HISTORY
OF-
BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
From the date of the Earliest Settlements
to the present time
Together with Departments devoted to the Preser-
vation of Personal Reminiscences, Biographies of
Prominent Persons and Families, Business Growth
and Development a History of the Cities, Towns
and Villages of the County, School, Church, Lodge
and Club Statistics, with Personal Notes and
Observations, Etc., Etc. J J t| <I J
FULLY ILLUSTRATED
Greenfield, Missouri
THE PIONEER HISTORICAL COMPANY,
R. A. Ludwick, Manager
A. J. Young, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 1917
Dade Co. Mo. Historical Society
207 McPherson Street
Greenfield, Missouri 65661
Preface
In presenting to the People of Dade County this vol-
ume, The Pioneer Historical Company has no apologies
to offer. It has labored long and faithful in procuring the
data necessary for this work and is under lasting obliga-
tions to the generous contributors for their unselfish de-
votion to the cause.
In writing a History of Dade County and Its People,
many difficulties have been encountered. More than three
generations of people have lived and died in the county
since her history first began, many of them leaving no
relatives or friends to tell the story of their struggles, at-
tainments or achievements. Many events of prime im-
portance have passed into the vortex of oblivion, leaving
no trace of their happenings and no sponsor for their
repetition. Hopes, aspirations and ambitions have per-
ished with the body and gone to the grave unheralded
and unsung. Yet, out of this vast maelstrom of human
events the writers of this history have been able to gather
much of importance and have printed it in order that
coming generations may know and appreciate the strug-
gles which the pioneer has made in the interest of civiliza-
tion.
THE PIONEER HISTORICAL COMPANY,
R. A. Ludwick, Manager.
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
To the
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE.
Aaron D. States, Original Editor in Chief, (Died Dec.
5th, 1916.)
A. J. Young, Editor in Chief. (Successor to Aaron D.
States.)
Special Contributors and Advisory Committee:
Hon. Phil S. Griffith, Editor of the Vedette.
Hon. Ben M. Neale, Lawyer.
Capt. Lewis Renfro, Retired Business Man.
Hon. W. R. Bowles, Postmaster and Editor of the
Dade County Advocate.
Hon. Mason Talbutt, Lawyer. '
Judge Frye, Lockwood Merchant and ex-Judge of
County Court.
Hon. Sam McMillen, Postmaster at Lockwood, ex-
Representative.
Hon. George Wilson, Banker at Everton.
Hon. Sheridan B. Pyle, Merchant at Dadeville.
Hon. Howard Ragsdale, Lawyer, Ash Grove, ex-Rep-
resentative.
Captain Joseph W. Carmack, Retired Farmer, Dade-
ville.
Captain R. J. Shipley, Retired Farmer, Greenfield.
Miss Bessie Frieze, School Teacher, Seybert.
Mrs. Aaron D. States, Supervising Historian, Green-
field.
E. H. Carender, Supt, Public Schools.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER,
W. R, Starr, Greenfield, Mo.
DADE COUNTY
Its History and Its People
PROLOGUE: By A. J. Young.
CHAPTER 1.
Western Gate Way to the Ozarks: by A. D. States.
Introduction to Dade County History: by A. D.
States.
Early Indian History: by A. D. States.
Organization of Dade County.
History of Dade County.
CHAPTER 2.
First Land Entries.
Early Settlements, by Howard Ragsdale.
The Boone Family, by Howard Ragsdale.
John Crisp.
CHAPTER 3.
Reminiscences of J. W. Carmack.
Greenfield and its people in 1867, by Seymour Hoyt.
I'ncle Daniel Wentworth Scott:
Early Discovery of Coal in Dade County.
Samuel J. Weir, Jr.
The Wheeler Family.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 6
CHAPTER 4.
Military Affairs :
Civil War Record, by Raleigh J. Shipley.
The Raid of Kinch West, by J. W. Carmack.
The Confederate Veterans of Dade County, by Lewis
Renfro.
Greenfield During the Civil War.
Kincheon West.
CHAPTER 5.
The Present Court House.
Appearance of Early Newspapers, by A. D. States.
CHAPTER 6.
Church History:
Cumberland Presbyterian Pioneers, by W. E. Shaw.
The South Greenfield Camp-Ground, by W. E. Shaw.
History of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
Mabel Robinson.
William Ramsey Bennington.
Ebeneezer Presbyterian Church, by A. D. States.
Greenfield Christian Church, by A. D. States.
First Presbyterian Church, Lockwood, by J. B. Lind-
sey.
The Presbyterian Church at Everton, by W. R. Rus-
sell.
First Methodist Church, Lockwood, by A. D. States.
Arcola Methodist Church, by A. D. States.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, by A. D.
States.
The Christian Church at Everton, by W. D. Brown.
First Methodist Episcopal Church at Greenfield, A.
D. States.
The Church of Christ at Arcola.
CHAPTER 7.
History of German Settlement in Dade County, by
Fred Frye.
6 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
The Bade County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance
Company.
Three Mysterious Murders.
CHAPTER 8.
Railroad Matters.
CHAPTER 9.
Greenfield G. A. R. Post.
John M. Stemmons Camp, U. C. V.
Odd Fellowship in Greenfield.
History of Garrett Lodge No. 359 A. F. and A. M. at
Arcola, Mo.
CHAPTER 10
The Telephone in Dade County by A. D. States.
CHAPTER 11.
History of the Ladies' Magazine Club of Greenfield.
The Kensington Club of Greenfield, by Mrs. W. B. Mc-
Reynolds.
The New Century Club of Greenfield, by Harriet Jopes.
The Magazine Club of Lockwood by Mrs. A. C. Duvall.
The Merry Makers' Club of Lock wood, by Myrtle
Workman.
The Wednesday Afternoon Club of Lockwood by Mrs.
Lou Grubert.
The All Sew Club of Lockwood by Mrs. W. M. Hoel.
The Country Woman's Club of Dade County.
The Home Makers' Club of Greenfield.
CHAPTER 12.
Greenfield, "The Gate City of the Grotto" by A. J.
Young.
South Greenfield.
Lockwood.
Everton.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Dadeville.
The Town of Corry.
Arcola.
CHAPTER 13.
Dade County Bridges by A. D. States.
Bade County Court House.
Dade County Jail.
Dade County Poor Farm.
County Officers, Members of the County Court.
Circuit Court Judges.
County Court Clerks.
Circuit Court Clerks.
Sheriffs of Dade County.
Prosecuting Attorneys of Dade County since 1872.
Collectors of the Revenue.
County Treasurers.
Recorders of Deeds.
Judges of the Probate Court.
Surveyors.
CHAPTER 14.
Judicial History by A. D. States.
CHAPTER 15.
General Resources and Statistics of Dade County.
Population Statistics.
Surplus Shipments.
Public School Statistics.
Rate of Taxation.
Assessed Valuation.
CHAPTER 16.
Purely Pastorial.
A Dade County Autumn by A. D. States.
From An Old Timer.
Of Interest to Stockmen.
DADE COUNTY
Its History and Its People
PROLOGUE
For a number of years it has been the desire of the
leading citizens of Dade County that a history should be
written giving to the world an accurate estimate of the
lives and the achievements of this municipality from its
earliest existence down to the present time, faithfully re-
cording the struggles and sacrifices of the pioneers to-
gether with their reward. A task of this kind requires
diligent research, accurate detail and faithful record.
Early in the year 1916 Hon. Aaron D. States, a prom-
inent citizen of the county and a man in every way quali-
fied for this great undertaking entered enthusiastically into
the field but was stricken by the grim reaper before the
harvest was gathered. Much of the material prepared by
him was in a crude form and for a time the enterprize was
jeopardized by the untimely death of Mr. States, but his
labor was not in vain. After a few months, those having
undertaken the financial burden of the enterprise came to
me with the material and data gathered by Mr. States and
AAIIOX J). STATES.
A. J. YOUNG.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 9
insisted that I complete the work. It was with reluctance
that I did so, and it is only by reason of the very generous
efforts of those who have so kindly contributed articles
that this work is at all possible.
MUCH of the history of Dade County slumbers in the
tomb of the maker. In many instances only a partial rec-
ord was preserved and Father Time has gathered to him-
self in the silence of death not only the history but also the
historian.
No spirit of self aggrandizement prompts the effort
necessary to the collation of this great work. Proper credit
will be given to all those who have contributed to its suc-
cess.
I realize the fact that of necessity, this history will be
incomplete. Many important circumstances will escape
the pen of the historian and many events fraught with
human interest will be missed. It may be left to the his-
torian of the future to write in greater detail of the facts
and circumstances which have contributed to make Dade
County the peer among the counties of the Ozark region,
but it is to be hoped that when he shall pass along this
road he will find here and there a footprint in the im-
mortal sand which will guide him safely to his journey's
end.
In presenting this volume to the people of Dade
County it is the cherished wish of the editor that they will
find in its pages many precious pearls of great price and
memories of days which have long since passed into the
valley of yesterday, thereby insuring its welcome into
every Dade County home.
November 1, 1917.
A. J. YOUNG,
Editor-in-Chief.
Chapter 1
WESTERN GATEWAY TO THE OZARKS.
by
Aaron D. States.
A beautiful stretch of prairie country extends from
the Kansas State line eastward. It remains prairie until
it reaches the foot hills of the Ozarks at a point near the
center line of Dade County where it merges into uplands
that are covered with timber, interspersed by running
brooks, fed by living springs. The outlines form a beau-
tiful countour of natures arrangement, so much so, that
tourists as well as native citizens, find in the picture rare
beauty and considerable nature wonderment.
At the point where the level prairie land unites with
the upland and the little hills, there is a richness in the
scenery. Off to the east and the south as well as north,
master hills show their verdant peaks while the rich valleys
give evidence of the thrift of the husbandmen. Streams of
pure water course these valleys and they are fed by living
springs, that are found on both hillside and lowland.
The western gateway has a history that will never be
recorded because of the fact in the remote past the pioneer
cared but little save for the felling of the forest along the
streams, and the breaking of the virgin soil and the build-
ing of his cabin. The cabin was always found near some
friendly spring. The public highway was then unknown.
Neighborhood roads supplied the need of primitive travel
and many of this nature of roads are remembered by the
elders of the present day a few of them still exist and to
some extent they are used, yet to the public highway, a
prominent factor in the up-building of the country much
attention is given, the main avenues for public travel. The
neighborhood roads began to disappear some twenty years
ago taking with them much of the rich pioneer history.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 11
Tradition is faulty at times and, therefore, not alto-
gether dependable. The old roadways that wind here and
there, are easily traced by the marks in the woodland and
on the hillside, that the wheels of the past have made.
These old ruts and marks of primal history tell a tale of
the days when the fathers used to go many miles to mill
or to their post office or the store that used to furnish their
needed supplies.
It would indeed be a difficult matter to learn who first
discovered the western gateway to the Ozarks. Tradition
says a company of men who were exploring the south-
eastern part of the Kansas territory in the first of the 30 's
stole across the line into Missouri territory and traveled
as far eastward as the foothills. Another tradition tells us
that back in the twenties, there came a few men of a dar-
ing spirit out into the wilderness of grasses and trees,
among the Indians and all manner of wild animals known
to this section and traveled as far westward as the junction
of the level upland at a point somewhere near the center
of the county and another tradition says some of these
men of a more daring nature crossed the line into the wilds
of Kansas where there was an abundance of buffalo, deer
and other wild game. A search for the names of these
men proved futile.
It is evident that this portion of the Ozarks was
known to others long before these two supposed companies
of men saw this country. One strong evidence of this fact
is the old Fort, supposed to have been built by the Span-
ish many years before. It seems that these Spanish ex-
plorers and hunters of mineral wealth, built this fortifi-
cation in order to protect themselves against Indian attack
and to also give them a place to smelt their ores. Until
recent years ashes and charred coal could be found at the
lower end of the enclosure near the spring, that showed
clearly that a vast amount of fuel had been used for some
purpose. The banks of this enclosure are about extinct,
the ashes and charred coals are all gone, nothing of
any consequence yet remaining but the old spring and it
will not talk in the language of the historian. Had the
12 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
builders of this old fortification been so thoughtful as to
chisel on the stone or brass the year they inhabited this
portion of the Ozarks the whole country would extend it's
thanks but alas there is no record. This old fortification
is out on Son's Creek about seven miles northwest of Green-
field.
There is but little question but what the upper Lime-
stone and Son's creek country were the first places of
resort for the Indian and also for the first white people.
The Indians left traces of their habitation in the way of
arrows, stone hammers, arrow points and other Indian
chattels, that points clearly that they were the first here
and of consequence, were the first to enter the Ozarks from
the east and north and pass out through the western gate-
way. Many Indian relics were found in the upper Lime-
stone and the upper Son's Creek country. In the entire
western gateway in Dade County is one of special interest
to the nature lover, the Sac river hill, the Limestone and
Son's Creek and the fertile valleys form a scene that is
truly splendid. This gateway north and south and about
the center, was settled about the same year. Settlers were
attracted to this section by the mild climate, the richness
of the soil and the abundance of water supply. They came
from Tennessee, Kentucky and a few from Virginia. This
was nearly 83 years ago. Here they found nature gardens
at every turn and many of these gardens afforded food
stuff for their cabin. Flowers were here in abundance in
their richest beauty and they are still here. The fire pink,
the wild rose, the primitive verbena, the first trumpet vine
and the first violet, found their home near this gateway
Mid they have been standing vigil all these years, welcom-
ing the worthy to admission into a country that is becom-
ing one of the richest in the middle west. All manner of
nut bearing trees grow along the friendly streams, and
they gave succor and aid to the early fathers. They were
many wild fruits such as wild grapes almost as large and
sweet as the concord of today, luscious persimmons and
toothsome blackhaws. In those early days it was no
trouble to make the product of both field and garden pay.
13
There was no drought and there was precious little culti-
vation needed because of the richness of the soil and the
absence of weeds. It is said weeds were not known for a
long time after the first settlements were established.
Weed seed was brought to this section by the birds and
the pressure of high winds. In this particular there is a
vast difference, the weed industry seems to be chief where
greatest care is not observed.
Spring and Autumn months especially the months of
April, May, June and October, are kin to the valleys of
Arno throughout the western gateway. Almost any year
the plow can be seen going in the field in the months of
December and January and many of the early gardens are
made the latter days of January and the first of February.
Some years nearly all the spring plowing is done in the
winter months. Many years the pasture remains clean
and profitable the entire year with the exception when
there is a coat of sleet on the ground. Cattle and sheep
have been known to feed from the pasture fields the entire
winter months; the climate as a rule, is mild and health-
ful, the mercury seldom goes below the zero mark and
most winters it remains at least to forty degrees above.
Some winters the mercury registers as high as 60 to 70
degrees several days at a period. Most years the early
spring crops are planted the latter days of February and
the first days in March. Sometimes there is a cold wave
period that strikes this country in early winter and re-
mains until the dawning of spring this is a rare section.
The mild climate enables the stock man to care for
his herd with but little extra expense in winter, over the
summer months when pasture is at its best. The dairy-
men find this country an ideal place to carry on his voca-
tion. This is a real natural dairy country, and the busi-
ness has been neglected to a great extent. The never fail-
ing water and the abundance of the grasses linked with
mild climate and the proximity to market, makes this
country an ideal country for such culture. There is not
much need of expensive dairy barns or sheds, yet, many
who are now engaged in the business find it profitable to
14 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
protect their herds from storm and sleet though these
barns are not put into actual use save a very few months
in the year. Many herd owners use well covered sheds
with openings for the stock. These sheds prove to be
good herd protectors and they are practically inexpensive
when compared with the results they obtain; they are the
best paying improvements that can be made on any dairy
or stock farm, for it is a well known fact that chilly days
and damp cold seasons are not very conductive to the
growth and development of any nature of stock. Some
day Bade County will be one of the banner dairy counties
in the middle west.
Over in Barton county, north of Lamar there is a
point that is called the Ozark divide. At this point a part
of the water runs north into the streams that find their
outlet in the Osage river and a part flows south into what
is known as Muddy, thence into Spring River. This divide
is noticeable to the naked eye and many points in Barton
and places in Dade County. The first little hillocks of
the Ozark range are to be seen in western Barton County
and these little hills and rolling prairie are very promi-
nent until they reach half way across Dade County, then
merge into real hills where the upland and the valleys
give protection to the soil tiller, where there are many
prosperous, happy homes. There are many of these
homes at the western gateway; some of them are really
ideal country homes. Throughout the Lockwood and
Arcola districts there are many of these homes. There
are a number of ideal farms in these districts and the
number does not diminish as travel is made eastward
through the entire county, to the Green County line.
The early fathers seemed to like the wooded district
of Dado County better than they did the prairie district.
Hero is where they built their first cabins, their first
church, their first school house and their first village.
This was on account of the water supply and the head of
timber to build their cabin and otherwise improve their
farms. Forty years ago land in the Lockwood district
sold as low as two dollars and fifty cents the acre. It
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 15
was then a wilderness of grass and remained so until the
advent of the Memphis Railroad about the first of the
80 's. These same tracts could not be bought now for
much less than $100 the acre, and many of them would
demand a much higher price. The building of the Mem-
phis Railroad, up to the time of its building, was the
greatest event in the history of the county. Soon after
the completion of this railroad the western half of Dade
County was a real mecca for the home seeker, resulting
in the turning of the wilderness into a veritable garden.
Too much credit cannot be given George H. Nettleton and
J. E. Lockwood, promoters and builders of this railroad,
for the good that has resulted from the building and com-
pleton of this splendid highway of steel. It has been
the savior of central south Missouri.
Conditions at the western gateway of the Ozarks
remain pretty much the same until the Greene County
line is reached on the east. The heretofore waste lands
are now coining into use, especially the hill lands, Avhich,
heretofore, were covered with grasses, thickets and briars.
These hill lands are being cleared and the soil is being
brought into use in the raising of grasses, thus adding to
the material worth of the county in the way of land pro-
tection. This section seems to be the home for all the
grasses, the clover, blue grass and timothy thrive in
almost every section. Blue grass and clover seem to
spring simultaneously by the roadside, the newly cleared
hillside and in waste places this is especially true of
the clover. This aid of nature assists materially in mak-
ing the country {he ideal country for dairy herds and the
raising of young cattle. Pasturage is abundant from
early spring until the extreme dry weather which usually
conies the latter days of July and the month of August.
Then when the early fall season begins the grasses begin
to take on new life and long before frost the fields are
covered with the rich crop of splendid feed that often lasts
throughout the winter months especially during the open
days of the winter.
Hill lands that sold for $5 the acre a few years ago
bring from $25 to $30 the acre and many of the upland
16 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
farms demand as high as $75 the acre. Some of the
valley land bring $125 to $140 the acre it might be well
to state not many of the valley land farms are changing
ownership because of the fact there is no better land in
any country in the way of productiveness or in the raising
of diversified crops. The farms that contain part valley
and part upland are considered the best. These farms are
giving the best record. The pioneers thus believed, for
many of them entered land that had a touch of real rustic
nature as well as plenty of bottom land which they cul-
tivated. This is one great reason Dade County as a whole
was slow in converting its hill land into helpmates. It
has been lately proven that much of the upland is about
as rich as the bottom land along the various streams.
MASON TALBUTT.
Introduction to Dade County History
WHY I LIKE MY PART OF THE COUNTRY.
by
Aaron D. States.
I live neither in the north or the south, the east or the
west my country is Missouri, the center State. I possess
a very small portion of Missouri, yet it is my adopted
asylum it is my country. Why do I like it, listen!"
It is south Missouri where the Ozarks play with the
gossamere clouds and the mellow sunbeams, that dance
over meadow, woodland and tangled wildwood and play
hide-go-seek amid labyrinth and dell. Where the purest
crystal water flows in classic rivers and streams and from
never ceasing nature wells and springs, that give health
and life. Where talkative, babling brooklets quench the
thirst of the herds, on its mission to the ' father of waters,'
passing through bewitching nature gardens, tickling the
rootlets of herb and fern, then spreading into a broader
and deeper current to gladden the hearts of the husband-
men. Where the golden sunlight warms the earth the
quickest after the snows and the sleets. Where the earth
responds to every honest touch of the soil tiller and as-
sures him plenty with some to spare.
Not so very far from thriving cities, near the track-
age of the endless steel rail with the master city of the
middle west hard by. Near a modern village of schools
and churches and where everybody is hailed as brother,
and, should I forget to extend the day benediction in pass-
ing it would be sufficient cause to create a desire in the af-
flicted to learn, ''What on earth has happened?" In a
country where the countryman and the townsman sit in
the same pew, attend the same social functions, whose
18 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
children attend the same school. Where the modern car
is found, both in town and country, where the public high-
ways are being made ideal and where all modern improve-
ments find a people ready to adopt every measure that
strengthens industrial worth and broadens the sphere in
making life worth while. Where are no strangers and
should one come within our gates he is soon a brother. A
country where boosters live, live not alone for self but
are willing that others shall live. Where mutual interests
are considered above par value a country where the prin-
ciples of a common brotherhood are practiced, at least in
part.
The Ozark range of mountains is distant kin to the
Rockies. They extend two hundred miles east and west
and average a little over a hundred miles in width. This
scope of country, the Switzerland of the middle west is
fast becoming the pleasure resort for thousands of pleas-
ure seekers each year. They find all kinds of nature
wonderment, little cascades, bewitching grottoes, fruitful
fields and gardens with farm and town homes, that are
akin to the homes of city streets. Pleasure resorts abound
everywhere. Community houses shelter the weary pil-
grim, log and cobble stone bungalows with verdant gard-
ens, greet the visitor in all the mountain country. No
visitor need to be too far distant to hear the pealing of
the high school and college bell, in order to find pleasure
and healthful zone. Mountain roads are being made ideal,
their gentle slope and graceful windings, through nature's
panoramas, gives the visitor a touch of the sublime and
the beautiful. The artist, the literatus and the seeker of
health, climb the mountain peaks, and with glass, can
soo into four states. This is the home of "The Shepherd
of the Hills."
I am a child of nature,.! love my mother. She has
fed rno and clothed me all these years. She adorns the
walls of her home with master paintings, she seeks to
soothe sorrow and strengthen hope and faith. After
awhik* Kho will clasp me in her bosom and there I will
sweetly sleep.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 19
EARLY INDIAN HISTORY.
by
Aaron D. States.
The Indian tribes that once roamed over the terri-
tory known in the early history as Barry County, of which
a part is now Dade County, left but little trace of their
occupancy, save in arrow heads, stone hammers, and a few
stones they used to grind their corn.
Thousands of arrow heads have been found in the
upper Limestone Country, along the banks of Son's Creek,
over on the Sac and in many up land districts. There are
but few living who saw the Indians, mostly Osage when
they occupied this portion of the country, prior to
and after the first white settlers. Tradition, with but
little historic record, says that the Cherokees and the Dela-
wares were here about the same time, the Cherokees com-
ing from the Indian Territory in 1835, soon after their ar-
rival from Georgia, and, the Delawares coming into this
section soon after their arrival to their new reservation
on the lands comprising the country, in Kansas, at the
fork of the Kansas Missouri River junctions. This was
sometime during the year 1829 and 1830. They strolled
over south Missouri in search of game, yet, they never had
possessed a reservation here. Their reservation was ceded
to them for all time, yet it was not long until they ceded
back to the United States their lands this was in the
early fifties. Many of them were loath to leave their homes
when asked to join their kin in the Indian Territory.
Some are of the opinion, seasoned by facts, that this tribe
on its journey to the Indian Territory found plenty of
game in Western Missouri and eastern Kansas, and that
when they found the life flowing rivers in south Missouri,
this country was a sort of Mecca to them for a number of
years. Game was plenty, a few buffalo, plenty of deer
and bear, and the rivers and streams were well supplied
with fish. Early settlers saw ruins of their wigwams and
their little fortifications. The Delawares were peaceful
people and somewhat industrious. They loved their home
20 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
in the reservation and they were loath in giving it up to
the white settlers. A few Indian families, decendants from
the Delaware tribe, still live in the old reservation beyond
the Kaw.
When the last century was young the north part of
Missouri suffered from Indian invasion and there were a
number of massacres. The Indian history of that part of
Missouri, is exceedingly interesting. At that time there
were no permanent white settlements in this section of the
state there were a few white explorers, who were in
search of gold and other valuable metals. We have record
of this class as early as 1814, yet the record fails to state
the names of the parties, or their success in the attempt,
neither does it reveal and information whatever, concern-
ing the Indian occupancy.
The truth of the whole matter is the fact that the
early settler of north Missouri had but little knowledge
of what the state possessed or rather territory, south of
the Missouri River. Many descendants of these old time
settlers of that section are still ignorant of this informa-
tion, little knowing that a mighty empire lies south of the
Missouri River and extends to the Arkansas State line, a
part of which, is Dade County. Because of the first set-
tlements being made in central and northern part of Mis-
souri was on account of river transportation though very
incomplete, yet it afforded a way for the immigrant and
explorer to reach the interior of the then territory, a way
of travel that was considered in a measure modern.
A few Indian graves have been found in sections of
Dade County but they did not produce much historic in-
terest. Dr. William Harrison, late of Greenfield, now of
the city of Tulsa, Okla., in connection Avith Brother Edwin,
used to delight in assembling Indian relice and at one
time their collection was considered one of the finest in
the country, each relic in this collection was found in
Dade County. The collection was sold to - ,
Kansas City at a good price two years ago. Dr. Brooks
at Golden City, Missouri has a splendid Indian relic col-
21
lection. He has been engaged for a number of years in
the assembling of his collection and he prizes it highly.
It is a rare collection and some day it will bring him a
good price, each relic in this collection was found in west-
ern Dade and eastern Barton counties. Mr. Brooks has it
on exhibition in the post office lobby at Golden City.
There are other smaller collections. It is conceded
that the first occupant of the territory composing Dade
County were the Osage Indians, who claimed dominion
over all the land, lying between the Missouri and Arkansas
Rivers, embracing a greater portion of the states of Mis-
souri and Arkansas. The luan Paw Indians also claimed
dominion and were original occupants of a portion of this
country in Missouri and Arkansas. Tradition says the
first Indian occupancy was at the very beginning of the
last century. If they inhabited this country at an earlier
period they left no historic trace of the event. It was at
the time the Indians were being crowded from their happy
hunting grounds in the territory of Ohio, Indiana and
Kentucky to a more congenial portion where they would
not be molested by the whites. At that time St. Louis was
a pretty active river village and its principal trade was
in fur production and trading with the Indians. Explora-
tion parties explored a portion of the interior part of the
Missouri territory. The Indians soon settled in portions of
Missouri and it was not long until they had roamed the
state and many tribes were delighted in the prairie dis-
tricts of Kansas.
As early as 1834, we find that a missionary named
Joseph Meeker, found his way into Kansas and preached
to the Indians. We have no record of Indian mission
work in this section of Missouri. The white settlers were
slow in making the Ozark country their home. There are
no great water ways in the Ozark country that would
furnish transportation for the early home-seeker, and it
was a very difficult matter for the home-seeker to find any
sort of a trail that might give some evidence of partial
civilization until the year 1830. It is true that earlier,
though but a few years, they found their way to Spring-
22 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
field on the east and to the present post on the north,
where Kansas City now flourishes. The ox team then af-
forded about the only means of transportation. The
country was pretty well inhabited by Indians and there
were but few scattered white settlements. This made it
undesirable for the first fathers to start on a journey
through a wilderness inhabited by a people who are sup-
posed to be the white man's greatest enemy. Though
this belief, founded upon some principles of fact if any
new settler experienced trouble with the Indians while en-
route through Missouri to his new home in Dade County,
it was never recorded and the fact forgotten.
The numerous herds of buffalo attracted the Indians
from Missouri into Kansas teritory at an early period
and occupied the teritory sometime after civilization en-
tered that country. A great portion of the early inhab-
itants of Kansas went to that country from Missouri, as
well as from the States or districts farther north. The
Indian always loved the buffalo chase, the excitement
and its profit appealed to him. There were but few herds
of buffalo in Missouri, three quarters of a century ago,
except in western Missouri, \vhere prairie country abounds.
The Indian always had a liking for rivers and lesser
streams, where they could build their wigwams and found
their villages. Southern Missouri and especially the
southwest portion seemed to be an ideal place for such
industry. Primitive Barry county once had many signs
of Indian habitation, especially in the wooded and rural
districts. The game here was not so large, yet the country
appealed to the Red Man for a sort of a home land. At
no time in the early history of Dade County does it appear
that the Indians gave any great amount of annoyance to
the early settlers except their petty thieving and their
delight in giving fright to women and children, who
always dreaded the autumn months, the time when the
Indians would flock here on their way back to the Indian
Territory from their hunting trip to northern Missouri.
They seldom stole except things to eat, and once in a while
they would take a calf or a hog.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 23
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
FORMATIVE ACT Dade County was organized in
accordance with an act of the General Assembly of the
State of Missouri, approved January 29, 1841, and an
act supplemental thereto, approved February 15, 1841.
That part of the first act relating to the organization of
this county, reads as follows:
''An act to organize counties therein, named, and to
define the boundaries thereof.
Section 10. All that teritory included within the fol-
lowing" described limits, viz: Beginning at the middle of
the eastern boundary line of Township 28 of Range 25;
thence north on the range line dividing Ranges 24 and
25, to the township line dividing Townships 34 and 35;
thence west on Range 29; thence south to the northwest
corner of Barry County; thence east to the place of be-
ginning; is hereby created a separate and distinct county,
to be called and known by the name of the county of
Dade.
Section 11. Josiah McCreary of Barry County; Will-
iam Coulfield, of Greene County, and Winfrey Owens, of
Polk County, are hereby appointed commissioners to se-
lect the permanent seat of justice of said county.
Section 12. The circuit and county courts of said
county shall be held at the dwelling house of William
Penn, in said county, until the permanent seat of justice
of said county is established, or the county court shall
otherwise direct.
Section 46. "The commissioners to select the respective
county seats aforesaid, shall meet on the second Monday in
April next, at the places for holding courts for the coun-
ties, respectively, in which county seats are to be located,
for the purpose of entering upon the discharge of their
duties.
Section 48. The Governor is hereby authorized and
required to appoint and commission in each of said coun-
ties three persons as justices of the county court, and
one person as sheriff; and the persons appointed and
24 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
commissioned as aforesaid shall hold their offices until
the next general election, and until their succesors are
duly elected and qualified.
Section 49. The circuit and county courts, or judge
or justices thereof in vacation, shall appoint their re-
spective clerks, who shall hold their offices until the next
general election for clerks, and until their successors are
duly elected and qualified.
* OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS The supplemental act
provided that the county court of the several counties
created by this act should meet on the first Monday of
March following its passage, and that they should then,
or at a subsequent term to be held in that month, ap-
point a county assessor, and that the collectors of the
revenue of these counties should be allowed until the first
day of February, 1842, to collect and pay in the revenues
of their respective counties. It also provided that the
seat of justice of the county of Dade should be located
within four miles of the center of the county, and that
the county courts might appoint surveyors to serve until
August following, when surveyors should be elected.
In accordance with the foregoing laws, Gov. Thomas
Reynolds appointed and commissioned Nelson McDowell,
William Penn and David Hunter as justices of the county
court, and Asa G. Smith as sheriff of the county. In
further compliance with the law, these justices met on
the first Monday of March, 1841, at the residence of Will-
iam Penn (on Pennsylvania Prairie), and then and there
organized their court, and appointed Joseph Allen as
clerk, and thus completed the organization of Dade
County. It was contemplated by the prime movers for
the organization of the county that the seat should be
located on Pennsylvania Prairie; but the clause in ttie sup-
plemental act requiring the seat of justice to be located
within four miles of the center of the county defeated
their project. Soon after the county was organized, the
comrnisisoners appointed by the act creating it to select
the permanent seat of justice met as directed, and se-
lected the site of the present town of Greenfield, consist-
W. II. BOWLES.
PHIL S. GRIFFITH.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 25
ing, as then selected, of fifty-one acres, and procured title
for the same for the county, from the owners, Matthias H.
Allison and Mary Ann Allison, his wife, by deed dated
April 14, 1841. This tract of land was donated to the
county by the grantors, for and in consideration of the
location of the county seat thereon, and it consists of the
northwest quarter of the northwest of Section 19, Town-
ship 31 north, Range 26 west, together with a strip on the
north and west sides, sufficient in width to make the
whole tract contain fifty-one acres.
After the site for the county seat was selected, the
sessions of the courts were held at the residence of
Matthias H. Allison, at Greenfield, until June, 1842, and
on the 20th day of that month the county court met for
the first time in the first court house erected for the
county. As soon as the site for the seat of justice was
selected, the county court appointed John M. Rankin
commissioner of the county seat.
COUNTY BOUNDARY By reference to the descrip-
tion of Dade County, as given in the act creating it, it
will be seen that the county extended nine miles south
of its present southern boundary, and ten miles north of
its present northern boundary. Thus it included all of
Township 29, and the north half of Township 28, now
comprised in Lawrence County on the south, and the
north two-thirds of Township 33, and the whole of Town-
ship 34, now comprised in Cedar County on the north.
The east and west boundaries of the county remain on the
same lines described in the act of creating it. The county
was reduced in size to its present limits by an act entitled,
"An act to define the limits of several counties within the
State," approved March 28, 1845. The section describing
it reads as follows: "Beginning at the southeast corner of
Section 24, Township 33, Range 25; thence west to the
southwest corner of Section 24, Township 33, Range 29;
thence south to the township line dividing Townships 29
and 30; thence east to the range line dividing Ranges 24
and 25; thence north to the beginning." This makes the
county consist of Townships 30, 31, 32 and the south one-
26 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
third of 33, and of Ranges 25, 26, 27, 28 and the east tier
of sections in Range 29, thus making it twenty miles north
and south, and twenty-five miles east and west.
MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS Immediately upon the
organization of the county, it was subdivided into mu-
nicipal townships, but no record pertaining to their forma-
tion has been preserved. In May, 1854, a new township,
named North, was formed to comprise all that part of
Center Township lying north of a line running from the
southwest corner of Section 19, Township 32, Range 27,
east, on the section lines to Sac River; and Prairie school
house, near the residence of Benjamin Appleby, was the
place designated for holding elections in the new town-
ship. In February, 1860, another new municipal town-
ship was formed in response to a petition signed by Wiley
Irby and others to the number of 81. It was named
South, and was bounded as follows: Beginning two and
one-half miles west of the range line between Ranges 26
and 27, on the township line between Townships 30 and
31; thence running due south to the county line between
Bade and Lawrence Counties; thence running due east
with said county line to the range line between Ranges
25 to 26; thence north on the range line to the township
line between Townships 30 and 31; thence west to the
place of beginning. The place for holding elections in the
new township was fixed at Finley's mill.
On the llth of June, 1860, the county court, on peti-
tion of John A. Ferguson and fifty others, created a p.ew
township as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of
Bade County; thence east to the line between Ranges 27
and 28; thence south seven miles to the southeast corner
of Section 25, Township 32, Range 28; thence west with
the subdivisional lines to the Barton County line seven
miles; thence north to the place, of beginning; to be known
by the name of Horse Creek. The place for holding elec-
tions in the township was fixed at the residence of William
Cantrell.
In August, 1S82, the municipal township of Washing-
ton was formed out of parts of Townships South, Smith
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 27
and Center; embracing Sections 3 to 10, inclusive, in Town-
ship 30, Range 26; Sections 31 to 34, inclusive, in Town-
ship 31, Range 26; Sections 34, 35 and 36, in Township
31, Range 27, and Sections 1, 2, 3, 10 11 and 12, in Town-
ship 30, Range 27.
On the 8th of May, 1883, the municipal township of
Lockwood was formed, comprising Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8,
in Township 30, Range 27; Sections 17 to 20, and 29 to 32,
inclusive, in Township 31, Range 27; Sections 1, 2, 11 and
12, in Township 30, Range 28; and Sections 13, 14, 23, 25,
26, 35 and 36, in Township 31, Range 28. Afterward, on
the 8th of May, 1888, Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, in Township
31, Range 27, and Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, in Township
31, Range 28, were added to Lockwood Municipal Town-
ship.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, TOPOGRAPHY, ETC.
The County of Dade lies on the western slope of the
Ozark Mountain Range, in the southwestern part of Mis-
souri, is the third county north of the Arkansas line and
the second east from the Kansas line, and is in latitude
38 degrees north, and longitude 94 degrees west. It oc-
cupies portions of Townships 30, 31, 32 and 33 north, and
Ranges 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 west of the fifth principal
meridian, and is bounded on the north by Cedar, on the
east by Polk and Greene Counties, on the south by Law-
rence, and on the west by Jasper and Barton Counties.
Its area consists of 500 square miles, or 320,000 acres; be-
ing 25 miles in length, east and west, 20 miles in width,
north and south.
PHYSICAL AND NATURAL FEATURES The di-
viding ridge or summit of the Ozark Range, between the
waters which flow northwardly to the Osage River, and
thence to the Missouri, and the waters which flow south-
wardly to the Neosho River, and thence to the Arkansas,
runs diagonally across the southwest part of the county.
The average elevation of the county above sea level is
about one thousand three hundred feet, and the surface
28 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
is about equally divided between timber and prairie
lands. That part lying in the timber and near the water
courses is rolling, and in many places very rough and
hilly, while the western portion of the county, more es-
pecially, breaks down from the elevated Ozark ridges into
the beautiful valleys and broad prairies of the Neosho
and Osage basins.
STREAMS Several cold, swift streams course
through the country from south to north, which, with
their numerous tributaries, furnish an unfailing supply
of the best water for use, and water-power inexhaustible.
Turnback heads in Lawrence County on the south, and
flows into the center of the county, where it is joined by
Sac River from the east, and together flow into the Osage.
Limestone Creek rises in the southwestern portion of
the county, and empties into Turnback near Greenfield,
and furnishes power for mills. Other and smaller streams,
Son's Creek, Horse Creek, Cedar Creek and Sinking Creek,
traverse considerable portions of the county, and are fed
by never-failing springs of pure cold water. Along Sac
River, Turnback and Son's Creek, the surface of the
county is bold and precipitious, with fertile valleys com-
posed of the richest loam lying between the picturesque
hills and bluffs. These hills are covered more or less
densely with all kinds of oak, hickory, and other valuable
timber, and furnish good grazing. Maze Creek, a branch
of the Sac River, enters the county from the east, and
flows in a northwesterly direction, across the northeast-
ern portion. Muddy Creek, being the only one in the
county south of the dividing ridge, enters the county from
the south, and flows in a northwesterly direction across
the southwestern portion thereof, into Barton County and
into the Xeosho River. The larger streams of the county,
at all times, afford abundant supplies of stock water, and
abound in a variety of choice fish. Many portions of the
county are well supplied with springs of pure, clear water,
and excellent well water may be obtained in almost any
part of the county, at a depth of from twelve to twenty
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 29^
feet, thus assuring an abundant supply of water for all
purposes.
PRAIRIES In the northwestern portion of the
county, is Crisp's Prairie, some 12 by 3 miles in extent,
named after its first settlers, the Crisps. It is a beautiful
rolling- section of country interspersed with groves, and is
in a high state of cultivation. Rock Prairie, in the south-
east corner of the county, is another fertile and beautiful
region covered with fine farms, and all the evidence of
fertility and wealth.
Pennsylvania Prairie, named after Judge William
Penn, an early settler, is situated in the southern portion
of the county, between Turnback and Limestone Creeks,
and above their junction. It is one of the richest and
oldest sections of the county, and is especially noted for
its fruit growing. After leaving the hills along Turnback
Creek and Sac River, going westward, one enters that
vast prairie country, stretching from north to south across
the entire width of the county, and extending westward
to the base of the Rocky Mountains.
The streams that water this grand region flow but a
few feet below the general level of the rolling prairie, and
are narrowly fringed with trees, and from the eminences
one can trace the line of waving trees until the eye loses
the outline in the dim distance.
SOIL The prevailing country rock is a sandstone
and limestone formation w'ith large areas of flint and
chert cropping out in the most broken parts and along
the streams. The overlying soil on the uplands in the
eastern part of the county consists of a red clay and sub-
soil covered with a red, or what is termed a "mulatto,"
loam. For wheat, corn and tobacco raising, it is unsur-
passed. The valleys along the streams are alluvial de-
posits of rich, black loam, from two to six feet in depth,
overlying sub-deposits of gravel and limestone, and yield
corn averaging from sixty to eighty bushels per acre, ac-
cording to the season and thoroughness of cultivation. The
prairie, or the western part of the county, is composed of
a clay subsoil, overlaid with a rich dark soil varying from
one to four feet in depth, resembling the prairie soil of
Illinois and Iowa, and grows all kinds of cereals in extra
abundance.
TIMBER The entire eastern portion of Dade County
with the exception of the prairies and cleared lands; is
covered, and in many places densely, with a light growth
of timber. The timber on the uplands consists of the oak
in its several varieties, hickory, and a few other hard-
wood varieties, while in the valleys and along the streams
it consists of black and white walnut, ash, soft maple,
sycamore, elm and a few other kinds, including also oak
and hickory. All the timber of the county, though some of
it attains a great thickness, has a short and stubby growth,
in length it will not compare with that of Eastern
States. Along the bluffs of Son's Creek several groves of
cedar exist, but the trees are not sufficient size to be of
use except for transplanting for ornamental purposes.
Much of the timber consists of what is known as "second
growth," all of which has grown since the settlement of
the county began, and since the Indians ceased their an-
nual burnings over the surface of the country. In some
places this "second growth" timber is very fine is not
scrubby, but smooth, and grows rapidly, and is already
valuable for fencing purposes. There is yet an abundant
supply of wood for fuel, easily maintained at moderate
cost. Young timber grows rapidly when planted on the
prairie, and there are some fine groves in the western part
of the county.
CLIMATE The climate of Dade County is a happy
medium between extremes of heat and cold. The winters
are mild and short. Snow rarely falls before Christmas,
and never exceeds but a few inches in depth, and seldom
lies on the ground longer than three or four days at a
time. Mercury seldom falls to zero, and is not much of
the time below freezing point. This is a "sunny climate,"
even in winter, and, except when it is raining or storm-
ing, the outdoor laborer never has to lose a day's work on
account of the weather; and the contour of the country
being, as it is, somewhat rolling, and well supplied with
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 31.
forests, it is never visited with severe storms or cyclones.
There are no swamps or stagnant pools of water in the
county; consequently it is clear from all malaria, except
what is caused in all new countries, by the upturning of
the virgin soil. Though the summers are long, the heat
is never excessive, being tempered as it is, with the high
elevation and the breezes from the west. It is doubtful
whether a more healthy country than the Ozark Range
can be found anywhere on the continent. Fevers of the
typhoid type are rare, and lung and bronchial diseases
are comparatively unknown. The water is pure and
healthy, and entirely free from alkali or other deleterious
substances.
WILD ANIMALS AND WILD FOWL When the
first settlers landed here they found the forests inhabited
by buffaloes, bears, panthers, wolves, wildcats, catamounts,
elk, deer and all the smaller animals common to this lati-
tude. Wild fowls, such as geese, turkeys, ducks and
smaller birds, were also natural claimants of the territory.
The buffaloes soon fled to the westward and became ex-
tinct; the bears refused to flee, but have become extinct.
The wolves, the animals of the cat kind, were very numer-
ous. A war of extinction was begun on them by the early
settlers, and it has been continued, so that not many of
these animals now remain. The deer were so plentiful that
they were found in herds or droves. They have been
hunted and slain for food, but a few still remain enough
to amuse the hunters. The elk are extinct. The smaller
animals, such as foxes, raccoons, rabbits and the like,
abound in considerable numbers. Wild turkeys were once
so abundant that the early settlers killed all they could
consume. Wild geese are very scarce now, but the tur-
keys and ducks, even yet, abound to some extent. The
small birds the songsters in great numbers, still make
the groves ring with their music.
Chapter 2
FIRST LAND ENTRIES.
In order to give a more extended list of the early set-
tlers, there has been compiled from the records a list of
the names of those who entered lands in the several con-
gressional townships in the county at or prior to certain
dates; care being taken to give only the names of those
who became actually settlers, and omitting reference to
those already mentioned. The townships and lists are as
follows:
TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 25 The first entries were
made in this township in 1844, by James Hembree, Moses
Theobold, James Douglas, Lysander S. Dunn and Samuel
Harris. Entries 1845 were made by William Dunn, David
C. Eastin and M. E. Brown. From 1845 to 1849 entries
were made by J. H. Hardin, Samuel Nickel and others.
TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 26 The first entries in this
township were made in 1840, by Thomas Box, C. J. Morris,
Samuel Carr, Reuben Carter, E. F. Morris, C. Beckham,
Jesse Scott, John Rice, William Mallory, William Snaden,
William Williams, Sterling and John Sailing, Absalom
Ren fro, David, A. D. and John Hudspeth, William Snaden,
Rich T. Willis, Daniel W. Scott, Jas. M. Snaden, John
Gamble ,Jesse 0. Scott, Jas. Ventioner, John Bowles, A. S.
Yokimi, and others heretofore mentioned. Others and
succeeding early entries were made by Jacob Cox, Alex.
Russell and Andrew Gilmore.
TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 27 First entries in this
township were made by Joshua and Alexander Ragsdale,
Isaac Preston, Jonathan Parris, Britain Finley, William
Merriek, Robert Allison, John B. Parris, Jacob Reed, An-
drew Allison, David Moore and William H. King. Soon
after entries were made by Jesse Dougherty and others.
TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 28 The first entry was in
1*.")2, by Robert Bird. Others were made in 1854 by David
(Yandail and Henry Bird.
BEN M. NEALE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 33
TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 29 Only the eastern tier
of sections was in Dade county. The first entries were
made in 1856, by William Russell and John Thompson.
TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 25 First entries were made in
1844, by E. B. Miller, Thomas Stockstell and Samuel L.
and L. L. Carlock. Subsequent early entries were made
by James Leeper, Reuben Carter, Calvin Wheeler, John
D. Ragsdale, Daniel M. McGee, Henry H. Pemberton and
John M. Tarrant.
TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 26 Entries in this township
date from 1840, made by Joseph R. Davidson, Elijah Mc-
Millen, John M. Rankin, Emerson C. Scott, C. L. Bidstrap,
Isaac Stockton, James West, Charles Hoover, John and
Joseph Sailing, and others heretofore named. Soon there-
after entries were made by J. N. Weir, Isam A. Young,
Ramson Gates, A. Cowan, John Tarbot, W. R. Rankin
and John M. Dicus. Many other entries were made
during the forties.
TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 27 First entries were made
in 1840, by Thomas A. Dale, John C. Wetzel, William
Fleisher, William Arbagast, Joshua Carman, John Finley,
William McMillan, and others mentioned as early set-
tlers.
TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 28 The first entry in this
township was made in 1853, by Joseph Lawrence, and the
second in 1854, by Thomas Smith.
TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 29 The first entry is 1854,
by Stephen L. Butterfield.
TOWNSHIP 32, RANGE 25 First entries in 1839
were made by Pierce Asbell, William P. and Thomas
Hudson, James G. Berry, John C. Kirby, Jesse M. Fin-
ley, Stephen Grey, Tully C. Kirby, Isiah Kirby, Joel
Dobbs, James H. Gaunt, H. Rook, D. B. Baker, William
and J. P. Edge.
TOWNSHIP 32, RANGE 26 First entries were
made in 1840, by James Hobbs, L. T. Dunnaway, Eber E.
White, William M. Roark, S. E. Seybert, John F. Johnson,
Thomas Fleming and William Johnson.
34 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
TOWNSHIP 32, RANGE 27 First entries in 1840, by
John Asbell, John W. Thompson, Martin L. Hembree,
James Cole and Washington Farmer.
TOWNSHIP 32, RANGE 28 First entries in 1853, by
William Farmer, John Acock, Benjamin Hanley, William
H. Amos, and Thomas Rhodes.
TOWNSHIP 32, RANGE 29 First entry made in
1853, by D. Dewey; next in 1854, by William and Jacob
Sears; the next in 1855, by Isaac Darneel and Washington
Farmer.
TOWNSHIP 33, RANGE 25 First entries were made
in 1845, by John Lindley, Edwin Pyle, Samuel D. Clark,
Galehu Moore and L. T. Dunaway.
TOWNSHIP 33, RANGE 26 Ezekiel M. Campbell,
and others already mentioned in 1840.
TOWNSHIP 33, RANGE 27 The first entry was
made in 1840, by Isaiah Lynch. Subsequent entries were
made in 1850, by John Underwood and Aaron Russell.
TOWNSHIP 33, RANGE 28 First entry made in
1S42, by James W. Bass. Later early entries were by
Asa I). Lacy and Robert Poindexter.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF WASHINGTON, SMITH
AND LOCKWOOD TOWNSHIPS.
by
Howard Ragsdale.
Probably the first settler in either Smith, Washing-
ton or Lock wood Townships, was made by a man by the
name of Box, who settled on Turnback Creek prior to
1834. William Landers, whose father settled at the
bluff spring just this side of tlie old Hoyle Mill on Turn-
back, in 1<S43, was then twelve years of age, and in his
recollections of pioneer days, states that at that time
there were hut three white families in Dade County. Be-
sides his father's family, and that of Guy Clopton, who
HISTORY OF DADK COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 86
had settled on Sac River at what is now known as ''Bill's
Ghost House/' the Glenn family, near Cory, and the Box
family, some five miles further up Turnback from where
the Landers family settled, in the spring of 1837, the
McMillen family settled on Limestone Creek about a
mile and a half below what is now South Greenfield; and
at this same time the Penn family settled on what is now
Pennsylvania Prairie. In October, 1837, Joshua Ragsdale
came to where Penn had settled, and finding that Penn
had taken up a great amount of land, decided to move
further north, and with Mr. Penn as a guide, discovered
what is now called Buffalo Springs, about one and one-
half miles west of South Greenfield, and there he settled.
About this same time App Renfro, father of Joe Renfro
and Lewis Renfro, settled on Honey Creek near Pennsboro.
The Sailings family had come in some earlier, the exact
day the writer is unable to ascertain, but it was prior to
1837, and the exact location of their homestead is not
known, except it was on Limestone. The above families
constituted the settlers until about 1841, when the Daugh-
tery family moved in to the settlement. Of this family
ther were three families, John Daughtery, who settled on
what is now the Sam Daughtery farm, about four miles
south and west of Greenfield; Jesse Daughtery, who set-
tled about a mile and a half west of South Greenfield;
and Frederick Daughtery, who settled near Limestone
Creek, near what is called the Limestone School House.
About this time, possibly a little later, the McLemore
family came. Of this family there were four, John Mc-
Lemore, who settled on Limestone; Arch McLemore and
Wesley McLemore settled on Sac River, north of Green-
field, and Jack McLemore, who settled near Walnut
Grove in Greene County. Lewis Spain about this time
settled also on Limestone, just above the John McLemore
place, and the Preston family also settled in the early
forties on the head waters of the west prong of Limestone
Creek, in what is now Smith Township and in what is
known to this day as the Preston settlement. Of this
family there were three of the men that were heads of
36 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
families, to-wit: Harrison Preston, Henry Preston and
Isaac Preston. In this same period the Moore family, the
Snadon family and the Speer family settled on Pennsyl-
vania Prairie. The Gates family also settled near the
old Dadeville Spring about the same period. The Bowles
family settled upon the head waters of the east prong of
Limestone Creek.
According to William Landers, when his father first
settled, the country had never been surveyed. He states
that he as a boy assisted in making this survey, and that
until the country was surveyed, there was no land office
and no entries of land could be made, which retarded emi-
gration. When the McMillens and Ragsdales, Penns and
Renfros settled, emigration for some time was very slow
on that account; but as soon as the land office was estab-
lished at Springfield, emigration came rapidly, which
accounts for such a rush in the early forties. There are
some families who were early settlers, who have lost their
identity. The Bogart family is but a memory, but they
were among the early settlers in those townships. The
McXeese family, another pioneer family, has also lost its
identity. They also settled in the Limestone country in
an early day, but of this family there was but one boy,
and after the Civil war, he never returned. Monroe Mor-
ris was a pioneer of Smith Township and father of Bud
Morris of Lockwood, and of Elvis Morris, Jesse Morris
and Bailey Morris. Among those who also joined in the
rush to secure homes in the Limestone Country in the
early forties was the Davidson family. The elder David-
son was a minister and one of the very first in the county
and in the William Lander's recollections, he states that
Davidson was the first preacher he remembered, except an
Indian convert, who preached some among his people and
whites when they settled on Turnback in 1834. Of this
family there were four boys, George Davidson, Wesley
Davidson, William Davidson and James Davidson. Will-
iam Davidson now owns the old homestead on Limestone.
Practically all the settlers mentioned before settled in
Washington and South Townships and a few in Smith
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 3T_
Township. The Matlock family were among the early
settlers of Smith Township, settling some two miles south-
west of Kingspoint. The Simpson family, relatives of the
Matlocks, settled on Horse Creek, some ten miles north-
west of Lockwood, and William Wagner also settled in
this same point of timber at the same time. This was in
the early forties.
The Simpson family were noted for being great
hunters. At that time western Dade County was infested
with a multitude of wolves. They were a menace to the
settlers' stock and became so bold that steps had to be
taken to combat them. The Simpson boys began the
work of extermination. They secured a quantity of poison,
and would kill a deer, and after thoroughly poisoning it,
would drag it over the prairie, and hundreds of wolves
were killed in this way. William Wagner has lived up
until only a few years since, the Matlocks have all passed
away. Of this family Uncle Luke Matlock was the quaint-
est character, he wore homespun jeans clothes to the day of
his death, which has only been some ten years ago. This
family was composed of Uncle Luke and some two or
three sisters, none of whom ever married. It is said they
clung to homespun clothes and old methods, to even
cooking on the fireplace even to this generation. In this
same period of the early 40 's the Scott family also settled
near Pennsboro, and of this family Uncle Bud Scott, a
noted pioneer, who just recently died, was a member. The
first settler in Lockwood Township was Jack Finley, whose
homestead can be seen to this day on the Greenfield and
Lockwood publijp road. Lockwood Township was slow in
being settled up, and old-timers being slow to settle on the
prairie. Alex Ragsdale and William Cunningham and
Jesse Cartwright also settled in this township about the
same time. Just prior to the Civil War Judge Wells,
formerly a member of the Dade County court, came with
a man by the name of Welty, the two coming from Iowa
with a large band of sheep, and they took land in what
is now Lockwood Township, and about this same time a
man by the name of Churchill, settled just west of Kings-
38 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
point. He was from the same neighborhood of Wells and
Welty. Churchill built what was in that day a fine house
on his prairie farm, but Wells and Welty were single
men and boarded with Alex Ragsdale. In the election of
1860 over the protest and warning of Alex Ragsdale,
these men at Kingspoint voted for Lincoln for president.
Ragsdale had lived there since 1837 and knew the danger
but despite his protest they voted the night of the elec-
tion. Ragsdale had secured information to the effect
that they would probably be mobbed that night and came
home and told them to get away. They loaded up their
effects, drove up to Churchill's, assisted him to get a few
of his effects together, and by midnight they were headed
for the Missouri River. The mob came to Ragsdale 's in
search of Wells and Welty, and another bunch went to
Churchill 's, but they had just gotten away under cover
of darkness. Welty and Churchill never returned. For
years the Churchill homestead stood tenantless on the
prairie, finally decayed and went to waste. Ragsdale sold
the sheep for Wells and Welty and remitted them the
money. After the war Wells came back and settled near
south Greenfield, was afterwards elected County Judge of
Dado County, and died at his home in Dade County a few
years ago a respected citizen, but he never forgot his first
vote in Dade County and his hasty flight to save his life
from the Missouri pro-slavery men. Jacob Cox was an-
other very early settler of Limestone. He was the father
of Sam W. Cox of South Greenfield.
For most part the pioneers depended upon home in-
dustry to produce everything in the way of tools that was
used. John McLemore was the country blacksmith and
made about everything in the way of tools. Joshua Rags-
dale was the county tanner, tanning the hides for leather
that was used for use in those days. He was also a
cooper by trade, and supplied' the country side with bar-
rels, tubs, pails, etc. The Speer family were millers and
had a mill on the headwaters of Limestone, and supplied
flour and meal (mostly meal) to the pioneers. At this
place was also a cotton-gin, where the early settlers had
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 39
their cotton prepared for use. Aunt Patsy Morris, wife
of Arch Morris, one of the early settlers on Limestone,
was considered a good doctor and attended to a great
deal of sickness of the neighborhood. She was the mother
of Dr. Morris, remembered by many of us today as a
physician at Greenfield. Among some of her treatments
were witch methods which were greatly believed in at
that day and time. The Finley family was another very
prominent pioneer family, and owing to its numerous
members now residents of Dade County reference can be
had elsewhere to their history. Suffice to say in this
sketch that Jack Finley, as before stated, settled on Son's
Creek in Lockwood Township. Another one of the older
men settled some three miles southwest of Greenfield, and
another, James F. Finley, settled northeast of Greenfield,
Thomas Finley at Pilgrim, and Milton, who was a bachelor,
settled just east of Greenfield, and one of the girls mar-
ried Judge Wetzel, father of J. L. Wetzel. The aforesaid
people compose the first settlers of southwestern Dade
County. For the most part they came from the south,
principally from Tennessee, and were industrious, honest
and in most part far-seeing, and intensely religious. To
many of the later day people it is a mystery why the first
settlers chose what is now the most undesirable lands to
make their homes, usually at a spring, with glade and
rough land about; but it must be remembered that there
were two things the pioneer was compelled to have and
that was wood and water. The present day of drilling
and blasting was unknown. The only method of fencing
was by use of rails, there was practically no timber except
along the water courses, and strange as this may seem it
was impossible to farm on the prairie on account of a
certain kind of fly now about extinct (small green fly).
It was impossible to use work animals except very early
in the morning and late at night, on account of the pests,
and aside from all this, there was no market for anything,
money was very scarce and what there was, the pioneer
market except a little local market to the new settlers, who
put into land as fast as he could get it together. The first
40 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
had to purchase provisions for the first year, was when
the gold fields were opened in California, when there was
a great demand for oxen and supplies for the great wagon
trains bound overland for the gold fields. Fort Scott,
Kansas, then a United States fort, also required provisions,
and here the pioneers found a market for their bacon and
dried fruits. This trade with Fort Scott was the first real
stable market the first settlers had for their products, and
in this connection might be related the most tragic events
of the early days. McBride and Etter, two prominent
early day settlers, had taken a load each of produce to
Fort Scott to sell, and after disposing of their produce
started home, near Greenfield. They reached what is
called ''Ruphs" Point on Muddy Creek just over in Barton
County, and there camped for the night. "Ruphs" Point
is a point of timber where it juts out into the prairies of
Barton County. That night both were murdered, includ-
ing a small son of Etter 's, who accompanied them. Their
bodies were never recovered, their money was found in
an old "polk root" stem, where they had evidently hidden
it, themselves, before retiring. Their horses were found
grazing on the prairie, the wagons were found hidden
in a deep pool in Muddy Creek, entirely submerged, the
end of the wagon tongues being tied to grape vines, but
no trace of their bodies was ever found. Jesse McBride,
William McBride and Robert McBride, well known in
Greenfield, being merchants there in bygone years, were
sons of this McBride. Mrs. Alexander Lack of Lockwood
and Mrs. Dave Burns of Marion Township, were daugh-
ters of Etter.
THE BOONE FAMILY.
by
Howard Ragsdale.
Nathan Boone first settled in Missouri at the village
of St. Charles on the Missouri River in the year 1799, and
it is said that lie built the first stone house ever built in
Missouri. Xathan Boone was the youngest son of Daniel
I, i:\VIS KKXFKO.
HOWARD RAGSDALE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 4
Boone, the famous frontiersman of Kentucky. Shortly
thereafter, his famous father came to live with his son,
Nathan, and there he lived until his death, which occurred
in the year 1820. (The writer of this article is indebted
for the facts herein set forth to "Aunt Mary" Hosman,
who died something like a year ago at the age of 92 years).
Aunt Mary was the youngest child of Nathan Boone, and
shortly before her death she wrote her OW T II personal recol-
lections of the Boone family, and requested me to put it in
shape for her and write it on a typewriter. She stated
that she desired to sign this statement with her own name
and leave it for her children, so that they might know the
true facts concerning her family. As a compensation she
gave the writer of this article a copy for himself.
Daniel Boone, when he came to Missouri, came to stay.
He felt that he had been badly treated by the Kentuckians.
His lands had been taken from him for the reason that
some way Daniel Boone could never get it into his head
that he had to get a title from the Government. The old
frontiersman could not understand this and failed to get
his government patents, and lost his lands, and to the day
of his death he never returned to Kentucky. According
to Aunt Mary, if her father, Nathan Boone, had been living
at the time Kentucky came and removed his remains and
built that splendid memorial of marble at his tomb, their
journey would have been fruitless, for she says Kentucky
should never have had the privilege of taking his body
back. A few years back when that State had its great
homecoming many inducements were offered to Aunt Mary
as the only living grand-child of Daniel Boone, to go back
as a guest of the State. She refused, doubtless remember-
ing the injustice, as she termed it, of having driven her
grandfather almost penniless from its boundaries, when
he had given the best part of his life and had done more
than any other one man had ever done for that famous
State. Aunt Mary Hosman during the last years of her
father's life spent a great deal of time with him, and to
her he told many things that have never been written, and
will never be written about Daniel Boone. It is so un-
42 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
fortunate that some competent writer did not spend some
time with Aunt Mary and write her history. It would
have been a valuable addition not only to the local history
of Missouri, but would have thrown much light on events
of historic interest.
Daniel Boone was not content while living with his
son in St. Charles. The settlement and village was not of
his nature, and one day, Aunt Mary says, her father told
her that Daniel without a word of parting, took his old
rifle and a young negro slave of his son, Nathan's, and
disappeared. No one knew where he had gone, days
passed and no tidings came. He was at that time over
eighty years of age. The neighbors and friends of the
family became very much excited and urged Nathan Boone
to get up a searching party to try and hunt him up, but
Nathan told them it was no use, they could never find
him, and that as far as he was concerned he had no fears,
because his father was so thoroughly posted in wood-
craft, that it would be absolutely impossible to lose him-
self so long as he stayed in the woods, and that he knew
his father would never leave the timber belt. Days
passed into weeks, and weeks into months and late in the
autumn, as suddenly as he had disappeared, back came
Daniel with the negro slave. He told them of his wander-
ings and claimed that he had been up the Missouri River
and thence across the State and to the mouth of the Kaw
River, and that he had come back by the way of the
wooded water-sheds of the Osage, and he seemed to be
as happy and spry as a boy. He told of his discovery of
some salt springs on his travels and fully described the
whole trip. This was the last hunting trip of Daniel
Boone, for he passed away shortly, and was taken by
Nathan Boone and friends and buried in the Bryan ceme-
tery in ( 1 allaway County, this State.
Nathan Boone was prominent in the early history of
the Slate of Missouri. lie was a member of the first Con-
stitutional Convention ever held in Missouri, in 1820.
Nathan Boone was also the surveyor who surveyed out the
famous Boone Lick Road, the first State Highway in the
State of Missouri. It ran from St. Charles, Missouri, to
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 4jJ
Old Franklin, Missouri, and was the fore-runner of the
Santa Fe Trail and the old Oregon Trail. Nathan Boone
surveyed this out in the year 1814, some years before Mis-
souri was admitted to the Union. The State Legislature,
in 1913, appropriated three thousand dollars to place
" markers" along this now historic trail, and yet, the man
who surveyed and laid it out, and gave it to Missouri, lies
in an unmarked grave in an old field on the border of
Greene and Bade Counties. Not even a rough stone marks
the grave, and the careless farmer plows by and the plow-
share turns the soil over the grave of this historic man.
Nathan Boone when he came to this country did not
come without first having looked the country over. Years
before, while in the employ of the Government as a Gov-
ernment surveyor, he had surveyed over this country and
had fallen in love with the Ozark Hills, and as he grew
old, and had retired from active life, in the year 1837 he
brought his family and slaves and settled just two miles
north of Ash Grove. Here he engaged in farming, and
became very wealthy. At the time of his death he owned
some twelve hundred acres of land and many slaves, and
other personal property. Aunt Mary says, when she w r as
young and when her father was in the Government serv-
ice, he was, in addition to being a surveyor, a Captain of
a Company of Dragoons and that his trips often took him
among the Indians. He also surveyed and made a plat
of the Canadian River for the Federal Government. His
last years were spent in the quiet of his home. He lived
a life of retirement and in 1856 died and was buried on
the old homestead. Then followed the Civil War. The
Boone family went with the South. Franklin T. Frazier,
a son-in-law of Nathanial Boone, was a State Senator from
this district. He voted for secession from the Union and
later went witli that part of the legislature that went to
Neosho, Missouri, to set up another State Capital and pass
and act of secession and failed. After the war and the
Boone family returned, nothing was left, their slaves had
been set free, all personal property gone, and just the
land was left. The Boone family had been reared in
ease and luxury and knew nothing of work before the
44 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
war; their slaves tilled the soil and the income was a mat-
ter of course. The result was, the Boone family had
hard luck financially and with the exception of Aunt
Mary Hosman and Mrs. Franklin T. Frazier lost the for-
tune that their father had left them. They left again for
the South so that today none of the family of Boone
remain, who bear the name of Boone. It is true the Hos-
man family and the Frazier family remain, but the name
of Boone has passed away, and Nathan Boone, that
great character of early Missouri, who was one of the
most prominent men in the making of this state, sleeps
in an unmarked and almost unknown grave among the
hills of the Ozarks.
JOHN CRISP.
In the year 1818, Redden Crisp and his son, John,
came to Cedar County. From there they went out east of
Dadeville to what is now known as Crisp Prairie, and
settled. About the year 1820 John Crisp married Malinda
English. John Crisp and his wife went to what is now
known as the old home place, about one-half mile north-
east of the Crisp store. There they raked up the leaves,
spread out their blankets and spent the first night. Next
day, both helping, they started to build a little log house
which served as their home for the next few years. Dur-
ing the year 1849, he went to California to dig gold. Mrs.
Crisp with her children was left at home in charge of the
farm and a few slaves. One day while he was away, she
saw a savage approaching the house. She went in and
closed the door. It was fastened with a wooden pin.
There was a way of reaching in from the outside and
opening the door. This the savage tried to do, but Mrs.
Crisp kept striking at his hand with a wooden poker until
she broke the Indian's arm. In order to gain revenge, he
shot off his gun with one hand into the grass to set fire to
the cabin. Only the path around the house saved it until
the slaves in the field got there and put the fire out.
John Crisp was very successful in the gold fields. He
returned by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and New
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 45
Orleans. His gold he brought back in a leather trunk.
There were many thieves on the boat, and all the rest he
had for twenty-four days and nights, was sitting astride
his leather trunk. He had been gone three or four years.
Of course he had gone to California along with one of
the numerous wagon trains of that day. While in New
Orleans he bought more slaves to cultivate his farms.
Mrs. Crisp died soon after his return. They had nine
children. Only one of these, Aunt Lettie Baldwin, is left.
About the year 1855 he married Millie O'Connor. Ten
children were born to them. Five of whom are still liv-
ing. John Crisp had 1,600 acres of land all in one body.
He had entered all of this except the 160-acre homestead.
Mrs. Crisp died in 1874. Mr. Crisp, 1876. His sale lasted
for three days.
o
FORTY MILES ON AN OX.
Experience of John Crisp, Bade County's First Settler.
The following scrap of history taken from the Spring-
field Leader and dated at Cane Hill, Mo., may be of
interest:
In last week's issue of the Leader I noticed, under
the head of "Scraps of History of Southwest Missouri,"
that John Crisp was the first settler of Dade County and
that he had to go forty miles to the nearest justice to get
married. I was well acquainted with "Uncle John." His
fine farm is just two and one-half miles west of this town.
He settled it in 1820. It is one of the finest tracts of
land in Southwest Missouri. His wife, a Miss English,
lived at that time one mile southwest of this place. He
mounted his intended wife on a large ox and took his
rifle on his shoulder and walked by the side of the ox to
Justice Fulbright's at Springfield, where the justice made
them man and wife. After getting married he bought
his outfit for housekeping, consisting of two tin cups, two
tin plates and two knives and forks, in Springfield, and
his wife carried it home on her ox. The old gentleman
has been dead eighteen years. He was an uncle of Hon.
John T. Crisp, of Jackson County, Missouri.
Chapter 3
REMINISCENCES OF J. W. CAEMACK.
Dadeville, Mo., January 20, 1917.
I have been solicited to give a statement of myself,
also of some facts to my knowledge of Dade County, Mis-
souri. And in response to the solicitation I submit the
following statement for publication in the Dade County
History:
May 26, 1838, I was born in Overton County, Ten-
nessee, near Livingston, where my father, John Carmack,
resided until April 1st, A. D. 1853, when he embarked for
the west with his family of wife and seven children, three
boys and four girls, equipped with two yoke of oxen and
wagon, one horse and carriage, two cows and two dogs.
My mother, grown sister and little brother, three years
old, rode in the carriage, the three little sisters rode in
the wagon. My father and larger brother walked and
drove the cows, the dogs followed. I was mounted upon
the rear wheel ox upon a new saddle, with line in hand
tied around the horns of the lead ox. This position I
held from Tennessee to Dadeville, Missouri, landing June
14, 1853. I was then 16 years old, had been conductor of
this train the entire march (conductors are very im-
portant). Here we met Col. Thos. Dale, Dr. Samuel Bender,
and Reverend N. Fisk, who were Tennesseeans. They
prevailed upon my father to locate here. We drove two
miles west of Dadeville and camped at W. A. McMaster's.
Next day my father went to look for a location. My
brother, 14 years old, took care of our teams. I hired
to James G. Berry to work in harvest. He paid me 35c
per day. In a few days my father had bought of David
Pylc his homestead claim. Then entered the land in Sec-
tions 5 and 8-32-25. Mr. Pyle vacated and we moved in
at once, where he remained until his death, December 24,
1856. hi this neighborhood, Dr. J. H. Mulky, Peter Gear-
heart, Burket Jonos, J. M. Gaunt, James G. Berry, W. G.
Dodson, Alfred Divine and Bird Hembree, had located.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 47_
They all had children and no school to send them. The
above named parties resolved to have a school. Burket
Jones gave a school house site upon his land near a spring.
All parties went to work cutting and hauling logs for the
building. My father made the boards to cover it with,
while others put up the building. Levi Jones and I made
rails for 25c per hundred to get money to get nails to put
the roof on with and to pay for muslin to make the window
lights. The windows were made by cutting a log out of
the sides of the house, then stretching cloth over the
openings, writing desks were made by boring auger holes
in the logs of the building, driving wooden pins in the
holes and laying boards on the pins; the seats were made
of split poles with wooden legs. The gables of the house
were weather boarded up with clab-boards. Door shutter
made from side boards of old wagon box and fastened
with chain and padlock; no floors in the building, no
stove. Being anxious for school the building was pro-
claimed ready and christened as West Center School
House, this being the sixth week in construction from
the stump to completion. At this juncture, Mrs. Burket
Jones prepared a sumptuous dinner and spread to all par-
ticipating in the building work. When summoned all par-
ties and their families appeared on the scene of action.
The men folks bringing their guns for a deer drive after
dinner. After dinner the men with guns and Uncle Burket
Jones with dogs marched to a clump of bushes a half-mile
from his house. The gun men took stands near by, uncle
Burket went to the opposite side of the thicket with the
dogs and ran -the deer out (about twenty in number).
John H. Dill, John M. Gaunt and my brother, Hardin,
each shot a deer. Uncle Burket came to the house,
hitched his horse to a bobsled and went for the deer,
brought them in, unloaded them at his door yard, where
they were dressed and divided and the hides sent to the
tan yard. Carter S. Pyle was at the feast, here he pro-
posed to teach a three months' subscription school and
would take in any kind of stock or produce. This propo-
sition was accepted, and on the following Monday morn-
48 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ing he opened school with 26 scholars (warm weather), no
floor in the building, no stove, and in a few weeks had
more pupils. His school was a success. When the term
was ended and subscriptions paid up, he was the best
prepared man for the winter in the neighborhood. He
had corn, potatoes, onions, turnips, cabbage, beets, to-
matoes, hay, oats, pumpkins, chickens, sheep, hogs, pigs
and calves (choice calves worth $2.50 each).
School district then organized under the law. Levy
made to run three months school next year, also for in-
cidental expenses, flooring the house and buying a stove.
Mr. Pyle then proposed to teach the next school and wait
for his pay until the taxes levied was collected. This
proposition was accepted and the school taught. At tax-
paying time the taxes were promptly paid by all except
J. G. Berry, who was opposed to the organization and
levy. He was sued for his school tax, the board obtained
judgment and execution against him, then sold a horse
under execution for $3 to pay said tax; then the name of
the house was changed from West Center to that of Point
Victory. Later a move was made and carried to change
the site one-half mile and to build a new school house. In
this wrangle two of the board had a fist fight, but pro-
ceeded to move the site and build a new school house.
Then christened the building as War Eagle. Some years
later the name was changed to Jones, which name it now
bears, still situated on the Jones land. This district has
turned out some very efficient teachers.
FIRST SETTLERS.
in the first settling of this neighborhood the settlers
had to labor under many disadvantages, go through vari-
ous hardships. We had good land, but covered with wild
grass about knee high. When .broken out would produce
all kinds of grain and vegetables we needed to live on,
no money to pay for labor (John Tyler was president of
the I'. S.) I made 10 feet rails at 25c per hundred to fence
a good sized farm, took most of my pay in bacon at 3c
per pound for my father's family. My father was unable
SHERIDAN B. PILE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 49
to work for some time before his death. After his death
I had to look after my mother and family. During my
father's life time, we had fenced and broke out 20 acres
of land. He had a few sheep, hogs and cows and two yoke
of oxen at his death. In the spring following his death,
I broke ground with oxen for a crop, Eber E. White let
me have a horse to make my crop. My brother, Hardin
17 years old, took our teams and wagon and freighted
goods for the merchants at Dadeville and Greenfield from
Boonville and Syracuse, Missouri. We raised cotton from
which my mother and sisters manufactured our wearing
apparel. Mr. Wright Graft had a tan yard that furnished
leather for shoes for the neighborhood. The demand for
shoes was very urgent. Mr. Sammy Mack, the shoemaker,
would take the hides from the tanner before they were
blacked and just as they were rubbed out of the tan, oose
and dried, would make the shoes. When finished they
were about the color of a bull frog. Then the polish was
put on by disolving copperas in water. Pour this upon
the bottom of an iron wash kettle then rub with a cloth to
polish. This shoemaker also manufactured horn combs
for all the neighbors. At that time I was not acquainted
generally over the county, but as far as I was concerned
the conditions seemed to be about as that of our neighbor-
hood. The west half of Dade County was sparcely settled
prior to the war of 1861. Of my father's family of nine
that landed in Dade County, Missouri, June 14, 1853, only
three are living. My eldest sister, Mrs. Dr. Hamilton, who
is 85 years old, living in St. Louis, Missouri. Myself, now
near 79 years old, J. G. Carmack, 67 years old now at San
Francisco, California. My mother lived to the age of 93
years. She was the last Revolutionary daughter of Dade
county, daughter of Paul Chapin of New Jersey, who was a
drummer boy in Washington's Army and was a command-
ing Major in the war of 1812.
My educational experience before leaving the State
of Tennessee: I had attended school nine months, could
spell, read and write. After establishing our school at
Point Victory in Morgan Township, I attended two, three
50 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
months terms, where I mastered the old Blue Back Speller,
the fourth Reader, Smith's Grammar and Smiley 's Arith-
metic. Later on I hired to John M. Gaunt to work for three
months at $10 per month. With this $30 I went to Profess-
or Rhea who was teaching in Springfield in a little brick
school house on St. Louis street near what was called the
Dead Sea (a place they made whiskey). This was called a
High School. He took me in for three months giving me
board and tuition for my $30. He advanced my studies
in addition to reviewing, gave me history, algebra and
geography. In studying this geography and with his ex-
planation, found that this earth was not flat as supposed.
When the term closed, he gave me a very complimentary
grade card, which served me well later on. I got a job of
work and got me some more clothes. Alexander Rutledge
was then County School Commissioner, I approached him
for examination for teacher's certificate to teach in Dade
county. He took my examination, granted the certificate,
then proffered to help me get a school. In a very short
time he wrote me telling me he had a school for me in
his neighborhood at a school house near the old Bates Mill
on Limestone Creek near Smith Pelt's farm. I went, took
and taught the school with success. By this time the Civil
War was at hand, so I taught no more until after the close
of the war, then taught in the Public Schools in this county
for six years. Since that time, I have worked at various
avocations, farming merchandising, milling and livery. My
home had been in Morgan township since 1853. Cast every
vote I have given in Morgan township except one I gave in
the field while a soldier in the late war. What I could say
of Dade county politics would not be of much interest as
all are aware that dishonest politicians, the boodlers and
inefficient officers have lowered our financial standing.
J. W. CARMACK.
51
ATTACH TO MY STATEMENT MADE OF MY FIRST
SETTLING IN BADE COUNTY.
by
J. W. Carmack, March 18, 1917
In the year 1853 my first acquaintance in Dade county
the following named persons were most prominent char-
acters: Nelson McDowell, Col. Shields, John T. Coffee,
Arch M. Long, Peter Hoyl, Thos. J. Bishop, Andy Hud-
speth, John and Bob McGuire, Joseph Lawrence, R. S.
Jacobs, Jack Sturnbeaugh, John Wetzel, Sam Appleby, J.
T. Hembree, S. E. Shaw, Silas Seybert, Judge Travis, Rev.
Murphy, E. E. White, Thos. Dale, Chas. Montgomery, Sr.,
J. M. Clabough, Silas Hobbs, John T. Crisp, Dr. H. Mulkey,
Rev. N. Fisk, Dr. S. Bender, J. M. Tarrant, Pierce Aspbell,
H. P. McPeak, J. Lindley, M. Craft, L. L. Cariock, H. Edge,
J. D. and W. F. Ragsdale, Isiah, J. C. and T. C. Kirby,
Daniel McGee, B. Logan, Rev. J. D. Montgomery, Rev.
Garrett, L. H. Hembree, Mart Rector, F. M. Compton,
Henry, Doc. and J. C. Pemberton, Rufus and W. A. Mc-
Masters, J. G. Berry, W. G. Dodson, J. B. Clark, Alex.
Patterson, Jesse Potter, Bennett Pyland, B. Maxwell, Rev.
Chas. Cox, Peter Gearheart, J. M. Finley, W. N. King,
Burkett Jones, Reuben Cantrell, W. B. Landers, Wash
Cotner, Alex. Douglas, Dr. S. Bowles, W. K. Latham, M.
Allison, J. P. Griggs, Dan Bailey, J. M. Stummons, Sol.
Wilson, Jas. Wheeler, James Hoover, AV. Y. West, John
Stockton, J. McClam, Jordan Grant, L. T. Dunaway, Thos.
Stockhill, Col. J. M. Smith, W. and R. Cheek, F. Delosier,
Bad Scott, Capt. Pedro, J. H. Stanley, Ed. Hayward, J.
C. Woody, J. W. Frieze, A. and W. W. Divine, E. S. Rook,
A. Morgan and Samuel M. Wheeler.
The only one Iving of the entire list is the last name
mentioned and he is nearing the century mark in years.
Many of my acquaintances at that time who were then
young men are still living in Dade county at this date,
1917. One young man at that time of my acquaintance, I
will mention viz: Thomas McConnell, a neighbor of mine
52 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
who died just after the close of the Civil War, June 14,
1864, when Kinch West's guerrillas burned Melville.
When leaving the town, they passed by his house (he in
bed sick). They carried him out into the yard with his
wife and two children, then set fire to his house burning
it to the ground with contents. The neighbors joined in
and built him a little house upon the premises where he
remained until his death. His family consisted of wife
and two little boys. T. A. McConnell, late sheriff of Dade
county and J. B. McConnell now occupying the home. His
widow, N. C. McConnell, later on remarried to Eldridge
Miller. To this union were born C. I. and Clarence Miller.
Mr. Miller died and she was again left a widow and as
such died after having lived a long and useful life, and
was highly respected by all who knew her.
o
GREENFIELD AND ITS PEOPLE IN 1867.
by
Seymour Hoyt.
After a dreary ride over the rocks which lay between
this town and Bolivar I landed in Greenfield, April 8, 1867.
The "Greenfield House," located on the southwest corner
of Main and Garrett Streets, where the neat little cottage
occupied by Postmaster Bowles, stands, was the only hotel
in the town, and my first stopping place in Dade county.
The building was a two-story frame, two rooms long facing
Main Street. The upper story was reached by an outside
stairway leading up from the porch which extended along
the front of the building. The hotel was conducted by
John W. Murphy and wife. Across Main Street was the
two-story frame residence of the Rev. W. R. Fulton,
pastor of the Presbyterian church. D. W. Edwards now
owns the residence and has added to and changed its ap-
pearance materially. On the next block south and near
the Public Square was, and is, the house owned by D. C.
Easton, and now the residence of his daughters, Misses
Ollie and Frank. Across the street was the residence of
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 53
R. S. Jacobs; the broad porcb added by its present owner,
J. E. Shaw, makes a decided change in its front. On the
corner south, fronting the Square was Mr. Jacob's one
story frame, where he had his general merchandise store,
with John Bell, clerk. The building was about twenty by
forty feet with a ware-room on the west about fifteen feet
wide. West and near the center of the block was a one-
room frame building- unoccupied. On the corner where
the Bade county bank stands, was the one-story frame
where John E. Garrett had a general store. On the lot
occupied by Eastin's " Daylight Store" was a low two-
story frame, two-rooms long, fronting the Square, with a
one-story frame at the northwest corner. Nelson Mc-
Dowell and Robert McBride, owners. In the lower south
room Robert McBride and John W. McDowell had their
stock of goods. Mr. McBride lived in the north lower
room, and also had two rooms above with the one story
frame for a kitchen. Tn the third room of the second
story Judge McDowell had his Real Estate Office. South
of this building was a one-story frame, some thirty feet
deep. It had not been occupied for some years, and the
front had nearly disappeared, what was left had a distinct
leaning to the south. Newton H. McClure bought the
building straightened the frame and made it into a neat
store from which he dispensed a stock of general mer-
chandise. The C. E. Tarr brick now stands in its place 1 .
South and on the corner fronting the square was a two-
story brick, the south two-thirds owned by Win. K. Lathim
and stocked as a general store. On one side in front was
the post office, John J. Lathim, post master. Its furniture
consisted of perhape a dozen boxes for letters, as many,
only larger for papers, a cancelling stamp, pens and a
bottle of ink. When the tri-weekly mail came in from
Bolivar, we were all scooted into the street, while the
mail was being distributed. I think it was in the latter
part of the year, that the west end of that part of the build-
ing from the roof to the second floor dropped out and was
not repaired until bought by Jesse W. McBride and re-
arranged for a drug store on the first floor and a residence
54 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
above. The north one-third was owned by Dr. Samuel B.
Bowles and on the ground floor, he dispensed drugs. The
entire second floor was vacant. On the south side of the
square on the corner where Mr. Snead had his drug store
was a little one-story frame, some fifteen by twenty feet,
where Dr. Samuel Bender had his office. On the lot where
Harrison Bros, now sell furniture, there stood a one-story
frame about fifteen by twenty-five occupied by J. S. and
Wm. H. McBride, twin brothers, as a general store. Jesse
W., a younger brother, was their clerk. On the corner
where the people now go for their mail was a two-story
brick with an attic. The building was about forty-five feet
long, fronting the square, two rooms deep with a one-story
ell at the southwest corner. A broad hall ran through the
center of the main building. The east lower front room
was used by all the courts, Circuit, County and Probate
and was also the office of Nelson B. McDonnell, county
clerk. The rear room was the office of Arch M. Long,
clerk of the Circuit Court, and ex-officio Recorder of Deeds.
The west lower part of the building was occupied by R. B.
(Uncle Dick) Cook and family, also the east rooms on the
second floor. The west front room, second floor, was
Shafer and Merrills' Law office, and the rear room, the
Vedette office, John W. Murphy, owner and editor. Mason
Talbutt and John P. Griggs compositors. The attic was
used by the McBride Bros, as a store-room. East across
the street was a low-story frame, some thirty feet long,
fronting west. The lower story just being fitted up by
Lewis M. Murphy for a tin and stove shop. The upper
story was vacant. North, across the street, on the site of
Grether's Hardware Store, Watson had kept up a small
one-story frame, where he sold whisky. His license ex-
pired July 4th and was not renewed. About where the
"Bijou" stands was an old frame of one-story, with a
side room on the south which Jesse Cartwrite used as a
stable. The main room was not occupied. Xext north, in
the center of the block stood the fourteen by fourteen foot
law office of W. C. McDowell. Next, a one-story frame
where John Harrison made and sold harness and saddles.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 55
Next and on the corner, a frame house of four or five
rooms, the residence of Jno. II. Howard and family.
Across the street, on the corner now occupied by the B.
S. Jacobs Bank building, there was a one-story frame about
sixteen by forty feet filled with a stock of general mer-
chandise owned by John H. Howard and Company. There
was a shed room on the north where Temple E. Bell had a
harness and saddle shop. The square was a picture of
desolation. In the center a pile of broken brick and
plaster, what was left of the courthouse, burned during the
war, and around it stood a lot of apparently dead locust
trees, used as hitching posts, the ground tramped and cut
up between. Not a vistage of grass or fence to be seen.
On the northeast corner of Main and Garrett streets
was the Presbyterian church of brick, since torn down and
replaced by the present structure. A short distance north
was the residence of Dr. Bowles, since remodeled by J. L.
Wetzel, its present owner. On the west side of the street
and a half mile north of the square was the house owned
by Matthias H. Allison, then, the residence of Columbus
Talbutt and family. It was in this house, the first session
of the Circuit Court was held, after Greenfield had been
located and established as the county seat of Dade county.
The first building south of the square on Main street
(after the frame at the southeast corner, before described)
was the home of Win. H. Brasington, the first furniture
dealer in the town after the war. This house was a part
log and part frame, since remodeled an^ now owned by
Silas Montgomery. Across the street south was the resi-
dence of Wrn. Griggs, father of J. L. Griggs, now owned
by C. W. Montgomery, Judge of Probate. Opposite, on the
west side of the street was a one-story frame occupied by
Robt. L. Butterworth and family. On the southeast corner
of the block where Jos. Rubenstein has built his residence
stood a one-story frame occupied by Temple E. Bell and
his sisters, Annie and Nannie. South of Win. Grigg's resi-
dence on the east side of the street was a story and a half
log house, afterward remodeled and now owned by G. L.
Carr. South and on the west side of the street is the
56 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
John F. Johnson place, then owned by Nelson McDowell.
The east end was of log with oak siding, on the west a
one-story frame has been added with a two-room ell on the
south. Judge McDowell afterwards added a story to the
first two rooms and the building still stands there, but so
changed by alterations and additions that it bears no
resemblance to the original structure. Although nearly
fifty years, have passed, my mind's eye can see, so clearly,
those two rooms, for it was there I courted and married
the brown eyed girl, who now sleeps so peacefully in
(iivoiifield's beautiful little cemetery.
East of the Silas Montgomery corner, on the brow of
the hill where P. L. Montgomery now lives, was the log
house of his father, J. M. Montgomery. Down the hill
northeast on the east side of the alley was a two room
log house and on the west side another log, but unoccupied.
About the rear end of Jas. Tiubenstein's brick at the south-
west corner of the square, there was a small one-story
frame, unoccupied. On the southeast corner of the block,
R. B. Cook, had his blacksmith shop, with Joseph H.
Kimber, his partner. On the opposite side of the street in
the rear of the now opera block, there was a two-room log
house fronting the street where Win. Griggs had a wagon
repair shop, and south on the corner, was Henry Grigg's
blacksmith shop. About where the water tower stands,
there was a frame building with a loft used by Mr. Kimber
as a stable. South across the alley from R. B. Cook's Shop,
Arch M. Long lived with his family. About the spot
where Howard Wetzel's cottage stands was a three or
four room house occupied by Mr. Kimber and family, with
whom I boarded several months after arriving in Green-
field. At the west end of South or Water Street on the
site of the present M. F]. Parsonage was a one-room log
house with a "lean to" of frame, unoccupied. Near the
north end of the depot grounds and close to the present
track was W. G. McDowell's residence with a broad lawn
on the north and east shaded by a natural growth of oaks.
On west College street where County Clerk Webb's resi-
dence stands, a three-room cottage was being repaired and
GEORGE W. WILSON.
SAM MCMILLAN.
HISTORY OF DADE^ COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 57
later, occupied by Francis Clark and family. West of
the place now occupied by Mrs. W. K. Pyle, W. H. Mc-
Bride lived with his family and across the street in a one-
story frame was the two brother, Jas. S., his wife and
daughter. D. B. Bailey lived in a small frame on the lot
where he built the present two-story brick. Farther west
near the electric light plant, was the house where the
owner, Benjamin Ragsdale, Sheriff, lived. On the north
side of this street, east of the square and two-thirds of the
way down the hill was a two-room log house unoccupied.
Mrs. Sarah M. McCluer with her children, Kate and H. II.,
lived in a one-story frame on the lot where the brick now
stands and occupied by the owner, Uel Murphy. Opposite
on the corner of the alley where J. E. Shaw erected his
garage, R. S. Jacobs had a small frame stable. At the
then north end of the street, on the lot where Dr. Weir
lives, was the two-story and ell frame of W. K. Lathini
and family. On Garrett street that Reverend had just
finished a two-story frame, since added to and now the
residence of Jno. E. Scroggs. Northwest of this and nearly
opposite the present residence of Judge Talbutt, stood a
one-story building of four or five rooms, owned and oc-
cupied by Dr. Samuel Bender, wife and daughter. Coming
back to east Garrett street and on the south side was the
log house of John Harrison, since remodeled and changed
out of all resemblance to its old self. A one story frame
stood on the lot where Amos Helphenstine built the pres-
ent two-story brick. In the school lot east, was the two-
story brick, facing west, and called "in ye olden time."
The Masonic Academy occupied the lower floor as a school
room and the upper by Washington Lodge No. 87, A. F. &
A. M. owner of the building. Opposite on the south side of
the street there was a small frame where Prof. W. R. Ben-
nington lived with his family.
In this sketch I have to the best of my recollection
named every residence, business, church and school build-
ing as they stood in April, 1867. Several were outside the
town corporations, but are now within the corporate lim-
its. Saturdav has alwavs been a bus}- day in Greenfield,
58 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and on that day every tree in the court yard would have
one, sometimes three or four animals hitched to it. What
struck me forcibly was the absence of vehicles. Each
visitor came in on a horse or mule. The young people of
that day may vizualize the town as it was then while those
of the present cannot, with the most vivid imagination,
see those detached buildings with the waste places be-
tween. There were no graded streets, no walks of any
kind, only here and there a few boards or "platforms" in
front of the store buildings. There was a great sufficiency
of loose rocks in the streets from the size of a basket ball
down. The only street work of that year consisted in
picking ii]) the larger ones and dumping them into gullies
on the side of the hill east of the square. Nearly all the
citizens liable for poll tax worked it out that year. As
before related the Circuit Court sessions were held in the
east room of the brick, since rebuilt and called k< The Del-
inonico." Imagine, if you can, the scene in that room
when an important case was up for trial. There was the
judge, John C. Price, with his six feet of brawn, often with
a stubble of gray on his face of three or four days' growth,
a home made corn-cob pipe in his mouth, the clerk at his
side at a table about large enough to hold a minute book
and ink bottle; on the west side a jury of twelve men,
some smoking, the Circuit Attorney, Joseph Estes, Benj.
Ragsdale, Sheriff and his deputy, Decatur (Dick) Under-
wood, the lawyers on both sides, perhaps a half dozen at
a table some larger than the clerk's, a chair for witnesses
and as many spectators as could crowd in, standing
around. All this and these in that room not larger than
eighteen by twenty feet. Can you imagine it ? Strict
order prevailed, however, no matter how crowded. Be-
sides the officers named above, the County Court consisted
of K. (I. Travis, Presiding Justice; J. L. TTembree and
Sam 'I. A. llarsbarger, Associates; Benj. Appleby, Judge of
Probate; \Vm. I,. Scroggs, Public Administrator. My
memory Tails as to the treasurer, surveyor and coroner. I
think I have named the head of every family living in
the town when I arrived, with one notable exception. Dr.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 59
Wm. H. Jopes. Quite likely he lived in the house, which
stood on the site now covered by the M. E. parsonage. The
population of the town did not exceed two hundred. Some
of these had their peculiarities, and striking ones. Dr.
Bender was a very eccentric person. Pages could be filled
with an account of his peculiar ideas. One is sufficient
here and is inserted by request of Mr. States. The Doctor
was partial to the perfume of the polecat and would ex-
tract it from the animals' gland and bottle it. He was
bitterly opposed to the use of tobacco and should a man
enter his office smoking he would immediately uncork the
polecat bottle and sprinkle the contents over the floor,
saying "You like your stink, I like mine." "Nuff Sed."
October, 1916.
UNCLE DANIEL WENTWORTH SCOTT.
Personal and Reminiscent.
Born in Kentucky on the 21st day of January, 1826
near the Cumberland River. The farm home was in Ken-
tucky, while the barn and other farm buildings were in
Tennessee. His father's name was Daniel Wentworth
Scott. Elizabeth Flinn-Scott was the mother. The sub-
ject of this sketch was the second child. In 1830 the fam-
ily moved from Kentucky to Morgan County, Illinois and
remained there until 1837 when he moved with his family
to Dade County when Uncle Bud was about twelve years
old. He settled in the western district of Pennsylvania
Prairie near where Pennsborro now stands. The son still
owns a part of that old home. The Snadens came to this
district about two weeks after the Scotts arrived. Lewis
Spain was already here at that time and had a home in the
same district. There were but few families in this portion
of Dade County at this time. The newcomers in those
early days were from Kentucky, Virginia and North Caro-
lina. The Scotts came to this country in a wagon drawn
by oxen. It took them nearly five weeks to make the jour-
ney from Illinois. Horses were then scarce. Oxen were
60 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
used almost exclusively. The man who owned a span of
good horses was considered a rich man. There was not a
buggy in the entire country. The nearest mill in those
days was at Orleans over in Polk county. When they had
corn to grind it was taken to a little mill on Turnback
which was owned by Tom Beardon. In those days the
citizens depended upon Sarcoxie for their mail. One of
their number would go about once a month after the mail
for the neighborhood and to mail his neighbors letters.
Some of the mail was gotten at Springfield. At the time
the Scotts came to Dade County there was not a home from
Orleans to Turnback, the Frye ford.
In those days the Indians were numerous. In the
upper Limestone district there were at least five 1 hundred
Indians camped the most of the time and they were at
most all times friendly with the new settlers. At one
time t'ncle Bud and Kufus Hudspeth heard that the In-
dians were fond of dogs and having a good supply of their
own they determined to do a little trading with the In-
dians. One night these two, then youngsters, went over to
the Indian cam]) where there were many hundred of the
red skins and bantered them for a trade. They failed to
do any trading, the Indians saying they had dogs enough.
There was a real Indian trail from the Cherokee Nation
to the northern country. They would go north in the
spring and in the late fall return with loads of fur and
buffalo hides which they would sell to the settlers. This
they kept up until the beginning of the Civil 'War.
The father of Hide Bud died in July, ISfJO, the
mother died in lSf)(5, August IHth, during an epidemic of
flux which sent terror to many a home at that time. They
were buried in the cemetery near Pennsboro. The first
one buried in that cemetery was Mathias Speer, an old
bachelor who died about 1*40. lie was a lover of sports
and took great delight in horse racing. There were several
milt- tracks in those days and when Mr. Speer died he re-
quested that he be buried as near a race track as possible.
David Hudspeth who owned the land between the Scott
home and where Pennsboro now stands, permitted the
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 61
body of Mr. Speer to be buried near the race track that
passed through it and that was the beginning of the
Pennsboro cemetery.
On the fifteenth day of October, 1848 Mr. Scott and
Miss Mary Ann Springer were married in the little old
cabin that stands just north of Pennsboro. Soon after mar-
riage he made the trip to California just after the famous
forty-nine enactments. Made the trip in a schooner which
was drawn by oxen. They were four months and ten days
making the trip from Greenfield to Sacramento. When
they arrived there the most of their provisions were gone
and a part of their stock was dead. They had to sell what
remained of their stock in order to get things to eat. They
remained in California a little over a year and then pro-
ceeded to return home via the Isthmus of Panama. When
they got to a point in the Mississippi River their boat col-
lided with another boat and it was some days before he
was able to buy a horse in order to make his way home.
He was reasonably successful in his Californa trip. "When
he got home with his horse and his little budget, he went
to his farm duties and when the war came, thieves came
also, and took his horse. He was present at the Dildy Mill
meeting in 1861, when the people met to declare on what
side of the rebellion they were interested.
Uncle Bud remained absolutely neutral. He says he
never killed a man in his life and he never had any desire
to take life in times of war as well as in times of peace.
The most of the people were in sympathy with the Con-
federates. He lost his first Presidential vote in being for
Lewis Cass of Michigan. His second presidential vote
was for Franklin Pierce in 1852. He has been a true
Democrat all his life with the exception of casting his
vote in 1864 for Lincoln. At that time he and the late
Perry Farris were going across the country to Illinois.
When they got to Quincy over in Hickory county, they
were anxious to get a place to stay over night. They
went to a home and asked for accommodation, the master
of the home asked Uncle Bud who he would vote for and
the reply came, "L T ncle Abe, of course." This gave him a
62 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
passport to all the good things in that home and in almost
all that community as it was pretty well filled with Fed-
erals.
The old Antioch Church was organized in 1844 and in
later years Uncle Bud became a member. It was a log
structure with an old fashioned fire place on one side.
This old church has a history. The Stampers, the Saters,
the Willis' and the Gambles, the Mallorys and the Funks.
Harland Mulkey was one of the pioneer preachers and he
is still remembered because of his sweet singing and he
was a most excellent preacher. Allen Scott was another
old minister, who still lives in the minds of the old
timers and especially in the mind of Uncle Bud.
The temporary capital of Dade County was near the
Scott home. It was located near the big spring. He was
present at the first circuit court that was ever held in
Greenfield. The county seat was moved from Dacleville
to Greenfield in 1841. 'This was in the year 1842 or 1843.
Judge Yancey was then on the bench. Joe Allan was then
the county and circuit clerk. The famous Asa G. Smith
was then sheriff. He is the man who absconded with the
funds of the county, being county tax collector as well as
sheriff. He attended the first 4th of July celebration ever
held in Greenfield and he attended the last one. The first
one was in 1841. Is there another living man who can
say this? He was present at the first dance ever held in
Greenfield. It was at the home of William Latham, just
before he had completed his new house. The house still
stands. Uncle Bud says when a man once gets music in
liis feet lie cannot keep still. The first jail in Greenfield
was built of logs and it stood near the old spring. It was
built high and there was a trap door near the roof. A
prisoner was taken to the top of the roof and then he
was compelled to descend a ladder into the jail. When
he was once safely inside the sheriff would take the ladder
out and close the trap door. In this jail the notorious Pete
Douglas was confined, waiting his trial for the murder of
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, his master and mistress. This jail
had three walls and it was impossible for a man in those
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 63
days to get out unless aided by man or the law. Pete was
found guilty and he was hanged about a mile south of
Greenfield by Sheriff Hedspeth. He was driven to the
place of hanging sitting on his coffin, and when the wagon
arrived at the right place the rope was tied around his
neck and the wagon was removed leaving the body dang-
ling in the air.
Mr. Scott is the only one living that was living in the
Pennsboro district at the time he came there. He and
Mrs. Scott lived happily together sixty-four years, seven
months, and six days. This is by far the longest period of
wedded life that has ever b?en alloted to any Dade county
couple and it is doubtful whether or not there is another
instance covering as many years in the history of the
southwest. They courted three years and still courted
sixty-four years afterwards. It touches his heart every
time these days are mentioned to him. The memory of
his wife is still very sweet to him and he loves to speak
of her many splendid sterling qualities. She was a most
excellent woman and her going is still lamented by the
scores of friends who remember her as a true woman and
a true companion to her husband and her home. There
were eight children born to this home. Two died in in-
fancy. The rest are living in or near the old vicinity.
Tom who lives in Kansas City, is the only child away
from home. Mr. Scott was a director in the Honey Creek
School for thirty years and he at one time was township
collector of Smith township. George Carmon brought the
first reaper to the Pennsboro district some years before the
war. Uncle Bu$ says it was a wonder. He saw the first
railway train at Tipton in the latter fifties. He is well
acquainted with the flint in making morning fire and many
times he was sent by his parents to a neighbor to borrow
fire. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. The old homestead
was entered by the father and he and Uncle Bud have
owned it ever since. Xo trouble to get abstract. While
justice of the peace he was present at the marriage of one
couple, Thomas Stovall and Martha Jane Douglas. The
young" couple rode up to Mr. Scott's front gate and told
64 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
the errand. Mr. Scott climbed on top of the fence and
pronounced them husband and wife while they were seated
on their horses. He has perhaps been on more juries than
any other man in Dade county. He could not serve on a
murder jury because of the fact he does not believe in
capital punishment.
He is making his home with his daughter, Mrs.
Thomas Poindexter over in the Antioch district, his young-
est daughter. The elder daughter, Mrs. Lucy (Scott)
Sater lives at Miller. Dennis, is the youngest son and
he lives at Pennsboro. Thomas lives in Kansas City, Mrs.
Amanda Speer is a stister. There are twenty-three grand-
children and twenty-five great grand-children. In 1839
there was a school house built of round logs in twenty feet
of the present home of Dick Daigh. The neighbors as-
sembled and in less than a day the house was built and
daubbed inside and out. There was no such thing as a
nail in those days. He attended school in that building.
The Moores, the Penns and the Pritchards, the Allisons,
the Myrics, the Finleys and the Snadons also attended
this school. They went to school early in the morning
and stayed until late in the evening being in study for at
least ten hours. His first church was Antioch. Hiram
Sampsel and his wife, John Adams and C. C. Coble were
among the charter members. The first lights were made
by obtaining a flat rock with a hole in it and then fill the
hole with grease and place a string wick in it, the fore-
runner of the tallow dip and the common candle. These
lamps were extensively used in the early primitive days.
The first lumber was sawed by a whip saw. His father
and Thomas McBride sawed the first lumber in Dade
county. Some of the first plank ever sawed in the county
are still in existance on the Scott homestead in Pennsboro.
The scales in those days were rudely made and rocks were
used as weights. In those days about all that was needed
was to plant, the crop would sure follow without much
cultivation. The soil was new and rich and crops never
failed. The hospitality of those days was never equalled.
He delights to talk about the generosity and the faithful-
ness of the people of that early day.
.). \\. CARMACK.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 65
The Poindexter home is one of the best country homes
in the Pilgrim-Antioch district. Mr. Scott is tenderly
cared for by his daughter and her family and here is
where he will no doubt spend his last hours. He has been
ill for some months, the result of old age. He has been a
reader of the St. Louis Republic since 1848. He was mar-
ried in a brown green coat with the elbow out.
EARLY DISCOVERY OF COAL IN DADE COUNTY.
The coal belt of Dade County is located in the north-
western portion and consists of a large, uneven tract or
territory underlaid with a vein of bituminous coal, of ex-
cellent quality from five to fifty feet beneath the surface.
It was discovered by accident. About the year 1850,
Robert Courtney, an early settler in the Sons Creek neigh-
borhood was hunting wolves in the prairie near where
Sylvania now stands. After an unusually long tramp he
sat down on the ground to rest and in examining a craw
fish hole noticed that the out-put was filled witli fine cut-
tings of coal. The next day he returned with tools and
uncovered a wagon load which he hauled to Springfield
and sold for $1.00 per bushel. It was then used exclusively
for blacksmithing. This load of coal was taken from
section 17-32-28.
Since that time coal has been mined extensively for
local use, mostly by stripping and in some cases by slope
or drift. In 1854 when the Homestead Company was
formed in Allegheny City, Pa., headed by John Dyer, Sr.,
for president; Hugh McCluey, Alexander Pitcairn and
John P. Flemming as agents of the company came to Dade
county and placed land warrants on several thousand
acres of land in the vicinity of Sylvania. The promoters
intended to build a manufacturing city at Sylvania to be
supported by a surrounding population of farmers. The
civil war blasted the enterprise and the ideal city was
never built.
Robert McCluey is a son of Hugh McCluey, one of the
original Homesteaders, and has been identified with the
coal industry of the country from the beginning.
66 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
SAMUEL JACKSON WEIR, JR.
Personal and Reminiscent.
Samuel J. Weir, Jr., was born in Cooper County, Mis-
souri, on December 27, 1830, some eighteen miles south of
Booneville. Booneville was then a prosperous little vil-
lage town. The father, Samuel Weir, Sr., went to Cooper
County from Tennessee in 1818. He was a young man and
had lately married Miss Polly B. Stevens, of Kentucky.
The elder Weir established a home in Cooper County and
lived there until the spring of 1840, when he moved to Dade
County and established the Weir homestead near the north-
east limits of the city of Greenfield. While a citizen of
Cooper County, Father Weir first began the ministry, but
did not enter the profession to any great extent until he
became a citizen of Dade County. It is said that Father
Weir married the first couple ever married in Dade County.
He at once entered a large tract of land, and most of it is
still very fine in productiveness, and it is now furnishing
homes for many of their descendents. He was a hard-
working man and a splendid financier, very successful in
everything he undertook. He 1 built the old log church on
the Weir Camp Ground about 1842. Alexander Long was
one of the elders of that congregation. Father Lon<? was
the father of the late Arch M. Long, who is still re-
membered by all the older citizenship. Rev. Jeff Montgom-
ery was one of the ministers of this church. He came here
in the early forties. Rev. Mr. Smith and Rev. Mr. Johnson
were ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at
that time. Joseph Davidson, the great-grandfather of
.raincs Davidson, did some preaching for the Methodist.
Rev. Pensor, a teacher as well as minister, was the first
Presbyterian minister. The latter forties, Rev. Mulkey
came to this section and ministered for those of the Chris-
tian church faith.
The old log church on the Weir Camp Grounds was
open to all faiths, including the Baptist, who were led by
Messrs. Buckley and Buckner, two splendid pioneer min-
isters, whose work shows to this day. The old log church
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 67
remained on that camp ground until about 1861, when it
was torn down and moved to the Jonathan Weir farm,
where it was used for school and church gatherings. While
the old building stood on the camp ground it was used for
a schoolhouse, and here is where Helm Wetzel, Pies Mont-
gomery, Arch M. Long and his brother, the Allisons, the
Hoyles and the Weirs attended school. Tom Rankin was
one of the early teachers in that school. He was after-
ward made County Superintendent of Schools, the first
one Dade County ever had. Rev. Rankin and Rev. Samuel
Mitchell, and Luther Mitchell, all prominent in the early
church work in the ministry, went to this school in their
young days. In the year 1840 there was standing a log
cabin, where the business house of Ed Shaw now stands,
and this cabin was used for school purposes, a subscrip-
tion school. Uncle Sam went to that school along with the
McDowells, the Allisons, the Lacks, Aunt Matilda, the
Latham girls, all attended this school. Aunt Matilda caused
the entire class to hustle in order to keep up with her in the
spelling class, as well as in the other branches of study.
She is still living and is dearly loved by a host of people.
There were eight children born to the Father Weir
home. They were all born in Cooper County. The family
was brought to Dade County in ox wagons, with one little
horse cart drawn by a horse, in which the mother rode
the entire journey. They were nearly a week on the way.
They grazed their cattle along the way. He had a good
lot of cattle that he brought with him, some sheep and
horses. When^they arrived at the place where Greenfield
now stands there was not a house there. The Allison house
was standing in the northern portion of what is now the
town. Father Weir, Nelson McDowell, a Mr. Anderson
and John M. Rankin, the man who laid out the city of
Greenfield, composed a committee to look for the county
seat site. After much investigation, they determined that
the site where Greenfield stands was the most feasible and,
therefore, recommended that the county seat be located
there. The old town spring was then a gusher and it at-
tracted the attention of all the people, and was one great
68 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cause of the committee selecting this as a county seat site.
Rank in was also the county surveyor.
There were but few homes in the country then, the
Lacks, the McMillans, the Wetzels, the Longs, the Landers,
the Allisons lived in the country. They were all newcomers
and the country was new to each of them. The McMillans
came in 1838 and the Scotts over on the Pennsylvania Prai-
rie came in 1837. The Wetzels came about the year 1837.
The nearest mill was then at Hulston. It was then called
Campbell's Mill. During a dry season they were compelled
to go to Bower's mill over on Spring River. The mail in
those days came from Bolivar, and the nearest store was at
Springfield and Bolivar. Jones and Wilson erected the first
store building where the Dade County Bank now stands,
about 1842. This was the first store in Greenfield. William
K. Latham, who became postmaster, the first one, was at
last given charge of this store. The first mail after Green-
field had a postoffice was brought from Bolivar once a
week. The first courthouse was on the ground where the
Grether store now stands. It was a frame structure. After-
wards a brick was built, which was destroyed during the
war. The father and mother are buried in the Weir Cem-
eteiy. The father died in 1S48; the mother died in 1884.
Transfer of land was made from father to son only once.
Judge Yancy was the first judge; he was a Springfield
citizen, and among the first attorneys, Little Berry Ilen-
d ricks, John C. Price, Robert Crawford, a man by the
name of Payne Otter, and one by the name of Finch. The
early doctors were Tuttle and Chinneyworth.
lie was present at the hanging of Pete Douglas. On
the day of execution Pete v/as attired in white garments
and driven to the place of execution. Uncle Samuel was
there and witnessed it. He says it was the most revolting
scene in his whole life. Rev. Mr. Gould made the prayer
just before the execution.
The old wooden wheel clock furnished the time for
the most favored, while those not so well favored depended
upon the sun. They carded, spun and wove the cloth that
made their garments. Hemp still comes in the Weir or-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 69
chard, where the seed was sown nearly seventy-five years
ago. The hemp was used to make ropes. The old saddle
hags Father Weir used are still in possession of Uncle
Sam. In IS 53 William Wilson moved with his family from
Tennessee to the Limestone country, and remained there
one year and then sold out and went to Greene County.
At this home is where Sam first met his wife, Mattie Wilson.
After their going to Greene County Uncle Sam went too,
every once in a while, until he returned with Miss Wilson
as Mrs. Weir. This marriage occurred nearly sixty years
ago, in 1858.
The first one huried in the Weir cemetery was John
Davidson, an old bachelor, who was huried there before the
year 1840. Father Weir planted an orchard when he first
came here, and some of the old trees are still standing.
They made their horse collars out of corn husks, and the
names were made of wood. The shoes were home-made and
all the garments they wore were home-made.
Father Weir had five slaves and when he died he left
them to his widow. He was a Jackson Democrat. He was
a self-made man and never quailed at any responsibility
that met him. lie possessed a good library in those early
days, one of the best in the history of Dade County.
The flies were so bad in this country at that time that
the horses had to be kept covered during the summer and
fall months. The old log house, now weather-boarded, the
one Father Weir built in 1840, is still standing, and here
is where Uncle Sam still lives. The family lives surround-
ing the old homestead, except Don and Frank; Frank in
Wichita and Don in Lamar, Colorado.
HISTORY OF THE WHEELER FAMILY
IN DADE COUNTY.
In the year 1838 James Wheeler, the Grandfather of
"Jim" Wheeler, was the first Wheeler to come to Dade
County. Samuel Wheeler, Sr., father of Samuel Wheeler
of Polk Township, went to Illinois from Tennessee in 1836,
and came to Dade County in 1841. He put up a cabin in
70 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Polk Township, east of the river, and entered a large tract
of Ir, nd between where the city of Everton now stands and
Dado vi lie. Samuel Wheeler and his brother, Francis
Marion Wheeler of Everton, are the only living repre-
sentatives of this pioneer. Samuel was only 17 years old
when his father came to Missouri. He was born in 1824 and
now resides on the place where he has lived since 1866.
He recalls the fact of the Kirby family being here when
they came, and the Tarrant family coming a year or so
afterward. John Tarrant was particularly an interesting
pioneer, being one of the early assessors and tax collectors
of the county. It was the practice in those early days to
make the assessment and the collection at the same time, and
then to carry the revenue in gold or currency, horseback,
to Jefferson City. In 1841 the nearest postoffice was Spring-
field, where his father, Samuel Wheeler, and his uncle,
James Wheeler, did most of their trading. The first
schools in the county were subscription schools and located
at Pennsylvania Prairie. In 1842 Samuel Wheeler, Sr.,
started a subscription school on the old Wheeler homestead,
and taught the same two years. Afterward he taught school
at several different places. The first church was a Baptist
church, located northeast of Dadeville, and was destroyed
during the war. It was called Mt. Pisgah. One of the
early churches of the county was the Sinking Creek church.
Four different buildings have been erected on this site.
Rev. Thomas Kelley was one of the early preachers and
married most of the early settlers. He died many years
a.u-o. In the early forties there was a traveling preacher
in these parts, but his name and denomination has escaped
the memory of the oldest settler.
In those early days gourds were used universally as
drinking cups, salt and soap vessels and other purposes
where metal is now employed. The school houses were
built of logs, having but one door, and a "chink" removed
for a window. The desks were planks put on pegs driven
in the walls and held in place by notches in the ends of the
pegs. The seats were split saplings, and the floors made
of puncheons. Xo particular course of study was followed,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 71
each scholar choosing his own studies and bringing the
books he fancied most.
In clearing out the land the old "bull-tongue" plow
was used and oxen the only teams. Horses were used only
to ride. Mr. Wheeler recalls going to church in a large
ox wagon. Each young fellow would get his best girl and
pile into the Wheeler wagon with chairs. This wagon was
drawn by two yoke of oxen, and since the traveling was
slow it furnished a splendid opportunity to "spark," both
going and coming.
Corn was ground largely by hand until the advent of
mills. The usual method was grating the soft corn on a
tin punched full of holes. The first mill on the Hulston
site was known as the Pemberton mill. This was erected
in 1840. Henry Pemberton was the miller, and ground
wheat and corn. The bolting was done by hand. The
threshing was done by tramping with horses. A hard piece
of ground would be cleared off, the wheat piled on and the
horses ridden in a circle. In the harvest, hand sickles were
used, and a good hand could cut and bind one acre per
day. One dollar per day was counted big wages for a
harvest hand, many working for less. Rails were cut and
split of a uniform length of ten feet, all the timber being-
small. Very little saw timber was to be found any place.
The present growth of black oak were mere saplings in
those days. Guy Clopton was among the very early set-
tlers, coming in 1882. Also John Crisp's father and Ingalls
came at about the same time. Guy Clopton set out the first
orchard in Dadc County, and tradition says that at one time
the largest peach tree in the United States grew on the
ground where Joseph Rubenstein's house now stands in
Greenfield.
The largest apple tree in the state of Missouri was
located on the old James Wheeler farm. It was 9 feet 10
inches in circumference, 7 feet from the ground.
Wild game, deer and turkey, were very plentiful in
3842. There were no bear here then, no Indians, and fish-
ing was good. Uncle Samuel Wheeler freighted from Kan-
72 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
sas City to New Mexico, using six yoke of oxen, and greased
his wagon with tar from old Tennessee.
Doctors being scarce in those days, medicine was
largely of home manufacture. A favorite pill was made
from white walnut bark, which when peeled upward, acted
as an emetic, and if peeled downward was used as a physic.
Among the early doctors to practice in Dade County, Dr.
Perkins and Dr. Bender were about the first. Midwifery,
which today is almost a lost art, was practiced extensively
then. Xancy Julian and (Irandma Wheeler traveled many
miles on horseback and stayed for weeks at a time with
patients on these errands. Large families and few deaths
were tbe rule.
Samuel Wheeler says that in 1842 money was very
scarce, there being no gold and only a little silver. Cows
sold for $.1.00 each; hogs were very cheap, and $40 would
buy a fine horse. Corn sold at 10 cents per bushel, and
whiskey, either corn or rye, could be had for 25 cents per
gallon, and there was very little drunkenness.
Samuel "Wheeler was born November 20th, 1824, son
of Samuel and Margaret (Cowan) Wheeler. He had three
brothers and six sisters, all of whom are dead execpt his
brothci-, Francis M., living at Everton. Tie was married
in 1859 to Mary Driskell, a native of Michigan, who was
born August 16th, 1840. They have three children, two
boys and one girl :
(1) David, born September 21st, 1860; lives in Colo-
rado.
(2) Margaret, born in 1864, now the wife of William
Landers of Dadeville.
(.')) Lewis, born in 1873, married Annie Hurst, daugh-
ter of Joe and Belle Hurst. Her father is dead, mother a
widow and lives in Everton. They have four children:
(1) Emil I)., married Eva Drummond, a native of
Dade County.
(2) Kolen Joe.
(3) Evert.
(4) Mary Belle.
MISS IJKSSIK FKIK/K.
: F
x 7
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 73
Lewis is farming in Polk Township. Farm consists of
120 acres. Pie lives in a frame house built by his father in
1871.
Samuel Wheeler is a Republican, a member of the
Baptist church, served in the Home Guards during the war.
In 1851 he was engaged in freighting from Kansas City
westward, and in 1852 he and his brother Marion went to
the gold fields of California. They arrived in 1853 and
left in 1857. He returned to Dade County via the Isthmus
of Panama, bringing $1,500 in glittering gold with him,
with which he purchased a home in Dade County.
Sa'nuel Wheeler is still hale and hearty for a man of
his years, and delights to talk of the old days in the county
when their voting precinct was located on Sinking Creek,
a distance of 12 miles, and when the voting was done vice
I'oce, from president down, each man yelling the name of
his candidate, which a clerk recorded. All buildings were
put up out of logs, and without nails. In making a roof
they used a log for what they called an eave-pole, and upon
this was put a log called a butting pole. Against this pole
the roof boards were ended and the process followed till
the roof was complete. All cooking was done on the fire-
places, and pot-hooks were in common use. The crane was
considered a wonderful invention. Horses, mules, hogs and
cattle were driven to St. Louis and other distant places to
market. Salt was brought from Sedalia. For many years
Springfield was their nearest postoffice, and later, Green-
field.
Chapter 4
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Public Sentiment. The groat majority of the people
of Dado County have always boon loyal to the Government
of the United States, notwithstanding the fact that many
of them were' reared under the influences of the institution
of slavery. During the Mexican War the county furnished
a company of soldiers under command of Capt. J. J. Clark-
son that did excellent service.
When the late Civil War began, in 1861, the pooplo of
the northern half of the county were generally loyal to the
Union, while many in the southern half were in full sym-
pathy with secession and in favor of the Southern Con-
federacy; but, upon the whole, a great majority of the
citizens of the county were loyal to the United States. Some
of the recent immigrants from the Eastern states especial-
ly Illinois moved back, and there enlisted in the Union
Army. Soon after the war began, John T. Coffee and other
Southern sympathizers enlisted a number of men in Dade
County, but, owing to the vigilance of the loyal citizens,
who wore forming organizations for the Union army, they
were mostly taken beyond the limits of the county to be
organized, and later a largo number of men followed Price's
army southward, and became Confederate soldiers, but
then- is no way of ascertaining their numbers.
Troops. Several companies were organized within the
county for the Union Army, of which mention is made as
follows: Companies A and 1), of the Sixth Regiment Cav-
alry Missouri Volunteers, were raised almost wholly with-
in the county of Dade their organizations being completed
July 4, 1M!1. About the same time Company E, of the same
regiment, was organized, having been recruited equally
from Dade and Cedar Counties. Clark Wright, the princi-
pal mover in the organization of Company A, became its
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 75
first captain, but was made colonel of the regiment upon its
organization, and Thomas A. Swit/ler was mustered as cap-
tain of the company. John II. Paynter and Thomas Stock-
still were mustered in as first and second lieutenants there-
of. The first officers of Company 1) were: Captain, Wil-
liam H. Crockett, and lieutenants, Jesse C. Kirby and John
C. Porter. The first officers of Company E were: Captain,
Austin Ilubbard, and lieutenants, Thomas Astloy and Jas-
per Burris. Company L, also of the same regiment, was
raised, in July, 1862, from Dado, Polk and Greene Counties
more than one-half of the company being from Dade. The
first officers of this company were: Captain, Jesse C 1 . Kir-
by, promoted from first lieutenant in Company I), and lieu-
tenants, J. W. Cormack and Luther I). Porter.
The companies comprising; this regiment were first
formed into three battalions, commanded by Major Wright,
"Major \Vood and Captain Hawkins. Wright's battalion
fought in the skirmishes of Copridge's Mills and Wet
Glaize; Hawkins' in the battle of Fredericktown, and
Wood's in the battles of Salem and West Plains. These
three battalions were organized as a regiment, February
.14, 18(52, Major Clark Wright being appointed colonel; Ma-
jor S. X. Wood, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Hawkins,
first major. The field of war occupied by this regiment was
Southern Missouri, Arkansas and portions of Louisiana
and Mississippi. It was often separated, the companies be-
ing detached and sent to many different points, and were
often engaged with the enemy. The regiment fought in the
battles of Champion's Hill, Black River and Bridgeport,
in Mississippi; fook part in the seige and capture of Yicks-
burg, also in the movement upon and capture of Jackson,
and in many other movements. During the years 1864 and
18(55, u]) to the time of muster out, it was stationed in the
Department of the Gulf, where it participated in several
engagements. Companies B, C, F, G, II, 1 and K were
mustered out at expiration of term, in the months of De-
cember, 1864, and January, 1865. The remaining compan-
ies, A, 1), E and I, composed of the veterans and recruits
of the regiment, were mustered out September 12, 1865.
76 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Late in the spring or early summer of 1862, a State
militia company (Union) was organized in Greenfield, and
on the day that the officers were elected and the organization
completed, and all were sworn into the service by Enrolling
Officer John B. Clark, of Dadeville, it was reported by a
volunteer courier from the country, who came in "under
whip and spurs," that a rebel force under Joe Shelby and
John T. Coffee were advancing upon the town. At this
instant the faithful enrolling officer, Clark, knowing that
he was the one most desired and likely to receive the harsh-
est treatment by the enemy, went to the home of W. K.
Latham and asked the good lady of the house to hide him.
This she did by putting him into a hole under the building
where vegetables were kept through a trap door in the
floor, over which she hastily spread a carpet. The enemy
rushed into town and captured all of the new company,
except a few who had retired to their homes in the vicinity,
and searched eagerly for John B. Clark, but did not find
him. All of the militiamen captured were sworn not to
take up arms against the so-called Southern Confederacy.
Afterward, upon being exchanged, nearly all of them vol-
unteered in the United States service.
Company M of the Eighth Regiment Cavalry Missouri
Volunteers was mustered into the service in August, 1862,
about one-half of it having been recruited in Dade, and the
other half in Polk County. The first captain of the com-
pany was X. S. McCluer, who died at Forsythe, Mo., Jan-
uary 24, 18G.'>. His successor was Capt. Alfred Kennedy,
who resigned February 24, 1865. lie was succeeded by
Capt. X. B. McDowell, who was mustered out with the regi
ment. The first lieutenant was Samuel G. Appleby, and the
second, David L. Burnes. The regiment to which this com-
pany belonged operated mostly in Southern Missouri and
Arkansas and down the Mississippi, and participated in
many different engagements. It was mustered out at ex-
piration of service at Little Rock, Ark., on the 20th day of
July, 1865, moving thence to Benton Barracks, Mo., where,
on the 2nd day of August following, it received final pay,
and the men dispersed to their respective homes.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 77
Companies E. and I of the Fifteenth Regiment Cav-
alry, Missouri Volunteers, were raised in Dade County early
in 1863. The officers of the former were Capt. Edmond J.
Morris and Lieutenants George F. Alder and Joel T. Hem-
bree. The officers of the latter were Capt. John H. Howard
and Lieutenants Robert Cowan and William K. Pyle. All
of these officers served until the regiment was mustered
out of service. Eight companies composing this regiment
were, on the 1st day of April, 1863, organized at Mt. Ver-
non, Mo., into what was known as the Second Provisional
Regiment. On the 10th day of May following it was changed
from the Second to the Seventh Provisional Regiment, and,
in September and October following, another battalion was
added to it. Afterward, under orders of the War Depart-
ment dated June 10, 1864, the Seventh Provisional Regi-
ment was mustered into the United States service as the
Fifteenth Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers, for the term of
twenty months dating back from November 1, 1863, from
which time the men had been doing actual service as State
troops, without pay. This regiment did excellent service
in Southwestern Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas, in
fighting and extinguishing guerrillas and bushwhackers.
It was mustered out at expiration of service July, 1, 1865.
Effects of the Strife. Dade County suffered terribly
from the ravages of the war. On one occasion, during the
early part, while the Union State Militia were occupying
Greenfield, a party of guerrillas, in the interest of the
Southern cause, and for the purpose of plunder, made a raid
upon the town. So sudden was the charge that the militia-
men had not time to* assemble for defense, but each one,
from the several houses where they happened to be, fired
upon the enemy, killing one and compelling them to fall
back. They fled southward and burned the houses of many
Union men on their way. This and other depredations so
enraged the militia that squads of them, sent into the coun-
try, soon surpassed their orders and resorted to desperate
measures in retaliation, such as burning the houses which
harbored bushwhackers, whereupon both sides became in-
furiated and more or less indiscriminately applied the torch
_78 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and killed defenseless men. A number of citizens were
killed in tlieir fields, or at their homes, or on the public
roads, by unknown bushwhackers, and many dwellings and
much other property throughout the county was laid in
ashes. The capture of Greenfield and burning of the court-
house has been mentioned elsewhere. Greenfield was occu-
pied a portion of the time during the war by the militia,
and at other times by detachments from the cavalry regi-
ments previously noted. The many cruel depredations, the
killing of individuals, and other atrocities committed in
Dade County during the war period would furnish mate-
rial sufficient in itself to fill a volume. Time, however, has
served to mitigate these evil effects, and those who once
fought as enemies, divided by bitter prejudices, have long
since ceased to harbor ill feeling, and now work side by
side 1 , united in sentiment, with the one sincere ambition of
promoting public good.
o
CIVIL WAR RECORDS AND PERSONAL LIFE OF
RALEIGH J. SHIPLEY.
Greenfield, Mo., October 17, 1916.
I will try and give an outline of the names of the field
officers and the names of the men that were in Company M
of the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. I was the first
man that volunteered in the company.
Field Officers:
Washington F. Gerger, Colonel, Steelville, Mo.
Elias B. Baldwin, Lieutenant Colonel, Xaperville, Mo.
John W. Lisenby, 1st Major, Springfield, Mo.
Joseph (J. Rich, 2nd Major, Lebanon, Mo.
William J. Teed, 3rd Major, Xeosho, Mo.
Staff Officers:
Josiah Lane, Adjutant, Bolivar, Mo.
A. M. Sevier, (Quartermaster, Neosho, Mo.
Luther J. Mathew, Com. Sy., Chicago, 111.
E. A. Clark, Surgeon, Chicago, 111.
F. 11. Van Eatan, Assistant Surgeon, Jacksonville, 111.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 79
Commissioned Officers of Company M :
First Captain Nathan S. McClure, Greenfield, Mo.
Second Captain, Alfred Kenedy, Greenfield, Mo.
First Lieutenant, Samuel G. Appleby, Greenfield, Mo.
Second Lieutenant, David P. Burns, Bolivar, Mo.
Non-Commissioned Officers :
1st. Nelson B. McDowell, Greenfield, Mo.
2nd. Benjamin W. McBryar, Greenfield, Mo.
3rd. Alexander Foster, Greenfield, Mo.
4th. James K. P. Jump, Bolivar, Mo.
5th. John D. Pitts, Bolivar, Mo.
6th. John M. Tarbctt, Greenfield, Mo.
7th. Edward Bristow, Stockton, Mo.
8th. William II. Hook, Bolivar, Mo.
9th. James R. Stark, Greenfield, Mo.
Corporals :
1. James S. Appleby, Greenfield, Mo.
2. Joseph H. Jump, Bolivar, Mo.
3. John W. Davis, Greenfield, Mo.
4. William II. Hubb, Greenfield, M.o
5. John J. Pyett. Bolivar, Mo.
Thomas Roberts, Bugler, Bolivar, Mo.
Oskar M. Griggsby, Bolivar, Mo.
Edward Barbour, Gorier, Pittsburg, Mo.
James Taylor, Blacksmith, Greenfield, Mo.
Privates :
John H. Anderson, Stockton, Mo.
Severly Barbour, Pittsburg, Mo.
Israel W. Burns, Pittsburg, Mo.
Proctor M. Burns, Pittsburg, Mo.
William W. Bishop, Pittsburg, Mo.
Zach A. Bond, Pittsburg, Mo.
William Box, Pittsburg, Mo.
Jacob Beem, Pittsburg, Mo.
Warner Bridger, Pittsburg, Mo.
Daniel P. Brock, Pittsburg, Mo.
William Bird, Greenfield, Mo.
William S. Beal, Greenfield, Mo.
80 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Robert A. Bales, Greenfield, Mo.
James B. Bering, Greenfield, Mo.
Berry Duncan, Greenfield, Mo.
Olivar Duncan, Greenfield, Mo.
Green Darrell, Greenfield, Mo.
Turley Emerson, Bolivar, Mo.
Nimrod Ford, Springfield, Mo.
Thomas Frazier, Bolivar, Mo.
James Gibbs, Greenfield, Mo.
William J. Griffin, Bolivar, Mo.
Thomas B. Griffin, Bolivar, Mo.
William D. Griffis, Bolivar, Mo.
Samuel Graves, Bolivar, Mo.
John Q. Greer, Bolivar, Mo.
Samuel M. Griffith, Bolivar, Mo.
Nathan Hunt, Mt. Vernon, Mo.
Marion Hornbeck, Stockton, Mo.
Olaborn 11. ITarman, Buffalo, Mo.
William L. Holloway, Bolivar, Mo.
John Iluckaby, Stockton, Mo.
Jacob Huft, Stockton, Mo.
John Heard, Pittsburg, Mo.
John B. Hart, Pittsburg, Mo.
James Ingles, Sentinel Prairie, Mo.
Samuel King, Greenfield, Mo.
Josiah Kimberlan, Greenfield, Mo.
William C. Kilingsworth, Greenfield, Mo.
Josiah Lane, Bolivar, Mo.
llarvie II. Morris, Greenfield, Mo.
FJarvie L. Morris, Greenfield, Mo.
Maxwell Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo.
James A. Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo.
John A. Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo.
Moses B. Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo.
Francis M. McGinnis, Bolivar, Mo.
Green M. McGinnis, Bolivar, Mo.
James M. Molone, Bolivar, Mo.
Thomas C. Antens, Greenfild, Mo.
Thomas B. Puckett, Greenfield, Mo.
BERRY G. THUKMAX,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 81
Nathan K. Pope, Bolivar, Mo.
Henry J. Pope, Bolivar, Mo.
Thomas Paterson, Bolivar, Mo.
Tilman B. Perryman, Bolivar, Mo.
John Polard, Stockton, Mo.
Barney Pitts, Elkton, Mo.
David Parsons, Elkton, Mo.
David Rutledge, Springfield, Mo.
Charles Roundtree, Elkton, Mo.
Thomas Roberts, Fayettville, Ark.
Jesse Robinett, Greenfield, Mo.
Samuel Rodgers, Greenfield, Mo.
James E. Saling, Greenfield, Mo.
John M. Saling, Greenfield, Mo.
Raleigh J. Shipley, Greenfield, Mo.
Ephriam B. Shipley, Greenfield, Mo.
John Simons, Greenfield, Mo.
Frederick Soloman, Greenfield, Mo.
John R. Sewell, Springfield, Mo.
Elisha Starkey, Elkton, Mo.
William C. Talent, Stockton, Mo.
Francis A. Tuckness, Buffalo, Mo.
Newton J. Underwood, Greenfield, Mo.
William C. Watkins, Greenfield, Mo.
George W. "Watkins, Greenfield, Mo.
Jason Williams, Humansville, Mo.
William Wilson, Greenfield, Mo.
Benjamin Wood, Bolivar, Mo.
James M. Zumalt, Bolivar, Mo.
James A. Brown, Arkansas.
James W. Davenport, Greenfield, Mo.
Terry W. Davenport, Greenfield, Mo.
David W. Duncan, Bolivar, Mo.
Oscar M. Grigsby, Bolivar, Mo.
John W. McDowell, Greenfield, Mo.
Willis Price, Prairie County, Arkansas.
Charles Spencer, Arkansas.
William Gay, Greenfield, Mo.
^2 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Feelix J. Appleby, Greenfield, Mo.
Thomas Puckett, Greenfield, Mo.
The above is a complete list of officers and privates of
Company M, 8th Missouri Voluntary Cavalry. I was the
first man that volunteered in this company. It was the
first company that was made up in Greenfield, Missouri for
the United States service and out of 65 men that went into
this company, there are only three of that number now
living in the county. Uncle James Taylor is living in
Lockwood. He is about 90 years old ; John A. Mitchell,
79. He is living on a farm six miles northwest of Green-
field on the Coal Bank road, and the writer of this history,
Raleigh J. Shipley, is living on a farm one-half mile west
and one mile north of the Public Square of Greenfield, the
County Seat of Bade County, Missouri. I am living about
one mile from the old farm that my father settled on in
the fall of 1852, but he came here from Warren County,
Tennessee, in the fall of 1850, almost 66 years ago. I was
six years old the 26th of June, when we landed in Dade
County, the first of November, 1850. I lived with my
parents until the war broke out, but didn't enlist in the
regular army until the 30th of August, 1862. My father
was a cripple and I was put to plowing when I was only
ten years old. I never had any schooling. I never was in
school over two months in my life. What little education I
have I got by studying the school books that I bought for
my children to go to school. I have always been in favor
of good public schools. I served twenty years out of thirty
on the School Board after 1 went to housekeeping. This
picture was taken for the History on the 24th day of Octo-
ber, 1916, on the south side of our home on the east side
of the Greenfield and Stockton road. I was 72 years old
the 26th of last June and Mrs. Shipley was 70 the 7th
day of last April. The object of this picture is to show to
this generation and to the next generation just how we
had to work and make a living. My wife and I moved to
an 80-acre piece of land two miles east of Lockwood.
There was an old log building on the land when I bought
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 83^
it. The house was about the center of the eighty, but the
roof, floor and doors were all rotted down and taken away.
I took the house down and moved it to the northeast corner
of the eighty and rebuilt it. I made clapboards two feet
long, went to the timber and cut my rafters. They were
post oak and black oak poles. I scalped off one side of
them to straighten the top side of them. I put the rafters
up and made out to get rough edge sheeting enough to nail
the two foot boards on. I put them on shingle fashion;
that is. it just showed eight inches. I boxed up the gable
ends and we moved into the house without windows or door
shutter or chimney. Now I am going to tell you about our
furniture. My father and I went to my grandfather's
Son's Creek farm and got some walnut rails out of the
fence and made a bedstead and bored holes through the
side and head rails and also some rope cord to hold up the
bedding, and the other bedstead I took a two-inch auger
and bored one hole in the back wall and one in the side
wall just back of the door and then I took a round pole
about four inches through and three feet long and bored
two holes into it, and then took a pole six and one-half feet
long and put it in one hole in the wall and the other end
in the bedpost. .Then I put one four feet long in the other
hole in the wall and the other end in the post and then I
nailed a piece of timber to the wall to hold up my slats
and that was our other bedstead. Our table was made out
of rough oak plank about 3x4 feet in length. I bought
three or four country-made chairs, and we have also in
our house a small arm chair that I got Squire Warren to
make for our oldest child, Anna. She was born the 10th
day of March, 1867. It has been 49 years since I had the
chair made. She was eight months old and that would
make the chair 49 years old. Every piece of the chair is
good yet. TVe raised seven children and they all used it
and several of our grandchildren use it. Our boy Albert
wore the front and back post almost into the rounds. He
would turn it down and push it all over the house learning
to walk.
^4 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Now I will get back to the old log cabin. We moved
in this cabin without any floor or door shutters. I bought
a stone chimney of Marion Holder about two miles east
of my house, and took my father's ox team and wagon
and would haul stone all day and at night I would build up
a fire on one side of the house and I would chink the
cracks in that side before we went to bed and the next
night I would build my fire for a light to work by and
chink, and mother says I kept moving around in this
way until I got the house all chinked. I got enough floor-
ing plank from my uncle George Shipley, which they had
taken out of a barn, that had been used for a threshing
floor. I also got enough lumber from him to make two
doors. I made the doors out of rough oak lumber. I
went to the timber and ciit some small logs and hued one
side of them and put them in for sleepers then laid the
floor; then father and I drug up a lot of logs and rolled
them together and hauled a few loads of lime stone rock
and put on the logs then set it afire and burnt lime to point
my house and put up my chimney. I hired Uncle James
Mitchell, a brother to my mother, to help me put up the
chimney and point the cracks in the house and make and
hang my door shutters. We lived in this house about
seven years. We cooked our grub in these old pots that
is shown in this picture, and Mrs. Shipley carded the cot-
ton and spun the thread on the old spinning wheel that is
shown in the picture and then wove the cloth on an old
home-made loom that made our under bed ticks, table
cloths and hand towels. The scythe and cradle is what
we cut our wheat and oats with. I have cut hundreds of
acres with one of them. I cut, bound and shocked fifty
dozen a day and T have mowed, raked and shocked ten ton
of prairie hay a day with a mowing blade and pitch fork.
1 never plowed with two horses to a breaking or stubble
plow before the Civil War. We did all of our breaking
with a yoke of oxen. My father always kept a big yoke
of oxen to plow and do our hauling- with and I have driven
as many as five and six yoke of oxen to a prairie plow. I
hauled hundreds of loads of wood from my father's old
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 85
home place to Greenfield right along the Old Papinsville
road that runs right by my door with old Buck and Berry.
We chopped the timber and split the rails to fence our
farm. I have chopped the timber and split thousands of
rails in my life. I cut, bound and shocked six acres of
wheat the year I was 66 years old. That was six years ago
last harvest and I have my doubts if there is another man
in the county or maybe not in the state that can cut that
amount of grain by hand. The forty acre tract of land
my father bought in 1852 had two small log rooms on it
and four or five acres of land in cultivation. The land was
timbered land, so we would clear the timber and brush off
three or four acres every winter and we would make rails
out of the best of the timber to fence the land, the rest
of the timber we would use for fire wood and we hauled
some to town and the big rough logs we rolled up in log
heaps and burnt them to get them out of the way. I have
seen lots of better timber burnt up than we have to use
for saw timber now. My father built a good log house on
the place a few years after we settled on the place and
lived in that house as long as he lived. He died when I
was thirty-six years old and my mother died about three or
four years later. My mother's maiden name was Mitchell.
Her father, James Mitchell, had six boys and four girls.
My mother was the third child in the family. The first
child was a boy, William Mitchell, the second a girl, Mary
Mitchell and my mother's name was Lucinda Mitchell. The
Mitchell family are all dead but one, that is Elizabeth
Cartwright. She is living in Lockwood now, with her
oldest daughter, Sarah J. Larence. She is 81 years old.
My grandfather was 85 years old when he died. He was
of Dutch descent and my grandmother was of Irish
decent. Her maiden name was Martha McGregory. On
my father's side my Grandfather Shipley was of Irish
decent. His father came from Ireland in an early day.
He was among the Puritans, the first settlers in America.
My grandfather, Raleigh Shipley, was born and lived in
North Carolina, but moved to Waren County, Tennessee
when a young man and was among the first settlers of
8J> HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Tennessee. He was in General Jackson's army in 1812
and went with General Jackson to Mobile, Alabama. He
lived to be 85 years old. My grandmother Shipley was of
Dutch decent and she had been dead several years before
we left Tennessee. Father came to Dade county in the
fall of 1851 and settled on a farm two miles southeast of
Greenfield, Missouri. His family is all dead except two
girls and one boy. Aunt Lucinda Mitchell, the oldest girl
that is living, is in Greenfield. She is ninety-some odd
years old, the other girl is living out near Golden City in
the west part of Dade county. She is eighty odd years old.
George M. Shipley is 72 years old and is living in Lock-
wood, Missouri. He served three years in Company A,
Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry in the Union Army.
My father lived on his farm three miles northwest of
Greenfield all through the Civil War. He had the last
horse taken, two or three times during the war, and Price's
Army took about everything that he raised on the farm in
the summer of 1862. One brigade of Price's army camped
on old Uncle Clement C. Malicoat's land just southeast of
my father's farm on what is now the Gass farm. One
good thing was that the Confederate Army never took our
big yoke of oxen nor our milk cow and father had a small
bunch of sheep and mother carded and spun the wool
and made cloth to clothe the family and one thing I re-
member my mother had spun the thread and wove the
cloth it was mixed Jeans. She had it laved away to
make me a suit of clothes out of and my mother and her
mother, old Grandmother Mitchell were right good tailor-
esses and they cut and made me a suit of clothes and I
was married in them, and kept that suit of clothes for
Sunday suit and there was one other thing that took
place while T was at home on a furlow, after I had the
measles. I was at Springfield, Missouri with the measles
when Marmaduke came there on the 8th of January, 1863
and I was detailed and sent to Greenfield the ninth day
after the measles broke out on me. I took cold on the
measles and was confied to my bed four weeks, was not
able to get out of bed only as I was helped in and out and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 87
didn't got back to my regiment until the second day of
April, 1863. The regiment was at Lake Springs twelve
miles southeast of Rolla, Missouri. It was then that I
was taken prisoner by Kinch West and his little band.
There wasn't but six of the little band, and they had just
started out to equip themselves for their warfare. They
took some of my clothing and my blanket and Kinch
told me they were watching the road to get arms and
ammunition and clothing and horses. When Kinch put on
my cavalry jacket he said: "Now I am as good a govern-
ment soldier as you are." He had a pair of government
pants when he took me prisoner. I didn't have any arms
with me. He said it was war times and that if I ever got
any of them prisoner I could treat them just like they had
treated me. They kept up this watching and robbing:
government soldiers over on that old Springfield road until
the Seventh Missouri Militia was camped at Greenfield and
a squad of them went out on the Springfield road where
Kinch 's father lived and burnt his house and that caused
Kinch to burn some houses and then the militia boys went
and killed Kinch 's father and then Kinch killed several
soldiers and got to be quite a bushwhacker and after they
killed his father he swore vengenance against the men
that killed him and Kinch had friends living in and near
Greenfield that got the names of the men that killed his
father and after the war was over he hunted them up and
killed them. I was told by good authority a few years
ago that he was the man that killed Mclnturf and AVilson
down in the Indian Territory 20 or 25 years ago. Wilson
was a soldief in the company that was camped at Green-
field at the time old man West was killed and the man that
told me about the killing said Kinch told the people down
there that when he killed Wilson that he had got the last
of them.
Now I want to tell another little thing" that happened
while I was at home that time. I had brought a gun home
with ine and a few nights after I came home (we had a
dog there that would give us warning if there was any
one about the place) one night just after dark he com-
88 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
menced barking out south of the house. So I said to my
father: ''There is some one out in the brush or timber," so
he took my gun and a good old rifle he had and went down
just south of the barn and crawled under an apple tree
and sat down against the body of the tree and he hadn't
been there very long until he heard some one climb over
the gate about 50 yards south of the barn so he let the
man get within about 30 yards of him and he said he
could see that he had a bridle or halter in one hand and
he was satisfied that he was aiming to get a horse out of
the barn, so he raised one of the guns up and shot at him.
He said when he shot the man jumped up in the air
three or four feet high and as he run off he grabbed the
other gun and shot at him. So the next morning as soon
as it was light enough so my two brothers could see they
went out where my father said the man was. They wanted
to see if there was any blood there or any sign of him being
hurt, but the boys couldn't see any blood but brother Will
saw a little piece of newspaper on the ground. He
picked it up, unfolded it, and there was a ten dollar green-
back folded up in the paper. The boys came running-
back to the house. Mother says, "What did you find?"
Will says, "We didn't find any blood but I found a ten
dollar bill father shot out of him." We had a right smart
wood lot that took in the spring and we had a little field
that joined the lot that they gathered the corn out of, and
they turned the cows and the horse out in there every
day, so about three days after he had shot the ten dollar
bill out of the man the horse was stolen out of the stalk
field. So we always thought that it was the man that
was shot at that got the horse.
F have been a Republican politically. I cast my first
vote in 1864 for Abraham Lincoln. I think the best man
that tliis American government ever produced. I served
two years as road overseer in the south half of North
Township about twenty-five years ago, and I served years
as road commissioner in Center Township about twelve
years ago, and when the County came under Township or-
ganization 1 was elected member of the township board as
CHARLES W. G1LLMAX.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 89
member for West Center and at the next election was re-
elected for two years again, and I served two years as
Justice of the Peace before I was elected a member of the
board and I was elected Justice both terms that I served
on the board making six years I served as Justice of the
Peace in Center Township. The above writeup was done
by
RALEIGH J. SHIPLEY,
Center Township, Greenfield, Mo.
THE RAID OF THE KINCH WEST AND ROBERTS
GUERRILLAS ON GREENFIELD IN 1864.
by
Captain J. W. Carmack.
About September 1st, 1864 I was at home from my
service in the Sixth Cav. Mo. Vols. at Melville (now Dade-
ville) Missouri. From there I visited Greenfield to see
some friends. At that time General Sterling Price was in
southwestern Missouri organizing his rebel forces for a
raid through the state and the citizens of Greenfield were
very much excited believing the town would be visited and
probably burned during the raid. I was delegated by them
to go to Springfield to see General Sanborn, who was in
command in this territory, and to appeal to him for troops
to protect Greenfield. I went and made my plea in their
behalf. He asked me if I would help to organize the mil-
itia in Da$e county for protection against the raid. I told
him I would do all in my power in recruiting and organiz-
ing for defense. He then said, "Go back home and make
ready, and in a few days I will furnish you with proper
credentials and instructions."
Price Raiders Threatened; and a Defense Company
Is Organized. I returned to Melville and in a few days re-
ceived my commission and instructions and was ordered to
report to Captain J. M. Kirby of the enrolled militia for
conference as to organization. After conferring with Cap-
90 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tain Kirby we made a call upon the men available for
military duty in Bade County to meet us in Greenfield,
September 16th, 1864, and on that date we organized a
company as follows :
Captain James M. Kirby.
First Lieutenant Cyrus S. Jacobs.
Second Lieutenant J. W. Carmack.
And designated as Company "E" 76th Cav. Enrolled
Missouri Militia with the following non-commissioned of-
ficers and men:
Sergeants Summerville D. Brown, Nathan Dinwid-
die, W. V. Potter, W. W. Ward, Orville Lyon, Martin D.
Edge, James C. Woody, Solomon Wilson.
Corporals James W. Berry, John T. Goforth, Jona-
than Weir, Samuel L. Hankins, William L. Hankins, Wil-
liam L. Lee, Jeptha Cantrell, Thos. C. Cantrell and David
Primer.
Blacksmiths Henry McManus, Enoch Casey.
Wagoner Henry D. Smith.
Privates Samuel Acuff, Foster L. Appleby, Joseph
Allison, Justin Bowles, John A. Bailes, John Bell, Robert
Bird, James Boyd, John W. Boyd, Sam. L. Bigley, Dekalb
Bowles, James Buchanan, B. F. Clopton, John T. Gates,
F. A. Cardwoll, William Coble, David Coble, Hiram Can-
trell, James Casey, James M. Clabough, James Daughtrey,
John H. Dill, James Durnal, Ebenezer Divine, James J.
Divine, Ben L. Edge, AViley S. Ethridge, Thos. Fanning,
V. M. Foust, William Foust, James Friar, Robert Freedle,
T. P. Fitzpatrick, Arkley Frieze, John A. Morgan.
Some of the Enrolled Missouri Militia soldiers who
were subject to call and out on leave, were then called in
by Captain Kirby which swelled our number to 103 men.
Munitions from Springfield Are Stored in the Old
Wells Hotel. Now being fully organized with muster-in
roll complete, the next thing- was to procure rations, arms
and ammunition. I was again delegated to see General
Sanborn in Springfield and armed with the proper cre-
dentials I went and made requisition and was furnished
rations for the command for 30 days, also with eighty 70-
91
calibre muskets and 8,000 rounds of ammunition. Return-
ing with the supplies we stored the commissary supplies
in the Shields hotel, afterwards the Delmonico, and stored
our arms and ammunition in the second story of that
building.
The Price raid was on in earnest by this time, but had
not yet been molested at this point. However, reports
were current that Greenfield would be burned during the
raid. We found out all we could of our situation and said
but little, keeping our eye on the focus and our ear to the
ground and making ready for any emergency.
West-Roberts Guerrillas Appear Along Turnback and
Lynn Branch. Soon Kinch West and Fate Roberts, with
their gang of bushwhackers and robbers, began to roam
along Turnback creek and Lynn Branch, just east and
south of our headquarters. So far as we knew they might
have been on a fishing trip, as no one was being molested
by them that we could learn. We did not meddle ourselves
with their business methods; just let things take their
course, keeping our eye on the focus and ear to the ground.
Day after day they became more conspicuous but
seemed very unconcerned about the surroundings. Price's
raiders came nearer and nearer. We paid no attention to
General Price, thinking he had force sufficient to care for
himself but still kept our eye on the focus and ear to the
ground.
Kinch West's Sister Comes to Town; Warns Officers
of Coming Raid. On the 15th of October, 1864, in the
afternoon, a young lady on horseback rode into Green-
field, dismounted and made a casual tour around the
town. Upon her return toward her horse I made it a
point to meet her and accosted her saying:
"You seem to be in a hurry."
"Xo, not much," she responded.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"My name is West," she responded.
"What West?" I asked.
"Kinch West's sister," she replied.
"What's your business here?" I asked.
$2 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
"Kinch sent me here to see if the soldiers had been
reinforced last night and said if they had not he was going
to take breakfast in Greenfield tomorrow morning and then
burn the town."
I asked how many men Kinch had with him.
"About 125 I think."
"Does he think he can take Greenfield with 125
men?" I asked.
"Yes," she responded, "If he couldn't take Green-
field with 125 men when it only has 40 in it, he'd better
quit."
"How does he know how many men there are in
Greenfield?" I asked.
She said, "Do you know and ?"
I said, "I think I did."
She said, "they sent a note last night by a boy to
Kinch at Jesse M-cClain's telling there were only 4C militia-
men in Greenfield and Kinch sent me to see if any more
had come in last night. I wish you men would get out of
Greenfield. Kinch don't want to kill you men, but if you
stay here and interfere you will get killed. He says he
has burnt Melville and intends to burn Greenfield to-
morrow morning. ' '
I said to her, "Consider yourself under arrest and go
with me to Captain Kirby's headquarters and tell him
your mission and the story you have told me." I took her
to the captain and she made no change in her story to
him.
He said to her, "I will keep you under guard all
night tonight."
"If vou do Kinch will kill everv one of you tomor-
* i/
row," was her response.
The captain turned to me and said, "What had we
better do with her?"
"[ said, "Captain, give her her horse and let her go
home and tell Kinch there is nobody here but us and that
we will have breakfast ready for him tomorrow morning."
She thanked the captain kindly, mounted her horse
and left.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 93
The next thing was to call the company roll and in-
form our men of the warning we had received from Kinch's
sister. We also notified the citizens of Greenfield who had
asked us to furnish arms and ammunition for them to help
to defend the town in case we were attacked by these out-
laws. Next in order was to meet at the armory and open
up our ammunition, load and stack our guns in the hotel.
A Night Alarm Spoils a Card Party; Causes Fruit-
less Investigation. At night all things were quiet. As
usual most of the men lay on their bunks, without un-
dressing, awaiting developments. Being of a nervous
temperament I did not go to bed but went with W. R. Law-
rence and Nathan Dinwiddie to Aunt Julia Wills' parlor,
where she joined us in a game of whist. About 11 o'clock
Judge Nelson McDowell rapped on her door, having seen
a light in the parlor. I met him at the door. He had
run from home and was almost out of breath, to tell us
that his wife had heard an unusual knocking and other
noises down in the hollow near the Wells Grove.
W. B. Lawrence and I jumped on our horses, taking our
pistols in hand, and rode quietly out a half-mile to the
southwest, then circled round to the Coffee farm, now
occupied by George Wilson, southeast of Greenfield, and
came in from there, having neither seen nor heard any-
thing unusual. The facts in the case were, as we after-
wards discovered, that West and Roberts and their gang
were at the time hidden in the Wells Grove, and we went
entirely around them unmolested. The noise that Mrs.
McDowell heard was the gang hacking down the hedge
row on the east of the Wells grove, making a gap to get
through into town without being exposed to view.
The Attack of October 16th; Raiders Get a Warm
"Breakfast" At dawn on October 16th, 1864, as Samuel
S. Acuff and I were feeding our horses in the southeast
corner of the court house square, three of four men
charged upon us from behind the livery barn, south of the
hotel, firing a volley at us as they came. One shot killed
Acuff and another shot killed my horse. After firing they
ran down the hill to the east. I ran to the hotel and
94 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
rang the bell, to give the alarm. At that the whole outfit
raised the yell and came on a charge down South Street.
On nearing the hotel they were greeted by volleys from
muskets blazing out of the port holes made in the brick
walls. This brought them to a right about and a fall back
in hot haste. They made a stand at Judge McDowell's
carriage shed, where they lost one killed and three
wounded. The Judge's carriage and harness were in the
shed. They put their dead and wounded in this carriage
and ran it down the hill, where they hitched a team to the
carriage and took them off the field. Our force was of suf-
ficient numbers not only to drive them out of town and
save the village from destruction, but we immediately
dispatched a messenger to Melville for re-inforcements to
help drive them further, and in about three hours, Lieut.
Cowan came with 25 men. With the aid of this detach-
ment we drove West and Roberts and their gang some 20
miles. In the engagement we lost two men killed and one
wounded. We could not tell how many of their forces
were killed and wounded, as they bore their 's away, while
much of the time we were housed up and could not see
all the damage done. One man was shot in the hand,
which was almost torn off, according to the story told by
Mrs. McBride. The circumstance was this: Two of the
West gang got behind an unoccupied dwelling house just
west of the Lyngar drug store. They would load their
guns behind the house and then ride around the corner of
the building and fire at two of our men who were near
Dr. .Bender's office, at about the east lot now occupied by
the opera house. The men at the office got a rest against
the corner of that building, and when one of the gang
rounded the corner to shoot they let them have it. One
charge struck one of the raider's hand and tore it badly,
and tore the stock off his gun, which dropped to the
ground. His horse whirled round with him to run, when
the other man at the office shot his horse down dead. The
comrade who was with him behind the house dismounted,
put the wounded man in the saddle and got on the horse
behind him and rode to the house of Mrs. McBride and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 95
asked for a cloth to bandage the torn hand. She took a
hand towel from the rack and bound up his wound. The
men at the office could not reload their guns and pursue
them in time to catch them, but went to the house and
picked up the gun that was broken with the bullet, then
to the horse that was killed and took the saddle. That
gun and saddle have been souvenir keepsakes for those
men to this day. Now if any of that wounded man's com-
rades on the raid will tell who he is and his whereabouts,
if living, we will send him his gun and saddle.
Citizen Soldiers Fail to Respond, Except One Arch M.
Long. We were sadly disappointed in the help of the
citizen soldiery of Greenfield. They had promised us that
when the alarm of attack was given by the ringing of the
hotel bell they would rush to the hotel, where their arms
were ready, loaded. When the alarm was sounded it was
a lively time. Instead of running to the hotel the citi-
zen soldiery of Greenfield (except Arch M. Long) ingiori-
ously fled to the brush. Mr. Long came to our rescue
with his shotgun in hand and played a gallant part. After
we had driven Kinch and Fate out of the country, we
made a move upon the Price raiders and. captured 42
men of his command and turned them over to Gen. San-
born of Springfield. When we arrived at Springfield with
them their commander said, ''This is our second visit to
Greenfield."
He was asked when he had been there before.
"When Cockrell took Greenfield," he replied.
"You were here when the court house was burned,
were you?"
"I was with Captain * when the torch
was set fire to the court house."
I do not know whether that was true or not. That
was what he said. His name, as he gave it, was K. B. F.
Twyinan of Boone County, Missouri. The reason I re-
member his name is this: He was a very large man,
about 240 pounds. The horse he was riding had a sore
back. He swapped that horse to Capt. Kirby for one he
could ride, giving the Captain a bill of sale for the animal,
^6 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
signed K. B. F. Twyman, Boone County, Missouri. His
commander called him lieutenant. I do not wish to cast
any reflections upon any party I have mentioned in this
article, but am recording historical events as they oc-
curred during those troublous times.
It Cost the State a Tidy Sum to Save Greenfield From
Burning. It cost the State of Missouri something to save
Greenfield from being burned during the Price raid. For
services of the men and their horses the cost was $2,555.15.
How I know this: The company was relieved and mus-
tered out, roll was made October 31, 1864, embracing all
items of service for both men and horses. In April, 1866,
I took this roll, went to Jefferson City and made settle-
ment with the state auditor for all service done by the
company during said time -of our organization. I have
before me his invoice of every item for each man. I went
to the state treasurer, who paid me the above stated
amount and took my receipt for the' same. The money
paid me was state money, just in sheets of different de-
nominations as it came from the press without being torn
apart. In paying it out I had to clip off the sheets ac-
cording to amounts due (we called it "Lizzard-skin"). I
do not write this for the benefit of those who know about
it but for the benefit of the rising generation, that they
may know about the fun we had in the days before their
being. I would tell you more about it but I fear I would
tire the patience of the devil in the printing office.
After having been discharged, November 1st, 1864,
from service in the 76th Regt., E. M. M., I was again com-
missioned as First Lieutenant in the Veteran U. S. service
and placed in charge of a recruiting camp at Springfield,
Mo., recruiting for the 14th Vet. Cal. "Mo. Vols." to go
against the Indians on the plains, at this camp. Three
companies wore organized, viz: Capt. Lucian Roundtree,
Capt. Harry Mitchell, Capt, J. P. Robinson. The day be-
fore the assassination of A. Lincoln, we received orders
to take no more recruits. I was then assigned as Provo
Marshal with headquarters at Mt. Vernon, Mo. The regi-
ment then had nine full companies. J. J. Gravley was
U. S. KEKAX.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 97
commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment and
took charge, preparatory to moving against the Indians.
When they were ready to move I was relieved as Provo
and joined the regiment to act as Adjutant, leaving St.
Louis in June, 1865, under command of Gen. J. B. Sanborn,
pursued the Indians through Colorado, where a treaty
was agreed upon with them. The regiment then moved
back to Fort Leavenworth for muster out service, Oct. 20,
1865. The records and men were placed in my charge
and sent to St. Louis, Mo., where we received our pay for
services by Col. Bonneville, Paymaster for the U. S. A.
This being the last service of the 14th Cav. Mo. Vols., we
disbanded and all set sail for home. Later on after return-
ing home, I was again commissioned as a First Lieutenant,
Enrolling Inspector and Mustering officer for the State
Militia of Missouri. I organized and mustered in three
companies in Dade County, viz: Capt. Thomas Hopper of
South Township, Capt. James M. Travis of North Town-
ship and Capt. E. V. Lafoon of Morgan Township. In 1866
I was relieved from military duty. During my service
I had filled most every position known to the service.
THE CONFEDERATE VETERANS OF DADE COUNTY.
by
Lewis Renfro.
Preface: Having been selected by the historical com-
mittee to write a history of the Confederate Veterans of
Dade County from 1861 to 1865, I accepted the invitation
with some hesitancy, from the fact that I have no written
data or memoranda to guide me in this task, and since
more than fifty years have taken their flight since those
memorable events occurred, and knowing the frailty of
human memory, I shall only attempt to tell the simple
story as I now remember it in looking through the long
vista of years which have elapsed, and should I fail to
mention any name or event of importance it will be an
98 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEQPLE
error of head and not of heart, for it is my sincere desire
that all who are entitled to be mentioned in this sketch
should have their proper place.
In the early Spring of 1861, at the breaking out of
the Civil War, several companies of state troops for the
Confederate service were raised in Dade County. They
were mustered in for six months. John T. Coffey was
elected Colonel for one regiment and Colonel James Clark-
son for another, but their regiments were not all made
up of Dade County men, but these officers were residents
of the county when the war broke out. The following
Captains raised companies in Dade County: John M.
Stemmons, F. M. Hastings, Tilman H. Lea, I. J. West and
Captain Bell. They all had full companies and were
mostly comprised of Dade County boys. These companies
all took active part in all the battles fought on this side
of the Mississippi River. The most important battle
fought by them while in the state service was the battle of
Wilson's Creek, in which the Dade County boys suffered
many casualties. Captain Bell was killed, also Lieutenant
David Vaughn, Colonel Buster was pinned to the ground
with a bayonet through his side, inflicted by a Dutch-
man, after which he was shot, several bullets passing
through his body. I remember that when some of our
boys went to pull the bayonet from his body our Surgeon,
Dr. Dunn, rushed up and would not permit it until his
body was turned over and the dirt wiped from the bayonet.
The bayonet had encountered a rib and had never pierced
his stomach, and in a few weeks he was able to return to
his command, apparently in as good shape as ever. The
Colonel was engaged in selling goods in Greenfield at the
beginning of the war, arid as far as is known he is still
a live and lives in Texas. Tie was an exemplary man in
every respect, and during the remainder of the war he
never received another scratch. The battle of Wilson
Creek was a hot fought battle on a very hot day August
10th, 1HG1. Several Dade County boys were killed there,
Colonel Buster was the only Colonel from Dade County
wounded, and Captain Bell the only Captain from Dade
County, killed.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 919
Our next enagement of importance was at Lexington,
where we captured General Mulligan and his entire com-
mand. That was no before breakfast spell. General Price
was in command of the Confederate forces. We tried for
a day and a night to capture the fort, but was unsuccess-
ful, but finally General Price adopted a plan which proved
a success. Hemp bales were rolled up for embankments
and we starved them out. I think it was on the third clay
of the siege that General Mulligan capitulated. Two vic-
tories in succession filled our boys with courage insomuch
that many of them thought Price's command could whip
the whole Yankee army. Several Dade County boys were
killed in this battle.
After the battle of Lexington we came back south,
where we had several small engagements, among them
Cow Skin Prairie, Crane Creek and a few others, after
which we returned north and engaged in the battle of Mar-
shal, which proved quite severe.
I recall now the loss of one brave Dade County man
in this battle his name was Stoveall, Tom Courtney's
grandfather. He was shot through the head and killed
instpatly. My brother, Shelby, was standing by his side
at the time.
One of the hottest encounters in this campaign was
at Lone Jack. We finally captured the town but our
losses were heavy. The number engaged on each side
was comparatively small but they fought like demons.
The Union forces were commanded by Major Foster, as
brave a man as ever wore a uniform, while our forces
were under the command of General Cockerel. I have
received several letters of late years from men who par-
ticipated in that battle and all ascribe great bravery to
both Major Foster and General Cockerel. I think General
Cockerel is still living in Texas. Major Foster has long-
since gone to his reward, which I hope is one of eternal
rest, for while a prisoner I became attached to him by
reason of his manly qualities, and still have great respect
for his memory.
100 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Among the Dade County boys to fall in this battle, I
recall Jim and Bill Gillispie. Their father was the owner
of the Gillispie Mill on Turnback. Lieutenant Willis
Taylor was killed there also. He was a son-in-law of
Judge Hoyle, owner of the farm and mill of that name on
Turnback about two miles east of Greenfield. After the
battle of Marshal we had but a few minor skirmishes
until we w r ent into winter quarters at Springfield, Mo.,
where our army was re-organized and entered the Con-
federate service. The enlistments were for three years or
during the war. It was about the middle of February,
1862, when General Price, then in command, hearing of a
large Union force marching from Rolla toward Spring-
field, ordered stakes pulled, and we headed for the south.
We were reinforced by General McCullough and General
Mclntosh at or near Elk Horn, where the Elk Horn Prairie
battle was fought. This was later in February or early in
March, 1862. The weather was severely cold for that lat-
itude and the ground was covered with snow. Dade
County lost some of her brave boys in this battle. After
this battle Captain John M. Stemmons went from tlie cav-
alry to the infantry and became Captain of Company G,
16th Missouri Infantry. Ho was mustered out at the
close of the war as Lieutenant Colonel of this regiment.
A few years ago he died at Dallas, Texas.
Both Captain Stemmons and Billy Williams were
wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, each being shot
through the shoulder. As soon as he was able, Captain
Stemmons returned to his command. Captain Stemmon's
wife was an Allison, who was raised in Greenfield, being a
daughter of Judge Mathias Allison. After the war, Billy
Williams married Miss Lou Beachley. lie died a few years
ago at Dallas, Texas. Each of these two men were law-
yers and after the war they formed a partnership and
practiced in Dallas, Texas, wh'ere they became very
wealthy.
In the early summer of 18432 a part of the Missouri
Confederate troops went across the Mississippi river,
among them General Price, General Joe Shelby, who was
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 101
then a Colonel, Colonel Buster and Colonel Clarkson.
General Price and General Shelby returned some time in
the fall, and Shelby was promoted to the rank of Brigadier
General. I don't know just how this happened for
Colonel Coffey was senior in rank, but by some hook or
crook the plum went to Shelby. After this, Coffey re-
signed his command and was never in the service again.
His wife was a sister to Uncle Samuel Weir of Green-
field. Colonel Coffey was one of the leading lawyers
of southwest Missouri and at one time represented Dade
County in the State Legislature.
George Wilson, residing one mile southeast of Green-
field, lives on a part of the old Coffey homestead. Colonel
Coffey died some years ago at Georgetown, Texas.
After the resignation of Colonel Coffey, CM eon
Thompson was elected Colonel and placed in command
of the regiment, which was the 3d Missouri cavalry. By
reason of numerous losses by death, sickness and mining,
the Dade County boys were consolidated into four r-om-
panies / three of cavalry and one of infantry. Captain
T. H Lea commanded Company A, I. J. West commanded
Company F, F. M. Hastings commanded Company T and
John M. Stemmons commanded Company G, all of the
16th Missouri Infantry, composed almost exclusively of
boys from Dade county. The greater part of these boys
never returned to Dade County. Many of them are qr.ietly
sleeping on the battle fields, others are residents of other
states, mostly Arkansas and Texas. Colonel James Clark-
son never came back across the river, but was promoted
to the rank of Brigadier General. After the war while
making his way back home, he was murdered at Dead
Man's Lake near the Mississippi River. Robbery was
supposed to be the motive. General Clarkson was i vet-
eran of the Mexican war and perhaps the greatest mili-
tary man that ever went out from Dade County. He was
an uncle of Fred Clarkson Eastin of Greenfield. He has a
number of relatives and descendants in the county. His
brother, Vncle Davy Clarkson, as he is familiarly called,
served in the Confederate arm durin the entire wa^ re-
102 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
turned to Dade County and died there several years after-
ward Each of these men had sons in the Confederate
army. Some were killed in battle and others were
wounded I recall that young Davy had an arm shot off.
The Clarksons were pioneers in Dade County.
I have a complete roster of but two companies which
I made from memory many years after the war, and a
roster of Company F, 3rd Mo. Cav , made by Hon S. P.
Mills, Orderly Sergeant of that company, which will be
given herein, and a partial list of the members of Company
G, 16th Missouri Infantry, which I will also attach to this
sketch
Captain F, M. Hastings of Company I, 3d Mo. Cav.,
recruited his company mostly in Arkansas, but there
were a few Dade County boys in this company. I remem-
ber that some of the Janes family from this county be-
longed, but I am unable to recall their names and have
been unable to locnte any of the members of this company
who could give me the information. Captain Hastings
was a good, brave man and had a splendid company,
which always responded when called upon in times of
danger. Captain Hastings was Sheriff of Dade County
when the war broke out. He had a horse killed from
under him by a cannon ball at the battle of Little Rock.
An incomplete roster of Company G, 16th Mo. Tiif.,
C. S. A.., made from memory after more than fifty years
have elapsed, assisted by T. B. Rountree of Cane Hill and
Charles Winkle of Greenfield. In the first organization
of the company:
Captain, John M. Stemmons, of Greenfield.
First Lieutenant, W. R. Snadon.
Second Lieutenant, B. F Moore.
Third Lieutenant, Willis Taylor.
Orderly Sergeant, T. M. McPatt.
Third Lieutenant, Thee Buchanan, elected to f U th"
place of Willis Taylor, who was killed in the battle of
LOTH- Jack.
Third Lieutenant, John West, elected to fill the place
of Thee Buchanan, who was killed.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
103
In 1863 Stemrnons was elected Major. Rather than
to become Captain both W. R. Snadon and W. R. Moore
resigned and went to the Cavalry, and John West being
wounded, the company was reorganized, and T. M. Mc-
Patt was elected Captain; Guss Wetzel, First Lieutenant;
Dick Grout, Second Lieutenant; D. R. Mallory, Third
Lieutenant; Napokon Parnell, Orderly Sergeant
Privates in the Company were .s follows:
Ross Chappel,
Rufe Chappel,
Mansfield Oldham,
G. W. Oldham.
John Finley,
J. R Finley,
Will Finley,
Polk Gates.
Jim Brown
Mat McGregory,
Jay McGregory,
Wiley McGregory,
Bill Sleeper,
Frank Parnell.
J. M. Gout,
Dick Rose,
Charley Wimkle,
John M. Beckley,
Monroe McXatt,
J. S. McXatt,
Willis McXatt,
Garr McXatt,
Will Daniels,
Jake Williams,
Hosea Williams,
(killed at Lone Jack.)
Job Robertson,
John Ray,
Jim Ray,
George Handcock,
Dick Ragsdale,
John Williams,
Marion Williams,
J. M. Carlock,
Carlock,
Bill Scott,
Tom Scott,
John Scott,
Hale Duncan,
Tom Duncan,
- Cook,
William Ping,
W. A. Dale,
John Dale,
T. B. Rountree,
Andrew Dale,
Benton Dale,
Jim Chambers,
Robert Daughtrey,
William Daughtrey,
J. M. Daughtrey,
Jim Faires,
Xewt Faires,
Jim Foster,
John McMillen,
Reason McCullough,
Jacob Friend,
William Home,
Reason Jones,
John Harvey,
104 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Marion McLemore, Ed. Fleetwood,
3-eorge Massongale, Joseph Walker,
Jack Holder, Ed. Jerome,
Tom Holder, Harrison Southwell,
N T ewt Gray, (Doubtful)
Alexander McBride, Mirel Hardin,
Rice McBride, S. S. Allison,
(killed at Helena, Ark.)
LIST OF DEAD THAT WENT OUT FROM DADE
COUNTY.
The following is a list of killed from Dade County
as I remember, there are others I am sure that I cannot
recall their names, as I have nothing to go by and have to
trust my memory:
John Can-, 'Will McMahan, John Mills, Bill Fair,
Wm. Pirtle, Sanford Pirtle, Jim Gillespie, Will Gillespie,
Willis Taylor, Wm. R. Stoveall, Capt. Silas Bell, Lieut.
David Vaughn, George Bowles, Alexander Bowles, John
Williams, Brown Williams, Lieut. Guss Wetzel, Rich
Spain, Lieutenant Thee Buchanan, Zeb Stockstell, Mart
Speer, Frank Speer, Lieut. Ben Finley, Dr. Kennedy,
John Davidson, Dickson Brown, Bob Kinmons, Mat Mc-
Gregory, Reason McCullick, John West, jr., Jesse West,
John M. Williams, E. E. Williams, Jim Scott, Jeff Cald-
well, Jackson Dougherty, John Zinamon, R. T. Willis, jr.,
John Durnell, Dock West, George Hall, Levy Thompson,
Lee Fine, Dock Lawson, Rice McBride (killed at Helena,
Ark.), Lieut. Thee Buchanan.
This roster was made out by Hon. S. P. Mills, who
was Orderly Sergeant of this company, who represented
Mellon County, Texas, in the Legislature two terms and
two terms from that Senatorial District, was killed acci-
dentally February 8th, 1916.
Roster, Company F, 3rd Missouri Cavalry, General
Joo Shelby's, Brig.: "
Captain Gentry West, Lieutenant McPhorson,
Captain J. L. Jenkins, Lieutenant A. C. Bowles,
Lieutenant T. J. McLuer, S. P. Mills, O. S.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
105
Privates
Hue Arnold
Robt. Akin
S. W. Bates
Burnett Botts
A. J. Bates
Ben Bowles
Stant Buford
Isral Blackburn
Tom Bird
Geo. Cotton
W. B. Clark
Will Cook
Marion Cox
Jolmithan Cox
Jeff Colwell
Elic Cobell
Ben Collins
Len Davis
John Davidson
Geo. Davidson
James Davidson
Len Eaton
Tom Foresitli
Joe Foresitli
John Foresitli
John Givens
Ike flicks
Henry Hicks"
Hudson
Hancock
Finis Home
Robt. Home
Joe Home
Robt. Home
Joe Hall
Robert Hardy
Joe Johnson
Tip Jessepp
John Jones
Jake Jones
Rufe Lack
Earle Lacy
V$ll Long
Leonidas Morris
Pat McLemore
Henry McGhee
B. P." Moore
John Mills
Tom Mills
K. McGregor
McGregor
John Maniese
Wm. Noale
Xorsinger
P. Nichols
Ostiloe
Duch Pile
Tom Ragsdale
T. L. Reed
John Robinson
N. E. Robinson
Wm. Robinson
Ben Sebastion
W. R. Snadon
Henry Sears
Frank Sears
Joe Sears
John Shrum
Jake Shrum
Tom Shurley
M. Templeton
Robt. Templeton
James Torbett
Sam Taylor
Ruben Ti singer
Tatum
Dick L T nderwood.
106 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Munroe Walker John Williams
Doc West Wilson
Dave West Poke Wagoner
S. B. Williams
SOME OF OUR OLD CONFEDERATES.
Charley Winkle was of Co. Gr 16th Missouri Infantry
a Tennessean by birth but a Missourian by adoption,
being one of Dade County's pioneers. He served through
the entire war, and is still young for his age, 64.
E. L. Blevans was born in Cass County, Missouri.
He served under Col. Irvin, in Rain's division of Price's
army. He is now in his 71st year. He has made Dade
County his home for some years.
J. M. Carlock was of Co. G. 16th Missouri Infantry.
He served under Col. Stemmons in Rains 's brigade of
Price's army. He is now 69 years of age and has spent
much of his life in Dade County.
A. J. Mills was of Co. A 3rd Missouri cavalry, Shel-
by's brigade. He is now 68 years old, but "don't look it."
Tic has spent 64 years of his life in Dade County and his
neighbor's would be glad to have him spend 64 more here.
K. F. Poindexter was also of Co. A 3d Missouri cav-
alry, Shelby's brigade. He is "To the manor born"
being not only a native Missourian, but also a native Dade
countian. He is now 68 years of age and one of the
handsomest and youngest looking in the group.
E. D. Coble was of Co. I 3rd Missouri cavalry, Shel-
by's brigade, and Cooper regiment. His age is 77 and
lie has never claimed any other place home excepting
Dado County, Missouri.
Joe Ren fro is a younger brother of Commander Lewis
Ren fro and possibly the youngest of the group above.
Tie is also a native of our county.
Lewis Renfro was of Co. A 3rd 'Missouri cavalry and
served as lieutenant under Col. John M. Stemmons, for
whom the local camp of U. C. V. was named, and at its
organization was elected commander. He has constantly
served the camp in that capacity with the exception of
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 107
one year, when the late Sam Howard was honored with
that position. He was born in Dade County, which has
always been his home, and is now 65 years of age.
James R. Jeffreys was a member of the 2nd Tennessee,
1st division, Wheeler's corps. He was born in Tennessee,
but spent more than half a century in Dade County, Mis-
souri. He is now a 71-year-old boy.
II. R. Thomas is one of the original Co. A boys of
Price's batallion, and though 67 years of age still an all-
round. He came to Dade County, Missouri, some time in
the '70s.
M. J. Sooter, now of Miller, Lawrence County, Mis-
souri, spent many of the years of his life in Dade County.
We have not Mr. Sooter 's war record, but one look ar his
handsome picture will convince any reader that it is 0. K.
and that he is probably somewhat younger than his reputed
age.
We have no doubt but this was quite as fine a bunch
of soldiers as they are citizens, and Dade is sorry that
she cannot claim them all as her own.
There are also a number of others of t'sesc ''Old
Boys" who are still Dade Countians and whom we should
have very much liked to have in the picture, but they
were not present and we will have to endeavor to get
them at some future time.
GREENFIELD DURING THE CIVIL WAR.
The following paper, read by Miss Bessie Hobbs at the
high school commencement exercises, will be of much in-
terest to many of our people. An unusual sr.bject has
been handled in a most interesting manner:
Long, long ago when savage panthers reamed the
wilds of the western part of Greenfield, and wolves might
be seen at any time showing their cruel teeth as if guard-
ing some hidden treasure; when thr 1 deer lurked here and
there trying in vain to slum the fatal blow of the hunter;
and even in the outskirts of the little city, the blood-
108 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
thirsty wild cat searched the hills and hollows for prey,
then Greenfield wasn't half so imposing as at the present
time.
In the northwestern portion of the town where now
the high school, with its beautiful campus, and the resi-
dences with their smooth, grassy lawns are located, in
1861 there was seen nothing but a great field of corn.
There was no negro town; instead there was a huge
thicket which proved to be an excellent place for the con-
cealment of bushwhackers during the war. The block
on which the M. E. church is situated was one great mass
of briers, hfizel bushes and campbellite weeds, through
which a path ran obliquely from the present site of the
parsonage to the Dade County Bank site. One can im-
agine from this picture that the busy little city was at
that time indeed very small. The dwelling houses were
few and far between. Mr. Latham, one of the quite prom-
inent citizens, lived in the house just south of H. D.
Sloan's, but at that time this residence was located where
Dr. Weir's house now stands. It has been but slightly re-
modeled, and is perhaps one of the oldest houses of the
town. R. S. Jacobs resided near the public square in the
house which is now a part of the Ed Shaw home. An old
residence and one which has been but very little altered
since it was built is that north of the home of D. R.
White. During a portion of the war this house was the
residence of Col. Coffee, probably the most influential
man of the whole county. He was one of the leading
lawyers of the town and his popularity gained for him
the position as speaker of the Missouri house of repre-
sentatives. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted
in the Confederate army and became captain of a ccmrpany.
An old-time house which witnessed all the events of the
war is the Barber house, which is now owned by Mr. Xew-
ell Cates, the father of Will Cates, who resides near Penns-
boro. The present residence of 1). R. White was occupied
by William (Jriggs and it looked very much as it does
now. Perhaps one of the best houses of the town was
the home of the Misses Eastin, daughters of the former
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 109
owner. There were, of course, other little houses in Green-
field at that period, but it would take too long to name
them.
When you view the present substantial business
houses of the town did it ever occur to you what were
once in their places? In 1861, there were only two brick
buildings on the square. In one Mr. Shields had a hotel;
now many times enlarged the Delmonico hotel. In one of
the rooms of the other brick structure was a store which
J. T. Rankin, Uncle Jeff Montgomery and Rev. W. J. Gar-
rett owned. The firm was humorously nick-named "Wis-
dom, Strength and Beauty," the first being "Wisdom,"
Mr. Montgomery "Strength" and Mr. Garrett "Beauty."
In the other room Dr. Bowles had a little store and also
kept the postoffice. This building was replaced a number
of years ago by the Merril-Jopes block. In addition to
the Shields hotel there were two others, one owned by Mr.
W. H. Holland and the other under the management of
W. H. Younger. Mr. Holland's establishment was a two-
story frame structure across the street from D. W. Ed-
wards' dwelling and now, though somewhat enlarged,
known as the "Green House." Mr. Younger 's hotel was
also a two-story frame building, standing where Mr. Carr's
meat market now is.
The grocery and dry goods stores were never sepa-
rated. There were four of just such stores besides those
above mentioned. Where the Washington hotel stands a
small frame building was occupied by John G. Riley and
Captain John Howard, the latter a far-seeing man arid
one of the foremost in the history of our city.
It might be interesting to note that Mr. Brewer's little
store building formerly located at the present site of the
Greenfield Dry Goods company store, is the only business
house in town which has survived the ravages of the
years without having been remodeled. In 1861 R. S.
Jacobs there had a little store, the contents of which
were worth about five or six hundred dollars. Mr. Jacobs,
too, is fresh in our minds as a man, who, despite hard
times, was ever successful in a financial way and whose
110 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
influence was felt over all the county. The store of
Buster & Bryant was in a two-story building located
where the Jacobs bank stands, that of Mr. Rufus Gates
in the front part of a little two-roomed building where
Eastin's store is. These same rooms, but so very much
changed that they could never be recognized now from
the front part of the residence of W. M. Holland.
There were two saddle shops when the war began;
that of Newell Gates was located in the room just back
of his brother's little store, and that of Charley Beal &
T. E. Bell was on the north side, where the Mead building
is situated.
It seems that liquor flowed in Greenfield as freely as
water, for in 1861 there were five saloons and drinking
"*
places. Elilm Martin's saloon was in a small building
somewhere near the place where I. B. Tarr's warehouse
is. Mr. Bender, a well known doctor had a little drug
store where that of C. H. Bennett is now near this, per-
haps where the furniture store is was the drug store of
Xewt McCluer, one of the quite prominent men of the
town. John Baugh had a little saloon where you now see
the Dade County Bank. By this general survey around
the square one can imagine what great spaces were be-
tween some of the buildings. Now compare the business
portion of Greenfield of 1861 with that of today and what
a great difference is found.
The court house, the second constructed in our city,
vras a brick building about the size of the one we have
now,- and located in about the same place. David Eastin
was at that time county clerk, W. W. Holland, treasurer,
Arch Lonir, circuit clerk and recorder and Mr. Hastings,
sheriff.
The jail was a rude structure of logs two stories high,
the walls containing three thicknesses. The timbers of
the outer walls occupied a horizontal position while those
of the middle wall were perpendicular. In the lower story
the walls were 1 lined on the inside with oak lumber one
inch thick and into every square inch a ten-penny nail
was driven. This rough looking old building was, how-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 111
ever, about as safe for the keeping of prisoners as any
we have ever had. It was located in the hollow on the
east side of Greenfield and remained there until 1862 or
1863, when after the decree was issued that it was to be
used as a guard house some of the Union soldiers enraged
because they had been thrust into jail, burned it down
immediately after the order had been made.
In 1861 there was but one church in the city, the old
Presbyterian edifice which stood where the manse now
stands. Of all the number who were present at the dedi-
cation of this church, only one remains. P. L. Montgomery,
of this city. Some of the others are sleeping in the beauti-
ful cemetery in the eastern portion of the town, while
others lie in the War graveyard a mile from Greenfield.
Although the church was Presbyterian, it was used by all
denominations and it seems perfect peace reigned among
them. Rev. Fulton, the regular pastor of the church, was
much beloved by all who knew him.
The schools, at the beginning of the war were very
much inferior to those of the present day. A brick school
building had been begun by the Masonic lodge on the lot
where the school for the grades now stands, but unfortu-
nately had not been completed. The old white frame
building consisting of two rooms above and two rooms
below, had been moved back far enough to make room for
,the new building. School was taught in the old house
by Mr. Williams, until after the winter of 1861, when the
war rendered its continuance impossible. The school re-
sembled an academy somewhat, some of the higher branch-
es of study, such as Latin, Greek and mathematics, being
taught along with the common subjects. Here Mrs.
Shafer, widow of the late Judge Shafer, Mrs. Henry Mer-
rill and Mrs. Will Champlin spent their school days. Out
in the woods near the place where the mill pond in the
western part of Greenfield is found, there was also a little
district school taught by Mr. John Wilson. This was a
type of the real old-time "Deestrict Skule" upon which
so many modern entertainments have been based. Taking
the schools as a whole, they were exceedingly poor. Do
112 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
not some of the elders of Greenfield deserve praise for
having achieved so much?
The population of Greenfield in 1861 was about 300,
71 of whom were slaves. The negro, as usual, delighted
in having fine clothes and pretty ornaments. Mr. Newt
McCluer owned a slave, Reuben, who was especially noted
as a lover of fine dress. His master permitted him to hire
to other people when he was not needed at home and al-
lowed him to keep the money which he earned. Reub ac-
cumulated enough wealth to purchase a very costly watch
and chain, a gold-headed umbrella, broadcloth suit, stiff
hat, and fine shoes, so that he made a more stylish ap-
pearance than any other man in the town, black or white.
Reub one day did not anticipate a storm when he started
from home on the way to town, and did not take his um-
brella with him. Just as he was passing the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Mathias Allison (among the old settlers of
Greenfield and the grand-parents of Mason Talbutt) it
suddenly began to shower. Reub, dreading to get his hat
wet, took it off and put it under his coat, when Mr. Alli-
son exclaimed: "Why, Reub, don't you know you oughtn't
to let the rain pour down on your head that way? You
are liable to take cold and die." Reub, who could gen-
erally think of the right thing to say at the right time,
replied: "A man has a right to take care of his own
property. This head belongs to Mr. McCluer; this hat be-
longs to me."
Some of the negroes now residing in Greenfield who
were slaves prior to and during the war are: Lucy Rut-
ledge, Henry Griggs, Henry Stephenson, Bill Long, Manuel
and Ellen Dicus, and Aunt Lilah Hoyle.
When the war began several Union companies were
organixed in Dade County. Companies "A" and "D" of
the Sixth Missouri cavalry completed their organization
on July 4th, IHG'l. Clark Wright, who was the first captain
of Company "A," became colonel and T. A. Switzer cap-
tain. I. T. Sloan and John Scroggs of this city were mem-
bers of this company.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 113
Late in the spring or early in the summer of 1862, a
Union militia company was organized in Greenfield, and
on the day that the officers were elected and sworn into
the service by Enrolling Officer, John B. Clark of Dade-
ville, it was reported that a Confederate force under Joe
Shelly and John Coffee were advancing upon the town.
At this instant, the faithful enrolling officer, knowing that
he was the one most desired and likely to receive the
hardest treatment by the enemy, went +o the home of W.
K. Latham and asked the lady of the house to hide him.
This she did by putting him into a hole under the building-
through a trap in the floor, over which she quickly
spread a carpet. The enemy, who, however, proved not to
be Shelby and Coffee, rushed into the town and captured
all but a few of the new company, and searched in vain
for Capt. Clark. All of the captured ones were sworn not
to take up arms against the confederacy. Afterwards,
upon being exchanged, nearly all of them volunteered into
the U. S. service. Mr. N. S. McCluer in 1862 became the
first captain of Company "M," of the Eighth Missouri
cavalry; Alfred Kennedy, first lieutenant, and Mr. Mc-
Dowell, second. Mr. Raleigh J. Shipley was a member of
this company.
In 1863, Company "I" of the 18th Missouri cavalry
was organized with John Howard captain and W. K. Pyle
one of the lieutenants. Here Mason Talbutt and Abe Carr
served during the following two years as soldiers for the
Union.
In addition" to these companies all the other men of
Greenfield between the ages of 18 and 45 were compelled
to enroll in the home militia and were known as the "Home
Guard," but their work was very light and they were
never passed into actual service. Although most of the
men of the town sympathized with the north, there were a
few who believed in the cause of the Confedaracy; Lewis
Renfro of this city, John M. Stemmons and two of his
brothers, and Colonel Coffey (as has been noted) were
hearty supporters of the south.
114 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
One Sunday morning during the early part of the
war when 'Rev. Fulton was preaching, 60 or 70 unex-
pected guests arrived at the church. They rushed into the
room and the people were horror stricken. The weapons
which some of the congregation chanced to have were
taken, but nothing valuable as money or jewelry. The
bushwackers then forced all to take an oath that they
would not take up arms against the confederacy. The
sermon was not finished, as pastor and flock went straight
home as soon as they could get away.
The enemy then hurried to the store of R. S. Jacobs
and robbed it. A safe which contained something less
than a thousand dollars of the county money was blown
open and its contents taken. After the bushwhackers
thought they had damaged the town enough they departed,
perhaps to ravage some other unsuspecting and unguarded
village.
At most any time were such men lurking about in the
forests or hiding behind some old building ready to plunge
the fatal knife or fire the fatal shot into the bosom of some
innocent man, but to do so was considered no crime in
those cruel war times, and many foul murders went unpun-
ished. Another time during the early part of the war a
band of Guerrillas made a raid upon the town. The Union
State Militia and the Sixth regiment, under the leadership
of Major Wick Morgan, were at that time quartered in the
Shields hotel, and from the windows of the building the
bullets whizzed out through the air to the enemy, causing
one to meet death and the remainder to fall back. They
fled . southward and burned the houses of many Union
men on their way.
Probably one of the most well known raids through
Greenfield during the war -was that of October 6, 1863,
when the town was captured by Confederate troops under
command of Gen. Joe Shelby. It must have been pre-
viously known that the court house was to be destroyed
for Colonel Coffey, who, being a land owner, was probably
looking out for his own interests, had ordered the public
records to be carried out arid piled in one of the houses
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 115
nearby. When he himself arrived, the structure was one
great mass of flames, the like of which many in town had
never seen. When- the fire had abated, the soldiers de-
parted from this part of the country, leaving the little
county seat in a great uproar.
A second alarm, which served to increase the terror
of the people, spread over the town when during the
night after Shelby's raid news was received that Austin
King had taken possession of the town. But when the
second message was sent over the little city that King
was a Union leader who had come to defend the place, the
inhabitants once more were relieved. Guards were placed
in all the most important roads leading to the town and
again the county seat was at rest.
Although only a very small portion of the great civil
war took place in Greenfield, the people nevertheless suf-
fered at times exceedingly; Once in a 'while the wealthy
person could obtain from the town market no more than
he who didn't have a penny for there was absolutely noth-
ing to buy. At one time, the nearest market to Greenfield
was Osceola and it was even difficult to obtain provisions
there for the trip was a dangerous task on account of the
dreadful work of the bushwackers.
From the market of Springfield where things were
considered the cheapest, one could carry ten dollars worth
of sugar in one end of a common size meal sack and ten
dollars worth of coffee in the other. Corn bread, bacon,
hominy and game formed the -staple diet during the war
and often even they were considered a treat,
The many cruel depredations, the killing of individ-
uals and other atrocities committed around Greenfield dur-
ing the war period, and the hard times which all went
through, would furnish material sufficient to fill a volume.
Time, however, has served to mitigate these evil ef-
fects and those who oiice fought as enemies, divided by
bitter prejudice, have long since ceased to harbor illfeeling
and now work side by side, united in sentiment, with one
sincere ambition of promoting public good.
116 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
KINCHEON WEST.
In writing a history of a county and its people, living
and dead, good, bad and indifferent, it sometimes becomes
necessary to insert a page here and there which appears
upon its surface more or less dark and gloomy, and es-
pecially when the incidents relate to circumstances which
have their foundation in the days that tried the hearts
of strong men, and caused even the foundations of our
government to tremble.
With malice toward none and charity for all, I will
try to relate the story of "Kinch West" perhaps the most
notorious, intrepid and fearless man that ever lived in
Dade County.
His boyhood was similar to that of any other country
boy growing up in the environment of forest, field and
woodland, living very close to nature and enjoying a free-
dom wiiich comes only from the hills. Like the Shepherd
Boy of old who came from the Judaeian hills to the court
of a king and afterward became a famous warrior, the
life of Kinch West was transformed in a single day from
that of a quiet, unassuming country boy to an armed des-
perado by the enactment of a tragedy which would seem
impossible in a civilized community.
On the 5th day of April, 1863. a company of men
whose identity is unknown to the writer of this article,
visited the home of Billy West, the father of Kinch West,
about eight miles east of Greenfield, killed the father,
burned the house and contents, and presumably the same
parties a few days later killed two of his infan; sons,
about the age of ten or twelve years, respectively. Billy
West had sons in the Confederate army. Kinch being one
of them, and this fact is supposed to bo the cause of the
tragedy.
When this appal'ing news reached the ears of Kinch,
IK- became so enraged that he immediately resigm-d his
j-osition in the Confederate anr.y, came back to th" vicin-
ity of his old home and organized an independent hand to
\ isit ven^enee upon the he-ids of the perpetrators ( f this
vile deed.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 117
Kinch and his followers claimed to know the names of
<he guilty parties, but the concensus of opinion at that
rime was that his evidence rested largely in suspicion.
His anger and wrath was fanned into a fierce flp.me by
i eason of the exingencies of the war and the peril of the
limes. As soon as his band was organized they coraenced
a merciless warfare against the supposed guilty parties,
<md extended it to every party that interfered or m any
way opposed his plans. Houses were burned, live ; , were
taken, property destroyed and a perfect reign of terror
existed in the community. Doubtless many deeds were
done and crimes committed which were laid at the door of
Kinch West ; of which he was innocent, but his name
was a terror and h'.s threats a thorn iu the flesh to ail who
opposed him in the tloody warfare upon his enemies.
His company was an independent one and uncon-
nected in anyway > iT Jth the Southern Confederacy although
made up of southern sympathizers and ex-Confederate
soldiers. They alone were responsible for the enormity
of their deeds.
Kinch West never returned to Dade County after the
war. The West family was one of the oldest and most re-
spected in the county and were early pioneers. Many of
his relatives now residing in the county are among our
very best people.
o
CONCERNING THE PRESENT COURT HOUSE.
In a copy of the Vedette, in June, 1868, while the
present court house was in the course of construction, had
the following, on its local page:
"The new court house and jail is advancing all right.
W. L. Scroggs, superintendent of public buildings, today
filed in the office of the Clerk of the County Court, his
report stating that he has examined the material of the
bricks for the new court house and jail and pronounces
them of good material and well burned, and receives them
as made according to contract.
F. M. Wilson, the contractor, now wants, the third in-
stallment, $2,000 which is now due according to contract,
118 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and the presiding justice will have to call a special term
therefor, or the work will stop, until the same is paid."
The jail spoken of in this clipping was in the south-
west corner of the present court house, the space now
used by the circuit clerk. The old jail was abandoned
some fifteen years ago at the time the new one was com-
pleted. The new jail stands a little to the east of the
southest corner of the public square. At some seasons of
the year the old jail held open doors for weeks at a time.
APPEARANCE OF EARLY NEWSPAPERS.
by
Aaron D. States.
In looking over the files of the Greenfield "Vedr-tte"
from its inception in August, 18G6, to the early and middle
seventies, it is found that this publication was sure abreast
with the times in which it was published. It was ably
edited by Origgs and Talbutt, also by Talbutt and Barker,
and when the late Charles W. Griffith took the ownership
in the early part of the seventies, it appears that he put
forth his best effort in giving the people a good local news-
paper. He believed in the editorial page and he devoted
the best of his energies in discussing local, state and na-
tional interests.
A little over a quarter of a century ago the Griffith
home in Greenfield was destroyed by fire. The old files of
the "Vedette" were consumed in the flames. But few
copies of the early issues are extant. Fortunately while
cleaning the old vaults at the court house in recent weeks
a bundle of these old papers was found that had been placed
on file in the office of the County Clerk. An early copy of
the Dade County Advocate, Vol. 1, No. 28, was found at
this time. Attorney Vohiey Moon was then the editor and
publisher. He was a Greenfield attorney and is well re-
membered by the older class of citizens. This was in 1875.
The initial number of the Advocate presents a very cred-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 119
liable appearance, but it remained for the present owner
and publisher, William R. Bowles, to make it the paper its
mission required. For many years Mr. Bowles has had
charge of this paper, and it is truly one of the best and
ablest Democratic newspapers in Missouri, published in
the country districts. Mr. Bowles is an educated man and
he loves the Advocate. See article on Greenfield newspa-
pers from their inception on another page. It is mighty
interesting history to Dade County people.
Chapter 6
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN PIONEERS.
by
W. E. Shaw.
The early history of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church in Dade County is shrouded more or less in tra-
dition, but there are a few well-established facts which I
desire to submit to the Dade County History.
Among 1 the early ministers of this church I will men-
tion Rev. A. A. Young-, who visited Dade County and later
settled in Lawrence County on Honey creek about eight
miles northwest of Aurora. Rev. J. D. Montgomery and
Rev. TV. J. Garrett both settled in Dade County. Rev. Gar-
rett in Greenfield and Rev. Montgomery on a farm four
miles northeast of Greenfield now owned by the Scott fam-
ily. Rev. James Tucker was also among the very early
preachers of the state to settle in this county. He settled
on the farm now owned by John Stockton near the Ed Dicus
farm northeast of Greenfield. He was the father of Mrs.
Scott, who lived and died on the Emerson Scott farm. She
was 9(5 years old at the time of her death, and the mother
of James, Hambleton, Ab. Perry, Price and Emerson Scott
and Mrs. Narcissus Winkle.
John Bell and Garnett Davenport came to the county
just before the war. ,
SOUTH GREENFIELD CAMP GROUND.
by
W. E. Shaw.
The South Greenfield Camp Ground was located before
the Civil War. The ground was donated by Jacob Cox,
father of our lamented Sam Cox. The ten acres where the
Camp Ground is no\v located was set apart by the donor
for a perpetual camp ground for the use of the South Meth-
EDGAR P. MANN.
GREENFIELD CHURCHES.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 121
odist Church. The meetings that were held before the war
differed from those of later date. Instead of tents, the
campers built camps made of small logs. Those camps were
built around the shed on the four sides, each camp owned
by some liberal person who expected to bear his or her
part of the expense of feeding the great multitudes of peo-
ple who attended. For people went a long distance to
attend those annual gatherings. The camps were usually
double, with a space between. The rooms were usually
about 12 or 14 feet square, one room set apart for ladies
and the other for gentlemen ; the space between was for
social use, where people would find shade and shelter during
the time between services. The campers erected cook sheds
and long tables, where free-for-all meals were served ex-
cept for those who preferred to go in the covered wagons,
prepared to take care of themselves. Pastures were pro-
vided by the liberal farmers for the horses and oxen, that
were used for the conveyance of all the people.
The services usually commenced on Thursday night
and continued until about mid-week, making the series
about a week long. The preaching and singing was ol the
old-rime type, and religious awakenings usually followed
from the first service. Among the ministers was the well-
remembered James McGehee, a man of great power and a
s \veet singer in Israel. I remember but few of his co-labor-
ers ; will mention only Rev. Joe Davidson, another conse
crated, faithful servant of the Lord. Ministers of other
churches were also faithful helpers. Rev. J. D. Montgomery
was among the early day assistants. Those meetings al-
ways resulted in great good, and all the churches usually
received a part of the converts, as everything connected with
those meetings was in perfect union and God honored and
blessed them all. It was long after the close of the war
before the fires were rekindled on those sacred grounds.
During those days the railroad was built and South Green-
field was located. I think it was about the year 1880 that
the grounds were once more cleared of briars and rubbish
and the meetings re-established, continuing for only a few
122 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
years, during which time the South Methodist erected a
neat church just north of the shed, where they worshiped
until the congregation constructed and carried out their
plan of moving their House of Worship to the new town,
now South Greenfield. Soon after the erection of the church
on the camp ground, there was a Cumberland Presbyterian
church organized by Rev. "VV. E. Shaw, consisting of thirteen
members, known as the South Greenfield congregation of
Ozark Presbytery. The new organization was heartily wel-
come to use of the house, where they worshiped with per-
fect unity, and both churches prospered and worked to-
gether until the time when the South Methodists were ready
to move their house, when the ten-acre piece of land that
constituted the camp ground was sold to the Cumberland
Presbyterian. The congregation that then worshiped there
now own and worship in a house built soon after, on or near
the spot from which the other house stood. Soon after the
transfer of the property the new owners set about re-estab-
lishing the camp meetings. Rev. "VV. E. Shaw preached for
this new Cumberland Presbyterian church for three years,
with a degree of success, after which Rev. J. F. Daughtrey
and Rev. George Harbor were pastors. Under their labor
the church became so much strengthened and encouraged
that they reorganized the camp meetings under the present
plan of renting tents and buildings, a restaurant, and set-
ting a time limit of 10 days for said meetings. I failed to
remember now which of those brethren, Dauglitrey or Har-
bor, was first after myself to take charge of the church, but
the Lord blessed and prospered the work, and soon the en-
campment became a great annual gathering where a threat
deal of good was accomplished, when the question of fra-
ternity and union with the Presbyterian church was ac-
complished in 11)0(5, the programs having already been made.
The divided parties went forward, and the encampment
was for that year under the direction of the union element,
but the ownership of the property was legally in the hands
of the Cumberland Presbyterians, who submitted to the
tamp meeting plan already made, Rev. George Harbor
being Superintendent in the year 1907. The Cumberland
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 123
Presbyterians claimed their right and took possession of
the grounds. Sam W. Cox, the leading member and elder,
having wisely made the conditions of the purchase, making
each donor a granloi and beneficiary to the pi'operty, to
hold in trust for their own use as a place of worship. Since
taking hold of the grounds, the management has continued
each year to go forward with perfect unity, guaranteeing
to all people protection, and great gatherings have annual-
ly met and worshiped God, and great and lasting u'ood lias
been the result. The large crowds of people have been
estimated at from five to eight thousand on the Sabbaths
and most popular days. May the Lord continue the great
work.
o
HISTORY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH IN GREENFIELD, MISSOURI.
by
Mabelle Robinson.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Greenfield,
Mo., was organized in the year 1839 by Rev. J. D. Mont-
gomery.
Tt was early in the year 1855 that that great man, Rev.
W. J. Garrett, came to make his home in the little town of
Greenfield, where his memory will ever be loved and held
sacred in the hearts of her citizens. Here it was he started
a boarding school which resulted in Ozark College and
finally in the High School of today.
But while the people were prospering in many ways,
they were in one sense very poor, for they had forgotten
the promise in that great Book which says, "Seek ye first
the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things (earthly comforts) shall be added unto you." How-
ever, it was not the will of God that the Evil One should
have so much influence in this locality, so Rev. Garrett was
sent to preach to them the "Whosoever will Gospel" loved
so much by every true Cumberland Presbyterian.
124 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Rev. Garrett for some time preached in the court
house, but at last a house was furnished where the present
Presbyterian Church stands. Here they worshiped for
about eight years. They finally decided with the help of
God to build a new church and sold the old building to the
Presbyterians.
Rev. Garrett, Dr. Bowles, Eliot Young and Peter Van
Osdell were a few of the leaders who helped to push this
enterprise to a complete and victorious ending. To get the
lumber to build this church much donation work was done,
the logs were cut and brought to town from the great forest
which then stood just north of town.
It was in September, 1868, that the new temple was
ready to be dedicated to the full service of our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ. Rev. J. N. Edmiston and P. J. Reed
conducted the Dedicatory Services. A revival had been
going on for some weeks in a brush harbor just north of
town. This was moved into the new church directly after
completion. The power of God seemed to fill the congre-
gation at every meeting. The Christians were comforted
and filled with a great joy, while the sinners fell down and
wept bitterly. In this revival, which lasted several weeks,
many, many precious souls were brought to feel the pardon-
ing love of our Heavenly Father.
There were now one hundred members enrolled. The
following are some of the early preachers : Rev. Garrett,
who preached about thirty years ; Rev. B. F. Logan, ten
years ; Rev. Dunlap, Rev. Brown and Rev. R. L. Venice,
four years. The first year Rev. Venice was pastor, he held
revivals within which about seventy professed. Most of
these were young men from the college, who afterward
united with the church. Following Rev. Venice was Rev.
J. P. Campbell, who preached two years; Rev. George Har-
bor, one year; Rev. Lowe, six months; Rev. Cheek, one
year; Rev. Fly, eighteen months, and Rev. Pitts, a few
months.
Presbytery has been entertained here quite frequently
and the Synod of Missouri once, about thirty-three years
ago.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 125
Our present pastor, Rev. W. E. Shaw, was ordained in
the old church in October, 1884. Rev. J. F. Daughtrey
preached one year, beginning in 1893. There were about
twenty conversions recorded in this year.
Rev. Johnston was pastor when the union question
came up. He went union and preached at the present Pres-
byterian Church until his death. The Unionists not only
took many members with them, but they also took the par-
sonage, which was then worth about $800.
When the few true members that remained had some-
what recovered from the shock which this calamity had
laid upon them, they found that they were about fifteen
strong, for "as with Gideon's army, God can accomplish
much with little."
It is here that much praise should be given to Rev. R.
S. Ramsey and Rev. J. F. Daughtrey, who came to the res-
cue of the little congregation in Greenfield. They stood
firmly for the Cumberland Presbyterian cause, and used
all their influence to hold the church together until Rev.
W. E. Shaw could be employed as pastor at the fall meet-
ing of Presbytery.
Rev. Shaw took up the shattered work beginning in
August, 1906, and ending the middle of the year 1908. Rev.
Carr then took up the work for two years, or until Rev.
Shaw could come back to carry on the work up to the pres-
ent time. In the revival which Brother Shaw held in 1907
nearly all the young people were converted, who are mem-
bers of the church today.
In the spring of 1913 the two churches, the Presby-
terians and Cumberland Presbyterians, compromised, the
Presbyterians getting $1,000 and the Cumberlaiicls getting
the old church and grounds.
The church has just now come through another great
struggle, that of building the present new brick church.
Rev. Shaw, with his little handful of workers, not only
worked for this, but they also prayed much to Him who
knows no such a thing as failure. The new church was
126 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
dedicated free of debt May 23, 1915, by Rev. J. E. Cortner,
pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Marsh-
field, Mo.
"With the dedication of the church, a new era is upon
us, with new duties, new conflicts, new trials and new oppor-
tunities ; start on the new journey with Jesus Christ, to
walk with Him, to work for Him, and to win souls to him.
Know "that if God shuts us in at one door, it is only to
bring us out at another." The fact that the church in
Greenfield is still alive and prospering is a sure proof that
God has some work awaiting it.
o
OBITUARY OF REV. WILLIAM RAMSEY
BENNINGTON.
Died, at his residence in Greenfield, on Tuesday, the
8th day of February, 1876, of acute tuberculosis, Rev. "Wil-
liam Ramsey Bennington, in the fifty-third yea" of his age.
The subject of the above notice was well and favorably
known to most every citizen of Dade County. During a
residence of nearly ten years here he had endeared himself
to almost every person with whom he came in contact.
William Ramsey Bennington was born in Adams
County, Ohio, on the loth day of December, in the year
1824.
He became a Christian at an ^nrly age, and had
preached the gospel for more than twenty years. At the
time of his death he was an industrious teacher in the Cum-
berland Presbyterian Church. In this cause lie was ear-
nest, fervent and devoted, doing more than his failing
physical powers would justify. Among his last requests
was this: "That the ministers should teach more indus-
triously if possible." Many will long remember him as
one who was always ready to give religious instruction and
to preach the gospel of salvation to his fellow men.
lie was married to Priscilla Wall on the 4th of Sep-
tember, 1S42, near Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. They had
eight children, six of whom are living, five daughters in this
county, and a son living in Joplin.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 127
He removed from Ohio to Knox County, Missouri, and
settled at Edina in 1855, where he published a paper called
the Knox County Argus, for a short time, taught in the
high school in the town eight years, and was elected Super-
intendent of public schools three terms.
At the breaking out of the late Civil War he was a
strong Union man, and enlisted in the army and served
over three years. He saw much hard service under Gen-
erals Grant and Sherman during the western campaigns.
He received several severe wounds, the effects of which
hastened his death. He came out of the army like many
other gallant, patriotic, honest soldiers, broken in health
and fortune. He brought his family and settled in Dado
County in the year 1866, where he had been engaged in
teaching school and preaching the gospel until shortly be-
fore his death, when he was compelled to give up his labors
from the effects of the disease which had been preying upon
him for some six or seven weeks before.
He was the County School Commissioner at the time
of his demise, and by his loss the schools of the county
are deprived of an earnest, faithful and efficient laborer in
the cause of education.
Mr. Bennington was possessed of a very liberal edu-
cation, and had done much to advance the public schools
of our county.
He was a member of the Masonic bodies of Greenfield,
and requested to be buried according to the rites of the
order. In his death the lodges lose a good man. This com-
munity is deprived of a valuable citizen, the churches of
an earnest and faithful teacher, and his family of a kind
and indulgent husband and parent.
In these times of selfish greed and unprincipled rush
to acquire wealth, it does the soul good to contemplate the
character of one so pure and disinterested as was that of the
deceased. And dying in the triumphant hope of life eternal,
he thought to exhort his ministerial brethren to more ear-
nest work, to ask his friends and relatives to live so as to
meet him in that land from whose bourn no traveler returns.
128 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
And as his life was an example of how a Christian should
live, so was his death a shining example of how a Christian
should die.
The Burial of Professor Bennington. Professor Ben-
nington was buried by the Masonic bodies of Greenfield.
There were a very large number of Masons present, and
the Knights Templar turned out in uniform. The proces-
sion repaired to the late residence of the deceased and es-
corted the body to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
where Rev. Mr. Garrett preached the funeral discourse. The
church was jammed full of the school children and citizens
from all parts of the county, and fully one-half could not
even find standing room inside. After the funeral discourse
the procession repaired to the cemetery, where the body
was deposited according to the rites of Masonry. After
returning to the lodge appropriate resolutions were adopt-
ed, a copy of which are given below.
At a meeting of Washington Lodge No. 87, A. F. & A.
M., Thursday, Feb. 1.0th, 1876, the following preamble and
resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Architect of the
Universe to remove from our midst to that undiscovered
country from whose bourn no traveler returns, our beloved
brother, William R. Bennington; therefore, be it
Itcsolve.d, That in the death of our brother the com-
munity has sustained the loss of an honorable, upright and
exemplary citizen, the church has been deprived of a pillar
and ornament, the cause of education an intelligent, ener-
getic and zealous worker, the fraternity an esteemed and
dearly beloved brother, whose example has ever guided in
the paths of virtue and truth. Be it further
Hcxolrcd, That we tender to his bereaved family our
sincere condolence in this, their hour of great tribulation,
and accord to them our heart-felt sympathies, as a token of
respect to the memory of our deceased brother, that the
lodge and jewels be draped in mourning, and that we wear
the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Be it further
.1. ( . snoi si; AND i) \i (;n i i;i:.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 129
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the
records, and a copy duly certified under the seal of the
Lodge be furnished the family of our deceased brother.
V. MOON,
JOHN D. PARKINSON,
JOHN A. READY,
Committee.
EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
This church, the oldest of its denomination in South-
west Missouri, was organized June 4, 1842, with twenty-
eight members. When the Rev. J. W. Bell, who presided
at the organization, asked the members what name they
desired to call their church, John M. Rankin arose and in
a voice trembling with emotion said, "Let it be Ebenezer,
for hitherto the Lord hath helped us." The church then
belonged to what was known as the old school branch of
the Presbyterian family.
The charter members were John and Polly Rankin,
Margaret Rankin, Nathan Wilkerson and Nathan Wilker-
son, Sr., Rebecca Wilkerson, Jane Wilkerson, Nancy Morris,
John Tarbot, Mary Tarbot, Jacob Montgomery, Rachel
Montgomery, Anna Montgomery, Nancy S. Davidson, W.
W. Rankin, Margaret Oerdner, James Sharp, Alfred Cow-
an, Hannah, a negro slave, Mary Weir, Betsy Wilkerson,
Sarah Wilkerson, Nancy Bokers, Thomas Ross, Sarah C.
Ross, Margaret "Rutdledge and George Rutdledge. The
first families composing the membership were mostly from
Virginia and Tennessee.
The first elders were Nathan Wilkerson, Sr., Jacob
Montgomery and John M. Rankin. The church was without
a pastor the first two years of its existence, and the elders
exercised care over the congregation, maintaining regular
services.
The first minister to take charge of the church was
Valentine Pentzer, \vho came in 1844 and remained three
130 HiSTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
years. He was also employed as principal of the Green-
field Academy, one of the oldest schools in the entire coun-
try for higher education. He was a charter member of
the Washington Masonic lodge at Greenfield. On leaving
here he went to Illionis, where he died in 1849 at the early
age of thirty-eight years. Mr. Pentzer was a very able
man, a good sermonizer, a splendid teacher, and he did
much for the cause of education while here.
Mr. Pentzer 's successor was the late Rev. John Mc-
Farland, a man of deep piety and sterling worth, who came
to the church in 1848 and remained its pastor until 1860.
Mr. McFarland had a great influence in moulding early
Presbyterianism in the entire Southwest, and there are
many still living who delight to speak of the man and his
work to this day. During his ministry the first house of
worship was erected in 1854. It was built of brick and it
stood on the same lot the present building stands, but it was
back farther from the street. The erection of the first-
church building was made possible by the generous gift
of $600 from Elder James M. Mitchell. Another liberal
giver was ''Aunt Hannah" Cowen, an old slave. The pio-
neers were mostly poor and there seems to have been a
scarcity of money at that time. Hearing the solicitor of
the building fund speak to her master of the difficulty in
raising money, "Aunt Hannah" walked into the room with
a half dollar in her hand, which she had saved from her
scanty wage, and handing it to the solicitor, she said, "Will
this buy a brick?"
Mary McFarland, the minister's gifted and devoted
wife, was an important active factor in the work of this
period. She was not only interested in the work of the local
church, but in the wider field of missions, and she was one
of the first advocates of the Woman's Presbyterian Mission-
ary Society. She was educated at the famous school of
Mary Lyon, Holyoke, Mass. When Mr. McFarland retired
from the pastorate of the Ebenezer church, a little log school
house was built on their farm, two miles north of Green-
field. This school was sometimes called Brush College.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 131
It is said it was the only school in the Southwest that sur-
vived the Civil War. When some of the soldiers who have
been her students at the beginning of the war returned to
their homes, they went back to Mrs. McFarland's school.
It is said they found being spelled down by the smaller
students was about as disagreeable a sensation as being
shot down by the enemy. Thomas A. Miller, now mayor
of Aurora, was a one-time student at Brush College. Both
Mr. and Mrs. McFarland are buried in the Weir cemetery,
near the home in which they lived for thirty-seven years.
These most excellent people, people of culture, true relig-
ion and patriotic service, will never be forgotten by the
people whom they served. Mrs. McFarland was loved by
young and old alike, everybody delighted in her companion-
ship, everybody held her in the very highest esteem. She
was one of the sweetest mothers of Israel.
The Rev. W. R. Fulton was a third pastor of this
church. His pastorate was the longest in its history, ex-
tending from 1861 to 1878. Under his faithful ministry,
the church survived the ravages of the Civil War better
than any other Presbyterian Church in the entire area of
South Missouri. In 1866 this church had forty members
and it was the strongest church in the Presbytery in this
section of the State. The old Fulton home is still standing.
It has been remodeled and repaired, yet it is where the Ful-
tons lived, and in that house Elizabeth Parkinson, the
noted singer, was born. That home is now owned and occu-
pied by Wood Edwards and family.
The Rev. George H. Williamson was pastor of this
church from 1882 to 1885. During this period of pastorate
the main building of the present edifice was constructed
under his charge. Mr. Williamson is well known in nearly
every section of the Southwest. He is a strong, forceful
pulpit man, and during his real working days he never
knew when to stop. He had built many monuments to his
memory in the Southwest.
One reason this church has become so well established
is that it has had several long pastorates. One of these
132 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
was that of John R. Gass, who was with the church from
1891 to 1898, seven years. On account of Mrs. Gass's health
he resigned and went to New Mexico for a change of cli-
mate. He is now Synodical Superintendent of Missions for
that State. Mr. Gass is one of the deepest and most pro-
found thinkers in his church, and his sermons and lectures
are gems of rich thought supported by a devotion to truth
and a desire to reach the highest ideals. His character is
strong, his knowledge of matters and things keen, and ever
ready for use. He is devout, sincere just all man.
Other ministers who have been with this church for
over a year are Benjamin F. Powellson, 1879 to 1882;
Willis G. Banker, 1887 to 1890; William G. Moore, a most
excellent and devoted man, 1889 to 1902; Rev. J. E. John-
son, 1905 to 1909. The latter took charge of the joint con-
gregations of the Ebenezer and Cumberland Presbyterian
churcnes, a relation that was terminated by his death. The
present pastor, Rev. Edmund S. Brownlee, has been in the
field since the first of September, 1909. Mr. Brownlee is a
man of strong character and fitness for all his work. He is
a man who knows how to meet other men and to give each
man that which is justly due him; he is a great strength to
his church and a strong, active citizen. Since its organiza-
tion, the church has given eight of its sons to the ministry.
W. M. Mitchell, S. W. Mitchell, J. N. Rankin, Joseph W.
Scroggs, L. M. Scroggs, W. A. McMinn, Joseph Johnson
and Samuel F. Wilson.
In this historic church the Presbytery of Ozark and the
Women's Presbyterial Society have had their birth, the
former September 29, 1870, the latter 1876. Here, too, at
the reunion of the Presbyterian and Cumberland Presby-
terian churches, the new Presbytery of Ozark was organized
June 18, 1907.
GREENFIELD CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
In the beginning of the eighties, Elder Morgan Mor-
gans, an evangelist of the Christian Church, came to Green-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 133
field and hold a religious debate with Rev. George W. Brown
of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith. The debate was held
in the Cook Pool Hall, and some of the preaching was held
there, too. The Presbyterian people tendered their church
to the new faith members, for a part of the time.
Elder Morgans was considered one of the strong men
of the ministry in his day, and he was a very forceful speak-
er There were but few people in Greenfield and adjacent
country at that time who were of that faith, and religious
prejudice was rife. The organization of the church was
completed on January 1st, 1882. It was perfected by the
late Elder AY. B. Cochran, who did much evangelistic work
in this section prior to and after the organization was com-
pleted. Elder Cochran deserves much credit for what he
accomplished during the early years of the church in this
section of Missouri. His effective work at Greenfield, Cave
Spring and Dadeville will live with time.
The present church building was erected in 1884. Too
much credit cannot be given to William Mayes, who at that
time was one of the most active and effectual workers for
the church. His ability to advise ways and means, and his
ability to raise funds, enabled the young congregation to
accomplish much. He is still living. He lives at the home
of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Lawrence, at Sarcoxie. Though
pretty feeble, he still retains a good memory, and he de-
lights in the fact that he had an integral part in the early
history of the church in Greenfield. The late Joel T. Hem-
bree, Sarah J. Hembree, his wife, J. F. Ackers and wife,
J. K. Grider, Lovis Depee and wife, Mrs. Mary Pyle, Miss
Syra Pyle, Mary E. Bailey, E. D. Hamner, AY'. T/Hamner
and Mrs. N. X. Higgins were the charter members.
The memory of the Hamners still lingers in the minds
of all who were connected with the church up to the time
of their death. Air. Hamner was a long-time elder in this
congregation and he was a great, good and grand old man.
Mother Hamner was considered one of the noble women of
the community. Her memory will never wane in this con-
gregation of the church. They are now sleeping in the
134 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
silent, yet talkative, city a few paces to the east of the
church they helped to found and the church they loved.
Their son, Prof. Thomas Hamner, a bright educator and
one of the strongest in character the town ever produced /
sleeps beside his parents. His death occurred only recently,
in another country, and his body was brought here for
burial. The life of Prof. Thomas Hamner w r as one of true
devotion to principle and to high ideals. His educational
worth, both in Greenfield and in Texas, as well as in other
districts, will stand for a long time as a monument to his
splendid abilities.
It was expedient for the young congregation to send
for Morgan Morgans to dedicate their new church building.
It was dedicated in June, 1884. That was a great day for
the now church, which, at that time, had a promising future.
It has passed through many changes, yet it has become
stronger and better each year. On April 1st, 1891, the edi-
tor of this history was called to this church, from his home
at Fort Scott, Kansas, to hold a short meeting. The meet-
ing began that night and continued three weeks, resulting
in several additions to the church. The next year Mr. States
was called to the pastorate, to hold the place until a suitable
pastor could be obtained. During that year many more took
membership with the congregation. He was followed by
Elder McQueary, a very able man, a man who thoroughly
understood the plea of the church, and he did a great deal
of good. lie was followed by Elder Adcock, who held the
place a little over a year. After him came Elders McLaugh-
lin, George Williams and Cochran. The present pastor is
Rev. E. (). Sweaney. He is a capable minister, strong in-
tellectually, broad in scope and true at heart. The church
never had a better young minister than Rev. E. O. Sweaney.
Elder Warren was the pastor during the first year of
the ninties. His work was very effectual for good. His
congregations were always large. The people love to hear
him. Then there was Rev. Sam I. Smith, perhaps the most
brilliant young minister who ever delighted a Greenfield
audience. He did a good work. The very first ministers
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 135
were N. R. Davis, T. E. Shepherd and J. C. Davis. Elder
Cochran was called the second time during 1 the early his-
tory of the congregation.
This church has been unfortunate in not having very
Jong pastorates. It is a conceded fact that where there are
long pastorates more and greater good can be accomplished,
but the church is gradually growing up to that standard of
churches that recognize merit, and is willing to sacrifice,
if necessary, to support the church in all of its work. The
present membership is one hundred thirty-three. The pres-
ent Board of Elders and Deacons is as follows :
Elders I. J. Martin, J. C. Shouse, A. 0. Litchfield, J.
H. Bell.
Deacons Prof. E. H. Ca render, P. R. Montgomery,
Tim Gillaspie, Clyde Hartfield, Don LaFoon, Giles Holman,
Linville Higgins, M. C. Ritchey.
DADEVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
The first congregation of the church in the Dadeville
district was at what is still known as Pisgah. There is an
old cemetery near where the old church stood, in which rest
many of the first settlers of Dade County. Some of the
headstones are dim with age. The second congregation
was at Cave Springs.
The oldest Christian Church is the one at Dadeville.
It was organized in 1839, three years before there was a
Dade County. James Hembree and wife, and Xancy Ilem-
bree, were among the charter members. Matilda Hembree
was also one of the first members. The congregation was
organized by Elder Hazelton, an old-fashioned, old-time
minister, who sowed seed that is still bearing fruit.
The new membership did not believe in any kind of a
musical instrument in the house of worship, and no instru-
ment was allowed in that building, or in the building suc-
ceeding the first one, until recent years, when many of the
136 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
younger portion of the church sought to be a little more
modern. The organ is now used in both church and Sun-
day School services. This church, desoite its various strug-
gles, has accomplished much good. One of the chief char-
acteristics connected with this church was a strong desire
for public debate. Many of the strongest intellects in the
church have met the strong of other churches in debate at
Dadeville. The early fathers of that congregation believed
strongly that the best way to get the plea of their church
before the people was through the channels of controversy.
That idea is still manifest among many of the present mem-
bership.
There is no question but what these friendly conten-
tions accomplished much in those early days in the forma-
tion of the various congregations of this church in Dade
County, and, at one time, no congregation of this church
thought a minister really orthodox unless he was ready to
affirm or deny at any moment, and unless he was willing
to meet a minister of another church in public convention.
Happily that age is fast passing, and ere long the matter
of religious debate will only be a matter of history.
This old mother church has had some of the best min-
isterial talent the church could supply. Many of the old
fathers have stood in that pulpit and proclaimed the gos-
pel of truth. It has been a power for good in all relation-
ships that have entered into the religious and social makeup
of the community.
After the year 185,3 the congregation at Dadeville de-
cided to build a house of worship. It was a frame struc-
ture. In I860 they built a log meeting house at Cave
Springs, and in 188G they built the present structure, in
which they have worshiped all these years. The present
pastor is J. R. Crank. The early pastors of the church
were Hlders llazelton, Mcl>ride, Harlam, Mulkey, Xathanial
Fisk, \V. P>. Coehran, Davis and Randall.
OTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCHESTHE CHURCH AT
ANTIOCH.
The next oldest church of this faith in Dade County is
over at Antioch. It was organized on the second Lord's
iti:x. \\ . i-:. snxxx,
I.XTHKK AND MOT HI K.
BRIG. GEX. LEAVIS RKXFRO, U. ( . V.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 137
day in May, 1884, and has never closed its doors from the
first opening until now, except, perhaps, a few times during
the Civil War.
The first meeting house was constructed out of logs,
and it had a huge fireplace on one side of the room that
gave it the necessary heat in winter for the comfort of the
people. Elder Harland Mulkey was one of the pioneer min-
isters of this congregation. He was a most lovable disciple
of the Christian faith. His voice was one of the sweetest
ever heard in song, and his life was filled with precious
acts and noble deeds. Elder Allen Scott was another pio-
neer minister, and there are a few still living in that vicin-
ity who remember his good work and his splendid charac-
ter. Elder Willis was also one of their early ministers.
In this community is where the Stampers, Saters, the Wil-
lises, the Gambles, the Mallorys and the Funks lived. All
these families have much to do in the making of the early
history of that portion of Dacle County.
Uncle Bud Scott, the man whose death, a little over
a year ago, was mourned by all the people, was a member
of this congregation. He was a great good man. The
Greenfield Advocate published an extended account of his
life history, a few weeks before his death. The Antioch
church has been a builder of history. In a very early day,
about the time of the inception of the church, the Antioch
people decided that they would hold a home coming meet-
ing during the month of August of every year. This
they did until recent years, and, it wa c ; very much re-
gretted when the church decided to discontinue these an-
nual functions. Their yearly affairs used to bring people
from other states and the people of the entire southern
part of Dade and the northern part of Lawrence, counties,
attended to almost the entire of the population. Usually a
good and efficient minister was employed to conduct these
services. A huge brush shed was built near the church
building in which the daily meetings were held. Every
member and citizen of that entire country would bring- a
basket well filled at every session during the week. They,
indeed, observed a real feast, hungry for something to
138 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
oat, and hungry for the preaching and practice of the
Gospel. After the old log meeting house there came a
very commodious frame church building a little after the
Civil War, which stood until recent years, when it was
remodeled and improved, making it one of the most sightly
and most modern country buildings in all the country.
This church was also rather opposed to any sort of mus-
ical instrument for a great number of years, but, at the
present time they have an organ in their church and it is
used at every service. The late (Uncle) Charlie Sater, and
Perry Karris deserve a special mtnt : on in connection with
the Antioch Church. The former was always ready to lend
a hand and the latter took great Interest in the music.
His family were nearly all musicians. The widow still
lives in Greenfield.
Woodward was one of the sweet singers of Israel and
he took great interest in the yearly meetings. One of the
sweetest singers ever heard, one whose voice was full of
sweet melody without a single discord, was the late David
D. Pottenger of Ash Grove. He often went to Antioch and
lead the song service. He was known all over the south-
west as the leader of song, and though dead for many
years, still lives in the memories of hundreds of people.
Antioch Church Record. Mrs. Tosie Scott at Penns-
boro found an old Antioch Church record which she
loaned to the editor of this history from which we quote:
"A list of the membership names of the people, who
comprise the membership of the Church of Christ at
Antioch Meeting House, Dade County, Missouri. This
church was organized the second Lord's Day in May, 1884.
(iiven under my hand and seal this, the 7th day of Novem-
ber, 1868.
R.T.WILLIS, Elder."
This congregation proceeded a< once to build a church
house, tlu- day it was organized and the church appointed
Charles Cox and John Adams to receive and hold the deed
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 139
to ono acre of ground where the church now stands.
These commissioners having removed from the vicinity of
the church John Gamble and Charles Sater were appointed
successors of Cox and Adams.
Signed, R. T. WILLIS, Elder.
During the late war the original membership list was
partly destroyed and a complete roll of membership from
the beginning until the present is not obtainable. The
record was the property of the late Uncle Bud Scott, one
of the early members, and it was found in his belongings
soon after his death a year ago. Elder Willis was one of
the first pastors of this congregation.
The Church at Arcola. The late Rev. AY B. Cochran
organized a church at Arcola or, January 1, 1882. S. H.
Bales and wife, AY. P. AYhitley and wife, William Lewis
and wife, Ebev E. White and wife were listed among the
first members. The late John G. Sloan was an early mem-
ber of this congregation as was his wife. Mrs. Bales is
now a member of the Greenfield congregation.
The present church building was erected and dedi-
cated during the year of 1885 Rev. W. B. Cochran
preached the dedication sermon. Some of the early min-
isters: Elder W H. Watson, who now lives at Everton;
Elder John AY. Randall, one of the true saints of his
time; Elder AY. H. Bryan. This church holds regular
services most of the time.
Dr. R. M. Crutcher, one of the leading citizens and
physicians of Dade county, has been a member of this
congregation for a- long time, and he has devoted his time
and means to its upbuild much to the credit of the church.
He is still very active in church work, his good wife has
been a support to the church in an unpretentious way.
There are no better women than Mrs. Crutcher.
There is great need of church federation in Arcola.
AYhen once this is accomplished they can be in position to
employ a good minister and have preaching service every
Sunday, with their minister living in their midst. The
Arcola District is peopled with the right sort of folks
140 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and when once they are convinced that church federation
is for their good, it will not be very long until that very
thing will be accomplished. Some of the very best citi-
zens, in other Dade county districts used to live in the
Arcola country. Many of them still remain there ready to
adopt any good measure that comes their way. Elder W.
PI. Watson deserves much credit for the upbuild of the
Arcola church. Pie is one of the oldest ministers in south
Missouri.
The Church at White Oak. One of the strongest mem-
berships of the church was at one time over at White Oak
School House some three miles north and a little east of
Seybert. The membership as high as one hundred and
eighty.
This congregation was organized in 1871 by Elders
E. Goodnight and William Pyle. Elder Goodnight was
the father of the late James Goodnight who is well remem-
bered in both Dadeville and Greenfield districts. Elder
Goodnight and William Pyle were pioneer ministers of this
faith, and they accomplished much for the cause they
represented. The White Oak congregation worshipped
in the school house until recent years when there was
erected a beautiful little church building at Seybert. This
gives the congregation a permanent home.
The elders of the church were William Pyle, John
Wilkson, F. M. Wilson, D. W. Duncan, J. A. Fox, F. M.
Montgomery and William PJ. Grisham.
Back in the early nineties Elder Aaron D. -States held
a revival meeting for the White Oak congregation that re-
sulted in adding many new members to their church roll.
It is said to be one of the best and most effectual meetings
that congregation ever enjoyed. At that time Ed. Mont-
gomery, l\ II. Montgomery, Cal. Wilson, W. L. Grisham,
James A. Fox, and many others devoted their time and
energy to the success of the church. P. PI. Montgomery
has been a citizen of Greenfield many years and Ed. Mont-
gomery has been a citizen of Canada for the past ten years.
p]lder William Watson had much to do in building the
White Oak congregation.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 141
The Church at Bona. In May, 1868 a congregation
of the Christian Church was organized at Bona some six
miles north of Dadeville, by Elder W. L. George, S. H. Per-
kins, J. Cyrus Lindley, Samuel Baker, J. A. Freeze, John
Long and W. R. Allen as charter members.
Mr. Allen was one of the pioneer settlers of that sec-
tion of Dade county and one of the most devoted men of
the church. He lived in the Cane Hill district. and in after
years there was a church organized at Flint Hill, near the
Allen home. He became identified with the new congre-
gation soon after its organization. Mr. Allen was truly
a great, good old man, one of the strongest and most be-
loved of that entire community, both at Bona and Flint
Hill. He is remembered by a multitude of people until
this day though he has been dead a number of years.
The name of J. Cyrus Lindley will never fade from
the history of the Bona Church and district. His life
was too full of good deeds and acts to ever be forgotten.
A man of large affairs, a tender heart and a devotion to
both church and to his fellow man made him an ideal citi-
zen. The Bona church is sometimes called the Lindley
church in his memory. It is true he had much to do in the
organization and the uplift of that congregation from the
day of its inception until the day of his death. When he
died an entire district, irrespective of party or creed, went
into mourning and many of them are still sad on account
of his going. (See biographical note.)
In 1887 a church building was erected and it still
stands. The early pastors were: W. L. George, II. Dren-
non, J. W. Randall and Peter Shick. Elder Drennan is
still living though very old at his home in Seymour. Web-
ster county, Dade, as well as other counties in the south-
west will never appreciate fully the great good this man
accomplished during the active part of his life. Peter W.
Shick was a unique character, rather of the "racoon" John
Smith order. He was unique in his preaching as well as in
his common association with the people. He was exceed-
ingly conscientious and deeply in earnest and he did a
great good. The old timers at Dadeville, among them
142 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Sheridan Pyle, delight to quote Mr. Shick even to this
day.
In the fall of 1894, Elder States was employed to hold
a meeting for Bona congregation. In some respects that
meeting was one of the most effectual. It is there where J.
C. Shouse, at that time one of the leading farmers and
stock raisers of the Cane Hill-Bona district united with
the church along with a score of others who are still faith-
ful. The music at that meeting was purely congregational
and it was led by former Judge Rook, now of Ernest
township. Former Judge King, Mrs. King and a hundred
others, were the sweet singers of Israel. Their singing
filled the church to overflowing at every service and at
times there were more people on the outside of the church
building than there were inside, they came from a distance
of fifteen and twenty miles.
This congregation is known throughout the country
on account of its good deeds and its splendid services to
humanity. It is a humanity church, filled with brother-
hood and true Christian service.
ORIGIN OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LOCKWOOD,
DADE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
by
M. A. Wilkerson.
The first services of Baptist people were held at
Tabernacle School House, a brush arbor being built in the
grove about one and one half miles west of where Lock-
wood is now located. This was about the year 1880.
These meetings were held by Rev. Iline, who was leader
of the organization. About two years later this organiza-
tion was moved to Lockwood, and was greatly streng-
thened by the addition of a number of new members.
Services were held for some time in different church
buildings of other denominations, the Baptists having no
place of their own in which to worship. These services
were conducted by Rev. Young, Collins, Smith and Crab-
tree. About 1893, Rev. Greer was called as pastor, which
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 143
position he held for about three years. Sometime later
Rev. Z. T. Eaton was called to take charge as pastor. Not
having a building of their own, Brother Eaton began to
lay plans for the erection of a church and by the assistance
of the few brethern and taking upon himself a great por-
tion of the responsibility, they soon had the present build-
ing under good headway. It was completed and dedicated
January 9, 1898. Rev. L. E. Martin, of Mayview, this
state delivered the Dedicatory address, followed in solemn
prayer by Brother Eaton, who held the pastorate for two
years. Rev. W. F. Parker, W. C. Armstrong, Taylor and
Rev. Helm, each of these holding pastorates for one year.
We were without a pastor for a short time until Dr. R. K.
Maiden of Kansas City, was called. He served as pastor
over two years and did some good sound preaching. He
resigned as it was too far to come. Rev. E. J. Barb of
Lamar, Missouri, held the pastorate nearly two years, and
did a great deal in getting out people in working order.
During his stay, we had with us Evangelist W. F. Frazier,
of Van Buren, Missouri. He did some great work. Our
membership gained in a short time from thirty to one
hundred and fifty members. Du.ring the year 1916 we had
Rev. Tom Proctor of Miller, Missouri. At present we have
no pastor but will soon call 'one. We have a live wire
prayer meeting on Wednesday nights. The average at-
tendance is sixty and we are proud of this as we believe
P i
much good is accomplished by prayer.
THE FIRST PRESB^ERIAN CHURCH.
b t
J. B. Lindsey.
By the efforts of Rev. George H. Williamson, the
First Presbyterian church of Lockwood, Missouri, was or-
ganized in December, 1883 with nineteen members who
were :
Howard Pierce Keyes Lindsey
Mary C. Pierce Almira Lindsey
Bell Pierce Darius Lindsey
Mary F. Pierce Joseph Lindsey
144 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Minnie Pierce Mary J. Lindsey
John E. Mills Alma Barker
Maggie Mills Mattie Sperry
Allie Mills James B. Woods
Howard Pierce and James B. Woods were chosen and
installed elders for the church. In 1884 a good frame build-
ing was erected and dedicated as a place of worship.
Those serving the church as ministers, since its or-
ganization are the Reverends:
George H. Williamson J. J. Thompson
I. G. Hughes W. G. Moore
J. T. Curtis E. E. Mathes
II. A. Tucker M. A. Prater
J. R. Gass Herbert Water?
Samuel Wiley
The Sunday School of the church has met continu-
ously at 10 o'clock each Sunday morning without (it is
said) one exception in more than thirty years.
o
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT EVERTON.
by
Rev. W. R. Russell.
This church was organized February 16, 1885 by the
Rev. W. J. Garrett, as a Cumberland Presbyterian church.
In 1906, the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyter-
ian churches united, and has since been known as the
Everton Presbyterian Church.
The first Board of Elders consisted of John S. Pember-
ton, William Y. McLemore and George W. Wilson. Mr.
Wilson was chosen clerk of the church which office he has
held continuously to the present time. The present Board
of resident Elders consists of George W. Wilson, William
Y. McLemore, William Raubinger, James M. McCall and
William R. Dye. Mr. Dye has filled the office as superin-
tendent of the Sunday School for the past twenty-five
years.
The Register of Communicants shows that the church
was organized with sixteen charter members and that
JAMKS R. JKFFRKVS.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 145
three hundred and seventy-two have been enrolled from
first to last.
The first pastor was the Rev. William PI. Stephens.
The present pastor, Rev. William R. Russell took charge
in 1888, and has served continuously, with the exception
of four years, at which time the church was served by
Rev. John J. Dunham and Rev. Young W. WUtsett.
The church owns its own house -of worship a neat
frame building, well furnished and maintains regular
preaching services two Sundays in each month; a good
Sunday School with Plome Department and Cradle Roll;
a good wide awake Christian Endeavor Society and an
active Woman's Aid and Mission Soci-.-ty. This church
has been and is an important factor in the educational,
social, moral and religious uplift of the entire community.
This record would not be complete without making
mention of old Brother p], C. Harrington who has served
so faithfully and painstakingly as janitor for the past
nineteen years. Much of the success of the church is due
to this faithful and consistent man of God.
o
LOCKWOOD METHODIST CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
This church was oranized during the summer of 1881
by Rev. Frank Lenig. W. B. Hoel, Mary J. Hoel, Cora E.
Hoel, C. Ft. Hoel, Jasper and Mary I^emon, J. R. J. Apple-
by, M. A. S. Appleby, J. K Ford and Mary and Irene
P'ord were among the first members.
A number of the first ministers were Revs. I^rank
Lenig, J, R. Wolf, Chas. E. Evans, J. X Buck, J. J. Martin
and M. Bell. J. J. Martin is >till one of the most eloquent
and most active ministers of this faith; his home is now at
Jasper City, over in Jasper county. Mr. Martin has been
identified with the church since the days of the Civil
War. Pie was one time chaplain of the 1 Missouri Prison
and it is said he filled that office with greater credit than
any of his predecessors. Mr. Martin has held pastorates
throughout the south and southwest part of Missouri and
146 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
it is very doubtful if there is another minister of that
faith who is better known or more highly appreciated.
His work in Lockwood assisted the young church in laying
a foundation for its future good works M. Bell went over
into the Golden City district, in after years and was made
postmaster of that town during the Taft administration.
This church owns a beautiful little building on one
of the main streets of Lockwood and its congregation is
one of the most wide awake in all the country The Hoels
were among the most active members. Their citizenship
was most helpful, in fact, the Hoel family will never pass
out of Lockwood 's history being imbedded in its moral, re-
ligious, material and social achievements from its incep-
tion, for over thirty years.
ARCOLA METHODIST CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
Rev. Isaac Routh went over into the Arcola district in
1866 and organized a church about one and a half miles
south of Arcola. Rev. and Mrs. Travis, Archibald and
Polly Morris, Nancy Ball, Mary Ball, Rev. G. W. Murphy
and wife, William and Lewis Murphy, Benjaman and
Louisa Appleby, James A. Travis and Jesse Arbogast and
Tife as the first members. In 1871 the young congrega-
tion built a church edifice. The next year there came one
of the most severe storms in that section and demolished
the church building.
Two years afterward the congregation decided to
Luild a church at Arcola or rather where Arcola now
'tands. This building was dedicated by Rev. J. J. Bently
in 1875. James A. Travis was one of the leading members
of the congregation both in the country and at Arcola.
Tie became a merchant when Arcola was founded and re-
mained there several years, then moved to Greenfield and
rntered the mercantile business. He was at one time
mayor of Greenfield. There was no better citizen than
James A. Travis. His widow still occupies the Green-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 147
field home, Mrs. Sally-Cunningham-Travis, whose father
was one of the pioneer citizens of the country.
The church at Arcola has done a great deal of good
f or that community. The Underwoods were strong mem-
bers of that church, the Travis, the Murphys and the Ap-
plebys. They have regular preaching service and they
sustain a Sunday School. Their church building is one
of the neatest structures in that section of the county.
The old church was lately remodeled and modernized. It
is sure a credit to the town and the community.
o
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
by
Aaron D. States.
Some years before the town of Greenfield was known
Ihe Cumberland Presbyterians met and formed a church.
It was organized by the late Rev. J. D. Montgomery in
1839. The first church was in the vicinity of where Green-
field now stands. A. M. Long and wife, Joseph Lemaster
and wife, M. H. Allison and wife, J. L. Allison and wife,
Rev. J. Weir and wife, Leann Dicus and Rev. J. D. Mont-
gomery and wife constituted the initial membership.
All these people are listed among the pioneers and
many of them left a heritage to their children and the up-
lift of the community that exists to this day. Rev. J. Weir,
father of the late Jonathan Weir and Samuel Weir, who
still lives on the outskirts of Greenfield, was one of the
leaders of men during his citizenship in Dade County. He
was ever alert to the advancement of his country and he
was devoted to his church. Many descendants still live
in that community and they are all honored citizens. Rev.
J D. Montgomery, one of the first ministers, was another
leading character in those early days. His work is still
bearing fruit, though dead a long time, lie still lives.
A splendid frame church building was erected in
1868 and it stoo^l until recent years when it was replaced
by a handsome brick structure, chiefly due to the splendid
efforts of Rev. William E. Shaw, who is now the pastor.
The new building stands where the old one stood for over
148 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
forty years. The old church was dedicated by Rev. J. N.
Edminston and Rev. P. G. Rea. The ecrly pastors were,
Revs. J. D. Montgomery, W. W. Brown, W. J. Garrett.
B. F. Logan, R. L. Venice. Father Garrett is well remem-
bered by every old citizen. He died some two years ago
at the home of his son in Springfield and he is now sleep-
'ng in Greenfield's most beautiful cemetery. He was one
of the most active men in his church and he did much ir.
spreading Christian interest throughout the country. The
Greenfield church gave up a part of its membership at
the time there was a sentiment in favor of uniting all
branches of the Presbyterian faith. Many of the faithful
preferred to remain with the old church. This body of
Christians are doing a good work in Greenfield. The
yearly encampment at South Greenfield is fast becoming
a fen day chautauqua each year.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EVERTON, MISSOURI.
by
W. D. Brown.
The Christian church WPS organize-, i in Everton in the
v pring of V'00 bv District Evangelist, Joseph Gaylor, in
the old McLemo v <> Hall. Following is a list >f the original
officers and charter member^:
Flders: W. D. Brown, E. II. Caro.ider, Albert Hay-
ward.
Deacons: Dave Hudson, F. () 'Kelly and T. W. Mai-
lory.
Other members were: Sarah A. Brown, Letitia Caren-
der, Mrs. Dave Hudson, Mrs. F. O'Kelley, Rebecca O'Kol-
loy, Mrs. T. AV. Mallory, Mr. Humphrey, Mrs. Howard
Ragsdale, Susie Gillaspie.
A new building was erected the same year at a cost of
about $1,000, which was later dedicated by District Evange-
list J. II. Jones. Among the ministers who have held pas-
f or;;tc> with tin- clmroli arc Eklrrs Sain I. Smith, \V. II.
Hah-, .J. II. Bloomer, T. II. Wilson and W. II. Watson.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 149
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GREEN-
FIELD, MISSOURI.
by
Aaron D. States.
This old church of history and decided action, did not
find a home in Dade County until after the close of the
Civil war. This was on account of the hostility it received
from the principles of slavery. Very soon after slavery
was abolished this church established many congregations
in the county, and most of them still thrive and all of them
are doing an untold good to their respective communities.
It was in 1864 that Rev. William Denby came to Green-
field and successfully started a church of that faith. He
gathered about him such old time pioneers as the late Will-
iam R. Bennington, of school fame, F. A. Cardwell, William
and Mary Theoble, M. A. Foster, William, Amanda, Robert
and Xancy McBride and Victoria McBride and some fif-
teen others whose names are unobtainable on account of
the missing church records. It might be well to state that
the early fathers paid as much attention to recording their
individual and congregational acts as the people do now.
It is a detriment to the whole social scheme as well as re-
ligious, that so little account is kept.
In 1871 the present church home was built. It was
dedicated in 1872 by Dr. B. F. Crary, who was then the
talented editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. There
are a few people still living in Greenfield who remember
distinctly that splendid sermon. William Denby took up
the work in earnest at the very first, and it was chiefly
through hTs splendid efforts that the church was organized
and the new church building erected. He was a devout
disciple of the faith and a most excellent speaker. He
was followed by Revs. Isaac Routh, S. R. Recce, F. S.
Haughaut, C. L. Howell, T. S. Benifiel, A. R. Nichols, I. J. K.
Limbeck, R. AV. McMasters, Frank Lenig, J. R. Wolf, C.
E. Evans, X. H. Buck, William Buck, W. J. Simmons. All
these were the early pastors. During later years the
church has been served by Rev. AV. D. Sichuan, a most de-
150 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
vout, sincere and well founded disciple. He is now super-
intendent of the Springfield district and he is doing a
great work. Then there was Father French, an old-time
Methodist minister, full of faith, with plenty of ambition
and good works. Rev. Mr. Terrantine was one of the de-
vout faithful ministers, and though he has been asleep for
a fortnight of years his memory is wide awake in the
Greenfield congregation and among Greenfield people. Then
there was Rev. Mr. Ashley, w r ho is so well remembered.
Last and not least is the present pastor, Rev. G. M. Foster,
one of the most affable, most agreeable and pleasing, as
well as competent ministers Greenfield ever had or will
have. He is a pleasing speaker, chuck full of good hard
sense. His sermons and addresses are enlivened by real
native wit and humor and he never fails to interest and
please an audience, whether on the platform or at the
sacred desk. Mr. Foster's work will never pass out of
memory.
This first congregation of the Methodist church in
Dade County has been instrumental in doing a great good
for the community. Many of Greenfield's leading citizens
have been and are members of this church. It has done
much for foreign and home missions, and above all it has
aided in building and strengthening the character of its
individual membership thus making better citizens.
o
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT ARCOLA.
Was organized about the year 1877 with Eber E. White
and William Lewis as the first Elders. Among the early
pastors were Clark Smith, John W. Randall, W. H. Wat-
son, J. T. Hargrave, J. M. Jenkins, W. B. Cochran and J.
R. Crank.
This congregation owns a comfortable church building
and commodious lot. They have never been an entire year
without a pastor. Since 188,3 R. M. Crutcher has been an
Elder in this church. A large number of converts have
been received into the church and it has always been a
power for good in the community. This church has also
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 151
maintained an excellent Bible School since 1883. The
present officers are: R. M. Crutcher, chairman; L. 0. Hoi-
man, secretary; F. B. Davis, treasurer; Matt Crisp and G.
W. Decker, associate elders, with the following deacons:
0. E. Whitley, J. J. Whitley, R. W. Whitley, J. T. Scoggin,
C. A. Jordan and T. J. Wilkins. Preaching at present every
second Sunday in each month, morning and night, by Rev.
Plummer of Jerico Springs.
o
HISTORY OF THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT IN
DADE COUNTY.
by
Fred Frye.
More than thirty years elapsed from the time of the
first settlement of pioneers from Tennessee in Eastern Dade
County before the prairies of Western Dade County were
settled. The first settlements were made in the wooded
portions of the county where bright, bubbling springs
burst forth from the hill sides and where firewood was
plentiful. Children were born, grew to manhood and died
without ever dreaming of the splendid possibilities offered
by the rich, rolling prairies in their very door yard.
In the year 1881 the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf
railroad was completed through the county, thereby offer-
ing a means of transportation far in advance of the ox teams
of the first pioneers. Upon this railroad the little village of
Lockwood was located. A few pine board buildings filled
with nondescript stocks of goods, the primitive boarding-
house and the irrepressable real estate agent constituted
its excuse for an existance.
On the morning of the 16th day of September, 1881,
four Germans from Washington County, Illinois, stepped
from the train in Lockwood and looked for the first time
upon the broad smiling prairies which stretched for many
miles in every direction. These men were William Meyer,
Fred Maschoff, Fred Bornpohl and August Kritemeyer.
They were scarcely able to speak the American language
and were bewildered by the vastness of the territory lying
152 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
out of doors. They were soon in the custody of Joseph B.
Lindsey and William M. Taggart, members of an enter-
prising real estate firm, and were shown the land which
was destined to be their future home. They remained
about ten days and each bought land lying south and west
of Lockwood. They were delighted with the country and
returned to Nashville, Ills., filled with enthusiasm, and so
glowing were their accounts of the new found Utopia, that
on the 12th day of October of the same year, no less than
eight homeseekors boarded the train in Nashville, coming
via. Kansas City, arriving in Lockwood on the evening
train, October 14th. In this company were some of the
most distinguished German settlers of the County. Fred
Plies, Henry Bart ling, Herman Rede, Fred Koch, William
Roohling, Fred Hinne, John Ossenfort and Gotfried Worm-
bi-od were among the number. These men all bought land
excepting (Jot fried Wormbrod, who had a sweetheart in
Washington County who could not be induced to go so far
out in the "wild and woolly west" to seek a home. This
influx of land-buyers stimulated the real estate agents until
in addition to Taggart & Lindsey, Levin W. Shafer and
John A. Heady of Greenfield, and G. YV. Ilolliday of Golden
City entered the field. Business in Lockwood began to
pick up, especially in the hotel line, so much so that im-
provised beds were made by filling ticks with prairie hay,
and the weary homeseekers who obtained a "shake-down"
on the office floor was more 1 than satisfied. Fred Oris,
Henry Bartling, Fred Hinne and Fred Koch purchased
what was known as the Thomas P. Abeel tract of land, con-
sisting of 7(i(> acres, lying northwest of Lockwood. This
purchase was made through G. W. Ilolliday, Mr. Abeel at
the time residing in Texas. The new owners took poses-
sion of their purchase February 14th, 1H82, bringing with
them their families and all their belongings. The first few
years were filled with hardships. The prairie sod was not
over productive and green-head flies swarmed by the thou-
sands. Being men of grit, they stuck it out and every one
succeeded.
(A I' I. IJ. M. XEALE.
(. /. IUSSKLL
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 153
On the 24th day of February, 1882, the third contingent
bunch of enthusiastic Germans arrived. These were from
Venedy, Ills., and consisted of William Von Stroh, Fred
Eggermann, Philip Jung, and Fred Bornpohl. Mr. Von
Stroh purchased the Judge Taggart tract of 640 acres ad-
joining Lockwood ; Fred Eggemann bought 320 acres lying
two miles west of town, and Fred Bornpohl bought 320
acres lying south of town. Phil Jung bought 1GO acres
northwest of town. In a few weeks another delegation
came from Washington County, Illinois. Among them were
William Kollmeyer, Fred Volkman, Charley Kahr and
Louis Bohne. All of these men bought southwest of Lock-
wood, in Grant Township, the banner agricultural town-
ship in Dadc County. Perhaps the "rawest" bunch of
Germans who ever landed in Dadc County came on Novem-
ber 7th, 1S81. They were from Nashville, Ills., and con-
sisted of Christ Bohme, 'William NieholT, Fred ll'edemann,
August Kritemeyer, Henry Schepmann, Otto Stark, Her-
man St river, Krnest Weihe, Christ Vogt and Fred Koll-
meyer. On their return they reported the time of their
lives. Many of the crowd were unable to speak a word
of English, but all could sing "Der Wacht am Reihn," and
they certainly made things hum both on the train and at
the hotel. These men all bought south of Lockwood. Christ
Vogt and Fred Kollmeyer contracted for the Lindsey tract
of 840 acres one mile southwest of Lockwood, but the trade
fell through by reason of a forty-acre timber tract which
the purchasers refused to take.
In April, 1881, Henry E. Rollman came from Wisconsin
with his son, William, and purchased the David A. De-
Armond tract of 1(>0 acres lying one 1 mile north of town.
In a few years it was sold to Carl Niemami of Wisconsin,
and is now owned by Mrs. Myrtle Arbogast. This is prac-
tically the only tract of land bought by the early Gorman
settlers which has changed hands more than once. All the
rest is owned by the original purchasers or their children.
There were a few German families in Dade County
prior to the exodus from Washington County, Illinois.
154 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Among them were Henry Gillman, Sr., and his family,
whose biography appears at another place in this history.
The majority of the German settlers were members
of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and very early effected
an organization and erected a large frame church in Lock-
wood, in which was also maintained a parochial school. In
recent years they have erected a splendid brick structure,
and the old building is still used as a school building. At
first the pastor was the school teacher, but now the con-
gregation maintains both a resident pastor and a school
teacher. Part of the early German settlers were members
of the German M. E. church, and they effected and organiza-
tion and erected a church in the country some five miles
southwest of Lockwood. A Lutheran church was also
erected near the town of Minert.
The Germans heretofore mentioned in this sketch were
largely farmers, but among those who engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits and have helped to make history for Bade
County might be mentioned, Herman Haubein, who in com-
pany with Martin Ileiser were among the first merchants
in Lockwood. Mr. Ileiser afterward was engaged in the
milling business, while Mr. Ilaubein erected a creamery
and electric light plant. Both are now deceased. Fred
Erye also engaged in the mercantile business in Lockwood
many years ago, as also did Herman Schuerman. Both
are still in business. It is needless to state that the Ger-
man-American population of Dade County form a splendid
citizenry, which is noted for its industry, frugality, honesty
and sterling integrity. Their farms are the best in the
land and they are a happy, contented, home-making people.
o
THE DADE COUNTY FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE
INSURANCE COMPANY.
Early in the spring of 1S!)2 a body of German-Amer-
ican fanners residing in the vicinity of Lockwood met at
the office of A. .1. Young, a lawyer of Lockwood, for the
purpose of organizing a Farmers' Insurance Company to
be conducted on the mutual plan. A temporary organiza-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE ir,f,
tion was formed and a committee appointed to solicit sub-
scriptions 1o the capital stock. This committee consisted
of Henry l.artlin-, H. A. Xicinan, Fred Schnelle, F. A. Mc-
( 1 aleb and .\. ,!. Youmr. Ii was decided to organize when
.4,~)0,000 of insurabie capital stock \vas subscribed. About
fifty fanners of Leekwood. Marion and (irant To\vnshi])s
became charier members of the organization, and on the
9th day of May, IS!)L\ the coni])any was incorporated. F.
A. McCaleb was elected president, A. J. YouiiLr vice presi-
dent and attorney, 11. A. Xieman secretary and Fred
Schncllc treasurer. r l'he enterprise was a success from the
start. Little chaimv xv.is made in the organization for foni 1 -
teen years except that A. J. Yonnu' was elected president
after the first year. The company insured houses, barns,
live stock, hay. uram, in fact all kinds of farm property
airainst lire and liuhtninu', on a strictly mutual basis, at a
rate of less than 40 cents per ^100, during the first twenty
years of its existance, and paid every dollar of its losses in
full, cash in hand.
Jt has now irrown until its membership reaches every
township in the county and its insured capital is about
*:2,.")00,000. It's annual rate 1 has decreased as the volume of
its business increased. It maintains a permanent office in
Lockwood with a secretary in charire and is at present the
largest financial institution in the county.
THREE MYSTERIOUS MURDERS.
Three tragedies which have baffled the skill of the
shrewdest detectives and cheated Justice out of her lawful
retribution have been enacted in Dade County sinve 1887.
First of these was the mysterious murder of "Luckey"
Moriran, a citizen of Dadeville. His body was found in an
old well at the rear of his premises with every evidence of
foul play, and notwithstanding a searching inquest was
held, larii'e rewards offered and competent detectives em-
ployed, the murderer was never apprehended.
The second of these unfortunate circumstances was the
brutal murder of "William Pursel of South Greenfield, which
166 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
occurred about the year 1900. He was a barber by trade,
single and unmarried and a hopeless cripple. On the even-
ing of the murder he was seen around his usual haunts in
South Greenfield in company with friends, and about nine
o'clock at night was heard, in company with a companion
on the railroad track near the over-head bridge going in the
direction of the lime kiln. His body was found the next
morning on the railroad track a short distance from where
he was last heard of, a train having passed over it, but it
was untouched. An examination of the body revealed the
fact that he had been murdered a short distance from where
the body was found and dragged upon the railroad track
for the purpose of hiding the crime. A fine gold watch
which he carried was missing, also a large roll of bills, but
a purse containing some $15.00 in small change was still
on his person. The bloody club which did the deadly work
was found near the scene of the murder, and papers which
he had on his person were found the next day in an old
well in South Greenfield. Suspicion pointed her finger to-
ward a number of persons but the guilty assassin was never
convicted.
The third and last of these tragedies was the murder
of J. M. Pidcock, a resident of Greenfield, which occurred
in 1003. Mr. Pidcock had been Circuit Clerk of Bade
County for eight years, was prominent in politics and lived
with his aged mother, who at the time of the tragedy was
away on a visit. Mr. Pidcock failed to call at the postoffice
for his mail for a period of two or three days, and when
his mother returned home she was horrified to find his
nude body hanging in the closed stairway of their home,
suspended by his shirt and a trunk strap. His feet were
touching the stair steps, and the concensus of opinion seemed
to be that he was murdered and placed in that position to
indicate suicide. His body was in such a state that marks
of violence were undiscoverable.
Two inquests were held over his body, large rewards
offered and the family and friends employed detectives in
an effort to ferret out the criminals and bring them to
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
157
justice, but of no avail. The matter stands today as one
of the unsolved mysteries of the county. In each of the
three cases above mentioned there were clews and theories
but every one of them led away from the crime instead of
toward it. Robbery might have been the motive in the first
two, but in the case of Mr. Pidcock it was either revenge or
suicide, with the chances ten to one in favor of the former
theory.
Chapter 8
RAILROAD MATTERS.
Railroad Subscriptions and Bonds. On the 15th day
of August, 1854, the county court of Dade County sub-
scribed $20,000 to capital stock of the Atlantic & Pacific
Railroad Company, upon certain conditions expressed in
the order. Afterward the order was amended, making the
stock payable in four equal installments, and Peter Hoyle
was appointed commissioner to subscribe the stock and
receive the dividends that might arise therefrom. After-
wards, on the 3d day of November, 1856, Thomas C.
Fletcher, attorney for the railroad company, appeared and
moved the court to issue a warrant on the treasurer of
Dade County in favor of the company, for five thousand
dollars, the amount of the first installment. The motion
was sustained, the warrant was issued accordingly, and
the money was paid to Fletcher as the agent of the com-
pany. No further amount of the subscription was ever
paid, for the reason that the railroad company failed ut-
terly to comply with the conditions on which the subscrip-
tion was made. Taxes were levied and collected only for
the installment that was paid.
On the 15th day of August, 1870, James F. Hardin,
agent of the Kansas City & Memphis Railroad Company,
appeared before the county court, and stated that his com-
pany would agree to build their railroad through Dade
County, by the way of Greenfield, provided that the court
would subscribe $300,000 in bonds to the capital s(ock of the
company. At the same time several prominent and in-
fluential citizens of the county addressed the court urging
it to make the subscription. Upon consideration of the
matter, the court decided that upon the petition of two-
thirds of the qualified voters of the county they would take
further action in the premises at an adjourned term to be
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 159
held on the 29th instant following. Accordingly, at the
appointed time a petition for the making of such subscrip-
tion, signed by nearly 1,200 voters, and also a remonstrance
against the making of the subscription, signed by a large
number, were filed, whereupon the court proposed to the
railroad company to subscribe the amount of $200,000 in-
stead of $300,000, upon condition that the road should be
built through the county and to run within one-half mile
of the court house at Greenfield, and upon other conditions
pertaining to the issue of the bonds, etc., and appointed
John H. Howard to confer with the railroad company, and
to report his action to the court on the 12th of September
following.
At the appointed time, Mr. Howard reported that the
proposition to subscribe $200,000 was accepted by the com-
pany, whereupon the court ordered that the County of
Dade, in the State of Missouri, should "take two thousand
shares of the capital stock of the Hannibal & St. Joseph
Railroad Company, said shares being of the denomination
of one hundred dollars each, to aid in the construction of a
branch road, the name of which was 'The Kansas City &
Memphis Railroad,' the subscription to be made to, in aid
of, and for the use of and in the name of the Kansas City
& Memphis Railroad, as provided in an act of the Legisla-
ture, to aid in the building of the branch railroad in the
State of Missouri, approved March 21, 1868." The court
authority and power to subscribe for the stock subject to
the conditions and stipulations fully set out in the order.
Afterward, on the 18th day of July, 1871, the conditions
expressed in the foregoing order, upon which the sub-
scription was made, were modified in substance as follows:
That the work of constructing the railroad should com-
mence without unnecessary delay at the town of Green-
field, in Dade County, and be continued in a southerly direc-
tion toward Ash Grove, and that the road-bed between
Springfield, in Greene County, and Greenfield, in Dade
County, including bridging and masonry, should be fully
completed ready for the iron and rolling-stock, by the first
160 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of April following; that tho commissioner should at once
have the bonds lithographed, of the denomination of $1,000
each, to he payable in twenty years from date, bearing
eight ])(] cent interest the interest to he payable semi-
annually, and that 1?. S. Jacobs be (and was) appointed
commissioner for the county to have custody of the bonds
when si.'jned and registered in sums not exceeding $7. r ),OC)0.
That \V. (J. McDowell, D. ('. Eastin and W. M. Tairgart be
(and \vere) appointed agents on the part of the county to
inspect the work as it progressed, and to see that the funds
were economically applied toward the construction of the
road. That the commissioner should deliver bonds to the
fiscal a '.rent or treasurer of the railroad company for the
value of work executed on the road, upon monthly estimates
thereof, and as fast as he should deliver bonds to the amount
of s."), (}()(). to take from the company certificates of paid-up
stock for the same. That the acceptance of these (and
other minor) conditions, by .John M. Richardson, president
of the railroad company, should have the force to bind tho
company to a faithful compliance therewith.
On the 7th of An mist following, AY. (I. McDowell, one of
the county agents, filed with the court the written acceptance
of t'i modified conditions on which the bonds should be
issued, sinned by the aforesaid James M. Richardson. Sub-
sequently, on the 1f)th day of November, 1871, the court
ai:.aiM took action in the premises, and ordered that all
previous orders relative to the subscription of stock to
the Kansas City & Memphis Railroad Company, and for
the issue of bonds to pay for the stock, be further modified
so that the t\vo hundred $1,000 bonds provided to be issued
by Hade County, should be issued at once and delivered to
the commissioner of the county, and that he should be
authorized to sell the bonds, at his own discretion, and to
hold the proceeds thereof subject to the order of the court.
The bonds for the $'J()0,0()0 were prepared and executed
,<(<) rdingly twenty-live of them being dated October i_',
1^71, and one hundred and seventy-five dated December 1,
1*71 ; and all being for $1,000 each. Judge J. T. Ilembree,
\v. SHAI T:K.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 161
having been appointed commissioner of the county vice
Howard, resigned, continued the delivery of the bonds, or
otherwise dispose of them, from time to time, and on the
29th day of March, 1873, the court received and accepted
certificates of paid-up stock in the Kansas City & Memphis
Railroad to the full amount of the subscription $200,000.
On the 4th day of May, 1873, the commissioner, Judge Hem-
bree, made his final report, showing that all of the bonds
had been issued and delivered to the treasurer of the Kansas
City & Memphis Railroad Company. Hence the bonds were
issued and delivered years before any part of the railroad
was completed, and, when the interest became due, the
people finding themselves without a railroad, felt greatly
disappointed, and consequently the county refused or failed
to pay the interest, and the people generally entertained the
hope that, inasmuch as the railroad had not been completed
as contemplated, by resorting to law 7 they might be wholly
released from the payment of the bonds. But the failure
to pay the interest soon caused the bringing of numerous
suits in the United States court for the collection of the
same. The history of these suits would fill a large volume,
and is therefore beyond the scope of this work.
Refunding Bonds. On the 12th day of December, 1881,
the county court, upon the petition of numerous taxpayers
of the county, ordered a special election to be held on the
24th of January following, to submit to the voters of the
county the question of refunding the $200,000 in bonds,
and the accrued interest and costs thereon, by issuing new
bonds for the amount of seventy cents on each dollar, the
refunding bonds to bear interest at the rate of six per cent,
the principal to run for twenty years from date, but to be
redeemable at the option of the county at any time after
the first five years. The election was held accordingly,
and the proposition was rejected by a majority of the votes
cast. Afterward, on the 19th day of June, 1883, another
petition, signed by numerous taxpayers of the county, was
presented to the court, praying for measures to be taken to
refund the bonded indebtedness of the county with six per
162 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cent twenty-year bonds. Whereupon the court made an
investigation, and found that the original bonds for the
$200,000 were still outstanding 1 , and that judgments had
been rendered in the United States courts against the
county on account of due and unpaid interest coupons to
the amount of $74,522.50, and that the total indebtedness
was about $290.000. A special election was then ordered
to be held on the 31st day of July following, for the pur-
pose of submitting the question of refunding the indebted-
ness to the voters of the county. The election was held ac
eordin.idy, and, when the votes were counted, it was found
1,0.'! 1 had been cast in favor of refundin.fr the debt, and 412
airainst it. In accordance with this decision of the people,
tlie courl provided for the issuing of new bonds to all bond-
holders who would enter into the compromise and surrender
the old bonds. Two hundred bonds of $1,000 each, and
seventy of $500 each, were then issued, all bearing date of
Au.u'uM 4, 1SS.'), and old bonds and judgments entered into
the compromise were then <;n!cel!ed. Since then the entire
debt has been paid.
Railroads. The Kan>a- City k Memphis Railroad,
now known as the Kansas Ciiy. Fort Scott & Memphis Rail-
road, was completed through the county in 1HS1, by way of
the present towns of Kvorte.n, South (Greenfield and Lock-
wood, thus leaving Greenfield, the County Seat, by way of
which it was promised to be constructed when the county
court made the order to subscribe stock for its construc-
tion, over two miles north of its line. The len.uth of this
railroad within the countv limits is about twentv-six miles.
Chapter 9
Greenfield Post No. 75, Department of Missouri, G. A.
R., was organized May 12th, 1883, with the following named
comrades as charter members :
C. W. Griffith. J. T. Hembree.
J. F. Lyngar. Clovis Depee.
D. B. Bailey. S. W. Long.
J. H. Howard. Mason Talbutt.
E. K. Shackelford. A. Helphenstine.
E. R. Hughes. A. G. Everett.
W. C. Young. A. B. Farmer.
E. T. Kennedy. Martin Fiddler.
R, B. Stephenson. J. I?. Tarrant.
J. M. Gaston. Isaac Bardmas.
G. A. Pollard. J. E. Scroggs.
Twenty-two (Dead).
The following is a roster of the Post from its organiza-
tion :
C. W. Griffith, 1st Lieut. Co. C, 127th Ohio Inf.
C. W. Griffith, Capt. Co. K, 6th U. S. Cav. troop.
J. F. Lyngar, Private Co. F, 15th Mo. Cav.
D. B. Bailey, Capt. Co. H, 76th E. M. M.
J. IT. Howard, Capt. Co. I, loth Mo. Cav.
E. K. Shakelford, Co. L, 8th M. M. Cav.
E. R. Hughes, Private Co. A, 6th Mo. Cav.
W. C. Young, Private Co. H, 77th 111. Inft.
E. T. Kennedy, Capt. Co. C, llth X. J. Inft.
R. B. Stephenson, Major, 31st AYis. Inft.
J. M. Gaston, Private Co. F, 26th 111. Inft.
G. H. Pollard, Co. G, 9th Term. Cav.
J. T. Hembree, 2nd Lieut Co. E, loth Mo. Cav.
Clovis Depee, Private Co. K, 1st Ark. Inft.
S. W. Long, Private Co. D, 12th 111. Inft.
164 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Mason Talbutt, 1st Ser#. Co. I, 15th Mo. Cav.
A. Helphenstine, Private Co. F, 8th Perm. Inft.
A. 0. Everett, Private Co. I, 9th Ohio Cav.
A. B. Farmer, 1st Ser#. Co. L, 2nd Wash. Cav.
Martin Fiddler, Private Co. B, 27th Ind. Inft.
J. R. Tarrant, Private Co. D, (5th Mo. Cav.
Isaac Bardmass. Ser^t. Co. I, 1st M. S. M. Inft.
J. E. Scrog^s, Private Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav.
Frederick Buser, Co. K, 2nd Mo. Inft.
W. II Watson, Private Co. G, 6th M. S. M. Cav.
J. M. Kinney. Private Co. A, 3rd Iowa Cav.
Wm. Lack, Private Co. L. 8th Mo. Cav.
Henry Lawrence, Private Co. E, 15th Mo. Cav.
Squire Roberts, Private Co. L, 9th M. S. M. Cav,
G. AY. Wells, Capt. Co. F, 57th 111. Inft.
E. H. Barber, Private Co. B, 29th Mo. Inft.
A. C. Brown, Ser.st. Co. A, 13()th Lid. Inft.
Alexander Foster, Serai. Co. M, Sth Mo. Cav.
J. T. Quick, 1st Lieut. Co. K, 72nd Ind. Mtd. Inft.
S. II. Farthing Private Co. F, 63rd 111. Lift.
Gcorirc Courtney, Private Co. I, 15lh Mo. Cav.
..I. II. Sterling, Private Co. L, 14th 111. Cav.
A. A. Hays. Private Co. 1), 6th Mo. Cav.
R. C. Divine, Private Co. E, 15th Mo. Cav.
T. S. lluirbes, Corp. Co. G, 13th Ken. Cav.
B. C. Pemherton, Serirt. Co. A, 6th Mo. Cav.
John Humphrey, Private Co. G, 13th Mo. Cav.
C. W. Lowery, 'Private Co. E, 46th Mo. Inft.
J. L. Brackett, Private Co. M, 7th Mo. Cav.
I). R. Miller. Corp. Co. I). 14th Mo. Cav.
,}. (i. Service, Private Co. K, 72nd Ohio Lift.
X. II. Buck, 2nd Lieut. Co. II, 20th 111. Lift.
R. C. Sanfonl, Private Co. A, Sth Mo. Cav.
\V. E. Druin, Private Co. P>, 142nd Ohio Inft.
Seymour Iloyt, Private Co. A, 132nd 111 Lift.
P.. C. Anders, MI, (Wp. Co. F, SOth 111. Inft.
W. K. Pyle, 1st Lieut. Co. I, I5th Mo. Cav.
II. W. Francis, Private Co F, 126th Ind. Lift.
S. S. Chirk, Capt. on -tall' of (Jen. Holland.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 165
J. W. McBride, Private Co. H, 2nd Mo. Lt. Art.
A. II. Bowers, Private Co. D, 38th Wis. Inft.
M. V. B. Gehon, Sergt, Co. A, 6th Mo. Cav.
Wick Morgan, Major 15th Mo. Cav.
W. B. McQuirk, Private Co. A, 1st Inft.
Jud S. King, Private Co. D, 1st Mo. Cav.
J. J. Shaw, Private Co. I), 6th Mo. Cav.
G. W. Evans, Sergt Co. II, 79th Ind. Inft.
F. K. Pearson, Corp. Co. E, 2nd Penn. Art.
John A. Divis, 1st Lieut. Co F, 5th Iowa Cav., and Co.
E, 5th Iowa Inft.
John Bell, Private Co. L, 144th 111. Inft.
L. J). Brewer, Private Co. B, 51st 111. Inft.
N. II. Fell, Corp. Co. I, llth 111. Inft.
R. A. Gipson, Private Co. D, 51st Ohio Inft.
Mark Stevans, Private Co. A, 129th 111. Inft.
T. B. Hammond, 1st Sergt. Co. F, 52nd Ohio Inft.
E. B. Howard, Capt. Co. E, 29th Ohio Inft.
John Williamson, 1st Sergt. Co. F, 6th Mo. Inft.
K. S. Allen, Private Co. E, 1st Mo. Cav.
J. W. Gilmore, Private Co. C, 5th Mo. Inft.
G. W. Freedle, Private Co. D, 6th Mo. Cav.
J. F. Harris, Corp. Co. K, 16th Kan. Cav.
X. M. Gardner, Asst. Surgeon Co. E, 6th Mo. Cav.
G. W. Thornton, Corp. Co. F, 31st Ind. Inft.
T. B. Clark, Private Co. E, 66th 111. Inft.
J. R. Lewis, Corp. Co. L, 6th Tenn. Cav.
R. J. Shipley, Private Co. M, 8th Mo. Cav.
B. A. Pylc, Corp. Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav.
T. W. Burlyson, Private Co. F, 46th Mo. Inft.
S. W. Baker, 1st Lieut. Co. I, 59th Ind. Inft.
J. S. Tapley, Sergt. Co. B, 6th 111. Cav.
J. S. Bryan, Private Co. A, 4th Mo. Cav., and Co. I),
16th Reserve Corps.
J. M. Marcum, Private Co. A, 2nd Tenn. Cav.
E. B. Shipley, Private Co. M, 8th Mo. Cav.
John Maberry, Private Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav.
A. R. Reilev, Private Co. I, 102nd 111. Inft.
166 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Samuel Glcason, Private Co. B, 82nd Perm. Inft.
J. W. Eldridge, Private Co. A, 71st N. Y. Inft.
John J. Derby, Private Co. C, 72nd Mtd. Inft.
Wm. Landreth, Corp. Co. K, 29th Mo. Inft.
J. L. Brockman, Private Co. F, 13th Kan. Cav.
R. A. Bell, Private Co. B, 14th 111. Cav.
R. P. Underwood, Private Co. H, 2nd Mo. Lt. Art.
George Carroll, Private Co. D, 69th Ind. Inft.
M. B. Mitchell, Private Co. M, 8th Mo. Cav.
Henry Hoffman, Private Co. K, 64th 111 Inft.
H. E." Staten, Private Co. H, 144th Ind. Inft.
\V. II. Greer, Private Co. D, 45th Mo. Inft.
A. J. Hembree, Private Co. E, 14th Inft.
M. L. Mitchell, Private Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav.
J. F. Moseley, Corp. Co. D, 110th 111. Inft.
John II. Carlyle, Private Co. I, 88th Ohio Inft.
John V. Thomas, Private Co. II, 48th Iowa Inft.
X. A. Dakin, Private Co. K, 6th Calif. Cav.
Minor Gentry, Private Co. L, 8th M. S. M. Cav.
V. M. Batts,' Private Co. G, 54th 111. Inft.
C. Z. Russell. 2nd Lieut. Co. I, 21st Mo. Inft.
AY. J. Sell', Private Co. I, 26th Ken. Inft.
J. W. Henry, Private Co. A, 7th 111. Cav.
Reuben Brown, Private Co. L. .'>rd Iowa Cav.
John Grifli n, Corp. Co. I, 1st Mo. Inft.
John Spong, Private Co. H, :J9th 111. Inft.
G. S. Willson, Musician Co. F, 18th V. S. Inft.
Jonathan Mess, Private Co. K, 12th Mo. Cav.
W. T. Wright, Private Co. E. 15th Mo. Cav.
I). R. Richie, Corporal Co. II, -3rd Mo. Cav.
G. X. Stanley.
G. W. Hamic, Private Co. D. 1st Tenn. Inft.
Levi Johnson, Private Co. E 1st Ark Cav.
J.' I). Andrews, Corporal Co. L. 9th M. S. M. Cav.
J. II. Griirgs, Tenneys' Independent Battery, Kas.
J. F. Harris, Corporal Co. K. 16th Kan. Cav.
John McPatterson, Private Cos. E and F. .'Uth Ind.
Inft.
Joseph Lanliani, Private 1 Co. K, 8th Ind. Inft.
HISTORY OF DA 1)1:1 COl'N'TY AND ITS PEOPLE 167
.1. J. Roberts, Private Co. G, 35 E. M. M. and Troop B
1st T. S. Cav.
Hugh Daugherly, Private Co. A '2nd Ark. Cav.
\V. F. Cluck-. Private C<. C, 12th Ken. Cav.
A. K. Whiteman.
,}. W. .McDowell, Corj). Co. M. Sth Mo. Cav.
J. M. Morris, Private Co. I loth Mo. Cav.
John Patterson, Private Co. F. 43rd Ohio In ft.
W. A. JIalJ, Private Co. G, Sth lo\va Cav.
Nicholas Bender, Private- Co. C, 13th F. S. Int't.
Alfred Carender, Private Co. I\, 12th Mo. Cav.
M. I). Merrick, Private Co. I, 7th Provisional E. M. M.
M. S. Tuttle, 2nd Lieut. Co. B 1st Col. Cav. (and A 1st
Xeb. Cav.)
James Hudson, Private Co. K, 52nd Ohio Inft.
John Weaver, Private Co. B, 47th ill. Inft.
Leander Pyle, Private Co. E, 7th Mo. Inft.
William Campbell, Private Co. G, 19th Iowa Inft.
T. 1). Kirby, Private Co. L. G Mo. Cav.
F. M. McKown, Private Co. A 7 Iowa Cav.
David Carson, Serg. Co. G, 49th Mo. Inft.
E. P. Taylor, Private Co. H. 19th Iowa Inft.
J. M. Travis, 1st Sergt. Co. II, 2nd Mo. Light Art.
Jerome Dano, Private Co. A 127th 111. Inft.
E. F. Heed, Private Co. K, 53rd Mass. Inft.
Jesse Cartwright, Private. Co. II, 76th E. M. M. & I.
7th Pro. E. M. M.
Francis Lord, Private Co. II 35 AVis. Inft.
C. AY. Kidgeway, Capt. Co. A 116th Ohio Inft.
AY. B. Eagles, Private Co. L. 28th Ind. Cav.
G. II. Kilgore, Private Co. E. 149th Ohio Inft.
J. 1). Games, Private Co. D. 54th Ind. Inft. and II
1st. AY. V. Art.
J. F. Gregory, Private Co. I) 80th 111. Inft.
D. T. AYilkins, Corp. Co. D 136 Ohio Inft.
Sans Lampheer, Private Co. E 3rd AA'is. Cav.
AY. II. Ellis, Private Co. C 44th Mo. Inft.
David Evans, Private Co. F 34th Ind. Inft.
James Smith, Private Co. I, 111. Inft.
168 HidTORV OI-' DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Jonathan Montgomery, Private Co. A 16th Mo. Cav
John Clipiuger, Private Co. 1) 23rd U. S. Inft.
I. K. Zook, Private Co. L 7th ind. Cav.
Frank Ilallowell, Sergt. Co. K, 1st Xeb. Inft.
E. C. Culver, Private Co. B 88th Ind. Inft.
William Kelley, Private Co. A 16th Mo. Cav.
(). E. E. Lindsay, Private Co. E 8th M. S. M. Cav.
\V. C. Cole, Private Co. A, 24th Ind. Inft.
X. E. Moore, Corp. Co. 1). ;5 ( Jtli Ohio Inft.
AYilliam Wilson, Private Co. F 6th Mo. Cav.
W. C. Johnson, Private Co. E. loth Mo. Cav.
L. I), liar-is, Private Co. 1) Uth Mo. Cav.
Thomas Miller, Private Co. II 16th 111 Cav.
Wesley Smith, Private Co. E 7th Mo. Cav.
James Clayton, Private Co. 1), 46th Mo. Inft.
(J. 11. Turner, Private Co. C, 115th 111. Inft.
C. W. Earraiid, Private Co. E, 1st Michigan Inft.
(J. W. Daiidi, Private Co. E, 114th 111. Inft.
J. M. lloskinson, 1st Lieut. Co. II. 44th Mo. Inft.
J. M. Pickett, Private Co. L 8th M. S. M. Cav.
Patrick Coyne, Private Co. (i, :>!)th Jo\va Inft.
L A. Humbert, Corp. Co. A, 6th Mo. Cav.
J. 11. Ihirtfrave, Private Co. I), 6th Mo. Cav.
II. 1). Xoble, Private Co. II, 1st Mo. Inft.
J. K. Brewer, Private Co. A, Kttrd Ind. Inft.
J. K. Martin, Corp. Co. I, ir> Mo. Cav.
T. J. Lowe, Private Co. C, 1st Ken. Cav.
T. II. Rose, Private Co. P>. 76th Ohio Inft.
X. A. Carroll, Private Co. II. 1st Iowa Cav.
J. W. Tyson, Private Co. (i, 1st E. S. Inft.
Albert MeKinley, Private Co. E, 26th 111. Inft.
L. A. Miller, Private Co. B, ."Uth Iowa Inft.
Lewis Redman, Private Co. E, 122nd, 111. Lift.
I. T. Sloan, Private Co. L. 6th Mo. Cav.
S. M. Shaw, Corp. Co. I),' (5 Mo. Cav.
II. M. Robinson, Private Co. II, 41st 111. Inft.
C. II. Martin, Private Co. II, 8th Mo. Cav.
J. W. Scott, Private Co. B, 12th Mo. Cav.
John (Jet/, Private Co. I.), fAith 111. Lift.
< H.\KU:S \\.\LKKK (;HIFFITH.
JOHN FLETCHER JOHNSON.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AXD ITS PEOPLE 169
E. A. Garrison, 2nd Lieut. Co. i), ord Ark. Cav.
William Harper, Private Co. E, 8th Wis. I lift.
Thomas Gouty, Private Co. E, Mil Mo. Cav.
Jonathan lloiiek, Teamster Co. K, 4(ith Ohio Ini't.
W. W. Siinker, Sergt. Co. I, 14 ivas. Cav.
W. E. Shaw, 1st Serg. Co. 1), 6th Mo. Cav.
J. \V. Wilkins, Private Co. L, Stli M. S. M. Cav.
1). K. Baird, Sergt. ( 1 o. E, soth Oliio Int't.
Isom Wilson, Private Co. II, 21>t 111. Inft.
William Miller, Private Co. 1, 45th Mo. Lift.
E. P. Iledgelen, Private Co. C, 10th Mich. Lift.
E. J. Owens, Private Co. E, 114th 111. Inft.
E. E. Scrou'ii's Earner, Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav. Co. A
Phelps Keg-t. Mo. Cav.
G. W. Hoover, Private Co. I, 6th Kan. Cav.
J. P. Stoltz, Private Co. E, 5th 111. Cav.
John Jewell, L'nd Lieut. Co. II, 1 1 Mo. Cav.
C. 1). Boisseau, Private Co. A, 7th M. S. M. Cav.
J. P. Fanning, Blacksmith Co. I) 6th Mo. Cav.
B. E. Thomas, Sergt. Co. E, 52nd, Ohio Inft.
J. M. Sailing, Private Co. M, 8th Mo. Cav.
J. E. Smith, Private Co. IF, 44th Mo. Inft.
J. W. Davenport, Private Co. M, 8th Mo. Cav.
J. C. T. Wood, Private Co. L, I5th Mo. Cav.
T. 1). Combs, Searge. Co. L), 6th Mo. Cav.
Jasper O'Neal, Private Co. I, 2nd Mo. Light Art.
W. C. Wood, Private Co. K, Mass Inft. ""
Baptist Ereedle, Private Co. L. 6th Mo. Cav.
Total dead Ill
Total Xmiiber 228
Number remaining in good standing this date. ... 26
-o-
HISTORICAL MEMORANDA.
By request I ^vill give the object of the United Con-
federate Veterans association. It was organized at Rich-
mond, Virginia, February loth, 14th and 15th, 1889. The
object and purpose of this organization was to be strictly
socially literary, historical and benevolent, to unite in our
general federation all associations of confederate veterans,
170 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
soldiers and sailors who were then in existence, to culti-
vate the ties of friendship that should exist among those
who have shared common danger, suffering and priva-
tions. To see that the disabled are cared for, that a help-
ing hand is extended to the needy confederates widows
and orphans. Xo political or religious discussion are per-
mitted in said oranization.
HISTORY OF JOHN M. STEMMONS CAMP NO. 1044,
U. C. V., GREENFIELD, MO.
On the loth day of September, 1897, pursuant to a call
published in the Dade County Advocate and the South-
west News, a number of Confederate veterans met at the
Court House in Greenfield for the purpose of organizing
a Camj) of Confederate Veterans. Captain B. M. Xeale
was chosen chairman and Lieutenant-Colonel (). S. Rag-
land, secretary. Upon taking the chair Captain Xeale ex-
plained the purpose of the meeting and the following Con-
federate soldiers present enrolled their names as charter
members:
Lewis Renfro, Co. A, 3rd Mo. Cav.
Patrick McLemore, Co. F, 3rd Mo. Cav.
J. M. Burton, Co. A, 3rd Mo. Cav.
J. R. Pointdexter, Co. G., Texas Cav.
J. M. Sturdy, Co. G, 4th Mo. Cav.
J. J. Winkle, Co. F, 3rd Mo. Cav.
R. L. Butterworth, Co.A, 3rd Mo. Cav.
Isaac Preston, Co. C, 6th Mo. Inf. -
J. B. Calfee, Co. E. 59th Tenn. Inf.
J. M. Carlock, Co. G, 16th Mo. Inf.
Charles Winkle, Co. G, 16th Mo. Inf.
J. R. Finley, Co. G, 16th Mo. Inf.
J. P. Duncan, Co. D, 63rd Tenn. Inf.
T. B. Rountree, Co. G, 16th Mo. Inf.
W. A. Dale, Co. G, 16th Mo. Inf.
Jesse J. Hiatt, Co. K, 6th Mo. Cav.
Joseph Roseman, Co. E, 49th X. C. Inf.
15. M. Xeale, Capt. Co. B, 1st Mo. Cav.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 171
O. S. Ragland, Lieutenant-Colonel 3rd Bat., G. M.
Inf.
S. II. Howard, Co. (5th Ala. Cav.
On permanent organization of the camp the following
officials were elected:
Commander Lewis Renfro.
Lieutenant Commander J. R. Finley.
Adjutant O. S. Ragland.
Chaplain J. M. Sturdy.
Surgeon R. L. Butterworth.
After organization the name "John M. Stemmons"
was unanimously selected for the Camp name, in honor of
Captain John M. Stemmons, a Greenfield lawyer, who was
afterward Lieutenant Colonel of the IGth Mo. Inf.
By-Laws were then adopted and after the business
was finished, Congressman lion. David A. DoArmond of
the (ith District being in the city accepted an invitation
and addressed the Camp in his eloquent and entertaining
manner.
The Camj) then adjourned to meet the 2nd Saturday
in October, 1897.
CAPTAIX B. M. XEALE, Chairman.
0. S. RAGLAXD, Secretary.
Three ministers of the gospel have been members of
this camp. Rev. J. B. Fly, Rev. G. W. Oldham and Rev.
L. A. Blevans. Two Captains B. M. Xeale and J. M.
Wills. One Lieutenant Colonel O. S. Ragland. Three
Lieutenants C. J. Stephenson, .V. .J. Ross and Lewis
Renfro. One Orderly Sergeant F. A. Wills.
I' 1 *)! lowing is a complete roster of the John M. Stem-
mons Camp, r. C. V. of Greenfield, Mo., from its or-
ganization to the present time:
Andrews, W. I. (deceased) private Co. E. 9th Mo.
Cav.
Blevins, E. L. (deceased) private Co. E. 9th Mo. Cav.
Burton, J. M. (deceased) private Co. A. 3rd Mo. Cav.
Brown, T. L. (deceased) private Co. G. 37th Tenn.
Inf.
Buck, J. H. private Co. A. 23rd Ark. Inf.
172 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Birch, D. C. Co. K. 8th Mo. Inf.
Blevens, A. L. private Co. (1., Irvin's Regiment.
Brown, F. M. (deceased) private Co. 3rd Mo. Cav.
Blevins, John, (deceased) private Co. E., 9th Mo. Cav.
Calfee, J. B., (deceased) private Co. E., 59th Tenn.,
Inf.
Carlock, J. M., private Co. G., 16th Mo. Inf.
Creek, A., private Co. C., 9th Mo. Cav.
Coble, E. J)., private Co. I, 3rd Mo. Cav.
Cooper, J. M., (deceased) private Co. C., 60th Ga.,
Inf.
Dale, \V. A., (deceased) private Co. G., IGth Mo. Inf.
Dou.uhtery, \Y. T., (deceased) private Co. G., IGth Mo.
Inf. '
Duncan, J. P., (deceased) private Co. D., 63rd Tenn.
Inf.
Davidson, (!. \V., (deceased) private Co. E., 3rd Mo.
Cav.
Einley, ,} . R. private Co. G., IGth Mo. Inf., Lieut-Corn.
Fly, J. B., (deceased) private Co. I., Sth Mo., Inf.
Bnttenvorth, R. L., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Hunt, .Joel T., (deceased) private Co. II., 24th Texas
D. C.
(Jamhill, (i. \V., (deceased), }>rivate Co. I., 3rd Mo.
Cav.
Hoover, S. ,J., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Hiatt, .1. .1., (deceased) private Co. K, (5th Mo. Cav.
Howard, S. II., (deceased) private Co. A., 6th Ala.
Cav.
Haynes, \V. II., private Co. II., 10th Texas Inf.
Irhy, Joseph L., (dec-eased) private Co. A., 3rd Mo.
Cav.
.JH'1'reys, ,1. R., private Co. E, 2nd Tenn. Cav.
.lone-, J. M., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Literal, James, (deceased) private Co. A., 3rd Mo.
Cav.
Maims, E. A., (deceased) private Co. E., 43rd Tenn.
Inf.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 173
Merrick, W. PL, (deceased) private Co. I., 3rd Mo.
Cav.
Mills, A. J., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
McLemore, Patrick, private Co. F., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Means, L. M., (deceased) private Co. F, 9th Texas
Cav.
Me Kinzie, Robert, (deceased) private Co. K, 8th Ken.
Cav.
Marshall, C. T., private Co. A., Freeraans Regiment
. Mo. Cav.
Xeale, B. M., Captain, (deceased) Co. B., 1st Mo. Cav.
Owens, Oscar, ( deceased ) private Co. C., 5<)th Tenn.
Inf.
Oldham, G. W., private Co. G., 16th Mo. Inf.
Poindexter, J. R., (deceased Co. G., 5th Texas M. T.
Poindexter, K. F., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Preston, Isaac, (deceased) private Co. A., (5th Mo.
Inf.
Renfro, Lewis, Lieutenant Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav., Com.
Roseman, Joseph, private Co. F., (>th Mo. Inf.
Renfro, J. II., private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Rauland, O. S.. Lieut. -Col., (deceased) 3rd K. da. M.
Inf.
Sturdy, J. M., (deceased) private Co. C., 4th Mo. Cav.
Sooter, M. J., private Co. C., 4th Mo. Cav.
Shrum, Jacob, private Co. F., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Sturdy, Farrell, (deceased) private Co. C, 4th Mo.
Cav.
Stephenson, ( ). J., (deceased) Lieutenant Co. A, 31st
I). C.
Spain, Robert, private Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Thomas, II. B., private Co. A., West's Mo. Bat. Cav.
Wilbuni, T. J.. private Co. A., ISth X. C., Inf.
Winkle, J. J., (deceased) private Co. F., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Winkle, Charles, private Co. G., 10th Mo. Inf.
Wills, J. M., Captain, (deceased) Co. A., 3rd Mo. Cav.
Wills, F. A., (deceased) 1st Ser. Co. A, 3rd Mo. Cav.
White, B. F., private Co. G., 14th Ark. Inf.
Woods, J. C., (deceased) private Co. G., 1st Mo. Cav.
174 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Of the officials, Lewis Renfro has served continuously
as Commander since the organization of the Camp ex-
cepting one year, 1900, when S. II. Howard was elected
Commander. The Camp has had four Adjutants (). S.
Ragland, (). J. Stephenson, Captain B. M. Xeale and J. M.
Carlock. It has had four Lieutenant Commanders J. R.
Finley, Captain J. M. Wills, F. A. Wills and J. H. Jeffreys.
It lias had six Chaplains (J. W. Oldham, J. M. Sturdy,
J. M. Carlock, Patrick McLemore, J. B. Fly and A. L.
Blcvans. Four surgeons R. L. Butterworth, Isaac Prest-
on, T. L. Brown and II. B. Thomas.
The present membership of the camp is as follows:
Le\vi< KYiifro, Commander.
J. R. Jeffreys, Lieutenant-Commander.
.J. M. Carlock, Adjutant.
L. A. Bieavans, Chaplain.
11. B. Thomas, Surgeon.
F. I). Coble
\V. II. Haynes
K. F. Poindexter
A. J. Mills
J. R. Finley
J. II. Renfro
Patrick McLemore
Charles Winkle
Robert Spain
.Jacob Shrum
J. M. Sooter
A. J. Olinger
Making 17 members left out of a total enrollment of
SO.
The following members have been honored by the
state organization :
Captain B. M. Xeale was Colonel of the -1th Regiment
<>f the Western Brigade.
Lewis Renfro was his Adjutant. Mr. Renfro held a
U'-utenant Colonel's Commission on fieneral Love's Staff
and i> now Adjutant (Jem-nil of the Missouri Division
('. C. V.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 175
J. R. Jeffreys holds a Major's Commission on General
W. C. Bronough's Staff.
J. II. Renfro holds a Major's Commission on General
W. C. Bronough's Staff.
Miss Annie G. Xeale was maid of honor on General
T. C. Love's Staff.
Misses IJattie Grills, Effie Montgomery and Maud
Kvle are Maids of Honor on General T. C. Love's Staff.
ODD FELLOWSHIP IN GREENFIELD.
Dade Lodge No. 518, I. O. 0. F. was organized Octo-
ber 10th, 1895 under a special dispensation from the
Grand Master. The Charter was granted by the Grand
Lodge on May 21st, 189G. The names of B. B. Crews, AV.
M. Malone, O.'j. Stephenson, C. I). Boisseau, C. D. Temple-
man, E. P. Mann and Mack Sailing appear on the face of
the charter, but C. B. Templeton was never a member and
Mack Sailing was borrowed from South Greenfield for
the purpose of organization. The first night was a big
night when the following new members were taken in:
I. J. Martin, C. F. Robinson. H. LI. Davis, R. C. Thomas,
J. W. Hull, Uel Murphy, P. S. Griffith, J. L. Rubeustein,
Ed. Frieze, A. X. List and T. S. Brown. The first organi-
zation comprised the following officials:
(). J. Stephenson, P. G.
E. P. Mann, X. G.
C. Z. Russell, V. G.
W. M. Malone, Rec. Sec'y.
C. D. Boisseau, Financial Secretary.
T. S. Brown, Chaplain.
Fred Grether, Treasurer.
Phil S. Griffith, Cond.
Uel Murphy, Warden.
B. B. Crews, I. G.
Ed. Frieze, 0. G.
II. LI. Davis, R. S. X. G.
I. J. Martin, L. S. X. G.
C. F. Robinson, R. S. V. G.
176 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
R. C. Thomas, L. S. V. G.
J. W. Hull, R. 8. .
J. L. Rubenstein, L. S. S.
C. Z. Kusscll, Mason Talbutt and 0. J. Stephenson,
trustees.
In addition to the above the name of A. 1). States
appears as a Charter member. District Deputy G. M.
Major of Springfield officiated in organizing the lodge.
For a number of years the lodge occupied a rented
hall over the hardware, store on the north west corner of
the square and did good work. The membership increased
and the lodge became financially strong.
On the llth day of April, 11)10 a proposition was sub-
mitted to the lodge for the purchase of a lot upon which
to erect a "Lodge Home." This was the beginning of
the move for the present Odd Fellow building.
In order to better prosecute the work, Dade Lodge
No. 518 I. (). (). F., was duly incorporated under the laws
of the state of Missouri, April 4th, 1911. K. C. Divine,
J. AV. Hull, J. L. Rubenstein, II. A. Potter and W. E.
Montgomery were the incorporators with A. J. Young act-
ing as attorney for the corporation. By reason of a defect
in the title to the lot purchased the building was delayed
until a decree could be obtained in the Circuit Court quiet-
ing the title.
The contract for the building was let to W. C. Starr,
and the work of excavating begun early in the summer of
11)11.
On the H)th day of August, 11)11 the corner stone was
laid by Canton Barton, Xo. 11), with appropriate cere-
monies. The following articles were placed in a metal
casket and deposited in the corner stone:
(1) List of members of Dade Lodge, Xo. f)18, I. 0.
O. F.
(2) Xames of members who contributed to pur-
chase of lot.
(M) Copy of By Laws of Lodge.
(4) Copy of constitution of Grand Lodge of Mis-
souri.
ELLEN AMANDA (RIOALL) JOHNSON.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 177
(5) History of Dade Lodge No. 518 by A. J. Young.
(6) History of Rebekah Lodge No. 239.
(7) Signatures of officers of both lodges.
(8) Signatures of original members who are still
members.
(9) Purposes for which building was erected.
(10) Name of the President of if. S. (W. H. Taft).
(11) Name of Governor of Missouri. (Herbert S.
Hadley).
(12) Copy of the Holy Bible.
(13) Copy of the Greenfield "Vedette."
(14) Copy of the "Dade County Advocate."
(15) Names of officers of Canton Barton, No. 19.
(16) Name of Grand Secretary.
(17) Name of Commander Militant Patriarchs.
(18) Copy of "Republican-Sentinel" of Lamar, Mo.
(19) History of the Building.
The new building was completed in May, 1912 and
was dedicated shortly afterward. The Building Commit-
tee was composed of J. L. Rubenstein, R. C. Divine, J.
W. Hull, Fred Grether and J. E. Shaw. The Financial
Committee Edwin Harrison, A. B. Wilkerson and F. G.
Van Osdell.
The building proper was erected at a cost of ap-
proximately $10,000. The furnishings cost perhaps $500
more. The building is a brick structure, 3 stories high and
is 44 feet by 98 feet with basement.
The first floor is a double store-room now occupied
by Harrison Bros. Furniture Company. The second floor
is the lodge room proper, with ante -rooms, halls and a
reception room. The third floor is a complete dining room
and kitchen.
When the building was completed, Rebekah Lodge
No. 239 papered the walls, furnished the dining room and
kitchen, furnished the reception room and bought a fine
piano for the lodge room.
The officia chairs cost about $250.00 and were donated
by the folowing members:
Nobe Grand's chair, J. L. Rubenstein.
178 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
B. S. N. G's. chair, W. 0. Underwood.
L. S. N. G's. chair, Phil S. Griffith.
Vice Grand's chair, W. R. Bell.
R. S. V. G's. chair, J. G. Sloan.
L. S. V. G's. chair, Ben Carr and R. S. Gregory.
Past Grand's chair, A. B. Wilkerson.
Chaplain's chair, C. D. Boisseau.
Conductor's chair, W. E. Montgomery.
Warden's chair, N. B. Weir and J. T." Willett.
R. S. S's. chair, J. E. Shaw.
L. S. S's. chair, R. C. Divine.
Canopy, W. C. Starr.
Altar, J. L. Rubenstein.
Chandeler, F. G. Van Osdell.
The lodge has had since its organization 253 members
on its roll. Twenty-nine have " crossed over" others have
taken withdrawal cards while a few have dropped for N.
P. D. The present active membership is about 175. Fol-
lowing is a list of the Past Grands:
E. P. Mann J. E. Shaw
C. D. Boisseau W. E. Montgomerv
ftf
Fred Gretcher R. C. Divine
B. B. Crews R, S. Ramsey
Mason Talbutt R. F. Vert
I. J. Martin R. H. Gregory
J. W. Hull J. A. Taylor
P. S. Griffith George F. Hull
J. L. Rubenstein T. R. Courtney
J. C. Brown J. E. Hull
Mark Bunker G. W. Curtis
W. 0. Russell B. F. Starr
A. H. Montgomery J. M. Mitchell
E. L. Kell W. R. Bell
A. B. Wilkerson Bert Slirum
W. H. Toler S. II. Reed
Z. T. Martin F. G. Van Osdell
W. 0. Underwood I,. A. Wetzel
C. P. Ellis S. H. Wetzel
J. 0. Wasson J. C. Webb
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 179
Frank Grider Roy Gregory
H. A. Potter Tim Gallaspy
A. J. Young J. N. Scott
J. L. Kilgore Guy Jones
Frank Hull G. M. Foster
W. E. Goodnight Hade Carr
A. B. Ayers
The present officials of the lodge serving from Jan-
uary, 1917 are as follows:
Roy Gregory, N. G.
W. C. Starr, V. G.
William Scroggs, Rec. Sec'y-
J. W. Hull, Fin. Sec'y.
Hade Carr, Treas.
o
GREENFIELD REBEKAH LODGE, NO. 239.
Was organized May 1.9th, 1898 with the following
charter members: Mamie Crews, Mary L. Helman, Rose
G. Rubenstein, Lottie M. French, Estaria Glascoe, J. M.
Pidcock, J. C. Brown, 0. J. Stephenson, J. L. Rubenstein,
B. B. Crews, S. A. French and Sam Kellogg. It has a
present membership of 42 arid is in fine working order.
Much of the success achieved by Dade Lodge No. 518 is
due to the enlivening, entertaining and enthusiastic in-
fluences of its Rebekah Auxiliary.
This lodge has lost but two members by death, viz:
0. J. Stephenson and J. M. Pidcock. Its present officials
are as follows:
X. G., Mary Belle Mitchell.
V. G., Mary Belle Weir.
Recording Secretary, Kate Miller.
Fin. Secretary, Mary McMillen.
Treasurer, Mary Scroggs.
Warden, Emma Young.
Conductor, Rose G. Rubenstein.
Past Grand, Lizzie Jeffreys.
Chaplain, Minnie Belle Van Osdell.
I. G., Lizzie Hull.
0. G., Emma Boisseau.
180 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
R. S. N. G., Sarah Brown.
L. S. N. G., Ruth Carr.
R. S. V. G., Tessie Carr.
L. S. V. G., Susie Gillaspie.
Musician, Hester Hembree.
o
HISTORY OF GARRETT LODGE NO. 359,
A. F. & A. M., AT ARCOLA, MISSOURI.
by
Dr. R. M. Crutcher.
Master Masons in the vicinity of White Hare, Cedar
County, Mo., met at the masonic hall in White Hare,
March 22, A. D. 1870, A. L. 5870, to organize a Masonic
lodge under dispensation. Brother H. J. Church, D. D. G.
M. was present and called the brethern to order and
opened a lodge of Master Masons and called the appointed
officers to their stations, viz:
W. C. Montgomery, W. M.
C. G. Snyder, S. W.
S. P. Collins, J. W.
The following brothers were present J. B. Sellars,
W. X. Sellars, James J. Frisbie, Jesse Harris, P. R. Dix
and William T. Shaw. Visiting brothers present:
I). W. Roberts, Union Lodge No. 7, Kansas.
J. M. Conoway, Stockton Lodge, No. 283, Missouri.
G. W. Murphy, Washington Lodge No. 87, Missouri.
W. A. Ackison, Hesperian Lodge, No/ 286, Missouri.
J. T. Fan-is, Stockton Lodge, No. 283, Missouri.
The lodge next elected .1. B. Sellars, treasurer and P.
II. Dix, secretary. The worshipful master then appointed
W. X. Sellars, s'. I)., J. J. Frisbie, J. D., 1). W. Roberts, S.
S., Jesse Harris, J. S., Charles Corprell, Tyler and the fol-
lowing committee on finance: -J. J. Frisbie, R. C. Ball and
Morris W. Mitchell.
The following petitions wen 1 received for initiation:
M. F. lland!e\-. J. L. Thnrman, A. M. Morrison, after
\vhirh the members of (iarrett Lodge, (". 1)., met in special
committee for the purpose of organizing under a charter
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 181
at Masonic Hall, White Hare, Mo., October 26th, A. D.,
1870, A. L. 5870. The charter granted by the Grand Lodge
of Missouri was read and the lodge proceeded to the elect
the following officers: W. C. Montgomery, W. M., C. G.
Snyder, S. W., S. P. Collins, J. W., J. B. Sellars, Treasurer;
J. L. Thurman, secretary and the following officers were
appointed :
P. R. Dix, S. D. ; J. J. Frisbie, J. D.; W. N. Sellars,
Tyler; and the following finance committee: James J.
Frisbie, Morris W. Mitchell and John Dale. John C. Har-
ris, chaplain.
Garrett Lodge, No. 359 continued at White Hare,
Cedar County and was very prosperous both fraternally
and financially, having money loaned out, until Jerico
Springs decided to organize a lodge of Masons, when a
number of brethern demitted from it to help organize at
Jerico about April l(Jth, 1884, when Washington Lodge,
No. 87 at Greenfield and Melville Lodge, No. 458 at Dade-
ville, were asked for a waiver of jurisdiction that Gar-
rett Lodge might be removed from White Hare, Cedar
County, to Arcola, Dade County, a distance of five miles.
The waiver was granted and the Grand Lodge permitted
the removal.
On the 24th day of July, 1884, a Special Grand Lodge
of Missouri met at Arcola, Missouri, to dedicate the new
hall of Garrett Lodge. D. D. G. M. Seymour Hoyt opened
the Grand Lodge with the following officers present:
Seymour Hoyt, W. M.; J. F. Boston, Deputy; Alfred
Kennedy, S. W.; T. J. Van Osdell, J. W.; J/E, Clark,
Secretary; W. Kennedy, Treasurer; E. M. Crutcher, S.
I).; E. A. Church, J. I).; T. P. Calfee, Tyler,; Thomas
Toney, Chaplain.
Seymour Hoyt then read his commission from Lee A.
Hall, G. M., and proceeded to dedicate the hall, after
which he made a pleasing address, urging the brethern to
be faithful and gave valuable instruction in Masonry. He
was followed by Thomas Toney, J. J. Van Osdell and J.
M. Travis. This part of the program was followed by a
splendid dinner for everyone present.
182 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
The lodge met the same night and initiated two mem-
bers: B. G. Thurman and James H. Martin with the fol-
lowing officers in the chairs: Samuel Achord, W. M. ; T.
J. Travis, S. W.; T. J. Pyle, J. W., A. Harrell, Chaplain;
P. H. Hawkins, Secretary; R. M. Crutcher, S. D.; R. A.
Church, J. D.; T. J. Underwood, S. S.; John W. Bray, J.
S.; T. P. Calfee, Tyler. Others present were: W. N.
Sellers, D. Russell, D. W. Edwards, N. S. Noffsinger, J. M.
Travis, J. C. Brickey and the following visitors: Seymour
Hoyt, W. R. Russell, W. R. Bowles and D. B. Beard/
During the intervening years Garrett Lodge has dis-
tributed much charity and made many Masons and is now
in a prosperous condition. The present officers are: E. 0.
Kelley, W. M.; C. W. Cassell, S. W.; G. 0. Mitchell, J. W.;
J. M. Carson, Treasurer; H. W. Kitsmiller, Secretary; R.
M. Crutcher, S. D.; William Price, J. D.; C. M. Camp-
bell, S. S.; S. H. McGuire, J. S.; G. H. Maberry, Tyler.
Many interesting and pleasing events have transpired
since the organization of this lodge as well as many
sad ones. Deaths and funerals have been frequent, min-
istrations of benevolence and charity have made their calls
and amid these dark and gloomy days have been many of
sunshine and flowers. Upon the whole, Garrett Lodge has
had its special mission to perform in the making of Dade
County history and it has seemingly performed that mis-
sion well.
Chapter 10
THE TELEPHONE IN DADE COUNTY.
by
Aaron D. States.
About the time the Greenfield and Northern Railway
was constructed between North Greenfield and South
Greenfield in the latter part of the eighties, the builder,
Thomas A. Miller, saw the importance of having some
form of communicating service between the two towns,
either telegraph or telephone. He decided after some
little investigation that the telephone though in its real in-
fancy would give the best service, accordingly a circuit
was builded between the two to\vns and the rude instru-
ments were installed. Everything worked well until one
day it was noised around that the Bell Telephone people
had represententatives going over the country investigat-
ing the various independent lines in respect to infringe-
ments on their rights of patent. It was not very long
thereafter until the line between the two towns was use-
less on account of the taking of parts of the instrument
upon which infringements were claimed, therefore, Green-
field was without any nature of telephone service for a
few years thereafter.
The late Captain W. S. Wheeler, Honorable Edgar P.
Mann, et al, decided that Greenfield and Lockwood should
be connected by telephone. They constructed the line and
bought the best instruments obtainable. They were aided
by Lockwood people. Among them the pioneer telephone
man of the entire Lockwood district, was D. C. Clark.
This was at the very close of the eighties and the first
year of the nineties, when this line was erected and put
into use. The Greenfield telephone was placed in the
law office of Mann & Talbutt and remained there until
the line was purchased by Aaron D. States. Everybody
thought this line was a wonder and it was surely a revela-
184 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tion to all the people. This was really the first long dis-
tance telephone line erected in the country. There were
other lines erected from Lockwood to Ernest, Arcola,
Cedarville, Golden City and Stockton about the same
years. Lockwood soon became a telephone center and
remained so for a long time. It is yet known for its
complete exchange under the control of that veteran tele-
phone man, Mr. Clark, who has stood at the front of the
telephone development all these years. His devotion to
Lockwood and the Lockwood territory is a matter of
history.
Late in the year 1893 James M. Taylor and Isaac
Evans of Aldrich decided to embark in the telephone
business to some extent. They first built a line from their
town to Fairplay. When this line was completed and
tested they decided to build another line to Bona and
Dadeville. When they completed the line to these Bade
County towns, they made arrangements to extend the
line into Greenfield. This was during the year, 1894.
After the line was finished into Greenfield, using common
Series Telephones requiring a metalic circuit, being some-
time before the advent of Bridged Telephones, a per-
manent home was arranged in the Delmonico hotel for
the Greenfield instrument under the care of Uel Murphy,
there was a long distance instrument placed at Rest-a-
while, the Greenfield home of Mr. States, the first long
distance telephone ever installed in a Dade County home.
Soon after this the next year, Mr. States purchased
the Taylor-Evans interests in Greenfield and Dade County
and began the construction of a line to South Greenfield.
Soon after tins lie purchased the Lockwood-Greenfield
lino and the line from Lockwood to Golden City, con-
necting the two at Lockwood and running them to a com-
mon center at Greenfield, thus directly connecting- Golden
City, Lockwood, South Greenfield, Dadeville and Bona
with Greenfield central.
Mr. States set to work at once to get a Sprinfield
connection. He aranged and built the line from Everton
to Ash Grove and from Ash Grove on to Springfield. The
ABSALOM KKXFKOW A\D AVIFK.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 185
honorable F. M. Stockard, of Republic, the late Thomas
Yakely, of Yakely Chapel, and the late William E.
Drumm, of Bios d'Arc assisting. It was completed to
Springfield during the year 1900 and the first office in
that city was at the Hinton Drug Store on College street.
This was the first long distance line from the west to
enter Springfield. It preceded the Bell a little over a
year. In the meantime Mr. States had installed a cir-
cuit in Greenfield that gave service to fifteen homes and
business places in the town. After the construction of so
many lines with the Greenfield offices, he decided that it
was necessary to install a switch board.
A fifty-drop capacity board was ordered and in due
time installed. When the switch-board was installed
there were about twenty-four Greenfield patrons including
the business houses. This with the long lines made the
Greenfield central look like a sure enough telephone ex-
change. Mrs. States was the first operator and she held
that position for a number of years, thoroughly looking
after the entire home business while Mr. States was
building other lines. Her good work is remembered by
every old telephone user in Dade county. At first the ex-
change patrons did not use their telephone as they should,
sometimes they would walk to their grocer and order
their needs, instead of telephoning him their wants, but
they did not fail to call up some friend in some nearby
town and have a friendly chat every night. And they did
not fail to chat with their friends and neighbors. The
idea of using the telephone for business was slow in plac-
ing its forca upon the people. A great many considered
it a luxury while others considered it a sort of play
thing, just to amuse and drive away monotony.
Soon after the first switchboard was installed in
Greenfield, a line was constructed to Corry and Seybert.
The Bridged telephone was then being introduced re-
quiring only a single wire instead of a circuit. The cir-
cuit lines were soon discarded and the Bridged telephones
were used extensively. The first Bridged telephone ever
placed in Dade county is still giving most excellent serv-
186 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ice at the cabin home of Mr. States. He recently stood
in his home and talked to St. Louis and the patron at the
other end asked Mr. States to not talk so loud. This tele-
phone has been in use twenty-one years.
The telephone business remained almost exclusively
in the control of Mr. States in Greenfield and many parts
of Dade county until the early spring of 1903, at which
time a number of local men induced him to form a tele-
phone corporation known as the Aaron D. States Tele-
phone Company. The new corporation was completed in
a short time. Mr. States was made president, he having
hold the largest amount of stock. The new company as-
sembled the Arcola-Stockton and immediate telephone in-
terests and connected them with the Greenfield central.
A ne\v switchboard was installed, the lines greatly im-
proved and the service was considered most excellent.
The company purchased a lot and building which they
used to further their business interests. This company
held the fort for a little over a year, then Mr. States left
the company which afterwards sold the interests to a
gentleman by the name of McCombs, who operated the
exchange in a very acceptable manner. In the mean time,
the long lines were disposed of, they being considered
unprofitable and more attention was given to town serv-
ice. Only one or two of the original long lines still re-
mained in the Greenfield Central. Mr. McCombs sold his
interest to the present owner, Mr. Watson, who is giving
the patrons as good service as their patronage demands,
lie is a very careful and efficient telephone man and he is
building the Greenfield exchange every day.
During the first excitement produced by the advent
of the telephone in Dade county, rural districts and the
establishment of switch-boards and centrals, the farmers
got busy in establishing centrals of their own and they
built many independent lines claiming other telephone
companies asked too much toll and too much rental.
Nothing could possibly stop their enthusiasm and their
ambition in building and operating telephone lines of
their own. The country has many such lines today and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 187
the farmers are sustaining a most excellent service at
their switch-board in Greenfield, and in other towns in
Dade county. It is a pity that Mr. States and the lead-
ing spirits in the farmer telephone element in an early
day, could not have agreed on some plan that would
have centralized all the telephones in the county. The
business was then new and the outcome could not be real-
ized. Some day this great need will be accomplished and
then the people will be reunited and the service will be
of such a nature that no one would care to go back to
the old method. There is great need of better construction
in all the country districts, great need of better care of all
country lines, in order to give the people service. The
telephone is not now considered a plaything, it is an in-
strument of business, and it thus treated with the excep-
tion of proper care for the polage and the wire construc-
tion. This needed improvement will all come in time,
then and not until, then, will Dade County get what is
due her in the telephone business.
Some fifteen years ago the Bell Telephone constructed
a long distance line into Greenfield, giving Greenfield,
Everton, Lockwood and South Greenfield, connection with
all points their lines reach. After a few years they con-
nected their wire into the Greenfield local switchboard,
thus giving every patron an opportunity to talk to distant
towns from their own homes and places of business by
paying the toll. They do a good business in Greenfield.
Also at the other points in the county where they con-
nect with local centrals. Dade county stock men use their
lines extensivelv as well as Dade countv merchants.
Chapter 11
HISTORY OF THE LADIES MAGAZINE CLUB.
by
Mrs. Ida Gray Young.
The Magazine Club is the oldest literary club in
Greenfield. Early in 1897 Mrs. Jessie Harrison and Mrs.
Ida Young started the movement to organize a woman's
literary club, at the suggestion of Mrs. Harrison's mother,
Mrs. Hawkins; Mrs. Hawkins having recently visited her
sister's literary club in Nebraska, which had a magazine
circle and she urged them to organize a similar club
here.
They suggested the idea to several of their friends-
Mrs. YVilda McBride among the number who immediately
offered her home on Wells street as a place of meeting for
organization.
The minutes of the organization read as follows:
"A few ladies happened to meet together at the
home of Mrs. McBride, Saturday, March 13th, 1897 and
they decided they would like to have a club. Accordingly
the house was called to order and Mrs. Young made tem-
porary chairman. It was decided that the name of the
club should be the Magazine Club, and each member
should furnish a magazine to be circulated among the
members of said club. Eight ladies were enrolled as
charter members, as follows: Mrs. Wetzel, Mrs. Eastin,
Mrs. Ellen Griffith, Mrs. Bowles, Mrs. McBride, Mrs. Nil-
son (now Mrs. Robertson of Carl Junction), Mrs. Har-
rison and Mrs. Young.
Mrs. Harrison was elected president; Mrs. Griffith,
vice president, and Mrs. Young, secretary.
It was agreed that the club should meet every two
weeks, on Thursdays, the meetings to be held at the
homes of the members, taking the alphabet reversed .
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 189
Club adjourned to meet with Mrs. Young, Thursday,
March 18th."
At this first regular meeting of the Magazine club,
two members were added, Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Stone.
The president appointed Mrs. McBride, Mrs. Eastin
and Mrs. Wetzel to draw up by-laws for the new club
and club adjourned to meet with Mrs. Wetzel, April 1st.
Three more members were added that day; Mrs.
Anna Jacobs, Mrs. Flora Merrill and Mrs. Lori Hall, mak-
ing the membership 13. It was then decided to limit the
number to 13. These thirteen members were considered
the original charter members of the magazine Club.
It was decided to have a paper on Current Events
at each meeting, also the biography of a poet and selec-
tions from his writings, after which refreshments and a
social good time.
About the middle of May, the Magazine Club, to-
gether with the Clover Leaf and the P. G. T. Club (these
two were the girls social clubs) gave a Fad Party at the
residence of Judge Shafer, which was a great success.
At the end of the first year the club entertained their
husbands for the first time at the home of Mrs. Eastin.
Beginning the second year, the club decided to in-
crease the membership to twenty, and took in Mesdames
Laura Harrison, Jopes, Taylor, Edwards, Tarr, Minnie
Finley, Stringfield and Gass. Mrs. Wheeler was taken
in as an honorary member as she was only in the city
temporarily. They adopted club colors, white and yellow,
a club flower, the field daisy, and a motto, ''Literature is
the thought of thinking souls." The literary work was
similar to that of the first year.
The club celebrated their first anniversary March 13,
1898 by entertaining their husbands at the home of Mrs.
Minnie Finley on Alain stret. Each person present rep-
resented a book. Also gave their first Xew Year's party
at the home of Mrs. Wetzel.
The only shadow that second year was the death
of one of the charter members Flora Carlock Merrill.
A new name appeared on the 1899 year book Kate
190 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Shafer Harrison, then a bride, who was taken in to fill
the vacancy in the club. The club took up more literary
work this year, also the study of parlimentary rules. The
second anniversary party was given at the home of Mrs.
Ida Young, and the New Year's Eve party with Mrs.
Nilson, at the Washington Hotel.
At the beginning , of the fourth year (1900) several
of the members having left town, the club again took in
four new members; Mrs. Anna Finley, Mrs. Kirby, Mrs.
Elliott and Mrs. Flora Van Osdell. Mrs. Minnie Finley
again offered her home as a place to celebrate the anni-
versary. In 1900 and 1901 the club continued their lit-
erary work, still taking up miscellaneous subjects.
They joined the State Federation in 1901 but dropped
out in two or three years, as there were no district con-
ventions at that time.
They celebrated their fourth anniversary (1901) with
Mrs. Mann and the New Year's Eve party at the home
of Mrs. Jopes.
Death again visited the Magazine Club the summer
of 1901 taking the youngest member, Flora West Van
Osdell. Since that date although the death angel hovered
alarmingly near, at times, he has always passed on, leav-
ing their rank untouched for nearly sixteen years.
The Club gave their first joint party with the Cen-
tury Club in 1902, at the home of Mrs/ Grether. They
again filled vacancies in the club in 1902, taking in Mrs.
Dora Mitchell, Mrs. Ethel Tarr, Mrs. Brown and Mrs.
Lena Merrill. They took up the Bay View course of
study in 1902, which they studied for four years. The
course included American history, American Literature,
Mexican History, German History and German Literature,
with Airs. Lena Merrill. They celebrated their seventh
The Club celebrated their sixth anniversary (in 1903)
anniversary in 1904 with Mrs. Ida Young by giving their
husbands a banquet. The husbands responded with elo-
quent applause to acts.
In 1905 the Magazine and Century clubs organized
themselves into a Cemetery Association for the purpose
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 191
of beautifying the City Cemetery. This work was very
successful and the cemetery is now maintained at an an-
nual expenditure of some three hundred dollars. The
Club for years gave an annual Chrysanthemum Show to
raise funds but the Association now has an endowment
fund which will make it self-sustaining in the next three
of four years.
In 1906 the club began their Shakesperean study and
for seven consecutive years they studied the plays of
Shakespeare. In 1906 four more vacancies were filled by
taking in Mesdames Mary Neale, Carrie Griffith, May Van
Osdell and Leo Engleman.
The club furnished a Ladies' Rest Room during the
street fair in the fall of 1906.
In 1907 the club took up the work of improving the
Public School grounds. They started the fund by giving
a public ice-cream social that summer.
In 1907 the club decided to entertain the school fac-
ulty which they did that fall at the home of Mrs. Eastin
and since that time it has become an annual affair. Two
new members were added in 1907, Mrs. Newman and Mrs.
Thweatt, to fill vacancies in the club. This year the club
asked the Superintendent, Prof. McPherson, to assist them
in their Shakespearean study. Pie favored the club, during
the fall of 1907 and winter of 1908 with the most de-
lightful and instructive lectures on the plays of Shakes-
peare that they studied that year. Early in January, 1908
Mrs. Lucy Jacobs McPherson (the bride of the superin-
tendent) was taken into the club. In that year it was de-
cided to use the school improvement fund (which the Cen-
tury club assisted in raising) for building a cement wall
on the south side of the public school grounds.
In 1910 the club introduced the Flower Mission Penny
seeds into the homes of the school children, in the fall
holding a flower and vegetable show and awarding prizes
for best display. (This work has been repeated with in-
creasing interest and success, which has enthused some
of the neighboring towns to follow their example.)
In 1910 the club decided to increase their member-
192 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ship to twenty-five, and the following ladies were elected:
Mesdames Nettie Shaw, Dena Wetzel, Tola Iliggins, Ruth
Grether, Delia Griffiths and Mabel Engleman.
In 1911 the club gave prizes for the best kept lawns.
Seats were placed in the cemetery. Twenty-nine dollars
were raised by selling tags and the money sent to south-
east Missouri flood sufferers.
In 1912-13 the club began the study of Famous
Women, also read Silas Marner. This year book was sent
to the President of the General Federation of Clubs. She
wrote to the club a letter complimenting them highly on
the work they were doing.
The club helped to establish clean-up day this year.
Tn 1913-14, the club continued the study of Famous
Women; also read Vicar of Wakefield, and took up Study
of Art, taking the works of Raphael and DeVince.
Mrs. Lillian Wetzel was elected to fill a vacancy in
the club. The club received a message from New York
City. Mrs. Pennybacker, the president of the General
Federation, wired, sending greetings on Opening Day, fall
of 1914. The club also decided at that meeting to in-
crease their number to thirty. Mrs. Rawhauser, Mrs.
Miidrcd Hall, Mrs. McLemore, Mrs. Campbell, and Mrs.
Wilson were elected as the new members. Farm Boy Fund
was stalled in 1914. Also again joined the State Federa-
tion this year, sending delegates to Pierce City to the
District Convention.
In 1914-15 the club read Vanity Fair and began the
History of Art. In 1915 they sent a delegate to the State
Convention at St. Joseph.
The study for 1915-16 was Martin Chuzzelwit and
Italian Art. Delegates were sent to Monett to the District
Convention. The club assisted in making the Round-up a
success and in securing Miss Alice Curtis Mover-Wing to
lecture on woman suffrage.
The study of 1916-17 is Italian Art and Henry Es-
mond. The (.Mub became a member of the Associated
Charities of Greenfield, organized by the Commercial Club
of the Citv.
CAI'T. T. F. HIvNFKO.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 193
The Magazine Club celebrated their twentieth anni-
versary at the home of Mrs. Eastin by entertaining their
husbands.
They have finished twenty years' work and are the
oldest and largest literary club in Greenfield.
THE KENSINGTON CLUB, AT GREENFIELD,
by
Mrs. Walter B. McReynolds.
The Kensington Club of Greenfield first started as a
neighborhood sewing circle, on South Main Street. Later
ladies in the different parts of the town were asked to
join them. Informal meetings were held twice a month,
for a year or more. Then on account of sickness, warm
weather and various other reasons, they discontinued
their meetings. Several months later, some of the ladies
decided to call a meeting, and make this an organized
club. The first meeting .was held at the home of Mrs. H. C.
Hartfield. The following members present were: Mrs. J. G.
Carr, Mrs. Lynville Hig"gins / Mrs. Harve Campbell, Mrs.
H. C. Hartfield, Mrs. Martin Kempert, Mrs. W. E. Mont-
gomery, Mrs. W. B. McReynolds, Mrs. J. L. Rubenstein,
Mrs. Fred Shafer, Mrs. L. H. Thomas, and Mrs. J. P. Mc-
Reynolds. Mrs. H. C. Hartfield was elected President,
Mrs. J. G. Carr, Vice-President, and Mrs. W. E. Montgom-
ery, Secretary. It was decided that we should continue
as a sewing club, and the name of Kensington, suggested
by Mrs. Lynville Higgins, seemed the most appropriate.
Constitution and by-laws were drawn and the member-
ship of the club was limited to eighteen. The vacancies
were readily filled and the club started out with bright
prospects. A more energetic crowd of women would be
hard to find. Delightful meetings were held, and splendid
ideas in fancy work were exchanged. About this time we
started a circulating library in the club, each member do-
nating a good book. Later we decided we would like to
do charity and civic work. Our charity work started by
sending poor children gifts at Christmas. Last year we
bought thirty pairs of good warm stockings, filled them
194 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
with candy, nuts, fruit and toys and had a man dressed
as Santa Glaus deliver them to the homes. Our work
has broadened and increased, and we now are looking
after many people of the city that are in actual need.
We see that no children are forced to stay out of school
for lack of proper clothing. We have supplied all the
needy families we have heard of, with things they need,
for instance, we have a young girl on our list suffering
from tuberculosis, to whom we send nourishing food
twice a week. We hear of some that are destitute at
nearly every meeting, and each member is only too glad
to do all they can. Whenever a new baby arrives in a
destitute family, we see that the child has some clothing
and often supply the mother with sheets, clean gowns,
and other necessary articles. Recently a family was un-
fortunate in loosing everything by fire. We contributed
canned fruit, groceries, and furnishings to this family.
The Commercial Club often asks our co-operation in sup-
plying needy families. We have a rule that in case of
death in a destitute family, the club sends flowers, and
at least one member is asked to be present at the funeral.
We are now making a wool quilt for charitable purposes.
We have done a great deal in civic work, such as
donating to the annual dinner given for the benefit of the
cemetery fund. We gave five dollars to the Dade County
Scholarship Fund. Our very best civic work has been the
fly campaign. This was suggested by Mrs. H. C. Hart-
field. The club was very enthusiastic about it and a com-
mittee was at once appointed to make plans. The plans
were adopted and the Commercial Club agreed to help us
in case the club ran out of funds. We first ordered two
hundred fly swatters, that the school children sold for us.
We then requested all the grocery stores, and restaurants
to screen their doors, and put fly proof coverings over
all food stuff set outside. Next we offered twenty cents
per pint for all flies. A club member being at a specified
place each Saturday to measure and pay for them. We
offered final prizes to the children bringing in the great-
est amount of flies during the entire season. The first
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 195
prize, three dollars; second prize, two dollars, and third
prize, one dollar. In order to instruct children we gave
away seventy-five fly traps. The first year we bought
one hundred and eighty-nine pints of flies. To keep up
the interest we gave two free fly shows, illustrating with
slides the breeding places of the fly, the danger of the fly
and many suggestions for making out-houses and barn
lots more sanitary. During the fly season once a week
the 1 o'clock whistle blew, and everybody was requested
to swat flies for at least five minutes. Just after the 4th
of July, we purchased a poisonous preparation for flies
and had refuse sprayed. We have now completed the
third year of our campaign and the results are very
gratifying.
The social side of our club is not neglected. We often
have picnics in the woods and entertain our husbands with
parties. We remember all new babies arriving in the club
either with a shower or some special remembrance. Two
years ago we gave Mrs. L. H. Thomas a stork shower.
Last year we presented Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Wilson ster-
ling silver spoons for their babies. We also send flowers
to our members in case of sickness or death in their fami-
lies. We have annual dues. We earn money in various
ways to carry on our work. We gave a picture show and
served ice cream. We gave an Easter tea. One of our
members, Mrs. W. A. Hall, presented the club with one
of her own beautiful paintings. We realized $20 from
this, which was a great help to the club. In March, 1916,
the club decided to join the federation. Last October,
Mrs. W. E. Montgomery and Mrs. Fred Sneed were sent
as delegates to represent the club at the District Federa-
tion at Mt. Vernon, Mo. The report of the club was read
by Mrs. Sneed and received warm applause. Some of the
ladies of the other clubs suggested that this club be put
on the roll of honor.
The Commercial Club has been very generous in their
assistance. Even with this, we often are short of funds,
and each member makes up the shortage by liberal dona-
tions. The slogan of this club is "helping others," and
196 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
we hope that we may continue to improve in the years
to come. The club has always been fortunate in having
fine officers. Mrs. H. C. Martfield was president during
the years 1913 and 1914; Mrs. J. G. Carr, during 1915. The
present officers of the club are as follows:
President, Mrs. "W. E. Montgomery.
Vice-President, Mrs. Fred Shafer.
Secretary, Mrs. Harve Campbell.
Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Lynville Higgins.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. P. Murphy.
The present members of the club are:
Mrs. H. A. Burkett
Mrs. Harve Campbell
Mrs. J. G. Carr
Mrs. H. C. Hartfield
Mrs. Albert Hall
Mrs. Edwin Harrison
Mrs. Lynville Higgins
Mrs. Martin Kempert
Mrs. W. E. Montgomery
Mrs. W. B. McReynolds
Mrs. Porter Murphy
Mrs. J. L. Rubenstein
Mrs. Fred Shafer
Mrs. 0. E. Sloan
Mrs. Fred Sneed
Mrs. L. H. Thomas
Mrs. Dr. Geo. Weir
Mrs. Otto Wilson
Honorary Members :
Mrs. F. D. Combs
Mrs. Frank Johnson
Mrs. B. F. Melcher
Mrs. J. P. McReynolds
Mrs. J. L. Shields
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 197
THE NEW CENTURY CLUB OF GREENFIELD, MO.
by
Harriet Jopes, Historian.
At the suggestion of Mrs. Aaron D. States, the fol-
lowing ladies of Greenfield, Mrs. L. W. Shafer, Mrs. R. S.
Jacobs, Mrs. E. M. Griffith, Mrs. A. D. States, Mrs. Fred
Grether, Mrs. Sarah McCluer and Mrs. R. H. Davis, met
at the residence of Mrs. Jacobs, Saturday, March 27, 1898,
for the purpose of organizing a "Literary Society" to be
known as The New Century Club. Mrs. Shafer was elected
President, Mrs. Davis Secretary.
The first regular meeting of the club was with Mrs.
E. M. Griffith on April 7, 1898, at which time a Constitu-
tion and by-laws written by Mrs. Shafer, was read and
approved. The first program consisted of reading news-
paper clippings on various subjects. The program for the
year's work consisted of sketches of the lives of different
authors, readings and papers by different members of the
club, discussions on "Woman's Rights," "Liquid Air,"
"Does the Ideal Husband Exist?" "The Four Hundred,"
etc. A club motto: "We do not take possession of our
ideas but are possessed of them," was adopted. The
club colors, pale green and heliotrope, were selected and
the club flower chrysanthemum.
The club federated with the state in September 1898,
and sent Mrs. Grether as its first delegate to the State
Federation meeting at Springfield. The year closed with
a Shakespeare party, all members appearing in costume.
The program for 1899-1900 was similar to the pre-
ceding year, consisting of Current Events, papers, discus-
sions and parliamentary drills. A Christmas Party was
held at the home of the Misses Eastin, arid the year closed
with a reception at the home of Mrs. Elliott.
During 1900-1901 the study was on Foreign Coun-
tries, and a number of letters were read from Mr. John
Merrill, the son of one of our active members, who at
that time was abroad. A Library was started by buying
twelve new books, and the year closed with a reception
at the home of Mrs. Johnson.
198 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
The club studied the life of Julius Caesar during the
next year.
1902-3-4, for three years, the club's study consisted
of the Bay View Course, and this was also the time when
they launched into active civic work, which has been
carried on to such an extent ever since that it would be
hard to draw the line between their interest in this and
their literary work. During the Street Fair they gave an
exhibit of Relics, which proved more than interesting and
attracted many spectators. A prize of $3.00 was given to
Miss Minnie Van Osdell for an old coin of the year 323,
and a second prize to Mrs. King for a Bible of the Seven-
teenth Century.
On February 18, 1905, the New Century and Magazine
Clubs met in joint session at the home of Mrs. Johnson
to perfect a plan to raise money or the purpose of clean-
ing up and beautifying the City Cemetery. It was decided
that each member of the clubs raise five dollars for this
purpose, and a permanent organization was perfected at
that time, to be known as the Greenfield Cemetery Asso-
ciation. This work so auspiciously begun, has met with
the favor of the citizens of Greenfield and the surrounding
country, and the Cemetery is now maintained at an
average expenditure of some three hundred dollars. This
money is raised by means of Annual Memberships of One
Dollar each, in addition to a Chrysanthemum Show, and
Dinner held in November of each year in the Court House.
The Association has also, through the liberality of some
of its members, both living and deceased, a good sized
endowment fund, which will in the next three or four
years, make it self-sustaining.
During this period we lost one of our most active
members, Mrs. Anne McBride, on account of removal to
Kansas City, and the club held a reception in her honor
at the home of the Misses Eastin.
During 1904-5 the study of Shakespeare, and in 1905-6
there were papers and readings on different subjects. A
Circulating Library was started, containing twenty-two
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 199
books, and a donation of ten dollars made to the Cemetery
Association.
In 1905-7 the study was sketches of noted Authors
and Artists. The Magazine and Century Clubs improved
the Public School grounds by having a cement retaining
wall built across the front of the yard, at an expense of
some ninety dollars.
1907-8-9. During these years the Bay View Course
was followed, and the Civic Work pushed by offering and
awarding prizes at the Street Fair and raising money by
selling tags to help defray the expense incurred for the
school wall. It may be w r ell to state right here that all
our Civic work has been undertaken and accomplished in
connection with the Magazine Club.
In 1909-10-11 the study consisted of Famous Poems
and Bible Lessons, "Cranford" and "A Tale of Two
Cities." The introduction of penny packages of flower
and vegetable seeds to be sold to school children was
hailed with delight by the latter, and resulted in a
Vegetable and Flower Show in September, at which time
prizes were awarded. The clubs also gave prizes for the
best kept lawns. Seats were placed in the Cemetery, and
ten dollars given to the Endowment Fund. Twenty-nine
dollars was raised by selling tags and the money sent to
the S. E. Missouri Flood sufferers.
The social features of these years consisted of a
picnic at the High School campus, to which the husbands
were invited, also the High School faculty, and a Tacky
Party at the home of Mrs. Merrill, each member inviting
a lady guest.
The study for 1912-13 was the "Blue Bird" and the
"House of Seven Gables." Clean-up Day was proposed,
and the city was put in first-class sanitary condition, and
this has since become an annual event in Greenfield. At
the suggestion of the clubs an electric light was placed
at the entrance to the Cemetery and the Curfew rung at
nine o'clock.
State President, Mrs. E. M. Shepherd, and Mrs. Miller,
President of the Sixth District of the Federation, were
200 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
visitors to our club, and were entertained with a luncheon
at the home of Mrs. Grether.
During 1913-14 each hostess made out her own pro-
gram, which made it a most enjoyable year. In connec-
tion with the Magazine Club, the Court Yard seats were
painted, penny seed packages were sold, and premiums
for best flower gardens and most novel bird houses were
given.
The social features of the year consisted of a picnic
on Mrs. Shafer's lawn, with an invited guest for each
member, and the club entertained the Sixth District Fed-
eration meeting at the Presbyterian Church, during the
course of which a banquet was given in the Odd Fellows'
hall, with the Magazine Club as invited guests.
During the year 1914 Dade County started its Farm
Boy Fund, to which the club contributed five dollars.
At this period of our history we lost two of our most
valued members, viz: Mrs. Hattie V. Merrill, by death,
and Mrs. Charles F. Newman, by removal to Kansas City.
A farewell party for Mrs. Newman was given at the
home of Mrs. Carr, to which the Magazine Club ladies
were invited. Those present pieced a quilt for Mrs. New-
man in the club colors.
In 1914-15 the Club's study consisted of a ''Trip
Through Europe," and the civic work consisted in help-
ing to secure Dr. Pearse of Kansas City to lecture on
Preventive Sickness.
The club was entertained by the Magazine Club at the
home of Mrs. Jopes in honor of Mrs. A. C. Thweatt's de-
parture from the city.
During 1915-16 the club study consisted of "South
America," and the civic work, in having the weeds cut; a
sanitary display of groceries and meats made, and a fly
crusade, and another donation made to the Farm Boy
Fund. Mrs. J. F. McComb, another of our members,
moved away and the club had a picnic in her honor.
1916-17. Study-Romance of American Cities. A lec-
ture course of five numbers was held in Greenfield, en-
tirely under the management of the Magazine and Cen-
DR. J. C. 13. KENFKO.
K.\LKK;H j. SHIPLEY AND FAMILY.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 201
tury Clubs and brought to a successful close. A small
balance after all expenses were paid being added to our
growing Farm Boy Fund, which at the present time
amounts to $81. In November of 1915 Dade County, al-
ways in the front rank of progressive communities, held
a three days' Round-Up. The Women's Clubs had a
prominent place on the program, and in addition to a fine
Home Economics and Fancy Work Display, were instru-
mental in bringing to Greenfield Mrs. Alice Curtis Mover
Wing, Field Secretary of the Missouri Women's Equal
Suffrage League, who gave two splendid lectures one
at the Presbyterian Church in the afternoon and one to a
capacity house at 8 o'clock p. m., at the Opera House.
This Club is also a member of the Associated Chari-
ties of Greenfield organized by the Commercial Club of the
City for the purpose of dispensing well directed charity
for the needy of our community.
The club also has one or more deleagtes at Federa-
tion meetings. Among those w r ho have represented the
club in the past are: Mrs. F. Grether, Mrs. E. M. Griffiith,
Mrs. I. J. Martin, Mrs. Anne McBride, Mrs. P. S. Griffith,
Mrs. Hugh Harrison, Miss Birdie Wetzel, Mrs.. J. G v Carr,
Mrs. C. E. Bell, Miss Marie Grether, Mrs. E. M, Kimber,
Miss Frank Eastin and Mrs. J. M. Mitchell.
Club membership is limited to twenty-five ande meets
fortnightly on Thursday afternoons.
The following is a list of the present activeJmembens :
Mrs. W. T. Allen Mrs. H. C. H^tfield
Mrs. C. E. Bell Mrs. T. X. Jacobs
Mrs. J. G. Carr Miss Harriet Jopes
Miss Ollie Eastin Mrs. E. M. Kirgter
Miss Frank Eastin Mrs. I. J.Martin
Mrs. W. P. Finley Mrs. J. M. Mitchell
Mrs. W. L. Ferguson. Mrs. L. W Sh&fer
Mrs. F. Grether Mrs. A/D. States
Miss Marie Grether Mrs. H. D. Sloan
Mrs. E. M. Griffith Mrs. F. G. Van Osdell
Mrs. P. S. Griffith Miss Bertha Wetzel
Mrs. Hugh Harrison Mrs. S. H. Wetzel
Mrs. Edwin Harrison
202 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
THE MAGAZINE CLUB.
by
Mrs. A. C. Duvall.
A number of Lockwood ladies met at the home of
Mrs. H. A. Cunningham, February, 1905, for the purpose
of organizing a club.
Mrs. T. J. Peterson acted as chairman of the meeting.
The following names were enrolled: Mrs. T. 0. Barker,
Mrs. C. S. Crow, Mrs. Wm. Cunningham, Mrs. H. A. Cun-
ningham, Mrs. J. T. Dunning, Mrs. L. F. Evans, Mrs. F. H.
Farris, Mrs. C. W. Gilman, Mrs. Geo. Oilman, Mrs. John
McDermott, Mrs. R. E. Morris, Mrs. C. F. Newman, Mrs.
T. J. Peterson, Mrs. C. D. Pyle, Mrs. M. B. Pyle, Mrs. A.
C. Thweatt, Mrs. E. E. Williams, Mrs. E. S. White, and
Mrs. Walter West.
The next thing was a name for the club. Several
names were proposed but the one chosen was, "The Maga-
zine Club."
The following officers were elected:
Secretary, Mrs. T. 0. Barker.
Vice- President, Mrs. T. J. Peterson.
President, Mrs. C. W. Oilman.
Treasurer, Mrs. A. C. Thweatt.
A committee to draw up the Constitution and By-
laws was appointed. The club membership was limited
to twenty members. The initiation fee was a dollar maga-
zine. Each member was to subscribe for a dollar maga-
zine to be used in the club.
Having no club study at the beginning, different sub-
jects were taken up and discussed at the meetings.
For the year 1906 Mrs. John McDermott was elected
president; Mrs. C. S. Crow, secretary. In 1907 the club
bought Stoddard's Lectures, consisting of ten volumes, to
be used as a club study. The club joined the State Fed-
oration December 16, 1907. In 1908 the club membership
was limited to fifteen members instead of twenty.
A program committee consisting of Mrs. John Mc-
Dcrrnott, Mrs. T. J. Peterson, and Mrs. M. B. Pyle was
appointed to plan a study and make a year book, using
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 203
Stoddard's Lectures. This was the first year book. Con-
tinued the study of Stoddard's Lectures during the year
1909. In 1910 the lessons were on Missouri Laws.
In May, 1910, The Magazine Club invited the L. D.
Club to join with it and organize a Cemetery Association,
for the purpose of improving the Lockwood Cemetery.
A joint meeting was held at the home of Mrs. C. S. Crow
and the Cemetery Association organized. The town was
canvassed and membership solicited. Years 1911 and 1912
were given to the study of Stoddard's Lectures again.
The History of Missouri was taken as a study in 1913.
The Club gave a donation for a block in the concrete walk
at the school house that year. Our Own Country was
the study in 1914.
Through the efforts of the Magazine Club the Public
Park was lighted and seated.
The Club study for the year 1915 was Fine Arts and
Noted Men and Women. The study for 1916 was miscel-
laneous; for 1917, South America.
The officers for 1917: President, Mrs. A. C. Duvall;
Vice President, Mrs. W. F. Knox; Secretary, Mrs. John
McDermott; Treasurer, Mrs. F. II. Farris.
The remaining charter members at the present time
are: Mrs. C. S. Crow, Mrs. Wm. Cunningham, Mrs. F. H.
Farris, Mrs. John McDermott. There is now a member-
ship of 14.
o
THE MERRY MAKER'S CLUB.
by
Miss Myrtle Workman, President.
The Merry Maker's Club was organized October 18,
1910, at the home of Miss Rose Perlatti. As its name im-
plies, it is purely a social club. No line of work being
followed.
The charter members are: Misses Mertie Mayberry,
Helen Mayberry, Rose Perlatti, Margaret Lindsey and
Myrtle Workman.
The members at present are: Misses Mertie May-
berry, Helen Mayberry, Margaret Lindsey, Myrtle Work-
204 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
man, Ella Russel, Fannie Puckett, and Mesdames Sidney
Burger, Grover Weiland and W. E. Evans.
The officers of the Merry Maker 's are as follows :
Myrtle Workman, President.
Helen Mayberry, Vice President.
Ella Russell, Secretary.
Margaret Lindsey, Treasurer.
THE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON CLUB.
Lockwood, Missouri,
by
Mrs. Lou Grubert.
The Wednesday Afternoon Club was oranized at the
home of Mrs. W. E. Evans, November 1, 1916. The object
of the club being to follow some line of study selected by
the members at present. The club study is "Famous
Women."
The Charter Members are: Mesdames T. 0. Barker,
Emma Daugherty, L. F. Evans, W. E. Evans, C. W. Gill-
man, G. A. Gillman, W. F. Grubert, J. F. Horn, C. D. Pyle,
Joe Temple, and Misses Helen Mayberry, Myrtle Work-
man, Tillie Pearson and Margaret Lindsey.
Since the organization of the club the following
members have been added:
Mesdames Ira Abrogast, I. G. Hines, U. S. Keran and
M. B. Pyle.
The officers for 1916-17 are as follows:
President, Mrs. W. F. Grubert.
Vice President, Mrs. Emma Daugherty.
Secretary, Myrtle E. Workman.
Assistant Secretary, Helen Mayberry.
Treasurer, Tillie Pearson.
Musical Directress, Mrs. W. E. Evans.
Club Colors, Yellow, Green and White.
Flower, Carnation.
Motto: "Excellence is the Reward of Labor."
Club Meetings, First and Third Wednesdays at
2:30 p. m.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 205
THE ALL SEW CLUB.
Lockwood, Missouri,
by
Mrs. W. M. Hoel, President.
The All Sew Club was organized August 26, 1913,
with the following officers and members:
Mrs. J. L. Shields, President.
Mrs. I. G. Hines, Vice President.
Mrs. W. M. Hoel, Secretary.
Mrs. U. S. Keran.
Mrs. J. F. Horn.
Mrs. M. B. Pyle.
Mrs. G. W. Smith.
Mrs. Chas. Orr.
Mrs. S. D. McMillan.
Mrs. P. E. Stewart.
The Ail Sew Club was formed to promote the Social,
Civic and Education welfare of the City of Lockwood.
Program of the Club consists of the following:
Social
Monthly entertainments.
Civic
Securing seats for the City Park.
Assisted in securing lights for the park.
Members made public talks on Civic Welfare.
Educational
Studied Preventive Medicine one and one-half years.
Studied Laws for Women and Children in Missouri
one year.
Studied Suffrage.
PROGRAM FOR 1917.
Members and Officers for 1917
Mrs. W. M. Hoel, President.
Mrs. M. B. Pyle, Vice President.
Mrs. I. G. Hines, Vice President.
Mrs. U. S. Keran, Press Correspondent.
Mrs. C. D. Pyle.
Mrs. W. F. Grubert.
Mrs. J. F. Horn.
206 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Honorary Members
Mrs. Otlio Keran.
Mrs. Fred Kellar.
Miss Marguerite Hines.
Miss Rosamond Horn.
Miss Lois Grubert.
THE COUNTRY WOMAN.
At the call of the Mrs. States and Mrs. Ayers some of
the women of Limestone community met at the home of
Mrs. A. 0. Litchfield and Mrs. C. H. Ayres Thursday,
September 2nd, 1915, for the purpose of organizing a club,
with the following members present: Mrs. DeWitt, Mrs.
Jeffreys, Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Arthur Poe, Mrs. States, Mrs.
Pertle, Mrs. Hurt, Mrs. Litchfield, and Mrs. Ayers.
In the afternoon the house was called to order by
the president protem, Mrs. States. They then proceeded
to organize a club to be called "The Country Women." To
Mrs. Vida Poe belongs the honor of suggesting the name
for the club. The election of officers was then in order.
Betty Ayers was elected Secretary. Did not elect a treas-
urer at this meeting as did not think we were going to
need money. It was decided each member should bring
her own plate, cup, knife, fork and spoon and be as-
signed a certain dish of eatables at each meeting, and
the hostess should furnish coffee; also music; also, each
one take some work if they chose. Also if any member is
sick, all go in and help her. After each dinner, make up
boxes for sick or absent ones. They then made a program
for the next meeting. All members should respond to
roll call with a humorous story. The meeting then ad-
journed to meet at Mrs. Hade Carr's September 22nd,
1915.
On. September 22nd, 1915, the club met with Mrs.
Tessie Carr, who asked Mrs. States to act as President at
tliis meeting. Several new members were added, namely:
Mrs. Nellie Sailor, Mrs. Sallie Tucker, Mrs. Anna Marks,
Mrs. Mattie Glazes, Mrs. Sarah Poe and Mrs. Tessie
Carr. Members present at this meeting, fifteen; visitors,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 207
one. All responded to roll call with a story, and this was
decided to be continued for the present. When some
suitable subject would be taken up later and discussed.
Also decided if any member had a friend visiting them, it
would be all right to take them. Also, the hostess could
invite anyone she wished to help her entertain. This
being the first regular meeting the program was short.
No further business. The club then adjourned to meet
with Mrs. Rachel Hurt October 13th, 1915.
The club being well started they decided to elect offi-
cers to hold their offices for six months. Mrs. Nelie Tay-
lor, President; Mrs. Bettie Ayers, Secretary; Mrs. Hopkins,
Treasurer; Mrs. Blanch Gregory, Press Correspondent and
Chaplin. The Club holds their meetings on Wednesdays,
every three weeks, with different members, until they
have met with all of them, when they commence over
again. The club has had new members added until they
now number 17.
On extra occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas,
Fourth of July, etc., the husbands are invited, who gen-
erally attend, and sometimes give interesting talks. Rev.
States always gave us good talks when he was among us,
which we now miss very much. The club is now one
year and a half old and in a flourishing condition.
Each member must pay a small tax to keep money in
the treasury for the expenses of the club. The motto of
the Country Woman is: "I will speak evil of no one.
I will excuse the faults of others. I will tell all the good
I know of every one."
Our opening song is "Brighten the Corner Where
You Are," and the closing song is, "God Be With You
Till We Meet Again." Our club colors are red and white.
We all realize that this order has helped us in many
ways as we discuss questions on subjects of interest to all.
Present Members:
Mrs. Litchfield. Mrs. Jaunita Mead.
Mrs. Nellie Taylor. Mrs. Mattie Glaze.
Mrs. Sarah Poe. Mrs. Jessie Gregory.
Mrs. Blanche Gregory. Mrs. Minnie Logan.
208 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Mrs. Mollie Pirtle. Miss Lucy Hall.
Mrs. Rachel Hurt. Miss Guss Hudspeth.
Mrs. Vida Poe. Mrs. Josephine States.
Mrs. Bettie Ayers. Mrs. Jefferies.
Mrs. Tessie Carr.
Honorary Members: Mrs. Dewitt, Mrs. States, Mrs.
Hopkins, Mrs. Fern Poe and Mrs. Marks.
(Written by Blanche Gregory.)
o
THE HOME-MAKERS CLUB.
The Home Makers Club was organized by Miss Bab
Bell, a representative of the State University, Oct. 27, 1913.
Mrs. F. J. McComb was elected president, Miss Gladys
Lowe, secretary. Nothing further was done until March
20, 1914, when at the suggestion of Mr. Rodekohr, Dade
County's farm adviser, Mrs. McComb called a meeting
at her home inviting 35 women to enroll as members of
the new club. At that meeting it was decided to limit
the number to thirty-five, to meet the second Friday in
each month with the members of the club, taking their
names alphabetically. The programs were to consist of
music, response to roll call by household hints, and papers
written on various subjects pertaining to the home.
Through the efforts of the farm adviser, Miss Mae McDon-
ald, from the State University, was secured for lecture,
after which she established a cooking school, which lasted
one week with half-day sessions, conducted by Miss Se-
bastion. This school proved very instructive to more
than fifty ladies who attended the session and after paying
the regular expense for such schools, twenty-five dollars,
put a balance of seven dollars and fifty cents in the
treasury.
At this time the club broadened its vision, having
among its membership several ladies who felt that
woman 's place is primarily in the home, yet she has the
mental capacity as well as physical strength to do some-
thing outside of just four walls, and so become interested
in civic work such as trying to eradicate the dandelion
from the cemetery. At Christmas magazines, rag rugs,
RALEIGH J. SHIPLEY AM) WIFE.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 209
clothes and other useful presents were given to the county
farm inmates.
The next year's work followed along the same lines,
the programs being printed for the whole year made from
bulletins sent by the university.
The cooking school conducted this year by Miss Nay-
lor was quite a success. More civic work was done by
co-operating with other clubs of the town, such as swat-
ting the fly, observing clean-up day and so forth. The
club's special charity work consisted in remembering at
Christmas the county farm inmates with fruit, candy and
nuts. During baby week a lecturer from the State Uni-
versity for one afternoon, was secured and for the Round-
up a display of fancy work was given.
For the year 1916 the work was of the same nature,
but there was no summer school. Social life in the club
was developed, beginning with a very enjoyable party at
the home of Miss Marie Grether, and later on, a picnic din-
ner at the same place. The Home Makers Club was asked
to unite with other clubs in Greenfield's greatest civic
work raising money for the Cemetery for which it
pledged five dollars to be given to same. The programs
are always interesting and instructive and the club
through its connection with "The Greenfield Associated
Charities" is an uplift to the community. At the begin-
ning of the year 1917 thirty-four members are enrolled, as
follows :
Miss Helen Brownlee. Mrs. J. W. McLemore.
Mrs. Charles Bell. Miss Zetta McLemore.
Mrs. Harve Campbell. Mrs. J. M. Mitchell.
Miss Ruth Carr. Mrs. R. P. Murphy.
Mrs. Mary Davis. Mrs. Lit. Roper.
Mrs. F. C. Eastin. Mrs. F. L. Shafer.
Mrs. F. P. Engleman. Mrs. H. D. Sloan.
Mrs. Bess Erisman. Mrs. R. M. Sloan.
Mrs. W. P. Finley. Mrs. 0. E. Sloan.
Mrs. Ralph Furby. Mrs. R. S. Sneed.
Miss Marie Grether. Mrs. Henry Talbutt.
Mrs. P. S. Griffith. Mrs. D. E. Tarr.
210 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Mrs. A. C. Hall. Mrs. L. A. Wetzel.
Mrs. F. H. Holland. Mrs. W. C. Whaley.
Mrs. S. W. Jopes. Mrs. 0. J. Wilson.
Miss Harriet Jopes. Mrs. L. J. Weir.
Mrs. Eli Kimber. Harriet Jopes, Historian
Mrs. S. G. Manlove.
GREENFIELD,
"THE GATE CITY OF THE GROTTO,"
by
A. J. Young.
Greenfield, the seat of Justice of Bade County, was
located in the spring of 1841. A detailed account of this
event being given in connection with the sketch entitled
"The Organization of the County."
The city is very pleasantly located near the center
of the county, upon what was originally wooded hills and
sylvan glades in the immediate vicinity of a gigantic
spring. It occupies a commanding eminence about 200
feet in elevation above the valley of Turnback, which
lies two miles eastward, and practically the same above
South Greenfield, which lies three miles south on the
Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railway. Looking
eastward from Greenfield one gets a delightful view of the
"Grotto," a veritable paradise of undulating hills and
fertile valleys, bubbling springs, racing rivulets and a
riotous profusion of cloudland and woodland blending into
a grand panorama of Nature's own storehouse of richest
pastorial gems. To the west lie the broad, rolling- prai-
ries, unrivaled for richness of soil and clasping in their
fond embrace a never ending succession of verdant pas-
tures and waving fields of golden grain.
Greenfield is indeed set as a choice gem in the very
"Crown of the Hills," and imparts a radiant glow to an
atmosphere bristling with ozone and filled with the
fragrance, 1 of the forest. Greenfield of today, however,
differs widely from the Greenfield of more than half a
century ago.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 211
Aside from the original court house the first business
building in the town was erected in 1841, at the north-
east corner of the public square, where the Dade County
Bank is now located. It was erected by Madison Camp-
bell, of Polk County, and Caleb Jones & Co., also of Polk
County, put in a stock of goods, which was managed and
sold by John W. Wilson. The next merchants of the town
were John Wells and Rufus Gates, each of whom opened
stores. Then followed W. K. Latham, and a Mr. Lindsey
as merchants. The postoffice was established in 1841 or
1842, and W. K. Latham was the first postmaster.
Developments In 1847, when William L. Scroggs
came to Greenfield, there were four little stores in the
town, the combined stock of which would not equal that
of one such as the town now affords. One of these
stores was kept by W. K. Latham, at the southwest cor-
ner of the public square, where Dr. Lyngar's drug store
now stands on the corner south: another, where the Dade
County Bank is located, by Mr. Lindsey, and the other by
John Wells, on the corner east of the Delmonico Hotel.
The town grew but slowly, so that, at the beginning of
the Civil War, it contained only eleven small business
houses; and all, except one in the Delmonico building,
were in small wooden houses. Of these, only one that
of Mr. Jacobs survived the war, and at one time the
goods of his store were taken by Confederate raiders.
The other merchants all went out of business on account
of the ravages of the war. Mr. Jacobs, however, man-
aged to keep a small amount of goods during nearly all
of the war period. At the beginning of the war, Green-
field contained about 300 inhabitants, and at its close, had
still a less number. Its population is now estimated at
1,500.
Then business soon revived the old wooden shanties
that remained began to be replaced with better buildings.
Business men with moterate capital and much enterprise
came in from abroad, and they and the old resident sur-
vivors of the town and surrounding country have built
the town almost entirely anew since the war closed.
212 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
There are now surrounding and facing the public square
twelve brick blocks, containing altogether nineteen or
twenty business rooms on the first floors, and prepara-
tions are being made for the construction of more brick
blocks during the coming season. In addition to these
are the Delmonico and Washington Hotels both large
brick houses. The town also contains the Ozark College
and a large two-story public school house both brick
structures; two brick and three frame church edifices;
several fine brick residences, a large number of com-
modious frames and many neat and beautiful cottage
residences, all comparatively new, and generally of mod-
ern architectural style. The old dilapidated wooden
building standing on the commons on the west side of
the street leading south from the southeast corner of the
square, in which the noted lawyer and Southern sympa-
thizer, John T. Coffee, once resided, is the only house that
existed in the town in 1847, that has not been torn down.
The Modern City. Greenfield makes no pretention
of commercial greatness. It is a city of schools and
churches, clubs, lodges, societies and ideal homes. Its
financial institutions and commercial establishments com-
pare favorably with those of cities twice its size. The
city owns a municipal water plant constructed at a cost
of $17,000.00, supplying water from a well drilled to a
depth of 1,000 feet into a bed of white sand. The entire
city is well lighted by an incorporated Light & Power
company, which also operates an Ice Plant. Two tele-
phone systems with large country connections and long-
distance service are well established and capably man-
aged. The streets of the city are graded, graveled and
oiled, and miles of cement sidewalks connect every por-
tion of the municipality. Forest trees augmented by
those of more convenient setting protect the streets and
lawns from the rays of the. summer sun and cast a cooling
shade across the parks and commons.
Greenfield is justly proud of her two banks, the R. 8.
Jacobs Banking Company and the Dade County Bank,
each with a footing of more than $250,000, and extending
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 213
a line of credit sufficient to accommodate every legitimate
enterprise of the city. Greenfield High School is known
throughout the state for its efficiency and excellency.
Dade County's Greatest Store, owned and conducted by
J. L. Rubenstein, and The Day Light Store, owned and
managed by Fred C. Eastin, are to Greenfield what the
great department stores are to the large cities. Every line
of business and enterprise is well represented and they
work in perfect harmony. The Commercial Club and
Young Men's Business Club are organizations which have
for their purpose the betterment of business conditions
in Greenfield and the welfare of the surrounding com-
munity.
The pride and the boast of the city is that for more
than thirty years no saloon has existed within its borders.
The various Societies, Lodges, Newspapers, Clubs,
Civic bodies and Associations will be mentioned in their
order under appropriate headings in this volume.
While Greenfield is a splendid place in which to live
it is also a good place in which to die. It has one of the
most beautiful and well kept cemeteries to be found in
Southwest Missouri. It is owned by the city and man-
aged by a Cemetery Association. It occupies a highly im-
proved plat of ground in the northeast quarter of the city
and commands a splendid view of the surrounding coun-
try. In its confines are sleeping many of the Fathers of
the City. Rude monuments of pioneer days and costly
piles of carved marble unite in this democracy of the dead.
Interments d#te from the year 1837. Scarcely a family in
the entire community but what has some loved-one, some
relative, neighbor or friend sleeping in this quiet city of
the dead. It is the one sacred spot above all others which
Greenfield has dedicated to the memory of her lamented
dead.
The present city government is as follows:
Mayor Phil S. Griffith.
City Attorney A. J. Young.
City Clerk Fred L. Shafer.
Police Judge John E. Scroggs.
214 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
City Marshall Houston Duncan.
Street Commissioner M. H. Campbell.
Water Commissioner C. E. Bell.
Aldermen :
First Ward Mason Talbutt and R. C. Divine.
Second Ward R. H. Merrill and R, M. Sloan.
The following list of business men of Greenfield is
taken from the Merchant's Assessment of 1916:
J. R. Brewer, Second Hand Goods.
Carr & Son, Meat Market.
Fred Eastin, Dry Goods.
F. Grether & Son, Hardware and Implements.
Carl Guenther, Restaurant and Bakery.
Charles Harrison, Harness Maker.
Harrison Brothers, Furniture and Undertaking.
John Harris, Postoffice, Book Store.
H. C. Hartfield, Hay, Grain and Produce.
G. C. Holman, Watches and Clocks.
Hull & Worthy, Flour and Feed.
Kempert & Furby, Restaurant and Bakery.
E. M. Kimber, Automobiles and Accessories.
D. E. Lafoon, Restaurant.
H. A. Long, Grill Room.
T. A. Miller Lumber Co., Lumber.
Mitchell & Sloan, Groceries.
Morris & White, Hardware and Implements.
W. B. McReynolds, Millinery.
Lit H. Roper, Drugs.
J. L. Rubenstein, General Dry Goods and Furnishings.
W. L. Scroggs, Groceries, Automobiles and Oil.
J. E. Shaw, Pumps, Tanks and Builders Hardware
and Automobiles.
L. M. Shaw, Farmers Restaurant.
Sloan Bros., Hardware and Implements.
0. P. Sloan, Groceries and Produce.
F. M. Sneed, Drugs, Paints, Etc.
Springfield & Co., Ice.
P. D. StringnVld, Buggies.
L. B. Tarr, Groceries, Wholesale & Retail.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 215
S. H. Wetzel, Shoes and Gent's. Furnishings.
T. E. Whaley, Notions, Sewing Machines, Musical
Instruments.
D. R. White, Buggies and Automobiles.
o
GREENFIELD COMMERCIAL CLUB.
The City of Greenfield has had a Commercial Club
for many years. It was however, reorganized in 1911 and
has been a powerful exponent in the development of the
resources of the city. It has donated largely to good
roads, bridges, public improvements and charity. Its
officers and members at present are as follows:
President B. H. Merrill, Assistant Cashier, B. S.
Jacobs Bank.
Vice President Dr. J. L. Bawhauser, Physician and
Surgeon.
Treasurer J. L. Wetzel, Cashier B. S. Jacobs Bank-
ing Company.
Secretary F. G. Van Osdell, Assistant Cashier, Dade
County Bank.
J. L. Bubenstein, Proprietor "Dade County's Great-
est Store."
S. H. Wetzel, Shoes and Gents. Furnishings.
Dr. T. B. Kyle, Physician and Surgeon.
Dade County Bank.
J. M. Mitchell, Groceries.
P. P.. Bower, Monuments.
F. Grether, Hardware and Implements.
D. E. Lafoon, Bestaurant and Soft Drinks.
String-field Ice Company.
J. C. Shouse, Betired Capitalist.
L. D. Beitz, Blacksmith.
J. L. Horton, Pantitorium.
McConnell & Wasson, Groceries.
Crews & Son, Barbers.
A. J. Young, Lawyer, Abstracter and Land Titles.
G. C. Holman, Jeweler and Optician.
L. A. Wetzel, Lawyer.
W. B. Bell, Frisco Station Agent.
216 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Grand Barber Shop.
J. W. Hull, Flour and Feed.
Benton Wilson, Capitalist and Farmer.
Cagle & Son, Blacksmiths, Horse-shoeing Experts.
J. E. Scroggs, Police Judge.
F. L. Shafer, Lawyer and Abstracter, City Clerk.
L. B. Tarr, Groceries, Wholesale and Retail.
L. H. Roper, Drugs.
Dr. G. E. Thweatt, Dentist.
Edwin Harrison, Cashier Dade County Bank.
Harrison Bros., Furniture and Undertaking.
R. S. Jacobs Banking Company.
Uel Murphy, Constable and Deputy Sheriff.
Dr. 0. E. Sloan, Dentist.
C. H. Headlee, Groceries.
Greenfield Electric Light & Power Company.
R. D. Payne, Prosecuting Attorney, Farm Loans.
W. B. Hobbs, Real Estate.
J. W. Ward, General Repair Shop.
Harry A. Long, Washington Grill Room.
W. L. Scroggs, Automobiles and Oil.
Mason Talbutt, Attorney at Law.
D. R. White, Garage, Livery, Buggies and Automob-
iles.
W. B. McReynolds, Millinery and Ladies' Furnish-
ings.
H. C. Hartfield, Hay, Grain, Poultry & Produce.
B. W. Smith, Sheriff.
F. M. Sneed, Druggist and Drug Sundries.
H. A. Lilly, Garage, Automobiles.
Dade County Advocate, "Everything That's News."
J. C. Webb, County Clerk.
Morris & White, Hardware, Implements & Auto-
mobiles.
J. G. Carr, Live Stock and Meat Market.
S. A. Payne, Lawyer.
P. S. Griffith, Mayor and Editor of "Vedette."
Frank Slawson, Poultry, Cream & Produce.
J. E. Shaw, Pumps, Tanks, Garage and Automobiles,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 217
Carl Guenther, Restaurant & Bakery, Wholesale Ice
Cream.
Kempert & Furby, Restaurant, Bakery, Soft Drinks,
etc.
Miller Lumber Company, Lumber, Cement and Build-
ers Material.
F. C. Eastin, Dry Goods, Proprietor "Daylight Store."
Ben M. Neale, Lawyer.
Dr. G. L. Weir, Physician & Surgeon.
T. E. Whaley, Musical Instruments, Notions and
Sewing Machines.
Sloan Bros., Hardware and Implements.
J. L. Wetzel, Cashier R. S. Jacobs Banking Company.
Chas. Harrison, Harness and Horse Furnishings.
W. R. Bowles, Postmaster, Proprietor Dade County
Advocate.
Dr. 0. R. Lee, Dentist and Dental Surgeon.
A. E. Watson, Mutual Telephone Company.
John Harris, Postoffice Book Store.
W. 0. Underwood, Auto Livery, Garage and Auto
Supplies.
W. 0. Russell, Abstracts, Insurance and Farm Loans.
R. W. Grether, Hardware, Traveling Salesman.
F. M. Renfro, General Shoe Repair Shop.
W. D. Brown, Circuit Clerk.
o
SOUTH GREENFIELD.
Prior to the year 1881 there were no railroads in Dade
County. In that early day Greenfield was the metropolis
of the county and all the horsetracks in the road pointed
in that direction. The old railroad survey to which Dade
County had subscribed bonds in the sum of $250,000
touched the townsite of Greenfield on the southwest but
when the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad was
built in 1881 it missed the town three miles. It followed
a natural depression out of the Turnback and Limestone
hills to the prairie leaving the county seat stranded on
high and dry ground.
218 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
People in their enthusiasm and speculation expected
to see Greenfield with her business interests and county
offices move bodily to the railroad point. To facilitate
this enterprise Levin W. Shafer, in company with John
A. Ready, two Greenfield lawyers and real estate dealers
having financial relations with the Dade County Bank,
purchased a 40 acre tract of land and laid out the pre-
tentious city of South Greenfield, with its spacious Pub-
lic Square upon which a Court House was to be erected
when the county seat was removed to that point.
John A. Myers immediately platted an Addition on
the northwest, G. "W. Yeager an Addition on the southwest,
Jacob Cox sold lots by metes and bounds on the south and
L. J. Griggs platted Grigg's Addition on the north, but
this plat was never recorded. Many business men from
Greenfield became interested in South Greenfield enter-
prises. Horace Howard embarked in the livery business,
J L. Wetzel sold general merchandise and many other
lines were represented so that in a few years the new city
attained a population of about 600.
At this juncture the unexpected happened. T. A.
Miller, a man of action and great business sagacity con-
ceived the idea of building a branch railroad from Green-
field to South Greenfield by popular subscription. Green-
field business men took kindly to the idea and in a short
time the Greenfield & Northern railroad was a reality.
Its original promoters expected to extend this line to
Stockton and on to some Missouri River point, but the
north corporate limits of Greenfield became and remained
its northern terminus. The rolling stock of this road con-
sisted of one little wheezy, jerky engine, one box car and
one combination express-baggage-passenger coach, one
hand-car with tools and equipment sufficient for the sec-
tion foreman and one hand. Later on this road was ex-
tended southward thirty miles to Aurora and was sold to
the Frisco system and is now one of its important
branches.
With the building of this railroad the county seat
hopes of South Greenfield gradually faded and finally
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 219
vanished in thin air. The* boom proclivities of the town
subsided and its population gradually diminished until
now it has something like o()0 people within its corporate
limits. Having Lockwood on the west, Kverton on the
east, Greenfield on the north and Pennsboro on the south
its trade territory is restricted and yet, notwithstanding all
this South Greenfield has made a substantial little city, a
junction railroad point and is the center of a rock-road
district with about 20 miles of permanently improved
highways. It has privately owned electric light and
water-works systems, a beautiful public park, is the home
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Camp Grounds and is in
every way a very desirable place in which to live.
The prominent business men of South Greenfield at
present are:
J. H. Fuqua, dealer in hardware, furniture, agricul-
tural implements, automobiles, undertaking and fertilizers,
is one of the best known business men in Dade county. He
has resided in South Greenfield practically all his life, his
father having been engaged in the livery business there
over 25 years ago.
Willard Daughtrey, another native son, engaged in
the grocery business with a large anel ever increasing
trade.
J. L. Gilliland, groceries, flour and feed, is one of the
permanent fixtures of the town. He has been in busi-
ness many years and enjoys the supreme confidence of his
patrons.
L. S. Couplin, drugs and medicines. Dr. Couplin is
also a regular practicing physician and is one of the val-
uable men of the community.
The T. A. Miller Lumber Company, is one of the old-
est established firms of the city, this being one of a line of
lumber yards extending over a part of Missouri and
Arkansas. It has been in business at South Greenfield
since the starting of the town.
The Farmers' State Bank is one of the sound finan-
cial institutions of the country and ably managed by
W. L. Ferguson, cashier. It is comfortably housed in its
220 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
own brick building on the west side of the square and is
equipped with all the up-to-date appliances for modern
banking.
South Greenfield has always been an extensive ship-
ping point for poultry, produce and grain. The original
Frisco depot which was destroyed by fire some two years
ago has been replaced with a commodious station house
with convenient offices, freight room and passenger wait-
ing room.
South Greenfield has suffered two commercial mis-
fortunes. A number of years ago an extensive lime and
building-stone works were established on its western sub-
urb which employed a large number of laborers and an-
nually shipped many car loads of lime and building stone.
Those quarries are among the best in the state. The build-
ings were destroyed by fire and were never re-built. About
the same time the large 200 barrel flouring mill was also
destroyed by fire and has not since been re-established.
South Greenfield has long been known as a religious
and Fraternal center. For more than fifty years a camp
ground for religious services has been maintained in a
beautiful grove adjoining the city on the northwest. It is
shaded with native forest trees of oak, a bright, sparkling,
bubbling spring furnishes a never failing supply of pure
water and a suitable church building, tabernacle, restaurant
and other conveniences have been erected. The grounds
are lighted with a modern ascetylene plant and thousands of
people visit this place annually. It is now the property of
the Cumberland Presbyterians.
The Odd Fellows some years ago erected a large, two-
story frame business house with lodge rooms above, and
for many years South Greenfield has had one of the most
prosperous Odd Fellow and Rebekah lodges in the country.
South Greenfield is incorporated as a village by the
County Court under the laws of the state of Missouri and is
governed by a Board of five trustees, viz :
AV. L. Miller, Chairman.
W. L. Ferguson, Treasurer.
F. J. McMillen, Clerk and Collector.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 221
J. H. Fuqua.
J. L. Gilliland.
J. N. Godfrey.
H. 0. Woy, City Attorney.
Lockwood. "The Queen City of the Prairie" claims
the distinction of being the commercial metropolis of Dade
County. Delightfully situated in the heart of a fertile
prairie with a broad reach of territory lying both to its
north and south without railroad facilities, gives Lockwood
a decided advantage as a shipping point. It is indeed one of
the best shipping points on the entire Frisco system.
The early history of Lockwood is one of contest, con-
tention and quarrel, there having been three rival towns
laid out in 1881 when the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf
Railroad was first built. William M. Taggart, a capitalist
with large real estate holdings in the vicinity, Titus B.
Eldridge, a lawyer of New York City owning a large tract of
land with Joseph B. Lindsey, as his local agent and W. J.
Davis, a farmer and early pioneer of the county were mili-
tant rivals in the matter of townsite promotion. W. J.
Davis gained the "first blood" in the battle by having the
railroad adopt his selection of a name for the place called
Lockwood in honor of the general passenger agent of the
road at that time. He also secured the postoffice which was
another powerful lever in his favor. After months of bit-
ter struggle a compromise was effected and Mission Street
was agreed upon as the business center of the place and
practically all the business houses from the various sections
of the city were moved to the common center. From this
time on the future of Lockwood was assured. The rival
factions became harmonious and an era of good feeling pre-
vailed. During the first ten years of the city's history many
thrilling events are to be recorded. The fire fiend visited
the place and swept away almost every original frame busi-
ness house but they were speedily replaced with substantial
brick. New capital was attracted to the city, new faces ap-
peared upon the scene and new enterprises were launched.
222 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
At the close of the first decade of its history Lockwood
was a city of the 4th class with a population of abouu 800.
Among its distinguished business men at that time, many
of whom are now sleeping in the quiet "City of the Dead"
but who in their lifetime contributed largely to the growth
and prosperity of the city of the living may be mentioned:
Captain W. S. Wheeler, a lawyer, business man and
banker who represented the Eldridge interests for a num-
ber of years and who was the first mayor of the city after
its organization as a city of the 4th class.
Haubein & Heiser, a firm composed of Herman Hau-
bein and Martin Heiser, general merchants. Mr. Heiser
was one of the builders of the first flouring mill in the city
and was also largely interested in farming enterprises. Mr.
Haubein later established the Lockwood Creamery and feed
mill and in connection with it erected the light plant.
Cunningham & Finley, a general merchandise firm com-
posed of II. A. Cunningham and A. II. Finley. Mr. Cun-
ningham was also a stock buyer and shipper, Mr. Finley a
stock feeder and both interested in the Bank of Lockwood.
E. C. Gillett, buyer and shipper of live-stock, produce
and poultry in whose employ was Frank Farris now vice
president of the Bank at Lockwood and who for years oper-
ated a grain elevator east of the railroad station.
Waterman & Sons, hardware merchants and dealer in
farm implements, succeeded by Workman Brothers.
W. R. Eaton, dealer in lumber, hay, grain, threshing
machines and farm implements.
Hunt Bros., dealers in lumber and kindred products.
(iillman & Son, private bankers. C. W. Gillman, the
junior member of the firm being an extensive buyer and
.shipper of livestock.
Sandmeyer & Bartling, manufacturers of harness and
dealers in all kinds of horse furnishings.
Fred Frye, merchant, leading citizen and afterwards
Judge of the County Court.
McDermid & Thumser, hardware and seed merchants.
Herman Schuerman, dealer in general merchandise.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 223
Dr. F. P. Adams, drugs and medicines.
J. L. Alverson, shoes and gents, furnishings.
S. C. Provin, exclusive groceries.
J. A. Renck, bakery and confectionary.
Dr. William Terry, physician and surgeon.
A. J. Young, lawyer, editor and general promoter.
Hi Curry, lawyer, now located at Webb City.
J. H. Harris, liverman and buyer of horses and mules.
D. C. Clark, watchmaker and jeweler.
Hoel Brothers, a firm composed of W. B. Hoel and C.
E. Hoel, real estate, loans and insurance.
Prof. W. H. H. Peirce, editor of the "Times" and gen-
eral savant of the city.
C. S. Ring, buyer and shipper of grain.
William Beisner, real estate, loans and justice of the
peace.
William Crow, veteran Constable, City Marshal and
general conservator of the peace.
Heisey & Caldwell, furniture and undertaking. Mr.
Heisey was afterward mayor of the city.
J. D. Yoder, drayman and transfer.
B. F. Whitlock, blacksmith.
J. N. Burns, associated with W. R. Eaton in the lumber
business and also connected with the bank of Gillman,
Burns & Company.
The above is not by any means a complete list of the
Lockwood business men in 1891, but it gives a fair idea of
the business interests as represented at that time.
About the year 1894 W. A. Rice, a cigar maker by occu-
pation and a musician by profession, located in Lockwood
and became connected with the Cornet Band, as leader.
Under his direction it became one of the most proficient
musical organizations in Southwest Missouri.
Lockwood has always taken special pride in her schools
and churches. Of the boys who grew up and were educated
in Lockwood and afterward entered business on their own
account may be mentioned :
Dr. John McDermid, Physician and Surgeon.
224 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
C. F. Newman, Lawyer.
Dr. John Buser, Physician and Surgeon.
Dr. W. M. Hoel, Physician and Surgeon.
Dr. John Newman, Physician and Surgeon.
Cortis Pyle, banker.
Perry Pyle, banker.
Oliver Smith, banker.
Otho Reran, banker.
C. S. Crow, banker.
And a score or more of others who have made their
mark in the business world.
Lockwood today is a flourishing little city of more
than 1,000 population, with well improved streets, elegant
homes and modern conveniences. The city is lighted by
electricity, the streets well oiled, all lines of business
well represented and the people well governed.
The following list of merchants is taken from the
Merchants' Assessment Book of Dade County for 1916:
J. L. Alverson, Groceries.
Wm. A, Bowers, Restaurant.
H. G. Caldwell, Furniture and Undertaking.
E. M. Carr, Meat Market and Grocery.
D. C. Clark, Jewelry.
R. T. Clements & Son, Dry Goods and Furnishings.
D. & S. Drolesbaugh, Millinery.
Duckett Sisters, Millinery.
A. C. Duvall, Groceries.
W. R. Eaton Lumber Co., Lumber.
Frye & Bartling, General Merchandise.
C. N. Gilfert, Meat Market.
Ilaubein & Newcomb, Hardware.
Hauridschild & Horstman, Shoes.
Horn & Algeo, Hardware and Implements.
Hunt Bros., Lumber.
Lockwood Furniture (Peer Bros), Furniture.
Massey & Smith, Drugs.
A. F. Meisner, Bakery.
0. E. McCall, Groceries.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 225
McDermid & Peterson, Seeds and Grain, Flour and
Feed.
Charles Orr, Restaurant and Groceries.
W. H Salow, Harness.
H. Schuerman & Co., General Merchandise.
J. H. Sutter, Groceries.
Sam W. Temple & Co., Shoes and Furnishings.
G. J. Thumser, Pumps, Windmills, Engines, Etc.
J. Q. Workman, Automobiles.
J. D. Yoder, Groceries.
The present City Government is composed of the fol-
lowing officials :
Mayor, R. A. Frye.
City Clerk, Calvin S. Crow.
City Collector, H. C. Bird.
City Treasurer, W. E. Evans.
City Attorney, E. R. Hightower.
City Marshal, W. E. James.
Street Commissioner, W. E. James.
Aldermen:
H. Schuerman.
A. M. Smith.
S. M. Bishop.
A. J. Wolf.
Police Judge, Captain Meyer.
Health Officer, Dr. Wm. M. Hoel.
o
EVERTON.
The Southeastern Metropolis of Dade County is
located on the Frisco railroad twelve miles southeast of
Greenfield, in the midst of a populous and highly produc-
tive agricultural section. It has a population of about
1,000 people, and all lines of business are well represented.
Everton is comparatively a new city, dating its birth
from the building of the K. C. F. S. & G. railroad in 1881.
Prior to that time, however, Rock Prairie Township had
its trading point. As far back as 1850 the postoffice of
Rock Prairie was established, and Thomas Grisham was
the first postmaster, and later on, John Dunkle. The
226 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
postoffice, however, was moved from house to house and
accommodated only a sparsely settled community.
Some time along in the 50 's Sammy Jones had a
little store at Cross Roads, about one mile Northeast of the
present site of Everton, at a point where the Springfield
and Ft. Scott wagon road was crossed by the Booneville
& Sarcoxie wagon road. This was in the good old freight-
ing days when produce and supplies were hauled long
distances by ox and mule teams. The war for a time de-
stroyed the aspirations of Cross Roads ever becoming a
city. At the close of hostilities Calvin Wheeler peti-
tioned Congress for a re-establishment of the Rock Prairie
postomcc' which had been discontinued during the war, and
he was appointed postmaster in 1868, and located the
office at Cross Roads, at which point he was conducting a
small country store. His son, Martin Wheeler, was deputy
postmaster and managed the office. James Bell and James
Byles were the village blacksmiths, Elias Bennett con-
ducted a drug store and officiated as Justice of the Peace,
Eli Reich "cobbled" shoes, George Laughingburg estab-
lished a brewery and manufactured old-fashioned lager
beer from hops and barley with W. L. Grotzman, who
ran a pottery as his chief customer.
This was about 1871. During this year W. T. Hast-
ings and Joe Irby established a blacksmith and wagon
shop, Dr. Appleby also located at Cross Roads as a regu-
lar practicing physician, and afterwards engaged in mer-
chandising in the partnership firm of Appleby & Wheeler.
It was in the midst of these activities that the Kansas
City & Memphis railroad was graded from Greenfield to
Ash Grove, right through the heart of Cross Roads. With
these brilliant prospects in view G. W. Wilson erected a
box store building on one of the principal corners and put
in a stock of general merchandise, and took into his em-
ploy his brother-in-law, W. Y. McLemore, who in 1878
became his partner in the business.
The building of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf
railroad in 1881, through Dade County, blasted the hopes
of the Cross Roads city, for the main line missed the place
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 227
just one mile. At this juncture, Judge Ralph Walker of
Springfield purchased a tract of land in the northeast
quarter of Section 17-30-25, and laid out the present City
of Everton. The plat was surveyed February 9th, 1881,
and on the 25th day of July, 1881, G. W. Wilson and W.
Y. McLemore moved their general merchandise store from
Cross Roads to Everton, becoming the first business firm
in the new city. William Maunger, who had originally
entered the land from the Government, had lived for
years near the Reich spring in the northeastern part of
the city. John Stephenson, the proprietor of a hotel in
Corry, moved his building overland to the Everton town-
site and became the first landlord in the new city. During
the year 1882 Ed. Coker established a restaurant and
grocery business, and about the same time Ed. Clark and
E. R. Hughes engaged in the general merchandise busi-
ness.
J. C. Kennedy established the first lumber yard in
Everton in 1881, but soon sold out to the T. A. Miller
Lumber Co., the present proprietors of the business.
About the year 1883 Galbraith & Tarrant built an old-
fashioned stone-burr flouring mill and run it till about
1887, when they sold out to Wash Likins, who converted
it into an up-to-date roller mill with modern equipment
and electric lights, and then disposed of the property to its
present owner, William Raubinger, who has made many
improvements. It is now a standard 100-barrel mill, doing
a flourishing business. The original townsite of Everton
soon became too small to accommodate the needs of the
growing town, -so that numerous additions were platted.
Burleyson's First Addition was laid out August 25th, 1881,
and his Second Addition, July 20th, 1883. G. W. Wilson
platted his First Addition November 19th, 1884, and his
Second Addition November 8th, 1887. John Dimkle con-
tributed an addition to Everton on June loth, 1881, while
Wilson extended Block "C" with an addition August
17th, 1888. Jacob Green platted his addition November
21st, 1890, and J. G. Wilson placed his lots on the market
June 9th, 1890. In addition to these numerous additions
228 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
to the city many lots were sold by metes and bonds and
are so conveyed at this time. Among the original business
men to the town but few remain to this day. G. W. Wil-
son, W. Y. McLemore and Dr. W. I. Oarlock have been
the land marks in business in Everton during all the
years of her career. Aaron Burleyson was a farmer and
cultivated the land in corn for many years where his
additions were located. He was a native of Alabama, com-
ing from there to Arkansas and to Bade County in 1862.
T. W. Burleyson, his son was a regular practicing phy-
sician in Everton, and his two sons, T. J. and Dave Bur-
leyson, are still engaged in the drug business there.
In addition to its other business enterprises Everton
also had two saloons in an early day. Andy Jack Barker
conducted an ''irrigation parlor" for a number of years
on the corner near where his good wife, "Mother" Bar-
ker, presided over a pioneer hotel, the "Everton House."
Andy Baker also conducted a saloon for a short time, Jake
Samples was the pioneer produce dealer in Everton, enter-
ing business as early as 1885, and in 1895, W. D. Brown,
present Circuit Court Clerk, entered the produce business
on a large scale.
On the 12th day of September, 1882, W. Y. McLemore
sold his interest in the firm of Wilson & McLemore to
his partner and the firm continued as Wilson Bros. In
1884 he again entered the general merchandise business
in partnership with his brother, J. M. McLemore, and in
1888 his brother, Robert F., came into the firm, after
which they moved into the two-story brick building on
the corner and continued business till 1896.
G. W. Wilson erected the first brick building in the
city in 1889. The first bank in Everton was established
by G. W. Wilson as a private bank, and for a number of
years was one of the largest private banks in Southwest
Missouri. On the 1st day of June, 1914, it was incor-
porated as "The Bank of Everton" with a capital stock
of $25,000. G. W. Wilson was elected President, W. Y.
McLemore, Vice President; Monte Poindexter, Cashier:
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 223
Clarence McLemore, Assistant Cashier, and W. 0. Wilson,
Director.
In 1889 W. C. Holman started the first livery business
in Everton. He was succeeded in 1894 by Monte Wheeler,
who continued in the business till 1904, when he sold out
to Cunningham. The original building was destroyed by
fire. Monte Wheeler, in the year 1904 engaged in the
hardware business and continued in the same till January
1st, 1915.
W. Y. McLemore sold out of the general merchandise
business in 1898 and entered politics, being elected Re-
corder of Deeds of Bade County on the Republican ticket
in 1902, whereupon he moved to Greenfield and spent four
years in that office. In 1908 he moved to Porum, Okla-
homa, and engaged in business with success, but the ties
of Dade County were too strong for him to remain away
very long. He returned to Everton June 1st, 1914, and re-
entered business. After the capitalization of the Bank
of Everton he organized the Everton Hardware Company
with a capital stock of $10,000, of which G. W. Wilson
was elected President ; W. Y. McLemore, Vice President
and Secretary, with Monte Wheeler, W. S. Wilson, W. 0.
Wilson and John Bell as Directors. This Corporation
purchased the hardware business of Monte Wheeler, and
also that of Goforth & Hankins. They are now located in
business in a brick block on the East side of the street
running North and South through the business section
of the city.
B. F. Johnson was one of the early merchants of
Everton, succeeding Hughes & Clark in the general mer-
chandise business. Dr. T. W. Burleyson established the
first drug store in the place in 1883, Dr. W. I. Carlock
begun the general practice of medicine in Everton in 1882.
The three McLemore boys, W. Y., Robert F., and J.
M., were sons of Archibald McLemore, a Dade County
pioneer, \vlio came from Tennessee and settled on Sac
River, five miles Northeast of Greenfield, in 1849. He
raised a family of six children, three boys and three
girls, Mrs. G. W. Wilson being one of the girls. This
230 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
family has contributed largely to every business enter-
prise in Everton.
One of the largest industries ever started in Everton
was the Ash Grove White Lime Association, which pur-
chased a large tract of land adjoining the city and erected
a lime works plan. The quarries were among the finest
in the state and for a number of years this industry pros-
pered. It purchased annually about 3,000 cords of wood
and employed about sixty men, and shipped many car-
loads of its product to all parts of the United States. A
few years ago the kilns were destroyed by fire. The As-
sociation still owns the land and may again rebuild.
Smith & Likens were merchants in Everton about the
year 1894. and in 1896 the firm was Smith Bros. They
were succeeded by McLemore Bros.
Parker, Dye & Small was another prominent firm,
consisting of J. C. Parker, AY. R. Dye and T. W. Small.
The business still continues as W. R. Dye & Son. It is a
general merchandise establishment.
James A. Mason has for many years been identified
with the business interests of Everton. He came to the
city as a teacher in the public schools, after which he
was manager of the T. A. Miller Lumber yard. After
remaining in this position about ten years, in company
with his father-in-law, A. Dickinson, he established a
Furniture and Undertaking business, which after a number
of years they sold out to A. W. Poindexter. Mr. Poin-
dexter has been engaged in many business enterprises in
the city, the largest being the erection of the magnifi-
cent New Crescent Hotel, a two-story brick structure, lo-
cated on a beautiful site overlooking the Frisco depot and
yards and surrounded by attractive shade trees. It repre-
sents an expenditure of something like $10,000, and is a
credit to the city. It is no\v owned and operated by R.
Fowler.
Everton lias always been wide-awake on the question
of schools. Seeing the needs of higher education in the
year 1892, a number of public-spirited citizens organized
the Everton High School as a private enterprise for pub-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 231
lie use. The loading spirits in this enterprise were James
A. Mason, G. W. Wilson, W. C. Holman, W. T. Hudson,
W. 11. Mitchell, W. Y. McLemore and many others. They
employed George Melcher, one of the leading educators
of the State, as Superintendent, in which position he con-
tinued for four years. The city now has an elegant school
building, costing approximately $10,000, and is modern in
every respect.
The legal profession has been represented in Everton
by one illustrious citizen,, Howard Ragsdale, who was a
soldier, politician and practitioner. He is now a resident
of Ash Grove, "just over the line," but still retains a
large share of the legal practice in Everton.
pjverton has not been without church interests. As
early as 1883 the Cumberland Presbyterian church was
organized by Rev. W. J. Garrett, who was its first pastor,
and held their meetings in the school house till 1887. when
they erected a nice frame church building. It is now a
Presbyterian U. S. A. church with Rev. W. R. Russell as
pastor, a position which he has held for more than twenty
years.
The Missionary Baptist church was organized in 1888
with Rev. W. F. Parker as first pastor. They have a
church building and Rev. Calton is their present pastor.
The Christian organization was effected in 1909.
They have a good building and Rev. A. J. Bloomer is their
present minister. Each of these churches have a flourish-
ing Ladies' Auxiliary.
Fraternally, Everton is represented by the Masonic,
Odd Fellows and W. 0. W. lodges.
In 1910 a second bank was organized in Everton UTI-
der the name of "The Citizens' Bank." It was capital-
ized at $10,000, with Cyrus Yoakum as President, and Don
Adamson as Cashier. It is comfortably located in its own
brick building in the very heart of the city and is doing
a good business.
The City of Everton was incorporated as a city of the
fourth class in 1892, with AY. C. Holman as its first Mayor.
At the present time John Adamson is Mayor; Don Adam-
232 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
son, City Clerk, and M. F. Stamate, L. E. Cantrell and C.
W. Edwards as Aldermen.
Everton has no electric lighting system. There are
two private systems being operated, one at the Raubinger
Mill and one by Mr. Riddle. Several private residences
are, however, brilliantly lighted with ascetylene lighting
plants, among them being the residences of G. W. Wilson,
L. E. Cantrell, J. F. Carlock, H. A. Carlock and perhaps
others.
As a shipping point Everton compares favorably with
any city of its size on the entire Frisco system. As an
apple shipping point it holds the record for the entire
Ozark region.
The publicity department of Everton has been repre-
sented by the Everton Journal, a local newspaper, inde-
pendent of politics and owned by E. H. Carender and
Howard Ragsdale.
This sketch is not a complete history of the growth
and development of the city of Everton, nor does it make
mention of all the prominent citizens who have contrib-
uted to its success. It is written from facts gathered
from talking to various persons and then related in a hap-
hazard sort of way, but taking all in all, Everton, past,
present and future is just about as good a little city as
one will find in a month's travel any place in the Ozark
region.
Others who have contributed to the growth and gen-
eral welfare of Everton are W. T. Hastings, who was a
pioneer Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. Wash
Hankins was also a J. P. as early as 1885. J. C. Tomson
first became prominent as a J. P. about 1886, served as
postmaster two terms, from 1888 to 1892, and from 1896
to 1900. S. II. Wheeler was another veteran J. P.
A. F. Nixon was a prominent hardware dealer in an
early day, and as a Notary Public drew and took the ac-
knowledgement of many deeds.
Dr. W. J. Rabinau was a prominent physician a
number of years ago. Dr. W. R. Beattie came to Everton
about 1897, and remained till 1909. Dr. Box also prac-
J. S. EXGLEMAN.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 233
ticed in Everton, from 1910 to 1913. Dr. W. R. Riley was
formerly Station Agent at Emmet, married there and
came to Everton about 1896. In partnership with his son,
he conducts an up-to-date pharmacy, ice cream stand and
soda fountain.
Following W. C. Holman as first Mayor of the city,
W. D. Brown held that office two terms; J. W. Stockwell,
Howard Ragsdale, James A. Mason, and Taylor Hughes
also officiated as Chief Executive of the city. John H.
Estes was elected to the office, qualified and served four
days, and then resigned.
Charioy Barker was the first City Marshal and served
six years, he was succeeded by James Clark. John H.
Estes held the office of Constable and City Marshal for a
number of terms.
Following are the names of the merchants now doing
business in Everton, taken from the Merchants Tax-Books
of 1917:
W. E. Ballenger, Restaurant.
T. J. Burleyson, Drugs, Notions and Druggists' Sun-
dries.
Dr. W. I. Carlock, Drugs, Paints, Oils, etc.
J. Frank Carlock, General Merchandise.
H. W. Crofford, Produce and Grocery.
L. A. Cunningham, Grocery.
Dunn & Taylor, Grocery.
Everton Hardware Co., Hardware, Machinery, Paints,
etc.
R. L. Farthing, 5 and 10-cent Store.
M. Funk, Restaurant.
W. H. Grace, Jeweler.
Earl Linderman, Grocery and Produce.
B. F. Meek, General Merchandise.
T. A. Miller Lumber Co., Lumber and Builders' Sup-
plies.
Poindexter Furniture Co., Furniture and Undertak-
ing.
W. R. Riley & Son, Drugs, Ice Cream and Soda
Fountain.
234 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
H. H. Sclnnickle, Produce and Groceries.
J. C. Snoddy, Restaurant.
G. A. Thorpe, Groceries and meat market.
Zimmerman & Mallory.
AV. R. Dye & Son, General Merchandise.
o
DADEVILLE.
by
Sheridan B. Pyle.
In the year of our Lord, A. 1). 1840 there was a cabin
of native hewed logs erected in the northeast corner of a
little prairie called Crisp Prairie, in honor of one of the
early pioneers of the county, John Crisp. The cabin was
built by a man named Johnson, who occupied it for five
long years before he had a neighbor. Then in 1845
Thomas A. Dale, a Tennesseean, settled here and built a
frame house near Mr. Johnson's, beside the wagon road
that had been trodden out by ox-teams. A Mr. Theodore
Switzler, from Virginia, moved to Missouri and also
stopped beside the road. Mr. Dale and Mr. Switzler
formed a partnership and entered the mercantile business.
A postoffi'.v was established and named Crisp Prairie, and
Mr. Dale was appointed the first postmaster. A Doctor
from Tennessee, about this time settled here by the name
of Dr. Bender. He immediately engaged in the active
practice of his profession, and his fame as a physician
and surgeon went out over the land, and the sick and
ailing from a distance flocked to him for treatment. A
blacksmith shop was built and operated beside the wagon
road by Mr. William Davidson along about 1855 or 1856.
Feeling t!i*' necessity of a mill, Messrs Gaunt and Berry
were induced to build and operate a grist and saw mill.
Tin- po\ver used to make the wheels go 'round and 'round
and the upright saw to go up and down was a yoke of
oxen and ,ni endless-chain tread-wheel. The people came
for miles to patronize and view in wonder the modern
machinery of breadstuff and lumber. This history would
not be complete unless we mentioned that Thomas A. Dale
induced a young Doctor Hampton from Dale's native
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 235
state and old home, to imigrate to this section of the
country. The young doctor, after his arrival, engaged in
teaching school, and soon afterward married Miss Sarah
Carmack, a sister of J. W. Carmack, one of Dade County's
prominent citizens. Dr. Hampton soon became a very
noted character in the neighborhood. For some reason
or another it became desirable to change the name of the
postcfiice. Three prominent citizens were selected as a
committee to decide upon an appropriate name. Dr.
Bender, Dr. Hampton and Mr. Dale were chosen for this
honorous duty. Three straws of different lengths were
placed in a hat and drawn. Dr. Hampton drew the lucky
straw and selected the name of "Melville," and Melville it
remained until about ISO.j, when the Government discov-
ered that the mail was being confused with Millville, an-
other Missouri postoffice, so the name was changed to
jJadeville, in honor of Colonel Dade of Mexican war fame.
As time passed on, other energetic, enthusiastic young
men were attracted by the agricultural richness of the
soil and the possibilities for mercantile success in Dade-
ville, so that the population increased to that of a village
in a short time. Bob and Dave Long were among the
first merchants. Robert A. Clark soon began selling goods
rid continued throughout the Civil War and up till
; bout 1879, when he sold out to J. W. Withrow and
>i oved to Springfield, Mo.
This thriving little town was supported by the sturdy
settlers and pioneers from Kentucky and Tennessee who
had found an ideal home on Crisp Prairie. The entire
landscape was carpeted with blue-grass, with here and
there along the branches dense copses of underbrush and
splendid walnut timber. There was an abundance of
water for their stock, that roamed at will over the prairie.
West of Dadeville was heavy oak timber and numerous
bubbling springs of as fine, clear, cool water as ever
quenched the thirst of man.
Dadeville has an altitude of 1155 feet and the drain-
age is divided between Sac River, three miles south, and
Little Sac River, six miles north.
236 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
The early pioneer, who was a sportsman as well as
a farmer, was well supplied w r ith fish from these streams,
while deer and wild turkey from the prairie and barren
woods wero abundant.
Along in the early 50 's an academy consisting of two
rooms was established by private capital, and Nathan
Dinwiddie conducted the school for the benefit of the
rising generation.
Following are the names of a few of the prominent
families who were residents of Dadeville vicinity: Tar-
rants, Potters, Lindleys, Haileys, Mazes, Divines, Kirbys,
Carmacks, Dunways, McMasters, Hembrees, McPeaks,
Freezes, Smiths, Longs, Pylands, Pyles, Maxwells, Tun-
nells, Haywards, Hobbs, Oarlocks, Pembertons, Wheelers,
Grishams, Morgans, Fisks, McGees, Berrys, Gaunts and
Cowans.
At the breaking out of the Civil War most all of the
inhabitants of Dadeville and vicinity were loyal to the
United States Government. In 1860, however, there was
but one Republican vote cast at this precinct, and that
was a written ballot, since only democratic tickets were
printed in the county. A few years ago, Allan McDowell,
the grand lecturer of the Masonic fraternity for Missouri,
visited his old birthplace, about four miles northeast from
Dadeville. I had the pleasure as well as the honor of
accompanying the distinguished gentleman while hunting
for land-marks. He mentioned the fact that while his
father lived here that their children were born in three
comities, although all in the same house. The explana-
tion was that Polk, Dade and Cedar counties had all for-
merly comprised territory which belonged to Barry County,
and changes in the county boundaries had placed this
house in three successive counties.
W. K. Pyle, the father of Sheridan B. Pyle, moved his
family from Dadeville to Greenfield in 1848, as a County
Official. In 18(51 at the breaking out of the Civil War, he
enlisted in the Union army. On the 4th day of July,
1JSG1, there were 200 men from Dade, Cedar, Polk and
Greene counties responded to the call at Dadeville, and
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 237
enlisted in the Sixth Missouri cavalry, volunteers, organ-
izing Companies "L" and "D" and also Company "E."
On the 14th of June, 1864, the Guerillas burned the
town of Dadeville, leaving but a few houses standing, and
killed a number of citizens. Among them were Lieutenant
Jesse Kirby of Company A, Sixth Missouri cavalry; John
Cantrell, Shed Berry, a blind negro. William Bradford,
who was wounded, died shortly afterward. Sam Landers,
now of Webb City, was also wounded. The town was
soon rebuilt.
About the year 1892, Prof. George Melcher, one of the
leading school men of the state, induced some of the
enterprising citizens of the town and surrounding coun-
try to build an academy. The enterprise proved a suc-
cess and for several years it was one of the leading High
Schools of Southwest Missouri. Other neighboring towns
being inspired by the success of Dadeville, began to im-
prove their graded schools and to establish High Schools,
so that much of the patronage was withdrawn and the
Academy went down, but soon afterward eight school
districts organized a consolidated school district. It is
said to be one of the largest and wealthiest consolidated
districts in the state. With just a little "kick" it is
possible to establish at Dadeville one of the leading High
Schools of the state.
Dadeville today is an incorporated city of 500 people.
It has three churches, nine stores, two blacksmith shops,
one shoe shop, garage, a fine flouring mill of fifty barrels
daily capacity, and a flourishing bank.
S. B. PYLE.
Sheridan Byron Pyle Says of himself: That he was
born Sepcember 21st, 1856, in Dado County, Missouri.
His parents were W. K. and Artimissa Pyle. His mother
died in 1861, leaving three children, Lisyra and Rosalia,
his two sisters. His father enlisted in the Union army in
1862. Indulgent grandparents cared for the homeless
children until 1866, when his father married Mollie Finley
and made a home for them on a farm. Rosalia died when
238 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
17 years of age. S. B. attended the country schools, and
had two years at Morrisville Academy in Polk County,
working for his board and tuition. He married Matie
Underwood March 31st, 1877. To them have been born
four children, Lewis K. Thomas, Roscoe G. and Leslie C.,
only one still living, Roscoe G. Mrs. Pyle's father and
mother, L. M. and N. J. Underwood, moved from Minne-
sota to Missouri soon after the war.
Sheridan B. Pyle engaged in the mercantile business
in Dadeville in 1880. While not a very successful mer-
chant, still continues to do business. He votes the Re-
publican ticket, having but once departed from the faith
of his fathers, being in 1912, when he voted for Theodore
Roosevelt for President on the Progressive ticket. He
was a candidate for Representative once but w r as defeated
by a good, round majority.
Editorial Note. It will be seen by the above that
Sherman B. Pyle is a man of extreme modesty, but I know
from personal acquaintance that his attainments far out-
weigh those of men who are given to vain boasting. Mr.
Pyle has for years been one of the leading citizens of
Dadeville, identified with every public movement, given
of his means freely to the support of church and schools,
invested in speculative mining enterprises ''for the good
of the community," always at the bat in every political
campaign to help boost the other fellow into office, a man
of wisdom, poise and discretion, being the soul of honor
and a perfect Chesterfield in demeanor. Dadeville can
well be proud of Sherman B. Pyle when" the entire com-
munity proclaims him as her First Citizen. A. J. Young.
o
CORRY.
A cloud of uncertainty rests over the first discovery
of mineral at Corry. Tradition says that prior to the com-
ing of the pioneer, the dusky red man dug lead from those
native hills and smelted it in the crude furnaces along
the banks of Sac River, but that is only tradition.
Shallow mineral, mostly silicate, was known to exist
in the vicinity of the Pernberton Mill many years ago, but
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 233
its value to the pioneer was unknown. About the year
1874 the mining industry in Dade county took a boom, and
its activity spread over a large scope of territory, but
finally settled in a camp at Corry. The diggings were
for lead at first, but later on the silicate was also mined.
Very little machinery was used. A pick, shovel, wheel-
barrow, windlass and rope was considered a complete
mining outfit. Wash places were erected along the spring
branch east of the town and smelters were built for reduc-
tion of the lead ores.
On the 27th day of March, 1875, J. M. Blakemore, J.
M. Alexander and Sylvinia Alexander, his wife, owners of
the land upon which Corry is located, caused a plat to be
made and the land surveyed into streets, alleys and town
lots. No name as yet had ben selected for the new vil-
lage. Tradition again says that the Alexanders had a
daughter by the name of Cora, and suggested to the sur-
veyor who made the plat that the town be called Cora.
Either by reason of illiteracy or dullness of hearing the
name "Coiry" was attached to the plat and so remains to
this day. At this time from 500 to 1,000 people were
camped at or in the vicinity of the mining camp. The
place boasted of hotels, general stores, saloons, livery
stables, restaurants and other business enterprises be-
longing to a booming mining camp.
On the 20th day of April, 1876, eighty-five citizens of
the place presented to the County Court of Dade County
a petition praying to be incorporated under the laws of
the state of Missouri as a village. The petition was grant-
ed and W. M. Taggart, Z. Xorris, A. H. Snyder, W. K.
Pyle, J. C. Babb and J. M. Stookey were appointed the
first Board of Trustees. Most of the petitioners as well as
the trustees are either dead or removed from the county.
W. M. Taggart afterward located at Lockwood in the real
estate and banking business, J. M. Stookey was at the
time Judge of the Probate Court and AY. K. Pyle after-
ward filled the same office.
The Corry boom was short lived. In a few years the
price of mineral declined, transportation to the railroad
240 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
was difficult and expensive, the deep shafts proved a
failure, and finally when silicate was quoted at $6 per ton
f. o. b. the bubble collapsed. Levin W. Shafer had been
the moving spirit of the town and through his efforts for-
eign capital was interested. .DeArmond, Shoemaker and
others were associated with him in these ventures. F. D.
W. Arnold, owner of the Pickwick Hotel at Lamar, was a
prosperous liveryman of the boom days, while "Dad" Sul-
livan, "Dutch" Kimber, J. A. Thurman, Alex Foster and
other residents of Greenfield each survived a severe attack
of Corry fever.
Corry is now little more than a wide place in the
road. A store or two, a blacksmith shop, a Holiness
church, a dozen or more isolated dwellings, a few shallow
diggings and a day-dream of former greatness is all that
remains to mark the place of Dade County's "Deserted
Village."
o
ARCOLA.
by
Dr. R. M. Crutcher.
For a number of years after the pioneer from Tennes-
see had erected his cabin near the spring and cleared out
a few acres of choice branch bottom for cultivation, in
the wooded sections of Dade County, the deer roamed at
will during the daytime and the coyote made night hideous
on the broad rolling prairies of northern Dade.
On the 4th day of May, 1860, George W. White en-
tered the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of
Section 2 -32-27, and sold the same to Isaac Killingsworth
on the 3d day of April, 1861. On the 20th day of January,
1872, Cyrus C. Bean appeared upon the scene and for a
consideration of $14.00 purchased two acres of land in the
northwest corner of Section 2, upon which he erected a
combined residence and store building and began selling
Koods that spring. Application was made for a postoffice,
which was granted, C. C. Bean appointed postmaster, and
the location named "Arcola" in honor of the ancient city
IH()K. K. H. ( AliK.NDKR.
County Superintendent Schools.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 241
of Arcola in Northwest Italy, where Bonaparte in 1796
gained a decisive victory over the Austrian troops.
Other parties had been engaged in business before the
advent of the writer in 1876, but at that time Bean's store
was running in full blast. Charles Rosenhauer conducted
a booze drug store, and a man by the name of Anderson
was the blacksmith. He was afterward succeeded by J.
P. Cagle, who conducted a shop for many years. He in
turn was succeeded by his son, W. B. Cagle. As late as
1876 prairie chickens were plentiful and were shipped
by Mr. Bean in larger quantities than live poultry. Eggs
and in fact all kinds of produce was plentiful in those
days and very cheap. Many wagon loads were sent to
market, usually Ash Grove or Springfield.
Arcola, however, was destined to be something more
than a wide place in the road. It was a cross-roads point,
and early .bad aspirations of becoming a city. On the 27th
day of July, 1880, C. C. Bean platted four blocks in the
northwest corner of Section 2, on the 13th day of Decem-
ber, 1880, E. E. and C. F. White laid out thirty-three lots
in the southwest corner of Section 35, calling it White's
Addition to Arcola. On the 14th day of December, 1883,
J. M. Travis laid out six blocks in the southeast corner of
Section 34, calling it Travis' Addition, and finally on the
21st day of March, 1884, S. H. Bales had surveyed and
placed upon the market three blocks in the northeast cor-
ner of Section 3, which he called Bales' Addition. Arcola
was now a city with streets, alleys, public parks and
boulevards.
About the year 1877, D. Underwood engaged in the
mercantile business and continued in it till his death, at
which time the firm was Underwood & Son, being com-
posed of Decatur Underwood and T. J. Underwood, the
latter still being one of the leading merchants of the place.
Mr. Bean finally sold his business to J. M. Travis and R.
M. Crutcher, and they continued the business for seven
years, when they sold out to Stewart & Hawkins, the
junior member of the firm, P. H. Hawkins, having" clerked
for Travis & Crutcher a number of years and being fully
242 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
equipped for the business. After about six months J. M.
Travis again became a member of the firm, in which he
continued until the death of J. T. Stewart. Since then
the firm has changed hands many times. C. F. White,
Clyde C. White and J. R. Daugherty were early merchants
of the place. The hardware business was started by S. H.
Bales, who was succeeded by Porter & Harber, M. Pyle,
M. Small, W. H. Watson, John 0. Mitchell and I. A. Young
& Co., this last named firm being the present owners. It is
today one of the leading hardware, implement and farm
supply houses in Southwest Missouri. From time to time
many other merchants have been engaged in business at
Arcola, among them W. P. Murphy, C. A. Wilson, Win.
Meek, Uel Murphy, Ben Appleby, Murphy, Russell &
Whittaker, L. M. Duncan, 0. C. Whitley, L. Killingsworth,
J. G. Sloan & Sons. At the present time H. W. Kitsmiller,
W. T. Underwood & Bro., Achord Bros., J. W. Griffin, I.
A. Young & Co., and possibly others whose names I do
not recall are actively engaged in mercantile enterprises
at this place. For a number of years C. F. White had a
store in Arcola and his son, C. C. White, in company witli
J. N. Preston and J. R. Daugherty, succeeded him. Dr. A.
Higgins came to Arcola in 1904 and opened up a phar-
macy, also entered the general practice of medicine, in
which he has been successful.
For a number of years, Arcola suffered great incon-
venience for want of proper banking facilities. Finally
on the 17th day of October, 1910, The Bank of Arcola was
organized with A. Higgins, President; C. W. Cassell, Vice
President; W. D. Brickey, Cashier, and W. E. Petty, As-
sistant Cashier. It was* capitalized at $10,000. In 1912
W. E. Petty was made cashier and served till 1914, when
lie was succeeded by J. W. Mayfield, who served six
7iionths, when on the 4th day of January, 1915, C. C. Dun-
ran was elected to that position and is still serving. The
Directors of this Bank are W. U. Brooks, C. W. Cassoll,
S. P. Guinn, A. Higgins, C. A. Jordan, W. C. Noffsincrer
and W. D. Brickey. It is one of the sound financial in-
stitutions of the county.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 243
Arcola has always been proud of her schools and
churches. Both the Methodist and Christian people have
church buildings and consistent membership. Upon the
adoption of the school law authorizing consolidated dis-
tricts, Arcola immediately organized Consolidated District
No. 1, composed of several country districts, and erected
a modern, up-to-date High School building. The present
management is: J. T. Wilkins, President; C. C. Duncan,
Secretary; A. D. Hughes, Vice President; C. C. Duncan,
Treasurer. W. II. Eiley, Principal; Miss Dobbs, Katie
Brand, R. M. Owens, Cecil Old ham and F. L. Twaddell,
teachers.
Arcola, has always enjoyed a good trade and boasts
of her splendid citizens.
Chapter 13
ABOUT BADE COUNTY BRIDGES.
by
Aaron D. States.
Soon after the Civil War the people of Dade County
began to discuss the importance of bridging the streams.
They were much in favor of building a bridge across Turn-
back, "out on the Springfield stage road," and another at
the point where the Sac and Turnback rivers conjoin. Soon
after the late Charles W. Griffith bought the old "Vidette"
from Mason Talbutt and 0. H. Barker and changed the
name to "Vedette," the first of the seventies, there ap-
peared several bridge editorials, at intervals, and to show
the spirit of the press at that time the following editorial,
from the Vedette, dated March 21, 1871, gives a pretty good
idea that the people of those early days were thinking along
right lines of public improvement. It took a little over
twenty years of this sort of agitation before the first bridge
was built. It was built across Sac a little below the junc-
tion of the Sac and Turnback rivers, at the very point where
the Vedette said it should lie built. This occurred about
the year 1892, just about the time Mr. Griffith, the writer of
this editorial, was stricken with his fatal illness. lie lived
to know that the bridge was constructed, yet he never saw
it. Here is the editorial:
"The frequency of high waters during winter, and the
consequent detention of mails and delay of passengers and
freight in transit from the railroad, together with several
fatal accidents that have occurred very recently in this
part of the State as a result of attempting to ford the
swollen streams, have set the people thinking pretty seri-
ously on the subject of bridges. Bridges are undoubtedly
needed over the principal streams throughout the South-
west and ought to be built as soon as possible. In this con-
HISTORY OP DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 245
nection we are happy to state that Mr. W. J. Hobson of
the firm of 0. Raker & Co., patentees and builders of Bak-
er's National Truss Bridge, St. Joseph, Mo., visited our
town this week and exhibited to our citizens the model and
plans of a cheap, substantial and durable bridge, a large
number of which have been built by his company in this
State within the last two years. This late improvement in
the construction of bridges would seem to be a timely relief
in these days of hard times and high taxes. This company
warrants their bridge to be as good as the old standard
'Howe Truss,' and are prepared to furnish them at little
more than half of Howe's.
''It will be admitted that this county is very much in
want of at least two bridges one over Turnback on the
stage road to Springfield, and the other over Big Sac below
the junction. And we believe the County Court would be
fully sustained by the people, should they decide to take
immediate steps in the direction of supplying the people
with good, safe crossings at the points above indicated. It
may be objected that the county will have sufficient taxes
to raise in payment of the interest on her bonds voted in
aid of the construction of the K. C. & M. railroad. It is
true that, if the road is built, as we hope, the accruing in-
terest will have to be paid on the bonds. But it does not
appear probable that that work will be pushed so rapidly as
that any bonds will be issued in time for the interest to fall
clue within a year from this time. So that it seems the need-
ed bridges might be built and paid for before any tax is
assessed to pay the accrued interest on the railroad bonds.
We think no reflecting mind will doubt that good bridges
across the principal streams in this county would pay more
than their cost every year, in the increased facilities they
would afford to travel and trade. There is no reason why
Dade County should be at all behind her neighbors in the
building of necessary improvements. We learn that Jas-
per County has recently built several bridges, and Vernon
County several, while Barton County is reported to have
bridged nearly every stream within her borders.
246 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
"In conclusion we are happy to be able to say that we
learn a petition is being circulated asking for the building
of these bridges. We hope it will be numerously signed
and meet with a favorable reception at the hands of the
County Court."
The second bridge built in Bade County was constructed
about one year after the first was completed. This bridge
is across Turnback out on the Springfield way, at or near
a point that was suggested by the Vedette some twenty
years before its construction. At this late date, the time
these bridges were constructed, there were many people
who did not like the idea of giving up the old ford, thinking
it good enough and also believing the bridge was too ex-
pensive. In order to please those who objected to the pass-
ing of the old ford, the court decreed that all fords could be
left intact, thus giving the traveler an opportunity to water
his horses as theretofore.
These two bridges seemed to encourage the progressive
citizens, and they at once began the agitation of building
other bridges and making public improvements of various
kinds. It was about this time the people began to get inter-
ested in the good roads movement, and it took nearly twenty
years of good roads agitation before there was any notice-
able result.
COURT HOUSE.
The first court house in Bade County was built imme-
diately after the site for the seat of justice was selected
and laid out as a town, and named Greenfield. It was a
temporary one-and-a-half-story frame building, with the
court room below and office rooms above, and was built by
R. S. Jacobs arid Joseph Griggs. It stood on lot 5 in block
5, in the town of Greenfield, and was used as a court house
until about the year 1850, when a brick court house, about
the same size as the present one, was erected on the public
square where the one now in use stands. It had two halls
on the first floor one passing north and south, and the
other east and west, through the center of the building.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 247
There were four office rooms on the first floor, and the
stairs to the second story at the west end of the east-and-
west hall. The second story contained the court room, and
some small rooms adjoining- it on the west side the judges'
seat being- on the east. The contractor who built this house
was Dozier C. Gill.
During the Civil TVar the court house was used a por-
tion of the time by the Union troops as a fortification, and
was so occupied on the 6th day of October, 1863, when the
town was captured by Confederate troops under Gen. Joe
Shelby, on which occasion his soldiers carried the public
records (except certain ones which some of the rebel sol-
diers wished to have destroyed) out of the court house, and
deposited them with Judge Nelson McDowell, at his resi-
dence, and then set the building on fire and burned it down.
In July, 1867, the County Court, being in special ses-
sion, appropriated $10,000 for the building of a court house
and jail combined. Subsequently the contract for the erec-
tion of the building was awarded to Francis M. Wilson, who,
according to the report of TV. L. Scroggs, superintendent
of public buildings, dated December 21, 1868, had completed
the building according to contract. It is a large and sub-
stantial two-story brick structure on a rock foundation, with
a hall running east and west through the center of the
lower story, on the north of which are three offices, and on
the south three offices. The upper story contains the court
and jury rooms.
o
JAIL.
The first jail in Dade County was built soon after the
county was organized. It was made of hewn timbers eight
inches square, the walls consisting of three thicknesses.
The timbers of the middle wall stood in a perpendicular
position, while the timbers of the outer and inner walls
occupied a horizontal position. It was a two-story build-
ing, and was about sixteen feet square in size. The floors
were also made of timbers, and the walls of the lower story
were lined on the inside with oak lumber one inch in thick-
248 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
ness, and into every square inch of surface a ten-penny nail
was driven. For the keeping of prisoners, this jail was as
safe as any of the modern iron-celled jails. This building
was erected by Joseph Griggs, and cost the county about
$700. It stood in the hollow on the east side of Greenfield,
about a square in distance from the southeast corner of the
public square, and was used as a jail until the war period.
In 1862 or 1863 the officers of the Fourth Missouri State
Militia, then stationed at Greenfield, concluded to use it as
a guard house, and the first night after the order was issued
to that effect it was set on fire and burned down.
During the year 1897 the County Court made an appro-
priation of several thousand dollars for the purpose of
building a modern sheriff's resident and jail combined on
the county lot one block east of the southeast corner of the
square. This structure was of brick, two stories high, the
sheriff's residence consisting of eight nicely furnished
rooms, and the jail proper being an addition of brick on the
north equipped with modern steel cells, corridors and other
up-to-date appliances for the safe-keeping of prisoners.
U. S. Keran was the first sheriff to occupy this building.
o
THE COUNTY FARM.
In keeping with the progress of the age, Dade County
as early as 1890 abandoned the semi-barbarous custom of
letting out the paupers of the county by public outcry to the
lowest bidder, and adopted the more humane plan of a
County Home. One hundred and twenty acres were pur-
chased, located upon the Lockwood-Greenfield public road
and about half way distant between the two cities. At the
time of the purchase there was a two-story frame dwelling
upon this land, but during the last ten years there has been
added three additional structures of brick, with concrete
floors and sanitary equipment, one for the women, one for
the men, and the third a general dining hall. In addition
to this there is the laundry, a water system, and other im-
provements, making it possible to care for these unfor-
tunate people, giving them many of the comforts of a real
JOHEPH H. RENFRO AND WIFE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 249
home. The farm is well supplied with live stock, farm im-
plements and garden accessories. The Superintendent is
employed annually by the County Court and no expense is
spared and no false economy practiced when the interest
of the wards is at stake.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
County Court Justices and Judges Nelson McDowell,
1841-45 ; William Penn and David Hunter, 1841-42 : Eshan
A. Brown, 1842-44; P. T. Andrews, 1844-45; Isaac Routh
and D. S. Clarkson, 1844. There are no records to show
how long the latter two served, nor who were their imme-
diate successors, but records do show that Peter Hoyle,
Edward L. Matlock and Lemuel L. Carlock were serving
in 1852, and continued to serve until 1854, after which the
complete list, except for the war period, is as follows, viz:
Newell Gates, Samuel N. King and C. F. Hardwick, 1854-
58 ; John C. Wetsel and Britian Finley, 1858 to war period ;
Daniel W. Scott, 1858-60; James R. Witt, 1860 to war
period. Mark A. Garrison, Joseph V. Grisham and Willis
G. Dodson, serving at end of war period, held their last
session in October, 1866 ; E. H. Travis, 1866-72 ; S. A. Harsh-
barger, 1866-68 ; J. T. Hembree, 1866-72 ; S. S. Butterneld,
1869-73; Robert Cowan, Samuel E. Shaw, Thomas J. Car-
son and A. D. Hudspeth, judges, representing, respectively,
the First, Second, Third and Fourth Judicial Districts of
the county, and R. A. Clark, presiding judge at large, from
1873 to 1875 ; J. M. Stookey, sole judge from 1875 to 1876 ;
John N. Landers, sole judge from 1876 to 1878 ; Samuel E.
Shaw, presiding justice, 1878-82; James McClelland and
George AY. Whitesides, associate justices, 1878-80; T. W.
Davenport and George W. Wells, associate judges, 1880-82 ;
George W. Wells, presiding judge, 1882-86; E. C. Gillett,
presiding judge, 1886, term expires 1890 ; T. T. Ellis and
S. L. Collins, associate judges, 1882-84 ; T. T. Ellis and W.
M. Brown, associate judges, 1884-86; S. H. Wheeler and
Fred A. Pierson, associate judges, 1886-88 ; W. N. Poe and
Fred Schnelle, associate judges, 1888 to 1890.
250 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
O. H. Barker, Presiding Judge, 1890 to 1894.
A. G. Udell, Associate Judge, 1890 to 1892.
W. X. Poe, Associate Judge, 1890 to 1892.
G. W. Evans, Associate Judge, 1892 to 1894.
T. T. Ellis, Associate Judge, 1892 Died in office.
W. C. llolman( Associate Judge, appointed to fill
vacancy.
J/X. Landers, Presiding Judge, 1894 to 1898.
W. K. Dye, Associate Judge, 1894 to 189G.
J. C. Wood, Associate Judge, 1894 to 1896.
John X. Scott, Associate Judge, 1896 to 1898.
Walter Builing'ton, Associate Judge, 1896 to 1898.
John X. Landers, Presiding Judge, 1898 to 1902.
S. M. Shaw, Associate Judge, 1898 to 1900.
J. M. Brickey, Associate Judge, 1898 to 1900.
S. M. Shaw, Associate Judge, 19UC) to 1902.
J. M. Brickey, Associate Judge, 1900 to 1902.
J. L. King, Presiding Judge, 1902 to 1906.
\V. X. Poe, Associate Judge, 1902 to 1904.
J. W. Davenport, Associate Judge, 1902 to 1904.
J. L. Glass, Associate Judge, 1904 to 1906.
G. AY. Hamic, Associate Judge, 1904 to 1906.
J. F. Johnson, Presiding Judge, 1906 to 1910.
J. X. Scott, Associate Judge, 1906 to 1908.
Frank E. Chatam, Associate Judge, 1906 to 1908.
\V. C. Ilolman, Associate Judge, 1908. Died in office.
S. M. Shaw appointed to fill unexpired term.
Thomas McArthur, Associate Judge, 1908 to 1910.
J. L. King, Presiding Judge, 1910 to 1914.
Elwood Hush, Associate Judge, 1910 to 1912.
T. P. Stockton, Associate Judge, 1910 to 1912.
J. B. McLemore, Associate Judge, 1912 to 1914.
1). C. Hook, Associate Judge, 1912 to 1914.
T. M. Walker, Presiding Judge, 1914 to 1918.
l-'red Frye, Associate Judge, 1914 to 1916.
John <'. McComiell, Associate Judge, 1914 to 1916.
L. F. Evans, Associate Judge, 1916 to 1918.
J. \V. Waddle, Associate Judge, 1916 to 1918.
Circuit Court Judges. C. S. Yancey, 1856; William C.
Price, I,s0ij-fj7; John H. Chenault, 1857 to war period;
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 251
John C. Price, 1863-69; Benjamin L. Hendricks, 1869-72;
John D. Parkinson, 1872-80;' Charles G. Burton, 1880-86;
D. P. Stratton, 1886-92; D. P. Stratton, 1892-98; H. C.
Tiinmons, 1898-1904; Levin W. Shafer, 1904-05 deceased
in office, J. B. Johnson appointed till next general elec-
tion, 1906; B. G. Thurman, 1906-10, nnexpired term; B. G.
Thurman, 3910-16; B. G. Thurman, 1916.
County Court Clerks Joseph Allen, 1841-45; Nelson
McDowell, 1845-60; D. C. Eastin, I860 to spring of 1861;
Nelson McDowell, 1863-66; N. K. Moore, 1866-68; N. B.
McDowell, 1868-74; J. R. Tarrant, 1874-86; C. Z. Russell,
1886-94; C. W. Montgomery, 1894-1902; A. H. Montgomery,
1902-06; J. W. Bell, 1906-10; 0. H. Divine, 1910-14; J. C.
AVebb, 1914.
Circuit Court Clerks Prior to the spring of 1861, the
clerk of the county court was also clerk of the circuit
court. D. C. Eastin, who was serving as clerk when the
Civil War began, refused to take the oath of allegiance
to the United States, as required by the State Conven-
tion, which met in February, 1861, to consider the question
of secession, and thereby vacated the office, and after
that some time during the war period and also during a
period for which the records have been destroyed the
office of the clerk of the county court and clerk of the
circuit court were separated, and W. K. Lathim became
clerk of the circuit court, and served until 1865, after
which the list of circuit court clerks have been as follows,
viz: Benjamin Appleby, 1856-66; Arch M. Long, 1866-74;
D. G. Young, 1874-82; E. T. Kennedy, 1882-86; John A.
Davis, 1886-90; W. C. Young, 1890-94 ;'j. M. Pidcock, 1894-
1902; C. A. Ketclmm, 1902-10; T. A. Scott, 1910-14; W. D.
Brown, 1914.
Sheriffs. Asa G. Smith, 1841-42; William G. Blake,
1842, six months; M. H. Allison, 1842-43; F. R. McFall,
1843-45; A. D. Hudspeth, 1845-48; James J. Tucker,
1848-52; A. D. Hudspeth, 1852-54; John M. Tarrant,
1854-56; John S. Pemberton, 1856-58; John M. Tarrant,
1858-60; F. M. Hastings, 1860 to some time during the
Civil War. E. Sha\v was sheriff at the close of the Civil
252 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
War, and served until 1866; B. R. Ragsdale, 1866-68;
Alfred Kennedy, 1868-72: John E. Garrett, 1872-74; T.
J. Carter, 1874-76; J. R. J. Appleby, 1876-78; James C.
Dunaway, "1878-80; George W. Whitesides, 1880-82; Enoch
K. Shae'k'/iford, 1882-86; J. M. Divine, 1886-88; J. M.
Divine, 18S8-1890; T. A. McConnell, 1890-94; Morris Mil-
ler, 1S94-1S96; Frank Hudson, 1896-1898; U. S. Keran,
1*98-1902; Isaac Horton, 1902-1904; Tel Murphy, 1904-
11)00; W. R. Farmer, 1906-1908; T. B. McGuire, 1908-
1912; I. A. Hall, 1912-1916; B. W. Smith, 1916.
Prosecuting Attorneys Since 1872. David A. De Ar-
mond, 1872-73; Henry Merrill, 1873-74; B. G. Thurman,
1874-76; J. F. Duckwall, 1876-80; W. K. Pyle, 1880-86; S.
A. Payne, 1*86-88; S. A. Payne, 1888-1890; Seymour Hoyt,
1890-1892; Seymour Iloyt-i 892-1 894; S. A. Payne, 1894-
1S96; Mason Talbutt, i896-1898; Mason Talbutt, 1898-
1900; R. D. Payne, 1900-1902; A. J. Young, 1902-1904; C.
F. Xewman, 1904-1906; Howard Ragsdale, 1906-1908; Ed.
Frieze, 1908-1910; Ed. Frieze, 1910-1912; L. A. Wetzel,
1912-1914, L. A. Wetzel, 1914-1916; R. D. Payne, 1916.
Collectors. Prior to 1872, the sheriff of the county
was, by virtue of his office, collector of the revenues. The
office of collector was established in 1872, and R. B.
Stephenson was elected, as collector, and served until
1*74, after which the revenues were collected by township
collectors, under the township organization system, until
July, 1S77, when Alfred Kennedy was appointed county
collector, 1o serve until the next general election in 1878,
and since that date the collectors have been as follows,
viz.: W. R. Carlock, 1878-80; E. R. Hughes, 1880-86; ().
\l. Ilembree, l8*(j-SS; Edgar Clark, 1888-90; Edgar Clark,
1890-1X92; R. C. Pyle, 1S92-1896; W. F. Bryant, 1896-
1*9S; .1. F. Stockton, 1898-1902; T. A. Davis,' 1902-1904;
A. F. Sandemeyer, 1904-1907.
County voted in Township Organization law under
which the County Treasurer became ex-officio Collector:
M. Oui.'k being County Treasurer at the time filled the
unexpired term of A. F. Sandmeyer until the general
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 2FJ3
election of 1908 when he was elected for two successive
terms, 1908-1916; J. B. Lorah, 1916.
Treasurers. A. H. Allison, 1854-56; D. L. McMillen,
1856-60; W. W. Holland, 1860-61; R. S. Jacobs, - -;
John H, Howard, 1866-72; Alfred Kennedy, 1872-74;
Lewis M. Murphy, 1874, July to December; W. R, Russell,
1874-76; L. M. Murphy, 1876-78; T. J. VanOsdell, 1878-
80; C. W. Griffith, 1880-84; James L. Wetzel, 1884-86; R.
S. Jacobs, 1886-88; S. W. Baker, 1888 to 1890 : John W.
McDowell, 1890 to 1892; John Y\ r . McDowell, 1892 to
1894; S. L. Collins, 1894 to 1896; D. W. Edwards, 1896
to 1898; P. D. Stringfellow, 1898 to 1900; Harry H. Davis,
1900, died in office; I. N. Hoi-ton, 1904 to 1908; S. M.
Quick, 1908 to 1916; J. B. Lorah, 1916.
Recorders. Prior to January 1, 1883, the clerk of the
circuit court had, from the organization of the county,
been ex-officio recorder, and ,prior to the election of a
circuit court clerk, separate from the office of clerk of the
county court, the county clerk was clerk of both courts,
and also recorder. Since a separate office has been es-
tablished for the recorder, the officials have been O. S.
Rag-land, from 1882 to 1886; W. E. Shaw, 1886-1890; J. T.
Cantrell, 1890-1894; T. D. Kirby, 1894-1898; I. T. Sloan,
1898-1902; AV. Y. McLemore, 1902-1906; John R. Clopton,
1906-1910; H. H. Finley, 1910-1914; H. H. Finlcy, 1914.
Judges of the Probate Court. Peter Hoyle, 1845-47;
Matthias H. Allison, 1847-50; Andres D. Hudspeth, 1850-
52: Matthias H. Allison, 1852-56: D. C. Eastin, 1856-59;
Benjamin Applefey, 1859-60; Nelson McDowell, 1860-61;
-Columbus Talbutt, 1863-64; Nelson Mc-
Dowell, 1864-66; Benjamin Appleby, 1866-68; Nelson Mc-
Dowell, 1868-70; Levin W. Shafer, 1870-72; Orlando H.
Baker, 1872-74; L. P. Downing, 1874-75; James M. Stook-
ey, sole judge of county court, 1875-76; John N. Landers,
sole judge of county court, 1876-78; Seymour Ployt, 1878-
82; Mason Talbutt, 1882-86; W. K. Pyle, 1886-1890; Al-
fred Kennedy, 1890-1894; Alfred Kennedy, 1894-1898; C.
L. Pyle, 1898-1902; W. M. Holland, 1902-1906; W. M. Hoi-
254 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
land, 1906-1910; C. W. Montgomery, 1910-1914; C. W.
Montgomery, 1914 .
Surveyors. B. F. Walker, 1841-46; William Ander-
son, 1846-50; X. H. Hampton, 1850-55; R. L. McGuire,
1855-60; T. A. Switzler, 1860-61; E. S. Rook, 1861-68;
James M. Travis, 1868-72; A. H. McPherson, 1872-74;
Arcli M. Long, 1875, April to November; James M. Travis,
1875-84; Charles E. Woody, 1884-88; Arch M. Long, 1888-
1892; Benjamin Freedle, 1892 to 1896; J. C. Hedgecock,
1896 to 1900; W. H. Vanhooser, 1900 to 1904; Ward Mc-
Connell, 1904 to 1908; John W. Scott, 1908 to 1912; T. K.
McComiell, 1912 to 1916: M. W. Allison, 1916.
Chapter 14
JUDICIAL AND OFFICIAL HISTORY.
Courts.
County Court. The formation of this court has been
mentioned in connection with the organization of the
county. It was originally composed of three county
justices, the first three being appointed by the governor
of the state, and their successors elected by the people,
and continued to be thus formed until 1873. In May, 1872,
five petitions, containing in the aggregate the signatures
of three hundred citizens of the county, were presented to
the county court. The petitions read, in substance, as fol-
lows:
To the Honorable County Court of Dade County, Mis-
souri: Your petitioners ask that your honorable body
submit to the voters of Dade County, the question of or-
ganizing the county under the new law for township or-
ganization, by which the present county court shall be
abolished and a new court organized under the law.
In compliance with the prayer of the petition, the
court ordered ''that the question of township organization,
under the act approved March 18, 1872, be submitted to
the qualified voters at the general election in 1872, by bal-
lot to be written or printed, 'For Township Organiza-
tion,' or, 'Against Township Organization,' to be can-
vassed and returned in like manner as votes for state
and county officers."
On awaiting the votes after the election, it was found
that 886 votes were cast in favor of township organization,
and 439 against it; the votes by municipal township
being- :
Township Organization.
For Against
Center 148 129
Morgan 216 19
Sac . 47 54
256 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
North 114 11
South 18 57
Polk 77 53
Cedar North Division 73 5
Cedar South Division 45 4
Marion 58 2
Grant 63
Rock Prairie 6 86
Smith 21 20
In May, 1873, the county, court, under the provisions
of the township organization law, divided the county into
four districts, composed of the several townships, as fol-
lows:
District No. 1 to contain Morgan, Polk and Rock
Prairie Townships; District No. 2 to contain Sac and
Center townships; District No. 3 to contain North, Cedar
and Marion Townships; District No. 4 to contain South,
Smith and Grant Townships. An election was then
ordered to be held on the 6th day of June following, for
the purpose of electing, as provided by the new law, a
county court judge in each district, and one for the county
at large. The election being held, it was found that R. A.
Clark was elected at large as presiding judge of the
county, and that Robert Cowan, Samuel B. Shaw, Thomas
J. Carson and A. D. Hudspeth were elected judges, re-
spectively, of the First, Second, Third and Fourth dis-
tricts. Thus the county court continued to be organized
until 1875, when township organization was abolished, and
the court, under a new law, was made to consist of one
judge only, together with the other usual attendant of-
ficers, clerk and sheriff. J. M. Stookey was the first sole
judge serving from 1875 to 1876. He was succeeded by
John X. Landers, who served until 1876, when another
change \vas made in the formation of the court, it going
b;ick to the old system of three county court justices,
under which it continued to be composed until it was re-
organized under the new law of 1877. This law, en-
lit led, "An act to provide for a uniform system of county
courts," approved April 27, 1887, provided that each
"" w
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 257
county should be divided into two districts as nearly equal
in population as possible without dividing municipal
townships, and, at the general election in 1880, and every
two years thereafter, there should be elected in each dis-
trict an associate judge of the county court, and, at the
general election in 1882, and every four years thereafter,
a presiding judge of the court should be elected at large.
In compliance with this law, the county court divided
the county into two districts the Eastern to be composed
of the municipal townships of South, Rock Prairie, Polk,
Morgan and Sac, and the Western, of the municipal town-
ships of Cedar, Marion, Grant, Smith, Center and North.
In accordance with the law last recited, and the com-
pliance with it, the county court has ever been, and still
continues to be composed. Under the head of " County
Officers," a list of all the county court justices and judges,
as shown by the records, may be seen.
In December, 1856, the county court of Bade County,
appointed Arch M. Long, as agent to select the swamp
lands of the county, under the act of Congress donating
these lands to the state. The lands were selected by Mr.
Long, but the county failed to obtain a title thereto, hence
the school fund of the county was never increased from
the proceeds of the sale of any swamp lands.
Probate Court. The county court exercised jurisdic-
tion over all probate business until the probate court was
established in 1845. This court held a special session at
the house of William Penn, beginning, on the 15th day of
March, 1841, for the transaction of the first probate busi-
ness after the county was organized. The first admin-
istrator was William C. Campbell, who was appointed to
administer on the estate of Robert Alexander, deceased.
He filed a bond in the sum of $3,500, with Peter Tloyle as
surety, conditioned for the faithful performance of his
duties. Robert Graham and John Edsall were appointed
witnesses to assist him in examining the books, papers and
accounts of the decedent, and perfecting an invoice of the
property. Redden Crisp, the second administrator, was
appointed to administer on the estate of John Bostick, de-
268 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
ceased. As such, he gave bond in the sum of $800, with
William Lewis and Bartholomew Millholland as sureties.
Zepheniah Lacy and William Lewis were appointed wit-
nesses to assist him, etc. The first will probated in the
county was that of Thomas Bowles, deceased. It was
presented by Sarah Bowles, the executrix, and proved by
John H. Praddy, Marietta Praddy and John P. W. Bowles,
the three subscribing witnesses thereto. In November,
1841, James Ventioner was appointed guardian of George
W. Bearden, infant heir of Lambert S. Bearden, deceased.
These were the first guardian and ward in the county.
The first public administrator was John C. Wetzel.
The first judge of the Probate court was Peter Hoyle,
who received his commission as such from Gov. John C.
Edwards, the instrument being dated August 15, 1845.
Hoyle qualified as probate judge, August 26, 1845, and
made his first entry of business on the record, Feb-
ruary 9, 1846. A separate judge continued to be elected
for the probate court until 1875, at which time the juris-
diction of this court was assumed, under the law, by the
sole judge of the county court, and exercised by him until
the office of a sole county court judge was abolished, after
which separate judges were elected, and still continue to
be elected, for the probate court. (See "County Of-
ficers.")
Circuit Court. The first record of the proceedings of
this court has been destroyed, consequently a few items,
such as the first grand and petit juries, the first business
transacted, and trials had, cannot be given. The first rec-
ord of the circuit court preserved is that of the October
term, 1845, when C. S. Yancey was judge. When the court
house was burned, in 1863, a certain individual, against
whom stood a record of criminal charges, cut out from
one of the books the pages containing the record of
proceedings from October 1860 to October, 1863. This
court, as well as the others, was somewhat interrupted in
holding its sessions during the war period.
The Bade County Bar. The legal bar of Dade County
has for many years been noted for its brilliant attorneys.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 269
Many of them have gained distinction, not only in the
local courts but in the higher tribunals of the state. Others
have gained a statewide reputation as public speakers and
politicians. The Dade County Bar as it is now constituted
is composed of the following local attorneys:
Mason Talbutt, S. A. Payne, A. J. Young, Ben M.
Neale, Fred L. Shafer, R. D. Payne, Elmer E. Pyle, Ed-
win Frieze, Will R. Bowles, all of Greenfield and E. R.
Hightower and S. A. McMillen of Lockwood.
Criminal Record. The county of Dade has not been
as extensively cursed with crime as many of the older
counties of the state, though her record in that respect is
sufficiently appalling. Only two executions for the crime
of murder have taken place in the county, and only one of
these for a murder committed within its limits. This one
was the execution of Peter Douglas, a slave, who, about
the year 1848, killed his wife and two or three of his
children, and then attempted to kill himself. He was
tried for the offense, found guilty, and, in accordance
with the sentence of the court, was executed on the gal-
lows in the town of Greenfield. During the war period, a
number of murders were committed in the county, and at
the close thereof a number of persons were indicted and
arrested for the offense, but before trial, the cases against
them were nolle prosequied under proclamation of the
president.
In December, 1873, a colored man named Monroe
Richardson was indicted for the murder of another colored
man named William Miller. He was arrested, placed in
jail, made his escape therefrom, ran away, and has never
been re-arrested. At the October term, 1879, of the Dade
Circuit Court, Thomas B. Hopper was tried on change of
venue from Cedar County, for the murder in that county
of Samuel C. Ham. He was found guilty of murder in
the first degree and was sentenced to be hanged. He then
took an appeal to the Supreme Court, where the sentence
was confirmed, and, in accordance therewith, he was, on
the 25th day of June, 1880, executed upon the gallows, at
Greenfield.
260 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Early in 1881, Donald McElrath, an officer, was
killed in the town of Greenfield by Taylor Underwood,
while attempting to arrest him on a charge of crime.
Underwood was indicted for the murder of McElrath at
the April term of the court in that year and, on being ar-
rainged for trial, was granted a change of venue to Barton
County, where he was afterwards tried and found guilty of
murder in the first degree, and was sentenced to be hanged.
He then took an appeal to the supreme court, where the
judgment was reversed, and he remanded for new trial.
On being arrainged for the second trial, he plead guilty to
man-slaughter, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for
life.
In 1885 there was considerable petty thieving carried
on in and about the town of Everton, and George Burlis
was suspected of being engaged in the business; where-
upon a mob assembled and captured Burlis, took him out
in the woods, and tried to make him confess. Failing in
this, they told him to run, and when he ran, some one or
more of them shot at and killed him. Afterward Jesse P.
Small, Jacob Sample, S. IT. Wilson, Jr., and G. R. Gar-
rison were severally indicted for the murder of Burlis.
Small was tried for the offense at the April term of court
in 1887, and acquitted; whereupon the case against the
other defendants were nolle prosequied. Prior to the kill-
ing of Burlis, a man, in attempting to perpetrate a theft,
had been wounded by a shot from a revolver or gun, and it
was supposed Burlis was the man, but it was found, after
he was killed, that his body had not received the wound.
After the death of another individual in the place, his
body was discovered to have been wounded, which led to
the suspicion that he, instead of Burlis, was the guilty
one.
In November, 1887, Daniel Pippinger was indicted for
the murder of Ephriam Walker, and, upon entering a plea
of guilty of manslaughter at the November term, 1888, he
was sentenced to serve a term of two years in the peniten-
tiary.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 261
On the night of July 3, 1881, a band of disguised in-
dividuals went to the jail in Greenfield, and took William
Underwood, James Butler, Jr., and Frank Craft, who were
confined therein on a charge of horse stealing, and hanged
them until they were dead, and left their bodies suspended
from the limbs of the trees on the west side of the court
house, where they were discovered the next morning by
the citizens of the town. These unfortunate men were
supposed to belong to a regularly organized gang of horse-
thieves. Though this was an unlawful and summary way
of inflicting punishment, it is said that it had the effect of
breaking up the horse stealing business in Dade county.
Chapter 15
GENERAL RESOURCES AND STATISTICS.
Mineral Resources. The mineral deposits of the
county consists of coal, iron, zinc and fire-clay. Coal has
been discovered in several places in the northwestern
part, and the McCluey Mines, owned by Robert McCluey;
the McGarvey Mines, owned by Samuel McGarvey; the
Star Banks, owned by W. L. Burnett, Jr.; the Seaton
Banks, owned by J. R. Seaton, and many others, have
been opened and operated by their respective owners. The
eastern limits of the coal beds, so far as prospected, extend
to Cedar Creek, and as far south as its head. There are
three distinct strata, the first, or surface stratum, rang-
ing from one and a half to three feet in thickness. Lower
strata run from two to five feet in thickness. The upper
or surface stratum crops out in many places along the
valleys and streams. As far as prospected all the strata
are soft bituminous coal. It usually sells at about $1.75
per ton at the banks. Estimated products for the winter
months of 1886-87 were Robert McCluey Mines 60,000
bushels; twelve other mines, 135,000 bushels. Number
of men employed, 75 to 90; distance from railroad, eight
miles.
The iron deposits exist mostly in the northeastern
portion of the county in Morgan township. Solid masses
of iron ore have been discovered on the surface in many
localities. At an early date in the settlement of the
county, a small forge was erected on Sac River, where the
ore from this region was smelted and manufactured into
iron. For the want of transportation the work was
abandoned, and no further developments of the iron re-
sources in that region have been made.
Zinc was discovered in Dade County in 1874, at Corry,
ten miles northeast of Greenfield; at Pemberton, two inilcs
further south on Sac river, and at the McGee diggings, a
short distance farther up the river, and nearly due east of
263
Greenfield. These deposits consist of carbonites, silicate
and blende, in almost unlimited and apparently inexhaust-
ible bodies, from which, since 1784, thousands of tons of
raw ores have been shipped annually to zinc furnaces at
La Salle, Illinois; Cherokee, Kansas; Joplin, Missouri and
other points. Lead mining, however, is the over-topping
mining industry of Bade County. In the spring of 1875,
some miners, while mining for zinc, about ten miles north-
east of Greenfield, and east of Sac river about two miles,
and near where the mining town of Corry is now situated,
struck a boulder of lead weighing 50,000 pounds only a
few feet below the surface. The excitement grew intense.
Hundreds of miners, prospectors and capitalists flocked to
the spot. Other rich discoveries of lead rapidly followed.
The Dade County Mining and Smelting Company was or-
ganized by the citizens of Dade county. Furnaces were
erected, and the town of Corry laid out. At the close of
the year, 1875, over half a million pounds of lead had been
mined and smelted.
This company still continues the business, and the
amount of lead mined and smelted in the county since the
ore was first discovered and the mines opened amounts to
several million of pounds, while the amount of zinc that
has been mined and shipped from the county reaches
many thousands of tons. Large deposits of fire-clay of
superior quality exists in the southeastern portion of the
county near Rock Prairie, about twelve miles southeast
of Greenfield on the line of the Kansas City & Mem-
phis Railroad. A pottery has been established at this
place, and a large quantity of earthenware and tiling has
been manufactured.
Manufacturing. Dade County contains all the ele-
ments which go to make up a good manufacturing center;
coal, iron, zinc, lead, fire-clay, and the best building stone
in the west. The stone for the United States building at
Fort Smith was taken from the stone quarries in Dade
county, which are said to be superior in quality to any
building stone in this part of the country. Lime is also
manufactured in this county. Some of the foregoing has
264 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
been compiled or quoted from a carefully prepared article
by a well-posted citizen of Dade County, the same being
verified by existing facts.
Dade County is abundantly supplied with water
power, and several flouring mills and saw-mills have been
erected on her principal water-courses. On the Sac River
are two flouring mills with the full roller process for the
manufacture of flour; and there are several grist-mills on
Turnback and Limestone Creeks. There are also a number
of waterpower saw mills in the county.
Agriculture, Stock Raising and Horticulture. Dade
County is well adapted to general agricultural pursuits,
and, on account of its mild climate and excellent supply
of water, it is especially well suited to the raising of stock.
The mild climate also renders the growing of fruits a
profitable undertaking. Wheat growing has risen from
an experimental branch of farming to one of the leading
crops. The early settlers of the county, coming mostly
from Kentucky and Tennessee, introduced the wooden
mold-board and bull tongue, with which the farming was
principally done prior to the Civil Wai. After the close
of that struggle, with the coming of settlers from more
northern portions of the United States came the modern
implements of the country, as well as better methods of
farming, and the result has been a very great improve-
ment in farming, but yet the room for improvements has
by no means been fully occupied.
Owing to the mild temperature, high altitude, and
slight trouble from insects, fruit has always done well in
Dade County. Before the county was connected by rail
with Kansas, thousands of wagons came annually from
that state to this part of Missouri for apples. Kansas
is still supplied with fruit from this part of Missouri, but
mostly now by rail instead of by wagons. Apples, peaches,
pears, plums, especially wild plums, and all the smaller
fruits common to this latitude, grow here in great abund-
ance and mature to great perfection. Grapes, both culti-
vated and wild, produce abundantly. Great quantities
of wine are made from the native grapes. Fruit raising
THK P. M. SXEKI) DRUG STOKK,
Greenfield.
DR. T. R. KYLE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 265
for the market is still in its infancy, but farmers are
planting extensive orchards and preparing for the future.
The Ben Davis apple is the variety mostly cultivated for
the market. A large orchard of trees loaded with this
beautiful variety of apple is one of the most attractive
natural scenes ever beheld.
Statistics. To show agricultural and stock-raising
resources of the county, the following statistics are taken
from the U. S. census reports for 1880: Number of farms,
1756; improved lands, 98,290 acres; value of farms and
improvements, $1,915,817; value of farm implements,
$103,229; value of live stock, $702,328; estimated value of
all farm productions for 1879, $554,972. The same report
gives the amount of vegetable productions for the year
1879, as follows; buckwheat 465 bushels; Indian corn,
1,373,896 bushels; oats, 178,978 bushels; wheat, 110,157
bushels; rye, 1,905 bushels; hay, 2,602 tons; Irish pota-
toes, 16,860 bushels; sweet potatoes, 4,980 bushels; to-
bacco, 5,442 pounds. The reader should bear in mind
that all these productions did not come from the whole
area of the county, but only from the acres under cultiva-
tion of the 98,280 acres of improved lands, the latter being
only about three-tenths of the whole area of the country.
The amount of live stock in the county, as shown by
the report, was as follows: horses, 5,332; mules and asses,
1,368; meat cattle, 21,159; sheep, 12,019; swine, 31,432;
pounds of wool, 46,354. To show the increase, or decrease
in the number of head of live stock from 1880 to 1888,
the following statement of the number of animals in the
county as returned by the assessor for the purpose of
taxation for the latter year, is given; horses, 7,928;
mules and asses, 2,280; meat cattle, 26,244; sheep, 5,923;
swine, 26,426. A comparison of these figures shows a large
increase in the number of horses, mules and asses and
meat cattle, and a large decrease in the number of sheep
and hogs. The decrease in number of sheep for the eight
years was 6,069, being more than half the number in the
county in 1880. This rate of decrease if continued, will
soon drive the industry of raising sheep from the county.
266 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
The cause for it must be the decrease in the price of
wool, and what caused the decrease in the price of wool
cannot be discussed here. The decrease in the number of
hogs, as shown for the same time, amounts to 5,006, but
this can be accounted for by the fact that the census re-
port shows the number of hogs raised during the pre-
ceeding year, including those sold and slaughtered, while
the assessor's report shows only the number on hand at a
certain time when taxes accrue. This, to a very limited
extent, is also true with reference to the sheep, but only
so, as sheep are raised almostly entirely for the wool pro-
duct, only a few being sold or slaughtered. In all prob-
ability, the number of hogs now raised in the county is
much greater than in 1880. Stock raising, with the ex-
ception of sheep, is very profitable in Dade county, and the
farmers have introduced the best and finest kinds of
animals.
Population. The population of Dade County was, in
1850, 4,246; in 1860, 7,072; in 1870, 8,683; in 1880, 12,-
557. The colored poulation, including the foregoing, was
in 1860, 351; in 1870, 204; in 1880, 248. Nearly all the
colored people enumerated in 1860 were slaves, that being
before the abolition of the institution of slavery. The
census of 1890 will show a marked increase in the entire
population of the county, as it is increasing considerably
by immigration. The population of the e.ounty in 1880, by
municipal townships, was as follows; Cedar, 1,161; Center,
including Greenfield, 1,968; Grant, 628, Marion, 594;
Morgan, 1,679; North, 1,200; Polk, 1,117; Rock Prairie,
1,097; Sac, 1,200; Smith, 741; South, 1143.
Taxable Wealth and Taxation. As a matter of course,
the taxable wealth of the county at its organization was
but meagre, consisting only of the limited amount of
property owned by the few pioneer settlers. The following
table shows the amount of taxable wealth accumulated
from the settlement of the territory composing the county,
u p to the year, 1880, and increase thereon from that time
up to 1888:
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 267
Real Estate $ 904,563 $1,537,046 $ 632,483
Personal property 776,757 1,210,710 433,953
Merchants' property.... 64,432 104,407 39,975
Railroad property 338,055 338,055
Telegraph property 3,838 3,838
Total $1,745,752 $3,194,056 $1,448,304
POPULATION STATISTICS, DADE COUNTY.
Poulation last Federal Census; color, sex and nativity
of inhabitants and birthplace of foreigners; other facts:
Total population 15,613 Denmark 1
Rural population. . . .15,613 England 25
White population 15,378 France 1
Negro population .... 235 Germany 149
Native white :
L5,149 Holland
1
Foreign born
229 Ireland
2
Male inhabitants .....
7,960 Italy
8
Female inhabitants. .
7,653 Russia
2
Dwellings, number. . .
3,530 Scotland
2
Males of voting age. .
4,080 Sweden
1
Families, number....
3,571 Switzerland
22
Foreign Nationalities:
Wales ,
2
4
Belgium
1 Total
. . . . 229
Canada
8
- n
SURPLUS SHIPMENTS, DADE COUNTY, 1912.
The folowing table gives the commodities shipped
from the county in 1912, as supplied by the railroad and
express agents on whose accuracy and care it depends how
complete they are. Nothing sold and consumed locally
is included:
Live Stock Farm Crops
Cattle, head 7,517 Wheat, bu 173,588
Hogs, head. 27,894 Corn, bu 1,244
Horses and mules . . . 905 Oats, bu 178
Sheep, head 5,283 Timothy seed, bu. . . 1,005
268
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Millet seed, bu 477
Hay, tons 1,497
Broom corn, Ibs 9,500
Pop Corn, Ibs 120
Blue grass seed, Ibs. 6,900
Cowpeas, bu 556
Nuts, pounds 998
Mill Products
Flour, bbls 10,211
Corn meal, Ibs 47,269
Bran, shipstuff, Ibs.. 62,600
Feed, chops, Ibs 2,352
Mine and Quarry
Products
Coal, tons 200
Zinc ore, tons 93
Forest Products
Walnut logs, feet . . .
Fence and mine posts
Cord wood, cords . . .
Farmyard Products
Poultry, live, Ibs. . . .634,792
Poultry, dressed, Ibs. 19,153
Eggs, dozen 906,240
Feathers, Ibs 2,830
Stone and Clay
Products
Lime, tons 864
Packing House
Products
Hides and pelts, Ibs 36,233
Dressed meats, Ibs.. . 1,107
Tallow, Ibs 1,220
Lard, Ibs 120
Flowers and Nursery
Products
Nursery stock, Ibs. .
Dairy Products
Butter, Ibs
Ice cream, gallons . .
Milk and Cream, gal.
Wool and Mohair
Wool, pounds
Liquid Products
Vinegar, galons ....
Fish and Game
Products
Game, Ibs
Fish, Ibs
Medicinal Products
Roots and herbs, Ibs.
Ginseng, Ibs
Vegetables
Potatoes, bu
Sweet potatoes, bu. .
Canned vegetables
and fruit, Ibs
Fruits
Miscellaneous fresh, .
Apples, bbls
Pears, baskets
Apiary and Cane
Products
Honey, Ibs
Sorghum molasses,
gallons
Unclassified
Products
Junk, cars
25
63,122
3,535
92
30
53
6
810
2,385
3,137
9
224
2,375
STATISTICS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DADE COUNTY,
1913-14.
No. of districts.
No. of teachers.
82 Enumeration of Co 4,672
114 Teachers' salaries $35,166.81
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 269
Incidental exps... 8,035.08 Allotment of State
Permanent school school funds... 13,114.32
fund 40,020.55
o
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
(A Panoramic View of the Schools of Dade County as They
Are Today.)
(By E. H. Carender, County Superintendent.)
In this chapter we shall discuss the conditions of the
schools of Dade county under three divisions, viz.: The
Teaching Force, The Buildings and Equipment and The
Community Spirit:
The Teaching Force. During the year 1915-16 there
were employed in all of the schools of the county 117
teachers, 32 of whom were male, and 85 female. Of this
number 74 were teaching in one-room country schools,
eight in two-room country schools; 21 were grade teach-
ers in town, or village schools and 14 were teachers in high
schools.
Certification. Twenty-five of the teachers of this
county during the year just past hold state certificates;
nine, life; one 5-year; ten high school teachers training
certificates; four normal rural: and one special. Fifteen
hold certificates granted by the normal schools, nine of
which are diplomas of life tenure, and six elementary.
Seventy-seven are county certificates classified as follows:
first grade, eleven; second grade, thirty-one; third grade,
thirty-three; special, two.
Training. All have had some normal, or high school,
training. Eleven have had only one year of high school
training-, twenty-four have had two years, eleven have had
three years, and sixty-five have had a full four -year high
school course. Seventy-nine have had eight weeks, or
more, of normal school training, preparatory for teaching,
twenty-three of whom have had two years, or more, of such
training.
Experience. Twenty-four teachers began the year
without any previous experience, while forty had five, or
more years experience.
270 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Salaries. The lowest salary paid to country school
teachers was $35 per month; the highest, $65; town grade
teachers averaged a little more than $40; the highest
annual salary paid in the county was $1350, for town
school superintendency; the annual salary of 20 teachers
was less than $300 each, while three received $1,000, or
more. The average salary of teachers for the year was:
Male, $62.40; female, $46.67; general average, $50.80.
There are some things that should be recorded about
the present corps of Dade county teachers that statistics
do not reach. They are as a class very progressive.
Almost without exception the interest seems to be centered
in improving the conditions. They solicit the criticism and
co-operation of the superintendent, and they are con-
stantly striving to reach the goal of the present standard
school the certificate of approval which is granted only
to schools that attain an efficiency of 80% of the modern
standard, which is based upon an adequate building with
proper seating, heating, lighting, library, and other neces-
sary equipment, and good professional standards, and
community spirit. The general spirit of the teacher ap-
pears to be not, "How can I manage to get 'by' the in-
spection?" but, "How high is it possible for me to raise
the standard of my school?" Cases of non-co-operation
are so rare as to be a negligible quantity.
Building and Equipment. A very conservative esti-
mate places the value of our schood sites and buildings at
$113,000, with equipment valued at $25,000. In buildings
recently erected, attention has been given to proper light-
ing, heating and ventilating; the lighting being flush,
on only one side, heating by jacketed stove, and ventila-
tion by fresh air pipe and foul air outlet. The style of
building has evolved from the uniform box-car type to
the more artistic, home-like' structure, ordinarily with
cloak rooms and neat porticos. The latest buildings ap-
proaching the modern idea are those of Lotus, Union
Chapel, Stockton, Meek, Liberty and Pleasant Valley. The
best model in the county, considered from every stand-
point, is the new high school building Consolidated Dis-
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 271
trict, No. 1, at Arcola. This building very closely ap-
proaches the ideal for a country school building. It is
lighted by windows close together on the west side, seated
with single desks, heated by basement furnace, ventilated
by gravity draft pipes, has a beautiful frontage with halls
and cloak-rooms, a work room, or laboratory, a stage and
an assembly hall which is separated from the study hall
by a rolling partition, making it easy to connect the two
rooms for community meetings. Other districts, too num-
erous to mention, have broken away from the old unitype
schoolhouse in one or more essential points, and school-
boards are getting the habit of investigating expert plans
before remodelling or building.
Schools without good working libraries are becoming
very scarce. Three-fourths of them report more than 100
board bound volumes each in their libraries. All have
some sort of library, and practically all of the books are
those recommended by the state superintendent for ref-
erence, or for supplementary use in class work in the
schools. The total number of volumes in the school
libraries of the county is about 15,000 or an average of
three to each child enumerated.
Seven districts have voted free textbooks. They are:
Gentry, Rock Dale, Higgins, Pickett, Flint Hill, Bryant and
Cedarville.
Practically all schools have an adequate supply of
maps; most of them possess a globe, charts, and other
minor equipment; many have an organ, a sand table, an
elegant teacher's desk, and sanitary drinking fountains.
Community Spirit. By community spirit we mean
the active inclination of the people to establish social
centers at home as will lead to a fully developed, well
rounded citizenship an educational center, if you please
to call it such, that will furnish an elevated type of enter-
tainment and instruction for old as well as young, making
the school house, or the community church, the center of
attraction for the whole people.
The two best types of such centers in Dado county are
Consolidated Districts Nos. 1 and 2. In the former, the
272 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
activities thus far have been predominantly of an educa-
tional nature. Last year a lecture course including some
of the best talent that was on the circuit in Southwest
Missouri, was supported by these progressive people. In
addition, several home talent entertainments were given
by Prof. Roy Evans' high school pupils, assisted by the
grades. A Homemakers' Club and a poultry association
rounded out the course for the housewives and the
farmers. The spirit of loyalty, harmony and progress
that is manifest in this community is undoubtedly not sur-
passed by any other locality in the state of Missouri.
The organization for community work in Consolidated
District No. 2, surrounding Dadeville, is apparently just
beginning to be thoroughly effective. Prof. Homer Gar-
land, principal of the high school, has enlisted the sup-
port of the teachers and patrons in a Parent-Teacher As-
sociation, which will meet at the different schoolhouses in
the district eight in number for monthly sessions. One
of the best meetings of this kind that I have ever attended
in the county, was recently held at Dadeville. This com-
munity also has a wide-awake Homemakers' Club, and the
progressive farmers of Northeastern Dade county always
take an active interest in agricultural meetings. Wonder-
ful opportunities await them.
Dade county's community school fairs which have
been held in most of the townships for the past few years,
have attracted statewide attention, as have also her an-
nual education exhibits and various intellectual contests.
She has never refused to fall into line in progressive
movements that tend toward the improvement of educa-
tional conditions. Last year 500 of her boys and girls were
enrolled in farm club work under the university extension
service made possible by the passage of the Smith-Lever
act by a recent congress.
Many other communities have made commendable
progress in social center activities. Among them are:
Blackberry Flat, a school taught for the past five years
by Bert Shaffer, a model young man who grew up among
the people he is serving, and who obtained his education
WILLIAM K. PYLE.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 273
in the country school at Davenport, Gloden City High
School and Springfield Normal. The splendid citizens of
this community wanted a really educational literary
society. Mr. Shaffer was the logical leader, and with the
co-operation of his people he has developed a weekly
meeting of this kind that is a distinctive type one
founded upon lofty moral and educational principles; and
it is needless to say that it is the center of attraction for
miles around.
Crisp community has a Hoinemakers' Club that has
exercised much good influence upon the community life.
A ladies' club at Rock Dale has been an educational
factor in that locality. Several other communities have
promoted and are now promoting effective organizations
for general advancement.
The general school spirit throughout the county is
very encouraging, although I would not be understood as
representing it as ideal. We still have many poorly con-
structed school buildings, poorly lighted and poorly heated.
The source of water supply in too many instances is bad,
grounds and outbuildings are not cared for in a large
majority of the districts as they should be, and there are
yet to be found in every district too large a percentage of
patrons who give little attention to school progress, too
many of whom are more interested in keeping the school
tax rate down than they are in giving the children the
best advantages of modern education. But compulsory
education, though feebly enforced, is having a good effect;
state aid for both rural and high school is lengthening the
average school term and furnishing an incentive for more
regular attendance 1 and better school opportunities. Three
schools of the county offer first class, four-year high school
advantages, and three others offer approved work in a
two-year high school course. Last year 347 students were
enrolled in our high schools, not including many Dade
county boys and girls who were enrolled in border high
schools outside of Dade county and in other schools doing
work of secondary rank. There were 63 high school grad-
274 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
nates this year. We also have an unprecedented number
of students in the state university and in colleges.
The average length of the school term in the county
is just 6.7 days short of eight months. Forty-two of our
72 districts had eight months or more of school last year.
Elementary agriculture is taught in each of the com-
mon schools of the county, without a single exception, and
an advanced course in the subject is offered in each high
school. In practically every school the official state course
of study is followed very closely.
The total expenses of conducting the schools of Dade
county last year were $66,428.24. About $50,000 of this
was paid for teachers' salaries, the remainder being spent
for repairs, equipment, and the ordinary incidentals. The
balance on hand in teachers' incidental and building funds,
is $15,656.06. The permanent funds of the county now
amount to a little more than $40,000, the interest from
which is used for the maintenance of our schools. The
average levy for all purposes last year was 73 cents on the
one hundred dollars assessed valuation.
School District Officers and Teachers Dade County Mo.
1917.
The first name given is that of the Clerk; the second,
President of the Board; the first address given is that of
all the Officers preceding where no address is given :
Consolidated District No. 1. C. C. Duncan, secretary;
J. T. Wilkins, president; A. D. Hughes, Vice-President; C.
C. Duncan, treasurer, Arcola, Mo. Teachers: W. H. Riley,
principal; Miss Dobbs, Katie Brand, R. M. Owens, Cecil
Oldham, F. L. Twaddell.
Consolidated District No. 2. Secretary, T. II. Ped-
dicord; president, J. E. Maze; treasurer, L. T. Dunaway,
Dadeville, Mo. Teachers: Robert L. Meyers, principal;
Paul Stockton, John Birch, Norma Quarles, Nettie Renner,
Dwight Holman, Noel Kirby, Will Dodson, Dadeville Mo.,
Tina Tygart, Aldrich, R, 1; Tommy Holman, Lucile Mor-
ris, Dadeville.
Consolidated District No. 3. Clerk, W. N. Allison,
Pennsboro, Mo.; president, C. R. Allison; J. F. Godfrey,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 275
J. N. Snadon, E. A. Newkirk, C. C. Sexton, South Green-
field, R. 1. Teachers: T. A. Scott, Pearl Harris, Goldia
Warren, Geneva Stapp, South Greenfield, Mo., E. 1.
Greenfield. Secretary, R. W. Grether; president,
Mason Talbutt; vice-president, F. G. Van Osdell; treas-
urer, R. M. Sloan; Phil S. Griffith, R, P. Duffy, Fred
Grether. Teachers: Grade, Hattie Griggs, Effie Mont-
gomery, Mary "VVetzel, Dorothy Stringfield, Neva Sloan-
High School, Roy R. Evans, mathematics; Annie G. Neale,
history and domestic science; Margaret Jane Snider, Ger-
man and Latin; Inez Aadams, English; L. E. Pummill,
education, Superintendent.
Lockwood. Secretary, W. H. Rice; president, Dr. W.
M. Hoel; vice-president, J. F. West; treasurer, U. S. Ker-
an. Teachers: Grade Mrs. J. H. Thomas, Edna Bartling,
Stella Stogsdill, Jennie Messick; High School Mary Gilli-
land, mathematics and science; Helen L. Gorton, English
and domestic science; Zoda Lee Gilliland, Latin and Ger-
man; W. F. Knox, superintendent.
Everton. Fred Schmickle, secretary; Wm. Raubin-
ger president; W. Y. McLemore, vice-president; Dr. "W.
R. Riley, treasurer. Teachers: Grade Mae Trailer, Beryl
Jones, Zepha Riley, Miss Wilkerson; High School Guy
A. Cowden, A. B. Dishman, superintendent.
South Greenfield. Secretary, E. A. Wray; president,
F. J. McMillen; vice-president, T. A. Cox; W. L. Ferguson,
treasurer. Teachers: 0. S. Bradshaw, principal; Ruth
Warren, Miss Goodwin.
Henry, No. 1. M. A. Burney, J. C. Grisham, Fred
Edington, Ed. Jerome, Everton, Mo. Leon Small, teacher.
Scott, No." 2. R, P. Daniel, Everton, R. 1, C. W. Fort-
ner, Asti Grove, R4; B. J. Delk, H. T. Hailey, Everton,
Rl. Louis Grantham, teacher, Ash Grove.
Ray Spring, No. 3. J. H. Wright, M. C. Riggs, Dell
Dunn, W. B. Mills. Teacher, E. M. Grant, Everton, Rl.
Grove, No. 4. Palmer T. Hudson, G. A. Hudson, Tay-
lor Phillips, Boyd Hays. Teacher, Gladys Manka, Everton.
Silver Star, No. 5. Edward Moore, S. H. Watts, D.
E. Burney, Ash Grove.
276 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Hampton, No. 8. W. S. Terrell, Everton, R2; Wm.
Carlock and A. L. Ritchey, Everton, R3. Teachers: Laur-
ence T. Evans and Miss Roark.
Pleasant Hill, No. 9. W. J. Hendrex, Homer Cantrell,
J. W. Zongker, Everton, Mo. Teachers: Mabel Harpe
and Miss Darby, Everton.
Flint HiU, No. 16. W. L. Todd, S. B. Langford, R.
C. Todd, Roy King, Dadeville. Miss Carrie Mote, teacher.
Lindley, No. 18. Chas. Mote, J. H. Ritchey, R. A.
Lindley, John Long, Aldrich, Rl. Teacher: Miss Madge
Pyle.
Meek, No. 20. J. L. Jones, U. J. Irby, Walter Mai-
lory, Everton, R5. Luther Dewberry, teacher.
Pilgrim, No. 21. C. A. Patterson, Richard Jones, John
Stanley, Everton, R5. Mrs. Lela Fortner, teacher.
Pickett, No. 24. R. W. Burton, J. N. Jones, James
Clayton, Wm. Friar, Everton, R5. Rice Gates, teacher.
Stockton, No. 27. V. H. Pemberton, T. M. Wright,
H. P. Huges, A. J. Stockton, Everton, Mo., R2. J. 0.
Stewart, teacher.
Cave, No. 28. S. P. Davis, John Rutherford, II. W.
Lee, Lester E. Scott, Greenfield, R3. Harrison Jopes,
teacher.
Fairview, No. 29. J. F. Kilgore, Charley White, Mar-
shall Courtney, Greenfield. Minnie Carroll, teacher.
Lotus, No. 30. G. W. Franklin, L. A. Litle, S. M.
Stock well, Everton. Amy Hartfield, teacher.
Shady Grove, No. 31. E. T. Blevins, Guy Jones, Sid-
ney Hudspeth, Delbert Shrum, Greenfield. Mrs. Bessie
Curtis, teacher.
Sand Mountain, No. 32. Frank S. Newell, (). M. Di-
vine, Vernie Divine, Greenfield. Clara Marcum, teacher.
Shaw, No. 33. Mrs. John Divine, W. H. Montgomery,
II. E. Grisham, E. B. Johnson, Greenfield, Rl. Ora V.
Mayes, teacher.
Mt. Zion, No. 34. Aimer Montgomery, T. B. Mont-
gomery, Seybert; C. D. King, Alfred Friend, Dadeville.
Alma King, teacher.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 277
Cave Spring, No. 35. B. F. Ellis, I. E. Murdock, J.
A. Martin, Arcola; J. K. Ayers, Crisp. A. Elmer Lang-
ford, teacher.
White Oak, No. 36. W. H. Toler, J. F. Montgomery,
S. L. Grisham, E. 0. Ball, Seybert. Ira 0. Dill, teacher.
Lone Jack, No. 37. Mrs. Georgia Beach, Neola;
G. B. Manis, Greenfield; H. T. Beach, Neola; Sherman Har-
per, Greenfield. Vida Hughes, teacher, Neola.
Crisp, No. 38. J. P. Willett, A. L. Lantrip, E. B. Mor-
rison, W. A. Price, Crisp. Mrs. Guy McConnell, teacher,
Seybert.
Limestone, No. 39. L. L. Stark, Fred Hulston, E. A.
Morris, J. L. Stapp, South Greenfield. Cleo Holman,
teacher.
Higgins, No. 40. G. H. Maxwell, R. L. Spain, George
Parker, Lockwood. Ethel Higgins, teacher.
Kings Point, No. 41. C. B. Shiner, C. R. Heiskell,
W. AY. Gipson, Lockwood. Mildred Shouse, teacher.
Mt. Zion, No. 42. J. L. Glass, R. H. Spain, A. W.
Read, Bailey Morris, South Greenfield, R2. Lyda Hol-
man, teacher.
Freedom, No. 44. G. V. Chappell, Richard Smith, R.
A. Lamb, Lockwood; A. N. Wasson, South Greenfield.
Mittie AVard, teacher, Lockwood.
Oak Grove, No. 45. Ben Franklin, J. 0. Vincent, C.
II. Morrison, Landon Wilson. C. C. Pyle, teacher, Green-
field.
Rocky Hill, No. 46. John Bush, Lockwood; Ammon
Mitchell, James Daniels, Greenfield. Elizabeth Meng,
teacher.
Franklin, No. 47. E. G. Evans, L. A. Renfro, Lath
Lack, Greenfield; I). L. Poe, South Greenfield. Mrs. Ida
Prouse, teacher.
Oak Dale, No. 48. T. H. Finley, W. J. Armstrong,
Theodore Calmer, Roy Davidson. Phyllis Freedle, teacher,
Lockwood.
Elm Limb, No. 50. Elza Dodd, Neola; G. H. May-
berry, Greenfield, R2; Dan Kreighbaum, Tom McGuire,
Neola. C. P. Hawks, teacher, Arcola.
278 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Gentry, No. 52. W. C. Hail, T. R. Courtney, J. W.
Bowman. Ruth Hughes, teacher, Greenfield, R2.
Boggy Springs, No. 54. E. 0. Collier, A. A. Collier,
C. C. McGee, Greenfield; L. C. Kellar, Lockwood. Minnie
Mitchell, teacher, Greenfield, R2.
Fairview, No. 58. M. M. Hunt, Golden City; Theo
Kaelke, W. C. Hamm, Chas. Phillipson, Lockwood. Anna
McCune, teacher, Golden City.
Monitor, No. 59. Lula Kollmeier, E. L. Vaile, Wm.
Cromer, Lum Finley, Lockwood. Mrs. A. M. Turk,
teacher.
Cherry Grove, No. 60. F. W. Krietemeier, Dick Moh-
winkle, Fred Pieppenbrink, Lockwood. Mabel Effie,
teacher.
Bowman, No. 61. C. Swarens, H. T. Finke, Wm. Gar-
ber. J. P. McNeill, teacher, Lockwood, R3.
Sunnyside, No. 62. Louis Haubein, Ben H. Lammers,
C. H. Kelley, John Kirkhart, Lockwood.
Victory, No. 63. H. S. Townley, E. S. John, H. I.
McCune. Miss Mae Walton, teacher, Golden City, R2.
Ackley, No. 64. Ed J. Garber, R. A. McDonald, D. L.
Stiles. Gladys Effie, teacher, Golden City.
Davenport, No. 65. F. Driscoll, Lockwood, Rl; J. R.
Eidson, G. Hauffler, Golden City, R4.
Blackberry Flat, No. 66. Mrs. Annie Harper, Grant
Harper, Robert Windes, J. H. Gillman, Lockwood. Bert
Shaffer, teacher, Golden City.
Chalk Level, No. 67. Mrs. Fred Thurer, Fred Thurer,
I. L. Hodson, T. C. Finley. Golda Rogers, teacher, Lock-
wood.
Smith, No. 68. J. A. Shank, A. T. Finley. Lettie
Houdyshell, teacher, Golden City, Mo.
Pleasant Valley, No. 39. C. E. Lyons, Lockwood;
John Mammen, Golden City; August Koelliker, Golden
City. Flossie Mitchell, teacher, Golden City.
Tabernacle, No. 70. Mabel Hollingshead, Chas. En-
gelage, Arthur Weissenflush, Henry Von Strohe. Linna
Stogsdill, teacher, Lockwood.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 279
Central, No. 71. L. J. Sawyer, W. A. Butcher, W. A.
Farmer, 0. Montgomery. Dorcas Robinson, teacher, Lock-
wood, R5.
Banner, No. 72. F. F. Conn, Jericho Springs, R2; R.
M. Coyne, Lockwood, R2; C. E. Rector. Jessie L. Berry,
teacher, Jericho Springs, R2.
Stony Point, No. 73. Alex Trimble, L. V. Davis, W.
R. Divine, J. W. Bohon. Mrs. Hattie Bishop, teacher,
Milford.
Star, No. 74. J. K. Armstrong, W. H. Windes, J. C.
Skaggs, C. 0. Hagins. 0. H. Divine, teacher, Lockwood,
R2.
Stone, No. 75. Lina Dalton, J. N. Dalton, W. A.
Stout, Perry Jones. Roscoe Divine, teacher, Lockwood,
Rl.
Old Sylvania, No. 76. Ed Sporman, Will Cole, Adam
Greer, W. F. Pickett. Nellie E. Mitchell, teacher, Lock-
wood, R2.
Shannon Valley, No. 77. Ora Fitchpatrick, D. C.
Rook, J. H. Fitchpatrick, Will Van Buskirk. Opha Kel-
ley, teacher, Lockwood.
Sunshine, No. 78. J. B. Stevenson, P. F. March, A.
D. Taylor. Mittie McManas, teacher, Lockwood, R2.
Paragon, No. 80. L. B. Sikes, R. R. Conn, John Bays.
Lessie Davidson, teacher, Jerico Springs.
Rock Dale, No. 81. L. B. Higgins, Milford; 0. L.
Diefenderfer, !. C. Ripple, Jerico Springs; Ashel Smith,
Milford, Rl. Edna Ray Conn, teacher.
Cedarville, No. 82. S. W. Evans, Jerico Springs; E.
R. Everett, Lockwood; F. H. Whitley, Jerico Springs.
Howard Butcher, teacher, Lockwood.
Liberty, No. 84. Mrs. John Polston, C. M. Tindill, J.
M. Polston, H. C. Vanbebber. Anna E. Algeo, teacher,
Lockwood.
Jewell, No. 85. Pricie Carlock, Lee Rountree, W. A.
Long, M. A. Young. Tom Fitzpatrick, teacher, Greenfield.
280 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
LIST OF RURAL GRADUATES DADE COUNTY, 1917.
Following is a list of pupils completing the work of
the common schools in Dade County, Missouri, as deter-
mined by the final examinations of 1917:
Cedar Township. Sunshine School Minerva Finney,
Lockwood, Mo., R2. Old Sylvania Ruth Heiskell, Lock-
wood, R2; Roy Heiskell, Lockwood, R2; Ettis Welch,
Jerico Springs, R2.
Center Township. Cave School Lola Stockton,
Greenfield, Rl; Lillie Davis, Grenfield, Rl; James
Stump, Greenfield, R3; Albert Stump, Greenfield, R3;
Otis Freedle, Greenfield, R3. Oak Grove John Shouse,
Greenfield, R2. Rocky Hill Nellie and Zora Mitchell,
Greenfield; Auda Lasater, Lockwood, R5.
Ernest Township. Boggy Springs Truman McGee,
Jewell Purdy, Greenfield, R2. Gentry Vance McMahan,
Greenfield, R2.
Grant Township. Fairview Louise Phillipson, Gold-
en City, Abner Hamm, Lockwood, Sunnyside Charles
Kirkhart, Lilly Kirkhart and Ruby Kelley, Lockwood.
Ackelley Hattie John, Golden City.
Lockwood. Iva Spain, Lula Spain, Elbert Spain,
Henry Wehrman, Eva Parker, Ruth Snadon, and Bessie
Hodgson, Lockwood. Chalk Level Winnie Hodson and
Golden Little, Lockwood.
Marion Township. Tabernacle Edna Brinkhoff and
Linda Engleage, Lockwood. Pleasant Valley Amy With-
ers, Jean Erne, Erma Wright, Marie Mammen, Joseph
Koelliker, Bernice Lyons, Golden City.
Morgan. Bunker Hill Larue Harpe, Bernice Hoi-
man, Walnut Grove. Prairie Seth Landers, Golden Tar-
rant, Glenn Patterson, Alice Cassada, Dadeville. Cave-
Helen Kirby, Dadeville. Dadeville School Marjorie Hick-
man, Laurel Glenn, Nancy Morgan, Dadeville. Carlock
School Joe Wheeler, Nellie Patton, Warren Cantrell,
Forrest Speight, Everton. Jones School Leona McPeak,
Dadeville. McConnell School Paul Cowan, Aldrich, Rl.
Spreight School Maud Rector and Bessie Renner, Dade-
ville.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 281
North Township. Hickory Grove Lester McGuire,
Kathryn Twaddell, Edna Everett, Arcola. Dead Elm
Lena Wilkins, Inia Burnett, Arcola. Lake School Ecla
Jordan, Arcola. Arcola School- Bertha Higgins, Agnes
Holman, Russell Charles, Mabel Thomas, Walker Under-
wood, Theodore Achord, Alice Whitley, Gladys Hoffman,
Arcola, Fontella Stamps, Jerico Springs, Mo.
Pilgrim Township. Pilgrim School Lloyd Jones,
Leo Jones, Durward Stanley, Elmer Brown, May Horton,
Georgia Trimble, Pearl Smith, Hugh Poindexter, Everton,
R5. Lotus School AVillie Ward, Tressa Huston, Clarence
Litle, Everton, Mo.
Polk Township. Hampton School Walter Bowman,
Blanche Bowman, Corda Hoover, Everton. Pleasant Hill
School Dean Rowden, Alvin Haggerman, George Zong-
ker, Everton, R3.
Rock Prairie. Ray Spring School Yelma Tipton,
Clema Dilday, Everton,' R4.
Sac Township. White Oak Susie Shaw, Lucy Mont-
gomery, Seybert. Shaw School Ruth Duncan, Greenfield.
South Township. Meek School Ray Poindexter,
Flossie Xorris, Alma Jones, Gladys Irby, Everton, R5.
Bryant School Jesse Scott, Xina Terrell, South Green-
field, Rl. Mound School Lucy Bishop, Erma Fortner,
Jesse X'ewkirk, Ruby Poindexter, South Greenfield, Rl.
Pickett School Gilbert Manka, Lelah Friar, Xannie Friar,
Everton, R5.
Smith Township. Kings Point School Wilfred H.
Allison, Lockwood. Mt. Zion School Corda Morris,
Vernia Modrall," South Greenfield, R2.
Washington Township. Honey Creek School Bert
Sexton, South Greenfield, Rl.
E. H. CAREXDER,
County Superintendent of Schools, Dade County,
Greenfield, Missouri.
o
RATE OF TAXATION, DADE COUNTY, 1913-1914.
The following table shows the rate of taxation on
each $100 of assessed valuation. Property is assessed,
282 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
generally, from one-half to one-fifth of its actual worth,
depending upon the extent of the returns made; the char-
acter of the property; its location and whether the hold-
ing is bringing in an income, and the amount of the same:
County levy $0.40 Total amt. of county
Good roads 25 indebtedness
County school 69 Municipal or twp. in-
School tax in largest debtedness . . . .$47,000.00
city 1.50 *None reported.
Municipal tax $1.00
ASSESSED VALUATION OF DADE COUNTY, 1913.
Real Estate.
No. Assessed Average
Land, acres 310,758 $2,609,217 $ 8.39
Town lots 1,841 399,944 217.24
Total assessed valuation
of real estate 3,009,161
Personal Property.
Horses 7,148 228,963 32.03
Mules 2,790 103,856 37.22
Asses and jennets 145 6,899 47.58
Cattle 12,349 139,111 10.42
Sheep 6,017 6,570 1.09
Hogs 20,890 47,515 2.23
All other live stock 1,933 7,374 3.81
Money, notes, bonds, etc. 261,866
Bank* Stock 78,983
All other personal prop'ty 168,507
Total personal property $1,049,664
Total taxable wealth.. $4,058,825
Chapter 16
A DADE COUNTY AUTUMN.
by
Aaron D. States.
All nature seems to vie in common consent, to make
one month of the year the most lovely and beautiful in
all the Dade county territory it is the month of October.
All other months have their charm yet it remains for the
tenth month of the year to assemble these charms and
present them in one lovely panarama.
The choicest colorings are found in every nature pic-
ture. They can be found by every roadside, in every
woodland and on every hill top and hill slope. The sumac
and the maple trees give the most charming color while
vine and tangled wildwood afford beauty that cannot be
portrayed either by tongue or pen. Then, there are many
of the wild flowers that continue to bloom throughout the
autumn months, flowers as rich and pleasing as the flow-
ers of spring and they are used by many in the fall decora-
tions, of fraternal, home and church functions. These
flowers when assembled with clumps of painted leaves,
painted by the unseen artists, form a decoration fitted for
the nuptial of kings, or the entertainment of potentate.
These autumn flowers possess as rich colorings as do
the flowers of June and they retain their comliness until
freezing weather. The golden rod seems to have selected
Dade County for its permanent home, the same as the
wild rose has taken up its habitation for the month of
June. Many of the cultivated flowers of the garden first
bloomed in the byways and valleys. The streams seem
to enter the classic circle during the month of October.
They seem to sing sweeter and they talk louder when ex-
cellent beauty meets them at every curve. The willow
twigs seem to quaver with more grace in their bosom, in
October than they do in June. This may be on account
of October being the harvest month, the month of gather-
284 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
ing, storing, getting ready for the hibernal months when
there will be snows, sleets and rains. Yes, October is a
rich month and its annual return cheers the husbandmen
of Dade County as much now as it did the primitive fath-
ers. This is doubly true to the husbandman who seeks to
understand nature and can read from its pages at least a
portion of the great truths they possess.
Lewis Kenfro states that when he was a boy out on
Pennsylvania prairie, there were but few trees in all that
country consisting of several oak trees scattered over the
prairie. After the prairie fires were abandoned the acorns
were given a chance to grow and it was but a few years
until the country along the streams and a part of the up-
lands were dotted with young timber.
Mr. Renfro relates that in an early day his father
used to shoot deer from the veranda roof and that he
would get on his horse and go after the deer and bring
him to the home.
Mason Talbutt also says that when he was a boy the
most of the timber land around Greenfield was then prairie.
There were several oak trees here and there that soon
planted the acorn and when the prairie fires were aban-
doned it did not take many years for the young timber
to get a start. This seems almost incredible yet there is
no question as to the truth of the statement.
FROM AN OLD TIMER.
In answer to Brother States' request three weeks ago,
to hear from the older born citizens of Dade county, and
seeing no reply as yet, thinking that one was waiting for
another to give their history, I thought I would start the
pleasing task. I am nearly as old as Dade county. The
county was organized in 1841, and I was born out on the
Pennsylvania Prairie, March 16th, 1843 making me 72
years old next month.
1 have lived continually in Dade county all these
years, save the four years I was in the Civil war. I cast
my lot with the South and during the four years I lived
in a tent home on the fields of battle mv heart was still
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 285
with my old home. In fact, Bade county had been my
home all the days of my life. When the war was over I
came back and was indeed glad to find my old home
waiting for me. It is my intention to live here and enjoy
the companionship of my life long friends until I am
called hence. I have travelled over many states, but I
can sincerely say there is no country that appeals to me as
does the county in which I live, arid in my opinion there
is no better country.
I received my education at Honey Creek schoolhouse,
near where the new schoolhouse now stands; but it was
quite a differently constructed schoolhouse. I believe it
will be interesting to many to give a description of that
building: It was built in 1837 or 1838 of round logs with
the bark on them; was 18 feet square and the walls were 7
feet high. In place of rafters it was ribbed over with the
same kind of material the walls were made of and the ribs
were far enough apart to suit the clab boards that were
used to cover it. These clab boards were three feet long and
were manufactured out of large timbers. The roof was
weighed down with poles; there were no nails. The end
rib, the one the roof was started on, was a little longer and
a hole was bored in it to hold the first rib and a pole was
laid lengthwise to hold the first course of boards and the
pole that weighed down the first course answered for the
second course and so on until the top was reached, and
there were two poles lashed together that answered for
the saddle boards. The sleepers were round logs straight-
ened on the top and puncheons with the top made smooth,
made the floor. The seats were made of the same material
with legs made of small sapplings, and I remember some
of the seats were very twisting and uncomfortable. There
was a log cut out on either side about 10 feet and these
places answered for the windows. When it was cold a
strip of cloth was placed over these primitive windows to
keep out the cold and to emit a little light. The fire-
place covered the most of the north end. The writing
desks were made by boring holes up in the walls the de-
sired distance, with pegs in the holes, and a clab board
286 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
placed on them for the desk. I do not think there was
a nail in the entire building.
There were pieces of timber split wedge fashion and
drove between the cracks in the logs and then plastered
over with mud. There was neither joist or loft in the
building, and when it snowed, the snow was about as deep
on the inside of the building as it was out of doors. Not-
withstanding the rude structure, it turned out some teach-
ers both men and women and, by the way some preach-
ers, and at some future time I may have something to
say about the teachers and students that congregated in
this rude structure. The text books and the method of
teaching will make mighty interesting reading to many of
the present day youngsters. Then many can see what
progress has been made along educational lines and all
other lines during the years of the mighty past. In con-
clusion I will say I would be pleased to hear from others
on the same subject.
Sincerely,
LEWIS RENFRO.
HISTORICAL.
In my article of two weeks ago I promised to have
something about the teachers, the pupils and the text
books used in the old Honey Creek school house, also the
method of teaching. I will now attempt to redeem that
promise. In those days there were no silent schools,
everyone studied aloud and some would get very loud and
the teacher would have to call them dt>wn. We spelled
every evening for head marks and when the teacher would
announce the spelling lesson, which he always did a few
minutes before time to spell, you could hardly hear it
thunder for everyone would try to make louder noise than
the other. We would spell for head marks and the one
that was head at the close of-the spelling contest would go
to the foot the next day and at the close of the term the
one that got the most head marks would be remembered
with a prize, generally a book of some kind that would not
amount to very much now but was much appreciated then,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 2*T7
books, magazines and newspapers were scarce then, they
came so crowded at times that some of the larger scholars
were allowed to go out-of-doors to study in order to give
room for the smaller ones.
The length of the term was generally three months
and they were all subscription schools. There was not an
organized school district in the county Greenfield prob-
ably excepted. There was none such in all the county.
There were only three school houses in what was then
known as South township which covered a great deal
more territory then than now for it has been sub-divided
many times. The youngsters wonld come from several
miles around to attend school and all went afoot for it
was considered a small job to walk four and five miles to
attend school or church. I will try and give you the text
books that were used. First we had Webster's elementary
spelling book, I have one in my possession now, it com-
mences with A. B. C. and generally becomes a little harder
as the scholar advances, and, to my mind they have never
made any improvements of the spellers from that day to
this. The next highest study was McGuffey's readers,
then came United States history. I cannot call to mind the
history used. Old Dad Kirkham furnished the grammar.
Our first arithmetic was Pike's but later we used Ray and
we thought it an excellent improvement. No higher math-
ematics was used in the school. I never heard of algebra
during my school days. These books, along with Webster's
unabridged dictionary, constituted the text books of those
good old days.
I will now give the names of the patrons of this school
up to the war: The Snadons, the Scotts, Rutledges, Bowles,
Hopkins, two families of Millers, two families of Sailings,
Bogart, Edington, Bicknell, Clouts, Oldham, Sater, Ren-
fro, Rooks, Chappel, Rutledge, McGuire and Holder.
There are many others I have forgotten. We used quill
pens and we made our own ink out of oak bark and
coperas and sometimes log wood and polk berries. We
had no lead pencils and we made our slate pencils out of
slate. I can still make a pen out of a goose quill and can
288 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
still write with it. I believe I could give the names of the
scholars who attended this school but space forbids.
When I get to writing along this line there are so many
things that crowd my mind I hardly know when to stop,
but I will try and give a more completed account in my
next letter which will be the last. We had some rude
scholars at that school as well as now and I have known
teachers to make board paddles with a handle at the bot-
tom and paste A. B. C. on them and make those boys
learn their letters from their paddles. Of course they
were all boys and girls in those days, like the girls of
today, they were not very rude. They raised large fam-
ilies then, all the way from six to twelve children. I be-
lieve my parents had the largest family, it consisted of
eight boys and four girls. The children of these families
were all educated at this school. My father boarded the
teachers of this school gratis though he received enough
of benefit to more than compensate him for his trouble, for
we often studied until a late hour and I often thought we
received more instruction at night than we did during the
day. Tuition was from one dollar to $1.25 a month
and when board was charged it was about that much per
week. In my next article I will have something to say
about the teachers and students of this school.
Sincerely,
LEWIS RENFRO.
As I promised in my article to have something to say
about the teachers and pupils of this school I will now pro-
ceed to do so. I cannot call to mind in rotation as they
taught but can remember very well all the teachers I
went to school to. So I will proceed to name them. About
the first was Miss Amanda Scott now Mrs. Amanda Payne
whom all tin? people know, she is now in her eighty-sixth
year. Xo wonder her children were all teachers for
they inherited it from their mother who was one of the
most successful teachers in the county. The next teacher
was (jfeorgo Foster who was killed accidently in the time
of the war. He was an uncle to Mrs. Belle Mitchell of
RESIDENCES OF F. G. VAX OSDELL AM) EDWIX HARRISON.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 289
Greenfield. The next as I remember was a Mrs. Perry,
don't know what became of her. Then comes a man by
the name of Davis and one by the name of Spillman, one
by the name Gregg. I had two brothers who were teach-
ers, T. F. Rcnfro and J. C. B. Renfro. Martha Bozart,
Bridge Bozart, Alexander Rut ledge, Jesse Guinn, this was
an old crusty bachelor and the puncheon floor made so
much racket that he had them and the sleepers taken out
and the trash removed. The ground was packed down
with a maul. I was informed by Mrs. David Higgins
who went there to school after the war that the sleepers
and the floor were never put back. Her father, Xewell
Cates, moved out there just after the war and she went
one term at this school house to Leander McLemore.
There was one other who taught here, his name was
Dollbier. He taught elocution, or pretended to. He would
rave and bellow at the top of his voice and then lie would
lower his voice until you could hardly hear him. He came
hero from the east, I think Massachusetts. He thought
that he was a stemwinder, and we thought so too for we
had never been taught anything along this line. In those
days they generally inflicted the punishment with switches.
I remember a circumstance which occurred when I was
quite small. One of our teachers, Mr. Gregg had a very
weak way of inflicting punishment. He would have one
to carry the other around on his hacK and every round he
would lash, the one who was being carried and would tell
each how many lashes lie was going to inflict. I had a
brother, J. C. B. Renfro, who was very mischievous and
he and Andrew Ragsdalo, an uncle of Hon. Howard Rags-
dale, of Asli Grove. They had done something that they
needed punishment for and my brother was to carry Andy
first and just before lie got around where the teacher was
he pretended to catch his toe uud^r a puncheon and fell
and it created a terrible lauii'h. The same thing occurred
the second time, the teacher seeing that it was done on
purpose let them have it right and left there on tin- floor
until his switch gave out. I don't remember that they
ever tried it again.
290 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
There are only two teachers living who taught at
this school, Aunt Amanda Payne, who is eighty-six and
my brother, Thomas who lives in Downey, California, who
was eighty-one the fifth of the present month. This school
turned out four preachers J. C. B. Renfro, S. H. Benfro,
J. K. Speer and G. W. Oldham. J. C. B. Renfro died sev-
eral years ago in Houston, Texas. S. H. Renfro is a dis-
trict evangelist in northeast Texas. J. K. Speer belongs
to the Springfield conference. The first three were south-
ern Methodists, the latter, G. W. Oldham, was a missionary
Baptist and is chaplain of the house of representatives of
Oklahoma, so I am informed by his daughter, Mrs. William
Greer. This is the second time he has filled this position
which speaks well for one who was educated way back
sixty years ago in a little log school house and, by the way,
he was one of my schoolmates. There is but one other I
know of who is living and that is J. N. Bowles of San
Antonio, Texas. I will name the teachers who were edu-
cated at this school W. R. Snadon, John Moore, Mary
Moore, Martha Bozart, T. F. Renfro, J. C. B. Renfro,
Amanda Scott, now Amanda Payne, Bridge Bozart, Julia
Willis, Rufus Hudspeth and afterwards he taught at this
school house. We had a writing school just prior to the
war by X. R. Berry. This old historic school house was
destroyed by fire in 1867 by some unknown cause. It was
a rendezvous for campers and tramps and I think it caught
fire in that way. It may be that some one wanted a more
modern house. I am sure there are others that could do
the subject justice better than I can.
Sincerely,
LEWIS BENFRO.
OF INTEREST TO STOCKMEN AND BREEDERS
ONLY.
One of the most remarkable pioneers who ever lived
in Dado County, and by reason of his wide experience, one
of tlio most intelligent is W. J. Davis of Lockwood, whoso
porsoiial sketch appears in another part of this history.
Whon Mr. Davis sold his "Evergreen Stock Farm" and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 291
moved to Lockwood ho purchased oight acres of raw
prairie land adjoining the city. He moved cedar and
pine trees to this place from the farm and in six months
from the time he bought this tract he had it photographed
and the cut is idven herein. He had the same place again
photographed two years later and that cut is also given.
Mr. Davis not only experimented with shrubs, plants
and flowers, but also with livestock. Having read the
,'>0th chapter of Genesis and of Jacob's remarkable suc-
cess in breeding ringstraked, speckled and spotted goats,
he tried the experiment in breeding mules and found to
his wonder and surprise that he was able to produce large,
black, mealy nosed, big-boned mules from little gray jacks
and maltose jennets. He also claims to have produced a
spotted colt in like manner by the use of a spotted blanket
as an object of attention to the dam.
Mr. Davis made specialty of surgical operations and
while his theories were directly opposed by most surgeons,
his common sense methods were eminently successful. In
cases of rupture his plan was to bring the broken tissues
together so that they might heal rather than to spread
them apart with a truss. This plan, Mr. Davis says, will
work a permanent cure on both man and beast, for the
reason that he speaks from experience in both instances,
and knows whereof he speaks. It is to be regretted that
lack of space forbids lengthy mention of all of Mr. Davis'
interesting experiments, but they are varied and remark-
able to sav the least.
THE GREENFIELD CEMETERY.
The nucleus around which the Greenfield Cemetery
was formed was deeded in 1850 by Ezekiel M. Campbell, to
James Allison, I). C. Gill and G. W. Oldham as Trustees of
the United Baptist church of Jesus Christ of Greenfield.
There was one acre in the tract shown on the map as the
unplatted portion of the cemetery. The deed was made
to the Trustees for a burial ground or whatever use said
church may think proper. It is certain however that there
were graves on the tract at the time the deed was made.
292 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Eighteen years later it became apparent that this one acre
tract would be inadequate and E. S. Jacobs, Arch M. Long
and Wm. G. McDowell purchased two acres adjoining the
original tract on the south and east for the use of the in-
habitants of the town of Greenfield for a grave yard.
These men to hold the title in trust until proper officers
should be elected. In 1880 the town of Greenfield was in-
corporated as a city of the 4th class and the trustees con-
veyed the land to the city. Later the city, by its board
of Aldermen purchased all the land between the then east
line of the cemetery and the North and South Quarter Sec-
tion Line of section 19. It was found that a large part of
this was unsuitable on account of the shallow depth at
which the solid limestone was encountered and all of this
tract lying East of the present east line of the cemetery
was sold. The first added tract comprises blocks one to
thirty-six and the portion used of the second comprises
blocks thirty-seven to sixty-three. In 1899 practically all
of this ground was sold and there seemed to be no direc-
tion in which there could be expansion. The city bought
20 acres lying south of the city and began the improve-
ment of it as Greenfield Cemetery. The ground was very
unsatisfactory, was little used and in 1907 was sold. A
tract of more than five acres having been bought adjoining
the old cemetery on the north in 1906. This squared out
the cemetery to its present size of more than ten acres.
The last tract bought was platted as Association Addition
to the Greenfield Cemetery. It comprises blocks 64 to 172.
Recently when the whole cemetery was to be replatted
some ground was discovered unplatted and unsold. This
has been platted and appears on the map as tracts lettered
with "A" and running to "U."
The first movement looking toward beautifying the
cemetery was made in 1881. It then covered but 3 acres
and was a veritable jungle. The Ladies Aid Societies (this
was before the day of the Woman's Club) asked the men
of the city to volunteer on a certain day to assist in the
work of cleaning up the cemetery and announced that the
workers would be provided with a picnic dinner. The
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 293
male population of the city of every age, color and con-
dition turned out with axes, hoes and scythes and cleared
and cleaned up the cemetery in fairly good shape. Disul-
tory attempts to keep it in condition were made along till
1903 when the work of beautifying the cemetery was begun
in earnest by the Ladies Magazine Club and the Century
Club which clubs took up the burden of raising money and
improving the cemetery in a business like way. This
movement crystalized into the Greenfield Cemetery Asso-
ciation which was incorporated in 1913. This Association
has a growing list of members and enjoys a present endow-
ment fund of $3,500. No part of this can be used till the
fund reaches $4,500, at which time the income will be de-
voted to the care and maintenance of the cemetery. The
Association now has 300 members who pay an annual dues
of $1.00 and are pledged for five years. It is to the ladies
of these clubs and to their treasurer under whose direc-
tion their funds have been expended that we owe it that
the Greenfield Cemetery is one of the beauty spots of
west Missouri.
The present trustees are:
Ben M. Neale, R. H. Merrill, S. A. Payne, F. C. Eastin,
P. D. Stringfield, F. S. Van Osdell and P. S. Griffith. Ben
M. Neale, president; F. G. Van Osdell, treasurer and man-
ager.
o
WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 87, A. F. & A. M.
Nestor of Southwest Missouri Lodges and Mother of
Free Masonry in this section, was organized under charter
October 12th, 1847 after working under dispensation for
more than a year previous. James S. Clarkson was the
Master under dispensation but before the organization
under charter, he enlisted in the U. S. army and went to
the front in the Mexican War, becoming- Master of a
Military Lodge A. F. & A. M. conducted for the benefit of
the soldiers.
In October, 1847 the organization of the lodge under
charter was perfected with Win. H. Lathiin, W. M., Valen-
tine Penzer, Sr., W. and Archibold M. Long, J. W.
294 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
The early meetings of the lodge developed that the
organization was to be a pioneer in education as well as in
Freemasonry for when its first hall was constructed, a
frame structure which stood just north of the present
grade school building on the same lot, it was constructed
two stories in height, the ground floor being used for an
academy. It was several years prior to the civil war that
this building became inadequate both for the use of the
lodge and for an academy and a larger and more pre-
tentious brick building was erected on the site of the pres-
ent grades school building. For its day and time this lat-
ter was a great credit to the little hamlet of Greenfield.
In fact there was doubtless none other so good owned by
the Masonic order in all of Southwest Missouri, not except-
ing the larger towns. In this building the lodge and the
academy flourished until the disturbances of the civil war
made the maintenance of the school impracticable and
forced the lodge to seek more central and less conspicuous
quarters.
At the close of the war, Washington was the only
chartered lodge in all Southwest Missouri. The inability
to continue their meetings and preserve their records,
caused the forfeiture of the charters of all others, but a
valliant little band of heroic Masters, among whom were
Dr. S. B. Bowles, W. K. Lathim, Arch M. Long, Nelson
McDowell, Columbus Talbutt, John C. Wetzol, R. S. Jacobs
and John Howard, held their meetings sometimes on
"high hills" or on "low vales" but generally in the old
court house which was burned by Shelby's brigade in 1863,
after which the meetings were held in the Lathim building
on the southwest corner of the square (when they were
held in doors), until the close of the war, and their own
building on the hill could be repaired and made use of.
It is said by the older Masons that Dr. Bowles carried the
charter of Washington Lodge in his pocket during most of
the war period.
The Academy building, as it was most generally
termed, suffered in turn with most everything else in this
troublous war period, but very early after the war closed
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 295
it was repaired not only as a Masonic Hall but fitted also
for an academy. This was the place of meeting thence-
forth up to the building of the R. S. Jacobs block on the
northeast corner of the square when a third story was
added for the Masonic orders. A chapter, Greenfield Xo.
28, having been organized in the interim. This later hall
was used by the Masonic bodies a Commandery, Constan-
tine No. 27, K. T. having been subsequently chartered in
the same hall, and all bodies occupied it up to the time
the building burned, December 29, 1914.
After removing to the Jacobs building, the lodge sold
their property on the hill to the school district. With the
proceeds of this sale and some other resources, the lodge
built the Washington Hotel building which is still occu-
pied as a hotel and under the original name of the Wash-
ington. The property was sold some years ago and a
portion of the proceeds invested in a splendid building
site on the west side of the square where the construction
of a strictly modern building is contemplated.
On the occasion of both the fires mentioned all her
records were burned, and all lodge paraphanalia but un-
dismayed her communications are held now in the I. 0. 0.
F. lodge rooms and should she never accomplish anything
more it is a proud record to look back upon the achieve-
ments of Washington Lodge.
She gave to Missouri her greatest Grand Masonic lec-
turer, the late L. Allan McDowell, who received his first
three degrees in Greenfield.
BIOGRAPHIES
-OF-
Prominent Persons and Families
MATHIAS W. ALLISON.
Was born in North Missouri, February 18th, 1859, son
of C. C. and Mary (Williams) Allison. His father was a
native of Tennessee and his mother a native of Missouri.
His grandfather, Joseph Allison, settled in Dade County in
the early 30 's in Center Township. Both his parents and
grandparents died in Ray County, Missouri, and are buried
there.
Mathias W. Allison remained at home until 21 years
of age. He received a common school and High School
education and entered the teachers' profession, which he
followed for 23 years, mostly in Dade County. He also did
some farming in the meantime. In 1890 he bought a lot
and erected a residence thereon in Greenfield, where he
lived for 11 years. In 1901 he moved to a 120-acre farm
belonging to his wife some four miles northwest of Green-
field.
He was married on the 24th day of December, 1884,
to Mary V. Hampton, who was born February 16th, 1865,
daughter of James and Fmily (Kjrkwood) Hampton.
Emily Kirk wood came to Dade County at the age of 15
years with her parents. Her mother died, and was the
first person buried in the \Yetzel cemetery near Greenfield.
After the death of her mother, her father returned to Ken-
tucky, but Fmily remained with her uncle, John Wetzel,
and here she married James Hampton. Mrs. Allison was
the eighth in the order of birth of a family of 11 children.
Five of these were boys and six girls. Two died in infancy
and two daughters and one son died after they were
grown. Their mother, Fmily (Kirkwood) Hampton, died
April 2Sth, 111]::, at the age of S4 years, 8 months and 17
days. She was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky, August
31st, 1*29, and was married to James Hampton July 25th,
D.XDi: (OlMY BANK. K. S. JACOBS BANKING (().
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 297
1847. The children who were present at her funeral were
Mrs. Cerilla Anderson, Mrs. M. W. Allison and her four
sons, Albert, Hugh, Charley and Frank.
Mr. and Mrs. Allison are each members of the M. E.
church, and are the parents of seven children, all living:
(1) Nora, born March 17th, 1886, married August
3d, 1916, to Prof. W. S. Smith of Lebanon, Mo.
(2) Bert, born January 14th, 1888, at home fanning
with his father.
(3) Maud, born December 20th, 1890, is now a ste-
nographer in a prominent law office in Oklahoma City.
(4) Lenore, born January 31st, 1896, engaged in
teaching.
(5) Finis, born July 15th, 1899, is at home.
(6) Ada Bell, born 'December 30th, 1901.
(7) Virginia, born March 17th, 1908.
Mr. Allison is an active Republican and is the present
County Surveyor of Dade County, lie is a member of the
I. 0. 0. F. of Greenfield. His father was a member of the
Missouri State Militia during the war. Mr. Allison was
the seventh in order of birth of a family of 12 children, all
but two of which grew to maturity. Mr. Allison is a man
of culture and refinement and has raised a splendid family.
He has always been deeply interested in school work, hav-
ing attended Ozark College in its palmy days, and has suc-
ceeded in giving his children, when they arrived at the
proper age, the advantage of a higher education.
C. R. ALLISON.
Born in the State of Ohio on the 23rd day of June,
1867. He is a younger brother of AVesley X. Allison, and,
by reference to the sketch under that caption, a history
of his parentage may be found. At the age of 14 years he
came to Missouri with his father, lived on a farm, attended
the common schools of the county and spent one year in
Ozark College in Greenfield. After this limited college
career, he entered the profession of teaching, and for five
years "handled the hickory'- in the district schools of
Dade County. At the mature age of 25 years he met, ad-
mired and married Fannie Moore on the 9th day of March,
1892. Fannie was the only daughter of Frank Moore and
298 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
Mary (Caldwell) Moore, the former being a native of Ken-
tucky, while the latter hailed from Tennessee. They were,
however, married in Dade County, and were farmers and
prosperous people. Mr. Moore died March 5th, 1896, and
Mrs. Moore survived him but four years, departing this
life in 1900. Mrs. Moore had been previously married to
Thomas Davis (deceased), who at his death left surviving
him one daughter, who is now Mrs. George Finley, of
Greenfield, Mo.
Mr. Allison entered upon his agricultural career as a
tenant-farmer, renting the Moore homestead, which em-
braced 200 acres of choice Dade County dirt, and con-
tinued to cultivate the same up to the time of Mr. Moore's
<]<-ath, at which time he had accumulated enough of this
world's goods to purchase an interest therein, subject to
the widow's dower, and as the years went by his pros-
perity continued to such an extent that by judicious buy-
ing and selling, planning and purchasing, he is now the
proud possessor of (540 acres of fertile soil in South air!
adjoining Townships. In keeping with the splendid
quality of his farm, Mr. Allison is also the keeper of regis-
tered Shorthorn cattle, and annually feeds for the market
a car-load or more of hogs, while sheep are kept in suffi-
cient numbers to discourage the growth of weeds and buck-
brush about the premises.
Seven children have come to bring sunshine into the
home of Mr. Allison and his good wife:
David F., "born September 21st, 1893.
John Ernest, born November 16th, 1898.
Mary, born May 25th, 1901.
Hoyt Ross, born April 18th, 1905.
William Ralph, born October l.'Jth, 1907.
James Wesley, born April 3rd, 1911.
Harry Watts* born July 22, 1914.
David F., the elder son, has been given a good educa-
tion, being a student first at Morrisville Academy and later
graduating from Marionville College.
Religiously, Mr. Allison and his wife are members of
the M. F. Church, but broad enough denominationally to
worship with God's people by whatever name.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE 299
Aside from his farming 1 enterprises, Mr. Allison was
one of the original organizers of the Bank of Pennsboro,
and is now its Assistant Cashier.
The most generous impulse in the heart of Mr. Allison
is a desire to be a home builder lie has remodeled the
old Moore homestead so that it is now one of the most
attractive farm homes to be found in th * country. In
addition to the residence, he has erected a mammoth barn
and many convenient outhouses. His farm has the general
appearance of thrift, industry and prosperity.
In politics, Mr. Allison is a Republican. He has given
many years of service on the school board, and is now
president of the Pennsboro Consolidated school district.
Just a word here concerning the Moore family might
not be out of order. Mrs. Allison's grandparents came to
Dade County from Kentucky about the year 1837. This
was David Moore and Nancy (Thompson) Moore. They
entered and improved 400 acres of land, living in a double
log hoube, and reared a family of six children, four boys
and two girls, all of whom are dead except Miss Moore
of Pennsboro.
Mr. Moore, the father-in-law of Mr. Allison, was a
forty-niner, and made four trips to the Golden State in
the quest of the precious metal, in which adventure he was
most successful, and on one of the return trips enjoyed
the unusual pleasure of a trip around Cape Horn and home
via New York.
A union between scions of parent pioneer stock which
possessed the hardihood to brave the threatened death of
the desert and the dangers of the deep, a heart to subdue
the forest and conquer the wights of the wilderness, will
bear its fruit in the commoner walks of life, where a
heritage of courage and conviction is bequeathed to a
family of cherished children.
WESLEY N. ALLISON.
Entered upon the activities of this life in the State of
Ohio on the 3rd day of April, 1863. His father, David J.
Allison, was born in the State of Ohio August 7th, 1828,
300 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND HER PEOPLE
was a farmer by occupation, settled in Jasper County,
Missouri, in 1881, but in the year 1883 concluded that
Dade County offered better opportunities, and, in keeping
with that conviction, purchased 92 acres of land in South
Township, about five miles from the present site of Penns-
boro. He was a good man, a member of the M. E. church,
and died during the year 1900, and was buried at Penns-
boro.
David J. Allison was married to Mary Jane Williams,
a native of Ohio, about the year 1848. She was born in
1831, and after her marriage she shared the joys and sor-
rows of her life with her husband until the year 1875,
when she was called home. They raised a family of ten
children, all of whom are now living but four, the subject
of this sketch being eighth in order of birth. David J.
Allison remarried, his second wife being Lucinda Weed,
also a native of Ohio, this event taking place in 1876.
To this union were born two children. Lucinda (Weed)
Allison still resides in Pennsboro, and her two children,
Virgil D. and Lawson Stapp, both live in Dade County.
Wesley X. Allison in boyhood was a good student, and
early graduated from the common schools of his neigh-
borhood in Ohio, after which he attended Rio Grande Col-
lege in Gallia County, Ohio, and some years later attended
Ozark College in Greenfield for two years. He remained
at home until the year 1892, when, on the 27th day of July
of that year, he married Louann Speer, a native of Dade
County and a daughter of Mathias Speer, one of the early
settlers of the county. Her mother was formerly Mary
Hudspeth, a member of another of the pioneer families of
the county.
Mrs. Louann Allison died September 9th, 1900, leav-
ing surviving her three children, two of whom are now
living, viz.: Myrtle V., born November 4th, 1893, now Mrs.
Homer Batten of Carthage. She graduated from Marion-
ville College in 1915. Truman S. Allison was born March
5th, 1898, and graduated from Marionville College in 1915,
and is now at home, engaged in farming. Both he and his
sister are promising young people, Myrtle being an accom-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 301
plishod musician, while her brother bears the distinction
of being a college-bred young man without the snobbish-
ness which usually accompanies that attainment. Each
member of this family have membership in the M. E.
Church, while Mr. Allison also has fraternal instincts,
being an Odd Fellow, a W. 0. W. and a Mason, and a
prominent member in each of the three lodges.
After his marriage, Mr. Allison taught school for 17
years, two years having been spent in Jasper County and
the remaining 15 years in the schools of Dade County.
Mr. Allison also found time during those years to do a
little farming, but on January 5th, 1915, helped to organize
the Bank of Pennsboro, with a capital stock of $10,000,
and a modern bank home of brick was built, equipped
with up-to-date appliances in the way of vault, safe and
furniture. Notwithstanding the fact that this bank was
organized largely for the accommodation of local farmers
and business men, its deposits have steadily increased
and are now well above the $15,000 mark.
The officers of this bank are as follows:
President, James N. Snaden.
Vice President, G. W. Snaden.
Cashier, W. N. Allison.
Assistant Cashier, C. R. Allison.
Director, C. P. Collins.
Director, J. L. Stapp.
Director, James Copeland.
All of whom constitute the board of directors.
As might well be expected, the parent stock being
firmly grounded in the soil of Ohio, the offspring would
of necessity be Republican, but contrary to the traditions
and practices of his party, Mr. Allison was never an office-
seeker. Besides being a banker, Mr. Allison is a farmer.
He is the owner of one of the splendid farms of Pennsyl-
vania Prairie, consisting of 480 broad acres, practically
in one body, near Pennsboro. His residence is a modern
structure of eight well-furnished rooms, and pleasant sur-
roundings. It was built in 1904 and is just such a home
as any Dade County farmer might well be proud.
302 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
The community in general, in the neighborhood of
Pennsboro, when speaking of their prominent citizens and
of the men who have contributed most to the general wel-
fare of the public, always include Mr. Allison in that list.
He has achieved success, both socially, intellectually and
financially, and richly merits the good-will of his neigh-
bors and the admiration of his friends.
JOSEPH M. ALEXANDER.
Deceased.
Among the old soldier records of the Civil war from
Dade County, none deserves more extended mention than
['rich' Joe Alexander, late of Dadeville. He was born in
Henry County, Iowa, June llth, 1843, a son of Daniel and
Lettie (Rogers) Alexander, both natives of Tennessee,
where they were married, and emigrated to Iowa as young
people, and where they remained and farmed up to the
year 1 s .~>(5, when they moved to Dade County and settled
about one mile from Greenfield. Here they stayed until
the Civil war broke out, and, being favorable to the South
in this trouble, they moved to Texas, and he served in the
Confederate army as a lieutenant. After the war they
both remained in Texas, where they passed away. Joseph
was for the Tnion and remained in Dade. He was mar-
ried Sept. 20th, 18(50, to Miss Adaline Morris, who was
horn July Mrd 1^4.'], a daughter of George and Patsey
Morris. In 18(51 Joseph Alexander enlisted in Company
C. Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, under Capt. Mont-
gomery, and served in all, three years and twenty days.
-aw much active service, but was never wounded or
T, At Little Rock, Ark., he was transferred
inois Cavalry, and marched with Gen. Sher-
-ea. He was in active service before Vicks-
the battle of Chicamauga. Discharged at
, La., returning home he rented land for one
north of Dadeville, then moved to Petis County,
Mi.-Mniri, where he farmed for four years But he could
not stay away from good old Dade County, so he returned
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 303
and took up 40 acres of government land in Morgan Town-
ship, subsequently selling this to a mining company, when
he bought 40 acres just south of Dadeville, improved it,
prospered, and added to his holdings until he had 160
acres in a body of the best land to be had in the county.
In 1900 he decided to take life more easy, and bought a
nice little place containing two acres right in Dadeville
and only a short distance from his fine farm, which he
turned over to his son, Ulysses, who now resides on the
home place and has made a decided success as a farmer
and stockman. To Uncle Joe and his wife were born
three children, who grew to maturity. They are, Mordica,
a farmer of Texas; Corry, now Mrs. Ad Wrightman of
Springfield, Mo., and Ulysses of Dade. There are fifteen
grandchildren. Uncle Joe passed to "the great beyond"
Dec. 15th, 1916, mourned by a host of warm friends and
relatives, lie was of the grand old stock that the true
pioneer is made of, and has left a memory behind him of
duty well and faithfully performed; lie was a kindly, love-
able gentleman, and we of the younger generation arf
proud to honor his memory.
o
JOHN E. ADAMSON.
Among the highly successful bankers and business
men, we could not fail to mention J. E. Adamson of Ever-
ton. Air. Adamson was born in Lawrence County, Mis-
souri, a son of Edward J. and Elender (Smith) Adamson,
natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. He was
of Irish ancestry and settled in Lawrence County Missouri,
in the early days, where he became a successful fanner.
He owned some 800 acres of fine laud located on Turn-
back. He moved to Evcrton in 1889, where he passed
away in 1901. He was a veteran of the Mexican war and
served in the Home Guards during the Civil war. He was
a fine citizen and a Christian gentleman, and died in the
faith of the M. E. Church, South.
John E. Adamson was raised on the farm and received
a good education, attending the country schools and col-
lege, both at Marionville and Morrisville. For some year&
304 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND IT8 PEOPLE
Mr. Adamson was in the mercantile business at Lawrence-
burg, in Lawrence County, and also ran a flouring mill at
Miller, Mo. In 1898 he was elected as County Clerk of
Lawrence County, where he served four years. In 1903
he organized the Bank of Miller, serving as president and
as cashier for one year, and, selling out the bank in 1907,
he moved to Springfield for the benefit of the schools for
his children. In 1910 he organized the Citizens' Bank of
Everton, and has served as its cashier ever since.
Mr. Adamson married Margaret Burk in 1887, whc
was born in Texas, a daughter of John and Sarah Burk,
who came to Lawrence County about 1872. Mr. Burk is
now deceased and his widow lives with a daughter in
Green County. To Mr. and Mrs. Adamson have been born
seven children, as follows: Luther W., who is a prominent
attorney of Kansas City, Mo.; Don 0. is assistant cashier
of the Citizen's Bank of Everton ; Hutton L. is a farmer
and miner of Lawrence County; Harlan C., Annie Helen,
Vincil T. and Robert T. are at home, and receiving the
best of educational advantages. Mr. Adamson is a Demo-
crat in politics and fraternally is a member of the A. F.
A. M. and I. O. 0. F. Mr. Adamson is considered one of
our most progressive and best-educated business men. He
has the natural instinct of the successful banker, he is
kindly and courteous in all his business dealings, and this,
with the deserved reputation as to honorale methods in
all things, has earned for him his well-deserved business
success.
JUDGE WALTER BUFFINGTON.
Deceased.
The late Judge Walter Buffington was born in Ohio
March f.th, isf)f), the son of Elisha and Ruth (Smart) Buf-
fin.irton, both of whom were born in West Virginia and
emigrated to Ohio in the early 40s. Elisha Buffington
followed river boatin.tr, and followed this business until he
came to Dade County, just prior to the Civil war. He
bought land here and began farming on a half section of
trood hind. lie brought with him a family of six children,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 305
and had just begun to get along nicely when the war broke
out, with all its dangers to settlers in this section, and he
decided to return to Ohio, which he did, taking his family
with him.
His sentiments were with the Union, and he enlisted
in the Union army and served with credit to himself. He
subsequently returned to Missouri and purchased a half
section of land in Green County, near Lawrenceburg,
where he passed away.
Judge Walter Buffington started in life for himself
with little else than a stout heart and a determination
to make his mark in the world. At the age of 16 years
he started working out on farms, and continued until his
marriage. He had purchased 40 acres of land in Dado
County, near Lockwood, and here his widow now lives.
On December 31st, 1874, he was married to Miss Josephine
Gentry, who was born in Kentucky January 20th, 1855,
a daughter of William E. and Maria (Miller) Gentry, both
natives of Kentucky. William Gentry and his wife came
to Dade County in 1872, and settled near Lockwood, to
the west, but in later years lived just north of Lockwood,
where they both passed away. Mr. Gentry died January
23rd, 1890, and his wife followed him very shortly, on May
18th, 1890.
When Judge Buffington first went to work on his
little farm his nearest market was at Nevada, 30 miles
to the north and west, and Lockwood was a little city of
the future. This good man and his wife prospered and
added to their earthly goods until they had 160 acres of
good Dade County land, but, best of all, they raised a fine
family of nine children, all of whom are decidedly worthy
of mention. The oldest, Miller G., was born May 26th,
1876, married Miss Alpha Mitzell, and they live in Okla-
homa City, where he is following the railroad business.
They have one child, Dorothy. Lula R. was born Decem-
ber llth, 1878, and married Dee Pipkin, a successful farmer
of Kansas, and they have a family of two children, Paul
and Josephine. William E. was born June 8th, 1882, and
is one of Dade County's prominent farmers, having charge
306 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of the home place, with his mother. Josephine was born
July 20th, 1884, and married Dr. John E. Newman, who
is a prominent professional man of Fort Scott, Kas., where
he owns and operates a hospital. They have two children,
John and Catherine. Maggie was born Oct. 29th, 1887,
and married J. P. Mason, and she is a competent stenog-
rapher and at present living in Oklahoma, while her little
daughter, Elizabeth, is with her Grandmother Buffington.
Montie Ruth was born April 27th, 1890, and married Jesse
Douthart, who is a merchant of Cullison, Kas. Walter,
born May 24th, 1892, is now teaching in Kansas. Clara,
born June 24th, 1895, is clerking in Pratt, Kas. Frances,
born February 24th, 1898, is clerking in Cullison, Kas. Of
this fine family, all have received good educations, and it
is a remarkable fact that six of them have been teachers.
Judge Buffington was a Democrat and prominent in
his party councils, and was elected judge of the western
district, in which position he served with entire satisfac-
tion to all; he also took the census of 1890. He was a mem-
ber of the I 0. 0. F. and the I. 0. U. W. Mr. Buffington
died Sept. 28th, 1891, and his demise was a distinct loss to
the entire county. He was a remarkable man, thoughtful,
earnest and honorable, loved by all; a great lover of home
and family, and, it was said by the late Aaron D. States,
that lie was one of the very best-educated men in Dade
County.
SILAS BELL.
Silas Bell was born in Tenn, Monroe County, May
12th, 1848, and is the son of Rev. John W. Bell and Eliza
.Jane Allen, his wife. The wife died in Tenn, leaving four
children, of whom Silas was the first son and the second
in ordor of birth. The others, Mary Ellen, married Mark
Oil more, and is deceased, after raising a family of six chil-
dren; Anna R. married W. A. Morris, and they reside in
Texas, and Thos. J. is deceased. John W. Bell married
as his second wife Malinda Wilson, who was a native of
Tenn, and there they were married and came to Dade
County in 1856, traveling overland by ox and mule teams.
307
They bought land in Polk Township and farmed, adding
to their original purchase until they had 240 acres, living
there until 1872, when he traded his place for 200 acres
in Lawrence County, Missouri, where he resided until his
wife died, and then he divided his land among his chil-
dren and came to live with his son, Silas. During all this
time, John W. Bell was a very prominent preacher in the
Presbyterian Church. He passed to his heavenly reward
April 24th, 1914, at the venerable age of 89 years, and
after a long life of doing good to his fellow-man. He
was loved by all who knew him, and his memory will never
die. To his second wife were born six children, as follows:
John, now of Oklahoma; Bettie is deceased; Joe, of Law-
rence County; Tennessee married Phil Carter and is living
in Lawrence County, Missouri; America, now Mrs. Perve
Carter of Lawrence County, Missouri; Charles P. of Okla-
homa. Silas Bell started out in life for himself at the age
of 21 on a farm in Rock Prairie Township, just east of
Everton. This consisted of 84 acres, and this he improved
and lived there four years, at which time he traded for
100 acres of the old Bell homestead in Dade County, keep-
ing this for six years, when he sold and farmed rented
land for some ten years, finally buying 115 acres in Rock
Prairie Township, and after greatly improving this and
also adding to the acreage until he had 155 acres, sold out
in 1914 and went to live with his son, James A. Bell of
Polk Township. Silas Bell was married July 30th, 1868,
to Elizabeth Grisham, born in Dade County in 1849. They
were the parents of eight children, as follows: John T.
married Laura Jerome, and both died, leaving one son,
Leonard Paul, who was raised by his grandparents, Silas
Bell and wife, and is now living in Ash Grove, Green
County; Samuel "VV. married Nellie Jerome, and is de-
ceased, and his widow now lives in Idaho and has one
son, named Wayne Bell; James A., of whom a sketch may
be found elsewhere; Michael M. married Pina Woods, and
is living in Hickory County, Missouri, his family consist-
ing of two children, Louis and James Silas ' Henry S.
married Hettie Dawson, and they live near Ash Grove,
308
Mo., and have one child, Harold Bell; William A. married
Elsie Burne, and lives in Idaho, having two children, Her-
bert and Lorine; Silas D. married Inez Thompson, and also
lives in Idaho, and has one child, Oral; Lizzie married
Boyd Hayes, and they live south of Emmet, Dade County,
and their two children are named Elwin and Virginia.
Mrs. Bell, the mother of this family, died Feb. 6th, 1908,
after a life well spent, and leaving a host of warm friends.
Silas Bell is a Democrat in politics and a member of the
Baptist Church. He is one of our most honored citizens.
His word is as good as his bond. May he live long and his
declining years be full of happiness and contentment, is
the earnest wish of his many, many friends and neighbors.
JAMES A. BELL.
James A. Bell, prominent farmer and stockman of
Polk Township, Dade County, was born March 28th, 1874,
a son of Silas Bell and wife, a sketch of whom will be
found on another page of this work. James Bell had the
usual farmer boy experiences up to the time of his mar-
riage, and then life began in earnest, he first operating a
120-acre farm in Dade County, where he stayed for six
years, when lie sold this and moved to Hickory County,
buying 200 acres, and stayed six years and returned and
bought 335 acres in Rock Prairie Township, which lie
farmed for four years and then traded for the old Comp-
ton homestead in Polk Township, where he now lives.
This fine place consists of 492 acres of as fine land as can
be found in Dade County. This place includes the old
Nancy McGee farm, on which zinc ore was first discovered
in Dade County, and Mr. Boll is now carrying on mining
to some extent. On this fine tract of land are two sets of
frame buildings and two silos with 170 tons capacity each;
also very large and commodious stock barns and sheds.
This place is exceptionally well-watered with river, spring
branches and springs. Truly, this is one of the very best
stock ranches in the entire county, and here one may see
irreat herds of cattle and hogs of good breeds. Mr. Bell
keeps a throughbred Hereford bull, and is a decided sue-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 309
cess as a stockman, always keeping his herds headed with
good blood. He raises mules to advantage. He carries on
general farming in the most approved and up-to-date man-
ner, and to say that he is a success as a farmer and stock-
man is putting it mildly, indeed. Everything around this
large ranch shows that Mr. Bell knows his business, and
it is to be mentioned that, in addition to these large farm-
ing and stock operations, Mr. Bell and his father, Silas
Bell, do a large part of the thrashing for that section of
the country, as they own a complete thrashing outfit. Mr.
Bell was married Nov. 27th, 1898, to Miss Amanda E.
Hurst, who was born in Dade County Feb. 20th, 1879, a
daughter of J. T. and Emily Bell (Hayes) Hurst. The
father died in 1910, while his wife is now living in Ever-
ton, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have a fine family of seven
children. They are all at home and named as follows:
Olive, born Sept. 15th, 1899; Marvin, born Feb. 13th, 1902;
Hugh, born Feb. 16th, 1904; John, born April 8th, 1906;
Howard, born July 13th, 1908; Emily, born Aug. 30th,
1910, and Silas, born June 21st, 1915. Truly, Mr. and Mrs.
Bell may well be proud of this fine family, all of whom are
receiving the best of school advantages, and will surely
grow up to become good citizens. In politics, Mr. Bell is
a Democrat, and he and his family are members of the
Baptist Church. This fine, industrious gentleman we are
proud to own as a leading citizen of our county.
GEORGE THOMAS BARKER.
George Thomas Barker was born in Henry County,
Missouri, November 28th, 1872. His father, Shell Barker,
was born in Kentucky, and came to Henry County, Mis-
souri, at an early date, where he carried on farming and
stock raising to a large extent. His wife was Mary Spence,
who was a native of Missouri. They had six children,
as follows: Nealie, William, Robert and Mary, all de-
ceased. Nannie is now Mrs. Henry Barker of Kentucky,
and George Barker, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Barker lived on the farm until he was 11 years
of age, when he came to Dade County with an uncle, Wil-
310 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
liam C. Barker, who run the Everton hotel for many years,
in fact, up to the time of his death. Mr. Barker attended
the Everton schools, after which he went into the grain
business, working for J. E. Gyles. He followed this for
11 years, and in 1896 bought out Gyles and conducted the
business under the firm name of Barker & Poindexter,
his partner being William B. Poindexter. They run the
business under this name for about two years, when Mr.
Barker bought out Mr. Poindexter and continued in the
grain business for another two years on his own account,
then selling one-half to A. W. Poindexter, and continued
again under the firm name of Barker & Poindexter for
the following two years, when his partner sold out to
C. W. Barker, and they run the business under the firm
name of C. W. Barker & Company. This partnership con-
tinued until the death of C. W. Barker, in 1912. The ele-
vator is run under the name of John F. Myers & Son of
Springfield and St. Louis, but Mr. Barker retains one-
quarter interest. This firm owns elevators at Everton
Ash Grove and Bois d'Arc.
Gn October 14, 1903, George T. Barker married Miss
Mary A. Mason, a native of Missouri, who was born Feb-
ruary 12, 1873, and to them have been born two children,
Helen, born July 7, 1898, employed in the postoffice at
Everton, and Ruth, born July 19, 1902, is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Barker are members of the Baptist
Church, in which they are both prominent. He is a mem-
ber of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge No. 405, also of the Macca-
bees and Modern Brotherhood of America. In politics,
he is a Democrat, serving on the Township Democratic
Committee for 13 years and was appointed Deputy State
Fish Commissioner, but resigned this latter position to
take charge of the postoffice at Everton, when he was ap-
pointed February 25, 1915, which office he now holds, to
the entire satisfaction of the citizens of Everton. Mr.
Barker is a clean-cut business man, and is considered one
of the foremost citizens of Everton and Dade County. He
is a courteous Christian gentleman and deserves the high
esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 311
HENRY BARTLING.
One of the prosperous German-Americans who has
made good in Dade County. He was born in Washington
County, Illinois, January 10th, 1855, son of Fred and
Frederica (Sundermyer) Bartling, both now deceased.
His parents were each born in Germany, Prussia, and
came to America in 1854, locating in Washington County,
Illinois, and engaged in farming.
Fred Bartling took regular military training while
in Germany and was an officer in the Franco-Prussian war,
receiving two medals for conspicuous service and bravery
in battle. During the Civil war he was chief officer of the
Home Guards at Minden, Ills.
Henry was the third of a family of seven children.
He received his education at Minden, 111., is a member of
the Missouri Synod of the German Evangelical Lutheran
Church, and is a Democrat in politics.
On the 16th day of February, 1877, he was married to
Minnie Winter, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Hake)
Winter. Her father and mother were each born in Han-
over, Germany. Henry Winter was a carpenter by trade,
but came to Illinois at an early day and settled at Okaw-
ville, Washington County. He enlisted in the Civil war,
but was discharged on account of ill health.
Mrs. Bartling is the oldest of a family of five chil-
dren. She was educated at Okawville, Ills.
Mr. Bartling lived at home until his father's death,
which occurred when Henry was about 13 years of age.
He then hired out to work on a farm by the year, and re-
ceived $65.00 per year for the first year, staying seven
years. His employer was so well pleased with his services
that he gave him an additional $20.00 each year during
the service.
After that he worked at different places for two years,
when he was able to buy a farm of 100 acres, got married,
and began farming for himself. At the end of three years
he sold out at a good figure and came to Dade County,
bought 320 acres of raw prairie five miles northwest of
Lockwood. This land Mr. Bartling cultivated and im-
312 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
proved until in a few years it was one of the best farms
in the neighborhood. In addition to general farming, Mr.
Bartling raised a large number of cattle, hogs and sheep,
especially the latter.
In 1909 he sold his farm and retired to Lockwood,
buying a fine residence property and 28 acres of land ad-
joining the city limits on the southwest. The residue of
his savings he very wisely invested in a splendid Grant
Township farm of 400 acres.
Aside from farming and stock raising, Mr. Bartling
has been and is now an auctioneer, conducting many large
sales in Dade and adjoining counties. He is a splendid
judge of live stock values, and has a wide acquaintance
among the leading farmers, which makes his services as
an auctioneer especially attractive.
Two public enterprises have received Mr. Bartling 's
undivided support The Dade County Fair Association
and the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Of
the latter, Mr. Bartling was the principal organizer.
He has never aspired to be an officeholder, but has
devoted considerable energy in the good-roads movement,
and at present is President of the Inter-County Seat High-
way Commission of Dade County.
Mr. Bartling personally conducts the farming opera-
tions on his 28 acres, and raises some live stock and nu-
merous chickens. He owns and drives a Ford automobile.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank of Lock-
wood.
Mr. Bartling and wife are the parents of seven chil-
dren:
(1) August C. lives at Aurora, Mo., and is engaged
in the drug business. Married Alice Dunning, a native
of Nebraska. Of their two children, Marlin died in in-
fancy. Geraldine is still living.
(2) Freda married to F! A. Bohne, an employee of
the Frisco railroad as carpenter. They have one child,
Ruth.
(3) Martin L. lives at Carleton, Mo., and is engaged
in the clothing business. Married to Frances Louis of
s
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 313
Kansas City. They have two children, Betty and Martin J.
(4) Millie married to Albert Frye January 3rd,
1916. They are living in Detroit, Mich.
(5) Minnie living at home.
(6) Alfred, a student at Vanderbilt College, Nash-
ville, Tenn. Studying dentistry, class of 1918.
(7) Arthur, at home. Graduate of Lockwood High
School Took special course at State University at Colum-
bia in Agriculture. Is much interested in farming enter-
prises and is a fancier of pure-bred fowls. He assists his
father in looking after their farming interests and is an
active poultry breeder.
THOMAS H. BERRY.
There is probably no better-known and more-loved
man in North Bade County than Uncle Tom Berry, the
subject of this sketch. He was born in this county on
the fine farm he now owns June 17th, 1841, over three-
quarters of a century ago, and is proud to be a citizen of
good old Bade County. His father, James G. Berry, was
a native of Kentucky, where he early married Miss Mary
Finley, who was born in South Carolina. Together this
couple came to Dade County in 1836, bringing a family of
six children. They made the trip overland with horse and
wagon. This family were pioneers in every sense of the
word. They first bought out a homesteader on an 80-acre
tract and went to farming in the most approved manner
of the times, which was primitive in those early days.
There were no mills to grind what crops were raised, so
each farmer had to prepare his meal as best he could de-
vise. Mr. Berry constructed different devices for this pur-
pose, the most prominent of them being a stone grinding
affair called a ''Thumping Dick."
James G. Berry was successful in his farming opera-
tion and accumulated much good land, owning at one time
over 400 acres. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and
served with valor under Col. Samuel Caldwell in the
Eleventh United States Volunteers, and was discharged
in 1813. He was a Whig and later a Republican in poli-
314 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tics. James G. Berry was born Dec. 7th, 1792, and died in
Dade County on the place now owned and occupied by
his son, Thomas, in 1875, while his wife, who was born
Aug. 19, 1798, lived to be 94 years of age, dying March
21st, 1892.
Thomas H. Berry was given 160 acres of good land
by his father and took care of both his parents in their
declining years. He was married Oct. 28th, 1883, to Miss
Birdit Samantha Smith, a native of Cass County, Mis-
souri, and born Dec. 4th, 1850, a daughter of James Mon-
roe and Cynthia Ann (Morris) Smith, natives of Tennnes-
see and Kentucky, respectively. They were early farmers
of Dade County, having emigrated here in 1853, and set-
tled north of Dadeville. They accumulated 310 acres of
good land. Mr. Smith was born April 6th, 1827, and died
in Polk County at Morrisville Aug. 20th, 1910, while his
wife was born Oct. 10th, 1829, and passed away in Dade
County Oct. 15th, 1890.
Thomas H. Berry has one of the very best farms in
South Morgan Township. He has greatly improved it
with good fences and fine buildings, and is now living
practically retired, enjoying the fruits of his past well-
directed efforts.
To Mr. and Mrs. Berry havj been born three chil-
dren, namely, Howard H., born Sept. 29th, 1884, and mar-
ried Miss Elva Shaw, a native of Dade County, and they
have two children, Mary Aline, born Jan. 29th, 1910, and
Ruth Margaret, born Sept. 2nd, 1914. Mr. Berry is a busi-
ness man of Greenfield. Cynthia M., born June 13th, 1887,
married Hugh McConnell, and they have two children,
Francis Birdit, born April 23rd, 1913, and Hugh II., born
April 2nd 1915; Elbridge M., born Dec. 20th, 1889, lives
at home and has charge of the home place and does a
general farming business. Uncle Tom is a Republican
and a public-spirited man, always being ready to support
any enterprise that is for the betterment of the county,
lie believes in good roads, free public schools and tem-
perance. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are members of the Chris-
tian Church. Taken all together, there is no family more
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 316
respected or more loved in this county. Uncle Tom is a
product of Dade County, and we, all of the younger gen-
eration, delight to honor such as he.
THOMAS J, BISHOP.
Perhaps no man in Dade County, and few in the State
of Missouri, can trace the branches of his ancestral tree
to a longer or more illustrous line of progenitors than
Thomas J. Bishop. If heraldry was in vogue, his family
escutcheon would fairly bristle with charges of Or and
Argent emblazoned upon a field of ermine and purple.
The Bishop family was founded in America by one
whose given name is lost to the annals of history. He
sailed from the coast of Flanders sometime during the
Seventeenth Century in an English vessel and landed at
the port of New London, Conn., where he was sold for
his passage money to a farmer by the name of Dart. Hav-
ing an eye to courtship as well as manual labor, at the end
of his service he married a daughter of the House of Dart,
and thereby founded a family that was destined to become
prominent in American history. He settled at Waterford,
Conn., and reared a family of boys and girls whose names
are to the pages of history unknown, save and except the
oldest son, Eleazor, who, in turn, married and raised a
family of boys and girls, among them Thomas, Eleazor and
George, but the names of the girls are veiled in oblivion.
Eleazor, his second son, married and lived in the vicinity
of Waterford, near New London. At the breaking out of
the French and Indian war, Eleazor recruited a company
of Connecticut volunteers and was commissioned captain
and served under General Wolfe at the battle of Quebec.
He had several sons, among them Thomas and Eleazor;
also daughters, one of whom married a man by the name
of Stebbens and another was married to a Mr. Fargo.
Thomas Bishop married a Miss Fargo and lived at the old
homestead at Waterford.
At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war,
Thomas Bishop joined the Army of the Patriots, and was
engaged in the sanguinary Battle of Bunker Hill, where
816 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
he was permanently disabled. He died in the year 1800.
He was survived by four sons, Joshua, Isaac, Robert and
Eleazor. Joshua married a Miss Comstock, Isaac a Miss
Whipple, Robert married a Miss Holmes, while Eleazor died
unmarried. Joshua and Robert moved to Chenango County,
New York, in 1805; Isaac moved to near Binghamton, N".
Y., in 1820^ Eleazor remained at the old homestead at
Waterford, where he died. Joshua moved to Pennsylvania
in 1815 and died there in 1850. Robert moved back to
Waterford, and after his mother's death lived at New Lon-
don, where he died in 1847.
The maternal ancestry of Thomas Bishop also furnishes
some remarkable characters. One great-great-great-grand-
mother was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and con-
tinued to enjoy this bounty till her death, in 1840. A
great-great-great-grandfather on his mother's side was
Zebulon Comstock, who also resided in the vicinity of
Waterford, but the Comstocks were a nomadic family,
and their descendants are almost as numerous as the sands
of the sea, and have established dwelling places in almost
every state, station, clime and country on the face of the
globe.
An interesting relic or heirloom is now in the posses-
sion of the Bishop family. It is the sword carried by
Eleazor Bishop in the French and Indian war and also by
Thomas Bishop at Bunker Hill. The blade of the sword is
of the finest Damascus steel, the hilt of silver, and en-
graved on the blade is the name, "Eleazor Bishop."
This is certainly an interesting page from the annals
of the past, and entitles every member of the Bishop fam-
ily to be enrolled as Sons and Daughters of the Revolu-
tion.
Thomas J. Bishop, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Benton County, Missouri, Dec. 27th, 1851. He
was a son of Thomas J. and Frances (Brown) Bishop.
His father, Thomas Jefferson Bishop, was born in Che-
nango County, New York, Dec. 22nd, 1807, his parents
having recently moved there from Waterford, Conn. He
left home in 1821 and was apprenticed to a merchant in
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 317
Mt. Joy, but afterward found employment in Philadelphia.
In 1832 he visited New Orleans, traveled in the South,
and finally landed in St. Louis, where he accepted a situa-
tion as trader with the Kickapoo Indians, then located
about five miles southwest of Warsaw, Benton County,
Missouri. In 1835 he was appointed Clerk of the Circuit
Court, and a short time afterward was elected Clerk and
Ex-Officio Recorder of Benton County, Missouri, in which
office he served until 1854. In 1853 he selected the Bishop
homestead in Dade County and moved his family to it.
In 1856 he was elected a member of the Board of Public
Works of the state and served as its president until 1857,
when he was appointed Receiver of the United States Dis-
trict Land Office at Springfield, his term expiring in 1861.
When the state convention authorized the enrollment
and arming of the militia, he accepted the office of brigade
quartermaster, with the rank of Major, on the staff of Gen.
C. B. Holland, where he served until the close of the war.
He died at his home in Pennsylvania Prairie Oct. 22nd,
1898. His wife died in Dade County, Missouri, July 30th,
1884, and both she and her husband, Thomas J. Bishop,
Sr., are buried there, having been married at Warsaw,
Mo., Jan. 1st, 1837, and at the time of their death were the
owners of a farm of 256 acres in South Township.
Thomas J. Bishop was the youngest of a family of
eight children:
(1) Martha Missouri, born Oct. 18th, 1837, married
Preston Moore, moved to California in 1860, died there,
leaving four children, now living, Fannie, Mattie, Lee and
Roy.
(2) Joshua, born May 3rd, 1839, died in Washington,
D. C., buried in National Cemetry, having served in the
United States Navy 40 years, retired as a captain. He
married Clara Rogers, but left no children.
(3) Temperance, born March 10th, 1841, died April
1st, 1895. She was married to Thomas Alexander and
left one child, Preston Alexander, now living in Lawrence
County, Missouri.
318 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(4) -(5) Zebulon and George (twins), born August
25th, 1843. Zebulon was a Union soldier and was killed
from ambush in March, 1864. George died Jan. llth, 1905.
Neither was ever married.
(6) Derindah, born June 16th, 1848. Married April
5th, 1876, to William McLemore. To this union one child
was born, Gertrude, who resides with her parents in South
Greenfield.
(8) Thomas J. Bishop.
Thomas remained at home with his father until he
was 27 years of age, during which time he was engaged in
farming. On October 9th, 1877, he was married to Clemen-
tine Scott, a daughter of James and Margaret (Willis)
Scott. Clementine was born July 21st, 1859. Her father,
James Scott, was born in Illinois in 1836, and was brought
to Dade County in 1837 by his father, D. W. Scott, a
native of North Carolina. Margaret (Willis) Scott w r as
born in Kentucky and came to Dade County when a child.
Both the Scotts and Bishops were early pioneer families.
Thomas J. Bishop and wife left the home farm in
1879, and removed to a 40-acre tract just one mile South-
east of Pennsboro, where they now reside. This was the
"nestegg" for the 746 V-j acres of Dade County soil which
he now owns. Mr. Bishop cleared out, improved and
cultivated the original 40 acres, and in 1881 added an
80-acre tract to it. In 1883 he erected a substantial frame
residence, rebuilt it in 1895, and at his father's death he
purchased the interest of all the heirs in the old home-
stead of 263 acres, and has since added 120 acres to it.
This, with 240 acres in Smith Township, constitutes his
real estate holdings.
Mr. Bishop is engaged in a general farming, stock
raising and stock feeding business. lie was one of the
organizers of the Bank of South Greenfield, and is at
present an officer and a member of its boards of directors.
Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are the parents of six children,
all of whom are living:
(1) Krma, born August 25th, 1879, educated in
Springfield, a graduate of Drury College class of 1904 with
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 319
A. B. degree, also graduate of special work at State Uni-
versity and received B. S. degree in 1910, and holds a
state Life Certificate. Is now engaged in teaching in
St. Louis.
(2) Clara, born May 27th, 1889, graduated from the
Greenfield High School in 1908, and is at present Secre-
tary of the County Sunday School Board, in which work
she takes a great delight.
(3) Pearl, born Feb. 24th, 1891, attended Greenfield
High School, and after graduating spent two years at
Drury College in Springfield. Married Roy Poindexter
Oct. 9th, 1913.
(4) Margaret, born Jan. 28th, 1894. Educated at
Greenfield High School, Drury Academy, and graduated
from Drury College in 1916 with A. B. Degree. Member
of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Now teaching in Springfield
High School.
(5) Francis Tom, born July 29th, 1900. Is at present
attending High School in St. Louis.
(6) Lucy Ruth, born August 6th, 1903. Is now at-
tending school in Dade County.
The foregoing record speaks louder than words con-
cerning Mr. Bishop's attitude toward education. In poli-
tics he is a staunch Democrat, and his family all being
members of the Christian Church. No man stands higher
in the community than Mr. Bishop, and his influence has
been felt throughout the county in the good-roads move-
ment, and his voice has ever been raised in support of a
better school system. Like many of his prosperous neigh-
bors, he enjoys the distinction of riding in an auto, but
with him it is a matter of necessity rather than a luxury.
HOMER CLYDE BIRCH.
A native of Dade County, Missouri, was born one and
one-half miles south of Seybert on Feb. 22nd, 1874, son
of Dr. D. E. F. and Amanda (Moore) Birch, both being
natives of Tenn.
Homer C. Birch is the only surviving child of three
children born of this marriage:
320 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(1) Birdie, died Aug. 2, 1900.
(2) Trixie, deceased.
(3) Homer Clyde, born Feb. 22nd, 1874.
Homer Clyde remained at home until his marriage,
which took place Aug. 2nd, 1892, when he was but 18
years of age. He was married to Serena Glenn, who was
born in Dade County Jan. 22nd, 1873, and died April
13th, 1915, leaving a family of seven children:
(1) Thadeus, born June 29th, 1894, is now engaged
in mining in the Corry camp, and living at home.
(2) John, born Feb. 6th, 1896, is now at home at-
tending school.
(3) Macie, born Oct. 9th, 1898, is at home attending
school.
(4) Howard, born Jan. 16th, 1902, is attending
school.
(5) Ruth, born July 12th, 1904, is at home attending
school.
(6) Kyle, born May 17th, 1906, is at home.
(7) Clayton, born Aug. 7th, 1909, is at home.
(8) Elmer, born Sept. 1st, 1912, died Feb. 13th, 1913.
After his marriage Mr. Birch went to farming. He
started housekeeping with very little on rented land, and
lived for two years on the John G. Sloan farm, then bought
40 acres near Needmore in Cedar County. Lived there
two years, sold out, and rented 90 acres on the Little Sac
river, where he farmed for three years, then rented the
Silas Montgomery farm in Sac Township, where he re-
mained throe years. Next he moved to the Sam Seybert
farm of 120 acres and farmed this one year, after which
he rented the old James Goodnight farm of 185 acres
tli rough John A. Hall, the manager of the Underwriters'
Land Company, near the Corry mining camp. After farm-
ing this place for four years, he purchased it. This was
in 1907.
At the time of purchasing it, this farm was little
improved, but he has since remodeled the house, cleared
out 50 acres, fenced it all with wire, and made general
improvements. lie sold off 25 acres, so that there are now
FRANK JOHNSON AND FAMILY AT HOME IN ( FDAK I Ol VI Y.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 321
1 60 acres of No. 1 land in this farm. It is all in cultivation
but 10 acres.
Mr. Birch is engaged in general farming, and feeds
some cattle, horses and mules. His farm is well adapted to
stock raising, being well watered by spring branch and
wells.
In politics Mr. Birch is a Eepublican, is a member of
the Township Board, and while in Sac Township was
Clerk of the School Board. He is vitally interested in the
good-roads movement and in favor of the best possible
public schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Birch were each converted at a meeting
held at Corry by Brothers Worthington, Oldham and
others, and were afterwards baptized, uniting with the
Church of God (Holiness), and spent many happy hours
in the service of the Lord, both at home and in the public
worship.
For eight years he and his wife enjoyed the blessings
of an eternal salvation, when she was called home. He
still remains a true and faithful follower of his Savior,
and is loyal to tha one true Church of God.
W. R. BOYLES.
Postmaster, owner and former editor, publisher and
proprietor of the Dade County Advocate. Was born in
the City of Greenfield, Dade County, Missouri, Dec. 25th,
1857, and has lived in the city continuously all his life.
His parents were Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Vaughan)
Bowles. The former was born at Portsmouth, N. H., while
his mother was born in Virginia. She was reared, how-
ever, in Tennessee, and their marriage was celebrated in
that state. In the 40 's they removed to Dade County,
Missouri, where Dr. Samuel B. Bowles followed the prac-
tice of medicine, becoming one of the prominent and
valued physicians of Southwest Missouri. Both he and
his wife passed away in Greenfield.
In his boyhood days W. R. Bowles attended the public
schools of Greenfield, spending his youth largely in the
manner of other boys of his day, and at the age of 14
322 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
years he began learning the printer's trade. In 1887 he
purchased the Bade County Advocate from Judge Mason
Talbutt, his brother-in-law, since which time he has been
actively connected with its management, covering a period
of 30 years. The Advocate has long been recognized as
one of the leading Democratic papers of this section of
the state. The office is well equipped with new and
modern machinery and does an extensive line of job work
in addition to the publication of a newspaper.
In the year 1895, while Mr. Bowles was serving his
native city as Mayor, he became married to Miss Cora
Kimber, a native of Putnam County, Illinois, to which
union five children were born:
Samuel 0., a city salesman in San Francisco; John
H., now of Kansas City; Karl C., who is now associated
with his father in the publication of the Advocate; Kath-
erine V., who at present is acting as Deputy Postmaster
under her father in the Greenfield postoffice, and Francis
Tiffany, now at home attending High School.
Mr. Bowles is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
in which he has taken many degrees and in which he is
much interested. He also affiliates with the Modern Wood-
men and the W. 0. W. His wife is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenfield. Politically,
Mr. Bowles has always been a Democrat, and lias been
active in the councils of his party, both as an organizer
and as a chairman of the County Executive Committee.
He was appointed postmaster of Greenfield by Grover
Cleveland, and is now holding that office by virtue of
appointment by Woodrow Wilson. He lias, however, never
been considered intensely partisan, his election to the
mayoralty of Greenfield twice having been on a Citizens'
ticket. Besides being a newspaper man and publicist, Mr.
Pjoxvh's is also an Attorney at Law, having been admitted
to the l)ade County Bar many years ago. Both personally
and in his paper Mr. Bowles has always been a staunch
advocate of every movement which had for its purpose
the betterment of the community, especially in the matter
of jrood roads and good schools.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 323
WILLIAM D. BROWN.
Was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, July 20th,
1862. His father, Jerry Calvin Brown, was born in East
Tennessee, and died Jan. 4th, 1888, at the age of 56 years.
He was of Scotch-Irish parentage, a son of Hiram and
Betsy Brown. Hiram lived to the unprecedented age of
110 years, and was an early settler in Carolina, but later
moved to East Tennessee.
Jerry C. Brown was a farmer, and reasonably suc-
cessful in his undertakings. He moved to Kentucky and
later to Bade County. He settled in 1880 southeast of the
old Antioch Church, in what is now Pilgrim Township,
where he bought a small farm. He was a member of the
Christian Church, a Democrat in politics, a member of the
Masonic fraternity and an office-holder in Jackson County,
Tennessee.
Jerry Calvin Brown was married to Jane Floyd, a
lady of Gorman descent, born in McMinn County, Ten-
nessee, in 1838, and died in Dade County in 1890. She
was a member of the Christian Church and the mother of
eight children:
(1) Sarah J. married E. W. Richards of Kentucky,
and came to Dade County with the family.
(2) Rebecca Ann married Charles Simpson, a mem-
ber of a pioneer Dade County family, and settled in South
Township.
(3) William D. Brown, the subject of this sketch.
(4) Frank, now a farmer living three miles south of
Everton.
(5) Millie married Perry Shaw of Greene County,
and died July 2nd, 1908, in Greenfield.
(6) John C. died at Pilgrim, Mo., May 1st, 1912.
(7) Henry, a railroad man, lives at Everton.
(8) Josie married Asa Loveless, at one time Chief
of Police in Springfield.
William D. Brown was raised on a farm, attended the
country schools, and later worked in and attended Ozark
College in Greenfield in 1885, but remained on the farm
till 1886.
324 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
For a few years he taught school, after which he
was appointed Postmaster at Pilgrim, serving a little over
eight years, and was Station Agent for the Frisco railroad
at the same time. He was also Justice of the Peace in
South Township for four years. In 1895 he moved to
Everton and engaged in the poultry and produce business,
which he followed for 15 years, handling a large amount
of stuff. In 1907 he was employed by a wholesale produce
firm, and spent two years in Polk County, after which he
returned to Everton and managed the Business Men's
Produce Company a little over one year. In 1911 he
traded his property in Everton for a stock of goods at
Stinson, a country point in Lawrence County, and in 1913
he exchanged this property for his residence property in
Greenfield, where he now lives.
In 1914 he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of
Dade County, and moved to Greenfield, the county seat.
At the age of 14 years William D. Brown suffered a
severe attack of typhoid fever, which affected his right
arm and right lower limb, so that for forty years he has
been obliged to use a support for his lower limb, but is
able to walk without the use of crutch or cane.
In 1886 he was married to Sarah Ann Gilmore, born
in Washington Township, Dade County, Missouri, Aug.
14th, 1869, daughter of William J. and Francis (Smith)
Gilrnore. The Gilmores came from Warren County, Ken-
tucky, in 1856, and settled in Washington Township. Mrs.
Brown received a common school education, and was one
of a family of eight children. At the time of her marriage
she was a member of the Baptist Church, joining at the
age of 13 years, but she and her husband are now each
members of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Brown
are the parents of five children:
(1) Ida, born Nov. 3rd, '1887, received her education
in the Everton High Schools, and is now employed as
Deputy Circuit Clerk of Dade County.
(2) Ada, born Dec. 29th, 1889, attended High School
at Everton, married Hugh Burch, a farmer residing near
Lock wood, and is the mother of four children, Corinne,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 325
8 years old; Justin, 6 years old; George, 4 years old, and
James, 2 years old.
(3) Vida, born June 16th, 1892, married Emmerson
Crews, a barber, in Greenfield.
(4) William, born June 24th, 1896, a farmer.
(5) Charles Ernest, born Jan. 28th, 1900, and is now
at home.
William D. Brown is a Democrat in politics, a mem-
ber of the I. 0. 0. F. and Rebekah lodges, and also belongs
to the W. 0. W. and Circle.
At the breaking out of the Civil war Jerry Calvin
Brown enlisted in the Confederate Army and saw active
service during the entire period of hostilities. He lost his
entire possessions, suffered a number of minor wounds,
was many times a prisoner of war, but came out of the
struggle practically a sound man. His brother, James H.
Brown, fought in the Union Army, came to Missouri after
the close of the war, and died in 1913 at the age of 80
years.
o
ROBERT W. BURTON.
A native of Lawrence County, Missouri, born March
19, 1870, son of Milo Burton and Susan (Hood) Burton,
pioneers of Lawrence County. Milo Burton was a native
of Tennessee, while Susan, his wife, was a native of Ken-
tucky. David Burton, the grandfather of Robert W. Bur-
ton, with his son, Milo, came to Missouri in 1851 and
settled in Lawrence County, near the present site of Miller.
Here they farmed and rented until the breaking out of
the Civil war, when Milo Burton and his father, David
Burton, both entered the Confederate Army. David Bur-
ton died in the service in the State of Arkansas, while
Milo, though slightly wounded, returned home. Just prior
to entering the service, Milo Burton had married Mary
Susan Hood. The wedding took place on Jan. 1st, 1860.
Mary Susan Hood was born July llth, 1844, a daughter
of John Alexander and Nancy Hood. The Hoods had
326 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
come from Kentucky in 1852, settled in Lawrence County,
and, with the Burtons, had joined the Confederate Army.
After the war Milo Burton followed the occupation
of blacksmithing and threshing, and in 1874 rented the
Sturdy farm on Pennsylvania Prairie, which he farmed
for two years, and then rented the John Moore place. In
1880 he bought 200 acres, all in Dade County, which was
little improved. He erected suitable buildings, cleared it
out, and became a prosperous farmer and stock raiser.
He added to his original purchase until at the time of his
death he owned 410 acres, all in Dade County except 76
acres, which was just across the line in Lawrence County.
He died Aug. 17th, 1898, and his widow still occupies the
old homestead. Milo Burton was a member of the Baptist
Church, a Democrat, much interested in schools, and for
a number of years was a member of the School Board in
his home district. A complete genealogy of the family is
given in the sketch of Thomas W. Burton, recorded under
the proper caption in this volume.
Robert W. Burton acquired his education in the com-
mon schools of the county. He remained at home till 25
years of age, at which time, on the 7th day of April, 1895,
he married Etta M. Withrow, who was born in Lawrence
County, near Miller, Nov. 26th, 1874. She was a daughter
of N. B. Withrow and Margaret (Baker) Withrow. Her
father was a native of Arkansas, while her mother was
born in Missouri. Mr. Withrow was a mechanic, followed
blacksmithing and carpentering, and also farmed at times.
During the latter part of his life he lived in South Green-
field, where he died July 12th, 1890, being survived by his
widow, who still lives at that place. X. B. "Withrow and
Margaret Withrow were the parents of eight children:
(1) Thomas Withrow lives in South Greenfield.
(2) Mollie lives in Fort Scott, Kas.
(3) Clara, now Mrs. James Irby of Oklahoma.
(4) Annie, twin of Thomas (she was Mrs. W. A.
Bird), now deceased.
(5) Etta M., wife of Robert W. Burton.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 327
(6) Lula, now Mrs. Roy McLemore.
(7) Maggie, now Mrs. Perry McLemore.
(8) Rachel, now Mrs. C. P. Hawk of Arcola.
Robert W. Burton, in company with his brother, John,
were tenant farmers in South Township, cultivating about
100 acres annually until 1898, when he purchased 100
acres of new land without any improvements. At that
time he was living on a rented tract of 127 acres, which
he purchased in 1900 and upon which he now lives. In
1901 he built a good barn, but in 1914 the original barn
bein inadequate for his purpose he erected a new one
60x70 feet, with cement floors, and granary, which is one
of the finest modern barns in Dade County.
Mr. Burton is a splendid farmer and takes great
delight in blooded stock. He owns a thoroughbred Here-
ford bull and a modern herd of Hereford and Shorthorn
grade cows. He has a preference for Poland-China hogs,
and, while not an extensive swine feeder, he raises a few
of splendid quality. Not being satisfied with the splendid
bluegrass and clover which flourishes in Turnback bottom,
he has propagated a field of six acres of alfalfa, with
flattering results. His farm is well watered by Turnback
creek and numerous wells. A gasoline engine is used for
pumping purposes. Mr. Burton is the proud possessor of
a Buick Six automobile, which he drives with considerable
satisfaction.
Four children came to bring sunshine into the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Burton:
(1) Otto Bland, born June 20th, 1896.
(2) James Franklin, born Sept. 24th, 1902.
(3) Willard Thomas, born Nov. 15th, 1904.
(4) Samuel Withrow, born April 14th, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Burton are each members of the M. E.
Church (South). He is superintendent of the Sunday
School, a Trustee of the Church, an active Democrat, a
member of the School Board for a number of years, served
as Clerk of the Board 13 years, is at present Township
Collector, having served six years in all, a Director in
the Dade County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and a
328 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
man of affairs generally. He holds membership in the
Odd Fellow Lodge at Everton, and, like all owners of
motor cars, is a good-roads enthusiast. Mr. Burton is a
first class-citizen in every respect, and a gentleman with
whom it is a pleasure to be acquainted with.
o
THOMAS W. BURTON.
Is the youngest child of a family of nine children,
born May 28th, 1884, in Lawrence County, Missouri, a son
of Milo Burton and Mary Hood Burton. His father, Milo
Burton, was born in Virginia May 26th, 1842, and died
Aug. 17th, 1898. The parents of Milo Burton were also
natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky in a very
early day. They came to Missouri shortly afterward and
died in Arkansas during the war.
Milo Burton married Mary Hood in January, 1860,
and settled upon a farm two miles Northeast of Miller, in
Lawrence County. At the breaking out of the Civil war
he enlisted in the Confederate Army. He was slightly
wounded in the service and at the close of the war re-
turned home, bringing with him a faithful and valuable
horse, which he kept for many years. In 1880 he built
a comfortable residence, and became an important and
prominent man in his locality.
Milo Burton and wife were the parents of the follow-
ing children:
(1) Arthusa Ann, born Aug. 21st, 1861, now the
widow of Robert Lee Friar.
(2) James William, born April 17th, 1866, died at
the age of 5 years.
(3) John D., born Aug. 18th, 1868, died Oct. 9, 1913.
(4) Robert W., born March 19th, 1870.
(5) Christopher W., born May 8th, 1873.
(6) Samuel M., born March 9th, 1876.
(7) Lemuel L., born Aug. 13th, 1878.
(8) Joseph E., born April 9th, 1881.
(9) Thomas W., born May 28th, 1884.
At the time of his death, Milo Burton owned 410 acres
of land. The farm was afterward divided, and Thomas
J. J. McCOXXKLL.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 329
W. lives on the home place with his mother. He owns
40 acres in Dade County, which is the old Burton home-
stead. He also owns 116 acres in Lawrence County, 76
acres of which was part of the old homestead.
Mrs. Burton (widow of Milo Burton), vividly recalls
many incidents which took place at the old homestead
during the strenuous days of the Civil war. Their home
was often visited by the soldiers of both the Blue and the
Gray, they were often compelled to feed large companies,
and many times their house was searched for fugitives.
In 1863 their home was burned by the Federal soldiers for
seemingly no other reason than that they failed to find
the fugitives they were seeking. At this time she was
living at the home of her father, and it was the Hood
home that was burned. Mr. Hood in those days worked in
the blacksmith shop while his three daughters cultivated
the farm, raised the crops with oxen and harvested them
in the most primitive manner.
Thomas W. Burton is engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He raises fullblooded and grade Whiteface
cattle, Poland-China hogs, and feeds largely.
His farm is well adapted to stock raising, being well
watered by Turnback creek and also by wells from which
water is pumped by windmill.
His political convictions are Democratic and his edu-
cation was acquired at the Pickett School in Dade County.
He is a splendid young man, enthusiastic for good roads
and bridges, progressive in his ideas, and chargeable only
with the fault of being single, which condition is liable to
be changed to one of married bliss before this volume
reaches the press.
o
JOHN D. BURTON.
Deceased.
Although he lived and prospered for almost half a
century, yet John D. Burton died in the very prime of life,
and while yet a young man. He was born Aug. 18th, 1868,
a son of Milo Burton and Mary Susan (Hood) Burton,
330 HISTORY OP DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and died Oct. 9th, 1913, and was buried in Shiloh ceme-
tery, near the place where he had spent his entire life.
Concerning his parentage, their nativity, genealogy and
migrations, reference may be had to the sketches of Robert
W. and Thomas W. Burton, brothers of John D. Burton,
so that extended mention is not necessary here. During
boyhood he attended the common schools of Dade County,
and in early manhood became a tenant farmer of the
fertile fields of South Township until the year 1905, when
he purchased 86 acres lying west of Turnback, near the
old Burton homestead. For many years he was associated
with his brother, Robert W., in farming enterprises. In
1906 he purchased an additional 129 acres, upon which was
a good frame house, into which he moved with his family.
This was the old John Pickett homestead, out of which had
been given one acre for school purposes and upon which
stood the Picket school house. Previous to this time he
had purchased 114 acres on Turnback creek, making him
now a splendid farm of 329 acres. Mr. Burton was ener-
getic, industrious and optimistic. His whole life was
wrapped up in his farm and his family. To the marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Burton were born eight children, all
living.
John D. Burton was married February 7, 1892, to Icy P
Irby, who was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, Oct.
Sth, 1870, a daughter of Joseph L. and Delphia T. (Bailey)
Irby.
Following are the names of their eight children:
(1) Arthusie, born Dec. 5th, 1892, married Monroe
Myers of Dade County, and lives near her mother.
(2) Ernie, born Feb. 14th, 1895.
(3) Pairlee, born Aug. 21st, 1896.
(4) Loucozy, born Nov. 19th, 1898.
(5) J. Milo, born Nov. 4th, 1900.
(6) John W., born Dec. 22nd, 1902.
(7) James P., born Oct. 8th, 1905.
(8) Delphia Maud, born July 30th, 1908.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 381
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Burton has very
successfully managed the farm and provided for the
family.
Joseph L. Irby, the father of Mrs. Burton, was a
blacksmith and farmer, and at the time of his death owned
116 acres of land, which is now the property of his grand-
son, Lloyd Irby. Mr. Irby was a veteran of the Civil war,
having served in the Confederate Army.
Of Mrs. Burton's brothers and sisters, a more com-
plete statement will be found in another chapter of this
history. However, the following statement will be made
here:
Delia was Mrs. Mitchell Smith of Arkansas. She died
in the year 1911.
Mary, wife of John Bell. She is now deceased.
James F., now a resident of Afton, Okla., was a man
prominent in the affairs of Dade County up to 1915. He
was a Democrat in politics, in which he took an active
part, being a candidate for Probate Judge in 1914.
Lucy, now Mrs. John Sullivan, lives at Paris Springs.
The John D. Burton farm of 329 acres is one of the
most desirable in the south part of Dade County. It is
well watered and very fertile. Modern machinery is used
for pumping and driving appliances. Mrs. Burton and
family are members of the M. E. Church (South), and
are much given to hospitality. Their farm has the air
of general prosperity and the family impresses one as
being surrounded by home conditions which are congenial.
EDWARD HENRY CARENDER.
Was born in Barton County, Missouri, Dec. 25th, 1878,
son of Alfred Steven Carender, who was born in Cole
County, Missouri, Dec. 9th, 1842, of Scotch-Irish parentage.
George Washington Carender, the grandfather of Edward,
lived in Kentucky in an early day. He came first to Cole
County, Missouri, and later to Barton County, where he
ended his days. He was a veteran of the Mexican war.
Alfred S. Carender was raised on a farm and had a
common school education. He followed farming nearly all
382 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
his life, with reasonable success. At one time he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits in a small way. He was
also a local preacher in the M. E. Church and active in
the work for many years. When the Civil war broke out
he enlisted in Company K of the Twelfth Missouri Cav-
alry, and served until the end of hostilities. He was on
Sherman's famous march to the sea. He was once taken
prisoner and spent several weeks in the military prison at
Andersonville, by reason of which his health was per-
manently impaired and from which he never fully re-
covered. He was mustered out at Jefferson City, after
which he returned to his home, in 1865. His sympathies
were strong for the Union cause. He was the only child
of his parents. He was an active member of the Green-
field Post, G. A. E., and for a number of years served as
its Chaplain. His people were all Democrats, but he cast
his first vote for Lincoln in 1864, and continued steadfast
in the faith through life. He was but 18 years old when
he enlisted in the army. During his short residence in
Douglas County, Missouri, he was Sheriff of the county.
He came to Dade County in 1885 and located first in North
Township, buying land in Section 23. He moved to Green-
field in 1891, where he lived until his death, with the
exception of a short time spent on a farm in Sac Town-
ship, near Seybert.
Alfred S. Carender was married to Charlotte L. Tip-
ton, a native of Cole County, born in 1845, and died in
Barton County, Missouri, in 1880. She also was of Scotch-
Irish parentage, her father and mother both dying in Cole
County. Her father was a farmer. She had a common
school education, was a member of the Baptist Church,
and the mother of seven children, one dying in infancy:
(1) William Andrew, born .in 1869, living at Stock-
ton, Mo., and is a druggist.
(2) Margaret L., born in Douglas County, Missouri,
about 1871, married T. M. Williams, now a farmer at
Checotah, Okla.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 383
(3) Mary E., born in Douglas County, Missouri, in
1873, married T. B. Hembree, a carpenter, of Oklahoma.
She died in 1916.
(4) James A., born in Barton County, Missouri, in
1874, and still resides in that county, a farmer by occu-
pation.
(5) Eliza E., born in Barton County, Missouri, in
1876, married William C. Green, a farmer, five miles north
of Greenfield.
(6) Edward Henry Carender.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and
attended the district schools and also the Greenfield High
School. He began teaching country schools in Dade
County in 1898. He has also been interested in the Ever-
ton Journal the past 12 years, and still owns it and con-
tributes to its columns.
Edward H. Carender was married Dec. 22nd, 1900,
to Letitia Strader, born in Polk County, Missouri, near
Wishart, May 18th, 1884, daughter of Martin and Martha
M. (Wiley) Strader, pioneers of Polk County. He was
a cooper by trade. Both her parents are now deceased.
At the time of their death they were residing in Everton,
where Mrs. Carender attended school as a girl and where
she was married. Mrs. Carender is a lady of culture and
refinement, of a loveable disposition, and a temperament
which wins and keeps friends. It is not saying too much
to venture that much of Mr. Carender 's success in life is
due to his wise choice of a wife. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Carender are members of the Christian Church, and are
parents of five children:
(1) Cecil Lawrence, born Nov. 29th, 1901.
(2) Christa Marie, born Oct. 29th, 1905, and died
in infancy.
(3) Russell Lowell, born Feb. 17th, 1909.
(4) Dane Elward, born July 17th, 1912.
(5) Golden Marcella, born Aug. 31st, 1915.
Mr. Carender is an active church worker, being an
Elder in the Christian Church; is a Republican in politics
and was elected Superintendent of the Public Schools of
334 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
the county without opposition in April, 1911, which posi-
tion he still retains, having been re-elected in 1915. He
has succeeded in placing Bade County upon the school
map of the State of Missouri. Under his administration
the schools of the county have prospered and advanced as
never before. A greater part of the school spirit mani-
fested everywhere in the county is due in a great measure
to Mr. Carender's enthusiasm for the work.
Fraternally, Mr. Carender is a Mason, and also a
member of the local W. O. W. He is a live-wire in school
matters and an officer of which Dade County and her
people are justly proud.
JAMES MADISON OARLOCK.
Was born in Polk County, Missouri, Dec. 29th, 1846,
son of Ashel and Mary L. (Douglas) Carlock, both natives
of Tennessee, and married there. Ashel Carlock was a
merchant and farmer. He died in 1857 and his wife died
in 1858, when James M. was 11 years old. They left a
family of seven children:
(1) L. L. H., now living in Tennessee, an M. E.
preacher, and served in the Confederate Army.
(2) James M., the subject of this sketch.
(3) Adelia, now deceased.
(4) John Lewis, of Jasper County.
(5) Amelia Jane Clementine, who is now Mrs. Je-
rome Murry, and resides in Oklahoma.
(6) Sarah Rebecca Eglentine, now Mrs. Henry
Mitchell, of Garden City, Kas.
(7) A son, died in infancy.
At the death of the father and mother, this family
of orphan children were scattered out among the relatives,
.Tamos M. being sent to his uncle, Peter Hoyle, of Dade
County, where he stayed three years, until the breaking
out of the war, when his uncle went into Texas, taking
James with him. After three months they went into
Hayborne Parish, Louisiana. Peter Hoyle had ten or
twelve slaves and had sent them south with his son, Dave.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 336
James M. worked at farming in Louisiana, raising three
crops, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army July
19th, 1864, and served until the close of the war. He was
paroled at Shreveport, La., June 8th, 1865. He then re-
turned to Clayborne Parish and hired out for $20 per
month. He returned to Dade County in 1866. He had not
been able to get much schooling until 20 years of age.
Having received a small amount of money from his
lather's estate, he proceeded to spend this in educating
iiimself, and in 1870 received a certificate to teach school
from William C. West, one of the first School Superintend-
ents in Dade County.
After this he taught school in Dade County for seven-
teen years. About the time of entering the teachers' pro-
fession he was married, Feb. 3rd, 1870, to Eliza Ann
Vaughn, who was born May 21st, 1848, in Giles County,
Tennessee, daughter of David Franklin and Lucinda
(Cook) Vaughn, both natives of Tennessee, and married
there. They came to Dade County in 1853. Prior to this
time he had visited Dade County and bought land here,
which he farmed up to the time he entered the army. At
the breaking out of the war, David F. Vaughn owned 500
acres of land, all in Dade County except 40 acres, which he
left in possession of his family, enlisted in the Confederate
Army in 1861, in Captain Tucker's Company, and was
killed at the battle of Wilson Creek, in Missouri. He left
a wife and eight children, all of whom she raised. She
died in December, 1909, at the ripe old age of 80 years.
Of the children who are still living are the following:
(1) J. M. Vaughn, a Presbyterian minister of Lock-
wood.
(2) David S. Vaughn lives in Eureka, Kas.
(3) William Dewitte Vaughn lives on the old home-
stead which his father left on entering the army.
(4) Benjamin P. Vaughn of Neola, Mo.
Those who have departed this life are:
Ellen, who married William Grider of Dade County.
Both are no\v deceased.
S86 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Robert Vaughn lived to be 55 years of age, and died
in Dade County, leaving a large family. He was a minis-
ter of the M. E. Church (South).
Amanda died at the age of 14 years.
Mrs. Carlock received 44 acres off the original Vaughn
homestead, and later they added 80 acres by purchase,
and then sold off 65 acres, so that now they have 59 acres
in their home place, lying on the Seybert road north of
Greenfield five miles.
In 1913 they built a fine little cottage, in which they
now live in practical retirement. They have eight living
children:
(1) Mary Florence, born Jan. 29th, 1871, was edu-
cated in Dade County and taught school for many years.
She married Smith Thompson, who died in May, 1903.
In 1917 she was again married, this time to Hon. W. S.
Pelts, Representative in the Missouri Legislature from
Dade County. They reside on a farm in Smith Township.
(2) Felix Lee, born Aug. 2nd, 1872, married Annie
Duncan, and they now reside in Eureka, Kas. They have
three children, Chester, Mary and Charles.
(3) David M., born Dec. 17th, 1873, lives at home.
(4) Elmer D., born Feb. 13th, 1880, lives at home.
(5) Ethel Gertrude, born Dec. 15th, 1881, married
Silas Grisham, and resides on a farm north of Seybert.
They have one child, Clifford.
(6) Lacon C., born Oct. 28th, 1883, married Maggie
Courtney. He is a merchant. They have two children,
Kenneth and Mabel.
(7) Mamie A., born Jan. 29th, 1887, married Arthur
McConnell, and have three children, Clinton, Raymond
and Mildred.
(8) Price Clinton, born Jan. 9th, 1891, lives at home
and runs the home farm.
Of the deceased children:
Floyd, born Sept. 7th, 1877, died same month.
Clarence died in infancy.
Amy was a twin of Mamie and died in infancy.
Luetta, born Oct. 3rd, 1875, died at the age of 26.
l.\( L1J SAM MrMlLLA.N.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 337
Mr. and Mrs. Carlock are each devoted Christians
and interested in church and Sunday school work. This
work extends over a period of 47 years. He has a diploma
from the Missouri State Sunday School Association for
the completion of the first Standard Teachers' Training
Course. He is especially proud of his record as a school
teacher, having first taught seven subscription schools,
then, in 1871, he began teaching in the public schools, and
taught 18 terms, as follows:
Shady Grove, two terms.
Lone Jack, five terms.
Shaw, three terms.
Limestone, two terms.
South Greenfield, one term.
Sylvania, one term.
Oak Grove, one term.
McMillen, one term.
Fairview, two terms.
On his home place is a historical tree, which Mr. Car-
lock set out as a sprout in 1853. It is of the Quivering
Aspen variety and is now nine feet in circumference. If
this tree could talk, it could relate many romantic, tragic
and thrilling stories of the history of Dade County in its
making.
DR. LEWIS E. CANTRELL.
One of the most prominent exponents of Dental Sur-
gery in Dade County is Dr. L. E. Cantrell of Everton, Mo.
He is a native of this county, having been born near Ever-
ton November 12th, 1872, a son of James T. Cantrell, now
living retired in Walnut Grove, Green County, at the
advanced age of 75 years, and after having spent most of
his active life in Dade County. He was brought to Dade
County when 6 years of age by his father, who was an
early settler of Dade County, where he entered land and
became a prosperous farmer. James T. was brought up on
the farm and received as good an education as the county
338 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
afforded in those early times. He married Miss Mary
York, who was born in Tennessee in 1852, and a daughter
of G. P. York, who came to Dade County before the Civil
war and located on a farm in Polk Township. To Mr.
and Mrs. James T. Cantrell were born eight children, as
follows: Elonzo, deceased; Bell, who married William
Carlock, a farmer of Polk Township, and they have four
children, Justin, Roy, Elmer and Eeba; Lewis E., the
subject of this review; Nora, who married Dr. Thee J.
Drisdel of Dadeville, and they have one child, Dwight;
Frank, a dentist of Walnut Grove: Homer, a farmer of
Polk Township; Clint, a telegraph operator, living in Cali-
fornia; Kate, the widow of Fred Wheeler, and has one
child, Byron.
Dr. L. E. Cantrell received the usual school advan-
tages of Dade County, and began the study of dental sur-
gery, graduating from the Western Dental College at
Kansas City,, Mo., in 1901, and immediately began prac-
tice at Everton, where he met with success from the start,
and where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Cantrell married Miss Bessie Carlock, a native of
Polk Township and a daughter of D. E. Carlock, a promi-
nent farmer of Polk Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell
has been born one son, Conrad, born June 23, 1900. Dr.
Cantrell is a member of the Presbyterian Church and
fraternally he is identified with the A. F. & A. M. at Ever-
ton, I. 0. 0. F. Chapter at Ash Grove, Maccabees and
W. 0. W. In politics he is a Republican, and can always
be depended upon to lend his assistance to any cause for
the good of the county and its people. He is a booster
for good roads and all public improvements. Dr. Cantrell
is truly one of our prominent citizens, and is well worthy
of the high esteem in which he is held by all who know
him.
JAMES 6. CARR.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, May 8th, 1881,
son of Abraham and Amanda (Stanley) Carr. His father
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 339
was a native of Tennessee, and when a boy 6 years of age
he came with his father to Dade County about the year
1856 and took up land in the northeast part of the county.
Abraham Carr enlisted in the United States army at
the beginning of the Civil war when only 15 years of age
as a member of Company I, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry,
and served 22 months.
During the war his family was broken up, so that on
his return he became a farm hand, working out many
places, splitting rails for 25 cents per hundred, and at
other employment at equally meager wages.
He first farmed for himself on land near Corry, then
sold out and located four miles west of Arcola. He ac-
cumulated quite a large tract of land and much personal
property. He is still the owner of 320 acres of splendid
farming land, is hale and hearty for a man of his years,
and is still active in business affairs.
Some years ago he moved to Greenfield with his family,
where he owns a good home, and engaged in the meat
business, from which he is now retired, devoting his entire
time to his farming and stock feeding business.
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Carr were the parents of eight
children, one boy, George, dying at the age of 11 years.
Those living are: Benjamin, Lillian, Ella, Ruth, James G.,
John and May Blanch.
James G. Carr was married on September 20th, 1905,
to Miss Lydia Higgins, a native Dade County girl of a
pioneer family, residing in the vicinity of Pennsylvania
Prairie. To this union were born three children:
David, born December 1st, 1908.
Ann Eliza, born February 27th, 1911.
Eldrich, born February 28th, 1916.
Mr. Carr received his education in the common
schools of Dade County, and entered business in partner-
ship with his father about the year 1903, taking active
charge and management of the butcher shop in Greenfield.
About the year 1915 he bought out the interest of his
father, and also of his brother, Ben, who at one time was
interested in the business, so that now he is sole proprie-
340 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tor of the business, which is the only meat market in the
city. He is also extensively engaged in buying and ship-
ping hogs, cattle, horses and mules.
Mr. Carr is a splendid business man, active in public
affairs, is a Republican in politics, and has never held or
desired a public office. He is the owner of a fine home in
the city of Greenfield, and is one of the substantial busi-
ness men of the community.
o
JAMES M. CARLOCE.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, October 25th,
1846, son of Lemuel and Angeline (Davidson) Carlock,
both natives of Tennessee. Lemuel Carlock came to Dade
County when a very young man, but was soon followed
by his father, Isaac Carlock, and his mother. They were
among the early pioneers of the county and buried here.
Lemuel Carlock was a farmer and twice married. His first
wife was Mary Clopton, by whom he had one child, Mary,
who married George Ward, both of whom are now de-
ceased.
Lemuel Carlock located about three miles south of
Dadeville, and at the time of his death was the owner of
about 700 acres of land. It was on this farm that he
lived with his second wife and raised a family of 11
children, all of whom are alive except Ella, who married
John Rountree, and died about 1901. Those living are:
(1) Biney, now Mrs. John King of Walnut Grove.
(2) James M. Carlock.
(.')) David E., now living in Polk Township.
(4) Minta, now Mrs. William Corran of Cedar
( 'oiinty.
(.")) W. I. Carlock, a Doctor, living in Everton.
(<>) Sallir, now Mrs. W. 0. Wilson of Polk Township.
(7) Kat<>, now Mrs. James Dicus of Greenfield.
(*) Lula, now Mrs. William McQuery of Springfield.
(!') Ashcl, a farmer, living at Walnut Grove.
(10) Claudio, now Mrs. Watts, living in Colorado.
HISTORY OF PADS COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 341
Lemuel Oarlock was a Democrat in politics and very
active. Was Probate Judge of Dade County one year, and
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He
spent his last days in retirement at Ash Grove, and died
there.
James M. Carlock attended the public schools of the
county and obtained only a meager education. He was at
home at the breaking out of the Civil war, when he en-
listed in Company I, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, and
served under Capt. John Howard of Greenfield for a period
of 13 or 14 months, until the close of the war. He was
mustered out at Springfield. Most of his military service
was in the State of Missouri. After the war he engaged
in teaming for a period of four years between Carthage,
Sarcoxie, Greenfield, Dadeville and Sedalia. About this
time he was married to Mary E. Tarrant, who was born
in 1852. To this union were born two children:
(1) Dr. Harry Carlock, whose biography will appear
under the proper caption in this history.
(2) Virgil, born September 3rd, 1873, and married
September 4th, 1911, to Clate Divine, a native of Dade
County, a daughter of Joe Divine. He is a farmer, a
Democrat, and they live in Polk Township.
James M. Carlock is a Democrat in politics, has served
as a member of the School Board and road overseer for
many years, and at one time run for sheriff of the county,
but was defeated by three votes. Mr. Carlock and wife
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Carlock bought 80 acres
of land in Polk Township, upon which he lived for about
10 years, then sold it to his brother, Ashel, bought 120
acres from John Wheeler, moved upon it, built a nice
four-room frame house, and did considerable fencing and
other improving. This tract of land is well watered with
a spring branch and good stock well. Mr. Carlock also
owns an 80-acre tract in Polk Township, making him 200
acres in all. He is engaged in general farming and makes
a specialty of raising live stock. His farm is named
"Clover Dale Stock Farm," upon which he raises for
342 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
market large numbers of cattle, hogs, horses nd mules
each year.
o
DR. HARRY CARLOCK.
One of the prominent men of the younger generation
in Dade County is Dr. Harry Carlock of Dadeville. Dr.
Carlock is a native of Dade County, having been born in
Polk Township September 12th, 1870, and is the descend-
ant of two of our most prominent pioneer families. He
is the oldest son of Jarnes Monroe and Mary Elizabeth
(Tarrant) Carlock. The Carlock and Tarrant families
were among our earliest and best-known pioneer citizens,
and a complete record of them may be found elsewhere
in these volumes. Dr. Carlock has one brother, who is a
farmer of Dade County, living two miles south and east
of Dadeville. Dr. Carlock made his home with his parents
until he was 29 years of age, and during this time he was
given a first-class education. He attended the public
schools of Dade County, went to college at the Ozark Col-
lege at Greenfield, and also attended at the college in Ash
Grove, Greene County. He decided upon entering the
medical profession, and studies with Dr. W. I. Carlock
from 1889 to 1893, and entered for a course in medicine at
the old St. Louis Medical College, now known as the
Washington University of St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Carlock
liked the medical professional life, but became interested
in veterinary surgery and decided to enter its practice,
which he did, and when the new examination law went
into effect in Missouri in 1905, he passed the examination
with little effort and continued to practice, and has built
up a large and lucrative practice in Eastern Dade and
Western Polk and Greene Counties. Dr. Carlock stands
high in his profession, and as a citizen of good old Dade
County. He is a Democrat in politics and active in the
councils of his party. Dr. Carlock was married January
12, 1897, to Miss Fannie Fern Sullivan, who is a native
of Peru, hid., and who was born December 27, 1871. She
is a daughter of Henry G. and Pricilla (Pernell) Sullivan.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 343
Mr. Sullivan was a business man of Greenfield for a num-
ber of years, and both he and his wife died at Greenfield,
where they were living, retired, during their later years.
Mrs. Oarlock's only sister was Mrs. Jessie (Sullivan)
Coiner, who died in Lockwood in 1916. (See sketch of
Miss Bernice Coiner).
Dr. Carlock resides in the hustling little town of
Dadeville, where he has a nice home and from which he
carries on his extensive practice, as well as attending to
his farming interests on a fine 80 acres one and a half
miles northeast of Dadeville, and upon which he raises a
good strain of Duroc-Jersey hogs, in which he is especially
interested. Dr. Carlock is one of the younger generation
of Dade County citizens that can always be depended
upon to give his support to any enterprise that makes
for the betterment of his country and its people. He is a
firm, believer in good roads and free schools, a gentleman
in every sense of the word, courteous, well-bred, finely
educated, yet easy of approach, and possessing such a
pleasing personality that it is indeed a pleasure to be
associated with him in any matter of business or pleasure.
Dr. Carlock is truly one of our most highly respected and
appreciated young professional men.
DR. WILLIAM ISAAC CARLOCK.
One of Dade County's foremost professional and busi-
ness men is Dr. W. I. Carlock of Everton, Mo. He is a
native of Dade County, having been born in Polk Town-
ship November 1st, 1851. His father, Lemuel L. Carlock,
was a native of Tennessee and brought by his father,
Isaac Carlock, to Dade County when a young man. He
was of English-Irish ancestry. Isaac Carlock settled on
government land in Polk Township and lived there until
his death, and now lies buried in the Carlock graveyard
in Polk Township. Lemuel L. Carlock was a farmer and
stockman, and became influential in county affairs. Dur-
ing the Civil war and for some time after, he was engaged
in the mercantile business at Dadeville, and served as
344 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
County Judge for two terms. He was a veteran of the
Mexican war. He was a Democrat in politics and fra-
ternally a Mason. Angeline Davidson, wife of Lemuel
L. Carlock, was a native of Tennessee and the mother of
eleven children, as follows: Nancy, who married John
King, now deceased, and she lives in Walnut Grove, Greene
County; James M., a farmer, near Dadeville, a sketch of
whom may be found elsewhere; David E., a farmer, of Polk
Township; William I., subject of this sketch; Arminta J.,
now Mrs. William Cowan, of Cedar County, Missouri;
Asahel L., of Walnut Grove, Greene County; Catherine,
now Mrs. James Dicus, of Greenfield; Sallie, now Mrs.
W. 0. Wilson, of Polk Township (see sketch of Oregon
Wilson) ; Lulu, wife of William McQuerry, a druggist, of
Springfield, Mo., and Ella, who married John Eountree,
and is deceased.
William I. Carlock was raised on the farm, educated
in the country schools and first studied medicine with
Dr. John King at Dadeville. In 1871 he entered the St.
Louis Medical College and graduated in 1873, beginning
the practice of medicine at once at Everton, Mo., where
he still is in active practice and where he has built up
one of the largest drug stores in the county. In 1900 Dr.
Carlock took a post-graduate course at Chicago, which put
him up to date with all the modern discoveries of the
medical profession. In 1873 Mr. Carlock married Fannie
Tarrant, who was born in Dade County in 1854, a daugh-
ter of John M. Tarrant, pioneer of Dade County, and of
whom a sketch may be found in these pages. To Mr. and
Mrs. Carlock have been born two children, as follows:
J. Frank, a business man of Everton, and Henry, who is
a prominent Dentist, with offices in Everton. Dr. Carlock
is prominent in the Democratic party, and has served as
County Collector for one term. Fraternally, he is a
member of the A. F. A. M. at Everton, Chapter at Ash
Grove and Commandry at Greenfield. He is also a member
of the W. 0. W. at Everton. Dr. Carlock is one of our
high-grade citizens, and is held in the highest esteem by
all who know him, and his honorable, courteous treatment
\v. L. i I:K<H SON.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 346
of the public has justly earned for him his high standing
as a physician and business man.
COLONEL JOSEPH W. CARMACK.
The subject of this sketch is one of the unique, strik-
ing and distinguished characters in Dade County history.
Perhaps no man ever lived in the county who is better
known, and few developed a more picturesque personality.
Joseph W. Carmack was born May 26th, 1838, in
Livingstone County, Tennessee, son of John and Elizabeth
(Chapin) Carmack. Paul Chapin, his grandfather, was
the famous drummer boy for General George Washington
in the Revolutionary war. lie had two sons who served
with him in the war of 1812, at which time he was major.
John and Elizabeth Carmack were both natives of
Tennessee. They came to Dade County in June, 1853,
and settled three miles northwest of Dadeville, and took
up 80 acres of unimproved land, upon which there was
a small log cabin. John Carmack died in 1856, leaving
a family of eight children, three of whom are still living:
(1) Mrs. Dr. N. H. Hampton, No. 2124 Lafayette
Avenue, Saint Louis Mo. Dr. Hampton was one of the
prominent men of Dade County in an early day. He prac-
ticed medicine in Dadeville and was Surveyor by pro-
profession also. He surveyed the public state road from
Springfield to Stockton. When the town was located, the
citizens drew lots for the honor of naming the little vil-
lage, which honor fell upon Dr. Hampton, and he named
it "Melville," which has since been changed to Dadeville.
(2) James G. Carmack lives in Canada.
(3) J. AV. Carmack of Dadeville, Mo.
After the death of John Carmack, his widow, Eliza-
beth, took up 120 acres more land, which her family had
cleared out at the time of the war. In 1862 she moved
to Dadeville.
Joseph W. Carmack enlisted in the Union army July
5th, 1861, in Company A. Sixth Missouri Cavalry, having
346 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
previously been in the Secret Service of the United States.
Company A was commanded by Captain T. A. Switzler,
and the regiment was commanded by Col. Clark Wright.
He served in this company until September 30th, 1862,
when he was commissioned First Lieutenant in Co.
L, same regiment, under Capt. J. C. Kirby. He was dis-
charged February 18th, 1864, at Pilot Knob, Mo., as first
lieutenant, then, in September, 1864, he was commissioned
first lieutenant in the Seventy-sixth E. M. M., under Capt.
James M. Kirby. Discharged in November, 1864, and in
March, 1865, was commissioned as first lieutenant in Com-
pany E, Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry, Veterans. Dis-
charged October 26th, 1865, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kas.
During his military service he was actively engaged
in the following battles: Wilson Creek, Sugar Creek,
Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Wet Glaze, Linn Creek, Horse
Creek, Greenfield, and many others.
In the spring of 1866 he was commissioned as en-
rolling and mustering officer of the southwest as first lieu-
tenant, and was ordered to enroll and organize companies
in Dade County. Three companies were organized. One
was placed under Capt. James M. Travis of Arcola, one
under Capt. Thomas Hopper of Penn Prairie, and one un-
der Capt. E. V. Lafoon of Dadeville. During the war he
also served as Quartermaster, Commissary, Provost Mar-
shal, Adjutant, Mustering Officer, Company Commander,
Drill Master, and doing every duty known to a cavalry
soldier.
He was never married. Elizabeth Carmack, his
mother, lived to the extreme old age of 93 years 11 months
and 19 days. She lies buried beside her husband in the
Rice cemetery, near Dadeville.
After the war, Joseph W. Carmack lived in Dadeville
24 years. During that time he bought and sold many
farms, especially in the territory between Dadeville and
Corry. At present he is the owner of a splendid farm
of 200 acres with the finest water system in the county.
He has erected a nice frame residence. Farm is well
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 347
fenced and 140 acres in cultivation. He is engaged in
general farming.
While Mr. Carmack has never been married, he has
raised several boys, and given them a splendid start in
life. In politics Mr. Carmack has been one of the most
active Republicans, covering a period commencing with
the birth of the party. He was elected Sheriff and Col-
lector of the county in 1864, but, preferring military
service in time of war, never qualified, having been com-
missioned for the army. Pie served as Justice of the Peace
for 18 years in Morgan Township, and has frequently
been before the people as a candidate, both in the con-
ventions, primaries and general elections. He lias the
distinction of being captain of the "Mollie Dozier," a
mythical gunboat, which navigates Salt River at the
close of each political campaign.
Mr. Carmack has always been a booster for good
roads, and exemplified his faith by many good works,
building graded roads on his own account long before
the movement became state-wide.
Since the war Mr. Carmack has been a prominent
member of the G. A. R., attending all the reunions, both
district, state and National, and has held many offices of
honor and trust in that organization, including being made
Colonel of the Sixth Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers, com-
plimentary. As its Commander, since the war he has
called this regiment together and held thirty reunions.
He is now in his 80th year and has offered the service of
himself and this regiment (about 40 available men) to join
the Volunteer army to go to France to defend the Stars
and Stripes for world peace.
C. P. COLLINS.
Was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, December
9th, 1872, son of William and Jane (West) Collins. His
father lives at Gaither, In Lawrence county where he is
engaged in business. His mother is dead.
Mr. Collins remained at home until 21 years of age.
He learned the blacksmith trade which he followed sue-
848 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cessfully in Lawrence and Bade counties for twenty years.
He also farmed a little in the meantime.
In the year 1913 he entered the mercantile business,
buying out the general merchandise store of A. 0. Gragg
& Co., at Pennsboro. He was appointed postmaster Jan-
uary 26th, 1915 which position he still holds. His stock of
goods is valued at $4,000 and consists of dry-goods, shoes,
furnishing goods and general merchandise.
Mr. Collins was married on the 25th day of June, 1894
to Minnie L. Stewart, a native of Missouri. Her father
lives in Lawrence County. Her mother is dead. They
are the parents of five children Charles, Laura, Ruth,
Lydia and James Francis, all at home.
Mr. Collins is a Republican in politics and his frater-
nal relations consist of membership in the A. F. & A. M.
at Halltown and an I. 0. 0. F. and M. W. A. at Pennsboro.
By strict attention to business and an honest effort to
supply the needs of his customers Mr. Collins has attained
enviable success in merchandising. He is a valuable and
useful man in the community, being public spirited, ag-
gressive and dependable.
o
EX-JUDGE FRANK CHATHAM.
One of the most prominent men of all northern Dade
County is Frank Chatham of north Sac Township. He
was born in Shelby county, Illinois, April 15, 1867, a son
of Thomas D. and Mary (Wakefield) Chatham, both nat-
ives of Illinois, where they married and passed their lives,
liis father dying there about 1875 and the mother about
1H95. Thomas D. Chatham was a Union soldier in the re-
bellion serving as Sergeant in Co. C 3rd Illinois Vol. Cav-
alry for over three years. He was a republican. In the
Chatham family there were five children in which Frank
Chatham, the subject of this sketch was second in order of
birth. Of this family three are now living, besides Frank;
Robert is a resident of Roundstown, Illinois and Anna,
now Mrs. Calvin Kirkpatrick of Christian County, 111.
Frank Chatham was only eight years of age when his
father died and continued to live with his mother until
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 349
she again married, when he struck out for himself work-
ing at farm labor from place to place and in 1887, he
visited his uncle James A. Wakefield, who was a farmer
of Dado County, Missouri. He liked it so well here that he
stayed working out and farming on the share the first
year, the second year he worked for Daniel Blakemore.
On November 28, 1889, he married Cora A. Kirby, who was
born in Dade County June 19, 1867, a daughter of James
M. Kirby and Mary Grisham, his wife. For two years
after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Chatham farmed on her
father's farm and it was not long before Mr. Kirby gave
his daughter 120 acres of land in North Morgan Township.
This was partly improved, had a small one-room house
and here they settled and went to work in dead earnest.
In two years they bought a good 40 adjoining remaining
on this place for four years, when they moved back to the
Kirby homestead and Mr. Chatham w T ent into the stock
business with his father-in-law, James Kirby. The Kirby
homestead was sold out in some two or three years and Mr.
Chatham rented 225 acres in north Sac. Township of Dee
White. This was for the year 1904 and 1905, and when his
lease was up, he bought the entire tract of 255 acres. This
was a well improved farm and well adapted to stock rais-
ing, has a good residence and here Mr. Chatham has
since resided and carried on stock raising and farming to
a large extent. He has, however, sold 40 acres of his
original purchase and now owns 215 acres in north Sac.
Township, also 160 acres in north Morgan Township and
two and one-half acres located in the town of Dadeville.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chatham have been born four child-
ren as follows: The two eldest died in infancy; Those liv-
ing are James Leslie, born January 28, 1898, is a finely
educated young man having had the advantages of Dade
County schools and attended one year at Marionville Col-
lege and one year at Bolivar, Polk County. He is at
present farming in North Morgan township he married
Mabel Willett of Cedar County; Thomas Roy, born Novem-
ber 4, 1902 is at home attending school. On his fine farm
Mr. Chatham will average handling a car-load each of
350 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
hogs and cattle and also raising some fine mules for the
market and he has a fine flock of some 80 head of sheep
and goats. On this place are two large silos and the farm
is finely watered with good springs and spring branch, in
fact, it is an ideal stock farm. Mr. and Mrs. Chatham are
fine Christian people belonging to the Baptist Church at
Cave Springs. Mr. Chatham is a red hot republican and
has been very active in the council of his party. He has
served on the school board for a number of years and is
now road over-seer in his district. He was elected on the
republican ticket as judge of the county court, served two
years and was one of our most popular judges. Mr. Chat-
ham is a wide-awake progressive business man and can
always be counted upon for his assistance in any enter-
prise that is for the good of the county or its people.
He is a booster for good roads and a firm friend of free
public schools. Too much cannot be said of what Mr.
Chatham has accomplished and all in Dade County too.
He had little chance for education, but today he is a well
read, finely posted man. He is certainly a self-made man
in every respect. He has lived a clean life in every respect
and deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his
multitude of friends. Dade county could well stand a few
more men of the calibre of Frank Chatham.
BERNIECE M. COINER.
An ideal, womanly woman, with all the grace and
characteristics of feminity, and yet withal, possessing a
spirit of indomitable courage and filled with the "never-
say-die" temperament of the Hibernian race, she has won
for herself that position which easily proclaims her the
"first woman" in Dade County from a business and
literary standpoint.
Bornioce M. Coiner was born in Lockwood, Dade
Comity, Missouri, September 24th, 1885.
Her father, George W. Coiner, was born in Virginia
March 5th, ]H57, and died in the west in the year 1910.
He was of the Scotch-Irish ancestry, who settled in Vir-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 361
ginia (now West Virginia) in an early day. They were
farmers by occupation. George came to Dade County
with his wife, young son and parents in 1883. In early
manhood he learned the painter's trade, which he followed
during life.
George's mother was born in Virginia of Irish parent-
age, who were farmers by occupation. She was a mem-
ber of the Christian church. George had one sister,
Mary, who married Mahlon Eller, a ranchman, residing
at Rock Lake, N. D. Thqy have three children.
George W. Coiner and Jessie Sullivan were married
in Peru, Ind., March 11, 1881, she being a native of Peru,
born July 3rd, 1862, a daughter of Henry and Priscilla
(Parnell) Sullivan, of Irish parentage, he being a shoe-
maker and came from Indiana to Greenfield, and both
are buried in the Greenfield cemetery.
Henry and Priscilla Sullivan were the parents of
two children, viz: Jessie, intermarried with George W.
Coiner, and mother of Berniece, and Fannie, now the
wife of Harry Carlock, residing at Dadeville, Mo. She
was educated in the schools of Peru, Ind. She was a
member of the Christian church and Eastern Star fra-
ternity of Lockwood. She was Worthy Matron of the
chapter at Lockwood at various times for thirteen years,
and for some time was District Deputy of this district,
organizing a number of chapters. She died August 26,
1916, while undergoing a surgical operation in the Ex-
celsior Springs Sanatorium, she having been at Excelsior
Springs five weeks, visiting a son. Five children sur-
vive. They are:
(1) Dennis, a farmer, Excelsior Springs.
(2) Berniece M. Coiner.
(3) Stella, married Harry G. Dee, formerly freight
agent of the Frisco railroad at Ft. Scott, Kas., now with
the same railroad at Wichita, Kas. They have one child,
Robert L.
(4) Goldie married Halsey Jewell, agent for the
Frisco railroad at Garland, Kas.
(5) Ray, a tailor, at Lockwood, Mo.
352 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Berniece M. Coiner has lived in Lockwood all her
life. When a girl she attended the grade schools of that
place and later spent two years in the High School. She
entered the office of the "Missourian," a local paper,
owned by A. J. Young, and learned the "art preserva-
tive," and by reason of her industry, sagacity and special
fitness for the work, she was made manager of that pub-
lication, which position she occupied for three years. In
March, 1912, in company with John H. Harris, they pur-
chased the " Lockwood Luminary," which she has since
managed and edited, and in March, 1916, became the sole
owner.
Berniece is a member of the Christian church, a Re-
bekah and an Eastern Star, and, while a lady is supposed
to have no politics, the "Luminary" is a power in Re-
publican circles.
She is also a member of the "Missouri Woman's
Press Association" and formerly a Trustee in that organi-
zation.
In recounting the struggles and successes of this Dade
County girl, it might not be out of order to state that
she has supported herself and earned every dollar's
worth of property which she now possesses. At present
she is the owner of a well-furnished, comfortable home
in Lockwood, and the "Luminary" Office is known far
and wide as one of the best-equipped offices in the state
for a town the size of Lockwood. Its interior appoint-
ments are new and up-to-date, while an atmosphere of
neatness, good taste and prosperity pervades every inch
of the room.
The "Luminary" job office has long since gained a
well-merited reputation for artistic work, but the real
success of the enterprise has come from the brilliant,
sparkling bits of philosophy which has eminated from
the editorial chair.
JOHN M. COTTER.
Of the highly respected and appreciated farmers of
Dade County, none stands higher than John Cotter, the
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 363
subject of this sketch. He was born February 22nd, 1858,
in Jefferson County, Tennessee, a son of William and
Nancy Jane (White) Cotter, both natives of Tennessee,
where they were married and came to Greene County, Mis-
souri, in 1882, and carried on farming until their demise.
John was the oldest of five children, the second dying in
infancy, while James, the third in order of birth, is also
deceased; George H. is a resident of Everton, and Thula
married John Baxter, and they live at Bois d'Arc, Greene
County.
For many years Mr. Cotter was a business man of
Greene County. When about 21 years of age he entered
into the drug business at Bois d'Arc, which he sold out
in one year, and then spent two years in Colorado and
Texas. He returned and put in a new stock of drugs at
Bois d'Arc, but after two years he moved to Ash Grove,
where he was employed by Swinney Brothers, Druggists,
for some five years, at which time he bought out the C. H.
Van Pelt Drug Store, which he successfully run for 17
years, finally selling out to A. R. Mason, and moved to
a fine 300-acre farm that he had bought while in business.
This place is located two miles west of Everton, and
was only partly improved. Mr. Cotter has greatly im-
proved this farm with good fences and outbuildings, and
now has one of the very best stock farms in the county.
Here he raises and feeds some 200 head of hogs a year,
besides cattle. In 1881 Mr. Cotter married Miss Alice
Wilson, a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (Baker) Wilson.
Mr. Wilson is deceased and was a brother of Solomon H.
Wilson, and a sketch of the Wilson family may be found
elsewhere in these volumes. Mr. Cotter lost his wife
September 30th, 1889, and by her he had two children,
as follows: Harry Arthur, who married Josie B. Meyers,
who died leaving three children, John M. William B. and
Elms B. Clyde Everett died February 6, 1910, age 27
years.
Mr. Cotter is certainly a public-spirited citizen. He
?s a red-hot Republican, but does not desire office of any
kind. Fraternally, he is a Mason, belonging to the Blue
354 HISTORY OP BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Lodge at Everton, the Chapter at Ash Grove, the Com-
mandery at Greenfield and the Shrine at Springfield. He
is a good booster for good roads and a staunch friend of
our free public school system. Truly, Mr. Cotter is a
wide-awake business man, and such men as he are the
making of any community.
o
SAMUEL WILLIAM COX.
Deceased.
Born in Dade County, Missouri, April 28th, 1848,
died at his home, near South Greenfield, January 3rd,
11)17, son of Jacob and Louisa (Johnson) Cox, both natives
of Filn. )re County, Tennessee, where they were married.
Came to Dade County by ox team, overland, 1837, being
six weeks on the road, coming via St. Louis. They had
two children at the time, bringing both with them, Nancy,
afterward Mrs. William Moore of Kansas, died September
28th, 1910, aged 74 years; Mary, afterward Mrs. James II.
Morgan, died January 18th, 1906, aged 86 years 11 months
and 28 days.
Jacob Cox and wife settled on land a half mile south
of South Greenfield, and lived there one year in a rail
pen, three sides inclosed, the fourth being a quilt. Later
on he took up land adjoining where South Greenfield
now stands, which became his permanent abode until the
time of his death. First he erected a little log cabin 12x14
feet, and in this they lived for a few years, when a second
cabin 16 feet square was built, and in these cabins the
last of their six children were born. One died in infancy,
one in adult age, and two still survive. Sarah A Myers,
widow of Charles B. Myers, now lives in Everton; Charles
M. Cox, a fanner, living near Golden City. Those de-
ceased are Samuel \V. Cox, Mrs. Elmira English, Leah M.
( 'ox and Oranville (J. Cox.
.Jacob Cox and wife are buried on the home farm,
.shout !.")() yards southeast of the frame house which he
huilt in 1 S -V5. .Jacob Cox was a Republican, and both him-
>elf and wife were members of the M. E. Church (South;.
In 1*4*, .')() acres of land was bought and entered
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 355
for the South Methodist Camp Meeting Association, 10
acres of which is still retained by the Cumberland Pres-
byterians and used by them for camp meeting purposes.
Jacob Cox died January 7th, 1883. Louisa Cox died
January 2nd, 1895.
Samuel W. Cox stayed at home until he was 21 years
of age, at which time he went to work for himself on
rented land two miles west of the old Ragsdale homestead.
He remained here for two years, and then purchased his
present homestead, then consisting of 75 acres, where he
has lived and farmed ever since, building houses, barns,
fences, etc., and adding land thereto, until he acquired
235 acres, and at the death of his father he received 200
acres more, making him a fine farm of 435 acres, all in
one body.
On the 21st day of March, 1871, he was first married,
to Harriet A. Ragsdale, who died January 12th, 1881, leav-
ing three children:
(1) Harriet Adaline, born March loth, 1872, died
February 9th, 1894. She married John A. Adams, now
deceased, and left two children, Christopher C., now of
San Francisco, and Harriet Ida., now of Kansas City.
Both are married.
(2) Thomas Albert, of South Greenfield, lives on
part of the original land grant to his grandfather. Mar-
ried Lizzie Bird, and they now have five children, May
Elizabeth, Grace, Thomas Albert, William Walter and
Walter Jacob. William Walter died May 20th, 1893.
The second wife of Samuel W. Cox was Fannie L.
Mitchell, born July 19th, 1862, on a farm near Chicago,
111. The were married June 10th, 1883. She was a daugh-
ter of Gohra.ii Smith and Louisa J. (Babb) Mitchell, both
natives of the State of Maine, the father being born about
1832, while the mother is still living on a farm with two
daughters.
Mrs. Cox was the oldest of three children, all living.
Of this second marriage, three children were born:
356 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(1) Edith A., born January 29th, 1886, married
John A. Babb of Dixfield, Me. The have one child,
Richard Edward.
(2) Samuel Jacob, born June 27th, 1894, died August
12, 1910.
(3) Noel Ernest Gohram, born December 25th, 1900.
Is at home.
Samuel W. Cox was a life-long Republican and active
in the counsels of his party. He was also an Odd Fellow, a
Mason, belonging to all the lodges, a Shriner at Spring-
field, and to the Commandery at Greenfield. The entire
family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
Samuel W. Cox was one of the original organizers of
the Farmers' State Bank at South Greenfield, and in 1915
was elected its President, succeeding B. J. J. Marsh (de-
ceased). Mr. Cox was also a stockholder in the Dadc
Count Bank at Greenfield.
Being an admirer of blooded stock, Mr. Cox was
among the first to introduce Shorthorn cattle and Poland-
China hogs into Bade County. His herd of Shorthorns
was established in 1875, and became famous all over the
State of Missouri. He exhibited both hogs and cattle at
the various fairs and was richly rewarded in the granting
of premiums.
Besides being a heavy feeder and shipper of both
cattle and hogs, Mr. Cox engaged in another enterprise,
which was largely in the nature of an experiment, but
one which proved to be a glowing success. On the 18th
day of August, 1914, he began the construction of a fish
pond on his farm, which would cover about two acres.
It required a concrete retaining wall 170 feet long, 18
inches wide at the base, 8 inches at the top and 18 feet
high above bedrock. This created a pond which was
supplied with an everlasting spring of clear, cool, spar-
kling water, having a flow of 50 gallons per minute in the
dryest time. This pond he stocked with both large and
small-mouthed bass and crappie, obtaining some from the
state and the remainder from the government fish hatch-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 357
ery. At the greatest depth this pond is 9 feet 11 inches
deep. It answers two purposes first, it is an ornament
to the farm, adding much to its intrinsic beauty, and sec-
ond, it furnishes fish and fishing to the occupants, thereby
becoming a source of profit as well as of pleasure.
CHARLES M. COX.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, December 8th,
1854, son of Jacob and Louisa (Johnson) Cox, pioneers of
Dade County, who resided in the vicinity of South Green-
field.
Charles M. Cox received all his education in the
common schools of Dade County and remained at home
on the farm till 23 years of age, at which time, March
6th, 1878, he was married to Emma B. Teagarden, who
was born in Henry County, Illinois, October 9th, 1854,
a daughter of John M. and Mary (Brown) Teagarden,
who came to Dade County in 1871. They were farmers
and settled in Grant Township. Both are now deceased.
After his marriage, Mr. Cox went onto a farm of 160 acres
of partly improved land in Grant Township, which he had
bought in 1874 at $12.50 per acre. The improvements at
the time of his purchase consisted of a small house and
some fencing. They went to work and improved it from
time to time until now it is one of the finest farms in
western Dade County. In 1892 he built a large seven-
room dwelling, surrounded by a fine lawn, elegant shade
trees, large barn and substantial outbuildings.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born six children, four
of whom are living. Hattie A., died at the age of 4y 2
years, and Clarence A., died at the age of 10 years, both
dying the same year. Those living are:
(1) Howard V., married for his first wife Etta
Deweese, who died leaving one child, Esther, and for his
second wife he married Susan Porter. They are now
living on the old homestead with Mr. Cox.
(2) Fannie A., married David Nutt, a farmer re-
siding at Lindsborg, Kas. They have one child, Frances
Maybell.
358 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(3) Myrtle B., married Manual Mitchell, a mechanic,
living in Springfield, Mo. They have one child, Irene.
(4) Homer, at home and unmarried.
In politics Mr. Cox is what is termed an Independent
voter, not bound to any particular political party. He
has been a member of the Christian church for many
years.
During his li.Vrinie Mr. Cox has witnessed many
changes. His eai'iy recollection goes back to the days
when his father would tai\o tiie entire- tamily in an ox
wagon to Greenfield, starting rariy in the morning and
spending the entire day in trading and on the road,
although the distance was little more than three miles.
His father's original farm comprised what is now a part
of the city of South Greenfield, and laid mostly in the
productive Limestone Valley. Mr. Cox grew to manhood
in this locality, and was well ac^naint'-d witli all the
pioneer settlers of Pennsylvania Prairie country.
Mrs. Cox departed this life February Vlth, 1914.
Since purchasing the original 160 acres, Mr. Cox has
added 80 acres, so that the farm now comprises i!40 acres,
situated in the very heart of the best fanning and stock
raising part of Dade County. In addition to his general
farming enterprises, Mr. Cox ha< been largely interested
in raising blooded stock, especially hogs and cattle. His
herds were known far and wide throughout Southwest
Missouri. He was one of the first men in his locality to
appreciate the value of a silo in cattle feeding, and erected
one with a 100-ton capacity. His farm is well fenced and
cross-fenced and admirably adapted to both grain and
stock raising. He has prospered in his business affairs
and is now ready to retire, having the confidence and
esteem of his neighbors, as well as a goodly portion of
this world's goods, which will enable him to spend his
declining years in comparative ease and comfort.
o
DR. ROBERT MADISON CRUTCHER.
Was born in Middle Tennessee April 7th, 1848, son of
William Henry and Charity (Evans) Crutcher. They were
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 359
farmers and wholesale merchants of Nashville, Tenn., and
also in the iron furnace business a few years. Both were
natives of Tenn., and are buried there.
Robert Madison Crutcher is one of a large family of
children, but only two brothers are living, one in Kentucky
and one in Texas. His father was married a second time
and he has four half-brothers living, two in Montana and
one in Oregon and one in Arkansas.
Mr. Crutcher remained at home working with his
father until he was 24 years of age, obtained but little
schooling in his boyhood days, for at the age of 13 the
school buildings of his neighborhood were turned into hos-
pitals. At the age of 22 years he entered the medical de-
partment of the University of Tennessee, at Nashville,
and graduated from that institution in 1874 and came to
Cane Hill, Mo., where he practiced for two years, and then
moved to Arcola in August, 1876, where lie still resides.
In those early days he enjoyed an extensive practice, cov-
ering a large territory. There were no buggies then, so
that he was obliged to keep three saddle horses in constant
use in his ever-increasing business.
On the 1st day of November, 1874, at Cane Hill, Mo.,
he was married to Mary Victoria Rountree, daughter of
Rufus M. Rountree, an early settler of Cedar county. To
this union were born five boys, all living:
(1) Henry Clarence, born April 10, 1878, resides in
Portland, Oregon. Is still single.
(2) James Ernest, born September 8, 1879, married
Cora Parks, a native of Missouri. They live in Portland,
Oregon. He is now the Corresponding Secretary of the
Bell Telephone Company of that city.
(3) Edgar, born November 1, 1881, resides in San
Francisco, and is engaged in business as a manufacturer's
agent.
(4) Robert Lee, born March 10, 1883, resides in Al-
buquerque, New Mexico, and engaged in the laundry busi-
ness.
(5) Lucien M., born March 4, 1888, married Gertrude
Webb, a native of Dade County. He is a fanner and re-
860 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
sides one-half mile west of Arcola. They have two chil-
dren, Mary Pearl and Ernest Edward.
Mr. Crutcher had four brothers in the Confederate
army. He was not an enlisted soldier himself, being too
young, but performed valuable scout duty.
In politics, Mr. Crutcher is a democrat, and for years
has taken an active part in both state and county politics.
He has served many years as a member of the school
board, was the first collector after the organization of
North Township, and is one of the stockholders in the
Arcola bank.
Fraternally, Dr. Crutcher is a Mason, belonging to the
Blue Lodge at Arcola and the Commandery at Greenfield.
He is also an Odd Fellow. In religious life Mr. Crutcher
is a member of the Christian church, has been an elder for
25 years, was one of the prime movers in the church at
Arcola, and has been superintendent of the Sunday School
for more than 25 years, most of the time.
When Dr. Crutcher first came to Arcola it consisted
of one store and one saloon. The only church was an un-
completed Methodist Episcopal building, and for a number
of years he contributed to the support of this organization.
He bought a home consisting of two small rooms, one 14
by 14 and the other 8 by 14. In this humble cottage he
raised his family. In that day the land surrounding Arcola
was uncultivated prairie land, but as the years went by
Mr. Crutcher invested his savings in real estate until he
now owns a farm of 280 acres North and West of Arcola,
30 acres adjoining the town on the Southeast, and has added
to his original dwelling by remodeling and rebuilding, until
he now has a comfortable 6-room residence.
In the practice of medicine, Dr. Crutcher has been
eminently successful. In early days when money was scarce
and the settlements widely scattered, Dr. Crutcher has rid-
den many miles over rough roads, through rain and storm,
no matter how dark the night, to alleviate the suffering
of some poor family with absolutely no hope or prospect
of remuneration. His life work has been one of service
and sacrifice, and as a reward he has gained the confidence,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLB 861
respect and admiration of the community in which he lives.
Few men have contributed more in sincere devotion to duty
for the benefit of the community than Dr. Robert Madison
Crutcher.
HENRY ALBERT CUNNINGHAM.
Among the many boys in Dade County who were born
upon the farm, received their education in the common
schools and then made good in the business world, none
stand out more prominent than the subject of this sketch.
William Cunningham was a pioneer farmer who settled on a
farm two miles East of where the city of Lockwood now
stands. His oldest son, Albert, was born and raised on
this farm. He received his education in the common schools
of the neighborhood and early in life became attached to the
cattle industry. In the year 1882, when twenty-five years
of age, he came to Lockwood and engaged in the mercantile
business in partnership with A. F. Finley, and shortly
thereafter was married to Miss Hattie Matthews of Lock-
wood. He established his permanent home in Lockwood.
To this union *\ r ere born three children, Mabel, now r Mrs.
Emery Clements ; Iva, a single daughter, and Laclede, a
son.
He remained in the general merchandise business about
twenty years, during which time he was also extensively
engaged in buying, feeding, pasturing and shipping live
stock. Careful and conservative in his business ventures
and always exercising splendid judgment, he made a suc-
cess in all his undertakings.
About the year 1895, when the Bank of Lockwood was
organized, he was one of its principal stockholders, acted
as cashier for about one year and was its vice president up
to the time of his death. In business circles, Mr. Cunning-
ham was always regarded as one of Lockwood 's best citi-
zens. His death came at a most unexpected moment. He
was in the very midst of his business activities and in seem-
ing good health.
He accompanied a shipment of live stock to St. Louis,
and while in the city went to a local hospital for treatment
362 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of a minor difficulty, which on examination proved to be of
a cancerous nature, alTect-nii' 'he jaw. A minor operation
was performed, which upon closer examination proved far
more serious than the doctors at first concluded, and a sec-
ond operation was decided upon. His wife was notified by
telegram and she went immediately to his side, but the
operation proved fatal. His death was a sad shock to the
entire community.
His funeral was conducted at the Christian church in
Lockwood, by Rev. (Jeor.u'e Yarbrough of that church, and
was one of the largest and most impressive ever conducted
in the city. The business of the city was suspended during
the day and almost the entire population attended the fu-
neral. Amoiiii 1 the deeply afflicted ones were his aired par-
ents who have since passed away. Five brothers, Lafay-
ette. Alex, Levi, James and William, and three sisters. Mrs.
11. A. Peterson of Sprin.u'field, Mrs. Hn.irh Hampton of
(Jreenfield and Mrs. Ida Smith of Lockwood, were all pres-
ent.
Mr. Cunnin.u'ham was called from a life of business ac-
tivity while yet in the very prime and viiror of his man-
hood. His influence had been felt in every important step
in the development of the city and community, but he left
for himself a monument of respect in the hearts and lives
of his neighbors and friends which will stand as lon.u 1 as
the historv of Dade Countv is read or remembered.
ALBERT W. DAIGH.
Of irood old fiuhtinu' stuck, with ancestors tracinir their
parentage hack to the land of the Shamrock. Albert W.
I'aiu'li riiteivd ilium the scene of life'- activitie> in (Miri--
tian ('onnty, 111.. .June L'lst, 1S((5, a son of Thomas Jeffer-
son and Mary (Willis) Hai^li. the forme] 1 lieinir a native of
Saniramou ('onnly, 111., while the latter was born in Dade
County, Mo. Charles ( '. Dai.di. father of Thomas .1. Daiirh,
was a nat ive of \Vest Vi ruinia, as also was his father. James
aiLih. Tin 1 father of James L. I)aiirh came from
to \\est Virginia prior to the Revolutionary war
ook an active part therein. His son, James Lewis
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 363
Daigh, was a soldier in the war of 1812, while Charles C.
Daigh, his son, fought in the Black Hawk war. From the
above record it is quite evident that the great-great-great-
grandfather of Albert was the founder of the Daigh family
in America, and its christening seems to have been with a
baptism of blood.
John Lewis Daigh, Albert's great-grandfather, emi-
grated to Illinois from West Virginia in a very early day,
when Springfield, the capital of the state, was yet a very
small hamlet. His family, which were for the most part
grown, came with him. Charles C. Daigh at that time was
a young man, and about the year 1832 married Elizabeth
Patton, a native of Ohio but a girl he had known in West
Virginia. The Patton family came to Sangamon county at
the same time the Daigh family came. Charles C. Daigh
came to Missouri in 1837 and settled in Lawrence county,
where lie remained until the Civil war, when he returned
to Illinois, and died there in 1884.
Thomas Jefferson Daigh came to Missouri in 1868, at
the close of the war, and settled in Dade County. He re-
mained in Dade County till 1873, when he bought land in
Lawrence County, where he farmed until 1884. After
spending one year in Kansas, he returned to Dade County
and bought 80 acres of land where Albert now lives.
Thomas Jefferson Daigh was married to Mary Willis,
a native of Dade County, but who was residing in Sanga-
mon County, Illinois, on account of the war, in 18G4. To
this union were born four children, Albert W., Georgie,
Emory and Anna, now Mrs. James 0. Clark of Craik,
Saskatchewan, Canada.
Albert W. Daigh remained with his father until the
year 1885, when he went to the state of Washington and
for three years engaged in farming and fruit shipping.
Having a desire for a higher education, he entered Cumber-
land University at Lebanon, Tenn., where he remained a
student until 1890, when he returned to Dade County and
engaged in teaching school for seven years. In 1896 he
was a candidate of the democratic party for Clerk of the
Circuit Court, but was defeated. He has always been
364 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
active in politics, a consistent democrat and a candidate
at one time for collector. At present he is assessor and
clerk of the Township Board.
On the 23rd day of August, 1893, he was married to
Stella Shelton, who was born February 17th, 1873.
They are the parents of but one child, Vivian Offner,
born June 24th, 1894.
Mr. Daigh and family are members of the Christian
church, in which organization he has been an elder for
several years.
Mr. Daigh is actively engaged in fanning and stock
raising and resides upon a splendid farm of 136 acres,
which he owns in South Township, and is raising some
alfalfa.
In the year 1901 he erected a fine two-story, eight-room
residence on his farm. The place is well watered by springs
and wells, the supply being handled by a windmill and
gasoline engine. Convenient outbuildings of commodious
dimensions add to the value and beauty of the farm.
Mr. Daigh is a wide-awake, public-spirited man, with
lofty moral and religious ideals and a power for righteous-
ness and right living in his home community.
o
WILLIAM D. DAVIDSON.
Was born in Grayson County, Texas, September 25th,
1870, son of George W. and Missouri (Menice) Davidson.
His father was born in Dade County upon the. farm where
Mr. Davidson now lives, March 4th, 1843, while his mother
was born in Tennessee, September 14th, 1843. George W.
Davidson was always a farmer, as also was his father,
Joseph Davidson, who was a Dade County pioneer, and
homesteaded the Davidson farm. George W. Davidson
moved to Texas about 1869, where he engaged in farming
and then returned to Dade County, where he ended his
days. George W. Davidson served for three years in the
Confederate army, as a private, was wounded in battle, and
died February 13th, 1911. His mother, Missouri Davidson,
still resides on the old homestead.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 366
Mr. Davidson is the third in point of birth of a family
of eight children, four of whom are living. He attended
school in the Limestone district, and also in Fairview dis-
trict, this county.
William D. Davidson was married on the 27th day of
February, 1901, to Laura Russell, a native of Sac Town-
ship, Dade County, daughter of C. C. and Mary (Stanley)
Russell, both natives of Missouri. Her father was for a
number of years engaged in buying stock, but is now living
a retired life in Greenfield. Her mother is also living. C.
C. Russell is a veteran of the Civil war, having served in
the Union army. Was neither wounded nor disabled. Mrs.
Davidson is the second of a family of nine children. She
was educated in the schools of Dade County.
Mr. Davidson remained at home till about 20 years of
age, when he engaged in farming upon his own account, and
has farmed continuously since that date. He devotes his
entire time to the management of a farm of 200 acres, rais-
ing grain and live stock. He is a democrat in politics and
has been a member of the school board for a number of
years, but never held any other office.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have one child, William Orville,
born January 1st, 1902. He is still at home. Mr. Davidson
is a member of the W. (). W. and is an industrious, energetic
farmer and stock raiser.
GEORGE W. DAIGH.
One of the most highly respected and beloved citizens
of Dade County is Uncle George Daigh of South Green-
field. He was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, March
21st, 1839, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Patton) Daigh,
the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio.
They were married in the state of Illinois and came to
Lawrence County in 1837, and were among the very
early settlers of that county. George Daigh was the
fourth in order of birth of a large family, and the first
child to be born to his parents in this state. He received
his education in Lawrence County and remained at home
up to the start of the Civil war, although he worked out
366 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
for two years previous. At the time of the great Civil
war he helped his father move the family back to Illinois,
going by way of Kansas, and this accomplished, George
Daigh was not to be found wanting in patriotism for his
country, and therefore enlisted in Company E, 114th
Volunteers, Illinois Infantry, on August llth, 1862, under
Colonel Judy, and his captain was Captain Shoup. For
three years Mr. Daigh remained in the army and was des-
tined to see very hard service and to see the worst side
of the war. He was in the thick of the fights at Jackson,
Miss., seige of Yicksburg, and the Seige of Jackson, and
at the battle of Guntown, Miss., an on the retreat from
this battlefield was taken prisoner of war and sent to the
notorious Andersonville prison at Andersonville, Ga.,
where he was kept for three months, and experienced all
the horrors of that frightful place. Vividly does Uncle
George remember the conditions at this prison and the
hardships he wont through are almost indescribable. He
says that on 36 acres of bare ground 34,000 Union men
were held, and their rations were a scant spoonful of
molasses, meal and dry beans daily, and they suffered ter-
ribly for tobacco, and would trade a day's rations for a
scrap or two. There were seven prisoners from his com-
pany, and they used to select one of the seven each day
who would trad:-- his full ration for tobacco, and then the
other six would divide their rations with him, and all use
the tobacco so obtained. The water was filthy, and little
of that until the famous ''Providence .Spring" broke out,
and Uncle Geor'jo well remembers the day that this hap-
pened. This spring broke through solid, hard-packed
earth, just across the "Dead Line," which was a line
established by th<" Confederates, beyond which any man
who stopped w;;- instantly shot, and ho says that many
and many a poor IV!!o\v, cnwd by hardship and starving,
would dolibonitc'y stop across this line, and thus end his
misery.
This spring referred to is still running today, and
it truly scorned that it was sent by Providence for the
relief of those thousands of brave and suffering men.
367
At this time, Uncle George says, the men were dying at
the rate of 150 a day and were buried in long trenches,
dug by a detail of prisoners, lie remembers well the day
that he saw the six raiders hung at Andersonville prison.
All these terrible sights and through all this almost un-
believable hardships, Mr. Daigh endured for three months,
when he was transferred to Charleston, S. C., where he
was kept one month, then he was taken to Florence, S. C.,
for two months, then was exchanged and came home to
Illinois, via Savannah, Ga. At this time he was nothing
but skin and bones, and when his friends came for him he
was unable to tell his name. After a stay at home, in
which time he regained his strength, he returned to Ala-
bama to rejoin his regiment, but when he arrived peace
had been declared, so his company was discharged at
Vicksburg August 5th, 1865, and the glorious day had ar-
rived when he could return to his home and begin life
in peace. This he did, and in December of 1865, on the
26th day, he was married to Miss Amanda Willis, who
was born May 15th, 1846, a daughter of Rev. R. T. Willis,
and of whom extended mention will be found elsewhere.
For two years after they were married they rented land
in Illinois and farmed, then came to Dade County, where
they remained five years, also renting land, then moved to
Lawrence County, where they bought 40 acres of land
near Bowers' Mill. Here they built a little home and set
out an orchard and lived until 1884, when they decided to
come back to good old Dade County, aiid consequently
sold out and bought 68 acres on Turnback Creek, in South
Township, which they improved, and lived there 17 happy
years, but in 1901 sold this nice farm and bought 10 acres
adjoining South Greenfield, which they have greatly im-
proved, and now have one of the prettiest places in all
Dade County. Here they are spending their declining-
years in peace and happiness. A finer, more devoted
couple cannot be found in our county, and it is a great
pleasure to visit Uncle George and Aunt Amanda, for
it makes one feel that life is surely worth living, and that
love is sweet indeed. Mr. Daigh is a Republican in poli-
368
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tics and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. at Green-
field. Truly, this grand old couple is well worthy of the
high regard in which they are held by all, and the example
of their well-rounded life is an inspiration to our younger
generation. It is the earnest wish of a multitude of friends
that this worthy and greatly-loved couple may live for
many years yet to come, and that those years may be
filled with happiness and the joy of living and loving.
(Biographies Continued in Vol. II.)
THE CARTHAGE BOOKBINDERY
WALTER G. SPRINGER
Carthage, : : Missouri
HISTORY
-OF-
DADE COUNTY AMD HER PEOPLE
From the Date of the Earliest Settlement
to the present time
Vol. II
Containing Continuation of Biographies of
Prominent Persons and Families
FULLY ILLUSTRATED
Greenfield, Missouri
THE PIONEER HISTORICAL COMPANY
R. A. Ludwick, Manager
A. J. Young, Editor-in-Chief
NoYember 1, 1917
THE CARTHAGE BOOKBINDERY
WALTER G. SPRINGER
Carthage, : : Missouri
BIOGRAPHIES
-OF-
Prominent Persons and Families
(CONTINUED)
ROLVIN H. DARST.
Was born on the 19th day of July, 1866 in Delaware
county, Ohio, son of William D., and Louisa (Holt) Darst,
both of whom were natives of Ohio, were married there.
Later they came to Greene County, Mo., in the year 1872
and bought 300 acres of land where the mother died. His
father then sold out and went to Texas and in company with
his brother-in-law bought 320 acres of land in Hale County
which he farmed for two years then sold out and came to
Dade County, and lived with his son, Rolvin, until he died,
August 27, 1912.
Rolvin H. Darst was the 3rd in order of birth of a
family of seven children. He remained at home until 19
years of age, worked out for wages. In 1886 he was married
to Margaret Hurst who was born March 3rd, 1869, died
June 3rd, 1896, leaving one child, Lloyd, born February 12,
1887, married Laura Wheeler, a daughter of James Wheeler.
They have two boys, Lawrence, born October 31, 1906 and
Lewell, born November 27th, 1910.
His second child, Clyde, died when five years of age.
R. H. Darst was again married to Mary Olive Wheel-
er, who was born February 3rd, 1872, a daughter of Allen
Wheeler. They were married on the 10th day of February,
1898.
In the year 1892 he bought 160 acres of land in part-
nership with his brother in Polk Township upon which he
lived for about 10 years. This land was unimproved. They
4 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cleared out 120 acres and built a frame house, then sold
out and bought 240 acres all in one body. This tract of
land was in fair condition. Mr. Darst has done some clear-
ing, lots of fencing, so that now it is all fenced and cross
fenced and all in cultivation except 20 acres. He has re-
built the dwelling consisting of five rooms with water in
the house. Has a 130-ton silo and a herd of full blood
short-horn cattle. .
He feeds from five to six car loads of cattle and hogs
each year, has fifteen acres of alfalfa which does fine. Mr.
Darst was one of the first men in Polk Township to in-
troduce alfalfa. In addition to being a splendid stock and
grain farm, Mr. Darst is of the opinion that much valu-
able mineral underlies his land, since it is right in the min-
eral belt of Dade County and surrounded by producing
mines. He expects to do some prospecting the coming
year. The ranch is r-amed Riverside Stock Farm.
Mr. Darst and wife are members of the Baptist
church. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the
Odd Fellow and Woodman lodges. He is also a stock-
holder in the Home Telephone Company. Much of the
good-roads spirit which has been developed in the com-
munity is due to the untiring labors of Mr. Darst in that
direction. He is a good roads enthusiast and strong for
the Community Spirit.
WILLIAM J. DAVIS.
Public spirited, picturesque, eccentric, whole-souled,
wide-awake and active, William J. Davis is easily Lock-
wood's most distinguished citizen. He was born in Sara-
toga County, New York, March 27th, 1834. He was a son
of Richard C. arid Susan (Pawling) Davis, the former be-
ing a native of Saratoga county, New York of Scotch
parentage as also was his wife. Her father, Wil-
liam Pawling, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Her
uncle, Colonel Henry Pawling served in the Continental
army with distinction under General Washington. The
Pawling family was related to General Alexander Hamil-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 5
ton and General James Clinton. The Pawlings were
Scotch-Irish.
Richard C. Davis and wife were the parents of seven
children, two of whom died in infancy:
(1) Alexander, married Mary Sawyer, drowned in
Illinois river.
(2) William J. Davis.
(3) Albert P., married Miss Place.
(4) Levi II, married Alexander's widow, (twins)
Albert enlisted in the 105 Ills, infantry at DeKalb, Ills.,
and served during the war. He is now at a Soldiers' Home
in California.
(5) Jane Eliza, married J. Sturgeon, and is now de-
ceased.
(6) Andrew Jackson, died in infancy.
(7) Herman, died in infancy.
William J. Davis grew to manhood upon the farm, first
in New York and later in the state of Illinois. He has
a vivid recollection of the days when he cradled grain at
50 cents per day and threshed at 25 cents per day. He
mowed with scythe and raked hay at 50 cents, too. He
was a natural mechanic, handy with tools, and could con-
struct almost any kind of a farm utensil, including
wagons, hay-rakes and cradles and his own plow and
corn planter. His father came from New York to DeKalb
County, Illinois, in 1846, where he died in 1877. He was
c Democrat, but he and his four sons voted for "Abe"
Lincoln in 1860. He was a successful farmer and stock-
man, and a member of the Baptist church. His wife
died in 1870.
William J. Davis came to Dade County in 1869 and
purchased land for a farm in the then wild prairie, con-
trary to the advice of all the early pioneers. The city
of Lockwood now stands on a part of his original pur-
chase. He named his home the "Evergreen Stock Farm,"
which soon became noted all over Southwest Missouri.
Mr. Davis imported the first Norman stallion and the
first Shorthorn bull into Dade County. He also, in 1884,
imported five Scotch Clyde stallions and four mares, and
6 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
has a certificate from the United States authorities stating
that they were superior stock and would improve the
stock of the United States. He made his own cuts to print
on the bills for his stallions. He was also a breeder of
fine jacks and a propagator of fruits, flowers and tame
grasses. He exhibited live stock, fruits, grasses and vege-
tables at the county, district, state and even national fairs
for a number of years, having now in his possession a
string of premium cards and ribbons over 200 feet long.
He was awarded a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 for the best display of
tame grasses and clover grown by an exhibitor, competing
against the world.
Mr. Davis was the only man in Dade County to give
the right-of-way to the K. C., Ft. & G. railroad when it
was constructed. It crossed 80 acres of his land. As soon
as the railroad was built, in 1881, Mr. Davis platted a
town and named it Lockwood, in honor of the General
Passenger agent of that road. In order to encourage
building, he gave lots to all who would erect buildings
thereon, and he gave lots and money to every church
erected in the city except the German, and they never
solicited it. He gave a whole block to the public school
and another block to the city for a park. Another act of
philanthropy which might be mentioned occurred during
the very early days of Lockwood, when there had been
a failure of crops and flour was very high. Mr. Davis
purchased 40,860 pounds of flour and sold it at cost in
order to prevent suffering. Mr. Davis also gave the lot,
the water privilege and $50 in cash to the first flouring
mill erected in Lockwood.
Mr. Davis built the first house on the present site
of Lockwood and was the town's first postmaster. As a
breeder he had wonderful mastery and control over his
animals. At one time he exhibited on the streets a pair
of Norman stallions hitched and driven to a wagon with-
out a halter, lines or bridle. At another time he exhibited
a 4-year-old stalion on the streets of another town right
in breeding season, with lots of horses on the streets,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 7
threw the rein over his back and asked the horse to kiss
him, which he did, and followed him with his tongue
against his face whenever he stopped, paying no attention
to other horses. His exhibitions of live stock, fruit and
farm products on the streets of Lockwood was the real
beginning of the Dade County fair. As a veterinary sur-
geon, Mr. Davis exhibited great natural skill, and per-
formed many remarkable feats along that line.
William J. Davis was first married to Sarah A. Kel-
Jogg. To this union were born three children:
(1) Susan, intermarried with Charles Polston, a
farmer, for many years a resident in the vicinity of Lock-
wood, but now in New Mexico. They have eight children.
(2) Minnie B., first married to Samuel Hunt. To
this marriage was born one son, Lola, who is now a
teacher in a government school in Oklahoma. Her second
husband, William Rollman, now resides in Iowa. They
have one child.
(3) William Henry, in business in Kansas City, is
married and has one child.
Tn 1892 he was married to Bertha C. Heisey, a native
of Pennsylvania, widow of Philip C. Heisey. They have
no children.
Besides being a farmer, gardener, stockman and hor-
ticulturist, William J. Davis is also a great hunter and
fisherman. It has been his custom for several years to
spend his winters on the gulf coast of Florida, where
fishing for game fish is a rare sport. Mr. Davis has
many rare specimens of forest, field and stream, which
he exhibits with delight. He is a man of remarkable
physique, being able now, at the age of 82 years, to sit
on a chair and place his leg over his shoulders and around
his neck, a feat which very few men at any age in life
can accomplish.
Some years ago, when Mr. Davis concluded to sell
the "Evergreen Stock Farm" and lead a more retired
life, he erected a modern home in Lockwood on an eight-
acre tract within the city limits. To his lawn he moved
from his farm a large number of evergreen trees, many
8 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of them eight inches in diameter and 30 feet high. So
successful was he in this enterprise that in less than two
years' time his home had the appearance of having been
settled 20 years or more. On this lawn and eight-acre
tract Mr. Davis has grown many rare plants, shrubs and
curious trees.
Industry and tenacity of purpose has been the watch-
word of Mr. Davis' life. While he has accumulated a
large amount of property, mostly the fruit of his own
industry, he has also been generous, giving to his children
abundantly. He is still active and able to do as much or
more work than many men 25 years his junior.
His wife is a member of the M. E. church, Mr. Davis
being a Baptist, but not an attendant. He is the oldest
living member of the local Odd Fellow lodge, has filled all
the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and also the encamp-
ment. He votes the Republican ticket and takes a great
Interest in current events. He has traveled extensively,
attended many national conventions and expositions, is
well posted on many topics, is peculiar in this, that there
never was another man just like him, and as long as Dade
County history is read, written or talked about, the name
of William J. Davis will always find a place upon its
pages.
o
LEWIS C. DUNAWAY.
Lewis C. Dunaway, better known as ''Whig" Dun-
away, all-around farmer, and good citizen of Dadeville,
Dade County, Missouri, is known to almost every man,
woman and child in the county. He is a native son, having
been born in Sac Township December 19th, 1846, a son of
Lewis T. and Jane (English) Dunaway, both natives of
Tennessee, where they were married in Ray County arid
emigrated to Dade County, Missouri, in 1835. They set-
tled on Sac river and farmed there until 1850, when he
sold out and moved to Crisp Prairie, east of Dadeville,
and he died near Rolla in 18G1, his wife living for many
years after. Lewis T. Dunaway was an outspoken and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 9
fearless Whig in politics, and it was his reputation along
this line that gave Lewis C., his son, and subject of this
sketch, the nickname of "Whig," and while everyone
knows Whig, very few would know who you meant if you
should speak of him as Lewis C.
Whig Dunaway remained at home, working at farm-
ing, until the Civil war broke out, and during the war,
up to 1865, when he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth
Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, but only served for seven
months, although it wasn't his fault, for the war closed,
and friend Whig had to go back to farming, which he did,
opening up his operations on 180 acres of good prairie
land east of Dadeville. This land was unimproved, and
Whig went to work with a will, for it is safe to say that
he had visions of a coming of an important event in his
life, for he worked as never before nor since. He broke up
40 acres of that raw land with steers, fenced it, built a
small house, and, you bet, got married. He married Miss
Sarah Jane Eector December 20th, 1868, who was a native
of Tennessee, born there May 31, 1850, and a daughter of
Grigsby Eector and Angeline Butler, his wife, both natives
of Tennessee, where they were married and came to Bade
County in the year 1852, settling west of Dadeville on
160 acres of government land. Mr. Rector was a Con-
federate soldier and was killed during the war at Lone
Jack, Mo. Whig Dunaway made no mistake in his choice
of a wife, for she w r as made of the same high-grade mate-
rial as he, so they did not surprise anyone when they
began to get to the front at once. They stuck to farming,
and made a business of it, stayed at the same good old
place for twenty-five years, prospered, and kept buying
land until at one time they had 480 acres of as good soil
as Dade County affords. In 1889 they decided to move
to Dadeville, having sold some of their land and given
some to their children. In 1901 they bought 36 acres
practically in the town of Dadeville, and remodeled the
residence which now is one of the very best in the town.
Besides this town property, they also own 120 acres. Mr.
and Mrs. Dunaway have raised a fine family. Of their
10 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ten children, eight are living and are a credit to the county
and the name of Dunaway. In order of their birth, they
are: Amos, born October 25th, 1869, died in infancy;
Charlie, May 12, 1871; Anna M., born August 21, 1872,
now Mrs. Thad Kirby of North Morgan; Nora J M born
May 29, 1875, now Mrs. Charles McNeal of Cedar County;
Theron, born April 29, 1878; Lucretia, born January 13th,
1881, now Mrs. Roscoe Pyle of Carthage, Mo.; Lucy E.,
born September 16th, 1883, now Mrs. Orris Landers, and
lives east of Dadeville^ Margaret, born February 25th,
1886, and now a teacher of Roswell, N. M.; Zola P., born
December llth, 1889, now Mrs. Roy Davis of South Mor-
gan; Wilford C., born August 22nd, 1892, of Dadeville.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway have 18 grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway are consistent members of the
Church of Christ. Mr. Dunaway is a staunch Republican,
and can always be found ready to do his duty to his county
and state. A broad-minded man, ever ready with Ms
means to further any cause for the betterment of the
county, and a man of strict honor, he numbers his friends
by the hundreds, and you would have to look a long, long
time to find any person who would or could say aught
but good of our friend and fellow-citizen, Lewis C. (Whig)
Dunawav.
WILLIAM R. DYE.
Ex-Judge William R. Dye, a resident of Everton, is
one of Dade County's most prominent men. He was born
in Monroe County, Missouri, April 23rd, 1854, the son of
Edward Dye and Celia Ann Fletcher, his wife. The
father was also a native of Monroe County, where his
parents were early settlers and where Edward grew to
manhood and became a farmer and married, but died in
early life; in fact, when William R., his only child, was
only three weeks old. Mrs. Dye was a native of Monroe
County, where her father, also, was an early settler.
Mrs. Dye again married and raised a large family by her
second husband, who was B. F. Fugate. The record of
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 11
this second family is as follows: James is a farmer of
Polk County; John is a large ranchman of California;
Solomon E. is a farmer of Hickory County; Charles of
Oklahoma; Richard is a real estate dealer in Arkansas;
Henry lives in Polk Township, Dade County; Albert of
Hickory County; Joseph is a farmer living near Elktown,
Mo., and Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. T. Martin of Dallas
Coimty, Missouri.
William R. Dye had the usual experiences of the
farmer boy. He came to Dade County in 1874 and at-
tended school at Dadeville, after which he taught school
in this county for fifteen years, and during this time he
did some farming. In 1891 he entered the mercantile
business at Everton, opening up a general store in a small
frame building. He prospered, and later he bought his
present two-story brick building and put in a large stock
of general merchandise. In 1879 Mr. Dye married Dorothy
A. Cowan, who was born near Dadeville September 25th,
1860, a daughter of Robert and Margaret Cowan. Robert
Cowan was a farmer near Dadeville, and was in the Civil
w T ar under Captain Morris as his lieutenant.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dye have been born six children, as
follows: Margaret, born March 8th, 1881, died November
8th, 1884; Ella, born January 9th, 1884, is now Mrs. L. C.
Snoddy of Ash Grove, and she has one daughter, Anneta;
Albert, born March 6th, 1887, is in the store with his
father 1 Pearl, born August 10th, 1889, married Charles
Moody, a banker of Wentworth, Mo.; Clarence Cowan,
born March 8th, 1892, is a telegraph operator; Rosa Gail,
born June 12th, 1897, is now attending Drury College at
Springfield.
William R. Dye has been and is very prominent in
county affairs. He is a staunch Republican and has served
with great credit to himself as judge of the county court.
He and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyte-
rian church, in which he is an elder. Rev. W. R. Russell
is now pastor of their church, and it is a pleasant fact to
record that he has been their pastor ever since he per-
formed their marriage ceremony in 1879, and it was Rev.
12 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Russell who officiated at the marriage of three of their
children. Mr. Dye is a remarkable man, and to say that
he has made good in every respect would be stating a
strict fact. He has prospered greatly and is today one
of our most substantial citizens. Besides mercantile in-
terests, he is a large land owner, and is the best and most
sought after auctioneer in the county, for at almost every
large sale taking place in the county you will see his
smiling face and hear his voice. Truly, Mr. Dye is one
of our best-known men. He has lived a clean life in
every way, and his honest business methods have built up
for him a name second to none in this county. A large-
hearted man, he is withal a kindly, courteous gentleman,
the exact kind of which we need many more within our
boundaries. He is now serving as acting mayor of
Everton.
WILLIAM ROBINSON EATON.
Deceased.
It would be impossible to write a history of the busi-
ness development of Dade County, and especially our
thriving city of Lockwood, and not pay high tribute to
the memory of the late William R. Eaton. Although com-
ing to us late, considering the very early organization of
the county, he brought with him an energy and fine busi-
ness training much needed in our commercial life. He
was, at once, a decided success, known far and wide for
his honest business methods, and made us feel and know
that a man in the truest sense of the word had come to be
one of us. His stay was altogether too short, and this
feeble sketch is as little as we can do to perpetuate the
memory of this good man, our lamented brother and fine
citizen.
Mr. Eaton was born in Wisconsin August 16th, 1861,
the son of William Tracy and Loverna (Robinson) Eaton.
Mr. Eaton Sr. was a merchant of Grand Rapids, Mich.,
and his son, William R., was reared in that city, having
been taken there by his father at the age of 4 years, and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 13
received the advantage of a good education, having
graduated from the Grand Rapids High School and later
from one of the leading business colleges of that city.
Very soon after graduation he entered the employ of
a large Chicago business house, for whom he kept books
for sometime, and eventually became connected with the
Williams Lumber Company of Springfield, Mo. By them
he was sent to Lebanon, Mo., to take charge of their large
lumber interests there, and it was greatly to his credit that
in a serious lumber fight he won out, and was sent to
Humansville and later to Golden City making good to a
marked degree in both places. Then, in 1888, he cast his
Jot in our midst, coming to Lock wood, where, after work-
ing for about one year, he bought a one-half interest in
a lumber yard. He was not long in acquiring the entire
business, and did business under the name of the W. R.
Eaton Lumber Co., incorporated, and for over 25 years
Mr. Eaton was its sole manager.
It is to be noted that Mr. Eaton had little capital
when he first launched for himself in Lockwood, but by
thoroughly honorable business methods and an untiring
energy he built up a business that, at the time of his
sudden death, May 4th, 1914, he had an investment of
$25,000, and had added a large stock of farming imple-
ments to his lumber interests.
Mr. Eaton was twice married, first at the early age
of 20 years, and has a daughter, Helen, who is now Mrs.
Glenarven Behymer, the wife of one of the leading at-
torneys of Los Angeles, Cal., and they have one child,
Mary Louise.
On January 1st, 1900 ; Mr. Eaton married Grace (Hull)
Holland, who was born in Clinton, 111., the daughter of
Ansel and Elizabeth (Bates) Hull. By her first marriage
Mrs. Eaton had one son, Harold Hull Holland, who is
now one of our rising young business men, being asso-
ciated with his mother in the lumber business. Mr. Hol-
land is married to Miss Kittie Lee, formerly of Miller, Mo.,
and they have one daughter, Dorothy Lee Holland. Mr.
and Mrs. William R. Eaton have four children, as follows,
14 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
all of whom are at home with Mrs. Eaton: Ruth Eliza-
beth, William Robert, Grace Loverna and Elsie Rebecca.
Air. Eaton was an independent voter and took great in-
terest in civic affairs, lie was a valuable member of the
Presbyterian church and very active in Sunday school
work, having served as superintendent for a number of
years and was elder in the church for some 12 years.
He was an Odd Fellow, K. of P. and Aiodern Woodman.
Peace to his memory.
o
MRS. W. R. EATON LUMBER COMPANY OF LOCK-
WOOD, MO.
Mrs. W. R. Eaton, Manager.
The large lumber interests of the above-named com-
pany are the legitimate outcome of the efforts of the late
William R. Eaton, extended mention of whom is made in
another part of this volume. The business was established
by Air. Eaton about 1889. At the time of his untimely
and unexpected demise, Airs. W. R. Eaton, his wife, took
active and immediate charge of the large business, and
to this day, be it said, to her wonderful business ability,
she has successfully managed its affairs and greatly added
thereto.
This is the day of business women, it is said, but we
of Dade County have few instances, in fact, none, where
a business of such magnitude and complications is man-
aged entirely by one of the fair sex.
Airs. Eaton was born in Clinton, 111., had the advan-
tage of a good education, has improved her opportunities,
and taken life seriously, and the result is that instead of
having to dispose of a large, lucrative business on account
of the death of its founder, she was well equipped to take
the reins and not only keep it alive but to cope with the
competition incident and accomplish greater business
success. This company is known far and wide for its
fair treatment of its customers and the pleasing person-
ality of the manager, Airs. Eaton, is making itself felt
everywhere.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 15
Mrs. Eaton can furnish you with anything in the
building line, can make your estimates in the most ap-
proved and up to date fashion, and sell you a bill of goods
that you can rely upon, and do it so pleasantly that you
are glad to part with the money. All honor to our one
and only business woman of the first rank. Mrs. Eaton
is something of a farmer, too, owning and managing con-
siderable acreage. In addition to her large business, this
finely-educated and courteous lady finds time to devote to
her church. She and her family are a credit to our county
and city. May she live long and never leave us. We need
more like her.
WILLIAM N. EDGE.
Is a native of Dade County and was born where he
now lives, in South Morgan Township, on the 26th day
of December, 1865, a son of Jonathan and Barbara Ann
(Cook) Edge. Henry Edge, his grandfather, and wife
were natives of Tennessee, were married there, and Jona-
than Edge was also born in Tennessee. His grandparents
came to Dade County overland, in an ox wagon, bringing
a family of children with them. Jonathan Edge was
twice married. His first wife was Beckie McClure. She
died, leaving seven children, three of whom are still living.
They are Mrs. Clate Hargrave of Walnut Grove, Mrs.
Steve Gray of Polk County and Mrs. Maggie Baty of Polk
County. Of the second family of children, William N.
Edge is the oldest. Mary, who is now Mrs. George Clem-
mons, lives in the state of Washington. Koxana died at
the age of 20 years. Luella, his youngest sister, is now
Mrs. L. E. Brown, and also resides in the state of Wash-
ington.
Jonathan Edge took up 160 acres of land in South
Morgan Township, which was unimproved, lie broke it
up with an ox team, farmed it in a primitive manner,
and prospered. He built a frame house out of native wal-
nut, dash-sawing the weather-boarding and shingles. It
was built at a very early date, and was so substantial
U HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
that William N. Edge still occupies it as his home. Jona-
than Edge was a good farmer, a substantial citizen, a
Republican in politics, and an active member of the M. E.
church, as also was his wife.
William N. Edge has always lived on the old home-
stead. His father in his lifetime divided the land among
his children, but by purchase from the other heirs Wil-
liam has acquired title to 100 acres, upon which he lives,
farms and prospers. The entire 100 acres is in cultiva-
tion and well watered.
Mr, Edge has made considerable improvement in the
way of wire fencing and outbuildings, so that now he has
a fine farm, well improved. He raises full-blood Hereford
cattle. Hi^ herd is headed by a registered bull, "Beau
Sentinel." He has six registered cows. He also raises
Poland-China hogs and has a fine flock of Shropshire
sheep.
William N. Edge was married on the 3rd day of
October, 1886, to Florilla Walker, a native of Ohio, born
April 14th, 1866, daughter of James W. Walker. He was
an old soldier and lived retired for years.
W r illiam N. Edge and wife are the parents of six chil-
dren, five of whom are living, one dying in infancy.
Those living are:
(1) Sadie, married Tom Glaze, live in Dadeville,
and have four children.
(2) Emma, married William Pyle, and lives in
Dadeville. They have six children.
(3) Earl Edger, married Blanch Cannady, a native
of Dade County. He is a business man in Kansas, and
they have two children.
(5) "Willie, married Kib Brame, a farmer of Polk
Township.
(5) Frank is still at home.
William N. Edge is a Republican, a member of the
Township Board, has served on the school board, drives
an Overland car, is a booster for good roads, good schools,
and is in every way a most desirable citizen of the com-
rnunitv.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 17
JACOB EIRSMAN.
Was born in the state of Pennsylvania August 25th,
1833, son of Christian and Katie (Harsy) Eirsman, of
Swiss and German parentage. They settled in Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, in 1836, where they farmed until
1870, when they came to Audrain County, Missouri.
Christian Eirsman died in Missouri at the age of 73 years,
and his widow went back to Ohio, where she died at the
advanced age of 94 years.
Jacob Eirsman remained at home until 18 years of
age, working on the farm and working out. At the age
of 23 he learned the milling trade, and followed that occu-
pation until 1882. He followed this occupation in Greene
County, Illinois, and in 1882 came to Audrain County,
Missouri, where he purchased land and farmed there
until coming to Dade County in 1893. His first purchase
in Dade County was 37 acres adjoining Greenfield on the
southwest. He lived on this place ten years, then moved
to Greenfield. He has owned several farms in the county
and is now the owner of a fine home in the city of Green-
field, also a farm of 189 acres a few miles northwest of
the city, well improved, which he gives his personal at-
tention. He also owns an improved farm of 130 acres in
Greene County, Illinois, and 80 acres in Texas.
Jacob Eirsman was married on the 27th day of Octo-
ber, 1859, to Rachel Crummell, born July 4th, 1839, in
Ohio. She died in Illinois February 16th, 1906, leaving
two living children, one of whom has since died.
Mr. and Mrs. Elirsman were the parents of three
children:
(1) Katie, born August 20th, 1860, married M. E.
McMahan of Illinois, where they now live. Mr. McMahan
is a prominent citizen of Greene County, Illinois, a Justice
of the Peace and a successful business man.
(2) Mary Frances, born in 1870 and died in 1875.
(3) Victor Lee, born August 9th, 1879, died May
6th, 1908. He married Bessie Finley, daughter of Albert
Finley, and left three children, Katharine Marie, Tom
18 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Crummell and Alberta Lee. Mr. Eirsman makes his home
with Bessie Eirsman and family in Greenfield. He is a
member of the Baptist church and was made an Odd
Fellow in 1857.
Although 84 years of age, Mr. Eirsman is as active
as many men 20 years his junior. He personally con-
ducts his farming and stock raising operations on his
farm, is able to do a good day's work 1 at manual labor
and his memory is as sound as his physical body. His
garden, the product of his own labor, has for many years
been the pride and envy of all his neighbors. During
the summer months the rising sun finds Mr. Eirsman
busy with the hoe or other implement of industry, and
in the winter months he is not idle.
DAVID F. EDMONSON.
Born in Greene County, Missouri, in Walnut Grove,
April 2nd, 1859, son of Stephen A and Louisa (Looney)
Edmonson. Stephen A. Edmonson was born in 1833 and
died December 23rd, 1906. Louisa Edmonson was born
in 1834 and now resides at Walnut Grove, in compara-
tively good health.
David F. Edmonson received his education in the
common schools of the community and entered the teach-
ers' profession at the age of 21 years. He taught one
term of school before his marriage, and six terms after-
wards in Polk and Dade counties. He was married No-
vember 16th, 1881 to Miss Ophelia G. Cantrel], who was
born February 20th, 1863, daughter of Elcanah and Pru-
dilla (Speight) Cantrell. The Cantrells and the Speights
were pioneer families of Dade County. To this union were
born six children :
(1) Jesse, born January llth, 1886, married Fay
Carlock, January llth- 1906.
(2) Alice, born December 22nd, 1888, married Gor-
don Dodd, and lives in Springfield.
(3) Alfred Ray, born August 18th, 1890, married
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 19
Elva Hargraves October 15th, 1913, lives in Polk County,
and is a school teacher by profession.
(3) Madge, born September 20th, 1894, is a school
teacher, now attending business college in Springfield.
(5) Allen B., born October llth, 1897, is now attend-
ing High School at Walnut Grove.
(6) Mildred L., born January 8th, 1901, is now in
High School at Walnut Grove.
The mother of these children died May 21st, 1911.
On the 25th day of December, 1912, David F. Edmon-
son was married to Mrs. Hattie M. (Matthews) Cunning-
ham, widow of H. Albert Cunningham, a native of Dade
County. She was the mother of three children prior to
her marriage to Mr. Edmonson:
(1) Mabel L., born July 3rd, 1887, married Emery
Clements, a merchant, who is now employed as general
manager of the Kresge 5-and-10-cent store in Milwaukee,
Wis. They have one child, Emery Richard Jr.
(2) Iva M., born November 8th, 1890, lives in Mil-
waukee.
(3) Laclede, born March 5th, 1893, married Imogene
Brown, a Kansas City girl, and they live in Colorado and
have one son, Henry Albert Cunningham.
Mr. Edmonson farmed on rented land for a number
of years, teaching school in the meantime, saved his
money, and in 1891 he bought the old Bill Crawford farm
of 200 acres, mostly on time. In a few years he paid off
the mortgage cleared out the timber, fenced and cross-
fenced, and improved the dwelling, so that now it is a
fine seven-room house, with two halls, toilet and bath.
The house is modern in every respect, including a sewage
system. He has a splendid well, drilled 200 feet, and
water raises within four feet of top of ground. This is
practically an artesian well, with cold, soft water. He
utilizes a gasoline engine for pumping purposes, has pres-
sure tank in cellar with connections for irrigating lawn
and garden. He also uses a windmill in connection with
the farm watering system. The farm improvements in-
clude two large, modern barns.
20 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Mr. Edmonson makes a specialty of raising high-
class cattle, horses and mules, and he is an enthusiastic
exhibitor of prize-winning stock at the various county and
district fairs. Some of his mules, especially, have brought
record-breaking prices. He usually feeds many hogs for
the market. Mr. Edmonson has a 40-acre field of alfalfa,
which has flourished beyond his most ardent expectations.
In short, Mr. Edmonson has a model stock and grain
farm, highly improved, rich soil, well watered, conven-
iently located, and one of which he is justly proud.
Mr. Edmonson is a Baptist, while Mrs. Edmonson is a
member of the Christian church. He is a Democrat in
politics and a stickler for good roads. He has always
taken a prominent part in school matters and has served
on the school board for many years.
Perhaps, if one should search for the key to Mr. Ed-
monson 's success in life, he would finde it in this: That he
puts his whole life and soul into his work, declaring that
whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. He is
not satisfied with anything short of the very best. When
he works it is for the purpose of accomplishing a well-
defined purpose, and there is no let-up until the object
of his labor is accomplished.
MRS MATILDA (LACK) EVANS.
Before Dade County was known, at the time when this
district was known as Barry County, John and Sarah
(Hasten) Lack moved from Virginia to Dade County and
bought a claim. This was in the year 1839, 77 years ago.
At this time there were but few settlers in all this region
of country. They came to Boonville by water and from
there to Dade County overland, the primitive way.
"Aunt Tilly" was 7 years old at the time her parents
moved to this county, she being the third in birth of a
family of 11 children, having been born in Virginia April
23rd, 1832. The elder Lacks began to farm soon after
they purchased a claim in Lockwood-Greenfield district,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 21
and by careful management and sagacious living, there
were added to that Lack homestead 800 acres of land,
known to this day as the Lack Settlement, and much of it
is still owned by his heirs. "Aunt Tilly" was born in
Virginia, the mother of presidents. From her parents she
inherited an ambitious spirit and a strong determination
to win in every life attempt. Soon after her Dade County
citizenship began she determined to gain the best educa-
tion possible, therefore her parents provided for her the
best opportunity possible. Her early girl life is closely
linked with the school history of the county, so much so
that it is difficult to mention the early school history of
Greenfield without mentioning her name. All the oldest
settlers delight to talk about the school interests in those
days, and none of them fail to mention "Aunt Tilly."
According to the memory of the oldest inhabitants, it
was a very difficult matter for members of her class to
keep pace with her in her studies. She has always pos-
sessed a splendid memory. While other students were
fretting over hard problems, she would solve them and
have plenty of time for recreation and amusement. Her
bright, witty brain always afforded pleasure for her com-
panions and her knowledge of matters and various prob-
lems gave her a wide circle of friends.
When true character clothes the life there is nothing
that can foil its purpose. Determination to win is a great
asset. After a time, when, becoming a young woman,
school days became more interesting to "Aunt Tilly,"
because of the fact that her life dream was about to come
true she should become a master of a school room and
lead others in the paths of education. In 1866 she began
teaching, and she kept on teaching a few years after she
and Mr. Evans were married. She taught at the famous
Honey Creek school house over in Pennsylvania Prairie.,
the school that has one of the richest histories it is pos-
sible to find, and which is treated in another chapter. She
also taught near Arcola, as well as in Center Township.
Many of the tow-headed boys and girls of age remember
her well as their teacher and friend. At this time Green-
22 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
field was in her swaddling garments, and the old log school
house served the purpose of church functions, as well
as school. Helm Wetzel, Samuel Weir and other well-
known citizens were her schoolmates. One school house
then stood in the vicinity of the Edward Shaw garage,
and another stood in the neighborhood of the Dr. Bailey
home, now the property of Mrs. Dr. Martin. Another
chapter will give full account of the early school houses.
The lilies of the valley give no sweeter charm than a
white-headed old couple on their march to the eternal
sea. Both fitness and worth surely mark the characters
of "Uncle George" and "Aunt Tilly." They bear a
charm in age that wins the admiration of the student,
the common day man, the man in business, or the man of
leisure. Their heads are white-capped with the snows of
many winters, yet their hearts are warmed by the return-
ing of spring time and early summer sunrays of hope,
confidence and trust. When they depart an entire county
will mourn.
Mrs. Virginia Pearson and Alexander Lack of Lock-
wood are sister and brother to "Aunt Tilly," and John
Lack of Center Township is also a brother. The history
of the Lack family is too important to omit from the his-
tory of our county and people.
SAMUEL FARMER.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, near Seybert,
November 4th, 1867, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Cox)
Farmer, both natives of Tennessee, and married there.
They came to Dade County in the early 50 's and settled
near Seybert Here they farmed for many years, raising
a family of 9 children, Samuel being next to the youngest.
Four of these children are still living. One brother,
William, lives in Oklahoma; one sister, Sarah, is now Mrs.
John Ilarlow of Louisiana, and one sister, Evaline, is
now Mrs. James Morris, and lives in Aurora.
Samuel Farmer was 13 years of age when his father
died, and from then on he fought his own wav in the
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 23
world. He worked out at anything and everything he
could find to do for seven years, then entered the mill-
ing business at Seybert. At this time the Seybert mill
was owned by J. F. Johnson, and he remained in this
employment for 27 years, working with Mr. Johnson,
Mr. C. W. Montgomery, and later with Arkley Frieze.
He became an expert miller, and in 1914 purchased the
Hulston mill from the Nixon estate. On acquiring this
property, he refitted and remodeled the same, giving it
a capacity of 25 barrels per day, with a saw mill in
connection. It is now in first class condition, equipped
with a 24-horsepower engine, driven by a 30-horsepower
boiler, and it is only possible to estimate the extent of
the waterpower which, with a fail 1 head of water, his tur-
bine wheels would easily develop 100-horsepower or more.
He has made a specialty of manufacturing Red Seal first-
grade and Purity, a second-grade, flour, brands which are
known all over the country for their excellence. He also
buys all kinds of grain and produce.
In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Farmer
also does custom grinding, which is a great accommoda-
tion to the surrounding community. There are 11 acres
of land belonging to this mill site, and the entire plant
represents an investment of $5,000. Mr. Farmers' dwell-
ing is located on this 11-acre tract.
Mr. Farmer was married on the 2nd day of Septem-
ber, 1888, to Miss Lake Pyle, a daughter of Carter and
Sarah (Grant) Pyle, whose history will appear in a more
extended form in another part of this volume.
To this union were born 11 children: Howard M.,
Sarah E., Mary, Mabel, Blossom, Nona, Eula, Frieda,
Archie, Carter and Hazel. Three are married. Howard
married Anna Woody. They have one child. Sarah E.
married Dennis Jennings, and lives near Seybert. They
have two children. Mary married Ira H. Hall, Sheriff of
Dade County. They have one child.
Mr. Farmer is a Republican. He and his wife are
each members of the Christian church, and he has been
an Elder for some years. Mr. Farmer is a type of those
24 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
industrious men who are self-made. Notwithstanding the
handicap of poverty in his early days and the burden of
raising a large family, he has faced the struggle cheer-
fully, and has succeeded.
WILLIAM LEE FERGUSON.
One of the prominent financiers and business men
of Bade County \vas born September 18th, 1870, in Lafay-
ette County, Missouri, son of Richard and Mary J.
(McLay) Ferguson. His father was born in Kentucky
February 17th, 1839, while his mother was born in Indiana
August 27th, 1840. His father died during the year 1906,
while his mother had departed this life in 1876.
Richard Ferguson was of Scotch-Irish parentage,
being a son of John Henry Ferguson, who was born in
England. He was a farmer by occupation and came to
Missouri in 1860 and located in Lafayette County, where
for a number of years he enjoyed a fair measure of suc-
cess. He afterward purchased a farm and moved to John-
son County, where he spent the remainder of his days.
During the Civil war he aligned himself with the Con-
federate cause, and part of his military service was as a
private in a division commanded by General Price. He
was a Democrat in politics and early in life united with
the Christian church.
Mary J. Ferguson was also of Scotch-Irish parentage,
and came to Lafayette County in a very early day. Both
Mr. and Mrs Ferguson are buried in Lafayette County,
at the Mt. Tabor cemetery. She was a member of the
Christian church. Five children were born of this mar-
riage:
(1) John Chapman, born in Lafayette County June
10th, 1863, died December 21st, 1913.'
(2) Jennie L., born in Kentucky May 31st, 1865,
married J. S. Gilliland, a farmer, living at Holden, Mo.
(3) James Walter, born in Kentucky October 27th,
1867, died March 28th, 1886.
(4) William Lee, the subject of this sketch.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 25
(5) Sallie G., born in Lafayette County May 17th,
1873, married W. 1). Utt, a fanner, living near Holden, Mo.
A very interesting relic, now in the possession of Wil-
liam L. Ferguson, is a very ancient book, considerably
more than 100 years old. It is a small account book,
originally intended for " Tides men to keep their accounts
of delivery of goods from on shipboard." It was evi-
dently owned awd used by Ralph Gorrell during the 18th
century as a Tidesman's record, but was afterwards trans-
formed into a family record. The original cash entries
were in pounds, shillings and pence, and seemed to be
for "indigo." The first entry of a birth record reads:
"Ralph G. Maxwell, born October 23rd, 1803." Then
follows the names and dates of births and deaths, with
the notation that they were born in Ireland. Adison C.
DeLay was born July 24th, 1809, in France. These were
great-grandparents of William L. Ferguson on his moth-
er's side. The book has every appearance of extreme old
age, being bound in sheepskin, the pages being yellow with
age. The entry on the last page in the book is of special
interest: "February 1st, 1801, Robert Gorrell, Dr. to
David Gorrell, to cash lent you, 6 pounds, 10 shillings.
North Carolina currency."
William L. Ferguson was raised on a farm, attended
the country schools, after which he took a course at the
State Normal at Warrensburg. He then taught for two
years in the country schools, and afterwards was principal
of the schools in Holden, Mo., for three years, and was
also principal of the schools at Hallsville, in Boone
County, for three years. He came from Holden to South
Greenfield in May, 1904, and engaged in the general mer-
chandise business with J. L. Gilliland. After one and a
half years he became interested in, and, with others, organ-
ized the Farmers' State Bank at South Greenfield, and
later became its cashier, which position he still holds.
Mr. Ferguson was married in Greenfield, Mo., Decem-
ber 22nd, 1901, to May Boisseau, daughter of C. D. and
Sythia Jane (Gilliland) Boisseau, her father being one of
the influential citizens of Dade County, having been a
26
member of the state legislature from Dade County for
two terms and prominent in Republican politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are the parents of one child,
Lucy Lee, born August 6th, 1906. Mr. Ferguson is a
member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Ferguson
holds membership in the Presbyterian church at Green-
field. He is an Odd Fellow, a M. W. A., a Democrat in
politics, and, while not an office-seeker, he has held many
positions of honor and trust in his community. He has
been Trustee and Treasurer of Washington Township
since its organization, was one of the prime movers in the
establishment of the village school at South Greenfield,
was active in the erection of the school building, has
served many years on the school board, both as director
and treasurer, which position he now holds, and is treas-
urer of the city of South Greenfield and of the I. 0. 0. F.
lodge of that place.
Mr. Ferguson has been one of the leading spirits in
the good-roads movement in Dade County, and as a mem-
ber of the Washington Township organization, and also
as president of the Good-Roads Committee of that town-
ship he worked incessantly for the best interests of the
township in the matter of voting bonds for the construc-
tion of 17 miles of rock road in his township, and it was
largely due to his executive ability in the matter of ex-
penditures that the township was able to build such
good roads..
o
THOMAS RANDOLPH FINLEY.
Was born in the Territory of Arkansas in 1819 upon
a farm, and received only a common school education.
He emigrated with his family to Kentucky, where he
remained two or three years, and then came to Dade
County in 1849 and located on what is now Pilgrim Town-
ship, where he bought and entered land. Here he raised
his family and accumulated property until his real estate
holdings amounted to 180 acres. He was a member of
the Home Guards during the Civil war, and a member of
the Baptist church, but later became a member of the
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 27
Christian church. In politics he was a Democrat. He
was a great reader and very conversant with the bible,
and engaged in many biblical discussions.
He was married to Mary E. Bandy in Arkansas. She
was a member of the Christian church. To this union
were born four children, three of whom are living:
(1) Milton L., a carpenter, now living in Colorado.
(2) Louisa A., married John M. Shelton.
(3) Delia F., married Robert J. West, and resides
near Roberts, Ark.
Louisa A. Finley was married to John M. Shelton
November 10th, 1871. He was a son of John D. and Ada-
line (Brown) Shelton. He was born in Tennessee Au-
gust 1st, 1847. The family lived in Lawrence County,
Missouri, in an early day, and John M. came to Dade
County in the 70 's, and located near Pilgrim and taught
school seven years. He farmed the Finley homestead
and died there Marh 14th, 1891. He was a successful
farmer, a member of the Baptist church, belonged to the
I. 0. 0. F. and was a Democrat in politics.
He enlisted in Company E, Forty-sixth Regiment,
Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and served six months, until
the close of the war. He was but 18 years of age when
he enlisted.
Mr. and Mrs. Shelton were the parents of three
children:
(1) Stella, born on the Finley homestead February
17th, 1873, was educated in the home schools and at
Ozark College in Greenfield. Married Albert Daigh
October 24th, 1893, son of Thomas J. and Mary J. (Willis)
Daigh, one of the pioneer families of Dade County, Richard
Willis having settled early in South Township. Albert
and Stella Daigh are the parents of one child, Offner V.,
born June 24th, 1894. His parents reside on a farm in
South Township, while Offner is engaged in farming, and
also in automobiles.
(2) Luella, born on the Finley homestead October
15th, 1874, married Dr. W. R. Riley of Everton, where
she now resides.
28 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(3) Douglas Jones, born on the Finley homestead
December 1st, 1883, and is now farming the Finley home-
stead. He married Myrtle Dickinson, and they have
three children, Thomas Randolph, Miriam Lecelia and
James Dickinson.
Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Christian church.
She moved to Everton in 1906, and is now living a retired
life in that citv.
ANDREW JACKSON FRIAR.
It would be impossible to write a complete history of
Dade County without the name, "Friar," standing out
prominently upon almost every page. The subject of
this sketch is a man who is properly styled as being
"indigenous to the soil," having spent his entire life upon
the old homestead which his grandfather settled in
the 30 's.
Andrew Jackson Friar was born in Dade County, Mis-
souri, on the 25th day of February, 1863, a son of William
and Lucy (Hudspeth) Friar, who were natives of Gilford
County, North Carolina. William came to Dade County
at the age of 18 years with his father, also named William
Friar, in the 30 's. They came overland with ox teams, and
settled upon the farm where Mr. Friar now lives, his
grandfather taking up about 400 acres of choice land
along Turnback creek, much of which was splendid bottom
land. On this farm his grandfather and grandmother
lived, served, sacrificed and died. They raised a family
of eight children, all of whom are dead except Susan
Preston, widow of Isaac Preston (deceased), who is still
active even at the extreme age of 84 years.
William Friar, the father of Andrew J. Friar, was
married in Dade County, Missouri, to Lucy Hudspeth,
daughter of Andrew Hudspeth, once sheriff of the county.
William stayed with the old home place, and after the
death of his father bought out the other heirs and made
the place of his choice his permanent home.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 29
In the exciting days of 1849 William contracted the
"gold fever," and, like the Argonauts of old, he set sail
in a Prairie Schooner to the golden fields of California,
and after a period of some years returned home with a
goodly supply of the yellow metal. William Friar was
the father of seven children, Andrew J. being the third
son. Thad and Robert died in Dade County years ago.
William lives in Dade County. Nannie, now Mrs. Judson
Adamson lives in Lawrence County. Susan died when 2
years of age, and Lula died at the age of 5 years.
William Friar was a Democrat, served during the
Civel war in the Home Guards under Colonel Bailey, and
is buried at the Shiloh cemetery. He owned 240 acres
of land at the time of his death, was a good man, a suc-
cessful farmer, took great delight in live stock, was an
upright Christian gentleman, a member of the M. E.
church (South), and died as he lived, honored and re-
spected by the people who knew him best.
Andrew J. Friar has always lived upon the original
Friar homestead. At his mother's death, in connection
with his brother, he purchased the interest of the remain-
ing heirs, and divided the farm so that he acquired 160
acres, including the dwelling house built by his father
in 1876. His entire life has been spent upon the farm, and
contentment is his priceless heritage. Since purchasing
the farm he has erected a large barn, added to the comfort
and convenience of the dwelling, and made other valuable
improvements in order to more successfully carry on his
farming and live stock enterprises.
On the 7th day of May, 1893, he married Mollie
Ruark, a native of Lawrence County, who was born July
10th, 1873, a daughter of Joshua Wheeler Ruark and
Selina (Sutton) Ruark, the former being a native of
Indiana and the latter of Newton County, Missouri. Mr.
and Mrs. Ruark were married in Newton County, Mis-
souri. Joshua Wheeler Ruark died in Lawrence county
June 6th, 1902, at his farm, where he had resided
36 years, and his funeral was attended by practically
_30 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
every citizen in the community. His remains were buried
in the Sychamore cemetery of that neighborhood.
Joshua \V. Ruark was 6 years old when he first came
to Dade County. At the breaking out of the Civil war
he enlisted in the Federal army and served over three
years in Company L, Eighth Missouri State Militia. He
was captured twice and barely escaped being shot while
in the hands of "Bushwhackers." At one time he and a
companion were in swimming, when his companion was
shot, and Mr. Ruark barely escaped a like fate.
Mr. and Mrs. Ruark were the parents of six children:
(1) Theodosia, married William Friar, brother of
Andrew J. Friar.
(2) Belle, now Mrs. James McPherson of Lawrence
County.
(3) Walter, a resident of Lawrence County.
(4) Mollie, wife of Andrew J. Friar of Dade County,
Missouri.
(5) Ely, a resident of Lawrence County,
(6) Luther, living at Miller, Lawrence County.
Andrew J. Friar and wife have a family of five
children :
(1) Wana, born March 25th, 1894, married McKinley
Terrell, a farmer of Lawrence County, Missouri. They
have one child, Loreva, born September 17th, 1915.
(2) Freddie, born September 13th, 1895, married
Earl Meek of Dade County, a farmer living near Emmett.
They have one child, Willard, born February 29th, 1916.
(3) Joshua, born October 5th, 1897.
(4) Lelah, born November 12th, 1901.
(5) Vonscl, born February 12th, 1911.
Mr. Friar's farm is well adapted to stock raising,
being well watered by Turnback creek, and produces
bluegrass in abundance. He makes a specialty of Short-
horn cattle and Shropshire sheep, and annually raises a
large number of hogs. A gasoline engine is utilized in
pumping water, washing and operating other farm ma-
chinery.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 31
Mr. Friar and wife are members of the M. E. church
(South), in which organization he is a Trustee, and both
are much interested in the various enterprises of the
church. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the
Township Board and for two years served as Justice of
the Peace. Fraternally Mr. Friar holds membership in
the A. F. & A. M. and the W. 0. W. at Everton.
Tireless industry, unflinching honesty and sterling
integrity are the characteristics which have marked the
life of Mr. Friar, and contributed to its unmeasured suc-
cess. He is one of the landmarks socially, morally and
financially in the community in which he lives.
WILLIAM FRIAR.
In recounting the early history of the Friar family,
their geneology, early settlement and achievements, the
attention of the reader is called to the extended state-
ment given in the history of Andrew Jackson Friar, found
under the proper caption in this volume.
William Friar, the subject of this sketch, was born on
the Friar homestead in South Township on the waters of
Turnback May 20th, 1865. His early life was spent on
the farm, working for and with his father. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of the county, and on May
26th, 1889, lie was married to Tlieodosia Ruark, a Law-
ranee County girl, who was born on the 25th day of
July, 1866. Her father, Joshua Wheeler Rurak, was one
of the most prominent citizens of Lawrence County.
There were six children born of this union, viz:
(1) Joshua Floyd, born May flth, 1890. Married
to Alice Terrel November 9th, 1913. Alice was born in
Lawrence County. Two children were born of this mar-
riage, Orris, born October 23rd, 1914, and Harland Theo-
dore, born October 8th, 1916.
(2) Susan, born August 28th, 1891. Married Au-
gust 17th, 1913, to Marion Loyd Irby.
(3) Elsa, born Xocember 13th, 1893.
(4) Willie, born August 24th, 1896.
(5) Mollie, born January 31st, 1898.
32 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(6) Nannie, born January 21st, 1900.
In the year of 1890 William Frair bought 80 acres
of land from George Lieuallen, which was little improved,
and upon which was a small house. In 1910 he erected a
nice frame dwelling and other outbuildings.
At his mother's death he purchased an additional 80
acres of No. 1 land in Turnback bottom, which he has
since highly improved. In company with his brother, he
is the owner of a registered jack named "Thunder," im-
ported from Tennessee, and is engaged in breeding and
raising mules for the market. His farm is well stocked
with cattle, hogs and sheep, having a splendid flock of
Shropshires, headed by a registered buck. Turnback
creek furnishes a never-failing supply of stock water,
which is materially augmented with wells and a windmill.
In politics he is a Democrat, and his official life has
been confined to serving two years upon the district school
board. Air. Friar's ambition in life has been directed
toward the establishment of a comfortable farm home, sur-
rounding himself with the comforts and conveniences
suitable to his station in life, cultivating the spirit of con-
tentment and enjoying the benefits which come to one who
is willing to devote his time and talents to the accom-
plishment of a well-defined purpose. "By their fruits
ye shall know them," and by this standard Mr. Friar is
willing to be judged.
o
ROBERT LEE FRIAR.
Born in Dado County, Missouri, July llth, .1860, a
son of William and Lucy (Hudspeth) Friar, While in
the very prime of life, the Death Angel called, and he
answered the summons. His demise occurred on the 25th
day of February, 1S<K>, lie being a little less than 33 years
of age. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in
politics, but neither an office-holder nor an office-seeker,
devoting his entire time and energy to his chosen calling,
hi addition to fanning, he handled considerable live stock.
He was a man of integrity and high ideals, being a mem-
ber of the M. E. church (South) at the time of his death.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 33
He was married on the 20th day of October, 1881, to
Arthusa Ann Burton, who was born in Lawrence County
August 21st, 1861, a daughter of Milo Burton and Mary
(Hood) Burton, whose biographies are given at length
under proper caption in this volume. To this union were
born five children :
(1) James Burton, born October 30th, 1882, married
Florence Pilkington, and lives in Everton. They have one
child, Howard Burton Friar.
(2) William Alexander, born October 31st, 1885,
married Bytha Mallory, and lives on the homestead with
his mother.
(3 Robert E. Lee, born March 4th, 1888, married
Tressie Irby, and lives on the home place. They have
one child, Velma Lee.
(4) Effie L., born March 13th, 1890.
(5) John D., born May 27th, 1892, died January
13th, 1894.
At the time of his death Mr. Friar was the owner
of 292Xo acres of land in Dade County. Just at the time
when his family needed him the most Mr. Friar was
called home, but his faithful wife, with a heroism born
of necessity, took upon herself the burden of managing
their large farm, the care of the children and the mainte-
nance of the home.
In this unequal struggle against adversity, she was
ably assisted by her brother, Walker Burton, who made
his home with her for seven years, and materially assisted
her in cultivating the farm and supporting the children.
The children, too, as they grew older, became a source of
aid and comfort, so that in 1907 they were enabled to
build a large barn, and in 1911, a splendid farm residence.
The farm is a productive one and supplied with water
from everlasting springs. Upon its splendid pastures a
number of mules, a herd of grade Whiteface cattle and
thrifty Poland-China hogs find ample feeding grounds.
Following in the footsteps of their father, the boys
are all Democrats. Notwithstanding the circumstances
which demanded the help of the children in the home, Mrs.
3^ HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Friar has been able to give each of her children a fair
chance for a good common school education, and she has
borne the affliction of an All-Wise Providence with a
fortitude which is commendable to a degree worthy of
emulation.
ARKLEY FRIEZE.
The Frieze family is of German descent coming to
America during the 18th century and locating in North
Carolina. Later they crossed over the mountains and
located in East Tennessee where we find two brothers,
Jacob and David who married sisters by the name of
Milburn. Jacob Frieze came to Missouri in 1830 and set-
tled i 1 ' what was then Polk County. David moved to
Middle Tennesse, where he raised two sons. The oldest,
John Wilkerson Frieze was born August 10th, 1821 and
the younger, Crawford Frieze remained in Tennesse while
John came to Missouri. Crawford Frieze was a Colonel in
the Confederate army and John served three years in the
Union army.
John \V. Frieze was married in 1840 to Ann Pathiah
Mills. To this union were born a family of eight children:
(1) J. E. Frieze of Cedar County.
(2) J. A. Frieze, now deceased.
(3) Ark ley Frieze of Seybert, Mo.
(4) Sarah E., now Mrs. Melcher.
(5) Saline, was Mrs. Chancy (now deceased).
(G) Kichard Denton, now deceased.
(7) Margaret Malinda. now Mrs. Wellington Depree
of Bona, Mo.
(8) Idelia, was Mrs. Webb (now deceased).
During the year 1>S~J() John W. Frieze came with his
family to Dade County from Tennessee in ox wagons. They
came to Dr. Bender's near Dadcvillc, an old neighbor and
friend of the family in Tennessee where they stayed one
year. He then moved over on Sons Creek and remained
there one year but was so dissatisfied with the country
that he loaded up his things and started back to Tennes-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 35
see. He got as far as Lawson Hembree's, near Dadeville,
where he was persuaded to remain in Missouri.
At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in
the 8th Missouri state militia under Captain Kirby
and served three years. He participated in the campaigns
against the raids of Coffey and Price. He died July 10th,
1881.
Arkley Frieze was born in Overton County, Tenn.,
May 26, 1845 and came with his father to Dade county
when he was eleven years of age. He worked with Joel T.
Hembree in running a saw mill and he helped to saw the
lumber in the Dade County Court House. Also in many
other buildings in Greenfield. After that he worked four
years in the Dadeville flouring mill with Mr. Ingraham.
On the 19th day of March, 1873 he was married to
Delitlia Armildia McPeak and moved on to a farm north-
east of where Bona is now located. Since then he has
been engaged in general farming, stock raising, trading in
lands and in 1903 he purchased the flouring mill at Sey-
bert, and the farm adjacent thereto, erected him a splendid
new farm dwelling where he now resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Frieze are the parents of six children
(1) Edwin, born February 18th, 1874, a lawyer in
the city of Greenfield, but extensively engaged in farming,
stock raising, shipping and mining.
(2) John Harmon, born April 5th, 1877, a large
farmer and extensively engaged in raising and shipping
cattle, horses, hogs and mules. He lives in the north-
eastern part of the county.
(3) Everett, born August 18th, 1879, a lawyer on the
Pacific coast, formerly represented Dade County in the
Missouri legislature.
(4) Vernon, born February 28, 1882, a lawyer and
extensive farmer and stock dealer of Dade County.
(5) Bessie, born September llth, 1884, one of the
brightest students that ever attended the Greenfield High
School, graduated from that institution in the class of
1904; she since has taken post graduate courses in the
following state institution, Missouri University. She is
36 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
easily one of the best educated young women in South-
west Missouri.
(6) Theodore, born June 6th, 1893, also a graduate
of the Greenfield High School, a splendid student and a
promising young man.
While Mr. Frieze himself had only the benefit of a
common school education he has made a specialty of giv-
ing his children the benefit of higher education and has
contributed largely of his means in giving each of them a
fair start in life both in money and in land. Mr, Frieze
is however a man of large native ability, being able to
give the tax collector from memory an exact legal descrip-
tion of every tract and parcel of land he owns in the
county, and they number almost a score and many of them
intricate descriptions by metes and bounds, a feat which
few men, even those engaged in the professions could ac-
complish.
By reason of his energy, industry, frugality and gen-
eral application to business, Mr. Frieze has been a pros-
perous man and has accumulated much property. He is
an ideal citizen, a Republican in politics and his family
are members of the Christian church. He is still actively
engaged in the farming, stock raising, shipping and mill-
ing business. His home is at Seybert, some ten miles north
of Greenfield on the Sac River, his farm home being one
of the few buildings which constitute the village of Sey-
bert, the remaining ones being a store, a blacksmith shop,
a few other dwellings, a splendid new Christian church
and the Seybert mill.
FRED FRYE.
Fred Frye was born in Hanover, Germany, November
4th, 1853. His parents emigrated to the United States in
1854, embarking on August 20th, 1854, on the three-masted
sailing ship Halifax, and after eighteen weeks' stormy voy-
age landed in New Orleans on the day before Christmas,
December 24th, 1854. On that voyage seventeen persons
died and were buried in the sea. There were 1654 emigrants
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 37
on the ship, and the supplies of foodstuffs and water ran
short and had to be proportioned to everybody on the ship.
When we landed in New Orleans we were met by my uncle,
William Frye, and family, of that city. We stayed in New
Orleans until January 20th, 1855, and took the river boat
Louisiana up the Mississippi river to St, Louis, Mo. This
took eleven days to make the trip to St. Louis. On our
arrival we were met by another uncle, named Henry. In
St. Louis we stayed seven days, and at that time St. Louis
was not very much above Fifth Street West. From St.
Louis we started on two ox wagons into Southern Illinois,
Washington County, practically a wilderness at that time.
Forty-eight miles east of St. Louis, my father bought a
homestead from an old trapper by the name of George
Hood, 260 acres, and later bought more land from the
government, and some from the Illinois Central railroad.
There were no towns, no schools, no churches, within ten
miles or more, and we had to get the provisions from St.
Louis, and could not talk the American language. This
was an uphill business. When I got old enough to go to
school we did not have any school, and my father taught
me and my sister to read and write, to be sure, in German,
because he did not know anything else. In 1859 there was
quite a settlement already, and they built a log school house,
and our first teacher was an old farmer by the name of
Riddle, and he did Riddle us once in a while, and from that
time on we had better sailing and things were coming our
way, and I got to be quite a boy by that time, and soon began
to look at the girls.
In the year 1860 there was a little town started in our
neighborhood, called New Minden, and my father and three
other men built a largo flour mill, as that proved to be a
good wheat country, and is yet. The mill was of 250 bar-
rels capacity, and took eighteen months to complete it. The
mill is still running. The same mill company also started a
general store, and called it the Mill Store. In 1862 my
father sold his one-fourth interest in the mill for $10,000
and bought the other three-fourths of the General Store
and there is where I got started in the merchandise busi-
38 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ness. In 1868 on November 1st my father died and my
mother continued in the business until 1875 when she
sold out to another party and from that time on my real
life began. After a few year's courtship with the girls I
got married on April 17, 1876 to my present wife, Lily and
with her I moved back on the farm again where we
worked for our living until 1881). During my stay on the
farm I held several public offices such as school board,
township school commissioner, tax collector and justice
of the peace and manager and butter maker of a creamery.
June 12, 1889 I came to Lock wood, Mo., where my-
self and children built a creamery which we operated for
about ten years and then was turned into a mill and light
plant and is at this writing still in operation. December
28, 1889 i bought a half interest in the store from Martin
Heiser, known at that time as Hanbein & Heiser store and
then changed to the firm name of Hanbein & Frye, and
was operated under this name until 1897 when Hanbein
sold his half interest to Fritz Warren and the firm changed
to Frye & Warren and run until the fall of 1900 when we
sold out to Shafer & Co. In 1901 I started merchandise
business again at my present place of business. During
my stay in Lock wood I held different public offices; city
council three years; justice of the peace; director of bank;
fair board; and last but not least, member of county court
for the western district for one term. This was an up
hill business. Wishing all the Dade County People the
very best of health, success and prosperity.
FRED FRYE.
JAMES (HARVE) FUQUA.
Was born in Putnam county, Mo., November 23rd,
1S77, a son of William and Margaret E. (Harbert) Fuqua,
his father being a native 1 of Kentucky, of French-German
origin, born January 18, 1826 came to Dade county in
1882 and died here in 1903 at the age of 77 years.
William Fuqua was a farmer in Kentucky and also at
Unionville in this state but in coining to Greenfield in 1882
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 3j)
he engaged in the livery business which he followed for
one year and then removed to South Greenfield where he
continued in the same business. He later engaged in the
Hotel business at South Greenfield but the last few years
of his life was spent on a little farm near Neola. He how-
ever moved back to South Greenfield before his death.
He was a veteran of the civil war but was discharged on
account of disability.
Margaret Elizabeth Harbert was born in Putnam
county, Mo., June 26th, 1844, and is still living in South
Greenfield. Her parents were Putnam county farmers,
both are dead and buried in said county. She is a mem-
ber of the M. E. church.
William Fuqua and wife were the parents of eight
children :
(1) Ida, married F. M. Thompson, now in the grocery
business in Pittsburg, Kas. They have two children, Dot
Oscar and Hattie.
('2) Hattie, married J. M. Turner, a loan broker of
Trinidad, Colo. They have one child, Thelma.
(3) Laura, married J. II. Poe, a merchant at Penns-
boro. They have two children, Leona and Marion.
(4) William, married Pearl White (now deceased.)
He is a machinist at Pittsburg, Kas.
(5) James H. Fuqua.
(6) Lula, married Dr. L. S. Couplin, a physician at
South Greenfield. They have two children, Elizabeth and
Marguerite.
(7) and (8) Twins Allie and Alva died in infancy.
James H. Fuqua was raised in South Greenfield, Mo.,
where in boyhood he attended the public schools of that
place. He studied the telegraph business with the Frisco
railroad for two years and after farming for some three
years in 1900 he went into the general merchandise busi-
ness at Pennsboro, where he continued until 1911. He was
cashier for the Frisco Railroad at Monett for about one
year, when he came to South Greenfield in October, 1912,
and purchased the hardware stock of B. J. J. Marsh, to
which he added a line of furniture and undertaking. Later
40 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
he added implements, buggies, carriages, harness and farm
supplies, until now it is one of the large concerns of Dade
County.
In the year 1914 he erected a complete waterworks
system for South Greenfield, and later on, in company with
J. L. Gilliland, he put in an electric lighting system for
the town, which is run in connection with the waterworks
system.
Mr. Fuqua is the owner of a large double store build-
ing, which he occupies with his merchandise business, a
splendid home in South Greenfield, and a small farm near
town.
In 1897 he was married to Laura A. Renfro, who was
born in AYashington Township January 28th, 1880, a
daughter of Joseph and Mary J. (Merrick) Renfro, pio-
neers of Dade County. They have one child, Marie, born
near South Greenfield in 1907.
Mr. Fuqua and wife are members of the Christian
church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, W. 0. W.'s,
and votes the Republican ticket. As a citizen, Mr. Fuqua
may quite properly be classed with those known as "boost-
ers." He is always wide-awake, outspoken and enthusias-
tic for any cause which he espouses. He is especially at-
tentive to his own affairs, and has built up a splendid
business by reason of his energy and industry.
JESSE GARVER.
The subject of this sketch is one of the early pioneers
of Western Dade County. He was born in Elkbart County,
Indiana, July 9th, 1840, son of Frederick and Malinda
(Ulery) Garver. His father and mother were both natives
of Ohio. Frederick Garver, his grandfather, was taken
to Michigan at a very early date, and afterward emi-
grated to Elkhart County, Indiana, when Indians were
plentiful and fur trading was the principal commercial
industry of the country. Amid these wild scenes, Fred-
erick Garver grew to manhood, married Malinda Ulery,
whose father, George Ulery, was a weaver by trade, who
FKKI) FKYK.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PE1QPLE 41^
had emigrated to Indiana some years before. Both fami-
lies were of German descent and both Frederick and Ma-
linda had been married previous to 1840. In 1842 they
came to Missouri and settled near Cartilage, in Jasper
County, where they entered 160 acres of land from the
Government, on which they lived for 18 years. Finally
they sold out and came to Dade County, buying land near
the western line of the county, which they kept for 18
months, and sold out and bought 120 acres about one mile
west of their former tract, upon which they lived from
February, 1859, until 1889, when they again sold out and.
moved to Greenfield. His father died there July 17th,
1891, and his mother died there on September 19th, 1891.
Frederick Garver was a Republican in politics, and both
he and his wife were members of the Baptist church.
They were the parents of 13 children, three of whom died
in infancy and two later in life. Eight are now living,
six boys and two girls.
Sarah died leaving one child. She w r as the wife of
B. M. Crandall, both now deceased. Hannah, who was
Mrs. Zimmerman, died and left no children. Those living-
are as follows:
(1) Jesse, the subject of this sketch.
(2) Solomon, married Angeline Steeley, a Dade
County girl, now deceased, and raised a family of nine
children. He now r lives in Arkansas.
(3) Susan, married Ben Cooley and lives in Green-
field.
(4) Ellen, married Tom Drysdale and lives in Polk
Township.
(5) George, married Margaret Steeley, also a Dade
County girl. They now live in Oklahoma.
(6) John, married Mrs. Owens and lives near Ever-
ton.
(7) Alva, married first a Miss Cartell of Dade
County and raised a large family, and after her death he
re-married in Polk Township.
(8) Dave, married Louisia Grooms, a Dade County
girl. They now live near Everton.
42 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
When the Garver family first settled in Missouri,
neighbors were 15 miles apart and Indians were plentiful.
In those days Jesse had more friends among the Indians
than he had among the whites, often sleeping with them
in their wig-warns and reposing more confidence in them
than in the whites, for the white men of the country in
that early day were mostly outlaws. As late as 1850,
most of the present-day cities were mere trading posts,
and where fine improved farms are now found, in that
day the deer and turkey roamed at will.
Jesse Garver was married in 1862 to Sarah Ells-
worth, a native of New York, who came to Bade County
about 1860. To this union were born 10 children, two
of whom are now living. Only three grew to maturity.
One, Margaret, married Charles Cox, and died leaving six
children. Those living are:
(1) Lizzie, married George Brobrugar. They live
in Barton County and have four children.
('2) Nancy, married John Ferguson. They now live
in Carthage and have two children.
Mr. Garver was at home w r hen the Civil war broke
out. He was the first man to enlist at Golden City, in
Company E, Fifteenth Regiment, Volunteer Cavalry, under
Captain Morris. This was in August, 1864. He served
in South Missouri and all through Arkansas for 11 months,
and was discharged June 30th, 1865, at Springfield, Mo.,
afterwhich lie returned to Dade County and settled upon
a farm of 64 acres in Grant Township, upon which he has
lived and farmed ever since.
What little schooling he obtained before the war was
received in Dade County. Schools in those days were
very primitive, often lasting not more than three months
during the year and conducted practically without books.
The pupils depended largely upon the store of knowledge
possessed by the teacher and the three R's (reading,
'righting and Yithmetic) constituted the complete course
of study. Mr. Garver has, however, been a great reader,
and is a well-informed, self-educated man. He has been
a Republican all his life, and, while he has always been
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 43
active in local politics, being counted as one of the "wheel
horses" in his township, he has never held or desired of-
fice. He is a member of the G. A. R. post at Golden City
and also a member of the I. O. O. F.
Mr. Garver is a true type of the early pioneer, having
lived in Dade County during all the years of her adversity
as well as her prosperity. He has seen the broad prairies
and fertile valleys transformed from fields of game to
fields of grain. Cities, towns and villages have sprung
up under his gaze, families have come and gone, popula-
tions have changed, but Mr. Garver is still here to tell
the story.
He is bearing up well under his weight of years
and still takes a lively interest in the passing events. He
enjoys the confidence and respect of his neighbors and
is one of the substantial men in the community in which
he lives.
REV. WILLIAM J. GARRETT.
William J. Garrett, born May 4th, 1820, departed
this life June 16th, 1915, being at the time of his death
95 years one month and 12 days of age.
The time of my first remembrance of Brother Garrett
dates back to three or four years before the war. 1
first saw him at the old Sand Mountain camp ground.
He was preaching to a large congregation of people. I
was then but a boy of 15 or 16 years, but I was attracted
by his earnestness and heard him to the close of his dis-
course, which made such an impression that I never for-
got him, and always thereafter regarded him as an able
minister.
It was his first visit to the annual camp meeting
that was held on those sacred grounds. He soon became
endeared to the vast crowds of people who attended, and
was always there during some part of those meetings,
and was gladly received by the people and loved for his
work's sake.
44 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
When the cloud of war settled down on our country
and closed for a time these precious meetings, I, with
many young men, went to the army. I am told that
Brother Garrett was ever ready through those trouble-
years to preach the precious gospel wherever his lot was
cast, though 1 only heard from him incidentally until the
fearful strife was over. Brother Garrett, with his family,
moved to some place not far from Sedalia, where he
labored for the Master until the cloud of war passed
away, when he returned with his family to Greenfield
and renewed his work.
in the autumn of 1886 the cam]) meeting was resur-
rected from the wreck of war, and the hosts of Israel
again pitched their tents on the old camp ground. Brother
Garrett was there, and was one of the ministers who
preached most ably and spiritually. On that occasion
a great revival of religion followed, resulting in the salva-
tion of something near 100 souls, a great number for that
early day. Among the converts of that meeting there
were three young men, each of whom in after years be-
came ministers of the Cumberland-Presbyterian church,
namely, W. K. Russell, James II. Harriett and W. E. Shaw.
It was truly a great meeting. It was estimated that
on Sunday night there were 140 seekers at the altar and
among them were 45 soldier boys of the Sixth Missouri
Volunteer Cavalry, and many of them were converted.
It is due Brother Garrett 's memory that I speak of him
as a great preacher. He was able, resourceful and conse-
crated, logical in his deductions, spiritual in his delivery
and pleasant in his address. He was also a sweet singer,
and there was a pathos in his great gift of song that was
truly inspiring and encouraging to the unconverted.
Brother Garrett was a favorite in funeral preaching,
and went far and near, in his sympathy, when called to
such work. lie was also a favorite in solemnizing the
marriage rite, as his record indicates.
When I was a licentiate I frequently assisted him
and Rev. J. I). Montgomery in revival work, and when I
was ordained to the full work of the ministry he was
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 45
among the number of consecrated ministers who laid his
hand upon my head.
Brother Garrett loved his church, with its doctrines.
He was a strong man in its councils, and was therefore
prized in his presbytery, and in synod, and was frequently
sent as a commissioner to the general assembly.
His services as a pastor were sought by the best
churches in his presbytery, and his field work, in some
way, was blessed throughout its boundary, lie was known
and respected not only in his own church, but also by
other religious people wherever he went.
Brother (Barrett leaves a respected and honorable
family, as a trophy of his sterling worth. Many will rise
up in the judgment and call him blessed, he having been
instrumental in leading them to the Savior of men.
May his mantle fall on others who will continue the
work so sucessfully begun and completed in his long and
useful life. W.E.SHAW.
CHARLES W. GILLMAN.
Financier, farmer and stockman, he was born near
Carlinville, Ills., June 1st, 1864, the third of a family of
seven children, a son of Henry Gilhnan, a native of Ger-
many, who came from the Fatherland many years ago and
located in Macoupin County, Illinois, near Carlinville.
True to the traditions of his race, he was an energetic,
frugal, industrious man, and prospered. In 1861) he
came to Dade County and purchased a large tract of land
in Marion Township, upon which he raised large num-
bers of horses, mules, sheep and cattle. He remained on
this farm until about four years prior to his death, when
he moved to Lockwood and retired from active business.
Fie died in 1009 at the age of 75 years. He was a member
of the Presbyterian church and voted the Democratic
ticket till the first administration of Grover Cleveland,
after which time he aligned himself with the Republican
party. At the time of his death he owned 1,040 acres of
land, a fine residence in Lockwood, three business houses
46 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and a large amount of personal property, including notes,
mortgages and Government Bonds.
In 1893 Henry Gillman, H. A. Cunningham and J. N.
Burns organized the private bank of ''Gillman, Burns
6 Co.," which operated in Lockwood until 1896, when it
was changed to "Henry Gillman and C. W. Gillman,"
and so continued till 1903, when it was chartered as "The
Bank of Lockwood," with Henry Gillman as President,
C. "W. Gillman as Cashier and John M. Adams as Assistant
Cashier. About three years before the death of his
father C. W. Gillman became the President of the insti-
tution, and still holds that position.
C. W. Gillman came to Dade County with his father
in 1869. He attended the common schools of the county,
worked on the farm, and when coming to Dade County
helped drive 1,4-00 sheep from Illinois to the Dade County
farm. His schooling was quite limited. From the age of
7 years up to the time he was 12 year? old he attended
public school, and later attended High Schoo 1 in Green-
field. In the fall of 1882 he took a three months course
in Business College at Sedalia, returned home, and ac-
cepted a position in the "old" Bank of Lockwood. For
many years he has owned and managed many farms in
the vicinity of Lockwood. At the present time his real
estate holdings amount to 320 acres in Lockwood and
Marion Townships, and he buys, sells, feeds and ships
cattle and hogs extensively.
For a number of years Mr. Gillman lived in Lock-
wood, but a few years ago he purchased 160 acres of land
lying just east of the city and almost joining the corporate
limits. Upon this he erected one of the finest country
homes in the state. Equipped with a modern heating
and water system and lighted by electricity, it is modern
in every respect. In keeping with his progressive in-
stincts, Mr. Gillman, at his own expense, graded, graveled
and macadamized one-half mile of road leading from the
city to his farm at a cost of about $700, thereby setting a
good example for his less progressive neighbors.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 47
Mr. Gillman is the owner of two automobiles, of
which lie makes constant use, both for business and
pleasure.
On the 26th day of October, 1898, he was married to
Lucy B. Pursel, a native Missouri girl, daughter of Alexan-
der and Annie (McAllister) Pursel, of Scotch ancestry.
They came to Bade County from North Missouri in 1892.
He died in 1903. His widow makes her home with C. W.
Gill man.
Henry Gilhnan and wife were the parents of seven
children, viz:
(1) Emma, married Henry Miller, a farmer of
Marion Township.
(2) John H., a farmer in Marion Township.
(3) C. W. Gilhnan.
(4) George, a farmer, lives on the old homestead.
(5) Frank, lives in Lock wood.
(G) Sophia, lives in Lock wood.
(7) Lizzie, lives with her mother in Lockwood.
C. W. Gilhnan and wife have but one child, Mary
Helen, born April 26th, 1900. She is a characteristic
High School girl, enjoys outdoor sports and is an expert
auto driver.
Mrs. Gillman is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He is a Mason, a Shriner, and his wife belongs to the East-
ern Star. In politics, Mr. Gillman is an active Republican
and, while never a candidate for an office himself, his
support is much desired by those of more ambitious ten-
dencies politically.
Mr. Gillman is yet a young man and vitally interested
in the enterprises of his business. The full measure of his
success in life has by no means been computed, but if lie
should quit the stage of action today and retire to private
life, the following motto might with all propriety be
emblazoned upon the family scroll: ''From Slieepfold to
Shrine!"
Mr. Gillman 's financial success in life has in no way
changed his early tastes or tendencies, lie is a plain
48 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
man of the plain people. Sociable, accommodating and
kind are words which fitly express his bearing toward his
neighbors and his friends.
JAMES L. GILLILAND.
Born in Johnson County, Missouri, November 13th,
1863, son of Abel Gilliland, a native of Tennessee, born
in 1809 and died in 1879, or Irish ancestry. Came west
when a young man, working in the mines near St. Louis,
later he came to Johnson County and entered a tract of
land, erected a two-story log house upon it, which he
afterward weather-boarded. He was a man of simple
tastes and retired habits, never desiring to be rich, but
always lived well. He was very liberal in his political
views, choosing the man rather than the party, and in
this way frequently changed the form of his ballot. He
married Kathryn Stewart in Missouri and raised a family
of nine children:
(1) Nancy, married John Heisey, a farmer and
blacksmith, raising a family of six children. She is
now dead.
(2) Jane, married C. D. Boisseau, who is now a
prominent citizen of Greenfield, ex-member of the Mis-
souri Legislature, ex-mayor of the city, and a leading
Republican politician. They had three children.
(3) Laura, married Daniel Boisseau, an attorney of
Warrensburg. They have one child, 0. G. Boisseau, an
attorney and Republican politician of Holden, Mo.
(4) Josephine, married John Heisey, now deceased.
She is living in Colorado. They had no children.
(5) George, now deceased.
(G) Alice, the present wife of Hon. C. D. Boisseau
of Greenfield. Her first husband was Washington Ren-
nick, by whom she had two children.
(7) Mattie, now deceased.
(N) Joseph S., a farmer, now residing in Johnson
County. Married Jennie Ferguson. They have three
children.
m:\KY AUIKKT i \\i\(;iiAM.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 49
(9) James L. Gilliland.
Mr. Gilliland was raised on a farm and received a
very meager education by attending the common schools
of Johnson County, lie remained on the farm until 1901,
when he came to South Greenfield and purchased the
grocery business then being conducted y J. H. Poe.
In the grocery business Mr. Gilliland has achieved
a reasonable degree of success. In 1914, in company with
J. H. Fuqua, he erected and equipped an electric light
plant for South Greenfield.
On the 26th day of August, 1907, he was married to
Miss Nellie Miller of South Greenfield, a daughter of
D. R. and Mary (De Berry) Miller, born in 1886. Mr.
Miller is a retired railroad bridge builder, having worked
in that capacity for both the Rock Island and Frisco
railroads. He came to South Greenfield in 1881. Mr.
Miller is a veteran of the Civil war, serving on the Union
side, and a Republican in politics. His wife is a member
of the M..E. church.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland have no living children. One
child was born of this marriage, but died in infancy.
Mr. Gilliland is a Republican in politics and a mem-
ber of the I. 0. 0. F.
JOHN L. GLASS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio, "the
Home of the Presidents," on the 17th day of December,
1851, his father, Jacob Glass, and his mother, Eliza (Cou-
ser) Glass, both being natives of the same state and both
being buried there, having died about the year 1908.
Mr. Glass was the fourth of nine children to attain
adult age, all of whom are now living, except his youngest
sister, w r ho was Mrs. Elwood Albright. She died in De-
cember, 1893, leaving three children. The remainder of
his brothers and sisters still reside in the state of Ohio.
In early life Mr. Glass gave evidence of possessing
mechanical skill above the ordinary, and was appren-
ticed to a harness-maker, in which trade he became very
50 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
proficient. The confinement of the shop not being 1 in
keeping with his instincts, he again took up farm work,
where he was employed by the year on various farms in
his native state up to the time of his marriage, after
which lie was employed by an uncle for three years. In
187!) he took up railroad construction \vork, and after
two years came west, landing in Springfield, Mo., on
October 20th, 18S1.
With remarkable foresight, he purchased a magnifi-
cent tract of land, consisting of 120 acres, which lie im-
proved and lived upon for 12 years, during which time he
also followed the stone mason trade, his farm being but
three miles from Springfield. Desiring a greater acreage,
he exchanged his Greene County farm for 320 acres in
Smith Township, Dade County, where he now lives, and
to which he has added 150 acres, making 1 him one of the
most desirable stock farms in the county. When he ac-
quired this tract of land in IS!).'] it was poorly improved,
having only a small log house, but few acres cleared, and
no fencing at all.
At the present time it is all fenced and cross-fenced
with hog wire, most of the land is in a high state of
cultivation and beautified with commodious buildings. In
1911 Mr. Glass constructed an eight-room frame farm
dwelling, with a modern lighting plant, cement walks and
porch, a splendid barn and convenient outbuildings. A
never-failing spring branch furnishes an abundant supply
of water in the pastures, while the house and barn lots
are supplied with two excellent wells, equipped with a
modern windmill.
Mr. Glass has been able to start each of his boys in
life with an SO-acre farm adjoining the homestead, which
speaks well for his generosity, as well as his prosperity,
lie takes great delight in his farming enterprises and
manages to raise and market at least one carload of hogs
each year, to say nothing of the cream, butter and eggs,
and other farm products which go to the market annually.
John L. Glass was married to Kliza Jane Lucas, a
native of Pennsylvania, on the (ith day of April, 1875. She
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 51.
was born on the 2nd day of December, 1853, and is still
living. Her mother and step-father, Isaac P. Edwards,
came to Greene County, Missouri, in 1881, resided on a
farm north of Spring-field, and both died there.
Mr. Glass is the father of five children, all of whom
are living.
Thomas F. Glass, his oldest son, was born January
4th, 1876, was married to Sadie Brown, a native of Web-
ster County, and they now reside in Dade County on a
farm near his father's home. To this union were born
six children, viz:
Delia, born October 16th, 1901.
Richard, born June 4th, 1904.
Wilbert, born October 24th, 1906.
John Leonard, born March 16th, 1909.
James M., born January 15th, 1912.
Jake Lester, born July 1.0th, 1914.
His second son, George A. Glass, was born December
17th, 1877. and was married to Pina Reich, a native of
Dade County They also have six children, viz:
Mabel, born April 9th, 1905.
Ralph, born November 3rd, 1907.
David, born April 17th, 1910.
Helen, born July 15th, 1912.
George, born December 17th. 1913.
Charles, born September 25th. 1915.
Their oldest daughter, Susie, was born September
2nd, 1879, and married John L. Berry. They settled also
in Smith Township, are engaged in farming and have a
family of eight interesting children, viz:
Bessie, John Lloyd, Hazel Ruby, a pair of twins
named Joseph and Jesse. Orvy, Cecil and Clyde.
The fourth child of John L. Glass, named Jacob 0.,
was born September 9th. 1883. and married Drue Berry,
a native of Dade County. He still resides on the old
homestead and is engaged, with his father, in running
the farm.
The youngest child, Peachye. was born August 15th.
1890, and married Rav Barker, a native of Dade Countv.
2 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
They reside on a Dade County farm, and are the happy
parents of two children, viz: Curtis Leo and Ruby.
Mr. Glass and his wife have long been members of
the Christian church, the former having been an elder
for six years. He has always taken an active part in poli-
tics, and by nativity and tradition was a Republican.
In 1894 he was elected Judge of the Western District and
served in that capacity two years, during which time the
"good roads" movement was inaugurated, and afterward,
in 1911, he served one year as County Highway Engineer.
He has been a member of the school board in his home
district for 32 consecutive years. Most men have a
"hobby," and if this fault can be charged to Mr. Glass, it
consists of just three things: "Good roads, good schools
and good nomes to live in." AVhen Mr. Glass came to
Dade County many of the school houses were without
seats and school interest was at low ebb. He, himself,
having a good common school education, it was his desire
that all his children and his neighbor's children should
enjoy the same boon.
As an assurance that Mi 1 . Glass shall live to enjoy a
"green old age," he is now blessed with 22 grandchildren,
and one remarkable co-incident, which does not often
occur in the history of any lamily, is this: John L. Glass,
his son, George, and his grandson, George, were all born
on December 17th.
The history of Mr. Glass is but one of the many object
lessons taken from real life, which demonstrate what in-
dustry, energy, honesty, fixity of purpose and high ideals
will accomplish. The owner of a palatial country home,
surrounded by family, friends and all the necessities of
life, there is no reason why he could not truthfully say
unto his children, like Jacob of old, "The blessings of thy
father have prevailed above the blessings of my progeni-
tors, unto the utmost bound of the Everlasting Hills."
JOHN GLENN.
Born in Dade County, Missouri, July 10th, 1869, son
of James and Martha (Freedle) Glenn. His father and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 53
mother are both living. His father is a native of Dade
County and lives at Cony. His grandfather, Jack Glenn,
was one of the very first settlers of the county. Various
branches of the Glenn family reside in Dade County, but
principally in the northern and eastern part.
John Glenn started in life for himself at the age of
25 years. He received only a common school education
and adopted farming as his occupation in life. For a
number of years he cultivated rented land and was suc-
cessful. In the year 1908, in company with John A. Hall,
he purchased 289 acres of farm land near Cony, which
they owned jointly for three years, and then divided up.
He is now the owner of a fine farm of 145 acres, all in
cultivation except 10 acres, fenced and cross-fenced. He
has made numerous improvements, including a modern
barn and a 90-ton silo. He is engaged in general farming
and stock raising, his live stock enterprises including
horses, cattle and mules.
On the 3rd day of September, 1893, he was married
to Miss Orneda Hall, daughter of Adam Hall, a pioneer
merchant of Cony, and whose history is given at length
in the sketch of John A. Hall. Mrs. Omeda Glenn was
born in Dade County, Missouri, and her marriage to John
Glenn six children were born.
(1) Ormal, born July 22nd, 1894. Died at the age
of 3 weeks.
(2) McCoy, born March 8th, 1896, married Bessie
Friend September 20th, 1916, and they are now farming
in South Morgan Township.
(3-4) Effie and Ester (twins), born June 26th, 1899.
(5) Martha L., born October 12th, 1903.
(6) Ina Cleo, born February 15th, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn are members of "The Church of
God," commonly called "Holiness," and are faithful ad-
herents to the cause of Christ. Mr. Glenn is a Republican,
and active in the local affairs of the community, espe-
cially the schools, having served several years as a mem-
ber of the school board.
54 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
JOHN F. GODFREY.
A native- of Washinglon County, Iowa, born July 15th,
I860, a son of Abe and Mary (Lewis) Godfrey, both na-
tives of Ohio, but married in Iowa. Abe Godfrey was a
veteran of the Civil war. Both he and his wife are dead
and buried in Indiana.
John F. Godfrey was next to the youngest of a
family of five children. He stayed at home till 30 years
of age, working for and with his father till he was 16,
when his father died. lie taught school in Jay County,
Indiana, from the time he was 16 years of age, three of
which were spent in Kansas, and at the age of 30 years
he went to Oklahoma and bought 160 acres of land in
Lincoln County. On the road to Oklahoma he had the
good fortune to marry Carry B. Lewis, who was also
interested in Oklahoma land. She was teaching school
in Pratt County, Kansas, started for Oklahoma single,
but returned the wife of John F. Godfrey. This hap-
pened on August 31st, 1S9L She was also a native of
Iowa, having been born May 3(/th, 1872, a daughter of
W. W. Lewis (now deceased.)
In 1*9!) John F. Godfrey sold his original 160 acres
and moved to another 160 acre improved tract, where lie
remained one year, selling- it and buying another 160-
acre improved farm in Woods County, Oklahoma. He re-
mained on this place till 1910, when he sold out and
came direct to Dade County, buying a farm of 160 acres
lying directly south of South Greenfield. Ninety-five
acres of this tract is in cultivation and fairly well im-
proved. He has erected a 110-ton silo since buying this
farm. lie is engaged in general farming, has about 20
head of horses and mules, 45 head of cattle and 200 head
of hogs. The farm in well watered and especially adapted
for raising live stock.
Mr. Godfrey and wife were the parents of four
children :
(1) Charles Lewis, born July 15th, 1896. Graduated
from the Greenfield High School in 1917.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 55
(2) Albert, born January 18th, 1893. Graduated
from the Greenfield High School in 1917.
(->) Grace, born Dec. 19th, 1901, is now at home
attending school. A Freshman in the Greenfield High
School in 1917.
(4) Wilford, born August 15th, 1904.
Mrs. Godfrey died February 14th, 1912, and is
buried at Pennsboro. She and Mr. Godfrey were both
members of the Christian church.
Mr. Godfrey is a Democrat in politics, and was
Deputy County Clerk in Pratt County, Kansas. He is a
man of good education, and especially well informed on
the current events of the day. He is a splendid type of
the self-made man, battling in early life against adverse
circumstances and coming out more than winner.
MARION C. GOTHARD.
The man whose name heads this sketch is one of our
best-known citizens, and has done and is now doing a
vast amount of good in our midst. He was born in
Cedar County, Nebraska February 2nd, 1858, a son of
Archie and Susan 'Delosier) Gothard, both natives of
Virginia, and came here at an early date, and died when
their only child, Marion, was a small lad. He was raised
by his grandfather, Uncle Jack Gothard, with whom he
lived until 19 years of age. His Grandfather Gothard
had saved the money coming to the lad from the govern-
ment on account of his father having been a United States
soldier, and this he invested in 40 acres of timber land
in Cedar County, which the young man cleared before
lie became of age.
He was an industrious youth and prospered from the
start, and added 200 acres near his original 40, paying
$2.50 per acre. A little later he secured an other 40, and
so, it is seen, he had a fine start in life when quite young,
brought about by his desire to get ahead in the world
and his close application to business. Now having 280
acres of good land, he decided to get married, and. ac-
56 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cordingly, on August 4th, 1881, he married Miss Belle
Dodson, who was born in Polk County January 4th, 1862,
and is a daughter of John and Martha (Grady) Dodson,
both natives of Tennessee, and came to Polk County,
Missouri, at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Gothard have
been born six children, as follows: Hattie, born February
14th, 1884, now Mrs. William Compton, and lives near
Everton, in this county; Zina E., born January 1st, 1887,
received a fine education at Dadeville, Carthage and
Springfield Normal, and is now teaching at dishing,
Okla., where she has been for the past four years; Archie,
born January 1st, 1890, also educated at Dadeville, Chilo-
cothe and Springfield Normal, has taught in Oklahoma,
as well as Dade County, is no\v a resident of Tulsa, Okla.;
Eunice O., born August 5th, 1892, also educated at Dade-
ville, Carthage and Springfield Normal, and is teaching
in dishing, Okla.; Flossie E., born October 5th, 1896, re-
ceived the same school advantages as her two older sis-
ters, is now a successful teacher near Broken Arrow, Okla.;
Keba, born January 3rd, 1898, is attending school at dish-
ing High School, where she will soon graduate. As will
be noted above, Mr. Gathard determined to give his chil-
dren the very best of school advantages, and to this fact
we owe his coming to be a citizen of Dade County, for he
sold out his Cedar County holdings and moved to Dade-
ville, buying residence property, and in 1908 invested in
a large farm of 455 acres, all in one body, and located in
Polk Township, close to Dadeville. This property had
few buildings and was not any too well improved. Mr.
Gothard moved his town residence to the farm, fenced the
place with wire and otherwise greatly improved it, so that
now he has one of the best stock farms in all that region.
He raises considerable stock, uses a silo, and all modern
appliances.
Mr. Gothard is a Republican in politics, but does not
care for office, lie desiring to spend his time doing good
to his fellow-man, for he is a gifted speaker and is a
teacher and preacher of the Church of God, a devoted
religious sect that has a large following in this county
WILLIAM KOHI.NSO.X EATO.V
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE ET7
and which comprises men and women of our first families.
Mr. Gothard is a fine Christian gentleman, always ready
with his means to help any worthy cause for the good
of the county and its people. He is in the forerank of our
best beloved citizens. His life is an inspiration to our
young people, and goes to show what a clean life, honest
business methods and attention to the higher things of life
will surely accomplish, and proves that it pays to live
a perfect life.
CHARLES WALKER GRIFFITH.
Was born at Gettysburg, Pa., November 6th, 1837, and
died at Greenfield, Mo., August 23rd, 1893. His father,
Jesse Griffith, was a native of Pennsylvania, his parents
coming from Wales. They were potters, but farmed during
the latter years of their residence in Pennsylvania. James
Griffith, a brother of Jesse, left children who reside upon
and own the old homestead in Pennsylvania. Jesse Griffith
married Jane Walker, of Wales, who came to Pennsylvania
with, her parents and was married there. They were the
parents of two children :
(1) Charles Walker, the subject of this sketch.
(2) Mary, married Hiram Merrill and moved to
Charleston, 111. He was a farmer. She died there.
The parents of Charles Walker Griffith moved from
Pennsylvania to Ohio when he was about 10 years of age.
They settled on a farm, where Charles attended the county
schools and the school at Marion and afterward graduated
from the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio,
taking a classical course. After his graduation, he taught
in the public schools of London and Bridgeport in Ohio.
He came to Greenfield in 1870 through the persuasion of his
friend, Judge 0. H. Barker.
While living at Belief ountain, Ohio, where for a time
he edited the Bellefountain Republican, in August, 1863,
he enlisted in Company A of the 125th Ohio Volunteers, and
after Lee's surrender he was stationed for some time at
Fort Kearney, Neb. He was mustered out in 1866. He
58 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
recruited a company at Bellefonntain and was elected cap-
tain, afterward being raised to the rank of lieutenant-colonel
of his regiment. Later he went to London, Ohio, and started
the London Times. Later he served as superintendent of
schools at Bridgeport, Ohio, and there he was married.
In 1870 he came to Dade County and purchased the
Greenfield Vedette, which he edited up to the time of his
death. He made this paper a live wire and gave to it a
wide-spreading influence in Southwest Missouri.
lie was a irraceful, trenchant writer and became well
known throughout the state, in which he had a wide circle
of strong and enduring admirers and friends. He was an
ardent Republican and at the time of his coming to Dade
County Democracy was in the saddle, but by reason largely
of his influence both as a political writer and organizer, the
political com) ilexion of the county was soon changed. He
served two teems as county treasurer and was appointed
postmaster of Greenfield by President Harrison in 1889,
and died before the expiration of his term of office.
He was one of the oruani/ers and the first commander
of the Greenfield Post, (i. A. R. He was also a member of
the local Masonic lodge and for a number of years its sec-
retary. Mr. Griffith was also admitted to the bar for the
practice of law while a resident of Greenfield.
He was married on the loth day of June, 1869, to Ella
.ynch. born at ( Hivesburg, Knox County, Ohio, March
1 S 47, daughter of Rev. Samuel Lynch and Sarah (Ber-
Lynch. Samuel Lynch was one of the early circuit
riders of the Methodist Episcopal church and was the
financial auent of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela-
ware, Ohio, \\here he and his wife now lie buried in Grcen-
\vi io(l ( Vinelery.
Mrs. Griffith was one of a family of seven children and
is the mother of five children, all boys:
(1 ) Robert II., born in Toledo, Ohio, June 7th, 1870.
He now resides at Washington, D. C., and is engaged in the
government service.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 59
(2) Philip S., born in Greenfield, Mo., March 3rd,
1874, owns and edits the Greenfield Vedette, married Caro-
line Johnson. They have three boys.
(3) Merrill M., born in Greenfield, Mo., January 23rd,
1876. Is now superintendent of Indian Agency at Park
Hill, Okla. He was married to Hattie Cravens in South
Dakota. They have four daughters.
(4) Roland B., born in Greenfield, Mo., March 6th,
1881, resides in Chicago, is engaged in the printing busi-
ness; is married to Mabel Hughes.
(5) Arthur C., born in Greenfield, Mo., December
25th, 1883, is engaged in the printing business and resides
in Kansas City. He married Delia Dano of Greenfield and
they have one daughter.
Mrs. Griffith owns a beautiful cottage home in Green-
field, which she occupies as her home. She is a member of
Ebenezer Presbyterian church of the city, active in church
work, is a member of the Xew Century Club, the AY. R. C.
and the Eastern Star.
MICHAEL GRISHAM.
AYas born in Clark County, 111., March llth, 1842, son
of Thompson and Polly (AYheeler) Grisham. They were
both natives of Tennessee, he being born in the month of
March and she in the month of May, both in the year 1817.
Their native home was in the same county. They were
married February 12th, 1835, and emigrated to Clark
County in 1836, where they followed farming for seven
years, then came to Dade County in 1843 and settled at
Cross Roads, about one mile northeast of where Everton
now stands. He purchased a claim of 160 acres, which he
occupied for two years, then sold out and entered 160 acres
of government land where Michael Grisham now lives. The
elder Grisham continued to occupy this farm up to the
time of his death, to which he had added 160 acres, making
a farm of 320 acres at the time of his decease. Thompson
Grisham was the first postmaster at Cross Roads, his com-
mission being dated some time in the 50 's. This office was
60 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
discontinued during the war and afterward re-established.
In politics, Thompson Orisham was a Democrat, and held
the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. Both
he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. The
original, home-made, pigeon-hole desk which was used to
hold the mail at Cross Roads and the legal documents of
Rock Prairie township is still in the possession of Michael
Gri.sham. Thompson Grisham died in Dade County Jan-
uary 28th, 1877, and his wife died, also in Dade County,
March 23rd, 1893, and both are buried in the Sinking Creek
cemetery. Ten children were born of this marriage who
lived to maturity:
(1) Margaret J., born November 27th, 1836, married
John Wills, a native of Tennessee. They were married in
Dade County. He was in the Confederate army and was
killed at the battle of Helena, Ark. She died April 23rd,
1859. Her son, William Thompson Wills, is now a prom-
inent man in Rock Prairie township.
(-) Martha E., born December 5th, 1838, married J.
M. Jones. Both are now deceased.
(3) Mary C., born September 16th, 1840, married G.
A. Hudson. Both are now living on the old Wills home-
stead in Rock Prairie township.
(4) Michael, the subject of this sketch.
(5) Samuel, born February 14th, 1844, married Eliza
Woodard. He was a veteran of the Confederate army.
Both are now deceased.
(G) Xancy E., born October 7th, 1846, married Harve
Underwood. Both are now deceased.
(7) Sarah E., born April 15th, 1849, married Silas
Bell. She is now deceased.
(8) John T., born February 5th, 1852, married Sarah
Lawrence, who died, and for his second wife married Lizzie
Tipton. He is now deceased. His widow resides in Par-
sons, Kas.
(9) James S., born July 22nd, 1854. He was never
married. He was killed August 5th, 1904, by lightning, in
Nebraska.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 61
(10) William M., born March 28th, 1858, married
Verdie Buttram. She is now deceased. He is living in
Hickory County, Mo.
Michael Grisham remained at home until the breaking
out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company E, 15th
Missouri Cavalry, under Captain E. J. Morris, and served
two and a half years. He saw active service, mostly near
home. He was discharged at Springfield, Mo., in July, 1865.
After the war he returned home and farmed with his
father for about two years. He first purchased eighty acres
of timber land and fifty acres of prairie near his father's
farm. He partly cleared out the timber land and then sold
it. He has always lived on the old Grisham homestead.
After the death of his mother, he bought out the other heirs
and now owns 398 acres, all in one body. The Frisco rail-
road crosses his land and it is also traversed by Sinking
Creek, which furnishes it with fine water, together with a
number of springs.
Mr. Grisham is now living practically retired from
active business life. He was married on the 3rd day of
December, 1902, to Miss Lucinda Payne, a native of Ten-
nessee, born February 19th, 1858, a sister of Samuel A.
Payne and a member of one of the pioneer families of Rock
Prairie township.
Mr. Grisham is a member of the Baptist church, a
Democrat in politics, active in local affairs and a man of
prominence in his community. He has never aspired to
any political position, but has devoted his entire time and
energy to his farming enterprises. lie lias maintained well
the traditions of his ancestors by living a life of strict
sobriety, honesty, industry and practicing the Golden Rule
in his dealings with his fellow men.
PHIL. S. GRIFFITH.
Phil S. Griffith was born in Greenfield on March 3rd,
1874, and succeeded to the editorship of the Greenfield Ve-
dette during the final illness of his father in 1892. He is
serving his second term as mayor of Greenfield, and his
62 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
second term as member of the Greenfield School Board.
He was postmaster under President Taft. Is a member of
the Board of K events of Springfield Normal School, and
serving his second term as a member of the Republican
State Committee. Is a member of the various branches of
Masonry, including both York and Scottish Kites, the Con-
sistory and the Shrine. Also of the I. 0. 0. F., B. P. 0. E.,
M. \V* A. and \V. O. \V. Was married in October, 1905, to
Miss Caroline Johnson. They have three children, all boys,
Philip, Charles Walker and Kobert.
J. C. GRISHAM.
One of Dade County's prominent native sons is J. C.
Grisham ..f Kock Prairie Township. He was born October
14th, 1877, a son of M. II. and Catherine (Blakey) Gris-
ham, who were both natives of Dade County, and married
here. John C. Grisham, father of M. 11., and grandfather
of J. C. Grisham, of this review, was born in Tennessee
and came to Dade County in a very early day, and here
married Miss Nancy J. Wheeler. The Wheeler family
were among the first pioneer families to settle in Dade
County, and more data will be found regarding them in
these volumes. M. II. Grisham was a prominent man, he
was a member of the Baptist church and a life-long Repub-
lican. He died March 28th, 1910, while his wife is still
living on the old home place at the age of 04 years. J. C.
Grisham was fourth in order of birth of five children
born to his parents. The others are: Clara, is the wife of
W. S. Wilson, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere;
Minnie, is now Mrs. W. II. Wingo of Los Angeles, Cal.;
Wiley K. is a farmer of Polk Township, and Edith is
living at home with her mother, and one child died in
infancy. J. C. Grisham remained at home until lie was
2.') years of age, and had the usual experience of the
tanner bo\, receiving a good education and learning the
business of farming. December 25th, 1900, he married
Miss Amy Crane, who was born in Indiana November 22nd,
187S, and is a daughter of Cyrus and Lillie (Ireland)
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 63
Crane, both natives of Indiana, emigrating to Tennessee
in an early day and then to Kansas, then to Dade County,
where they engaged in farming. Mr. Crane is now living
in Walnut Grove, Greene county, while his wife died Jan.
5th, 1913. lie was a resident of Dade County for some
t \venty years before he retired. Mr. Grisham first went
to farming- on his own account on an 80-acre tract be-
longing to the old Grishain homestead. He had bought
this, and after improving it and adding other acreage, he
traded it for other land, and, in fact, bought, sold and
traded different places until he finally secured his present
fine farm of 270 acres. He has greatly improved this
farm with fences and clearing, until now he has 200 acres
in cultivation and well improved with buildings, and a
130-ton silo. Here he carries on general farming and stock
raising on a large scale. To Mr. and Mrs. Grisham have
been born four children, as follows: Forest 0., born
February 18th, 1902; Thelma Fern, born August 8th,
1903; Ferrel Delight, born May 22nd, 1905; Michael Cyrus,
born August 8th, 1915. This fine family of children are
all at home and receiving the best of educational advan-
tages. Mr. Grisham is a Republican and prominent in
the affairs of the county. Pie is a booster along all lines.
He is in favor of good roads and free public schools. In
short, Mr. Grisham is counted among our most prominent
farmers, and is a broad-minded gentleman, always ready
to assist with his time and money any worthy enterprise
that is for the good of the county or its people.
JOHN F. GREGORY.
Was born in the state of Illinois December 3rd, 1843,
son of David L. and Lydia (Green) Gregory, both natives
of New York. They were married at Ostego, X. Y., and
came to Illinois in 1835. There is in the possession of the
Gregory family a printed history of their genealogies,
beginning with John Gregory, born about the year 1300,
Lord of the Manor of Frisely and Ashfordby, married
Maude, daughter of Sir Roger Moton, Knight of Peckle-
64 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY .ND ITS PEOPLE
ton, Leicestershire, England. Then, beginning witli
Hezekiah Gregory II, who married Hanah Gardner about
the year 1800, with his 10 brothers and sisters tbey have
practically a complete family tree. John F. Gregory, the
subject of this sketch, is a grandson of John Gregory,
born July 29th, 1781, one of the 11 children of Hezekiah
Gregory.
John F. Gregory was 18 years of age at the breaking
out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company D,
Eighty-sixth Illinois, under Captain Hitchcock, at Peoria,
Tils. He marched first under General Sheridan, and was
all through his southern campaign. Participated in the
battles of Missionary Ridge, Chicamaugua, was in the
march from Atlanta to the Sea with Sherman, saw con-
tinuous service for three years, but was never wounded
nor taken prisoner. He was discharged June 26th, 1865,
at Chicago. In August, 1865, he attended the review of
the Grand Army of the Republic by President Lincoln.
His military service covered 26 engagements.
On the 6th day of November, 1866, he was married to
Blanche Lawrence, \vlio was fifth in point of birth of a
family of eight children, four boys and four girls, six of
whom are living. She was born April 27th, 1845, at
Erie, Penn., daughter of John Horatio and Sarah Evans
Lawrence. Her father was born January 2nd, 1806, at
Birmingham, England, and her mother was born August
7th, 1818, a native of Oswego County, New York. Her
father was a soldier in the British army, served eight
years in India as an offier and was transferred to the
Canadian service. Later he was mustered out, and came
to Now York, where he met and married his wife, the
mother of Mrs. Gregory. He died in 1889 and his wife
died in 1892.
John F. Gregory, at the time of his marriage, started
out as a farmer, buying 80 acres of land in Triquois
County, Illinois, where he lived and farmed for 11 years,
when he exchanged it for 240 acres of unimproved land
in AVoodson County, Kansas. After living upon the Kan-
sas land for 10 years, he traded it for 130 acres in Dade
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 65
County. This was in 1888. It was an old, improved
place at that time, but Mr. Gregory has erected practically
all the buildings which are now on the place. He built
the dwelling house in 1898, and since then many fine out-
buildings. He cleared out about 80 acres, so that it is now
all in cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory are the parents of 12 children,
two dying in infancy. Those living to maturity were:
(1) David L., born August 13th, 1867, died Novem-
ber 16th, 1915, aged 48 years. He married Emma Morerer,
a native of Nebraska, who now resides at El Paso, Tex.
They have two children, Blanche and Robert Roy.
'(2) Edgar W., born October 12th, 1868, 'married
Mrs. Vesta Summers. He is a carpenter, located at San
Diego, Cal.
(3) Lula G., born February 28th, 1870, married D.
Wessel Ten Broeck, a mail clerk in New York. They have
four children, Herman, Ruth, Robert arid Alice.
(4) Francis M., born October 8th, 1871, married
Grace Merchant. They live in Peoria, 111., and he is a
traveling salesman. They have one child, Wayne L.
(5) Ida, born March 5th, 1873, married Thomas
Knapp, a barber. They live in Cleo, Okla. They have
one child, George.
(6) Lucian Lee, born September 4th, 1875, married
Alma Wilkins, a native of Dade County. He is a carpenter
and lives at El Paso, Tex. They have two children, Gra-
don and Juanita.
(7) Orange G., born May 14th, 1877, married
Amanda Hudspeth, a native of Dade County; she died
September 30th, 1912, at the age of 35 years, leaving
three children, John R., Joe IT. and TAicile.
(8) Alonzo J., born April 23rd, 1879, married Fern
Notestine. He is a farmer, and they live at Trivoli, Ills.
They have three children, Richard, Edith and Harold.
(9) Robert H., born November 2nd, 1884, lives in
Kansas City, Kas., and is a mail clerk. Married Mamie
Caldwell. They have two children, Alberta and Robert.
The mother died June 7, 1917.
66 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(10) Roy George, born November 24th, 1890, mar-
ried Jessie Quick, a native of Bade County, lives and is
farming on the home place.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory are living practically a retired
life on their farm. He is a Republican in politics, but
has never desired a public office, preferring a quiet home
life and the prosecution of his farming industries. lie has
always taken an active part in school matters and has
served many years as a member of the school board. He
is an active member of the G. A. R., and Mrs. Gregory
takes great delight in the \V. R. 0. Mr. Gregory's mother
was a lineal descendant of General Nathaniel Greene.
Three of Mr. Gregory's boys served in the Spanish-Ameri-
can war, Lucien, Edgar and Orange. Mr. and Mrs.
Gregory celebrated their 50th (Golden) wedding anniver-
sary in November, 1916.
JOHN A. HALL.
One of the most prominent business men of Dade
County is John A. Hall of Corey and Greenfield. He is
a native of Dade County having been born here March 6,
1861. He is a son of Adam Hall and Lucinda (Coose)
his wife, natives of Kentucky and Lincoln County, Mo.,
respectively. Adam Hall was brought to Missouri in 1826
by his father, John Hall who was one of the very early set-
tlers of northern Missouri. Adam Hall and his wife wcie
married in Lincoln County and came south to Dade County
in I860. They rented land for a time, later buying a farm
upon which they lived until their deaths. Mr. Hall served
in the Sixth Missouri State Militia during the Civil War.
John A. Hall is a self-made man in every sense of the
word. He has practically supported himself since he was
lf> years of age. The first money that he ever earned was
for working out at $6.fjO per month in the winter and $10
during the summer season. His opportunity for schooling
was exceedingly limited, although at present time he is by
no means an uneducated man, having improved every op-
portunity for self-education by reading and observation.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 67
He early worked in the mines, bought and sold mining and
farming property and is today considered one of our sub-
stantial citizens. He was married December 3, 1882 to
Martha J. Bennett, who was born November 12, 1864, in
Jefferson County, Illinois, a daughter of Andrew and Mary
(Scott) Bennett, who emigrated to Missouri in 1866 and
became prominent farmers of Dade County, was born
November 24, 1826. He died February 1, 1897; she Feb-
ruary 21, 1830, and died October 15, 1899.
To John A. Hall and his wife were born 14 children,
four of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Clyde M.,
born December 6, 1883, married Kate Glenn and lives in
Corey; John Calvin, born, September 16, 1885 married
Lissie Cantrell and live near Dadeville; Ada 0., born
August 5, 1892, married Charles Glenn, a farmer of Dade
County; Charles A., born October 23, 1894, married Bertie
Glenn, a resident of Corey; Veda, born January 10, 1898,
is living at home ; Vada, born January 6, 1900, married
Ad Morgan, a farmer living near Dadeville; Howard A.,
born December 3, 1903; Loyd Forrest, born December 13,
1905; Vida, born September 10, 1910 and Theodore Roose-
velt, born May 13, 1912, all living at home.
At present Mr. Hall is a large dealer in mining prop-
erty and is practically buying the entire output of the Zinc
and lead mines of Dade County. He is also a farmer own-
ing 200 acres in one tract, one-quarter interest of a 106-
acre tract, one-third interest in an eighty, and one-half in-
terest in a forty. 186 acres of this is good mining land.
Mr. Hall is one of our foremost business men and the
money he pays out annually for ore produced within the
boundaries of this comity is safely estimated at $50,000.00.
For twenty years the miners of this county have depended
upon John Hall to dispose of their ore, and to say that
he has always treated them fair and square is beyond
doubt. Mr. Hall has ahvays been a republican and very
active in the counsels of his party. He served as deputy
Sheriff for a term of four years in 1900. John Hall's
word is as good as his bond. His is known to every
man, woman and child in this county and his reputation
68 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
for honesty in all his business dealings is unquestioned.
He is one of our native sons of whom we are justly
proud.
HON. J. WILLIAM HANKINS.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, January 27th,
1879, son of George AY. and Ann (Dunn) Hankins, both
natives of Dade County, the father having been born near
Everton in 1854. They were married in Dade County
about the year 1878 and settled on a farm. He is still liv-
ing on a farm south of Everton. The mother died in 1880.
J. William Hankins was the only child of this marriage to
grow to riaturity. His father, for a second wife married
Rebecca Dilday a descendent of a pioneer of Dade County
family. His father is a Republican in politics and a mem-
ber of the A. F. & A. M. lie has not been a farmer all his
life, but is now in business at Picher, ()kla. He was in the
hardware business in Everton for about 12 or 14 years and
was one of the prominent citizens of that place.
J. William Hankins received most of his education in
Dade county, attending first the common schools and the
High School in Everton and later the William Jewel col-
lege at Liberty. He remained at home on the farm up to
the date of his marriage, February llth, 1900 to Miss
Edith Dickinson, a native of Indiana, born in 1881, came
to Dade county with her parents about 1882,.
Five children were born of this marriage:
(1) Howard D., horn February llth, 1901.
(2) Reta Xellene, born April 1,'Uh, 1904.
(3) Mary Etheline, born September 2nd, 1910.
(4) Elizabeth Rebecca, born January 27th, 1914.
(5) James William, born January 5th, 1916.
Mr. Hankins lives on his father's old homestead about
one mile south of Fverton. He is engaged in general
farming, fruit farming and dairying. He operates a farm
of 120 acres and is successful. He keeps Jersey cattle and
a good grade of hogs.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 69
In politics Mr. Hankins is an active Republican, a
member of the school board and enthusiastically in favor of
good roads. In 1914 he was elected to the Missouri Legis-
lature and served one term. During the session he was a
member of the Elections, Constitutional Amendment and
Township Organization Committees. He was succeeded by
Hon. W. S. Pelts, and was by appointment made Minority
Clerk of the 49th General Assembly.
Mr. Hankins is a prominent member of the Baptist
church and was licensed to preach in 1902 which occupa-
tion he follows in connection with his farming enterprises.
Mr. Hankins is what is generally styled a self-made
man, having no rich relatives or influential friends to
boost him. The progress he has made in the world has
been due largely to his own efforts. He is a man of strong
will power, courageous and energetic, and pursues his ob-
jects in life with great determination. While in the Mis-
souri Legislature his vote was always recorded in favor
of the farmer and laboring man, and his efforts were di-
rected especially in the interest of the rural schools. It
is needless to state, also, that upon all moral questions
coming before the legislature, Mr. Hankins lifted his voice
and cast his vote in the right direction.
o
WILLIAM HARPER.
The older members of the Harper family were natives
of England and their early life was as stormy, tempestu-
ous and full of danger as the ocean between this and their
native land.
William Harper, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Norfolk, England, April llth, 1843, son of Benjamin
and Mary (Pendel) Harper, both of whom were natives
of England, were married and raised a family of nine
children there.
William was next to the youngest in point of birth.
In the fall of 1852 an older brother, Joseph, came to
America. He was the forerunner of the Harper family
in the United States. The vessel upon which Joseph
70 HISTORY OF UADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
sailed encountered stormy weather and was buffeted by
wind and wave for eight weeks, and was finally wrecked
on the Portuguese Islands, but after some delay Joseph
finally landed in New York, where he farmed for two
years, then emigrated to Wisconsin, farming there for
\'l years, alter which he took up a homestead in Minne-
sota, upon which he resided seven or eight years, going
from there to Nebraska, where he bought land and lived
till the time of his death.
In the spring of K,.'5 hi.- father came over, bringing
three of his boys with him, lienjamin, Henry and John,
leaving the mother and smaller children behind. The
following fall the mother took sail with the remaining
four children, William, Martha, Mary and Sarah, who
was then married to lienry Kitteringham, who accompa-
nied them, his other sister, Alice, having previously sailed
with her sister-in-law in IS'rJ. On the way over cholera
broke out on shipboard, with no attending physician,
and 4-' pas-eiigers died and were buried at sea, among
them William's mother. The remainder of the family
settled in New York for a time, where his father died in
J^o.") in Pennlsville.
William Harper eventually went to Wisconsin, where
he stayed a number of years, then to Minnesota. He
followed farming. At the breaking out of the Civil war
he enlisted in the Fnion army in Company E, Eighth
Wisconsin Volunteer Iniantry, under Captain William
('. Young, and served three years under Colonel George W.
Robins. Few soldiers saw more of the war or engaged
in more- important battles, the very mention of which
causes th<- hair to stand on end. Among them were the
following: Frederickstown, New Madrid, Island No. 10,
Farmington, Cornith, luka. Holly Springs, Jackson,
Champion's Hill, Mechanicsbiirg, \ icksburg, Shreavesport,
Nashville, TiiM-ombc, (Jermantown and (luntown. He was
never wounded or taken prisoner. He was discharged at
Memphis, Tenn., September Kith, 1Mi4, and returned home.
He was married in Fairboult County, Minnesota,
August LJ.'h'd, IMJS, to Carrie Laws, who was born in
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 71
England April 24th, 1850, daughter of Major and Maria
(Hensbey) Laws, both born in England, married there,
came to the United States in 185S, settled in Iowa, near
the north line of the state, where 1 they farmed and where
they also both died.
At about the time of his marriage William Harper
took up a homestead of 1(>0 acres, where they lived for
five years, then removed to Iowa, where he bought a 40-
acre tract of land, which he worked, and also worked out
till coming to Dade County in 1888. On his arrival in
Dado County he bought SO acres of land in Center Town-
ship, north of Greenfield, where he now lives and which
he still owns. Here he farmed and prospered, buying an
additional 40 acres, making him 120 acres in one body.
They are now living practically a retired life in comfort
and contentment.
William Harper and wife have been blessed with a
family of H) children, all of whom are living:
(1) Edwin E., born February 8th, 1870, married
Emma Oakley, a native of Dade County. They live in
Plattville, Weld County, Colorado, where they are home-
stead farmers.
(2) Frederick W., born September 3rd, 1872, mar-
ried Belle Smith of Minnesota. They live in Idaho and
have a family of six children, Eva, Myrtle, Eddie, Ernest,
Gerald and Elmer.
(.']) Ellen M., born December 15th, 1873, married
Philip Duffy a Dade County farmer. They have two chil-
dren, Neva and Raymond.
(4) Charles W., born September 22nd, 1876, mar-
ried Millie Judd of Greenfield, live in Sac Township and
have 10 children, Orvil, William, Eliza, Ethel, Florence,
Elsie, Lena, John, Josie and Lee.
(5) Edith E., born October 3rd, 1878, married David
Vaughn of Dade County, live in Sac Township, and have
four children, Virgil, Bertha, Osa and Goldie.
(6) Florence S., born October 30th, 1880, educated
in the schools of Dade Ctunty, attended Ozark College,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
has taught throe terms of school in franklin district, and
is still living at home.
(7) Sherman J., born January 1st, 1883, married
Leoua Williams, live in West Center Township. They
have five children, Floyd, Gladys, Bernice, Ora and
Blanche.
(8) Mary A., born February 2nd, 1885, married
Arthur Rose, a farmer, living in Oklahoma. They have
three children, Maurice, Archie and Vera.
(9) Carrie A., horn January 1st, 1887, married Hugh
Duffy, a farmer in North Township. They have six chil-
dren, Oda, Theinia, Mabel. Earl, Carl and AVilma.
(10) Ilarrie 11, born October 19th, 1889, in Dade
County, married Jessie Owens of Greenfield and live in
North Center Township, working the home farm. They
have two children, Eugenia and Dorothy.
By the above record it will be seen that Mr. and
Mrs. Harper have 08 living grandchildren.
Mr. Harper is a member of the G. A. R. Post at
Greenfield, a Republican in politics, never aspired to hold
an ofiice, preferring a quiet home life and its enjoy-
ments to the turmoil of the political whirl.
JUDGE G. W. HAMIC.
Was horn in East Tennessee on the 1st day of April,
1840, son of Martin and Xancy (Magee) Hamic, both na-
tives of Tennessee, where they were married and where
they both died. They were farmeis and had a family
of six children, George W. being fourth in point of birth.
All stayed in Tennessee except James, who came to Dade
County about 187:1 He followed farming in Dade County
four of five years and then returned to Tennessee, where
he died.
George W. Hamic came to Dade County in 1870. He
had followed farming in Tennessee up to that time. Par f
of the trip was made by railway and partly by wagon.
He settled on a farm about one and one-half miles south
of South Greenfield. He first bought an unimproved 80
AMANDA (LACK) IIVAVS.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 73
acres of land, upon which ho built a log house, cleared
out most of it and did \vell in fanning. In 1874 he
erected a good log house and outbuildings, and was mar-
ried to Sarah Bowman September 14th, 1874. She was
born in Tennessee May 27th, 184!). daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Evans) Bowman. They came to Dade County
about 1868 and settled about one and one-half miles south
of South Greenfield. They were farmers and very suc-
cessful, lie died in Dade County, and her mother re-
turned to Tennessee, and died there.
G. W. Hamic and wife retired from active farm work
in 1913 and moved to South Greenfield, where he bought
a fine, comfortable home. They arc the parents of five
children, all living:
(1) Yidie Ellen, born July 8th, 1875, married Robert
Jeffreys, a Dade County farmer. They have one child,
Edgar.
(2) William David, born March 10th, 1877, married
Carrie Grewell, a native of Colorado. He is a barber of
Loveland, Colo., and they have one child, AYilla M.
(3) May Elizabeth, born September 3rd, 1884, mar-
ried Ellis Tatum of Everton, Mo., the Frisco railroad
agent. They have one child, Paul Ellis.
(4) Albert AY., born May 22nd, 1887, married Irene
Steed, a native of Kansas. He lives in Kansas City and
is with Montgomery, Ward & Co. They have three chil-
dren, Albert, William Robert and George.
(5) Efrie, born February 19th, 1890. She is at homo.
Mr. Hamic is a Republican in politics and was
elected judge of the county court in Dade County in 1904
on that ticket, and served with distinction for one term.
As a judge, he was always fair, clear-headed and impar-
tial. He has served as director on the local school board
for many years. He sold his fine farm in 1917. He has
always been a prominent man in local affairs and a
leader in public enterprises.
George W. Hamic is a veteran of the Civil war,
having enlisted in Company D, First Tennessee Infantry,
under Captain J. W. Branson, and served three years and
74 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
-10 days. He was engaged in the battles of Murphrees-
boro, Chattanooga, and was with Sherman in his march
"From Atlanta to the Sea." He was discharged at Xash-
ville, Trim., September 17th, 1804.
Mr. Hamie is a man \\lio enjoys the confidence and
respect of his neighbors, a (jniet, unassuming- man of few
words, but firm and resolute in his undertakings. Dade
County boasts of no better citizen than Judge George \V.
Mamie.
HUGH HARRISON.
Was born in Giveniield, Mo., June 4th, 1874, a son of
John Harrison, who died in Greenfield, Mo., in the year
1D17 at the age of !>:} year>. The elder Harrison was of
English ancestry. Hugh Harrison was raised in Green-
field, attended the public schools, spent several years in
the Advocate office, and was assistant postmaster under
\V. K*. Howies in the Cleveland administration. He was
employed in that vocation for four years, and in 18D8 he
engaged in the furniture business with his brothers, Edwin
and Charles, under the style and firm name of Harrison
Hros., in which business he is still engaged.
lie was married in October, 1S ( .)S, to Eleanor Kate
Shafer, who was born in Greenfield in 1*74, a daughter
of Judge L. \V. and Jennie (Howies) Shafer, her father
in his lifetime having served a part of one term as circuit
judge of the Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit.
In politics Mr. Harrison is an active Democrat. Era-
ternally he is a member of all four branches of the A. E.
vV A. M., and has filled the various official positions in the
Masonic, M. \V. A. and \V. O. \V. lodges. He is an expert
embalmer and undertaker, and enjoys a splendid business,
both in the furniture and the undertaking departments.
Mrs. Harrison is a lady of culture and refinement, of a
splendid family, active in club work, and successfully
manages the business of Harrison Hros. on occasions of
temporary absence of her husband.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 75
ALBERT CLINTON HAYWARD.
Among the venerable native sons of Dade County,
none is more worthy of an honorable mention than the
gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article.
Mr. Hayward was born in Dade County July 22nd, 1842,
and has spent his life in our midst. The son of Edward
and Caroline (Smith) Hayward, he is a native of Buffalo,
N. Y., while his wife was born in Eastern Tennessee. He
was a musician and an exceptionally fine dancer, as were
all of his sons. He made a trip from Buffalo, N. Y., to
Detroit, Mich., on skates, by way of Lake Erie, beating
train time, the year he was 21 years old.
Mr. Hayward Sr. enlisted in the United States army
and served in the Black Hawk war, and later drifted into
Dade County, where he found and married his wife in
1840. Miss Smith was a daughter of one of the first pio-
neer families of this section of Missouri. lie was a ship-
builder and a skilled carpenter by trade, and it is a well
known fact that he built a great many of the early build-
ings of the county, among them the mill at Hulston, which
was called Pemberton Mills at that early date. He died
here in 1896, while his wife had preceded him, passing
away in 1883. They raised a large and useful family.
Albert was the oldest, and the following is a complete
list, giving their places of residence as far as is known:
AVilliam Dixon and Meridith are residents of Kansas;
Almira, now Mrs Gains Carmack of Canada ; Emma, who
married C. L. Pyle, is now deceased: John lives near
Neola, Dade County; Edward died about 18%; Bettie, now
Mrs. William MeCracken of Arkansas; Charles is in Cedar
County, Missouri; Roberta, now Mrs. Morgan Litle of
Dade County, and Matilda married Anna Pyle and is
deceased. Albert C. Hayward was a wide-awake and in-
dustrious youth. He remained at home, working, until
the war broke out, when he enlisted November 1st, 1861,
in Company E, Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, and
served two years and four months, and was discharged at
St. Louis, Mo., February 17th, 1864, on account of dis-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
ability. He returned home in a weakened condition, was
nominated on the Republican ticket for county assessor
and was elected in 18(55, and soon after, on March 15th,
1800, was married to Harriet Adelia Hector, who was a
native of Tennessee, born September 12th, 1847, and a
daughter of Grigsby and Angeline (Butler) Rector, both
natives of Tennessee, and married there in 1845, and emi-
grated to Dade County in 1852, settling on 100 acres of
government land near Dadeville. Grigsby Rector enlisted
in the Confederate army and was killed while in active
service in Arkansas, but no records are obtainable as to
the circumstances. Mrs. Rector is still living, at the ad-
vanced age of 88 years, making her home with Mr. and
Mrs. Hay ward. Of her six children, with whom she was
left and foi whom she had to provide during the war,
there are four now living. They are Mrs. I lay ward, Mrs.
L. C. Dunaway of Dadeville, Mrs. Dr. C. K Wilson of
Memphis, Tex., and Mrs. David Tackett of Stockton, Cedar
County, Missouri.
Mr. Hay ward, subject of this sketch, followed the
carpenter trade and also fanned, but did not secure any
land in his own name until 1807, when he bought 120 acres
in Sac Township. This was partly improved, had a small
low house and little land cleared, and upon this tract he
lived for 21 years, prospered, and added several small
tracts. In 1*88 he sold out his Sac Township holdings
and bought 240 acres of improved land in North Morgan
Township, where he now lives in a nice, large frame resi-
dence. H<> 1ms prospered greatly and is now considered
one of the wealthy fanners of that section of the county.
His present land holdings comprise his original purchase
of 2-40 acre- and a fine 120 adjoining him on the east and
100 acres in section 11 still further east, making 520 acres
of the finest land the county affords. Mr. and Mrs. Hay-
ward have been blessed with a fine family, of whom they
are justly proud. There are six children living, as follows:
Ina. born April 2!>th, 1874, married F. M. Perkins, lives
in Cedar County and have two children, Ombra Marion
and Amos Ilayward Perkins; Albert Clinton, born April
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 77
27th, 1876, lives in Springfield, where he is a prominent
attorney, and has one child, named Edgar Marion Albert
Hayward; Ada Madge, born June 29th, 1876, is a finely-
educated young woman, and is living at home with her
parents; Hubert II., born June 22nd, 1882, is a business
man of Greenfield; William Henry, born July 25th, 1886, is
working the home place, and Homer, born September 24th,
1888, lives in Dadeville.
Mr. Hayward, as well as members of his family, are
much interested in good public schools and have been
active in their advancement, Mr. Hayward having served
on the school board for over 30 years, and his wife was
a teacher for some years before her marriage, while Miss
Ada Madge, after receiving a fine education at the Evert.cn
High School and the State Normal at Springfield and the
Normal at Warrensburg, spent ten years in teaching in
Dade, Cedar and Polk Counties. In politics Mr. Play ward
is a Republican and stands high in the councils of his
party. He is now township collector. Mr. Hayward is a
broad-minded business man, always ready to help with
his time and money any enterprise for the good of the
county. Ho is a booster for good roads, progressive
enough to own and drive an automobile, a member of the
Christian church, in which he is prominent, as is his wife,
a member of the G. A. R. at Springfield, and an all-around,
highly-respected and desirable citizen, and a man we all
delight to honor. May he live long among us and enjoy
his declining years to the full. His is a life well worthy
of emulation bv our children and their children's children.
EX-JUDGE JOEL T. HEMBREE.
Deceased.
The late Joel T. Hembree was one of Dade County's
foremost citizens. He was born in Roane County, Ten-
nessee, October 21, 1824, and was the son of Isaac and
Mary (Blake) Hembree, and the grandson of Joel Hem-
bree, wlio was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. and
who emigrated to Roane Conntv, Tennessee, in 1806.
78 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Isaac Hembrec was born in Startensburg District,
South Carolina, in 1796, and was of Welch ancestry. He
was but 10 years of age when he went with his parents to
Tennessee, and in that state grew to manhood. He was
married in Roane County in 1823, and in 1852 came to
Cedar County, Missouri, locating one-half mile east of
Stockton, lie died in 1864, having been very prominent
in Cedar County affairs, and served as judge of that
county. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was
twice married. His second wife was Miss Selissa S. Price,
a native of Tennessee, who died in 1883. Mr. Hembree's
first wife, Mary Blake, was born in Roane County, Ten-
nessee, in 1S03, and died in 1836. She was the mother of
seven children, Joel T. being the eldest. He was reared
to farming, and also assisted his father in running a
mill and cotton gin, was proficient in operating a ma-
chine, and also assisted his father in running a distillery.
In February, 1850, he married Miss Nancy Hembree, a
cousin, who was born in Roane County, Tennessee, in 1830.
Two children were born to them, Marrietta C., who mar-
ried \V. C. Marcum, who are now both deceased, and
Charles C., who is now a resident of New York City. The
same year of his marriage Mr. Hembree left his native
^tate and moved to Dade County, Missouri, locating six
miles northeast of Greenfield. He was a large land-owner,
po>sessing some 1.200 acres, and was a very successful
farmer. August 12th, 1M>2, he enlisted in the Enrolled
Militia, and in November of the following year he enlisted
in Company F, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, serving until
July 1, lS(Jf), when he was discharged at Springfield, Mo.
He was a brave and gallant soldier and was promoted to
the rank of second lieutenant.
Mr. llembree was a Democrat in politics up to the
war, his fir>t presidential vote being cast for General
('ass in ls4s. Since and during the war he affiliated with
the Republican party. After the war he returned to
farming, which he continued until 1887, when he entered
the milling business. In 1 Sf>4 he lost his wife, and in
April of the subsequent year he married Miss Nancy Hays,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 79
a native of Indiana, born in 1834. Kour children were
the result of this union, as follows: Louis J., who is
living in Idaho; Hugh A. of Los Angeles, Cal.; Isaac A.,
living near Seybert, Dade County, and Harriett C., who
died young. Mrs. Heinbree died in January, 1864. In
March of that same year Mr. llembree married Miss
Sarah J. Marcum, who was born in Tennessee December
29th, 1843, ><} daughter of John \V. and Melissa (Craig)
Marcum, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively.
They came to Dade County in 185(5, settling six miles
northeast of Greenfield, \vhere they bought and entered
land living there until their demise. They were both buried
in the Hays cemetery. To this couple were born five chil-
dren, of whom Mrs. Hembree was the oldest.
To Joel T. Hembree and his wife, Sarah J. Marcum,
were born ten children, namely, Mollie, born September
24th, 1805, is living with her mother at Everton, Mo.;
Ida M.. born August 23, 1867, is now Mrs. Robert Brock-
man of Carthage, Mo., and they have two children, Harry
B., born January 1st, 1889, married Chloe Baldridge, a
native of Iowa, and they have two children, Robert and
Catherine, they residing in Sedalia, Mo., and Mary, born
March 6th, 1892, is now Mrs. Ernest A. Mayabb of Joplin,
Mo.; Otis C., born March 14, 1869, married Martha Hem-
bree, and they have three boys, Mary G., James and
Belton. He is a prominent farmer of Cedar County.
Sarah Annis, born May 17, 1872, married Thomas A.
Sharp, a prominent business man of Springfield, Mo.
They have one child, Sallie, born July 9th, 1907. Maud.',
born July 14th, 1877, is the wife of Judge John J. Mac-
Connell, a complete sketch of whom may be found else-
where. Joel M., born May 28th, 1875, married Grace
Smith, a native of Indiana, and they are the parents of
five children, namely, Sadie, Mildred, Joel Reeves, 'Laura
and Susie Lucile. They reside in Kelso, Wash. Susie L.,
born April 25, 1877, is now Mrs. Frank Carlock of Ever-
ton. Grant, born September 28th, 1879, married Lillie
McConnell, a native of Virginia, where they are now liv-
ing. They have four children, George, Kathryn, Lucile
SO HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and Joel Frank. James G., born July 7th, 1881, is a
miner of Kellog, Idaho. Dana Byrd, born July 20th, 1883,
is a resident of Long Beach, Cal.
Joel T. Hembree served as presiding judge of the
county court for four years and was public administrator
for two years. He was a member of the Masonic frater-
nity in Greenfield Lodge No. 446 and was also a member
of the Greenfield Post Xo. 75, G. A. R. He was a member
of the Christian church. He died August 21, 1913, at the
advaned age of 89 years, after having lived a life of ex-
treme activity and of great usefulness to his county and
.state. He was a man beloved by all. His descendants
are among our very best citizens, and Dade County will
ever keep green the memory of this fine, Christian gentle-
man. His widow, Mrs. Sarah J. Hembree, now resides in
her beautiful home at Everton, Mo., where she numbers
her friends by the hundreds. Truly, Joel T. Hembree set
an example of morality and right living that would be
well for our children to follow. He made a success in
life and passed away secure in the faith of the Christian
church. Peace to his memory.
OREN V. HEMBREE.
Was hoi-n in Morgan Township, Dade County, Mis-
souri, January 7th, 1855, son of Hugh L. Hembree, who
died in 1901 at about the age of 76 years. He came to
Dade County with his parents in 1832 and located at
Melville. They were farmers. His father's name was
James llembree. They remained a while in Dade County
and then moved to Arkansas, and in 1842 or 1843 they
returned to Dade County. They were originally from
Tennessee. They entered and bought land in Morgan
Township. Hugh L. llembree was a young man when he
came to Dade County. He had the advantage of but little
schooling, about three months in all. He served in the
I'liion army during the Civil war, but was discharged for
disabilities. He had attained the rank of corporal. After
\v. J. DAVIS.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 81.
the war he resumed his farming occupation, and died at
the home of Oren V. Hembree.
The mother of Oren V. Hembree was formerly An-
nette Bender, a native of Tennessee. She had a common
school education, was of German ancestry, a daughter of
Samuel Bender, who came from Germany, settled in
Tennessee, and later came to Dade County. This was
about the year 1840. He was a noted physician and well
known in Dade County. He married Mary Dawes, a lady
of English ancestry. The Hembrees were of Irish-English
extraction.
Hugh L. Hembree and wife were the parents of 12
children, nine of whom grew to maturity.
Oren V. Hembree was raised on a farm, and attended
district school and a select school at Dadeville. At the
age of 25 years he began the study of medicine. He at-
tended lectures at the St. Louis Medical College and in
the Missouri School of Medicine at St. Louis, and finally
graduated from the Louisville Medical College, getting
his diploma in 1895. He began the practice of his pro-
fession in Boone County, Arkansas, and later opened an
office in Dadoville. He -practiced a number of years before
his final graduation. He continued the practice in Dade-
ville till the year 1915, when he moved to Greenfield.
He is attaining considerable success at the county
seat. He was married in 1883 to Etta Stillwell, born in
Missouri, but married in Boone County, Arkansas. By
this union three children were born, one growing to
maturity :
(1) Greta, born in Dade County in 1892, graduated
from Warrenshurg High School and took practically a
full course at the "VVarrensburcr State Normal, and after-
ward taught school. She was married to Samuel Allen,
a farmer, in Boulder. Wyo. She has one child, Leona
May, about 2 years old.
Etta Stilwell Hembree died several years ago, and for
his second wife Mr. TTemhreo married Minnie TTawley,
born in Aurora, Lawrence County, Missouri, in September,
1878, daughtor of Harvev and Marv (Shoemaker) Hawlev.
82 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
To this union one child was born, Ariel Maxine, Novem-
ber 22nd, 1908.
Mr. Hembree is a member of the Christian church,
while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. He is
an Odd Fellow and a member of the W. 0. \V. Politically
Dr. Hembree votes the Republican ticket. He holds mem-
bership in the Southwest Missouri Medical Association.
Since coming to Greenfield he has purchased a neat
little cottage on Wells street, and is enjoying a good
practice in his chosen profession.
DAVID HIGGINS.
The enrly life and history of the subject of this
sketch was one of poverty, sorrow and adversity. lie was
born at Fayetteville, Ark., March L'Oth, 1858, son of Lin-
ville Higgins and Sarah (\Yoodrow) Higgins. Both his
parents were married in North Carolina and were among
a number of families who came 1 west from the old "Tar
Heel'' state, and located in Arkansas in an early date,
where land was cheap and plentiful. His father took up
iand when David was yet a very small boy. Mis mother
died about the year 18(>0, and about a year later the next
tragedy of his life occurred. His father was called to
the door of his home at the dead hour of midnight, and,
without warning, was shot seven times and instantly
killed. The dastardly deed was the work of "Bush-
whackers. 1 ' David was sleeping with his father at the
time, and can well remember the bloody incident. His
father had two sons in the Civil war, one wearing the
blue and the other the gray. John was in the Con-
federate service, and afterward died near Greenfield, and
his widow still lives in that city. His brother, Moses,
.joined the I'liion forces and died of disease in the service.
Besides David, there was one other brother, William, who
died in Dade County about '20 years ago, and three sis-
ters, vi/: .lane, who first married John (.'rider, lie died,
and she afterward married Martin Van Horn of Dade
County. Both are now deceased. "Nannie, his second sis-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 83
tor, died in Dado County, single, wlion about 2H yoars of
ago. Nina, his yonngost sistor married Witt Vaughn.
She diod about the year 1900, leaving a family of three
children.
David Higgins, at the ago of 4 yoars, was brought
from Arkansas to Dado County by his older sister and
brother, William. They came overland, and, in company
with a number of neighbors, settled near Greenfield.
Young David, during those years, was buffeted from
pillar to post, living first with one family and then with
another, until finally an old settlor by the name of Paten
Gardner took pity on the boy and gave him a home for
five years. David was 9 years of age when his oldest
brother returned from the war, rented a farm, and, in
company with his oldest sister, established a home. It
was in this homo that David grow to manhood, attending
the neighborhood schools, working out for his board,
farming during the summer season and supporting himself
while attending Ozark College in Greenfield.
At the age of "2'2 years he married Eliza Catos, a native
of Dado County, who was born December 5th, 1853, a
daughter of Xowol Catos and Mary (Snadon) Catos, the
former being a native of North Carolina, while the latter
was a native of Kentucky. Mr. Catos was a saddler by
trade and came to Greenfield at a very early date, when
there were but few houses in the town, and opened a store.
He did not follow the mercantile occupation long, but
became a farmer upon a tract of land containing 80 acres,
which ho purchased and which is now within the corpo-
rate limits of Greenfield. I a few yoars he sold this tract
of land and moved to a farm of 640 acres which his wifo
heired from the estate of William Snadon, the grandfather
of Mrs. Higgins.
David Higgins and Eliza Catos wore married on the
6th day of August, 1879. Two children were born of this
marriage, Lydia Mary, who married James Carr of Green-
field, Mo., and L. D. Higgins, each of whom are given an
extended mention in another chapter in this history.
84 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Mr. Higgins purchased his first land in Dade County
in 1881, a 40-acre tract, all in cultivation, which he still
owns. It is located in South Township and comprises a
part of his present farm. Since moving upon this land,
Mr. Higgins has been prosperous to such an extent that
in 1891 he bought 100 acres in Washington Township.
He also occupied and cultivated a splendid farm of 180
acres which his wife heired from her mother, a daughter
of William Snaden. Mr. Higgins has added to his origi
nal purchase, until he now has 380 acres in his home place,
the 140 acres that he first purchased, or 520 acres in all,
after having given a farm to his son, L. D. Higgins. Mrs.
Higgins also owns in her own right an undivided one-
fifth interest in 320 acres in South Township, which came
to her from her uncle, William Snaden, now deceased.
Mr. Higgins is still actively engaged in farming enter-
prises, raising graded Whitoface cattle, buying and selling
horses and mules, raising, feeding and shipping one or two
carloads of stock each year.
In politics Mr. Higgins has always affiliated with t'>e
Democratic party, and in church membership he belongs
to the M. E. church (South.) His office-holding career
has been confined to that of school director, which office
he has filled for 12 years. He is a director of the R. S.
Jacobs Banking Co. of Greenfield, and was one of its
original stockholders. He lias always been an ardent sup-
porter of the public schools, and exemplifies his road-
boosting by personally grading the roads adjoining his
farms. His real estate holdings are among the most desir-
able, as well as valuable, in Dade County, and he is one
among the many old settlers to enjoy the luxury of riding
in an up-to-date equipment manufactured by Henry J.
Ford.
LYNVILLE D. HIGGINS.
Born in Dade County, Missouri, July llth, 1882, son
of David and Ann Eliza (Gates) Higgins, the former being
a native of South Carolina and the latter a native of Dade
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 8
County, being a daughter of Xewell Gates, who was one
of the leading pioneer citizens and office-holders of Dade
County.
Lynville D. Iliggins entered upon the game of life
when he was 18 years of age, following the ancient advice
to go west, which he did, landing in Colorado, and for
four months worked in a lumber yard, when thought? of
the home land and his father's house brought him back
to Dade County, where he engaged in farming with his
father on the home place till 1904, when he purchased 120
acres in Washington Township. At that time the land
was poorly improved, but in 1910 he added SO acres to his
original purchase, and in September, 1916, his wife pur-
chased 1:20 acres adjoining, making a fine farm of 320
acres in one block. In 1915 they erected perhaps the
finest farm residence in the county, consisting of eight
rooms, all elegantly furnished, modern in every respect,
hot and cold water throughout, the admiration and delight
of everyone who visited them. In less than two years,
however, the fire fiend claimed this elegant structure for
a victim, causing a total loss, except a few articles of fur-
niture.
Splendid barns and outbuildings were constructed in
keeping with the other appointments of the farm.
Mr. Higgins is an extensive feeder and shipper of live
stock. In politics he is a democrat, but not an office-
seeker, is a booster for good roads, financially as well as
verbally.
On the 5th day of March, 1904, he was married to
Capitola Johnson, a daughter of J. F. Johnson, one of the
wealthiest as well as most distinguished citizens of the
county. He was a native of Pennsylvania, but came to
Dade County in an early day, engaged in milling, farming,
banking and money-lending, being successful in every line
and at the time of his death left a large estate, both Here
and in Pennsylvania.
Capitola was born November 2nd, 1884, an educated
lady of refined tastes and queenly habits, active in Coun-
try Club work and sagacious in business.
86 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
To tliis union two children were born:
(1) Kioise, born December 8th, 1908.
(2) Mary Frances, born August l>b'th, 1911.
Mrs. lliggins is a nu inlx-r of tlie Presbyterian church.
L. B. HIGGINS.
One of the very prominent men of the western side
of Dade County is L. B. lliggins of Cedar Township. He
was born in Allegheny County. North Carolina, October
loth, 18.">8, a son of William and Mary Ellen (Andrus)
lliggins, both natives of North Carolina, where they were
married, and came to bade County, Missouri, in 1873,
buying a half section of land in Cedar Township. This
was raw land, the only improvement being a small house.
lie and his family went to work industriously to break and
improve the place. They fenced the entire tract with rails.
When William IIiggin< and his wife came to Missouri
they brought a family of seven children, and had one child
born to them after their arrival in this country. A brief
record of this family is as follows: Yalegia is now Mrs.
C. C. Duncan of bade County. Calvin J., who died in 1894,
was one of the early school teachers of bade County; he
married Sarah Martin, who is also deceased; they raised
a. family of three children who are now prominent citizens
of this part of Missouri, being Mrs. Gertrude Gray, K. W.
Higgins and Grace K. Pearson; the first two named are
teachers of Barton County, Missouri. Aby, now Mrs. H. J.
Taylor of Barton County. David Iv. lives in Kaston, Colo.,
where he is farming. Joseph II. is a farmer of bade
County. Mollie, now Mrs. K. M. Cross of Dade County.
Phoeby is now Mrs. C. A. Martin of Colorado. L. B. is
the subject of this review.
L. B. Iliggins received some schooling in early life,
but, of course, was not given the advantages that our chil-
dren of today are receiving. He is, however, a well-edu-
cated man, having always been a great reader and has
profited by observation. He has always lived on the home
place, known as the old Higgins homestead, which he now
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 87
owns. His father passed away about 1895, who at one
time owned as much as 640 acres of good land. He gave
each of his children a good start in life in the shape of
40 acres each, lie was a soldier in the Confederate army,
in which he was conscripted, but only served a short time,
lie was a republican in politics and a member of the Bap-
tist church, and, taken altogether, was a highly-respected
Christian gentleman. His wife passed away July 19, 1908.
L. B. Higgins has made a success of farming and
stock raising. He started his farm operations for himself
on 80 acres of the original homestead, 40 acres of which
he had received from his father, and an adjoining 40 he
purchased from one of his brothers. He later bought 80
acres adjoining him on the south, making 160 acres in a
body, which is one of the fine farms of Cedar Township.
This place is all fenced with wire and has good outbuild-
ings, and in 1897 Mr. Higgins built a large frame resi-
dence. On March '27, 1881, he was married to Lydia L.
Taylor, who was born March 28, 1864, in northern Mis-
souri, a daughter of Perry H. and Mary R. (Allen) Taylor,
who were married in Chariton County, Missouri, and
came to Dade County in 1873, settling in Cedar Township,
where he carried on farming and merchandising. He was
a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. He
died October 13, 1914, while his wife is still living, at the
advanced age of 75, at Milford, Mo. They were the par-
ents of a fine family, five of whom are now living. They
are as follows: Matilda, who is now Mrs. Dr. T. H.
Duckett of Milford, Mo.; John \V. Taylor is a resident
of Colorado 1 Molly, now Mrs. J. A. Rector of Barton
County, Missouri; Laura, now Mrs. AV. M. Crookston of
Rock Springs, Wyo.
To Mr. and Airs. L. B. Higgins have been born two
children, as follows: Eva, born October 18, 1884, married
E. W. Wagaman, a farmer, of Barton County, and they
have three children, May, Blanche and Hester; AVilla,
born November 26, 1887, married J. F. Wagaman of
Fruita, Colo., where they reside, and have a fine family
of five children, named Roy, Paul, Orval, Hazel and Earl
88 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Bryant. Mr. Higgins is an active Kepublican. In 1894
he was elected as county assessor, serving two years, dur-
ing which time he lived in Greenfield. He has served two
years as township assessor, was elected this year (1917)
to the same office, and for thirty years has been a member
of the school board. He and his wife are consistent mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church (South) at Cedar-
ville. Fraternally Mr. Higgins is a member of the A. F.
& A. M. at Milford, and the Modern Woodmen of America
at Jerico. Too much cannot be said of the high standing
of this fine family. As a general farmer and stock raiser,
Mr. Higgins ranks second to none. He has lived a Chris-
tian life, and morally his entire record is above reproach,
and he numbers his friends by the hundreds in both Dade
and Barton Counties lie is a broad-minded, courteous
Christian gentleman, who it is a pleasure to meet and
know, and we do not hesitate to place him in the front
rank of Dade County's very best citizenship.
WILLIAM M. HOEL.
Horn at Lockwood, Mo., November L } 8th, 1881, son of
William H. and Mary J. (llollowpeter) Hoel, being the
youngest of a family of four children, three of whom are
now deceased. His father was a native of New York of
English ancestry. Enlisted in the One Hundred and
Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, and served three years in
the Civil war, when he was discharged for disability.
Came to Dade County about the year 1870, located at
King's Point, where, in company with his brother, Charles
E. Hoel, he conducted a general merchandise store, until
the building of the railroad through the county and the
founding of Lock wood, 1881, when they moved to the new
town and established one of the first general merchandise
stores in the (dace, under the name of Hoel Bros. Of
late years, William B. Hoel has been engaged in the real
estate business at Lockwood, where he now resides, at
the age of 74 years. He is a member of the M. E. church,
a local preacher, an Odd Fellow, and also a member of
HOMK OF W. -J. DAVIS, LO< K\VOOI>.
Taken Six Months After Work Was Started.
SAMK HOMK TWO VKAHS LATKK.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 89
the G. A. R., and a Republican in politics. His wife, Mary
J. Hoel, was born in Pennsylvania, of Dutch parentage,
daughter of Mathias and Mary Hollowpeter, farmers,
originally from Holland. She is now deceased. They were
the parents of five hildren, their oldest dying in infancy:
(2) Cora, married Benjamin Langhlin, a Colorado
ranchman, botli of whom are now deceased. They had
four children.
(3) Katherine, married C. T. AVooldridge, a real
estate man in Kansas City. She is now deceased, leaving
two children.
(4) Gertrude R., married Homer Laughlin, a Colo-
rado ranchman. She is now deceased, leaving one child.
(5) William M. Hoel.
William M. Hoel was reared to manhood in Lock-
wood, lie attended the public schools of the city, entered
Marionville College in 1896, taking the scientific course,
graduating in 1900, after which he entered a medical
school in Kansas City, graduating in 190(3, after which
he located at Sheridan, Wyo., in the practice of his pro-
fession. In 1912 he returned to Lockwood and took up
the general practice of medicine, with splendid success.
In 1906 he was married to Ella E. Stetzler, a lady of
refinement and culture, born at Abilene, Kas., in 1886.
She was a daughter of George W. and Jane Stetzler, who
moved from Illinois to Kansas and then to Kansas City.
He was a general contractor by occupation.
William M. Hoel and wife are the parents of one
child, Luella May, born in 1908. They are both members
of the M. E. church. Mr. Hoel united with the Elks at
Sheridan, Wyo., is a member of the local W. 0. W., and
is its physician, also a member of the American Medical
Association. He is a Republican in politics.
His cottage home is one of the most picturesque in
the city, being among the first of the bungalow type to
be erected. Mr. Hoel and wife are noted for their hos-
pitality and are active in church and civic circles.
He is now a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army
located at Camp Doniphan, Okla.
1U HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
FREDERICK HODDE.
Germany has given to this country thousands and
thousands ol her native- sons to enrich our citizenship, and
To the sons of Germany we are indebted to a large extent
i or the wonderful advancement of these, the United States
of America.
Frederick Hodde was born in Westphale, Germany,
October 4, 1S.")1, a son of Charles Frederick Jlodde and
Mary \Vlieinenn, his wife, lie was born in France in
1M)1, and she in France in 1802. His father, grandfather
of our subject, Frederick Hodde, was a soldier under
General Napoleon, and was in the Russian campaign,
where he was frozen to death near Moscow. Russia, in
ISO!). Charles Frederick Hodde in later life was a farmer
of Germany. They were Lutherans in religious belief
and were forced into Germany from France by the Catho-
lics, who confiscated their property about the year 18112.
They received land from the German government, and
here he grew to manhood, was educated and lived until
he died, in ISSJ. His wife preceded him, in 18SL
Frederick Hodde received his education in Germany,
and followed the occupation of farming up until he was
.'!0 years of age. He married there a Miss Louise Bock,
who died about 187!), after bearing him one son, named
William Hodde, who is now a prosperous farmer of Dade
County, where he married Mary Brunner, and they have
live children. Frederick Hodde married as his second
wile in Germany Miss Louise Winkelmann in 1871), and in
1 xS emigrated to America, coming to Missouri, bringing
his new wife and his small son, William. They spent some
two vears in St. Louis, where he worked at carpentering
and in the lumber business, and came to Dade County in
1 SV L'. For the first three years they rented land in Marion
Township, then bought 1 (iO acres, upon which they lived
for JO years. Here Frederick Hodde prospered exceed-
ingly. He \\\->\ added an SO-acre tract, joining, then a
!>!) acre tract, then a ,V> acre tract, and built him a very
line house. In 1^1) he bought 40 acres, where he now
lives, and to thU he has added a '20. lie owned at one
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AXU ITS PEOPLE 91
time as many as 454 acres of some of the best land that
Dado County affords, which speaks volumes, for Frederick
Hodde, and also for Dade County, for ho began with prac-
tically nothing 1 . His second wife died in September, 1896,
leaving six children, as follows: Henry, of Texas; Charles,
of North Missouri; Frederick, of Iowa; Minnie, now Mrs.
YV. \V. Bohno. of Lockwood Township; Mary, now, Mrs.
Fred Pepinbrink, of Grant Township, and Fmma, now
Mrs. Ernest Rosenthal, of Iowa. Again, on September 20,
J911, Mr. llodde married Anetta (Duncan) Cornell, the
widow of \\". F. Cornell, who died in 1904, leaving 1 four
children, as follows: Lee Cornell of Colorado; Ara, now
Mrs. R. C. DoYault of Nebraska, and mother of one child,
Viona; James Cornell of Nebraska, and Lloyd, who was
accidentally killed in 1915, at the age of 12 years.
Frederick Hodde has given all of his children the
advantages of tine educations, as well as material help
with land, money, etc. He has sold some of his land,
but he is still a hard-working man. Ho manages and
works some 220 acres, with his usual success. He also
owns land in German}'. Fred Hodde is a red-hot Repub-
lican, but he does not care to hold office. He ranks, first
among our citizenship, into which he was naturalized in
the year 1S95. It is indeed a pleasure to meet and know
this line gentleman. His home is hospitable 1 , and one can
learn much along all lines during a few hours' conversa-
tion with this German-American of such wide experience.
We are proud to own Frederick Hodde as a citizen of
Dade County. lie and his kind have been a blessing to
this part of the state of Missouri, and our earnest wish is
that he may live long and always remain a citizen of this
county, where he is held in the highest esteem by all who
know him, and they are many.
MARTIN VAN BUREN HOLMAN.
Among the venerable citizens of Dade County, none
is better known and respected than Uncle Van Holman,
the subject of this sketch. He was born in Overtoil County,
92 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Tennessee, April 4th, 184U, the son of William and Mary
Holman, both natives of North Carolina, where they were
married, and emigrated to Tennessee over 100 years ago.
Uncle Van was the youngest of eleven children that lived
to be grown, but out of this large family he is the only one
now living. Uncle Van remained in Tennessee until he
was 17 years old, when he started north with a party
named Carter. He had a team and a little money, so when
Mr. Carter decided to locate further east, he pushed on
to Dade County, as did his partner and friend, John Belk.
lie bought 80 acres of partly improved land in 1859 and
stayed on this for some three years, at which time lie
moved to Cedar County, buying 280 acres adjoining Stock-
ton. Farming this for about five years, he decided to re-
turn to good old Dade County, and consequently sold his
Cedar County holdings, and bought, in 1870, 320 acres in
Polk Township. For some seven years he farmed on this
place, then bought a tract of 172 acres, where he now
lives, later adding a fine 240 adjoining him on the south
and east, which he later gave to his son, Oliver. Uncle
Van has always been an industrious citizen and has pros-
pered through the years, and by fair dealing has not
only become one of the wealthy men of the county, but
has won for himself the name of being one of our fore-
most citizens, beloved and honored by all, young and old
alike. He married, November 15th, 1860, Mrs. Jane (Lang-
ford) Holman. She was the daughter of Andy J. Holman,
who came to Dade County in 1851, leaving his daughter
back in Tennessee, where she had married a Mr. Langford.
About 185!) Mr. Langford died, leaving his wife and two
children, so Andy Holman, the widow's father, returned
to Tennessee, brought her and the children out to Dade,
and Uncle Van promptly took possession of her as his
wife, for he had known her as a young lady in Ten-
nessee. To this union there were eight children, as fol-
lows: William S., now deceased, and a sketch of him will
be found elsewhere; Newton E., born October 23rd, 1864,
married Miss Maggie Cowan and lives in South Morgan
Township; Ida Isabel, born in 1867 and died in 1884; Zora,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 5KJ
born August 5th, 1869, married William Dunn, and lives
in Polk County; Oliver and Olive, twins, born May 5th,
1872, Olive dying at the age of 7, and Oliver is a farmer
of Polk Township (see his sketch in this volume); Landen
O., born May 31st, 1875, now a farmer of Cedar County;
Fannie, born October 23rd, 1879, now Mrs. Mose Anderson
of Polk County. Uncle Van has twenty-nine grandchil-
dren. The mother of these children died in 1900, and Mr.
Holman married as his second wife Mary Jane Stockton,
who was born September llth, 1861, and a daughter of
Andrew Jackson Stockton, who was a pioneer of Dade
County. Uncle Van served in the state militia for nine
months under Captain Morris. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, but never desired to hold office, always preferring to
devote his time to his large business interests and his fine
family. He is a member of the Christian church. Uncle
Van has ranked among our largest land-owners, having
held at one time over 2.400 acres. He gave his children
good starts in life with fine farms, and so has disposed of
all his land except 480 acres, which he rents out, and is
taking a well-deserved rest. Mr. Holman has always been
liberal with his means and time to further any cause that
would help the county. He is in favor of good roads and
free public schools. He was one of the organizers of the
Citizen's Bank of Walnut Grove, Greene County, and
served on its board of directors for many years. He still
holds his stock in this bank, but has given up the work
on the board to younger men. Truly, this fine old gentle-
man is worthy of the high esteem in which he is held. In
his declining years he is happy and cheerful, delights to
talks of the affairs of the country, and it is a pleasure to
visit this kindly gentleman. May lie live long. He has
been a blessing to our country through all these years,
and we appreciate him to the full.
OLIVER H. HOLMAN.
The subject of this sketch was 23 years of age when
lie commenced business for himself. During his boyhood
94 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
d'dys he had attended the common schools of the county,
and later attended the Dadeville Academy. He worked
at home with his father until he married, then bought a
I arm of 200 acres in Polk Township on Sac river. He
remained on this farm five years, when he sold out and
purchased another farm of 240 acres, all in one body,
in the same township. At the time of his purchase this
place was fairly well improved, but Mr. Holman has
cleared out some GO acres, and done lots of fencing and
cross-fencing, much of it hog-tight, built new barns, re-
modeled the dwelling- house, built a 127-ton silo in 1914,
and has added 40 acres to his original purchase, so that
now his farm consists of 280 acres. He is a breeder of
registered Shorthorn cattle, having a herd of 20 cows
and one registered male "Master," also twenty yearlings.
He also raises hogs quite extensively, being partial to the
Poland-Chinas. Mr. Holman also handles quite a nice
Hock of sheep, and finds them to be profitable.
On the 22nd day of December, 1895, Oliver II. Hol-
man was married to Laura Graham, born March 1st, 1874,
daughter of Thomas B. and Ann Eliza (Harris) Graham,
her father being born March 1st, 1832, and her mother
February 27th, 1843, and were married October 6th, 1870.
Her father was born in Ray County, Missouri, but came to
Cedar County with his father when 9 months old. He
still owns the old home place settled by his father in 1832.
Mrs. Ilolman was the second of a family of three chil-
dren. One brother, James li. Graham, is a business man
and postmaster at Centralia, Okla. He married Joie Hart-
icy of Cedar County, and now owns about 200 acres of
valuable land in Oklahoma. Her sister, Sallie Graham,
died single at the age of 35 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ilolman have a family of five children,
all at home:
(1) Thomas V., born Xoveinber 6th, 1896.
(2) Dwight, born October 16th, 1898.
(3) Olive Berniece, born May 10th, 1901.
(4) Rollo Oliver, born January 14th, 1904.
(5) Laura Eunice, born February 26th, 1910.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 95
Mrs. Ilolamn is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Holrnan is a Democrat, a wide-awake, progressive,
public-spirited man, and a booster for good roads. Has
been a member of the school board for three years.
W. C. HOWELL.
Was born in Dado County, Missouri, August 4th, 1880,
a son of W. E. and Maggie ( Jordan) ITowell, both of whom
are living. W. E. ITowell was a native of Ohio and Maggie
Jordan was a native of Tennessee. Both came to Dade
County at about the close of the Civil war and wore
married here. Tie is a farmer of Washington Township.
They raised a family of three children:
'(1) W. C. Howell is the oldest.
(2) John D. married Hettie M. Staggs of Clay
County, Missouri. They have t\vo living children, Lena
and Lucile.
(3) Bertha, now Mrs. Ernest Russell. They reside
in Greene County, Missouri, and have one living child,
Myrtle. Mr. Russell is a farmer.
W. C. Howell received his education in the common
schools of Dade County, and remained at home until 1898,
working out for six years, and in 1904 bought his first
tract of 80 acres of land in Washington Township. He
still owns this land. It was fairly well improved at the
time he bought it. He was living as a tenant on the G. S.
Mitchell farm at the time of his marriage to Joanotto
Mitchell April ,>d, 1904. She was born in Dade County
May 27th, 1877, daughter of Gorham S. and Louisa (Rabb)
Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Maine, as also wa 1 -
his wife. They were married in Maine in 1 86-> and eam<>
to Cook County, Illinois, and bought 80 acres of land,
which now joins the city of Chicago. lie kept this land
for two or three years and then sold out and came 1o
Dade County. This land lias since become immensely
valuable. On his arrival he purchased 200 acres of land
whore his daughter resides. He carried on genera] farm-
ina 1 and stock raising and erected a substantial residence
96 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and log out-buildings. He died on this farm March 3rd,
1907 and is buried at Pennsboro. His widow is still living
on the old homestead at the age of 74 years. Mr. Mitchell
was a Republican in politics, a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church and the father of three children :
(1) Fannie, now Mrs. S. W. Cox.
(2) Flora L., unmarried, lives on the old homestead
with her mother.
(3) Jeanottc, now Mrs. W. C. Howell. W. C. Howell
and wife are the parents of two children:
(1) Edrie, born January 9th, 1906.
(2) Chalmers, born December 8th, 1913.
Mr. Howcll is engaged in general farming and has
bought out the Mitchell heirs until he now owns 160 acres
of the original Mitchell homestead and an adjoining 80
acres making 320 acres in Dado county. He has built a
fine barn, cleared out over half the place, built a silo of
110 tons capacity. His place is well fenced, all hog-tight,
cross-fenced, well watered with springs, well and wind-
mill. In addition to general farming, Mr. Howell handles
a large amount of stock, being a breeder of white-face
cattle of which two males and six females are registered.
He has a herd of 15 grade cows and feeds and keeps all
told about 50 head. He also raises a number of mules for
market each year, keeping a fine jack and raises about 14
colts and tries to market two or three span of fine mules
each year. Mr. I To well also finds sheep raising profitable
and lias a small flock on the farm. His machinery is mod-
ern and up-to-date. In fact Mr. Howell is a first class
Farmer and stock man in every respect. He is a Repub-
lican in politics, a member of the Baptist church and be-
longs to the W. (). AV. No better man can be found in
Washington Township than Mr. Howell, and he and his
family enjoy the confidence and respect of the community.
TAYLOR H. HUNT.
For forty-seven years Taylor H. Hunt has been a
citizen of Dade county and during all this time he has been
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 97
considered one of our foremost progressive men. Tennes-
see has given us many of her very best sons and Mr. Hunt
is no exception to the rule. He was born in East Tennes-
see, February 6, 1847, a son of Washington and Polly Car-
oline (Wilson) Hunt. Mr. Hunt's paternal grand parents
were Wm. and Margaret (Finley) Hunt and were natives
of the state of Georgia where they were married and came
to Tennessee at an early day where he bought a large
portion of the Tellico Plains. In Georgia he was the owner
of a large gold mining property which he sold for a vast
sum of money which was considered a fortune in those
early days. Here on this tract of fine land in Tennessee
Wm. Hunt and his wife passed away leaving to their eight
boys and two girls this large acreage which made each of
them a fine home and here Washington Hunt, father of
Taylor Hunt, was married and made his home until his
death. Taylor Hunt received 100 acres from his father
and upon this land he lived for eight years having been
married in the mean time to Sarah Lucinda Farmer, on
February 6th, 1867. To this union were born three
children as follows: Jesse E., born November 27, 1870
and married Eva Kirby and they reside in Texas ; Lou T.,
born May 28, 1872, married Mary Hunt and he is de-
ceased ; Laguarda L., born October 6th, 1874, married Hat-
tie Lake and they live in Fair Play, Polk county, Missouri
where he is a prominent physician. Mr. Hunt married
again on February 21, 1886, Miss Alice Wilson, a native of
Greene County, Mo., where she was born April 6th, 1860.
Her father was a pioneer settler of Greene county. To this
second union six children were born and in order of birth
they are as follows : Norma D., born June 14th, 1888, has
received a fine education, having finished high school at
Dadeville and spent some time at the Springfield Normal.
She was awarded a life certificate in 1913 and started
teaching, first she taught one year at Bona then two
years at Pennsboro, two at Everton and two at Richland
high while at the present she is teaching in the high
school at Bishop, Texas ; Ira A., born September 21, 1889,
received fine education having spent three years at Drury
_98 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
college and three years in Washington University at St.
Louis where he graduated and was admitted to the bar
and is now a prominent attorney of Bishop and Kingsville,
Texas; Wm. A., born September 27, 1891, well educated
and is farming in Cedar county. He married Bernice
Thomason and have a daughter, Irene ; Lillie P., born
June 12, 1893, received her education in Dadeville high
and Springfield Normal and was given a life certificate
in 1913 and is now teaching in the high school at Mount
Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri; Finley C., born July
19th, 1895, graduate of Everton High School, is at home
running the home place ; Lena G., born July 16th, 1897,
also finished her education at Everton and Springfield
Normal and is now teaching in the public schools near
Mount Vernon, Mo. Well may Taylor H. Hunt and his
estimable wife be proud of their fine family for they are a
credit to our county and we are proud to ow r n them as
native sons and daughters. Taylor H. Hunt came to us in
1880 and for six years rented land arid farmed, then
bought himself a fine farm of 110 acres although unim-
proved he soon made it so for he built a small house in
1890 and shortly after enlarged it and has continued to
improve his home until he now has one of the really at-
tractive residences in the county. Mr. Hunt has been a
successful farmer and has added to his land until at the
present writing, he has 140 acres of as fine land as there
is in the county and all of it in cultivation but about ten
acres. He has all modern machinery and conveniences in-
cluding acetylene gas for lighting. Mr. Hunt has made a
practice of keeping good stock and has made a specialty of
mules now owning one very fine jack named "Sampson."
Mr. Hunt is a democrat in politics and he and his wife
belong to the Baptist church of which he is a deacon and
also director of building. We always find Mr. Hunt's
influence on the side of right and progress, he is a firm be-
liever in good roads, free public schools, and temperance.
A fine broad minded gentleman is Mr. Hunt, ever ready
with his time and means to further any cause for the
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 99
good of the county, he is a credit to our county and state,
may he live long among us.
R. S. JACOBS BANKING COMPANY.
The Articles of Association of the R. S. Jacobs Bank-
ing Company are dated May 9th, 1892, and the Certificate
of Incorporation from the Secretary of State is dated
May 12th, 1892, and was filed for record in Dade county,
May 14th, 1892. The five directors named in the Articles
of Association for the first year were : R. S. Jacobs, John H.
Howard, Thomas J. Van Osdell, J. L. Wetzel and Lewis
Renfro.
It was expected to commence business on June 1st,
1892, but Thomas J. Van Osdell, who was a director and had
been agreed upon for the position of Cashier was seriously
sick on that day, and died on June 3rd. 1892.
The first meeting of the Board of Directors was held
June 10th, 1892, and at that time Mason Talbutt was elected
a director to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Thomas
J. Van Osdell.
The second meeting of the Board of Directors was held
June 13th, 1892, and at that meeting J. L. Wetzel was
elected cashier which position he has held to this date
and at this meeting the Board of Directors bought of R. S.
Jacobs & Co. (a firm composed of R. S. Jacobs and Thorn.
J. VanOsdell, who had been engaged in the Private Bank-
ing business for several years) the bank building, safe and
other fixtures for the sum of twelve thousand dollars.
R. S. Jacobs was a director and president of the bank
from the time of organization to the date of his death, Jan-
uary 31st, 1899, and Capt. John H. Howard was then elected
president (having been vice president from the beginning)
and served until June 16th, 1906, when he resigned. Capt.
John H. Howard died September 23rd, 1906.
Mason Talbutt was elected a director June 10th, 1892,
and has been on the board since that date ; was vice presi-
dent while Capt. Howard was President, and has been
president since June 16th, 1906.
100 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
The dividends paid on each share of stock amount to
$237 and were paid semi-annually, and in the meantime the
stock has more than doubled in value.
The present Board of Directors are : Robert S. Long,
David Riggings, J. C. Shouse, Ben M. Neale, R. H. Merrill,
J. L. Wetzel and Mason Talbutt. The present officers are
Mason Talbutt, president; Robert S. Long, vice president;
J. L. Wetzel, cashier ; R. H. Merrill, asst. cashier and Leon
Hall, clerk.
The last official statement of this bank, under a call
from the state bank commissioner, is dated March 5th, 1917,
and is as follows :
No. 828.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT.
Of the financial condition of the R. S. Jacobs Banking
Co., at Greenfield, state of Missouri, at the close of business
on the 5th day of March, 1917, published in The Vedette, a
newspaper printed and published at Greenfield, state of
Missouri, on the 15th day of March, 1917.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts, undoubtedly good on per-
sonal or collateral $152,840.47
Loans, real estate 25,322.93
Overdrafts 4,689.07
Bonds and stocks 3,154.06
Real estate (banking house) 8,500.00
Furniture and fixtures 2,000.00
Due from other banks and bankers, subject to
check 17,038.30
Cash items 827.76
Currency 2,748 00
Specie 6,030.85
Total $223,151.44
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $ 25,000.00
Surplus fund 25,000.00
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 101
Undivided profits, net 3,621.45
Due to banks and bankers, subject to check 1,468.49
Individual deposit subject to check 109,181.19
Time certificates of deposit 58,880.31
Total $223,151.44
B. FRANK JOHNSON.
Born in Cedar County, Missouri, March 31st, 1872, son
of John Fletcher and Ellen Amanda (Ridall) Johnson, both
now deceased. John Fletcher was a native son of Luzerne
county, Pcnn., born March 10th, 1834 and his father was
born in England, coming to this country many years ago.
John F. Johnson came to Cedar County, Mo., in 1866 and
bought 460 acres of land near Cane Hill. He returned to
Pennsylvania and married Miss Ellen Amanda Ridall, Fsb-
ruary 1st, 1869. She was of English ancestry. This newly
married couple came to the Cedar County farm when Se-
dalia was the nearest railroad point. When this farm was
first purchased the dwelling house consisted of a log cabin,
but Mr. Johnson erected a more pretentious domicile be-
fore going to Pennsylvania for his bride. The farm was
mostly timber land which Mr. Johnson cleared out and im-
proved.
Seeing the possibilities of a good flouring mill with
everlasting water power, Mr. Johnson erected and com-
pleted a splendid mill at Seybert and started its operation
January 1st, 1872, and continued to operate it with suc-
cess until 1887.
His mother, who was formerly Miss Mary Ann Sey-
bert was brought to the farm in Cedar county and resided
with her son until 1890. About the year 1887 Mr. Johnson
sold the Seybert mill to C. W. Montgomery and moved to
Greenfield to live. He was one of the organizers of the
Bade County Bank and was its first vice president. He
was elected its president in 1890 and held that position un-
til his death. He died in Greenfield April 6th, 1893 and
his wife survived him a few years, departing this life in
102 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Greenfield March 30th, 1916. At one time Mr. Johnson
owned more than 2,000 acres of land in Dade and Cedar
counties. He was a man of large affairs and owned a
large estate in Pennsylvania at the time of his death.
John F. Johnson was raised in Pennsylvania, quit
school at the age of 17 years and entered the mercantile
business at Beach Haven and continued therein until
1865. He was a man of wide information and practically
self educated.
His first vote in Missouri w T as cast at Madison town-
ship in Cedar county and it was one of but two democratic
votes cast. In the erection of the Seybert mill the pine
lumber was hauled by ox-teams from Fort Scott. Nearly
all the machinery was hauled from Boonville. The original
wheel that operated the corn burr was made by Marion
Swingle. Just a few days before the final touches were
put on the mill a flood came and washed out most of the
dam. It had to be re-built. Mr. Johnson remodeled the
mill in 1881, put in what is known as a combination mill,
and afterward took this out and put in a full modern
roller plant. This last transformation required about
three years.
In after years Mr. Johnson erected many buildings
in Greenfield and remodeled others, among the most im-
portant being the old Delmonico Hotel building.
John F. Johnson was a member of the Baptist church
while his wife was a Presbyterian. He was a democrat in
politics, served as Presiding Judge of the county court
one term.
Mr. Johnson and wife were the parents of seven
children:
(1) Lottie E., died in 1874 at the age of 4 years.
(2) B. Frank Johnson.
(3) Walter P.
(4) May, married Floyd Van Osdell.
(5) Carrie, married Phil S. Griffith.
(6) Capitola, married Lynville D. Higgins.
(7) Ira.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 103
B. Frank Johnson was educated in the common
schools of Dade county and Ozark college at Greenfield.
From 1893 to 1897 he was engaged in the milling business
at the old Hoyle water mill, two miles east of Greenfield.
In 1897 he moved to a farm in Cedar County consisting of
320 acres North of Cane Hill. In 1900 he built a fine
modern residence and is extensively engaged in general
farming and stock raising.
On the llth day of May, 1893 he was married to
Martha Young, a native of Dade county who was born
September 18th, 1870, daughter of Marshall Young, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of four child-
ren:
(1) Phyllis, born March 23rd, 1896, in Dade county.
She was married to Lawrence Rountree in September,
1915, a farmer of Cedar county. They have one child,
John Franklin, born September 17th, 1916.
(2) John Fletcher, born December 7th, 1903.
(3) Byron, born September 7th, 1909.
(4) Dorothy, born August 9th, 1914.
B. Frank Johnson is a democrat in politics, is a pro-
gressive citizen and a good roads booster, drives an
Overland car and is the owner of the old Marshall Young
homestead of 140 acres in Sac Township.
IRA H. JOHNSON.
Son of J. F. Johnson, (deceased) a native of Pennsyl-
vania, who came to Dade County in an early day and en-
gaged in the milling business at Seybert. He was an ex-
tensive farmer, stock raiser and feeder and spent the latter
part of his life in the city of Greenfield, being President of
the Dade County Bank and presiding Judge of the County
Court. He was a man of large means and left a valuable
estate both in Dade County and in his native state Penn-
sylvania.
Ira H. Johnson was born in Dade County October 17th,
1885, was married November 1st, 1908 to Dena Montgomery,
born July 13th, 1885, a daughter ofBenjamin Montgomery
104 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
who resides near Cane Hill in Cedar County, To this union
were born three children:
(1) Edna, born September 7th, 1909, is now attending
school.
(2) Beatrice, born August 19, 1912.
(3) Ira Harold, born June 28, 1914.
Mr. Johnson is a farmer and owns a farm of 360 acres
in Ernest Township, all finely improved, where he resides,
and a farm of 260 acres in Center Township west of Green-
field. He devotes his entire time to his farming and stock
feeding enterprises although he is a large stockholder in
the Dade County Bank at Greenfield. He has erected a
splendid 8-room dwelling house on his farm and surrounded
the same with good out-buildings and many other improve-
ments. It is decidedly the best improved farm in the
Township. The farm water supply is obtained from
a never failing well 300 feet deep. Mr. Johnson handles
from 4 to 6 car loads of cattle and hogs each year.
Politically Mr. Johnson has always voted the Democrat
ticket. He supports and attends the Christian church,
drives a Ford car and is a booster for good roads. His
farm reflects the energy and industry of its proprietor,
and his home is one of happiness, contentment and pros-
perity.
JOHN HARRISON.
Deeased.
Among the noted pioneers of Greenfield few were
better known and none more highly esteemed and re-
spected than the subject of this sketch. John Harrison
was born in Boone County, Missouri, May 22nd, 1825, and
diod at the home of his son, Edwin Harrison, in Green-
field, Mo., in November, 1916. He was the son of George
and Malinda (Lynes) Harrison, and the grandson of John
and Elizabeth (Harris) Harrison. George Harrison was
born in Alexander, Va., September 3rd, 1800, and was
left an orphan when but a small boy. After the death of
his parents he was taken by his uncle, a Mr. Dennis, who
WILLIAM RAUBINGER
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 105
removed to Woodford County, Kentucky, and here George
learned the saddler's trade. When a young man he went
to Old Franklin, Howard County, Missouri, and shortly
afterward to Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, where
he was married March 24th, 1824, to Miss Malinda Lynes.
Mr. Harrison died in Hempstead County, Arkansas, Sep-
tember 22nd, 1859. His wife was born in Madison County,
Kentucky, August 12th, 1803, and when 5 years of age
her parents, Joseph and Mary Lynes, moved to St. Louis,
and from thence to Boone County, Missouri, being among
the early pioneers to that part of the state. For a number
of years since 1851 Mrs. Harrison made her home with her
daughter, Elmira Meng, at Dover, Mo. Mr. and Mrs.
Harrison were the parents of four children, John Harri-
son grew to maturity in Boone County and obtained a
fair education in the common schools of that county.
Shortly after leaving home he commenced working at the
harness-maker's trade, but a few years later took up
merchandising at Walnut Grove, Greene County, Missouri.
On the 18th day of May, 1853, he was married to Miss
Mary E. Foushee, daughter of William and Narcissa
(Hunt) Foushee of St. Charles County, Missouri, and
a native of Clayborne County, Tennessee, born in 1883.
William Foushee was a native Virginian. To Mr. and Mrs.
Harrison were born nine children:
(1) Roger H., now deceased, for a number of years
a prominent physician at Gainesville, Tex.
(2) Charles, a harness-maker in Greenfield, un-
married.
(3) Mark E., a dentist by profession, formerly of
Nevada, Mo.
(4) Edwin, cashier of the Dade County Bank, mar-
ried, and lives in Greenfield. Has one son, Roger, who
is now a captain in the United States Army.
(5) Ralph, now a major in the United States Army.
(6) William, for a number of years engaged in
manufacturing in New Mexico.
(7) Ruth, now deceased.
(8) Elmira.
106 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(9) Hugh, business manager of the firm of Harrison
Bros., furniture and undertaking, in Greenfield, Mo.
After his marriage John Harrison located in Bolivar,
Mo., where he established a saddlery and harness shop,
and where he remained until after the war. In 1866 he
became a citizen of Greenfield and established a harness
shop, in which business he remained until the time of his
death. In May, 1885, he was appointed postmaster of
Greenfield. He held this office four years, to the entire
satisfaction of the community. In politics Mr. Harrison
was always a Democrat, casting his first vote in 1848 for
General Taylor. Mr. Harrison was an active man in local
affairs, serving a number of years on the school board
and in the city council. He was a member of the Chris-
tian church. Mr. Harrison was one of those quiet, un-
assuming sort of men, frugal and industrious in his own
business and carefully avoiding any entanglements in the
affairs of other men. He died at a ripe old age, honored
and esteemed bv all who knew him.
JOHN M. JONES.
Among the largest and most succcessful farmers of
Eastern Dade County we must mention John M. Jones
of Rock Prairie Township. He was born April 30th, 1864,
in Lawrence County, Arkansas, a son of John M and Mary
E. (Hector) Jones.
Joint M. Jones Sr. was born in middle Tennessee, near
Nashville, January 3rd, 1836, and died August 30th, 1863.
1 1 is wife, Mary Hector, was born in Warren County, Ken-
tucky, May 12th, 1S41. She is now living in Rock Prairie
Township, widow of William C. Jones, whom she married
after her first husband's death. John M. Jones Sr. and
William C. Jones were brothers. Mrs. Mary E. Jones
has every reason to remember vividly the Civil war time
in Da<le County. Her first husband, John M. Jones, met
a tragic death at the hands of an assassin. He enlisted
in the Missouri State Militia at Dadeville and had re-
turned to his home for a few days to arrange his business
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 107
matters, when he was killed from ambush the day before
he was to take up his duties in the Militia. He left one
son, William M. Jones, while John M. Jones, the subject
of this sketch, was born a few months after his father's
murder. As stated before, Mrs. Jones married for her
second husband William C. Jones, a brother of John M.,
and by him she had two children, Julia A., now Mrs.
Henry Bullington of Rock Prairie Township, and George
A. Jones, who lives in Arizona. Both the paternal and
maternal gandparents of John M. Jones Jr. were pioneers
of Dade County. Samuel Jones and Rodha Butler, his
wife, grandparents of John M. Jones Jr., were married
in Tennessee and came to Dade County overland in wagons
in 1851. He entered some three or four hundred acres of
land and carried on a large business in horses. He was
considered a very wealthy man in his day. He owned
many slaves. He would accumulate large droves of horses
and drive them into different parts of the south for sale.
At the time the Civil war broke out he and his son, John
Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, were in the mer-
cantile business in Dade County. They opened one store
at Cross Roads and had another at Dilday's Mill. War
conditions here made it so dangerous for his property and
business that he went to Texas, taking his slaves and
considerable money. He was accidentally killed, being
kicked by a mule. His wife died in about 1878.
Martin and Nancy Rector, grandparents of John M.
Jones Jr., came to Dade County in the fall of 1846, and
both died here. John M. Jones Jr. received a good edu-
cation in the public schools of Dade County and Ozark
College at Greenfield. He taught school in Dade County
for some six years, and was with Scott Bros, of Kansas
City, Mo., railroad contractors, for whom he kept books
for four years, after which he returned to Dade County
and married Mary I. Patterson, who was born in Dade
County November 28th, 1869, and was a daughter of J. D.
Patterson and Margaret Trailer. (A complete sketch of
whom will be found elsewhere.) For three years after
his marriage Mr. Jones farmed on 160 acres of rented land
108 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
in Rock Prairie Township, moved to Everton, and there
entered the mercantile business, where he kept a general
store for 12 years, subsequently selling out to Parker &
Dye, who had been his partners, and moved to his present
location, which is considered one of the finest farms in this
part of Missouri. He bought 160 acres of Mr. Patterson,
his father-in-law, who also gave his daughter, Mrs. Jones,
an adjoining 160 acres. This was well improved land,
and here Mr. and Mrs. Jones have carried on general
farming and stock raising and have been very successful
in their operations. In 1917 he added 108 acres joining,
making 428 acres in a body.
In 1905 Mr. Jones built a fine 12-room brick residence,
which is one of the very few brick dwellings in this
county. It is modern in every respect, hot and cold water,
bath and lights. Mr. Jones has numerous fine large out-
buildings, including a cement silo with a 130-ton capacity,
and one stave silo of 130-ton capacity. This silo was one
of the first built in this section of the county; in fact, it
can be said that Mr. Jones was probably the first in the
county to become interested in the silo as a farm institu-
tion. He is a high-grade stock man, raises and breeds
pure Angus cattle, and his herd of 50 head is one of the
best that can be found in South Missouri. He handles a
large number of Poland-China hogs and also raises and
breeds sheep to quite an extent. He is a breeder and
finisher of fine horses. He ranks first in the county,
making a specialty of saddlers and trotting horses.
To Mr. and Airs. Jones have been born four children:
Floy B., born February 26th, 1892, married Ross Haley,
a farmer of Rock Prairie Township, and they have one
child, Adrain Gather Haley; J. Fay was born June 7th,
1894, is at homo, is a graduate of Everton High School, and
now assistant cashier of the Citizen's Bank of Everton.;
Ruth Beryl, born August 30th, 1896, is attending school
and lives at home, and Ula Forrest, born June 13th, 1899,
is also at home.
Mr. Jones is an active Democrat and has served as
township treasurer. He does not, however, aspire to office,
much preferring to spend his time and energy in the con-
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 109
duct of his large business interests. Mr. Jones is one of
our foremost, progressive farmers, broad-minded and ever
ready to take his part in any enterprise for the betterment
of the county and its people, is an active booster for good
roads and believes in free public schools. His judgment
is sought upon all subjects of public interest. While a
fine-class horseman, he also sees the advantage of the
automobile, as he owns and drives a fine Buick Six. John
M. Jones is known almost to every man, woman and child
in this county, and his fine farm home is one of the show
places of Eastern Dade County. His fine residence can
be seen for miles around. John M. Jones stands in the
front rank of Dade County in citizenship. His word is as
good as his bond. Dade County needs more men of his
caliber.
JAMES R. JEFFREYS.
One of the most highly respected and beloved citizens
of Dftde County is James R. Jeffreys of Washington Town-
ship. He was born in Middle Tennessee April 7th, 1844,
the son of Dr. M. N. Jeffreys and Hannah L. Hill, his
wife, both natives of North Carolina, where they were mar-
ried and where Mr. Jeffreys was a practicing physician
for many years, but subsequently moved to Turnerville,
Ky., where he carried on his profession until his death,
which occurred in his 84th year, and his wife returned to
the old home in Middle Tennessee, where she passed
away some years later. James Jeffreys, of this review,
remained at home and attended school up to the time of
the Civil war. He was attending school at Middleton,
Tenn., at the time, and he, with sixteen other students,
walked out from school in a body and formed what later
became Company G, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. They
elected Adolphus Gates captain, and the company was
recruited in the neighborhood and was destined to see
hard service Mr. Jeffreys was in the thick of the fight
and was wounded in the hip at the battle of Harrisburg,
which laid him up for some three months and later was
wounded in the hand and arm. He was taken prisoner of
110 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
war near Clifton, on the Tennessee river, was paroled after
two months, and returned to his company. Besides others,
he saw service in the battles of Fort Donaldson, Shilo,
Farmington, Tupelo, Franklin, Tenn.; Perry ville, Ky.;
Okalona, Miss.; Fort Pillar, Tenn.; Paduka, Ky.; Pontatak,
Miss.; Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn., and Dalton, Ga.
When the war closed Mr. Jeffreys found himself in Ala-
bama, and he made his way home overland to Tennessee,
but when he arrived he found that everything had been
destroyed, but he took up the task of making a living
and home for himself by farming, at which he could not
get started in a satisfactory manner, so after three years
of hard work he decided to emigrate to Missouri, which he
did, in company with his brother, Al S. Jeffreys. They
landed in Greenfield March 29th, 1869, and for some time
Mr. Jeffreys worked out at different places until he got
a start, and in 1871 purchased a team and rented 16 acres
of land on Turnback Creek, and on which he raised a crop.
This was the beginning, and he continued to rent land
for two years, when he married one of Dade County's
fairest daughters, Miss Nancy McMillan, and moved to
40 acres which was part of the old McMillan homestead.
Here they lived and prospered, and Mr. Jeffreys soon
bought out one of the other McMillan heirs, and thereby
added another 40-acre tract, this giving them 80 acres of
good land, and things began to move faster, so that in a
short time he was able to buy two adjoining 40 's, making
them 160 acres in a body, and which is now one of the
fine farms in the county. His son, James C. Jeffreys, now
lives on and operates the home place, which is situated
just east of South Greenfield. Mrs. Jeffreys died May
10th, , after a long and useful life, and she was beloved
by all who knew her. She was the mother of two boys,
who are now numbered among' our best citizens. The
oldest, James C., married Minnie Tye, a native of Dade
County, and they have four children, as follows: James
R., Kathryn, Ester H. and Bedford Forrest. The second
son, Robert N., is a prominent farmer of Washington
County, and they have one son, Albert Edgar.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 111
James R. Jeffreys is a Democrat in politics and has
served as justice of the peace at South Greenfield for
twelve years, and has also served on the school board
and as road commissioner for many years. Fraternally
he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Chapter, Council
and Commandry at Greenfield, and a prominent member
and officer of the U. C. V. Camp. Truly, Mr. Jeffreys is
one of our best known and greatly appreciated citizens.
He has done his share in the building up of the county,
and also of South Greenfield, where he owns the brick
structure where the drug store is located, as well as other
business buildings and a good town residence. Mr.
Jeffreys has lived a clean and upright life, and his memory
will always remain green through the numberless years
after he shall have gone to his final rest. We of the
younger generation may well emulate the example of
Uncle Jim Jeffreys, and it is to such as he that Dade
County does honor in these volumes of history.
ULYSSES S. KERAN.
Of Scotch-Irish ancestry and retaining many of the
commendable characteristics of his early parentage, Ulys-
ses S. Keran was born November 28th, 1867, in Fort Scott,
Kas., his father, Asariah A. Keran, a native of Hamilton
County, Ohio, of Scotch-Irish parentage dying in Dade
County in 1896 in his 73rd year. His father, John Keran,
came from Scotland and settled in Hamilton County, Ohio,
in a very early day. He was a minister of the Protestant
Methodist church. John's wife was Mary (Clements)
Keran, of English ancestry. They spent their remaining
days in Edgar County, Illinois.
A. A. Keran was one of a family of eight children,
two boys and six girls, only two of whom are now living.
He was a veteran of the Civil war, and was assigned to a
Kansas regiment, of which he was surgeon. His brother.
William, was also a veteran of the Civil war, serving in an
Illinois regiment. A. A. Keran was raised on an Illinois
farm, going there with his parents when a small boy. He
112 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
attended the country and public schools of Paris, 111. He
then engaged in teaching for some time. In the meantime,
he read medicine at Paris, and was one of the first gradu-
ates of the Rush Medical College of Chicago. After
graduation he practiced medicine at Paris, 111., and later
went as physician and surgeon to a colony in Minnesota.
He came to Centerville, Apponoose County, Iowa, and
after practicing there for some time emigrated to Fort
Scott, Kas., after which he practiced his profession at Mt.
Vernon, in Lawrence County, and finally ended his days
at the home of his son, Ulysses, in Lockwood.
In early life he joined the Methodist church, in which
organization he was a local preacher, a man of strong
will power, deep convictions and vigorous speech. His
Republicanism was as uncompromising as his religion.
A. A. Keran was married to Catharine Dick, who was
born in Oldham County, Kentucky, and died in 1894, at
the age of 73 years. She was of German descent, her
parents, Richard and Lucy Dick, moving to Edgar County,
Illinois, in the early days and were farmers. They were
members of the Methodist Protestant church. She had
two brothers, Solomon Dick and Nicholas Dick, who were
veterans of the Civil war. There were six children in the
Keran family, three boys and three girls, viz:
(1) Jennie J., married John Kingsburg, a veteran
of the Civil war, who died of wounds received in service.
She is now living at Mystic, la.
(2) John T., living at Elizabeth, Colo, a retired
farmer. A veteran of the Civil war, serving in a Kansas
regiment.
(3) Ann, married Joseph P. Jones. She is now
deceased.
(4) Prince Albert, living at Lockwood, and engaged
in the real estate business.
(5) Martha E., married Elmer E. Gray, a farmer.
They reside at Capron, Okla.
(6) Ulysses S.
Either from choice or by dint of dire necessity, Ulys-
BCS S. Keran remained upon the farm till 25 years of age.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 113
As a boy ho attended the common schools, receiving a fair
education. In 1891 he came to Lockwood and engaged in
the real estate business. In 1896 he was elected mayor of
the city and served two years. This was his entry into
the political field. In 1898 he was elected sheriff of Dade
County and was re-elected again in 1900. He has the
distinction of being one of the best, if not the very best,
sheriff Dade County ever had.
At the close of his second term as sheriff he returned
to Lockwood and was one of the organizers of the Farm-
ers' State Bank of that place. During the next two years
he served as vice president, and after that was elected
cashier, which position he still holds.
He was married on the 14th day of March, 1889, to
Jessie B. Harwell, born at Sparta, 111., May 26th, 1868,
daughter of Joseph C. and Gene (Walker) Harwell. They
resided on a farm. One child was born to this union,
Otho II., born in Lockwood, Mo., October 4th, 1894. He
graduated from Lockwood High School and had a two-
year course at the state university at Columbia. He is
now second assistant cashier in the Farmers' State Bank
at Lockwood. He was married on the 29th day of June,
1916, to Miss Irma Caldwell, and lives in a handsome bun-
galow adjoining the parental roof.
Mrs. Keran is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Keran holds membership in the I. 0. 0. F. and the
M. AY. A. He is a Republican in politics and a booster
for everything that pertains to the general welfare of his
community.
Mr. Keran has attained his greatest financial success
by wise and judicious investments in real estate. Being
a good seller as well as a good buyer, he has prospered
in that line to a remarkable degree. His home is one of
the best in Lockwood, both in point of structural value
and furnishings. He is a man who enjoys the brighter
nde of life and wears the smile which will not rub off.
Affable, congenial and courteous, Mr. Keran is a man
with whom it is a pleasure to meet and be associated with.
114 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
JOHN A. KING.
Born in Dade County, Missouri, February 6th, 1850,
son of William N. and Sarah M. (McConnell) King, a
full biographical sketch being given of each of them in
the biography and history of R. C. King in this volume.
John A. King received his meager schooling in Dade
County, and is practically self-educated, and remained
at home, working with his father, until he was 28 years
of age. On the 14th day of February, 1878, he was mar-
ried to Nancy Ann Lyon, who was born January 10th,
1858, in Cedar County, Missouri, daughter of William
James and Sarah A. (Cowan) Lyon, both natives of Ten-
nessee. They were married in Tennessee and came to
Missouri in the late 50 's. The mother died in early life
and her father re-married, and died in Cedar County in
May, 1899. He was a farmer, a Democrat in politics, and
served one term as public administrator of Cedar County.
He farmed extensively and was a big dealer in live stock.
By his first wife (mother of Mrs. King) he had two chil-
dren, Mrs. King and Mary, who married Pleasant R.
Holbert of Cedar County, both now deceased, leaving
seven children. Mrs. Lyon, mother of Mrs. King, was
married in early life, previous to her marriage to Mr.
Lyon, to a Mr. Lightner of Tennessee. One child was
born of this marriage, a son, who became a noted doctor,
and practiced many years in Dade County. His name was
Dr. William Cowan Lightner, and he married a sister of
John A. King. Losing his health in Missouri, he emi-
grated to Texas, where he died. His widow, Mrs. M. J.
Lightner, now resides at 208 West Street, Tulsa, Okla.
John A. King, about the time of his marriage, had
received from his father 58'/> acres of splendid land in
North Morgan Township. He had cleared out and built
a house 1G by 32 feet, two rooms, and here he took his
bride. He was an industrious and energetic man, and
prospered. He added to his original tract until he had a
fine farm of 315 acres, all in one body. PTe had built a
splendid six-room, two-story frame dwelling upon it. In
1910 he retired from the farm and purchased a three and
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 115
one-half-acre tract adjoining Greenfield on the east, with
a large residence and a view overlooking the city.
He has made many improvements since purchasing,
in the way of porches, sidewalks, etc. The residence is
supplied with city water, electric lights, and is modern in
every respect. Since purchasing the above, Mr. King
has added to it, until now his home place consists of 18%
acres.
Mr. and Mrs, King are members of the Presbyterian
church, the wife being especially active in church work.
Mr. King is a Demorat, but has never held a public office,
being a man of simple tastes and devoted to his home life.
In the fall of 1914 he sold his farm in North Morgan
Township to Benton Wilson of Greenfield.
Mr. and Mrs. King are the parents of 10 children:
(1) Ollie M., born January 3rd, 1879, married Lon
McPeak.
(2) Reuel, born February 13th, 1881.
(3) Roy, born August 3rd, 1883.
(4) Nell, born March 7th, 1886, married Rollo
Lindley.
(5) Julian, born December 19th, 1888, married Sam
Duffy, and lives on a farm one and one-half miles south-
west of Greenfield.
(6) Gladys, born December 25th, 1891.
(7) Finis.
(8) Floy (twin of Finis), born May 7th, 1895.
(9) Opal, born October 14th, 1898.
(10) Weldon, born June 10th, 1901.
By energy, industry and close application to business,
Mr. ;;nd Mrs. King have been able to retire from the
strenuous activities of life, and are now living retired
in an elegant home upon an income which is the fruits
of hard-earned toil.
ROY KING.
Was born in Dade County, Missouri, in North Morgan
Township, August 2nd, 1883, son of John and Nancy
116 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(Lyon) King, members of one of the pioneer families of
Dade County, whose biographical sketch appears at length
in this history.
Eoy was educated in the schools of Dade County, and
finished in the High School at Dadeville. He remained at
home on the farm until 1907, when he was married March
30th to Lake Hailey, who was born February 15th, 1887.
At this time he bought a 160-acre farm in South Morgan
Township, in connection with his brother, Ruel, which
they worked together till 1909, when he purchased the
old Benjamin Pyle farm of 287 acres in North Morgan
Township, west of Bona. This was an improved farm,
with a large frame residence erected in 1894 by J. C.
Shouse.
Since purchasing- this farm he has been engaged
largely in the live stock business, feeding most all of the
grain raised on the place. He keeps a registered White-
face bull and feeds a carload of cattle or more eacli year.
He also raises from two to three span of horses and mules
for market each year. In hogs, he prefers the Duroc-
Jersey, and keeps thoroughbred stock of this kind. His
farm of 287 acres lies in one body, is well watered with
wells and spring branch, and upon which he has made
numerous improvements in the way of fencing and cross-
fencing with hog wire, and lias installed a hydraulic ram
to throw water from the spring into the house and barns.
His outbuildings are good, and he erected a new barn in
1913 and also a 120-ton silo.
Mrs. King is a daughter of Kobert L. and Ann Eliza
(Langford) Hailey, who reside in North Morgan Town-
ship, Tiear Bona.
Mr. ami Mrs. King are each members of the Christian
church. TTI politics Mr. King is a Democrat, is a good-
roads man and drives a Ford car. Tie is an up-to-date,
progressive farmer, and one of the rising young men of
the county.
Mr. and Mrs. King are the parents of three children:
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 117
(1) Denzel Virginia, born August 16th, 1908.
(2) Robert Carlos, born September 1st, 1912.
(3) John Eldon, born April 30th, 1914.
ROBERT C. KING.
One of the foremost citizens of the northeastern part
of Dade County is Robert C. King of North Morgan
Township. He was born in Dade County, on the place
where he now lives, July 5th, 1854, a son of William N.
King and Sarah M. McConnell, his wife, both of whom
were natives of Tennessee, and emigrated to Missouri at
an early date, coming overland to Dade County as their
objective point. They settled on 360 acres of partly im-
proved land diretly north of Dadeville. Here they went
to farming in earnest, and improved the property with
buildings, fencing, etc. They were prosperous and ac-
cumulated much lands, raised a fine family of children,
and passed away here, loved and respected by all. He
died November 2nd, 1890, while his wife passed away
some years previous, November 28th, 1877. They were
both consistent Christians, being members of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church. He was a Democrat all his
life, and at one time served as justice of the peace. Of
the family born to this fine couple there are five now
living. They are:
John A., of Greenfield; Mary J., widow of J. W.
Lightner, now living in Oklahoma; Robert C., the subject
of this sketch^ J. L., of Greenfield, and David T., of North
Morgan Township. Of those deceased, Thomas was a sol-
dier in the United States Army during the Civil war, and
died from diseases contracted therein. Four children were
born and died m infancy.
Robert C., the subject of this sketch, has always lived
on the place where he was born. His father lived with
him in his declining years. Mr. King has always made a
business of farming. He has been very successful, and
now owns the greater part of the old homestead, having
bought out the other heirs. His fine farm of 220 acres
118 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
lies in a solid body and is practically all under cultivation.
It is well fenced and cross-fenced, and the improvements
ure all that could be desired. On May 10th, 1873, Mr.
King married Allie E. Hailey, who was born July 4th,
1861, a daughter of Allen and Eva (King) Hailey, who
were early settlers of Dade County. To this union have
been born five children, four of whom are living: Eva F.,
born February 17th, 1897, died in the prime of life Januarv
18th, 1913; Clara Bell., born March 18th, 1884, married
Flay Davis of North Morgan Township, and they have
two children, Geraldine and another; Raymond, H., born
January 7th, 1886, married Miss Bertie Long, and lives in
South Morgan Township, and they have one child, Wilbur
F.; Harry (r., born October 3rd, 1887, married Sadie Black-
ford of Portland, Ore., where they now reside; Myrtle
Rosa, born July 12th, 1891, married Fred Hulston, a
farmer of Washington Township, and they have one chlid,
John Kenton.
Mr. King now lives practically retired, enjoying a
well-deserved rest, after these years of strenuous activi-
ties, although he manages his large farm almost entirely.
Tn politics he is a Democrat, but never has sought or
desired office, preferring to devote his time to his business
interests and to his home. He is one of our best citizens,
always ready and willing to devote his time and means
to any cause for the good of the county. He and his
wife are both consistent Christians, being members of
the Christian church.
The name of King in Dade County has always stood
for advancement and good citizenship. Mr. King is
heartily in favor of our free public school institutions,
and is lined up right on the subject of good roads. No
better citizen can be found in Dade County, and the story
as told by his life shows what can be accomplished by
honesty, close application and consideration for others.
Mr. King's life exemplifies all of these attributes, and yet
he has succeeded in life in every way. Our young people
of today may well emulate his example.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 119
ROY C. KING.
One of the most prominent of the young men of the
eastern side of the county is Roy C. King, of this review.
Mr. King was born March 25th, 1879, in Polk County,
close to the Dade County line. His father was Robert R.
King, who was born in 1848, the son of Henry King, who
was one of the very earliest pioneers of what is now Polk
County. Robert R. King served in the Civil war in the
Sixth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and died in Polk
County in the year 1893. He married Mrs. Minervia A.
(Hayter) Kirby, the widow of Sharp Kirby, a sketch of
whom will be found under the name of Dr. B. B. Kirby.
Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of four boys, as
follows: Fred, married Maggie Cowan and lives in Polk
County; Roy C., of this review; William A r irgil, who is a
prominent dentist of Kansas City, Mo.; Elwyn, married
Miss Lora Hicks, and lives on the home place with his
mother, Mrs. Robert King. Mr. King had one son by a
former marriage to Miss Bell Bacon, who died leaving
her infant son, Jesse B. King, who is now a farmer of
Dade and Polk Counties. The King family are very
prominent people of Polk County, and have lived so close
to the Dade County line that we claim them anyway. Roy
C. King remained at home until he was 30 years of age,
and had the usual experiences of the farmer boy, working
and attending school. He was educated in the schools at
Dadeville and the Dadeville Academy. On October 3rd,
1905, he married Miss Dollie Wheeler, who was born June
29th, 1882, a daughter of John and Jane Wheeler, and of
whom more extended mention may be found elsewhere.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roy King were born three beautiful
children, as follows: Thelma, born July 28th, 1906:
Muriel, born March 6th, 1911; Cathryn Annett, born May
22nd, 1914. In 1908 Mr. King came to Dade County to
become a permanent citizen, moving onto the old Wheeler
homestead. This fine place was one of the very first to
be settled in the county, and was the first property of
Uncle Jim Wheeler, grandfather of Mrs. King. This farm
comprises 226 acres of fine land, all improved except 40
120 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
acres in timber, and one now may see fine specimens of
Whiteface cattle, as Mr. King usually keeps around 100
head, as well as many hogs and other stock. He believes
in the silo and has a 150-ton cement silo on his place.
Mr. King is a Republican in politics and has been
active, but does not care for office, preferring to devote
his time to his large business interests and his fine family.
He is one of our hustling young farmers, and is alive to all
modern improvements, and can always be found ready
and willing to assist in any enterprise that makes for the
good of the county or its people. He is a booster for good
roads and free public schools.
REUEL KING.
One of the prominent farmers and business men of
the younger generation of Morgan Township is Reuel
King. He is a native of the county, born here February
13th, 1881, a son of John A. King and Nancy Lyon, his
wife. (A complete sketch of John A. King and family will
be found in another section of this volume.)
Reuel King received his education entirely in Dade
County. He remained at home until he was 25 years of
age. In 1907 he bought 160 acres of fine land one and one-
half miles northeast of Dadeville. This was an improved
place and known as the Thomas Courtney farm. Mr. King-
lias one of the finest residences of the county, up-to-date in
( very way, and can be seen from miles around. Indeed,
it is one of the show places of the county. The residence
is a two-story, seven-room house, with a large cement
collar constructed under the dwelling. Its outbuildings
are large and commodious, including a fine garage. He
lias improved quite extensively himself. It is well fenced
with wire and the place is watered by a living branch.
Mr. King carries on general farming and stock raising
and is quite an extensive feeder. He will feed from two
to three cars of hogs yearly, and raises a number of mules
for the market each year. lie is a lover of fine stock, hav-
ing one registered stallion named Louis Hatch, No. 577GO,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 121
a standard-bred breeding horse, and also a very fine
8-year-old Jack, named Joe. Besides the mules he raises,
lie also buys and fits for the market.
Mr. King married first Hannah Rowe, a native of
Dade County and a daughter of William Caton. She died
in 1912, and Mr. King married for his second wife, on
December 31, 1914, Miss Florence Mitchell, who was born
February 29, 1880, three and one-half miles northeast of
Greenfield, a daughter of M. L. Mitchell and wife. (A
complete sketch of M. L. Mitchell and family may be found
elsewhere.) To Mr. and Mrs. King has been born one
daughter, Eleanor, on September 20, 1916.
In politics Mr. King is a Democrat. He can always
be found ready and willing to assist in any undertaking
that is for the betterment of the county. He is a staunch
friend of free schools and a booster for good roads. Reuel
King is truly one of our very finest young men. He comes
from one of Dadc County's foremost families, and we pre-
dict that the future holds great things for him and his.
Mrs. King died September 14th, 1917.
FRANK E. KING.
Was born in Benton County, Indiana, July 8th, 1868,
son of David L. and Sophia (Veil) King, the former being
a native of Kentucky, born October 6th, 1825, and died
September 3rd, 1903, while the latter was a native of New
Jersey, born June 21st, 1833, and died February 28th, 1910.
The Veils moved to Peru, Ind., at an early date, while
the Kings located at Logansport. Both families were
farmers, and it was here that the young people met and
were married. After their marriage they engaged in
farming in Indiana, but in 1886 they came to Missouri,
bringing with them a family of three boys and two girls.
These children were all married excepting Frank:
(1) John, now living at 4133 Bell street. Kansas
City, did not locate in Missouri at first, but went to Kan-
sas, and after a short time settled in Kansas City, and is
now occupied as superintendent of a car barn for the
Metropolitan Street Railway.
122 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(2) Lavina, who was Mrs. James Watson, lived on
a farm for some 14 years, when they moved to Aurora,
where she died, leaving a family of four girls. Mr. Watson
recently died in Montana.
(3) Olive, who was Mrs. A. B. Elmore, died in
Greenfield in 1904, leaving one child. Mr. Elmore still
resides near Aurora.
(4) Daniel, an engineer on the Missouri Pacific Rail-
road, lived in Dade County about seven years, then went
to Kansas, and later to Kansas City.
(5) Frank E., the subject of this sketch.
David L. King was a Republican in politics, and both
he and his wife were members of the United Brethren
church.
At the age of 16 years Frank E. King not only sup-
ported himself, but became the mainstay and support of
his father and mother. In the year 1893, by selling almost
every vestige of personal property owned by him, he suc-
ceeded in making the first payment on an 80-acre farm
near Pilgrim. The land was only partly improved, and
was a poor farm, but he stuck to it for a year and a half,
when he sold out, and for the next few years engaged in
buying, improving, selling and trading farms, until the
year 1905, when he was elected superintendent of the
Dade County Poor Farm, which position he held five years.
In 1909 he bought 106 acres of land lying four miles south-
west of Greenfield. At that time the place was in a bad
state of improvement, the house being unfinished, the
fences down and fence rows grown up. In a short time
Mr. King had finished up the house, erected new outbuild-
ings, fenced and cross-fenced, much with hog-tight wire,
and improved the lawn, so that he had one of the most
attractive and desirable farms in the county. The entire
farm was in cultivation excepting 14 acres, including some
fine clover pasture. For a number of years Mr. King
engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a
specially of Peivheron horses and Shropshire sheep and
of feeding hogs for the market. In the matter of hogs, he
was partial to the Duroc-Jerseys. In 1916 Mr. King sold
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 123
this farm for a handsome price, and moved to Greenfield,
where he bought the old Bailey homestead, consisting of
a two-story brick residence and several acres of land.
Since buying this place he has remodeled the house, re-
painted, and constructed new porches, until it is now one
of the best homes in the city.
In 1895, on the 3rd day of September, he was married
to Lula Bender, a native of Dado County, born April 4th,
1874, daughter of Henry Clay and Katharine T. (Begley)
Bender. Her father and mother were natives of Tennes-
see, but came to Missouri a number of years ago.
Mr. and Mrs Bender raised a family of eight children:
residing for the most part in Jasper County, Missouri:
(1) Mrs. Alva L. White of South Greenfield.
(2) 0. Carl, now deceased.
(3) Rella M., now Mrs. R. M. Girton.
(4) Bicknell.
(5) Harold.
(6) Lulu, now Mrs. Frank E. King.
(7) Lillian T., now Mrs. Lillian T. Whitlock, a
teacher in Carthage, Mo.
(8) Gale L., now Mrs. George Cowherd of Kansas.
Frank E. King is one of the active Republicans of
Dado County, and has been one of the most enthusiastic
good-roads boosters in Southwest Missouri. Both himself
and wife are active members of the Cumberland Presbyte-
rian church and devote much of their time and means to
the varied enterprises of that organization.
Mr. King is now living the life of a retired farmer,
but this retirement is only temporary. He is still young
and active, drives a Ford car, and is one of the substantial
citizens of the community.
JONATHAN LEANDER KING.
Was born in Morgan Township, Dade County, Mis-
souri, April 7th, 1859, son of William N. and Sarah (Mc-
Connell) King. His father was born November 7th, 1820,
in Tennessee, and died November 12th, 1890, at the age
124 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of 70 years. He was a son of William Harvey King, of
English ancestry, pioneers of Tennessee. William N.
King was raised on a farm and lived in a community
where school opportunities were poor, consequently his
education was meager. He came to Dade County in 1850
and purchased 320 acres of land in Morgan Township. At
that time it was mostly timber land and unimproved. He
built a log house, in which he installed his wife, two
daughters and three sons. He was an industrious man
and a successful farmer, as well as a stock raiser. Before
his death all but 40 acres of the land had been put in
cultivation. About the year 1870 he replaced the log
cabin with a modern farm residence. He was a member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and during the Civil
war Ids sympathies were with the South, but owing to
physical disability he was unable to enlist in the army.
He was a life-long Democrat and for years justice of the
peace for Morgan Township.
His wife, Sarah Melissa McConnell, daughter of
Thomas McConnell, was born in Tennessee February 9th,
1^22, and died in November, 1876. She was of English
anr-cstry and attended the country schools. Her parents,
and also those of her husband, died in Tennessee. They
were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
Mr. and Mrs. William N. King were the parents of
.10 children, five of whom are living:
(1 ) John A , born in Tennessee in 1849, now resides
in Greenfield, a retired farmer.
(_') Robert C., born in Dade County in 1854, and is
now living on the old homestead in Morgan Township.
C) Mary I)., born in Dade County April 28th, 1852,
married Dr. William Lightner. She is now a widow and
lives with her daughter in Tulsa, Okla.
(4) Jonathan Leander, the subjet of this sketch.
C) David T., born in Dade County March Gth, 1864,
lives on part of the old homestead, but owns other land.
J. L. King was raised on the old homestead in Mor-
gan Township, attended the common schools of the com-
munity, and on the 16th day of October, 1879, was married
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 125
to Mary A. Lyman, born in Morgan Township October 5th,
1859, daughter of John and Permelia (Pyland) Lyman.
Her father came to Greene County, Missouri, when 8
years of age with his parents, and in 1854 located in Mor-
gan Township, where he met his wife, and while still a
resident of Green County was married. Soon thereafter
he took up his residence in Morgan Township, on the
county line, part of the farm being in Polk County. Per-
molia Pyland was a daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth
(Pyland) Pyland (both of same name.) They came to
Dade County from Tennessee in an early clay, and both
died on the old Pyland homestead. They were the parents
of eleven children.
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. King are the parents of four chil-
dren:
(1) Lora, born on the old family homestead in
Morgan township, November 5th, 1881, graduated from
the William Wood college (for girls) at Fulton, Mo., in
1902, making a specialty of music. She was married in
September, 1907 to R, >. Murphy of Greenfield. They
have two children, King and Lora Lee.
(2) Jewell, born in Morgan township on the King
homestead, August 14th, 1889, graduated from the Green-
field high school in class of 1910, married John 0. Howard
in 1911. He is a machinist and resides at Clovis, N. M.
They have one child, Mary Emma.
(3) Theo, born on the King homestead in Morgan
township, January 1st, 1897, graduated from the Green-
field high school in the class of 1915 and is now engaged
in teaching.
J. L. King remained on his farm in Morgan Town-
ship where he was engaged in general farming, stock rais-
ing, making a specialty of young mules, until the year
1903, when he moved to Greenfield, having been elected
Presiding Judge of the County Court.
He served his first term from 1903 till 1907 and was
re-elected to the same office in 1910 and served another
four-year term. After moving to Greenfield Mr. King pur-
hased a farm of 160 acres lying 4 miles northeast of the
126 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
city and a fine city home on King's Highway at the
eastern limits of the city and commanding a fine view of
Turnback valley. He personally managed his farming and
stock raising enterprises while Judge of the County Court.
Mr. King in politics, is an active Republican hav-
ing participated in numerous campaigns both primary and
general. He is a zealous fighter and a good loser. He be-
lieves in putting ginger, "pep" and enthusiasm into
everything which he undertakes, whether politically, re-
ligiously or financially. During- his last administration as
Presiding Judge of the County Court the good-roads move-
ment reached its zenith in Bade county. More bridges
were erected, more concrete culverts built and more miles
of road graveled in those four years than in the pre-
ceeding forty years. It might also be mentioned that the
crowning feature of his first administration was the pay-
ment of the old railroad bonded debt which had been
a ghost and a nightmare to the tax-payers of the county
for almost half a century.
Fraternally, Mr. King is a member of the M. W. A.
and the I. 0. 0. F. He has always been a republican al-
though the King family have been democrats from "who
laid the chunk." Mr. King and his entire family are act-
ive members of the Christian church, Mr. King having
been an officer, and superintendent of the Sunday School
for many years.
W. A. KING.
Was born in Sullivan county, Tenn., October 19th,
1861, son of James H. and Elizabeth C. (McConnell) King,
the former being a native of Tennessee while the latter
was born in Washington County, Va. They were married
in Virginia and died there.
In early manhood James II. King came to Dade
county and lived with his uncle, William King for two
years. During this time he was severely crippled with a
corn-knife after which he returned to Tennessee where
he married, engaged in farming until the date of his
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 127
death. From the family record we glean the following
data :
James Plarvey King was born February 15th, 1834,
was married to Elizabeth McConnell, April 22nd, 1858.
Elizabeth (McConnell) King was born December 15th,
1836, and died March 14th, 1869.
James H. King was the father of eight children, viz:
William Andrew (the subject of this sketch) born
October 19th, 1861.
Thomas Johnathan, born August 25th, 1864, died De-
cember 5th, 1881.
James Harvey, Jr., born June 6th, 1867, now lives in
Portland, Ore.
Moses L., born May 6th, 1870, now lives in Tennessee.
Elizabeth J., was born October 18th, 1872, lives in
Tennesee.
Eliza E., born July 20th, 1878, now lives in Tenn.
Mary Haworth, born January 5th, 1881, and now re-
sides at Ashville, N. C.
William A. King remained at home in Tennessee until
he was 20 years of age when he came to Missouri and
entered school, graduating from the Sedalia Business Col-
lege, making a specialty of telegraphing and came to
South Greenfield in 1882 as a substitute agent for the
Frisco railroad, which position he held for four months
when he received the appointment as agent at Everton.
He remained at Everton two and one-half years when he
was transferred to South Greenfield where he remained
until 1890. His next position was agent at Mt. Vernon
where he remained ten years and was finally transferred
to the office at Greenfield where he remained three years.
About 1888 he had purchased a farm of 124 acres on
Sons Creek. In 1901 he sold his Sons Creek farm and
bought a farm of 87 ares adjoining Greenfield on the west.
There were no improvements on this place, but in 1903
he erected a fine frame dwelling, built commodious out-
buildings, planted a large family orchard and moved onto
the place where he has since resided. In addition to his
128 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
home farm, Mr. King owns an 80-acre farm on the Arcola
road 3 miles north of Greenfield.
He is engaged in general farming, stock raising and
feeding both hogs and cattle for the market. For a num-
ber of years Mr. King was interested in breeding standard-
bred trotting horses and during that time owned many
splendid specimens of tho breed.
In 1887, on the 10th clay of May, William A. King
was married to Aimer E. "Hulston, daughter of Christo-
pher and Nancy C. Hulston, her mother being a Kirby,
one of the pioneer families of the county.
Mr. and Mrs. King are the parents of eight children,
all living but one:
(1) Jennie Blanche, born April 7th, 1889, married
to J. Leslie Horton October 1st, 1914, a native of Dade
county. They have one child, John King Horton.
(2) Nellie Cecil, born July 28th, 1890, graduate of
Springfield Business College. Is a stenographer by pro-
fession and lives in Greenfield.
(3) James W., born March 24th, 1893, died October
10, 1897.
(4) Harold L., born April 5th, 1895, a graduate of
the Greenfield high school, has spent two years at the
state university taking an Agricultural course and is now
a member of the Hospital Corps of the U. S. Navy.
(5) Elizabeth C., born January 14th, 1898, a grad-
uate of the Greenfield High School.
(6) Lora Irene, born December 28th, 1901, is now at-
tending school.
(7) William Andrew, born July 8th, 1904, is now in
school.
Mr. and Mrs. King are industrious, home-loving,
Christian people, with an intelligent, interesting family of
children and much to be thankful for. Mr. King is a mem-
ber of the W. O. W. being a charter member of the Mt.
Vernon Lodge.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 129
DR. BENJ. A. KIRBY.
Among the younger professional men of Bade County,
Dr. B. B. Kirby stands among the first rank, a native
of Polk County, Mo., he was born September 10th, 1866,
a son of Sharp S. Kirby and Minerva Hayter, his wife,
natives of Kentuckey and Tennessee, respectively. Sharp
Kirby died in early life when Dr. Kirby was only three
years of age and his wife married again to Robt. R. King.
Dr. B. B. Kirby received a good education in the public
schools of Polk County and the old Baptist College at
Boliver, Mo. from which he graduated in 1889. He was
early interested in medicine and entered the Missouri
School of medicine at St. Louis, now known as the Wash-
ington University, and received his degree in 1894. He
located at once at Dadeville beginning what has since
proved, a large and lucrative practice. Mr. Kirby was
married Aug. 14th 1895 to Miss Lillie Carr a native of
Dade County born Dec. 12th 1876, a daughter of Abe
and Amanda (Stanley) Carr, extended mention of whom
will be found under the name of James Carr, their son. To
this union of Dr. Kirby and Miss Lillie Carr were born
seven children; namely: Ruth, now attending the Spring-
field Normal where she is taking music; George, Lillian,
Virginia, Conrad, all at home and receiving the best of
educational advantages 1 Paul, now deceased, and the
youngest died in infancy, unnamed. Dr. Kirby has al-
ways lived in Missouri with the exception of one year
spent in southwest Kansas, where he proved up on
160 acres of land under the Old Soldiers' heirs act. This
tract of land he still owns, as well as a larger acreage in
Dade and Polk Counties. As a diversion from the strenu-
ous practice of medicine, Dr. Kirby finds great pleasure
in managing his large farming interests, which comprise
the tract known as the old Carlock farm in Polk Township,
containing 570 acres, and also 200 acres located in South
Morgan Township of Dade County and Jackson Township
of Polk County. Dr. Kirby is a large stock man, being
interested in cattle, hogs and sheep. He fits for market
from four to six carloads of hogs and cattle yearly. His
130 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
fine fllock of Shropshire sheep, numbering about 75 head,
is one of the largest and best in the county. Dr. Kirby
does not hesitate to state that he considers sheep a de-
sirable addition to the stock farm, and he rates them
among his sure money-makers. It is his experience that
ihere is little if any danger from wolves arid dogs. He
is a believer in the silo, also, having two large silos on
his places, with a capacity of about 280 tons. He has
been successful with alfalfa, now having an acreage of 12
acres, and is intending to expand along this line, and he
strongly advises others in Dade County to try this valu-
able crop.
Dr. Kirby, aside from his extensive practice and his
large farming stock interests, finds time to devote to the
social affairs of his town. He is a member of the Wood-
men of the World and he and his wife are members of the
Christian church, in which they are active, and he has had
the distinction of being an elder for the past three years.
Dr. Kirby is an active Republican, and may always be
found ready to do his duty in political affairs. To meet
Dr. Kirby and not feel at ease is impossible. His high
education, good breeding and constant good nature and
courteous, smiling personality is a tonic to any person,
sick or well, and comes without price. Such men are
indeed a blessing to any community. He is a booster for
good roads and f re ; schools, and always ready to help
in any worthy cause. He is liberal and broad-minded,
a citizen of real value and an honor to his county and his
;>tate. May he live long and prosper.
DR. THOMAS R. KYLE.
Was born in Hancock County, East Tennessee, on
the IMth day of November, 1850, a son of William M.
and Roxie Lana (Delph) Kyle. His father was a native
of Illinois, but raised in Tennessee, while his mother was
a native of Tennessee, in which state they were married
and raised their family of 10 children, seven of whom are
now livintr.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 131
The father was a farmer all his life, and moved to
Ozark County, Missouri, where he retired, the mother
dying about the year 1892.
Thomas R. Kyle remained at home until 23 years of
age. He received a good common school education, and
after teaching school for a period he entered the study
of medicine at Baltimore Medical College in 1876, and
afterward practiced medicine in his home county for 20
years.
He was married in Hancock County, Tennessee. No-
vember 23rd, 1879, to Rebecca J. Robinett, a native of
Tennessee, by whom he had one daughter, Minnie J., now
Mrs. Dr. J. K. Baker of Tennessee. His wife died March
6th, 1881. For his second wife he married Mary Ann
Roller on the 23rd day of March, 1882, a native of Scott
County, Virginia, and to this union two children were
born, one dying at the age of 2 months. The other, Maud
E., is a well-educated and accomplished young woman,
a teacher by profession, but living at home during vaca-
tions.
Dr. Kyle came to Dade County, Missouri, in 1903, and
located at Dadeville, where he remained for six years,
after which he moved to Greenfield, where he now resides.
After coming to Missouri he spent two years in the Kansas
City Medical College, from which institution he graduated
in 1903.
Since coming to Greenfield the doctor has built up a
Jarge and extensive practice. He owns one of the sub-
stantial homes of the city, located on its principal resi-
dence street.
In politics Dr. Kyle is a Republican, but has never
been an office-seeker. Fraternally he is a Mason, belong-
ing to Washington Lod^e in Greenfield.
WILLIAM J. LANDERS.
A history of Dade County not containing a sketch of
William J. Landers of the historic little town of Dadeville
would be a disappointment to the great multitude of ad-
132 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
miring friends of Mr. Landers. Mr. Landers stands in
the foremost ranks of Dade County's prominent citizens.
A native of Dade, born November 25, 1850, and the de-
scendent of two of the very first pioneer families of the
county. He is the sen of William B. and Nancy (Hoover)
Landers. His father came to Dade County in 1832 when
a young man ; after having spent a few years of his early
life in and around St. Louis, Mo. The Landers family,
as well as the Hoover family, were undoubtedly natives
of Tennessee William Landers Sr. entered land in this
county in the early 30 's near Dadeville, and was a pros-
perous farmer. He was a Whig and later a Republican,
and served as justice of the peace in 1870. He was a
Christian gentleman and belonged to the Cumberland
Presbyterian church. He was of the best pioneer stock
and has handed down to his descendents those sturdy
and desirable qualities. William J. Landers remained
at home, working for and with his father, until he was
30 years of age. He had bought 30 acres of Sac River
bottom land, paying $12.50 an acre, just previous to his
marriage in 1880, and this he started out to put in shape
lor a home for his bride. Tie built a three-room cabin,
and, being then ready for life on his own account and
having great faith in the future and in good old Dade
County, he married November 18th, 1880, Miss Margaret
C. Wheeler, a daughter of one of our oldest and most
respected citizens, Uncle Sam Wheeler, a sketch of whom
appears in another section of this work. Miss Wheeler
came from the same class of pioneer stock as Mr. Lan-
ders, and it is no wonder that this fine couple made a
success of life from the time of their union. From the
first they prospered, doing general farming, and all the
time getting ahead, until, at this writing, they have one
farm of 260 acres, in a body, in Polk Township, also 240
acres of the old Tarrant homestead in South Morgan
Township, as well as 80 acres of mining land in Polk
Township, h: the McGee mining district, and also known
as Bugle Ridge, or Pea Ridge. This mining property is
boing developed through different parties, to whom Mr.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 133
Landers leases the property, taking a royalty which
yields a nice income. Mr. and Mrs. Landers are living
now practically retired, having moved to the town of
Dadeville in 1900, where he bought and remodeled a home
in the heart of :he town, and since coming to Dadeville
has been more or less active in the affairs of the place.
He is a Republican and has been elected as mayor of
Dadeville, serving for several years.
To Mr. and Mr?. Lenders have been born two chil-
dren, Clifford, born September 30th, 1886, and married to
Miss Cora McConnell, and they have three children, Wil-
liam Hollis, Dennis and John Dalton; Dorris, born October
7th, 1890, married Charles T. Maze, a farmer of Dade
County, and they have three children, Leon, Marion Violet
and Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. and Mrs. Landers are supporters of the Presbyte-
rian church, while he is a member of the Masonic order
and also the I. 0. 0. F. Both Mr. and Mrs. Landers are
members of the Eastern Star and Rebeccas.
To much cannot be said of the good that Mr. Landers
has done in this, his native county. He has always been
9 progressive thinker and active in any movement for
die public good, always ready with his time and money
for any worthy cause. When they leave us on the long
journey, they will leave behind them the influence of lives
well spent, filled with kind deeds to others, and their
works shall never die. We delight to honor such grand,
good men and women as the subjects of this sketch, Mr.
and Mrs. William J. Landers.
OTTO R. LEE.
Was born in Galloway County, Missouri, December
22nd, 1884, son of James Lee, who was born in Kentucky
September 21st, 1838, of English-Scotch-Irish parentage, a
third cousin of Robert E. Lee of Confederate fame. James
Lee was a son of James and Martha (Davis) Lee, the
mother being a first cousin of Jefferson Davis, President
of the Confederacy.
134 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
James Lee came to Indiana with his parents and
settled near Indianapolis about 1858. He was a farmer,
as also were his parents before him, in Kentucky, where
they were slave owners. James Lee Sr. died before the
breaking out of the Civil war, and his widow re-married.
He was the father of four children, two of whom are
living, John living in Wichita, Kas., and he has a sister
living in Indiana.
James Lee was married to Flora Ottinger, born in
Tennessee, and died September 7th, 1913, lacking two
months of being 69 years of age. Her parents came to
Tennessee from Virginia, and were of the German F. F.
V.'s. The Ottingers moved to Indiana about 1856 and
settled near Whitestown and died there. Mrs. Lee had a
common school education, and was a member of the M. E.
church, as also was her husband. He was a Mason and
Mrs. Lee a member of the Order of Eastern Star. James
Lee was always a Democrat.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee were the parents of eleven children:
(1) Washington S., resides at Omaha, Neb., and is
engaged in the grocery business.
(2) Idfi, married George A. Holt, a farmer of Gallo-
way County, now deceased. Her second husband is Fred
L. Henley of Los Angeles, Calif.
(3) Etta L., married Ross Rebman, a Pullman con-
ductor. They reside in St. Louis.
(4) Robert E. Lee, assistant superintendent of the
United Street Railway Service, St. Louis.
(5) William J., a manufacturer of ladies' notions
at Chicago.
(6) Rosa May, married Frank F. Rebman, salesman
for the International Harvester Company, and lives in
St. Louis.
(7) Marvin C., a dentist, at AVinclsor, Mo.
(8) John R., a dentist, at Yersailes, Mo.
(9) Otto 1?., the subject of this sketch.
(10) Lillian, head milliner in a large department
store, Seattle, Wash.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 135
The third child of this family was Lenora, who fell
from a horse, breaking her spine, and dying at the age
of 3 years.
Otto K. Lee was raised on a Galloway County farm,
attended the country schools, and later entered the dental
department of the St. Louis University in 1904, and re-
ceived his diploma in Dental Surgery May 20th, 1907.
Was examined by the State Board of Dental Surgery the
following June and given his certificate to practice June
19th, 1907.
He located at Dadeville and opened an office for the
practice of his profession, and remained there till 1909.
He still continues to make professional calls at Dadeville,
but has his principal office at Greenfield, and is recognized
as the leading dentist of Southwest Missouri. He still
remains unmarried. Fraternally Dr. Lee is a member
of the Masonic Lodge Xo. 558 at Dadeville, Mo., and be-
longs to the Springfield District, State and National Dental
Associations. He is a Democrat in politics. He takes
great pride in his profession, and strives to excel by pro-
viding himself with the very latest appliances belonging
to the art of dental surgery, and to these he adds a skill
and technical knowledge which is little less than mar-
velous.
His father is still living and makes his home with
{?. daughter in St. Louis. He is 78 years of age.
JOHN CYRUS LINDLEY.
(Deceased.)
Was born September llth, 1852, on the old home-
stead in Dade County, two miles north of Bona, in North
Morgan Township, son of John Lindley, one of the pioneer
settlers of the county. His father was born August 9th,
1806, and was killed during the war. His mother, Mary
Lindley, was born February 25th, 1811.
On the 25th day of January, 1877, John C. Lindley
was married to Florence Hailey, who was born in Dade
County November 23rd, 1854.
136 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
John Cyrus Lindley departed this life in Dade County
October lOtn, 1902, leaving a family of seven children, all
now living in Dade County except Elmer, who lives in
New Mexico:
(1) James Walter, born September 6th, 1877.
(2) John Elmer, born February 21st, i879.
(3) Mary Eva, born February 8th, 1881, married
Landon Holman, a farmer, and lives north of Arcola.
(4) Laura Jane, born February 1st, 1883, married
Bert Davis, lives north of Arcola.
(5) Alvin Rollo, born February 7th, 1885.
(6) Frank Lee, born August llth, 1887.
(7) Riley Joe, born August 31st, 1892.
Mr. Lindley in his lifetime, was a staunch democrat,
a member of the Christian church, and a successful farmer
and business man At the time of his death he owned
2,000 acres of land in Dade and Cedar counties. In 1891
he built a fine residence on his farm in Dade County.
Mrs. Lindley is a member of the Christian church at
Bona.
ALBERT 0. LITCHFIELD.
Born in Virginia, August 22nd, 1848, son of William
and Catherine (Upson) Litchfield, both natives of Vir-
ginia and married there. William Litchfield was a carpen-
ter by trade and moved to Kentucky in 1850, settled upon
a farm which he bought in Lewis county, where he farmed
and worked at his trade until the time of his death in
1856. After his death his widow married Benjamin
Flanders, a farmer.
Albert 0. Litchfield has one sister living, Mary Ellen,
now Mrs. William Ruark of Portsmouth, Ohio, three half
sisters and one half brother living in Ohio and Ken-
tucky.
Mr. Litchfield received his schooling in Kentucky.
Ho left home at the age of 17 years, worked out farming
;md in the lumber business and finally entered the lumber
business on his own account, making shingles, lumber, op-
erating saw mills arid conducting lumber yards and also
raising tobacco.
x
^
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 137
On the 25th day of December, 1872 lie was married to
Margaret A. Hampton, who was born in Kentucky July
19th, 1843, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Pool) Hamp-
ton, both natives of Kentucky, were farmers and lived and
died there.
Mr. Litchfield farmed in Kentucky until 1890 when
he came to Dade Ccunty through the influence of D. T.
Wilkins, a brother-in-law, who had settled in Greenfield.
On his arrival in Dade County, he rented the Wilkins farm
and cultivated it for six years then bought a 40-acre tract
in Center Township where they lived for a year or two
then rented the Bob West farm near his 40 acres where
they lived and farmed for 10 years. In 1904 he sold his
40 acre tract and bought the Kit McMillen farm of 121
acres adjoining South Greenfield.
Since purchasing this farm Mr. Litchfield has made
many improvements and has fenced a considerable portion
of it with hog-tight wire. He also purchased and addi-
tional 5-acre tract adjoining the two of South Greenfield.
He has improved and enlarged the dwelling and con-
structed a cement outside cellar.
Mr. and Mrs. Litchfield are the parents of two child-
ren:
(1) William, died in infancy.
(2) Bettie Florence, born July 3rd, 1877, married
January 26th, 1902 to Claude H. Ayres, a native of Kansas
who was born January 16th, 1877. Four children have
been born of this marriage:
(1) Baby died in infancy.
(2) Audrey Alice, born March 19th, 1905.
(3) Oren Dale, born August 6th, 1907.
(4) Leota Kathryn, died at the age of nine months.
Mr. Ayres and Mr. Litchfield farm together on the
home place. Mr. Litchfield is a democrat, and both him-
self and wife are members of the Christian Church.
In addition to general farming, Mr. Litchfield has
raised some short-horn cattle. He is a public spirited man,
deeply interested in good roads and annually feeds a car
load or more of hogs for the market.
138 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
JOHN B. LORAH.
AVas born in Defiance County, Ohio, February 13th,
1860, son of Daniel and Samantha (Morris) Lorah. His
father was a native of Ohio while his mother hailed from
Indiana. His father came to Carroll county, Mo., shortly
after the war. He was a farmer and lived there 10 years
then came to Bates County. He farmed there a few years
and then moved to New Madrid Co. He died there about
the year 1898, his wife having preceded him more than 20
years.
John B Lorah is the 2nd in point of birth of a family
of five children. He received his education in Missouri,
and came to Dade county in 1898. He is a saddler, harness
and shoemaker by trade. He first run a shop in Bona for
eight years, then moved to Aldrich in Polk county for five
years, then located ir Dadeville where he lived until com-
ing to Greenfield.
lie is a democrat and was elected treasurer of Dade
county upon that ticket at the election of 1916. His ma-
jority was 80, a fine showing in a county with a normal
Republican majority of approximately 400. He is now
living in Greenfield attending to the duties of his office.
He is a member of the Christian church, sober, industrious
and well qualified to fill the office to which he has been
elected.
ALBERT LUCAS.
As an inspiration to young men who start out in the
world under adverse circumstances, the life and history
of Albert Lucas may be helpful. Pie was born in Camden
county, Mo., February 24th, 1875, a son of John Lucas and
Elizabeth (Richardson) Lucas. His father was born in
Pennsylvania, while his mother was a native of Camden
county. John Lucas came to Missouri in an early day
while yet a single man and married in Camden county. He
was a fanner and raised his family in Camden county.
Both lie and his wife are dead and buried in that county.
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 139
He was a man of little property and unable to give his
children the beriefit of an extended education.
Albert Lucas received his very meager education in
the public schools in Camden county which were far be-
iow the standard of up-to-date efficiency. He left home at
17 years of age to carve out his own fortune in the world.
In 1892 he landed in Dade county where he had neither
friends, relatives noi acquaintances and without a dollar
in money. For five years he worked as a farm hand on the
farm of Ewing Morris, then at other places in the neigh-
borhood, when the wanderlust took possession of him,
leading him to the state of California. After spending one
year on the Pacific coast he returned to Dade county and
worked for four years on the William Preston farm.
On the 17th of August, 1899 he reached the real turn-
ing point of his career when lie married Miss Kate Morris,
a native of Dade county, daughter of J. Monroe Morris
and Mary Jane (Maniece) Morris. At this time he rented
200 acres of the Morris farm and cultivated it for five
years and then purchased 117 acres of the Morris estate.
This land was well improved except a barn. Since his
marriage Mr. Lucas has prospered exceedingly well, hav-
ing purchased an additional 76 acres making him 193 acres
of splendid farming land in Smith township.
In 1910 Mr. Lucas erected a commodious barn and
added other out-buildings to his farm improvements.
Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have two children:
(1) Mary Opal, born July 21st, 1901.
(2) Clarence Albert, born September 6th, 1903.
Both are attending school.
Mr. Lucas is a progressive farmer and cattle feeder.
He feeds for the market one car of cattle and two car
loads of hogs each year and raises many mules. His
farm is well supplied with water from spring branch and
wells. It is well fenced and highly improved. Mr. Lucas
and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church. Pie is a member of the Masonic fraternity with
membership at Greenfield, an Odd Fellow and AV. 0. AV.
with membership at Pennsboro.
140 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
By reason of his prosperity Mr. Lucas is able to drive
an Overland car, is a Democrat in politics, a booster for
good roads and always votes "yes" on the proposition of
increased taxation for good schools. He has been a mem-
ber of the school board for six years. Thus from penury
and poverty he has attained prominence, popularity and
prosperity, not by any mystic witchcraft or wizardry, but
by the old-fashioned method of honesty, integrity and in-
dustrv.
JONATHA J. McCONNELL.
A native of Dade county, born three and one-half
miles north of Dadeville, September 12th, 1852, son of
Rufus and Susan (King) McConnell. His father was a
native of Virginia and his mother a native of Tennessee.
They were married in Tennessee and came to Missouri
about 1849. Jonatha J. was the first child born of this
family in Dade County. His sister, Mary, married Henry
Clay Marcum, both of whom are now deceased, leaving
a family, a sketch of which will be found in another place
in this history. His older brother, Elbert H. McConnell,
is now a resident of Alhambra, Cal. His other sister died
at a very early age. Rufus McConnell, his father, pur-
chased 200 acres of partly improved land in Dade County,
but died in 1855 His widow afterward married John
Marcum, and they are now both deceased, leaving no
children.
Jonatha J. McConnell was thrown upon his own re-
sources when 16 years of age. After his mother's second
marriage he lived with his brother until his marriage.
He married his first wife, Mary Fletcher Thompson, a
native of Ohio, on the 21st day of February, 1878. To
this union were born six children, four of whom are now
living, viz:
(1) Baby, died in infancy.
(2) Lucy Pearl, grew to womanhood, married Shelby
Osborn, an attorney of Stockton, Cedar County, Missouri,
she died leaving one child, Rowena McConnell Osborn.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 141
(3) Rufus, born on the 15th day of September, 1881.
Married Mertie Toler, a native of Indiana. They reside
on a farm in Sac Township, and have five boys, Alvin E.,
William Wilbur, John T., Charles Lester and Carl R.
(4) William Edward, born December 17th, 1883.
Married Maude Vaughn, a native of" Dade County, daugh-
ter of Price Vaughn. They are farming in Sac Township
and have three girls, viz: Huldah L., Vera E. and Helen 0.
(5) J. Arthur, born December 13th, 1885. Married
Mamie Carlock, a native of Dade County, a daughter of
James Madison Carlock. They now reside upon a farm
in Sac Township and have three children, viz: Clinton
A., Raymond E. and Mildred E.
(6) Mary Edna, born March 15th, 1888. Married
M. A. Young, have one child, John Marshall Young.
Jonatha J. McConnell's first wife died July 19th, 1890,
arid on December 10th, 1891, he was married to Charity
Maude Hembree, a daughter of Judge Joel Hembree. To
this union were born nine children, all living:
(1) 0. Elbert, born January 27th, 1893. He is now
attending the state university at Columbia, taking a course
in agriculture. Will graduate in 1918.
(2) Ida May, born September 8th, 1894.
(3) Guy B., born July 31st, 1896. Married Minnie
C. Montgomery October 7th, 1916.
(4) Howard G., born March 1st, 1898, is still at
home.
(5) Sarah Elma, born May 22nd, 1901.
(6) Emery Allison, born July 23rd, 1904.
(7) Gordon Lee, born December 30th, 1906.
(8) Frances Mildred, born July 28th, 1909.
(9) Donald Hembree, born April 6th, 1914.
After the death of his father, Jonatha J. received
some land from his estate, and by buying out some of
the heirs he started with 100 acres lying northeast of
Dadeville. Here he built a house, made many improve-
ments and resided till 1889, when he traded it for 170
acres on Sac river adjoining Seybert. This land was
little improved, but year by year he has added to its value
142 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
and acreage, until he has now 256 acres of fine land,
highly improved, making it a splendid country home.
In addition to raising general crops, Mr. McConnell
has had good success with alfalfa, to which his bottom
land is naturally adapted. In keeping with the natural
resources of his farm, Mr. McConnell raises, feeds and
markets a large number of cattle and hogs each year.
Mr. McConnell and wife are members of the Christian
church. He has served one term as judge of the County
Court from the .Eastern district from 191 4 to 1916. He is
a member of the W. 0. W., and while a member of the
County Court did much toward the good-roads movement
in the county.
While there has been nothing of a spectacular nature
in the life of Mr. McConnell, he is nevertheless one of
those quiet, reserved, conservative sort of citizens that
are always to be relied upon in matters affecting the
general welfare of the community.
THOMAS K. MCCONNELL.
It would be impossible to write a complete history
of Dade County without making frequent mention of the
name, McConnell This family was among the pioneers
and the various branches of the family have figured
largely in all the principal events connected with the
growth and development of the county.
Thomas K. McConnell, the subject of this sketch, was
horn in Dade County July 27th, 1873, son of John S. and
Mary Ann (King) McConnell, the former being a native
of Washington County, Virginia, and born in that state
February IHh, 1820, while the latter was born in Ten-
nessee August 8th, 1829. They were married in Polk
County, Missouri, in 1862. John S. McConnell had been
previously married to a lady in Virginia, who died, leaving
three children, who accompanied him to Missouri. He
finally settled iu Cedar County, Missouri, on government
land. He was the first county judge of Cedar County,
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 143
and prominent in Democratic political circles of that
county.
John S. McConnell later came to Bade County and
settled on a farm of 320 acres near Hulston's Mill, which
tract of land is still owned by members of his family.
To his second marriage were born five children, four
of whom grew to maturity, but only one (Thomas K.) is
now living. John S. McConnell was a prominent man
in Dade County, taking an active part in all public mat-
ters. ITe was a member of the Presbyterian church and
also of the Masonic order, and died August 16th, 1892.
His wife died July 17th, 1916.
Thomas K. McConnell received his entire education
in Dade County, first in the common schools and later
in Ozark College in Greenfield. He was 17 years of age
when his father died. He made a specialty when in
school of civil engineering and surveying. His first public
office was that of County Highway Engineer in 1908-1909,
and in 1912 he was elected County Surveyor of Dade
County for a four-year term, during which time the office
was combined with that of County Highway Engineer.
Prior to the time of his service as County Highway
Engineer, IIP was engaged in the mercantile business in
Greenfield, making a specialty of boots, shoes and gents'
furnishings. About the time of his entry into the office
of Highway Engineer the good-roads movement was be-
ing agitated in Dade County, which resulted in the voting
of $30,000 in Center Township, $17,000 in Washington
Township, and many thousands of dollars by subscription
in various parts of the county for the purpose of building
rock roads and bridges. During his term of office he
surveyed, platted, drew plans, specifications and estimates
of cost of more than 50 miles of rock roads in the county
and more than 100 bridges, large and small, were con-
structed under his direct supervision.
Mr. McConnell is a Democrat in politics, a member
of the Presbyterian church, has attained the Knights
Templar degree in Masonry and is a resident of the city
144 HISTORY OF DAPE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
of Greenfield, living in a commodious, comfortable, modern
residence, which he erected in 1915.
He was married on the 28th day of October, 1908, to
Rosa E. Scroggs, born in Dade County, Missouri, October
llth, 1882, daughter of John E. Scroggs, a prominent
member of another Dade County pioneer family. To this
union two children were born: Mary Virginia, born No-
vember 18th, 1909.. and Lora Bell, born August 20th, 1917.
In the spring of 1917 Mr. McConnell purchased the
William L. Scroggs grocery stock, in company with his
brother-in-law, R E. Wasson, under the firm name of
McConnell & Wasson, and are now enjoying a splendid
trade in that line.
In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. McConnell
is an extensive farmer, owning 260 acres of the old McCon-
nell homestead, all in one body, which he has named
"The Spring Farm," where he feeds annually for market
a large number of hogs and cattle, having a preference
for the Whiteface cattle and Poland-China hogs. He
etill maintains a lively interest of "good roads," and is
active in farmers' clubs and community organizations.
JOHN B. MCCONNELL.
A native of Dade County, Missouri, was born August
29th, 1861, son of Thomas and Narcissa (Patterson) Mc-
Connell. His father was a native of Virginia, but came
to Dade County very early, and married here. He died
shortly after the close of the war. His mother re-married,
her second husband being Eldridge Miller. They are now
both deceased.
Thomas and Narcissa McConnell were the parents of
two children: John B. and Alex. The latter served two
terms as sheriff of Dade County, married Laura Scroggs,
{ind they are now living in the west. His motlior raised
two children by her second marriage: Charles I. Miller and
Clarence, a Dade County farmer.
John B. McConnell lived with his mother and step-
father until he was 20 years of age, then went back to
CHARLES F. NEWMAN.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 145
the old McConnell homestead, being the land which his
father entered from the government, and consisting of
28U acres of splendid land. He received 140 acres from
his father. The house on the old homestead was burned
during the war, supposedly by the Kinch West raiders,
and this part of the land came to John B. When he came
into possession of this land he went to work with a will,
and has made it one of the leading farms of the county.
He has prospered and has added to his holdings until
now lie has 305 acres, all in one body, and a five-acre
tract in Dadeville. In 1887 he built a fine six-room dwell-
ing house on the land, two stories high, and now has it
equipped with a modern acetylene lighting plant. The
farm is well watered with wells, springs and branches,
and is all in cultivation excepting 40 acres. Mr. McConnell
is engaged in general farming and stock raising, including
cattle, horses, hogs and mules.
He was married on the 28th day of December, 1881,
to Ella Norn Kirby, born in Dade County, Missouri, Sep-
tember 1st, 1863, daughter of James M. and Mary J.
(Grisham) Kirby.
Mr. and Mrs. McConnell are the parents of three
children :
(1) Hugh A., born November 30th, 1885, married
Cytha Berry. Pie is farming in Dade County northwest
of Dadeville They have two children: Frances, born
April 23rd, 1913 and Junior, born April 2nd, 1915.
(2) Clara Ester, born June 17th, 1888, married
Vernon Grisham, a native of Jasper County, Missouri,
but now resides in Dade County on her father's farm.
They have two children: Lavon, born July 17th, 1911,
and Elladean, born October 9th, 1914.
(3) James Ralph Benton, born December 28th, 1899.
He is now attending school at Dadeville.
Mrs. McConnell is a member of the Baptist church.
Politically Mr. McConnell is a militant Republican, has
never aspired to be an office-holder, but has always taken
great interest in local matters, especially those pertaining
to roads and schools. He has served as a member of the
1 4 6 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
local school board for a number of years and has demon-
strated his faith in the good-roads movement by purchas-
ing and driving a Ford car, not as a mark of distinction,
but as an act of sound sense and good judgment.
W. Y. McLEMORE.
There is probably no better known man in eastern
Dade County than W. Y. McLemore, the subject of this
sketch. He is a native of our county, having been born
here, in Center Township, February 15th, 1852, a son
of Archiband McLemore, who was born in Kuox County,
Tennessee, in 1817, a son of Archibald McLemore, who
was a native of North Carolina, and emigrated to Knox
County, Tennessee, where he met and married Sarah
Plumley in 1820, later moving to Monroe County, Ten-
nessee, where he died in 1825, his wife having pass<>d
away the year before, in 1824. They were the parents of
eleven children, of whom Archibald Jr. was the seventh
in order of birth After his father's death he went to
li\e with his older brother, Abram, with whom he stayed
until he became of age. In 1 827 he assisted the governor
of Tennessee to remove the Cherokee Indians from Ten-
nessee to their reservation in Indian Territory, now Okla-
homa. On September 15th. 1842, he married Miss Mollie
Brown, who was born in North Carolina in 1817. She was
a daughter of Robert and Jennie (Dennis) Brown, who
moved to Monroe County, Tennessee, from North Caro-
lina about 1820. In 1842 Archibald McLemore emigrated
to Dade County and settled two miles northeast of (ireen-
field on a farm which later became known as the John
Higgins farm. Mr. McLemore remained here only two
years, however, returning to Tennessee on account of
iiis poor health. In 1840 he again came to Dade County
and settled on a place on Sac river five miles northeast of
Greenfield, .'ind here he farmed and raised stock and add< d
to his landed holdings until he had 205 a ores of good
land. Here he died in 11)05, an honored and respected
citizen. Of his family there were six children, as follows:
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 147
Mary, died in 1886 at age of 43; Robert S., a resident of
Oklahoma, where- has large farming interests, and also
has a fine farm in Dade County ' Sarah Ann, now Mrs.
James McConncll of Dade County; William Y., the subject
of this sketch; p auline, now Mrs. George W. Wilson of
Everton; J. M., n large stock and ranchman of Oklahoma.
Mr. McLemore was a fine Christian gentleman. He was
a Democrat before the war, but after this ended he voted
the Republican ticket.
William Y. McLemore remained at home, farming
and getting his education, until he was 26 years of age,
after which he entered a business career, going into par-
tnership with Gfo. W. Wilson, and opened up a general
store at Cross Roads in 1878. When the railroad came
through the county he and Mr. Wilson moved to Everton,
where they built the first store building ever erected there,
thereby becoming the pioneer merchants of Everton. In
1882 Mr. McLemore sold out his interest to James G.
Wilson, brother of George Wilson, and two years later
formed a partnership with his two brothers, R. F. and
J. M. McLemore, and opened up a general store at Ever-
ton, known as the McLemore Brothers. They continued
together until 1898, when J. M. McLemore bought out the
entire business. W. Y. McLemore was elected County Re-
corder in 1902 rind served four years. In 1908 he went
to Porum, Okla., where he was engaged in the mercantile
business, and a^o dealt in land, remaining there until
1914, when he came back to Everton, and, in connection
with George W. Wilson, organized the Bank of Everton
from the private bank of George W. Wilson. Mr. Mc-
Lemore is now the vice president of this thriving insti-
tution, while Mr. Wilson is president. A complete sketch
of this bank will be found elsewhere in this work. Later
on, Mr. McLemore and Mr. Wilson organized the Everton
Hardware Company, which is a going business, and how
else could it be when Mr. McLemore is general manager
and George W. Wilson is president? Mr. McLemore is
also an extensive land owner. He has 440 acres of good
land in Oklahoma. On April 21st, 1881, Mr. McLemore
148 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
married Miss Serepta C. Wheeler, who was born in Polk
Township, Dade County, February 16th, 1859, a daughter
of Calvin and \scenith (Carlock) Wheeler, pioneers of
Dade County, settling in Polk Township, where they
farmed for years, and later engaged in merchandising
at Cross Roads until his death. They were fine Christian
people, and more- may be found about these people else-
where.
To Mr. and Mrs. McLemore have been born eight
children, as follows: Clyde is a prominent attorney of
Billings, Mont.; Maude Elsie died when a child; Clarence
is assistant cashier in the Bank of Everton; Forest is a
musician and teacher; Ray is in the hardware business
with his father; Dewey is a graduate of Everton High
School and took a course in Springfield Normal; Carl,
who is a graduate of Everton High School, and Greta are
at home. Mr. McLemore is a prominent Republican
and prominent in the Presbyterian church. Too much
cannot be said for the high standing of this fine citizen
and his family. They are in the front rank, and Mr.
McLemore 's success as a business man is due to his close
application to business and bis unswerving honesty in all
matters. His word is as good as his bond anywhere, and
his many friends are outspoken in praises of himself, his
family and his business methods. What more could
mortal man desire and what higher recommendation
could one receive? Mr. McLemore is a courteous, kindly,
Christian gentleman, and Dade County may be congratu-
lated in having such high-grade men within its borders.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS McLEMORE SR.
A member of one of the large pioneer families of Dade
County, vras born in Monroe County, Tennessee, May
loth, 1^:>7, son of John and Delila (Breden) McLemore,
both natives of Tennessee, having been married there and
came overland to Dade County in 1852 witli a family of
nine children, five boys and four girls. Three of the
boys are still living in Dade County: William McLemore
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 149
of South Greenfield, Patrick McLemore of Washington
Township and C. C. McLemore. Of his sisters, Cynthia
is the widow of David Spain, Dialtha is the widow of
Perry Farries, now living in Greenfield. He has one
brother, Marion, who resides in Texas.
Both his father and mother died in Bade County and
are buried at the Mt. Zion cemetery in Smith Township.
When John McLemore first came to the county he
purchased 160 -icres of land in Washington Township,
which he improved and added to, until at the date of his
death he owned 300 acres. After his father's death,
C. C. McLemore purchased the interest of the other heirs
and became the owner of the old homestead.
At the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. McLemore,
in company with his partner, Dan Bailey, went to Colo-
rado and purchased 160 acres of land in Weld County,
where the city of Greeley now stands. They bought and
sold livestock, dealt in land, and prospered. In 1863
Mr. McLemore ^old out his Colorado interests and re-
turned to the land of plenty in Dade County, where he
settled upon an SO-acre tract of land heired by his wife
and where he now lives. From this time on he engaged
extensively in raising, buying and shipping cattle, invest-
ing his profits in land, until at one time he was the owner
of 1,000 acres, lie gave each of his sons a fine farm to
start them in life, so that now he has but 440 acres in
the original home place, all in one body except the rail-
road right-of-way.
On the 5th day of January, 1868, C. C. McLemore
was married to Sarah Ann Ragsdale, who was born in
Dade County November 7th, 1842, a daughter of Joshua
Ragsdale, a native of Tennessee, and Sarah (Turner)
Ragsdale, a native of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs.
Ragsdale were married in Tennessee.
C. C. McLemore and wife are the parents of eight
children, two of whom are dead: Florence died in in-
fancy. Ella died unmarried at the age of 45. She was
born April 30th, 1870, and died February 7th, 1916. One
daughter, Hattie, born March 19th, 1872, married John
150 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
F. Daugkerty, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, and
also a farmer. They live in the vicinity of South Green-
field. The five boys are as follows:
(1) J. B., born December 21st, 1868, lives at home
and farms with his father. Is a Democrat and active in
politics, having served as Judge of the Eastern District
one term.
('2) Perry, born January 16th, 1874, married Maggie
Withrow, a native of Dade County. They have one child
living, Georgie Marie, and one died in infancy.
(3) Koy, born October 27th, 1875, married Lula
Withrow, a native of Dade County. They have two
children, Nellie Beatrice and Albert Jacob.
(4) Clark, born June 14th, 1882, married Willie
Tanner, a native of Dade County. They have three chil-
dren: Kubie, Lummie Christine and Georgie May.
(5) Christopher Columbus Jr., born March 27th,
188S, married Katie Duffy, a native of Dade County.
They have two children, Anna Lucile and Mary Ellen.
Mr. McLemore has one of the excellent farms of Dade
County, well stocked with splendid breeds of cattle and
horses. The farm is now being managed by his youngest
son. On the father's farm is kept a registered Hereford
bull, while at the farm of Bailey, his son, are kept a
French Coach Stallion and a Kentucky Jack.
Mr. McLemore is a Democrat, and active in politics.
He has been a member of the school board for many years,
and both he and his wife are active members of the
Cumberland Phcsbyterian church. He was one of the
organizers of the Dade County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, and f\r years was a member of the board of
directors of the Dade County Agricultural and Mechanical
Society, and as an exhibitor has taken perhaps as many
if not more live stock premiums than any other man
in the countv.
HARMON P. McPEAK.
Deceased.
Harmon P. McPeak, late prominent citizen of Dade
County, was born in Tennessee October 19th, 1825. He
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 151
was a son of Mathcw and Elizabeth (Powell) McPeak,
who came to Dade County, Missouri, in 1837, and took up
land from the government, and remained here until 1852,
when they went to California in search of gold, taking
their entire family with the exception of Harmon P., who
had married four years previous and decided to stick to
Dade County to make his fortune, which, as it turned out,
he was successful in doing. He married Miss Emily
Asbell February 10th, 1848, who was born in Kentucky
February 3rd, 1830, and brought by her parents to Dade
County in 1837, therefore being Dade County pioneers
in the true sense. Harmon McPeak served in the State
Militia for a time dining the Civil war, but was discharged
on account of sickness. After the war was over he en-
tered 80 acres of good land, and upon this he and his
wife both lived during their entire lives, and this property
is now in the possession of their youngest son, Leonidas,
a sketch of whom may be found elsewhere. Harmon
McPeuk was a success as a farmer and stockman. He put
his land in a high state of cultivation and prospered ex-
ceedingly, adding to his landed interests until he had at
one time over 1,000 acres. He was the father of a large
family, and sometime previous to his death, which took
place December 28th, 1906, he had given his many broad
acres to his children. His wife lived for some years,
passing away January 19th, 1917. To this fine couple
were born eleven children, eight of whom are still living.
They were: John, born November 19th, 1848, a resident
of Idaho; Mary Ann, born November 8th, 1850, is now
Mrs. Clovis DePee of Colorado; Debitha Armilda, born
August 4th, 1853. now Mrs. A. Frieze, see sketch of the
Frieze family : James Elijah, born December 17th, 1855.
and died February 1st, 1892, leaving two children; Susan
Pauline, born February 15th, 1858, died October 7th, 1862;
Neoma Mariah, born May 20th, 1861, and died in 1884:
Theodore, born February 6th, 1863, a farmer of Cedar
County; Mathew Pearce, born December 10th, 1865, a
sketch of whom will be found elsewhere; Dora, born
March 20th, 1868, is now Mrs. C. C. Redwine of California;
152 HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
Florence, born April 4th, 1870, is now Mrs. Pete Morgan
of Dade County; Leonidas of Dade County. Harmon Mc-
Poak and his wife were both members of the Christian
church and were devoted to the Christian cause. He was
a lover of fine stock and much interested in the develop-
ment of our free public school system, and served many
years as school director. Truly, the memory of these esti-
mable people shall never die, for their good works will
always rise up to bless them, and the fine family they
have left behind them arc a blessing to our county.
There are no words adequate to express the high regard
and love felt for this venerable couple, so lately departed
from our midst.
o
M. P. McPEAK.
M. P. McPeak, son of Harmon P. and Emily (Asbell)
McPeak, Dade County pioneers, was born in Dade County
December 10th, 1865. (See sketch of Harmon McPeak
for family and war record.)
During his boyhood and early manhood M. P. McPeak
lived at his father's home, attending school and helping
with the farm work. He was given a schooling at the
Christian College at Ash Grove, Greene County, and at
the age of 22, in the year 1887, he bought 80 acres of
timber land in North Morgan Township, and went to
work clearing it up for the purpose of making a home
for himself, built a small one-room house, and here he
"bached" for nine long years, all this time, with the
exception of two years spent in the states of Idaho and
Washington, hammering away to improve his land. His
father gave him an adjoining 40, also timber land, and this,
too, he cleared, fenced and generally improved. On this
40 he eventually built his present fine residence. On
March 3rd, 1896. he married one of Dade County's finest
daughters, Miss Kate Wilson, born March 7th, 1871, a
daughter of Alfred and Sara Jane (Russell) Wilson.
Alfred Wilson came from Nashville, Tenn., to Dade County
when but a lad of 12 years. He was tw r ice married, his
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 153
first wife being Miss Mary Lou Davis, and by whom ho
had two children To Mr. and Mrs. M. P. McPeak have
been born eight children, all of whom are living at this
writing. They are: Lucy E., born December 23rd, 1896,
married December 23rd, 1915, to Gilbert L. Maxwell, a
farmer of Dado County, and they have one child, James
Lowell, born October 25th, 1916; Theo. J., born November
14th, 1898, and married Perry Stockton, a farmer of
South Morgan Township, in December, 1916; Zora B.,
born September 8th, 1900; Ida Xeoma, born July 8th, 1902;
Anna Leona, born November 22nd, 1904-' Emma E., born
September 10th, 1906; Flora Mildred, born September
29th, 1908; Kate Regina, born December 24th, 1911, all
living at home and receiving the very best of educational
advantages. Mr. McPeak is a general farmer and stock-
man, feeds largely and uses all the up-to-date methods
and uses silage 10 advantage. lie has a 160-ton silo on
his place. This wide-awake farmer has certainly made a
success of his business, and his farm, with its fine eight-
room residence and large barns and outbuildings, is one
of the show places of the county. The farm now com-
prises 320 acres. 300 in cultivation, all fenced and cross-
fenced, well watered with wells, springs and branch. The
house is fitted with acetylene gas and all modern appli-
ances, which are now enjoyed by all the family and appre-
ciated, yet the little house where Mr. McPeak first made
his start is the actual place of birth of all eight of the
children, and they all still love the old place, even though
they now reside in so fine a residence.
Mr. McPeak is a Republican in politics, but has never
sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time to
his large farming and stock interests and to his fine
family. A man of fine breding, courteous, and not a bit
stuck-up, pleasant to meet, a gentleman of the first water,
we do not hesitate to place him in the front rank of our
citizenship.
o
LON McPEAK.
Among the prominent farmers and stock men of
eastern Dade County we must mention Lon McPeak of
154 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
North Morgan Township. He is a native of this county,
born December 28th, 1873, a son of Harmon P. and
Emma (Asbell) McPeak, a complete sketch of whom may
be found elsewhere in this volume. Lon McPeak is the
youngest of eleven children born to his parents. He has
always resided on the home place, and now owns a large
portion of the original McPeak homestead. Mr. McPeak
was educated in the common and high schools of Dade
County, and alsr attended the Christian College at Ash
Grove. Greene County. On June 17th, 1893, he married
one of Dade County's fairest daughters, Miss Ollie M.
King, born January 3, 1879, a daughter of John King of
Greenfield, Mo., and of whom a complete sketch appears
elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. McPeak have been born three
children, all at home and receiving the advantages of
good educations. They are Leonidus Doyle, born April
3rd, 1906; Harmon King, born March IQth, 1909, and
Gladys Lavern, born January 17th, 1912. Previous to hi?
father's death, Mr. McPeak received 162 acres of the old
homestead, and started farming and stock raising on his
own account, his father and mother both making their
home at their son's place, and both passed away here.
(See sketch of Harman and Emma McPeak.) Lon Mc-
Peak lias made farming a business and has succeeded. He
lias added to his holdings until he now owns 210 acres of
the very best of Dade County land. His large residence
can be seen from miles around, and on this fine farm he
raises and feeds much stock, dealing in hogs, cattle and
mules. On this place can be found a large 120-ton silo
and all modern machinery and conveniences. Besides this
farm Mr. McPeak owns 160 acres in southeastern Ar-
kansas. Mr. McPeak is a clean-cut, progressive business
man, and everything around his place shows thrift and
careful attention. He is a Republican and a good booster
for any enterprise for the good of the county. Good roads
and good free public schools find in him a firm friend,
lie has served on the school board. Both Mr. and Mrs.
McPeak come from two of our most prominent pioneer
families and are among the very best that the county
of Dade numbers as its native sons and daughters.
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 155
FELIX H. McGEE.
One of the most prominent and best-known native
sons of Dade County is Felix McGee, whose name heads
this review. He was born in Dade County on the Nancy
A. McGee farm, just east of where he now resides. He
was born July 23rd, 3861, the son of Abner H. and Nancy
Adaline (Hoyle) McGee. The father was a native of
North Carolina, borr December 30th, 1820, and died in
Greene County March 23rd, 1863, while a prisoner of war
at Springfield. ITis wife, Nancy A., was a native of Ten-
nessee, born November 28th, 1829, and died in Dade
County October 17th, 1897. The grandfather of Felix
McGee was Daniel McGee, and was among the very early
settlers of Dade County, as also was Uncle Peter Hoyle,
his maternal grandfather, and of whom more mention is
made elsewhere. Felix McGee was the youngest of eight
children, as follows: Mary, born February 12th, 1850,
married Frank Kagsdale, and is now deceased; Cordelia,
born March 17tr., 1851, is now Mrs. Cleve Cantrell of
Frisco, Tex.; Sarah, born November 17th, 1852, is now
Mrs. Thad Lawrence of Portland, Ore.; Alice, born April
24th, 1854, is Miv Pete Clardy of McKinney, Tex.; Iloyle,
born April 5th, 1858, married Adaline Hurst, and they
live in Lockwood, Dade County; Daniel, born in 1857,
and David, born in 1860, both dying in infancy. Felix
McGee now lives in the heart of what is now known as the
McGee Diggins, a prosperous zinc mining camp. His
father and Ruben Cantrell had built a line fence of rock,
little thinking tliat they w r ere building out of fine zinc
ore, known now as gray silicate. Ore was first discovered
on this place in 1775, the earliest date that zinc ore was
known to exist in the county. Gray Silicate lay on top
of the ground, and was found to exist in large pockets
all over this section. The old stone fence built years
before was sold, and brought a tidy sum to Mrs. McGee,
and the property has since been mined and has netted
a large sum. Many mines are being worked now, and the
place is a hustling mining camp, the ore being hauled to
Everton and Greenfield, where permanent markets are
156 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
to be found. Mr. McGee is now the owner of 204 acres,
all of which is raining land, and he has 10 acres under
mining lease, which is producing in a satisfactory manner.
Mr. McGee was married November 25th, 1S85, to Ella
F. Wheeler, who was born May 8th, 1868, a daughter of
Isaac and Martha (Brown) Wheeler, natives of Tennessee
and Kentucky, respectively. The father is now deceased,
while the wife is living in Bade County on the old home
place, which is located directly on the Polk and Dade
County line. To Mr. and Mrs. McGee have been born
throe fine children, as follows: Claude, born September
16th, 1SS6, married Miss Grace Prater; Leslie, born May
li'th, 1890, and Jerlie, born January 15th, 1892, all living
at home, and the two sons are engaged in farming and
mining on the home place. Mr. McGee and his wife are
members of the Baptist church, and he is a member of
the W. 0. W., while he and his sons are all members
of the I. 0. 0. F. at Dadeville. Mr. McGee is a Democrat
in politics, and, while not desiring office of any kind, he
is interested in the affairs of the county, and can always
be counted upon to give of his means and time to any
worthy enterprise that is for the good of the county and
its people. A broad minded and courteous gentleman, he
stands in the front rank of our best citizenship, and his
name is above reproach in every way. Always honorable
in all his dealings,, he has earned for himself a reputation
second to none, and he and his family are a credit to our
countv.
GEORGE WILOUGHBY MALLORY.
Starting in life from the humble surroundings of a
log Ccibin in an isolated community, George Wiloughby
Mallory has made wonderful strides in winning his way
in the world. He was born in Dade County, Missouri, on
the 17th day of January, 1853, a son of William Perkins
and Marcrarct (Meeks) Mallory. His father was a native
of Kentucky, while his mother was a native of Dade
County. They were married in this county. W 7 illiam
HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 157
P. Mallory camo to Dade County when a child with his
father, John Mallory, who settled near Antioch church
in South Township, where he died long ago. His son,
William P. Mallory, was a farmer and raised a family
of seven childrer. six boys and one girl.
George W. Mallory was third in the order of birth,
but his father had been previously married, his first wife
being Bettie Scott, of the pioneer Scott family, and they
had one son, William Jesse.
At the lime of his death William P. Mallory was the
owner of 107 acres of good land, which is now owned by
George W. The log house originally erected on the land
is still standing. George W. Mallory has one sister, Tisa
Ann, and four brothers, Thomas Wood Mallory, Francis
Marion Mallory, James Morgan Mallory and John Miles
Mallory, all living in Dade County.
George W. remained at home till the death of his
father, in 1SS2. He w r as married August 30th, 1884, to
Lucy Thomas Jones, who was born July 29th, 1862, a
daughter of W. T. and Minta E. Jones.
George W. Mallory and wife are the parents of six
children:
(1) Ha Ellen, born June 24th, 1886.
(2) Burley Perkins, born December 22nd, 1888.
(3) Elzie V rhomas, born October 7th, 1889.
(4) Arley, born February 27th, 1893.
(5) Claytor, born December 2nd, 1894.
(6) Baby, died in infancy, unnamed.
About the time of his father's death George W. Mal-
lory bought an 80-acre tract of railroad land at $2.00 per
acre.
It is upon this land where his residence now stands.
It was raw land, excepting six acres and a small log
cabin. By industry and great perseverance he succeeded
in making for himself and family a comfortable home.
]n 1897 he rented the farm and moved to Everton, in order
to better educate his children. For seven years he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits, first in the grocery and
produce business with numerous partners, and finally in
158 HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
the dry goods business with E. Carander. He finally sold
out and returned to the farm. Mr. Mallory had prospered
to such a degree that he is now the owner of 395 acres
of land all in one body, 300 acres of which is in cultivation,
much of it in Turnback bottom. His land is well watered
and well improved. He now lives in a comfortable frame
residence, surrounded by good outbuildings, and handles
annually a large number of hogs and about 30 head of
Whiteface cattle.
Mr. Mallory and wife are members of the Christian
church at Antioch. He is a Democrat, a member of the
W. 0. W. lodge at Everton, and has been a member of
the school board for six years, and is a member of the
town board as well as justice of the peace, on his second
term.
Mr. Mallory is one of the substantial farmers of
South Township, and enjoys his prosperity with rustic
simplicity.
EDGAR P. MANN.
From the sticks to the stars is a long leap, and one
that is seldom attained by mortal man during the span
of a single life, yet there are many instances recorded
in history where boys have attained positions of promi-
nence late in life after many years of hardship and
struggle in rising above obscurity.
Edgar P. Mann was born upon a farm in Warren
County, Missouri. April 9th, 1858. His grandfather,
Thomas Mann, was born in Burks County, North Caro-
lina, came as a young man to St. Louis in 1812, and after-
ward settled in Lincoln County, Missouri, in 1815, where
lie married and \vhere his son, Josiah Mann, was born in
!*_!.'>. Josiah Mann was married in Warren County, Mis-
souri, to Elizabeth Judith Moore in 1844, to which union
eight children were born: Thomas W., died in infancy:
Mary J., now the widow of Thomas W. Mahan, lives in
Kansas City; Dr. John A., lives in Wellington, Mo.; Joseph
H., lives at Leadville, Colo., and is a railroad engineer'
HISTORY OF BADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE 159
Edgar P., the subject of this sketch; George L., a lawyer,
living- at Sapulpr, Okla. ; Dr. Frank W., lives at Welling-
ton, Mo., and Robert L., a merchant, living at Welling-
ton, Mo.
Elizabeth J. Mann died at Wellington, Mo., in March,
1899, and her husband, Josiah Mann, died at the same
place in May, 1905. He was a farmer, and all his family
was reared on a farm, all the children being born on the
farm in Warren County, Missouri, where the parents set-
tled when they were married, except Robert L., who was
born in St. Loui^ County on a farm. Josiah Mann moved
with his family from Warren County to St. Louis County
in 18fi5, arriving there the day after the night of Lin-
coln's assassination. They moved from the St. Louis
County farm to a farm near Wellington, in Lafayette
County, Missouri, in December, 1872.
William Moore, the maternal grandfather of Edgar
P. Mann, married Eleanor Gravelly, botl natives of
Virginia, and emigrated from Henry County, Virginia,
to Warren County, Missouri, in 1840, and settled upon
a farm near Warrenton, the county seat. William Moore
died there in 1858, and his widow, Eleanor Moore, died
at the home of Josiah Mann in Lafayette County in 1890.
They had one son, who died soon after reaching majority,
and six daughters, all of whom married and settled in
Missouri, as have all the descendants of both the Mann
and Moore families, with few exceptions.
Edgar P. Mann, when 7 years of age, moved with his
parents from Warren County to a farm in St. Loui
County, and at the age of 1-1- years moved with them to
a farm in Lafay3tte County, Missouri, where he grew to
maturity. Tie received his education in the common
schools, the graded school at Wellington, Mo., and after-
ward attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg,
Mo. He taught school three years in Lafayette County,
arid was for one year principal of the schools at Welling-
ton. Desiring to become a lawyer, he moved to Lexington,
Mo., where he entered the law office of John 
