dec. 15, 1903. His wife, who was Christina Youngkamp prior to her marriage was born in Westphalia, Germany, Oct. 12, 1844 and died March 10, 1893. They were parents of the following children: Frank, born Sept. 17, 1868, lives in Boonville; Julius, born Feb. 1142 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 2, 1863. Cooper County farmer ; August, born July 6. 1864. Cooper County farmer; Christina, born Jan. 6, 1867. deceased wife of Matt Clean.-; Joseph A., of this review; Lizzie, born Oct. 10. 1872. wife of William G. Robien. well known stockman and farmer of Cooper County ; Margaret, born March 7. 1875, deceased wife of John H. Schnuck. Boonville township; Katie, born Feb. 7. 1878, wife of P. F. Fitzpatrick, a farmer west of Boonville: Julia, born Sept. 17. 1880. wife of Ed Darby. Boonville. Herman Oswald came to America in 1854 and first located in the timber lands of Wisconsin. He entered 40 acres of virgin timber land near Green Bay. and proceeded to clear the land. In order to afford him an outlet to the village he cut a road through the timber which to this day is known as the Oswald road. He came to Cooper County after a year or so to be able to live in a climate which was not so severe as the Wiscon- sin climate. Not long after he came here he sold his northern farm and after renting land for a time in Cooper County he purchased a place south of Boonville. He accumulated over 400 acres of land and became one of. the wealthy citizens of Cooper County. He owned prior to his death a total of 1.300 acres of land, 1.000 acres of which was situated in Cooper County and 300 acres located in Kansas. Mr. Oswald followed general farming and stock raising and operated on a large scale as a feeder of live stock. He prospered until the breakng out of the Civil War when the depredations of the bands of soldiers who were overrunning the country practically cleaned him out ; his live stock was run off ; his provisions taken whenever he had any and everything movable was "requisitioned". At the close of the war he was practically "broke" and a new start was necessary. Like others who were in the same plight, he recovered from his losses and became wealthy. He was married in 1861 to Christina Youngkamp, who came to America from Germany in 1858 with her father. Bernard Youngkamp. Joseph A. Oswald attended the school at Stony Point, and worked for his father on the farm until 1900. He and his three brothers farmed together and handled live stock until 1906. Joseph and Julius Oswald then became partners in the live stock business. Mr. Oswald feeds about 300 head of cattle and 500 hogs annually. He ships about 200 car loads of stock each year. Mr. Oswald left the farm and moved to Boonville in 1913. April 16. 1913. Joseph A. Oswald and Miss Minnie Dumalt. of Bill- ingsville. were married. This marriage has been blessed with the follow- ing children: Edward, born Feb. 5, 1914: Margaret, born Aug. 25. 1915; HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1143 Mildred, born Oct. 15, 1916; Harold, born Dec. 8, 1918. The mother of these children was born on a farm seven miles southwest of Boonville and is a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Esser) Dumalt, the former of whom was born in 1851, and the latter born in 1852, both being natives of Germany. Mrs. Catherine (Esser) Dumalt is a daughter of Bertram Esser. Mr. Oswald is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Sts. Peter and Paul's Church. Mr. Oswald is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. Frank E. Lionberger. — The late Francis Edward Lionberger was a member of one of the oldest Cooper County pioneer families. He was bom April 7, 1842 in Boonville, and died April 13, 1913. His father was Isaac Lionberger, a pioneer merchant and very popular citizen of Boonville who died in 1861. The mother of F. E. Lionberger was Mary Ann Tutt, prior to her marriage, and both parents were natives of Virginia, and were descended from old American stock. Isaac Lionberger was for years, one of the leading merchants of Boonville, and was very popular with the ladies in the antebellum period. When making his yearly trips to New York City to do his buying for the season he would be commissioned by the Cooper County ladies to purchase their frocks — his judgment regard- ing the prevailing styles being so discriminating that he rarely made a mistake in selecting suitable wearing apparel for his patrons. Frank E. Lionberger attended the Kemper School and the State Uni- versity at Columbia. He then settled on the farm owned by his mother, south of Boonville which is now owned by S. L. Hickam, and remained there until the farm was sold in 1891. He then bought a place of 100 acres adjoining the old home place and the family resided there until Sept., 1917, when they moved to the present home in Boonville. May 13, 1869, Mr. Lionberger was married to Emma (Hersey) Talbot. To this marriage were born the following children: Charles Edward, Los Angeles, Cal., married Helen Baskerville and lias two sons, Frances Edward and William Talbot ; Bettie is the wife of Dr. C. H. Van Ravensway, is mother of two sons, Arie Cornelius and Charles Edward ; Mary, at home with her mother; Addie Talbot, a member of the D. A. R., at home with her mother. The mother of these children was born Jan. 1, 1850, on Loutre Island. Loutre Island is situated opposite Hermann, Mo., and in size it was two and a half miles wide by twelve miles long. William Irving Talbot, father of Mrs. Lionberger, was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1808 and died in 1874. 1144 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY He was a son of Matthew Talbot, whose father came to America from England early in the 18th century. Matthew Talbot was a pioneer in Missouri, settling here in the early thirties. He was a slaveholder and owned many fine horses. It was his custom to give each son a fine mare as he became of age. William Irving Talbot cleared his island farm of timber but left several fine pecan trees. He tilled his land with slave labor until the war brought freedom for the slaves and after the close of the Civil War he came to Boonville and died here. When a young man he married Mrs. Catherine Jane (Hersey) Bascom, a widow, who was born in Lynchburg, Va., in 1812 and died in Sedalia, Mo., in 1877. By her first marriage she had two daughters. Mrs. Lionberger is the only child of her parents. The late Frank E. Lionberger was a democrat and was a member of the Methodist Church south. He was a great reader and student of the times and was posted on all subjects of interest. He was possessed of a very retentive memory which enabled him to converse with fluency and ability upon almost any topic of interest. Mr. Lionberger was a kind husband and a wise father to his children. His death was a sincere loss to the community. Henry E. Brummel. — When Henry E. Brummel, prosperous farmer and stockman of the Prairie Lick neighborhood, came from Michigan to Cooper County, 26 years ago, he brought most of his earthly possessions in a prairie schooner, hauled by four horses. Mr. Brummel made the trip from Michigan in the late fall and it took six weeks because of the fact that he stopped enroute and worked two weeks on the railroad so as to get some needed money. He arrived at Boonville, Dec. 1, 1892 and during the latter part of the trip he would have to get up in the night from his rough couch and run around for awhile to restore circulation and get warmed up. Having sold his property in Michigan, realizing S800, he at once invested in Cooper County land at $28 an acre. Mr. Brummel has 208 acres of valuable farm land upon which he has placed every improve- ment including a large frame residence which stands on the highest spot of his farm, two large barns and silo. He raises Shorthorn cattle, hogs and sheep and is rated as one of the well-to-do farmers and stockmen of this section of Missouri. Henry E. Brummel was born in 1860, at Aurora, 111. He is a son of Peter (b. 1830, d. Feb. 28, 1899) and Mary Brummel (b. 1838, d. June 7, 1911). His parents came to America in 1852, although Peter Brummel crossed the ocean in 1851. Peter Brummel went to Michigan in 1865 and settled on a farm near Bums. He sold out his holdings in Michigan in 1895 and came to Cooper HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1145 County and spent the remainder of his days on a farm here. The chil- dren of Peter and Mary Brummel were : Anna and Kate, deceased ; Mary Gertrude, deceased; Peter, Buffalo Prairie, Mo.; Joseph, trainmaster on the Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad at Monmouth, 111.; Mrs. Margaret Whitehurse, living on a farm four miles southeast of Boonville; Mrs. Agnes Kronen, Michigan ; Lena, wife of John Stoecklein, living near Pilot Grove; Jennie, wife of Fred Schuester, R. F. D. carrier, Pilot Grove; Eliza- beth, wife of Joe Vollmer, Pilot Grove ; two children died in infancy. Mr. Brummel was married in 1896 to Verona Wittman, born in 1867, a daughter of Peter and Regina (Heilman) Wittman, natives of Baden, Germany. Peter Wittman was born in 1826 and died in 1901. Regina Wittman was born in May, 1837, and died in 1891. Peter Wittman came to America in the early forties and his wife came to this country in 1855. Peter Wittman was a "forty-niner" who went to California during the great rush for gold. The children born to Henry E. and Verona Brum- mel are: Viol, born March 31, 1897, married on March 7, 1916 to Marvin Eichelberger, who was bom in Cooper County, in 1893 and is a son of A. H. Eichelberger. They have one child, Edward, born Feb. 5, 1918. Mr. Brummel is a democrat and a member of the Martinsville Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. Frank Bechtold. — The Bechtold Dairy Farm, located about one mile s^uth of Boonville, Mo., consisting of 124 acres, was established in 1893 by Frank Bechtold. The farm is well equipped with every facility for caring for the dairy herd of 22 Jerseys and Holsteins and the output of the dairy is sold over established milk routes in Boonville. A large bank barn and silo, with a substantial cottage residence make up the improve- ments on the place which have all been placed thereon by the proprietor. Frank Bechtold was born in Germany, Oct. 13, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Christina Bechtold who lived all of their lives in their native country. Mr. Bechtold emigrated from his native land in 1880 and came directly to Boonville. He arrived here with a capital of about $200. He followed his trade -of stone cutter for 30 years and resided in Boonville until he purchased his dairy farm. For the past 40 years, Mr. Bechtold has resided in Boonville and vicinity and is well and favorably known as a conscientious and skilled stone worker who is also a good business man. Of late years, Mr. Bechtold has turned over the management of the dairy business to his capable and energetic son. Mr. Bechtold was married in 1878 to Mary Hoflander, who was born in Germany, reared and married there, and is now aged 64 years. The oldest' child of the family was born in Germany. The children born to 1146 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY Frank and Mary Bechtold are : Theresa Bechtold married William Lever, a tinner of Boonville; William is a shoemaker in St. Louis; Rosa is the wife of Frank Oswald, Boonville; Charles, the soldier of the family, was born March 5, 1886, enlisted in July, 1918, in the National Army, was trained at Camp Cole, Gettysburg, Pa., for active tank service and sailed for France just one week before the armistice was declared which ended the great World War; Fred John was born June 14, 1888, and is a drug- gist at St. Louis ; Bertha is the wife of Jacob Melkersman, who resides on a farm six miles southeast of Boonville; Clara; Mary Catherine, and Henry are at home. Henry Bechtold is the active manager of the dairy farm and business. Mr. Bechtold is a republican and he and his family are members of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Wilbur B. Wallace, retired stockman and farmer, Boonville, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Wallace was born on a farm three miles west of Bunceton, Aug. 26, 1881. His father, Thomas J. Wallace was born in 1837 and died in 1900. He was a native of Virginia whose father migrated to Missouri about 1845 and settled in Cooper County. The Wal- lace family is an old American family which numbers among its members some of the most prominent men of Missouri and the nation. Hugh Wal- lace of Liberty, present ambassador to France is a cousin of W. B. Wal- lace. The grandfather of W. B. Wallace entered government land in this county and had quite a large estate. Thomas J. Wallace was reared to young manhood in Cooper County and married Martha S. Cockrell who was born in Virginia in 1824, and now resides in Boonville. She is a daughter of Thomas Cockrell who was related to Senator Cockrell of Mis- souri. She came to Cooper County when a child in company with her brother, George Cockrell. Thomas J. Wallace followed farming and stock raising during his active life and was very successful. During the Civil War he dealt extensively in mules, supplying the armies with these ani- mals. He was father of four children: Edgar Wallace, living in New York ; A. A. Wallace, engaged in the manufacturing business in Boonville ; Thomas, deceased; Wilbur B., subject of this sketch. W. B. Wallace was educated in the district school and Central College at Fayette, Mo. He entered Yale University and was pursuing a scientific course when his father's death made it necessary for him to return home to assist in looking after the estate. He engaged in farming and stock HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1147 raising on his farm of 325 acres near Bunceton until March, 1918, when he sold his land holdings and moved to Boonville. Mr. Wallace was married in 1906 to Miss Louise Harriman of Bunce- ton, a daughter of Col. Robert Harriman. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have one child, Thomas Wallace, aged six years. Mr. Wallace is a democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and holds a membership in the Ararat Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Kansas City, Mo. Joseph Walker Woolery, farmer and stockman of Palestine township who is operating the F. H. Muntzel farm of 347 acres, is a native of Cooper County. He was born May 26, 1877, within one-half mile of Nebo Church. His father, Scott Woolery, was born in Cooper County, and was a son of pioneer parents in this county. He married Kate Patrick a daughter of a Cooper County pioneer who married a sister of Samuel Cole's second wife. Scott Woolery was a twin brother to Taylor Woolery of Pleasant Green and a brother to Col. Thomas S. Woolery of Bunceton. J. W. Woolery was educated in Nebo School and Bell Air High School. From July 21, 1915, to Feb. 26, 1919, he was in the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Pilot Grove. He then leased the Muntzel farm and is operating the tract on a partnership basis. Mr. Woolery was married in Oct., 1901, to Mary Susan Connelly, who has borne him two children: Joseph D. and Emily Margaretha. Mrs. Mary Susan Woolery was born in Cooper County and is a daughter of the late Joseph Connelly, who resided on a farm near Pilot Grove for over 50 years. Joseph Connelly was born in 1846 and died April 1, 1910. He was a native of North Carolina and came to Missouri in 1867. Shortly after- ward he was married and settled on a farm near Pilot Grove where he lived until but a few years prior to his death when he moved to Pilot Grove. He was father of seven children: James Anthony, drowned; Mary Susan, wife of J. W. Woolery, of this sketch; Mrs. Minnie. Josephine, wife of Dr. Ely, Jacksonville, Texas ; Ruth Ethel, wife of Arthur Haley, Pilot Grove ; Margaret Lavinia, wife of Prof. J. C. Godley, Milton, Iowa ; William Walter, deceased ; John Daniel, was accidentally killed by a street car in Kansas City, Mo., in June, 1916. The mother of these children, Margaret (Boles) Connelly was bom in Stone County, Mo., in 1854. She 1148 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY is a daughter of Anthony and Ruth (Johnston) Boles, the latter being related to the old Johnston family of Cooper County, of whom Col. Thomas A. Johnston, head of the Kemper Military School at Boonville, is a mem- ber. Anthony Johnston was a native of Kentucky, was a stone mason, married in Indiana. He was also a millwright who built several water mills in Stone and Caney Counties, Mo., and also built the Harriman Mill at Pilot Grove. He owned the flouring mill at Bunceton. He was born in 1814, came to Cooper County, in 1863 and died April 30, 1901. Ruth Boles, his wife was born Dec. 5, 1808 and died March 15, 1898. There were seven children in the Boles family : Minerva ; John \Y. ; Johnston ; Eli, and Julia, deceased; Josephine, wife of Wm. Fentress, lives at Mont- rose, Mo. ; Mrs. Margaret Connelly of this review. Mr. Woolery is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and is a past grand of the Knights of the Maccabees of Pilot Grove and is a member of the Pilot Grove Business Men's Association. Fred C. Stegner. farmer and stockman, owner of a well improved tract of 81 acres of land near Billingsville, was born and reared on the farm which he now owns. Mr. Stegner was born Feb. 15, 1878 and is a son of August and Annie (Angemann) Stegner, well-to-do residents of Cooper County who left the farm in 1908 and moved to Boonville. Fred C. Stegner attended the Billingsville public schools and, with the exception of one year spent in the West engaged in railroading, he has always lived on the home place in Cooper County. His father, August Stegner. a wise and provident citizen, realizing that the best way to have his sons remain on the farms of Cooper County, has assisted each of his children to become farm owners and used his credit and means to this end while encouraging his sons to earn their own way. As a result, each boy is row a prosperous land owner and making good in Cooper County. Fred C. Stegner purchased the home place 1914 after renting it from his father for some time. He is improving the place and in 1913 replaced a barn which had been struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Mr. Stegner was married Dec. 25, 1907, to Matilda Magdalena Koellner of Cooper County, a daughter of Christ and Annie (Timm) Koellner. Three children have been born to this union: Irvin Benjamin, born Dec. 26, 1911 ; Virginia, born April 22, 1914; Elmer August, born Dec. 27, 1916. Mr. Stegner is a republican, a member of the Evangelical Church of Billingsville and is a good, industrious, progressive citizen. George T. Steinmetz, although retired from active work, is kept busily employed in gardening at his fine old, country place on the hill just at the HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1149 end of Locust street in the east part of Boonville. This tract of five acres is the old Nelson Place and embraces five acres, sufficient to keep one man busy almost the year around. A large brick house of imposing appear- ance graces this homestead. Mr. Steinmetz was born Dec. 12, 1856, at Glasgow, Mo., and is a son of Samuel and Lizette Steinmetz, natives of Germany, and Charitan County, respectively. Samuel Steinmetz, his father, came from Germany to America when a young man, was first a shoemaker, then engaged in the grocery busi- ness, later conducted a live stock business at St. Louis, became one of the noted Shorthorn breeders of the West and achieved national fame as a horticulturist, becoming one of the most widely known men in this sec- tion of the country. He accumulated a large estate of 700 acres, his home place being across the roadway from Glasgow. He owned the old Cleve- land farm of 475 acres in Howard County. Mr. Steinmetz died in 1911 at the great age of 96 years and four days. Samuel Steinmetz maintained a large green house and spent his spare time in propagating rare and new specimens of flowers. He produced and bred the celebrated green dahlia which brought at sale the sum of $1,200. He also propagated the famous black dahlia which sold for $1,500. He had learned the art of cloriculture in his native Germany and was thus following his natural bent in indulg- ing his hobby. So expert did he become in the art of propagating and breeding flowers that he could change the color of blooms at will and he created many new flowering plants which are enjoyed by flower lovers everywhere to this day. A lover of the beautiful, he made life pleasanter by devoting his later years to the development of his latent powers in his inherited art. Samuel Steinmetz was father of 12 children: Captain Samuel Stein- metz, an elder son, was killed while serving with the Missouri militia dur- ing the Civil War; Aaron Steinmetz was also killed in the service of his country; Mrs. Amelia Tillman lives at Glasgow, Mo.; Edward, died in Sedalia, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Myers lives at Glasgow, Mo. ; George T., subject of this review; Mrs. Catherine Weiler lives at San Francisco, Cal. ; Don Palmer, lives at Texarkanam, Ark. ; John is deceased ; William and Nannie live in Howard County; one child died in infancy. The mother of the foregoing children died at the age of 78 years. George T. Steinmetz embarked in the meat market business in Glas- gow when a young man and was engaged in business for 22 years. In the meantime he was owner of a farm in Howard County, Mo., which had his supervision for a number of years. He came to Boonville in 1898 and 1150 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY was bookkeeper for George Roeder & Son for two years. For two years he served as street commissioner of Boonville, and was city treasurer for four years. He filled the office of police judge of the city for one year, but of late has been contenting himself with caring for his suburban place. Mr. Steinmetz was first married to Julia A. Stettmund, of Glasgow, Mo., who died, leaving two children: Waldo, living at Belleville, 111.; and Mrs. Verna Rankin, now making her home with her father. Mr. Stein- metz's second marriage occurred in 1882 with Miss Annie Roeder, a daugh- ter of the late George Roeder. She died in 1914 leaving four children: Lloyd, Denver, Col. ; Alice, at home with her father ; Martha, deceased ; Samuel, Denver, Col. Mr. Steinmetz is a republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and is allied with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Dr. William H. Elliot, M. D., is the leading physician and the most popular practitioner in the southern part of Cooper County. Dr. Elliot located in Bunceton in 1904 and has built up a splendid practice in Bunce- ton and the surrounding country. William H. Elliot was born Oct. 25, 1875 in Moniteau County. He is a son of Joseph and Naomia (Turner) Elliot, both of whom were born in Moniteau County, the children of pioneer parents. Joseph Elliot was the son of William Elliot a native of Kentucky who settled in Moniteau County and cleared a farm from the wilderness in 1840. Joseph Elliot learned the trade of blacksmith in his youth and now resides at Latham, Mo., in the 67th year of his age. His wife, Naomia, was born in 1858 and departed this life in 1891. She was a daughter of Horace Turner, who was born in 1817 at Old Franklin, Mo. Horace Turner was a son of Philip Turner, of Kentucky, an associate and friend of Stephen Cole, the first settler of Cooper County. It will thus be seen that Dr. Elliot is descended on his mother's side from one of the first of the Cooper County pioneer families. To Joseph and Naomia Elliot were born four sons, as follows : Napoleon, living in Oklahoma ; Walker, resides at Crocker, Mo.; Luther, a farmer, living west of Bunceton. Dr. William H. Elliot was educated in the Warrensburg State Normal School. Following that course he entered Barnes Medical College at St. Louis and was graduated from that institution in 1899. He practiced his profession for the next five years with old Doctor Latham at Latham, Mo. and then came to Bunceton. Dr. Elliot is a member of the Cooper HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1151 County Medical Society, the Missouri State and the American Medical Associations. Doctor Elliot was married in 1905 to Miss Alberta E. Young, of Kan- sas City, Mo., a daughter of John C. Young, a carpenter and contractor. To Dr. and Alberta C. Elliot have been born four children: Marguerite, Joseph, Raymond and William Henry Junior. Doctor Elliot is a democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. John Coleman, retired veteran grain dealer, Bunceton, was born at New Philadelphia, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1839. His parents were Ephraim and Nancy (Bess) Coleman, who were of true pioneer stock of Ohio. In 1842 he loaded his movable effects upon a wagon and set out across country enroute to Missouri. He located in Phelps County, Mo. and developed a farm. In 1859 he removed from Phelps County to Gasconade County, where he bought 300 acres of Missouri River bottom land. In the course of time the fickle and treacherous Missouri River earned away his river bottom farm and left him without a home or farm. Undaunted, he decided to make a new start and went to Moniteau County, locating at California, where he spent the remainder of his days. John Coleman began his business career at Chamois, Mo., in 1874 and was located in that town for about six years. During the Civil War he bought horses and mules for the Federal government. After the term- ination of his business career in Chamois, he located at California, Mo., where he bought grain and live stock until his removal to Bunceton in 1886. Here he has been successfully engaged in the buying and shipping of grain and live stock for the past 31 years. His sons have taken up the business and have relieved him of the work to a considerable extent. John Coleman was married the first time in 1865 to Miss Rhoda Edel- man who died in 1904, leaving four children : Edgar, engaged in the grain business with his father at Bunceton ; Walter E., of the firm of Coleman and Lee, Bunceton ; Morris, who is a partner in the grain business at Bunceton; James M. died in St. Louis. Mr. Coleman was married the second time to Eva Ewing. She died in 1907 without issue. He is a democrat; is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has been a Free Mason since 1872. William Bechtold. — The farm of William Bechtold, south of Boon- ville, now managed by his son, George Bechtold, is, besides being a fertile tract of land, and highly productive, unique in a particular sense, because 1152 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY of the great amount of stone work which is in evidence in the buildings for ornamentation. Mr. Bechtold was originally a skilled stone mason, and artistic stone cutter who learned his trade in Germany and plied it for many years in Boonville prior to locating on the farm. A stone wash house, a stone drying and smoke house, and other structures which are built enduringly partly of stone testify to the handiwork of Mr. Bechtold. In the front yard of the Bechtold home is a complete suite of stone tables and settees handsomely carved and chiseled from the solid stone. William Bechtold was born in Germany in 1848 and immigrated to America in 1867. Here he followed his trade of stone mason and cutter at Boonville, and worked on the construction of the Katy railroad bridge across the Missouri River. For several months he was foreman of a gang of men engaged in the stone laying of the abutments of the bridge, also the building of the pillars. He built many culverts and bridge founda- tions of stone throughout Cooper County. Me moved to his present place in 1884. There are 120 acres in the home place and 35 acres addi- tional in another tract. Owing to the continued illness of the elder Bech- told, his son George has the active management of the farm. William Bechtold was married in 1872 to Bertha Lieber, born in Ger- many in 1849, and immigrated to America in 1851. She is a daughter of Peter and Mary Lieber. Peter Lieber came to Boonville in 1854 and reared a family of eight children, six of whom came to America; they were Joseph, Boonville township; Adam, Gottfried, Mary and John, de- ceased ; and Mrs. Bertha Bechtold. To William and Bertha Bechtold have been born the following chil- dren : William ; Joseph ; Herman ; Albert, deceased ; Frank, living on the Scott farm ; George, on the home place ; Paul, farmer, living on the Stretz place; Joseph, living on the Chambers farm. Mrs. Bechtold has seven grandchildren. Frank Bechtold married Nora Schuester, and has four children: Abra, Clarence, William and Mary Margaret. Joseph married Anna Martensen and has three children : Cecilia, Bertha and Anna. Paul Bechtold married Lizzie Heilman. George Bechtold was born in 1885. He is an independent voter who refuses to wear the party yoke of any political organization. Mrs. Bech- told and the children are all members of the Catholic Church. The Bech- tolds are well-to-do people, besides their farm land, Mrs. Bechtold has a comfortable brick residence on High street in Boonville. George W. Chamberlin, proprietor of a nicely improved farm of 153 acres, Palestine township, is a native of this county. Mr. Chamberlin HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1153 was born Feb. 22, 1888, on the old Chamberlin place south of Billingsville and is a son of Albert M. Chamberlin. Mr. Chamberlin attended the Billingsville school and remained at home with his mother until his mar- riage. He purchased his farm in 1910, and moved to the place in the spring of 1911. He has done considerable improving on this tract, has rebuilt the residence, rebuilt the barns, and built considerable fencing until the farm is a very attractive one with a well kept and prosperous appear- ance. April 29, 1909, George W. Chamberlin and Clara Eichelberger were married. Two children have blessed this marriage: Albert Hoke, born /(fug. 16, 1910; and Clairbel Elizabeth, born Aug. 27, 1911. Mrs. Clara Chamberlin was born March 29, 1887 and is a daughter of Andrew Hoke Eichelberger. A. H. Eichelberger was born Dec. 14, 1859 in Cooper County, and is a son of Andrew Eichelberger, a native of Maryland, and came to Cooper County in the spring of 1855, settled in this county and accumulated a large tract of 660 acres. Andrew Eichelberger was born in 1823 and died in April, 1900. His wife was Isabella Ketser, born in 1820 and died in 1802. She was a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of John Keyser. To Andrew and Isabella Eichelberger were born five sons and a daughter: John, deceased; George, living in Arkansas; Charles E., died in infancy; Andrew Hoke, Palestine township; James M., lives near Columbus, Mo.; Mrs. Sallie E. Buchanan, Moberly, Mo. A. Hoke Eichelberger has always been a farmer and owns a well im- proved and valuable tract of 387 acres. He was married on March 2, 1886 to Sarah Elizabeth Tavener, born June 27, 1865 in Cooper County, a daughter of Morris and Joanna (Lichleider) Tavener, who settled in Cooper County in 1854. Six children were born to A. Hoke and Sarah Elizabeth Eichelberger; Mrs. George W. Chamberlin of this review; Mrs. Lillian S. Worts, living near Speed, Mo. ; Mrs. Bessie Edna Smith, living in the same neighborhood; Andrew Marvin, a farmer living near Prairie Lick; Jessie Hall, at home; Mrs. Anna Juanita Butterwick, Pilot Grove. Mr. Chamberlin is a democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church and Mrs. Chamberlin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church south. Mr. Chamberlin is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. Otto Stegner, farmer and stockman, Palestine township, is owner of a fine farm of 145 acres of good land which he is constantly improving. Mr. Stegner has resided on the farm since 1900 and it was formerly owned (55) 1154 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY by his father, August Stegner. In 1906 he purchased 125 acres and added 25 acres in 1911. He and his father erected the substantial residence on the place, but the present owner has since built a large barn, garage, and erected a windmill. He has built hundreds of rods of new fencing all of which is the best woven wire which replaces the hedges which formerly bounded the place. This farm was in rather poor condition when Mr. Stegner moved onto it in 1900, but it has since risen in value. August Stegner, his father purchased the land for $33 an acre. Otto Stegner paid his father $50 an acre for the tract which is now easily worth $150 an acre. A valuable asset to the place is a tract of 20 acres of timber which furnishes an unlimited supply of hard wood lumber and fuel. Mr. Stegner disposed of a carload of prime walnut logs at a good price in 1917. Otto Stegner was born Nov. 11, 1873, on the old Stegner homestead near Billingsville, where his uncle, Feodor Stegner now resides. He at- tended the Billingsville district school and began for himself in 1894. He worked for his uncle Feodor for 22 months. Then he cut cordwood for his father from November until the next March, during that time cutting and cording 91 cords of wood, and splitting 1,000 fence rails and posts. For the next three years he worked for Grathwohl Brothers on their farm at Stony Point and then moved to his present home place. Mr. Stegner's wages were from $15 to $16 per month during his period of farm laborer and he saved $700. From 1898 to 1899 he received wages of $16 per month. Mr. Stegner was married in 1902 to Essie Marie Roesler, who was born in a log cabin on the Henry Zimmerman farm, now the Wendleton place, and is a daughter of Henry Roesler, whose wife was accidentally killed on July 4, 1917. Henry Roesler owns a farm near Otterville, Mo., where he resides. Three children have been born to Otto and Essie Marie Stegner, as follows : Constantina Augusta, born Oct. 12, 1904 ; Edith Marie, born July 13, 1906 ; Elsie Esther, born Oct. 27, 1908. While Mr. Stegner is a republican in general political matters he pre- fers to do his own thinking and vote for the individual candidate. He and his family worship at the Billingsville Evangelical Church. Patrick Francis Fitzpatrick, owner of 206 and a fraction acres of good land in Boonville township just west of the city of Boonville, was born in the village of Gubb, Ireland, Feb. 3, 1878. His parents, Patrick and Delia (McDonough) Fitzpatrick, crossed the Atlantic to America in 1880 and first located in New York. In 1881 the family journeyed to south Missouri and Patrick Fitzpatrick, the elder, HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1155 remained there engaged in farming until 1907. He then moved to Clin- ton, where his death occurred in 1907. Mrs. Delia Fitzpatrick died in 1916. They were parents of seven children: Peter, Dansville, Mo. ; Frank, Nashville, Tenn. ; Mary died in 1897; Patrick F., subject of this review; John, living in Arizona; Thomas, also residing in Arizona; Joseph, living in California. P. F. Fitzpatrick was reared to maturity in Camden County, Mo., and came to Cooper County in 1897. He worked as farm hand until 1904 at which time he was married and settled upon a farm adjoining the one he is now cultivating and which was received as an inheritance by Mrs. Fitzpatrick. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick purchased the farm where they are now living and have a total of 20G acres. In 1904 they settled upon a tract of 312 acres. In 1907 they sold 175 acres of their original holdings and purchased the present home place. In 1904, Patrick Francis Fitzpatrick and Miss Katie Oswald of Cooper County were united in marriage. Mrs. Katie (Oswald) Fitzpatrick was born in Cooper County, Feb. 17, 1878, a daughter of the late Herman Oswald, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. Fitzpatrick is a democrat and he and Mrs. Fitzpatrick are mem- bers of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Churches. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. Marie Robert Sloan. — The Robert Sloan residence just south of Boon- ville, is in all probability, the oldest farm house in Cooper County, built in the early twenties of brick, and woodwork of walnut, cut from the farm. This house has a ten foot rock cellar underneath and the original structure has had an addition built on the front. The Sloan farm consists of 140 acres of rich land. M. R. Sloan was born in Lexington, Ky., Feb. 12, 1853, and has resided in Cooper County for the past 63 years. James Robert Sloan, his father was born April 13, 1814, in St. Louis, Mo. and died Aug. 7, 1903. He was a son of John and Bridget (Hickey) Sloan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and settled at St. Louis in about 1800. Two brothers immigrated to New York. John Sloan came to St. Louis, then a straggling river settlement, and operated a keel boat on the Mississippi River. When making one of his trips down the river in 1816, he was stricken with yellow fever and died at Vicksburg, Miss. He was buried in the river. His only brother then came to St. Louis and took his widow and son with him to his home at Lexington, Ky. This brother was Simon Hickey, his wife, Margaret Hickey. James Robert, the son left fatherless in his childhood, was reared in Kentucky, and there 1156 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY married Elizabeth Morton (b. May 16, 1816, d. Feb. 22, 1889). This mar- riage was a happy and prosperous one and the couple lived to celebrate their golden wedding aniversary on May 16, 1884. In the fall of 1853, James Robert Sloan left Kentucky with his family and settled at Cape Girardeau, Mo. The climate proving to be unhealth- ful in that locality, he removed his family to Boonville and arrived here Oct. 25, 1856. The children born to James Robert and Elizabeth Sloan were: Pauline, wife of Dr. C. S. Boarman, who was a pioneer physician of Cooper County, both deceased; Elizabeth Redd, deceased wife of Jacob W. Spahr; Anna Stockton, deceased; Marie Robert, subject of this sketch; Georgie Morton Sloan, widow of Frank DeForrest, Boonville, Mo. ; Emma Morton Sloan, living on South Main street, Boonville. The mother of the foregoing children was a daughter of George W. Morton who died at the Sloan home, Dec. 31, 1856. James Robert Sloan purchased the farm where the subject of this review now resides. He was a well educated man who in Kentucky was a scribe and county official. He served as sheriff of the county for 12 years. He prospered in this county and was well-to-do. George W. Morton, grandfather of M. R. Sloan was also a pioneer in this county. He built the old Lionberger place in the east part of the city, and entered land near Bunceton, what is known as the Redmond farm. M. R. Sloan was educated in the district and parochial schools. He was married Oct. 12, 1886 to Miss Mary Elizabeth Mudd, born Sept. 13, 1865 in Randolph County, 111. She is a daughter of William and Mar- garet (Simpson) Mudd who left Illinois and settled in Moniteau County, three miles west of Tipton in 1883. Six children were born to this union, five of them are living: Dora Agnes, Margaret Mudd, Marshall Ignatius, Mary Elizabeth, Robert William and Pauline Bennett. Dora Agnes was born Oct. 4, 1887, is the wife of Wallace Morton of Shamrock Heights, Boonville ; Margaret Mudd was born Aug. 2, 1889, and is the wife of E. L. Barrow, Boonville township; Marshall Ignatius, born May 5, 1891, at home on the farm ; Mary Elizabeth was born July 2, 1895, is a teacher in the Boonville High School, taught one year in Kansas City, is a graduate of the Warrensburg Normal School with high honors, and is a talented and gifted scholar. Robert William, born Aug. 13, 1897, and died in 1912. Pauline Bennett Sloan was born Jan. 20, 1904. Coming of a long line of democratic ancestors, M. R. Sloan is naturally and decidedly a democrat of the old school. He has served two terms as HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY 1157 county assessor of Cooper County, from Jan. 1, 1891 to Jan. 1, 1895. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church and is marshall of the local lodge Knights of Columbus. Christ Toellner, retired farmer and proprietor of a well improved farm of 200 acres in the Lone Elm neighborhood in Clarks Fork town- ship, began his accumulating of farm land with a tract of 100 acres of unimproved prairie land in 1877. There were no buildings and no fencing on the land when Mr. Toellner contracted for the land. He built a home and fenced the tract and placed it under cultivation. In due time he erected a large residence of six rooms and big barns and has the farm well fenced. Mr. Toellner bought an additional 100 acres in 1895. Christ Toellner was born in Germany July 11, 1849. He is a son of Christ and Mata Toellner who lived and died in their native land. Mr. Toellner immigrated to America in 1868, locating in the Lone Elm neigh- borhood he worked out as a farm hand for some years, then rented land until he was able to make his first investment. Mr. Toellner was married in 1876 to Miss Anna Timm, who was born in Germany in 1858 and departed this life in 1916. To Christ and Anna Toellner were born a large family of children, as follows: Mrs. Sophia Fricke; Mrs. Christina Rowe, Boonville; Herman, Chicago; Mrs. Emma Rowe, in Canada; Tillie. wife of Fred C. Stegner, Billingsville ; George, lK> - v "" J< " 1 ' Uo "'7, " farmer in Clarks Fork township; Walter and William, operating the home place. Mr. Toellner is a republican and is a member of the Lone Elm Evangel- ical Lutheran Church. Clyde T. Nelson, manager of "Eminence" a splendid stock farm of 230 acres in Palestine township, a few miles northeast of Bunceton, is a native son of Cooper County who is making good as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. The Nelson farm lands are operated by Nelson Brothers who have achieved more than a local reputation as stock- men in his section of Missouri. The Duroc Jersey herd was established i in 1898 aid the breeding of these fine animals has continued for the pas$ 30 years ith success. The leader of the Duroc drove is a boar bred McKee Brehers of Versailles, Ky. This drove numbers 150 head of pi/e breds. Tht Shorthorn herd registers 12 head of animals. Clyde T Nelson was born April 17, 1886 on the farm where he/ow resides. He < a son of Alpha Nelson Sr. of Bunceton who settled/ipon and improved > ie Nelson place. The beautiful residence on the plate was 1158 HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY erected over 50 years ago and is large and imposing. Mr. Nelson, of this review, was educated in the public schools and William Jewell College, after which he pursued the short agricultural course at the State Uni- versity, Columbia. Mr. Nelson has been in charge of the farm since October, 1918. On June 26, 1918, Clyde T. Nelson adn Miss Clara Harned, a daugh- ter of Ben Harned of Kelly township, were united in marriage. Mr. Nelson is a democrat, a member of the Baptist Church and is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Louis D. Bernard, a well known cigar manufacturer of Boonville, is a native of this city, born Jan. 14, 1854, a son of John and Mary (Schneider) Bernard, the former a native of France and the latter of Germany. John Bernard immigrated to America when he was a boy and first settled at New Orleans, La.; shortly afterwards, he went to Ohio; later he went from Ohio to St. Louis. He rode on horseback from that city to West- port, Mo., which is now included within the city limits of Kansas City. After reaching there he was not favorably impressed with that section and returned on horseback to Boonville. This was in 1849, and here he engaged in the manufacturing of cigars. He introduced the famous "Dexter" cigar, which was named after the well known trotting horse, Dexter. This soon became one of the most popular brandp